WABAUNSEE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Sunday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford Escape driven by Cody Alan Boggs, 28, Wamego was southbound on Kansas 99 at Paw Paw Creek Road.&nbsp;

The Ford rear-ended a 2013 Peterbilt semi driven by Christopher J. Landreth, 47, Holdenville, OK., that had slowed down to almost a complete stop due to zero visibility caused by a controlled burn.&nbsp;

EMS transported Boggs to the Wamego Health Center. Landreth was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Sunday in Wabaunsee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford Escape driven by Cody Alan Boggs, 28, Wamego was southbound on Kansas 99 at Paw Paw Creek Road.&nbsp;The Ford rear-ended a 2013 Peterbilt semi driven by Christopher J. Landreth, 47, Holdenville, OK., that had slowed down to almost a complete stop due to zero visibility caused by a controlled burn.&nbsp;EMS transported Boggs to the Wamego Health Center. Landreth was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Man from Wamego hospitalized after rear-end crash

There is new information to indicate community spread of the coronavirus in Riley County.The Riley County Health Department said Sunday that one of the recent positive cases did not travel outside of the community. The source of the patient’s exposure is unknown. A community spread case means the patient had no recent travel history or contact with another person known to be infected, indicating that the virus may have spread within the local community.

The patient is currently in isolation at home and took all of the right actions as soon as symptoms developed. The Riley County Health Department is completing contact tracing, but the individual confirmed that they went to the west side Dillons on March 26 and to Walmart on March 30. The patient developed symptoms on March 31 and has been in isolation since that time.

“Staying home is the best weapon we have to stop the spread of the disease," said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. "Everyone who complies with the order doing their part to help save lives. We need everyone to take this seriously."

Riley County Statistics for Sunday, April 5, 2020:

•Total number of positive cases: 13•Median age of positive cases: 38 years•No hospitalizations; all patients are recovering in isolation at home•Total negative tests for Riley County residents: 79•Total pending tests for Riley County residents: 18•Total Riley County residents being monitored (includes close contacts and travelers, but NOT positive cases): 34•Total Riley County Residents who have completed their monitoring/quarantine period: 47•Riley County is averaging two new cases per day, which is well below the rate of spread in hot spot communities.

People should only go out for essential needs, and limit contact with others. Any non-essential travel should be avoided.

There is new information to indicate community spread of the coronavirus in Riley County.The Riley County Health Department said Sunday that one of the recent positive cases did not travel outside of the community. The source of the patient’s exposure is unknown. A community spread case means the patient had no recent travel history or contact with another person known to be infected, indicating that the virus may have spread within the local community.The patient is currently in isolation at home and took all of the right actions as soon as symptoms developed. The Riley County Health Department is completing contact tracing, but the individual confirmed that they went to the west side Dillons on March 26 and to Walmart on March 30. The patient developed symptoms on March 31 and has been in isolation since that time.“Staying home is the best weapon we have to stop the spread of the disease," said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. "Everyone who complies with the order doing their part to help save lives. We need everyone to take this seriously."Riley County Statistics for Sunday, April 5, 2020:•Total number of positive cases: 13•Median age of positive cases: 38 years•No hospitalizations; all patients are recovering in isolation at home•Total negative tests for Riley County residents: 79•Total pending tests for Riley County residents: 18•Total Riley County residents being monitored (includes close contacts and travelers, but NOT positive cases): 34•Total Riley County Residents who have completed their monitoring/quarantine period: 47•Riley County is averaging two new cases per day, which is well below the rate of spread in hot spot communities.People should only go out for essential needs, and limit contact with others. Any non-essential travel should be avoided.

Thirteen cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in Riley County

High 75°	Warmer. Cloudy in the morning then becoming partly sunny. Slight chance of drizzle in the morning. Highs in the mid 70s. South winds 15 to 20 mph.

High 75°	Warmer. Cloudy in the morning then becoming partly sunny. Slight chance of drizzle in the morning. Highs in the mid 70s. South winds 15 to 20 mph.

Warmer day forecast for Monday

USD 475 has issued plans for their school board meetings. 

To comply with social distancing recommendations, and to protect the health and safety of Board members and staff, all USD 475 Board meetings will now be conducted via conference calling software until further notice. Meetings will still be live streamed on our Facebook page. The public will also be able to view presentations from district staff more clearly during these meetings.

The next scheduled meeting is Monday, April 6th, at 5:30 pm.

USD 475 has issued plans for their school board meetings. To comply with social distancing recommendations, and to protect the health and safety of Board members and staff, all USD 475 Board meetings will now be conducted via conference calling software until further notice. Meetings will still be live streamed on our Facebook page. The public will also be able to view presentations from district staff more clearly during these meetings.The next scheduled meeting is Monday, April 6th, at 5:30 pm.

USD 475 Board meetings will be conducted via conference call

Geary County Health Department is announcing the second case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Geary County.

The case involves a 48 year old man who traveled to the Texas area and is currently at home. The individual returned home and self-quarantined. The Geary County Health Department is working with the individual who resides in Junction City. No further information about the patient will be released. KDHE has released guidelines (http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/COVID-19_Resource_Center.htm for quarantine and isolation of travelers who visited locations in the United States where large numbers of people have contracted the disease. These guidelines are available on our Facebook page.

Please adhere to the following recommendations:

• Avoid non-essential trips and stay home to the extent you can.

• Follow all recommendations regarding self-quarantine

• Avoid large gatherings (groups of more than 10)

• If you do need to go out in public, ensure you maintain six feet distance from other people.

We encourage everyone to stay at home except for necessary trips for essential items. Only one member of the family go so you lessen the chance the exposure.

Geary County Health Department is announcing the second case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Geary County.The case involves a 48 year old man who traveled to the Texas area and is currently at home. The individual returned home and self-quarantined. The Geary County Health Department is working with the individual who resides in Junction City. No further information about the patient will be released. KDHE has released guidelines (http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/COVID-19_Resource_Center.htm for quarantine and isolation of travelers who visited locations in the United States where large numbers of people have contracted the disease. These guidelines are available on our Facebook page.Please adhere to the following recommendations:• Avoid non-essential trips and stay home to the extent you can.• Follow all recommendations regarding self-quarantine• Avoid large gatherings (groups of more than 10)• If you do need to go out in public, ensure you maintain six feet distance from other people.We encourage everyone to stay at home except for necessary trips for essential items. Only one member of the family go so you lessen the chance the exposure.

Second case of Corinavirus-19 identified in Geary County

Please be specific!-Brand and if we can substitute-Quantity of items-Quantity in package (for example: frozen rolls, do you want the 6 or 12 pack)

Ordering ahead or on delivery days does NOT guarantee product will be available-We can not guarantee any products at this time due to supply and demand

Please allot extra time for deliver and pick-up-we will do our best to pull your order quickly but please bare with us

Orders must be in before 6pm Monday-Saturday and 4pm on Sunday

Best way to order is online- Email or Facebook messenger-Make sure to include a valid phone number!

Payment can be done over the phone or at pick up-We prefer credit card or check, but cash is allowed

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586095419221.jpeg" alt="Photo - City of Chapman" />
 <figcaption>Photo - City of Chapman</figcaption>
 </figure>Please be specific!-Brand and if we can substitute-Quantity of items-Quantity in package (for example: frozen rolls, do you want the 6 or 12 pack)Ordering ahead or on delivery days does NOT guarantee product will be available-We can not guarantee any products at this time due to supply and demandPlease allot extra time for deliver and pick-up-we will do our best to pull your order quickly but please bare with usOrders must be in before 6pm Monday-Saturday and 4pm on SundayBest way to order is online- Email or Facebook messenger-Make sure to include a valid phone number!Payment can be done over the phone or at pick up-We prefer credit card or check, but cash is allowed

Guide for Chapman delivery / curbside grocery pick-up ordering from the Chapman Food Mart

One person has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus in Geary County. That was confirmed by Health Department and Emergency Management officials Saturday afternoon, with County Health Department Director Tammy Von Busch saying their two nurses were conducting investigations with the patient to find out where she's been, "and make sure we can track down wherever she might have picked it up and get in contact with any other contacts that she may have."

The individual who contracted the virus is a 40-year old woman from Junction City. She had been in self-quarantine for at least 14 days before the COVID-19 test results were returned Saturday morning. The test was given on March 27th. She and her family members are quarantined at home.

Von Busch said they recommend that if you're sick with a respiratory issue that you call the hospital ahead of time so that medical personnel can be prepared. "We don't just want people walking in, potentially having something that they're going to pass around before we realize what's going on. So we ask them to call ahead, tell them that they have some kind of symptoms. And then the emergency room will be prepared, meet them at the door, put a mask on them and then proceed from there."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586043047424.jpeg" alt="Geary County Health Department Director speaking at the podium." />
 <figcaption>Geary County Health Department Director speaking at the podium.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostOne person has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus in Geary County. That was confirmed by Health Department and Emergency Management officials Saturday afternoon, with County Health Department Director Tammy Von Busch saying their two nurses were conducting investigations with the patient to find out where she's been, "and make sure we can track down wherever she might have picked it up and get in contact with any other contacts that she may have."The individual who contracted the virus is a 40-year old woman from Junction City. She had been in self-quarantine for at least 14 days before the COVID-19 test results were returned Saturday morning. The test was given on March 27th. She and her family members are quarantined at home.Von Busch said they recommend that if you're sick with a respiratory issue that you call the hospital ahead of time so that medical personnel can be prepared. "We don't just want people walking in, potentially having something that they're going to pass around before we realize what's going on. So we ask them to call ahead, tell them that they have some kind of symptoms. And then the emergency room will be prepared, meet them at the door, put a mask on them and then proceed from there."

Health Officer provides COVID-19 related advice

The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce provided COVID-19 information released by Evergy.

To help all of our customers going through a difficult time, we're implementing the following:&nbsp;

We're with you. And we'll continue to offer support. Feel free to check back here at anytime for updates. If you're still unsure or have questions, you're more than welcome to look through our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.evergy.com/help-center">Help Center</a>, or from 7 am to 7 pm on weekdays,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.evergy.com/contact-us/contact-us-authentication">reach out to our customer service folks</a>.

Please keep in mind our customer care center will likely experience high call volumes while we work to keep the number of people gathered there to a minimum.&nbsp;

The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce provided COVID-19 information released by Evergy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586038494795.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>To help all of our customers going through a difficult time, we're implementing the following:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Extended&nbsp;<a href="https://www.evergy.com/manage-account/billing/payment-options-authentication">payment options</a>&nbsp;with customer service available to help walk through payment plans (even for those on plans currently).</li><li>No&nbsp;late payment fees&nbsp;until May 1 (for residential or small business customers).</li><li>No power disconnections&nbsp;related to nonpayments (for residential or small business customers).</li><li>Reduced payments for reconnecting service with no security deposit.&nbsp;If you've been disconnected for nonpayment, you'll only need to pay 1/12 of your balance.</li><li>A plan in place&nbsp;to keep the lights on in our communities.</li>
 </ol>We're with you. And we'll continue to offer support. Feel free to check back here at anytime for updates. If you're still unsure or have questions, you're more than welcome to look through our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.evergy.com/help-center">Help Center</a>, or from 7 am to 7 pm on weekdays,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.evergy.com/contact-us/contact-us-authentication">reach out to our customer service folks</a>.Please keep in mind our customer care center will likely experience high call volumes while we work to keep the number of people gathered there to a minimum.&nbsp;

COVID-19 response from Evergy

During this COVID-19 period, National Guard members delivered two pallets of supplies to Geary County on Saturday. Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said they are part of the County's request package from the State and there more than 100 boxes of different sizes. "There's more masks, gowns, respirators and supplies for our emergency responders to help take care of the depleted supplies we have."

Berges said Geary County will continue requesting more supplies from the state. "As these agencies need more supplies we try to stay ahead and keep supplies here on hand that we can hand out. We'll keep putting the requests in when they tell us what they need."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586035214724.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostDuring this COVID-19 period, National Guard members delivered two pallets of supplies to Geary County on Saturday. Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said they are part of the County's request package from the State and there more than 100 boxes of different sizes. "There's more masks, gowns, respirators and supplies for our emergency responders to help take care of the depleted supplies we have."Berges said Geary County will continue requesting more supplies from the state. "As these agencies need more supplies we try to stay ahead and keep supplies here on hand that we can hand out. We'll keep putting the requests in when they tell us what they need."

Supplies arrive for emergency responders

Health Department officials have announced the first case of coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) in Geary County.

The case involves a 40-year old woman who resides in Junction City.&nbsp; Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said, She tested positive for the virus and has already been in self-quarantine for at least 14 days. The female patient is currently under medical care and is quarantined at her residence."&nbsp;

Berges said the Geary County Health Department is investigating the case to determine any potential contact with outside people. "The Geary County Health Department has been encouraging everyone to stay home and especially more than ever now with the confirmed case."&nbsp;

If you need to go out practice self-distancing including annd other measures recommended by the CDC guidelines including a form or type of face protection.

Berges confirmed there are family members of the 40-year woman. All of them are under quarantine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586033059541.jpeg" alt="Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges speaking during press conference." />
 <figcaption>Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges speaking during press conference.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostHealth Department officials have announced the first case of coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) in Geary County.The case involves a 40-year old woman who resides in Junction City.&nbsp; Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said, She tested positive for the virus and has already been in self-quarantine for at least 14 days. The female patient is currently under medical care and is quarantined at her residence."&nbsp;Berges said the Geary County Health Department is investigating the case to determine any potential contact with outside people. "The Geary County Health Department has been encouraging everyone to stay home and especially more than ever now with the confirmed case."&nbsp;If you need to go out practice self-distancing including annd other measures recommended by the CDC guidelines including a form or type of face protection.Berges confirmed there are family members of the 40-year woman. All of them are under quarantine.

First case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Geary County

The Geary County Sheriff's Department has passed along information on a national Coronavirus Self Checker site.

The Geary County Sheriff's Department has passed along information on a national Coronavirus Self Checker site.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586011636354.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Coronavirus Self Checker helps determine if you need to seek medical attention



Amid increasing worldwide concern about a novel coronavirus, COVID-19, Kansas State University has licensed a technology that may lead to the production of an antiviral drug to treat coronaviruses and noroviruses.&nbsp;

Yungeong Kim and Kyeong-Ok “KC” Chang, virologists in the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine, and William Groutas, a medicinal chemist at Wichita State University, have been using National Institutes of Health grants to work on human norovirus therapeutics and recently received an additional $3.7 million grant to develop antiviral drugs to treat Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, better known as MERS human coronavirus. Their work extends to other human viruses that have a similar viral protease, such as rhinoviruses and the newly emerged human coronavirus, COVID-19





No antiviral drugs are yet available for human norovirus or coronaviruses, which include SARS, MERS and COVID-19. This could change as a result of a new license agreement between K-State and Cocrystal Pharma Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company that is discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics to further develop certain proprietary broad-spectrum antiviral compounds for the treatment of norovirus and coronavirus infections.

Cocrystal has been granted an exclusive license to certain antiviral compounds developed by Kim, Chang and Groutas. The company intends to pursue research and development of these antiviral compounds, including preclinical and clinical development.

“This licensing agreement provides support to confront the emerging strain of coronavirus with urgency and caution,” said Bonnie Rush, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at K-State. “The work of our K-State researchers is tremendously challenging and has never been more timely.”

Rush said Chang and Kim have collaborated for years on the development of antiviral compounds to combat devastating viral diseases of humans and animals.

Similar to coronaviruses, human norovirus is a major pathogen with 10-21 million cases each year in the U.S. alone. The virus causes gastroenteritis and also is a potential bioterrorism agent because of its ability to cause debilitating illness.

“Our protease inhibitors target a virus protein called 3C or 3C-like proteases, which are essential for virus replication,” Kim said. “Other antiviral drugs that have a similar mechanism are HIV protease inhibitors and hepatitis C virus protease inhibitors, but these do not work well against coronavirus.”

The licensing agreement was coordinated by K-State Innovation Partners, formerly known as the Kansas State University Research Foundation.

“The team at Cocrystal Pharma moved with a high sense of urgency to finalize the license negotiations,” said Bret Ford ’03, ’06, director of business development and licensing at Innovation Partners. “We look forward to watching them move with the same sense of urgency to advance our antiviral compounds toward human clinical trials.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586010071406.jpeg" alt="( Photo - K-State Alumni Association" />
 <figcaption>( Photo - K-State Alumni Association</figcaption>
 </figure>

Amid increasing worldwide concern about a novel coronavirus, COVID-19, Kansas State University has licensed a technology that may lead to the production of an antiviral drug to treat coronaviruses and noroviruses.&nbsp;Yungeong Kim and Kyeong-Ok “KC” Chang, virologists in the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine, and William Groutas, a medicinal chemist at Wichita State University, have been using National Institutes of Health grants to work on human norovirus therapeutics and recently received an additional $3.7 million grant to develop antiviral drugs to treat Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, better known as MERS human coronavirus. Their work extends to other human viruses that have a similar viral protease, such as rhinoviruses and the newly emerged human coronavirus, COVID-19



No antiviral drugs are yet available for human norovirus or coronaviruses, which include SARS, MERS and COVID-19. This could change as a result of a new license agreement between K-State and Cocrystal Pharma Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company that is discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics to further develop certain proprietary broad-spectrum antiviral compounds for the treatment of norovirus and coronavirus infections.Cocrystal has been granted an exclusive license to certain antiviral compounds developed by Kim, Chang and Groutas. The company intends to pursue research and development of these antiviral compounds, including preclinical and clinical development.“This licensing agreement provides support to confront the emerging strain of coronavirus with urgency and caution,” said Bonnie Rush, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at K-State. “The work of our K-State researchers is tremendously challenging and has never been more timely.”Rush said Chang and Kim have collaborated for years on the development of antiviral compounds to combat devastating viral diseases of humans and animals.Similar to coronaviruses, human norovirus is a major pathogen with 10-21 million cases each year in the U.S. alone. The virus causes gastroenteritis and also is a potential bioterrorism agent because of its ability to cause debilitating illness.“Our protease inhibitors target a virus protein called 3C or 3C-like proteases, which are essential for virus replication,” Kim said. “Other antiviral drugs that have a similar mechanism are HIV protease inhibitors and hepatitis C virus protease inhibitors, but these do not work well against coronavirus.”The licensing agreement was coordinated by K-State Innovation Partners, formerly known as the Kansas State University Research Foundation.“The team at Cocrystal Pharma moved with a high sense of urgency to finalize the license negotiations,” said Bret Ford ’03, ’06, director of business development and licensing at Innovation Partners. “We look forward to watching them move with the same sense of urgency to advance our antiviral compounds toward human clinical trials.”

Technology could lead to production of antiviral drug

By CORINNE BOYER, <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/rural-kansas-ambulance-crews-will-be-doubly-strained-coronavirus">Kansas News Service</a>

GARDEN CITY — The Finney County Emergency 
Medical Service department, with its staff of 23, is conserving its N95 
masks and only using them when a patient is positive for COVID-19. Like 
large hospitals, U.S. cities and entire European countries, rural EMS 
workers aren’t shielded from the medical supply shortage.&nbsp;

And 
that’s just one of the challenges rural EMS agencies across Kansas stare
 down as COVID-19 is being confirmed in their communities. They’re 
stretched thin, covering hundreds of miles, and seeing the ripple 
effects from the pandemic that’s shut down communities — something 
emergency plans hadn’t accounted for.&nbsp;

All of Kansas’ 105 
counties have mutual aid agreements: If fire or EMS departments need 
backup, other counties step in to assist. Those may be the support that 
holds emergency services together in the coming months.&nbsp;

There 
are more than 1,300 licensed volunteer EMS workers in Kansas, making up 
nearly 14% of the state's EMS workforce, according to Joe House, the 
executive director of the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services.

It’s
 something that’s on the mind of Andy Gienapp, the president-elect of 
the National Association of State EMS Officials and Wyoming’s state EMS 
director.&nbsp;

“How far can we push them to continue to donate their 
services to a major aspect of health care?” he said. “EMS is the only 
segment of health care that relies so heavily upon a volunteer 
workforce.”

In Louisiana, rural EMS workers may run out of 
personal protective equipment this week. Considering the number of cases
 continues to rise in the state — more than 6,400 as of April 2 — the 
situation is critical, said Donna Newchurch, CEO for the Louisiana Rural
 Ambulance Alliance.&nbsp;

“In some rural communities EMS is the only 
health care system,” Newchurch said. “In some parishes in Louisiana, 
there’s no hospital at all, and when the (federally qualified health 
center) closes or the rural health clinic closes or the doctor’s office 
closes, EMS is the entire health care system.”

Every parish that can spare an ambulance has sent them to areas of the state in need, she added.

Already
 in rural Kansas, an ambulance ride for a patient with a critical 
condition can take several hours. In Finney County, one ambulance is 
dedicated to transporting people up to 250 miles away, but the Service 
Director of Finney County EMS, Skylar Swords, said it requires staff to 
leave the county.&nbsp;

“I don't have a dedicated transfer team. So 
when we do take a transfer, even before all this happened, and then we 
go down one ambulance,” Swords said. “Now that that all is subject to 
change — fortunately I don't have any staff issues right now.”

Before Finney County had a confirmed case of <a href="https://kdhe.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/05f4169dc6394aa98895072b94734134" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>, 911 dispatchers were asking patients a series of questions before an ambulance arrived.&nbsp;

Swords
 said if patients hadn’t traveled and didn’t have a fever or cough, EMS 
workers would wear standard personal protective equipment. EMS workers 
will only wear N95 masks if the patient tests positive for COVID-19.

“We
 have to just trust that people are being honest with us and ... PPE is 
very limited,” Swords said. “Right now … 95 masks and the gowns are 
extremely difficult to procure.”

After Sept. 11, Swords said efforts were made to store personal protective gear. But those stockpiles are outdated.

“If
 I have 10,000 masks, and I’m throwing 10,000 masks away every five 
years or something like that because they’re outdated, then …&nbsp; that’s 
just a financial waste,” he said. “So we’re trying to find solutions 
that will help us be prepared in the moment without just constantly 
throwing stuff away.”&nbsp;

Because fewer people live in rural 
communities, a community taxbase doesn’t always provide enough funding 
for EMS departments. Low wages can often push EMS workers into 
better-paying health care jobs.

“We do lose a lot of quality technicians to the nursing field because of pay usually,” Swords said.

When
 more EMS workers are needed, people will step up, House said. He said 
one measure will allow medics with expired certifications to work for up
 to 30 days.

“I've got 140 people willing to deploy anywhere in 
the state, to assist services (and) maintain that crucial staffing that 
(EMS) need(s),” House said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Gienapp added that 
there’s an overall lack of federal funding for emergency medical 
services. After 9/11, a lot of that aid went to police and fire 
departments.&nbsp;

“The evidence of that shows up now,” he said, “and I
 don’t think we did everything we could have as a nation to prepare our 
nation’s emergency medical system to be ready to handle something like 
COVID-19.”

Swords agreed, saying that statewide, plans aren’t where they need to be.

“I
 guess the benefits, if you want to call it that, of this pandemic is 
we’re getting some real world experience with these plans.” he said.&nbsp;

In addition to concerns over adequate supplies and EMS technicians, COVID-19 is taking a toll on rural hospitals.&nbsp;

Dr.
 Ronald Robinson, who is the CEO of hospitals in Atwood and Goodland, 
said routine surgeries and visits are suspended, which means it has lost
 revenue.&nbsp;

“If you have an office visit, we’ll bill the insurance
 company,” Robinson said. “So, the cash actually doesn’t show up for us 
for a month and half.”&nbsp;

Robinson said the Goodland hospital has 
enough cash to operate through Aug. 23. He added in an email:&nbsp; “We're 
not going to allow the hospital to run out of cash, and are taking 
aggressive steps to bring our expenses in line with our revenues.”

And
 when patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms need hospitalization, it'll
 increase the stress on rural hospitals. Approximately half of the 
counties in the U.S. do not have <a href="https://khn.org/news/as-coronavirus-spreads-widely-millions-of-older-americans-live-in-counties-with-no-icu-beds/#lookup" target="_blank">ICU beds</a>.&nbsp;

That’s
 the case in Wilson County in southeast Kansas. It has just 15 beds and 
one ventilator. Once those are full and it’s ventilator is in use, 
patients will need to be treated at larger hospitals.&nbsp;

“We’re 
also having to work with our local EMS agency because they may be 
transporting some of these patients as they come in to get them trained 
and up to speed on taking ventilated patients to other facilities if we 
have to do that,” said Joseph Meier, a physician at Wilson Medical 
Center. “Which is just adding to all of the stuff that we’re having to 
prepare for down here.”&nbsp;

Corinne Boyer covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://kannews.slack.com/team/UFFCS11T5">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Corinne_Boyer" target="_blank">@Corinne</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Corinne_Boyer" target="_blank">_boyer</a> or email cboyer@hppr.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585853561992.png" alt=" Finney County EMS staffs three ambulances and is dedicating an additional ambulance for COVID-19 patients. Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Finney County EMS staffs three ambulances and is dedicating an additional ambulance for COVID-19 patients. Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CORINNE BOYER, <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/rural-kansas-ambulance-crews-will-be-doubly-strained-coronavirus">Kansas News Service</a>GARDEN CITY — The Finney County Emergency 
Medical Service department, with its staff of 23, is conserving its N95 
masks and only using them when a patient is positive for COVID-19. Like 
large hospitals, U.S. cities and entire European countries, rural EMS 
workers aren’t shielded from the medical supply shortage.&nbsp;And 
that’s just one of the challenges rural EMS agencies across Kansas stare
 down as COVID-19 is being confirmed in their communities. They’re 
stretched thin, covering hundreds of miles, and seeing the ripple 
effects from the pandemic that’s shut down communities — something 
emergency plans hadn’t accounted for.&nbsp;All of Kansas’ 105 
counties have mutual aid agreements: If fire or EMS departments need 
backup, other counties step in to assist. Those may be the support that 
holds emergency services together in the coming months.&nbsp;There 
are more than 1,300 licensed volunteer EMS workers in Kansas, making up 
nearly 14% of the state's EMS workforce, according to Joe House, the 
executive director of the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services.It’s
 something that’s on the mind of Andy Gienapp, the president-elect of 
the National Association of State EMS Officials and Wyoming’s state EMS 
director.&nbsp;“How far can we push them to continue to donate their 
services to a major aspect of health care?” he said. “EMS is the only 
segment of health care that relies so heavily upon a volunteer 
workforce.”In Louisiana, rural EMS workers may run out of 
personal protective equipment this week. Considering the number of cases
 continues to rise in the state — more than 6,400 as of April 2 — the 
situation is critical, said Donna Newchurch, CEO for the Louisiana Rural
 Ambulance Alliance.&nbsp;“In some rural communities EMS is the only 
health care system,” Newchurch said. “In some parishes in Louisiana, 
there’s no hospital at all, and when the (federally qualified health 
center) closes or the rural health clinic closes or the doctor’s office 
closes, EMS is the entire health care system.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585853628156.png" alt=" Skylar Swords is the service director of Finney County's Emergency Medical Services. Credit Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Skylar Swords is the service director of Finney County's Emergency Medical Services. Credit Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Every parish that can spare an ambulance has sent them to areas of the state in need, she added.Already
 in rural Kansas, an ambulance ride for a patient with a critical 
condition can take several hours. In Finney County, one ambulance is 
dedicated to transporting people up to 250 miles away, but the Service 
Director of Finney County EMS, Skylar Swords, said it requires staff to 
leave the county.&nbsp;“I don't have a dedicated transfer team. So 
when we do take a transfer, even before all this happened, and then we 
go down one ambulance,” Swords said. “Now that that all is subject to 
change — fortunately I don't have any staff issues right now.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585853655605.png" alt=" The inside of one of Finney County's ambulances. Credit Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> The inside of one of Finney County's ambulances. Credit Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Gear and personnel shortages</h2>Before Finney County had a confirmed case of <a href="https://kdhe.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/05f4169dc6394aa98895072b94734134" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>, 911 dispatchers were asking patients a series of questions before an ambulance arrived.&nbsp;Swords
 said if patients hadn’t traveled and didn’t have a fever or cough, EMS 
workers would wear standard personal protective equipment. EMS workers 
will only wear N95 masks if the patient tests positive for COVID-19.“We
 have to just trust that people are being honest with us and ... PPE is 
very limited,” Swords said. “Right now … 95 masks and the gowns are 
extremely difficult to procure.”After Sept. 11, Swords said efforts were made to store personal protective gear. But those stockpiles are outdated.“If
 I have 10,000 masks, and I’m throwing 10,000 masks away every five 
years or something like that because they’re outdated, then …&nbsp; that’s 
just a financial waste,” he said. “So we’re trying to find solutions 
that will help us be prepared in the moment without just constantly 
throwing stuff away.”&nbsp;Because fewer people live in rural 
communities, a community taxbase doesn’t always provide enough funding 
for EMS departments. Low wages can often push EMS workers into 
better-paying health care jobs.“We do lose a lot of quality technicians to the nursing field because of pay usually,” Swords said.When
 more EMS workers are needed, people will step up, House said. He said 
one measure will allow medics with expired certifications to work for up
 to 30 days.“I've got 140 people willing to deploy anywhere in 
the state, to assist services (and) maintain that crucial staffing that 
(EMS) need(s),” House said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Gienapp added that 
there’s an overall lack of federal funding for emergency medical 
services. After 9/11, a lot of that aid went to police and fire 
departments.&nbsp;“The evidence of that shows up now,” he said, “and I
 don’t think we did everything we could have as a nation to prepare our 
nation’s emergency medical system to be ready to handle something like 
COVID-19.”Swords agreed, saying that statewide, plans aren’t where they need to be.“I
 guess the benefits, if you want to call it that, of this pandemic is 
we’re getting some real world experience with these plans.” he said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585853699808.png" alt=" St. Catherine's Hospital in Garden City is one of many rural hospitals in Kansas. Credit Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> St. Catherine's Hospital in Garden City is one of many rural hospitals in Kansas. Credit Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Extra stress on rural hospitals&nbsp;</h2>In addition to concerns over adequate supplies and EMS technicians, COVID-19 is taking a toll on rural hospitals.&nbsp;Dr.
 Ronald Robinson, who is the CEO of hospitals in Atwood and Goodland, 
said routine surgeries and visits are suspended, which means it has lost
 revenue.&nbsp;“If you have an office visit, we’ll bill the insurance
 company,” Robinson said. “So, the cash actually doesn’t show up for us 
for a month and half.”&nbsp;Robinson said the Goodland hospital has 
enough cash to operate through Aug. 23. He added in an email:&nbsp; “We're 
not going to allow the hospital to run out of cash, and are taking 
aggressive steps to bring our expenses in line with our revenues.”And
 when patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms need hospitalization, it'll
 increase the stress on rural hospitals. Approximately half of the 
counties in the U.S. do not have <a href="https://khn.org/news/as-coronavirus-spreads-widely-millions-of-older-americans-live-in-counties-with-no-icu-beds/#lookup" target="_blank">ICU beds</a>.&nbsp;That’s
 the case in Wilson County in southeast Kansas. It has just 15 beds and 
one ventilator. Once those are full and it’s ventilator is in use, 
patients will need to be treated at larger hospitals.&nbsp;“We’re 
also having to work with our local EMS agency because they may be 
transporting some of these patients as they come in to get them trained 
and up to speed on taking ventilated patients to other facilities if we 
have to do that,” said Joseph Meier, a physician at Wilson Medical 
Center. “Which is just adding to all of the stuff that we’re having to 
prepare for down here.”&nbsp;Corinne Boyer covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://kannews.slack.com/team/UFFCS11T5">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Corinne_Boyer" target="_blank">@Corinne</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Corinne_Boyer" target="_blank">_boyer</a> or email cboyer@hppr.org.

Rural Kan. ambulance crews will be doubly strained by virus 

The Geary County Health Department has posted this information via social media.

"There is a rumor going around that Geary County has their first case of COVID-19. This is NOT true. There are Zero cases of COVID-19 in Geary County.

COVID-19 cases for Geary County (does not include Fort Riley):Confirmed positive cases: 0Number of Geary County Residents tested: 53Negative COVID-19 test results: 39Number of pending test results: 14

Individuals tested for COVID-19 and direct contacts maintain quarantine protocols and have daily contact with the Geary County Health Department.

Please call our office for questions or concerns at (785) 762-5788.

Please visit the KDHE website for more COVID-19 in Kansas information:&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgovstatus.egov.com%2Fcoronavirus%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2TJZ_po4Sjk0fNnPGtlXF-ZUMy_8BprkjcrTjXgbEe3mQHpK-BC0_EgK0&amp;h=AT2UVySahtd317xnS21PNbxYIf9zhpXQOl2eC3NrA3eeoWF00GdigI1xOA473J6fXC7731ltwNowrc0w_lhw3sCysVzoCtGXvGrdgnNsXKB5stkPbYDVBTtjEmsvT1kb9AUSEMLewPw8jdUJubLPo1fYbNEcR9nTOgdMqDhlfiCp3MnWc4uU8oA1xIrevBq5YWYbn-R3INgRQCxD3V1oBhjlhg-pJpxpFqY83JK5tASGfC1hrlPFyJUGAhEe7s_29MlJW5kemdvTaq9-N58dweHz1Ge5BK4lRlJJRdAvzwliL-b8gvaFPK6XYCn9gjQ5uoyYs0ndlJ-guJakWaTGPLQ44Zm5w1TJAZNtUqlRUEx6rBFYaNXYaWYHDbECPPO20Wg27GPV6RIqAYvOcx5rkCZ9RC-TdXRylNje-dDnB0pZMht0q0ERo1gqT0HjXmeM0ebz-cxLGRe7ryxDlhdOdOlzK824jxUAUEQ4H0jxZ-dZic5O6KqHlgpE7fd382IuCnsBKR-Oomtzq4zO4wzpbeXfElL5Z-Q1atwnrwazOBsGUPunVaMNAvF_XxMbFLYtVK4RJVGY-kbsWF6gKStb9cP8YZq2S1B4cdh7fmMwDQbMaeYeZcEScgFTlMicb7lBeQ" target="_blank">https://govstatus.egov.com/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;"

The Geary County Health Department has posted this information via social media."There is a rumor going around that Geary County has their first case of COVID-19. This is NOT true. There are Zero cases of COVID-19 in Geary County.COVID-19 cases for Geary County (does not include Fort Riley):Confirmed positive cases: 0Number of Geary County Residents tested: 53Negative COVID-19 test results: 39Number of pending test results: 14Individuals tested for COVID-19 and direct contacts maintain quarantine protocols and have daily contact with the Geary County Health Department.Please call our office for questions or concerns at (785) 762-5788.Please visit the KDHE website for more COVID-19 in Kansas information:&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgovstatus.egov.com%2Fcoronavirus%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2TJZ_po4Sjk0fNnPGtlXF-ZUMy_8BprkjcrTjXgbEe3mQHpK-BC0_EgK0&amp;h=AT2UVySahtd317xnS21PNbxYIf9zhpXQOl2eC3NrA3eeoWF00GdigI1xOA473J6fXC7731ltwNowrc0w_lhw3sCysVzoCtGXvGrdgnNsXKB5stkPbYDVBTtjEmsvT1kb9AUSEMLewPw8jdUJubLPo1fYbNEcR9nTOgdMqDhlfiCp3MnWc4uU8oA1xIrevBq5YWYbn-R3INgRQCxD3V1oBhjlhg-pJpxpFqY83JK5tASGfC1hrlPFyJUGAhEe7s_29MlJW5kemdvTaq9-N58dweHz1Ge5BK4lRlJJRdAvzwliL-b8gvaFPK6XYCn9gjQ5uoyYs0ndlJ-guJakWaTGPLQ44Zm5w1TJAZNtUqlRUEx6rBFYaNXYaWYHDbECPPO20Wg27GPV6RIqAYvOcx5rkCZ9RC-TdXRylNje-dDnB0pZMht0q0ERo1gqT0HjXmeM0ebz-cxLGRe7ryxDlhdOdOlzK824jxUAUEQ4H0jxZ-dZic5O6KqHlgpE7fd382IuCnsBKR-Oomtzq4zO4wzpbeXfElL5Z-Q1atwnrwazOBsGUPunVaMNAvF_XxMbFLYtVK4RJVGY-kbsWF6gKStb9cP8YZq2S1B4cdh7fmMwDQbMaeYeZcEScgFTlMicb7lBeQ" target="_blank">https://govstatus.egov.com/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;"

Geary County Health Department addresses a rumor

Everything from stay at home orders to regular washing of your hands are part of the guidelines for dealing with COVID-19.

Junction City Mayor Jeff Underhill addressed that topic. "What we really need is people to do their part. Stay home when directed to stay home, don't take the entire family out to the grocery store. Just travel one at a time if at all possible. "

Underhill also serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce. The potential impact of COVID-19 on businesses is also on his mind. "That is a huge concern of mine. " He noted the Chamber of Commerce is spreading as much information as possible and as quickly as possible as information about grants becomes available. "Looks like the ( federal ) CARES Act is getting put into motion that will allow for some forgivable loans to be out there to make payroll and pay utilities for some of these small businesses."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585957745761.jpeg" alt="Junction City Mayor and Chamber of Commerce Chair of the Board of Directors&nbsp; Jeff Underhill" />
 <figcaption>Junction City Mayor and Chamber of Commerce Chair of the Board of Directors&nbsp; Jeff Underhill</figcaption>
 </figure>Everything from stay at home orders to regular washing of your hands are part of the guidelines for dealing with COVID-19.Junction City Mayor Jeff Underhill addressed that topic. "What we really need is people to do their part. Stay home when directed to stay home, don't take the entire family out to the grocery store. Just travel one at a time if at all possible. "Underhill also serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce. The potential impact of COVID-19 on businesses is also on his mind. "That is a huge concern of mine. " He noted the Chamber of Commerce is spreading as much information as possible and as quickly as possible as information about grants becomes available. "Looks like the ( federal ) CARES Act is getting put into motion that will allow for some forgivable loans to be out there to make payroll and pay utilities for some of these small businesses."

Follow the COVID-19 safety guidelines

Governor Kelly announced on Friday that Blue Cross Blue Shield will waive cost sharing for treatment of COVID-19 for the next 60 days. "This includes coverage for testing and treatment administered at a doctor's office, an urgent care facility, emergency room, as well as in-patient hospital stays."

Kelly said the announcement applies to fully insured members and those receiving insurance through medicare advantage plans. "Blue Cross will also work with self-funded customers who want to implement a similar approach."

Kelly delivered the information during a press conference at the Statehouse.

Governor Kelly announced on Friday that Blue Cross Blue Shield will waive cost sharing for treatment of COVID-19 for the next 60 days. "This includes coverage for testing and treatment administered at a doctor's office, an urgent care facility, emergency room, as well as in-patient hospital stays."Kelly said the announcement applies to fully insured members and those receiving insurance through medicare advantage plans. "Blue Cross will also work with self-funded customers who want to implement a similar approach."Kelly delivered the information during a press conference at the Statehouse.

Blue Cross Blue Shield will help with costs for treatment of COVID-19 

It's too early to know the specific impact, but the President of the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce, Mickey Fornaro-Dean noted conventional wisdom is that the COVID-19 pandemic defintely impacts businesses. "I think the biggest thing we can do at this point, and that we are doing as a Chamber, an EDC and a Military Affairs Commission is trying to be informative, look for all the information that we can possibly get to out to our members and our community so that they can stay informed, and just keep pushing that out as we get it."

Through the CARES act there are multiple loan options for businesses needing financial assistance. The Chamber has created a page where information is sent out to people. They are working to update that information on a daily basis.

Fornaro-Dean said they are also trying to distribute information from the Small Business Administration or from the Kansas Department of Commerce webinars or calls.&nbsp;

The Chamber office is closed to the public, but staff are working from home and are getting telephone calls and emails there.&nbsp;

Eventually COVID-19 will come to an end. Fornaro-Dean said this is hard. "This is something that none of use have ever been through before and I think the best thing that we can do is like we are right now staying informed and when we open back get up just get our feet on the ground." That can range from seeing members and talking to businesses to having small focus groups to develop ideas in the community to help it get back up and running. "I think you're going to see a lot of pent up which would be helpful." That could involve people getting out in public and participating in activities.

It's too early to know the specific impact, but the President of the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce, Mickey Fornaro-Dean noted conventional wisdom is that the COVID-19 pandemic defintely impacts businesses. "I think the biggest thing we can do at this point, and that we are doing as a Chamber, an EDC and a Military Affairs Commission is trying to be informative, look for all the information that we can possibly get to out to our members and our community so that they can stay informed, and just keep pushing that out as we get it."Through the CARES act there are multiple loan options for businesses needing financial assistance. The Chamber has created a page where information is sent out to people. They are working to update that information on a daily basis.Fornaro-Dean said they are also trying to distribute information from the Small Business Administration or from the Kansas Department of Commerce webinars or calls.&nbsp;The Chamber office is closed to the public, but staff are working from home and are getting telephone calls and emails there.&nbsp;Eventually COVID-19 will come to an end. Fornaro-Dean said this is hard. "This is something that none of use have ever been through before and I think the best thing that we can do is like we are right now staying informed and when we open back get up just get our feet on the ground." That can range from seeing members and talking to businesses to having small focus groups to develop ideas in the community to help it get back up and running. "I think you're going to see a lot of pent up which would be helpful." That could involve people getting out in public and participating in activities.

Chamber works to support local businesses during pandemic

Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel said Friday in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and provide essential services that support life, health and safety the City of Junction City has extended the closure of the Municipal Building, Municipal Court, 12th Street Community Center, and Spin City Roller Rink. This will be in effect until Sunday, April 19th, 2020. The Rolling Meadows Golf Course will remain open with precautionary measures.

City staff will continue to monitor the situation and make changes as needed. The City will continue to provide essential services and will be available by phone 785-238-3103 between the hours of 8 AM – 5 PM Monday – Friday. Staff will also be available by email.

City Manager and Building &amp; Codes Department will be available upon appointment call 785-238-3103 to schedule.

Building will be closed to public. Online payment options are available as well as by phone. Dropbox outside of the Municipal Building will be available. New Customers can sign up and disconnects for water service by emailing the email address below or by calling 785-238-3103.

Website: https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/junctioncityks/utilities

Services will continue with limited access to Fire Station 1 and Fire Station 2. (Administrative Phone Number 785-761-2244)

Services will continue. Junction City Police Department Building will to be open to the public with access limited to the lobby. (Administrative Phone Number 785-762-5912)

All court hearings before the City of Junction City, Kansas Municipal Court schedule for Thursday, March 19, 2020 through April 30, 2020 are continued by the Order of the Court. In coming to its decision, the Court weighed guidelines of

the CDC, Geary County Health Department, the Governor of Kansas, and the safety and health of all parties before it in light of COVID-19.

Currently, the Court is rescheduling and resetting those hearings. Contact the Court on or after April 1, 2020 for new court dates. If you need to make payments on any fines or fees, you may pay online at https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/junctioncityks or over-the-phone at (785) 762-4666.

On or before, April 23, 2020, the Court will reevaluate its Order and determine whether or not to extend it.

In addition, Municipal Public Defender Joshua Douglass will not meet with clients face-to-face; however, he asks that his clients call or email him pertaining to his cases before the Court.

All projects and services will continue as normal and employees will utilize recommended precautionary measures. Contact Number 785-762-8840.

Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel said Friday in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and provide essential services that support life, health and safety the City of Junction City has extended the closure of the Municipal Building, Municipal Court, 12th Street Community Center, and Spin City Roller Rink. This will be in effect until Sunday, April 19th, 2020. The Rolling Meadows Golf Course will remain open with precautionary measures.City staff will continue to monitor the situation and make changes as needed. The City will continue to provide essential services and will be available by phone 785-238-3103 between the hours of 8 AM – 5 PM Monday – Friday. Staff will also be available by email.City Manager and Building &amp; Codes Department will be available upon appointment call 785-238-3103 to schedule.Customer Service/Utilities DepartmentBuilding will be closed to public. Online payment options are available as well as by phone. Dropbox outside of the Municipal Building will be available. New Customers can sign up and disconnects for water service by emailing the email address below or by calling 785-238-3103.Website: https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/junctioncityks/utilitiesPhone Number: 24 Hr Option 888-730-7263Monday – Friday 8-4:30pm 785-238-3103Email: cs@jcks.comJunction City Fire DepartmentServices will continue with limited access to Fire Station 1 and Fire Station 2. (Administrative Phone Number 785-761-2244)Junction City Police DepartmentServices will continue. Junction City Police Department Building will to be open to the public with access limited to the lobby. (Administrative Phone Number 785-762-5912)Municipal CourtAll court hearings before the City of Junction City, Kansas Municipal Court schedule for Thursday, March 19, 2020 through April 30, 2020 are continued by the Order of the Court. In coming to its decision, the Court weighed guidelines ofthe CDC, Geary County Health Department, the Governor of Kansas, and the safety and health of all parties before it in light of COVID-19.Currently, the Court is rescheduling and resetting those hearings. Contact the Court on or after April 1, 2020 for new court dates. If you need to make payments on any fines or fees, you may pay online at https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/junctioncityks or over-the-phone at (785) 762-4666.On or before, April 23, 2020, the Court will reevaluate its Order and determine whether or not to extend it.In addition, Municipal Public Defender Joshua Douglass will not meet with clients face-to-face; however, he asks that his clients call or email him pertaining to his cases before the Court.Public WorksAll projects and services will continue as normal and employees will utilize recommended precautionary measures. Contact Number 785-762-8840.

City buildings will remain closed to the public through April 19

During the difficult times of the COvid-19 PANDEMIC, USD 475 officials have put a new banner up on the west side of the Devin Center administration building. It contains a brief but supportive message.

During the difficult times of the COvid-19 PANDEMIC, USD 475 officials have put a new banner up on the west side of the Devin Center administration building. It contains a brief but supportive message.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585919745093.jpeg" alt="( Photo courtesy of Lacee Sell )" />
 <figcaption>( Photo courtesy of Lacee Sell )</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 475 "We are here for YOU!

WICHITA, Kansas — Floods, tornadoes and other 
natural disasters raked across the plains of Kansas long before this 
latest pandemic swirled invisibly around the globe.

And no amount of hunkering down in this <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AloneTogether&amp;src=typeahead_click" target="_blank">#AloneTogether</a> period will ward off storm systems or the chaos they rain down.

To deal with that reality in this year of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>, emergency response managers at the federal, <a href="http://www.kansastag.gov/kdem_default.asp" target="_blank">state</a> and <a href="https://www.kema.org/board" target="_blank">county levels </a>are retooling how they’ll act when disaster strikes.

Help
 that would have been just a few key phone calls and emails away is busy
 dealing with its own problems in response to a crisis likely to linger 
at least for months.

That leaves the people paid to help 
communities brace for a deluge or recover from a twister more isolated. 
Not only do they have to deal with the new coronavirus that’s upended 
the world, but with the periodic disasters they're accustomed to 
preparing for.

While responders might be skilled in building a 
barrier out of sandbags or setting up temporary shelters for people with
 no place to go, making sure those shelters aren’t a perfect place for 
the virus to spread is a whole new challenge.

“I’m not sure we’ve ever trained for something just like this,” said Josh Murray, regional communications director for the <a href="https://www.redcross.org/local/kansas.html" target="_blank">American Red Cross</a>.
 “Hopefully, we don’t have any storms or major disasters that we have to
 deal with right away. But we know that that’s very possible and we’re 
doing everything we can to be ready.”

The <a href="https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/" target="_blank">Army Corps of Engineers’ regional offices in Kansas City</a>
 have a ghost town feel these days. Like so many Kansans, the federal 
workers at the massive agency work from home, preparing, as usual, for 
the worst.

“The main thing right now is keeping our employees, 
our staff, healthy so if we do get into an event, we’re able to 
respond,” said Mike Dulin, an emergency management specialist with the 
Kansas City District of the Corps.

Across the Great Plains, that most likely means rivers busting from their banks and <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ddc/greensburgfiveyear" target="_blank">tornadoes ripping across the landscape</a>.

Typical
 training sessions that in prior years would happen in person now take 
place virtually through meetings over the Zoom app and conference phone 
calls.

“If we do get into a flood event, I think a lot of folks 
are going to be familiar with that virtual support already because we’re
 doing it as part of our daily routine now,” Dulin said.

In the 
event of a disaster, the material goods such as sandbags for flood 
barriers and equipment to clean up after a tornado are already in place.
 The problem is getting those to the impacted areas and protecting the 
responders who have to show up, pandemic or not.

“How do I keep 
them healthy, how do I mitigate the risk for them and their family,” 
asked Maj. General Lee Tafanelli, the Kansas director of emergency 
management.

One way is through the use of personal protective 
equipment such as face masks and gloves. Yet those supplies are scarce 
enough at hospitals already.

Tafanelli said the state is also 
looking at the ways setting up shelters for people who have to evacuate 
or have lost their homes would be different.

In Atchison County 
in northeast Kansas, where the Missouri River burst its banks last year,
 emergency management officials said the best-case scenario is not 
needing to open any shelters.

“We don’t want to do that, but if 
there’s a necessity to do so then we would have to do it,” said Wes 
Lanter, director of emergency management for Atchison County.

But it’s hard to predict where shelters might be needed. In a major disaster, shelters play a key role in helping the displaced.

To prepare for a time when one might be needed, the Red Cross said 
it’s working on modifying how those shelters would operate. People would
 likely be screened before being allowed in and an isolation area would 
be set up for people exhibiting symptoms of the coronavirus.

There’d be precautions taken inside the shelter, too.

“That
 may be spreading the beds farther apart,” said the Red Cross’ Murray. 
“That may be staggering meal times so people aren’t all sitting at a 
table at the same time.”

He said it’s likely county officials 
would need to find multiple locations for shelters&nbsp; as separation 
guidelines would mean fewer people could be housed in each one.

Finding and training volunteers would also be a challenge.

The
 Red Cross often gets supplies and volunteers from outside of the 
disaster area. But right now, the first disaster is coronavirus, and 
that’s impacting people nationwide. People who would normally travel to 
help out after a tornado, flood, or hurricane won’t be available.

Murray
 said even though the Red Cross and many of its volunteers are 
experienced at responding to disasters, this is unlike anything he’s 
ever seen.

“It would be a new experience,” he said, “and 
something that we’d have to do a lot of training and really go over how 
this is going to work.”

Brian Grimmett reports on the 
environment, energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the 
Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a>&nbsp;or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585760010774.jpeg" alt=" Flooding in Johnson County, Kansas, in July of 2017. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Flooding in Johnson County, Kansas, in July of 2017. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT, Kansas News ServiceWICHITA, Kansas — Floods, tornadoes and other 
natural disasters raked across the plains of Kansas long before this 
latest pandemic swirled invisibly around the globe.And no amount of hunkering down in this <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AloneTogether&amp;src=typeahead_click" target="_blank">#AloneTogether</a> period will ward off storm systems or the chaos they rain down.To deal with that reality in this year of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>, emergency response managers at the federal, <a href="http://www.kansastag.gov/kdem_default.asp" target="_blank">state</a> and <a href="https://www.kema.org/board" target="_blank">county levels </a>are retooling how they’ll act when disaster strikes.Help
 that would have been just a few key phone calls and emails away is busy
 dealing with its own problems in response to a crisis likely to linger 
at least for months.That leaves the people paid to help 
communities brace for a deluge or recover from a twister more isolated. 
Not only do they have to deal with the new coronavirus that’s upended 
the world, but with the periodic disasters they're accustomed to 
preparing for.While responders might be skilled in building a 
barrier out of sandbags or setting up temporary shelters for people with
 no place to go, making sure those shelters aren’t a perfect place for 
the virus to spread is a whole new challenge.“I’m not sure we’ve ever trained for something just like this,” said Josh Murray, regional communications director for the <a href="https://www.redcross.org/local/kansas.html" target="_blank">American Red Cross</a>.
 “Hopefully, we don’t have any storms or major disasters that we have to
 deal with right away. But we know that that’s very possible and we’re 
doing everything we can to be ready.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585760056246.jpeg" alt=" Damage from the tornado that struck Greensburg, Kansas in May of 2007. Credit Jeff Hutton / National Weather Service" />
 <figcaption> Damage from the tornado that struck Greensburg, Kansas in May of 2007. Credit Jeff Hutton / National Weather Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Virtual PreparednessThe <a href="https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/" target="_blank">Army Corps of Engineers’ regional offices in Kansas City</a>
 have a ghost town feel these days. Like so many Kansans, the federal 
workers at the massive agency work from home, preparing, as usual, for 
the worst.“The main thing right now is keeping our employees, 
our staff, healthy so if we do get into an event, we’re able to 
respond,” said Mike Dulin, an emergency management specialist with the 
Kansas City District of the Corps.Across the Great Plains, that most likely means rivers busting from their banks and <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ddc/greensburgfiveyear" target="_blank">tornadoes ripping across the landscape</a>.Typical
 training sessions that in prior years would happen in person now take 
place virtually through meetings over the Zoom app and conference phone 
calls.“If we do get into a flood event, I think a lot of folks 
are going to be familiar with that virtual support already because we’re
 doing it as part of our daily routine now,” Dulin said.In the 
event of a disaster, the material goods such as sandbags for flood 
barriers and equipment to clean up after a tornado are already in place.
 The problem is getting those to the impacted areas and protecting the 
responders who have to show up, pandemic or not.“How do I keep 
them healthy, how do I mitigate the risk for them and their family,” 
asked Maj. General Lee Tafanelli, the Kansas director of emergency 
management.One way is through the use of personal protective 
equipment such as face masks and gloves. Yet those supplies are scarce 
enough at hospitals already.Tafanelli said the state is also 
looking at the ways setting up shelters for people who have to evacuate 
or have lost their homes would be different.In Atchison County 
in northeast Kansas, where the Missouri River burst its banks last year,
 emergency management officials said the best-case scenario is not 
needing to open any shelters.“We don’t want to do that, but if 
there’s a necessity to do so then we would have to do it,” said Wes 
Lanter, director of emergency management for Atchison County.But it’s hard to predict where shelters might be needed. In a major disaster, shelters play a key role in helping the displaced.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585760094092.jpeg" alt=" Flooding in Larned, Kansas in August 2019. Credit Chris Neal / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Flooding in Larned, Kansas in August 2019. Credit Chris Neal / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>To prepare for a time when one might be needed, the Red Cross said 
it’s working on modifying how those shelters would operate. People would
 likely be screened before being allowed in and an isolation area would 
be set up for people exhibiting symptoms of the coronavirus.There’d be precautions taken inside the shelter, too.“That
 may be spreading the beds farther apart,” said the Red Cross’ Murray. 
“That may be staggering meal times so people aren’t all sitting at a 
table at the same time.”He said it’s likely county officials 
would need to find multiple locations for shelters&nbsp; as separation 
guidelines would mean fewer people could be housed in each one.Finding and training volunteers would also be a challenge.The
 Red Cross often gets supplies and volunteers from outside of the 
disaster area. But right now, the first disaster is coronavirus, and 
that’s impacting people nationwide. People who would normally travel to 
help out after a tornado, flood, or hurricane won’t be available.Murray
 said even though the Red Cross and many of its volunteers are 
experienced at responding to disasters, this is unlike anything he’s 
ever seen.“It would be a new experience,” he said, “and 
something that we’d have to do a lot of training and really go over how 
this is going to work.”Brian Grimmett reports on the 
environment, energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the 
Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a>&nbsp;or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

Hunkered-down Kansans brace for flood, tornado season

The Trap Range and the Pistol Range at the Geary County Fish &amp; Game Association's Sportsman's Acres are open. According to the Association newsletter they were able to remain open under the Outdoor Activity exception of the Stay at Home Order. However, social distancing measures as approved by the Geary County Health Department have been implemented.

Every other firing point will be utilized to satisfy the six-foot separation rule, the lanes will be limited to one hour of use, others waiting to fire will be asked to wait in the spectator's area and the parking lot and the number of people in the clubhouse will be limited.

You are asked to bring your own equipment such as guns, hearing and eye protection and not to share between households.

Hand sanitizer will be available at both ranges, and if you are sick or have known exposure to COVID-19 you are asked to stay home.

The Association has also cancelled their April membership meeting along with any other group activities for the month&nbsp; due to the stay at home order.

The Trap Range and the Pistol Range at the Geary County Fish &amp; Game Association's Sportsman's Acres are open. According to the Association newsletter they were able to remain open under the Outdoor Activity exception of the Stay at Home Order. However, social distancing measures as approved by the Geary County Health Department have been implemented.Every other firing point will be utilized to satisfy the six-foot separation rule, the lanes will be limited to one hour of use, others waiting to fire will be asked to wait in the spectator's area and the parking lot and the number of people in the clubhouse will be limited.You are asked to bring your own equipment such as guns, hearing and eye protection and not to share between households.Hand sanitizer will be available at both ranges, and if you are sick or have known exposure to COVID-19 you are asked to stay home.--The Association has also cancelled their April membership meeting along with any other group activities for the month&nbsp; due to the stay at home order.

Sportsman's Acres Ranges are open

PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has developed a plan to keep Kansas’ 28 state parks, 63 state fishing lakes, and more than 100 wildlife areas open to the public during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition, KDWPT’s online and mobile sales options allow Kansans to purchase the licenses, permits and reservations they need without risk of exposure to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

“We’re committed to ensuring Kansas outdoors remain accessible to all, and that Kansans have safe and healthy recreation opportunities during this unprecedented crisis,” KDWPT Secretary Brad Loveless said. “There’s no better place to be right now than out in nature, where social distancing is a breeze. We encourage families across the state to get outside, get fresh air, go fishing or for a hike, and enjoy our natural spaces.”

Beginning March 23, 2020, KDWPT temporarily closed regional and district offices for two weeks; however, state park staff&nbsp; worked in limited capacities to ensure Kansas’ state parks remain open to the public, and that park facilities are regularly cleaned and disinfected. Though often adjoined, KDWPT state parks are separate from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) facilities, which will be closed.

Visitors can locate an open KDWPT state park nearest them by visiting ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations.

PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has developed a plan to keep Kansas’ 28 state parks, 63 state fishing lakes, and more than 100 wildlife areas open to the public during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition, KDWPT’s online and mobile sales options allow Kansans to purchase the licenses, permits and reservations they need without risk of exposure to the COVID-19 coronavirus.“We’re committed to ensuring Kansas outdoors remain accessible to all, and that Kansans have safe and healthy recreation opportunities during this unprecedented crisis,” KDWPT Secretary Brad Loveless said. “There’s no better place to be right now than out in nature, where social distancing is a breeze. We encourage families across the state to get outside, get fresh air, go fishing or for a hike, and enjoy our natural spaces.”Beginning March 23, 2020, KDWPT temporarily closed regional and district offices for two weeks; however, state park staff&nbsp; worked in limited capacities to ensure Kansas’ state parks remain open to the public, and that park facilities are regularly cleaned and disinfected. Though often adjoined, KDWPT state parks are separate from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) facilities, which will be closed.Visitors can locate an open KDWPT state park nearest them by visiting ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations.T

State Parks and state fishing lakes can remain open

The Chapman High School Alumni Banquet has been cancelled for this year. 

It will be held again in the Spring of 2021. Take care. Go Irish!

The Chapman High School Alumni Banquet has been cancelled for this year. It will be held again in the Spring of 2021. Take care. Go Irish!