The <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">Hays Chamber</a> has been forced to close its doors to the public due to the corona virus, but it is still working with local businesses and the community to weather the crisis.

Although the Chamber anticipates many Chamber events in the upcoming weeks will be postponed, the Chamber is still trying to keep businesses connected to the community.

Sarah Wasinger, Chamber director, said the Chamber is compiling a list of open child care providers. The Chamber will not be vetting the providers, she said.

Please contact the Chamber if you are a provider that is open or if you are in need of the list of child care providers.

"It is smart if you have the ability to shop local," Wasinger said, "you need to keep local businesses in mind. They don’t have support of a chain. Those who own businesses make a big impact on the community, and if&nbsp; you could support small businesses at this time, that would be very helpful."

The Hays Chamber issued the following statement Tuesday.

In times of crisis, it is important to know who you and your business can depend on to get you through.&nbsp; Our Chamber team is dedicated to being a champion for our businesses and community at-large.

The Chamber is implementing several strategies to help mitigate the negative economic impact that Coronavirus COVID-19 has caused.

Beginning&nbsp; March 17, the Hays Welcome Center building will be locked during regular hours of operation for the next two weeks.&nbsp; (This policy will be re-evaluated at that time and additional communication will be sent notifying everyone regarding any changes.)&nbsp; Chamber staff will still be on location to assist those in need by appointment.&nbsp; Please call 785-628-8201 or email hayscc@hayschamber.com to schedule your appointments with staff. &nbsp;

The Chamber anticipates many events being postponed over the next several weeks.&nbsp; For a current listing of all Chamber events, visit <a href="https://hayschamber.com/events">https://hayschamber.com/events</a>.&nbsp; Our team is committed to serving our member investors, and we look forward to hearing from you about additional ways we can assist you during this challenging time.

You can follow the Chamber on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysAreaChamber/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hayschamber">Twitter </a>or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hayschamber/">Instagram</a>.

FHSU mom, candidate has message about supporting local businesses

Republican congressional candidate Adrienne Vallejo Foster was in Hays Tuesday packing up her son, a freshman at FHSU after the dorms were closed due to the threat of the corona virus.

She said practicing social distancing is important, but she encouraged people to also find ways to support local businesses.

"If we can continue to help them in some way, that's going to be important," she said.

She was a Trump appointee to the Small Business Administration.

"Our small businesses are really the ones that are the economic drivers of our country, so making sure we are servicing them and seeing how we can help them survive this [is important]," she said.

In the spirit of supporting local businesses, the Foster family ordered a take out order from the Golden Q&nbsp; as they headed out of town.

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber working with business in the area to cope with CVOID-19 outbreak" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/hhgct-d673d4?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>Hays PostThe <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">Hays Chamber</a> has been forced to close its doors to the public due to the corona virus, but it is still working with local businesses and the community to weather the crisis.Although the Chamber anticipates many Chamber events in the upcoming weeks will be postponed, the Chamber is still trying to keep businesses connected to the community.Sarah Wasinger, Chamber director, said the Chamber is compiling a list of open child care providers. The Chamber will not be vetting the providers, she said.Please contact the Chamber if you are a provider that is open or if you are in need of the list of child care providers."It is smart if you have the ability to shop local," Wasinger said, "you need to keep local businesses in mind. They don’t have support of a chain. Those who own businesses make a big impact on the community, and if&nbsp; you could support small businesses at this time, that would be very helpful."The Hays Chamber issued the following statement Tuesday.In times of crisis, it is important to know who you and your business can depend on to get you through.&nbsp; Our Chamber team is dedicated to being a champion for our businesses and community at-large.The Chamber is implementing several strategies to help mitigate the negative economic impact that Coronavirus COVID-19 has caused.<ol>
 <li>Chamber staff will be calling businesses to conduct wellness checks and verifying if there is anything we can do to be of assistance to your businesses.&nbsp; We will also be asking what each organization is doing to help safeguard our community from COVID-19 and disseminating that information out to the public.</li><li>If your business is changing its regular operational procedures and offering services such as free shipping, curb-side delivery, or personal shopping, please be sure to share them with us so we can help spread the word.</li><li>Effective immediately, The Chamber encourages members to tag @HaysChamber on all their social media posts to reach our followers so we can serve as a conduit of information for you.</li><li>If you are aware of someone who can offer daycare or babysitting services, please call us so we can create a contact list for families in need.</li><li>We encourage all businesses to login to their Membership Information Center (MIC) portal and update your business hours and information so we can make accurate referrals for you.</li><li>If you lack the ability to advertise your business via social media, call The Chamber at 785-628-8201 to have staff organize posts for your business.</li><li>If you are willing to volunteer time for business who are experiencing employee shortages, please call us to get your name on a list to be shared with businesses as needed.</li>
 </ol>Beginning&nbsp; March 17, the Hays Welcome Center building will be locked during regular hours of operation for the next two weeks.&nbsp; (This policy will be re-evaluated at that time and additional communication will be sent notifying everyone regarding any changes.)&nbsp; Chamber staff will still be on location to assist those in need by appointment.&nbsp; Please call 785-628-8201 or email hayscc@hayschamber.com to schedule your appointments with staff. &nbsp;The Chamber anticipates many events being postponed over the next several weeks.&nbsp; For a current listing of all Chamber events, visit <a href="https://hayschamber.com/events">https://hayschamber.com/events</a>.&nbsp; Our team is committed to serving our member investors, and we look forward to hearing from you about additional ways we can assist you during this challenging time.Stay safe and well!Your Chamber FamilyYou can follow the Chamber on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysAreaChamber/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hayschamber">Twitter </a>or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hayschamber/">Instagram</a>.<h2>FHSU mom, candidate has message about supporting local businesses</h2>Republican congressional candidate Adrienne Vallejo Foster was in Hays Tuesday packing up her son, a freshman at FHSU after the dorms were closed due to the threat of the corona virus.She said practicing social distancing is important, but she encouraged people to also find ways to support local businesses."If we can continue to help them in some way, that's going to be important," she said.She was a Trump appointee to the Small Business Administration."Our small businesses are really the ones that are the economic drivers of our country, so making sure we are servicing them and seeing how we can help them survive this [is important]," she said.In the spirit of supporting local businesses, the Foster family ordered a take out order from the Golden Q&nbsp; as they headed out of town.

🎤 Hays Chamber seeks to help businesses during corona crisis

With deep sadness and in conjunction with the bishops of Kansas, effective 1 p.m. on March 17, and until further notice, all public celebrations of the Holy Mass in the&nbsp;Diocese of Salina&nbsp;are canceled except for funeral Masses.&nbsp; 

Some of you will be understanding, others will be saddened, others angry, and others will feel like this decision is over-the-top and media-driven.&nbsp; 

Please know that this decision was a very difficult one. In making this decision, we have the very young, the aged, and those most immune-compromised in mind as we respect the dignity of every human person.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Confirmation Masses are postponed to a later date.&nbsp; 

Funeral Masses are limited to immediate family members. 

A funeral liturgy outside of Mass must be limited to immediate family members also. 

In addition to celebrating the funeral Mass or funeral liturgy outside of Mass, families and pastors are encouraged to schedule Memorial Masses for their loved ones in the future, when public health restrictions are relaxed, so that larger numbers may gather if desired.&nbsp; 

Priests are invited to continue to offer Mass privately for the Mass intentions scheduled.&nbsp;

All communal penance services are canceled.

 Priests should continue as much as possible to offer individual confessions at regularly scheduled times.&nbsp; 

Confessions are to be heard only behind a screen or other barriers and not face to face. 

At no time should there be more than 10 people gathered in the church waiting for confession.&nbsp;

 Baptisms may continue but only parents, godparents and immediate family members who are asymptomatic may attend.&nbsp;

Please do not come to any of the above if you are sick, if you have been exposed to the coronavirus, if you suspect you have been exposed or if you have been advised by a doctor not to go out in public or attend public gatherings.&nbsp;

I know that many of you will feel that we are taking away Jesus when we need Him the most.&nbsp;Others will say that if we had more faith, all will be well.&nbsp; But the Lord also invites us to be prudent and charitable, too.&nbsp; 

I am encouraging all priests to keep the Church doors open as much as possible so that the faithful can pray.&nbsp; In many ways, we can unite ourselves with Jesus, who even more deeply felt abandoned even by his Heavenly Father during his agony.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

I encourage all the faithful to continue to join in prayer for the health and protection of our entire community and nation, and for an end to this crisis. I encourage all families and individuals to pray the rosary, invoking the intercession and protection of our Blessed Mother, Health of the Sick, for these intentions and for the health and well-being of our brothers and sisters who are ill, for their caretakers, and for all doctors, nurses, medical and emergency preparedness personnel and elected officials.&nbsp; 

I also ask you to join in praying a novena to the Blessed Mother which began March 16 until the Annunciation on March 25.&nbsp; 

The prayer asking for her intercession is available on our&nbsp;<a href="https://salinadiocese.org/offices/communications-office">website</a>.&nbsp; Thank you.&nbsp; Please know that Masses will be available to watch on our&nbsp;<a href="https://salinadiocese.org/">website</a>&nbsp;too.

May God bless you and your families with much peace and healing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Diocese of SalinaWith deep sadness and in conjunction with the bishops of Kansas, effective 1 p.m. on March 17, and until further notice, all public celebrations of the Holy Mass in the&nbsp;Diocese of Salina&nbsp;are canceled except for funeral Masses.&nbsp; Some of you will be understanding, others will be saddened, others angry, and others will feel like this decision is over-the-top and media-driven.&nbsp; Please know that this decision was a very difficult one. In making this decision, we have the very young, the aged, and those most immune-compromised in mind as we respect the dignity of every human person.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Confirmation Masses are postponed to a later date.&nbsp; Funeral Masses are limited to immediate family members. No funeral luncheons may be held. A funeral liturgy outside of Mass must be limited to immediate family members also. In addition to celebrating the funeral Mass or funeral liturgy outside of Mass, families and pastors are encouraged to schedule Memorial Masses for their loved ones in the future, when public health restrictions are relaxed, so that larger numbers may gather if desired.&nbsp; Priests are invited to continue to offer Mass privately for the Mass intentions scheduled.&nbsp;All communal penance services are canceled. Priests should continue as much as possible to offer individual confessions at regularly scheduled times.&nbsp; Confessions are to be heard only behind a screen or other barriers and not face to face. At no time should there be more than 10 people gathered in the church waiting for confession.&nbsp; Baptisms may continue but only parents, godparents and immediate family members who are asymptomatic may attend.&nbsp;Please do not come to any of the above if you are sick, if you have been exposed to the coronavirus, if you suspect you have been exposed or if you have been advised by a doctor not to go out in public or attend public gatherings.&nbsp;I know that many of you will feel that we are taking away Jesus when we need Him the most.&nbsp;Others will say that if we had more faith, all will be well.&nbsp; But the Lord also invites us to be prudent and charitable, too.&nbsp; I am encouraging all priests to keep the Church doors open as much as possible so that the faithful can pray.&nbsp; In many ways, we can unite ourselves with Jesus, who even more deeply felt abandoned even by his Heavenly Father during his agony.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I encourage all the faithful to continue to join in prayer for the health and protection of our entire community and nation, and for an end to this crisis. I encourage all families and individuals to pray the rosary, invoking the intercession and protection of our Blessed Mother, Health of the Sick, for these intentions and for the health and well-being of our brothers and sisters who are ill, for their caretakers, and for all doctors, nurses, medical and emergency preparedness personnel and elected officials.&nbsp; I also ask you to join in praying a novena to the Blessed Mother which began March 16 until the Annunciation on March 25.&nbsp; The prayer asking for her intercession is available on our&nbsp;<a href="https://salinadiocese.org/offices/communications-office">website</a>.&nbsp; Thank you.&nbsp; Please know that Masses will be available to watch on our&nbsp;<a href="https://salinadiocese.org/">website</a>&nbsp;too.May God bless you and your families with much peace and healing.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Christ’s service,Most Rev. Gerald L. VinckeBishop of Salina

Catholic celebrations of Mass canceled throughout Salina Diocese 

Sternberg Museum of Natural History

Due to the concerns caused by the coronavirus (COVID – 19) pandemic, the Sternberg Museum of Natural History&nbsp;will be closed until further notice. All Sternberg Museum public events including,&nbsp;Pokémon Day&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Bug Whisperer, are postponed. 

Please check our website and our social media regularly for updates.

We understand our patrons will be disappointed with this news. 

However, we have come up with a bit of a solution. Starting this week, the staff at the Sternberg Museum will be hosting a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sternberg.museum/" target="_blank">Facebook Live</a>&nbsp;mini-series called the Dome from Home.

Get your natural history fix here as museum staff discusses topics from prehistoric monsters to modern-day marvels. See live feeding and care of the Sternberg animals or get a live tour of our collections. 

Tune in twice a day Monday – Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. CST.

Please keep an eye on our website and social media for any updates to the hours of operations. 

We will keep you informed of any changes.

Sternberg Museum of Natural HistoryDue to the concerns caused by the coronavirus (COVID – 19) pandemic, the Sternberg Museum of Natural History&nbsp;will be closed until further notice. All Sternberg Museum public events including,&nbsp;Pokémon Day&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Bug Whisperer, are postponed. Please check our website and our social media regularly for updates.We understand our patrons will be disappointed with this news. However, we have come up with a bit of a solution. Starting this week, the staff at the Sternberg Museum will be hosting a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sternberg.museum/" target="_blank">Facebook Live</a>&nbsp;mini-series called the Dome from Home. Get your natural history fix here as museum staff discusses topics from prehistoric monsters to modern-day marvels. See live feeding and care of the Sternberg animals or get a live tour of our collections. Tune in twice a day Monday – Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. CST.Please keep an eye on our website and social media for any updates to the hours of operations. We will keep you informed of any changes.Stay healthy and safe!

Sternberg closed due to COVID-19 concerns

The American Red Cross is in urgent need of healthy blood donors.

There is a blood drive until 2 p.m. Tuesday at Thomas More Prep-Marian. A blood drive is also ongoing at the Center for Life Improvement at HaysMed until 5 p.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;

In light of the corona virus, the Red Cross has implemented additional sanitizing and screening processes to keep donors safe.

Red CrossThe American Red Cross is in urgent need of healthy blood donors.There is a blood drive until 2 p.m. Tuesday at Thomas More Prep-Marian. A blood drive is also ongoing at the Center for Life Improvement at HaysMed until 5 p.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;In light of the corona virus, the Red Cross has implemented additional sanitizing and screening processes to keep donors safe.

Red Cross in need of blood donors today in Hays

MANHATTAN —&nbsp; &nbsp;Based on the operational and workplace guidelines for state agencies shared over the weekend, the Kansas Department
of Agriculture has made changes to plans for scheduled events through the next few weeks. The following events have either been cancelled or postponed to a later date:

More information may be added to this list in the future. As events are rescheduled, all efforts will be made to contact those who
registered for the events to inform them about new plans. 

All further changes to scheduling can be found on the KDA Schedule Changes document at <a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2Fevents&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C769136496ec2485b5cb708d7c9d5aefb%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637199793872806596&amp;sdata=UBsNR9ZDIFCyXDRfq%2BAsVBi3NOvjH%2BLLGxweyoev7ww%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/events</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584389764537.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN —&nbsp; &nbsp;Based on the operational and workplace guidelines for state agencies shared over the weekend, the Kansas Department
of Agriculture has made changes to plans for scheduled events through the next few weeks. The following events have either been cancelled or postponed to a later date:<ol>
 <li>
Focus on Food Safety training in Topeka, March 16: cancelled</li><li>
Interviews for the Executive Director of the Division of Conservation in Manhattan, March 18-19: postponed </li><li>
Agribusiness Development Workshop in Ashland, March 18: postponed</li><li>
Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam in Colby, March 18: cancelled</li><li>
Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam in Dodge City, March 19: cancelled</li><li>
Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam in Olathe, March 23: cancelled</li><li>
Focus on Food Safety training in Manhattan, March 24: cancelled</li><li>
Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam in Topeka, March 25: cancelled</li><li>
Agribusiness Development Workshop in Manhattan, March 25: postponed</li><li>
Kansas Dairy Industry Conference in Garden City, April 1: cancelled</li><li>
Livestock Export Seminar in Hays, April 3: postponed</li>
 </ol>More information may be added to this list in the future. As events are rescheduled, all efforts will be made to contact those who
registered for the events to inform them about new plans. All further changes to scheduling can be found on the KDA Schedule Changes document at <a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2Fevents&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C769136496ec2485b5cb708d7c9d5aefb%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637199793872806596&amp;sdata=UBsNR9ZDIFCyXDRfq%2BAsVBi3NOvjH%2BLLGxweyoev7ww%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/events</a>.

KS. Dept of Ag events postponed, canceled

The Ellis County Treasurer’s Office is focusing on the impact COVID-19 has on our office and how we will serve the public. As of March 16 the Ellis County Commissioners have declared that all County buildings are to remain open to the public. 

While we at the Treasury are still able to help you in our office, we strongly encourage you to use the mail, the drop boxes, or even the IKAN online service to process your vehicle and tax transactions.

· For vehicle renewals, you can use the iKan website with the PIN on the renewal form you received from the State. <a href="https://ikan.ks.gov/">https://ikan.ks.gov/</a>

· For tax payments, please contact our office for the amount due, and then visit https://www.officialpayments.com/index.jsp

· We have a drop box in the alley on the south side of our building for you to place your transactions in. We process all transactions as we receive them and will check the drop boxes multiple times daily. Expect 3-5 days for processing. Many vehicle and tax transactions can also be processed over the phone and we would be glad to help you to do so!

We ask that you call our office to schedule an appointment to process any vehicle title transaction at (785) 628-9465. 

Effective March 17 our office will not process title transactions without a scheduled appointment.

 If you are unable to reach someone by phone, please email saugustine@ellisco.net or chammond@ellisco.net to schedule your title appointment. 

Please be cognizant of the deadline dates for your vehicle titles and understand that you may need to be in contact with us several days before your registration is due. 

Please do not wait until the last minute when we may be forced to limit public access to our office. 

If you have recently purchased a vehicle, you have 60 days from the purchase date to register it. 

Please do not come in unless you absolutely must! 

This new policy will continue through March 31 and is subject to change.

Please understand that these are simply precautionary measures, NOT REQUIREMENTS. 

We still welcome you to visit our office but would like you to be aware of the other options you have should you prefer the comfort of your home. 

We want to do our part in serving the community. 

Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns. If there is no answer, please be aware that we are likely fielding many phone calls currently. 

Our current hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8-4. 

Lastly, please visit our website <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/566/Treasury">https://www.ellisco.net/566/Treasury</a> for additional updates as the situation may change.

I am very cognizant of your needs and will continue to serve you the very best I can. 

Trust we are doing our best in keeping staff and their families healthy, while serving taxpayers in the community.

SubmittedThe Ellis County Treasurer’s Office is focusing on the impact COVID-19 has on our office and how we will serve the public. As of March 16 the Ellis County Commissioners have declared that all County buildings are to remain open to the public. While we at the Treasury are still able to help you in our office, we strongly encourage you to use the mail, the drop boxes, or even the IKAN online service to process your vehicle and tax transactions.· For vehicle renewals, you can use the iKan website with the PIN on the renewal form you received from the State. <a href="https://ikan.ks.gov/">https://ikan.ks.gov/</a>· For tax payments, please contact our office for the amount due, and then visit https://www.officialpayments.com/index.jsp· We have a drop box in the alley on the south side of our building for you to place your transactions in. We process all transactions as we receive them and will check the drop boxes multiple times daily. Expect 3-5 days for processing. Many vehicle and tax transactions can also be processed over the phone and we would be glad to help you to do so!We ask that you call our office to schedule an appointment to process any vehicle title transaction at (785) 628-9465. Effective March 17 our office will not process title transactions without a scheduled appointment. If you are unable to reach someone by phone, please email saugustine@ellisco.net or chammond@ellisco.net to schedule your title appointment. Please be cognizant of the deadline dates for your vehicle titles and understand that you may need to be in contact with us several days before your registration is due. Please do not wait until the last minute when we may be forced to limit public access to our office. If you have recently purchased a vehicle, you have 60 days from the purchase date to register it. Please do not come in unless you absolutely must! This new policy will continue through March 31 and is subject to change.Please understand that these are simply precautionary measures, NOT REQUIREMENTS. We still welcome you to visit our office but would like you to be aware of the other options you have should you prefer the comfort of your home. We want to do our part in serving the community. Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns. If there is no answer, please be aware that we are likely fielding many phone calls currently. Our current hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8-4. Lastly, please visit our website <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/566/Treasury">https://www.ellisco.net/566/Treasury</a> for additional updates as the situation may change.I am very cognizant of your needs and will continue to serve you the very best I can. Trust we are doing our best in keeping staff and their families healthy, while serving taxpayers in the community.Sincerely,Lisa Schlegel, Ellis County Treasurer

Ellis County Treasurer's office remains open; online payments encouraged

Due to recent Coronavirus concerns, Bridgette Jobe, Kansas Tourism Director, along with Governor Laura Kelly, have decided to close all State-owned Travel Information Centers, effective today through March 27. 

The Hays Welcome Center will follow suite and close its doors to visitors Tuesday, March 17 – Friday March 27. 

Visitors are welcome to call 785-628-8202 to speak with staff, use the Welcome Center’s outdoor information kiosk, or go to VisitHays.com for community information.

SubmittedDue to recent Coronavirus concerns, Bridgette Jobe, Kansas Tourism Director, along with Governor Laura Kelly, have decided to close all State-owned Travel Information Centers, effective today through March 27. The Hays Welcome Center will follow suite and close its doors to visitors Tuesday, March 17 – Friday March 27. Visitors are welcome to call 785-628-8202 to speak with staff, use the Welcome Center’s outdoor information kiosk, or go to VisitHays.com for community information.

HAYS CVB to close office in response to COVID-19

  Yes, as of the time I am writing this column we are still in session. The Kansas House moved quickly late last week to prioritize a basic budget and implement emergency plans as a preventive measure amid Coronavirus concerns. With several  COVID-19 cases confirmed, it has prompting the Governor to encourage many school districts and public entities to implement temporary closures to reduce exposure.  

The current number of cases in Kansas will be posted and updated daily on KDHE’s website, and click “COVID-19 Public Update.” Labs throughout the state are testing for COVID-19.  KDHE will continue to report and announce results from labs for Kansas cases. Please note that the impact of COVID-19 is evolving, and it is encouraged that you visit KDHE’s and the CDC’s websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information: 

KDHE COVID-19 Fact Sheet: http://www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus/download/COVID-19_One_Pager.pdf 

KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center: http://www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm 

KDHE Hotline Number: 866-534-3463 (Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) 

CDC COVID-19 Resource Center: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html 

CDC COVID-19 Cases in the U.S.: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html 

On Friday last week: The House approved a resolution to extend the Governor’s state of emergency declaration to allow health officials sufficient time to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus. The declaration puts in place a backstop so the Governor, in case of emergency, would have the ability to move resources from one government agency to another should additional resources be needed in certain areas, such as more support for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to increase testing or expedite information to the public. The resolution also requires Senate approval. 

The House Appropriations Committee sent a basic budget to the full House with the expectation lawmakers could negotiate with the Senate on Friday and be ready for lawmakers to vote on the budget as early as Saturday morning. Those plans were delayed when the Senate adjourned on Friday morning without allowing for budget negotiations to begin. 

At this point, the Legislature will continue to meet and our work won’t stop. But, as with any public health and safety concern, we have a responsibility to make sure the state is positioned to provide essential services even if the Legislature were to become unable to meet. That’s what a basic budget would do. We shouldn’t delay getting this done. 

Also late last week, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on HB 2743, which will allow the Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court to extend or suspend deadlines to secure the health and safety of users of the court system, staff, and judicial officers, given current events surrounding COVID-19.  Such an order will apply to municipal courts, district courts, the Kansas Court of Appeals, and the Kansas Supreme Court. 

There are fears over whether litigants would be deprived the opportunity of a speedy trial, should court proceedings be delayed or suspended in the midst of this health crisis.  To remedy this, the bill will extend all legal deadlines including but not limited to trial deadlines, deadlines to file an appeal, statutes of limitations and other legal deadlines. In addition, the chief justice would also be allowed to issue an order authorizing teleconferencing in any court proceeding in the event a threat to public health. 

With this bill, the judicial branch will ensure that litigants will not be constrained by necessary measures to secure the health and safety of those attending court proceedings.  Affording the chief justice this opportunity to extend judicial deadlines and authorize teleconferencing will allow the court system in Kansas to continue to function in a time of crisis.  The bill was amended to include a sunset date on March 31st. 

This bill passed out of committee and it is anticipated that it will be approved by the Legislature this week.  

On Thursday, the House Appropriations Committee improved on HB 2588, the governor’s transportation plan.  Transportation Chairman, Richard Proehl (R-Parsons) offered a balloon amendment to make a good plan better.  The amendment included the following changes: 

•  Changed the name from the FORWARD transportation program to the Eisenhower Legacy transportation program.  This name change honors the legacy of the father of the interstate system, President Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

•  Bonds issued for new projects are paid from sales tax money.  This provides $80-100 million over the course of the plan that cannot be transferred back to the SGF.  Bonds are still subject to the 18 percent cap. 

•  Alternative Delivery is allowed when federal grants require it.   

•  Work will be spread across all 6 KDOT districts  

•  All existing TWORKS projects will be let to construction by July 1, 2022, one year ahead of FORWARD 

•  Expanded reporting on: anticipated payouts for construction projects under contract; proposed projects to be let; three-year projection effects on remaining agency debt service, programs, and operations; comparison of annual revenue expected into the State Highway Fund. 

•   Focus on short-line rail will help keep large trucks off highways. 

The bill passed out of committee and awaits action by the House. 

At this time, the best way to reach me is by phone: (785) 296-7463 or email : ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov and you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.   You can also check kenforkansas.com 

It is my honor to be your representative. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581437228209.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes (R-Agra, 110th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes (R-Agra, 110th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hello from Topeka! Yes, as of the time I am writing this column we are still in session. The Kansas House moved quickly late last week to prioritize a basic budget and implement emergency plans as a preventive measure amid Coronavirus concerns. With several COVID-19 cases confirmed, it has prompting the Governor to encourage many school districts and public entities to implement temporary closures to reduce exposure. The current number of cases in Kansas will be posted and updated daily on KDHE’s website, and click “COVID-19 Public Update.” Labs throughout the state are testing for COVID-19. KDHE will continue to report and announce results from labs for Kansas cases. Please note that the impact of COVID-19 is evolving, and it is encouraged that you visit KDHE’s and the CDC’s websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information: KDHE COVID-19 Fact Sheet: http://www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus/download/COVID-19_One_Pager.pdf KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center: http://www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm KDHE Hotline Number: 866-534-3463 (Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) CDC COVID-19 Resource Center: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html CDC COVID-19 Cases in the U.S.: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html On Friday last week: The House approved a resolution to extend the Governor’s state of emergency declaration to allow health officials sufficient time to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus. The declaration puts in place a backstop so the Governor, in case of emergency, would have the ability to move resources from one government agency to another should additional resources be needed in certain areas, such as more support for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to increase testing or expedite information to the public. The resolution also requires Senate approval. The House Appropriations Committee sent a basic budget to the full House with the expectation lawmakers could negotiate with the Senate on Friday and be ready for lawmakers to vote on the budget as early as Saturday morning. Those plans were delayed when the Senate adjourned on Friday morning without allowing for budget negotiations to begin. At this point, the Legislature will continue to meet and our work won’t stop. But, as with any public health and safety concern, we have a responsibility to make sure the state is positioned to provide essential services even if the Legislature were to become unable to meet. That’s what a basic budget would do. We shouldn’t delay getting this done. Also late last week, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on HB 2743, which will allow the Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court to extend or suspend deadlines to secure the health and safety of users of the court system, staff, and judicial officers, given current events surrounding COVID-19. Such an order will apply to municipal courts, district courts, the Kansas Court of Appeals, and the Kansas Supreme Court. There are fears over whether litigants would be deprived the opportunity of a speedy trial, should court proceedings be delayed or suspended in the midst of this health crisis. To remedy this, the bill will extend all legal deadlines including but not limited to trial deadlines, deadlines to file an appeal, statutes of limitations and other legal deadlines. In addition, the chief justice would also be allowed to issue an order authorizing teleconferencing in any court proceeding in the event a threat to public health. With this bill, the judicial branch will ensure that litigants will not be constrained by necessary measures to secure the health and safety of those attending court proceedings. Affording the chief justice this opportunity to extend judicial deadlines and authorize teleconferencing will allow the court system in Kansas to continue to function in a time of crisis. The bill was amended to include a sunset date on March 31st. This bill passed out of committee and it is anticipated that it will be approved by the Legislature this week. On Thursday, the House Appropriations Committee improved on HB 2588, the governor’s transportation plan. Transportation Chairman, Richard Proehl (R-Parsons) offered a balloon amendment to make a good plan better. The amendment included the following changes: • Changed the name from the FORWARD transportation program to the Eisenhower Legacy transportation program. This name change honors the legacy of the father of the interstate system, President Dwight D. Eisenhower. • Bonds issued for new projects are paid from sales tax money. This provides $80-100 million over the course of the plan that cannot be transferred back to the SGF. Bonds are still subject to the 18 percent cap. • Alternative Delivery is allowed when federal grants require it. • Work will be spread across all 6 KDOT districts • All existing TWORKS projects will be let to construction by July 1, 2022, one year ahead of FORWARD • Expanded reporting on: anticipated payouts for construction projects under contract; proposed projects to be let; three-year projection effects on remaining agency debt service, programs, and operations; comparison of annual revenue expected into the State Highway Fund. • Focus on short-line rail will help keep large trucks off highways. The bill passed out of committee and awaits action by the House. At this time, the best way to reach me is by phone: (785) 296-7463 or email : ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov and you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416. You can also check kenforkansas.com It is my honor to be your representative.

RAHJES REPORT: March 17

The Kansas Department of Health Environment has issued guidelines on extra precautions for child care centers in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, but some centers in Hays are staying open.

Early Childhood Connections and the USD 489 preschool program closed when Hays USD 489 announced its temporary closure last week.

However, KDHE is not requiring closures of private child care facilities and homes if there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 in the facility.

Ellis Baptist Church has opened its doors to accept a limited number of children from Ellis USD 388 who need child care over the next week.

Pastor Chad Pritchett said the church will offer free care for school-age children. The church will limit care to 10-12 children at a time.&nbsp;The church will provide meals if needed. 

Please call Pritchett at 785-259-6335 before bringing children to ensure the church can have enough adult supervision on had to handle the children needing care.&nbsp;

"We know there are single moms and dads who may not have the capability to find child care and have to make decisions about going to work and keeping their kids,"&nbsp; Pritchett said. "We want to be a blessing to our community."

Pritchett said the church will take all precautions prescribed by the KDHE that pertain to in-home child care centers. 

Church officials will continue to monitor KDHE and CDC advisories and will make changes as needed, Pritchett said.

Owner Andrea Felder said the center is encouraging children and staff to wash their hands frequently, is sanitizing surfaces and has hand sanitizing stations set up throughout the facility.

Felder said she and her staff will revisit the issue of closing if COVID-19 cases are reported in the community.

Felder said she has heard more concerns from parents about the center closing than the issue of the spread of the virus among the children, primarily because the illness thus far has had a lesser impact on children ages 0-9.

For parents who are left without child care because of school or other child care centers closings, Bright Minds had six 2-3-year-old drop in spots and eight preschool spots available as of Monday morning.

Happy Days Childcare in Hays is also taking more precautions. They are cleaning and sanitizing toys as well as food areas and areas the children touch more frequently,&nbsp;Brenna Stamper, child care worker, said.

The childcare plans to decide soon it will open more slots for children in light of the school cancelations.

Learning Cross Child Care Center in Hays remains open.

Brett Schmidt, owner, said the center, which is across the street from HaysMed, provides care for many parents who work in the medical field.

He said some parents have decided to voluntarily keep their children home, but he said the center intends to remain open normal hours for now.

Learning Cross has also implemented additional disinfecting routines in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.

See the complete KDHE recommendations on child care facilities from the KDHE website below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578454346210.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEYHays PostThe Kansas Department of Health Environment has issued guidelines on extra precautions for child care centers in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, but some centers in Hays are staying open.Early Childhood Connections and the USD 489 preschool program closed when Hays USD 489 announced its temporary closure last week.However, KDHE is not requiring closures of private child care facilities and homes if there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 in the facility.<h2>Ellis church opens doors to kids</h2>Ellis Baptist Church has opened its doors to accept a limited number of children from Ellis USD 388 who need child care over the next week.Pastor Chad Pritchett said the church will offer free care for school-age children. The church will limit care to 10-12 children at a time.&nbsp;The church will provide meals if needed. Please call Pritchett at 785-259-6335 before bringing children to ensure the church can have enough adult supervision on had to handle the children needing care.&nbsp;"We know there are single moms and dads who may not have the capability to find child care and have to make decisions about going to work and keeping their kids,"&nbsp; Pritchett said. "We want to be a blessing to our community."Pritchett said the church will take all precautions prescribed by the KDHE that pertain to in-home child care centers. Church officials will continue to monitor KDHE and CDC advisories and will make changes as needed, Pritchett said.<h2>Some private child care centers open</h2>Bright Minds Academy is open.&nbsp;Owner Andrea Felder said the center is encouraging children and staff to wash their hands frequently, is sanitizing surfaces and has hand sanitizing stations set up throughout the facility.Felder said she and her staff will revisit the issue of closing if COVID-19 cases are reported in the community.Felder said she has heard more concerns from parents about the center closing than the issue of the spread of the virus among the children, primarily because the illness thus far has had a lesser impact on children ages 0-9.For parents who are left without child care because of school or other child care centers closings, Bright Minds had six 2-3-year-old drop in spots and eight preschool spots available as of Monday morning.Happy Days Childcare in Hays is also taking more precautions. They are cleaning and sanitizing toys as well as food areas and areas the children touch more frequently,&nbsp;Brenna Stamper, child care worker, said.The childcare plans to decide soon it will open more slots for children in light of the school cancelations.Learning Cross Child Care Center in Hays remains open.Brett Schmidt, owner, said the center, which is across the street from HaysMed, provides care for many parents who work in the medical field.He said some parents have decided to voluntarily keep their children home, but he said the center intends to remain open normal hours for now.Learning Cross has also implemented additional disinfecting routines in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.<h2>KDHE child care COVID-19 guidelines</h2>See the complete KDHE recommendations on child care facilities from the KDHE website below.<figure>
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Private child care open, taking precautions in light of COVID-19



AAA on Monday predicted "a high likelihood" that the national average price for regular gasoline will dip below two dollars before the end of the month.&nbsp; 

The auto club says Kansas remained in the top ten cheapest gasoline markets in the country. 

Pump prices
continue to fall, with two-thirds of the states in the U.S. seeing double-digit price drops last week. The national average price for a gallon of regular on Monday was down to $2.25, but the average across Kansas was a fraction above two dollars. We spotted
regular gas as cheap as $1.68 at several stations in Hays and $2.09 in Great Bend.



CHS in McPherson posted its biggest price drop in recent memory on Monday (3/9). Kansas Common crude dropped ten dollars to just $21.50 a barrel, the lowest price since 2001. Prices at Kansas refineries have been up and down since then, with CHS posting a slight
increase on Friday to $22 a barrel.&nbsp; Prices in Kansas are down $13 a barrel since the first of the month and are $28 a barrel lower than a year ago.



The rig counts in Kansas were up this week, with six active rigs in the eastern half of the state, up three, and 16 in Western Kansas, up five. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports one active drilling rig in Russell County. The totals are up 57% across the
state week over week, up five percent over a month ago, but down eight percent from a year ago at this time.



Baker Hughes reports 792 active rigs across the U.S., which is up one oil rig but down two seeking natural gas. Louisiana's count was down five for the week, while Texas was up four.&nbsp; Canada checks in with 175 active rigs, down 28 for the week.



Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a flurry of completion activity in our area, with five newly-completed wells in Barton County, three in Ellis County and one in Stafford County.&nbsp; Statewide there were 28 new completions for the week, 22 of them west of
Wichita. That makes 253 completed wells so far this year.



There are 13 new drilling permits across Kansas, four of them east of Wichita and nine in the western half of the state. That's 152 permits so far this year.



The government's weekly inventory report showed U.S. crude oil stockpiles increased to 451.8 million barrels (up 7.7 million barrels) during the week ending March 6.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration reports inventories are about two percent below the
five-year average for this time of year.



EIA says crude-oil production dipped slightly last week from the all-time record the week before. Operators pumped 12.973 million barrels per day, down from nearly 13.2 million the week before.



The government delayed a closely-watched monthly report to incorporate recent developments in the global oil market, including a shift in focus by OPEC from market balance to market share. EIA forecasts U.S. crude oil production will average 13 million barrels
per day this year, up 800-thousand barrels per day from last year, but then output is expected to fall to 12.7 million barrels per day next year. That would mark the first annual production decline since 2016. EIA says Brent crude, the international benchmark,
will average $43 a barrel this year, down more than $21 from the average in 2019.



President Donald Trump last week told U.S. energy officials to purchase “large amounts” of oil to fill up the nation’s emergency reserve after the biggest price crash in a generation. Replenishing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve would enable the government
to take as much as 77 million barrels off the world market. But Bloomberg reports the purchases are not likely to offset the supply boost promised by Russia and Saudi Arabia. The reserve is stored in salt caverns along the U.S. Gulf Coast.&nbsp; It was set up after
the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s. The SPR currently holds 635 million barrels with a capacity of more than 713 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140802303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR

AAA on Monday predicted "a high likelihood" that the national average price for regular gasoline will dip below two dollars before the end of the month.&nbsp; The auto club says Kansas remained in the top ten cheapest gasoline markets in the country. Pump prices
continue to fall, with two-thirds of the states in the U.S. seeing double-digit price drops last week. The national average price for a gallon of regular on Monday was down to $2.25, but the average across Kansas was a fraction above two dollars. We spotted
regular gas as cheap as $1.68 at several stations in Hays and $2.09 in Great Bend.

CHS in McPherson posted its biggest price drop in recent memory on Monday (3/9). Kansas Common crude dropped ten dollars to just $21.50 a barrel, the lowest price since 2001. Prices at Kansas refineries have been up and down since then, with CHS posting a slight
increase on Friday to $22 a barrel.&nbsp; Prices in Kansas are down $13 a barrel since the first of the month and are $28 a barrel lower than a year ago.

The rig counts in Kansas were up this week, with six active rigs in the eastern half of the state, up three, and 16 in Western Kansas, up five. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports one active drilling rig in Russell County. The totals are up 57% across the
state week over week, up five percent over a month ago, but down eight percent from a year ago at this time.

Baker Hughes reports 792 active rigs across the U.S., which is up one oil rig but down two seeking natural gas. Louisiana's count was down five for the week, while Texas was up four.&nbsp; Canada checks in with 175 active rigs, down 28 for the week.

Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a flurry of completion activity in our area, with five newly-completed wells in Barton County, three in Ellis County and one in Stafford County.&nbsp; Statewide there were 28 new completions for the week, 22 of them west of
Wichita. That makes 253 completed wells so far this year.

There are 13 new drilling permits across Kansas, four of them east of Wichita and nine in the western half of the state. That's 152 permits so far this year.

The government's weekly inventory report showed U.S. crude oil stockpiles increased to 451.8 million barrels (up 7.7 million barrels) during the week ending March 6.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration reports inventories are about two percent below the
five-year average for this time of year.

EIA says crude-oil production dipped slightly last week from the all-time record the week before. Operators pumped 12.973 million barrels per day, down from nearly 13.2 million the week before.

The government delayed a closely-watched monthly report to incorporate recent developments in the global oil market, including a shift in focus by OPEC from market balance to market share. EIA forecasts U.S. crude oil production will average 13 million barrels
per day this year, up 800-thousand barrels per day from last year, but then output is expected to fall to 12.7 million barrels per day next year. That would mark the first annual production decline since 2016. EIA says Brent crude, the international benchmark,
will average $43 a barrel this year, down more than $21 from the average in 2019.

President Donald Trump last week told U.S. energy officials to purchase “large amounts” of oil to fill up the nation’s emergency reserve after the biggest price crash in a generation. Replenishing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve would enable the government
to take as much as 77 million barrels off the world market. But Bloomberg reports the purchases are not likely to offset the supply boost promised by Russia and Saudi Arabia. The reserve is stored in salt caverns along the U.S. Gulf Coast.&nbsp; It was set up after
the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s. The SPR currently holds 635 million barrels with a capacity of more than 713 million.

News from the Oil Patch, Mar. 17

Grow Hays hosted the Ellis County YEC, or Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, Wednesday, March 11th at BriefSpace in downtown Hays. YEC is a competition with a goal of teaching middle and high school students about entrepreneurship. The local competition consisted of students submitting a written executive summary (written business plan, a tradeshow booth and 4-minute presentation.&nbsp;

Silas Hibbs, Hays High Business Education teacher, had 24 students enter the competition with a total of 18 businesses.

1st Place ($700)&nbsp; -&nbsp; Shelbe Alexander with Holiday Impressions

2nd Place ($300)&nbsp; -&nbsp; Tanner Werth with Online Cattle

3rd Place ($200)&nbsp; -&nbsp; Anna Brull with Brull Doughzer&nbsp; &nbsp;

Local businesses awarded the following $200 prizes:

Midwest Energy’s Best Trade Show - Remy Stull with RMS Protein

Sunflower Electric’s People’s Choice&nbsp; - MacKenzie Cunningham with Herbal Farm Stand

Nex-Generations’ Ready To Launch&nbsp; -&nbsp; Shelbe Alexander with Holiday Impressions

Judges for the event were Network Kansas’ Ciera Thyfault , Next Home Realty’s Owen Frieberger and Tree Top Security's Dallas Haselhorst. Melissa Walburn, FHSU Interim Dean of Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, also reviewed and scored the student’s written executive summaries.&nbsp;

The annual YEC series culminates in a statewide championship (KEC) where the top students from each local competition face off against each other for prize money and other honors. First place winner Shelby Alexander automatically qualifies for the statewide championship set for April 28th 2020 at Kansas State University.&nbsp;

The Ellis County event is part of the 2019-2020 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Series thanks to support from NetWork Kansas &amp; the E-Community Partnership, the Kansas State University Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship, and the Kansas Masons, and is to promote entrepreneurship and small business development in Kansas. The local competition is also made possible via The Robert E. Schmidt Foundation. The competition is for student created, managed, and owned ventures.

For more information on the Youth Entrepreneur Competition, contact Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Willams at 785.628.3102 or info@growhays.com.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge awards creative business ideas" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/hu5re-d6482f?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=1&btn-skin=107&auto=0&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584135269967.png" alt="Doug Williams and Shelby Alexander" />
 <figcaption>Doug Williams and Shelby Alexander</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedGrow Hays hosted the Ellis County YEC, or Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, Wednesday, March 11th at BriefSpace in downtown Hays. YEC is a competition with a goal of teaching middle and high school students about entrepreneurship. The local competition consisted of students submitting a written executive summary (written business plan, a tradeshow booth and 4-minute presentation.&nbsp;Silas Hibbs, Hays High Business Education teacher, had 24 students enter the competition with a total of 18 businesses.1st Place ($700)&nbsp; -&nbsp; Shelbe Alexander with Holiday Impressions2nd Place ($300)&nbsp; -&nbsp; Tanner Werth with Online Cattle3rd Place ($200)&nbsp; -&nbsp; Anna Brull with Brull Doughzer&nbsp; &nbsp;Local businesses awarded the following $200 prizes:Midwest Energy’s Best Trade Show - Remy Stull with RMS ProteinSunflower Electric’s People’s Choice&nbsp; - MacKenzie Cunningham with Herbal Farm StandNex-Generations’ Ready To Launch&nbsp; -&nbsp; Shelbe Alexander with Holiday ImpressionsJudges for the event were Network Kansas’ Ciera Thyfault , Next Home Realty’s Owen Frieberger and Tree Top Security's Dallas Haselhorst. Melissa Walburn, FHSU Interim Dean of Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, also reviewed and scored the student’s written executive summaries.&nbsp;The annual YEC series culminates in a statewide championship (KEC) where the top students from each local competition face off against each other for prize money and other honors. First place winner Shelby Alexander automatically qualifies for the statewide championship set for April 28th 2020 at Kansas State University.&nbsp;The Ellis County event is part of the 2019-2020 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Series thanks to support from NetWork Kansas &amp; the E-Community Partnership, the Kansas State University Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship, and the Kansas Masons, and is to promote entrepreneurship and small business development in Kansas. The local competition is also made possible via The Robert E. Schmidt Foundation. The competition is for student created, managed, and owned ventures.For more information on the Youth Entrepreneur Competition, contact Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Willams at 785.628.3102 or info@growhays.com.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584135329901.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Grow Hays Announces Ellis County YEC Winners

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher


This week I am in Washington, D.C., on Kansas Farm Bureau’s Leaders Engaged and Acting in D.C. (LEADs) trip. I must admit that I always enjoy coming to our nation’s capital. Coming here involves many surreal moments for me. This past week I sat down on a bench
in the mall and looked around. In one direction was the Capitol itself, how many times is it the backdrop for news stories we watch on our TV. 

Today, not only will I see the Capitol, I will be inside on business for our Kansas Farm Bureau. Heady stuff for a
simple farm kid from Kansas.





When Jennifer and I served on Young Farmers and Ranchers we often said, “The world is ruled by those who show up.” Over the years I have come have a better understanding of what that means and just how true it is. 

I truly wish that everyone would have the opportunity
to come to Washington, D.C. and get involved with the governance of our great nation. It is important that everyday citizens get involved and make their issues and ideas known.





This is especially true for those of us in agriculture. We are less than 2 percent of the population, and I suspect that number is dropping each year. &nbsp;We also run businesses that are highly technical, are not very well understood and operate on razor thin
margins. It is of the utmost importance that we make sure we have a good relationship with our elected officials, and we meet them on their own turf. 

That is why events like LEADs are so important and why it is so important that as many members as possible
make regular trips to Washington D.C. and Topeka.





Farm Bureau has become one of the leading voices for agriculture because of our members making trips like this. Whether it is Day at the Statehouse in Topeka or LEADs, it is important for our legislators to see farmers and ranchers and not just KFB staff. It
is critical we tell our stories to them about how legislation or regulations affect our operations. 

It never hurts to remind our elected officials they represent real people.





I also think it is good to come to Washington, D.C., and see the sights, understand a little bit of how government works and have a greater feel of just how to get things done.

 I know there are a lot of jokes to be made about those things, but I promise you
it helps to see it in person.

 I have always said that the hardest part of any trip is when you can still see your mailbox in the rearview mirror. Getting away is tough and there are sacrifices but I hope each of you will make the time to get involved and travel
to our capitals to take an active part in our governance and make your voices heard.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584374831676.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher
This week I am in Washington, D.C., on Kansas Farm Bureau’s Leaders Engaged and Acting in D.C. (LEADs) trip. I must admit that I always enjoy coming to our nation’s capital. Coming here involves many surreal moments for me. This past week I sat down on a bench
in the mall and looked around. In one direction was the Capitol itself, how many times is it the backdrop for news stories we watch on our TV. Today, not only will I see the Capitol, I will be inside on business for our Kansas Farm Bureau. Heady stuff for a
simple farm kid from Kansas.



When Jennifer and I served on Young Farmers and Ranchers we often said, “The world is ruled by those who show up.” Over the years I have come have a better understanding of what that means and just how true it is. I truly wish that everyone would have the opportunity
to come to Washington, D.C. and get involved with the governance of our great nation. It is important that everyday citizens get involved and make their issues and ideas known.



This is especially true for those of us in agriculture. We are less than 2 percent of the population, and I suspect that number is dropping each year. &nbsp;We also run businesses that are highly technical, are not very well understood and operate on razor thin
margins. It is of the utmost importance that we make sure we have a good relationship with our elected officials, and we meet them on their own turf. That is why events like LEADs are so important and why it is so important that as many members as possible
make regular trips to Washington D.C. and Topeka.



Farm Bureau has become one of the leading voices for agriculture because of our members making trips like this. Whether it is Day at the Statehouse in Topeka or LEADs, it is important for our legislators to see farmers and ranchers and not just KFB staff. It
is critical we tell our stories to them about how legislation or regulations affect our operations. It never hurts to remind our elected officials they represent real people.



I also think it is good to come to Washington, D.C., and see the sights, understand a little bit of how government works and have a greater feel of just how to get things done. I know there are a lot of jokes to be made about those things, but I promise you
it helps to see it in person. I have always said that the hardest part of any trip is when you can still see your mailbox in the rearview mirror. Getting away is tough and there are sacrifices but I hope each of you will make the time to get involved and travel
to our capitals to take an active part in our governance and make your voices heard."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

KFB INSIGHT: Engaging in DC

<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/2020/3/1584386927160.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Three-day weather outlook


Everything got different last week under the Dome.


After legislators spent weeks reading and listening to news about the coronavirus, or&nbsp; COVID-19 as it’s called by heath experts, they quietly and with whispers learned that a member
of the Legislature who had been sneezing was tested for the sometimes-fatal disease. The lawmaker tested negative over the weekend–doesn’t have it.


The news doesn’t get much better than that in the culture that lives under the Dome and chats elbow-to-elbow at the third-floor Rail, and crowds into elevators and, well, generally
lives in a building only slightly less crowded than a prison yard.


No COVID-19 here, that they know of…for now...


Look for legislators to want to quickly pass at least a preliminary budget bill for the rest of this fiscal year and next year that starts July 1 for state finance purposes. Then,
if the Legislature should have to adjourn or take weeks off while the coronavirus hopefully wanes, there’s enough money to run the state and care for and test Kansans due to this health issue. That budget could, of course, be beefed up at the veto session which
starts in late April for a final product.


But…that first budget which is very important becomes a vehicle for spending that lawmakers want for other reasons. If they get their amendments, they’ll vote for the bill, if
enough don’t, well, their bargaining power increases dramatically. Everyone knows how that works, don’t we…?


The budget is, of course, No. 1. But what about, say, sports gambling, or a new highway plan, or job protection and equal rights for LGBTQ Kansans? Everything becomes a bargaining
lever.


Fear that COVID-19 could shut down the Legislature, starving state government and the services the budget provides to Kansans, probably became more
real last week.


The House last week passed a resolution recognizing the governor’s declaration of an emergency in the state. The Senate hasn’t considered it yet, but it would grant the governor
unprecedented authority to act against the disease—and authority to move money within the budget as necessary for that protection of Kansans. That’s a lot of power for a Republican-heavy Legislature to hand to a Democrat governor. 


The effect of COVID-19 on the economy of the state is also largely unknown. Will more people lose their jobs, will they need state-financed health care? Would expanding Medicaid,
which is 90 percent federal/10 percent state-financed, provide more health care to ill Kansans and therefore make Kansas safer for all of us? 


Lawmakers get their best look at the fiscal effect of the disease on April 20, when the state’s Consensus Revenue Estimate of just how much tax money the state is going to receive
this year and next is released.


Until lawmakers get the best estimate available of the state’s tax receipts should lawmakers cut taxes? An election year is the politically best time to cut taxes because, well,
who doesn’t want their taxes cut? But if the pandemic disease cuts state revenues, can the state afford politically attractive tax cuts? And for whom?


Just what lawmakers do in the next week or so may tell us a lot. They need to be confident that the state will operate and keep us safe from disease before they adjourn the session.


But remember, this is an election year and they’ll have to guess (or maybe poll) to find what concerns voters most. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573590596307.png" alt="Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report." />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report.</figcaption>
 </figure>
Everything got different last week under the Dome.
After legislators spent weeks reading and listening to news about the coronavirus, or&nbsp; COVID-19 as it’s called by heath experts, they quietly and with whispers learned that a member
of the Legislature who had been sneezing was tested for the sometimes-fatal disease. The lawmaker tested negative over the weekend–doesn’t have it.
The news doesn’t get much better than that in the culture that lives under the Dome and chats elbow-to-elbow at the third-floor Rail, and crowds into elevators and, well, generally
lives in a building only slightly less crowded than a prison yard.
No COVID-19 here, that they know of…for now...
So, what changes? 
Look for legislators to want to quickly pass at least a preliminary budget bill for the rest of this fiscal year and next year that starts July 1 for state finance purposes. Then,
if the Legislature should have to adjourn or take weeks off while the coronavirus hopefully wanes, there’s enough money to run the state and care for and test Kansans due to this health issue. That budget could, of course, be beefed up at the veto session which
starts in late April for a final product.
But…that first budget which is very important becomes a vehicle for spending that lawmakers want for other reasons. If they get their amendments, they’ll vote for the bill, if
enough don’t, well, their bargaining power increases dramatically. Everyone knows how that works, don’t we…?
The budget is, of course, No. 1. But what about, say, sports gambling, or a new highway plan, or job protection and equal rights for LGBTQ Kansans? Everything becomes a bargaining
lever.
Fear that COVID-19 could shut down the Legislature, starving state government and the services the budget provides to Kansans, probably became more
real last week.
The House last week passed a resolution recognizing the governor’s declaration of an emergency in the state. The Senate hasn’t considered it yet, but it would grant the governor
unprecedented authority to act against the disease—and authority to move money within the budget as necessary for that protection of Kansans. That’s a lot of power for a Republican-heavy Legislature to hand to a Democrat governor. 
The effect of COVID-19 on the economy of the state is also largely unknown. Will more people lose their jobs, will they need state-financed health care? Would expanding Medicaid,
which is 90 percent federal/10 percent state-financed, provide more health care to ill Kansans and therefore make Kansas safer for all of us? 
Lawmakers get their best look at the fiscal effect of the disease on April 20, when the state’s Consensus Revenue Estimate of just how much tax money the state is going to receive
this year and next is released.
Until lawmakers get the best estimate available of the state’s tax receipts should lawmakers cut taxes? An election year is the politically best time to cut taxes because, well,
who doesn’t want their taxes cut? But if the pandemic disease cuts state revenues, can the state afford politically attractive tax cuts? And for whom?
Just what lawmakers do in the next week or so may tell us a lot. They need to be confident that the state will operate and keep us safe from disease before they adjourn the session.
But remember, this is an election year and they’ll have to guess (or maybe poll) to find what concerns voters most. 
Oh, and legislators also can’t accept most campaign contributions until sine die adjournment of the Legislature, which closes the session for the year.&nbsp; And yes, some are thinking
about that, too…
Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit
the website at <a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>.