WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing the gravest U.S. economic crisis in decades, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell offered U.S. Senators contrasting views Tuesday of what the government’s most urgent priority should be.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPDl_xETXoI">Click here to watch&nbsp;</a>Senator Moran's turn at questioning Mnuchin and Powell.

Striking a theme frequently pushed by President Donald Trump, Mnuchin warned that prolonged business shutdowns would pose long-term threats to the economy, from widespread bankruptcies for small businesses to long-term unemployment for millions of Americans.

“There is risk of permanent damage,” Mnuchin said.

Powell, by contrast, stressed, as he has in recent weeks, that the nation is gripped by an economic shock “without modern precedent” and that Congress must consider providing further financial aid soon to support states, localities, businesses and individuals to prevent an even deeper recession.

“What Congress has done to date has been remarkably timely and forceful,” Powell said. “But we need to step back and ask, ’Is it enough?”

Their points of emphasis reflect the contours of a debate occurring across the country, among individuals, business people and political leaders, about when and under what circumstances the economy should reopen and what further help the government can or should provide.

Mnuchin and Powell offered their views at an oversight hearing of the Senate Banking Committee at which members of both parties questioned them about when their agencies will distribute more of the emergency aid that Congress provided in late March to struggling small businesses and households.

Powell said that a highly anticipated lending program the Fed is creating for small businesses should be operating by the end of the month. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0abbc3e930e7d8cff7da05bbd7921ee2">in a turnaround</a>, Mnuchin said the Treasury is now prepared to absorb some losses in that program, which is funded by Treasury. Doing so could enable the Fed to take on further risk with the program and help more struggling companies.

During the hearing, Mnuchin clashed sharply with Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts over the administration’s support for a phased reopening of the economy and over its reluctance to require that all companies that receive government aid keep their workers on the payroll.

Brown charged that the Trump administration was risking the lives of lower-income workers by supporting reopening efforts and was doing so simply to boost financial markets. He asserted that the administration hasn’t done enough to protect front-line workers — by, for example, ramping up viral testing — even as most states start allowing restaurants, stores and gyms to reopen.

“The administration wants to put more workers at risk to boost the stock market,” Brown said.

“Your characterization is unfair,” Mnuchin responded.

The hearing was the first in a planned series of quarterly oversight sessions focused on spending programs authorized in the $2 trillion&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20200409a.htm">federal relief package</a>&nbsp;that is overseen by the Treasury Department and Fed. They include the $660 billion small business lending facility, known as the paycheck protection program, as well as $46 billion in grants to airlines and $454 billion to support the Fed’s lending.

The Fed announced in March that it would set up the Main Street Lending Program, which will provide up to $600 billion in loans to medium-sized businesses that are too large to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program. The Treasury has provided $75 billion, drawn from the $454 billion set aside by Congress, to cover any losses from the Main Street program.

Mnuchin said that under some scenarios the Treasury could lose some or all of that $75 billion.

“Our intention is that we intend to take some losses,” he said.

The Fed has also said it will buy debt issued by state and local governments, which are facing plummeting revenues as the viral outbreak has eliminated tens of millions of jobs and slashed income tax and sales tax revenue. At the same time, states and cities are facing much higher health care costs.

Yet the Fed’s program will make it easier for governments to borrow in the municipal bond market. Powell, under questioning, said that states might need more direct help from the federal government to avoid laying off workers, with the unemployment rate, at 14.7%, already the highest since the Great Depression.

Mnuchin came under sharp questioning from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who charged that he wasn’t doing enough to force companies that receive aid from the Main Street Lending program, as well as other aid provided by the Fed and Treasury, to keep workers on their payrolls.

The senator pressed Mnuchin to ensure that the loans include that requirement. When Mnuchin declined to commit to that change, Warren said, “You’re boosting your Wall Street buddies.”

Mnuchin told Warren that the legislation providing the funds includes restrictions on top executive pay and on company dividends and stock buybacks.

Mnuchin said in prepared testimony that so far, the paycheck program has processed more than 4.2 million loans for over $530 billion “to keep tens of millions of hardworking Americans on the payroll.” The loans need not be repaid as long as the borrowing business uses 75% of the money to cover workers’ paychecks.

But many small companies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/380b07b9292ea7ae4d382f091d99bf10">say the terms are too onerous</a>. To have the loans forgiven, they must rehire all their employees within eight weeks of receiving the funds, even if they have little business or work for them to do. These companies argue that they might have to lay off their workers again at the end of the eight weeks — and may have little money left to help ramp up when business does return.

Mnuchin, pressed about those issues and about opening the loan program to more nonprofits, said his department was considering making changes.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will likely come under tough questioning from senators Tuesday about a small business lending program included in the government’s $2 trillion relief package.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?472163-1/fed-reserve-chair-powell-treasury-secretary-mnuchin-testify-cares-act-coronavirus-relief-bill&amp;live">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;Tuesday's hearing that started at 9a.m. CDT

Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the Payroll Protection Program, which initially provided $349 billion in forgivable loans to small companies but has been plagued by a host of problems.

Many businesses were unable to get loans before the initial funding was exhausted. A second round of loans faced computer processing delays and a number of publicly traded companies ended up receiving money that Mnuchin demanded be paid back to the government.

<a href="https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Mnuchin%20Testimony%205-19-201.pdf">Click here to read</a> Treasury Secretary Mnuchin's opening statement.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A small, overlooked federal agency is shouldering a massive relief effort for the nation’s small businesses and their workers left reeling by the pandemic.

The Small Business Administration has committed to auditing every sizable emergency loan it approves.

But six weeks after the $600 billion-plus program was launched, the agency has yet to make public the recipients of taxpayer aid.

A signature piece of Congress’ multitrillion-dollar pandemic rescue, the unprecedented lending program is targeted to help small employers stay afloat and preserve jobs in a cratering economy losing tens of millions of them.

“Our swift action supported or saved 30 million American jobs at least,” President Donald Trump said at a White House event on small business late last month with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.

Managing the program fell to the SBA, an agency with some 3,200 employees and an $819 million annual budget that’s one-tenth the size of the Commerce Department’s. On at least two occasions last month, the SBA’s computer system slowed under the crush of loan applications, creating a bottleneck. The agency says it has processed 4.2 million loans for some $530 billion in awards.

The need for a detailed public accounting of the small-business relief program is amplified by controversy over how it has unfolded since early April. It’s important as a way for the public to know whether the program is working as Congress intended.

Several hundred publicly traded companies received hundreds of millions of the low-interest, potentially forgivable loans. They tapped the federal aid despite their likely ability to get the money from private financial sources. Some had market values well over $100 million, and many had executives earning millions annually.

On its website, the SBA says it “is becoming more transparent, participatory and collaborative through open government.” It cites, among other things, its Freedom of Information Act program and improvements to online services.

So far, the agency has only provided general information, such as the total amounts of loans awarded in a given time period.

With huge amounts of money flying out the government’s door in a crisis, full public disclosure can help prevent fraud and improper spending, says Kathleen Clark, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis and expert in government ethics.

Otherwise, “the risks to taxpayers are greater,” Clark said. “I would think the SBA would be proactive in making information public.”

Asked by news organizations for information on the companies receiving loans and when it might be provided, the SBA has said it’s too consumed now by the urgent effort of helping small businesses through the economic downturn. It says specific loan data may be released sometime “in the near future.”

“At this time, the agency is focusing its efforts on assisting small businesses during this unprecedented disruption to the economy,” the SBA says. “The agency recognizes the need to balance the interests of transparency with the privacy and confidentiality issues release of loan information raises.”

The loans made to big deep-pocketed companies in the Paycheck Protection Program meant that less money was available for smaller businesses. Publicly shamed, big corporations, including national restaurant chains Shake Shack, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Potbelly Sandwich Shop, said they would return their loans.

It was news reports of big companies receiving loans that sparked the public outcry. The Associated Press and several other news organizations combed through voluminous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission to unearth public companies that had received PPP loans. The SBA did not make the information public.

That may be surprising because, until now, the SBA has regularly released information on businesses that have borrowed under its main lending program, the so-called 7(a) program.

In fact, the loan application for the Paycheck Protection Program includes this notice to potential borrowers: Under the Freedom of Information Act and with certain exceptions, the SBA “must supply information reflected in agency files and records to a person requesting it.”

Several news organizations, including The Washington Post and The New York Times, have sued the SBA in federal court over its not having released the loan data despite several FOIA requests. They accuse the agency of violating the FOIA law. The SBA has declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Amid the public outcry, Mnuchin recently threatened criminal prosecution and warned companies they must return the money if they falsely certified that they needed federal aid to operate and couldn’t get it elsewhere. SBA set a deadline of Monday for companies with improperly received loans to return the money without penalty.

But last week, SBA issued revised guidance indicating that criminal action won’t be pursued if companies found to have falsely certified their needs return the money.

Elsewhere in the government, the Treasury Department recently released an accounting of its emergency lending program for airlines and air cargo carriers under the pandemic relief legislation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589905117701.png" alt="As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Jerry Moran attended the virtual hearing&nbsp; with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell " />
 <figcaption>As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Jerry Moran attended the virtual hearing&nbsp; with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing the gravest U.S. economic crisis in decades, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell offered U.S. Senators contrasting views Tuesday of what the government’s most urgent priority should be.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPDl_xETXoI">Click here to watch&nbsp;</a>Senator Moran's turn at questioning Mnuchin and Powell.Striking a theme frequently pushed by President Donald Trump, Mnuchin warned that prolonged business shutdowns would pose long-term threats to the economy, from widespread bankruptcies for small businesses to long-term unemployment for millions of Americans.“There is risk of permanent damage,” Mnuchin said.Powell, by contrast, stressed, as he has in recent weeks, that the nation is gripped by an economic shock “without modern precedent” and that Congress must consider providing further financial aid soon to support states, localities, businesses and individuals to prevent an even deeper recession.“What Congress has done to date has been remarkably timely and forceful,” Powell said. “But we need to step back and ask, ’Is it enough?”Their points of emphasis reflect the contours of a debate occurring across the country, among individuals, business people and political leaders, about when and under what circumstances the economy should reopen and what further help the government can or should provide.Mnuchin and Powell offered their views at an oversight hearing of the Senate Banking Committee at which members of both parties questioned them about when their agencies will distribute more of the emergency aid that Congress provided in late March to struggling small businesses and households.Powell said that a highly anticipated lending program the Fed is creating for small businesses should be operating by the end of the month. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0abbc3e930e7d8cff7da05bbd7921ee2">in a turnaround</a>, Mnuchin said the Treasury is now prepared to absorb some losses in that program, which is funded by Treasury. Doing so could enable the Fed to take on further risk with the program and help more struggling companies.During the hearing, Mnuchin clashed sharply with Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts over the administration’s support for a phased reopening of the economy and over its reluctance to require that all companies that receive government aid keep their workers on the payroll.Brown charged that the Trump administration was risking the lives of lower-income workers by supporting reopening efforts and was doing so simply to boost financial markets. He asserted that the administration hasn’t done enough to protect front-line workers — by, for example, ramping up viral testing — even as most states start allowing restaurants, stores and gyms to reopen.“The administration wants to put more workers at risk to boost the stock market,” Brown said.“Your characterization is unfair,” Mnuchin responded.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589897693671.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin during Tuesday's virtual Senate Banking Committee hearing" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin during Tuesday's virtual Senate Banking Committee hearing</figcaption>
 </figure>The hearing was the first in a planned series of quarterly oversight sessions focused on spending programs authorized in the $2 trillion&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20200409a.htm">federal relief package</a>&nbsp;that is overseen by the Treasury Department and Fed. They include the $660 billion small business lending facility, known as the paycheck protection program, as well as $46 billion in grants to airlines and $454 billion to support the Fed’s lending.The Fed announced in March that it would set up the Main Street Lending Program, which will provide up to $600 billion in loans to medium-sized businesses that are too large to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program. The Treasury has provided $75 billion, drawn from the $454 billion set aside by Congress, to cover any losses from the Main Street program.Mnuchin said that under some scenarios the Treasury could lose some or all of that $75 billion.“Our intention is that we intend to take some losses,” he said.The Fed has also said it will buy debt issued by state and local governments, which are facing plummeting revenues as the viral outbreak has eliminated tens of millions of jobs and slashed income tax and sales tax revenue. At the same time, states and cities are facing much higher health care costs.Yet the Fed’s program will make it easier for governments to borrow in the municipal bond market. Powell, under questioning, said that states might need more direct help from the federal government to avoid laying off workers, with the unemployment rate, at 14.7%, already the highest since the Great Depression.Mnuchin came under sharp questioning from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who charged that he wasn’t doing enough to force companies that receive aid from the Main Street Lending program, as well as other aid provided by the Fed and Treasury, to keep workers on their payrolls.The senator pressed Mnuchin to ensure that the loans include that requirement. When Mnuchin declined to commit to that change, Warren said, “You’re boosting your Wall Street buddies.”Mnuchin told Warren that the legislation providing the funds includes restrictions on top executive pay and on company dividends and stock buybacks.Mnuchin said in prepared testimony that so far, the paycheck program has processed more than 4.2 million loans for over $530 billion “to keep tens of millions of hardworking Americans on the payroll.” The loans need not be repaid as long as the borrowing business uses 75% of the money to cover workers’ paychecks.But many small companies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/380b07b9292ea7ae4d382f091d99bf10">say the terms are too onerous</a>. To have the loans forgiven, they must rehire all their employees within eight weeks of receiving the funds, even if they have little business or work for them to do. These companies argue that they might have to lay off their workers again at the end of the eight weeks — and may have little money left to help ramp up when business does return.Mnuchin, pressed about those issues and about opening the loan program to more nonprofits, said his department was considering making changes.---------WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will likely come under tough questioning from senators Tuesday about a small business lending program included in the government’s $2 trillion relief package.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?472163-1/fed-reserve-chair-powell-treasury-secretary-mnuchin-testify-cares-act-coronavirus-relief-bill&amp;live">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;Tuesday's hearing that started at 9a.m. CDTLawmakers from both parties have criticized the Payroll Protection Program, which initially provided $349 billion in forgivable loans to small companies but has been plagued by a host of problems.Many businesses were unable to get loans before the initial funding was exhausted. A second round of loans faced computer processing delays and a number of publicly traded companies ended up receiving money that Mnuchin demanded be paid back to the government.<a href="https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Mnuchin%20Testimony%205-19-201.pdf">Click here to read</a> Treasury Secretary Mnuchin's opening statement.---------WASHINGTON (AP) — A small, overlooked federal agency is shouldering a massive relief effort for the nation’s small businesses and their workers left reeling by the pandemic.The Small Business Administration has committed to auditing every sizable emergency loan it approves.But six weeks after the $600 billion-plus program was launched, the agency has yet to make public the recipients of taxpayer aid.A signature piece of Congress’ multitrillion-dollar pandemic rescue, the unprecedented lending program is targeted to help small employers stay afloat and preserve jobs in a cratering economy losing tens of millions of them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584462219509.png" alt="President Trump listens to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin during a Coronavirus Task Force meeting last month. -Image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump listens to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin during a Coronavirus Task Force meeting last month. -Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>“Our swift action supported or saved 30 million American jobs at least,” President Donald Trump said at a White House event on small business late last month with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.Managing the program fell to the SBA, an agency with some 3,200 employees and an $819 million annual budget that’s one-tenth the size of the Commerce Department’s. On at least two occasions last month, the SBA’s computer system slowed under the crush of loan applications, creating a bottleneck. The agency says it has processed 4.2 million loans for some $530 billion in awards.The need for a detailed public accounting of the small-business relief program is amplified by controversy over how it has unfolded since early April. It’s important as a way for the public to know whether the program is working as Congress intended.Several hundred publicly traded companies received hundreds of millions of the low-interest, potentially forgivable loans. They tapped the federal aid despite their likely ability to get the money from private financial sources. Some had market values well over $100 million, and many had executives earning millions annually.On its website, the SBA says it “is becoming more transparent, participatory and collaborative through open government.” It cites, among other things, its Freedom of Information Act program and improvements to online services.So far, the agency has only provided general information, such as the total amounts of loans awarded in a given time period.With huge amounts of money flying out the government’s door in a crisis, full public disclosure can help prevent fraud and improper spending, says Kathleen Clark, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis and expert in government ethics.Otherwise, “the risks to taxpayers are greater,” Clark said. “I would think the SBA would be proactive in making information public.”Asked by news organizations for information on the companies receiving loans and when it might be provided, the SBA has said it’s too consumed now by the urgent effort of helping small businesses through the economic downturn. It says specific loan data may be released sometime “in the near future.”“At this time, the agency is focusing its efforts on assisting small businesses during this unprecedented disruption to the economy,” the SBA says. “The agency recognizes the need to balance the interests of transparency with the privacy and confidentiality issues release of loan information raises.”The loans made to big deep-pocketed companies in the Paycheck Protection Program meant that less money was available for smaller businesses. Publicly shamed, big corporations, including national restaurant chains Shake Shack, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Potbelly Sandwich Shop, said they would return their loans.It was news reports of big companies receiving loans that sparked the public outcry. The Associated Press and several other news organizations combed through voluminous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission to unearth public companies that had received PPP loans. The SBA did not make the information public.That may be surprising because, until now, the SBA has regularly released information on businesses that have borrowed under its main lending program, the so-called 7(a) program.In fact, the loan application for the Paycheck Protection Program includes this notice to potential borrowers: Under the Freedom of Information Act and with certain exceptions, the SBA “must supply information reflected in agency files and records to a person requesting it.”Several news organizations, including The Washington Post and The New York Times, have sued the SBA in federal court over its not having released the loan data despite several FOIA requests. They accuse the agency of violating the FOIA law. The SBA has declined to comment on the lawsuit.Amid the public outcry, Mnuchin recently threatened criminal prosecution and warned companies they must return the money if they falsely certified that they needed federal aid to operate and couldn’t get it elsewhere. SBA set a deadline of Monday for companies with improperly received loans to return the money without penalty.But last week, SBA issued revised guidance indicating that criminal action won’t be pursued if companies found to have falsely certified their needs return the money.Elsewhere in the government, the Treasury Department recently released an accounting of its emergency lending program for airlines and air cargo carriers under the pandemic relief legislation.&nbsp;

🎥 Who got what? Moran questions small-business virus relief effort

Great Bend's phase 1.5 for reopening 

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post


















The Great Bend City Council approved another Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) at Monday’s meeting. The loans have been heavily used during the coronavirus crisis to help businesses offset financial losses. 

Mayberry’s Inc.,
doing business as Walnut Bowl, was approved for a $15,000 loan to assist with
working capital. 

Councilmember Alan Moeder made the motion to approve the
three-year loan at .5% interest.


"Jim (owner) just invested nearly $200,000 in a remodel that started before all this hit," said Moeder. "You see there new walk-in cooler and freezer, they have tripled the size of the kitchen, and redid parts of the bar. They have cleaned up the whole bowling alley."


Working capital is defined as salaries or wages, inventory purchases,
utilities, rent, and insurance payments. 


The funds exist to help businesses suffering through hardships with loans.





<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589906677758.jpeg" alt="Walnut Bowl was approved for a $15,000 CDBG loan." />
 <figcaption>Walnut Bowl was approved for a $15,000 CDBG loan.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend Post
















The Great Bend City Council approved another Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) at Monday’s meeting. The loans have been heavily used during the coronavirus crisis to help businesses offset financial losses. Mayberry’s Inc.,
doing business as Walnut Bowl, was approved for a $15,000 loan to assist with
working capital. Councilmember Alan Moeder made the motion to approve the
three-year loan at .5% interest.
"Jim (owner) just invested nearly $200,000 in a remodel that started before all this hit," said Moeder. "You see there new walk-in cooler and freezer, they have tripled the size of the kitchen, and redid parts of the bar. They have cleaned up the whole bowling alley."
Working capital is defined as salaries or wages, inventory purchases,
utilities, rent, and insurance payments. 
The funds exist to help businesses suffering through hardships with loans.

Walnut Bowl approved for $15K CDBG loan

Barton County received $45,158.00 in grant dollars through Kansas-based initiatives. The four funding opportunities will help multiple agencies, making Barton County and surrounding areas more responsive to local citizens. 

Sue Cooper, Barton County Grant Coordinator, said that each grant was a one-time award and no match is required. She added that the opportunity provided by the Kansas Health Foundation, Midwest Energy and Wal-Mart is greatly appreciated.

The $45,158 in planned projects and activities will reach beyond Barton County’s borders and touch the lives of youth through senior citizens.&nbsp;

Meal Prep and Food Delivery – The Kansas Health Foundation Healthy Community Initiative Health Equity has provided $18,908 that will go to the Great Bend Senior Center. Cooper said that the Senior Center was a perfect fit for this mini-grant as it prepares meals for on-site consumption as well as for Meals on Wheels. The funding, which will be used for refrigeration, freezers, shelving, and preparation areas, comes as a direct response to resident voices in relation to the COVID-19 increase in demand for meal preparation and delivery services for the elderly in Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood, and La Crosse.

In addition to the Senior Center and Meals on Wheels, Eldercare will benefit from the funds. Cooper added that Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organization that provides a hot, well-balanced meal to persons age 60 and over who are unable, due to age, physical, or mental condition or infirmity to shop, or prepare meals for themselves.

COVID 19 Safety Response – The Kansas Health Foundation Impact &amp; Capacity Grant provided Barton County with a much-needed $25,000 for COVID-19 response and recovery activities that create safety nets for the general public and vulnerable populations. Needs include protective glass, security measures, and unreimbursed postage for civic mailings.

Kenny Schremmer, Barton County Commission Chairman, expressed his appreciation to the Kansas Health Foundation for both the funding and the opportunity. “Having the ability to use grants for expenses related to the protection of citizens and employees during this trying time is a tremendous benefit to Barton County and its citizens. The protection of our citizenry on behalf of the Kansas Health Foundation is profound.”

Healthy Choices – From the Midwest Energy Community Fund, this $500 grant will be used by the 20th Judicial District Juvenile Services Department to help support healthy and safe environments for children and to educate students, parents, and families on the dangers of substance abuse.

Prevention education and resource sharing empowers people to make healthy choices and to build healthy relationships said Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director. 

Using a directed and cooperative approach with Central Kansas Community Corrections, the Barton County Health Department and area law enforcement, this funding will be used for prevention campaigns and community awareness. The existing partnerships with juveniles, family, educators, law enforcement and mental and physical health professional will collaborate with Juvenile Services to craft unique messaging utilizing this vital community funding source. 

Woodmansee added that the 20th Judicial Juvenile Services Department is comprised of Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell and Stafford Counties.

COVID 19 Response and Recovery – With funding from the Wal-Mart Community Grant, Barton County will complement public safety efforts. The $750 grant is a great match to such efforts as Courthouse door security. In late March, one security guard was deployed to the Courthouse doors to provide direction to citizens as necessary when the Courthouse was closed to the public. When the Courthouse reopened, two security guards were utilized. The guards take temperatures and give a COVID questionnaire to citizens wishing to enter the building. These procedures are an effective method for protecting County, Court and State personnel, as well as citizens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589911567112.jpeg" alt="Kenny Schremmer, Barton County Commission Chairman, holds a check representing the $45,158 the County received in grant funding from the Kansas Health Foundation, Midwest Energy and Walmart. Schremmer said that having the ability to use grants during this trying time is a tremendous benefit to Barton County and its citizens." />
 <figcaption>Kenny Schremmer, Barton County Commission Chairman, holds a check representing the $45,158 the County received in grant funding from the Kansas Health Foundation, Midwest Energy and Walmart. Schremmer said that having the ability to use grants during this trying time is a tremendous benefit to Barton County and its citizens.</figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County received $45,158.00 in grant dollars through Kansas-based initiatives. The four funding opportunities will help multiple agencies, making Barton County and surrounding areas more responsive to local citizens. Sue Cooper, Barton County Grant Coordinator, said that each grant was a one-time award and no match is required. She added that the opportunity provided by the Kansas Health Foundation, Midwest Energy and Wal-Mart is greatly appreciated.The $45,158 in planned projects and activities will reach beyond Barton County’s borders and touch the lives of youth through senior citizens.&nbsp;Meal Prep and Food Delivery – The Kansas Health Foundation Healthy Community Initiative Health Equity has provided $18,908 that will go to the Great Bend Senior Center. Cooper said that the Senior Center was a perfect fit for this mini-grant as it prepares meals for on-site consumption as well as for Meals on Wheels. The funding, which will be used for refrigeration, freezers, shelving, and preparation areas, comes as a direct response to resident voices in relation to the COVID-19 increase in demand for meal preparation and delivery services for the elderly in Great Bend, Hoisington, Ellinwood, and La Crosse. In addition to the Senior Center and Meals on Wheels, Eldercare will benefit from the funds. Cooper added that Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organization that provides a hot, well-balanced meal to persons age 60 and over who are unable, due to age, physical, or mental condition or infirmity to shop, or prepare meals for themselves.COVID 19 Safety Response – The Kansas Health Foundation Impact &amp; Capacity Grant provided Barton County with a much-needed $25,000 for COVID-19 response and recovery activities that create safety nets for the general public and vulnerable populations. Needs include protective glass, security measures, and unreimbursed postage for civic mailings. Kenny Schremmer, Barton County Commission Chairman, expressed his appreciation to the Kansas Health Foundation for both the funding and the opportunity. “Having the ability to use grants for expenses related to the protection of citizens and employees during this trying time is a tremendous benefit to Barton County and its citizens. The protection of our citizenry on behalf of the Kansas Health Foundation is profound.”Healthy Choices – From the Midwest Energy Community Fund, this $500 grant will be used by the 20th Judicial District Juvenile Services Department to help support healthy and safe environments for children and to educate students, parents, and families on the dangers of substance abuse. Prevention education and resource sharing empowers people to make healthy choices and to build healthy relationships said Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director. Using a directed and cooperative approach with Central Kansas Community Corrections, the Barton County Health Department and area law enforcement, this funding will be used for prevention campaigns and community awareness. The existing partnerships with juveniles, family, educators, law enforcement and mental and physical health professional will collaborate with Juvenile Services to craft unique messaging utilizing this vital community funding source. Woodmansee added that the 20th Judicial Juvenile Services Department is comprised of Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell and Stafford Counties.COVID 19 Response and Recovery – With funding from the Wal-Mart Community Grant, Barton County will complement public safety efforts. The $750 grant is a great match to such efforts as Courthouse door security. In late March, one security guard was deployed to the Courthouse doors to provide direction to citizens as necessary when the Courthouse was closed to the public. When the Courthouse reopened, two security guards were utilized. The guards take temperatures and give a COVID questionnaire to citizens wishing to enter the building. These procedures are an effective method for protecting County, Court and State personnel, as well as citizens.

Barton County receives $45K in grants to assist in COVID-19 ramifications 

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — The family of an 88-year-old man who died in a COVID-19 outbreak at a suburban Kansas City nursing home has sued.

The wrongful death suit that was filed Monday on behalf of the family of Gordan Grohman alleges that the staff at Brighton Gardens in Prairie Village, Kansas, failed to separate residents with COVID-19 symptoms from those without the virus. Grohman died May 1.

It’s the first such suit against the facility, where there have been 76 positive cases and 14 deaths.

“This is not just a failure of one employee, one nurse or anything like that,” said attorney Rachel Stahle.

Similar suits have been filed against Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation, a Kansas City, Kansas, facility that is the site of 132 cases and 36 deaths.

A call to Brighton Gardens by KCUR seeking comment wasn’t immediately returned.

State officials reported 8,340 cases Monday, up by 454 from Friday, and 173 deaths. Johns Hopkins University reported 195 deaths.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589905440854.png" alt="Brighton Gardens Senior Living Center in Prairie Village, Kansas- google image" />
 <figcaption>Brighton Gardens Senior Living Center in Prairie Village, Kansas- google image</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — The family of an 88-year-old man who died in a COVID-19 outbreak at a suburban Kansas City nursing home has sued.The wrongful death suit that was filed Monday on behalf of the family of Gordan Grohman alleges that the staff at Brighton Gardens in Prairie Village, Kansas, failed to separate residents with COVID-19 symptoms from those without the virus. Grohman died May 1.It’s the first such suit against the facility, where there have been 76 positive cases and 14 deaths.“This is not just a failure of one employee, one nurse or anything like that,” said attorney Rachel Stahle.Similar suits have been filed against Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation, a Kansas City, Kansas, facility that is the site of 132 cases and 36 deaths.A call to Brighton Gardens by KCUR seeking comment wasn’t immediately returned.State officials reported 8,340 cases Monday, up by 454 from Friday, and 173 deaths. Johns Hopkins University reported 195 deaths.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.

Suit filed against Kansas nursing home with 14 virus deaths

Per the Governor’s reopening plan announced on May 14, the Clara Barton Hospital Foundation board of trustees and benefit event volunteers have been discussing how to modify the 2020 annual event fundraiser for the best success while following the current gathering restrictions. Out of concern for the safety of all involved and to remain compliant with social distancing guidelines, the Foundation board has made the difficult decision to not proceed with the golf tournament, dinner and auction as normal. While the tradition of gathering in June to support Clara Barton Hospital is too important to completely cancel, things will be a little different for this year’s event scheduled on June 19th.

Considering the ever-evolving situation regarding COVID-19, and the large number of supporters and participants, a difficult decision has been made to cancel portions of the event and customize the fundraiser to offer the safest environment possible during this unique situation. Thanks to loyal event sponsors, the spirit of a 27th annual event will continue in a social distancing format, including a curbside dinner and cruise night to show appreciation to all front-line heroes in our community while still raising important funding for the hospital.

“The Foundation’s annual benefit has proven to be near and dear to this community’s heart,” said Foundation Director Michelle Moshier. Every year, the golf tournament, dinner and auction draw crowds exceeding the Governor’s reopening gathering size limits. For this reason, the auction portion of the event, normally held in conjunction with the dinner, has been canceled. In addition, the golf tournament at Lake Barton Golf Course is being reevaluated for a possible fall tournament.

“While these decisions were not taken lightly, our organization is deeply moved seeing how communities have come forward to support healthcare workers as they navigate through uncertain times,” said Moshier. “Foundation supporters can continue to have a positive impact by participating in the Foundation’s social distancing acceptable event, which will take place on June 19th, and ask that you join in the event’s curbside dinner and cruise night!”

A curbside dinner catered by Great Western Dining and sponsored by Nex-Tech and Nex-Tech Wireless will be available at the front entrance of the hospital from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. The boxed dinner includes carved smoked brisket, green beans, red bliss potato salad, garlic bread, and hot fruit cobbler. Tickets are $15.00 and the event organizers are encouraging the community to support this dinner with a pay-it-forward attitude in celebration of how far we’ve come through this pandemic. Buy a ticket, then if you choose to pay-it-forward, purchase an additional ticket to gift to your favorite frontline hero or someone special to you.

“During times like these, paying-it-forward can have a huge impact on our community,” said Melissa Scheck, Chair of the Annual Benefit Dinner Committee. “Whether it’s your babysitter, handyman, parents, co-worker, daycare provider, sibling, children’s teacher, nurse, or neighbor - we all have someone that has been a guiding light during this pandemic. Providing them with a delicious meal is a such a simple way to let them know that they are loved and appreciated.”

Ticket holders may come anytime between 5:30 and 7:30 PM to pick-up their meals and are encouraged to enter the hospital parking lot by using the southbound lane on Green Street. Vehicles will proceed to the awning area of main entrance for pick-up, continue through the hospital’s parking lot, and exit using the northbound lane on Vine Street.

All dinner tickets must be secured in advance as there will be no ticket sales the night of the event. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the foundation at 620-653-5012 before June 9th. Advanced sales will allow for an accurate count of meals prepared and time for the gifted tickets to reach their recipients from the pay-it-forward purchaser. Ticket(s) must be presented by the attendee in exchange for the meal(s).

Then from 7:30 – 8:30 PM, join in a main street celebratory cruise night, honoring hometown heroes and embracing the future ahead! Spend an hour cruising in support of everyone who has worked extremely hard to keep our community safe and healthy. Light up downtown main with your headlights, make your posters, honk your horns, circle through businesses and show some love for our hometown heroes!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589901302085.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Per the Governor’s reopening plan announced on May 14, the Clara Barton Hospital Foundation board of trustees and benefit event volunteers have been discussing how to modify the 2020 annual event fundraiser for the best success while following the current gathering restrictions. Out of concern for the safety of all involved and to remain compliant with social distancing guidelines, the Foundation board has made the difficult decision to not proceed with the golf tournament, dinner and auction as normal. While the tradition of gathering in June to support Clara Barton Hospital is too important to completely cancel, things will be a little different for this year’s event scheduled on June 19th.Considering the ever-evolving situation regarding COVID-19, and the large number of supporters and participants, a difficult decision has been made to cancel portions of the event and customize the fundraiser to offer the safest environment possible during this unique situation. Thanks to loyal event sponsors, the spirit of a 27th annual event will continue in a social distancing format, including a curbside dinner and cruise night to show appreciation to all front-line heroes in our community while still raising important funding for the hospital.“The Foundation’s annual benefit has proven to be near and dear to this community’s heart,” said Foundation Director Michelle Moshier. Every year, the golf tournament, dinner and auction draw crowds exceeding the Governor’s reopening gathering size limits. For this reason, the auction portion of the event, normally held in conjunction with the dinner, has been canceled. In addition, the golf tournament at Lake Barton Golf Course is being reevaluated for a possible fall tournament.“While these decisions were not taken lightly, our organization is deeply moved seeing how communities have come forward to support healthcare workers as they navigate through uncertain times,” said Moshier. “Foundation supporters can continue to have a positive impact by participating in the Foundation’s social distancing acceptable event, which will take place on June 19th, and ask that you join in the event’s curbside dinner and cruise night!”A curbside dinner catered by Great Western Dining and sponsored by Nex-Tech and Nex-Tech Wireless will be available at the front entrance of the hospital from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. The boxed dinner includes carved smoked brisket, green beans, red bliss potato salad, garlic bread, and hot fruit cobbler. Tickets are $15.00 and the event organizers are encouraging the community to support this dinner with a pay-it-forward attitude in celebration of how far we’ve come through this pandemic. Buy a ticket, then if you choose to pay-it-forward, purchase an additional ticket to gift to your favorite frontline hero or someone special to you.“During times like these, paying-it-forward can have a huge impact on our community,” said Melissa Scheck, Chair of the Annual Benefit Dinner Committee. “Whether it’s your babysitter, handyman, parents, co-worker, daycare provider, sibling, children’s teacher, nurse, or neighbor - we all have someone that has been a guiding light during this pandemic. Providing them with a delicious meal is a such a simple way to let them know that they are loved and appreciated.”Ticket holders may come anytime between 5:30 and 7:30 PM to pick-up their meals and are encouraged to enter the hospital parking lot by using the southbound lane on Green Street. Vehicles will proceed to the awning area of main entrance for pick-up, continue through the hospital’s parking lot, and exit using the northbound lane on Vine Street.All dinner tickets must be secured in advance as there will be no ticket sales the night of the event. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the foundation at 620-653-5012 before June 9th. Advanced sales will allow for an accurate count of meals prepared and time for the gifted tickets to reach their recipients from the pay-it-forward purchaser. Ticket(s) must be presented by the attendee in exchange for the meal(s).Then from 7:30 – 8:30 PM, join in a main street celebratory cruise night, honoring hometown heroes and embracing the future ahead! Spend an hour cruising in support of everyone who has worked extremely hard to keep our community safe and healthy. Light up downtown main with your headlights, make your posters, honk your horns, circle through businesses and show some love for our hometown heroes!

Clara Barton Hospital Foundation modifies annual benefit plans

From the Larned Area Chamber of Commerce...

Santa Fe Trail Days:&nbsp;Santa Fe Trail Days is going to look a little different this year. But have no fear - we're not canceling our events! Instead of our jam-packed Memorial Day weekend schedule, we're transforming our event into several Santa Fe Trail Days Pop-Up events throughout the summer/fall - once we're able to start gathering for events again. Although we may not be able to celebrate with you over Memorial Day Weekend for Santa Fe Trail Days, we look forward to offering more opportunities to get out and about in celebration in the near future! We want to thank all of the businesses, organizations, and individuals who have played a role in making Santa Fe Trail Days a great event for the entire community. We will keep you posted as we learn more in regards to the dates of our SFTD Pop-Up Events!

Fort Larned’s Memorial Day Weekend Living History:&nbsp;To comply with the CDC’s guidelines and requirements that help keep Fort Larned National Historic Site visitors, volunteers, and staff safe, they will not be having their normal Memorial Day Weekend event. There will still be a few people dressed as 19th-century soldiers, officer’s wives, or civilians. However, we will not have the regularly scheduled programs that are normal for that weekend. Also, weather permitting, they will be flying our largest flag which measures a whole twenty by thirty feet (20’ x 30’)!

That weekend, their History and Nature Trail will still be open for a quiet stroll. After your short hike, bring a picnic lunch to have off the parade ground as you consider what Fort Larned might have looked, felt, and smelled like a busy military post in the 1860s. Be sure, as always, to take plenty of pictures so you can remember your visit for years to come.

Fort Larned National Historic Site hopes you take this opportunity to spend some time with your family in remembering those who have given their lives for this country’s freedom. In lieu of the normal events and programs that weekend, they will have a Memorial Day-themed post that Saturday, Sunday, and Monday for you to learn about Fort Larned from home!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589900158211.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the Larned Area Chamber of Commerce...Santa Fe Trail Days:&nbsp;Santa Fe Trail Days is going to look a little different this year. But have no fear - we're not canceling our events! Instead of our jam-packed Memorial Day weekend schedule, we're transforming our event into several Santa Fe Trail Days Pop-Up events throughout the summer/fall - once we're able to start gathering for events again. Although we may not be able to celebrate with you over Memorial Day Weekend for Santa Fe Trail Days, we look forward to offering more opportunities to get out and about in celebration in the near future! We want to thank all of the businesses, organizations, and individuals who have played a role in making Santa Fe Trail Days a great event for the entire community. We will keep you posted as we learn more in regards to the dates of our SFTD Pop-Up Events!Fort Larned’s Memorial Day Weekend Living History:&nbsp;To comply with the CDC’s guidelines and requirements that help keep Fort Larned National Historic Site visitors, volunteers, and staff safe, they will not be having their normal Memorial Day Weekend event. There will still be a few people dressed as 19th-century soldiers, officer’s wives, or civilians. However, we will not have the regularly scheduled programs that are normal for that weekend. Also, weather permitting, they will be flying our largest flag which measures a whole twenty by thirty feet (20’ x 30’)!That weekend, their History and Nature Trail will still be open for a quiet stroll. After your short hike, bring a picnic lunch to have off the parade ground as you consider what Fort Larned might have looked, felt, and smelled like a busy military post in the 1860s. Be sure, as always, to take plenty of pictures so you can remember your visit for years to come.Fort Larned National Historic Site hopes you take this opportunity to spend some time with your family in remembering those who have given their lives for this country’s freedom. In lieu of the normal events and programs that weekend, they will have a Memorial Day-themed post that Saturday, Sunday, and Monday for you to learn about Fort Larned from home!

An altered approach to Santa Fe Trail Days in Larned

JOHNSON COUNTY — Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, announced Monday it has received a contract from the U.S. government to provide highly specialized viral transport media (VTM) for COVID-19 sample collection. 

According to a media release, the VTM is used during collection of patient samples for proper transport to laboratories that can test for the presence of the virus.

To ensure accuracy of COVID-19 test results, VTM must be manufactured and dispensed into tubes in an aseptic environment.&nbsp;Thermo Fisher&nbsp;currently produces VTM at its site in&nbsp;Lenexa, Kansas, which meets this requirement, and has ramped production from 50,000 to more than one million VTM-filled tubes per week.

Given the significant demand for COVID-19 testing and associated sample collection,&nbsp;Thermo Fisher&nbsp;will expand capacity in&nbsp;Lenexa&nbsp;with a new&nbsp;$40 million&nbsp;facility dedicated to VTM production and quality control. The added capacity and increased efficiencies will allow the company to scale production to more than eight million VTM-filled tubes per week.

The company plans to complete the new&nbsp;Lenexa&nbsp;facility in Q3 and expects that it will create approximately 300 new full-time jobs.

"Our production ramp-up in&nbsp;Lenexa&nbsp;has been impressive and our employees deserve recognition for their ingenuity and dedication to making this happen,"&nbsp;said&nbsp;Marc N. Casper, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific. "We have a proven blueprint for high-quality VTM production in&nbsp;Lenexa&nbsp;and look forward to bringing significant new capacity&nbsp;on line&nbsp;as quickly as possible to continue the necessary testing ramp-up in the U.S."

Casper added, "We're proud of our role in helping customers to battle the pandemic. With our leading scale and depth of capabilities,&nbsp;Thermo Fisher&nbsp;can support virtually every aspect of the COVID-19 response, which demonstrates what it means to be the world leader in serving science."

JOHNSON COUNTY — Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, announced Monday it has received a contract from the U.S. government to provide highly specialized viral transport media (VTM) for COVID-19 sample collection. According to a media release, the VTM is used during collection of patient samples for proper transport to laboratories that can test for the presence of the virus.To ensure accuracy of COVID-19 test results, VTM must be manufactured and dispensed into tubes in an aseptic environment.&nbsp;Thermo Fisher&nbsp;currently produces VTM at its site in&nbsp;Lenexa, Kansas, which meets this requirement, and has ramped production from 50,000 to more than one million VTM-filled tubes per week.Given the significant demand for COVID-19 testing and associated sample collection,&nbsp;Thermo Fisher&nbsp;will expand capacity in&nbsp;Lenexa&nbsp;with a new&nbsp;$40 million&nbsp;facility dedicated to VTM production and quality control. The added capacity and increased efficiencies will allow the company to scale production to more than eight million VTM-filled tubes per week.The company plans to complete the new&nbsp;Lenexa&nbsp;facility in Q3 and expects that it will create approximately 300 new full-time jobs."Our production ramp-up in&nbsp;Lenexa&nbsp;has been impressive and our employees deserve recognition for their ingenuity and dedication to making this happen,"&nbsp;said&nbsp;Marc N. Casper, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific. "We have a proven blueprint for high-quality VTM production in&nbsp;Lenexa&nbsp;and look forward to bringing significant new capacity&nbsp;on line&nbsp;as quickly as possible to continue the necessary testing ramp-up in the U.S."Casper added, "We're proud of our role in helping customers to battle the pandemic. With our leading scale and depth of capabilities,&nbsp;Thermo Fisher&nbsp;can support virtually every aspect of the COVID-19 response, which demonstrates what it means to be the world leader in serving science."

Facility in Kan. will create 300 jobs, help COVID-19 testing 

Barton County Fair says they will proceed with a fair this year

TOPEKA —Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is updating the state's battle against coronavirus.

Governor Kelly is not attending Monday's briefing due to a scheduling conflict.

&nbsp;The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 454 since Friday to a total of 8340, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp; Coronavirus deaths were reported at 173.

TOPEKA —Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is updating the state's battle against coronavirus.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F3313868611956554%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>Governor Kelly is not attending Monday's briefing due to a scheduling conflict.&nbsp;The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 454 since Friday to a total of 8340, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp; Coronavirus deaths were reported at 173.

🎥 KDHE Secretary updates battle against coronavirus

Businesses across the state of Kansas are feeling unprecedented pressures from the economic and health impacts of COVID-19. The Kansas Department of Commerce calls for a strong and creative response. The Barton County Commission echoes that by announcing the availability of over $100,000.00 for working capital loans and grants. The Commission decided on May 18, 2020, to offer the balance of the County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) / Economic Development Revolving Loan (EDLRF) in the form of grants to Barton County businesses.

The national objective is job retention, and the monies must be used for working capital. Sue Cooper, Grant Coordinator, said the Department of Commerce defines that as salaries and wages, purchase of inventory, utilities, rent, insurance payments, etc. is up to a $25,000 maximum per job retained. A business with less than 5 full-time employees may apply for a maximum of $30,000 ($25,000 per job retained, and 6-50 full-time employees a maximum of $50,000.

Also, at least 51% of a business’s employees must be considered low-to-moderate income. Each employee will need to complete an Employee Certification Form, defining how many people are in their household and the total family income from all family members in 2019. Employee income limits are set below.

Chairman Kenny Schremmer reiterated that the County intends to get the funds into the hands of local small business owners as quickly as possible. Funding is available for businesses located in Barton County, that are situated outside the city limits of Great Bend. This includes companies in Hoisington, Ellinwood, Claflin, and other rural areas. Please call Great Plains Development at (620) 227-6406 for further details, eligibility requirements, and to complete an application.

Businesses across the state of Kansas are feeling unprecedented pressures from the economic and health impacts of COVID-19. The Kansas Department of Commerce calls for a strong and creative response. The Barton County Commission echoes that by announcing the availability of over $100,000.00 for working capital loans and grants. The Commission decided on May 18, 2020, to offer the balance of the County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) / Economic Development Revolving Loan (EDLRF) in the form of grants to Barton County businesses.The national objective is job retention, and the monies must be used for working capital. Sue Cooper, Grant Coordinator, said the Department of Commerce defines that as salaries and wages, purchase of inventory, utilities, rent, insurance payments, etc. is up to a $25,000 maximum per job retained. A business with less than 5 full-time employees may apply for a maximum of $30,000 ($25,000 per job retained, and 6-50 full-time employees a maximum of $50,000.Also, at least 51% of a business’s employees must be considered low-to-moderate income. Each employee will need to complete an Employee Certification Form, defining how many people are in their household and the total family income from all family members in 2019. Employee income limits are set below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589825751477.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chairman Kenny Schremmer reiterated that the County intends to get the funds into the hands of local small business owners as quickly as possible. Funding is available for businesses located in Barton County, that are situated outside the city limits of Great Bend. This includes companies in Hoisington, Ellinwood, Claflin, and other rural areas. Please call Great Plains Development at (620) 227-6406 for further details, eligibility requirements, and to complete an application.

Grants & loans available for small businesses in Barton County

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — FedEx has confirmed that workers from its facility in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe have tested positive for COVID-19.

A spokesperson from FedEx Ground said in a statement Friday that it was working cooperatively with county health officials and offering voluntary COVID-19 testing to employees and vendors at the facility.

The positive tests are considered to be the first cluster of coronavirus cases tied to a workplace in Johnson County, which announced nine cases in the cluster Thursday without identifying the name of the affected business.

FedEx said it has been providing hand soap, disinfecting wipes, masks, latex gloves and hand sanitizer to employees. It said it has also implemented temperature checks, symptom screenings and changes to its process to allow for social distancing.

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — FedEx has confirmed that workers from its facility in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe have tested positive for COVID-19.A spokesperson from FedEx Ground said in a statement Friday that it was working cooperatively with county health officials and offering voluntary COVID-19 testing to employees and vendors at the facility.The positive tests are considered to be the first cluster of coronavirus cases tied to a workplace in Johnson County, which announced nine cases in the cluster Thursday without identifying the name of the affected business.FedEx said it has been providing hand soap, disinfecting wipes, masks, latex gloves and hand sanitizer to employees. It said it has also implemented temperature checks, symptom screenings and changes to its process to allow for social distancing.

Coronavirus infects workers at FedEx facility in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Health Department authorities are investigating several cases of COVID-19 linked to one or more group events that took place in May at Lake Perry.

 At least 10 people from multiple counties and two states who participated in the event(s) were confirmed as infected, according to&nbsp;Amanda Monhollon with the Shawnee County Health Department.

At least two additional people were infected as a result of having come in contact with the people who gathered at the lake. Over 20 people have been placed on quarantine as a result of having been exposed to the virus through some of the people who attended the lake event. 

It appears that the gatherings at the lake violated the statewide stay-at-home order that was in place at that time, according to Monhollon.

During the investigation, the Shawnee County Health Department was able to unveil a link between some of the people infected at the lake and a recruit officer at the Topeka Police Department Recruit Academy Class who tested positive for the virus and who did not participate at any gatherings at Lake Perry.&nbsp;

The Topeka Police Department was notified Friday afternoon that the recruit officers tested positive for COVID-19, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.

The recruit officer first felt ill over the weekend and immediately quarantined themselves at home. The recruit officer has not returned to work since feeling ill. 

The presence of the infected recruit forced the academy to shut down temporarily. All the recruits have been placed on quarantine.

The Shawnee County Health Department urges anyone who visited the public areas (including restrooms) at Lake Perry between May 2 and May 10 who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 disease to contact their health care provider and alert them that they may have been exposed to the virus.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever of 100.4 F or higher, chills rigors, myalgia (muscle pain or aches, malaise, headache sore throat, lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,&nbsp;&nbsp;new olfactory and taste disorders and diarrhea.

“This is a strong reminder of how easy it is to be infected by this virus”, said Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, Shawnee County Health Officer. “It is also an example of how disregarding the orders of public health authorities may result in a cascade of events leading to large disruptions and exposure to the virus for multiple people.” 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582725655069.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Health Department authorities are investigating several cases of COVID-19 linked to one or more group events that took place in May at Lake Perry. At least 10 people from multiple counties and two states who participated in the event(s) were confirmed as infected, according to&nbsp;Amanda Monhollon with the Shawnee County Health Department.At least two additional people were infected as a result of having come in contact with the people who gathered at the lake. Over 20 people have been placed on quarantine as a result of having been exposed to the virus through some of the people who attended the lake event. It appears that the gatherings at the lake violated the statewide stay-at-home order that was in place at that time, according to Monhollon.During the investigation, the Shawnee County Health Department was able to unveil a link between some of the people infected at the lake and a recruit officer at the Topeka Police Department Recruit Academy Class who tested positive for the virus and who did not participate at any gatherings at Lake Perry.&nbsp;The Topeka Police Department was notified Friday afternoon that the recruit officers tested positive for COVID-19, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.The recruit officer first felt ill over the weekend and immediately quarantined themselves at home. The recruit officer has not returned to work since feeling ill. The presence of the infected recruit forced the academy to shut down temporarily. All the recruits have been placed on quarantine.The Shawnee County Health Department urges anyone who visited the public areas (including restrooms) at Lake Perry between May 2 and May 10 who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 disease to contact their health care provider and alert them that they may have been exposed to the virus.Symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever of 100.4 F or higher, chills rigors, myalgia (muscle pain or aches, malaise, headache sore throat, lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing,&nbsp;&nbsp;new olfactory and taste disorders and diarrhea.“This is a strong reminder of how easy it is to be infected by this virus”, said Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, Shawnee County Health Officer. “It is also an example of how disregarding the orders of public health authorities may result in a cascade of events leading to large disruptions and exposure to the virus for multiple people.”

Coronavirus cases linked to group event at Kan. lake 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats powered a massive $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill through the House on Friday, an election-year measure designed to brace&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e95a6d2d0a721fcffb4efb9435b84f4f">a U.S. economy in free fall</a>&nbsp;and a health care system struggling to contain&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8ab8ee4bdac227eb98804d3200d7d9e7">a pandemic still pummeling the country</a>.

The 208-199 vote, over strong Republican opposition, advances what boils down to a campaign-season display of Democratic economic and health-care priorities. It has no chance of becoming law as written, but will likely spark difficult negotiations with the White House and Senate Republicans. Any product would probably be the last major COVID-19 response bill before November’s presidential and congressional elections.

The enormous Democratic measure would cost more than the prior four coronavirus bills combined. It would deliver almost $1 trillion for state and local governments, another round of $1,200 direct payments to individuals and help for the unemployed, renters and homeowners, college debt holders and the struggling Postal Service.

“Not to act now is not only irresponsible in a humanitarian way, it is irresponsible because it’s only going to cost more,” warned House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “More in terms of lives, livelihood, cost to the budget, cost to our democracy.”

Republicans mocked the bill as a bloated Democratic wish-list that was dead on arrival in the GOP-led Senate and, for good measure, faced a White House veto threat. Party leaders say they want to assess how $3 trillion approved earlier is working and see if some states’ partial business reopenings would spark an economic revival that would ease the need for more safety net programs.

Republicans are also sorting through internal divisions and awaiting stronger signals from President Donald Trump about what he will support.

“Phase Four is going to happen,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, using Washington insider-speak for the measure. “But it’s going to happen in a much better way for the American people.”

Trump and top Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., are insisting the next measure should protect reopening businesses from liability lawsuits. The president is also demanding a cut to payroll taxes, but GOP leaders are not yet onboard.

The daylong debate painted a Capitol scene that’s become common in the era of coronavirus, even as it remains disconcerting. The sparsely populated House floor was dotted with lawmakers and aides wearing protective masks and even gloves, though some Republicans lacked them.

Many members looked shaggier and sported beards they had not worn weeks ago. Roll call votes lasted over an hour each because lawmakers were voting in small groups to limit crowding.

To enhance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/95f4b1ce45413f5e6b162221a456894a">the bill’s political impact</a>, Democrats named their measure “The Heroes Act” for the payments it would provide front-line emergency workers. With more than 86,000 Americans dead, 1.4 million confirmed infections and 36 million filing unemployment claims in an frozen economy, Democrats saw GOP opposition as an easy campaign-season target.

“Are you kidding me?” said Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, of Republican assertions that it was time to stop spending more money. “Where do you guys live? Food lines at our food banks around the block? In the United States of America?”

Republicans saw the bill as a Democratic political blunder. They said overly generous unemployment benefits discouraged people from returning to work, and attacked language helping immigrants in the U.S. illegally get federal benefits. They also singled out provisions helping states set up voting by mail and easing the marijuana industry’s access to banks.

“It may help the cannabis industry, but it won’t help Main Street,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

Clearly, the bipartisan consensus that produced four previous coronavirus bills is crumbling quickly. Polls show GOP voters are satisfied with the federal response and aren’t agitating for more. Self-branded deficit hawks are citing the massive increase in the spiraling $25 trillion national debt.

Some congressional aides said the Democratic bill’s real price tag could breach $3.5 trillion. A partial estimate of tax provisions alone revealed eye-popping costs: $412 billion to renew $1,200 cash payments to individuals, more than $100 billion to pay health insurance premiums for the unemployed and $164 billion to make an “employee retention” tax credit for businesses more generous.

Republicans leaders faced disunity between conservatives who feel enough has been done and pragmatists who back rescuing the Postal Service from looming insolvency and delivering cash to revenue-starved state and local governments. The huge price tag and a lack of consultation with Republicans by Pelosi cemented GOP opposition.

“This bill is nothing more than the Democratic policy agenda masquerading as a response to the coronavirus crisis,” said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla. He said the bill is “going nowhere, and is going nowhere fast.”

Pelosi overcame party divisions of her own. Some moderate Democrats opposed the package for its price tag and politically fraught provisions like assisting marijuana businesses. A few progressive Democrats were upset because it did not do more, such as guaranteeing workers’ salaries and bolstering their health insurance coverage.

Those for whom the vote was most politically risky were the 30, mostly freshmen, from House districts that backed Trump in 2016. One, Rep. Cindy Axne, D-Iowa, labeled the measure “bloated” and said she’d vote no.

Liberal Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., told reporters that she’d also oppose the bill. She said if constituents ask her if the bill would put money in their pockets or preserve their health care, “I can’t tell them yes.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589593696332.png" alt="Moments after the U.S. House passed a new $3 trillion coronavirus aid package, which includes money for state and local governments, coronavirus testing, and cash payments to individuals. Members will also take up a House rules change to allow proxy voting-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Moments after the U.S. House passed a new $3 trillion coronavirus aid package, which includes money for state and local governments, coronavirus testing, and cash payments to individuals. Members will also take up a House rules change to allow proxy voting-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats powered a massive $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill through the House on Friday, an election-year measure designed to brace&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e95a6d2d0a721fcffb4efb9435b84f4f">a U.S. economy in free fall</a>&nbsp;and a health care system struggling to contain&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8ab8ee4bdac227eb98804d3200d7d9e7">a pandemic still pummeling the country</a>.The 208-199 vote, over strong Republican opposition, advances what boils down to a campaign-season display of Democratic economic and health-care priorities. It has no chance of becoming law as written, but will likely spark difficult negotiations with the White House and Senate Republicans. Any product would probably be the last major COVID-19 response bill before November’s presidential and congressional elections.The enormous Democratic measure would cost more than the prior four coronavirus bills combined. It would deliver almost $1 trillion for state and local governments, another round of $1,200 direct payments to individuals and help for the unemployed, renters and homeowners, college debt holders and the struggling Postal Service.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589593817267.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during her news conference Thursday" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during her news conference Thursday</figcaption>
 </figure>“Not to act now is not only irresponsible in a humanitarian way, it is irresponsible because it’s only going to cost more,” warned House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “More in terms of lives, livelihood, cost to the budget, cost to our democracy.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I’m in Washington to vote against Speaker Pelosi’s $3 trillion spending bill. This is a partisan attempt to take advantage of a crisis to pass a socialist wish list &amp; reckless spending. Instead, Congress needs to work together on meaningful legislation for Kansans and Americans. <a href="https://t.co/eTl3QiKMWw">pic.twitter.com/eTl3QiKMWw</a>&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1261414271788826624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republicans mocked the bill as a bloated Democratic wish-list that was dead on arrival in the GOP-led Senate and, for good measure, faced a White House veto threat. Party leaders say they want to assess how $3 trillion approved earlier is working and see if some states’ partial business reopenings would spark an economic revival that would ease the need for more safety net programs.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerPelosi</a>’s 1,800 page, $3 trillion boondoggle: -Funds Planned Parenthood -Bails out fiscally irresponsible states -Hands out millions to the “arts” -Discourages people from going back to work This socialist wish list is a sham, and a waste of time.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1261378054900920321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republicans are also sorting through internal divisions and awaiting stronger signals from President Donald Trump about what he will support.“Phase Four is going to happen,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, using Washington insider-speak for the measure. “But it’s going to happen in a much better way for the American people.”Trump and top Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., are insisting the next measure should protect reopening businesses from liability lawsuits. The president is also demanding a cut to payroll taxes, but GOP leaders are not yet onboard.The daylong debate painted a Capitol scene that’s become common in the era of coronavirus, even as it remains disconcerting. The sparsely populated House floor was dotted with lawmakers and aides wearing protective masks and even gloves, though some Republicans lacked them.Many members looked shaggier and sported beards they had not worn weeks ago. Roll call votes lasted over an hour each because lawmakers were voting in small groups to limit crowding.To enhance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/95f4b1ce45413f5e6b162221a456894a">the bill’s political impact</a>, Democrats named their measure “The Heroes Act” for the payments it would provide front-line emergency workers. With more than 86,000 Americans dead, 1.4 million confirmed infections and 36 million filing unemployment claims in an frozen economy, Democrats saw GOP opposition as an easy campaign-season target.“Are you kidding me?” said Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, of Republican assertions that it was time to stop spending more money. “Where do you guys live? Food lines at our food banks around the block? In the United States of America?”Republicans saw the bill as a Democratic political blunder. They said overly generous unemployment benefits discouraged people from returning to work, and attacked language helping immigrants in the U.S. illegally get federal benefits. They also singled out provisions helping states set up voting by mail and easing the marijuana industry’s access to banks.“It may help the cannabis industry, but it won’t help Main Street,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.Clearly, the bipartisan consensus that produced four previous coronavirus bills is crumbling quickly. Polls show GOP voters are satisfied with the federal response and aren’t agitating for more. Self-branded deficit hawks are citing the massive increase in the spiraling $25 trillion national debt.Some congressional aides said the Democratic bill’s real price tag could breach $3.5 trillion. A partial estimate of tax provisions alone revealed eye-popping costs: $412 billion to renew $1,200 cash payments to individuals, more than $100 billion to pay health insurance premiums for the unemployed and $164 billion to make an “employee retention” tax credit for businesses more generous.Republicans leaders faced disunity between conservatives who feel enough has been done and pragmatists who back rescuing the Postal Service from looming insolvency and delivering cash to revenue-starved state and local governments. The huge price tag and a lack of consultation with Republicans by Pelosi cemented GOP opposition.“This bill is nothing more than the Democratic policy agenda masquerading as a response to the coronavirus crisis,” said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla. He said the bill is “going nowhere, and is going nowhere fast.”Pelosi overcame party divisions of her own. Some moderate Democrats opposed the package for its price tag and politically fraught provisions like assisting marijuana businesses. A few progressive Democrats were upset because it did not do more, such as guaranteeing workers’ salaries and bolstering their health insurance coverage.Those for whom the vote was most politically risky were the 30, mostly freshmen, from House districts that backed Trump in 2016. One, Rep. Cindy Axne, D-Iowa, labeled the measure “bloated” and said she’d vote no.Liberal Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., told reporters that she’d also oppose the bill. She said if constituents ask her if the bill would put money in their pockets or preserve their health care, “I can’t tell them yes.”

House approves new $3T coronavirus relief bill

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — The state Department of Corrections says all inmates at a work release facility in downtown Wichita have been moved to another Kansas facility after 38 of them tested positive for the coronavirus. 

Department spokeswoman Rebecca Witte says about 100 inmates at the Wichita Work Release Facility were moved Thursday to the Lansing Correctional Facility, where 88 staff members and 750 inmates have tested positive for the virus. 

Witte said the dormitory set-up at the Wichita facility doesn't allow for the separation of the sick and healthy, but that Lansing is better able to quarantine and isolate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589573025096.png" alt="Inmates during the relocation from Wichita on Thursday -photo by Nolan Roth&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kake.com/story/42131508/all-wichita-work-release-inmates-moved-to-lansing-after-discovery-of-covid-19-cluster">courtesy KAKE</a>" />
 <figcaption>Inmates during the relocation from Wichita on Thursday -photo by Nolan Roth&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kake.com/story/42131508/all-wichita-work-release-inmates-moved-to-lansing-after-discovery-of-covid-19-cluster">courtesy KAKE</a></figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — The state Department of Corrections says all inmates at a work release facility in downtown Wichita have been moved to another Kansas facility after 38 of them tested positive for the coronavirus. Department spokeswoman Rebecca Witte says about 100 inmates at the Wichita Work Release Facility were moved Thursday to the Lansing Correctional Facility, where 88 staff members and 750 inmates have tested positive for the virus. Witte said the dormitory set-up at the Wichita facility doesn't allow for the separation of the sick and healthy, but that Lansing is better able to quarantine and isolate.

Kan. inmates relocated after coronavirus cases increase

Governor Laura Kelly will hold a&nbsp;press briefing Friday afternoon to answer questions on her decision to slow the reopening of the Kansas economy.

Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will also answer questions.

Governor Laura Kelly will hold a&nbsp;press briefing Friday afternoon to answer questions on her decision to slow the reopening of the Kansas economy.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F280569762984055%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>Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will also answer questions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589490713721.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 Governor on Phase 1.5 of plan to reopen Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump named a former pharmaceutical executive to lead his administration’s all-out effort to produce and distribute a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year.

Moncef Slaoui, a former GlaxoSmithKline executive, will lead “Operation Warp Speed,” Trump’s push to accelerate the vaccine development process for COVID-19.

Slaoui is to serve in a volunteer capacity, and will be assisted by Army Gen. Gustave Perna, the commander of United States Army Materiel Command. 

The move comes as the president and White House aides hope to produce vaccines for the coronavirus faster than what many scientists believe is realistic.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump named a former pharmaceutical executive to lead his administration’s all-out effort to produce and distribute a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Operation Warp Speed is &quot;a massive scientific, industrial, and logistical endeavor unlike anything our country has seen since the Manhattan Project.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/dkfU3vPnnA">pic.twitter.com/dkfU3vPnnA</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1261354450259763200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Moncef Slaoui, a former GlaxoSmithKline executive, will lead “Operation Warp Speed,” Trump’s push to accelerate the vaccine development process for COVID-19.Slaoui is to serve in a volunteer capacity, and will be assisted by Army Gen. Gustave Perna, the commander of United States Army Materiel Command. The move comes as the president and White House aides hope to produce vaccines for the coronavirus faster than what many scientists believe is realistic.

🎥 Trump names virus vaccine development team

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday slowed<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/governor-kelly-adds-new-phase-to-ad-astra-plan/"> down the reopening</a> of Kansas’ economy, ordering bars and bowling alleys to remain closed through the end of the month and keeping some coronavirus-inspired restrictions in place until near the end of June.

Top Republican legislators already have moved aggressively to take control of the reopening by extending a disaster declaration Kelly issued only through Memorial Day, May 25, to give lawmakers a chance to rewrite their own law guiding the process. State law gives Kelly broad power under an emergency declaration, and she had wanted the current one extended into mid-June.

The governor had expected to <a href="https://covid.ks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Reopen-Kansas-Framework-v5-2.pdf">lift some restrictions Monday, </a>but her new order modifies that plan to reflect her administration’s concern that the spread of the novel coronavirus is not yet decreasing. A limit on public gatherings of 10 or fewer people will remain in place, rather than being increased to 30 on Monday.

<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/governor-kelly-adds-new-phase-to-ad-astra-plan/">Kelly’s new order</a> will allow barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo parlors, tanning salons, gyms and fitness centers to reopen as planned Monday. Owners of such businesses had been among the loudest critics of Kelly’s reopening plan, saying they could resume operations safely with deep cleaning and social distancing.

Under the governor’s new order, salons still will have to take customers by appointment only, while gym and fitness centers won’t be allowed to have group classes or use their locker rooms for anything other than bathroom facilities.

Bars, night clubs, bowling alleys would remain closed until at least June 1 under Kelly’s new order, and summer camps, fairs and festivals would not be allowed until at least June 15.

The governor is allowing high school and college graduations to go forward, but only if indoor ceremonies are limited to 10 people at a time. Outdoor ceremonies are allowed, either with people 6 feet apart in a large space or as “drive-through” events in which families drive up to a stage, the graduate gets out, walks across and gets back into a car.

The changes mean that public gatherings of up to 30 people won’t be allowed until June 1, and gatherings of up to 90 people won’t be allowed until June 15. The last restrictions wouldn’t be lifted until June 29 — two weeks later than previously planned.

Meanwhile, an eastern Kansas county is defending a policy that directs business owners to collect information about their customers as an effort to help trace the contacts of infected people.

Attorneys for Linn County, its county commission and its health director filed a response Thursday to a federal lawsuit from two business operators. The county’s attorneys said a May 1 order by the local health director does not violate rights against unreasonable searches that are protected by the U.S. Constitution.

The county said in its filing that the business operators wrongly suggest that the county would make blanket demands for information when the local health department would ask only for data about specific customers in contact with infected people over the previous month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589486982029.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly during her press briefing Wednesday in Topeka" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly during her press briefing Wednesday in Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday slowed<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/governor-kelly-adds-new-phase-to-ad-astra-plan/"> down the reopening</a> of Kansas’ economy, ordering bars and bowling alleys to remain closed through the end of the month and keeping some coronavirus-inspired restrictions in place until near the end of June.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589490713721.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Top Republican legislators already have moved aggressively to take control of the reopening by extending a disaster declaration Kelly issued only through Memorial Day, May 25, to give lawmakers a chance to rewrite their own law guiding the process. State law gives Kelly broad power under an emergency declaration, and she had wanted the current one extended into mid-June.The governor had expected to <a href="https://covid.ks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Reopen-Kansas-Framework-v5-2.pdf">lift some restrictions Monday, </a>but her new order modifies that plan to reflect her administration’s concern that the spread of the novel coronavirus is not yet decreasing. A limit on public gatherings of 10 or fewer people will remain in place, rather than being increased to 30 on Monday.<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/governor-kelly-adds-new-phase-to-ad-astra-plan/">Kelly’s new order</a> will allow barbershops, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo parlors, tanning salons, gyms and fitness centers to reopen as planned Monday. Owners of such businesses had been among the loudest critics of Kelly’s reopening plan, saying they could resume operations safely with deep cleaning and social distancing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588354883549.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Under the governor’s new order, salons still will have to take customers by appointment only, while gym and fitness centers won’t be allowed to have group classes or use their locker rooms for anything other than bathroom facilities.Bars, night clubs, bowling alleys would remain closed until at least June 1 under Kelly’s new order, and summer camps, fairs and festivals would not be allowed until at least June 15.The governor is allowing high school and college graduations to go forward, but only if indoor ceremonies are limited to 10 people at a time. Outdoor ceremonies are allowed, either with people 6 feet apart in a large space or as “drive-through” events in which families drive up to a stage, the graduate gets out, walks across and gets back into a car.The changes mean that public gatherings of up to 30 people won’t be allowed until June 1, and gatherings of up to 90 people won’t be allowed until June 15. The last restrictions wouldn’t be lifted until June 29 — two weeks later than previously planned.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588354966337.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Meanwhile, an eastern Kansas county is defending a policy that directs business owners to collect information about their customers as an effort to help trace the contacts of infected people.Attorneys for Linn County, its county commission and its health director filed a response Thursday to a federal lawsuit from two business operators. The county’s attorneys said a May 1 order by the local health director does not violate rights against unreasonable searches that are protected by the U.S. Constitution.The county said in its filing that the business operators wrongly suggest that the county would make blanket demands for information when the local health department would ask only for data about specific customers in contact with infected people over the previous month.___

Kansas governor slows reopening; limits to go into late June

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials on Thursday released some of their long-delayed guidance that schools, businesses and other organizations can use as states reopen from coronavirus shutdowns.

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html">Click here</a> to read the guidelines

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589540522116.png" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials on Thursday released some of their long-delayed guidance that schools, businesses and other organizations can use as states reopen from coronavirus shutdowns.<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html">Click here</a> to read the guidelinesThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted six one-page “decision tool” documents that use traffic signs and other graphics to tell organizations what they should consider before reopening.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html" target="_blank">tools</a>&nbsp;are for schools, workplaces, camps, childcare centers, mass transit systems, and bars and restaurants. The CDC originally also authored a document for churches and other religious facilities, but that wasn’t posted Thursday. The agency declined to say why.Early versions of the documents included detailed information for churches wanting to restart in-person services, with suggestions including maintaining distance between parishioners and limiting the size of gatherings. The faith-related guidance was taken out after the White House raised concerns about the recommended restrictions, according to government emails obtained by The Associated Press and a person inside the agency who didn’t have permission to talk with reporters and spoke on condition of anonymity.On Thursday, a Trump administration official also speaking on condition of anonymity said there were concerns about the propriety of the government making specific dictates to places of worship.And Roger Severino, director of the Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services, said “protections against religious discrimination aren’t suspended during an emergency. This means the federal government cannot single out religious conduct as somehow being more dangerous or worthy of scrutiny than comparable secular behavior.”President Donald Trump has championed religious freedom as a way to connect with conservative evangelical voters and has shown eagerness for in-person religious services to restart. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/97d56433ec9ece3f8a74ec8ab2b32abf">consulted</a>&nbsp;interfaith leaders last month for suggestions on how to reopen and said on a recent Fox News town hall that “we have to get our people back to churches, and we’re going to start doing it soon.”The CDC drafted the reopening guidance more than a month ago and it was initially shelved by the administration, the AP&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7a00d5fba3249e573d2ead4bd323a4d4">reported</a>&nbsp;last week.The agency also had prepared even more extensive guidance — about 57 pages of it — that has not been posted.That&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6889330-Guidance-for-Opening-Up-America-Again-Framework.html" target="_blank">longer document</a>, which the AP obtained, would give different organizations specifics about how to reopen while still limiting spread of the virus, including by spacing workers or students 6 feet apart and closing break rooms and cafeterias to limit gatherings. Many of the suggestions already appear on federal websites but they haven’t been presented as reopening advice.Some health experts and politicians have been pushing for the CDC to release as much guidance as possible to help businesses and organizations decide how to proceed.“They want to be able to tell their own employees the guidance of the federal government,” Dr. Tom Inglesby, director of the Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins University, said at a congressional hearing Wednesday. “They want to be able to tell their customers, ‘We’ve done everything that’s been asked of us.’”The guidance relates to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica/" target="_blank">another document</a>&nbsp;released by the Trump administration on April 17. That phased-in reopening plan broadly outlines how to move away from stay-at-home orders, school closures and other measures designed to stop the spread of the new coronavirus that has caused more than 1.3 million reported U.S. illnesses and more than 80,000 deaths.U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat, on Wednesday offered a resolution — blocked by Republicans — to encourage release of all the documents.“America needs and must have the candid guidance of our best scientists unfiltered, unedited, uncensored by president Trump or his political minions. The CDC report on reopening the country is an important piece of that guidance,” Schumer said.The decision tools have been undergoing review by different federal officials, and they’ve been edited from earlier versions.For example, an earlier draft of the one-page document on camps obtained by the AP asked organizers if their program would limit attendance to people who live nearby. If the answer was no, the camp was advised not to reopen. That local attendance limitation was dropped and was not in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/Camps-Decision-Tree.pdf" target="_blank">the version</a>&nbsp;posted Thursday.And in that document and others, language has been dropped that asked if the organization is in a community that is still requiring significant disease mitigation. If the answer was yes, the organization was advised not to reopen.Many of the changes provide more wiggle room than what was in the initial versions.For example, in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/Childcare-Decision-Tree.pdf" target="_blank">document</a>&nbsp;for people who run child care centers, the older version obtained by the AP stated that CDC recommended “checking for signs and symptoms of children and staff.” The new guidelines add “as feasible” to the end.Similar new language about feasibility appears in sections about promoting healthy hygiene such as hand washing and employees wearing cloth masks.___

Coronavirus Update