As western Kansas settles into the typically dry and warm summer months, the lack of moisture in the spring is beginning to impact ag producers across the board.

"Right now, pretty much all of western Kansas is in some stage of a drought," said Bob Gillen,&nbsp;K-State Agriculture Research Center department head. "Some would be moderate drought, ranging all the way up to extreme drought."

While the area is now heading into the warmest months of the year, he said the amount of precipitation in the area can vary widely year to year.

"The whole history of western Kansas is drought, then a wetter period, then headed into the next drought," Gillen said. "So in that sense, it's not unusual."

Some areas though are in what he described as a once-in-a-decade drought.

"We have some areas right now, starting in southwestern Ellis County then goes to the southwest corner of the state that is in a drought that we would only see about one year out of 10," Gillen said. "So in that sense, it is getting into the extreme end."

While last year above-average precipitation fell in the area, both 2015 and 2012 were dryer than normal in Hays.

If you take the last seven years and average them together, we have had 4 inches more rain per year than the overall average," Gillen said.

But that doesn't mean that the drought might not continue — or get worse.

While the amount of precipitation in the area for the next few months is anybody's guess, looking at the long-term trends, Gillen said, we expect things to get drier.

"Right now, about 20 percent of western Kansas is in that one out of a 10-year drought,"

In the Hays area, the drought is not as pervasive.

"We are about in a two out of 10-year drought in Hays," Gillen said.

The 2 inches of rain that fell in the area over the Memorial Day weekend helped soften the overall drought around Hays, but the drought becomes more extreme further south.

"If you start from Hays and go down towards southwest Kansas it gets drier and drier," Gillen said. "And if you get all the way down toward Lakin and Syracuse, they are actually in what we call an extreme drought, which is a one-out-of-20-year drought."

Weather predictions indicate little or no relief will come through June, but conditions may improve by the end of the summer, but may not be enough to pull the hardest-hit areas in southwest Kansas out of drought conditions.

So far, the drought conditions have not impacted the wheat crop around Hays significantly.

"It's going to be an average year," Gillen said. "Maybe not too bad."

But producers to the west may not be so lucky.

"The research station that I oversee in Garden City, we are talking about 20-bushel yields," Gillen said, "if we do that well."

While the wheat crop will be affected by the dry conditions, corn and soybean crops could take a harder hit.

"The corn and soybeans, particularly if we stay in this dry trend through the month of June, I think they are going to be under some pretty substantial stress," Gillen said. "Grain sorghum possibly, as well."

Grass growth for cattle production is also not immune to the drought conditions. And with producers already struggling with COVID-19-related issues and falling market prices, the drought is compounding concerns.

"There is not too much good news out there for ag producers right now," Gillen said. "Economic conditions are quite poor, particularly for beef producers, and a little more than for the grain producers."

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591993458650.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Regional drought affecting crops throughout western Kansas" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/hntef-df4ba4?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>As western Kansas settles into the typically dry and warm summer months, the lack of moisture in the spring is beginning to impact ag producers across the board.</p><p>"Right now, pretty much all of western Kansas is in some stage of a drought," said Bob Gillen,&nbsp;K-State Agriculture Research Center department head. "Some would be moderate drought, ranging all the way up to extreme drought."</p><p>While the area is now heading into the warmest months of the year, he said the amount of precipitation in the area can vary widely year to year.</p><p>"The whole history of western Kansas is drought, then a wetter period, then headed into the next drought," Gillen said. "So in that sense, it's not unusual."</p><p>Some areas though are in what he described as a once-in-a-decade drought.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591993981787.jpeg" alt="Drought map, June 11, 2020. Image courtesy of The National Drought Mitigation&nbsp;Center University of Nebraska-Lincoln." />
                        <figcaption>Drought map, June 11, 2020. Image courtesy of The National Drought Mitigation&nbsp;Center University of Nebraska-Lincoln.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>"We have some areas right now, starting in southwestern Ellis County then goes to the southwest corner of the state that is in a drought that we would only see about one year out of 10," Gillen said. "So in that sense, it is getting into the extreme end."</p><p>While last year above-average precipitation fell in the area, both 2015 and 2012 were dryer than normal in Hays.</p><p>If you take the last seven years and average them together, we have had 4 inches more rain per year than the overall average," Gillen said.</p><p>But that doesn't mean that the drought might not continue — or get worse.</p><p>While the amount of precipitation in the area for the next few months is anybody's guess, looking at the long-term trends, Gillen said, we expect things to get drier.</p><p>"Right now, about 20 percent of western Kansas is in that one out of a 10-year drought,"</p><p>In the Hays area, the drought is not as pervasive.</p><p>"We are about in a two out of 10-year drought in Hays," Gillen said.</p><p>The 2 inches of rain that fell in the area over the Memorial Day weekend helped soften the overall drought around Hays, but the drought becomes more extreme further south.</p><p>"If you start from Hays and go down towards southwest Kansas it gets drier and drier," Gillen said. "And if you get all the way down toward Lakin and Syracuse, they are actually in what we call an extreme drought, which is a one-out-of-20-year drought."</p><p>Weather predictions indicate little or no relief will come through June, but conditions may improve by the end of the summer, but may not be enough to pull the hardest-hit areas in southwest Kansas out of drought conditions.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591993514762.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>What about the crops?</h2><p>So far, the drought conditions have not impacted the wheat crop around Hays significantly.</p><p>"It's going to be an average year," Gillen said. "Maybe not too bad."</p><p>But producers to the west may not be so lucky.</p><p>"The research station that I oversee in Garden City, we are talking about 20-bushel yields," Gillen said, "if we do that well."</p><p>While the wheat crop will be affected by the dry conditions, corn and soybean crops could take a harder hit.</p><p>"The corn and soybeans, particularly if we stay in this dry trend through the month of June, I think they are going to be under some pretty substantial stress," Gillen said. "Grain sorghum possibly, as well."</p><p>Grass growth for cattle production is also not immune to the drought conditions. And with producers already struggling with COVID-19-related issues and falling market prices, the drought is compounding concerns.</p><p>"There is not too much good news out there for ag producers right now," Gillen said. "Economic conditions are quite poor, particularly for beef producers, and a little more than for the grain producers."</p>

🎤 Regional drought affecting ag production

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Water restriction enforcement starts in Hays" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/iyv98-df87fb?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Water restriction enforcement starts in Hays

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<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber begins interviews for VP of membership; begin search for administrative assistant" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/k9v2i-df4b7e?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber begins interviews for VP of membership

🎤Post Podcast: Ellis County misses out on CBDG COVID grants

After the sudden departure of students from Fort Hays State University during the onset of COVID-19 precautions in the spring semester, the university is preparing plans for students to return in the fall.

But while they are optimistic students may return to campus, plans are being made that will ensure university operations and classes continue in one form or another.

"The business of the university is to delivery globally engaged citizens and that comes through relationships and academic challenge,"&nbsp;said Scott Cason, FHSU chief communications officer."So we are focused on being back in full force in the fall, in whatever shape or form we can to continue that mission."

Cason said the school is looking at multiple options, contingencies and planning based on what happens with COVID-19 and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Ellis County Health Department.

"About two weeks ago, President Mason produced a plan that is called 'The phased plan for FHSU employee return and university reopening,' " Cason said. "It's a complicated title, but it really speaks to the complexity of the plan."

Phase one of the plan began June 1 with select staff members returning to campus that work in positions that could not be completed remotely, like university police and maintenance staff, he said.

"People like that are all pretty much back at work if they can only do their job on-campus," Cason said.

The second phase is anticipated to begin on July 1.

"It really will be driven by the successful implementation of phase one," Cason said. "If things go well in phase one, we can move into phase two."

That phase will bring more people on campus and aligns with Gov. Laura Kelly's Ad Astra reopening plan and the transition scheduled for June 22.<br>

"We will make decisions on the transition between phase one to two on June 24," Cason said.

The third phase is then set to begin on Aug. 1.

"Phase three is what we are all looking forward to," Cason said.

In that phase, the university will look at all current information and decide if students will return to campus, but other options like hybrid delivery are being considered if needed for the safety of the campus community.

"It's a complex set of plans that are going on right now, but it's all geared toward that Aug. 1 reopening of campus," Cason said.

A part of the plan includes safety precautions for students that will implement measures including educating students and staff in distancing practices, handwashing and mask use.

"This plan has to ensure the health and safety of all of our faculty, staff, students and visitors," he said. "We don't want to mess up on that — that's the most important guiding principle in our plan."

<div><iframe title="FHSU plans for fall Semester" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/jbprz-decb54?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>After the sudden departure of students from Fort Hays State University during the onset of COVID-19 precautions in the spring semester, the university is preparing plans for students to return in the fall.</p><p>But while they are optimistic students may return to campus, plans are being made that will ensure university operations and classes continue in one form or another.</p><p>"The business of the university is to delivery globally engaged citizens and that comes through relationships and academic challenge,"&nbsp;said Scott Cason, FHSU chief communications officer."So we are focused on being back in full force in the fall, in whatever shape or form we can to continue that mission."</p><p>Cason said the school is looking at multiple options, contingencies and planning based on what happens with COVID-19 and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Ellis County Health Department.</p><p>"About two weeks ago, President Mason produced a plan that is called 'The phased plan for FHSU employee return and university reopening,' " Cason said. "It's a complicated title, but it really speaks to the complexity of the plan."</p><p>Phase one of the plan began June 1 with select staff members returning to campus that work in positions that could not be completed remotely, like university police and maintenance staff, he said.</p><p>"People like that are all pretty much back at work if they can only do their job on-campus," Cason said.</p><p>The second phase is anticipated to begin on July 1.</p><p>"It really will be driven by the successful implementation of phase one," Cason said. "If things go well in phase one, we can move into phase two."</p><p>That phase will bring more people on campus and aligns with Gov. Laura Kelly's Ad Astra reopening plan and the transition scheduled for June 22.<br></p><p>"We will make decisions on the transition between phase one to two on June 24," Cason said.</p><p>The third phase is then set to begin on Aug. 1.</p><p>"Phase three is what we are all looking forward to," Cason said.</p><p>In that phase, the university will look at all current information and decide if students will return to campus, but other options like hybrid delivery are being considered if needed for the safety of the campus community.</p><p>"It's a complex set of plans that are going on right now, but it's all geared toward that Aug. 1 reopening of campus," Cason said.</p><p>A part of the plan includes safety precautions for students that will implement measures including educating students and staff in distancing practices, handwashing and mask use.</p><p>"This plan has to ensure the health and safety of all of our faculty, staff, students and visitors," he said. "We don't want to mess up on that — that's the most important guiding principle in our plan."</p>

🎤FHSU plans for student return in fall; safety a priority

<div><iframe title="Hays Public Library set for reopening" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/i2q3c-deafd7?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Public Library set for reopening

<div><iframe title="Chamber prepares for upcoming business showcase" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/6b827-de8b7e?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Chamber prepares for upcoming business showcase

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman&nbsp;speaks with Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason.</i>

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Tisa Mason" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/srfpz-de6e23?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman&nbsp;speaks with Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason.</i></p>

🎤Forward Ever: FHSU President Tisa Mason

<div><iframe title="Programs in place to help retain businesses in western Kansas" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/uyydh-de24f8?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Programs in place to help retain businesses in western Kansas

<div><iframe title="Firefighters to gain experience with airplane fires during upcoming training" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/38ktk-de24e3?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Area firefighters to train for airplane fires in Hays

<div><iframe title="Local extension district wheat field day to broadcast online" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/2g5db-de24c1?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Local extension district shifts wheat field day online

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ea0bd28eb7f1705360339b9">The international film "A Quiet America," which was broadcast on Eagle and Nex-Tech cable systems last month</a>, is now available in its entirety on the <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/quiet-america">Hays Arts Council's website.</a>

Rights to show the film were secured by the council to offset some of the programming canceled during COVID-19 precautionary shutdowns.

"We have been here in the trenches at the arts council during this whole thing trying to work on programs and projects and try to have things available for the community and stay relevant," said Brenda Meder, HAC executive director.

She said the broadcasts went well and had made contact with senior centers in the area prior to the broadcast.

"People seemed to really enjoy getting to see it," Meder said. "It was wonderful to have it go out to so many of our senior citizens."

But now it is available online at the Hays Arts Council website for anyone who would like to watch the entire film.

"It continues to be made available," Meder said, "so anybody that didn't see it, or anybody that doesn't have local cable television is able to watch it."

The 2015 companion video is also available on the website.

"It was something we wanted to bring back for the community in light of all of the things we couldn't do at the time," Meder said.

<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/quiet-america">The film can be found on the Quiet America tab on the HAC website.</a>

It will remain available to watch free of charge for at least a few months, Meder said.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587592628705.png" alt="The 1976 film "A Quiet America" featuring Hays is now available online on the Hays Arts Council website. (Photo Courtesy Hays Arts Council)" />
                        <figcaption>The 1976 film "A Quiet America" featuring Hays is now available online on the Hays Arts Council website. (Photo Courtesy Hays Arts Council)</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Historic documentary featuring Hays available online" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/tjgtj-ddc848?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ea0bd28eb7f1705360339b9">The international film "A Quiet America," which was broadcast on Eagle and Nex-Tech cable systems last month</a>, is now available in its entirety on the <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/quiet-america">Hays Arts Council's website.</a></p><p>Rights to show the film were secured by the council to offset some of the programming canceled during COVID-19 precautionary shutdowns.</p><p>"We have been here in the trenches at the arts council during this whole thing trying to work on programs and projects and try to have things available for the community and stay relevant," said Brenda Meder, HAC executive director.</p><p>She said the broadcasts went well and had made contact with senior centers in the area prior to the broadcast.</p><p>"People seemed to really enjoy getting to see it," Meder said. "It was wonderful to have it go out to so many of our senior citizens."</p><p>But now it is available online at the Hays Arts Council website for anyone who would like to watch the entire film.</p><p>"It continues to be made available," Meder said, "so anybody that didn't see it, or anybody that doesn't have local cable television is able to watch it."</p><p>The 2015 companion video is also available on the website.</p><p>"It was something we wanted to bring back for the community in light of all of the things we couldn't do at the time," Meder said.</p><p><a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/quiet-america">The film can be found on the Quiet America tab on the HAC website.</a></p><p>It will remain available to watch free of charge for at least a few months, Meder said.</p>

🎤Historic documentary featuring Hays available online

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber sets new Dale Carnegie dates; plans for upcoming events" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/fpftd-ddc824?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber sets new Dale Carnegie dates; plans for upcoming events

<div><iframe title="Marshall seeks COVID-19 answers with China Accountability Act" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/mrt76-dd620f?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Marshall seeks COVID-19 answers with China Accountability Act

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber schedules business events" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/9w6fw-dcfb8e?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber schedules business events

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman&nbsp;speaks with Hays mayor and local business owner Shaun Musil.</i>

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Hays Mayor Shaun Musil" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/vvxa2-dce538?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman&nbsp;speaks with Hays mayor and local business owner Shaun Musil.</i></p>

🎤Forward Ever: Hays Mayor Shaun Musil

After stopping their monthly child development screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hays Area Children's Center hopes to begin screenings again in June.

During the summer screenings they will only be accepting children from birth age to 2 years and 9 months, but will expand to the full age in August.

"The next screening we are hoping to do is on Wednesday, June 7," said&nbsp;Jennifer Oborny, infant and toddler early intervention director.

The following screening date is set for Wednesday, July 8.&nbsp;

"... On Aug. 14, we will be able to do all children from birth to age 5," Oborny said.

During the screening, school professionals are on site to answer questions, including a speech language pathologist who can check speech development.

Motor skills, vision, hearing and behavioral development is also checked and performed in a child-friendly way.

If further assistance is needed after the screening, the center works to provide those resources.

"Once a child qualifies for our services from the infant to the toddler center, they get full access to a range of services that include assitive technology, audiology screenings, family service ordination, health and medical referrals, nursing services, nutrition, occupation, physical and speech-language therapies, psychological services, social work specialized instruction and vision services," Oborny said.

The center serves children in Ellis and Rush counties at no cost to families and works to identify developmental issues as early as possible.

The impacts of early developmental delays, especially vision can be long-lasting, Oborny said.

"One big piece is vision," she said. "If you don't have your vision corrected as early as possible, it can affect your long-term vision and brain development because there is so much going on in those first three years."

Audiology testing is also a key component of the developmental screenings and the center will benefit from new equipment over the summer.

"We are actually getting some new hearing tools this summer that we qualified for with some grants," Oborny said. "So I am very excited to about using those new items with our families for screenings."

The new tools will provide the most up-to-date hearing testing available.

While the center paused their monthly developmental screenings, they have continued to provide services to families through online video services.

"It's actually gone really, really well with our families," Oborny said.

They are hoping to get back in homes for testing over the summer, but they do not have a specific timeline outlines — but will follow guidance from Hays USD 489 and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

"We certainly don't want to bring something from one house to another, especially with the compromised health that some of these babies we work with," Oborny said.

To set up a screening or for more information, call 625 3257 or visit the HACC website,&nbsp;<a href="https://hacc.info/">hacc.info</a>.

<div><iframe title="HACC hopes to re-start monthly screening in June" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/hhrpy-dc769a?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>After stopping their monthly child development screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hays Area Children's Center hopes to begin screenings again in June.</p><p>During the summer screenings they will only be accepting children from birth age to 2 years and 9 months, but will expand to the full age in August.</p><p>"The next screening we are hoping to do is on Wednesday, June 7," said&nbsp;Jennifer Oborny, infant and toddler early intervention director.</p><p>The following screening date is set for Wednesday, July 8.&nbsp;</p><p>"... On Aug. 14, we will be able to do all children from birth to age 5," Oborny said.</p><p>During the screening, school professionals are on site to answer questions, including a speech language pathologist who can check speech development.</p><p>Motor skills, vision, hearing and behavioral development is also checked and performed in a child-friendly way.</p><p>If further assistance is needed after the screening, the center works to provide those resources.</p><p>"Once a child qualifies for our services from the infant to the toddler center, they get full access to a range of services that include assitive technology, audiology screenings, family service ordination, health and medical referrals, nursing services, nutrition, occupation, physical and speech-language therapies, psychological services, social work specialized instruction and vision services," Oborny said.</p><p>The center serves children in Ellis and Rush counties at no cost to families and works to identify developmental issues as early as possible.</p><p>The impacts of early developmental delays, especially vision can be long-lasting, Oborny said.</p><p>"One big piece is vision," she said. "If you don't have your vision corrected as early as possible, it can affect your long-term vision and brain development because there is so much going on in those first three years."</p><p>Audiology testing is also a key component of the developmental screenings and the center will benefit from new equipment over the summer.</p><p>"We are actually getting some new hearing tools this summer that we qualified for with some grants," Oborny said. "So I am very excited to about using those new items with our families for screenings."</p><p>The new tools will provide the most up-to-date hearing testing available.</p><p>While the center paused their monthly developmental screenings, they have continued to provide services to families through online video services.</p><p>"It's actually gone really, really well with our families," Oborny said.</p><p>They are hoping to get back in homes for testing over the summer, but they do not have a specific timeline outlines — but will follow guidance from Hays USD 489 and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.</p><p>"We certainly don't want to bring something from one house to another, especially with the compromised health that some of these babies we work with," Oborny said.</p><p>To set up a screening or for more information, call 625 3257 or visit the HACC website,&nbsp;<a href="https://hacc.info/">hacc.info</a>.</p>

🎤 HACC hopes to begin monthly child screenings in June

To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.

<div><iframe title="New technologies helping control weeds in sorghum fields" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/fjdps-dc79e3?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p>To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</p>

🎙 Post Podcast: New technologies helping control weeds in sorghum fields

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber plans events as businesses reopen in Ellis Co." height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/zca4z-dc4a6c?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber plans events as businesses reopen in Ellis Co.

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman&nbsp;speaks with Hays Med president and CEO Edward Herrmann.</i>

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Edward Herrmann, president and CEO of&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;Med" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/i2ty9-dc1813?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman&nbsp;speaks with Hays Med president and CEO Edward Herrmann.</i></p>

🎤Forward Ever: Hays Med president and CEO Edward Herrmann

Even as the Hays Public Library building remains closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has continued to provide digital resources and online programming.

And now it will offer another service to get resources into the hands of patrons — delivery and pickup.

As business and services reopen across Kansas, Callie Kolacny said the library is following guidelines set by the state and the local health department.

"We are following those first and foremost," she said, but after working through materials that were returned during the shutdown, they are now ready to begin offering items for checkout.

"It will be books, movies, music," Kolacny said. "Any of the items you are able to check out, they will start being available again."

The service will be offered as a delivery and pickup program, she said.

"A lot like the restaurants have been doing, with some pickup and delivery, but not necessarily opening their dining room. That's kind of how we will handle this time right now."

<a href="http://hayslibrary.org">Materials can be requested through a Google form on the library's website, hayslibrary.org</a>, or by phone at (785) 625-9014.

Once an order is placed, the patron can decide if they want to pick up the items or have it delivered to the door.

"We are going to start using that big, beautiful bookmobile to deliver items," Kolacny said. "We also have our van that will be used as well."

The deliveries will be made with "no contact," she said.

"If you have items that you want to send back to the library, you will be asked to put them in a bag, set them out on your porch or your driveway," Kolacny said. "Then whoever is delivering will deliver your items."

At the library, items will be offered in a similar manner, with times being set for pickup in the library breezeway.

For returns, items can be put into the drop boxes at the library.

"That's our plan to get items back out to the public, but also to make sure that we are being very safe with our staff and our patrons," Kolacny said.

Items coming in and out of the library will also be quarantined for 48 hours, to ensure they remain safe.

"We have done a lot of research on the studies on how long the virus can last on physical items," Kolacny said. "There will be a little bit of lag time because we want to make sure there is enough time for any of the virus to dissipate."<br>

While the library will be offering the service, all in-person programming for the month of May remains canceled.

However, virtual programming continues and is available on the library's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayspubliclibrary/">social media</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCas5WHbl7o0ATDIREfnN14w">Youtube channel</a>.

Recent programming includes gardening tips, yoga and children's stories.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e8cd1bfeb7f17053601ee20">The library also continues to offer a variety of digital resources.&nbsp;</a>

"We miss everybody and we want everybody back in the library, but we want to wait until it is completely safe and we can find ways to still social distance. But for now, being able to get some books and movies back into the hands of the people that have been wanting them — our first goal is to make that happen for them," Kolacny said.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586134292045.jpeg" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe title="Hays Library plans to deliver materials door to door" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/nm22j-db7e75?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><b>By JAMES BELL</b><br><i>Hays Post</i></p><p>Even as the Hays Public Library building remains closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has continued to provide digital resources and online programming.</p><p>And now it will offer another service to get resources into the hands of patrons — delivery and pickup.</p><p>As business and services reopen across Kansas, Callie Kolacny said the library is following guidelines set by the state and the local health department.</p><p>"We are following those first and foremost," she said, but after working through materials that were returned during the shutdown, they are now ready to begin offering items for checkout.</p><p>"It will be books, movies, music," Kolacny said. "Any of the items you are able to check out, they will start being available again."</p><p>The service will be offered as a delivery and pickup program, she said.</p><p>"A lot like the restaurants have been doing, with some pickup and delivery, but not necessarily opening their dining room. That's kind of how we will handle this time right now."</p><p><a href="http://hayslibrary.org">Materials can be requested through a Google form on the library's website, hayslibrary.org</a>, or by phone at (785) 625-9014.</p><p>Once an order is placed, the patron can decide if they want to pick up the items or have it delivered to the door.</p><p>"We are going to start using that big, beautiful bookmobile to deliver items," Kolacny said. "We also have our van that will be used as well."</p><p>The deliveries will be made with "no contact," she said.</p><p>"If you have items that you want to send back to the library, you will be asked to put them in a bag, set them out on your porch or your driveway," Kolacny said. "Then whoever is delivering will deliver your items."</p><p>At the library, items will be offered in a similar manner, with times being set for pickup in the library breezeway.</p><p>For returns, items can be put into the drop boxes at the library.</p><p>"That's our plan to get items back out to the public, but also to make sure that we are being very safe with our staff and our patrons," Kolacny said.</p><p>Items coming in and out of the library will also be quarantined for 48 hours, to ensure they remain safe.</p><p>"We have done a lot of research on the studies on how long the virus can last on physical items," Kolacny said. "There will be a little bit of lag time because we want to make sure there is enough time for any of the virus to dissipate."<br></p><p>While the library will be offering the service, all in-person programming for the month of May remains canceled.</p><p>However, virtual programming continues and is available on the library's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayspubliclibrary/">social media</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCas5WHbl7o0ATDIREfnN14w">Youtube channel</a>.</p><p>Recent programming includes gardening tips, yoga and children's stories.</p><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e8cd1bfeb7f17053601ee20">The library also continues to offer a variety of digital resources.&nbsp;</a></p><p>"We miss everybody and we want everybody back in the library, but we want to wait until it is completely safe and we can find ways to still social distance. But for now, being able to get some books and movies back into the hands of the people that have been wanting them — our first goal is to make that happen for them," Kolacny said.</p>

🎤Hays library plans door-to-door delivery, pickup of materials

<div><iframe title="COVID-19 testing covered by Medicare" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/rc2y6-dbcd48?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: COVID-19 testing covered by Medicare

<div><iframe title="FHSU preparing plans for fall return to campus" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/w3x92-dbccec?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU preparing plans for fall return to campus

<div><iframe title="Emberhope Youthville seeking foster parents" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/wr4bf-dbccce?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a></p>

🎙 Post Podcast: Emberhope Youthville seeking foster parents

<i>On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers about the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</i>

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Lynn Rodgers" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/w8m3u-dbd1de?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><p><i>On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers about the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</i></p>