The Ellis County Commission recognizes the various services we provide to our citizens,
businesses, and institutions throughout our community. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic,
Ellis County realizes we are a pillar in our community and the services we provide must
continue. However, we must also realize the concerns and level of safety for the public as well
as our valued employees.


Following recommendations of our Public Health Officer, Ellis County offices will remain open to
the public with normal hours. We are taking additional steps and precautions to protect both
the employees and the public. Currently the Health Department reports Ellis County is still in a
low level of threat and there are no positive COVID-19 cases in Ellis County. We are encouraging
everyone to follow the CDC and KDHE guidelines and recommendations. Gatherings of 50
people or more are prohibited per the Governors Executive Order 20-04. We are following the
KDHE mandated travel quarantine for all of Ellis County including our employees.


The Ellis County Commission asks for your help in providing service by calling the office you
need to do business with to schedule an appointment in advance. We ask if you are sick, to
please stay home and wait until you recover, or try to conduct your business over the phone or
send an email if possible.


Please be advised this is a dynamic situation and we are working though this daily as the
situation changes. Our Ellis County Health Department will continue to monitor the situation to
help keep our community informed.


As a reminder from our Health Department; please remember to regularly wash your hands with
soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, avoid
touching your face with unwashed hands, stay home if you are sick, cover coughs and sneezes,
and to clean and disinfect surfaces daily.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579287163220.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis CountyThe Ellis County Commission recognizes the various services we provide to our citizens,
businesses, and institutions throughout our community. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic,
Ellis County realizes we are a pillar in our community and the services we provide must
continue. However, we must also realize the concerns and level of safety for the public as well
as our valued employees.
Following recommendations of our Public Health Officer, Ellis County offices will remain open to
the public with normal hours. We are taking additional steps and precautions to protect both
the employees and the public. Currently the Health Department reports Ellis County is still in a
low level of threat and there are no positive COVID-19 cases in Ellis County. We are encouraging
everyone to follow the CDC and KDHE guidelines and recommendations. Gatherings of 50
people or more are prohibited per the Governors Executive Order 20-04. We are following the
KDHE mandated travel quarantine for all of Ellis County including our employees.
The Ellis County Commission asks for your help in providing service by calling the office you
need to do business with to schedule an appointment in advance. We ask if you are sick, to
please stay home and wait until you recover, or try to conduct your business over the phone or
send an email if possible.
Please be advised this is a dynamic situation and we are working though this daily as the
situation changes. Our Ellis County Health Department will continue to monitor the situation to
help keep our community informed.
As a reminder from our Health Department; please remember to regularly wash your hands with
soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, avoid
touching your face with unwashed hands, stay home if you are sick, cover coughs and sneezes,
and to clean and disinfect surfaces daily.

Ellis County offers update on hours, ongoing operations

By CORINNE BOYER, <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/heres-how-you-can-help-or-volunteer-kansas-during-covid-19-pandemic">Kansas News Service</a>

GARDEN CITY, Kansas — As news of 
COVID-19 unfolds daily, so does the devastation caused by the virus. And
 a growing desire to help people hit hardest by the many ripple effects.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/updated-regularly-what-kansans-need-know-about-covid-19-coronavirus#stream/0" target="_blank">Kansa schools</a>&nbsp;have
 closed for the remainder of the academic year. Small businesses are 
trying to cut their losses by offering curbside services and fulfilling 
orders online. Restaurants that didn’t deliver before are learning 
quickly that they must. Service industry workers, and many others, find 
themselves stuck at home, unable to earn a living.&nbsp;

What can you do to help? Here are some ideas:&nbsp;

Zach
 Ahrens with Midland Care Connection, which operates Meals on Wheels in 
Shawnee, Jefferson and Douglas counties, said calling a neighbor is a 
start.&nbsp;

“One of the concerns I have … is the social isolation,” Ahrens said.&nbsp;

Check the Red Cross’s <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive">website</a>
 to search for blood drives near you. Call the organization hosting the 
blood drive. Regular hours or other details may have changed. Contact 
local churches because they often host blood drives.&nbsp;

Even if the nonprofit isn’t able to use new volunteers right away, Ahrens said volunteers are a constant need.&nbsp;

“In our minds, this isn’t a sprint, this is a marathon,” Ahrens said. “The need will continue to grow as this progresses.”&nbsp;

Call 785-232-2044 to donate or volunteer. Donations to Meals on Wheels can be made online at Midland Care Connection’s <a href="https://www.midlandcareconnection.org/meals-on-wheels/donation-to-meals-on-wheels/" target="_blank">website</a>.

The
 food bank based in Topeka and Kansas City serves 26 counties in Kansas 
and Missouri. Communications Manager Gene Hallinan said <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/harvst/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30003a?df_id=2171&amp;mfc_pref=T&amp;2171.donation=form1&amp;NONCE_TOKEN=45A366F437CE0B33F127A5338A6151B7" target="_blank">Harvesters</a> needs donations.&nbsp;

“Because
 of the pandemic, Harvesters is not receiving as much donated food and 
we're seeing a shortage of volunteers who sort and pack the donated 
food,” he said.&nbsp;

For students who want to earn community service hours, the nonprofit needs handmade greeting cards to go in senior food boxes.&nbsp;

A call to <a href="https://211kansas.bowmansystems.com/">211</a>
 connects you to United Way — where hundreds of Kansas nonprofits are 
registered. If you’re able to volunteer from home, but aren’t sure how, 
call 211.&nbsp;

Gayle Ausmus, director of United Way of Dodge City, said anyone needing assistance can call.&nbsp;

“Call 211 if you are in need of food or if you can’t leave your house,” she said.&nbsp;

If you are able to donate, find your local United Way chapter <a href="https://www.unitedway.org/find-your-united-way" target="_blank">online</a> or call.

“We don’t want anybody to go hungry,” Ausmus said. “We don’t want anyone to be without shelter.”&nbsp;

The
 Finney County Humane Society is closed to the public. If the shelter 
reaches capacity, it will begin to euthanize animals. Right now, 
temporary pet care — fostering a cat or dog in your home — is one of the
 shelter’s greatest needs. Anyone wanting to adopt can call the shelter 
to make an appointment. The shelter anticipates that income loss will 
affect pet owners, so it’s asking for pet food donations to help people 
keep their pets.

Some
 small businesses may not have an online presence, but buying a gift 
card over the phone or ordering items or food for pickup can help them 
stay afloat.&nbsp;

Haleigh Kells is an owner of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecorneronmain/" target="_blank">Corner on Main</a>,
 a gift boutique in Garden City. She said the staff can take orders and 
payments over the phone, send photos of merchandise to customers and 
ship purchases.&nbsp;

“Gift cards are helpful,” Kells said. “Small 
businesses especially are really worried about how this is going to 
affect (them) and how they are going to be able to make it without their
 local customers.”&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DowntownLawrence/" target="_blank">Downtown Lawrence</a> is updating its Facebook page with businesses offering curbside pickup.

Corinne Boyer covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://kannews.slack.com/team/UFFCS11T5"> @Corinne</a>_boyer or email cboyer@hppr.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584901973197.png" alt=" Patrick Dugan's Coffee House in Garden City is no longer allowing public seating and instead is offering curbside services as businesses grapple to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Patrick Dugan's Coffee House in Garden City is no longer allowing public seating and instead is offering curbside services as businesses grapple to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CORINNE BOYER, <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/heres-how-you-can-help-or-volunteer-kansas-during-covid-19-pandemic">Kansas News Service</a>GARDEN CITY, Kansas — As news of 
COVID-19 unfolds daily, so does the devastation caused by the virus. And
 a growing desire to help people hit hardest by the many ripple effects.<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/updated-regularly-what-kansans-need-know-about-covid-19-coronavirus#stream/0" target="_blank">Kansa schools</a>&nbsp;have
 closed for the remainder of the academic year. Small businesses are 
trying to cut their losses by offering curbside services and fulfilling 
orders online. Restaurants that didn’t deliver before are learning 
quickly that they must. Service industry workers, and many others, find 
themselves stuck at home, unable to earn a living.&nbsp;What can you do to help? Here are some ideas:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Call your neighbors.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Zach
 Ahrens with Midland Care Connection, which operates Meals on Wheels in 
Shawnee, Jefferson and Douglas counties, said calling a neighbor is a 
start.&nbsp;“One of the concerns I have … is the social isolation,” Ahrens said.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Donate blood.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Check the Red Cross’s <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive">website</a>
 to search for blood drives near you. Call the organization hosting the 
blood drive. Regular hours or other details may have changed. Contact 
local churches because they often host blood drives.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>&nbsp;Donate to food delivery services for the poor and the elderly or call to volunteer.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Even if the nonprofit isn’t able to use new volunteers right away, Ahrens said volunteers are a constant need.&nbsp;“In our minds, this isn’t a sprint, this is a marathon,” Ahrens said. “The need will continue to grow as this progresses.”&nbsp;Call 785-232-2044 to donate or volunteer. Donations to Meals on Wheels can be made online at Midland Care Connection’s <a href="https://www.midlandcareconnection.org/meals-on-wheels/donation-to-meals-on-wheels/" target="_blank">website</a>.<ol>
 <li>Volunteer or donate to food banks such as Harvesters.</li>
 </ol>The
 food bank based in Topeka and Kansas City serves 26 counties in Kansas 
and Missouri. Communications Manager Gene Hallinan said <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/harvst/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30003a?df_id=2171&amp;mfc_pref=T&amp;2171.donation=form1&amp;NONCE_TOKEN=45A366F437CE0B33F127A5338A6151B7" target="_blank">Harvesters</a> needs donations.&nbsp;“Because
 of the pandemic, Harvesters is not receiving as much donated food and 
we're seeing a shortage of volunteers who sort and pack the donated 
food,” he said.&nbsp;For students who want to earn community service hours, the nonprofit needs handmade greeting cards to go in senior food boxes.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Call 211.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>A call to <a href="https://211kansas.bowmansystems.com/">211</a>
 connects you to United Way — where hundreds of Kansas nonprofits are 
registered. If you’re able to volunteer from home, but aren’t sure how, 
call 211.&nbsp;Gayle Ausmus, director of United Way of Dodge City, said anyone needing assistance can call.&nbsp;“Call 211 if you are in need of food or if you can’t leave your house,” she said.&nbsp;If you are able to donate, find your local United Way chapter <a href="https://www.unitedway.org/find-your-united-way" target="_blank">online</a> or call.“We don’t want anybody to go hungry,” Ausmus said. “We don’t want anyone to be without shelter.”&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Foster or adopt a pet.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>The
 Finney County Humane Society is closed to the public. If the shelter 
reaches capacity, it will begin to euthanize animals. Right now, 
temporary pet care — fostering a cat or dog in your home — is one of the
 shelter’s greatest needs. Anyone wanting to adopt can call the shelter 
to make an appointment. The shelter anticipates that income loss will 
affect pet owners, so it’s asking for pet food donations to help people 
keep their pets.<ol>
 <li>Shop at local businesses online.</li>
 </ol>Some
 small businesses may not have an online presence, but buying a gift 
card over the phone or ordering items or food for pickup can help them 
stay afloat.&nbsp;Haleigh Kells is an owner of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecorneronmain/" target="_blank">Corner on Main</a>,
 a gift boutique in Garden City. She said the staff can take orders and 
payments over the phone, send photos of merchandise to customers and 
ship purchases.&nbsp;“Gift cards are helpful,” Kells said. “Small 
businesses especially are really worried about how this is going to 
affect (them) and how they are going to be able to make it without their
 local customers.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DowntownLawrence/" target="_blank">Downtown Lawrence</a> is updating its Facebook page with businesses offering curbside pickup.Corinne Boyer covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://kannews.slack.com/team/UFFCS11T5"> @Corinne</a>_boyer or email cboyer@hppr.org.

Here's how Kansas can help, volunteer during the pandemic

<a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575929617735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584917966458.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Three-day weather outlook

Controlling marestail in soybeans continues to be a big challenge for Kansas no-till producers. Application timing and weed size are critical factors for successful control of this weed that germinates in the fall or early spring. 

Research has shown that up to 80% of marestail can die over the winter as a result of cold temperatures and/or lack of adequate moisture. In addition, a well-established cover crop in the fall can further reduce marestail establishment and survival and often is quite effective for marestail control. However, the marestail that do survive are often robust and can be difficult to control with herbicides, especially later in the spring. Herbicide options are also limited by widespread resistance to glyphosate and/or ALS-inhibiting (group 2) herbicides in marestail.&nbsp;

In the early spring, using a growth regulator herbicide such as 2,4-D and/or dicamba is an inexpensive and effective option to control rosette marestail. Dicamba has provided better marestail control than 2,4-D and will also provide some residual control, especially at higher use rates. Recent observations suggest marestail in Kansas will bolt in April throughout most of the state, so timing control before the end of March is recommended. Application of dicamba and 2,4-D in March also generally allows adequate time ahead of planting soybeans to meet required pre-plant intervals.

Using herbicides with longer residual helps control weeds that germinate between treatment and soybean planting. Products that include Canopy EX, Autumn Super, Classic, FirstRate, Sharpen, metribuzin, or Valor can help provide residual control against several broadleaf species, including marestail. However, it is very important to consult and follow the herbicide label guidelines for the required pre-plant intervals prior to planting soybeans.

As soybean planting nears, existing marestail plants can become difficult to control because plants will have bolted and be considerably larger. Herbicides to apply as a burndown prior to planting include tank mixes of glyphosate with FirstRate, Classic, Sharpen, Optill, or 2,4-D. Be very careful to follow label directions when using 2,4-D prior to soybean planting. The plant-back restriction ahead of soybean can range from 7-30 days depending on rate and formulation. Sharpen generally provides good marestail control and can be applied any time before soybean emergence. However, it is still most effective if applied before marestail starts to bolt, in a tank-mix with other herbicides, when used with methylated seed oil, and at spray volumes of 15 gallons per acre or more. Elevore is a newer herbicide that has provided similar marestail control to dicamba, but needs to be applied at least 14 days prior to planting.

Pre-plant restrictions for dicamba products such as Clarity, Banvel, and others range from 14 to 30 days depending on product, application rate, rainfall amounts, and geography. However, with the introduction of Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans, the new dicamba products Xtendimax, FeXapan, and Engenia have no pre-plant interval restrictions applied ahead of Xtend soybeans and should be some of the more effective treatments for marestail control in that scenario. Xtendimax, FeXapan, and Engenia are still most effective on marestail prior to bolting.

One additional herbicide to consider as a rescue burndown application to control bolting marestail prior to soybean planting is glufosinate (Liberty and others). Although, it would be better to control marestail at an earlier stage of growth, glufosinate has been one of the most effective herbicides to control bolting marestail. Glufosinate also has broad spectrum non-selective activity on other broadleaf and grass species if treated at a young growth stage. Glufosinate is primarily a contact herbicide, so a spray volume of 15 gallons per acre or greater generally provides the most consistent weed control. Glufosinate tends to work best under higher humidity and warm, sunny conditions at application.

Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578070143255.png" alt="Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. " />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. </figcaption>
 </figure>Controlling marestail in soybeans continues to be a big challenge for Kansas no-till producers. Application timing and weed size are critical factors for successful control of this weed that germinates in the fall or early spring. Research has shown that up to 80% of marestail can die over the winter as a result of cold temperatures and/or lack of adequate moisture. In addition, a well-established cover crop in the fall can further reduce marestail establishment and survival and often is quite effective for marestail control. However, the marestail that do survive are often robust and can be difficult to control with herbicides, especially later in the spring. Herbicide options are also limited by widespread resistance to glyphosate and/or ALS-inhibiting (group 2) herbicides in marestail.&nbsp;<h2>Early spring options</h2>In the early spring, using a growth regulator herbicide such as 2,4-D and/or dicamba is an inexpensive and effective option to control rosette marestail. Dicamba has provided better marestail control than 2,4-D and will also provide some residual control, especially at higher use rates. Recent observations suggest marestail in Kansas will bolt in April throughout most of the state, so timing control before the end of March is recommended. Application of dicamba and 2,4-D in March also generally allows adequate time ahead of planting soybeans to meet required pre-plant intervals.Using herbicides with longer residual helps control weeds that germinate between treatment and soybean planting. Products that include Canopy EX, Autumn Super, Classic, FirstRate, Sharpen, metribuzin, or Valor can help provide residual control against several broadleaf species, including marestail. However, it is very important to consult and follow the herbicide label guidelines for the required pre-plant intervals prior to planting soybeans.<h2>
Pre-plant options</h2>As soybean planting nears, existing marestail plants can become difficult to control because plants will have bolted and be considerably larger. Herbicides to apply as a burndown prior to planting include tank mixes of glyphosate with FirstRate, Classic, Sharpen, Optill, or 2,4-D. Be very careful to follow label directions when using 2,4-D prior to soybean planting. The plant-back restriction ahead of soybean can range from 7-30 days depending on rate and formulation. Sharpen generally provides good marestail control and can be applied any time before soybean emergence. However, it is still most effective if applied before marestail starts to bolt, in a tank-mix with other herbicides, when used with methylated seed oil, and at spray volumes of 15 gallons per acre or more. Elevore is a newer herbicide that has provided similar marestail control to dicamba, but needs to be applied at least 14 days prior to planting.Pre-plant restrictions for dicamba products such as Clarity, Banvel, and others range from 14 to 30 days depending on product, application rate, rainfall amounts, and geography. However, with the introduction of Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans, the new dicamba products Xtendimax, FeXapan, and Engenia have no pre-plant interval restrictions applied ahead of Xtend soybeans and should be some of the more effective treatments for marestail control in that scenario. Xtendimax, FeXapan, and Engenia are still most effective on marestail prior to bolting.One additional herbicide to consider as a rescue burndown application to control bolting marestail prior to soybean planting is glufosinate (Liberty and others). Although, it would be better to control marestail at an earlier stage of growth, glufosinate has been one of the most effective herbicides to control bolting marestail. Glufosinate also has broad spectrum non-selective activity on other broadleaf and grass species if treated at a young growth stage. Glufosinate is primarily a contact herbicide, so a spray volume of 15 gallons per acre or greater generally provides the most consistent weed control. Glufosinate tends to work best under higher humidity and warm, sunny conditions at application.Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Marestail control in soybeans

COLBY — The Thomas County Health Department is asking anyone who has traveled to or from the Kansas City area to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Those who have traveled to the K.C. area also have been asked to contact the&nbsp;Thomas County Health Department at (785) 460-4596.

COLBY — The Thomas County Health Department is asking anyone who has traveled to or from the Kansas City area to self-quarantine for 14 days.Those who have traveled to the K.C. area also have been asked to contact the&nbsp;Thomas County Health Department at (785) 460-4596.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthomascountyhealthdept%2Fposts%2F2897970216988485&width=500" width="500" height="436" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Thomas Co. asks anyone who has been in KC area to self-quarantine

When the class of 2020 left school last week, they didn't realize that it would be for the last time.

Gov. Laura Kelly announced on Tuesday all school buildings would be closed for the rest of the spring semester over concerns of spread of the coronavirus.

The Kansas High School Activities Association also has canceled the spring sports season.

In a letter issued to families Friday, HHS Principal Martin Straub said staff met to develop plans for continuous education Friday morning.

The Kansas State Board of Education requires 21 credits to graduate. Local boards have the authority to require that students earn more than 21 credits to graduate, the KSBE said in a news release Thursday.

 However, during this time, districts that require more credits than the state requirement may elect to revert to the 21-credit-hour threshold that the State Board of Education established, the KSBE said. USD 489 has not made an announcement yet about its plans.

Many Hays High School and Thomas More Prep-Marian students are now expressing sadness about not being able to honor senior year traditions, play baseball or run track.

Brock Lummus, HHS senior, was gearing up for his last season playing high school baseball.

"It is really devastating not to be able to finish the whole senior year," he said. "Not getting to play, it hit me hard, but it is what it is."

Lummus and others are considering the senior traditions they will miss.

"Prom, graduation — I think every senior is sad that the class won't get to experience that," he said.

Avery Jones, HHS senior, said she didn't think she would miss school so much.

"I never thought I would be crying about school being closed," she said. "Me and all my friends are really, really sad."

"Friday was our last day, and we really didn't realize it," she said. "That was probably the last my class will be all together. We didn't know we wouldn't be together interacting everyday."

Jones has kept connected to her classmates through social media, but said she is basically at home for the next two weeks in observance of coronavirus precautions.

She said she will be missing the last steps of her senior year.

"I think I am going to miss graduation more than anything," she said.

She added she was not angry about the school closing.

"I understand that it is a cautionary thing," she said.&nbsp;

MK Dwyer, TMP senior, is missing her senior track season.&nbsp;

"I think the hardest thing is to know my junior year at state track was the last time for me to go out on a track and compete," she said. "I'm having trouble processing that. It has been a whirlwind of emotions."

She said she hoped TMP would work out some way to reschedule graduation.

"I think all of us are going to miss that. I don’t know anyone who didn't want to walk across the graduation stage," she said.

"We aren't going to be able to walk the halls together for one last time or take finals all together," she said. "We all took it for granted. Now we don't get to."

Many of the girls in Dwyer's class had purchased prom dress, and now prom is canceled.

Dwyer said she misses seeing her friends in the hall everyday, but they continue stay in contact through their phones and social media.

"We are a small class, but I think it has brought us together even more," she said. "When this settles down, we'll figure something out and hang out one last time."

Landon Summers, HHS senior, said he was also disappointed he would not be able to see his friends again and have an opportunity to say goodbye.

"It's unfortunate," he said, "but I am ready to start a new chapter and the adult phase of my life."

He said he sees a bright side to the school closure.

Summers is joining the Marines. He is set to leave for bootcamp on June 8.

"It's more time I can spend at home with my family," he said, " without being rushed off to bootcamp."

Although the class of 2020 is expressing sadness that their senior year has come to abrupt end, the other seniors are also looking toward their futures.

Lummus has signed to play baseball with Butler Community College. He plans to study sports medicine.

He is hoping the coronavirus crisis will pass in time for him to play summer baseball.

Jones is finishing college concurrent courses online and plans to study graphic design in the fall at Fort Hays State University.

Dwyer plans to study nursing at Missouri State in Springfield, Mo. She said watching health care providers care for coronavirus patients has strengthened her desire to pursue a career in the medical field.

"Life has become crazy, and they are helping everyone in the epidemic," she said. "They are helping every single person."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584720792657.jpeg" alt="MK Dwyer and friends from Thomas More-Prep Marian High School after a basketball game earlier this year. Dwyer and other seniors have expressed sadness over the early end of their senior year as schools close in light of the coronavirus outbreak." />
 <figcaption>MK Dwyer and friends from Thomas More-Prep Marian High School after a basketball game earlier this year. Dwyer and other seniors have expressed sadness over the early end of their senior year as schools close in light of the coronavirus outbreak.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEYHays PostWhen the class of 2020 left school last week, they didn't realize that it would be for the last time.Gov. Laura Kelly announced on Tuesday all school buildings would be closed for the rest of the spring semester over concerns of spread of the coronavirus.The Kansas High School Activities Association also has canceled the spring sports season.In a letter issued to families Friday, HHS Principal Martin Straub said staff met to develop plans for continuous education Friday morning.The Kansas State Board of Education requires 21 credits to graduate. Local boards have the authority to require that students earn more than 21 credits to graduate, the KSBE said in a news release Thursday. However, during this time, districts that require more credits than the state requirement may elect to revert to the 21-credit-hour threshold that the State Board of Education established, the KSBE said. USD 489 has not made an announcement yet about its plans.Many Hays High School and Thomas More Prep-Marian students are now expressing sadness about not being able to honor senior year traditions, play baseball or run track.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721189431.jpeg" alt="Brock Lummus, catcher, and members of the Hays High baseball team. Lummus expressed disappointment that he will not be able to play his senior season of baseball.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Brock Lummus, catcher, and members of the Hays High baseball team. Lummus expressed disappointment that he will not be able to play his senior season of baseball.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Brock Lummus, HHS senior, was gearing up for his last season playing high school baseball."It is really devastating not to be able to finish the whole senior year," he said. "Not getting to play, it hit me hard, but it is what it is."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721422169.jpeg" alt="Brock&nbsp; Lummus, center, with Josh Haynes, left, and Hayden Brown, right, dressed up for the Indian Call Dance." />
 <figcaption>Brock&nbsp; Lummus, center, with Josh Haynes, left, and Hayden Brown, right, dressed up for the Indian Call Dance.</figcaption>
 </figure>Lummus and others are considering the senior traditions they will miss."Prom, graduation — I think every senior is sad that the class won't get to experience that," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721776683.jpeg" alt="Avery Jones, HHS senior, with members of her Hays Recreation Commission basketball team. Jones said she is missing seeing her friends at school." />
 <figcaption>Avery Jones, HHS senior, with members of her Hays Recreation Commission basketball team. Jones said she is missing seeing her friends at school.</figcaption>
 </figure>Avery Jones, HHS senior, said she didn't think she would miss school so much."I never thought I would be crying about school being closed," she said. "Me and all my friends are really, really sad.""Friday was our last day, and we really didn't realize it," she said. "That was probably the last my class will be all together. We didn't know we wouldn't be together interacting everyday."Jones has kept connected to her classmates through social media, but said she is basically at home for the next two weeks in observance of coronavirus precautions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584722268019.jpeg" alt="Avery Jones, HHS seniors, left, with friend Emmy Morley, junior, said she is sad about missing graduation." />
 <figcaption>Avery Jones, HHS seniors, left, with friend Emmy Morley, junior, said she is sad about missing graduation.</figcaption>
 </figure>She said she will be missing the last steps of her senior year."I think I am going to miss graduation more than anything," she said.She added she was not angry about the school closing."I understand that it is a cautionary thing," she said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584722844541.jpeg" alt="MK Dwyer, TMP senior, in the blocks, with Emily Shippers sitting, is disappointed she will miss her senior year of track at TMP." />
 <figcaption>MK Dwyer, TMP senior, in the blocks, with Emily Shippers sitting, is disappointed she will miss her senior year of track at TMP.</figcaption>
 </figure>MK Dwyer, TMP senior, is missing her senior track season.&nbsp;"I think the hardest thing is to know my junior year at state track was the last time for me to go out on a track and compete," she said. "I'm having trouble processing that. It has been a whirlwind of emotions."She said she hoped TMP would work out some way to reschedule graduation."I think all of us are going to miss that. I don’t know anyone who didn't want to walk across the graduation stage," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584723133709.jpeg" alt="MK Dwyer, TMP senior, and friends Adell Riedel, Madison Rohr, Margaret Speno and Katie Hale. Dwyer said she and her friends are disappointed they will be missing their senior prom." />
 <figcaption>MK Dwyer, TMP senior, and friends Adell Riedel, Madison Rohr, Margaret Speno and Katie Hale. Dwyer said she and her friends are disappointed they will be missing their senior prom.</figcaption>
 </figure>"We aren't going to be able to walk the halls together for one last time or take finals all together," she said. "We all took it for granted. Now we don't get to."Many of the girls in Dwyer's class had purchased prom dress, and now prom is canceled.Dwyer said she misses seeing her friends in the hall everyday, but they continue stay in contact through their phones and social media."We are a small class, but I think it has brought us together even more," she said. "When this settles down, we'll figure something out and hang out one last time."Landon Summers, HHS senior, said he was also disappointed he would not be able to see his friends again and have an opportunity to say goodbye."It's unfortunate," he said, "but I am ready to start a new chapter and the adult phase of my life."He said he sees a bright side to the school closure.Summers is joining the Marines. He is set to leave for bootcamp on June 8."It's more time I can spend at home with my family," he said, " without being rushed off to bootcamp."Although the class of 2020 is expressing sadness that their senior year has come to abrupt end, the other seniors are also looking toward their futures.Lummus has signed to play baseball with Butler Community College. He plans to study sports medicine.He is hoping the coronavirus crisis will pass in time for him to play summer baseball.Jones is finishing college concurrent courses online and plans to study graphic design in the fall at Fort Hays State University.Dwyer plans to study nursing at Missouri State in Springfield, Mo. She said watching health care providers care for coronavirus patients has strengthened her desire to pursue a career in the medical field."Life has become crazy, and they are helping everyone in the epidemic," she said. "They are helping every single person."

Hays High, TMP-M seniors disappointed at abrupt end to school year

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has closed all campsites and restrooms due to health precautions regarding COVID-19.

This follows an announcement last Friday that all visitor centers in the corps district were closed.

Restrooms at the lake have also been closed, and all utility services have been disconnected.

"Vehicle access to parks is still accessible," the announcement said. "Hiking trails and boat ramps remain open."

The Corps does not anticipate any impacts to summer reservations, but conditions are subject to change.

By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has closed all campsites and restrooms due to health precautions regarding COVID-19.This follows an announcement last Friday that all visitor centers in the corps district were closed.Restrooms at the lake have also been closed, and all utility services have been disconnected."Vehicle access to parks is still accessible," the announcement said. "Hiking trails and boat ramps remain open."The Corps does not anticipate any impacts to summer reservations, but conditions are subject to change.

Lake Wilson campsites closed; no camping allowed

Hello from the Cottonwood Extension District! No doubt your life or daily routine has been changed in some way by COVID-19. Whether it is planning for childcare of the very young, keeping school aged students on task in the weeks ahead, or juggling a new work at home schedule, there is much to consider. This is new territory and something I never imagined we would be discussing.&nbsp;

Thankfully K-State Research and Extension is looking at these challenges as opportunities for our statewide network of educators to share unbiased, research-based information and expertise on issues important to Kansans. As in any disaster or emergency, I want to remind you that it is important to get information from official sources. We are adding pertinent information to our Cottonwood website and our FaceBook page often. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization are all trusted websites that are being updated often during this uncertain time.

Our offices in Great Bend and Hays remain open but we are asking that you call first to determine if a face-to-face contact is necessary or if we can help you through the use of technology. Our meetings and workshops that were scheduled through May 16 are canceled or being carried out through Zoom technology. Watch our website as some may be rescheduled.&nbsp;

The great news in all of this is that Walk KS has not been cancelled! Whether you have joined a Walk KS team or not, I would encourage each of you to build time into your schedule for 30 minutes or more of exercise each day. This will be an important strategy to help you maintain fitness and a positive attitude. I’m looking at pushing our celebration of the Walk KS program back a week, to May 19. I’ll keep you posted.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574802720194.jpeg" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Hello from the Cottonwood Extension District! No doubt your life or daily routine has been changed in some way by COVID-19. Whether it is planning for childcare of the very young, keeping school aged students on task in the weeks ahead, or juggling a new work at home schedule, there is much to consider. This is new territory and something I never imagined we would be discussing.&nbsp;Thankfully K-State Research and Extension is looking at these challenges as opportunities for our statewide network of educators to share unbiased, research-based information and expertise on issues important to Kansans. As in any disaster or emergency, I want to remind you that it is important to get information from official sources. We are adding pertinent information to our Cottonwood website and our FaceBook page often. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization are all trusted websites that are being updated often during this uncertain time.Our offices in Great Bend and Hays remain open but we are asking that you call first to determine if a face-to-face contact is necessary or if we can help you through the use of technology. Our meetings and workshops that were scheduled through May 16 are canceled or being carried out through Zoom technology. Watch our website as some may be rescheduled.&nbsp;The great news in all of this is that Walk KS has not been cancelled! Whether you have joined a Walk KS team or not, I would encourage each of you to build time into your schedule for 30 minutes or more of exercise each day. This will be an important strategy to help you maintain fitness and a positive attitude. I’m looking at pushing our celebration of the Walk KS program back a week, to May 19. I’ll keep you posted.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KRUG: Update on Extension programming

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575929617735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584828788670.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

BY CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

As school buildings close and the news is saturated with stories on the coronavirus, professionals are giving suggestions on how to talk to your children about the pandemic.

"I think it is important right now for parents and guardians to be aware of the fact that children are also impacted by what is going on around them," said Kaley Conner, marketing director of High Plains Mental Health. 

"They might be feeling the uncertainty, the fear, the anxiety," she said. "They might be afraid themselves, so I think it is important to talk to our kids about what is going on.

"Let them express their emotions in the way they are able and to also give them that extra patience and grace to feel those big emotions. We need to do the best we can as adults to help them through that in a healthy way."

Tips on talking to your children about COVID-19

Kyle Carlin, school psychologist and USD 489 assistant special education director, directed parents to resources provided by the National Association of School Psychologists.

Some of the association's recommendations include:

Be aware that developmentally inappropriate information (i.e., information designed for adults) can cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young, the association said.

The association also recommends the following talking points.

Suggested points to emphasize when talking to children

To read the entire article from the&nbsp;National Association of School Psychologists <a href="https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource">click here</a>.

The CDC also has an online article about talking to children about COVID-19.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html">Click here</a>.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e725ca2afae0f4d5f5d6ca7">SEE RELATED STORY: HPMH offers tips on finding calm during virus crisis</a>

BY CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAs school buildings close and the news is saturated with stories on the coronavirus, professionals are giving suggestions on how to talk to your children about the pandemic."I think it is important right now for parents and guardians to be aware of the fact that children are also impacted by what is going on around them," said Kaley Conner, marketing director of High Plains Mental Health. "They might be feeling the uncertainty, the fear, the anxiety," she said. "They might be afraid themselves, so I think it is important to talk to our kids about what is going on."Let them express their emotions in the way they are able and to also give them that extra patience and grace to feel those big emotions. We need to do the best we can as adults to help them through that in a healthy way."<h2>Tips on talking to your children about COVID-19</h2>Kyle Carlin, school psychologist and USD 489 assistant special education director, directed parents to resources provided by the National Association of School Psychologists.Some of the association's recommendations include:<ul>
 <li>Remain calm and reassuring</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Make yourself available. Children may need extra attention.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Avoid excessive blaming</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Monitor television viewing and social media</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Maintain a normal routine to the extent possible</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Be honest and accurate</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Know the symptoms of COVID-19</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Review and model basic hygiene and healthy lifestyle practices and protection</li>
 </ul>Be aware that developmentally inappropriate information (i.e., information designed for adults) can cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young, the association said.The association also recommends the following talking points.<h2>Suggested points to emphasize when talking to children</h2><ol>
 <li>Adults at home and school are taking care of your health and safety. If you have concerns, please talk to an adult you trust.</li><li>Not everyone will get the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. School and health officials are being especially careful to make sure as few people as possible get sick.</li><li>It is important that all students treat each other with respect and not jump to conclusions about who may or may not have COVID-19.</li><li>There are things you can do to stay health and avoid spreading the disease</li>
 </ol><ul>
 <li>Avoid close contact with people who are sick.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Stay home when you are sick.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Cover your cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Wash hands often with soap and water (20 seconds).</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>If you don’t have soap, use hand sanitizer (60–95 percent alcohol based).</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.</li>
 </ul>To read the entire article from the&nbsp;National Association of School Psychologists <a href="https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource">click here</a>.The CDC also has an online article about talking to children about COVID-19.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html">Click here</a>.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e725ca2afae0f4d5f5d6ca7">SEE RELATED STORY: HPMH offers tips on finding calm during virus crisis</a>Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Tips offered on talking to children about COVID-19

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT, Hays Post

Citing multiple policy violations, the Ellis County Commission
suspended the use of the treasurer’s purchasing card this week, a move she says
is politically motivated.

At Monday’s commission meeting, the commission suspended
Treasurer Lisa Schlegel’s use of a county-issued purchasing card for 30 days.
During the meeting, Commission Chair Butch Schlyer said Schlegel has not been
presenting proper information on her use of the purchase card.

“There have been several attempts by human resources to get
the required documentation, and the treasurer has not been willing at all to
cooperate with those inquiries,” he said.

According to the Ellis County purchasing card policy, an
employee will have their card suspended for 30 days after violating the policy
two times.

Interim County Administrator Darin Myers said the first violation
of the policy by the treasurer was in late 2018. He said the second offense
stems from 11 different purchases from May to December of last year.

According to documents provided by Myers, the purchases range
from $5.14 for coffee at Breathe Coffee House to $53 at Gella’s Diner.

The violations of county policy, according to Myers, include
spending too much for meals or purchasing meals at conferences where the meals
are part of the conference fee, overspending on items purchased for employee
recognition, and not providing a reason for a lunch or dinner meeting or who
was present at the meeting.

Myers said the county discourages the use of the purchasing card
for those type of meetings at dining establishments in Ellis County. But if they are used, county employees are required to to document who the meeting was with.

He said that final violation — not providing the necessary
information and the treasurer’s unwillingness to provide the information — is the
reason that the issue was brought before the commission.

In an email obtained by Hays Post, Schlegel said in response
to requests for information by Human Resource Generalist Janet Schmidt, it was “not any of your business who I have meetings
with.”

Schlegel also told her in another email, “I don’t want
to tell you who I have meetings with. I also don’t plan to do that in the
future.”

Myers said it was those responses and her refusal to meet
with himself and Schlyer to discuss issue that resulted in the second violation
and the 30-day purchase card suspension.

In a written response to Hays Post and a sit-down interview
this week, Schlegel said she has not abused the purchasing card policy and claimed this is an effort by Commissioner Dean Haselhorst and others to make her look
bad in public.

“People that don’t like me and are threatened by me are
trying to damage my name to manipulate the public’s perception of me,” she said, “and to damage my chances of running for re-election.”

She added that she filed for re-election Wednesday.

“If you think this is going to stop me or discourage me, you
are wrong,” Schlegel added.

Schlegel said the issue stems from her <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2017/11/21/ellis-co-treasurer-tells-commission-taxes-will-be-late-doesnt-take-questions-on-the-issue/">criticism </a>of the
Ellis County Clerk’s office and Clerk Donna Maskus.

Schlegel, who was elected in 2016 and began serving in the
position in 2017, has been a staunch critic of Maskus and her department’s
handling of the county’s tax statements. Schlegel raised the issue in a
scathing <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2018/10/15/letter-treasurer-responds-to-ellis-co-commissioners/">letter to the editor</a> where she claimed she was <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2018/10/12/treasurer-claims-recent-criticism-is-politically-motivated/">bullied </a>by other
elected officials.

The clerk’s office collects levies and values from not only
Ellis County but surrounding counties and, after Ellis County verifies the information,
it turns the tax roll over to the treasury, which finalizes the amounts, prints
and sends them to taxpayers.

State statute requires the clerk to turn over the
information to the treasury by Nov. 1. Since 2016, they have turned the tax
rolls over the treasurer’s office between seven and 15 days later each year. That
deadline is often missed because Maskus said the county is forced to wait on other
counties.

Schlegel said when she first raised the issue in 2018 she
met with Haselhorst and then-Commissioner Barb Wasinger who told her not to
talk badly about the clerk and not raise those issues.

Haselhorst said of the criticism levied against him this
week, “I don’t have nothing against her. I really don’t. I’m not out to get
her.”

As for the 2018 meeting, Haselhorst said they might have told Schlegel
not to talk bad about the clerk’s office but only because he believes department
heads and elected official should work together “instead of throwing it out in
the news media.”

He added he thinks that Schlegel and her staff have done a
good job running the treasury.

“She does a fine job managing $22 million for Ellis County,”
Haselhorst said. “She’s made us a lot of money, and I would never ever take that
away from her, ever.”

Haselhorst attributed some of the friction to Schlegel’s
eagerness, as a newly elected official, to make changes.

“I can tell you as new commission I was gung-ho like her,”
Haselhorst said. “I think she was in the same way.” 

“In her defense, she came, she could see areas that needed
fixed (and) she could see areas she wanted to change,” Haselhorst said.

Haselhorst and Myers maintain that while they understand and
agree that as an elected official Schlegel is in charge of her office, it’s
up to the commission to provide oversight and provide transparency.

“If you fail to provide that documentation, the assumption of
misuse of taxpayer funds is out there,” Myers said.

&nbsp;Schlegel said as an
elected official she is on the same level as the county commissioners and only
answers to the voters.

“When you start trying to manipulate the public’s perception
of me by saying I’m abusing the purchasing card all over Hays, that is a direct
political attack and that is slander. I’m looking into it,” Schlegel said. “I
am an asset to this county, I am an asset to you as a citizen. I’ve rocked this
treasury.”

Schlegel said she has filed a harassment complaint against a
fellow Ellis County employee after an alleged incident but would not provide
any details.

“Since the tax newsletter in November, this has amped up
across the entire county. Department heads have shown harassing behavior to me,”
Schlegel said.

She said that complaint and a second one against a
commissioner have not been recognized.

Myers said he has received Schlegel’s complaint about an
employee but said he could not provide any details because it’s a personnel issue.
He said they have not received a complaint involving a commissioner.

Schlegel and Haselhorst are both up for re-election in the
fall and confirmed this week to Hays Post they have already filed for
re-election. County Clerk Donna Maskus is set to retire at the end of her term.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584719419709.png" alt="Ellis County Treasurer Lisa Schlegel" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Treasurer Lisa Schlegel</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT, Hays PostCiting multiple policy violations, the Ellis County Commission
suspended the use of the treasurer’s purchasing card this week, a move she says
is politically motivated.At Monday’s commission meeting, the commission suspended
Treasurer Lisa Schlegel’s use of a county-issued purchasing card for 30 days.
During the meeting, Commission Chair Butch Schlyer said Schlegel has not been
presenting proper information on her use of the purchase card.“There have been several attempts by human resources to get
the required documentation, and the treasurer has not been willing at all to
cooperate with those inquiries,” he said.According to the Ellis County purchasing card policy, an
employee will have their card suspended for 30 days after violating the policy
two times.Interim County Administrator Darin Myers said the first violation
of the policy by the treasurer was in late 2018. He said the second offense
stems from 11 different purchases from May to December of last year.According to documents provided by Myers, the purchases range
from $5.14 for coffee at Breathe Coffee House to $53 at Gella’s Diner.The violations of county policy, according to Myers, include
spending too much for meals or purchasing meals at conferences where the meals
are part of the conference fee, overspending on items purchased for employee
recognition, and not providing a reason for a lunch or dinner meeting or who
was present at the meeting.Myers said the county discourages the use of the purchasing card
for those type of meetings at dining establishments in Ellis County. But if they are used, county employees are required to to document who the meeting was with.He said that final violation — not providing the necessary
information and the treasurer’s unwillingness to provide the information — is the
reason that the issue was brought before the commission.In an email obtained by Hays Post, Schlegel said in response
to requests for information by Human Resource Generalist Janet Schmidt, it was “not any of your business who I have meetings
with.”Schlegel also told her in another email, “I don’t want
to tell you who I have meetings with. I also don’t plan to do that in the
future.”Myers said it was those responses and her refusal to meet
with himself and Schlyer to discuss issue that resulted in the second violation
and the 30-day purchase card suspension.In a written response to Hays Post and a sit-down interview
this week, Schlegel said she has not abused the purchasing card policy and claimed this is an effort by Commissioner Dean Haselhorst and others to make her look
bad in public.“People that don’t like me and are threatened by me are
trying to damage my name to manipulate the public’s perception of me,” she said, “and to damage my chances of running for re-election.”She added that she filed for re-election Wednesday.“If you think this is going to stop me or discourage me, you
are wrong,” Schlegel added.Schlegel said the issue stems from her <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2017/11/21/ellis-co-treasurer-tells-commission-taxes-will-be-late-doesnt-take-questions-on-the-issue/">criticism </a>of the
Ellis County Clerk’s office and Clerk Donna Maskus. Schlegel, who was elected in 2016 and began serving in the
position in 2017, has been a staunch critic of Maskus and her department’s
handling of the county’s tax statements. Schlegel raised the issue in a
scathing <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2018/10/15/letter-treasurer-responds-to-ellis-co-commissioners/">letter to the editor</a> where she claimed she was <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2018/10/12/treasurer-claims-recent-criticism-is-politically-motivated/">bullied </a>by other
elected officials.The clerk’s office collects levies and values from not only
Ellis County but surrounding counties and, after Ellis County verifies the information,
it turns the tax roll over to the treasury, which finalizes the amounts, prints
and sends them to taxpayers.State statute requires the clerk to turn over the
information to the treasury by Nov. 1. Since 2016, they have turned the tax
rolls over the treasurer’s office between seven and 15 days later each year. That
deadline is often missed because Maskus said the county is forced to wait on other
counties.Schlegel said when she first raised the issue in 2018 she
met with Haselhorst and then-Commissioner Barb Wasinger who told her not to
talk badly about the clerk and not raise those issues.Haselhorst said of the criticism levied against him this
week, “I don’t have nothing against her. I really don’t. I’m not out to get
her.”As for the 2018 meeting, Haselhorst said they might have told Schlegel
not to talk bad about the clerk’s office but only because he believes department
heads and elected official should work together “instead of throwing it out in
the news media.”He added he thinks that Schlegel and her staff have done a
good job running the treasury.“She does a fine job managing $22 million for Ellis County,”
Haselhorst said. “She’s made us a lot of money, and I would never ever take that
away from her, ever.”Haselhorst attributed some of the friction to Schlegel’s
eagerness, as a newly elected official, to make changes.“I can tell you as new commission I was gung-ho like her,”
Haselhorst said. “I think she was in the same way.” “In her defense, she came, she could see areas that needed
fixed (and) she could see areas she wanted to change,” Haselhorst said.Haselhorst and Myers maintain that while they understand and
agree that as an elected official Schlegel is in charge of her office, it’s
up to the commission to provide oversight and provide transparency.“If you fail to provide that documentation, the assumption of
misuse of taxpayer funds is out there,” Myers said.&nbsp;Schlegel said as an
elected official she is on the same level as the county commissioners and only
answers to the voters.“When you start trying to manipulate the public’s perception
of me by saying I’m abusing the purchasing card all over Hays, that is a direct
political attack and that is slander. I’m looking into it,” Schlegel said. “I
am an asset to this county, I am an asset to you as a citizen. I’ve rocked this
treasury.”Schlegel said she has filed a harassment complaint against a
fellow Ellis County employee after an alleged incident but would not provide
any details.“Since the tax newsletter in November, this has amped up
across the entire county. Department heads have shown harassing behavior to me,”
Schlegel said.She said that complaint and a second one against a
commissioner have not been recognized.Myers said he has received Schlegel’s complaint about an
employee but said he could not provide any details because it’s a personnel issue.
He said they have not received a complaint involving a commissioner.Schlegel and Haselhorst are both up for re-election in the
fall and confirmed this week to Hays Post they have already filed for
re-election. County Clerk Donna Maskus is set to retire at the end of her term.

Commission, treasurer at odds over use of Ellis Co. credit card

Classes at Fort Hays State University will transition to online delivery only effective Monday, March 30, and employees will transition to remote
 operations with limited staff on-campus. The time frame is indefinite.

FHSU President Tisa Mason notified the campus – faculty, staff and students – by email March 12 of the initial move to online class
 instruction. The announcement for faculty and staff to transition to remote operations was made Wednesday afternoon. The decision came after consultation with the university’s Critical Incident Policy Group and campus leaders in light of new guidance from
 the Kansas Board of Regents and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

“As the University’s policy, planning, and action moves forward,” she said, “we should continue to be grounded in our fundamental goal of safeguarding
 the health of our faculty, staff, and students, and we should continue to be guided by the recommendations provided by our public health officials.”

The university will also, she said, “strive to ensure completion and success for students.”

Fort Hays State, with its deep history and strength in online education, is uniquely able to meet the challenge of preparing on short notice a semester’s
 courses for online delivery. The FHSU is one of only a handful of institutions to earn certification from the United States Distance Learning Association.

That certification, which is based on a rigorous, 120-point quality review at all levels of distance education, recognizes FHSU’s commitment to
 following best industry practices for online education. For more than a decade, the majority of the university’s enrollment has been online.

President Mason’s email addressed key points of the nature of the challenge, including:


•&nbsp; All in-person classes and events will transition to online, and classes that are already online will continue as scheduled. Adaptations for labs, clinicals and practicums will be addressed in
 their respective departments.


•&nbsp; Refunds for room and board will be available.



•&nbsp; Students who are able to do so are asked to remain at home after the spring break.


•&nbsp; The university will move to limited operations and services – residence hall accommodations and food services – will be available for students who are unable to return home.


•&nbsp; The Kelly Center and Student Health will transition to providing service online.



•&nbsp; The NCAA and MIAA has canceled all spring sports.


•&nbsp; Plans to transition university-sponsored events, major or minor, to online platforms when possible

Educational requirements that demand in-person attendance – clinicals, labs and practicums – are being addressed by their respective departments.
 The department of music will be conducting lessons via zoom, teacher education students are sharing online video story times to promote literacy, and many health care and science labs are being simulated online so that students can stay on track from degree
 completion. 

While faculty and staff are working remotely, many University events will transition to online experiences including the John Heinrich’s Scholarly
 and Creative Activities Day, the Olliff Family Educational Symposium, and department of art and design 2020 Student Honors Exhibition.


“We will continue to deliver on the ethic of care that makes Fort Hays State so unique,” said Mason. “We are forming university care teams that
 will be following up with all students traditional on-campus and online, to 
provide comfort and information, while directing students to any needed support services.”



President Mason said dealing with the coronavirus outbreak will have many “complications and disruptions.”

“I also know,” she said, “that we are up to the challenge, and uniquely positioned to leverage our online delivery expertise and experience to make
 this work.”

For campus updates regarding the move to online courses, the move to remote operations and student health advisories, please visit
<a href="http://fhsu.edu/covid-19-response" target="_blank">http://fhsu.edu/covid-19-response</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsClasses at Fort Hays State University will transition to online delivery only effective Monday, March 30, and employees will transition to remote
 operations with limited staff on-campus. The time frame is indefinite.FHSU President Tisa Mason notified the campus – faculty, staff and students – by email March 12 of the initial move to online class
 instruction. The announcement for faculty and staff to transition to remote operations was made Wednesday afternoon. The decision came after consultation with the university’s Critical Incident Policy Group and campus leaders in light of new guidance from
 the Kansas Board of Regents and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.“As the University’s policy, planning, and action moves forward,” she said, “we should continue to be grounded in our fundamental goal of safeguarding
 the health of our faculty, staff, and students, and we should continue to be guided by the recommendations provided by our public health officials.”The university will also, she said, “strive to ensure completion and success for students.”Fort Hays State, with its deep history and strength in online education, is uniquely able to meet the challenge of preparing on short notice a semester’s
 courses for online delivery. The FHSU is one of only a handful of institutions to earn certification from the United States Distance Learning Association.That certification, which is based on a rigorous, 120-point quality review at all levels of distance education, recognizes FHSU’s commitment to
 following best industry practices for online education. For more than a decade, the majority of the university’s enrollment has been online.President Mason’s email addressed key points of the nature of the challenge, including:
•&nbsp; All in-person classes and events will transition to online, and classes that are already online will continue as scheduled. Adaptations for labs, clinicals and practicums will be addressed in
 their respective departments.
•&nbsp; Refunds for room and board will be available.

•&nbsp; Students who are able to do so are asked to remain at home after the spring break.
•&nbsp; The university will move to limited operations and services – residence hall accommodations and food services – will be available for students who are unable to return home.
•&nbsp; The Kelly Center and Student Health will transition to providing service online.

•&nbsp; The NCAA and MIAA has canceled all spring sports.
•&nbsp; Plans to transition university-sponsored events, major or minor, to online platforms when possibleEducational requirements that demand in-person attendance – clinicals, labs and practicums – are being addressed by their respective departments.
 The department of music will be conducting lessons via zoom, teacher education students are sharing online video story times to promote literacy, and many health care and science labs are being simulated online so that students can stay on track from degree
 completion. While faculty and staff are working remotely, many University events will transition to online experiences including the John Heinrich’s Scholarly
 and Creative Activities Day, the Olliff Family Educational Symposium, and department of art and design 2020 Student Honors Exhibition.
“We will continue to deliver on the ethic of care that makes Fort Hays State so unique,” said Mason. “We are forming university care teams that
 will be following up with all students traditional on-campus and online, to 
provide comfort and information, while directing students to any needed support services.”

President Mason said dealing with the coronavirus outbreak will have many “complications and disruptions.”“I also know,” she said, “that we are up to the challenge, and uniquely positioned to leverage our online delivery expertise and experience to make
 this work.”For campus updates regarding the move to online courses, the move to remote operations and student health advisories, please visit
<a href="http://fhsu.edu/covid-19-response" target="_blank">http://fhsu.edu/covid-19-response</a>.

FHSU staff moving to remote operations in reaction to virus 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575929617735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584743237590.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

BY RON WILSON, Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

Let’s hop on a transatlantic flight to London. A woman is placing a spinning wheel on the floor in front of her seat and will spin yarn while crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The spinning wheel is a handmade, portable spinning wheel which was built by a pair of craftsmen in rural Kansas. These beautiful spinning wheels are being sold from coast to coast and beyond.

Mark and Julie Lambert are the founders and owners of Athena Spinning, the creators of this beautiful spinning wheel. “Five years ago, I didn’t know spinning wheels existed outside of fairy tales,” Julie said. She and her husband Mark were working as insurance adjusters and living in south Texas. Their job required them to travel on short notice to some disaster scene and then stay for an extended period.

“I saw a woman spinning with a wheel and I was intrigued,” Julie said, having crocheted since she was nine. She and Mark also liked to build their own furniture. He’s an engineer. When Julie said she wanted a spinning wheel, Mark said he would make her one.

The plans went through many revisions. “I thought I was done,” Mark said. Julie wanted one that was just perfect: Attractive, compact, and easy to use and assemble when traveling. When told that his creation looked like a work of art, Mark said with a smile, “That’s her fault. She’s the artist.”

After building 17 models to meet Julie’s requirements for the perfect wheel, they had it.&nbsp;&nbsp;A friend said that the wheels were so beautiful that they could sell them. Mark and Julie decided to give it a try. Meanwhile, they wanted to move to a location that was situated somewhere between grandkids in Wyoming and Chicago, but not too far north. They settled in Chanute, Kansas.

Their final spinning wheel design has a wheel held by an arm with two fingerholes in the top that resemble the eyes of an owl. As the Lamberts thought about a name for their business, they thought about the owl. Through research, they found that the Greek goddess Athena is a symbol of wisdom, defense of the home, and fiber arts. Athena is often depicted with an owl on her shoulder for wisdom, a shield for defense, and a drop spindle which is the primitive tool used to spin yarn. The connection was so strong they named their business Athena Spinning.

The Lamberts signed up for a trade show to try selling their travel wheels. They brought six wheels in hopes they might sell one or two. By the end of the show, all six were sold.

Today, Mark and Julie Lambert travel the country, selling the Athena travel spinning wheel at fiber festivals from coast to coast. “These wheels are ideal for travelers,” Julie said. The wheel weighs 10 pounds and breaks down into three pieces that nest together and easily fit in a tote bag or overhead luggage. The wheels are eye-catching and attractive, handcrafted from maple and walnut.

Julie loved spinning, but she also needed a break from demonstrating it during festivals. She insisted that Mark learn to spin also. He protested, claiming that “It would not give me joy,” but he finally learned to spin. He now admits, “Spinning is one of the most relaxing things I’ve ever done.”

The Lamberts travel in their RV and take their spinning wheels to shows. “My happy place is to be spinning at my wheel between shows, next to a campfire by a lake at sunset,” Julie said. “Everything about this has been rewarding,” she said, especially the people they’ve met.

One woman in New York City spins during her commute on the subway. The wheels have sold nationwide and as far away as Australia, Canada and Germany.

It’s a remarkable record for a business based in the rural community of Chanute, population 9,119 people. Now, that’s rural.

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.athenaspinning.com/">www.athenaspinning.com</a>.

We commend Mark and Julie Lambert of Athena Spinning for making a difference with their creativity, craftsmanship and skills. This story deserves a lot of positive spin.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584537849917.png" alt="Screen Shot 2020-03-18 at 8.23.47 AM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2020-03-18 at 8.23.47 AM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>BY RON WILSON, Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentLet’s hop on a transatlantic flight to London. A woman is placing a spinning wheel on the floor in front of her seat and will spin yarn while crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The spinning wheel is a handmade, portable spinning wheel which was built by a pair of craftsmen in rural Kansas. These beautiful spinning wheels are being sold from coast to coast and beyond.Mark and Julie Lambert are the founders and owners of Athena Spinning, the creators of this beautiful spinning wheel. “Five years ago, I didn’t know spinning wheels existed outside of fairy tales,” Julie said. She and her husband Mark were working as insurance adjusters and living in south Texas. Their job required them to travel on short notice to some disaster scene and then stay for an extended period.“I saw a woman spinning with a wheel and I was intrigued,” Julie said, having crocheted since she was nine. She and Mark also liked to build their own furniture. He’s an engineer. When Julie said she wanted a spinning wheel, Mark said he would make her one.The plans went through many revisions. “I thought I was done,” Mark said. Julie wanted one that was just perfect: Attractive, compact, and easy to use and assemble when traveling. When told that his creation looked like a work of art, Mark said with a smile, “That’s her fault. She’s the artist.”After building 17 models to meet Julie’s requirements for the perfect wheel, they had it.&nbsp;&nbsp;A friend said that the wheels were so beautiful that they could sell them. Mark and Julie decided to give it a try. Meanwhile, they wanted to move to a location that was situated somewhere between grandkids in Wyoming and Chicago, but not too far north. They settled in Chanute, Kansas.Their final spinning wheel design has a wheel held by an arm with two fingerholes in the top that resemble the eyes of an owl. As the Lamberts thought about a name for their business, they thought about the owl. Through research, they found that the Greek goddess Athena is a symbol of wisdom, defense of the home, and fiber arts. Athena is often depicted with an owl on her shoulder for wisdom, a shield for defense, and a drop spindle which is the primitive tool used to spin yarn. The connection was so strong they named their business Athena Spinning.The Lamberts signed up for a trade show to try selling their travel wheels. They brought six wheels in hopes they might sell one or two. By the end of the show, all six were sold.Today, Mark and Julie Lambert travel the country, selling the Athena travel spinning wheel at fiber festivals from coast to coast. “These wheels are ideal for travelers,” Julie said. The wheel weighs 10 pounds and breaks down into three pieces that nest together and easily fit in a tote bag or overhead luggage. The wheels are eye-catching and attractive, handcrafted from maple and walnut.Julie loved spinning, but she also needed a break from demonstrating it during festivals. She insisted that Mark learn to spin also. He protested, claiming that “It would not give me joy,” but he finally learned to spin. He now admits, “Spinning is one of the most relaxing things I’ve ever done.”The Lamberts travel in their RV and take their spinning wheels to shows. “My happy place is to be spinning at my wheel between shows, next to a campfire by a lake at sunset,” Julie said. “Everything about this has been rewarding,” she said, especially the people they’ve met.One woman in New York City spins during her commute on the subway. The wheels have sold nationwide and as far away as Australia, Canada and Germany.It’s a remarkable record for a business based in the rural community of Chanute, population 9,119 people. Now, that’s rural.For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.athenaspinning.com/">www.athenaspinning.com</a>.We commend Mark and Julie Lambert of Athena Spinning for making a difference with their creativity, craftsmanship and skills. This story deserves a lot of positive spin.