Junction City officials are now accepting application for the distribution of community development block grant - COVID-19 relief funds. The City received $132,000 in funds to assist businesses of less than 50 employees.

The program is designed to help local for-profit businesses in Junction City retain jobs for low-to moderate income people. COVID-19 funding can assist those businesses with issues triggered by the COVID-19 virus and when no other funds are available.

Application packets are available at the City office at 700 North Jefferson Street or by contacting allen.dinkel@jcks.com, tammy.melton@jcks.com. or by calling 785-238-3103, Ext. 300.

Junction City officials are now accepting application for the distribution of community development block grant - COVID-19 relief funds. The City received $132,000 in funds to assist businesses of less than 50 employees.The program is designed to help local for-profit businesses in Junction City retain jobs for low-to moderate income people. COVID-19 funding can assist those businesses with issues triggered by the COVID-19 virus and when no other funds are available.Application packets are available at the City office at 700 North Jefferson Street or by contacting allen.dinkel@jcks.com, tammy.melton@jcks.com. or by calling 785-238-3103, Ext. 300.

City is accepting CDBG applications

Statewide funding for round&nbsp; two COVID-19 relief funds was a topic for Geary County Commissioner Brad Scholz during a joint city - county - school board meeting Monday evening.

Scholz noted that he and emergency manager Garry Berges participated in a July 24 webinar where information was provided. "It looks like it won't be the county that handles those funds. It will be a direct pay from the state." 

Scholz said the numbers are for all 105 counties in Kansas combined. They include $$86,136. 336 for public health, $78,600,000 for economic development, $60 million for connectivity and $74, 935, 773 for education. In the education category the funds would be split into three sections including early childhood investment, higher education, and community and technical colleges.

The County is currently dealing with the consulting firm, Witt O'Brien's on the and allocation and disbursement of round one COVID-19 relief funding. A local steering committee is working on that effort. The round one funding total for Geary County was approximately $6.37&nbsp; million.

Statewide funding for round&nbsp; two COVID-19 relief funds was a topic for Geary County Commissioner Brad Scholz during a joint city - county - school board meeting Monday evening.Scholz noted that he and emergency manager Garry Berges participated in a July 24 webinar where information was provided. "It looks like it won't be the county that handles those funds. It will be a direct pay from the state." Scholz said the numbers are for all 105 counties in Kansas combined. They include $$86,136. 336 for public health, $78,600,000 for economic development, $60 million for connectivity and $74, 935, 773 for education. In the education category the funds would be split into three sections including early childhood investment, higher education, and community and technical colleges.The County is currently dealing with the consulting firm, Witt O'Brien's on the and allocation and disbursement of round one COVID-19 relief funding. A local steering committee is working on that effort. The round one funding total for Geary County was approximately $6.37&nbsp; million.

Round two COVID-19 relief funding will be distributed among counties in Kansas

Geary USD 475 Board of Education members will consider a proposed new school starting date of Aug. 31 when they meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. The initial starting date had been Aug. 17 but the impact of COVID-19 if forcing school districts to look at moving back their starting date.

The meeting will be conducted via Zoom and can be viewed on the District's Facebook page.

Geary USD 475 Board of Education members will consider a proposed new school starting date of Aug. 31 when they meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. The initial starting date had been Aug. 17 but the impact of COVID-19 if forcing school districts to look at moving back their starting date.The meeting will be conducted via Zoom and can be viewed on the District's Facebook page.

School Board to consider new school starting date

Information provided Monday from the Geary County Health Department confirmed 12 new positive COVID-19 cases.&nbsp; That brings the total for Geary County to 125.  Those individuals are self-quarantining at home and contact tracing is underway.

The 12 new cases included women ages 32, 62, 21, 34, 54, 27 and 35 years. There were cases involving men ages 23, 43, 52, 16 and 44.&nbsp;

There were 29 active cases, two hospitalizations and 94 people have recovered. There was one death this past weekend.

Information provided Monday from the Geary County Health Department confirmed 12 new positive COVID-19 cases.&nbsp; That brings the total for Geary County to 125. Those individuals are self-quarantining at home and contact tracing is underway.The 12 new cases included women ages 32, 62, 21, 34, 54, 27 and 35 years. There were cases involving men ages 23, 43, 52, 16 and 44.&nbsp;There were 29 active cases, two hospitalizations and 94 people have recovered. There was one death this past weekend.

Geary County COVID-19 totals are updated

Early in the process following the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Emergency Operations Center officials worked to obtain equipment and supplies for different agencies who were responding to it.&nbsp; Emergency Management Director Garry Berges updated local elected officials on Monday. "Early on the State sent us 113 cases of personal protective equipment which we distributed out to the different agencies that needed it."

Since&nbsp; then 59 cases of requested personal protective equipment and supplies for partners, testing supplies and test kits for Geary Community Hospital and for Konza Prairie Community Health Center." They also requested help in contact tracing for the Health Department on COVID-19 positive cases and medicine was requested for a COVID-19 patient that was in the intensive care unit.

Initially until about one month ago the EOC operated every day with members meeting every day to discuss necessary actions. There were representatives from the Geary County Sheriff's Department, Health Department. Junction City Police Department, Emergency Management and Junction City Fire / EMS. There were other participants from USD 475, Grandview Plaza police and fire, City of Milford, Geary Community Hospital, Konza Prairie Community Health Center, Geary County Commission, and the Fort Riley Emergency Management Office. The EOC now meets weekly and they provide daily postings to social media.&nbsp;

Monday was day 137 of the Emergency Operations Center activity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595893694714.jpeg" alt="Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges" />
 <figcaption>Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges</figcaption>
 </figure>Early in the process following the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Emergency Operations Center officials worked to obtain equipment and supplies for different agencies who were responding to it.&nbsp; Emergency Management Director Garry Berges updated local elected officials on Monday. "Early on the State sent us 113 cases of personal protective equipment which we distributed out to the different agencies that needed it."Since&nbsp; then 59 cases of requested personal protective equipment and supplies for partners, testing supplies and test kits for Geary Community Hospital and for Konza Prairie Community Health Center." They also requested help in contact tracing for the Health Department on COVID-19 positive cases and medicine was requested for a COVID-19 patient that was in the intensive care unit.Initially until about one month ago the EOC operated every day with members meeting every day to discuss necessary actions. There were representatives from the Geary County Sheriff's Department, Health Department. Junction City Police Department, Emergency Management and Junction City Fire / EMS. There were other participants from USD 475, Grandview Plaza police and fire, City of Milford, Geary Community Hospital, Konza Prairie Community Health Center, Geary County Commission, and the Fort Riley Emergency Management Office. The EOC now meets weekly and they provide daily postings to social media.&nbsp;Monday was day 137 of the Emergency Operations Center activity.

EOC works to obtain supplies for dealing with the pandemic

Geary County officials are reporting a COVID-19 related death involving a man in his 60's. This is the second person who has died in Geary County in connection with COVID-19.

Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said the man had been transported by ambulance to Geary Community Hospital on Sunday and passed away later that day.&nbsp;

Geary County authorities strongly encourage everyone to wear masks when in public, practice social distancing and conduct frequent hand washing.

Geary County officials are reporting a COVID-19 related death involving a man in his 60's. This is the second person who has died in Geary County in connection with COVID-19.Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said the man had been transported by ambulance to Geary Community Hospital on Sunday and passed away later that day.&nbsp;Geary County authorities strongly encourage everyone to wear masks when in public, practice social distancing and conduct frequent hand washing.

Authorities confirm COVID-19 related death in Geary County

By LAURAN NEERGAARD and MICHAEL HILL, Associated Press

The world’s biggest COVID-19 vaccine study got underway Monday with the first of 30,000 planned volunteers helping to test shots created by the U.S. government -- one of several candidates in the final stretch of the global vaccine race.

There’s still no guarantee that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/76b614811eef32955180c8260188bc24">experimental vaccine</a>, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., will really protect.

The needed proof: Volunteers won’t know if they’re getting the real shot or a dummy version. After two doses, scientists will closely track which group experiences more infections as they go about their daily routines, especially in areas where the virus still is spreading unchecked.

“Unfortunately for the United States of America, we have plenty of infections right now” to get that answer, NIH’s Dr. Anthony Fauci recently told The Associated Press.

Moderna said the vaccination was done in Savannah, Georgia, the first site to get underway among more than seven dozen trial sites scattered around the country.

In Binghamton, New York, nurse Melissa Harting said she volunteered as a way “to do my part to help out.”

“I’m excited,” Harting said before she received a study injection Monday morning. Especially with family members in front-line jobs that could expose them to the virus, “doing our part to eradicate it is very important to me.”

Several other vaccines made by China and by Britain’s Oxford University began smaller final-stage tests in Brazil and other hard-hit countries earlier this month.

But the U.S. requires its own tests of any vaccine that might be used in the country and has set a high bar: Every month through fall, the government-funded COVID-19 Prevention Network will roll out a new study of a leading candidate -- each one with 30,000 newly recruited volunteers.

The massive studies aren’t just to test if the shots work — they’re needed to check each potential vaccine’s safety. And following the same study rules will let scientists eventually compare all the shots.

Next up in August, the final U.S. study of the Oxford shot begins, followed by plans to test a candidate from Johnson &amp; Johnson in September and Novavax in October -- if all goes according to schedule. Pfizer Inc. plans its own 30,000-person study this summer.

That’s a stunning number of people needed to roll up their sleeves for science. But in recent weeks, more than 150,000 Americans filled out an online&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronaviruspreventionnetwork.org/clinical-study-volunteer/" target="_blank">registry&nbsp;</a>signaling interest, said Dr. Larry Corey, a virologist with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute in Seattle, who helps oversee the study sites.

“These trials need to be multigenerational, they need to be multiethnic, they need to reflect the diversity of the United States population,” Corey told a vaccine meeting last week. He stressed that it’s especially important to ensure enough Black and Hispanic participants as those populations are hard-hit by COVID-19.

It normally takes years to create a new vaccine from scratch, but scientists are setting speed records this time around, spurred by knowledge that vaccination is the world’s best hope against the pandemic. The coronavirus wasn’t even known to exist before late December, and vaccine makers sprang into action Jan. 10 when China shared the virus’ genetic sequence.

Just 65 days later in March, the NIH-made vaccine was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjx2Ulxdkiw" target="_blank">tested in people</a>. The first recipient is encouraging others to volunteer now.

“We all feel so helpless right now. There’s very little that we can do to combat this virus. And being able to participate in this trial has given me a sense of, that I’m doing something,” Jennifer Haller of Seattle told the AP. “Be prepared for a lot of questions from your friends and family about how it’s going, and a lot of thank-you’s.”

That first-stage study that included Haller and 44 others showed the shots revved up volunteers’ immune systems in ways scientists expect will be protective, with some minor side effects such as a brief fever, chills and pain at the injection site. Early testing of other leading candidates have had similarly encouraging results.

If everything goes right with the final studies, it still will take months for the first data to trickle in from the Moderna test, followed by the Oxford one.

Governments around the world are trying to stockpile millions of doses of those leading candidates so if and when regulators approve one or more vaccines, immunizations can begin immediately. But the first available doses will be rationed, presumably reserved for people at highest risk from the virus.

“We’re optimistic, cautiously optimistic” that the vaccine will work and that “toward the end of the year” there will be data to prove it, Dr. Stephen Hoge, president of Massachusetts-based Moderna, told a House subcommittee last week.

Until then, Haller, the volunteer vaccinated back in March, wears a mask in public and takes the same distancing precautions advised for everyone -- while hoping that one of the shots in the pipeline pans out.

“I don’t know what the chances are that this is the exact right vaccine. But thank goodness that there are so many others out there battling this right now,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595858673337.png" alt="Photo courtesy Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle. " />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle. </figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD and MICHAEL HILL, Associated PressThe world’s biggest COVID-19 vaccine study got underway Monday with the first of 30,000 planned volunteers helping to test shots created by the U.S. government -- one of several candidates in the final stretch of the global vaccine race.There’s still no guarantee that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/76b614811eef32955180c8260188bc24">experimental vaccine</a>, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., will really protect.The needed proof: Volunteers won’t know if they’re getting the real shot or a dummy version. After two doses, scientists will closely track which group experiences more infections as they go about their daily routines, especially in areas where the virus still is spreading unchecked.“Unfortunately for the United States of America, we have plenty of infections right now” to get that answer, NIH’s Dr. Anthony Fauci recently told The Associated Press.Moderna said the vaccination was done in Savannah, Georgia, the first site to get underway among more than seven dozen trial sites scattered around the country.In Binghamton, New York, nurse Melissa Harting said she volunteered as a way “to do my part to help out.”“I’m excited,” Harting said before she received a study injection Monday morning. Especially with family members in front-line jobs that could expose them to the virus, “doing our part to eradicate it is very important to me.”Several other vaccines made by China and by Britain’s Oxford University began smaller final-stage tests in Brazil and other hard-hit countries earlier this month.But the U.S. requires its own tests of any vaccine that might be used in the country and has set a high bar: Every month through fall, the government-funded COVID-19 Prevention Network will roll out a new study of a leading candidate -- each one with 30,000 newly recruited volunteers.The massive studies aren’t just to test if the shots work — they’re needed to check each potential vaccine’s safety. And following the same study rules will let scientists eventually compare all the shots.Next up in August, the final U.S. study of the Oxford shot begins, followed by plans to test a candidate from Johnson &amp; Johnson in September and Novavax in October -- if all goes according to schedule. Pfizer Inc. plans its own 30,000-person study this summer.That’s a stunning number of people needed to roll up their sleeves for science. But in recent weeks, more than 150,000 Americans filled out an online&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronaviruspreventionnetwork.org/clinical-study-volunteer/" target="_blank">registry&nbsp;</a>signaling interest, said Dr. Larry Corey, a virologist with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute in Seattle, who helps oversee the study sites.“These trials need to be multigenerational, they need to be multiethnic, they need to reflect the diversity of the United States population,” Corey told a vaccine meeting last week. He stressed that it’s especially important to ensure enough Black and Hispanic participants as those populations are hard-hit by COVID-19.It normally takes years to create a new vaccine from scratch, but scientists are setting speed records this time around, spurred by knowledge that vaccination is the world’s best hope against the pandemic. The coronavirus wasn’t even known to exist before late December, and vaccine makers sprang into action Jan. 10 when China shared the virus’ genetic sequence.Just 65 days later in March, the NIH-made vaccine was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjx2Ulxdkiw" target="_blank">tested in people</a>. The first recipient is encouraging others to volunteer now.“We all feel so helpless right now. There’s very little that we can do to combat this virus. And being able to participate in this trial has given me a sense of, that I’m doing something,” Jennifer Haller of Seattle told the AP. “Be prepared for a lot of questions from your friends and family about how it’s going, and a lot of thank-you’s.”That first-stage study that included Haller and 44 others showed the shots revved up volunteers’ immune systems in ways scientists expect will be protective, with some minor side effects such as a brief fever, chills and pain at the injection site. Early testing of other leading candidates have had similarly encouraging results.If everything goes right with the final studies, it still will take months for the first data to trickle in from the Moderna test, followed by the Oxford one.Governments around the world are trying to stockpile millions of doses of those leading candidates so if and when regulators approve one or more vaccines, immunizations can begin immediately. But the first available doses will be rationed, presumably reserved for people at highest risk from the virus.“We’re optimistic, cautiously optimistic” that the vaccine will work and that “toward the end of the year” there will be data to prove it, Dr. Stephen Hoge, president of Massachusetts-based Moderna, told a House subcommittee last week.Until then, Haller, the volunteer vaccinated back in March, wears a mask in public and takes the same distancing precautions advised for everyone -- while hoping that one of the shots in the pipeline pans out.“I don’t know what the chances are that this is the exact right vaccine. But thank goodness that there are so many others out there battling this right now,” she said.___

Virus vaccine put to final test in thousands of volunteers

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Health department officials in Kansas City and its surrounding three counties are pleading with residents to follow safety precautions amid an increase of coronavirus cases that they say could lead to further shutdowns and overwhelmed hospitals.

The officials from Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri, and from Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas <a href="https://www.jocogov.org/sites/default/files/PressRelease/HealthOfficerLetterFINAL072420.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3qoxbx3DXsSh3-UAV-XiaHbOqcRoZmOzEOJaKBFNhZHrWOADuxcKkMc4U">issued a letter saying</a> it is important to wear masks, social distance and limit group gatherings to slow the virus’ spread.

“We are extremely concerned that hospitalizations will continue to escalate in the coming weeks and months,” officials said, “and that the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 will lead to increasing ventilator use and deaths. Despite hoping this would not occur, we predicted that this was a possibility at some point after the relaxation of the stay-at-home orders.”

On Sunday, Missouri reported 15 more deaths from coronavirus, according the state department of health and senior services and over 2400 new positive cases of the virus since Friday.

The Kansas Department of <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported over</a> 1000 new cases Friday and 18 additional deaths.

According to the letter, "If we do not	act	quickly as	a community and region, future shutdowns	will	be inevitable."

"It may be important in	the coming days to limit the interactions of individuals in	bars,	restaurants, and	other indoor shopping	venues – particularly where masks cannot be worn	when	eating	and	drinking. We prefer these	businesses	provide patrons with	curbside	or outdoor service&nbsp; whenever and wherever possible as they have done before. We support creative	ideas	such	as	serving patrons	in new outdoor spaces	such	as	car-side&nbsp; in	parking	lots,	or	on	sidewalks	wherever	possible."

"Research from Goldman	Sachs suggests a national mask	mandate would	slow the growth	rate of new COVID-19 infections	and	prevent a	5%	GDP	loss	caused	by	additional lockdown&nbsp; measures.&nbsp;

The researchers go	on	to	estimate	that	a national mandate	would	increase	the&nbsp; portion	of people wearing	masks by 15	percentage points and	cut the daily growth	of new cases by	1.0	percentage	point to	0.6%. Reducing the spread of the	virus	through mask-wearing, the analysts found, could be a substitute for strict	lockdown measures	that	would otherwise	shave	$1 trillion off	the	U.S.&nbsp; GDP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595848915739.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Health department officials in Kansas City and its surrounding three counties are pleading with residents to follow safety precautions amid an increase of coronavirus cases that they say could lead to further shutdowns and overwhelmed hospitals.The officials from Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri, and from Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas <a href="https://www.jocogov.org/sites/default/files/PressRelease/HealthOfficerLetterFINAL072420.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3qoxbx3DXsSh3-UAV-XiaHbOqcRoZmOzEOJaKBFNhZHrWOADuxcKkMc4U">issued a letter saying</a> it is important to wear masks, social distance and limit group gatherings to slow the virus’ spread.“We are extremely concerned that hospitalizations will continue to escalate in the coming weeks and months,” officials said, “and that the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 will lead to increasing ventilator use and deaths. Despite hoping this would not occur, we predicted that this was a possibility at some point after the relaxation of the stay-at-home orders.”On Sunday, Missouri reported 15 more deaths from coronavirus, according the state department of health and senior services and over 2400 new positive cases of the virus since Friday.The Kansas Department of <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported over</a> 1000 new cases Friday and 18 additional deaths.According to the letter, "If we do not	act	quickly as	a community and region, future shutdowns	will	be inevitable.""It may be important in	the coming days to limit the interactions of individuals in	bars,	restaurants, and	other indoor shopping	venues – particularly where masks cannot be worn	when	eating	and	drinking. We prefer these	businesses	provide patrons with	curbside	or outdoor service&nbsp; whenever and wherever possible as they have done before. We support creative	ideas	such	as	serving patrons	in new outdoor spaces	such	as	car-side&nbsp; in	parking	lots,	or	on	sidewalks	wherever	possible.""Research from Goldman	Sachs suggests a national mask	mandate would	slow the growth	rate of new COVID-19 infections	and	prevent a	5%	GDP	loss	caused	by	additional lockdown&nbsp; measures.&nbsp;The researchers go	on	to	estimate	that	a national mandate	would	increase	the&nbsp; portion	of people wearing	masks by 15	percentage points and	cut the daily growth	of new cases by	1.0	percentage	point to	0.6%. Reducing the spread of the	virus	through mask-wearing, the analysts found, could be a substitute for strict	lockdown measures	that	would otherwise	shave	$1 trillion off	the	U.S.&nbsp; GDP.------------

Officials: Future shutdowns inevitable in Kansas City due to virus

WASHINGTON (AP) — Suggesting a narrower&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">pandemic&nbsp;</a>relief package may be all that’s possible, the White House still pushed ahead with Monday’s planned rollout of the Senate Republicans’ $1 trillion effort as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi assailed the GOP “disarray” as time-wasting during the crisis.

The administration’s chief negotiators — White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin — spent the weekend on Capitol Hill to put what Meadows described as “final touches” on the relief bill Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is expected to bring forward Monday afternoon.

“We’re done,” Mnuchin said as he and Meadows left Capitol Hill on Sunday after meeting with GOP staff.

But looming deadlines may force them to consider other options. By Friday, millions of out-of-work Americans will lose an $600 federal unemployment benefit that is expiring and federal eviction protections for many renters are also coming to an end. President Donald Trump’s standing is at one of the lowest points of his term, according to a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/43a096bc2bcf376de04b696c5143ee99">AP-NORC poll</a>.

“They’re in disarray and that delay is causing suffering for America’s families,” Pelosi said.

Pelosi panned the Trump administration’s desire to trim the $600 weekly unemployment boost to about 70% of pre-pandemic wages. She also said she opposes tackling a relief package in piecemeal fashion.

With the virus death toll climbing and 4.2 million infections nationwide, the administration officials converged on the Capitol to revive the Republican package that unraveled last week. Republican senators and the White House are at odds over various items, including how to cutback the jobless benefit without fully doing away with it.

Meadows said as the White House was “looking for clarity” on a “handful” of remaining issues with Republicans, but they had yet to talk to McConnell. “We have an agreement in principle,” he said.

Both Mnuchin and Meadows said earlier Sunday that narrower legislation might need to be passed first to ensure that enhanced unemployment benefits don’t run out for millions of Americans. They cited unemployment benefits, money to help schools reopen, tax credits to keep people from losing their jobs, and lawsuit protections for schools and businesses as priorities.

“We can move very quickly with the Democrats on these issues,” Mnuchin said.

But negotiations with Democrats have yet to begin with billions at stake and deadlines near.

Separately, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said a federal eviction moratorium on millions of rental units, due to expire at the end of the month, will be extended. “We will lengthen it,” he said, without specifying for how long.

On the jobless benefits, Republicans have argued that federal jobless benefits should be trimmed because the combination of state and federal unemployment assistance left many people better off financially than they were before the pandemic and therefore disinclined to return to their jobs.

Many Democrats contend that a lot of people don’t feel safe going back to work when the coronavirus is surging again around the country.

Meadows, a former congressman who was the head of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, said he is working with Mnuchin and Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia to address complaints that outdated state computer systems will make it difficult for the jobless to get their benefits in a timely fashion if the formula is changed.

“It’s our goal to make sure that it’s not antiquated computers that keep people from getting their benefits,” Meadows said.

Pelosi criticized the hold-up on the GOP side. House Democrats passed a&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/:%20https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6" target="_blank">$3 trillion relief package&nbsp;</a>a couple of months ago, with the aim of jump-starting negotiations.

The White House and Senate Republicans were racing to regroup after plans to introduce a $1 trillion virus rescue bill collapsed Thursday during GOP infighting over its size, scope and details.

It was expected to bring $105 billion to help schools reopen, new money for virus testing and benefits for businesses, including a fresh round of loans, tax breaks and a sweeping liability shield from COVID-19-related lawsuits.

The expiration of the $600 weekly jobless benefits boost had been propelling the Republicans to act, bracing to prevent social and economic fallout.

The White House floated plans to cut the additional aid back to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4965723ba65a47582f384c185680a29c">$100 a week</a>, while Senate Republicans preferred $200, with general GOP agreement about phasing out the flat boost in favor of one that ensures no more than 70% of an employee’s previous pay.

Apart from jobless benefits, Mnuchin said Saturday that new $1,200 direct payments would be based on the same formula from the earlier aid bill. Then, people making $75,000 or less received the full amount and those making more than $75,000 received less, depending on their income. People earning above $100,000 did not qualify for the payment.

The jobless benefit officially expires July 31, but due to the way states process unemployment payments, the cutoff was effectively Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595844870529.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows following their meetings on Sunday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows following their meetings on Sunday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Suggesting a narrower&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">pandemic&nbsp;</a>relief package may be all that’s possible, the White House still pushed ahead with Monday’s planned rollout of the Senate Republicans’ $1 trillion effort as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi assailed the GOP “disarray” as time-wasting during the crisis.The administration’s chief negotiators — White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin — spent the weekend on Capitol Hill to put what Meadows described as “final touches” on the relief bill Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is expected to bring forward Monday afternoon.“We’re done,” Mnuchin said as he and Meadows left Capitol Hill on Sunday after meeting with GOP staff.But looming deadlines may force them to consider other options. By Friday, millions of out-of-work Americans will lose an $600 federal unemployment benefit that is expiring and federal eviction protections for many renters are also coming to an end. President Donald Trump’s standing is at one of the lowest points of his term, according to a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/43a096bc2bcf376de04b696c5143ee99">AP-NORC poll</a>.“They’re in disarray and that delay is causing suffering for America’s families,” Pelosi said.Pelosi panned the Trump administration’s desire to trim the $600 weekly unemployment boost to about 70% of pre-pandemic wages. She also said she opposes tackling a relief package in piecemeal fashion.With the virus death toll climbing and 4.2 million infections nationwide, the administration officials converged on the Capitol to revive the Republican package that unraveled last week. Republican senators and the White House are at odds over various items, including how to cutback the jobless benefit without fully doing away with it.Meadows said as the White House was “looking for clarity” on a “handful” of remaining issues with Republicans, but they had yet to talk to McConnell. “We have an agreement in principle,” he said.Both Mnuchin and Meadows said earlier Sunday that narrower legislation might need to be passed first to ensure that enhanced unemployment benefits don’t run out for millions of Americans. They cited unemployment benefits, money to help schools reopen, tax credits to keep people from losing their jobs, and lawsuit protections for schools and businesses as priorities.“We can move very quickly with the Democrats on these issues,” Mnuchin said.But negotiations with Democrats have yet to begin with billions at stake and deadlines near.Separately, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said a federal eviction moratorium on millions of rental units, due to expire at the end of the month, will be extended. “We will lengthen it,” he said, without specifying for how long.On the jobless benefits, Republicans have argued that federal jobless benefits should be trimmed because the combination of state and federal unemployment assistance left many people better off financially than they were before the pandemic and therefore disinclined to return to their jobs.Many Democrats contend that a lot of people don’t feel safe going back to work when the coronavirus is surging again around the country.Meadows, a former congressman who was the head of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, said he is working with Mnuchin and Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia to address complaints that outdated state computer systems will make it difficult for the jobless to get their benefits in a timely fashion if the formula is changed.“It’s our goal to make sure that it’s not antiquated computers that keep people from getting their benefits,” Meadows said.Pelosi criticized the hold-up on the GOP side. House Democrats passed a&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/:%20https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6" target="_blank">$3 trillion relief package&nbsp;</a>a couple of months ago, with the aim of jump-starting negotiations.The White House and Senate Republicans were racing to regroup after plans to introduce a $1 trillion virus rescue bill collapsed Thursday during GOP infighting over its size, scope and details.It was expected to bring $105 billion to help schools reopen, new money for virus testing and benefits for businesses, including a fresh round of loans, tax breaks and a sweeping liability shield from COVID-19-related lawsuits.The expiration of the $600 weekly jobless benefits boost had been propelling the Republicans to act, bracing to prevent social and economic fallout.The White House floated plans to cut the additional aid back to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4965723ba65a47582f384c185680a29c">$100 a week</a>, while Senate Republicans preferred $200, with general GOP agreement about phasing out the flat boost in favor of one that ensures no more than 70% of an employee’s previous pay.Apart from jobless benefits, Mnuchin said Saturday that new $1,200 direct payments would be based on the same formula from the earlier aid bill. Then, people making $75,000 or less received the full amount and those making more than $75,000 received less, depending on their income. People earning above $100,000 did not qualify for the payment.The jobless benefit officially expires July 31, but due to the way states process unemployment payments, the cutoff was effectively Saturday.___

Extra unemployment aid expires, federal eviction moratorium to end

Food trucks and live music will be highlights for the Grub and Grooves event scheduled Thursday evening, July 30 from 5-9 p.m. in the 900 block of North Washington Street.&nbsp;

Craig Bender, Military Affairs Council Director, explained the public&nbsp; can enjoy the music, food and social distancing will be followed. "We've been talking for awhile about trying to revitalize downtown. "Bender added the final planning session was held this past week. "We've got three food trucks coming in." Denims and Lace will provide the live music from 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Bender said people are being asked to bring their own lawn chairs. "To keep social distancing we'll have tables and chairs there just for eating, but not for hanging out. Food vendors will put x's on the ground in order to help people maintain social distancing, there will be hand washing stations and bottles of sanitizer available, and there will be announcements over the sound system asking those in attendance to practice social distancing.

Bender said organizers are hoping for a good turnout. They want to determine if the concept is good for trying to pursue more events going forward into the future.

Food trucks and live music will be highlights for the Grub and Grooves event scheduled Thursday evening, July 30 from 5-9 p.m. in the 900 block of North Washington Street.&nbsp;Craig Bender, Military Affairs Council Director, explained the public&nbsp; can enjoy the music, food and social distancing will be followed. "We've been talking for awhile about trying to revitalize downtown. "Bender added the final planning session was held this past week. "We've got three food trucks coming in." Denims and Lace will provide the live music from 6 - 8:30 p.m.Bender said people are being asked to bring their own lawn chairs. "To keep social distancing we'll have tables and chairs there just for eating, but not for hanging out. Food vendors will put x's on the ground in order to help people maintain social distancing, there will be hand washing stations and bottles of sanitizer available, and there will be announcements over the sound system asking those in attendance to practice social distancing.Bender said organizers are hoping for a good turnout. They want to determine if the concept is good for trying to pursue more events going forward into the future.

Grub and Grooves will occur in downtown Junction City

Junction City officials are accepting applications for the distribution of Community Development Block Grant - CV Funds. City Manager Allen Dinkel said the City received $132,000 in funds to assist businesses of less than 50 employees. The program is designed to help local for-profit businesses in Junction City retain jobs for low to moderate income people.

CV funding can assist those businesses with issues triggered by&nbsp; the COVID-19 virus and when no other funds are available.

Application packets are available at the City office at 700 North Jefferson or by contacting allen.dinkel@jcks.com or tammy.melton@jcks.com or by calling 785-238-2591 Ext. 300.

Junction City officials are accepting applications for the distribution of Community Development Block Grant - CV Funds. City Manager Allen Dinkel said the City received $132,000 in funds to assist businesses of less than 50 employees. The program is designed to help local for-profit businesses in Junction City retain jobs for low to moderate income people.CV funding can assist those businesses with issues triggered by&nbsp; the COVID-19 virus and when no other funds are available.Application packets are available at the City office at 700 North Jefferson or by contacting allen.dinkel@jcks.com or tammy.melton@jcks.com or by calling 785-238-2591 Ext. 300.

Block Grant funds are available to assist businesses

Saturday morning, July 25th, Chapman will celebrate their 2020 high school seniors and send them off with good wishes. There will be a parade at 10:00 am for the class.  The parade will begin at the District Gym parking lot.  The seniors in vehicles will travel south on Marshall Street.  From Marshall they will travel West on 5th street.  They will then head north on Nicholson before they turn back East on 7th street. 

There will be three places where you can hear the students be introduced&nbsp; including Chapman Middle School, the corner of 5th and Marshall and Chapman High School.

The community is invited to attend the parade.  Bring your signs. Honk your horns.  Wave at the seniors. And remain six feet apart! 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595621550677.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Saturday morning, July 25th, Chapman will celebrate their 2020 high school seniors and send them off with good wishes. There will be a parade at 10:00 am for the class. The parade will begin at the District Gym parking lot. The seniors in vehicles will travel south on Marshall Street. From Marshall they will travel West on 5th street. They will then head north on Nicholson before they turn back East on 7th street. There will be three places where you can hear the students be introduced&nbsp; including Chapman Middle School, the corner of 5th and Marshall and Chapman High School.The community is invited to attend the parade. Bring your signs. Honk your horns. Wave at the seniors. And remain six feet apart!

Chapman High School Class of 2020 will be recognized on Saturday 

Cloud County Community College will resume on-campus classes on August 19, and is taking steps to ensure that students, faculty, staff, and the community remain healthy during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Classes will be delivered both in-person, remotely and in an online format. In-person courses will be both face-to-face and hybrid, with sessions also streamed via Zoom from the classroom. The remote format will include instruction by a remote teacher both synchronously via Zoom, YouTube or another modality and asynchronously. Online courses will be delivered asynchronously in pre-recorded format, with the possibility of some real-time activities.

“In an effort to accommodate for various COVID guidelines, such as social distancing in classrooms and the possibility of students or faculty needing to quarantine during the semester, all classes taught in a face-to-face/hybrid format will also have a Zoom/remote modality component for any student who is enrolled,” said Dr. Todd Leif, dean of Math, Science and Technical Programs. “Individual instructors will provide information to students on how this access will be delivered.”

Students can also reach out to their instructors with any questions they may have.

The last day of on-campus classes will be November 24, before the Thanksgiving break. All courses will then move to an online format from November 30 to December 10. Final exams will also be in an online format and will take place December 7-10.

All classrooms have been reconfigured to maintain six feet of social distancing, and each room also has a sanitation station.

“Our plan is to be flexible in our delivery formats to best accommodate all of our students in any situation,” Leif said.

Students, faculty and staff will be required to wear a mask or face covering when on campus, especially when they are unable to maintain six feet of social distancing. The college will provide reusable masks to all students.

Students, faculty, staff, and visitors will be required to enter through entrance two or three of the college’s main building on the Concordia campus. Upon entry, there will be an electronic temperature check to screen for illness. The same procedures will be in place at the Geary County campus, where everyone will enter at the Administration Building.

“We are taking as many precautions as we can to help ensure our students, faculty, staff and visitors remain healthy,” said Interim President Amber Knoettgen. “We have worked diligently this summer with campus task forces, Cloud County Health Center and&nbsp;our&nbsp;local Health Departments&nbsp;to establish protocols to keep our campus safe and healthy.”

In an effort to maintain cleanliness, sanitation stations, which include hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and other cleaning items have been placed throughout Cloud facilities. Electrostatic sanitation equipment will be used nightly to disinfect all high traffic, common and frequented areas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595619476391.jpeg" alt="Administration building on the Geary County Campus of Cloud County Community College" />
 <figcaption>Administration building on the Geary County Campus of Cloud County Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>Cloud County Community College will resume on-campus classes on August 19, and is taking steps to ensure that students, faculty, staff, and the community remain healthy during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.Classes will be delivered both in-person, remotely and in an online format. In-person courses will be both face-to-face and hybrid, with sessions also streamed via Zoom from the classroom. The remote format will include instruction by a remote teacher both synchronously via Zoom, YouTube or another modality and asynchronously. Online courses will be delivered asynchronously in pre-recorded format, with the possibility of some real-time activities.“In an effort to accommodate for various COVID guidelines, such as social distancing in classrooms and the possibility of students or faculty needing to quarantine during the semester, all classes taught in a face-to-face/hybrid format will also have a Zoom/remote modality component for any student who is enrolled,” said Dr. Todd Leif, dean of Math, Science and Technical Programs. “Individual instructors will provide information to students on how this access will be delivered.”Students can also reach out to their instructors with any questions they may have.The last day of on-campus classes will be November 24, before the Thanksgiving break. All courses will then move to an online format from November 30 to December 10. Final exams will also be in an online format and will take place December 7-10.All classrooms have been reconfigured to maintain six feet of social distancing, and each room also has a sanitation station.“Our plan is to be flexible in our delivery formats to best accommodate all of our students in any situation,” Leif said.Students, faculty and staff will be required to wear a mask or face covering when on campus, especially when they are unable to maintain six feet of social distancing. The college will provide reusable masks to all students.Students, faculty, staff, and visitors will be required to enter through entrance two or three of the college’s main building on the Concordia campus. Upon entry, there will be an electronic temperature check to screen for illness. The same procedures will be in place at the Geary County campus, where everyone will enter at the Administration Building.“We are taking as many precautions as we can to help ensure our students, faculty, staff and visitors remain healthy,” said Interim President Amber Knoettgen. “We have worked diligently this summer with campus task forces, Cloud County Health Center and&nbsp;our&nbsp;local Health Departments&nbsp;to establish protocols to keep our campus safe and healthy.”In an effort to maintain cleanliness, sanitation stations, which include hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and other cleaning items have been placed throughout Cloud facilities. Electrostatic sanitation equipment will be used nightly to disinfect all high traffic, common and frequented areas.

Cloud County Community College announces fall plans

For the first time ever the Geary County Free Fair Livestock and Project Auction was conducted online Thursday evening due to COVID-19. A total of 38 livestock and 32 projects were sold at auction with bidders participating in the virtual auction and a few in-person at the Geary County 4-h Center.

According to Chuck Otte, livestock premiums totaled $30,225, project premiums $9,040 for an overall premium total of $39,265. That was less than the past several years due to fewer items being auctioned but average livestock premiums were up from last year. Average livestock premium was $795.39 compared to $753.98 in 2019, while the average project premium of $282.50 was down from $320.13 in 2019.

The virtual auction was coordinated by Lori and Jason Brown and DVAuctons.com. Otte noted that their years of experience in online auctions and ongoing support were beyond remarkable, and without them this auction would not have been possible.

The Champion Market Hog belonging to Kacey Butler&nbsp;received a premium of $1,100 from AgriTrails Coop, the Champion Market Steer belonging to Tava Gustafson $1,100 from Central National Bank an the Memorial Market Hog that had&nbsp; belonged to the late Grady Erichsen $2,250 from the combined bidders of Holly Beck Century 21, PrairieLand Partners, and Kevin &amp; Rosemary Harris.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595604513357.jpeg" alt="Emma Hinds" />
 <figcaption>Emma Hinds</figcaption>
 </figure>For the first time ever the Geary County Free Fair Livestock and Project Auction was conducted online Thursday evening due to COVID-19. A total of 38 livestock and 32 projects were sold at auction with bidders participating in the virtual auction and a few in-person at the Geary County 4-h Center.According to Chuck Otte, livestock premiums totaled $30,225, project premiums $9,040 for an overall premium total of $39,265. That was less than the past several years due to fewer items being auctioned but average livestock premiums were up from last year. Average livestock premium was $795.39 compared to $753.98 in 2019, while the average project premium of $282.50 was down from $320.13 in 2019.The virtual auction was coordinated by Lori and Jason Brown and DVAuctons.com. Otte noted that their years of experience in online auctions and ongoing support were beyond remarkable, and without them this auction would not have been possible.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595604551892.jpeg" alt="Hanna Miller" />
 <figcaption>Hanna Miller</figcaption>
 </figure>The Champion Market Hog belonging to Kacey Butler&nbsp;received a premium of $1,100 from AgriTrails Coop, the Champion Market Steer belonging to Tava Gustafson $1,100 from Central National Bank an the Memorial Market Hog that had&nbsp; belonged to the late Grady Erichsen $2,250 from the combined bidders of Holly Beck Century 21, PrairieLand Partners, and Kevin &amp; Rosemary Harris.,

4-H Livestock and Project Auction was conducted online in 2020

Geary USD 475 and Junction City Education Association leaders are discussing a preliminary proposal for an Aug. 31 starting date for student classes in the new school year.&nbsp;

Governor Kelly had proposed a Sept. 9 starting date but when the State Board of Education failed to affirm that decision it was left up to individual school districts to determine when their new school year would begin.&nbsp; USD 475 had previously been scheduled to start student classes on Aug. 17 but that is now subject to possible change.

Dr. Reginald Eggleston addressed the issue Thursday afternoon. "Well at the present moment we're working with our teacher's union, JCEA, and potentially looking at the 31st ( Aug. ). However we just have to work out some particulars at this time. I know we had a Zoom ( meeting ) with the union and it was out there for everyone to see and be part of the discussion."

Eggleston stressed that&nbsp; the date is a preliminary proposal. "We're just going to wait to see if we are able to work through all of the particulars in order to&nbsp; clean up the calendar and make a proposal hopefully to the Board of Education. It's very preliminary, somewhat cautious about even putting it out there at this time because we still just have to go through some more discussions." The proposal could go to the Board of Education Tuesday evening.

Covid-19 positive cases have been on the rise in Kansas including in Geary County.&nbsp;

The school district is awaiting guidance from the Kansas State High School Activities Association on what to expect for fall activities for the upcoming school year, explained Eggleston. "We are anxious and excited about if there are any adjustments that may need to be made so that we can go ahead and communicate that to all of our parents."

The Superintendent noted that some parents are hesitant to register their students because they're wanting to know if students can participate in athletics or extracurricular activities if they select the remote or virtual learning option for their student for the upcoming school year. "That's part of the guidance we are awaiting from the Athletic Association." The superintendent is hoping to provide information to parents within the next five to seven days.

Fall sports were scheduled to begin in Kansas on Aug.17, but it remains to be seen what modifications, if any,&nbsp; to that schedule might possibly be made by KSHSAA.

Geary USD 475 and Junction City Education Association leaders are discussing a preliminary proposal for an Aug. 31 starting date for student classes in the new school year.&nbsp;Governor Kelly had proposed a Sept. 9 starting date but when the State Board of Education failed to affirm that decision it was left up to individual school districts to determine when their new school year would begin.&nbsp; USD 475 had previously been scheduled to start student classes on Aug. 17 but that is now subject to possible change.Dr. Reginald Eggleston addressed the issue Thursday afternoon. "Well at the present moment we're working with our teacher's union, JCEA, and potentially looking at the 31st ( Aug. ). However we just have to work out some particulars at this time. I know we had a Zoom ( meeting ) with the union and it was out there for everyone to see and be part of the discussion."Eggleston stressed that&nbsp; the date is a preliminary proposal. "We're just going to wait to see if we are able to work through all of the particulars in order to&nbsp; clean up the calendar and make a proposal hopefully to the Board of Education. It's very preliminary, somewhat cautious about even putting it out there at this time because we still just have to go through some more discussions." The proposal could go to the Board of Education Tuesday evening.Covid-19 positive cases have been on the rise in Kansas including in Geary County.&nbsp;The school district is awaiting guidance from the Kansas State High School Activities Association on what to expect for fall activities for the upcoming school year, explained Eggleston. "We are anxious and excited about if there are any adjustments that may need to be made so that we can go ahead and communicate that to all of our parents."The Superintendent noted that some parents are hesitant to register their students because they're wanting to know if students can participate in athletics or extracurricular activities if they select the remote or virtual learning option for their student for the upcoming school year. "That's part of the guidance we are awaiting from the Athletic Association." The superintendent is hoping to provide information to parents within the next five to seven days.Fall sports were scheduled to begin in Kansas on Aug.17, but it remains to be seen what modifications, if any,&nbsp; to that schedule might possibly be made by KSHSAA.

School officials are talking about a new starting date for the upcoming school year

Dave Colburn served the Manhattan and Ogden community for 16 years on the USD 383 Board of Education. He has announced that after the most recent decision to not delay school reopening teachers, parents, community leaders and healthcare experts have been reaching out to him asking if he would serve on the State Board of Education if they wrote his name on their primary ( election ) ballot. "I said yes with no hesitation." Colburn will seek the District 6 seat on the Board, which is currently held by Deena Horst of Salina.

Colbert said despite being unopposed on the ballot&nbsp; dissatisfaction from constituents with the incumbent is nearly deafening. "This very narrow window before the primary election creates a situation where the only option for voters to express their frustration is by a write-in option. If enough voters elect to write-in a candidate in the primary that candidate will appear on&nbsp; the ballot in November against the unopposed incumbent.

Colburn is a graduate of Kansas State University and is active volunteering and assisting in numerous organizations.

Dave Colburn served the Manhattan and Ogden community for 16 years on the USD 383 Board of Education. He has announced that after the most recent decision to not delay school reopening teachers, parents, community leaders and healthcare experts have been reaching out to him asking if he would serve on the State Board of Education if they wrote his name on their primary ( election ) ballot. "I said yes with no hesitation." Colburn will seek the District 6 seat on the Board, which is currently held by Deena Horst of Salina.Colbert said despite being unopposed on the ballot&nbsp; dissatisfaction from constituents with the incumbent is nearly deafening. "This very narrow window before the primary election creates a situation where the only option for voters to express their frustration is by a write-in option. If enough voters elect to write-in a candidate in the primary that candidate will appear on&nbsp; the ballot in November against the unopposed incumbent.Colburn is a graduate of Kansas State University and is active volunteering and assisting in numerous organizations.

Former Manhattan school board president will run for State Board of Education as a write-in candidate

Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges has issued a statement on the discrepancy between COVID-19 numbers reported by County officials and those reported by the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment.

"For the past several weeks, there has been a large discrepancy between the COVID-19 numbers that Geary County Health Department and KDHE were reporting. As of Wednesday, the Health Department reported 104 cases while the KDHE website was showing 160.

Today, conversation was held with the KDHE Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics. As we have stated in the past, the Health Department is only reporting those cases that reside in Geary County in the area that they have responsibility for. That includes those who reside in Rural Geary county, and the cities of Junction City, Grandview Plaza, and Milford. Those numbers are verified in the KDHE EPI- tracking system.

If a person tests positive and resides outside of the area that the Health Department has responsibility for, but still resides inside the boundaries of Geary County, they are reported as a Geary County number on the KDHE website.

We will continue to report the numbers on the Geary County website and Facebook pages as we have in the past, counting only the numbers that Geary County authorities have responsibility for. The State will continue reporting the total numbers on their website."

JC Post contacted Fort Riley for information related to this story. The Garrison Public Affairs Office released a statement.

"

DOD guidance instructs base commanders to continue to work with local community health officials to share information on base community cases. This is not an option. We are required to share this information. What has changed is how we share the information. The U.S. Army still has an operational mission and must be prepared to counter threats. So for operational security reasons, we will not publicly announce service member statistics via media release nor social media.&nbsp; However, Fort Riley still reports COVID-19 cases in accordance with state law and directly coordinates with state and county public health officials. Local public health reports include these numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County Health Department officials were contacted with Deputy Health Officer Charles Martinez saying they are counting cases that tested positive. "The State shows those that test positive and they use something called a presumptive positive. It's anyone who lived with the people that tested positive. Fort Riley, they're sharing as much information as they can and they've been working with us this whole time."

Martinez added the Health Department is receiving information on Soldiers off-post from the Army but it's unclear if information is being received from cases on the installation itself.

Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges has issued a statement on the discrepancy between COVID-19 numbers reported by County officials and those reported by the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment."For the past several weeks, there has been a large discrepancy between the COVID-19 numbers that Geary County Health Department and KDHE were reporting. As of Wednesday, the Health Department reported 104 cases while the KDHE website was showing 160.Today, conversation was held with the KDHE Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics. As we have stated in the past, the Health Department is only reporting those cases that reside in Geary County in the area that they have responsibility for. That includes those who reside in Rural Geary county, and the cities of Junction City, Grandview Plaza, and Milford. Those numbers are verified in the KDHE EPI- tracking system.If a person tests positive and resides outside of the area that the Health Department has responsibility for, but still resides inside the boundaries of Geary County, they are reported as a Geary County number on the KDHE website.We will continue to report the numbers on the Geary County website and Facebook pages as we have in the past, counting only the numbers that Geary County authorities have responsibility for. The State will continue reporting the total numbers on their website."JC Post contacted Fort Riley for information related to this story. The Garrison Public Affairs Office released a statement."

DOD guidance instructs base commanders to continue to work with local community health officials to share information on base community cases. This is not an option. We are required to share this information. What has changed is how we share the information. The U.S. Army still has an operational mission and must be prepared to counter threats. So for operational security reasons, we will not publicly announce service member statistics via media release nor social media.&nbsp; However, Fort Riley still reports COVID-19 cases in accordance with state law and directly coordinates with state and county public health officials. Local public health reports include these numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Geary County Health Department officials were contacted with Deputy Health Officer Charles Martinez saying they are counting cases that tested positive. "The State shows those that test positive and they use something called a presumptive positive. It's anyone who lived with the people that tested positive. Fort Riley, they're sharing as much information as they can and they've been working with us this whole time."Martinez added the Health Department is receiving information on Soldiers off-post from the Army but it's unclear if information is being received from cases on the installation itself.

Geary County Emergency Management explains the difference between the County and KDHE COVID-19 numbers

Geary County Health Department officials have confirmed 8 new positive COVID-19 cases for Wednesday.  That brings the total for Geary County to 104.  These individuals are self-quarantining at home and contact tracing is underway. They include women ages 23, 69, 41, 25, 26 and 48 plus two men ages 47 and 69.

There have been 104 total cases in the county since the pandemic began and 25 of them are currently active. Two people are currently hospitalized. Total Cases:    104

Case 104 information has just been received by local officials from testing on 6/25/20 from a national pharmaceutical chain. It was positive but that person has already recovered at this point.

Please note that case 104 has just gotten back to us from testing on 6/25/20 from a national pharmaceutical chain.  Positive but already recovered at this point.

Geary County Health Department officials have confirmed 8 new positive COVID-19 cases for Wednesday. That brings the total for Geary County to 104. These individuals are self-quarantining at home and contact tracing is underway. They include women ages 23, 69, 41, 25, 26 and 48 plus two men ages 47 and 69.There have been 104 total cases in the county since the pandemic began and 25 of them are currently active. Two people are currently hospitalized. Total Cases: 104Case 104 information has just been received by local officials from testing on 6/25/20 from a national pharmaceutical chain. It was positive but that person has already recovered at this point.Total Hospitalized 4 P.U.I. n/aPlease note that case 104 has just gotten back to us from testing on 6/25/20 from a national pharmaceutical chain. Positive but already recovered at this point.

Eight new positive COVID-19 cases are reported in Geary County for Wednesday

USD 475 issued a statement via social media.

Today, the Kansas State Board of Education voted against Governor Kelley's Executive Order to delay the start of school until after Labor Day.  We know this creates a lot of confusion and leaves our community with a lot of questions. 

The district administrators will discuss what this means for our USD 475 family and will provide our community with more information soon. 

We thank you all for your patience and understanding while we determine the best course of action for our district, our staff, and our students. We will have more information for you as soon as possible.

USD 475 issued a statement via social media.Today, the Kansas State Board of Education voted against Governor Kelley's Executive Order to delay the start of school until after Labor Day. We know this creates a lot of confusion and leaves our community with a lot of questions. The district administrators will discuss what this means for our USD 475 family and will provide our community with more information soon. We thank you all for your patience and understanding while we determine the best course of action for our district, our staff, and our students. We will have more information for you as soon as possible.

USD 475 issues a response to State Board of Education decision

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump came prepared.

As he took the podium&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bfb8402551605ff40d8a16efbd827b92">Tuesday</a>&nbsp;to give a briefing room update on the coronavirus for the first time in months, the president was asked an obvious question: If wearing a mask is “patriotic,” as he tweeted this week, why didn’t he wear one more frequently?

“Well, I do actually do it when I need. I mean, I carry the mask,” Trump responded. He reached into his suit jacket pocket and produced his for the cameras: navy blue, with a presidential seal.

“I have no problem with the masks. I view it this way: Anything that potentially can help, and that certainly can potentially help, is a good thing. I have no problem. I carry it, I wear it ... and I’ll continue,” he added.

The comments were a dramatic about-face for a president who, for months, resisted wearing a face covering in public and complained privately he thought it would make him look weak and would focus attention on the public health crisis rather than the economic recovery.

Even as top public health officials, who initially had advised the public not to wear masks, became convinced that face coverings could effectively halt the spread of the virus and begged the public to embrace them, Trump resisted. He mocked Democratic rival Joe Biden for wearing one, asked reporters to remove them and entertained the idea that people might be wearing them to spite him.

“I just don’t want to wear one myself,” he said in April. “I don’t know, somehow sitting in the Oval Office behind that beautiful Resolute Desk — the great Resolute Desk — I think wearing a face mask as I greet presidents, prime ministers, dictators, kings, queens, I don’t know. Somehow, I don’t see it for myself. I just don’t. Maybe I’ll change my mind.”

By Tuesday, as coronavirus cases continue to rise across much of the nation, Trump finally came around, saying, “I’m getting used to the mask.”

“I will use it gladly, no problem with it,” he said, urging those watching to follow his lead.

“When you can, use the mask. If you’re close to each other, if you’re in a group, I would put it on,” he said.

But that pronouncement was too little, too late for some public health officials, who have blamed the mixed messaging and Trump’s personal actions for politicizing mask-wearing and fueling a partisan social divide.

“I think it would have been enormous impact if he had done it from Day One,” said Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert at Georgetown University. He worried that Trump’s words would have only marginal impact in moving Americans who aren’t consistently wearing masks in public to do so.

If, from the beginning, “you had consistent messages at the federal, state and local level, if everyone had been on the same page all along on the importance of masks, we’d be in a different situation,” Gostin said.

And Trump still declined to wear a mask at the briefing — noting that he and the reporters who cover him are frequently tested. And he was seen without one Monday evening at the Trump hotel in Washington, where he attended a fundraiser and ate dinner.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, an occasional informal Trump adviser, had urged the president to wear a mask to the briefing, saying during an appearance on “Fox and Friends” Tuesday, “That’s what’s going to convince people that he’s serious about this.”

Trump tweeted a photo of himself in a face mask Monday, calling it an act of patriotism. He wore one for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7651589ac439646e5cf873d021f1f4b6">first time in public</a>&nbsp;earlier this month during a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595414351557.png" alt="President Trump pulled his face mask from his suit pocket in response to a reporter's question during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump pulled his face mask from his suit pocket in response to a reporter's question during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump came prepared.As he took the podium&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bfb8402551605ff40d8a16efbd827b92">Tuesday</a>&nbsp;to give a briefing room update on the coronavirus for the first time in months, the president was asked an obvious question: If wearing a mask is “patriotic,” as he tweeted this week, why didn’t he wear one more frequently?“Well, I do actually do it when I need. I mean, I carry the mask,” Trump responded. He reached into his suit jacket pocket and produced his for the cameras: navy blue, with a presidential seal.“I have no problem with the masks. I view it this way: Anything that potentially can help, and that certainly can potentially help, is a good thing. I have no problem. I carry it, I wear it ... and I’ll continue,” he added.The comments were a dramatic about-face for a president who, for months, resisted wearing a face covering in public and complained privately he thought it would make him look weak and would focus attention on the public health crisis rather than the economic recovery.Even as top public health officials, who initially had advised the public not to wear masks, became convinced that face coverings could effectively halt the spread of the virus and begged the public to embrace them, Trump resisted. He mocked Democratic rival Joe Biden for wearing one, asked reporters to remove them and entertained the idea that people might be wearing them to spite him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595366343118.png" alt="White House image" />
 <figcaption>White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>“I just don’t want to wear one myself,” he said in April. “I don’t know, somehow sitting in the Oval Office behind that beautiful Resolute Desk — the great Resolute Desk — I think wearing a face mask as I greet presidents, prime ministers, dictators, kings, queens, I don’t know. Somehow, I don’t see it for myself. I just don’t. Maybe I’ll change my mind.”By Tuesday, as coronavirus cases continue to rise across much of the nation, Trump finally came around, saying, “I’m getting used to the mask.”“I will use it gladly, no problem with it,” he said, urging those watching to follow his lead.“When you can, use the mask. If you’re close to each other, if you’re in a group, I would put it on,” he said.But that pronouncement was too little, too late for some public health officials, who have blamed the mixed messaging and Trump’s personal actions for politicizing mask-wearing and fueling a partisan social divide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595366561351.png" alt="White House image" />
 <figcaption>White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>“I think it would have been enormous impact if he had done it from Day One,” said Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert at Georgetown University. He worried that Trump’s words would have only marginal impact in moving Americans who aren’t consistently wearing masks in public to do so.If, from the beginning, “you had consistent messages at the federal, state and local level, if everyone had been on the same page all along on the importance of masks, we’d be in a different situation,” Gostin said.And Trump still declined to wear a mask at the briefing — noting that he and the reporters who cover him are frequently tested. And he was seen without one Monday evening at the Trump hotel in Washington, where he attended a fundraiser and ate dinner.Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, an occasional informal Trump adviser, had urged the president to wear a mask to the briefing, saying during an appearance on “Fox and Friends” Tuesday, “That’s what’s going to convince people that he’s serious about this.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are United in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can’t socially distance. There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President! <a href="https://t.co/iQOd1whktN">pic.twitter.com/iQOd1whktN</a>&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1285299379746811915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump tweeted a photo of himself in a face mask Monday, calling it an act of patriotism. He wore one for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7651589ac439646e5cf873d021f1f4b6">first time in public</a>&nbsp;earlier this month during a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Trump embraces masks in an about-face

C.L. Hoover Opera House officials have announced that the Fall 2020 season at the Opera House has been postponed through Jan. 1, 2021. The Directors along with the Opera House Board have decided it is in the best interest of the patrons not to have large gatherings at this time.

As soon as it's safe the C. L. Hoover Opera House will reopen. Their programming is not canceled, only postponed.

The Opera House is still available for rentals. Call 238-3906 to reserve a date. Messages are checked and calls will be returned.

The Opera House will once again participate in the Greater Geary Community Foundation Match Day on Oct. 13.&nbsp;

Also, a kitchenette is being added to the Montgomery Room in&nbsp; the building.

C.L. Hoover Opera House officials have announced that the Fall 2020 season at the Opera House has been postponed through Jan. 1, 2021. The Directors along with the Opera House Board have decided it is in the best interest of the patrons not to have large gatherings at this time.As soon as it's safe the C. L. Hoover Opera House will reopen. Their programming is not canceled, only postponed.The Opera House is still available for rentals. Call 238-3906 to reserve a date. Messages are checked and calls will be returned.The Opera House will once again participate in the Greater Geary Community Foundation Match Day on Oct. 13.&nbsp;Also, a kitchenette is being added to the Montgomery Room in&nbsp; the building.

Fall season at the C.L. Hoover Opera House is postponed

&nbsp;Geary County Health Department officials are confirming six&nbsp; new cases for today.  This brings the total for Geary County to 96.  These individuals are self-quarantining at home and contact tracing is underway.

The latest positive cases involve men, ages 24 and 39 years, women ages 27, 27 and 34 and a three year old girl.

There are 18 active cases in the county while 78 people have recovered. Two people are hospitalized and there are 20 persons under investigation where test results are pending.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Geary County Health Department officials are confirming six&nbsp; new cases for today. This brings the total for Geary County to 96. These individuals are self-quarantining at home and contact tracing is underway.The latest positive cases involve men, ages 24 and 39 years, women ages 27, 27 and 34 and a three year old girl.There are 18 active cases in the county while 78 people have recovered. Two people are hospitalized and there are 20 persons under investigation where test results are pending.&nbsp;

Geary County sees more COVID-19 positive cases

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-governor-says-masks-are-non-negotiable-schools-and-pleads-delaying-classes">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — Students,
 teachers and staff members at K-12 schools in Kansas will wear masks, 
use hand sanitizer once an hour, socially distance and have their 
temperatures taken daily. That’s according to <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-59-Signed.pdf">a new statewide mandate </a>from Gov. Laura Kelly, who says she does not need approval to institute the COVID-19 safety regulations.

She
 also plans to delay all instruction and extracurricular activities — 
including sports — until Sept. 8, after Labor Day. This <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-58-unsigned.pdf">second executive order</a> must be voted on by the state Board of Education, which will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Kelly
 said she is committed to protecting Kansans “regardless of the 
political pushback” that already has happened in some communities 
regarding delaying the 2020-21 school year.

“I’m asking each 
state Board of Education member to put politics aside and think about 
our children, their parents, their teachers and the survival of our Main
 Street businesses,” she said in a news conference Monday.

More 
than 300 Kansans have died from COVID-19, and the number of cases has 
spiked in the last month to almost 24,000 — with more than 2,600 since 
July 13 alone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595338227926.png" alt=" A classroom at Jardine Elementary in Topeka in 2019. Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> A classroom at Jardine Elementary in Topeka in 2019. Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-governor-says-masks-are-non-negotiable-schools-and-pleads-delaying-classes">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — Students,
 teachers and staff members at K-12 schools in Kansas will wear masks, 
use hand sanitizer once an hour, socially distance and have their 
temperatures taken daily. That’s according to <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-59-Signed.pdf">a new statewide mandate </a>from Gov. Laura Kelly, who says she does not need approval to institute the COVID-19 safety regulations.She
 also plans to delay all instruction and extracurricular activities — 
including sports — until Sept. 8, after Labor Day. This <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/EO-20-58-unsigned.pdf">second executive order</a> must be voted on by the state Board of Education, which will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday.Kelly
 said she is committed to protecting Kansans “regardless of the 
political pushback” that already has happened in some communities 
regarding delaying the 2020-21 school year.“I’m asking each 
state Board of Education member to put politics aside and think about 
our children, their parents, their teachers and the survival of our Main
 Street businesses,” she said in a news conference Monday.More 
than 300 Kansans have died from COVID-19, and the number of cases has 
spiked in the last month to almost 24,000 — with more than 2,600 since 
July 13 alone.Last week, the Board of Education issued <a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2020-07-14/expect-to-see-more-masks-and-occasional-closures-as-kansas-reopens-schools">a hefty document</a>
 full of recommendations on reopening schools safely, prioritizing 
in-person elementary-school education and noting that it’s likely 
teachers, staff, students and family may need to quarantine for 14 days 
when a school has a positive coronavirus case.There are 
exceptions in Kelly’s order regarding safety protocols. Masks won’t be 
required during eating, “activities that cannot be safely conducted with
 a mask or other facial covering,” people with medical conditions and 
other reasons. Also, the order says that the six-foot social distancing 
guideline doesn’t apply during in-person instruction in classrooms when 
masks or other face coverings are being worn.Brian Grimmett is a two-time Regional Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist covering energy and environment stories across the state of Kansas.

Coronavirus Update