
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Barbara Bollier believes government has a role to play in a pandemic because the entire community is affected.

"This is the hardest thing that, to my knowledge, any of us have ever gone through in our lifetimes," Bollier said. "I mean, the exception may be polio. When I talk to my mother, that was very difficult and it was somewhat similar, but this is even more challenging. The fact that it has affected the entire world all at the same time and hurt us in so many ways. We're scared and we're worried and anxious and our whole economy has been put on hold to protect our health and that's a huge issue for all of us."

Bollier said that's why we need good government to lead in times of crisis.

"This is very clearly a public health issue," Bollier said. "It's public health because it affects the entire public. The way we deal with it is through a response that, it's not just about you as an individual, but how what you do affects the rest of the people."

She also understands that there is personal responsibility to be taken here and for her part, she's doing that.

"I'm trying to do everything that is recommended," Bollier said. "We've been staying, sheltering in place. That's getting lifted soon. We are wearing masks out in public and only doing necessary items and I think it's just so important that we do that. Again, it's not about me, it's about me protecting those out there who are at even greater risk than maybe I am."

Bollier is one of two candidates filed for the U.S. Senate race on the Democratic side. Robert Tillman of Wichita is the other.

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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Barbara Bollier believes government has a role to play in a pandemic because the entire community is affected."This is the hardest thing that, to my knowledge, any of us have ever gone through in our lifetimes," Bollier said. "I mean, the exception may be polio. When I talk to my mother, that was very difficult and it was somewhat similar, but this is even more challenging. The fact that it has affected the entire world all at the same time and hurt us in so many ways. We're scared and we're worried and anxious and our whole economy has been put on hold to protect our health and that's a huge issue for all of us."Bollier said that's why we need good government to lead in times of crisis."This is very clearly a public health issue," Bollier said. "It's public health because it affects the entire public. The way we deal with it is through a response that, it's not just about you as an individual, but how what you do affects the rest of the people."She also understands that there is personal responsibility to be taken here and for her part, she's doing that."I'm trying to do everything that is recommended," Bollier said. "We've been staying, sheltering in place. That's getting lifted soon. We are wearing masks out in public and only doing necessary items and I think it's just so important that we do that. Again, it's not about me, it's about me protecting those out there who are at even greater risk than maybe I am."Bollier is one of two candidates filed for the U.S. Senate race on the Democratic side. Robert Tillman of Wichita is the other.

Bollier: COVID-19 hardest thing in our lifetimes


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Buhler USD 313 is making some staff cutbacks in anticipation of budget cuts related to COVID-19.

At Monday's school board meeting, it was revealed that Buhler will cut an Assistant Superintendent, an Assistant Elementary Principal, a Title I Instructor, a half-time employee at the Buhler High Media Center, a half-time employee at the Prairie Hills Media Center, a 4/7 Prairie Hills Middle School Counselor and 3/7 Prairie Hills Middle School ELA teacher.

Also being cut are a Buhler Administrative Center payroll clerk, a half-time Buhler Grade Secretary, a full-time Buhler High Secretary and three custodians.

Those cuts will result in an approximate savings of $550,000. That savings is earmarked to increase the district's cash balances. Some savings may be used to absorb anticipated cuts to funding. All positions are to be evaluated annually at the February Board of Education meeting.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Buhler USD 313 is making some staff cutbacks in anticipation of budget cuts related to COVID-19.At Monday's school board meeting, it was revealed that Buhler will cut an Assistant Superintendent, an Assistant Elementary Principal, a Title I Instructor, a half-time employee at the Buhler High Media Center, a half-time employee at the Prairie Hills Media Center, a 4/7 Prairie Hills Middle School Counselor and 3/7 Prairie Hills Middle School ELA teacher.Also being cut are a Buhler Administrative Center payroll clerk, a half-time Buhler Grade Secretary, a full-time Buhler High Secretary and three custodians.Those cuts will result in an approximate savings of $550,000. That savings is earmarked to increase the district's cash balances. Some savings may be used to absorb anticipated cuts to funding. All positions are to be evaluated annually at the February Board of Education meeting.

Several positions cut in Buhler USD 313

HAVEN, Kan. — USD 312 Haven Schools announced Monday that Haven District Office Payroll Clerk Vicki Haines has been selected as the Impact Award Winner for the fourth quarter. 

Haines joined USD 312 in 1979. She began in the district office as a secretary, took a few years off, and then returned as the payroll and accounts payable clerk and has been in that position since 1987 for a total of 36 years. Vicki graduated from Haven High School, her children attended Haven High and her grandchildren currently attend Haven Schools.

Haines is also active in other areas of the district attending each month’s board meeting, attends any and all sporting events, provides help where needed, and attends and supports the USD 312 Education Foundation activities.

The USD 312 Employee of the Year program selects an Impact Award Winner each quarter with one of these four individuals being chosen as the Employee of the Year in May of each year. 

Staff, students and parents are able to make nominations each quarter.

<figure>
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 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — USD 312 Haven Schools announced Monday that Haven District Office Payroll Clerk Vicki Haines has been selected as the Impact Award Winner for the fourth quarter. Haines joined USD 312 in 1979. She began in the district office as a secretary, took a few years off, and then returned as the payroll and accounts payable clerk and has been in that position since 1987 for a total of 36 years. Vicki graduated from Haven High School, her children attended Haven High and her grandchildren currently attend Haven Schools.Haines is also active in other areas of the district attending each month’s board meeting, attends any and all sporting events, provides help where needed, and attends and supports the USD 312 Education Foundation activities.The USD 312 Employee of the Year program selects an Impact Award Winner each quarter with one of these four individuals being chosen as the Employee of the Year in May of each year. Staff, students and parents are able to make nominations each quarter.

Haines named Impact Award Winner

MCPHERSON, Kan. (The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle) — Authorities have dropped charges against a central Kansas barber who opened his business in defiance of an order from Gov. Laura Kelly. 

Luke Aichele opened his shop in McPherson last week, despite Kelly's order that such businesses stay closed until May 18. 

McPherson County Attorney Gregory Benefiel said Monday that charges were dropped after Aichele agreed during the weekend to stay closed until May 18. 

Aichele received support Saturday from two U.S. Senate candidates from Kansas. U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall and Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle both said threatening someone with arrest who wanted to go back to work was wrong.&nbsp;

MCPHERSON, Kan. (The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle) — Authorities have dropped charges against a central Kansas barber who opened his business in defiance of an order from Gov. Laura Kelly. Luke Aichele opened his shop in McPherson last week, despite Kelly's order that such businesses stay closed until May 18. McPherson County Attorney Gregory Benefiel said Monday that charges were dropped after Aichele agreed during the weekend to stay closed until May 18. Aichele received support Saturday from two U.S. Senate candidates from Kansas. U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall and Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle both said threatening someone with arrest who wanted to go back to work was wrong.&nbsp;

Charges dropped against McPherson barber who opened shop

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Normally, this Friday would be the annual Bike to Work Day in Reno County. 

While the Vitality Team still wants you to bike to work on Friday, the normal gatherings will have to be suspended because of the pandemic.

So the Vitality Team is asking you to take a selfie of you riding to work and post it to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Vitality-Team-of-Reno-County-439941436197894/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&amp;eid=ARCLvCDmhHXxqJgD0UXbS-DkCiFwEem6tZSztfwNfpu0FXqUUpnOWxoU9_NIwysRp8M2MNMVC8NzsLqd">Vitality Team of Reno County’s Facebook page</a>&nbsp;using the hashtag #bikewalkhutch.

All postings will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card from Harley’s Bicycles.

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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Normally, this Friday would be the annual Bike to Work Day in Reno County. While the Vitality Team still wants you to bike to work on Friday, the normal gatherings will have to be suspended because of the pandemic.So the Vitality Team is asking you to take a selfie of you riding to work and post it to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Vitality-Team-of-Reno-County-439941436197894/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&amp;eid=ARCLvCDmhHXxqJgD0UXbS-DkCiFwEem6tZSztfwNfpu0FXqUUpnOWxoU9_NIwysRp8M2MNMVC8NzsLqd">Vitality Team of Reno County’s Facebook page</a>&nbsp;using the hashtag #bikewalkhutch.All postings will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card from Harley’s Bicycles.

Bike to Work Day is Friday with a different twist

BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler USD 313 School District has received a waiver from the state to continue serving lunches through at least the end of June. 

Lunches will be available for pickup at Buhler High School only. No lunches will be served at Union Valley after Tuesday, May 12. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to noon daily, along with breakfast for the next day.

The Hutchinson school district will be providing lunch pickup throughout the summer to serve USD 313 students in Hutchinson. Those dates and locations will be announced by USD 308 in the near future. Until then, lunches are served at HMS-7, HMS-8 and McCandless Elementary School from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

USD 308 spokesperson Ray Hemman says they will be ready for the increase in children needing lunches with the reduction in Buhler’s services starting Wednesday.

<figure>
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 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler USD 313 School District has received a waiver from the state to continue serving lunches through at least the end of June. Lunches will be available for pickup at Buhler High School only. No lunches will be served at Union Valley after Tuesday, May 12. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to noon daily, along with breakfast for the next day.The Hutchinson school district will be providing lunch pickup throughout the summer to serve USD 313 students in Hutchinson. Those dates and locations will be announced by USD 308 in the near future. Until then, lunches are served at HMS-7, HMS-8 and McCandless Elementary School from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.USD 308 spokesperson Ray Hemman says they will be ready for the increase in children needing lunches with the reduction in Buhler’s services starting Wednesday.

Buhler USD 313 will provide meals through June

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder has asked for a formal legal opinion from Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt on whether a state law that authorizes criminal prosecution of Kansans who violate emergency orders issued by the governor is constitutional and enforceable. 

“I want to make sure that if we criminally charge somebody for violating the executive order that there’s the authority for that charge,” Schroeder said. “The constitutional right to due process doesn’t stop because of a declared public health crisis.”

Schroeder, who is on the task force that is in place to help open up the county again, says he is weighing the question he presented to the A.G.’s office carefully and is still waiting for the opinion to his question.

“I’m in no rush to make charging decisions,” Schroeder said. “I want to make sure I have some type of perspective, what appears true today may not be true tomorrow.”  

Schroeder says it really comes down to having an ethical obligation to the citizens to make sure the law is fair.

“Before we charge somebody with a crime involving a violation of the executive order, if we have a question about its validity, I think we have a moral obligation and we have an ethical obligation,” Schroeder said. “And as an elected official I have that obligation to make sure that we  cross our t’s and dot our i’s and make sure that law is valid.”

Schroeder did urge all citizens to follow the recommendations of public health officials and practice all of the necessary steps to protect each other from COVID-19.

While the attorney general did not provide a legal opinion to Schroeder's inquiry, he did issue the following statement:

“I continue to encourage all Kansans to follow the recommendations of public health professionals to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as our economy and communities reopen. At the same time, a local prosecuting attorney has requested our office review whether violations of emergency orders issued by the governor may lawfully be enforced and punished as crimes. We have agreed to conduct that legal review.” 

“An unprecedented 27 statewide emergency executive orders have been issued in the past eight weeks on subjects ranging widely from stay-home, mass gatherings and business closures to alcohol sales, evictions and trash collection. The Kansas constitution grants the legislature, not the governor, power to define what behavior may subject Kansans to potential arrest, criminal prosecution, fines or imprisonment. No appellate court has determined whether the legislature, through provisions of the Kansas Emergency Management Act, has lawfully delegated that power to the governor. Even if delegation is generally permissible, we have been asked specific legal questions that could affect the ability of law enforcement and prosecutors to criminally enforce emergency orders under authority of K.S.A. 48-939. We are working diligently and will issue our formal legal opinion on these important questions as soon as possible.”

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder has asked for a formal legal opinion from Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt on whether a state law that authorizes criminal prosecution of Kansans who violate emergency orders issued by the governor is constitutional and enforceable. “I want to make sure that if we criminally charge somebody for violating the executive order that there’s the authority for that charge,” Schroeder said. “The constitutional right to due process doesn’t stop because of a declared public health crisis.”Schroeder, who is on the task force that is in place to help open up the county again, says he is weighing the question he presented to the A.G.’s office carefully and is still waiting for the opinion to his question.“I’m in no rush to make charging decisions,” Schroeder said. “I want to make sure I have some type of perspective, what appears true today may not be true tomorrow.” Schroeder says it really comes down to having an ethical obligation to the citizens to make sure the law is fair.“Before we charge somebody with a crime involving a violation of the executive order, if we have a question about its validity, I think we have a moral obligation and we have an ethical obligation,” Schroeder said. “And as an elected official I have that obligation to make sure that we cross our t’s and dot our i’s and make sure that law is valid.”Schroeder did urge all citizens to follow the recommendations of public health officials and practice all of the necessary steps to protect each other from COVID-19.While the attorney general did not provide a legal opinion to Schroeder's inquiry, he did issue the following statement:“I continue to encourage all Kansans to follow the recommendations of public health professionals to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as our economy and communities reopen. At the same time, a local prosecuting attorney has requested our office review whether violations of emergency orders issued by the governor may lawfully be enforced and punished as crimes. We have agreed to conduct that legal review.” “An unprecedented 27 statewide emergency executive orders have been issued in the past eight weeks on subjects ranging widely from stay-home, mass gatherings and business closures to alcohol sales, evictions and trash collection. The Kansas constitution grants the legislature, not the governor, power to define what behavior may subject Kansans to potential arrest, criminal prosecution, fines or imprisonment. No appellate court has determined whether the legislature, through provisions of the Kansas Emergency Management Act, has lawfully delegated that power to the governor. Even if delegation is generally permissible, we have been asked specific legal questions that could affect the ability of law enforcement and prosecutors to criminally enforce emergency orders under authority of K.S.A. 48-939. We are working diligently and will issue our formal legal opinion on these important questions as soon as possible.”

Reno Co. DA asks AG for legal opinion on state's emergency orders

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two Hutchinson Community College students were recognized as the 2020 Young Kansan Award winners during the college’s virtual commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8.

Ellie Schwertfeger of Turon and Guo Hao Teh of Selangor, Malaysia, were recognized from a field of students nominated for the honor.  The Young Kansan Award recognizes the outstanding male and female graduate each year at Hutchinson Community College and is chosen by a vote of the faculty and administration at the college.

The award is sponsored by RCB Bank.  Each winner received a plaque and a cash honorarium in recognition of their achievements.

Schwertfeger is graduating with an Associate of Science degree. While attending HutchCC, she has been involved in many campus activities including the Leadership Scholarship Program, Resident Assistant, Tutoring, Collegiate Farm Bureau/Block and Bridle, Phi Theta Kappa and Student Government Association. She plans to attend Kansas State University to major in Agribusiness.

Teh, better known around campus as “Rex,” is graduating with an Associate of Science degree. He has been active in Student Government Association, Resident Assistant, Campus Activity Board, Circle K, Honors and Ping Pong Club. He plans to major in Management Information Systems at either Wichita State or Kansas State.

For more information on the honor and award programs at Hutchinson Community College, visit <a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu">www.hutchcc.edu</a>.

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two Hutchinson Community College students were recognized as the 2020 Young Kansan Award winners during the college’s virtual commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8.Ellie Schwertfeger of Turon and Guo Hao Teh of Selangor, Malaysia, were recognized from a field of students nominated for the honor. The Young Kansan Award recognizes the outstanding male and female graduate each year at Hutchinson Community College and is chosen by a vote of the faculty and administration at the college.The award is sponsored by RCB Bank. Each winner received a plaque and a cash honorarium in recognition of their achievements.Schwertfeger is graduating with an Associate of Science degree. While attending HutchCC, she has been involved in many campus activities including the Leadership Scholarship Program, Resident Assistant, Tutoring, Collegiate Farm Bureau/Block and Bridle, Phi Theta Kappa and Student Government Association. She plans to attend Kansas State University to major in Agribusiness.Teh, better known around campus as “Rex,” is graduating with an Associate of Science degree. He has been active in Student Government Association, Resident Assistant, Campus Activity Board, Circle K, Honors and Ping Pong Club. He plans to major in Management Information Systems at either Wichita State or Kansas State.For more information on the honor and award programs at Hutchinson Community College, visit <a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu">www.hutchcc.edu</a>.

HutchCC students name Young Kansan Award winners

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.

Recent obituaries

HAVEN, Kan. — Due to the restrictions on schools that are still in place, Haven High School announced that they have moved the annual Senior Rock Day back another week. 

The annual event which allows seniors to place a decorated rock in a planter in front of the high school will now be held May 21 and 22. The times will be the same and seniors that have appointments will be able to keep them.

The event will allow students to wear their cap and gown and take photos with a small group of family members. If all fees have been paid students will also receive their diploma.

Those dates are also designated for seniors to return all technology and books loaned out for online course work. Seniors will be allowed to purchase the Chromebook they’ve used during the school year for $25.

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 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — Due to the restrictions on schools that are still in place, Haven High School announced that they have moved the annual Senior Rock Day back another week. The annual event which allows seniors to place a decorated rock in a planter in front of the high school will now be held May 21 and 22. The times will be the same and seniors that have appointments will be able to keep them.The event will allow students to wear their cap and gown and take photos with a small group of family members. If all fees have been paid students will also receive their diploma.Those dates are also designated for seniors to return all technology and books loaned out for online course work. Seniors will be allowed to purchase the Chromebook they’ve used during the school year for $25.

USD 312 Rock Day moved to May 21 and 22

This story has been updated after further clarification from Nick Baldetti that the tests at the Fairgrounds used nasal swabs, as opposed to the nasopharyngeal swabs referenced by him in the quotes below.


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;One of the areas of focus of Monday's information from Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti centered around the fact that the first batch of results from the Walmart and eTrueNorth testing at the Kansas State Fairgrounds came back and there were no positives from that testing.&nbsp;

"We recieved 129 negatives from the state fairgrounds and we are working, too, on our Reno County dashboard," Baldetti said. "We are working to break out those counts very specifically, so that we know exactly what the test rate from the Walmart testing site is."

The reason that no positives might not be relevant is that the tests are self-administered.

"I personally, as a health officer, am not confident in the application of the self-administered swabs," Baldetti said. "I would much rather prefer individuals go to a medically trained professional for the administration of those tests."

The bottom line is getting the swab to where it can find the virus is harder than it seems and nasal swabs like the ones done at the fairgrounds don't use the same procedure as the nasopharyngeal swabs done by medical providers, as described by Baldetti Monday.

"Essentially, that swab has to be inserted all the way through the nasal pathway to the back of the nasal cavity and we have to both touch the back end of the nasal cavity, it is behind the eye socket and then you have to rub the tip of the swab for a good five to ten seconds and then extract it," Baldetti said. "It is a very uncomfortable process."

Baldetti believes most people won't stick the swab far enough back on their own and if they do, they won't rub it for long enough to pick up any virus they might have.

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This story has been updated after further clarification from Nick Baldetti that the tests at the Fairgrounds used nasal swabs, as opposed to the nasopharyngeal swabs referenced by him in the quotes below.
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;One of the areas of focus of Monday's information from Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti centered around the fact that the first batch of results from the Walmart and eTrueNorth testing at the Kansas State Fairgrounds came back and there were no positives from that testing.&nbsp;"We recieved 129 negatives from the state fairgrounds and we are working, too, on our Reno County dashboard," Baldetti said. "We are working to break out those counts very specifically, so that we know exactly what the test rate from the Walmart testing site is."The reason that no positives might not be relevant is that the tests are self-administered."I personally, as a health officer, am not confident in the application of the self-administered swabs," Baldetti said. "I would much rather prefer individuals go to a medically trained professional for the administration of those tests."The bottom line is getting the swab to where it can find the virus is harder than it seems and nasal swabs like the ones done at the fairgrounds don't use the same procedure as the nasopharyngeal swabs done by medical providers, as described by Baldetti Monday."Essentially, that swab has to be inserted all the way through the nasal pathway to the back of the nasal cavity and we have to both touch the back end of the nasal cavity, it is behind the eye socket and then you have to rub the tip of the swab for a good five to ten seconds and then extract it," Baldetti said. "It is a very uncomfortable process."Baldetti believes most people won't stick the swab far enough back on their own and if they do, they won't rub it for long enough to pick up any virus they might have.

Baldetti: No positives from Fairgrounds, but testing method has issues

Over the past few weeks, my colleagues at Kansas Farm Bureau have seen more of my basement than either I or they ever envisioned they would. Their riveting view consists of two doors, one to the laundry room and one to a spare bedroom. Between the two hangs a painting from my grandmother.

It’s a fall scene of a barn with hay bales stacked next to it. The sky is blue with fluffy, white clouds. Autumn has turned the grass reddish brown and yellowed the leaves on the oak trees. It’s a scene taken from countless farms across the country. It’s also one of several family heirlooms surrounding me in my new workspace.

Most of my work is done at a desk that once belonged to my great-grandfather. According to family lore, it resided in the office of the movie theatre he owned and operated through the Great Depression until he died in the early ‘70s. My father used it in his office at my childhood home until I took possession of it.

The desk has been in my basement for just shy of a decade now, mostly accumulating the junk flat surfaces tend to attract. Built of solid red oak, it’s still plenty capable of serving its intended function, even though a laptop has replaced the inkwell and typewriter.

I’ve also rediscovered an open-faced Waltham pocket watch. I’ve kept it nearby, winding it periodically to hear the rhythmic ticking. It’s older than the desk, dating to at least my great-great-grandfather, Artemas L. Barton. There’s an outside chance the watch originally belonged to his father who had the same initials.

The case is made of brass and is engraved with ALB in the center of the back cover, which is dented in a couple of spots. A semi-circle of polished metal is evidence it slid in and out of its owner’s pocket. It’s missing the second hand and the face is a little faded, but it still keeps time.

All of these are amusing distractions that allow my mind to wander.

I ponder if my great-grandfather leaned back in his chair and propped his feet up on the same corner I do. I wonder if Artemas checked the watch before an important meeting. And I ask myself what item of mine might one day spark such questions from my descendants.

My grandmother probably didn’t set out to create an heirloom when she crafted her painting. My great-grand-father would have never envisioned his office desk from a cinema holding a computer capable of streaming endless movies and TV shows. I doubt my great-great-grandfather imagined his everyday watch becoming an inheritance spanning generations.

These items are connections to just a fraction of my ancestors. Others include a Lutheran minister in Germany at the beginning of the European Reformation and an accused witch in Salem, Massachusetts. She eventually fled to Framingham, which is just west of Boston. Between the two is Waltham, birthplace of the pocket watch now ticking away on my desk.

Everyone comes from somewhere, and that’s why I find these items fascinating. I think about what small items of mine might find their way to my descendants long after I’m gone.

It’s also a reminder that life will continue without you. And the most inconsequential decisions — creating a painting, choosing a desk, buying a pocket watch — become the little legacies we leave.

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

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Greg Doering, Kansas Farm BureauOver the past few weeks, my colleagues at Kansas Farm Bureau have seen more of my basement than either I or they ever envisioned they would. Their riveting view consists of two doors, one to the laundry room and one to a spare bedroom. Between the two hangs a painting from my grandmother.It’s a fall scene of a barn with hay bales stacked next to it. The sky is blue with fluffy, white clouds. Autumn has turned the grass reddish brown and yellowed the leaves on the oak trees. It’s a scene taken from countless farms across the country. It’s also one of several family heirlooms surrounding me in my new workspace.Most of my work is done at a desk that once belonged to my great-grandfather. According to family lore, it resided in the office of the movie theatre he owned and operated through the Great Depression until he died in the early ‘70s. My father used it in his office at my childhood home until I took possession of it.The desk has been in my basement for just shy of a decade now, mostly accumulating the junk flat surfaces tend to attract. Built of solid red oak, it’s still plenty capable of serving its intended function, even though a laptop has replaced the inkwell and typewriter.I’ve also rediscovered an open-faced Waltham pocket watch. I’ve kept it nearby, winding it periodically to hear the rhythmic ticking. It’s older than the desk, dating to at least my great-great-grandfather, Artemas L. Barton. There’s an outside chance the watch originally belonged to his father who had the same initials.The case is made of brass and is engraved with ALB in the center of the back cover, which is dented in a couple of spots. A semi-circle of polished metal is evidence it slid in and out of its owner’s pocket. It’s missing the second hand and the face is a little faded, but it still keeps time.All of these are amusing distractions that allow my mind to wander.I ponder if my great-grandfather leaned back in his chair and propped his feet up on the same corner I do. I wonder if Artemas checked the watch before an important meeting. And I ask myself what item of mine might one day spark such questions from my descendants.My grandmother probably didn’t set out to create an heirloom when she crafted her painting. My great-grand-father would have never envisioned his office desk from a cinema holding a computer capable of streaming endless movies and TV shows. I doubt my great-great-grandfather imagined his everyday watch becoming an inheritance spanning generations.These items are connections to just a fraction of my ancestors. Others include a Lutheran minister in Germany at the beginning of the European Reformation and an accused witch in Salem, Massachusetts. She eventually fled to Framingham, which is just west of Boston. Between the two is Waltham, birthplace of the pocket watch now ticking away on my desk.Everyone comes from somewhere, and that’s why I find these items fascinating. I think about what small items of mine might find their way to my descendants long after I’m gone.It’s also a reminder that life will continue without you. And the most inconsequential decisions — creating a painting, choosing a desk, buying a pocket watch — become the little legacies we leave."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Little Legacies

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College announced Friday that Kim Newberry, Professor of Sociology, has been selected as the 2019-20 Dragon Educator of the Year.

Newberry was selected for the honor from nominees from all academic areas by the HutchCC Student Government Association (SGA). Instructors are nominated by Hutchinson Community College students, and then complete a selection process conducted by SGA.  Newberry was announced as the recipient during the College’s virtual commencement ceremony on May 8.

Newberry teaches Fundamentals of Sociology, Marriages and Family, Honors Marriage and Family and Cultural Anthropology as well as providing academic advising to students. She received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University in 2000 and earned her Masters of Arts in Sociology from Kansas State University in 2003.

It is Newberry’s second time being selected as Dragon Educator of the Year, having been previously chosen for the 2014-15 school year as well.

For more information on Hutchinson Community College, visit the college website at www.hutchcc.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589207258542.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College announced Friday that Kim Newberry, Professor of Sociology, has been selected as the 2019-20 Dragon Educator of the Year.Newberry was selected for the honor from nominees from all academic areas by the HutchCC Student Government Association (SGA). Instructors are nominated by Hutchinson Community College students, and then complete a selection process conducted by SGA. Newberry was announced as the recipient during the College’s virtual commencement ceremony on May 8.Newberry teaches Fundamentals of Sociology, Marriages and Family, Honors Marriage and Family and Cultural Anthropology as well as providing academic advising to students. She received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University in 2000 and earned her Masters of Arts in Sociology from Kansas State University in 2003.It is Newberry’s second time being selected as Dragon Educator of the Year, having been previously chosen for the 2014-15 school year as well.For more information on Hutchinson Community College, visit the college website at www.hutchcc.edu.

Newberry named Dragon Educator of the Year


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
An economist with the Sandlian Center for Entrepreneurial Government with the Kansas Policy Institute believes that the choice of locking down the state to stop the spread of COVID-19 has created more economic problems than the health problems it has solved.

"Using a lockdown to combat COVID-19 is very much like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut," said Michael Austin. "Not only is it overkill, but it's such a blunt instrument you're guaranteed to have unintended consequences. In Kansas, lockdown policy has turned a potential public health crisis, I think, into a severe economic recession."

Homebase is a scheduling and time-tracking tool used by 100,000 businesses and their hourly employees. Some statistics from earlier in the month illustrate how much of a slowdown was caused by COVID-19 restrictions.

"As of May 4, which is day one of the phasing out lockdown plan, about 31% of all Kansas businesses are closed. Roughly 29% of hourly employees are off the job. Productivity-wise, hours worked is down about 35%."

Austin says Homebase updates its data daily, so we'll be able to tell how quickly businesses bounce back as the reopening happens.

"I think that the slow approach undertaken by state and local governments here, unfortunately, will make the economic recovery take far longer than it needs to," Austin said. "When you make public health the sole goal of government, I know it most certainly can seem laudable, but there are also consequences we just can't ignore. Social gathering restrictions, the continued closure of some businesses and the early inability to get those unemployment payments out, means a higher chance some families go into poverty."

The balance between legitimate economic damage concerns and the public health threat will continue to be a source of tension for as long as COVID-19 continues to shape policy. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579541171809.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
An economist with the Sandlian Center for Entrepreneurial Government with the Kansas Policy Institute believes that the choice of locking down the state to stop the spread of COVID-19 has created more economic problems than the health problems it has solved."Using a lockdown to combat COVID-19 is very much like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut," said Michael Austin. "Not only is it overkill, but it's such a blunt instrument you're guaranteed to have unintended consequences. In Kansas, lockdown policy has turned a potential public health crisis, I think, into a severe economic recession."Homebase is a scheduling and time-tracking tool used by 100,000 businesses and their hourly employees. Some statistics from earlier in the month illustrate how much of a slowdown was caused by COVID-19 restrictions."As of May 4, which is day one of the phasing out lockdown plan, about 31% of all Kansas businesses are closed. Roughly 29% of hourly employees are off the job. Productivity-wise, hours worked is down about 35%."Austin says Homebase updates its data daily, so we'll be able to tell how quickly businesses bounce back as the reopening happens."I think that the slow approach undertaken by state and local governments here, unfortunately, will make the economic recovery take far longer than it needs to," Austin said. "When you make public health the sole goal of government, I know it most certainly can seem laudable, but there are also consequences we just can't ignore. Social gathering restrictions, the continued closure of some businesses and the early inability to get those unemployment payments out, means a higher chance some families go into poverty."The balance between legitimate economic damage concerns and the public health threat will continue to be a source of tension for as long as COVID-19 continues to shape policy.

Austin: Economic problems caused by shutdown caused unintended consequences


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
AAA saw a significant increase in battery service calls in Kansas in April, as stay-at-home orders kept many vehicles parked. 

"We've experienced, for our roadside assistance and mobile battery service technicians, a 7% increase in the number of calls for battery service in April," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. 

If your car hasn’t hit the road in a while, AAA Kansas encourages you to take some steps to keep you and your vehicle safe.

"It's a big issue, as cars sit around," Steward said. "You don't think about it, but the electronics in your car can still be tapping that battery. If you don't get out and use your vehicle every once in awhile, that battery, especially if it was weak beforehand, could tap out."

There are other systems to check if you haven't driven in some time.

"If your car has been garaged for awhile, especially your tires, make sure that the air pressure is where it needs to be on your tires," Steward said. "Look at the recommended amounts of tire pressure. That's usually found on the doorjamb of the driver's side of the vehicle. Make sure that those tires are properly aired up, because if they're not, they can lead to flat spots on the tires, if it's been sitting around for awhile."

As an added precaution, consider taking your vehicle to your trusted repair shop, such as an AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, for service. Make sure to call first for shop hours and procedures for bringing in a car for service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589193510881.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
AAA saw a significant increase in battery service calls in Kansas in April, as stay-at-home orders kept many vehicles parked. "We've experienced, for our roadside assistance and mobile battery service technicians, a 7% increase in the number of calls for battery service in April," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. If your car hasn’t hit the road in a while, AAA Kansas encourages you to take some steps to keep you and your vehicle safe."It's a big issue, as cars sit around," Steward said. "You don't think about it, but the electronics in your car can still be tapping that battery. If you don't get out and use your vehicle every once in awhile, that battery, especially if it was weak beforehand, could tap out."There are other systems to check if you haven't driven in some time."If your car has been garaged for awhile, especially your tires, make sure that the air pressure is where it needs to be on your tires," Steward said. "Look at the recommended amounts of tire pressure. That's usually found on the doorjamb of the driver's side of the vehicle. Make sure that those tires are properly aired up, because if they're not, they can lead to flat spots on the tires, if it's been sitting around for awhile."As an added precaution, consider taking your vehicle to your trusted repair shop, such as an AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, for service. Make sure to call first for shop hours and procedures for bringing in a car for service.

AAA: Be sure battery and tires are good if car has been idle due to stay at home orders


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Reno County Sheriff's Office has canceled this year’s Law Enforcement Memorial in person ceremony that was originally scheduled for May 15th. 

"This memorial has been a RNSO tradition for a long time and we hope to continue next year," the department said on Facebook Friday. 

The department plans to post its ceremony on Facebook instead. 

"We especially would like to send prayers to the Overland Park Police Department, the community he served, and Officer Mike Mosher’s family," the department said.

On the 21st day of April, 2020, the Reno County Commission signed a proclamation marking “Police Week” for Reno County as May 10th through the 16th with the actual Peace Officers Memorial Day being May 15th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583185956572.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Reno County Sheriff's Office has canceled this year’s Law Enforcement Memorial in person ceremony that was originally scheduled for May 15th. "This memorial has been a RNSO tradition for a long time and we hope to continue next year," the department said on Facebook Friday. The department plans to post its ceremony on Facebook instead. "We especially would like to send prayers to the Overland Park Police Department, the community he served, and Officer Mike Mosher’s family," the department said.On the 21st day of April, 2020, the Reno County Commission signed a proclamation marking “Police Week” for Reno County as May 10th through the 16th with the actual Peace Officers Memorial Day being May 15th.

Reno County with no in person officer memorial this year

As businesses reopen, new opportunities may be available

MANHATTAN — As stay-at-home orders end and stores begin to reopen, the leader of one of the state’s leading rural development organizations says it is a time for business owners to reconsider their strategy as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I call it the three Rs: Re-orientation, re-energizing, and resilience,” said Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development with K-State Research and Extension.

“Customer expectations and worker expectations have changed. As businesses reopen, owners need to re-orient their business plans and facilities to assure a higher level of disease protection. This means providing physical barriers, arranging for adequate spacing, providing masks to employees, and emphasizing constant sanitation, as many ongoing businesses have done.”

Business owners should be sure to carefully comply with local health department directives, he said.

“The second ‘R’ is re-energizing,” Wilson said. “It will be important to rebuild the local economy as quickly as possible, while following the phased guidelines for reopening.”

Many supply chains have been disrupted in the short-term, but markets are adjusting. “We believe there will be pent-up demand for certain products, and we encourage businesses to advertise, hire staff, and continue to emphasize customer service,” he said.

“Resilience has to do with planning for the long-term,” Wilson said, noting that the challenges posed by the pandemic and the resulting policy response have demonstrated the importance of communication between a business and its suppliers and lenders.

In the future, businesses might also wish to pursue improving their online presence and ordering systems, for example. “Business owners should always be thinking about building relationships and positioning themselves for the future,” Wilson said.

He added that businesses should take direction on local policies from each county and its health department.&nbsp;Information on best practices for reopening can also be accessed from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/doc/KSRE-best-practices-reopen.pdf">K-State Research and Extension</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf">Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>, and&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/covid-19-response">Kansas Department of Commerce</a>.

“Main street businesses face a lot of challenges,” Wilson said. “The economy will benefit if consumers support those businesses as they move carefully to reopen.”

<h2>As businesses reopen, new opportunities may be available</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN — As stay-at-home orders end and stores begin to reopen, the leader of one of the state’s leading rural development organizations says it is a time for business owners to reconsider their strategy as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.“I call it the three Rs: Re-orientation, re-energizing, and resilience,” said Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development with K-State Research and Extension.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141281633.png" alt="Wilson" />
 <figcaption>Wilson</figcaption>
 </figure>“Customer expectations and worker expectations have changed. As businesses reopen, owners need to re-orient their business plans and facilities to assure a higher level of disease protection. This means providing physical barriers, arranging for adequate spacing, providing masks to employees, and emphasizing constant sanitation, as many ongoing businesses have done.”Business owners should be sure to carefully comply with local health department directives, he said.“The second ‘R’ is re-energizing,” Wilson said. “It will be important to rebuild the local economy as quickly as possible, while following the phased guidelines for reopening.”Many supply chains have been disrupted in the short-term, but markets are adjusting. “We believe there will be pent-up demand for certain products, and we encourage businesses to advertise, hire staff, and continue to emphasize customer service,” he said.“Resilience has to do with planning for the long-term,” Wilson said, noting that the challenges posed by the pandemic and the resulting policy response have demonstrated the importance of communication between a business and its suppliers and lenders.In the future, businesses might also wish to pursue improving their online presence and ordering systems, for example. “Business owners should always be thinking about building relationships and positioning themselves for the future,” Wilson said.He added that businesses should take direction on local policies from each county and its health department.&nbsp;Information on best practices for reopening can also be accessed from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/doc/KSRE-best-practices-reopen.pdf">K-State Research and Extension</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf">Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>, and&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/covid-19-response">Kansas Department of Commerce</a>.“Main street businesses face a lot of challenges,” Wilson said. “The economy will benefit if consumers support those businesses as they move carefully to reopen.”

Rural businesses should consider post-COVID-19 strategies

By BECCY TANNER &amp; The Journal <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-06/struggling-rural-grocery-stores-get-coronavirus-bump-but-worry-if-it-will-last">Kansas News Service</a>

The past couple of decades have been tough on small, rural grocery 
stores that often struggle to keep doors open as locals forgo hometown 
stores for shopping sprees in larger stores in bigger towns.

That 
is until 5 p.m. on March 11, 2020, two days after a historic drop in the
 stock market, which would only fall further in the days to come.

Jordan White remembers exactly what happened then.

“There began a little bit of frenzy buying,” says White, the operations manager of the company that operates<a href="https://www.whitesfoodliner.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.whitesfoodliner.com/" target="_blank">White’s Foodliner</a> stores in Kingman, Medicine Lodge,<a href="https://klcjournal.com/st-john-kansas-rural-grocery/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://klcjournal.com/st-john-kansas-rural-grocery/" target="_blank">St. John</a>, Phillipsburg and Scott City.

But at 5 p.m. on March 11, customers began flocking into White’s stores.

“Things
 got started. By Friday the 13th and that weekend, I am going to call it
 frenzy buying for toilet paper. It was all over the country, from store
 to store,” he said. “Our Kingman store had 17 pallets of toilet paper 
stored above our freezer and someone from Wichita posted about it on 
Facebook. Then, it was mass chaos. People were trying to get toilet 
paper and essentials. The following week was more like a steady 
Christmas week.”

It’s been an uptick in business ever since.

And it’s a story resonating across Kansas –<a href="https://nyti.ms/2Xy4Fia" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://nyti.ms/2Xy4Fia" target="_blank">and the nation</a>.

“You
 are hearing about stores doing 300% more business,” White says. 
“Obviously, we are not seeing that, because it has bounced across the 
board, depending on the location. Some of our stores are up only 25% in 
business and some are 100%. It is different week by week. It is also a 
false sense of improved business, because you are selling at a lower 
margin. We don’t make a lot of money on canned food, toilet paper and 
diapers. So, while you may have a lot more sales in the rural 
independent grocery stores right now, they aren’t exactly profitable 
sales.”

Rial Carver, program manager for the<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/cecd/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.k-state.edu/cecd/" target="_blank">Center for Engagement and Community Development at Kansas State University</a>, said she’s hearing how<a href="https://www.ruralgrocery.org/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.ruralgrocery.org/" target="_blank">local stores</a>
 across the state are adapting during the pandemic. Some are closing 
their doors and offering only delivery and pickup services — such as the
 St. Paul Supermarket and Cecil K’s Hometown Market in Holton — to keep 
both their employees and customers safe.

“The reality that grocery
 stores are facing right now is that they are swamped – that’s something
 that is happening everywhere,” Carver says. “What I have seen is that 
some of these small-town grocers have a little bit of an edge because 
they are able to adapt quickly and implement new processes for ordering 
or for delivery. They also have closer ties to their community. And, 
some stores are working with volunteers to help make this new normal a 
reality.”

They’re getting a helping hand from their communities. 
Sheriff’s departments in Bourbon, Greenwood and Osage counties are 
offering grocery delivery to residents who shop at local stores.

Community groups in Trego County are partnering with<a href="https://www.malaysmarket.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.malaysmarket.com/" target="_blank">Malay’s Market</a> in WaKeeney to offer family food boxes. And some offer remote shopping by phone, email and Facebook Messenger, Carver said.

Stacie Schmidt, executive director of<a href="http://www.ellsworthcounty.org/County_departments/economic_development/index.php" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.ellsworthcounty.org/County_departments/economic_development/index.php" target="_blank">Ellsworth County Economic Development</a>, said<a href="https://heartlandfoodsstores.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://heartlandfoodsstores.com/" target="_blank">Gene’s Heartland Foods</a>
 in her community started by offering curbside delivery and call-in 
orders to reduce foot traffic and keep the community and staff safe.

Fearing
 that it would be difficult to efficiently take phone orders, shop for 
people, stock shelves, clean and provide check-out services all at once,
 Ellsworth County Economic Development stepped in and worked with the 
store to launch<a href="http://www.genesclicklist.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.genesclicklist.com/" target="_blank">Gene’s Click List</a>, which allows for online ordering.

Schmidt said the system is working well for customers and helping to keep staff healthy by reducing traffic in the store.

“This
 is a way of thinking adaptively to solve challenges (with technical 
solutions) and a great way of collaboration and partnerships,” Schmidt 
says.

It’s a big moment for small-town stores, said Daniel Gile, store manager at<a href="https://www.gwfoodsinc.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.gwfoodsinc.com/" target="_blank">G&amp;W Foods</a> in Iola.

“We
 have never seen anything like it,” Gile says. “It is just 
unprecedented. I assumed it would taper off at some point, and it has 
not. When the governor issued that stay-at-home order on March 28, that 
was by far the busiest day we had. There was a lot of panic and fear — 
just fear of the unknown and that people might be stuck at home and they
 didn’t have enough groceries.”

It is not unusual, Gile said, to 
have a customer or two come in and do a month’s worth of shopping. But 
in these COVID-19 days and times, “it is not uncommon to see $400 to 
$500 orders. We are seeing that repetitively.”

And some customers are driving 70 to 90 miles to shop, Gile said.

“I
 was told a couple came down from the Kansas City area because their 
grocery store had depleted their products, and they were reaching out to
 anybody so they could have something. A couple from Lawrence drove an 
hour and 20 minutes. A lot of them were coming to find toilet paper, and
 when they realized we didn’t have that, they ended up buying other 
things.

“Are people flocking because they don’t want to brave 
Walmart? I think so. You and I both know they are a discount store for a
 reason. They (Walmart) serve the masses, where we cater to customer 
service, fresh-cut meat and produce. … We just take care of the 
community no matter how it is.”

Marilyn Logan, general manager of the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheMarmatonMarket/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheMarmatonMarket/" target="_blank">Marmaton Market</a>
 in Moran, says a reluctance to take risks in the face of the 
coronavirus prompted the store to offer curbside pickup and home 
delivery.

Even so, customers are driving in from Bourbon, Neosho and Anderson counties to shop.

“People
 are tending to buy more products as staple items — they are wanting 
flour, sugar and macaroni — less of the snack cakes. And yeast? We are 
out of yeast and have had trouble getting flour. We had some in stock, 
but that could change any minute,” she said.

“Our store has gone 
up 20% in business, and we are hoping we have opened up people’s eyes to
 continue to shop here when this is all over with.”

But some store owners are saying they are bracing for when the pandemic ends.

“I
 think the other side of the wave will show a decrease in sales,” Jordan
 White said. “That’s what we are preparing for, and we will be ready for
 it.

“People aren’t going to need to buy a lot of toilet paper or 
canned goods for the next three months because I think everybody should 
have plenty … but we will keep fighting, keep going and doing what we 
do.”

Chris Green, managing editor of The Journal, contributed to this story.

The
 Journal, the print and digital magazine of the Kansas Leadership 
Center, is publishing a digital newsletter that explores what is 
working, what isn’t working and what’s being learned during the response
 to COVID-19. To receive twice-a-week updates, subscribe <a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/contact-us/join-our-email-list/" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588863168159.png" alt="Jan Dunn shops at White's Foodliner in St. John in this photo from 2019. Jeff Tuttle / The Journal" />
 <figcaption>Jan Dunn shops at White's Foodliner in St. John in this photo from 2019. Jeff Tuttle / The Journal</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECCY TANNER &amp; The Journal <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-06/struggling-rural-grocery-stores-get-coronavirus-bump-but-worry-if-it-will-last">Kansas News Service</a>The past couple of decades have been tough on small, rural grocery 
stores that often struggle to keep doors open as locals forgo hometown 
stores for shopping sprees in larger stores in bigger towns.That 
is until 5 p.m. on March 11, 2020, two days after a historic drop in the
 stock market, which would only fall further in the days to come.Jordan White remembers exactly what happened then.“There began a little bit of frenzy buying,” says White, the operations manager of the company that operates<a href="https://www.whitesfoodliner.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.whitesfoodliner.com/" target="_blank">White’s Foodliner</a> stores in Kingman, Medicine Lodge,<a href="https://klcjournal.com/st-john-kansas-rural-grocery/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://klcjournal.com/st-john-kansas-rural-grocery/" target="_blank">St. John</a>, Phillipsburg and Scott City.But at 5 p.m. on March 11, customers began flocking into White’s stores.“Things
 got started. By Friday the 13th and that weekend, I am going to call it
 frenzy buying for toilet paper. It was all over the country, from store
 to store,” he said. “Our Kingman store had 17 pallets of toilet paper 
stored above our freezer and someone from Wichita posted about it on 
Facebook. Then, it was mass chaos. People were trying to get toilet 
paper and essentials. The following week was more like a steady 
Christmas week.”It’s been an uptick in business ever since.And it’s a story resonating across Kansas –<a href="https://nyti.ms/2Xy4Fia" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://nyti.ms/2Xy4Fia" target="_blank">and the nation</a>.“You
 are hearing about stores doing 300% more business,” White says. 
“Obviously, we are not seeing that, because it has bounced across the 
board, depending on the location. Some of our stores are up only 25% in 
business and some are 100%. It is different week by week. It is also a 
false sense of improved business, because you are selling at a lower 
margin. We don’t make a lot of money on canned food, toilet paper and 
diapers. So, while you may have a lot more sales in the rural 
independent grocery stores right now, they aren’t exactly profitable 
sales.”Rial Carver, program manager for the<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/cecd/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.k-state.edu/cecd/" target="_blank">Center for Engagement and Community Development at Kansas State University</a>, said she’s hearing how<a href="https://www.ruralgrocery.org/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.ruralgrocery.org/" target="_blank">local stores</a>
 across the state are adapting during the pandemic. Some are closing 
their doors and offering only delivery and pickup services — such as the
 St. Paul Supermarket and Cecil K’s Hometown Market in Holton — to keep 
both their employees and customers safe.“The reality that grocery
 stores are facing right now is that they are swamped – that’s something
 that is happening everywhere,” Carver says. “What I have seen is that 
some of these small-town grocers have a little bit of an edge because 
they are able to adapt quickly and implement new processes for ordering 
or for delivery. They also have closer ties to their community. And, 
some stores are working with volunteers to help make this new normal a 
reality.”They’re getting a helping hand from their communities. 
Sheriff’s departments in Bourbon, Greenwood and Osage counties are 
offering grocery delivery to residents who shop at local stores.Community groups in Trego County are partnering with<a href="https://www.malaysmarket.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.malaysmarket.com/" target="_blank">Malay’s Market</a> in WaKeeney to offer family food boxes. And some offer remote shopping by phone, email and Facebook Messenger, Carver said.Stacie Schmidt, executive director of<a href="http://www.ellsworthcounty.org/County_departments/economic_development/index.php" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.ellsworthcounty.org/County_departments/economic_development/index.php" target="_blank">Ellsworth County Economic Development</a>, said<a href="https://heartlandfoodsstores.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://heartlandfoodsstores.com/" target="_blank">Gene’s Heartland Foods</a>
 in her community started by offering curbside delivery and call-in 
orders to reduce foot traffic and keep the community and staff safe.Fearing
 that it would be difficult to efficiently take phone orders, shop for 
people, stock shelves, clean and provide check-out services all at once,
 Ellsworth County Economic Development stepped in and worked with the 
store to launch<a href="http://www.genesclicklist.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.genesclicklist.com/" target="_blank">Gene’s Click List</a>, which allows for online ordering.Schmidt said the system is working well for customers and helping to keep staff healthy by reducing traffic in the store.“This
 is a way of thinking adaptively to solve challenges (with technical 
solutions) and a great way of collaboration and partnerships,” Schmidt 
says.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588863283400.png" alt="It’s not unusual to see orders of $400 or more at G&amp;W Foods in Iola during the crisis, store manager Daniel Gile says. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>It’s not unusual to see orders of $400 or more at G&amp;W Foods in Iola during the crisis, store manager Daniel Gile says. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s a big moment for small-town stores, said Daniel Gile, store manager at<a href="https://www.gwfoodsinc.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.gwfoodsinc.com/" target="_blank">G&amp;W Foods</a> in Iola.“We
 have never seen anything like it,” Gile says. “It is just 
unprecedented. I assumed it would taper off at some point, and it has 
not. When the governor issued that stay-at-home order on March 28, that 
was by far the busiest day we had. There was a lot of panic and fear — 
just fear of the unknown and that people might be stuck at home and they
 didn’t have enough groceries.”It is not unusual, Gile said, to 
have a customer or two come in and do a month’s worth of shopping. But 
in these COVID-19 days and times, “it is not uncommon to see $400 to 
$500 orders. We are seeing that repetitively.”And some customers are driving 70 to 90 miles to shop, Gile said.“I
 was told a couple came down from the Kansas City area because their 
grocery store had depleted their products, and they were reaching out to
 anybody so they could have something. A couple from Lawrence drove an 
hour and 20 minutes. A lot of them were coming to find toilet paper, and
 when they realized we didn’t have that, they ended up buying other 
things.“Are people flocking because they don’t want to brave 
Walmart? I think so. You and I both know they are a discount store for a
 reason. They (Walmart) serve the masses, where we cater to customer 
service, fresh-cut meat and produce. … We just take care of the 
community no matter how it is.”Marilyn Logan, general manager of the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheMarmatonMarket/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheMarmatonMarket/" target="_blank">Marmaton Market</a>
 in Moran, says a reluctance to take risks in the face of the 
coronavirus prompted the store to offer curbside pickup and home 
delivery.Even so, customers are driving in from Bourbon, Neosho and Anderson counties to shop.“People
 are tending to buy more products as staple items — they are wanting 
flour, sugar and macaroni — less of the snack cakes. And yeast? We are 
out of yeast and have had trouble getting flour. We had some in stock, 
but that could change any minute,” she said.“Our store has gone 
up 20% in business, and we are hoping we have opened up people’s eyes to
 continue to shop here when this is all over with.”But some store owners are saying they are bracing for when the pandemic ends.“I
 think the other side of the wave will show a decrease in sales,” Jordan
 White said. “That’s what we are preparing for, and we will be ready for
 it.“People aren’t going to need to buy a lot of toilet paper or 
canned goods for the next three months because I think everybody should 
have plenty … but we will keep fighting, keep going and doing what we 
do.”Chris Green, managing editor of The Journal, contributed to this story.The
 Journal, the print and digital magazine of the Kansas Leadership 
Center, is publishing a digital newsletter that explores what is 
working, what isn’t working and what’s being learned during the response
 to COVID-19. To receive twice-a-week updates, subscribe <a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/contact-us/join-our-email-list/" target="_blank">here</a>.

Struggling rural grocers get virus bump, but worry it won't last

NICKERSON, Kan. —  The Nickerson school board will take time to discuss the use of buildings and sports facilities for the summer during Monday’s meeting.

Like other school districts in the area, USD 309 is working with the county Health Department to establish guidelines for using buildings for summer camps and classes. 

The board is also looking at how soon it can reopen outdoor sporting areas and facilities. The proposal before the board would further suspend the use of those facilities until at least the end of June. The matter would be addressed again at that time.

Also Monday, the board will consider options for dealing with the aging track and the football field at the high school stadium. The board has two proposals for the track to consider. 

The board will also seek approval to hold graduation for seniors on July 25 at 11 a.m. in the high school gymnasium. The district is holding open the option of limiting the number of family members a senior can bring to the ceremony, but no decision has been made at this time.

Monday’s meeting of the Nickerson USD 309 School Board begins at 7 p.m. at the district offices at 4501 W. 4th Ave. just west of Fun Valley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587157597539.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICKERSON, Kan. — The Nickerson school board will take time to discuss the use of buildings and sports facilities for the summer during Monday’s meeting.Like other school districts in the area, USD 309 is working with the county Health Department to establish guidelines for using buildings for summer camps and classes. The board is also looking at how soon it can reopen outdoor sporting areas and facilities. The proposal before the board would further suspend the use of those facilities until at least the end of June. The matter would be addressed again at that time.Also Monday, the board will consider options for dealing with the aging track and the football field at the high school stadium. The board has two proposals for the track to consider. The board will also seek approval to hold graduation for seniors on July 25 at 11 a.m. in the high school gymnasium. The district is holding open the option of limiting the number of family members a senior can bring to the ceremony, but no decision has been made at this time.Monday’s meeting of the Nickerson USD 309 School Board begins at 7 p.m. at the district offices at 4501 W. 4th Ave. just west of Fun Valley.

USD 309 to discuss summer facilities use

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In this pandemic, it has been hard to keep in contact with loved ones in person. That is especially true in retirement homes. 

On Friday, 11 staff from Hospice &amp; HomeCare of Reno County sang hymns at Good Samaritan to let the residents and staff know they are thinking of them and care how they are doing during this pandemic.  

Leading the singing and playing the keyboard was Occupational Therapist Barb Youmans.  Chaplain Cindy Dubovich shared encouraging words and closed the event with a prayer of blessings over the residents and staff. 

Brenda Janda, administrator at Good Samaritan, shared how much they all appreciated the thoughtfulness.  Janda said this has been a tough time for nursing homes as they have to be so isolated and hospice staff is often limited to how much they can visit patients.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588972609544.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In this pandemic, it has been hard to keep in contact with loved ones in person. That is especially true in retirement homes. On Friday, 11 staff from Hospice &amp; HomeCare of Reno County sang hymns at Good Samaritan to let the residents and staff know they are thinking of them and care how they are doing during this pandemic. Leading the singing and playing the keyboard was Occupational Therapist Barb Youmans. Chaplain Cindy Dubovich shared encouraging words and closed the event with a prayer of blessings over the residents and staff. Brenda Janda, administrator at Good Samaritan, shared how much they all appreciated the thoughtfulness. Janda said this has been a tough time for nursing homes as they have to be so isolated and hospice staff is often limited to how much they can visit patients.

Hospice visits Good Samaritan home

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It appears that, for the most part, the wheat crop in central Kansas survived several severe cold snaps during the month of April.&nbsp;

“The fields are looking pretty good, pretty green, and starting to head out,” Kallie Turner, Kingman County Extension agent, said. “This week there’s supposed to be some cooler temperatures, but if we get some warmer temperatures here soon we’ll be right on track.”

The crop had to endure two weeks of very cold weather with temperatures down in the mid 20s. Turner says enough time has passed that any damage would have shown up by now.

“I haven’t heard of much,” Turner said. “It could take a little longer to see some of that (damage, but we’ve been through that period and I’ve heard of some, but I don’t think it will be detrimental.”

If the weather warms up and cooperates, Turner says harvest could be about six to eight weeks away.

“Probably looking at mid-June, end of June, as long as we get those temperatures, but we’re looking really good.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575655356437.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It appears that, for the most part, the wheat crop in central Kansas survived several severe cold snaps during the month of April.&nbsp;“The fields are looking pretty good, pretty green, and starting to head out,” Kallie Turner, Kingman County Extension agent, said. “This week there’s supposed to be some cooler temperatures, but if we get some warmer temperatures here soon we’ll be right on track.”The crop had to endure two weeks of very cold weather with temperatures down in the mid 20s. Turner says enough time has passed that any damage would have shown up by now.“I haven’t heard of much,” Turner said. “It could take a little longer to see some of that (damage, but we’ve been through that period and I’ve heard of some, but I don’t think it will be detrimental.”If the weather warms up and cooperates, Turner says harvest could be about six to eight weeks away.“Probably looking at mid-June, end of June, as long as we get those temperatures, but we’re looking really good.”

Wheat crop still looking good in central Kansas

HARVEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Saturday in Harvey County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Mercedes driven by&nbsp; Ronald M. Heller, 60, Abilene, was northbound on Grant Street and failed to yield to a 2020 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Kpassou&nbsp;Guizale, 33, Baltimore, Maryland,&nbsp; who was traveling southwest on U.S. 50&nbsp;

The front of the semi struck the passenger side rear of the Mercedes. EMS transported&nbsp;Heller to Wesley Medical Center.

HARVEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Saturday in Harvey County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Mercedes driven by&nbsp; Ronald M. Heller, 60, Abilene, was northbound on Grant Street and failed to yield to a 2020 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Kpassou&nbsp;Guizale, 33, Baltimore, Maryland,&nbsp; who was traveling southwest on U.S. 50&nbsp;The front of the semi struck the passenger side rear of the Mercedes. EMS transported&nbsp;Heller to Wesley Medical Center.Guizale was not injured. Heller was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

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