TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order #20-59 and shared the details for Executive Order #20-58 during her press conference Monday afternoon.

 Executive Order #20-58 can only be signed if the Kansas Board of Education votes to approve her order. It delays schools from beginning any student instruction from August through September 8. Executive Order #20-59 outlines mitigation procedures schools must take to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Kansas students and teachers.

Responding to reports republican leaders are lobbying the Kansas State Board of Education to vote against the executive order on schools, Kelly said they have used the platform to promote politics instead of public health.

The governor asked members of the State Board of education to put politics aside and think about children, teachers and the survival of main street businesses.&nbsp;

Kelly also referenced a study in South Korea that shows children can spread coronavirus as efficiently as adults and that one third of children tested in Florida are testing positive.

“I will continue to use every resource and tool available to this administration to protect Kansans and keep our economy open for business, regardless of the political pushback,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The additional three weeks will provide schools time to work with their counties to get the necessary mitigation supplies like masks, thermometers, and hand sanitizer, while providing&nbsp;local districts time to thoroughly review the curriculum options from the State Board of Education to figure out what strategy is best for their district.” &nbsp;

“Putting nearly half a million kids and faculty in daily, large gatherings is the exact opposite of what health experts have urged us to do.”

Executive Order #20-58 will also include athletics and all other extracurricular activities.

Executive Order #20-59 will mandate face coverings for all students, faculty, staff, vendors, and other visitors to public or private K-12 school buildings or facilities.

The Executive Order will mandate six feet social distancing, except for in-person instruction in classrooms when masks or other face coverings are worn.

The order will also require hand sanitizer in all classrooms, and that all students and faculty must sanitize their hands no less than once every hour.

Finally, all individuals entering must have their temperatures checked before entering the building.

To view E.O. #20-58,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FEO-20-58-unsigned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd23641b0747b4b72863e08d82cf51bdd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637308778524861595&amp;sdata=rEF%2FVCzbPQvtblXvlvO6XvjRP0WdX2atWoIjtV4x9Zw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>

To view E.O. #20-59,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FEO-20-59-Signed.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd23641b0747b4b72863e08d82cf51bdd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637308778524861595&amp;sdata=zxXbAv1BER09AHyFllOkFkqjIVmxAutqEWOnzcGFTCM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>

The Kansas health department said Monday that coronavirus cases grew by 6.2% since Friday. The department said there were 1,369 new cases to bring the total to 23,334. The agency reported eight new COVID-19-related deaths for a total of 307.&nbsp;

TOPEKA —Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order #20-59 and shared the details for Executive Order #20-58 during her press conference Monday afternoon. Executive Order #20-58 can only be signed if the Kansas Board of Education votes to approve her order. It delays schools from beginning any student instruction from August through September 8. Executive Order #20-59 outlines mitigation procedures schools must take to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Kansas students and teachers.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F663459251046658%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Responding to reports republican leaders are lobbying the Kansas State Board of Education to vote against the executive order on schools, Kelly said they have used the platform to promote politics instead of public health.The governor asked members of the State Board of education to put politics aside and think about children, teachers and the survival of main street businesses.&nbsp;Kelly also referenced a study in South Korea that shows children can spread coronavirus as efficiently as adults and that one third of children tested in Florida are testing positive.“I will continue to use every resource and tool available to this administration to protect Kansans and keep our economy open for business, regardless of the political pushback,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The additional three weeks will provide schools time to work with their counties to get the necessary mitigation supplies like masks, thermometers, and hand sanitizer, while providing&nbsp;local districts time to thoroughly review the curriculum options from the State Board of Education to figure out what strategy is best for their district.” &nbsp;“Putting nearly half a million kids and faculty in daily, large gatherings is the exact opposite of what health experts have urged us to do.”Executive Order #20-58 will also include athletics and all other extracurricular activities.Exceptions will be made for:<ol>
 <li>Students enrolled concurrently to receive college credit;</li><li>Enrollment of students for the 2020-2021 school year may occur in K-12 schools;</li><li>Screenings and evaluations of students to determine accommodations and placement needs for the 2020-2021 school year.</li>
 </ol>Executive Order #20-59 will mandate face coverings for all students, faculty, staff, vendors, and other visitors to public or private K-12 school buildings or facilities.Exceptions will be made for:<ol>
 <li>Eating;</li><li>Activities that cannot be safely conducted with a mask or other face covering;</li><li>Children who are not students and are 5 years of age or under;</li><li>Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering;</li><li>Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing or communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication;</li><li>Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work.</li>
 </ol>The Executive Order will mandate six feet social distancing, except for in-person instruction in classrooms when masks or other face coverings are worn.The order will also require hand sanitizer in all classrooms, and that all students and faculty must sanitize their hands no less than once every hour.Finally, all individuals entering must have their temperatures checked before entering the building.To view E.O. #20-58,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FEO-20-58-unsigned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd23641b0747b4b72863e08d82cf51bdd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637308778524861595&amp;sdata=rEF%2FVCzbPQvtblXvlvO6XvjRP0WdX2atWoIjtV4x9Zw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>To view E.O. #20-59,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FEO-20-59-Signed.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd23641b0747b4b72863e08d82cf51bdd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637308778524861595&amp;sdata=zxXbAv1BER09AHyFllOkFkqjIVmxAutqEWOnzcGFTCM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>The Kansas health department said Monday that coronavirus cases grew by 6.2% since Friday. The department said there were 1,369 new cases to bring the total to 23,334. The agency reported eight new COVID-19-related deaths for a total of 307.&nbsp;

🎥 Governor signs executive order on schools

Geary County health officials reported one new COVID-19 case on Monday, bringing the total for the county since the pandemic began to 90.&nbsp; The latest case involved a 27-year old woman.&nbsp;

Right now there are 15 active cases in the county, 74 people have recovered and there was one death. Two people are currently hospitalized, and there have been a total of four hospitalized since the pandemic began.&nbsp;

The Health Department also reported that 243 people went through the COVID-19 mobile testing site last week at the Green Park apartments. The lab results were received Monday and there was one positive case reported of that testing.&nbsp;

Geary County health officials reported one new COVID-19 case on Monday, bringing the total for the county since the pandemic began to 90.&nbsp; The latest case involved a 27-year old woman.&nbsp;Right now there are 15 active cases in the county, 74 people have recovered and there was one death. Two people are currently hospitalized, and there have been a total of four hospitalized since the pandemic began.&nbsp;The Health Department also reported that 243 people went through the COVID-19 mobile testing site last week at the Green Park apartments. The lab results were received Monday and there was one positive case reported of that testing.&nbsp;

One new positive COVID-19 case is reported in Geary County

4-H foods judging was a highlight on Monday during the opening day of the COVID-19 altered Geary County Free Fair. 4-h members brought their projects in for judging and they will then be taken home. Social distancing measures were in place for the judging as well and face masks were required inside the facilities.

Rylie Ellis submitted Dr. Pepper brownies for judging. "You mix all the dry ingredients and it's just kind of your basic flower, sugar, cocoa powder and salt. Then you pour in a can of Dr.Ppepper and add some cinnamon and chocolate chips, and then you bake them."

Tava Gustafson has multiple projects, including her livestock which she will enter later this week. "My cattle, I have worked really hard with them. I went to junior nationals last week in Kansas City, Missouri and I did okay and I had a lot of fun. I just love them, they're my favorites to work with."

Cody Haycook entered arts and crafts along with photography. "This year I did a couple of paintings and a sketching. The sketching actually inspired the paintings."

Jada Nabus has entries in the fair including swine. " I like pigs a lot. I also have clothing buymanship and clothing construction. I think I did pretty well on those. I got two big ribbons with that."

The fair is not open to the general public this year due to COVID-19, but 4-H members can submit their projects, have them judged and then taken home. In addition to the 4-H'ers, their families can also attend the fair.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595276372652.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>4-H foods judging was a highlight on Monday during the opening day of the COVID-19 altered Geary County Free Fair. 4-h members brought their projects in for judging and they will then be taken home. Social distancing measures were in place for the judging as well and face masks were required inside the facilities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595276397915.jpeg" alt="Judging occurring at the fair." />
 <figcaption>Judging occurring at the fair.</figcaption>
 </figure>Rylie Ellis submitted Dr. Pepper brownies for judging. "You mix all the dry ingredients and it's just kind of your basic flower, sugar, cocoa powder and salt. Then you pour in a can of Dr.Ppepper and add some cinnamon and chocolate chips, and then you bake them."Tava Gustafson has multiple projects, including her livestock which she will enter later this week. "My cattle, I have worked really hard with them. I went to junior nationals last week in Kansas City, Missouri and I did okay and I had a lot of fun. I just love them, they're my favorites to work with."Cody Haycook entered arts and crafts along with photography. "This year I did a couple of paintings and a sketching. The sketching actually inspired the paintings."Jada Nabus has entries in the fair including swine. " I like pigs a lot. I also have clothing buymanship and clothing construction. I think I did pretty well on those. I got two big ribbons with that."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595276504857.jpeg" alt="Austin Sohnrey won a purple medal for Ginger Snaps cookies" />
 <figcaption>Austin Sohnrey won a purple medal for Ginger Snaps cookies</figcaption>
 </figure>The fair is not open to the general public this year due to COVID-19, but 4-H members can submit their projects, have them judged and then taken home. In addition to the 4-H'ers, their families can also attend the fair.

4-H Judging begins at the Geary County Free Fair

Riley County has 16 new positive cases since Friday’s report and 31 more people have recovered. The totals are now 114 active, 281 recovered, and 3 deaths. Find data for Riley County by clicking the Data &amp; Info link on the Riley County Coronavirus website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=1361bb12fd&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>.

Three (3) COVID-19 positive patients and three (3) PUI* patients are being treated at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Their symptoms are severe enough to require hospitalization. &nbsp;Only one of the COVID-19 positive patients being treated at the hospital is a Riley County resident. The other two have permanent addresses in neighboring counties.

"We've started to see more severe cases in young people," said Bob Copple, President of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. "Two of the patients recently admitted to Ascension Via Christi Hospital have been in their 20's with very serious cases of COVID-19. There's still so much we don't know about how and why the disease affects certain people or what the long-term health impacts will be for patients. We all need to do everything we can to slow the spread."&nbsp;

Riley County has 16 new positive cases since Friday’s report and 31 more people have recovered. The totals are now 114 active, 281 recovered, and 3 deaths. Find data for Riley County by clicking the Data &amp; Info link on the Riley County Coronavirus website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=1361bb12fd&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>.Three (3) COVID-19 positive patients and three (3) PUI* patients are being treated at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Their symptoms are severe enough to require hospitalization. &nbsp;Only one of the COVID-19 positive patients being treated at the hospital is a Riley County resident. The other two have permanent addresses in neighboring counties."We've started to see more severe cases in young people," said Bob Copple, President of Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. "Two of the patients recently admitted to Ascension Via Christi Hospital have been in their 20's with very serious cases of COVID-19. There's still so much we don't know about how and why the disease affects certain people or what the long-term health impacts will be for patients. We all need to do everything we can to slow the spread."&nbsp;

Riley County Health reports 16 more positive COVID-19 cases

I want to first say thank you for your continued patience and support as we navigate through these difficult and unprecedented times. We have developed and are continuing to create options and resources for our students. Please know that we will continue to provide the best learning environment for our students and will work to accommodate your concerns throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency.

We are working with school administrators, the Kansas State Department of Education, and the Geary County Health Department to identify and implement safety measures for the opening of the 2020-2021 school year. We take seriously the responsibility of creating a safe learning environment for students and a safe working environment for our teachers and staff. This past week principals, district administrators, teachers, and a representative from the Geary County Health Department rehearsed procedures to implement when a positive COVID19 case arises. During this time, contact tracing and steps for communicating to parents and all involved were discussed. This scenario was educational for everyone involved, and we hope that it will assist us in ensuring that the district minimizes risks for our students and staff during a similar situation.

I want to remind everyone of the learning options for the 2020-21 school year. USD 475 will offer Remote Learning (some call virtual or e-learning) and Face-to-Face Learning (traditional school). Parents may only select one option for the upcoming school year. Additionally, the option selected is for the entire first semester of school. If you choose the Remote Learning option, the student is required 360 minutes (6 hours) of daily academic learning. This does not mean a student has to be in front of the computer the entire time. However, the student and parent must sign a daily log confirming that the student was engaged for the required minutes.

The district will require all staff and students that enter school buildings to wear a mask. We are aware that some of our students may suffer from medical conditions, emotional challenges and/or special needs for whom wearing a mask will likely be impossible. We will provide exceptions for those students who are part of our special services or who may have a medical exemption. Masks worn by staff and students will be subject to our dress code policy. Printed words or graphics on masks will not be allowed if they are offensive to others or create a distraction.

I am certain there will be instances when students lose or misplace their masks. Schools will have masks available to students needing one. We realize this is new for everyone and will do our best to teach students to abide by school rules and to respect the health and safety of others. If you have concerns about our mask policy, I invite you to consider our Remote Learning option. The district’s position on the wearing of masks is based on recommendations from the health department and the fact that ensuring social distancing will be a challenge.

Finally, the Geary County USD 475 Board of Education will be meeting tonight, at 5:00 pm, via Zoom. It will be live streamed to the district’s Facebook page, and I encourage all of you to watch the meeting. We will be discussing many of the plans, procedures, and safety measures the district will be implementing for the 2020-21 school year. District administrators will be sharing important information with the Board Members, and these presentations will address many of the questions that families and employees have asked.

We are preparing for the success of all children in Geary County. We know that the success of our students depends on a productive partnership between the district, our families, and the community. Your continued support will help ensure our students receive the best education we can provide them, regardless of these circumstances.

I want to first say thank you for your continued patience and support as we navigate through these difficult and unprecedented times. We have developed and are continuing to create options and resources for our students. Please know that we will continue to provide the best learning environment for our students and will work to accommodate your concerns throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency.We are working with school administrators, the Kansas State Department of Education, and the Geary County Health Department to identify and implement safety measures for the opening of the 2020-2021 school year. We take seriously the responsibility of creating a safe learning environment for students and a safe working environment for our teachers and staff. This past week principals, district administrators, teachers, and a representative from the Geary County Health Department rehearsed procedures to implement when a positive COVID19 case arises. During this time, contact tracing and steps for communicating to parents and all involved were discussed. This scenario was educational for everyone involved, and we hope that it will assist us in ensuring that the district minimizes risks for our students and staff during a similar situation.I want to remind everyone of the learning options for the 2020-21 school year. USD 475 will offer Remote Learning (some call virtual or e-learning) and Face-to-Face Learning (traditional school). Parents may only select one option for the upcoming school year. Additionally, the option selected is for the entire first semester of school. If you choose the Remote Learning option, the student is required 360 minutes (6 hours) of daily academic learning. This does not mean a student has to be in front of the computer the entire time. However, the student and parent must sign a daily log confirming that the student was engaged for the required minutes.The district will require all staff and students that enter school buildings to wear a mask. We are aware that some of our students may suffer from medical conditions, emotional challenges and/or special needs for whom wearing a mask will likely be impossible. We will provide exceptions for those students who are part of our special services or who may have a medical exemption. Masks worn by staff and students will be subject to our dress code policy. Printed words or graphics on masks will not be allowed if they are offensive to others or create a distraction.I am certain there will be instances when students lose or misplace their masks. Schools will have masks available to students needing one. We realize this is new for everyone and will do our best to teach students to abide by school rules and to respect the health and safety of others. If you have concerns about our mask policy, I invite you to consider our Remote Learning option. The district’s position on the wearing of masks is based on recommendations from the health department and the fact that ensuring social distancing will be a challenge.Finally, the Geary County USD 475 Board of Education will be meeting tonight, at 5:00 pm, via Zoom. It will be live streamed to the district’s Facebook page, and I encourage all of you to watch the meeting. We will be discussing many of the plans, procedures, and safety measures the district will be implementing for the 2020-21 school year. District administrators will be sharing important information with the Board Members, and these presentations will address many of the questions that families and employees have asked.We are preparing for the success of all children in Geary County. We know that the success of our students depends on a productive partnership between the district, our families, and the community. Your continued support will help ensure our students receive the best education we can provide them, regardless of these circumstances.Respectfully,Reginald T. Eggleston, Ed.D.SuperintendentGeary County Schools USD 475

USD 475 Superintendent of Schools submits open letter to the community

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,369 to a total of 23,334, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,369 to a total of 23,334, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 307<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595264533467.png" alt="July 20, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 20, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top Republicans in Congress are expected to meet Monday with President Donald Trump at the White House on the next&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">COVID-19&nbsp;</a>aid package as the crisis many hoped would have improved has dramatically worsened, just as emergency relief is expiring.

New divisions between the Senate GOP majority and the White House posed fresh challenges. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was prepared to roll out the $1 trillion package in a matter of days. But administration panned more virus testing money and interjected other priorities that could complicate quick passage.

Trump insisted again Sunday that the virus would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/02b0c7bb496a21d9e09abb1d01cecf1a">“disappear,”&nbsp;</a>but the president’s view did not at all match projections from the leading health professionals straining to halt the U.S.’s alarming caseloads and death toll.

Lawmakers were returning to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists, another sign of the nation’s difficulty containing the coronavirus. Rather than easing, the pandemic’s devastating cycle was happening all over again, leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue. Businesses were shutting down again, schools could not fully reopen and jobs were disappearing, all while federal aid expired.

Without a successful federal strategy, lawmakers are trying to draft one.

“It’s not going to magically disappear,” said a somber McConnell, R-Ky., last week during a visit to a hospital in his home state to thank front-line workers.

McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy were set to meet with Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin “to fine-tune” the legislation, acting chief of staff Mark Meadows said on Fox News.

The political stakes were high for all sides before the November election, but even more so for the nation, which now registered more coronavirus infections and a higher death count of 140,500 than any other country.

The package from McConnell had been quietly crafted behind closed doors for weeks and was expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen, reduced unemployment benefits alongside a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans, and a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits.

But as the White House weighed in, the administration was panning some $25 billion in proposed new funds for testing and tracing, said one Republican familiar with the discussions. The administration’s objections were first reported by The Washington Post.

Trump was also reviving his push for a payroll tax break, which was being seriously considered, said another Republican. Both spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private talks.

The new push from the White House put the administration at odds with GOP allies in Congress, a disconnect that threatened to upend an already difficult legislative process. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi already passed Democrats’ vast&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion proposal</a>&nbsp;and virus cases and deaths had only increased since.

Trump raised alarms on Capitol Hill when he suggested last month at a rally in Oklahoma that he wanted to slow virus testing. Some of Trump’s GOP allies wanted new money to help test and track the virus to contain its spread. Senate Democrats were investigating why the Trump administration had not yet spent some of $25 billion previously allocated for testing in an earlier aid bill.

The payroll tax Trump wanted also divided his party. Senate Republicans in particular opposed the payroll tax break as an insufficient response to millions of out-of-work Americans, especially as they tried to keep the total price tag of the aid package at no more than $1 trillion.

Trump said Sunday in the Fox News interview that he would consider not signing any bill unless it included the payroll tax break, which many GOP senators opposed.

As McConnell prepared to roll out his $1 trillion-plus proposal, he acknowledged it would not have full support. This would be the fifth virus aid package, after the $2.2 trillion bill passed in March, the largest U.S. intervention of its kind.

Just as the pandemic’s ferocious cycle was starting again, the first round of aid was running out.

A federal $600-a-week boost to regular unemployment benefits would expire at the end of the month. So, too, would the federal ban on evictions on millions of rental units.

With 17 straight weeks of unemployment claims topping 1 million — usually about 200,000 — many households were facing a cash crunch and losing employer-backed health insurance coverage.

Despite flickers of an economic upswing as states eased stay-at-home orders in May and June, the jobless rate remained at double digits, higher than it ever was in the last decade’s Great Recession.

Pelosi’s bill, approved in May, included $75 billion for testing and tracing to try to get a handle on the virus spread, funneled $100 billion to schools to safely reopen and called for $1 trillion to be sent to cash-strapped states to pay essential workers and prevent layoffs. The measure would give cash stipends to Americans, and bolster rental and mortgage and other safety net protections.

In the two months since Pelosi’s bill passed, the U.S. had 50,000 more deaths and 2 million more infections.

“If we don’t invest the money now, it will be much worse,” Pelosi said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589232058595.png" alt="President Trump during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House Rose Garden in May-image courtesy White. House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House Rose Garden in May-image courtesy White. House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Top Republicans in Congress are expected to meet Monday with President Donald Trump at the White House on the next&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">COVID-19&nbsp;</a>aid package as the crisis many hoped would have improved has dramatically worsened, just as emergency relief is expiring.New divisions between the Senate GOP majority and the White House posed fresh challenges. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was prepared to roll out the $1 trillion package in a matter of days. But administration panned more virus testing money and interjected other priorities that could complicate quick passage.Trump insisted again Sunday that the virus would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/02b0c7bb496a21d9e09abb1d01cecf1a">“disappear,”&nbsp;</a>but the president’s view did not at all match projections from the leading health professionals straining to halt the U.S.’s alarming caseloads and death toll.Lawmakers were returning to a Capitol still off-limits to tourists, another sign of the nation’s difficulty containing the coronavirus. Rather than easing, the pandemic’s devastating cycle was happening all over again, leaving Congress little choice but to engineer another costly rescue. Businesses were shutting down again, schools could not fully reopen and jobs were disappearing, all while federal aid expired.Without a successful federal strategy, lawmakers are trying to draft one.“It’s not going to magically disappear,” said a somber McConnell, R-Ky., last week during a visit to a hospital in his home state to thank front-line workers.McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy were set to meet with Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin “to fine-tune” the legislation, acting chief of staff Mark Meadows said on Fox News.The political stakes were high for all sides before the November election, but even more so for the nation, which now registered more coronavirus infections and a higher death count of 140,500 than any other country.The package from McConnell had been quietly crafted behind closed doors for weeks and was expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen, reduced unemployment benefits alongside a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans, and a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits.But as the White House weighed in, the administration was panning some $25 billion in proposed new funds for testing and tracing, said one Republican familiar with the discussions. The administration’s objections were first reported by The Washington Post.Trump was also reviving his push for a payroll tax break, which was being seriously considered, said another Republican. Both spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private talks.The new push from the White House put the administration at odds with GOP allies in Congress, a disconnect that threatened to upend an already difficult legislative process. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi already passed Democrats’ vast&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/55887a1d2b734020c8dae29004f087d6">$3 trillion proposal</a>&nbsp;and virus cases and deaths had only increased since.Trump raised alarms on Capitol Hill when he suggested last month at a rally in Oklahoma that he wanted to slow virus testing. Some of Trump’s GOP allies wanted new money to help test and track the virus to contain its spread. Senate Democrats were investigating why the Trump administration had not yet spent some of $25 billion previously allocated for testing in an earlier aid bill.The payroll tax Trump wanted also divided his party. Senate Republicans in particular opposed the payroll tax break as an insufficient response to millions of out-of-work Americans, especially as they tried to keep the total price tag of the aid package at no more than $1 trillion.Trump said Sunday in the Fox News interview that he would consider not signing any bill unless it included the payroll tax break, which many GOP senators opposed.“I want to see it,” he said.As McConnell prepared to roll out his $1 trillion-plus proposal, he acknowledged it would not have full support. This would be the fifth virus aid package, after the $2.2 trillion bill passed in March, the largest U.S. intervention of its kind.Just as the pandemic’s ferocious cycle was starting again, the first round of aid was running out.A federal $600-a-week boost to regular unemployment benefits would expire at the end of the month. So, too, would the federal ban on evictions on millions of rental units.With 17 straight weeks of unemployment claims topping 1 million — usually about 200,000 — many households were facing a cash crunch and losing employer-backed health insurance coverage.Despite flickers of an economic upswing as states eased stay-at-home orders in May and June, the jobless rate remained at double digits, higher than it ever was in the last decade’s Great Recession.Pelosi’s bill, approved in May, included $75 billion for testing and tracing to try to get a handle on the virus spread, funneled $100 billion to schools to safely reopen and called for $1 trillion to be sent to cash-strapped states to pay essential workers and prevent layoffs. The measure would give cash stipends to Americans, and bolster rental and mortgage and other safety net protections.In the two months since Pelosi’s bill passed, the U.S. had 50,000 more deaths and 2 million more infections.“If we don’t invest the money now, it will be much worse,” Pelosi said.

GOP leaders, Trump to discuss virus aid as crisis deepens

Kaitlyn Butler is the Geary County 4-H Queen and Wyatt Miller the King for 2020. They were introduced prior to the 4-H Horse show Sunday evening at the horse arena on the fairgrounds.

Butler said when she was younger she always looked up to the 4-H queen. "And I have so many younger 4-H'ers that look up to me. " Butler added when she ran for the post it inspired her to get new members to join 4-H. This is the 11th year in 4-H for the Chapman High School senior.

Miller expressed his thoughts about becoming king. " It shows that anybody can do something if they put their mind to it."

The announcement and horse show kicked off Fair activities&nbsp; this week that run Monday through Thursday.&nbsp; Today ( Monday ) the schedule includes Foods judging beginning at 10 a.m.&nbsp;

Because of COVID-19 this year the fair is open to 4-H'ers and their families but not the general public. Exhibits are brought in, judged and then taken back home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595205706591.jpeg" alt="( L-R ) Wyatt Miller, 4-H King and Kaitlyn Butler, 4-H Queen" />
 <figcaption>( L-R ) Wyatt Miller, 4-H King and Kaitlyn Butler, 4-H Queen</figcaption>
 </figure>Kaitlyn Butler is the Geary County 4-H Queen and Wyatt Miller the King for 2020. They were introduced prior to the 4-H Horse show Sunday evening at the horse arena on the fairgrounds.Butler said when she was younger she always looked up to the 4-H queen. "And I have so many younger 4-H'ers that look up to me. " Butler added when she ran for the post it inspired her to get new members to join 4-H. This is the 11th year in 4-H for the Chapman High School senior.Miller expressed his thoughts about becoming king. " It shows that anybody can do something if they put their mind to it."The announcement and horse show kicked off Fair activities&nbsp; this week that run Monday through Thursday.&nbsp; Today ( Monday ) the schedule includes Foods judging beginning at 10 a.m.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595205887957.jpeg" alt="Tava Gustafson participating in the 4-H Horse Show" />
 <figcaption>Tava Gustafson participating in the 4-H Horse Show</figcaption>
 </figure>Because of COVID-19 this year the fair is open to 4-H'ers and their families but not the general public. Exhibits are brought in, judged and then taken back home.

4-H King and Queen are named for the Fair

Geary County Health officials confirmed one new positive COVID-19 case in the county on Saturday. The patient was a 61-year old man.

Geary County Health officials confirmed one new positive COVID-19 case in the county on Saturday. The patient was a 61-year old man.

One new positive COVID-19 case reported in Geary County

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — As the number of new coronavirus cases continues to climb in the Kansas City area, a spike in deaths is creating even more worry.

The region on Thursday cited 11 deaths from COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. That was most of any single day since the pandemic began.

The Kansas City metro area also reported 378 new cases, the most new cases in more than a week. That figure includes cases metro area cases in both Missouri and Kansas.

On Friday, the Kansas Department of health confirmed the number of&nbsp; coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,032 to a total of 21,965.&nbsp; Kansas has recorded 299 deaths from the virus compared 1,121 deaths in Missouri.

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — As the number of new coronavirus cases continues to climb in the Kansas City area, a spike in deaths is creating even more worry.The region on Thursday cited 11 deaths from COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. That was most of any single day since the pandemic began.The Kansas City metro area also reported 378 new cases, the most new cases in more than a week. That figure includes cases metro area cases in both Missouri and Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595005333645.png" alt="July 17, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 17, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, the Kansas Department of health confirmed the number of&nbsp; coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,032 to a total of 21,965.&nbsp; Kansas has recorded 299 deaths from the virus compared 1,121 deaths in Missouri.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.

Single-day record number of virus deaths reported in KC metro area

PIO, Riley County Emergency Operations Center

The number of COVID-19 recoveries continues to rise in Riley County. The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) reports 8 new positive cases since yesterday and 16 more have recovered. The totals are now 129 (-8) active, 250 (+16) recovered. The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) in coordination with the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment (KDHE) has identified an additional outbreak in Riley County. A total of 8 staff and residents have tested positive for COVID-19 within a unit at Meadowlark Hills in Manhattan: 6 of those are newly identified cases, 1 is a previously reported case, and 1 is not a Riley County resident. The majority of residents who tested positive are asymptomatic and were tested after being identified as having an exposure to a positive case. A total of about 80 residents and staff have been tested in response to this outbreak.&nbsp; An outbreak is announced when 5 or more cases stem from one place and time. “Meadowlark Hills has been, and continues to, take every precaution and measure to protect their staff and residents, and have acted quickly to investigate, test, trace and isolate individuals impacted by COVID-19," said Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Andrew Adams.&nbsp;"The health department has been in contact with Meadowlark Hills staff, and are working together to respond to this outbreak.”&nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan reports no (0) COVID-19 patients and 5 PUI* patients currently hospitalized. The previously hospitalized patient, who was admitted in May, has now been released to continue their recovery at home. While the majority of cases in Riley County have fallen into the 18-24 age range, COVID-19 adversely impacts all ages. A young person who does not feel sick or is not exhibiting symptoms may still be infected and can unknowingly spread COVID-19 to those at high risk. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a positive patient, please contact your doctor or call&nbsp;the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by a medical professional and is available&nbsp;Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Find more data for Riley County by clicking the Data &amp; Info link on the Riley County Coronavirus website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=e26008540f&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>. Riley County Statistics for Friday, July 17, 2020:

*A PUI is a Person Under Investigation; a patient who has symptoms of COVID-19 and is waiting for test results.

By Vivienne UccelloPIO, Riley County Emergency Operations CenterThe number of COVID-19 recoveries continues to rise in Riley County. The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) reports 8 new positive cases since yesterday and 16 more have recovered. The totals are now 129 (-8) active, 250 (+16) recovered. The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) in coordination with the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment (KDHE) has identified an additional outbreak in Riley County. A total of 8 staff and residents have tested positive for COVID-19 within a unit at Meadowlark Hills in Manhattan: 6 of those are newly identified cases, 1 is a previously reported case, and 1 is not a Riley County resident. The majority of residents who tested positive are asymptomatic and were tested after being identified as having an exposure to a positive case. A total of about 80 residents and staff have been tested in response to this outbreak.&nbsp; An outbreak is announced when 5 or more cases stem from one place and time. “Meadowlark Hills has been, and continues to, take every precaution and measure to protect their staff and residents, and have acted quickly to investigate, test, trace and isolate individuals impacted by COVID-19," said Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Andrew Adams.&nbsp;"The health department has been in contact with Meadowlark Hills staff, and are working together to respond to this outbreak.”&nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan reports no (0) COVID-19 patients and 5 PUI* patients currently hospitalized. The previously hospitalized patient, who was admitted in May, has now been released to continue their recovery at home. While the majority of cases in Riley County have fallen into the 18-24 age range, COVID-19 adversely impacts all ages. A young person who does not feel sick or is not exhibiting symptoms may still be infected and can unknowingly spread COVID-19 to those at high risk. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a positive patient, please contact your doctor or call&nbsp;the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by a medical professional and is available&nbsp;Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Find more data for Riley County by clicking the Data &amp; Info link on the Riley County Coronavirus website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=e26008540f&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>. Riley County Statistics for Friday, July 17, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents:&nbsp;382**</li><li>Total Active:&nbsp;129</li><li>Total Recovered:&nbsp;250</li><li>Currently Hospitalized: 0</li><li>Total deaths:&nbsp;3</li><li>Pending test results:&nbsp;251</li><li>Negative test results:&nbsp;3,646</li><li>Gender: Female:&nbsp;44.5%&nbsp;(170)&nbsp; Male:&nbsp;55.5%&nbsp;(212)</li><li>Average Age:&nbsp;30.9 years old</li>
 </ul>*A PUI is a Person Under Investigation; a patient who has symptoms of COVID-19 and is waiting for test results.

Eight new positive Covid-19 cases are reported in Riley County

&nbsp;A new study by Kansas State University researchers is the first to confirm that SARS-CoV-2 cannot be transmitted to people by mosquitoes. Stephen Higgs, associate vice president for research and director of the university's&nbsp;<a href="http://bri.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Biosecurity Research Institute</a>, or BRI, together with colleagues from the BRI and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>&nbsp;had the findings published July 17 by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/srep/" target="_blank">Nature Scientific Reports</a>. The article, "<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-68882-7" target="_blank">SARS-CoV-2 failure to infect or replicate in mosquitoes: an extreme challenge</a>," details the study's findings, which&nbsp;provide the first&nbsp;experimental investigation on the capacity of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, to infect and be transmitted by mosquitoes. "While the World Health Organization has definitively stated that mosquitoes cannot transmit the virus, our study is the first to provide conclusive data supporting the theory," said Higgs,&nbsp;Peine professor of biosecurity&nbsp;and&nbsp;university distinguished professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology. The study, which was done at the BRI, a biosecurity level-3 facility, ultimately found that the virus is unable to replicate in three common and widely distributed species of mosquitoes —&nbsp;Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus —&nbsp;and therefore cannot be transmitted to humans. "I am proud of the work we are doing at K-State to learn as much as we can about this and other dangerous pathogens," said Higgs.&nbsp;"This work was possible because of the unique capabilities of the BRI and the dedicated BRI and institutional staff." Colleagues involved with the study include Yan-Jang Huang, research assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; Dana Vanlandingham, professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; Ashley Bilyeu and Haelea Sharp, research assistants in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; and Susan Hettenbach, research assistant at the BRI. Researchers at the BRI have completed four additional studies on COVID-19 since March and this is the first peer-reviewed publication based on SARS-CoV-2 experiments wholly conducted at K-State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594997770144.jpeg" alt="Photo - KSU" />
 <figcaption>Photo - KSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By Erin Pennington&nbsp;A new study by Kansas State University researchers is the first to confirm that SARS-CoV-2 cannot be transmitted to people by mosquitoes. Stephen Higgs, associate vice president for research and director of the university's&nbsp;<a href="http://bri.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Biosecurity Research Institute</a>, or BRI, together with colleagues from the BRI and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>&nbsp;had the findings published July 17 by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/srep/" target="_blank">Nature Scientific Reports</a>. The article, "<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-68882-7" target="_blank">SARS-CoV-2 failure to infect or replicate in mosquitoes: an extreme challenge</a>," details the study's findings, which&nbsp;provide the first&nbsp;experimental investigation on the capacity of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, to infect and be transmitted by mosquitoes. "While the World Health Organization has definitively stated that mosquitoes cannot transmit the virus, our study is the first to provide conclusive data supporting the theory," said Higgs,&nbsp;Peine professor of biosecurity&nbsp;and&nbsp;university distinguished professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology. The study, which was done at the BRI, a biosecurity level-3 facility, ultimately found that the virus is unable to replicate in three common and widely distributed species of mosquitoes —&nbsp;Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus —&nbsp;and therefore cannot be transmitted to humans. "I am proud of the work we are doing at K-State to learn as much as we can about this and other dangerous pathogens," said Higgs.&nbsp;"This work was possible because of the unique capabilities of the BRI and the dedicated BRI and institutional staff." Colleagues involved with the study include Yan-Jang Huang, research assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; Dana Vanlandingham, professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; Ashley Bilyeu and Haelea Sharp, research assistants in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; and Susan Hettenbach, research assistant at the BRI. Researchers at the BRI have completed four additional studies on COVID-19 since March and this is the first peer-reviewed publication based on SARS-CoV-2 experiments wholly conducted at K-State.

KSU study is the first to who SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19 is not transmitted by mosquitoes

More than 1,000 boxes of free produce and dairy items were distributed to Geary County residents Friday morning at the Junction City High School parking lot.

Nichole Mader, United Way Executive Director, said all the produce boxes were distributed to the public and a few of the dairy boxes were taken to the Food Pantry where they will continue to be distributed. The giveaway was coordinated by United Way and the Food Pantry with the help of numerous volunteers.

"In the produce boxes there were apples, oranges, onions, potatoes, and I believe peaches or nectarines or plums. In the dairy boxes there was milk, butter and cheese." It took approximately four hours to give away the food. "We did a drive through where people pulled up their vehicle, they either popped their trunk or opened the side door. We had volunteers that had masks, that put the boxes into the vehicles."

The food was provided by different types of donors and farm producers across Kansas.&nbsp;

Vehicles moved through the parking lot to pick up food with the Junction City Police Department assisting with direction of traffic. Mader estimated approximately 500 cars were driven through to get the food.

United Way and the Food Pantry of Geary County along with other organizations have teamed up on an effort to provide free food to members of the Geary County community. It includes fresh produce and fresh dairy boxes.

According to Nichole Mader, United Way Director, that began on Friday morning in the parking lot of Junction City High School. Weight conditioning athletes and coaches unloaded a freezer truck carrying the food items. "All of these young gentlemen are out here carrying out these boxes that we want to get into homes."

The public can go to the parking lot at JCHS to pick up the food.

There were 1,017 boxes of food that had to be unloaded.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595009319196.jpeg" alt="FOOD GIVE AWAY TWO.jpg" />
 <figcaption>FOOD GIVE AWAY TWO.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostMore than 1,000 boxes of free produce and dairy items were distributed to Geary County residents Friday morning at the Junction City High School parking lot.Nichole Mader, United Way Executive Director, said all the produce boxes were distributed to the public and a few of the dairy boxes were taken to the Food Pantry where they will continue to be distributed. The giveaway was coordinated by United Way and the Food Pantry with the help of numerous volunteers."In the produce boxes there were apples, oranges, onions, potatoes, and I believe peaches or nectarines or plums. In the dairy boxes there was milk, butter and cheese." It took approximately four hours to give away the food. "We did a drive through where people pulled up their vehicle, they either popped their trunk or opened the side door. We had volunteers that had masks, that put the boxes into the vehicles."The food was provided by different types of donors and farm producers across Kansas.&nbsp;Vehicles moved through the parking lot to pick up food with the Junction City Police Department assisting with direction of traffic. Mader estimated approximately 500 cars were driven through to get the food.-----United Way and the Food Pantry of Geary County along with other organizations have teamed up on an effort to provide free food to members of the Geary County community. It includes fresh produce and fresh dairy boxes.According to Nichole Mader, United Way Director, that began on Friday morning in the parking lot of Junction City High School. Weight conditioning athletes and coaches unloaded a freezer truck carrying the food items. "All of these young gentlemen are out here carrying out these boxes that we want to get into homes."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594994157918.jpeg" alt="Photo - United Way" />
 <figcaption>Photo - United Way</figcaption>
 </figure>The public can go to the parking lot at JCHS to pick up the food.There were 1,017 boxes of food that had to be unloaded.

Organizations team up for food giveaway

NEW YORK (AP) — Target, CVS Health and Publix Super Markets on Thursday joined the growing list of national chains that will require customers to wear face masks regardless of where cities or states stand on the issue.

Target’s mandatory face mask policy will go into effect Aug. 1, and all CVS stores will begin requiring them on Monday. Publix Super Markets Inc., based in Lakeland, Florida, said that its rule will kick in on Tuesday at all 1,200 stores.

More than 80% of Target’s 1,800 stores already require customers to wear masks due to local and state regulations. Target will hand out masks at entrances to those who need them.&nbsp;

The announcements come one day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2efc9640fe70badfa6c8f6f5b3923f68">the nation’s largest retailer, Walmart,</a>&nbsp;said that it would mandate face shields for all customers starting Monday.

Starbucks, Best Buy, Kohl’s and Kroger Co. have also announced mandatory masks nationwide in recent days.

Retailers have hesitated to make masks mandatory nationwide out of fear of angering some customers over what, even in a pandemic, has become a political issue.

They have been reluctant to put employees in the position of becoming enforcers. Confrontations with customers and store employees have played out in multiple incidents caught on video.

It was difficult to enforce such rules even in states that mandate face masks. However, the recent surge of new virus cases — particularly in Florida, California, Texas and Arizona — has left them with no choice, retail experts say.

“To be clear, we’re not asking our store employees to play the role of enforcer, ” said Jon Roberts, the chief operating officer at CVS. “What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590784947764.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Target, CVS Health and Publix Super Markets on Thursday joined the growing list of national chains that will require customers to wear face masks regardless of where cities or states stand on the issue.Target’s mandatory face mask policy will go into effect Aug. 1, and all CVS stores will begin requiring them on Monday. Publix Super Markets Inc., based in Lakeland, Florida, said that its rule will kick in on Tuesday at all 1,200 stores.More than 80% of Target’s 1,800 stores already require customers to wear masks due to local and state regulations. Target will hand out masks at entrances to those who need them.&nbsp;The announcements come one day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2efc9640fe70badfa6c8f6f5b3923f68">the nation’s largest retailer, Walmart,</a>&nbsp;said that it would mandate face shields for all customers starting Monday.Starbucks, Best Buy, Kohl’s and Kroger Co. have also announced mandatory masks nationwide in recent days.Retailers have hesitated to make masks mandatory nationwide out of fear of angering some customers over what, even in a pandemic, has become a political issue.They have been reluctant to put employees in the position of becoming enforcers. Confrontations with customers and store employees have played out in multiple incidents caught on video.It was difficult to enforce such rules even in states that mandate face masks. However, the recent surge of new virus cases — particularly in Florida, California, Texas and Arizona — has left them with no choice, retail experts say.“To be clear, we’re not asking our store employees to play the role of enforcer, ” said Jon Roberts, the chief operating officer at CVS. “What we are asking is that customers help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering.”

List of national retail chains requiring masks is growing

Geary County Health Department officials have confirmed that there were two new positive COVID-19 cases on Thursday.  That brings the total for Geary County to 88 since the pandemic began.

One patient was a 35-year old woman and the other a 32-year old&nbsp; man. Both are isolated at their homes.&nbsp;

Geary County Health Department officials have confirmed that there were two new positive COVID-19 cases on Thursday. That brings the total for Geary County to 88 since the pandemic began.One patient was a 35-year old woman and the other a 32-year old&nbsp; man. Both are isolated at their homes.&nbsp;

Two new positive COVID-19 cases are identified in Geary County

A check of the Junction City High School Blue Jay Bands Facebook page revealed that there will be no Week one rehearsals for Summer Marching Band next week. Enrolled students/families will get more details next week regarding the status of Weeks 2 and 3.&nbsp;

The move to cancel the first week of Band Camp followed the announcement by Governor Kelly that schools in Kansas will not start until after Labor Day. She plans to issue an executive order on Monday formalizing that plan.

A check of the Junction City High School Blue Jay Bands Facebook page revealed that there will be no Week one rehearsals for Summer Marching Band next week. Enrolled students/families will get more details next week regarding the status of Weeks 2 and 3.&nbsp;The move to cancel the first week of Band Camp followed the announcement by Governor Kelly that schools in Kansas will not start until after Labor Day. She plans to issue an executive order on Monday formalizing that plan.<figure>
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JCHS Marching Band Camp next week will be canceled

Free testing for COVID-19 was under way Thursday at the Green Park Apartments in Junction City. It was being conducted by the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment and the Geary County Health Department.

Deputy Health Officer for Geary County, Charles Martinez, said there were about 150 people in line at 10 a.m. when the testing began. Workers were scheduled to be there until 7 p.m.

Martinez indicated it takes approximately three to four days to get a test result.

Free testing for COVID-19 was under way Thursday at the Green Park Apartments in Junction City. It was being conducted by the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment and the Geary County Health Department.Deputy Health Officer for Geary County, Charles Martinez, said there were about 150 people in line at 10 a.m. when the testing began. Workers were scheduled to be there until 7 p.m.Martinez indicated it takes approximately three to four days to get a test result.

Free COVID-19 testing  was held Thursday

Manhattan High School Principal Michael Dorst has announced the cancellation of the planned Aug. 2 MHS in-person commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 at Bishop Stadium.

Dorst noted that Riley County's current gathering size limit is 50 people and in discussions with the Riley County Health Department this week that limit could increase with the next health order, but not to the needed size of 1,500 to 2,000 people.

Dorst said there communications with K-State throughout the summer about the possibility of using their facilities and that continues to not be an option.

Two options have been developed for Class of 2020 graduates to be honored if they choose to participate. 

On Sunday Aug. 2 between noon and 4 p.m.&nbsp; they can come to the MHS West Campus with family members and receive their diploma&nbsp; cover in their cap and gown and have a photo opportunity. Diploma covers will be on a graduation table with decorations, balloons and Manhattan High School as the backdrop. There is not any need to schedule a specific time for this to occur because school officials will be flexible.

Graduates also have the option of being included in the MHS commencement in-person ceremony on Sunday, May 9th at 2 p.m. at Bramlage Coliseum. Graduates will need to keep their cap and gown, and will need to notify Janelle Walters at JANELLES@usd383.org by Thursday, April 1, 2021.&nbsp;

Commencement speeches for the Class of 2020 by Will Bannister and Allen Zhang to record their commencement speeches and post them on multiple social media sites.

Manhattan High School Principal Michael Dorst has announced the cancellation of the planned Aug. 2 MHS in-person commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 at Bishop Stadium.Dorst noted that Riley County's current gathering size limit is 50 people and in discussions with the Riley County Health Department this week that limit could increase with the next health order, but not to the needed size of 1,500 to 2,000 people.Dorst said there communications with K-State throughout the summer about the possibility of using their facilities and that continues to not be an option.Two options have been developed for Class of 2020 graduates to be honored if they choose to participate. On Sunday Aug. 2 between noon and 4 p.m.&nbsp; they can come to the MHS West Campus with family members and receive their diploma&nbsp; cover in their cap and gown and have a photo opportunity. Diploma covers will be on a graduation table with decorations, balloons and Manhattan High School as the backdrop. There is not any need to schedule a specific time for this to occur because school officials will be flexible.Graduates also have the option of being included in the MHS commencement in-person ceremony on Sunday, May 9th at 2 p.m. at Bramlage Coliseum. Graduates will need to keep their cap and gown, and will need to notify Janelle Walters at JANELLES@usd383.org by Thursday, April 1, 2021.&nbsp;Commencement speeches for the Class of 2020 by Will Bannister and Allen Zhang to record their commencement speeches and post them on multiple social media sites.

Manhattan High School in-person commencement ceremony is being canceled

On Wednesday for a second day in a row there were no new positive COVID-19 cases reported by the Geary County Health Department.

The information was released by Emergency Management.

On Wednesday for a second day in a row there were no new positive COVID-19 cases reported by the Geary County Health Department.The information was released by Emergency Management.

There were no new positive COVID-19 cases in Geary County on Wednesday

USD 475 has cancelled their Community Q &amp; A that was scheduled for Thursday evening. The cancellation is due to the Governor's announcement that she will issue an executive order on Monday delaying the beginning of the K-12 school year until after Labor Day.

The Community Q &amp; A will be rescheduled a few weeks in the&nbsp;future after the district has received the order and had time to review and discuss the details.

Dr. Reginald Eggleston is assuring patrons that USD 475 is working to prepare for unknowns during the COVID-19 pandemic as the 2020-2021 school year approaches.

Eggleston stated on Wednesday via a social media briefing that patrons can go to the district website or individual school web sites to find updates on COVID-19 and the mitigating meaures which are being implemented "in order to create the safest environment that we possibly can. "

Eggleston added district officials will talk more about the safety measures during a Community Q &amp; A Thursday evening. "It will start at 6 p.m. You can go to our District Facebook page, you can click on the link." Patrons will head from different school administrators who will discuss safety measures they are preparing for the upcoming school year.

The guests will include Dr. Reginald Eggleston, Superintendent of USD 475, David Wild, Chief Operations Officer for USD 475, Nate Downs, Executive Director of Special Education for USD 475, and Matt Westerhaus, Athletic Director for JCHS.

Members of the public are invited to participate and ask questions during the virtual event. It is expected to last about one hour.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostUPDATE AND CHANGE OF PLANS:USD 475 has cancelled their Community Q &amp; A that was scheduled for Thursday evening. The cancellation is due to the Governor's announcement that she will issue an executive order on Monday delaying the beginning of the K-12 school year until after Labor Day.The Community Q &amp; A will be rescheduled a few weeks in the&nbsp;future after the district has received the order and had time to review and discuss the details.---Dr. Reginald Eggleston is assuring patrons that USD 475 is working to prepare for unknowns during the COVID-19 pandemic as the 2020-2021 school year approaches.Eggleston stated on Wednesday via a social media briefing that patrons can go to the district website or individual school web sites to find updates on COVID-19 and the mitigating meaures which are being implemented "in order to create the safest environment that we possibly can. "Eggleston added district officials will talk more about the safety measures during a Community Q &amp; A Thursday evening. "It will start at 6 p.m. You can go to our District Facebook page, you can click on the link." Patrons will head from different school administrators who will discuss safety measures they are preparing for the upcoming school year.The guests will include Dr. Reginald Eggleston, Superintendent of USD 475, David Wild, Chief Operations Officer for USD 475, Nate Downs, Executive Director of Special Education for USD 475, and Matt Westerhaus, Athletic Director for JCHS.Members of the public are invited to participate and ask questions during the virtual event. It is expected to last about one hour.

USD 475 Community Q & A scheduled Thursday night is cancelled

Emergency Management reported that there were not any new positive COVID-19 cases that had been reported or verified Tuesday from the Geary County Health Department.

Emergency Management reported that there were not any new positive COVID-19 cases that had been reported or verified Tuesday from the Geary County Health Department.

Good COVID-19 news for Geary County

Judging for 4-H clothing and fashion revue was on the agenda Monday at the Geary County 4-H Center.

Ginger Kopfer, Extension Agent, explained clothing construction involved making items while fashion revue dealt with fashion revue judging and how the youth wore their clothing.

Due to COVID-19 there will not be any public revue this week. The next event will be the Horse Show at 6 p.m. Sunday with the 4-H King and Queen announcement preceding that event.

While 4-H members can get their projects and livestock judged Kopfer noted that events are not open to the general public this year.&nbsp; "We hope to be able to stream the shows on Facebook live so people could go to our Geary County Extension Facebook page and check the shows out that way but we aren't going to actually be asking people to come out and watch."

Officials want to limit attendance to 4-H families and those personnel required to be in attendance.&nbsp;

The fair continues Monday through Thursday of next week. The annual project and livestock auction on Thursday, July 23rd, will be done virtually, said Kopfer. "We'll have an order just like we always have. We'll have pictures of the kids with their projects or their animals. We'll sell them one by one to our bidders." 4-H members will deliver project items to the buyers.

Junior Division Grand Champion - Case Proietti (pillowcase)

Intermediate Division Grand Champion - Brock Nabus (pajama pants)

Senior Division Grand Champion - Paige Roeser (dress)

Junior Division Grand Champion - Eliot Oentrich (dress)

Intermediate Division Grand Champion - Morgan Nabus (dress)

Senior Division Reserve Champion - Jada Nabus (dress)

Junior Division Grand Champion - Austin Sohnrey (shorts outfit)

Intermediate Division Grand Champion - Charles Strauss (jeans outfit)

Intermediate Division Reserve Champion - Grady Oentrich (shorts outfit)

Senior Division Grand Champion - Logan Nabus (suit pants and dress shirt)

Junior Division Grand Champion - Eliot Oentrich (jumpsuit)

Junior Division Reserve Champion - Audriana Bradley (jeans outfit)

Intermediate Division Grand Champion - Olivia Harold (dress)

Intermediate Division Reserve Champion - Olivia Kline (dress)

Senior Division Grand Champion - Macie Muto (dress)

Senior Division Reserve Champion - Jada Nabus (shorts outfit)

Judging for 4-H clothing and fashion revue was on the agenda Monday at the Geary County 4-H Center.Ginger Kopfer, Extension Agent, explained clothing construction involved making items while fashion revue dealt with fashion revue judging and how the youth wore their clothing.Due to COVID-19 there will not be any public revue this week. The next event will be the Horse Show at 6 p.m. Sunday with the 4-H King and Queen announcement preceding that event.While 4-H members can get their projects and livestock judged Kopfer noted that events are not open to the general public this year.&nbsp; "We hope to be able to stream the shows on Facebook live so people could go to our Geary County Extension Facebook page and check the shows out that way but we aren't going to actually be asking people to come out and watch."Officials want to limit attendance to 4-H families and those personnel required to be in attendance.&nbsp;The fair continues Monday through Thursday of next week. The annual project and livestock auction on Thursday, July 23rd, will be done virtually, said Kopfer. "We'll have an order just like we always have. We'll have pictures of the kids with their projects or their animals. We'll sell them one by one to our bidders." 4-H members will deliver project items to the buyers.JudgingClothing ConstructionJunior Division Grand Champion - Case Proietti (pillowcase)Intermediate Division Grand Champion - Brock Nabus (pajama pants)Senior Division Grand Champion - Paige Roeser (dress)Constructed Fashion RevueJunior Division Grand Champion - Eliot Oentrich (dress)Intermediate Division Grand Champion - Morgan Nabus (dress)Senior Division Grand Champion - Paige Roeser (dress)Senior Division Reserve Champion - Jada Nabus (dress)Boy’s BuymanshipJunior Division Grand Champion - Austin Sohnrey (shorts outfit)Intermediate Division Grand Champion - Charles Strauss (jeans outfit)Intermediate Division Reserve Champion - Grady Oentrich (shorts outfit)Senior Division Grand Champion - Logan Nabus (suit pants and dress shirt)Girl’s BuymanshipJunior Division Grand Champion - Eliot Oentrich (jumpsuit)Junior Division Reserve Champion - Audriana Bradley (jeans outfit)Intermediate Division Grand Champion - Olivia Harold (dress)Intermediate Division Reserve Champion - Olivia Kline (dress)Senior Division Grand Champion - Macie Muto (dress)Senior Division Reserve Champion - Jada Nabus (shorts outfit)

4-H pre-fair judging occurred this week 

&nbsp; Geary County Emergency Management has announced that free COVID-19 testing will be available this&nbsp;Thursday, July 16th at Green Park Apartments in Junction City. The testing is being provided by the Geary County Health Department&nbsp;and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.&nbsp;

&nbsp; Geary County Emergency Management has announced that free COVID-19 testing will be available this&nbsp;Thursday, July 16th at Green Park Apartments in Junction City. The testing is being provided by the Geary County Health Department&nbsp;and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.&nbsp;

Free COVID-19 testing will be conducted at Green Park Apartments

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas reported Monday that another record coronavirus spike pushed the state past 20,000 total cases for the pandemic, shadowing plans for reopening public K-12 schools just a month before fall classes are set to begin.

The state Department of Health and Environment said that Kansas had another 1,447 coronavirus cases since Friday, an increase of 7.8%, to bring the total for the pandemic to 20,058. The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and people can be infected without feeling sick.

Kansas reported an average of 451 new coronavirus cases a day during the seven-day period ending Monday, the worst seven-day average yet. That figure has climbed each of the seven times the department has reported new data starting on June 29.

The health department also reported four additional COVID-19-related deaths making its reported total for the pandemic 288, a 1.4% increase. However, Johns Hopkins University put the state’s number of deaths at 297.

Kansas saw its its growth in reported coronavirus cases bottom out five weeks ago, before beginning to climb again, according to an AP analysis of data from The COVID Tracking Project. Kansas schools typically open by mid-August for the fall.

“We just understand the importance of getting kids back, and if that’s at all possible, we’ve got to plan for that,” said Ron Wilson, the superintendent of schools in Hays, where classes are set to resume Aug. 13. “Ultimately, I think public health officials will probably be making calls in terms of whether our schools should be open or not, and I think they’re going to be basing that on science.”

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly issued&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200702093130003.pdf" target="_blank">an order</a>&nbsp;July 2 directing the state’s residents to wear masks in public and at their workplaces. She said as she issued the order that if Kansas didn’t get its resurgence of new reported coronavirus cases under control, public schools for 519,000 K-12 students might not be able to reopen safely.

But state law allows counties to opt out of the mask mandate.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f8a90aa492568e092ec4bb5057129bde">Most have,</a>&nbsp;exempting about 40% of the state’s population.

“The benefits of the statewide mask mandate will remain unknown because of the patchwork quilt of counties that adopted it,” Dr. Lee Norman, the health department’s top administrator, said in a statement texted to The Associated Press.

The State Board of Education plans to meet Tuesday to review proposed guidelines for reopening schools and to vote on them Wednesday. Kelly planned to have a Statehouse news conference Wednesday with education and public health officials to discuss reopening schools.

Local districts also have been working for weeks on their own plans. The Shawnee Heights district east of Topeka, has had a task force discussing reopening issues since June and hopes to have its plan ready next week.

Local school board President Lauren Tice Miller said one key issue is predicting how much time parents might need to prepare for whatever the district plans. The district plans to start fall classes Aug. 13, but it’s still possibly to early to make final decisions about how to reopen, she said.

“There’s still just a lot of uncertainty,” she said. “We all want to bring our kids back and our teachers back, but we have to be able to do it safely.”

During the past two weeks, the Kansas health department has reported 5,615 new coronavirus cases, an increase of 39%. Reported COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalizations have risen more slowly, 6.7% for deaths and 16.6% for hospitalizations, which totaled 1,343 as of Monday.

The Kansas State Fair’s board&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1ad7c34b7cd29646cde4f0d1d06b833f">canceled the annual event</a>&nbsp;in Hutchinson, which had been set for September.

Twenty-eight of the state’s 105 counties have seen reported coronavirus cases at last double in the past two weeks. They include Ellis County, home to the Hays school district, where reported cases rose from 21 to 57 over the two weeks, and Saline County, where cases jumped from 94 to 220.

The Salina school district in Saline County plans to start online enrollment Tuesday and is giving parents the option of choosing online classes. Superintendent Linn Exline said the possibilities for the new semester include having some students attend in-person classes Monday and Tuesday and others, Wednesday and Thursday, with remote teaching Fridays. Its first classes start Aug. 11.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593465508296.png" alt="On July 2, Gov. Laura Kelly directed the state’s residents to wear masks in public and at work" />
 <figcaption>On July 2, Gov. Laura Kelly directed the state’s residents to wear masks in public and at work</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas reported Monday that another record coronavirus spike pushed the state past 20,000 total cases for the pandemic, shadowing plans for reopening public K-12 schools just a month before fall classes are set to begin.The state Department of Health and Environment said that Kansas had another 1,447 coronavirus cases since Friday, an increase of 7.8%, to bring the total for the pandemic to 20,058. The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and people can be infected without feeling sick.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594726988398.png" alt="KDHE July 13, 2020" />
 <figcaption>KDHE July 13, 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas reported an average of 451 new coronavirus cases a day during the seven-day period ending Monday, the worst seven-day average yet. That figure has climbed each of the seven times the department has reported new data starting on June 29.The health department also reported four additional COVID-19-related deaths making its reported total for the pandemic 288, a 1.4% increase. However, Johns Hopkins University put the state’s number of deaths at 297.Kansas saw its its growth in reported coronavirus cases bottom out five weeks ago, before beginning to climb again, according to an AP analysis of data from The COVID Tracking Project. Kansas schools typically open by mid-August for the fall.“We just understand the importance of getting kids back, and if that’s at all possible, we’ve got to plan for that,” said Ron Wilson, the superintendent of schools in Hays, where classes are set to resume Aug. 13. “Ultimately, I think public health officials will probably be making calls in terms of whether our schools should be open or not, and I think they’re going to be basing that on science.”Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly issued&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200702093130003.pdf" target="_blank">an order</a>&nbsp;July 2 directing the state’s residents to wear masks in public and at their workplaces. She said as she issued the order that if Kansas didn’t get its resurgence of new reported coronavirus cases under control, public schools for 519,000 K-12 students might not be able to reopen safely.But state law allows counties to opt out of the mask mandate.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f8a90aa492568e092ec4bb5057129bde">Most have,</a>&nbsp;exempting about 40% of the state’s population.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594727612359.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during his July 8 press briefing on the virus" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during his July 8 press briefing on the virus</figcaption>
 </figure>“The benefits of the statewide mask mandate will remain unknown because of the patchwork quilt of counties that adopted it,” Dr. Lee Norman, the health department’s top administrator, said in a statement texted to The Associated Press.The State Board of Education plans to meet Tuesday to review proposed guidelines for reopening schools and to vote on them Wednesday. Kelly planned to have a Statehouse news conference Wednesday with education and public health officials to discuss reopening schools.Local districts also have been working for weeks on their own plans. The Shawnee Heights district east of Topeka, has had a task force discussing reopening issues since June and hopes to have its plan ready next week.Local school board President Lauren Tice Miller said one key issue is predicting how much time parents might need to prepare for whatever the district plans. The district plans to start fall classes Aug. 13, but it’s still possibly to early to make final decisions about how to reopen, she said.“There’s still just a lot of uncertainty,” she said. “We all want to bring our kids back and our teachers back, but we have to be able to do it safely.”During the past two weeks, the Kansas health department has reported 5,615 new coronavirus cases, an increase of 39%. Reported COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalizations have risen more slowly, 6.7% for deaths and 16.6% for hospitalizations, which totaled 1,343 as of Monday.The Kansas State Fair’s board&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1ad7c34b7cd29646cde4f0d1d06b833f">canceled the annual event</a>&nbsp;in Hutchinson, which had been set for September.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594660032388.png" alt="July 13, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 13, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Twenty-eight of the state’s 105 counties have seen reported coronavirus cases at last double in the past two weeks. They include Ellis County, home to the Hays school district, where reported cases rose from 21 to 57 over the two weeks, and Saline County, where cases jumped from 94 to 220.The Salina school district in Saline County plans to start online enrollment Tuesday and is giving parents the option of choosing online classes. Superintendent Linn Exline said the possibilities for the new semester include having some students attend in-person classes Monday and Tuesday and others, Wednesday and Thursday, with remote teaching Fridays. Its first classes start Aug. 11.“What we are really working on is to develop plans where we limit risk as much as possible,” she said. “There is no such thing as a risk-free environment. That’s true any day of the week.”

Coronavirus Update