WASHINGTON (AP) — A $500 billion federal aid package for companies and governments hurt by the coronavirus includes rules aimed at ensuring that the taxpayer money is used in ways that would help sustain the economy. But questions are being raised about whether those guardrails will prevent the kinds of abuses that have marked some corporate bailouts of the past.

In return for the emergency loans, which could be spun by the Federal Reserve into up to $4.5 trillion, companies will face temporary limits on what they can pay executives. They’ll also need to keep their workforces stable or at least not lay off more than 10% for several months. And they’ll face restrictions on stock buybacks and dividend increases.

Yet loopholes may lurk in the legislation.

“On paper, it looks like we learned the lessons,’’ said James Angel, an associate professor of finance at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. “But the devil is in the details. ... There’s a lot of room around the edges.”

The legislation establishes a system of oversight on how companies use the rescue money. The oversight is widely thought to exceed the standards for the bailouts of banks and automakers in the 2008-09 financial crisis. Critics have long attacked those bailouts as an unwarranted giveaway to corporations whose conduct contributed directly to the crisis.

Under the just-enacted $2.2 trillion package, a government watchdog and a panel appointed by Congress will monitor how the billions in aid are deployed and whether its corporate recipients are meeting the restrictions.

President Donald Trump wasted little time, though, in throwing the oversight system into question. After signing the relief package Friday, Trump issued a statement that seemed to reject the independence of a new inspector general’s office. He said he wouldn't recognize the inspector general's right to report to Congress without “presidential supervision.” Trump's statement went on to dispute other aspects of the oversight rules, including that Congress should be consulted in the allocation of relief money.

It will be up to Trump to appoint the special inspector general for the bailout fund, who will have to be confirmed by the Senate.

By any standards, the overall package is a staggering pot of money — by far the largest in the history of crisis relief for industries and local governments. About $425 billion is to be used by the Treasury Department to support the Fed's emergency lending programs. These include loans for small and medium-sized businesses. Because the companies, states and cities are deemed likely to repay the loans, the Fed is able to to leverage the money into up to roughly $4 trillion in actual lending.

“A program of this scale and scope ... when things are moving so fast, will need vigorous scrutiny,” said Phil Angelides, a former California state treasurer who led the 10-member congressional oversight panel for the financial-crisis bailout.

Peter Henning, a law professor at Wayne State University and a former Justice Department attorney, notes that the bailout program gives wide latitude to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

“Secretary Mnuchin has authority to basically negotiate any kind of loan that he wants," Henning said. “We'll see who gets favored and who doesn't."

For companies that receive emergency aid, there may be wiggle room in the conditions attached to it. While they can’t shrink their workforce by more than 10% through the fall, there’s no prohibition against cutting employee wages — except for airlines that receive direct grants. These grants must be used for employee pay and benefits.

Companies could also reduce workers’ hours and overtime without running afoul of a ban on breaching union contracts.

“A lot of people are going to see their compensation fall even though they still have a job,” Georgetown’s Angel said. “Just the fear of that puts the brakes on the economy.”

In addition, some corporate recipients of aid will likely find ways to bypass limits on executive compensation, Angel suggested, through how stock options are valued or through non-financial perks like housing and travel expenses.

During the financial crisis, public advocates railed against revelations of excessive pay packages for executives at some banks and automakers that received billions in taxpayer aid. The Treasury did take equity stakes in the companies in exchange for emergency loans — an idea that Trump has endorsed for the new aid program. This is likely to be the case for airlines that receive direct federal grants.

Another condition is that recipient companies cannot buy back their own shares from investors for at least a year after the loan term ends. This restriction may be easier than others to monitor because of public reporting requirements for stock transactions.

Buybacks tend to inflate stock prices by reducing the number of shares in circulation. This can produce a bonanza for executives whose compensation comes mainly in stock awards and options rather than salary. Better to use the aid, critics say, to preserve employee jobs or wages, invest in expansion or build cash reserves for future emergencies.

Four big airlines — American, United, Delta and Southwest — spent a combined $39 billion in the past five years on share buybacks, according to S&amp;P Global. The new $500 billion relief fund earmarks up to $50 billion for loans and grants to airlines; $8 billion for cargo carriers; and up to $17 billion for “businesses critical to maintaining national security" — regarded as a life vest for Boeing. The struggles of the aircraft giant, reeling from the grounding of its 737 Max jet, have deepened as air travel has nearly halted.

In addition to airlines, the distressed industries that have pleaded for federal help include hotels, restaurants, retailers and manufacturers.

The emergency loans for corporations, to run up to five years, bar executives at recipient companies who earned over $425,000 last year from receiving compensation that would exceed their 2019 total. Nor will “golden parachutes” payments for senior executives who are let go be allowed to exceed twice an executive's 2019 compensation if it topped $425,000. And executives who earned over $3 million last year cannot receive compensation exceeding $3 million plus half of any 2019 pay over $3 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584462219509.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A $500 billion federal aid package for companies and governments hurt by the coronavirus includes rules aimed at ensuring that the taxpayer money is used in ways that would help sustain the economy. But questions are being raised about whether those guardrails will prevent the kinds of abuses that have marked some corporate bailouts of the past.In return for the emergency loans, which could be spun by the Federal Reserve into up to $4.5 trillion, companies will face temporary limits on what they can pay executives. They’ll also need to keep their workforces stable or at least not lay off more than 10% for several months. And they’ll face restrictions on stock buybacks and dividend increases.Yet loopholes may lurk in the legislation.“On paper, it looks like we learned the lessons,’’ said James Angel, an associate professor of finance at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. “But the devil is in the details. ... There’s a lot of room around the edges.”The legislation establishes a system of oversight on how companies use the rescue money. The oversight is widely thought to exceed the standards for the bailouts of banks and automakers in the 2008-09 financial crisis. Critics have long attacked those bailouts as an unwarranted giveaway to corporations whose conduct contributed directly to the crisis.Under the just-enacted $2.2 trillion package, a government watchdog and a panel appointed by Congress will monitor how the billions in aid are deployed and whether its corporate recipients are meeting the restrictions.President Donald Trump wasted little time, though, in throwing the oversight system into question. After signing the relief package Friday, Trump issued a statement that seemed to reject the independence of a new inspector general’s office. He said he wouldn't recognize the inspector general's right to report to Congress without “presidential supervision.” Trump's statement went on to dispute other aspects of the oversight rules, including that Congress should be consulted in the allocation of relief money.It will be up to Trump to appoint the special inspector general for the bailout fund, who will have to be confirmed by the Senate.By any standards, the overall package is a staggering pot of money — by far the largest in the history of crisis relief for industries and local governments. About $425 billion is to be used by the Treasury Department to support the Fed's emergency lending programs. These include loans for small and medium-sized businesses. Because the companies, states and cities are deemed likely to repay the loans, the Fed is able to to leverage the money into up to roughly $4 trillion in actual lending.“A program of this scale and scope ... when things are moving so fast, will need vigorous scrutiny,” said Phil Angelides, a former California state treasurer who led the 10-member congressional oversight panel for the financial-crisis bailout.Peter Henning, a law professor at Wayne State University and a former Justice Department attorney, notes that the bailout program gives wide latitude to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.“Secretary Mnuchin has authority to basically negotiate any kind of loan that he wants," Henning said. “We'll see who gets favored and who doesn't."For companies that receive emergency aid, there may be wiggle room in the conditions attached to it. While they can’t shrink their workforce by more than 10% through the fall, there’s no prohibition against cutting employee wages — except for airlines that receive direct grants. These grants must be used for employee pay and benefits.Companies could also reduce workers’ hours and overtime without running afoul of a ban on breaching union contracts.“A lot of people are going to see their compensation fall even though they still have a job,” Georgetown’s Angel said. “Just the fear of that puts the brakes on the economy.”In addition, some corporate recipients of aid will likely find ways to bypass limits on executive compensation, Angel suggested, through how stock options are valued or through non-financial perks like housing and travel expenses.During the financial crisis, public advocates railed against revelations of excessive pay packages for executives at some banks and automakers that received billions in taxpayer aid. The Treasury did take equity stakes in the companies in exchange for emergency loans — an idea that Trump has endorsed for the new aid program. This is likely to be the case for airlines that receive direct federal grants.Another condition is that recipient companies cannot buy back their own shares from investors for at least a year after the loan term ends. This restriction may be easier than others to monitor because of public reporting requirements for stock transactions.Buybacks tend to inflate stock prices by reducing the number of shares in circulation. This can produce a bonanza for executives whose compensation comes mainly in stock awards and options rather than salary. Better to use the aid, critics say, to preserve employee jobs or wages, invest in expansion or build cash reserves for future emergencies.Four big airlines — American, United, Delta and Southwest — spent a combined $39 billion in the past five years on share buybacks, according to S&amp;P Global. The new $500 billion relief fund earmarks up to $50 billion for loans and grants to airlines; $8 billion for cargo carriers; and up to $17 billion for “businesses critical to maintaining national security" — regarded as a life vest for Boeing. The struggles of the aircraft giant, reeling from the grounding of its 737 Max jet, have deepened as air travel has nearly halted.In addition to airlines, the distressed industries that have pleaded for federal help include hotels, restaurants, retailers and manufacturers.The emergency loans for corporations, to run up to five years, bar executives at recipient companies who earned over $425,000 last year from receiving compensation that would exceed their 2019 total. Nor will “golden parachutes” payments for senior executives who are let go be allowed to exceed twice an executive's 2019 compensation if it topped $425,000. And executives who earned over $3 million last year cannot receive compensation exceeding $3 million plus half of any 2019 pay over $3 million.__

Conditions for companies that get virus aid: Room for abuse?

TOPEKA –&nbsp;People who attended the Kansas East Jurisdiction’s 2020 Ministers and Workers Conference at the Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ located at 2106 Quindaro Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66104 from March 16-22, may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Health.

This event has been identified as a place of exposure for multiple people in Kansas who have since become ill and tested positive for COVID-19.

Symptoms for COVID-19 appear 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other rarer symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat and diarrhea.

If you develop any of these symptoms, but are not ill enough to seek medical care, you must stay home for at least 7 days after symptom started or for 72 hours after fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and with a significant improvement in symptoms, whichever is longer. If you develop these symptoms and need to seek medical care, call your healthcare provider beforehand to inform them that you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and require medical attention.

If you attended this event and develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 between 2 and 14 days later, please call your local health department as they will conduct a confidential investigation to prevent further transmission of COVID-19.

For more information about COVID-19 in Kansas, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C042a1edf1de145d374d508d7d5b47766%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637212843374682280&amp;sdata=qleGonZO74ZQP%2FUtHLm5kLVzOSHE6pVERomGOC8e%2FeE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>. For questions regarding isolation and quarantine for COVID-19, please contact your local health department or KDHE’s Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317.

TOPEKA –&nbsp;People who attended the Kansas East Jurisdiction’s 2020 Ministers and Workers Conference at the Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ located at 2106 Quindaro Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66104 from March 16-22, may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Health.This event has been identified as a place of exposure for multiple people in Kansas who have since become ill and tested positive for COVID-19.Symptoms for COVID-19 appear 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other rarer symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat and diarrhea.If you develop any of these symptoms, but are not ill enough to seek medical care, you must stay home for at least 7 days after symptom started or for 72 hours after fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and with a significant improvement in symptoms, whichever is longer. If you develop these symptoms and need to seek medical care, call your healthcare provider beforehand to inform them that you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and require medical attention.If you attended this event and develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 between 2 and 14 days later, please call your local health department as they will conduct a confidential investigation to prevent further transmission of COVID-19.For more information about COVID-19 in Kansas, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C042a1edf1de145d374d508d7d5b47766%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637212843374682280&amp;sdata=qleGonZO74ZQP%2FUtHLm5kLVzOSHE6pVERomGOC8e%2FeE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>. For questions regarding isolation and quarantine for COVID-19, please contact your local health department or KDHE’s Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317.

KDHE: Attendees at church conference may have been exposed to virus

As we evaluate our current circumstances in our communities and try to determine how we can be most helpful during this time, we have decided to extend our Spring Community Building Grant 2020 deadline. We are committed to allowing flexibility in our grantmaking policy, allowing for the possibility of operating grants, as well as re-directing resources to support children and families in this uncertain time. We want to make sure that we are allowing enough time for our non-profit communities to assess their needs and focus on what will make the most impact immediately.

Applications are still being accepted from qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and public institutions, including schools, government entities, and other charitable organizations in Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford counties.

Applications are available online by clicking Receive, and then Grants on the foundation website at www.goldenbeltcf.org. Grant guidelines also are posted on the website. If you have any questions, please contact the GBCF office.

Applications must be postmarked by Friday, May 1st. Grants will be awarded by the end of July. For questions about grants, please contact Teresa Mazouch, Program Officer at 620-792-3000 or email teresa@goldenbeltcf.org.

At $24.5 million in total assets and more than 180 funds under management, Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. Golden Belt Community Foundation exists to provide non-profit organizations in central Kansas with a permanent source of support and to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving for donors. GBCF serves the counties of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford. For

more information about Golden Belt Community Foundation, call (620) 792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578426625975.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As we evaluate our current circumstances in our communities and try to determine how we can be most helpful during this time, we have decided to extend our Spring Community Building Grant 2020 deadline. We are committed to allowing flexibility in our grantmaking policy, allowing for the possibility of operating grants, as well as re-directing resources to support children and families in this uncertain time. We want to make sure that we are allowing enough time for our non-profit communities to assess their needs and focus on what will make the most impact immediately.Applications are still being accepted from qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and public institutions, including schools, government entities, and other charitable organizations in Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford counties.Applications are available online by clicking Receive, and then Grants on the foundation website at www.goldenbeltcf.org. Grant guidelines also are posted on the website. If you have any questions, please contact the GBCF office.Applications must be postmarked by Friday, May 1st. Grants will be awarded by the end of July. For questions about grants, please contact Teresa Mazouch, Program Officer at 620-792-3000 or email teresa@goldenbeltcf.org.Golden Belt Community FoundationAt $24.5 million in total assets and more than 180 funds under management, Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. Golden Belt Community Foundation exists to provide non-profit organizations in central Kansas with a permanent source of support and to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving for donors. GBCF serves the counties of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford. Formore information about Golden Belt Community Foundation, call (620) 792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.

GBCF 2020 Spring Community Building Grant deadline extended

TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed an Executive Order Tuesday that will provide temporary relief from certain unemployment insurance requirements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The governor addressed the issues during a Tuesday afternoon news conference.

<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EO-20-17-Executed.pdf">Click here to read</a> details on the new executive order 20-17.

&nbsp;It will ensure Kansans can draw down millions in federal dollars under the federal CARES Act.

The federal stimulus will expand unemployment insurance to include self-employed, 1099-independent contractors, gig and low-wage workers who can no longer work because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The agreement also increases weekly benefits for all unemployed workers by $600 a week for up to four months.

"Certain provisions of Kansas employment security law will impede Kansas’ ability to draw down millions in federal funds for unemployment insurance programs,” Kelly said. “This order will allow flexibility to ensure Kansas workers and small business owners can secure the safety and protection that unemployment insurance is designed to provide at times of crisis.”

Executive Order 20-17 makes three, temporary changes to Kansas employment security law:

“This flexibility will ensure that our Department of Labor can keep up with the surge of unemployment claims our state is experiencing and that Kansas workers and small business owners can secure the safety and protection that unemployment insurance is designed to provide at times of crisis,” Kelly said.

Kelly also addressed the unprecedented volume of calls coming into the Kansas Department of Labor. Just yesterday, the agency received over 877,000 calls to their unemployment line. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the agency received an average of 1,100 calls per week.

“Labor Secretary Delia Garcia and her team are working quickly to expand capacity at the call centers,” Kelly said. “They have added phone lines, hired additional employees and are working with employers to speed up the benefit process. The website remains the fastest and most efficient way to file for benefits, but if you must call in, please be patient. This is an incredibly stressful time for everybody, and the Department of Labor is working hard to get applications processed and benefits distributed.”

TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed an Executive Order Tuesday that will provide temporary relief from certain unemployment insurance requirements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;The governor addressed the issues during a Tuesday afternoon news conference.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F210912297003625%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><a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EO-20-17-Executed.pdf">Click here to read</a> details on the new executive order 20-17.&nbsp;It will ensure Kansans can draw down millions in federal dollars under the federal CARES Act.The federal stimulus will expand unemployment insurance to include self-employed, 1099-independent contractors, gig and low-wage workers who can no longer work because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The agreement also increases weekly benefits for all unemployed workers by $600 a week for up to four months."Certain provisions of Kansas employment security law will impede Kansas’ ability to draw down millions in federal funds for unemployment insurance programs,” Kelly said. “This order will allow flexibility to ensure Kansas workers and small business owners can secure the safety and protection that unemployment insurance is designed to provide at times of crisis.”Executive Order 20-17 makes three, temporary changes to Kansas employment security law:<ol>
 <li>The waiting week requirement for unemployment benefits is temporarily waived for all claimants;</li><li>The requirement that Kansans receiving unemployment benefits actively seek work each week is temporarily waived for all claimants to allow Kansans to continue the necessary social distancing practices;</li><li>All Kansas employers, as required by the federal Department of Labor, must notify separated employees if they qualify for unemployment insurance.</li>
 </ol>“This flexibility will ensure that our Department of Labor can keep up with the surge of unemployment claims our state is experiencing and that Kansas workers and small business owners can secure the safety and protection that unemployment insurance is designed to provide at times of crisis,” Kelly said.Kelly also addressed the unprecedented volume of calls coming into the Kansas Department of Labor. Just yesterday, the agency received over 877,000 calls to their unemployment line. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the agency received an average of 1,100 calls per week.“Labor Secretary Delia Garcia and her team are working quickly to expand capacity at the call centers,” Kelly said. “They have added phone lines, hired additional employees and are working with employers to speed up the benefit process. The website remains the fastest and most efficient way to file for benefits, but if you must call in, please be patient. This is an incredibly stressful time for everybody, and the Department of Labor is working hard to get applications processed and benefits distributed.”

 🎥 New executive order will help Kansans with unemployment insurance

TOPEKA —The Kansas Department of Health released the latest coronavirus numbers Tuesday afternoon. Monday's report indicated the youngest coronavirus patient as a 4-year-old old. Tuesday's report includes a patient less than a year-old.

TOPEKA —The Kansas Department of Health released the latest coronavirus numbers Tuesday afternoon. Monday's report indicated the youngest coronavirus patient as a 4-year-old old. Tuesday's report includes a patient less than a year-old.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585681530635.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Latest coronavirus numbers in Kan. includes infant to 95-year-old

Great Bend business offering 'Pay it Forward' program to ship games to kids

NEW YORK (AP) — When will the money arrive?

That’s the urgent question for small business owners who have been devastated by the coronavirus outbreak. They’re awaiting help from the $2 trillion rescue package signed into law Friday. But with bills fast coming due, no end to business closings and an economy that’s all but shut down, owners are worried about survival.

Millions of owners face April 1 due dates for rent, mortgage, credit card and other payments. Some have been granted leniency from landlords and lenders. But even then, there are other business and personal bills that are owed. And employees — at least those who haven’t been laid off — must be paid.

“How quick can we get these funds?” says Adam Rammel, co-owner of Brewfontaine, a bar and restaurant in Bellefontaine, Ohio, that’s now limited to takeout and delivery service. His revenue is down 60%. Yet he has eight staffers, down from his usual 25, whom he must pay.

“Relief can’t come soon enough — we’re a cash business with small margins,” says Rammel, who is looking to Small Business Administration loans. He needs the money despite receiving some concessions from his banker.

Freelancers and people whose gig work has vanished are also anxious about having to wait.

“I need to pay my electric bill and the mortgage,” says Krista Kowalcyzk, whose Southwest Florida photography business has come to a halt as weddings have been canceled and customers have decided against having portraits shot.

She feels somewhat reassured that she can receive unemployment benefits. But while she waits, “I am terrified that not only do I have no revenue coming in, I have also been asked for thousands of dollars in refunds.”

At companies small and large, from restaurants and retailers to sports and entertainment venues, revenue has essentially dried up. The same for the businesses that support those companies. Even employers that are still operating have lost business as their customers have became too cautious to continue doing business.

The rescue package signed into law Friday provides for Small Business Administration loans to companies as well as to sole proprietors and freelancers. The loans can be used for payroll, mortgages, rent and utilities, with those amounts forgiven and payments deferred. It will also supply small loans that can, depending on an owner’s credit score, be approved quickly. Employers can receive tax credits for retaining workers, though not if they have obtained one of the SBA loans.

Many owners are also seeking separate SBA economic injury disaster loans. And the Federal Reserve plans to set up a program to lend directly to small business owners.

In addition, freelancers are now eligible for unemployment benefits. And owners can be eligible for the $1,200 per person payment that’s available to many Americans depending on their income.

Whatever the source of funding, how fast it arrives at businesses across the country is sure to have a significant impact on the economy. Slightly more than half of American workers are employed at businesses with 500 or fewer employees. Every lost job means another person will struggle to pay rent or other bills. Unpaid bills, in turn, cut revenue for other businesses.

Layoffs are mounting, and most analysts forecast that the economy will shrink significantly in the April-June quarter, with some estimating a a 30% annual plunge for the quarter. That would be deepest economic contraction for any quarter in records dating to Word War II. In the week that ended March 21, roughly 3.3 million people applied for unemployment benefits — more than 10 times the number for the previous week and nearly five times the prior record high.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said the small loans would be available starting Friday, and in an interview with the Fox Business Network, Mnuchin said he hoped to release loan forms later Monday.

Katie Vliestra, an executive at the National Association for the Self-Employed, an advocacy group, says she’s concerned about the lag time between application and approval for even the small loans that are intended to have the fastest turnaround. Most small companies have only 15 to 30 days of cash on hand, she said.

There are also worries about potential logjams at the SBA. The agency’s inspector general’s office found that the SBA failed to quickly turn around thousands of loans after Hurricane Harvey devastated the Houston area in 2017. (The SBA didn’t immediately respond to a request for information about handling an influx of applications.)

John Arensmeyer, CEO of the advocacy group Small Business Majority, says he’s concerned that the loans will be processed through the SBA’s traditional business loan program, which relies on banks to handle the initial applications.

“Banks have to retool their technology to do this,” Arensmeyer says. “It’s going to be months before this money gets out there. How many people are going to be able to maintain payroll, hoping to get this money?”

On its face, the rescue aid appears to address some of the most vital needs of small businesses, notably their ability to maintain or hire back furloughed workers eventually. The issue is whether it will come quickly enough.

“The challenge is cash flow,” says Jason Duff, owner of Six Hundred Downtown, a restaurant in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He has a staff of eight, down from 27, handling deliveries and pickups.

Duff has less than a week of working capital funds available. He is seeking loans from family and friends as well as some patience from vendors while he awaits federal help.

Don Allison has bills coming due this week for his business, a publisher of books about the Civil War and northwest Ohio history. He and his wife are looking forward to a combined $2,400. But the royalty checks he must send out require a bigger cash infusion. And he’s concerned about being in a long line of owners hoping to receive SBA loans.

“They’re going to be slammed,” Allison says of the SBA. “How big a delay is there going to be?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585342982232.png" alt="President Trump signed the $2.2T virus aid package Friday -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump signed the $2.2T virus aid package Friday -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — When will the money arrive?That’s the urgent question for small business owners who have been devastated by the coronavirus outbreak. They’re awaiting help from the $2 trillion rescue package signed into law Friday. But with bills fast coming due, no end to business closings and an economy that’s all but shut down, owners are worried about survival.Millions of owners face April 1 due dates for rent, mortgage, credit card and other payments. Some have been granted leniency from landlords and lenders. But even then, there are other business and personal bills that are owed. And employees — at least those who haven’t been laid off — must be paid.“How quick can we get these funds?” says Adam Rammel, co-owner of Brewfontaine, a bar and restaurant in Bellefontaine, Ohio, that’s now limited to takeout and delivery service. His revenue is down 60%. Yet he has eight staffers, down from his usual 25, whom he must pay.“Relief can’t come soon enough — we’re a cash business with small margins,” says Rammel, who is looking to Small Business Administration loans. He needs the money despite receiving some concessions from his banker.Freelancers and people whose gig work has vanished are also anxious about having to wait.“I need to pay my electric bill and the mortgage,” says Krista Kowalcyzk, whose Southwest Florida photography business has come to a halt as weddings have been canceled and customers have decided against having portraits shot.She feels somewhat reassured that she can receive unemployment benefits. But while she waits, “I am terrified that not only do I have no revenue coming in, I have also been asked for thousands of dollars in refunds.”At companies small and large, from restaurants and retailers to sports and entertainment venues, revenue has essentially dried up. The same for the businesses that support those companies. Even employers that are still operating have lost business as their customers have became too cautious to continue doing business.The rescue package signed into law Friday provides for Small Business Administration loans to companies as well as to sole proprietors and freelancers. The loans can be used for payroll, mortgages, rent and utilities, with those amounts forgiven and payments deferred. It will also supply small loans that can, depending on an owner’s credit score, be approved quickly. Employers can receive tax credits for retaining workers, though not if they have obtained one of the SBA loans.Many owners are also seeking separate SBA economic injury disaster loans. And the Federal Reserve plans to set up a program to lend directly to small business owners.In addition, freelancers are now eligible for unemployment benefits. And owners can be eligible for the $1,200 per person payment that’s available to many Americans depending on their income.Whatever the source of funding, how fast it arrives at businesses across the country is sure to have a significant impact on the economy. Slightly more than half of American workers are employed at businesses with 500 or fewer employees. Every lost job means another person will struggle to pay rent or other bills. Unpaid bills, in turn, cut revenue for other businesses.Layoffs are mounting, and most analysts forecast that the economy will shrink significantly in the April-June quarter, with some estimating a a 30% annual plunge for the quarter. That would be deepest economic contraction for any quarter in records dating to Word War II. In the week that ended March 21, roughly 3.3 million people applied for unemployment benefits — more than 10 times the number for the previous week and nearly five times the prior record high.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said the small loans would be available starting Friday, and in an interview with the Fox Business Network, Mnuchin said he hoped to release loan forms later Monday.Katie Vliestra, an executive at the National Association for the Self-Employed, an advocacy group, says she’s concerned about the lag time between application and approval for even the small loans that are intended to have the fastest turnaround. Most small companies have only 15 to 30 days of cash on hand, she said.There are also worries about potential logjams at the SBA. The agency’s inspector general’s office found that the SBA failed to quickly turn around thousands of loans after Hurricane Harvey devastated the Houston area in 2017. (The SBA didn’t immediately respond to a request for information about handling an influx of applications.)John Arensmeyer, CEO of the advocacy group Small Business Majority, says he’s concerned that the loans will be processed through the SBA’s traditional business loan program, which relies on banks to handle the initial applications.“Banks have to retool their technology to do this,” Arensmeyer says. “It’s going to be months before this money gets out there. How many people are going to be able to maintain payroll, hoping to get this money?”On its face, the rescue aid appears to address some of the most vital needs of small businesses, notably their ability to maintain or hire back furloughed workers eventually. The issue is whether it will come quickly enough.“The challenge is cash flow,” says Jason Duff, owner of Six Hundred Downtown, a restaurant in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He has a staff of eight, down from 27, handling deliveries and pickups.Duff has less than a week of working capital funds available. He is seeking loans from family and friends as well as some patience from vendors while he awaits federal help.Don Allison has bills coming due this week for his business, a publisher of books about the Civil War and northwest Ohio history. He and his wife are looking forward to a combined $2,400. But the royalty checks he must send out require a bigger cash infusion. And he’s concerned about being in a long line of owners hoping to receive SBA loans.“They’re going to be slammed,” Allison says of the SBA. “How big a delay is there going to be?”

Urgent question from small businesses: When will aid arrive?

No visitors at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City-area officials have cracked down on businesses that remain open despite stay-at-home orders as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Missouri surpassed 1,000.

Mayor Quinton Lucas said Monday that Kansas City issued citations to about 200 businesses for violating the city's order.&nbsp; Breaking the social distancing rule is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to six months in jail.

Residents of the Jackson County and Wyandotte and Johnson counties in neighboring Kansas have also been ordered to stay home for anything other than “essential needs.” That includes child care, health care, grocery stores, pharmacies and delivery/carry-out/drive-thru services from restaurants.

For most people,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the virus</a>&nbsp;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, including pneumonia, and death.

Jackson County health officials on Monday ordered a Bass Pro Shops store in Independence to close, despite the business' belief that the public has the right to access guns and ammunition during an emergency, the newspaper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article241625496.html">reported</a>.

Health officials said that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dbaf230a8b184912a846261bff73e5ce">as of Monday afternoon</a>, 1,031 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Missouri. That is an increase of 128 from Sunday. Thirteen have died.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585236316648.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City-area officials have cracked down on businesses that remain open despite stay-at-home orders as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Missouri surpassed 1,000.Mayor Quinton Lucas said Monday that Kansas City issued citations to about 200 businesses for violating the city's order.&nbsp; Breaking the social distancing rule is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to six months in jail.Residents of the Jackson County and Wyandotte and Johnson counties in neighboring Kansas have also been ordered to stay home for anything other than “essential needs.” That includes child care, health care, grocery stores, pharmacies and delivery/carry-out/drive-thru services from restaurants.For most people,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the virus</a>&nbsp;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, including pneumonia, and death.Jackson County health officials on Monday ordered a Bass Pro Shops store in Independence to close, despite the business' belief that the public has the right to access guns and ammunition during an emergency, the newspaper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article241625496.html">reported</a>.Health officials said that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dbaf230a8b184912a846261bff73e5ce">as of Monday afternoon</a>, 1,031 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Missouri. That is an increase of 128 from Sunday. Thirteen have died.

Kansas City cracks down on stores breaking stay-at-home rule

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas nursing home chain linked to a coronavirus death in the Kansas City area has reported that 18 staffers and residents tested positive for the virus at another facility.

Life Care Centers of America <a href="https://lcca.com/announcement/covid-19">said Monday that </a>11 residents and seven workers were confirmed to have COVID-19 at the home in Burlington, about 60 miles south of Topeka.

A resident at the Life Care Center in Kansas City, Kansas, was the first COVID-19-related fatality reported in the state on March 12. Both are operated by a company that also runs a Washington state nursing home linked to 22 deaths.

For most people,&nbsp;the coronavirus&nbsp;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, including pneumonia, and death.

As a statewide stay-at-home order took effect Monday and President Donald Trump granted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/db8902e8e65561405a85bcf9ed556c87">a major disaster declaration</a>&nbsp;for the state, the number of cases grew. At last count Monday, state health officials said that Kansas has 368 cases, up from 319 on Sunday.

State and local officials reported nine deaths, including four in Wyandotte County. The latest two victims are a Sedgwick County man over 60 with underlying health conditions and a woman in her 40s in Crawford County. The deaths are the first in the state’s southern half. Most others were in the Kansas City area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585657534018.png" alt="Life Care Center in Burlington, Kansas -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Life Care Center in Burlington, Kansas -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas nursing home chain linked to a coronavirus death in the Kansas City area has reported that 18 staffers and residents tested positive for the virus at another facility.Life Care Centers of America <a href="https://lcca.com/announcement/covid-19">said Monday that </a>11 residents and seven workers were confirmed to have COVID-19 at the home in Burlington, about 60 miles south of Topeka.A resident at the Life Care Center in Kansas City, Kansas, was the first COVID-19-related fatality reported in the state on March 12. Both are operated by a company that also runs a Washington state nursing home linked to 22 deaths.For most people,&nbsp;the coronavirus&nbsp;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, including pneumonia, and death.As a statewide stay-at-home order took effect Monday and President Donald Trump granted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/db8902e8e65561405a85bcf9ed556c87">a major disaster declaration</a>&nbsp;for the state, the number of cases grew. At last count Monday, state health officials said that Kansas has 368 cases, up from 319 on Sunday.State and local officials reported nine deaths, including four in Wyandotte County. The latest two victims are a Sedgwick County man over 60 with underlying health conditions and a woman in her 40s in Crawford County. The deaths are the first in the state’s southern half. Most others were in the Kansas City area.

Kansas nursing home reports 18 coronavirus cases

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post


















Citizens that look at the 2020 Calendar of Events page from the City of
Great Bend might get excited about the number of events popping up with the
nicer weather arriving. Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes says
there always seems like something going on in town. 

With a stay-at-home order in
effect for the entire state of Kansas, many of those events have been cancelled
or put on hold. 

The coronavirus pandemic and its caused restrictions have
proved to some how much they take for granted all the events scheduled
throughout Great Bend.


"That goes for big city events that we do and all the way down to the pop-up markets that small businesses or non-profits do," said Hayes. "I think people are missing the events. We are all hoping we can bounce back from this and come back to support all the events in our great community."


Hayes noted the Art &amp; Wine Walk for May 7 is on hold right
now, and June Jaunt is far enough out that the city is waiting to see if
gathering restrictions will be lifted by the first weekend in June. 

Hayes says
businesses are definitely feeling the hit with less foot traffic through their
stores, and the lack of sales and tax generated will have an effect on
tax-funded projects, like community events.


"My Community Coordinator position is paid out of economic development sales tax," said Hayes. "That includes funds for Party in the Park, June Jaunt and all the sales promotions for businesses."


Hotels are also seeing a decline in customers, lowering the transient guest tax
intake for Great Bend. The city’s transient guest tax is six percent. The Great
Bend Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau receives five percent for community
marketing purposes and one percent helps fund the Great Bend Events Center.

The City of Great Bend recorded its two highest transient guest tax collections in the previous two years, including more than $290,000 in 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585586807078.jpeg" alt="Great Bend move night at Jack Kilby Square" />
 <figcaption>Great Bend move night at Jack Kilby Square</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend Post
















Citizens that look at the 2020 Calendar of Events page from the City of
Great Bend might get excited about the number of events popping up with the
nicer weather arriving. Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes says
there always seems like something going on in town. With a stay-at-home order in
effect for the entire state of Kansas, many of those events have been cancelled
or put on hold. The coronavirus pandemic and its caused restrictions have
proved to some how much they take for granted all the events scheduled
throughout Great Bend.
"That goes for big city events that we do and all the way down to the pop-up markets that small businesses or non-profits do," said Hayes. "I think people are missing the events. We are all hoping we can bounce back from this and come back to support all the events in our great community."
Hayes noted the Art &amp; Wine Walk for May 7 is on hold right
now, and June Jaunt is far enough out that the city is waiting to see if
gathering restrictions will be lifted by the first weekend in June. Hayes says
businesses are definitely feeling the hit with less foot traffic through their
stores, and the lack of sales and tax generated will have an effect on
tax-funded projects, like community events.
"My Community Coordinator position is paid out of economic development sales tax," said Hayes. "That includes funds for Party in the Park, June Jaunt and all the sales promotions for businesses."
Hotels are also seeing a decline in customers, lowering the transient guest tax
intake for Great Bend. The city’s transient guest tax is six percent. The Great
Bend Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau receives five percent for community
marketing purposes and one percent helps fund the Great Bend Events Center.The City of Great Bend recorded its two highest transient guest tax collections in the previous two years, including more than $290,000 in 2018.

Less business means less tax for city projects

Details on future online Great Bend City Council meetings

Barton County Health Department reposted these guidelines from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment if you are notified as a contact of someone positive with COVID-19.

Barton County Health Department reposted these guidelines from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment if you are notified as a contact of someone positive with COVID-19.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbartoncountyhealthdept%2Fposts%2F231281534920581&width=500" width="500" height="669" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Guidelines if you're a contact of someone positive with COVID-19

March 30th COVID-19 Update from Clara Barton Hospital &amp; Clinics

· We have implemented a temporary No Visitor Policy effective immediately at Clara Barton Hospital. Exceptions to this policy may be made on a case by case basis regarding end-of-life situations. These changes reflect Clara Barton Hospital’s commitment to ensure the safety of our patients, employees and communities and to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Please understand this is not an easy decision and not meant to be impolite, but we feel it is necessary at this time. We will lift this restriction as soon as we feel it is safe to do so. We appreciate your cooperation during this difficult time.

While our no-visitor policy is in place, please consider an alternate means of providing support:

- Facetime or Skype the patient - Send a digital greeting via https://www.clarabartonhospital.com/send-an-ecard

· Walk-In Clinic and Walk-In Lab Draws at all Clara Barton Medical Clinics have been suspended until further notice. Please call the Clinic to make an appointment.

· Clara Barton Medical Clinic is now offering tele-health services, allowing you to be seen by your provider in the comfort of your own home. If you wish to schedule a tele-health visit with your provider, please call the clinic at 620-653-2386.

· If you come to a Clara Barton Clinic and are asked to wear a mask, please do not remove the mask until you have left the facility.

The Staff at Clara Barton Hospital and Clinics have been working around the clock to ensure the safety of both our patients and our staff. We will continue to keep you informed of the latest updates and procedures being implemented at Clara Barton to better protect you, your family, patients, and Clara Barton Employees. Please know we are fully prepared to care for you in the event you or a loved one are diagnosed with the virus and are doing our very best to help prevent the spread of this virus throughout our communities. Together we will get through this!

- Patients arriving at both Clara Barton Hospital or any Clara Barton Medical Clinic will be met at the door by a Clara Barton staff member who will immediately initiate a screening. Please be sure to stop and allow for these screening procedures, as it will assist us in determining if the patient has symptoms of the coronavirus. The staff member may ask you to put on a mask. If you are asked to wear a mask, please do so in order to protect both yourself and other patients. Do not remove your mask until you have left the facility.

- The front door to Clara Barton Hospital will be unlocked from 6 AM – 6 PM. Upon arrival you will be screened by a CBH staff member. From 6 PM – 6 AM the hospital doors will remain locked. Patients are asked to ring the buzzer on the outside of the front door and screening questions will be asked via intercom before the patient can enter the building. Clinic doors will be unlocked at their usual time and staff will initiate a screening upon entering the lobby.

- If you feel as if you have symptoms of the coronavirus and plan to be seen at the clinic or in the ER, please call us before your arrival at 620-653-2386. Calling ahead allows us to take the proper precautions necessary in order to avoid the potential spread of the virus to other patients or staff members. When you call, your call will be triaged and you will be asked a few questions. They will then direct you to the appropriate area of the hospital or clinic.

- There is criteria that has been put into place in order to be tested for the coronavirus, but we do not set this criteria. Criteria is set by the KDHE and CDC, therefore you may or may not be tested for the virus depending upon your symptoms, travel history, and other conditions. If you develop symptoms, please contact your primary care provider for further direction.

- We encourage you to continue practicing good hand hygiene and social distancing to help prevent the spread of this virus. This includes social distancing in our lobby areas. Please ensure there are at least 2 chairs between you other patients sitting in the lobby.

- As your local community healthcare facility, we are following the recommendations set forth by the American College of Surgeons, the CDC, and KDHE recommending we halt all elective surgeries at this time. We are doing this in the best interest of our patients in order to avoid potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Emergency surgeries will still be performed as needed. Although there are currently no cases in the county, we are following these precautionary measures to protect the health and wellbeing of our patients.

- There will be no outreach clinic visits at any of our clinic locations through the end of April. Please contact your outreach provider if you have questions regarding your appointment.

For more information on the coronavirus, please visit our website at https://www.clarabartonhospital.com/coronavirus-information, the KDHE website at http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/, or call the Barton County Coronavirus Hotline at 620-796-5609.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584124962921.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>March 30th COVID-19 Update from Clara Barton Hospital &amp; ClinicsUPDATES:· We have implemented a temporary No Visitor Policy effective immediately at Clara Barton Hospital. Exceptions to this policy may be made on a case by case basis regarding end-of-life situations. These changes reflect Clara Barton Hospital’s commitment to ensure the safety of our patients, employees and communities and to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Please understand this is not an easy decision and not meant to be impolite, but we feel it is necessary at this time. We will lift this restriction as soon as we feel it is safe to do so. We appreciate your cooperation during this difficult time.While our no-visitor policy is in place, please consider an alternate means of providing support:- Call or text the patient- Facetime or Skype the patient - Send a digital greeting via https://www.clarabartonhospital.com/send-an-ecard· Walk-In Clinic and Walk-In Lab Draws at all Clara Barton Medical Clinics have been suspended until further notice. Please call the Clinic to make an appointment.· Clara Barton Medical Clinic is now offering tele-health services, allowing you to be seen by your provider in the comfort of your own home. If you wish to schedule a tele-health visit with your provider, please call the clinic at 620-653-2386.· If you come to a Clara Barton Clinic and are asked to wear a mask, please do not remove the mask until you have left the facility.The Staff at Clara Barton Hospital and Clinics have been working around the clock to ensure the safety of both our patients and our staff. We will continue to keep you informed of the latest updates and procedures being implemented at Clara Barton to better protect you, your family, patients, and Clara Barton Employees. Please know we are fully prepared to care for you in the event you or a loved one are diagnosed with the virus and are doing our very best to help prevent the spread of this virus throughout our communities. Together we will get through this!Please be reminded of the following:- Patients arriving at both Clara Barton Hospital or any Clara Barton Medical Clinic will be met at the door by a Clara Barton staff member who will immediately initiate a screening. Please be sure to stop and allow for these screening procedures, as it will assist us in determining if the patient has symptoms of the coronavirus. The staff member may ask you to put on a mask. If you are asked to wear a mask, please do so in order to protect both yourself and other patients. Do not remove your mask until you have left the facility.- The front door to Clara Barton Hospital will be unlocked from 6 AM – 6 PM. Upon arrival you will be screened by a CBH staff member. From 6 PM – 6 AM the hospital doors will remain locked. Patients are asked to ring the buzzer on the outside of the front door and screening questions will be asked via intercom before the patient can enter the building. Clinic doors will be unlocked at their usual time and staff will initiate a screening upon entering the lobby.- If you feel as if you have symptoms of the coronavirus and plan to be seen at the clinic or in the ER, please call us before your arrival at 620-653-2386. Calling ahead allows us to take the proper precautions necessary in order to avoid the potential spread of the virus to other patients or staff members. When you call, your call will be triaged and you will be asked a few questions. They will then direct you to the appropriate area of the hospital or clinic.- There is criteria that has been put into place in order to be tested for the coronavirus, but we do not set this criteria. Criteria is set by the KDHE and CDC, therefore you may or may not be tested for the virus depending upon your symptoms, travel history, and other conditions. If you develop symptoms, please contact your primary care provider for further direction.- We encourage you to continue practicing good hand hygiene and social distancing to help prevent the spread of this virus. This includes social distancing in our lobby areas. Please ensure there are at least 2 chairs between you other patients sitting in the lobby.- As your local community healthcare facility, we are following the recommendations set forth by the American College of Surgeons, the CDC, and KDHE recommending we halt all elective surgeries at this time. We are doing this in the best interest of our patients in order to avoid potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Emergency surgeries will still be performed as needed. Although there are currently no cases in the county, we are following these precautionary measures to protect the health and wellbeing of our patients.- There will be no outreach clinic visits at any of our clinic locations through the end of April. Please contact your outreach provider if you have questions regarding your appointment.For more information on the coronavirus, please visit our website at https://www.clarabartonhospital.com/coronavirus-information, the KDHE website at http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/, or call the Barton County Coronavirus Hotline at 620-796-5609.

Clara Barton Hospital: COVID-19 update (March 30

The Department of Commerce is encouraging Barton County, and all Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) recipients&nbsp;to use their CDBG Revolving Loan Fund monies&nbsp;to assist small businesses with their need for&nbsp;working capital&nbsp;and to continue to employ their workers.&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Commerce CDBG Program is allowing&nbsp;IMMEDIATE use of Barton County's&nbsp;CDBG revolving fund monies to support the working capital needs of businesses in your community.&nbsp; Here are the terms:

We hope this action taken by the Kansas Department of Commerce, Great Plains Development, and Barton County&nbsp;helps to sustain area businesses.&nbsp; Please call Great Plains Development at (620) 227-6406 for further details, eligibility requirements, and to complete one application for multiple loan sources.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585600689857.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Department of Commerce is encouraging Barton County, and all Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) recipients&nbsp;to use their CDBG Revolving Loan Fund monies&nbsp;to assist small businesses with their need for&nbsp;working capital&nbsp;and to continue to employ their workers.&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Commerce CDBG Program is allowing&nbsp;IMMEDIATE use of Barton County's&nbsp;CDBG revolving fund monies to support the working capital needs of businesses in your community.&nbsp; Here are the terms:<ol>
 <li>Loans must be used for working capital.&nbsp; Working capital is defined as salaries and wages, purchase of inventory, utilities, rent, insurance payments, etc.;</li><li>The term of the loan shall be 3-years or less;</li><li>The interest rate will likely be .5%;</li><li>Money loaned, when re-paid, will be returned to your accounts;</li><li>Complete the Job Certification Form to prove 51% of the persons impacted are LMI at retention;</li><li>Collateral is not required</li><li>Funds are limited and will be available on a first-come-first-served basis;</li><li>Apply by contacting Great Plains Development.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Job retentions will need a letter from the company/business attesting the company is either shut down or will be shut down due to COVID 19;</li><li>Public Notice of Fund Availability has been reduced to 24 hours.&nbsp; We will allow posting with area Barton County media outlets.</li>
 </ol>We hope this action taken by the Kansas Department of Commerce, Great Plains Development, and Barton County&nbsp;helps to sustain area businesses.&nbsp; Please call Great Plains Development at (620) 227-6406 for further details, eligibility requirements, and to complete one application for multiple loan sources.&nbsp;

Barton County encourages CDBG loans recipients to assist small businesses

From University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus

To keep patients, staff and you safe from infection, with limited exceptions, we are not currently allowing visitors. Be sure to check here for the latest updates

To protect our patients, visitors and staff from infection, we have implemented the following guidelines:

For most patients,&nbsp;zero&nbsp;visitors are allowed. Exceptions include:

Any visitor who has a fever or other cold or flu-like symptoms will not be allowed in our facilities.

We encourage family and friends to return home to await news of their loved one. You may wait in your vehicle if you wish. Any visitor who has a fever or other cold or flu-like symptoms will not be allowed in our facilities. Unless you have a scheduled pediatrics appointment, visitors under age 14 will not be allowed in the clinic until further notice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585600142224.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend CampusTo keep patients, staff and you safe from infection, with limited exceptions, we are not currently allowing visitors. Be sure to check here for the latest updatesTo protect our patients, visitors and staff from infection, we have implemented the following guidelines:Hospital VisitorsFor most patients,&nbsp;zero&nbsp;visitors are allowed. Exceptions include:<ol>
 <li>1 parent or guardian for patients younger than 18</li><li>1 support person for labor and delivery patients</li><li>1 support person for patients with disabilities or impairments needing assistance</li><li>1 support person or driver for patients undergoing outpatient treatment or procedures</li><li>Support persons for patients nearing end of life</li>
 </ol>Any visitor who has a fever or other cold or flu-like symptoms will not be allowed in our facilities.Clinic VisitorsFor most patients,&nbsp;zero&nbsp;visitors are allowed. Exceptions include:<ol>
 <li>1 parent or guardian for patients younger than 18</li><li>1 support person for patients with disabilities or impairments</li>
 </ol>We encourage family and friends to return home to await news of their loved one. You may wait in your vehicle if you wish. Any visitor who has a fever or other cold or flu-like symptoms will not be allowed in our facilities. Unless you have a scheduled pediatrics appointment, visitors under age 14 will not be allowed in the clinic until further notice.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGreatBendRegionalHospital%2Fposts%2F3970535312988759&width=500" width="500" height="539" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Great Bend hospital bans visitors; few exceptions

The Kansas Department of Health released the latest coronavirus numbers Monday afternoon and does not include the most recent death reported of a Sedgwick County man over the age of 60 with underlying health conditions. A woman in her 40s in Crawford County is also a recent victim of the virus.

The deaths are the first in the southern part of the state. Most of the others were in the Kansas City area.

Monday's KDHE report also does not include the positive test on a patient in Barton County that health officials confirmed late Monday morning.

The Kansas Department of Health released the latest coronavirus numbers Monday afternoon and does not include the most recent death reported of a Sedgwick County man over the age of 60 with underlying health conditions. A woman in her 40s in Crawford County is also a recent victim of the virus.The deaths are the first in the southern part of the state. Most of the others were in the Kansas City area.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKDHEnews%2Fvideos%2F591358111723593%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="420" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Monday's KDHE report also does not include the positive test on a patient in Barton County that health officials confirmed late Monday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585591559319.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

 🎥 Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas; 9th death reported

Great Bend, Ks, March 30, 2020 –&nbsp;On March 20, 2020, the City of Great Bend, Kansas, adopted Resolution Number 032020-A restricting public access to City buildings.&nbsp; The Kansas Attorney General has issued guidance for keeping meeting open to the public during the “social distancing” emergency restrictions.&nbsp;

*The KOMA remains in full force and effect unless explicitly suspended by emergency order of the governor.&nbsp; The Governor has not currently suspended any requirements of KOMA.

*If the members of the public body themselves are not physically gathered in one place-for example, if the meeting itself is conducted by telephone or videoconferencing-then members of the public must be able to join in the electronic conferencing in order to listen to or observe he meeting.

*If the members of the public body are physically gathered for a meeting but cannot allow members of the public to be present because of emergency limitations, then the public body must take steps to allow the members of the public to listen to or observe the meeting by telephone, videoconferencing, television broadcast or similar method.

*When the public is participating in a public meeting by telephone or other medium of interactive communication, members of the body must take steps to help the public understand the proceedings despite not being physically present.&nbsp; For example, each speaker in the meeting should identify herself by name before speaking or voting so remote listeners or observers can more readily know who is speaking, likewise, each motion should be clearly stated and each vote tally clearly announced.

*The procedure for any executive session must be clearly explained at the outset of a meeting.

*There must be no cost for the public to participate.

*There must be a method for distributing any agenda or other written materials that ordinarily could be picked up in person by members of the public attending.&nbsp; Those procedures must be explained to the public before the meeting begins.

Since public access restrictions have been placed on public buildings, the following procedures will be followed in conducting public meetings.

i.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Post notices and meeting agendas on its website&nbsp; www.greatbendks.net The press will also be notified of meetings.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

ii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Utilize the website ZOOM at zoom.com with Meeting ID # 720-707-2528&nbsp; to broadcast the meeting to the public.&nbsp; Interested persons wishing to use this website may do so by following the procedure set out in the attachment to this document. (To listen and/or observe via the web the address is https://zoom.us/j/7207072528)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

iii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Broadcast the meeting live on Facebook at the following web address https://www.facebook.com/gbcitycouncil/ .&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; iv.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It should be noted that the ZOOM option is accessible through telephonic or internet facilities.&nbsp; Persons wishing to listen and/o observe on Zoom should place their phone on mute by either pressing the Mute button or *6.&nbsp; Interested persons are not required to have a Facebook page in order to observe the meeting through Facebook.&nbsp;

It is the hope of the City that this crisis passes quickly and that all remain safe and healthy.&nbsp; When deemed safe to do so, the City will return to allowing public attendance at meetings.&nbsp; This policy is intended to apply to situations dealing with the various restrictions placed on attendance at public gatherings during this time of crisis.

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 </figure>Great Bend, Ks, March 30, 2020 –&nbsp;On March 20, 2020, the City of Great Bend, Kansas, adopted Resolution Number 032020-A restricting public access to City buildings.&nbsp; The Kansas Attorney General has issued guidance for keeping meeting open to the public during the “social distancing” emergency restrictions.&nbsp;That guidance includes:*The KOMA remains in full force and effect unless explicitly suspended by emergency order of the governor.&nbsp; The Governor has not currently suspended any requirements of KOMA.*If the members of the public body themselves are not physically gathered in one place-for example, if the meeting itself is conducted by telephone or videoconferencing-then members of the public must be able to join in the electronic conferencing in order to listen to or observe he meeting.*If the members of the public body are physically gathered for a meeting but cannot allow members of the public to be present because of emergency limitations, then the public body must take steps to allow the members of the public to listen to or observe the meeting by telephone, videoconferencing, television broadcast or similar method.*When the public is participating in a public meeting by telephone or other medium of interactive communication, members of the body must take steps to help the public understand the proceedings despite not being physically present.&nbsp; For example, each speaker in the meeting should identify herself by name before speaking or voting so remote listeners or observers can more readily know who is speaking, likewise, each motion should be clearly stated and each vote tally clearly announced.*The procedure for any executive session must be clearly explained at the outset of a meeting.*There must be no cost for the public to participate.*There must be a method for distributing any agenda or other written materials that ordinarily could be picked up in person by members of the public attending.&nbsp; Those procedures must be explained to the public before the meeting begins.Since public access restrictions have been placed on public buildings, the following procedures will be followed in conducting public meetings.<ol>
 <li>During the time of crisis public access to public meetings of the Governing Body of the City of Great Bend, Kansas, is inadvisable and impossible.</li><li>The City of Great Bend, Kansas, will comply with the provisions of the Kansas Open Meetings Act.</li><li>The members of the Governing Body will, if at all possible, be physically present for the meetings, although some may have to attend by telephone or teleconferencing.&nbsp; Additionally, circumstances may require that the members of the Governing Body refrain from physically gathering for meeting in one place.&nbsp; In either of these events the City will:</li><li>Produce and widely disseminate to the general public through news media, social media, email and other means a notice explaining why and how the ordinary meeting procedures will change, how the public may receive notice of meetings, and how the public may continue to participate in the meetings.&nbsp; Specifically, the City will:</li>
 </ol>i.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Post notices and meeting agendas on its website&nbsp; www.greatbendks.net The press will also be notified of meetings.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Utilize the website ZOOM at zoom.com with Meeting ID # 720-707-2528&nbsp; to broadcast the meeting to the public.&nbsp; Interested persons wishing to use this website may do so by following the procedure set out in the attachment to this document. (To listen and/or observe via the web the address is https://zoom.us/j/7207072528)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Broadcast the meeting live on Facebook at the following web address https://www.facebook.com/gbcitycouncil/ .&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; iv.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It should be noted that the ZOOM option is accessible through telephonic or internet facilities.&nbsp; Persons wishing to listen and/o observe on Zoom should place their phone on mute by either pressing the Mute button or *6.&nbsp; Interested persons are not required to have a Facebook page in order to observe the meeting through Facebook.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Recordings of meetings will be posted on the City’s Public Access Television Station, Cox Channel 20 and available for public viewing within 24 hours of the meeting.</li><li>Take any actions as may be necessary and reasonable under the circumstances of the emergency declaration to advance the state policy that “meetings for the conduct of governmental affairs and the transaction of governmental business open to the public”.</li>
 </ol>It is the hope of the City that this crisis passes quickly and that all remain safe and healthy.&nbsp; When deemed safe to do so, the City will return to allowing public attendance at meetings.&nbsp; This policy is intended to apply to situations dealing with the various restrictions placed on attendance at public gatherings during this time of crisis.

Great Bend open meetings policy during COVID-19 crisis

In response to the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on area schools and understanding that Internet connectivity is critically important to the success of students, Nex-Tech is announcing its Continuous Learning Initiative. 

Schools districts have been gathering data to confirm the impact of student households that don’t currently have Internet service and have shared these addresses with Nex-Tech for verification of eligibility. 

Nex-Tech will begin providing service to eligible locations effective March 30, 2020.

Area schools will distribute additional information from Nex-Tech to eligible families regarding the steps to sign-up for service.

Nex-Tech would also like to assure its customers that its network is strong and ready for increased usage. 

Said Dustin Schlaefli, Director of Customer Engagement, “Our network was built to scale. While we have observed increased usage during the day, we can easily absorb significantly more. Our network was designed with the future in mind - telemedicine, telecommuting, remote education, 4K streaming and beyond. While we never imagined things would change so quickly, we are encouraged that our network was ready and will continue to be.”

To learn more about Nex-Tech services and its additional measures regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, you may go online to www.nex-tech.com. 

For families with students at home that do not have Internet service, please contact your local school for more information.

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 </figure>In response to the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on area schools and understanding that Internet connectivity is critically important to the success of students, Nex-Tech is announcing its Continuous Learning Initiative. Schools districts have been gathering data to confirm the impact of student households that don’t currently have Internet service and have shared these addresses with Nex-Tech for verification of eligibility. Nex-Tech will begin providing service to eligible locations effective March 30, 2020.Area schools will distribute additional information from Nex-Tech to eligible families regarding the steps to sign-up for service.Nex-Tech would also like to assure its customers that its network is strong and ready for increased usage. Said Dustin Schlaefli, Director of Customer Engagement, “Our network was built to scale. While we have observed increased usage during the day, we can easily absorb significantly more. Our network was designed with the future in mind - telemedicine, telecommuting, remote education, 4K streaming and beyond. While we never imagined things would change so quickly, we are encouraged that our network was ready and will continue to be.”To learn more about Nex-Tech services and its additional measures regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, you may go online to www.nex-tech.com. For families with students at home that do not have Internet service, please contact your local school for more information.

Nex-Tech to provide service to student households without internet

The Barton County Health Department reports the first positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Barton County. Testing was confirmed on Monday, March 30 at 11 a.m.

The case involves a female patient over the age of 60 with a travel history. The patient has been in quarantine for a week, is in isolation at home and expects a full recovery. 

The Barton County Health Department is doing patient contact investigation to learn who the patient may have had contact with while symptomatic. Any individuals who are at risk of exposure will be contacted as soon as possible. The Health Department will monitor all contacts for fever and respiratory symptoms. No further information about the patient will be released.

Please practice good hygiene by coughing into your sleeve, frequently washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, disinfect high touch areas continually and practice social distancing by maintaining a 6-foot perimeter.

We will continue to provide further information as it becomes available.

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 </figure>The Barton County Health Department reports the first positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Barton County. Testing was confirmed on Monday, March 30 at 11 a.m.The case involves a female patient over the age of 60 with a travel history. The patient has been in quarantine for a week, is in isolation at home and expects a full recovery. The Barton County Health Department is doing patient contact investigation to learn who the patient may have had contact with while symptomatic. Any individuals who are at risk of exposure will be contacted as soon as possible. The Health Department will monitor all contacts for fever and respiratory symptoms. No further information about the patient will be released.Please practice good hygiene by coughing into your sleeve, frequently washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, disinfect high touch areas continually and practice social distancing by maintaining a 6-foot perimeter.We will continue to provide further information as it becomes available.

First case of COVID-19 reported in Barton County 

TONGANOXIE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas school district is suspending its grab-and-go sack lunch program for a week after a worker with the district’s drive-thu program tested positive for the coronavirus. 

The Tonganoxie school district said in a statement that it is placing staff members who came in contact with the fellow worker in a 14-day quarantine. 

The district said it also is following all infection control protocols, including thoroughly sanitizing the meal preparation area before and after meal preparations. District officials say that the person did not come in direct contact with students or families and was only involved with meal preparations.

TONGANOXIE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas school district is suspending its grab-and-go sack lunch program for a week after a worker with the district’s drive-thu program tested positive for the coronavirus. The Tonganoxie school district said in a statement that it is placing staff members who came in contact with the fellow worker in a 14-day quarantine. The district said it also is following all infection control protocols, including thoroughly sanitizing the meal preparation area before and after meal preparations. District officials say that the person did not come in direct contact with students or families and was only involved with meal preparations.

Kan. school food prep worker tests positive for the coronavirus

As you may be aware, Governor Kelly issued a stay-at-home order that is now in effect and will last until April 19. Education is exempt from this order along with a number of other “essential” services and industries. Anticipating a few questions, I would like to address how USD 428 will be affected.

Does this order change Great Bend’s Continuous Learning Plan?Education is an essential function and will be allowed to continue as planned. This is a scenario the USD 428 administration and staff were preparing for when we drafted the framework for our plan. Operations will continue as scheduled for families utilizing the paper and pencil packets and for those picking up belongings from the school buildings. These operations were designed to minimize interaction and encourage social distancing.

How will this affect the free meal program? The free meal program will continue in the current format. Feeding our students is an essential service we provide and will be exempt under the Governor’s order. The curb-side operation allows parents and families to pick up meals even under the stay-home order.

We are in a unique and ever-changing environment. I want to thank you all for your grace and flexibility as we work to protect and support our community. Our staff has enjoyed connecting with students and families in the last week and we are excited to launch the Continuous Learning Plan on Monday. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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 </figure>Greetings USD 428 Families,As you may be aware, Governor Kelly issued a stay-at-home order that is now in effect and will last until April 19. Education is exempt from this order along with a number of other “essential” services and industries. Anticipating a few questions, I would like to address how USD 428 will be affected.Does this order change Great Bend’s Continuous Learning Plan?Education is an essential function and will be allowed to continue as planned. This is a scenario the USD 428 administration and staff were preparing for when we drafted the framework for our plan. Operations will continue as scheduled for families utilizing the paper and pencil packets and for those picking up belongings from the school buildings. These operations were designed to minimize interaction and encourage social distancing.How will this affect the free meal program? The free meal program will continue in the current format. Feeding our students is an essential service we provide and will be exempt under the Governor’s order. The curb-side operation allows parents and families to pick up meals even under the stay-home order.We are in a unique and ever-changing environment. I want to thank you all for your grace and flexibility as we work to protect and support our community. Our staff has enjoyed connecting with students and families in the last week and we are excited to launch the Continuous Learning Plan on Monday. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.Sincerely,Khris Thexton - USD 428 Superintendent

School district answers questions regarding stay-at-home order

Tune into a special Chamber Chat as several members from the community will discuss the recent executive order by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to "stat at home" and clarifications on what that means. The chat will also go over resources available to both the community and businesses.

Great Bend Chamber of Commerce President Megan Barfield will chat with Senator Mary Jo Taylor, Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis, Great Bend Economic Development Director Jessica Milsap, Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes, and Great Bend Mayor Cody Schmidt.

The Chamber Chat will begin at 2 p.m. Monday, March 30 and will be aired via Facebook Live on the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce's Facebook page. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gbcoc/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBUAw-CCyKaS0bhMHQMPcYq3hDqhaYmJNdF_h_Ts1YUj3EhvdtIMKD0iV91rRF1KWQjT24ejLJe_M5GweaRzDjJuE0DDZGrQU4IRzapFkayYEN2nary30vKaEf7gl9bQXVFa3jXS2GSR0xmxwThYTHuRnhrfryYvcmrcboAZ8ZNlk0pcdjHwrysNiIMUu4qUgDDUeEyX2tTKQ9-AWZ58i_lemN79BuKey7K0YJC2XsccjVi8UwtM-3Jux6SiW-ifphmWlriDxAs7o76S_wjemKZ1a_Ih2sVX_p3d1XjPIu0sEB7ZBWb9vQbhZi73hq2_xQx535GkX-Xa90X3GQjipXP--RsSHxBpLzCwuCp2R7l-t7preeBoKJ1wgikCi9K">LINK to Great Bend Chamber's Facebook Page</a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584565849680.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Tune into a special Chamber Chat as several members from the community will discuss the recent executive order by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to "stat at home" and clarifications on what that means. The chat will also go over resources available to both the community and businesses.Great Bend Chamber of Commerce President Megan Barfield will chat with Senator Mary Jo Taylor, Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis, Great Bend Economic Development Director Jessica Milsap, Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes, and Great Bend Mayor Cody Schmidt.The Chamber Chat will begin at 2 p.m. Monday, March 30 and will be aired via Facebook Live on the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce's Facebook page. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gbcoc/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBUAw-CCyKaS0bhMHQMPcYq3hDqhaYmJNdF_h_Ts1YUj3EhvdtIMKD0iV91rRF1KWQjT24ejLJe_M5GweaRzDjJuE0DDZGrQU4IRzapFkayYEN2nary30vKaEf7gl9bQXVFa3jXS2GSR0xmxwThYTHuRnhrfryYvcmrcboAZ8ZNlk0pcdjHwrysNiIMUu4qUgDDUeEyX2tTKQ9-AWZ58i_lemN79BuKey7K0YJC2XsccjVi8UwtM-3Jux6SiW-ifphmWlriDxAs7o76S_wjemKZ1a_Ih2sVX_p3d1XjPIu0sEB7ZBWb9vQbhZi73hq2_xQx535GkX-Xa90X3GQjipXP--RsSHxBpLzCwuCp2R7l-t7preeBoKJ1wgikCi9K">LINK to Great Bend Chamber's Facebook Page</a>

Coronavirus Update