By TIM UNRUH Salina Airport Authority

A hiring spree has ensued at Big Bertha, the massive airplane hangar near the north end of Salina Regional Airport.

Demand for airline maintenance is growing quickly there as the lone tenant, 1Vision Aviation, is booking so much work that the company roster must grow.

Owner and manager Jim Sponder is scanning the nation, searching for airframe and powerplant mechanics to satisfy the maintenance needs of airline customers who bring passenger jets to Salina for maintenance. He’s also looking to rent more hangar space from the Salina Airport Authority to house his general aviation operations.

With some 75 employed currently, Sponder aims to soon double his employment.

“We need 150 by the end of this month, and 200 by the end of February,” he said, and 1Vision is back on track to have 450 people working at the hangar by 2022, as was the hope when the company expanded from Sioux City, Iowa. It launched business here Sept. 1, 2019.

It’s an exciting time as Big Bertha once again bulges with people, activity, and aircraft.

“The story I keep getting from everybody coming is they can’t find a place to live,” Sponder said. “There are no apartments.”

When he moved here in late 2019, Sponder bought a home in Salina, containing several rooms for workers.

With those beds taken, the man with a do-it-yourself attitude, is seeking to fix his own worker housing problem.

“If I could find some land to build apartments, I would do it,” he said.

Local leaders don’t argue his point.

“We know there is need for apartments here,” said Eric Brown, president and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

“There hasn’t been a market rate apartment complex built in Salina in more than two decades,” he said. “There’s been work toward addressing the housing shortage for several years, but inventory doesn’t just open up in the market overnight.”

Two cases in point are the market-rate Norton Building apartments off East Iron Avenue and the Lee Lofts — a combination of market rate and income qualified apartments — at Santa Fe Avenue and Elm Street.

“They’re all leased up,” Brown said. “We know there is pent up demand for quality housing. There is a hierarchy of needs; food, water and shelter.”

Realtors and landlords won’t argue there is a shortage, and neither will city leaders, who are working on updating a housing plan.

“1Vision has people couch surfing,” said Mitch Robinson, executive director of the Salina Community Economic Development Organization.

“That’s obviously not a long-term solution,” he said. “A lot of apartments built now are either senior oriented or low income.”

Those who deal in real estate are dialed into the issue as well, said Amber Renfro, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker APW, 631 E. Crawford.

“Workforce housing has been at the forefront of our discussion for the last several years,” said Renfro, who has been in the business 21 years in Salina.

“This is something that we’ve always stayed close to, to ensure that our businesses have affordable housing for their labor that allows them to recruit the talent they need,” she said. “One of my roles as a realtor is to work with the businesses and organizations to help showcase what Salina has to offer to their recruits and prospects.”

Despite those efforts, Renfro admits more needs to be done.

“Availability of workforce housing remains a challenge,” she said. “There is no denying that we are low on housing inventory in certain price points.”

The Chamber has been neck deep in efforts to alleviate the situation.

“We’ve advocated for housing development, been involved in workforce housing, been engaged with Salina Housing Authority, local landlords, developers, private foundations, and all the partnerships that make housing happen in a community,” Brown said, “We’re shining a light on the opportunities that exist in Salina, and needs that could be addressed by housing developers.”

The Chamber has also assisted in making connections, he said, and amassed data points and research information.

With up to 850 jobs coming available soon from three companies — 1Vision, Schwan’s and Great Plains Manufacturing — and more that are in quiet discussions behind the scenes, housing voids are immense.

“What we need is a large-scale building project, and right now it’s just not being done,” Brown concluded.

Robinson said. “It’s not just here in Salina. It’s pretty much across America. What we don’t have is enough builders. We’re not having enough homes built for 200 thousand dollars or less.”

Much work has been done by all of the Salina economic development partners — the Chamber, EDO, Salina Airport Authority, city, county, and others — eager to make this community an attractive place to expand or relocate a business.

“I’ve had conversations with manufacturers such as Salina Vortex, El Dorado National, Coperion K-Tron, the education system, hospital and medical community. and everyone trying to recruit high wage and high-end demand positions to Salina,” Brown said. “To find ourselves in need of housing, hurts our ability to grow the local economy.”

Workforce, or market rate housing, refers to places to live where the rent is not being subsidized, said Lauren Driscoll, the City of Salina’s director of Community &amp; Development Services.

It’s likely that 1Vision workers might find some apartment complexes in Salina attractive, she said, “but they might experience challenges related to income qualification.”

Anybody making 50 percent or less of median income is considered low income, Driscoll added, while those making 50 to 80 percent of the median is at moderate income. Sponder agrees his employees make too much to meet low-income requirements.

“We’ve had some housing challenges, specifically workforce housing — some call it affordable housing. We have different gaps in the housing ladder of the market,” Driscoll said. “I wouldn’t say the city has ignored pushing regular housing; more like standing back and waiting to see what the markets would do, and trying to understand the role the city needs to play.”

The City of Salina is working to freshen up its Live Salina strategic housing plan, she said, and finding out what peer cities are using, such as Manhattan, Junction City, or even Des Moines, Iowa.

“We’re updating to get the most current data possible to better understand the picture,” Driscoll said. “We have been approached by developers of all kinds with interest in market-rate housing. One reason these guys are coming to town is they are needing a tax break.”

They seek abatements from property taxes — 10 to 100 percent — for up to 10 years, production inventory taxes, sales taxes for materials, she said, and breaks on building permits.

“Each time you do something like this, you have to look at how they’re being done,” Driscoll said. “The city already has incentives; local, state and the chamber and they all come with disclaimers. Also, what role do we want to play in that? How much do we want to entice them?”

There are programs available, but many target seniors or low income, Robinson said.

“Right now, there is not really a workforce type of assistance program, but there might be something the state or city of Salina can look at,” he said. “There are existing tools in place. We’ve got more tools for homes, but not for apartment buildings. We need both right now.”

“You’ve got to think of the long-term effects of something like that, how it affects taxpayers as a whole,” Driscoll said. “When you’re incentivizing housing, what is best, and how does that incentive affect the community?”

Some caution is important, said Brian Richardson, entrepreneur and local developer, referring to overdevelopment in Junction City when the Big Red One returned to nearby Fort Riley a few years back. It left some housing empty.

“You certainly don’t want to get into a situation like that,” he said. “When a builder is putting in 100 or 150 units, that takes a lot of communication with the city, county and chamber.”

As of Jan. 20, Richardson said he had three apartments for rent, ranging from $595 to $1,000 a month, but there will be 15 more apartments open, within the next 45 to 60 days in the Lowell School project at 1009 Highland.

He is aware of the opportunities in Salina, with talk of up to 1,200 new jobs coming in.

“Going forward, there’s a problem, even if there are only 600 new jobs,” Richardson said, referring to housing.

“It’s awesome. What’s happening in Salina is not happening in many places in the country. It’s good stuff,” he said. “I’m excited to be a landlord in the community and to be a citizen of Salina for these reasons. I have a daughter who has moved home from Kansas City, Mo., and a lot of that is because of what’s happening in the community.”

It’s hoped developers will “seize the opportunity without government assistance,” Driscoll said. “In the last six months, we have seen an increased number of inquiries about incentives or property tax abatements by developers looking to do market rate or ‘regular’ housing. These inquiries have escalated the issues, and conversations about the city’s role are happening.”

The Salina City Commission is scheduled to discuss the Live Salina Plan update at the Feb. 1 study session. For details, visit the city’s website.

“As a community, we’ve always done our best to support projects with quality wage level positions,” Brown said. “We’ve done that, and now it’s time to give workers and job seekers a place to live in order to support our employers in the growth of this community.”

Leaders acknowledge it’s not always easy to fill voids, Richardson said, but he and others are up for the task.

“Although it’s a challenge,” he said, “it’s good to have it on our plate.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The above story is republished with permission from the Salina Airport Authority's January 2021 'Reporting Points.'

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611800887807.jpeg" alt="1Vision Aviation at the Salina Regional Airport. Photo courtesy Salina Airport Authority" />
 <figcaption>1Vision Aviation at the Salina Regional Airport. Photo courtesy Salina Airport Authority</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM UNRUH Salina Airport AuthorityA hiring spree has ensued at Big Bertha, the massive airplane hangar near the north end of Salina Regional Airport. Demand for airline maintenance is growing quickly there as the lone tenant, 1Vision Aviation, is booking so much work that the company roster must grow. Owner and manager Jim Sponder is scanning the nation, searching for airframe and powerplant mechanics to satisfy the maintenance needs of airline customers who bring passenger jets to Salina for maintenance. He’s also looking to rent more hangar space from the Salina Airport Authority to house his general aviation operations. With some 75 employed currently, Sponder aims to soon double his employment. “We need 150 by the end of this month, and 200 by the end of February,” he said, and 1Vision is back on track to have 450 people working at the hangar by 2022, as was the hope when the company expanded from Sioux City, Iowa. It launched business here Sept. 1, 2019. It’s an exciting time as Big Bertha once again bulges with people, activity, and aircraft. But there is a hitch. “The story I keep getting from everybody coming is they can’t find a place to live,” Sponder said. “There are no apartments.” When he moved here in late 2019, Sponder bought a home in Salina, containing several rooms for workers. With those beds taken, the man with a do-it-yourself attitude, is seeking to fix his own worker housing problem. “If I could find some land to build apartments, I would do it,” he said. Local leaders don’t argue his point. “We know there is need for apartments here,” said Eric Brown, president and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce. “There hasn’t been a market rate apartment complex built in Salina in more than two decades,” he said. “There’s been work toward addressing the housing shortage for several years, but inventory doesn’t just open up in the market overnight.” Two cases in point are the market-rate Norton Building apartments off East Iron Avenue and the Lee Lofts — a combination of market rate and income qualified apartments — at Santa Fe Avenue and Elm Street. “They’re all leased up,” Brown said. “We know there is pent up demand for quality housing. There is a hierarchy of needs; food, water and shelter.” Realtors and landlords won’t argue there is a shortage, and neither will city leaders, who are working on updating a housing plan. Meanwhile, a shortage persists. “1Vision has people couch surfing,” said Mitch Robinson, executive director of the Salina Community Economic Development Organization. “That’s obviously not a long-term solution,” he said. “A lot of apartments built now are either senior oriented or low income.” Those who deal in real estate are dialed into the issue as well, said Amber Renfro, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker APW, 631 E. Crawford. “Workforce housing has been at the forefront of our discussion for the last several years,” said Renfro, who has been in the business 21 years in Salina. “This is something that we’ve always stayed close to, to ensure that our businesses have affordable housing for their labor that allows them to recruit the talent they need,” she said. “One of my roles as a realtor is to work with the businesses and organizations to help showcase what Salina has to offer to their recruits and prospects.” Despite those efforts, Renfro admits more needs to be done. “Availability of workforce housing remains a challenge,” she said. “There is no denying that we are low on housing inventory in certain price points.” The Chamber has been neck deep in efforts to alleviate the situation. “We’ve advocated for housing development, been involved in workforce housing, been engaged with Salina Housing Authority, local landlords, developers, private foundations, and all the partnerships that make housing happen in a community,” Brown said, “We’re shining a light on the opportunities that exist in Salina, and needs that could be addressed by housing developers.” The Chamber has also assisted in making connections, he said, and amassed data points and research information. With up to 850 jobs coming available soon from three companies — 1Vision, Schwan’s and Great Plains Manufacturing — and more that are in quiet discussions behind the scenes, housing voids are immense. “What we need is a large-scale building project, and right now it’s just not being done,” Brown concluded. Robinson said. “It’s not just here in Salina. It’s pretty much across America. What we don’t have is enough builders. We’re not having enough homes built for 200 thousand dollars or less.” Much work has been done by all of the Salina economic development partners — the Chamber, EDO, Salina Airport Authority, city, county, and others — eager to make this community an attractive place to expand or relocate a business. “I’ve had conversations with manufacturers such as Salina Vortex, El Dorado National, Coperion K-Tron, the education system, hospital and medical community. and everyone trying to recruit high wage and high-end demand positions to Salina,” Brown said. “To find ourselves in need of housing, hurts our ability to grow the local economy.” Workforce, or market rate housing, refers to places to live where the rent is not being subsidized, said Lauren Driscoll, the City of Salina’s director of Community &amp; Development Services. It’s likely that 1Vision workers might find some apartment complexes in Salina attractive, she said, “but they might experience challenges related to income qualification.” Anybody making 50 percent or less of median income is considered low income, Driscoll added, while those making 50 to 80 percent of the median is at moderate income. Sponder agrees his employees make too much to meet low-income requirements. “We’ve had some housing challenges, specifically workforce housing — some call it affordable housing. We have different gaps in the housing ladder of the market,” Driscoll said. “I wouldn’t say the city has ignored pushing regular housing; more like standing back and waiting to see what the markets would do, and trying to understand the role the city needs to play.” The City of Salina is working to freshen up its Live Salina strategic housing plan, she said, and finding out what peer cities are using, such as Manhattan, Junction City, or even Des Moines, Iowa. “We’re updating to get the most current data possible to better understand the picture,” Driscoll said. “We have been approached by developers of all kinds with interest in market-rate housing. One reason these guys are coming to town is they are needing a tax break.” They seek abatements from property taxes — 10 to 100 percent — for up to 10 years, production inventory taxes, sales taxes for materials, she said, and breaks on building permits. “Each time you do something like this, you have to look at how they’re being done,” Driscoll said. “The city already has incentives; local, state and the chamber and they all come with disclaimers. Also, what role do we want to play in that? How much do we want to entice them?” There are programs available, but many target seniors or low income, Robinson said. “Right now, there is not really a workforce type of assistance program, but there might be something the state or city of Salina can look at,” he said. “There are existing tools in place. We’ve got more tools for homes, but not for apartment buildings. We need both right now.” Big pictures must be considered. “You’ve got to think of the long-term effects of something like that, how it affects taxpayers as a whole,” Driscoll said. “When you’re incentivizing housing, what is best, and how does that incentive affect the community?” Some caution is important, said Brian Richardson, entrepreneur and local developer, referring to overdevelopment in Junction City when the Big Red One returned to nearby Fort Riley a few years back. It left some housing empty. “You certainly don’t want to get into a situation like that,” he said. “When a builder is putting in 100 or 150 units, that takes a lot of communication with the city, county and chamber.” As of Jan. 20, Richardson said he had three apartments for rent, ranging from $595 to $1,000 a month, but there will be 15 more apartments open, within the next 45 to 60 days in the Lowell School project at 1009 Highland. He is aware of the opportunities in Salina, with talk of up to 1,200 new jobs coming in. “Going forward, there’s a problem, even if there are only 600 new jobs,” Richardson said, referring to housing. “It’s awesome. What’s happening in Salina is not happening in many places in the country. It’s good stuff,” he said. “I’m excited to be a landlord in the community and to be a citizen of Salina for these reasons. I have a daughter who has moved home from Kansas City, Mo., and a lot of that is because of what’s happening in the community.” It’s hoped developers will “seize the opportunity without government assistance,” Driscoll said. “In the last six months, we have seen an increased number of inquiries about incentives or property tax abatements by developers looking to do market rate or ‘regular’ housing. These inquiries have escalated the issues, and conversations about the city’s role are happening.” The Salina City Commission is scheduled to discuss the Live Salina Plan update at the Feb. 1 study session. For details, visit the city’s website. “As a community, we’ve always done our best to support projects with quality wage level positions,” Brown said. “We’ve done that, and now it’s time to give workers and job seekers a place to live in order to support our employers in the growth of this community.” Leaders acknowledge it’s not always easy to fill voids, Richardson said, but he and others are up for the task. “Although it’s a challenge,” he said, “it’s good to have it on our plate.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The above story is republished with permission from the Salina Airport Authority's January 2021 'Reporting Points.'

Job openings illuminate Salina housing shortage

HAYS -- Fort Hays State University has released the names of 1,723 students who earned places on the Deans Honor Roll for the fall 2020 semester.

The Deans Honor Roll includes undergraduate students only. To be eligible, students must have completed 12 or more credit hours and earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.60 for the semester. Full-time on-campus and FHSU Online students are eligible.

Students are listed alphabetically by county and city, state and city, or country and city with their classifications – and, for those who have declared them, majors. This list does not include students who requested privacy.

Students without classifications are students seeking a second degree or are students who, though full time, are not seeking degrees.

Following are local and area students who earned academic honors for the fall 2020 semester.

Jaclyn Renea Begnoche is a freshman majoring in nursing.

Rhett D. Koppes is a sophomore majoring in health and human performance (sport and exercise therapy).

Hannah Swihart is a senior majoring in counseling (school).

Reed Allen Knitter is a junior majoring in marketing (general).

Keshia Dawn Williams is a junior majoring in elementary education.

Gavin James Cyr is a senior majoring in computer science.

Laci Elizabeth Cyr is a senior majoring in elementary education.

Michael Allen Cyr is a senior majoring in agriculture (education).

Payton Lee Girard is a freshman majoring in elementary education.

Cydney Denise Bergmann is a senior majoring in agriculture (animal science).

Mariah Danae Blazek is majoring in elementary education.

Charity Laine Brown is a senior majoring in early childhood unified education.

Hailey Grace Budke is a sophomore majoring in management.

Grace Carder is a senior majoring in art education.

Kristen N. Colby is a sophomore majoring in art (interior design).

Sherri Marie Dickinsonhamiel is a senior majoring in nursing.

Amy Lien Florea is a junior majoring in elementary education.

Adria B. Girard is a sophomore majoring in social work.

Kali J. Harvey is a senior majoring in psychology.

Ciara Rose Kearn is a sophomore majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Jaedyn Paige Kearn is a sophomore majoring in criminal justice.

Natalie Anne Lervold is a junior majoring in social work.

Madelyn Joelle Meyer is a junior majoring in elementary education.

Adrianna Michaud is majoring in elementary education.

Blaze Alec Payeur is a senior majoring in agriculture (agronomy business).

Katie M. Pfanz is a senior majoring in criminal justice.

Caleb Wayne Strait is a senior majoring in history (secondary education).

Katelyn Trecek is a sophomore majoring in medical diagnostic imaging.

Peyton Elyse Warner is majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Paxton Mackenzie Yager is a senior majoring in nursing.

Hadley R. Thyfault is majoring in elementary education.

Lane Stewart Sanders is a senior majoring in health and human performance (sport and exercise therapy).

Isabelle Kate Barbieri is majoring in nursing.

Abby Barnes is a junior majoring in medical diagnostic imaging (ultrasound).

Gavin James Blehm is a senior majoring in music (education).

Zoe Elizabeth Cooper is a junior majoring in tourism and hospitality management.

Adreinne Marie Danner is a senior majoring in art education.

Jennifer R. Dewitt is a senior majoring in general studies (general business).

Kelsey Lynn Jones is a senior majoring in biology (health professions).

Makenna Brielle McGivney is a freshman majoring in health and human performance (sport and exercise therapy).

Edward D. Scott is a senior majoring in technology studies (engineering design).

Nathan Jack Williams is majoring in general studies (networking).

Kristine Betsy Gugler is a senior majoring in psychology.

Cassandra K. Quathamer is a junior majoring in elementary education.

Amanda Danielle Barnes is a senior majoring in elementary education.

Emilie Jean Roe is a sophomore majoring in health and human performance (K-12 teaching and coaching).

Shaelynn Cross is a senior majoring in elementary education.

Bryson L. Homman is a senior majoring in art (interior design).

Cory Lee Keller is majoring in information networking and telecommunications (Web and mobile application development).

Jaryth Michael Barten is a senior majoring in communication.

Mason Reed Hinkle is a senior majoring in history (secondary education).

Cody Ewing Bourbon is a freshman majoring in physics.

Jeanae Dayle Brungardt is a junior majoring in organizational leadership.

Jessie E. Graves is a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Jenna Elizabeth Haase is a senior majoring in elementary education.

Shianne Paisley Svaty is a sophomore majoring in elementary education.

Caden Arthur Whetzel is a junior majoring in criminal justice.

Hannah Christine Wilson is a junior majoring in radiologic technology.

Anna Catherine Criswell is a senior majoring in English (literature).

Aaron James Dlabal is a senior majoring in music (education).

Lilly Brae Duncan is a junior majoring in biology.

Cassidy Danielle Kroboth is a sophomore majoring in agriculture.

Brady Kyle Jeffery is a junior majoring in elementary education.

William Dennis Flavin is a senior majoring in general studies (historical).

Grant Jacob Arasmith is a sophomore majoring in management.

Hannah Kay Burks is a sophomore majoring in biology (education).

Hayley M. Burks is a sophomore majoring in elementary education.

HAYS -- Fort Hays State University has released the names of 1,723 students who earned places on the Deans Honor Roll for the fall 2020 semester.The Deans Honor Roll includes undergraduate students only. To be eligible, students must have completed 12 or more credit hours and earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.60 for the semester. Full-time on-campus and FHSU Online students are eligible.Students are listed alphabetically by county and city, state and city, or country and city with their classifications – and, for those who have declared them, majors. This list does not include students who requested privacy.Students without classifications are students seeking a second degree or are students who, though full time, are not seeking degrees.Following are local and area students who earned academic honors for the fall 2020 semester.<h2>CLAY COUNTY</h2>Clay CenterJaclyn Renea Begnoche is a freshman majoring in nursing.Rhett D. Koppes is a sophomore majoring in health and human performance (sport and exercise therapy).Hannah Swihart is a senior majoring in counseling (school).MorganvilleReed Allen Knitter is a junior majoring in marketing (general).WakefieldKeshia Dawn Williams is a junior majoring in elementary education.<h2>CLOUD COUNTY</h2>ClydeGavin James Cyr is a senior majoring in computer science.Laci Elizabeth Cyr is a senior majoring in elementary education.Michael Allen Cyr is a senior majoring in agriculture (education).Payton Lee Girard is a freshman majoring in elementary education.ConcordiaCydney Denise Bergmann is a senior majoring in agriculture (animal science).Mariah Danae Blazek is majoring in elementary education.Charity Laine Brown is a senior majoring in early childhood unified education.Hailey Grace Budke is a sophomore majoring in management.Grace Carder is a senior majoring in art education.Kristen N. Colby is a sophomore majoring in art (interior design).Sherri Marie Dickinsonhamiel is a senior majoring in nursing.Amy Lien Florea is a junior majoring in elementary education.Adria B. Girard is a sophomore majoring in social work.Kali J. Harvey is a senior majoring in psychology.Ciara Rose Kearn is a sophomore majoring in communication sciences and disorders.Jaedyn Paige Kearn is a sophomore majoring in criminal justice.Natalie Anne Lervold is a junior majoring in social work.Madelyn Joelle Meyer is a junior majoring in elementary education.Adrianna Michaud is majoring in elementary education.Blaze Alec Payeur is a senior majoring in agriculture (agronomy business).Katie M. Pfanz is a senior majoring in criminal justice.Caleb Wayne Strait is a senior majoring in history (secondary education).Katelyn Trecek is a sophomore majoring in medical diagnostic imaging.Peyton Elyse Warner is majoring in communication sciences and disorders.GlascoPaxton Mackenzie Yager is a senior majoring in nursing.JamestownHadley R. Thyfault is majoring in elementary education.MiltonvaleLane Stewart Sanders is a senior majoring in health and human performance (sport and exercise therapy).<h2>DICKINSON COUNTY</h2>AbileneIsabelle Kate Barbieri is majoring in nursing.Abby Barnes is a junior majoring in medical diagnostic imaging (ultrasound).Jacob Berven is majoring in accounting.Gavin James Blehm is a senior majoring in music (education).Zoe Elizabeth Cooper is a junior majoring in tourism and hospitality management.Adreinne Marie Danner is a senior majoring in art education.Jennifer R. Dewitt is a senior majoring in general studies (general business).Kelsey Lynn Jones is a senior majoring in biology (health professions).Makenna Brielle McGivney is a freshman majoring in health and human performance (sport and exercise therapy).Madisyn Riffel is majoring in nursing.Edward D. Scott is a senior majoring in technology studies (engineering design).Nathan Jack Williams is majoring in general studies (networking).ChapmanKristine Betsy Gugler is a senior majoring in psychology.EnterpriseCassandra K. Quathamer is a junior majoring in elementary education.HeringtonAmanda Danielle Barnes is a senior majoring in elementary education.Emilie Jean Roe is a sophomore majoring in health and human performance (K-12 teaching and coaching).SolomonShaelynn Cross is a senior majoring in elementary education.Bryson L. Homman is a senior majoring in art (interior design).Cory Lee Keller is majoring in information networking and telecommunications (Web and mobile application development).WoodbineJaryth Michael Barten is a senior majoring in communication.Mason Reed Hinkle is a senior majoring in history (secondary education).<h2>ELLSWORTH COUNTY</h2>EllsworthCody Ewing Bourbon is a freshman majoring in physics.Jeanae Dayle Brungardt is a junior majoring in organizational leadership.Jessie E. Graves is a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.Jenna Elizabeth Haase is a senior majoring in elementary education.Shianne Paisley Svaty is a sophomore majoring in elementary education.Caden Arthur Whetzel is a junior majoring in criminal justice.Hannah Christine Wilson is a junior majoring in radiologic technology.HolyroodSarah Nuraisyah Fay is a freshman.WilsonAnna Catherine Criswell is a senior majoring in English (literature).Aaron James Dlabal is a senior majoring in music (education).Lilly Brae Duncan is a junior majoring in biology.Cassidy Danielle Kroboth is a sophomore majoring in agriculture.<h2>JEWELL COUNTY</h2>Burr OakBrady Kyle Jeffery is a junior majoring in elementary education.EsbonWilliam Dennis Flavin is a senior majoring in general studies (historical).JewellGrant Jacob Arasmith is a sophomore majoring in management.Hannah Kay Burks is a sophomore majoring in biology (education).Hayley M. Burks is a sophomore majoring in elementary education.Bren Elizabeth Peters is a sophomore majoring in agricultural business.MankatoHeather Garst is a senior majoring in elementary education.<h2>LINCOLN COUNTY</h2>LincolnConnor Matthew O'Hare is a junior majoring in technology studies (construction management).Michel Ray O'Hare is a senior majoring in marketing (general).Macy Rae Winters is a sophomore.Marissa Mabel Winters is a sophomore.Sylvan GroveLogan Emma Batchman is a senior majoring in agricultural business.<h2>MARION COUNTY</h2>FlorenceDaniel Scott Hinton is a senior majoring in management.MarionChloe Dawn Burkholder is a sophomore majoring in nursing.Jacob Corey Crabb is a senior majoring in information networking and telecommunications (cybersecurity).TampaAddie Berens is a sophomore majoring in elementary education.<h2>McPHERSON COUNTY</h2>CantonEmma Riley Ruddle is a freshman majoring in nursing.InmanMayce Elaine Mikulecky is a junior majoring in elementary education.LindsborgNevada Dawn Acheson is a sophomore majoring in management.Dax Kyler Hopp is a freshman.Amenda Huse is a senior majoring in elementary education.McPhersonAudra Marie Boerger is a senior majoring in marketing.Ellea Ediger is a senior majoring in finance (financial planning).Emma Rose Ellet is a senior majoring in communication (organizational).Ashley Cheyanna Gant is majoring in health and human performance (sport and exercise therapy).Katherine J. Hemenway is a junior majoring in nursing.Angela Renee Henry is a junior majoring in elementary education.Kaylee Elaine James is majoring in elementary education.Sydney Marie Myers is a freshman majoring in music (education).Megan Rochelle Saverino is a junior majoring in nursing.Terry L. Scott is majoring in elementary education.Wyatt M. Seidl is a junior majoring in elementary education.Michelle E. Stolzenburg is a senior majoring in elementary education.Brittanee Dawn White is a senior majoring in biology (health professions).MoundridgeRebecca Anne Buller is a junior majoring in elementary education.Caleb Daniel Frye is a senior majoring in finance (financial planning).Collin Larry Kohl is a freshman majoring in marketing.Ellika Page Ptacek is a sophomore majoring in nursing.SmolanJordan Otto is a senior majoring in management.<h2>MITCHELL COUNTY</h2>BeloitAlexis Paige Arasmith is a sophomore majoring in psychology.Reid David Behrends is a junior majoring in criminal justice.Trista A. Boeve is a sophomore majoring in medical diagnostic imaging.Karson Sinclair Brown is a junior majoring in health and human performance (sport and exercise therapy).Colin Steven Chandler is a junior majoring in biology (health professions).Ryan Joseph Gengler is a senior majoring in nursing.Hudson Michael Gray is a sophomore majoring in finance.Blayne Walter Harris is a junior majoring in health and human performance.Megan Marie Helmbrecht is majoring in management.Shae Elizabeth Johnson is a senior majoring in organizational leadership.Elyse Nathalie Krier is a junior majoring in general studies.Jessica Olivia Meier is a sophomore majoring in nursing.Jared Ethan Mosher is a senior majoring in health and human performance (K-12 teaching and coaching).Vincent Joseph Palen is a sophomore majoring in finance (banking).Blaise Glory Spangler is a sophomore majoring in biology (health professions).Hannah Marie Thiessen is a sophomore majoring in medical diagnostic imaging.Carter Wessling is majoring in technology studies (construction management).Karissa Rose Winkel is a senior majoring in health and human performance (sport and exercise therapy).Cawker CityMason Richard Duskie is a sophomore majoring in criminal justice.Megan Ann Larocque is a sophomore majoring in art (graphic design).Matthew John Tanis is a junior majoring in biology (health professions).Glen ElderLaney Raelynn Clark is a sophomore majoring in elementary education.Kaetlin Marie Hyman is a freshman majoring in criminal justice.Makenna Marie Stauffer is a junior majoring in art (studio).Trinity Nicole Wagner is a junior majoring in marketing.TiptonErica Ann Brummer is a sophomore majoring in health and human performance (sport and exercise therapy).Emily Lynn Koenigsman is a sophomore majoring in agriculture (animal science).<h2>OTTAWA COUNTY</h2>BenningtonMadalyn Marie Matthews is a sophomore majoring in health and human performance (sport and exercise therapy).Chloe Michelle Stanley is a sophomore majoring in sociology.Ryan William Stanley is a senior majoring in management.DelphosCooper Wayne Thompson is a sophomore majoring in chemistry.MinneapolisLevi Jack Ausherman is a sophomore majoring in health and human performance (sport and exercise therapy).Kylie Jai McKinney is majoring in elementary education.Zoie Marie Shupe is a freshman majoring in elementary education.Dason Perry Sweat is a senior majoring in technology studies (engineering design).Claudia Elizabeth Trout is a junior majoring in elementary education.Karisma Joy Vignery is a junior majoring in mathematics (teaching).TescottDanni Rae Ehlers is a freshman majoring in nursing.<h2>REPUBLIC COUNTY</h2>AgendaTaylor Lea Thompson is a senior majoring in agriculture (agronomy).BellevilleElizabeth Storm Callaway is a senior majoring in elementary education.<h2>SALINE COUNTY</h2>BrookvilleErin M. Lange is a sophomore majoring in elementary education.Sydney Suzanne Omli is majoring in elementary education.New CambriaJessica Joy Johnson is majoring in history (secondary education).SalinaAynsley Appelhanz is a junior majoring in elementary education.Kesa Augustine is a senior majoring in elementary education.Brianna Nicole Byerley is a sophomore majoring in psychology.Hailey M. Chapman is majoring in psychology.Austin Michael Chart is a senior majoring in agriculture (agronomy).Alison Dose is a senior majoring in political science.Ryan Anthony Dose is majoring in geosciences (geology).Latoriea Edwards is majoring in general studies.Ethan Mason Elam is a freshman majoring in nursing.Avery Ann Feil is a sophomore majoring in psychology.Devin Gregory Feil is a junior majoring in health and human performance (recreation and sport management).Hannah Feldman is a senior majoring in English (literature).Leah Kathleen Feldman is a freshman majoring in health and human performance (K-12 teaching and coaching).Kira Elena Gilbert is a senior majoring in general studies (leadership).Maleha Faith Hadnot is a freshman majoring in nursing.Anne Marie Hayes is a senior majoring in art (graphic design).Hernan Hernandez is majoring in elementary education.Grace Kathryn Holgerson is a junior majoring in English (literature).Madison Marie Huffman is a sophomore majoring in nursing.Willow Cassidy Hunt is a junior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.Alexis Nykole Karabinas is a senior majoring in art (studio).Brooke Keller is majoring in nursing.Lexington Grace Kochanowski is a senior majoring in psychology.Megan Carolyne Krebaum is a junior majoring in medical diagnostic imaging.Emma R. Lidstrom is a junior majoring in elementary education.Avery Ann Loucks is a sophomore majoring in radiologic technology.Kaylee Irene Lovett is a freshman majoring in elementary education.Kylee Nicole Luchsinger is a freshman.Abigail A. Miller is a freshman majoring in management.Riley Miller is a junior majoring in elementary education.Kiara Jenae Montey is a freshman majoring in nursing.Cierah Nunemaker is a junior majoring in organizational leadership.Ana Laura Ortega-Castruita is a junior majoring in social work.Aum Mukesh Patel is a sophomore.Logan J. Qualls is a freshman majoring in biology (health professions).Brooke Madison Renshaw is a freshman majoring in accounting.Kasey Morgan Renshaw is a senior majoring in elementary education.Mikayla Louise Resley is a junior majoring in social work.Katalina F. Rivera is a sophomore majoring in English (literature).Emily Faith Ross is a sophomore majoring in medical diagnostic imaging.Angelina H. Schuman is a junior majoring in finance.Kathryn Grace Stoeber is a junior majoring in social work.Kourtney Jordan Sweet is a senior majoring in art (studio).Kathleen Marie Taylor is a senior majoring in elementary education.Cade Tyler Thomas is a freshman.Seth Michael Thompson is a junior majoring in accounting.Mason Montgomery Unruh is a junior majoring in general studies (massage therapy).Brittany S. Wheeler is a junior majoring in art (graphic design).Khendal Lane Wimberly is a junior majoring in art (history).Alissa Lynn Zajac is a senior majoring in history (secondary education).Jaime Marie Zajac is a junior majoring in history.

Local, area students earn academic honors at FHSU

Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Wednesday.

Sadly, there have been four additional deaths due to COVID-19 reported since our last update on January 25; bringing the total number of members of our community who have lost their lives to this deadly virus to 92. Additionally, Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have 23 patients who require hospitalization for COVID-19.

There have been 67 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since January 25. The total number of positive cases for Saline County has risen to 5,467.

The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 1,828 cases. At least 3,547 have recovered. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:

●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/ccad98556b7a46648616706b9f3e9cc4">Mobile Device Users</a>

●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4c3ee372c5704546b7771da303afd0a7">Desktop Users</a>

This is an ever-evolving situation. Please continue to follow official sources to obtain the most accurate information possible.

If you have tested positive or you are known to be a close contact, please do not call the Health Department unless it has been at least five days since you received your results and you have not heard from us. We understand that for both employees and employers, quarantine or isolation documentation may be necessary to verify a leave of absence. Please refer to our&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001atwj7jDaE7gsBsfCSqDMQG6w2O4W5RG986EMMlQkrE9SF7zk6lKouCIBMfHQrAd7P0BimUrtedHIrDz391xD-wrf2jgEzVSeZY6a_t90Mz9jzvMhe2aBu9A6RjFaEmE55r1UwhVcOT6lKSqC97AP4qfqq_Ayp9Ld&amp;c=Q47zScwmBq2L793BhAPM5GJ2plf-PwPki9pc2uc1PAIQEYUi-cEyTQ==&amp;ch=7oLPSU3M4VZrj956qXK7ASJSVg9N8pMKzbn8oZMs5KQeD7kNUxpphQ==" target="_blank">FAQ Section</a>&nbsp;for additional questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001atwj7jDaE7gsBsfCSqDMQG6w2O4W5RG986EMMlQkrE9SF7zk6lKouCIBMfHQrAd7FG0uLaAF947CkqJPsxDoqlK7DTe-_dEfzr5xmTA_3RAkeXrWdmXw8r4cDWxHMwqMmuS6ae8qjwHlJscfw5N7ZErdapFryFk6&amp;c=Q47zScwmBq2L793BhAPM5GJ2plf-PwPki9pc2uc1PAIQEYUi-cEyTQ==&amp;ch=7oLPSU3M4VZrj956qXK7ASJSVg9N8pMKzbn8oZMs5KQeD7kNUxpphQ==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there are now 272,517 cases and 3,718 deaths statewide.

Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please:&nbsp;

1. Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water.&nbsp;

2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more.&nbsp;

3. Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective.&nbsp;

4. By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments).&nbsp;

5. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc.

6. Stay home if you are sick. Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse.&nbsp;

Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001atwj7jDaE7gsBsfCSqDMQG6w2O4W5RG986EMMlQkrE9SF7zk6lKouCIBMfHQrAd7E5weO3xxAnbVqBeEUZEAIaSqyCK-kBJiT9FlAdMn48UVXv_bPPlMuKyeSQsjQvgK_BZYWgeATDqdZi0d-PTXKBDjpYpbL2Uk&amp;c=Q47zScwmBq2L793BhAPM5GJ2plf-PwPki9pc2uc1PAIQEYUi-cEyTQ==&amp;ch=7oLPSU3M4VZrj956qXK7ASJSVg9N8pMKzbn8oZMs5KQeD7kNUxpphQ==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001atwj7jDaE7gsBsfCSqDMQG6w2O4W5RG986EMMlQkrE9SF7zk6lKouCIBMfHQrAd7WGLqBnw-hJ7nF5ONitucCdFr1pBVvDP_n3GttWxWlJKk6ag_9PyfvFmYhGx1BU9Qhm0lhyVB3OQ=&amp;c=Q47zScwmBq2L793BhAPM5GJ2plf-PwPki9pc2uc1PAIQEYUi-cEyTQ==&amp;ch=7oLPSU3M4VZrj956qXK7ASJSVg9N8pMKzbn8oZMs5KQeD7kNUxpphQ==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611787498137.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Wednesday.Sadly, there have been four additional deaths due to COVID-19 reported since our last update on January 25; bringing the total number of members of our community who have lost their lives to this deadly virus to 92. Additionally, Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have 23 patients who require hospitalization for COVID-19. There have been 67 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since January 25. The total number of positive cases for Saline County has risen to 5,467. The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 1,828 cases. At least 3,547 have recovered. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/ccad98556b7a46648616706b9f3e9cc4">Mobile Device Users</a>●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4c3ee372c5704546b7771da303afd0a7">Desktop Users</a> This is an ever-evolving situation. Please continue to follow official sources to obtain the most accurate information possible. If you have tested positive or you are known to be a close contact, please do not call the Health Department unless it has been at least five days since you received your results and you have not heard from us. We understand that for both employees and employers, quarantine or isolation documentation may be necessary to verify a leave of absence. Please refer to our&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001atwj7jDaE7gsBsfCSqDMQG6w2O4W5RG986EMMlQkrE9SF7zk6lKouCIBMfHQrAd7P0BimUrtedHIrDz391xD-wrf2jgEzVSeZY6a_t90Mz9jzvMhe2aBu9A6RjFaEmE55r1UwhVcOT6lKSqC97AP4qfqq_Ayp9Ld&amp;c=Q47zScwmBq2L793BhAPM5GJ2plf-PwPki9pc2uc1PAIQEYUi-cEyTQ==&amp;ch=7oLPSU3M4VZrj956qXK7ASJSVg9N8pMKzbn8oZMs5KQeD7kNUxpphQ==" target="_blank">FAQ Section</a>&nbsp;for additional questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001atwj7jDaE7gsBsfCSqDMQG6w2O4W5RG986EMMlQkrE9SF7zk6lKouCIBMfHQrAd7FG0uLaAF947CkqJPsxDoqlK7DTe-_dEfzr5xmTA_3RAkeXrWdmXw8r4cDWxHMwqMmuS6ae8qjwHlJscfw5N7ZErdapFryFk6&amp;c=Q47zScwmBq2L793BhAPM5GJ2plf-PwPki9pc2uc1PAIQEYUi-cEyTQ==&amp;ch=7oLPSU3M4VZrj956qXK7ASJSVg9N8pMKzbn8oZMs5KQeD7kNUxpphQ==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there are now 272,517 cases and 3,718 deaths statewide.Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please:&nbsp;1. Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water.&nbsp;2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more.&nbsp;3. Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective.&nbsp;4. By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments).&nbsp;5. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc.6. Stay home if you are sick. Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse.&nbsp; Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001atwj7jDaE7gsBsfCSqDMQG6w2O4W5RG986EMMlQkrE9SF7zk6lKouCIBMfHQrAd7E5weO3xxAnbVqBeEUZEAIaSqyCK-kBJiT9FlAdMn48UVXv_bPPlMuKyeSQsjQvgK_BZYWgeATDqdZi0d-PTXKBDjpYpbL2Uk&amp;c=Q47zScwmBq2L793BhAPM5GJ2plf-PwPki9pc2uc1PAIQEYUi-cEyTQ==&amp;ch=7oLPSU3M4VZrj956qXK7ASJSVg9N8pMKzbn8oZMs5KQeD7kNUxpphQ==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001atwj7jDaE7gsBsfCSqDMQG6w2O4W5RG986EMMlQkrE9SF7zk6lKouCIBMfHQrAd7WGLqBnw-hJ7nF5ONitucCdFr1pBVvDP_n3GttWxWlJKk6ag_9PyfvFmYhGx1BU9Qhm0lhyVB3OQ=&amp;c=Q47zScwmBq2L793BhAPM5GJ2plf-PwPki9pc2uc1PAIQEYUi-cEyTQ==&amp;ch=7oLPSU3M4VZrj956qXK7ASJSVg9N8pMKzbn8oZMs5KQeD7kNUxpphQ==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Saline County reports 4 additional deaths, 67 new COVID-19 cases

By COLLEEN TRESSLER Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

With every passing day, the news on COVID-19 vaccine distribution seems to change. One reason is that distribution varies by state and territory. And scammers, always at the ready, are taking advantage of the confusion. Besides a big dose of patience, here are some tips to help you avoid a vaccine-related scam, no matter where you live:

Contact a trusted source for information.&nbsp;Check with&nbsp;state&nbsp;or&nbsp;local&nbsp;health departments to learn when and how to get the COVID-19 vaccine. You can also talk with your health care provider or pharmacist.

Don’t pay to sign up for the vaccine.&nbsp;Anyone who asks for a payment to put you on a list, make an appointment for you, or reserve a spot in line is a scammer.

Ignore sales ads for the COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;You can’t buy it – anywhere. The vaccine is only available at federal- and state-approved locations.

Watch for unexpected or unusual texts.&nbsp;If your health care provider or pharmacist has used text messages to contact you in the past, you might get a text from them about the vaccine. If you get a text, call your health care provider or pharmacist directly to make sure they sent the text. But scammers are texting, too. So don’t click on links in text messages – especially messages you didn’t expect.

Don’t open emails, attachments, or links&nbsp;from people you don’t know, or that come unexpectedly. You could download dangerous&nbsp;malware&nbsp;onto your computer or phone.

Don’t share your personal, financial, or health information&nbsp;with people you don’t know. No one from a vaccine distribution site, health care provider’s office, pharmacy, or health care payer, like a private insurance company or Medicare, will call, text, or email you asking for your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number to sign you up to get the vaccine.

Stay connected to stay informed. <a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8">Subscribe to consumer alerts from the FTC</a>. When you do, you’ll get updates delivered right to your email inbox.

If you know about a COVID-19 vaccine scam, let the FTC know at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Or, file a complaint with your state or territory attorney general through <a href="https://www.consumerresources.org/file-a-complaint/">consumerresources.org</a>, the consumer website of the National Association of Attorneys General.

The above information is from the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/01/scammers-cash-covid-19-vaccination-confusion?utm_source=govdelivery">blog</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611775676939.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLLEEN TRESSLER Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTCWith every passing day, the news on COVID-19 vaccine distribution seems to change. One reason is that distribution varies by state and territory. And scammers, always at the ready, are taking advantage of the confusion. Besides a big dose of patience, here are some tips to help you avoid a vaccine-related scam, no matter where you live:Contact a trusted source for information.&nbsp;Check with&nbsp;state&nbsp;or&nbsp;local&nbsp;health departments to learn when and how to get the COVID-19 vaccine. You can also talk with your health care provider or pharmacist.Don’t pay to sign up for the vaccine.&nbsp;Anyone who asks for a payment to put you on a list, make an appointment for you, or reserve a spot in line is a scammer.Ignore sales ads for the COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;You can’t buy it – anywhere. The vaccine is only available at federal- and state-approved locations.Watch for unexpected or unusual texts.&nbsp;If your health care provider or pharmacist has used text messages to contact you in the past, you might get a text from them about the vaccine. If you get a text, call your health care provider or pharmacist directly to make sure they sent the text. But scammers are texting, too. So don’t click on links in text messages – especially messages you didn’t expect.Don’t open emails, attachments, or links&nbsp;from people you don’t know, or that come unexpectedly. You could download dangerous&nbsp;malware&nbsp;onto your computer or phone.Don’t share your personal, financial, or health information&nbsp;with people you don’t know. No one from a vaccine distribution site, health care provider’s office, pharmacy, or health care payer, like a private insurance company or Medicare, will call, text, or email you asking for your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number to sign you up to get the vaccine.Stay connected to stay informed. <a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8">Subscribe to consumer alerts from the FTC</a>. When you do, you’ll get updates delivered right to your email inbox.If you know about a COVID-19 vaccine scam, let the FTC know at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Or, file a complaint with your state or territory attorney general through <a href="https://www.consumerresources.org/file-a-complaint/">consumerresources.org</a>, the consumer website of the National Association of Attorneys General.The above information is from the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/01/scammers-cash-covid-19-vaccination-confusion?utm_source=govdelivery">blog</a>.&nbsp;

FTC: Scammers cash in on COVID-19 vaccination confusion

How cool is this? The Salina Fire Department getting national recognition even back in 1951! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafire/">Salina Fire</a> Facebook page:

How cool is this? The Salina Fire Department getting national recognition even back in 1951! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafire/">Salina Fire</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinafire%2Fposts%2F3448548568575978&width=500&show_text=true&height=683&appId" width="500" height="683" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Salina Fire Department was getting national recognition even back in 1951

By SHERMAN SMITH Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA — William Clark, the interim CEO for Saint Francis Ministries, provided a bleak and urgent understanding of his organization’s financial stability during a hearing last week with Nebraska lawmakers.

Past executives for Saint Francis misled Nebraska officials about the cost of providing foster care service for the Omaha region, Clark said. Now, he explained, lawmakers have one week to provide an additional $110 million through an emergency, no-bid contract or the Salina-based nonprofit will run out of money.

“I’ll say this twice, just so I’m not misunderstood,” Clark said. “Saint Francis failed to bid the contract properly. Saint Francis takes responsibility for not accurately providing a bid to the state of Nebraska for what it costs to provide the services that we’re expecting.”

Former Saint Francis CEO Robert Smith and COO Tom Blythe left the organization in November after an investigation substantiated allegations of financial misconduct. A combination of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">bad investments and personal expenses</a>&nbsp;forced Saint Francis to eliminate programs and staff as it works to stabilize its core operations.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families is nearing completion of a yearlong audit into the financial stability of Saint Francis and its use of taxpayer funds. A spokesman for DCF said the agency hopes to finalize the report by early April.

In 2019, Saint Francis expanded its reach to Nebraska by severely underbidding PromiseShip for a contract to provide services in the Omaha area. Smith and Blythe lied to Nebraska officials and board members about the true cost of those services, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/RedactedInvestigativeReport.pdf">an investigation conducted by Saint Francis</a>&nbsp;in November of 2020.

Nebraska lawmakers and child advocates immediately scrutinized the state’s decision to award the contract to Saint Francis, which has failed to meet basic requirements for social worker caseloads and left foster children sleeping in offices.

During Friday’s hearing, Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, of Omaha, lashed out at Dannette Smith, CEO of the Department of Health and Human Services, for not recognizing red flags.

“How could you possibly think that another child welfare entity could come into the state and do the work at such a significantly reduced amount,” Cavanaugh asked.

Smith said she was misled by dishonest executives at Saint Francis. Cavanaugh accused her of lying.

“That shows a lack of judgment on your part,” Cavanaugh said. “I mean — this is galling. This is galling, and this is negligent, and you’re saying you didn’t know. But you did know. You just chose not to do anything about it.”

Smith said she “could have done some things differently.”

“We take responsibility for those things that have happened,” Smith said. “We are working with Saint Francis in the best interest of children and families. We are doing what we need to do to get this contract back where it needs to be. Could we have done something different? Perhaps we could.”

Clark said he is working with Smith’s agency on a new contract that would add $25 million per year for the current fiscal year and three future years, plus $10 million for past expenses. He said the funds made available through the current contract will be exhausted by Feb. 12.

Saint Francis funding for services in Kansas is not in jeopardy.

Khalilah LeGrand, a spokeswoman for DHHS, declined to answer questions for this story about whether a new contract can be reached by Friday or if the agency is considering any other options.

“We are in ongoing negotiations,” LeGrand said.

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts in a news conference Monday said the state can afford to give the requested additional funding to Saint Francis.

“We obviously dealt with executives at Saint Francis who were fired because of financial mismanagement, so I think we’ve got kind of a unique case here,” Ricketts said. “I don’t think this is going to set a precedent.”

Morgan Rothenberger, a spokeswoman for Saint Francis, said the organization would not stop providing services without working with the state to transition those services.

“We were clear in testimony before the Nebraska Legislature on Friday that to stabilize Saint Francis we must receive additional funding, and since all state partners have been supportive of our work and in agreement that they will provide that funding, we are not concerned about giving up the contract,” Rothenberger said.

The above story is republished with permission from <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>.

Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature. He spent 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal, where he started on the copy desk, then oversaw digital operations, was the managing editor and reported from the Statehouse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611770849741.jpeg" alt="William Clark, interim CEO at Saint Francis Ministries, says substantial progress has been made in the past two months to restore the organization's financial footing. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>William Clark, interim CEO at Saint Francis Ministries, says substantial progress has been made in the past two months to restore the organization's financial footing. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH Kansas ReflectorTOPEKA — William Clark, the interim CEO for Saint Francis Ministries, provided a bleak and urgent understanding of his organization’s financial stability during a hearing last week with Nebraska lawmakers.Past executives for Saint Francis misled Nebraska officials about the cost of providing foster care service for the Omaha region, Clark said. Now, he explained, lawmakers have one week to provide an additional $110 million through an emergency, no-bid contract or the Salina-based nonprofit will run out of money.“I’ll say this twice, just so I’m not misunderstood,” Clark said. “Saint Francis failed to bid the contract properly. Saint Francis takes responsibility for not accurately providing a bid to the state of Nebraska for what it costs to provide the services that we’re expecting.”Former Saint Francis CEO Robert Smith and COO Tom Blythe left the organization in November after an investigation substantiated allegations of financial misconduct. A combination of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">bad investments and personal expenses</a>&nbsp;forced Saint Francis to eliminate programs and staff as it works to stabilize its core operations.The Kansas Department for Children and Families is nearing completion of a yearlong audit into the financial stability of Saint Francis and its use of taxpayer funds. A spokesman for DCF said the agency hopes to finalize the report by early April.In 2019, Saint Francis expanded its reach to Nebraska by severely underbidding PromiseShip for a contract to provide services in the Omaha area. Smith and Blythe lied to Nebraska officials and board members about the true cost of those services, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/RedactedInvestigativeReport.pdf">an investigation conducted by Saint Francis</a>&nbsp;in November of 2020.Nebraska lawmakers and child advocates immediately scrutinized the state’s decision to award the contract to Saint Francis, which has failed to meet basic requirements for social worker caseloads and left foster children sleeping in offices.During Friday’s hearing, Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, of Omaha, lashed out at Dannette Smith, CEO of the Department of Health and Human Services, for not recognizing red flags.“How could you possibly think that another child welfare entity could come into the state and do the work at such a significantly reduced amount,” Cavanaugh asked.Smith said she was misled by dishonest executives at Saint Francis. Cavanaugh accused her of lying.“That shows a lack of judgment on your part,” Cavanaugh said. “I mean — this is galling. This is galling, and this is negligent, and you’re saying you didn’t know. But you did know. You just chose not to do anything about it.”Smith said she “could have done some things differently.”“We take responsibility for those things that have happened,” Smith said. “We are working with Saint Francis in the best interest of children and families. We are doing what we need to do to get this contract back where it needs to be. Could we have done something different? Perhaps we could.”Clark said he is working with Smith’s agency on a new contract that would add $25 million per year for the current fiscal year and three future years, plus $10 million for past expenses. He said the funds made available through the current contract will be exhausted by Feb. 12.Saint Francis funding for services in Kansas is not in jeopardy.Khalilah LeGrand, a spokeswoman for DHHS, declined to answer questions for this story about whether a new contract can be reached by Friday or if the agency is considering any other options.“We are in ongoing negotiations,” LeGrand said.Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts in a news conference Monday said the state can afford to give the requested additional funding to Saint Francis.“We obviously dealt with executives at Saint Francis who were fired because of financial mismanagement, so I think we’ve got kind of a unique case here,” Ricketts said. “I don’t think this is going to set a precedent.”Morgan Rothenberger, a spokeswoman for Saint Francis, said the organization would not stop providing services without working with the state to transition those services.“We were clear in testimony before the Nebraska Legislature on Friday that to stabilize Saint Francis we must receive additional funding, and since all state partners have been supportive of our work and in agreement that they will provide that funding, we are not concerned about giving up the contract,” Rothenberger said.The above story is republished with permission from <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>.Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature. He spent 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal, where he started on the copy desk, then oversaw digital operations, was the managing editor and reported from the Statehouse.

Saint Francis asks Neb. for immediate funding boost to maintain services

It might just be a three dog night!&nbsp;

According to the National Weather Service in Wichita,&nbsp;cold temperatures plus a gradually increasing wind will lead to very cold wind chill values tonight, especially along the Interstate 70 corridor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611766449276.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It might just be a three dog night!&nbsp;According to the National Weather Service in Wichita,&nbsp;cold temperatures plus a gradually increasing wind will lead to very cold wind chill values tonight, especially along the Interstate 70 corridor.

NWS: Wind chills will be quite cold tonight

Fire destroyed a building west of Salina Tuesday night.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that deputies and firefighters from Rural Fire District 7 were sent to 1334 West North Street at 11:17 p.m. Tuesday for the report of a structure fire. The building was rented by Gerald Teet, 48, of Salina, who used it for his firewood business, Soldan said.

According to Soldan, Teet had a wood-burning stove inside the building and had left it burning after leaving for the day. Somehow, the fire got out of the stove and spread throughout the building.

A $4,000 New Holland skid loader and $3,000 John Deere Gator belonging to Teet were destroyed in the fire, as was the building, which belonged to Earl Kinderknecht of Salina, Soldan said. There was no loss estimate for the building.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611764550564.jpeg" alt="The blaze destroyed this building used for a firewood business. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The blaze destroyed this building used for a firewood business. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Fire destroyed a building west of Salina Tuesday night.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that deputies and firefighters from Rural Fire District 7 were sent to 1334 West North Street at 11:17 p.m. Tuesday for the report of a structure fire. The building was rented by Gerald Teet, 48, of Salina, who used it for his firewood business, Soldan said.According to Soldan, Teet had a wood-burning stove inside the building and had left it burning after leaving for the day. Somehow, the fire got out of the stove and spread throughout the building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611764481964.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A $4,000 New Holland skid loader and $3,000 John Deere Gator belonging to Teet were destroyed in the fire, as was the building, which belonged to Earl Kinderknecht of Salina, Soldan said. There was no loss estimate for the building.