Clarence Edward Flores, 45, of Great Bend, Kansas, died on Monday, June 29, 2020, from a tragic accident at Wilson Lake in Lucas, Kansas.

Clarence was born on October 23, 1974, in Clovis, New Mexico, the son of Clarence Ransom and Blanca Flores.  He worked as a clerk O’Reilly’s Auto Parts store in Great Bend, Kansas.

He is survived by his mother Blanca Flores and step father Francisco Perez of Dallas, Texas; sisters Misti Ransom, Tania Flores and  Dominique Redfearn all of Dallas, Texas; aunts Anselma Gutierrez of Abilene, Texas &amp; Zulema Cordova (Roy) of Dripping Springs, Texas, many nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents David &amp; Ludivina Flores and his aunt Dalia Crayton.

Cremation has been selected by the family and a memorial service for Clarence will be held in Dallas, Texas at a later date.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is helping the family with the arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593637512286.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Clarence Edward Flores, 45, of Great Bend, Kansas, died on Monday, June 29, 2020, from a tragic accident at Wilson Lake in Lucas, Kansas.Clarence was born on October 23, 1974, in Clovis, New Mexico, the son of Clarence Ransom and Blanca Flores. He worked as a clerk O’Reilly’s Auto Parts store in Great Bend, Kansas.He is survived by his mother Blanca Flores and step father Francisco Perez of Dallas, Texas; sisters Misti Ransom, Tania Flores and Dominique Redfearn all of Dallas, Texas; aunts Anselma Gutierrez of Abilene, Texas &amp; Zulema Cordova (Roy) of Dripping Springs, Texas, many nephews and cousins.He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents David &amp; Ludivina Flores and his aunt Dalia Crayton.Cremation has been selected by the family and a memorial service for Clarence will be held in Dallas, Texas at a later date. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is helping the family with the arrangements.

Clarence Edward Flores

Charlotte M. (Thiele) Mall-Brantley, age 92, of Hays, Kansas died Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at Homestead of Hays Assisted Living Center.&nbsp;

She was born April 14, 1928, in Norton, Kansas to Franz August and Elsa Dorothy&nbsp; (Wegener) Thiele&nbsp; She married Eugene F. Mall on May 9, 1954, at Norton, Kansas they later separated, and he preceded her in death on October 28, 2001.&nbsp; She married Gordan L. Brantley on March 2, 1982 in Hays, Kansas and he preceded her in death on November 7. 1992.

She was a Funeral Director and homemaker.&nbsp; She owned and operated Mall Mortuary in Hays from 1962 till 1971.&nbsp; Charlotte grew up in Norton, and attended the Immanuel Lutheran School.&nbsp; She moved to Hays in 1962, she was a lifetime member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, in 1984 she joined St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays and was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church in Hays.&nbsp; Her love and enjoyment in life was her family and her friends. &nbsp;

Survivors include three sons, Frank Mall and wife, Jeannie, Overland Park, KS; John Mall and wife, Rae Ann, Billings, MT; Jim Mall and wife, Sue, Hays, KS; one daughter, Kathy Dinkel and husband Steve, Hays, KS; twelve grandchildren; Jessica Mall, Jeremy Mall (Erica), Joy Mall, Jennifer Norman (Jesse), Hannah Klemm (Philipp), Chad Mall (Heather), Tucker Mall (Jill), Madison Quimby (Ryan) Christopher Dinkel (Visi), Molly Lofstrom (Christopher), Matthew Dinkel (Rebekah), Amanda Dinkel (Indiana Elman); 14 great grandchildren; one brother, Loren Thiele and wife, Greta, AR; two sisters, Wanda Powell, MO; Sharon Meyers, AZ; two sisters-in-law, Wilma Thiele, Colby; Natalie Thiele, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; three brothers, Raymond Thiele, Karl Thiele, Erwin Thiele; two sisters, Eileen Leinwetter and Karen Somers.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Monday, July 6, 2020, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 20th and Main, Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will be in Mount Allen Cemetery Hays, Kansas.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Monday at Messiah Lutheran Church, Hays, Kansas&nbsp; &nbsp;

The family suggests memorials to Homestead of Hays Assisted Living, Hospice of Hays Medical Center, Holy Family Elementary School and Messiah Lutheran Church.

Due to the coronavirus, if you have a cough, fever or not feeling well, please use our email or online guestbook.&nbsp; Social distancing and wearing masks will be suggested at the visitation and funeral service.&nbsp;

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to <a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a> or can be left at guest book at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593619481791.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Charlotte M. (Thiele) Mall-Brantley, age 92, of Hays, Kansas died Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at Homestead of Hays Assisted Living Center.&nbsp;She was born April 14, 1928, in Norton, Kansas to Franz August and Elsa Dorothy&nbsp; (Wegener) Thiele&nbsp; She married Eugene F. Mall on May 9, 1954, at Norton, Kansas they later separated, and he preceded her in death on October 28, 2001.&nbsp; She married Gordan L. Brantley on March 2, 1982 in Hays, Kansas and he preceded her in death on November 7. 1992.She was a Funeral Director and homemaker.&nbsp; She owned and operated Mall Mortuary in Hays from 1962 till 1971.&nbsp; Charlotte grew up in Norton, and attended the Immanuel Lutheran School.&nbsp; She moved to Hays in 1962, she was a lifetime member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, in 1984 she joined St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays and was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church in Hays.&nbsp; Her love and enjoyment in life was her family and her friends. &nbsp;Survivors include three sons, Frank Mall and wife, Jeannie, Overland Park, KS; John Mall and wife, Rae Ann, Billings, MT; Jim Mall and wife, Sue, Hays, KS; one daughter, Kathy Dinkel and husband Steve, Hays, KS; twelve grandchildren; Jessica Mall, Jeremy Mall (Erica), Joy Mall, Jennifer Norman (Jesse), Hannah Klemm (Philipp), Chad Mall (Heather), Tucker Mall (Jill), Madison Quimby (Ryan) Christopher Dinkel (Visi), Molly Lofstrom (Christopher), Matthew Dinkel (Rebekah), Amanda Dinkel (Indiana Elman); 14 great grandchildren; one brother, Loren Thiele and wife, Greta, AR; two sisters, Wanda Powell, MO; Sharon Meyers, AZ; two sisters-in-law, Wilma Thiele, Colby; Natalie Thiele, FL.She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; three brothers, Raymond Thiele, Karl Thiele, Erwin Thiele; two sisters, Eileen Leinwetter and Karen Somers.Services are 10:00 A.M. Monday, July 6, 2020, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 20th and Main, Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will be in Mount Allen Cemetery Hays, Kansas.Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Monday at Messiah Lutheran Church, Hays, Kansas&nbsp; &nbsp;The family suggests memorials to Homestead of Hays Assisted Living, Hospice of Hays Medical Center, Holy Family Elementary School and Messiah Lutheran Church.Due to the coronavirus, if you have a cough, fever or not feeling well, please use our email or online guestbook.&nbsp; Social distancing and wearing masks will be suggested at the visitation and funeral service.&nbsp;Condolences can be sent via e-mail to <a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a> or can be left at guest book at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Charlotte M. (Thiele) Mall-Brantley

James Keith Romine, 86, passed away June 30, 2020, at the University 
Of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus. He was born July 28, 1933, 
at Harveyville, Kan., to Clair &amp; Mable (Fee) Romine. He married Rita
 Strobel on October 15, 1955, at Great Bend. She survives.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, James was a farmer. He was a member 
of Prince of Peace St. Patrick Catholic Church, the VFW Post #3111, and 
American Legion #180. He was on the Board of Directors for the Great 
Bend Coop for 8 years. James enjoyed hunting, playing cards, and 
especially enjoyed being with his family.

Survivors include, his wife Rita Romine of the home; two sons, Kent 
Romine and wife Valerie, and Kevin Romine and wife Tammy, all of Great 
Bend; two daughters, Renee Schneweis and husband Paul of Great Bend, and
 Marita Walls and husband Dan of Elkhart; a brother, Gene Romine of 
Independence, Mo.; a sister, Etta May Stratton of Dallas, Tex.; eight 
grandchildren, Melissa, Ashley, Jessica, Kirk, James, Lindsey, Chad and 
Ryan; six great grandchildren, Trace, Grace, Teegan, Hayden, Raquel and 
Owen; special friend, Chris Garner; and many nieces and nephews. He was 
preceded in death by his parents, Clair and Mable Romine; a brother, 
Dale Romine; and a sister, Wilma Rodda.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Sunday, July 5, 2020 
at Bryant Funeral Home, with Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of 
Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 6, 2020, at 
St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Pastor Terrance Klein 
presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials are 
suggested to the St. Joseph Catholic School, in care of Bryant Funeral 
Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593608473560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>James Keith Romine, 86, passed away June 30, 2020, at the University 
Of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus. He was born July 28, 1933, 
at Harveyville, Kan., to Clair &amp; Mable (Fee) Romine. He married Rita
 Strobel on October 15, 1955, at Great Bend. She survives.A lifetime Great Bend resident, James was a farmer. He was a member 
of Prince of Peace St. Patrick Catholic Church, the VFW Post #3111, and 
American Legion #180. He was on the Board of Directors for the Great 
Bend Coop for 8 years. James enjoyed hunting, playing cards, and 
especially enjoyed being with his family.Survivors include, his wife Rita Romine of the home; two sons, Kent 
Romine and wife Valerie, and Kevin Romine and wife Tammy, all of Great 
Bend; two daughters, Renee Schneweis and husband Paul of Great Bend, and
 Marita Walls and husband Dan of Elkhart; a brother, Gene Romine of 
Independence, Mo.; a sister, Etta May Stratton of Dallas, Tex.; eight 
grandchildren, Melissa, Ashley, Jessica, Kirk, James, Lindsey, Chad and 
Ryan; six great grandchildren, Trace, Grace, Teegan, Hayden, Raquel and 
Owen; special friend, Chris Garner; and many nieces and nephews. He was 
preceded in death by his parents, Clair and Mable Romine; a brother, 
Dale Romine; and a sister, Wilma Rodda.Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Sunday, July 5, 2020 
at Bryant Funeral Home, with Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of 
Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 6, 2020, at 
St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Pastor Terrance Klein 
presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials are 
suggested to the St. Joseph Catholic School, in care of Bryant Funeral 
Home.

James Keith Romine

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — Hospitals across the country have spent the past several months grappling with the unexpected costs of preparing for and managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The significant financial impact of those actions has forced many health care providers to make difficult decisions in how to realign care and services to continue to serve patients. As part of that realignment, Saint Luke’s Health System announced Tuesday it will be closing Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital,&nbsp;711 Marshall St, Leavenworth, effective October 1, 2020, according to a media release from Saint Luke's.

“This was an extremely difficult decision and one we never wanted to make,” said Adele Ducharme, CEO, Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital &amp; SLHS North Region. “In 2019, we launched a new model for Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital. Our hope was that by focusing on emergency services, we would set Cushing on a successful and sustainable financial path while providing the Leavenworth County community the services most essential to them. We were just a few months into this new model when COVID-19 hit.”

In addition to substantial increased costs for necessary supplies to treat and care for COVID-19 patients and protect health care workers, the health system also deferred many elective procedures out of concern for the health and safety of patients, staff, and the community.

“The financial impact of the unexpected global pandemic was unprecedented,” Ducharme said. “As a result, we never had the opportunity to fully test this new care model for Cushing Hospital to see how successful it could be.”

Saint Luke’s has invested more than $20 million in Cushing Hospital over the last five years to improve services and enhance the facility. Although the hospital will close October 1, Saint Luke’s Primary Care–Cushing will remain open and accessible to patients. Patients will also have access to Saint Luke’s virtual and telehealth options.

Approximately 70 employees may be impacted by this decision, but all are eligible to apply for other opportunities within the health system between now and the official closure date.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — Hospitals across the country have spent the past several months grappling with the unexpected costs of preparing for and managing the COVID-19 pandemic.The significant financial impact of those actions has forced many health care providers to make difficult decisions in how to realign care and services to continue to serve patients. As part of that realignment, Saint Luke’s Health System announced Tuesday it will be closing Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital,&nbsp;711 Marshall St, Leavenworth, effective October 1, 2020, according to a media release from Saint Luke's.“This was an extremely difficult decision and one we never wanted to make,” said Adele Ducharme, CEO, Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital &amp; SLHS North Region. “In 2019, we launched a new model for Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital. Our hope was that by focusing on emergency services, we would set Cushing on a successful and sustainable financial path while providing the Leavenworth County community the services most essential to them. We were just a few months into this new model when COVID-19 hit.”In addition to substantial increased costs for necessary supplies to treat and care for COVID-19 patients and protect health care workers, the health system also deferred many elective procedures out of concern for the health and safety of patients, staff, and the community.“The financial impact of the unexpected global pandemic was unprecedented,” Ducharme said. “As a result, we never had the opportunity to fully test this new care model for Cushing Hospital to see how successful it could be.”Saint Luke’s has invested more than $20 million in Cushing Hospital over the last five years to improve services and enhance the facility. Although the hospital will close October 1, Saint Luke’s Primary Care–Cushing will remain open and accessible to patients. Patients will also have access to Saint Luke’s virtual and telehealth options.Approximately 70 employees may be impacted by this decision, but all are eligible to apply for other opportunities within the health system between now and the official closure date.

Virus victim: St. Luke's Health System closing Kansas hospital

Frederick Dean Kempke, 83, of Claflin, Kansas, died Saturday, June 
27, 2020, at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita, Kansas. He 
was born October 18, 1936, at Ellsworth, Kansas, the son of George 
Oakland and Rose Pauline (Schneider) Kempke.

Dean graduated from Holyrood High School in 1955. On October 29, 
1955, he married Janice I. Swalley in Holyrood, Kansas. She survives.

Dean spent his career working in the oilfield doing various jobs and 
retired from Harbison-Fisher after 22 years as a pump salesman. He was 
known by many as one of the best in the business. He was a member of 
Zion Lutheran Church in Claflin and served as a cook in the Army 
National Guard. He enjoyed tinkering with lawn mowers, keeping his yard 
mowed, cleaning his vehicles, making custom engraved limestone rocks and
 spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

Other survivors include three sons: David Kempke and wife Denise of 
Claflin, KS, Randy Kempke of North Kansas City, MO, and Brad Kempke and 
wife Robin of Johnson, KS; a brother, Wayne Kempke and wife Carol of 
Hutchinson; 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sharon Kaye Schroeder.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 1, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00
 p.m. with family present from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke 
Funeral Home in Hoisington, KS.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, July 2, 2020, 
at Zion Lutheran Church in Claflin with Pastor Daniel Harders 
officiating. Interment will follow at Claflin Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Claflin Ambulance Fund 
or Zion Lutheran Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 
146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593453510677.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Frederick Dean Kempke, 83, of Claflin, Kansas, died Saturday, June 
27, 2020, at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita, Kansas. He 
was born October 18, 1936, at Ellsworth, Kansas, the son of George 
Oakland and Rose Pauline (Schneider) Kempke.Dean graduated from Holyrood High School in 1955. On October 29, 
1955, he married Janice I. Swalley in Holyrood, Kansas. She survives.Dean spent his career working in the oilfield doing various jobs and 
retired from Harbison-Fisher after 22 years as a pump salesman. He was 
known by many as one of the best in the business. He was a member of 
Zion Lutheran Church in Claflin and served as a cook in the Army 
National Guard. He enjoyed tinkering with lawn mowers, keeping his yard 
mowed, cleaning his vehicles, making custom engraved limestone rocks and
 spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.Other survivors include three sons: David Kempke and wife Denise of 
Claflin, KS, Randy Kempke of North Kansas City, MO, and Brad Kempke and 
wife Robin of Johnson, KS; a brother, Wayne Kempke and wife Carol of 
Hutchinson; 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sharon Kaye Schroeder.Visitation will be Wednesday, July 1, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00
 p.m. with family present from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke 
Funeral Home in Hoisington, KS.Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, July 2, 2020, 
at Zion Lutheran Church in Claflin with Pastor Daniel Harders 
officiating. Interment will follow at Claflin Cemetery.In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Claflin Ambulance Fund 
or Zion Lutheran Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 
146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Frederick Dean Kempke

James Samuel Fritzler, 85, passed away on May 27, 2020 at Wesley 
Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was born on November 16, 1934 in 
Ness City, Kansas, the son of Sam and Freda (Sauer) Fritzler.

Jim was a 1953 graduate of Ness City High School, a member of the 
United Methodist Church, Ness City, and a United States Army Veteran. 
After returning home in 1956 from service in Germany, Jim worked for his
 father at Fritzler’s IGA grocery store until he decided to pursue 
farming and ranching full time. On October 27, 1957, Jim married the 
love of his life, Ila Jones, in Ness City, Kansas and they were happily 
married for 62 years. Together they raised two sons and spent a lifetime
 supporting Ness County historic preservation, development and numerous 
activities.

A sincere man with firm beliefs, Jim was never idle and had a talent 
for cooking, gardening and storytelling. He found great joy in his 
family and strong faith as well as the many traditions he shared will be
 carried on for generations to come.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ila; sons, Paul Fritzler and his wife, 
Dianna (Parker, CO, and Kelly Fritzler and his wife, Laurie (Paonia, 
CO); sister, Betty Benson (San Antonio, TX); and three granddaughters, 
Haley Rabson, Lauren Fritzler, and Carsyn Fritzler. He was preceded in 
death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 3, 2020, 4:00 PM, at 
the United Methodist Church, Ness City, Kansas. Inurnment will 
immediately follow at the Ness City Cemetery. Friends may call 
Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, Kansas, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Thursday, 
July 2, 2020 to sign the book.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Ness County Bank Building Foundation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591043938190.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>James Samuel Fritzler, 85, passed away on May 27, 2020 at Wesley 
Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was born on November 16, 1934 in 
Ness City, Kansas, the son of Sam and Freda (Sauer) Fritzler.Jim was a 1953 graduate of Ness City High School, a member of the 
United Methodist Church, Ness City, and a United States Army Veteran. 
After returning home in 1956 from service in Germany, Jim worked for his
 father at Fritzler’s IGA grocery store until he decided to pursue 
farming and ranching full time. On October 27, 1957, Jim married the 
love of his life, Ila Jones, in Ness City, Kansas and they were happily 
married for 62 years. Together they raised two sons and spent a lifetime
 supporting Ness County historic preservation, development and numerous 
activities.A sincere man with firm beliefs, Jim was never idle and had a talent 
for cooking, gardening and storytelling. He found great joy in his 
family and strong faith as well as the many traditions he shared will be
 carried on for generations to come.Jim is survived by his wife, Ila; sons, Paul Fritzler and his wife, 
Dianna (Parker, CO, and Kelly Fritzler and his wife, Laurie (Paonia, 
CO); sister, Betty Benson (San Antonio, TX); and three granddaughters, 
Haley Rabson, Lauren Fritzler, and Carsyn Fritzler. He was preceded in 
death by his parents.A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 3, 2020, 4:00 PM, at 
the United Methodist Church, Ness City, Kansas. Inurnment will 
immediately follow at the Ness City Cemetery. Friends may call 
Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, Kansas, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Thursday, 
July 2, 2020 to sign the book.Memorial contributions may be given to the Ness County Bank Building Foundation.

James Samuel Fritzler

Nolen Gene Taton, 66, passed away June 24, 2020, at Hays Medical 
Center, Hays. He was born October 22, 1953, at Harper, to Olen &amp; 
Betty (Swingle) Taton. He married Cynthia Rice on December 28, 1973, at 
Stafford. They were married for 25 years.

Coming from St. John in 2017, Nolen was a Great Bend resident. He was
 the President and CEO of St. John National Bank for 30 plus years. He 
was a member of the Kansas Bankers Association and the Kansas State 
University Alumni. He was also a previous mayor of St. John. He enjoyed 
gardening, landscaping and spending time in Colorado. He especially 
enjoyed spending time with his family.

Survivors include, two daughters, Emily Schroeder and husband Eric of
 Denver, Colo., and Stephanie Delaney and husband Jared of Ness City; 
his parents, Olen and Betty Taton; his companion and caregiver, Cynthia 
Rice; a sister, Linda McIntire and husband William of Argonia; four 
grandchildren, Keenan Schroeder, Zachary Schroeder, Clayton Delaney, and
 Carl Delaney; and friend and caregiver, Dan Shaffer. He was preceded in
 death by his daughter, Karlee Taton.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, 
2020, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6:00 
to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July
 1, 2020, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Larry Schumacher 
presiding. Interment will be in the Stafford Cemetery, Stafford. 
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Kans
 for Kids, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593364577478.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nolen Gene Taton, 66, passed away June 24, 2020, at Hays Medical 
Center, Hays. He was born October 22, 1953, at Harper, to Olen &amp; 
Betty (Swingle) Taton. He married Cynthia Rice on December 28, 1973, at 
Stafford. They were married for 25 years.Coming from St. John in 2017, Nolen was a Great Bend resident. He was
 the President and CEO of St. John National Bank for 30 plus years. He 
was a member of the Kansas Bankers Association and the Kansas State 
University Alumni. He was also a previous mayor of St. John. He enjoyed 
gardening, landscaping and spending time in Colorado. He especially 
enjoyed spending time with his family.Survivors include, two daughters, Emily Schroeder and husband Eric of
 Denver, Colo., and Stephanie Delaney and husband Jared of Ness City; 
his parents, Olen and Betty Taton; his companion and caregiver, Cynthia 
Rice; a sister, Linda McIntire and husband William of Argonia; four 
grandchildren, Keenan Schroeder, Zachary Schroeder, Clayton Delaney, and
 Carl Delaney; and friend and caregiver, Dan Shaffer. He was preceded in
 death by his daughter, Karlee Taton.Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, 
2020, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6:00 
to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July
 1, 2020, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Larry Schumacher 
presiding. Interment will be in the Stafford Cemetery, Stafford. 
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Kans
 for Kids, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Nolen Gene Taton

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -&nbsp;The MIAA announced Thursday that it will conduct its football and basketball media days virtually for 2020. The Association also said that its annual Awards Celebration will be postponed to Summer 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp; This year’s virtual MIAA Football Media Day is set for Monday, July 27 with virtual Basketball Media Day planned for Tuesday, October 13. Fans will be encouraged to participate in both events through social media by asking a question for their favorite team, coaches, and student-athletes. More details will be available on the format and schedule of the 2020 Football Media Day at a later date. The MIAA Awards Celebration to induct the 2020 Hall of Fame class will be postponed until Summer 2021. The 2021 event will honor the 2020 Hall of Famers along with select awards from the 2020-2021 academic year.&nbsp; &nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -&nbsp;The MIAA announced Thursday that it will conduct its football and basketball media days virtually for 2020. The Association also said that its annual Awards Celebration will be postponed to Summer 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp; This year’s virtual MIAA Football Media Day is set for Monday, July 27 with virtual Basketball Media Day planned for Tuesday, October 13. Fans will be encouraged to participate in both events through social media by asking a question for their favorite team, coaches, and student-athletes. More details will be available on the format and schedule of the 2020 Football Media Day at a later date. The MIAA Awards Celebration to induct the 2020 Hall of Fame class will be postponed until Summer 2021. The 2021 event will honor the 2020 Hall of Famers along with select awards from the 2020-2021 academic year.&nbsp; &nbsp;

MIAA to host virtual Football and Basketball Media Day, postpones annual Awards Celebration

William Steven “Steve” Stone, 70, died Sunday, June 21, 2020 at his home
 in Garden City. He was born October 3, 1949, in Garden City, Kansas, 
the son of William Faye Stone and Elise Mae (Whitson) Stone. A lifetime 
resident of Finney County, Kansas. 
Steve attended Plymell School and graduated from Garden City High School
 in 1967. He graduated Garden City Junior College in 1969. A fourth 
generation farmer, he operated Tri-Stone Farms, Inc. As he expanded his
 farm with his wife and daughters, he enjoyed the advances made in 
agriculture. 
Steve married Rhonda Schmale of Garden City, Kansas on March 15, 1980. 
Together they have two daughters, Megan and Marci. A lifetime farmer 
and rancher, Steve enjoyed being home on the farm the most. He also 
enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and being a Grandpa.
 He was a member and previous board member of the Garden City Co-op, 
Farm Bureau member and previous board member, Kansas corn growers 
member, Kansas Livestock Association and a member of the Finney County 
Historical Society. He served 26 years on the Southwest Kansas 
Groundwater Management District 3 board representing Finney County. He 
served as their President for two years, 1998 and 1999. He was 
passionate about water and the sustainability of ground water in 
southwest Kansas. 
Survivors include his wife Rhonda of the home; two daughters Megan 
Wehkamp (Brian) of Garden City, Ks. Marci Flax (Kevin) of Ellis, Ks. 
Sister Marilyn Chaffin of Kinsley, brother Tim Stone of Garden City and 
his mother Elsie Mae of Garden City. Three grandsons; Hayden Wehkamp of
 Garden City. Derek and Ty Flax of Ellis, Ks as well as many nieces and 
nephews. Steve is preceded in death by his father, Faye. 
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at 
The Golf Club at Southwind with Pastor Scott Rosen officiating. Burial 
will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call 
from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
 on Friday all at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. The family 
request memorials given to the Finney County Historical Society, in care
 of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593028583320.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>William Steven “Steve” Stone, 70, died Sunday, June 21, 2020 at his home
 in Garden City. He was born October 3, 1949, in Garden City, Kansas, 
the son of William Faye Stone and Elise Mae (Whitson) Stone. A lifetime 
resident of Finney County, Kansas. 
Steve attended Plymell School and graduated from Garden City High School
 in 1967. He graduated Garden City Junior College in 1969. A fourth 
generation farmer, he operated Tri-Stone Farms, Inc. As he expanded his
 farm with his wife and daughters, he enjoyed the advances made in 
agriculture. 
Steve married Rhonda Schmale of Garden City, Kansas on March 15, 1980. 
Together they have two daughters, Megan and Marci. A lifetime farmer 
and rancher, Steve enjoyed being home on the farm the most. He also 
enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and being a Grandpa.
 He was a member and previous board member of the Garden City Co-op, 
Farm Bureau member and previous board member, Kansas corn growers 
member, Kansas Livestock Association and a member of the Finney County 
Historical Society. He served 26 years on the Southwest Kansas 
Groundwater Management District 3 board representing Finney County. He 
served as their President for two years, 1998 and 1999. He was 
passionate about water and the sustainability of ground water in 
southwest Kansas. 
Survivors include his wife Rhonda of the home; two daughters Megan 
Wehkamp (Brian) of Garden City, Ks. Marci Flax (Kevin) of Ellis, Ks. 
Sister Marilyn Chaffin of Kinsley, brother Tim Stone of Garden City and 
his mother Elsie Mae of Garden City. Three grandsons; Hayden Wehkamp of
 Garden City. Derek and Ty Flax of Ellis, Ks as well as many nieces and 
nephews. Steve is preceded in death by his father, Faye. 
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at 
The Golf Club at Southwind with Pastor Scott Rosen officiating. Burial 
will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call 
from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
 on Friday all at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. The family 
request memorials given to the Finney County Historical Society, in care
 of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City.&nbsp;

William Steven 'Steve' Stone

Some of them are creepy and crawly. Others can be vicious blood-suckers. Still others slowly whittle away at the wood in your home. But one thing homeowners know about all of the pests they may find is they would rather do without them.

This time of year, that’s nearly impossible, said Kansas State University entomologist Jeff Whitworth, who notes that many of the most common household pests become more active after March each year.

“Arthropods – insects, mites, spiders and others – are our No. 1 competitors for food and fiber, including wooden structures,” Whitworth said. “So, it behooves all of us to know as much as possible about these competitors so that we know which one’s are pests, which one’s are helping us, and the vast majority of which just occupy ecological niches that do not affect us.”

Whitworth is a co-author of the K-State Research and Extension publication,&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3291.pdf">Household Pests of Kansas</a>, a 112-page guide to the most common pests in the Sunflower State.

“This book will help folks identify pests, or identify that the bug they have found is not a pest,” Whitworth said. “If it is a pest to be concerned about, they can read a little about what to expect and how to best get rid of them or keep them out of the house.”

Termites are one of the most worrisome insects for homeowners.

“It’s been said that every wooden structure has had, has, or will have an infestation of these wood-destroying insects,” said Whitworth, noting that termites have “swarmed a little later this year than usual.”

He added that&nbsp;Household Pests in Kansas&nbsp;includes a good description of how to tell the difference between termites and ants, and a recommendation to call a pest control professional as soon as you realize you have termites.

Some of the many pests that Whitworth said homeowners should be aware of include:

Most household pests are inactive from October through March, Whitworth said, though a few “pantry pests” stay active during that time because they feed on stored foods that are generally kept at temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. “Cockroaches and bed bugs can certainly be active year-round, anywhere that temperatures are above 50 F,” he said.

In addition to his publication, Whitworth said two other books –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S131.pdf">Insects in Kansas</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S152.pdf">Crop Insects in Kansas</a>&nbsp;– will help homeowners identify pests.

“Your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html">local extension office</a>&nbsp;can also help,” he said. “Take the best, close-up photos you can, from several angles, and place something beside the specimen so the person making the identification can get an idea of size. You can also take the actual specimen in as good of condition as possible to the local extension office.”

When pest control measures are warranted, Whitworth recommended contacting an established company. “Get several estimates and each company’s tactic to manage your problem,” he said. “They will be different, but they will probably be happy to provide a free estimate. Don’t forget to get a warranty or guarantee, because they should provide these.”

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592579538317.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Some of them are creepy and crawly. Others can be vicious blood-suckers. Still others slowly whittle away at the wood in your home. But one thing homeowners know about all of the pests they may find is they would rather do without them.This time of year, that’s nearly impossible, said Kansas State University entomologist Jeff Whitworth, who notes that many of the most common household pests become more active after March each year.“Arthropods – insects, mites, spiders and others – are our No. 1 competitors for food and fiber, including wooden structures,” Whitworth said. “So, it behooves all of us to know as much as possible about these competitors so that we know which one’s are pests, which one’s are helping us, and the vast majority of which just occupy ecological niches that do not affect us.”Whitworth is a co-author of the K-State Research and Extension publication,&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3291.pdf">Household Pests of Kansas</a>, a 112-page guide to the most common pests in the Sunflower State.“This book will help folks identify pests, or identify that the bug they have found is not a pest,” Whitworth said. “If it is a pest to be concerned about, they can read a little about what to expect and how to best get rid of them or keep them out of the house.”Termites are one of the most worrisome insects for homeowners.“It’s been said that every wooden structure has had, has, or will have an infestation of these wood-destroying insects,” said Whitworth, noting that termites have “swarmed a little later this year than usual.”He added that&nbsp;Household Pests in Kansas&nbsp;includes a good description of how to tell the difference between termites and ants, and a recommendation to call a pest control professional as soon as you realize you have termites.Some of the many pests that Whitworth said homeowners should be aware of include:<ul>
 <li>Mosquitos and ticks.&nbsp;Aside from being blood-sucking nuisances, both can vector diseases.</li><li>Spiders.&nbsp;Most are harmless, but often scare homeowners. All spiders are poisonous but only two – the black widow and brown recluse – may require medical attention for both animals and humans.</li><li>Ants.&nbsp;They are mostly just a nuisance, constantly on the search for food scraps. The exception is the carpenter ant, which may start living in soft woods, insulation or other areas.</li><li>Carpenter bees.&nbsp;These are “always” a nuisance in late June to mid-July, Whitworth said. They don’t eat wood, but do tunnel and nest in it. The males have a habit of “dive-bombing” humans who approach their nests before the females have mated.</li>
 </ul>Most household pests are inactive from October through March, Whitworth said, though a few “pantry pests” stay active during that time because they feed on stored foods that are generally kept at temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. “Cockroaches and bed bugs can certainly be active year-round, anywhere that temperatures are above 50 F,” he said.In addition to his publication, Whitworth said two other books –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S131.pdf">Insects in Kansas</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S152.pdf">Crop Insects in Kansas</a>&nbsp;– will help homeowners identify pests.“Your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html">local extension office</a>&nbsp;can also help,” he said. “Take the best, close-up photos you can, from several angles, and place something beside the specimen so the person making the identification can get an idea of size. You can also take the actual specimen in as good of condition as possible to the local extension office.”When pest control measures are warranted, Whitworth recommended contacting an established company. “Get several estimates and each company’s tactic to manage your problem,” he said. “They will be different, but they will probably be happy to provide a free estimate. Don’t forget to get a warranty or guarantee, because they should provide these.”Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Troublesome pests crawling out of the woodwork

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-22/one-in-three-kansas-households-has-yet-to-fill-out-census">Kansas News Service</a>

Amid a pandemic that has slowed efforts to count Americans, more than
 a third of Kansas households haven’t yet responded to the U.S. Census.

In some counties, especially in rural areas, <a href="https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html" target="_blank">less than half</a> of the population has filled out the forms that help steer <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/about-us/census/" target="_blank">billions</a> in federal dollars and resources to the state each year.

One recent, high-profile example: Medical supplies that Kansas received from the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-06/kansas-is-looking-high-and-low-for-gear-to-protect-health-care-workers-from-covid-19" target="_blank">Strategic National Stockpile</a> to combat COVID-19 went out to counties based on their 2010 Census counts.

As a whole, Kansas’ 65% rate so far is slightly ahead of the national response rate. But <a href="https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html" target="_blank">participation</a> in the census varies dramatically so far, even within individual counties and towns.

Take Dodge City. Some census tracts in the area have topped 75%. Others, in the town’s south, remain around 40% or 50%.

Those
 areas include neighborhoods with lots of newcomers to the country, and 
lower-income areas such as mobile home parks, according to Blanca Soto.

Soto leads the push for census participation in the southwest part of
 the state for Kansas Appleseed, a group that focuses on poverty, access
 to food, and other issues.

Though this year marks the first time people can <a href="https://2020census.gov/en/ways-to-respond.html?cid=23756:census%20online:sem.ga:p:dm:en:&amp;utm_source=sem.ga&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_campaign=dm:en&amp;utm_content=23756&amp;utm_term=census%20online" target="_blank">fill out the Census online</a>,
 many families don’t have computers or smartphones. Others haven’t taken
 the U.S. Census before, and don’t know how the count works. Those with 
family members in the country illegally might be especially fearful.

“With
 the immigrant community, trust (in) the government is a problem,” Soto 
said. “They don't really feel comfortable giving out their personal 
information, for fear that the information will be shared with 
immigration services or the police department.”

By law, the Census Bureau must keep people’s responses <a href="https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/factsheets/2019/comm/2020-confidentiality-factsheet.pdf" target="_blank">confidential</a>. The information cannot be used by immigration or law enforcement agencies.

The
 pandemic has postponed much of the work that grassroots groups and 
community leaders envisioned for promoting the census, forcing them to 
adapt.

“Unfortunately, southwest Kansas is also one of the 
hotspots for COVID-19, which kind of complicates our work,” she said. 
“We are kind of just waiting for it to be pretty safe to go out in 
person, to talk to families and the community.”

Thousands of cases of coronavirus have been linked to Kansas <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/despite-meatpacking-plants-efforts-kansas-workers-say-were-right-next-each-other" target="_blank">meatpacking plants</a>, mostly in the <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">state’s southwest</a> corner.

When
 coronavirus shut schools down, Kansas Appleseed put explainers and 
stickers about the census into the lunches that many families still 
picked up each day.

The group has also taken to the airwaves on popular Spanish-speaking radio programs, and released videos in other key languages — such as Arabic, Somali and K’iche’ (a Mayan language from central America).

Other hard-to-count groups include very young children, military families and college students.

College
 students should count where they live during the school year, says 
Emily Kelley, who coordinates outreach work for the U.S. Census Bureau 
in Kansas and Oklahoma.

Normally, census workers go door to door 
in college communities during the spring semester to help make sure that
 happens. COVID-19 not only threw a wrench in face-to-face visits, she 
said, it also meant many students didn’t return to their college towns 
after spring break.

“K-State students comprise almost half of the 
population in the city of Manhattan,” Kelley said. “So making sure we 
count them is really, really important.”

The Census Bureau wants college students to fill out their forms with the address they would have occupied on April 1, had the pandemic not shut down their schools.

Kansas receives billions of dollars each year tied to census figures.

More than <a href="https://gwipp.gwu.edu/counting-dollars-2020-role-decennial-census-geographic-distribution-federal-funds" target="_blank">300 federal programs</a>
 rely on the Census Bureau’s decennial count to guide spending, 
including dozens aimed at supporting rural communities. It steers 
dollars for everything from water and road infrastructure to libraries.

George
 Washington University researchers looked at a handful of major health 
programs — including insurance for children — for 2015. It pegged <a href="https://gwipp.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2181/f/downloads/GWIPP%20Reamer%20Fiscal%20Impacts%20of%20Census%20Undercount%20on%20FMAP-based%20Programs%2003-19-18.pdf" target="_blank">the stakes for Kansas</a> at about $30 million in annual lost funds for each 1% of the population that goes uncounted.

“We
 hoped we would be over 80% response rate at this time.” said Wendi 
Stark, who coordinates census outreach efforts for the League of Kansas 
Municipalities. The pandemic forced them to rethink. “Our goal is to 
make sure that we have over 80 percent by July 31.”

In August, 
census workers will fan out to homes that haven’t replied. The more 
people reply by phone or mail, or online, the less knocking those 
workers will have to do amid a pandemic.

Census workers will keep knocking on doors through October.

Many
 rural areas with low response rates in Kansas depend heavily on P.O. 
boxes for mail delivery. That complicates matters because census workers
 <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/blogs/director/2010/03/what-if-you-usually-receive-your-mail-at-a-post-office-box-but-didnt-get-a-census-form.html" target="_blank">had to hand-deliver</a>
 packets to homes there instead, hanging them on doors or gates. This 
year, the pandemic pushed that work back until May, meaning many homes 
only received written notice a few weeks ago.

Soto remains confident that response rates will climb once volunteers and census workers can get out more.

Kansas
 created committees across the state this year to loop neighborhood 
groups, pastors, doctors, educators and others who have the trust of 
their communities into the work of spreading the word.

“For a lot 
of the Latino communities,” she said, “schools are a really trusted 
voice. What the school says, they know that it's going to be true and 
it's going to be reliable.”

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592834322694.png" alt="When the pandemic shut down campuses this spring, it complicated efforts to get accurate counts in college towns like Lawrence, Kansas. Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>When the pandemic shut down campuses this spring, it complicated efforts to get accurate counts in college towns like Lawrence, Kansas. Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-22/one-in-three-kansas-households-has-yet-to-fill-out-census">Kansas News Service</a>Amid a pandemic that has slowed efforts to count Americans, more than
 a third of Kansas households haven’t yet responded to the U.S. Census.In some counties, especially in rural areas, <a href="https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html" target="_blank">less than half</a> of the population has filled out the forms that help steer <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/about-us/census/" target="_blank">billions</a> in federal dollars and resources to the state each year.One recent, high-profile example: Medical supplies that Kansas received from the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-06/kansas-is-looking-high-and-low-for-gear-to-protect-health-care-workers-from-covid-19" target="_blank">Strategic National Stockpile</a> to combat COVID-19 went out to counties based on their 2010 Census counts.As a whole, Kansas’ 65% rate so far is slightly ahead of the national response rate. But <a href="https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html" target="_blank">participation</a> in the census varies dramatically so far, even within individual counties and towns.Take Dodge City. Some census tracts in the area have topped 75%. Others, in the town’s south, remain around 40% or 50%.Those
 areas include neighborhoods with lots of newcomers to the country, and 
lower-income areas such as mobile home parks, according to Blanca Soto.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592834405404.png" alt="Participation rates so far are higher in the north of Dodge City than the south. U.S. Census" />
 <figcaption>Participation rates so far are higher in the north of Dodge City than the south. U.S. Census</figcaption>
 </figure>Soto leads the push for census participation in the southwest part of
 the state for Kansas Appleseed, a group that focuses on poverty, access
 to food, and other issues.Though this year marks the first time people can <a href="https://2020census.gov/en/ways-to-respond.html?cid=23756:census%20online:sem.ga:p:dm:en:&amp;utm_source=sem.ga&amp;utm_medium=p&amp;utm_campaign=dm:en&amp;utm_content=23756&amp;utm_term=census%20online" target="_blank">fill out the Census online</a>,
 many families don’t have computers or smartphones. Others haven’t taken
 the U.S. Census before, and don’t know how the count works. Those with 
family members in the country illegally might be especially fearful.“With
 the immigrant community, trust (in) the government is a problem,” Soto 
said. “They don't really feel comfortable giving out their personal 
information, for fear that the information will be shared with 
immigration services or the police department.”By law, the Census Bureau must keep people’s responses <a href="https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/factsheets/2019/comm/2020-confidentiality-factsheet.pdf" target="_blank">confidential</a>. The information cannot be used by immigration or law enforcement agencies.The
 pandemic has postponed much of the work that grassroots groups and 
community leaders envisioned for promoting the census, forcing them to 
adapt.“Unfortunately, southwest Kansas is also one of the 
hotspots for COVID-19, which kind of complicates our work,” she said. 
“We are kind of just waiting for it to be pretty safe to go out in 
person, to talk to families and the community.”Thousands of cases of coronavirus have been linked to Kansas <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/despite-meatpacking-plants-efforts-kansas-workers-say-were-right-next-each-other" target="_blank">meatpacking plants</a>, mostly in the <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">state’s southwest</a> corner.When
 coronavirus shut schools down, Kansas Appleseed put explainers and 
stickers about the census into the lunches that many families still 
picked up each day.The group has also taken to the airwaves on popular Spanish-speaking radio programs, and released videos in other key languages — such as Arabic, Somali and K’iche’ (a Mayan language from central America).Other hard-to-count groups include very young children, military families and college students.College
 students should count where they live during the school year, says 
Emily Kelley, who coordinates outreach work for the U.S. Census Bureau 
in Kansas and Oklahoma.Normally, census workers go door to door 
in college communities during the spring semester to help make sure that
 happens. COVID-19 not only threw a wrench in face-to-face visits, she 
said, it also meant many students didn’t return to their college towns 
after spring break.“K-State students comprise almost half of the 
population in the city of Manhattan,” Kelley said. “So making sure we 
count them is really, really important.”The Census Bureau wants college students to fill out their forms with the address they would have occupied on April 1, had the pandemic not shut down their schools.Kansas receives billions of dollars each year tied to census figures.More than <a href="https://gwipp.gwu.edu/counting-dollars-2020-role-decennial-census-geographic-distribution-federal-funds" target="_blank">300 federal programs</a>
 rely on the Census Bureau’s decennial count to guide spending, 
including dozens aimed at supporting rural communities. It steers 
dollars for everything from water and road infrastructure to libraries.George
 Washington University researchers looked at a handful of major health 
programs — including insurance for children — for 2015. It pegged <a href="https://gwipp.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2181/f/downloads/GWIPP%20Reamer%20Fiscal%20Impacts%20of%20Census%20Undercount%20on%20FMAP-based%20Programs%2003-19-18.pdf" target="_blank">the stakes for Kansas</a> at about $30 million in annual lost funds for each 1% of the population that goes uncounted.“We
 hoped we would be over 80% response rate at this time.” said Wendi 
Stark, who coordinates census outreach efforts for the League of Kansas 
Municipalities. The pandemic forced them to rethink. “Our goal is to 
make sure that we have over 80 percent by July 31.”In August, 
census workers will fan out to homes that haven’t replied. The more 
people reply by phone or mail, or online, the less knocking those 
workers will have to do amid a pandemic.Census workers will keep knocking on doors through October.Many
 rural areas with low response rates in Kansas depend heavily on P.O. 
boxes for mail delivery. That complicates matters because census workers
 <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/blogs/director/2010/03/what-if-you-usually-receive-your-mail-at-a-post-office-box-but-didnt-get-a-census-form.html" target="_blank">had to hand-deliver</a>
 packets to homes there instead, hanging them on doors or gates. This 
year, the pandemic pushed that work back until May, meaning many homes 
only received written notice a few weeks ago.Soto remains confident that response rates will climb once volunteers and census workers can get out more.Kansas
 created committees across the state this year to loop neighborhood 
groups, pastors, doctors, educators and others who have the trust of 
their communities into the work of spreading the word.“For a lot 
of the Latino communities,” she said, “schools are a really trusted 
voice. What the school says, they know that it's going to be true and 
it's going to be reliable.”Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

One in three Kansas households has yet to fill out census

Fort Hays State University announced 2020-21 reopening plans for academic programs and residential living. The product of several months of work and with the input of dozens of university faculty and staff, and state and local public health and medical guidance, both plans incorporate a variety of measures that position the university to return to campus-based operations in the fall and successfully deliver on its core educational mission for students across the state and the globe. Both plans align with the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.fhsu.edu%2fcovid-19-response%2fupdates%2ffhsu_reopeningplan_v7&amp;c=E,1,E9IrHfqZc1RFOpT_2iqtmlVtgeqLwrT5NmwKdmWN50MiWSlDBgFBUXvMngphci4v712_LOGVHbS55tDPM7zdvX6tKxrD_NrrYe6P368My5P0Kxoi34ptemGlDth-Hg,,&amp;typo=1">Phased Plan Toward FHSU Employee Return and University Reopening</a>&nbsp;announced in May.&nbsp; The FHSU reopening plan, including the academic affairs and residential life plans detailed in this release are distinctive in the extent to which university academic leaders have created course delivery and residential living options that maximize the on-campus student experience. The FHSU reopening plan embraces the reality of the lives of our students, who often need to work full- or part-time jobs while they are in college. FHSU students also tend to maintain close connections to home and family during their college careers, and travel home frequently, not just for holidays and scheduled breaks.&nbsp; Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the university has focused its planning and responses on ensuring adherence to six core guiding principles. These include:&nbsp; • Prioritizing the health and safety of faculty, staff, and students&nbsp; • Protecting the mission of FHSU&nbsp; • Maintaining critical operations and a sound fiscal footing&nbsp; • Staying mindful of good governance principles&nbsp; • Remaining nimble and true to FHSU’s innovative culture&nbsp; • Complying with Kansas Board of Regents directives&nbsp; Contingency Planning This plan focuses on providing a positive on-campus experience while adhering to local, state, and federal health protocols. Contingency plans are in place in the event circumstances require the university to introduce additional health and safety measures. We will continue to monitor and respond to new guidelines and recommendations from appropriate authorities. Space will be reserved in our residence hall facilities to accommodate quarantine or isolation as necessary. Details and updates will continue to be provided directly to students throughout the summer via their FHSU email accounts.&nbsp; The COVID-19 pandemic is a very complex, dangerous, and fluid global health crisis that continues to evolve in very rapid and unpredictable ways. All information on these pages is subject to change as deemed necessary by university leadership in accordance with guidance and recommendations issued by federal, state and local public health and government officials.&nbsp; More information about the university’s COVID-19 response and planning efforts may be found&nbsp;on the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/covid-19-response/index">COVID-19 Response</a>&nbsp;website.&nbsp; FHSU 2020-2021 ACADEMIC AFFAIRS PLAN&nbsp; The academic operations plan was reviewed and approved by the university’s Academic Council, the Critical Incident Policy Group (CIPG) and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) with the general framework guiding principles in mind. &nbsp;“This plan strikes a solid balance between maintaining the health and safety of all students, faculty, staff and visitors, protecting the university’s mission, facilitating student success, maintaining operations and a sound fiscal footing, and adherence to the latest and best COVID-19 guidance available,” said Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Jill Arensdorf. “This has been a collaborative effort from the outset, and our plans reflect the innovation, persistence and caring culture that are the hallmarks of this great university.”&nbsp; Course Scheduling Courses will be offered three different ways in this academic year:&nbsp; Total On-Campus Courses&nbsp;will include any course faculty and students must have campus access to complete all learning outcomes and/or cannot be delivered, even in part, via online media. These will be offered in a concentrated eight-week timeframe and must be completed by Friday, October 9th. &nbsp;&nbsp; Hybrid Courses&nbsp;will include any course that will utilize faculty and student campus access and meeting time to complete or supplement some learning outcomes but uses online media to complete other learning outcomes. The on-campus element will remain an important delivery mode for Hybrid courses this academic year. &nbsp;Hybrid courses will remain scheduled as 16-week courses. Students taking Hybrid Courses will retain access to on-campus resources and services.&nbsp; Total Online Courses&nbsp;will include any course that will be completed in an online environment. They will be delivered entirely online as 16-week courses (except for those previously scheduled for shorter periods). Students taking TOL courses will retain access to on-campus resources and services.&nbsp; The Hybrid and TOL courses delivered by FHSU are not remote courses. The online learning elements in these courses offer heightened interactivity and learning technologies specifically designed to enhance the online learning experience. FHSU Online, working in conjunction with talented faculty and the university’s Teaching Innovation and Learning Technology (TILT) group delivers nationally ranked, high-quality and affordable online learning experiences. FHSU Online is one of only six higher education institutions in the world to earn the United States Distance Learning Association certification.&nbsp; Over the next few weeks, on-campus courses will be notated appropriately (i.e. TOC, HC, and TOL). Communications to students from their departments and advisors will assist students in understanding the course delivery modes for their specific courses. &nbsp;&nbsp; More details on the FHSU Academic plan for the 2020-2021 academic year are available on the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/covid-19-response/index">COVID-19 Response website</a>.&nbsp; FHSU 2020-2021 RESIDENTIAL LIFE PLAN&nbsp; Fort Hays State University will open the Residence Halls and affiliated dining options to welcome the Tiger nation back to campus for the 2020-2021 academic year. Updates reflected in this plan to housing and on-campus dining operations focus on enhancing student success and mitigating the potential spread of COVID-19, while still providing our students with an engaging on-campus living experience.

“We strongly believe living on campus offers students multiple advantages ranging from academic benefits, social opportunities, and increased security,” said FHSU Vice President for Student Affairs, Joey Linn. &nbsp;“Students sharing experiences in the classroom and in their living community provides immediate opportunities for new friends and access to resources that promote academic success.” 

Trained student staff will be readily available to answer student questions and provide support. The University Police Department will also be on hand to ease the transition back to campus for Tigers and their families. &nbsp;&nbsp; 2020-2021 On-Campus Housing at a Glance: · &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Students will still have the choice to live with their selected roommates/suitemates whenever possible. · &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Residents will occupy Stadium Place and Wooster apartments as normal with minimal adjustments.&nbsp; · &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Occupancy numbers in McMindes Hall will be reduced.&nbsp; · &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Assignments may be adjusted to other floors or buildings to reduce the number of students using community restrooms.&nbsp; · &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Furniture in double occupancy rooms will be arranged before move-in placing the beds approximately six feet apart.&nbsp; · &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Move-in dates and processes will be modified to reduce the number of people gathered in our buildings at the same time.&nbsp; Students who have submitted housing contracts will be housed under the new plan.&nbsp; The Office of Residential Life will notify students with contracts later in June regarding assignment confirmations or potential changes to their housing assignments. Additionally, throughout the summer students will receive information about updated terms, policies, and behavior expectations related to COVID-19.&nbsp; Dining at a Glance Details regarding modifications to dining operations will be sent to students later this summer. Dining and seating options will be adjusted to allow for social distancing, including an additional outside dining option at the McMindes Café.&nbsp; More information about the university’s COVID-19 response and planning efforts may be found&nbsp;on the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/covid-19-response/index">COVID-19 Response</a>&nbsp;website.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592837391474.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University announced 2020-21 reopening plans for academic programs and residential living. The product of several months of work and with the input of dozens of university faculty and staff, and state and local public health and medical guidance, both plans incorporate a variety of measures that position the university to return to campus-based operations in the fall and successfully deliver on its core educational mission for students across the state and the globe. Both plans align with the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.fhsu.edu%2fcovid-19-response%2fupdates%2ffhsu_reopeningplan_v7&amp;c=E,1,E9IrHfqZc1RFOpT_2iqtmlVtgeqLwrT5NmwKdmWN50MiWSlDBgFBUXvMngphci4v712_LOGVHbS55tDPM7zdvX6tKxrD_NrrYe6P368My5P0Kxoi34ptemGlDth-Hg,,&amp;typo=1">Phased Plan Toward FHSU Employee Return and University Reopening</a>&nbsp;announced in May.&nbsp; The FHSU reopening plan, including the academic affairs and residential life plans detailed in this release are distinctive in the extent to which university academic leaders have created course delivery and residential living options that maximize the on-campus student experience. The FHSU reopening plan embraces the reality of the lives of our students, who often need to work full- or part-time jobs while they are in college. FHSU students also tend to maintain close connections to home and family during their college careers, and travel home frequently, not just for holidays and scheduled breaks.&nbsp; Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the university has focused its planning and responses on ensuring adherence to six core guiding principles. These include:&nbsp; • Prioritizing the health and safety of faculty, staff, and students&nbsp; • Protecting the mission of FHSU&nbsp; • Maintaining critical operations and a sound fiscal footing&nbsp; • Staying mindful of good governance principles&nbsp; • Remaining nimble and true to FHSU’s innovative culture&nbsp; • Complying with Kansas Board of Regents directives&nbsp; Contingency Planning This plan focuses on providing a positive on-campus experience while adhering to local, state, and federal health protocols. Contingency plans are in place in the event circumstances require the university to introduce additional health and safety measures. We will continue to monitor and respond to new guidelines and recommendations from appropriate authorities. Space will be reserved in our residence hall facilities to accommodate quarantine or isolation as necessary. Details and updates will continue to be provided directly to students throughout the summer via their FHSU email accounts.&nbsp; The COVID-19 pandemic is a very complex, dangerous, and fluid global health crisis that continues to evolve in very rapid and unpredictable ways. All information on these pages is subject to change as deemed necessary by university leadership in accordance with guidance and recommendations issued by federal, state and local public health and government officials.&nbsp; More information about the university’s COVID-19 response and planning efforts may be found&nbsp;on the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/covid-19-response/index">COVID-19 Response</a>&nbsp;website.&nbsp; FHSU 2020-2021 ACADEMIC AFFAIRS PLAN&nbsp; The academic operations plan was reviewed and approved by the university’s Academic Council, the Critical Incident Policy Group (CIPG) and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) with the general framework guiding principles in mind. &nbsp;“This plan strikes a solid balance between maintaining the health and safety of all students, faculty, staff and visitors, protecting the university’s mission, facilitating student success, maintaining operations and a sound fiscal footing, and adherence to the latest and best COVID-19 guidance available,” said Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Jill Arensdorf. “This has been a collaborative effort from the outset, and our plans reflect the innovation, persistence and caring culture that are the hallmarks of this great university.”&nbsp; Course Scheduling Courses will be offered three different ways in this academic year:&nbsp; Total On-Campus Courses&nbsp;will include any course faculty and students must have campus access to complete all learning outcomes and/or cannot be delivered, even in part, via online media. These will be offered in a concentrated eight-week timeframe and must be completed by Friday, October 9th. &nbsp;&nbsp; Hybrid Courses&nbsp;will include any course that will utilize faculty and student campus access and meeting time to complete or supplement some learning outcomes but uses online media to complete other learning outcomes. The on-campus element will remain an important delivery mode for Hybrid courses this academic year. &nbsp;Hybrid courses will remain scheduled as 16-week courses. Students taking Hybrid Courses will retain access to on-campus resources and services.&nbsp; Total Online Courses&nbsp;will include any course that will be completed in an online environment. They will be delivered entirely online as 16-week courses (except for those previously scheduled for shorter periods). Students taking TOL courses will retain access to on-campus resources and services.&nbsp; The Hybrid and TOL courses delivered by FHSU are not remote courses. The online learning elements in these courses offer heightened interactivity and learning technologies specifically designed to enhance the online learning experience. FHSU Online, working in conjunction with talented faculty and the university’s Teaching Innovation and Learning Technology (TILT) group delivers nationally ranked, high-quality and affordable online learning experiences. FHSU Online is one of only six higher education institutions in the world to earn the United States Distance Learning Association certification.&nbsp; Over the next few weeks, on-campus courses will be notated appropriately (i.e. TOC, HC, and TOL). Communications to students from their departments and advisors will assist students in understanding the course delivery modes for their specific courses. &nbsp;&nbsp; More details on the FHSU Academic plan for the 2020-2021 academic year are available on the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/covid-19-response/index">COVID-19 Response website</a>.&nbsp; FHSU 2020-2021 RESIDENTIAL LIFE PLAN&nbsp; Fort Hays State University will open the Residence Halls and affiliated dining options to welcome the Tiger nation back to campus for the 2020-2021 academic year. Updates reflected in this plan to housing and on-campus dining operations focus on enhancing student success and mitigating the potential spread of COVID-19, while still providing our students with an engaging on-campus living experience. “We strongly believe living on campus offers students multiple advantages ranging from academic benefits, social opportunities, and increased security,” said FHSU Vice President for Student Affairs, Joey Linn. &nbsp;“Students sharing experiences in the classroom and in their living community provides immediate opportunities for new friends and access to resources that promote academic success.” Trained student staff will be readily available to answer student questions and provide support. The University Police Department will also be on hand to ease the transition back to campus for Tigers and their families. &nbsp;&nbsp; 2020-2021 On-Campus Housing at a Glance: · &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Students will still have the choice to live with their selected roommates/suitemates whenever possible. · &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Residents will occupy Stadium Place and Wooster apartments as normal with minimal adjustments.&nbsp; · &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Occupancy numbers in McMindes Hall will be reduced.&nbsp; · &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Assignments may be adjusted to other floors or buildings to reduce the number of students using community restrooms.&nbsp; · &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Furniture in double occupancy rooms will be arranged before move-in placing the beds approximately six feet apart.&nbsp; · &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Move-in dates and processes will be modified to reduce the number of people gathered in our buildings at the same time.&nbsp; Students who have submitted housing contracts will be housed under the new plan.&nbsp; The Office of Residential Life will notify students with contracts later in June regarding assignment confirmations or potential changes to their housing assignments. Additionally, throughout the summer students will receive information about updated terms, policies, and behavior expectations related to COVID-19.&nbsp; Dining at a Glance Details regarding modifications to dining operations will be sent to students later this summer. Dining and seating options will be adjusted to allow for social distancing, including an additional outside dining option at the McMindes Café.&nbsp; More information about the university’s COVID-19 response and planning efforts may be found&nbsp;on the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/covid-19-response/index">COVID-19 Response</a>&nbsp;website.&nbsp;

FHSU announces 2020-21 academic, residential reopening plans

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City couple left their 12-year-old boy with cerebral palsy behind for weeks after they moved, returning only periodically to bring him food, according to court records.

Janine Allen, 30, and Brendon Luke, 29, were each being held on $250,000 bond on charges of felony abuse or neglect of a child.

Police learned the boy was left by himself in a Blue Springs home while they monitored him with an in-home video system from their new home a couple of miles away, according to&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/hhollingsworth/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/QORMGK04/AllenLuke_Redacted.pdf">court records</a>.

The mother allegedly told witnesses she did not want him to damage the walls of the families’ new home. In a home-surveillance video later obtained by police, the boy says, “I want out. I don’t like this, mommy.”

A Children’s Division worker involved with the family since October the child was “increasingly violent” toward the family and believed he needed residential placement, but his mother hadn’t completed the required paperwork, according to court documents. The worker was unaware the child had been abandoned, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/nation-world/national/article243646527.html">reports</a>.

Allen’s attorney P.J. O’Connor told McClatchy News there is more to the case than what is in the arrest affidavit.

“I’ve just entered my appearance on the case and there is a lot more to the story than what’s been presented in the probable cause statement,” O’Connor said in an email. “Until I’ve viewed all the evidence I don’t want to comment any further.”

Luke does not have an attorney listed in court records.

In early June, concerned residents told Blue Springs police the wheelchair-bound child had been left in the home for weeks, prompting the investigation.

When a police officer went to the home, Allen told him through a doorbell camera that the boy was OK and she could see him on camera, according to court records. Later, Allen explained to investigators that she and her husband monitored the boy with a two-way radio and camera that provides alerts of movements and noises inside the house, police said.

She told the officers her son knew how to call 911 and her phone number in an emergency.

A Children’s Mercy clinic told investigators the boy is “medically complex” and shouldn’t be left unsupervised, police said. In September, the boy was at the clinic for a “suspicious” broken arm following an altercation with his mother, according to court documents. A school resource officer said the boy needs help using the bathroom and eating and also with mobility.

Inside the home, investigators reported finding feces and it smelled of urine. There was a telephone with no dial tone.

The family’s new home was “extremely large in size” with a basement large enough for the boy and other children to have their own rooms, police said.

According to police, video shows the child attempting for more than 20 minutes to get out of his locked room with a small piece of wire. Another video shows Luke “throwing food on the floor” in the boy’s room before leaving the house within six minutes, police say.

On June 11, Allen told investigators the boy was left in the home since Mother’s Day, which was May 10, according to court documents. She said leaving her son in the house was the best option to protect her family from violence, police say.

Jackson County Family Court obtained emergency custody of the boy. Luke took him to a residential facility in southern Missouri a day later, despite the custody order, police say.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592654135623.png" alt="Brendon Luke, 29, photos Blue Springs Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Brendon Luke, 29, photos Blue Springs Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City couple left their 12-year-old boy with cerebral palsy behind for weeks after they moved, returning only periodically to bring him food, according to court records.Janine Allen, 30, and Brendon Luke, 29, were each being held on $250,000 bond on charges of felony abuse or neglect of a child.Police learned the boy was left by himself in a Blue Springs home while they monitored him with an in-home video system from their new home a couple of miles away, according to&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/hhollingsworth/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/QORMGK04/AllenLuke_Redacted.pdf">court records</a>.The mother allegedly told witnesses she did not want him to damage the walls of the families’ new home. In a home-surveillance video later obtained by police, the boy says, “I want out. I don’t like this, mommy.”A Children’s Division worker involved with the family since October the child was “increasingly violent” toward the family and believed he needed residential placement, but his mother hadn’t completed the required paperwork, according to court documents. The worker was unaware the child had been abandoned, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/nation-world/national/article243646527.html">reports</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592654115976.png" alt="Janine Allen&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Janine Allen&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Allen’s attorney P.J. O’Connor told McClatchy News there is more to the case than what is in the arrest affidavit.“I’ve just entered my appearance on the case and there is a lot more to the story than what’s been presented in the probable cause statement,” O’Connor said in an email. “Until I’ve viewed all the evidence I don’t want to comment any further.”Luke does not have an attorney listed in court records.In early June, concerned residents told Blue Springs police the wheelchair-bound child had been left in the home for weeks, prompting the investigation.When a police officer went to the home, Allen told him through a doorbell camera that the boy was OK and she could see him on camera, according to court records. Later, Allen explained to investigators that she and her husband monitored the boy with a two-way radio and camera that provides alerts of movements and noises inside the house, police said.She told the officers her son knew how to call 911 and her phone number in an emergency.A Children’s Mercy clinic told investigators the boy is “medically complex” and shouldn’t be left unsupervised, police said. In September, the boy was at the clinic for a “suspicious” broken arm following an altercation with his mother, according to court documents. A school resource officer said the boy needs help using the bathroom and eating and also with mobility.Inside the home, investigators reported finding feces and it smelled of urine. There was a telephone with no dial tone.The family’s new home was “extremely large in size” with a basement large enough for the boy and other children to have their own rooms, police said.According to police, video shows the child attempting for more than 20 minutes to get out of his locked room with a small piece of wire. Another video shows Luke “throwing food on the floor” in the boy’s room before leaving the house within six minutes, police say.On June 11, Allen told investigators the boy was left in the home since Mother’s Day, which was May 10, according to court documents. She said leaving her son in the house was the best option to protect her family from violence, police say.Jackson County Family Court obtained emergency custody of the boy. Luke took him to a residential facility in southern Missouri a day later, despite the custody order, police say.

Kansas City couple accused of abandoning boy, 12, with palsy

JoAnn (Gallon) Hiss, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great 
grandmother, sister, and friend died May 7, 2020, at Woodhaven Care 
Center, Ellinwood. She was born December 27, 1927, in Great Bend, the 
daughter of Elmer P. and Edna V. (Almquist) Gallon. She married Elward 
J. Hiss, Jr., “Eldy” on October 26, 1947, at the First Presbyterian 
Church in Great Bend. He survives.

A lifetime resident of Great Bend, JoAnn was an active member of the 
First Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Women. JoAnn graduated from 
Great Bend High School in 1945. In her early years, she enjoyed 
employment as a bank teller and at Komarek Jewelers, later enjoying all 
aspects of family farm life. She was a past church school teacher and an
 elder of the church. She was a member of the Central Kansas Thread 
Benders Quilt Guild, Kansas Quilters Organization, American Quilter's 
Society, life member of the Barton County Historical Society and enjoyed
 wheat weaving. She was a volunteer with special interest in the 
American Red Cross Blood program, serving the program for over a quarter
 of a century.

JoAnn and her husband, Eldy, were high school sweethearts and were 
fortunate to be married for 72 years. They loved their family, friends, 
and traveling to see the wonderful world.

Survivors include, her husband, Eldy; two sons, Richard L. "Rick" 
Hiss and wife Tina, and Elward James Hiss, III "Jim" and wife Melinda; 
and a daughter, Sandra K. “Sandy” Hiss, all of Great Bend; four 
grandchildren, Michelle (Aaron) Peck of Salina, Bradley (Nikki) Hiss of 
Great Bend, E.J. Hiss of Kansas City, Mo., and Veronica Hiss of Wichita;
 and three great grandchildren, Adia Peck, Noah Peck and Tony Hiss. 
JoAnn was preceded in passing by a sister, Jean Vollmer.

Celebration of Life services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday June 20, 2020, at First Presbyterian Church, Great Bend, with Rev. Kathleen Luke presiding.  Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church or Barton County Historical Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588960339028.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JoAnn (Gallon) Hiss, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great 
grandmother, sister, and friend died May 7, 2020, at Woodhaven Care 
Center, Ellinwood. She was born December 27, 1927, in Great Bend, the 
daughter of Elmer P. and Edna V. (Almquist) Gallon. She married Elward 
J. Hiss, Jr., “Eldy” on October 26, 1947, at the First Presbyterian 
Church in Great Bend. He survives.A lifetime resident of Great Bend, JoAnn was an active member of the 
First Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Women. JoAnn graduated from 
Great Bend High School in 1945. In her early years, she enjoyed 
employment as a bank teller and at Komarek Jewelers, later enjoying all 
aspects of family farm life. She was a past church school teacher and an
 elder of the church. She was a member of the Central Kansas Thread 
Benders Quilt Guild, Kansas Quilters Organization, American Quilter's 
Society, life member of the Barton County Historical Society and enjoyed
 wheat weaving. She was a volunteer with special interest in the 
American Red Cross Blood program, serving the program for over a quarter
 of a century.JoAnn and her husband, Eldy, were high school sweethearts and were 
fortunate to be married for 72 years. They loved their family, friends, 
and traveling to see the wonderful world.Survivors include, her husband, Eldy; two sons, Richard L. "Rick" 
Hiss and wife Tina, and Elward James Hiss, III "Jim" and wife Melinda; 
and a daughter, Sandra K. “Sandy” Hiss, all of Great Bend; four 
grandchildren, Michelle (Aaron) Peck of Salina, Bradley (Nikki) Hiss of 
Great Bend, E.J. Hiss of Kansas City, Mo., and Veronica Hiss of Wichita;
 and three great grandchildren, Adia Peck, Noah Peck and Tony Hiss. 
JoAnn was preceded in passing by a sister, Jean Vollmer.Celebration of Life services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday June 20, 2020, at First Presbyterian Church, Great Bend, with Rev. Kathleen Luke presiding. Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church or Barton County Historical Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.&nbsp;

JoAnn (Gallon) Hiss

On June 4th, the Senate wrapped up the end of Special Session (which followed the Veto Session in May) and ended the 2020 Legislative Session.

 It was a shortened session due to Covid-19 which stalled the regular session on March 23rd.&nbsp; We returned May 21st&nbsp;for Sine Die and Veto Session.&nbsp; 

Seventeen bills were sent to the Governor – 6 Senate bills and 11 House bills.&nbsp; A total of 261 Senate bills were introduced in 2020, with an additional 208 Senate bills carried over from the 2019 Session.&nbsp; The Governor signed one additional bill for Special Session which was HB2016.&nbsp; The 2021 Legislative Session will convene January 11, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.

The 2020 Special Session is the 24th special session in Kansas history. The first was called in 1874 and the most recent were: 2005 (School finance), 2013 (“Hard 50” law), and 2016 (School finance).

The regular and veto Session ended May 21st&nbsp;with no opportunity for a Veto override attempt due to a previous Resolution passed by both Chambers when we adjourned in March.&nbsp; 

The Governor vetoed HB2054, which was the Emergency Disaster bill, on May 26th&nbsp;which had passed both the Senate and House and called us back to a Special Session on June 3rd.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 HB2016 is very similar to the vetoed bill with a few changes which came about by both Chambers and the Governor’s office working together on a compromise.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Below are a few highlights of the bill – more details can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;under the 2020 Special Session red lettering on the home page and typing HB2016 in the search box- the SN column (Supplemental Note) will be the easy to read version with expiration dates and each section listed.&nbsp;

The bill includes $1.25B in Coronavirus federal funding (Coronavirus Relief Fund – CRF) to be spent with the approval of a majority of the State Finance Council (SFC) and the Governor.&nbsp; This Council includes eight legislators – the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, the Senate Majority and Minority leader, the Chairperson of Senate Ways and Means, the House Majority leader and Minority leader, the Chairperson of the House Appropriation committee and Governor Kelly.&nbsp; This process has been used for federal disaster funds in the past.&nbsp;

The Governor’s emergency declaration is extended through September 15th&nbsp;but is then prohibited from further declarations through the end of 2020 unless approved by the SFC.&nbsp; Before September 15th&nbsp;the Governor cannot close any business, restrict gatherings or travel and after September 15th&nbsp;these declarations must be approved by the SFC.&nbsp; The Governor must consult with SFC 24 hours before closing any business and can only close businesses for 15 days unless 6 SFC members approve.&nbsp;

The bill allows County Commissions to issue orders less restrictive than the state if they included findings from a local health officer that the full statewide provisions are not necessary to protect county residents.&nbsp; This is the local control piece which was in much of the discussion from the beginning of the virus infection in March.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Governor will need to receive approval from the Kansas Board of Education to close schools.

The Governor will not be able to change the timing of elections or how elections are conducted.

The Secretary of Health or a county health officer can conduct contact tracing to protect public health.&nbsp; The information can only be used for public health purposes and data will remain confidential and be destroyed when tracing ends.&nbsp; The language of this session was requested and written by the Kansas Attorney General as Kansas has no laws on the books to address contact tracing.&nbsp;

First responders will be alerted to the presence of a COVID case in order to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.&nbsp;

Telemedicine will allow doctors to prescribe medication without an in-person visit.&nbsp; Doctors licensed in other states are allowed to use telemedicine as well for Kansas patients.&nbsp; Physicians will be allowed to practice at a medical facility without becoming a member of its staff.&nbsp; Hospitals will be allowed to admit more patients than they are currently licensed to and modify rooms in case of a surge of the virus within reasonable safety requirements.&nbsp;

The bill will provide immunity for healthcare services and workers due to COVID-19 (except for negligence and recklessness) and will also include this protection for manufactures and distributors for COVID-19 products (such as masks and sanitizers).&nbsp; Adult care facilities while not strictly immune would have to prove that harm was caused even though they followed the rules and were compliant with the law.&nbsp; The bill also creates infection control inspection for every facility with 90 days (the original HB2054 had a 30-day inspection timeline).

The Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court may authorize the use of two-way video conferencing to ensure the health and safety of all involved during ANY statewide declared disaster emergency.

Alcoholic liquor may be sold for consumption off-premises as long as it is legal for both the seller and consumer to be selling or consuming the alcoholic liquor, respectively and the consumer receives the beverage with a dated receipt and in a tamper-evident container. This provision will expire upon the expiration of the federal disaster emergency related to COVID-19.

A notary public may notarize a document without an in-person appearance as long as the notary public abides by executive order or other relevant state law.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AWARDS – DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE SUPPLEMENT (CDBG-CV) – SENATE DISTRICT #36

On June 2nd, the Department of Commerce announced&nbsp;awards of nearly $9 million in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV) funds to 66 Kansas communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;CDBG-CV grants are part of the state’s allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and are designed to help Kansas communities respond to the needs of their residents and businesses during the reopening phase of the state.&nbsp; Grants were available in two categories – Economic Development and Meal Programs. Economic Development grants provide communities with funding to help local businesses retain jobs for low-to-moderate income people by covering working capital expenses such as inventory, wages and utilities. Meal Program grants can be directed toward organizations such as Meals on Wheels, local food banks or to support organizations providing meals for children affected by the loss of school meal programs.

To date, the Department of Commerce has received 106 award applications totaling more than $32 million. While all funds for this round of CDBG-CV have been awarded, the Department of Commerce expects to receive approximately $7 million in additional funding in a second round of CDBG funds through the CARES Act.

CDBG-CV awards in Senate District:&nbsp; the city of Beloit; counties Cloud, Jewell, Marshall, Mitchell, Osborne, Phillips, Smith all receiving $132,000.00 and Russell County awarded $178,000.00.

The State of Kansas saw total tax collections for May Fiscal Year 2020 at $448.7 million; 6.6% or $27.8 million above the estimate. That is down 20.3% or $114.4 million compared to the same month last fiscal year.&nbsp; 

Total tax collection growth over April Consensus Revenue Estimates were attributed to online sales and withholding taxes.&nbsp; Individual income tax collections were up $5.9 million or 2.8% compared to the estimate with $215.9 million collected. That is 22.3% or $62.0 million less than last May. 

The increase from the estimate can be attributed to reduced bond payments from withholding and an extra payroll period for the semi-monthly withholding tax filings. 

Corporate income tax collection receipts were down 167.9% or $8.4 million from the estimate at negative $3.4 million. This is due to the state processing more refunds than it received in corporate income tax collections. 

When compared to the same month last fiscal year, those collections are down $14.4 million. Compared to May of last fiscal year, collections are down $27.3 million or 13.6%. Compensating use tax collections are 25.5% or $7.7 million more than expected at $37.7 million. When looking at last year’s numbers, these collections are $1.2 million or 3.2% more than May of last fiscal year. 

This can be attributed to the increased registration of online retailers to collect and remit Kansas taxes. On average, the state is seeing 300 new registrations per month.

Every ten years, the Kansas Legislature looks at the US Census numbers and assigns committees to review and redraw the legislative boundaries for the state-both state offices and federal offices.&nbsp; 

According to the state constitution, redistricting is to be completed in the second year after the federal census.&nbsp; The United States Constitution and federal statutes require a federal census to be conducted every ten years and also require that Congressional districts reapportioned based on this census data.&nbsp; 

The Kansas constitution and state law also requires the reapportionment of the state senate districts, the state house of representative districts, and the school board districts in the state based on the census information.&nbsp; 

Expect rural districts in both the Senate and the House to grow in geographical size and urban districts to shrink due to population decline and shift.&nbsp;

The State of Kansas has over $350 million dollars in unclaimed property waiting for the rightful owner to find and claim. Unclaimed property stats from July 1, 2018 to June 14, 2020 include 2,253,917 searches, $47,060,956.26 returned with the average claim paid at $221.90.&nbsp; These holdings at the Treasurer’s office include bank accounts, cash, stocks, bonds, refunds (utilities), royalties, insurance proceeds and even safe deposit box contents.&nbsp; 

To search for your name, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasastatetreasurer.com/" target="_blank">www.kansasastatetreasurer.com</a>&nbsp;and enter your name or business name to see if your name is on this list.&nbsp;

Senate District #36 has over 4000 entries in the thirteen counties it covers.&nbsp; If you would like more personal assistance, call 800-432-0386 or 785-296-4165.

SECRETARY OF STATE – CARES FUNDS AND 2020 VOTING

Secretary of State Scott Schwab announced on May 7th&nbsp;the distribution of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to Kansas counties for the 2020 elections amid the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp; 

In March, the United States Congress passed the CARES Act which included $400 million in Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funding to states. The funding must be used in 2020 to prepare for, prevent and respond to the coronavirus pandemic for the 2020 Federal election cycle. 

Kansas received approximately $4.6 million in HAVA funding, $2.6 million of which will be used to reimburse counties with COVID-19 related expenditures.&nbsp; 

Personal protection equipment, plexiglass shields and disposable stylus pens will be at polling places for those voting in person.&nbsp;

Since 1996, Kansas has allowed all voters to request an advance mail ballot without needing an excuse.&nbsp; 

Voters with permanent illness or disability may apply for a ballot to be permanently mailed to them prior to every election.&nbsp; Registered voters may request an advance mail ballot by contacting their local election office or online at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.ks.gov/forms/elections/AV1.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.sos.ks.gov/forms//elections/AV1.pdf</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For the first time, voters can confirm online whether their advance mail ballot applications have been received at:&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView/AbsenteeBallotSearch.do" target="_blank">https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView/AbsenteeBallotSearch.do.</a>&nbsp;

Any registered voter can vote by mail or in-person prior to Election Day. 

Advance ballots are mailed to voters starting 20 days before the election and must be post-marked on or before Election Day and received no later than three days after the election. Voters can also hand-deliver their advance ballot to the county election office or any polling location within their county by the close of polls on Election Day. 

Kansas voters may also vote in person at the county election office starting the Tuesday before Election Day, or up to 20 days before the election, depending on the county.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

If you have questions about the upcoming elections, call toll-free to the Secretary of State’s office at 1-800-262-VOTE (8683).

Important dates for 2020 elections:

July 14: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deadline to register to vote

July 15: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Advance voting by mail and in-person may begin

July 28: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deadline for voters to apply for advance mail ballots for the primary election

August 4: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Primary Election (<a href="http://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch25/025_002_0003.html" target="_blank">K.S.A. 25-203</a>)

August 7: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deadline for receipt of advance mail ballots postmarked on/before primary election day

October 14: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Advance voting by mail and in-person may begin