The Kansas winter sports season will begin on schedule after a vote of the board of directors of the Kansas High School Activities Association.

KSHSAA rules will allow play to begin on Dec. 1, with a moratorium on activities from Dec. 23 to Jan. 7. Practices can resume Jan. 4, and games will be allowed to resume Jan. 8.

No fans will be allowed to attend high school games Dec. 1 to Jan. 28, with local jurisdictions making the determination of resuming attendance Jan. 29. The issue of spectators could be taken up by the KSHSAA board at a later date.

Check Salina Post for more as details become available.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/19af3959-9778-4083-a4eb-a5a45eaf9ada">Click HERE to watch the KSHSAA board meeting.</a>

The Kansas winter sports season will begin on schedule after a vote of the board of directors of the Kansas High School Activities Association.KSHSAA rules will allow play to begin on Dec. 1, with a moratorium on activities from Dec. 23 to Jan. 7. Practices can resume Jan. 4, and games will be allowed to resume Jan. 8.No fans will be allowed to attend high school games Dec. 1 to Jan. 28, with local jurisdictions making the determination of resuming attendance Jan. 29. The issue of spectators could be taken up by the KSHSAA board at a later date.Check Salina Post for more as details become available.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/19af3959-9778-4083-a4eb-a5a45eaf9ada">Click HERE to watch the KSHSAA board meeting.</a>

UPDATE: Kan. winter sports will not be delayed; fans prohibited

The governing boards for the City of Salina, the Salina Airport Authority, USD 305, and Kansas State University (the Salina Public Entities) have received U.S. District Court approval of a consent decree negotiated with the United States of America for the cleanup of environmental contamination at the former Schilling Air Force Base. 

On Monday, the Honorable John W. Lungstrum, senior judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, approved the Oct. 20, 2020, consent decree between the Salina Public Entities and the United States A news release issued by the Salina Airport Authority noted. The Court subsequently entered an entry of final judgement in accordance with the terms of the consent decree.

Under terms of the Consent Decree the Salina Public Entities will assume the responsibility for the cleanup of environmental contamination at the former Schilling AFB site. In exchange, the United States agreed to pay the Salina Public Entities a sum of $67.7 million toward the cost of funding the multi-year cleanup.

“The Salina community has waited more than a decade to reach an agreement that will finally allow for the cleanup of Schilling Air Force Base,” said Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). “I want to congratulate the Salina Public Entities on this agreement and look forward to seeing these funds be put into action to help remove harmful substances at Schilling Air Force base and keep the community safe for future generations.”

The cleanup work will be completed with regulatory oversight provide by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) as detailed in a Consent Agreement and Final Order.

The Salina Public Entities executive group will immediately start work on final design of the cleanup. Following KDHE approvals, contractor bids will be solicited and received. Cleanup work will start early 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The governing boards for the City of Salina, the Salina Airport Authority, USD 305, and Kansas State University (the Salina Public Entities) have received U.S. District Court approval of a consent decree negotiated with the United States of America for the cleanup of environmental contamination at the former Schilling Air Force Base. On Monday, the Honorable John W. Lungstrum, senior judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, approved the Oct. 20, 2020, consent decree between the Salina Public Entities and the United States A news release issued by the Salina Airport Authority noted. The Court subsequently entered an entry of final judgement in accordance with the terms of the consent decree. Under terms of the Consent Decree the Salina Public Entities will assume the responsibility for the cleanup of environmental contamination at the former Schilling AFB site. In exchange, the United States agreed to pay the Salina Public Entities a sum of $67.7 million toward the cost of funding the multi-year cleanup. “The Salina community has waited more than a decade to reach an agreement that will finally allow for the cleanup of Schilling Air Force Base,” said Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). “I want to congratulate the Salina Public Entities on this agreement and look forward to seeing these funds be put into action to help remove harmful substances at Schilling Air Force base and keep the community safe for future generations.” The cleanup work will be completed with regulatory oversight provide by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) as detailed in a Consent Agreement and Final Order. The Salina Public Entities executive group will immediately start work on final design of the cleanup. Following KDHE approvals, contractor bids will be solicited and received. Cleanup work will start early 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former Schilling AFB consent decree approved

Congratulations to Bret Shank of Salina, the Week 11 winner in the Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bret, who scored 12 out of 14, wins $100!

The season has started, but with our great weekly prizes, you still have time to win!

<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up and play Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.

Throughout the season, Anesthesia Associates' Gridiron Glory on Salina Post gives you the opportunity to win weekly prizes.&nbsp;In addition to the weekly prizes, you can accumulate points throughout the pro football season toward winning the local grand prize of $1,000 and a national grand prize of a trip to Hawaii!

But remember: You can't win if you don't play! Are you up to the challenge? Play Anesthesia Associates'&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">Gridiron Glory</a>&nbsp;today!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599153961730.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Bret Shank of Salina, the Week 11 winner in the Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Bret, who scored 12 out of 14, wins $100!The season has started, but with our great weekly prizes, you still have time to win!<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up and play Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.Throughout the season, Anesthesia Associates' Gridiron Glory on Salina Post gives you the opportunity to win weekly prizes.&nbsp;In addition to the weekly prizes, you can accumulate points throughout the pro football season toward winning the local grand prize of $1,000 and a national grand prize of a trip to Hawaii!But remember: You can't win if you don't play! Are you up to the challenge? Play Anesthesia Associates'&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">Gridiron Glory</a>&nbsp;today!

Gridiron Glory: Congrats Bret Shank!

An ATV found south of the Salina Regional Airport early Monday morning has been reunited with its owner.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that a 2009 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 ATV with a sprayer tank mounted on it was stolen from a residence on Fairchilds Road. It was found, along with a broken tie-down strap, at the intersection of Fairchilds Road and West Water Well Road.

An ATV found south of the Salina Regional Airport early Monday morning has been reunited with its owner.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that a 2009 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 ATV with a sprayer tank mounted on it was stolen from a residence on Fairchilds Road. It was found, along with a broken tie-down strap, at the intersection of Fairchilds Road and West Water Well Road.

Sheriff: Found ATV had been stolen; back with its owner now

UPDATE: This story has been updated by KWU to correct that Mr. Olson died in September 2019.

Kansas Wesleyan University has received a more than $4 million gift from the estate of Salina native Dale Olson.

Olson, a longtime supporter of KWU, died in September 2019. The gift is the largest single gift in KWU history, the university noted in a news release.

“Dale and his family meant a great deal to our university,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of advancement, admissions and marketing. “Although he graduated from another institution, he always maintained his ties to Salina and, more specifically, to KWU. He went on to accomplish great things and, because of his generosity, more students will be able to follow in his footsteps. We thank the Olson family for this incredible gift.”

Olson, a Salina native whose father’s concrete company laid the original Pioneer Hall steps, attended KWU from 1945–47 following a stint in the Naval Reserves. He noted that the head of the KWU Mathematics Department played a key role in his academic success. 

Olson would complete two years of pre-engineering courses at KWU before transferring to Kansas State, where he graduated in 1951 as a mechanical engineering major with a petroleum option. Olson rose to become one of four senior engineers with Conoco – now Conoco Phillips – before retiring in 1988, but maintained his ties to Salina and to KWU.

He would later endow one of the largest scholarship funds at Kansas Wesleyan, one that would average $5,800 per student annually for 33 students. He and his late wife, Marceline, also gave half a million dollars for the construction of the track that bears their family name at the Graves Family Sports Complex.

The Olson estate giving has been split between KWU and Kansas State.

UPDATE: This story has been updated by KWU to correct that Mr. Olson died in September 2019.Kansas Wesleyan University has received a more than $4 million gift from the estate of Salina native Dale Olson.Olson, a longtime supporter of KWU, died in September 2019. The gift is the largest single gift in KWU history, the university noted in a news release.“Dale and his family meant a great deal to our university,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of advancement, admissions and marketing. “Although he graduated from another institution, he always maintained his ties to Salina and, more specifically, to KWU. He went on to accomplish great things and, because of his generosity, more students will be able to follow in his footsteps. We thank the Olson family for this incredible gift.”Olson, a Salina native whose father’s concrete company laid the original Pioneer Hall steps, attended KWU from 1945–47 following a stint in the Naval Reserves. He noted that the head of the KWU Mathematics Department played a key role in his academic success. Olson would complete two years of pre-engineering courses at KWU before transferring to Kansas State, where he graduated in 1951 as a mechanical engineering major with a petroleum option. Olson rose to become one of four senior engineers with Conoco – now Conoco Phillips – before retiring in 1988, but maintained his ties to Salina and to KWU.He would later endow one of the largest scholarship funds at Kansas Wesleyan, one that would average $5,800 per student annually for 33 students. He and his late wife, Marceline, also gave half a million dollars for the construction of the track that bears their family name at the Graves Family Sports Complex.The Olson estate giving has been split between KWU and Kansas State.--<a href="http://kwu.edu">KWU</a>--

KWU receives a more than $4M estate gift, largest in university history

As the need for blood donations continues to become ever-more critical, the American Red Cross is partnering with Eagle Radio to both raise awareness and funding for the organization.

In conjunction with the Robert E &amp; Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation, Eagle Radio markets in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri will also be raising funds in an effort to help bolster the Red Cross vehicle fleet.

Donations will help the Red Cross purchase new community emergency vehicles that deliver critical blood needs across the region.

Donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Schmidt Foundation.

“The mission of the American Red Cross is more important today than ever, and Eagle Radio is proud to help strengthen the organization and its life-saving efforts,” said Eagle Radio Chairman Gary Shorman, who is also the Schmidt Foundation chairman of the board. “We urge our listeners and readers to consider helping this great cause — and strengthen the health and safety of our community at the same time.”

• Text to give: You can be a part of our community emergency vehicle campaign by texting the word RCFLEET to 41411 to make a donation.&nbsp;

• <a href="http://bit.ly/donateeagleradioschmidt">Eagle Radio microsite</a>

• <a href="http://bit.ly/GoFundMeEagleRadioRedCross">GoFundMe</a>

• Mail:&nbsp;American Red Cross 707 N. Main St., Wichita, KS 67203. Please indicate&nbsp;Eagle Radio Blood Fleet Campaign&nbsp;on the memo line of your check. Or you can download a mail-in donation form <a href="https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/donations/2019_Updated%20IRF%20Form_v1_FINAL_RSG00000MCDF.PDF">HERE</a>.

Last year, in the Eagle Radio markets, Red Cross collected over 370,000 units of lifesaving blood in support of more than 200 area hospitals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605915957336.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As the need for blood donations continues to become ever-more critical, the American Red Cross is partnering with Eagle Radio to both raise awareness and funding for the organization.In conjunction with the Robert E &amp; Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation, Eagle Radio markets in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri will also be raising funds in an effort to help bolster the Red Cross vehicle fleet.Donations will help the Red Cross purchase new community emergency vehicles that deliver critical blood needs across the region.Donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Schmidt Foundation.“The mission of the American Red Cross is more important today than ever, and Eagle Radio is proud to help strengthen the organization and its life-saving efforts,” said Eagle Radio Chairman Gary Shorman, who is also the Schmidt Foundation chairman of the board. “We urge our listeners and readers to consider helping this great cause — and strengthen the health and safety of our community at the same time.”Donations can be made by:• Text to give: You can be a part of our community emergency vehicle campaign by texting the word RCFLEET to 41411 to make a donation.&nbsp;• <a href="http://bit.ly/donateeagleradioschmidt">Eagle Radio microsite</a>• <a href="http://bit.ly/GoFundMeEagleRadioRedCross">GoFundMe</a>• Mail:&nbsp;American Red Cross 707 N. Main St., Wichita, KS 67203. Please indicate&nbsp;Eagle Radio Blood Fleet Campaign&nbsp;on the memo line of your check. Or you can download a mail-in donation form <a href="https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/donations/2019_Updated%20IRF%20Form_v1_FINAL_RSG00000MCDF.PDF">HERE</a>.Last year, in the Eagle Radio markets, Red Cross collected over 370,000 units of lifesaving blood in support of more than 200 area hospitals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604516806024.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Eagle Radio teams with Red Cross to replenish vehicle fleet

We didn't receive downpours, but much of the area received at least a bit of rain.

A mere 0.14 of an inch was recorded at the Salina Regional Airport for the 24-hour period that ended at 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Following are 24-hour rainfall totals as of 7 a.m. Tuesday from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">Community Collaborative Rain, Hail &amp; Snow Network</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

READ:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ee4ce44ebfb13423b27a8f4">Volunteers needed to help collect weather data</a>

We didn't receive downpours, but much of the area received at least a bit of rain.A mere 0.14 of an inch was recorded at the Salina Regional Airport for the 24-hour period that ended at 7 a.m. Tuesday.Following are 24-hour rainfall totals as of 7 a.m. Tuesday from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">Community Collaborative Rain, Hail &amp; Snow Network</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;READ:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ee4ce44ebfb13423b27a8f4">Volunteers needed to help collect weather data</a>CLAY COUNTYClay Center 12.4 NNE, 0.15 of an inchClay Center 6.7 WNW, 0.11 of an inchCLOUD COUNTYJamestown 2.4 NW, 0.11 of an inchConcordia 1.8 S, 0.21 of an inchDICKINSON COUNTYEnterprise 0.3 NW, 0.22 of an inchChapman 6.0 NNE, 0.19 of an inchHope 0.3 S, 0.12 of an inchAbilene 5.4 E, 0.27 of an inchCarlton 2.1 NNW, 0.14 of an inchHope 7.5 NNW, 0.16 of an inchAbilene 10.3 S, 0.14 of an inchAbilene 0.7 W, 0.26 of an inchAbilene 1.1 NNE, 0.24 of an inchAbilene 9.4 S, 0.17 of an inchELLSWORTH COUNTYKanopolis 0.8 SW, 0.08 of an inchEllsworth 0.3 E, 0.23 of an inchLorraine 1.4 S, 0.23 of an inchHolyrood 6.2 NNW, 0.08 of an inch JEWELL COUNTYWebber 2.6 ENE, 0.05 of an inchLINCOLN COUNTYBeverly 4.6 S, 0.23 of an inchMARION COUNTYNewton 12.6 N, 0.04 of an inchMCPHERSON COUNTYMcPherson 6.6 WSW, 0.03 of an inchGalva 1.5 NE, 0.03 of an inchCanton 3.2 N, 0.03 of an inchMoundridge 1.0 N, 0.02 of an inchGalva 1.4 N, 0.06 of an inchGalva 9.5 N, 0.08 of an inchMarquette 2.3 NNE, 0.14 of an inchMarquette 3.2 NNE, 0.13 of an inchMcPherson 1.1 NW, 0.08 of an inchMITCHELL COUNTYScottsville 4.6 SSW, 0.18 of an inchBeloit 9.9 SSW, 0.08 of an inchOTTAWA COUNTYAda 7.0 NNW, 0.07 of an inchMinneapolis 0.4 NE, 0.09 of an inchREPUBLIC COUNTYBelleville 4.2 N, 0.14 of an inchRepublic 1.0 NNW, 0.04 of an inchScandia 1.1 N, 0.11 of an inchBelleville 0.6 ESE, 0.21 of an inchSALINE COUNTYSalina 0.7 SSW, 0.20 of an inchBrookville 5.9 NNW, 0.27 of an inchSalina 5.7 NNW, 0.25 of an inchGypsum 1.1 NE, 0.13 of an inchCulver 1.8 SE, 0.23 of an inchSalina 2.9 ENE, 0.18 of an inchNew Cambria 2.1 NW, 0.19 of an inch

Much of the area receives at least some rain

Police are investigating the theft of a vehicle from a city parking lot.

Police were called to the 100 block of South Ninth Street Monday for the report of a stolen vehicle, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester noted this morning. A 44-year-old Salina man told police that his light blue 2004 Chrysler Concorde had been stolen from the city parking lot while he had been out of town for a couple of weeks. According to Forrester, both sets of keys were still with the owner.

The vehicle had a Kansas license plate of 177MPE and was valued at $1,500, he added.

Police are investigating the theft of a vehicle from a city parking lot.Police were called to the 100 block of South Ninth Street Monday for the report of a stolen vehicle, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester noted this morning. A 44-year-old Salina man told police that his light blue 2004 Chrysler Concorde had been stolen from the city parking lot while he had been out of town for a couple of weeks. According to Forrester, both sets of keys were still with the owner.The vehicle had a Kansas license plate of 177MPE and was valued at $1,500, he added.

Police investigating theft of car from city parking lot

A Topeka man was booked into the Saline County Jail early this morning on multiple requested drug charges after a traffic stop late last night.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that a patrol officer stopped a 2002 GMC Yukon just before midnight in the 500 block of North Ninth Street for having an obstructed license plate, which was behind the rear tinted window out of view.

When the officer made contact with the driver, Jonathan Brehon, 33, of Topeka, he noticed the odor of burnt marijuana and conducted a DUI investigation, Forrester explained. A search of the vehicle produced 31 packages of marijuana, two baggies of methamphetamine, with no drug tax stamp affixed to any of the narcotics, Forrester noted.

Brehon was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Forrester.

One count of possession of drug paraphernalia

One count of possession of illegal transaction proceeds

A Topeka man was booked into the Saline County Jail early this morning on multiple requested drug charges after a traffic stop late last night.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that a patrol officer stopped a 2002 GMC Yukon just before midnight in the 500 block of North Ninth Street for having an obstructed license plate, which was behind the rear tinted window out of view.When the officer made contact with the driver, Jonathan Brehon, 33, of Topeka, he noticed the odor of burnt marijuana and conducted a DUI investigation, Forrester explained. A search of the vehicle produced 31 packages of marijuana, two baggies of methamphetamine, with no drug tax stamp affixed to any of the narcotics, Forrester noted.Brehon was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Forrester.One count of distribution of a stimulantOne count of distribution of marijuanaOne count of possession of drug paraphernaliaOne count of no drug tax stampOne count of possession of illegal transaction proceedsOne count of driving under the influenceOne count of obstructed license plateOne count of driving while suspendedOne count of no proof of insurance

Topeka man arrested on multiple requested drug charges

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Photos courtesy of Saline County Jail, if provided.

Charges:&nbsp;Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

Charges:&nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+	

Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Photos courtesy of Saline County Jail, if provided.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606228541354.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Myers,Shantell NicoleCharges:&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606228631245.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Moreland,Paxton LewisCharges:&nbsp;Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606228712960.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Barnes,Tiani MarieCharges:&nbsp;Probation Violation	Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606228814306.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Davis,James MichaelCharges:&nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+	Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant

Saline County Jail Booking Activity – Tuesday

MINNEAPOLIS -- During a meeting Monday, the Ottawa County Commission adopted a resolution establishing an ordinance requiring the wearing of face coverings and social distancing in public spaces.

The ordinance took effect at 12:01 a.m. today.

The resolution indicates when face coverings are to be worn. Additionally, the ordinance establishes that people, businesses, organizations, and non-profits violating the ordinance are guilty of a misdemeanor and sets fines of $25 for a first violation to $100 for third and subsequent violations.

Following is a copy of the approved resolution, as provided on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCountyHealth">Ottawa County Health Department</a> Facebook page.

MINNEAPOLIS -- During a meeting Monday, the Ottawa County Commission adopted a resolution establishing an ordinance requiring the wearing of face coverings and social distancing in public spaces.The ordinance took effect at 12:01 a.m. today.The resolution indicates when face coverings are to be worn. Additionally, the ordinance establishes that people, businesses, organizations, and non-profits violating the ordinance are guilty of a misdemeanor and sets fines of $25 for a first violation to $100 for third and subsequent violations.Following is a copy of the approved resolution, as provided on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCountyHealth">Ottawa County Health Department</a> Facebook page.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606228173935.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606228198285.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606228222690.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606228249150.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Ottawa County adopts face covering ordinance

Much of our area has a chance for thunderstorms and, in some cases, snow later today.

We have a chance for isolated thunderstorms, though the stronger storm are expected to stay to our south, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. 

Strong storms are possible over much of south central and southeast Kansas, with severe storms are possible along and south of the Oklahoma border, NWS noted. The storms are expected to develop late this afternoon and persist into the evening. The primary threats are 50 to 60 mph and nickel to quarter sized hail.

Snow is forecast to develop in western Kansas this afternoon and spread into central Kansas this evening. Amounts from a trace to half inch are expected around Great Bend and Russell,  with very isolated amounts of around an inch possible. The higher totals are expected from north of Concordia to around Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606225829004.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Much of our area has a chance for thunderstorms and, in some cases, snow later today.We have a chance for isolated thunderstorms, though the stronger storm are expected to stay to our south, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. Strong storms are possible over much of south central and southeast Kansas, with severe storms are possible along and south of the Oklahoma border, NWS noted. The storms are expected to develop late this afternoon and persist into the evening. The primary threats are 50 to 60 mph and nickel to quarter sized hail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606225859645.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Snow is forecast to develop in western Kansas this afternoon and spread into central Kansas this evening. Amounts from a trace to half inch are expected around Great Bend and Russell, with very isolated amounts of around an inch possible. The higher totals are expected from north of Concordia to around Hays.

NWS: Isolated thunderstorms, chance for snow Tuesday

Today is Tuesday, Nov. 24, the 329th day of 2020. There are 37 days left in the year. 

On Nov. 24, 1859, British naturalist Charles Darwin published "On the Origin of Species," which explained his theory of evolution by means of natural selection. 

In 1865, Mississippi became the first Southern state to enact laws which came to be known as "Black Codes" aimed at limiting the rights of newly freed Blacks; other states of the former Confederacy soon followed.

In 1947, a group of writers, producers and directors that became known as the "Hollywood Ten" was cited for contempt of Congress for refusing to answer questions about alleged Communist influence in the movie industry. John Steinbeck's novel "The Pearl" was first published. 

In 1963, Jack Ruby shot and mortally wounded Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy, in a scene captured on live television. 

In 1971, a hijacker calling himself "Dan Cooper" (but who became popularly known as "D.B. Cooper") parachuted from a Northwest Orient Airlines 727 over the Pacific Northwest after receiving $200,000 in ransom; his fate remains unknown. 

In 1974, the bone fragments of a 3.2 million-year-old hominid were discovered by scientists in Ethiopia; the skeletal remains were nicknamed "Lucy."

In 1985, the hijacking of an Egyptair jetliner parked on the ground in Malta ended violently as Egyptian commandos stormed the plane. Fifty-eight people died in the raid, in addition to two others killed by the hijackers. 

In 1987, the United States and the Soviet Union agreed on terms to scrap shorter- and medium-range missiles. (The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was signed by President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev the following month.) 

In 1991, rock singer Freddie Mercury died in London at age 45 of AIDS-related pneumonia. 

In 1995, voters in Ireland narrowly approved a constitutional amendment legalizing divorce. 

In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court stepped into the bitter, overtime struggle for the White House, agreeing to consider George W. Bush's appeal against the hand recounting of ballots in Florida. 

In 2014, it was announced that a grand jury in St. Louis County, Missouri, had decided against indicting Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown; the decision enraged protesters who set fire to buildings and cars and looted businesses in the area where Brown had been fatally shot. 

In 2017, militants attacked a crowded mosque in Egypt with gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades, killing more than 300 people in the deadliest-ever attack by Islamic extremists in the country. 

Ten years ago: A jury in Austin convicted former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, on charges he'd illegally funneled corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002. (DeLay's convictions were overturned on appeal.)

Five years ago: In a show of Western solidarity, President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande met at the White House, where they vowed to escalate airstrikes against the Islamic State and bolster intelligence sharing following the deadly attacks in Paris. A suicide bomber struck a bus carrying members of Tunisia's presidential guard in the country's capital, killing 12 victims. Turkey shot down a Russian warplane that it said ignored repeated warnings after crossing into its airspace from Syria, killing one of the two pilots. (Turkey later formally apologized for the shootdown.)

One year ago: Billionaire and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg formally launched a Democratic bid for president. (Bloomberg would end his campaign in early March.) With multiple wins at the American Music Awards, Taylor Swift surged past Michael Jackson's record of 24 wins at the awards show, based on fan votes. Defense Secretary Mark Esper fired the Navy's top official, Richard Spencer, ending a clash between President Donald Trump and top military leadership over the fate of a SEAL accused of war crimes in Iraq. Disney's "Frozen" sequel took in $127 million domestically and $350 million worldwide in its opening weekend, breaking several records.

Today's Birthdays: Basketball Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson is 82. Country singer Johnny Carver is 80. Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue is 80. Rock drummer Pete Best is 79. Actor-comedian Billy Connolly is 78. Former White House press secretary Marlin Fitzwater is 78. Former Kansas congressman and Motion Picture Association of America Chairman Dan Glickman is 76. Singer Lee Michaels is 75. Actor Dwight Schultz is 73. Actor Stanley Livingston is 70. Rock musician Clem Burke (Blondie; The Romantics) is 66. Actor/director Ruben Santiago-Hudson is 64. Actor Denise Crosby is 63. Actor Shae D'Lyn is 58. Rock musician John Squire (The Stone Roses) is 58. Rock musician Gary Stonadge (Big Audio) is 58. Actor Conleth Hill is 56. Actor-comedian Brad Sherwood is 56. Actor Garret Dillahunt is 56. Actor-comedian Scott Krinsky is 52. Rock musician Chad Taylor (Live) is 50. Actor Lola Glaudini is 49. Actor Danielle Nicolet is 47. Actor-writer-director-producer Stephen Merchant is 46. Olympic bronze medal figure skater Chen Lu is 44. Actor Colin Hanks is 43. Actor Katherine Heigl is 42. Actor Sarah Hyland is 30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Tuesday, Nov. 24, the 329th day of 2020. There are 37 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Nov. 24, 1859, British naturalist Charles Darwin published "On the Origin of Species," which explained his theory of evolution by means of natural selection. On this date: In 1865, Mississippi became the first Southern state to enact laws which came to be known as "Black Codes" aimed at limiting the rights of newly freed Blacks; other states of the former Confederacy soon followed.In 1947, a group of writers, producers and directors that became known as the "Hollywood Ten" was cited for contempt of Congress for refusing to answer questions about alleged Communist influence in the movie industry. John Steinbeck's novel "The Pearl" was first published. In 1963, Jack Ruby shot and mortally wounded Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy, in a scene captured on live television. In 1971, a hijacker calling himself "Dan Cooper" (but who became popularly known as "D.B. Cooper") parachuted from a Northwest Orient Airlines 727 over the Pacific Northwest after receiving $200,000 in ransom; his fate remains unknown. In 1974, the bone fragments of a 3.2 million-year-old hominid were discovered by scientists in Ethiopia; the skeletal remains were nicknamed "Lucy."In 1985, the hijacking of an Egyptair jetliner parked on the ground in Malta ended violently as Egyptian commandos stormed the plane. Fifty-eight people died in the raid, in addition to two others killed by the hijackers. In 1987, the United States and the Soviet Union agreed on terms to scrap shorter- and medium-range missiles. (The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was signed by President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev the following month.) In 1991, rock singer Freddie Mercury died in London at age 45 of AIDS-related pneumonia. In 1995, voters in Ireland narrowly approved a constitutional amendment legalizing divorce. In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court stepped into the bitter, overtime struggle for the White House, agreeing to consider George W. Bush's appeal against the hand recounting of ballots in Florida. In 2014, it was announced that a grand jury in St. Louis County, Missouri, had decided against indicting Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown; the decision enraged protesters who set fire to buildings and cars and looted businesses in the area where Brown had been fatally shot. In 2017, militants attacked a crowded mosque in Egypt with gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades, killing more than 300 people in the deadliest-ever attack by Islamic extremists in the country. Ten years ago: A jury in Austin convicted former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, on charges he'd illegally funneled corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002. (DeLay's convictions were overturned on appeal.)Five years ago: In a show of Western solidarity, President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande met at the White House, where they vowed to escalate airstrikes against the Islamic State and bolster intelligence sharing following the deadly attacks in Paris. A suicide bomber struck a bus carrying members of Tunisia's presidential guard in the country's capital, killing 12 victims. Turkey shot down a Russian warplane that it said ignored repeated warnings after crossing into its airspace from Syria, killing one of the two pilots. (Turkey later formally apologized for the shootdown.)One year ago: Billionaire and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg formally launched a Democratic bid for president. (Bloomberg would end his campaign in early March.) With multiple wins at the American Music Awards, Taylor Swift surged past Michael Jackson's record of 24 wins at the awards show, based on fan votes. Defense Secretary Mark Esper fired the Navy's top official, Richard Spencer, ending a clash between President Donald Trump and top military leadership over the fate of a SEAL accused of war crimes in Iraq. Disney's "Frozen" sequel took in $127 million domestically and $350 million worldwide in its opening weekend, breaking several records.Today's Birthdays: Basketball Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson is 82. Country singer Johnny Carver is 80. Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue is 80. Rock drummer Pete Best is 79. Actor-comedian Billy Connolly is 78. Former White House press secretary Marlin Fitzwater is 78. Former Kansas congressman and Motion Picture Association of America Chairman Dan Glickman is 76. Singer Lee Michaels is 75. Actor Dwight Schultz is 73. Actor Stanley Livingston is 70. Rock musician Clem Burke (Blondie; The Romantics) is 66. Actor/director Ruben Santiago-Hudson is 64. Actor Denise Crosby is 63. Actor Shae D'Lyn is 58. Rock musician John Squire (The Stone Roses) is 58. Rock musician Gary Stonadge (Big Audio) is 58. Actor Conleth Hill is 56. Actor-comedian Brad Sherwood is 56. Actor Garret Dillahunt is 56. Actor-comedian Scott Krinsky is 52. Rock musician Chad Taylor (Live) is 50. Actor Lola Glaudini is 49. Actor Danielle Nicolet is 47. Actor-writer-director-producer Stephen Merchant is 46. Olympic bronze medal figure skater Chen Lu is 44. Actor Colin Hanks is 43. Actor Katherine Heigl is 42. Actor Sarah Hyland is 30.

Today in History -- Nov. 24

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recent obituaries

Mahaska is looking for a dependable, hard-working and reliable full-time loader. Typical schedule is Monday-Thursday from 2:00pm until finish and Friday 1:00pm until finish. The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to; effectively read build sheets, maintain the ability to build loads in a timely manner, and utilize a pallet jack and physical labor. Applicants must possess the ability to work independently and with a team, have the ability to life up to 50 lbs. repeatedly, and build load sheets.

Apply at&nbsp;<a href="http://mahaska.com/careers">Mahaska.com/careers</a>

Mahaska is an Equal Opportunity Employer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579746866145.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mahaska is looking for a dependable, hard-working and reliable full-time loader. Typical schedule is Monday-Thursday from 2:00pm until finish and Friday 1:00pm until finish. The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to; effectively read build sheets, maintain the ability to build loads in a timely manner, and utilize a pallet jack and physical labor. Applicants must possess the ability to work independently and with a team, have the ability to life up to 50 lbs. repeatedly, and build load sheets.Apply at&nbsp;<a href="http://mahaska.com/careers">Mahaska.com/careers</a>Mahaska is an Equal Opportunity Employer

City updates face coverings ordinance, closes fieldhouse

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 68 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 1,316.

Of that total, 770 cases have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died, and seven of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted.

Following is the updated case data as provided by the health department.

• New cases since last public release: 68

• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 44

• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 5

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 68 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 1,316.Of that total, 770 cases have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died, and seven of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted.Following is the updated case data as provided by the health department.• New cases since last public release: 68• Asymptomatic: 39• Cases with unknown exposure: 610• Cases 60 years old and above: 393• Cases 50-59 years old: 185• Cases 40-49 years old: 172• Cases 30-39 years old: 163• Cases 18-29 years old: 274• Cases under 18 years old: 129• Female cases: 702• Male cases: 614• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 44• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 5• Deaths: 9

McPherson County reports 68 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday

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

We have received notification of 144 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since our last update on Friday, November 20th.&nbsp; The total for the County is now 2,146 with 505 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 1,621 that have recovered, and a total of 17 deaths. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they have 31 hospitalized COVID-19 patients.&nbsp; Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:

●Mobile Device Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a>

●Desktop Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</a>

The Saline County Board of County Commissioners met in a special public meeting today and voted to adopt a Public Health Order.&nbsp; This order went into effect at 12:01 am on Sunday, November 22nd.&nbsp; The Public Health Order limits gatherings within indoor spaces to 15 individuals or less, with exceptions for certain establishments and activities.&nbsp; The order can be found on the County website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>.

Cases continue to rise rapidly and the Health Department is experiencing delays in the ability to quickly contact new positive cases to begin investigations and contact tracing.&nbsp; We have enlisted assistance from KDHE to assist with contact tracing as well as hired additional staff.&nbsp; Please be aware that if you or someone you know has been tested, they may receive a call from KDHE Epidemiologists as they help us manage our case load.&nbsp; If you are not sure if it is a real call, ask for their callback number and then please call the Saline County Health Department and we can confirm that it is a legitimate investigator.

If you have been tested for COVID-19, you need to isolate at home until your test results are back.&nbsp; Those that are notified of a positive COVID-19 test you should:

●Isolate for at minimum 10 days from symptom onset and be 72 hours fever free and have a significant improvement in symptoms.

●Close Contacts are defined as those persons within 6 feet or less for 10 minutes or more, two days before the positive cases’ symptom onset date.

●Close Contacts need to quarantine for two weeks from their last contact date unless living in the same household, and then it would be two weeks past the positive case’s isolation release date.

●If after several days, the Health Department has not reached out to a close contact, the Health Department may not have been notified of the contact exposure and you will need to notify the Health Department; but please be patient and continue to quarantine until then.

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

According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 142,059 cases and 1,456 deaths statewide. This information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>.&nbsp;

●A shelter site, at no cost to an individual, is available for those who cannot isolate or quarantine in their homes and who have tested positive for COVID-19, those individuals who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive, and those living and working in at-risk congregate settings.&nbsp; This shelter does provide for housing, meals, laundry, and cleaning service so individuals are provided a safe shelter to avoid exposing their household to the COVID-19 virus and help stop the spread of the virus.&nbsp; For more information or to request this service, please contact your local Emergency Management Department at 785-714-0389 or 785-819-0263 if you need shelter outside of your home.

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

Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606172925320.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.We have received notification of 144 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since our last update on Friday, November 20th.&nbsp; The total for the County is now 2,146 with 505 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 1,621 that have recovered, and a total of 17 deaths. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they have 31 hospitalized COVID-19 patients.&nbsp; Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:●Mobile Device Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a>●Desktop Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</a>The Saline County Board of County Commissioners met in a special public meeting today and voted to adopt a Public Health Order.&nbsp; This order went into effect at 12:01 am on Sunday, November 22nd.&nbsp; The Public Health Order limits gatherings within indoor spaces to 15 individuals or less, with exceptions for certain establishments and activities.&nbsp; The order can be found on the County website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>.Cases continue to rise rapidly and the Health Department is experiencing delays in the ability to quickly contact new positive cases to begin investigations and contact tracing.&nbsp; We have enlisted assistance from KDHE to assist with contact tracing as well as hired additional staff.&nbsp; Please be aware that if you or someone you know has been tested, they may receive a call from KDHE Epidemiologists as they help us manage our case load.&nbsp; If you are not sure if it is a real call, ask for their callback number and then please call the Saline County Health Department and we can confirm that it is a legitimate investigator.If you have been tested for COVID-19, you need to isolate at home until your test results are back.&nbsp; Those that are notified of a positive COVID-19 test you should:●Isolate for at minimum 10 days from symptom onset and be 72 hours fever free and have a significant improvement in symptoms.●Close Contacts are defined as those persons within 6 feet or less for 10 minutes or more, two days before the positive cases’ symptom onset date.●Close Contacts need to quarantine for two weeks from their last contact date unless living in the same household, and then it would be two weeks past the positive case’s isolation release date.●If after several days, the Health Department has not reached out to a close contact, the Health Department may not have been notified of the contact exposure and you will need to notify the Health Department; but please be patient and continue to quarantine until then.●Stay home if you are sick.&nbsp; Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse.According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 142,059 cases and 1,456 deaths statewide. This information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>.&nbsp;Announcements:●A shelter site, at no cost to an individual, is available for those who cannot isolate or quarantine in their homes and who have tested positive for COVID-19, those individuals who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive, and those living and working in at-risk congregate settings.&nbsp; This shelter does provide for housing, meals, laundry, and cleaning service so individuals are provided a safe shelter to avoid exposing their household to the COVID-19 virus and help stop the spread of the virus.&nbsp; For more information or to request this service, please contact your local Emergency Management Department at 785-714-0389 or 785-819-0263 if you need shelter outside of your home.Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do.&nbsp; Please:<ol>
 <li>Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water.&nbsp; Use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water.</li><li>Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more.</li><li>Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution.&nbsp; You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective.</li><li>By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments).&nbsp;</li><li>Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc.</li><li>Stay home if you are sick.&nbsp; Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse.</li>
 </ol>Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

Saline County reports 144 new COVID-19 cases; 1,621 of 2,146 recovered

An incentive plan for filling corrections officer positions and consideration of changes to the county's facemask mandate are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.

The regular county commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. A time for public comment is scheduled near the start of the meeting.

Beginning Tuesday, county commission meetings will take place via Zoom until

further notice. This decision to revise the meeting format was made to align with the mass gathering limitations imposed by the recent county public health order.

Meetings can be viewed on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">Saline County's YouTube channel</a>.

To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link. Use the following link and put in the meeting ID and passcode:

<a href="https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09" target="_blank">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>

Meeting ID: 968 3581 9901 Passcode: 144636

Citizens who wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the chairman requests public comment on an item, must raise their hands so that the meeting host can allow them to speak.

Commissioners are being asked to to consider a request to establish a temporary referral incentive to help efforts to recruit corrections officers for the Saline County Sheriff's Office. According to commission meeting packet information, currently utilized recruitment efforts have not yielded results, and the sheriff's office has had the same seven vacancies since July. 

The request is to use funds for a temporary recruitment program that uses referals from current employees. Under the proposal, referring employees whose candidates are hired and have satisfactory performance reviews at six months and one year would receive incentive payments at those intervals. The payments would be $500 at six months and $1,000 at one year, according to information from the commission meeting packet.

Other items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.

●Consideration of revisions to the county's facemask mandate based on potential changes made by the Salina City Commission on Monday afternoon.

●Consideration of a request for a media specialist service contract for the health department.

Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to meet in executive session concerning non-elected personnel.

To see the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet (a 44-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20201124.pdf?ver=L6bJfL7JzHLOL1LdxAKOFw%3d%3d">click here</a>.

An incentive plan for filling corrections officer positions and consideration of changes to the county's facemask mandate are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.Updated meeting informationThe regular county commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. A time for public comment is scheduled near the start of the meeting.Beginning Tuesday, county commission meetings will take place via Zoom untilfurther notice. This decision to revise the meeting format was made to align with the mass gathering limitations imposed by the recent county public health order.Meetings can be viewed on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">Saline County's YouTube channel</a>.To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link. Use the following link and put in the meeting ID and passcode:<a href="https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09" target="_blank">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>Meeting ID: 968 3581 9901 Passcode: 144636Citizens who wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the chairman requests public comment on an item, must raise their hands so that the meeting host can allow them to speak.Agenda itemsCommissioners are being asked to to consider a request to establish a temporary referral incentive to help efforts to recruit corrections officers for the Saline County Sheriff's Office. According to commission meeting packet information, currently utilized recruitment efforts have not yielded results, and the sheriff's office has had the same seven vacancies since July. The request is to use funds for a temporary recruitment program that uses referals from current employees. Under the proposal, referring employees whose candidates are hired and have satisfactory performance reviews at six months and one year would receive incentive payments at those intervals. The payments would be $500 at six months and $1,000 at one year, according to information from the commission meeting packet.Other items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Consideration of revisions to the county's facemask mandate based on potential changes made by the Salina City Commission on Monday afternoon.●Consideration of a request for a media specialist service contract for the health department.●A Title VI plan reviewAdditionally, commissioners are scheduled to meet in executive session concerning non-elected personnel.To see the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet (a 44-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20201124.pdf?ver=L6bJfL7JzHLOL1LdxAKOFw%3d%3d">click here</a>.

Recruitment incentive plan, facemask mandate on county agenda

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The largest foster care provider for Kansas has removed its top two leaders following an investigation into alleged mismanagement, and the Kansas Department for Children and Families was reviewing the situation to determine whether state resources were properly handled.

Saint Francis Ministries&nbsp;informed staff Thursday that the Rev. Robert Smith and CEO Tom Blythe won’t return to the organization. William Clark, who has been chief of staff since last year, will serve as interim president and CEO.

The board of directors for the nonprofit, private contractor initiated an investigation last month after receiving a whistleblower complaint alleging mismanagement. The organization declined to disclose details of the allegations except to say that they didn’t involve improprieties with children.

The Salina-based organization is responsible for about 3,000 children in the Kansas foster care system, and also provides services in Nebraska, five other states and Central America.

Clark said “timely and appropriate action was taken” after receiving the whistleblower complaint. The organization hired Chris McHugh, an attorney in Kansas City, Kansas, to investigate.

“Saint Francis Ministries’ leaders have been in regular contact with Kansas and Nebraska officials, keeping them up to date on our leadership change,” Clark said. “Our services and contracts in those states are unchanged. We will continue to communicate directly with our state partners.”

He said he was “unable to speculate as to whether someone will file a lawsuit” in relation to the alleged mismanagement.

DCF spokesman Mike Deines said he didn’t know whether the agency had been given a copy of the whistleblower’s report.

“DCF looks forward to further discussion with Saint Francis to learn more about what their investigation revealed,” Deines said. “And we will continue to do our due diligence to ensure that Kansas resources were properly handled and that Saint Francis continues to meet the outcomes laid out in its contract with the state.”

For the past decade, the state’s foster care system has been maligned over scandals involving the abuse and deaths of children, kids sleeping in office spaces, missing runaways, human trafficking and other horrors.

In July, Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasappleseed.org/ksfailsfosteryouth.html">settled a lawsuit with Kansas Appleseed</a>&nbsp;over the mistreatment of foster children and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2019-10-15/kansas-foster-care-instability-led-to-surge-in-runaways-left-children-vulnerable-to-sex-traffickers">instability within the system</a>. The administration promised to reduce case loads for social workers and the frequency in which children are moved from one home to another, among other concessions.

Advocates argue the problems are rooted in policies enacted by the Legislature under former Gov. Sam Brownback that contributed to a rapid increase in the number of children in the foster care system. The administrations before Kelly also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20200516/kansas-secretly-withheld-21-million-in-payments-to-foster-care-providers">secretly withheld millions in payments</a>&nbsp;to Saint Francis, placing the organization in financial peril.

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. A lifelong Kansan, he graduated from Emporia State University in 2004 as a Shepherd Scholar with a degree in English.

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The largest foster care provider for Kansas has removed its top two leaders following an investigation into alleged mismanagement, and the Kansas Department for Children and Families was reviewing the situation to determine whether state resources were properly handled.Saint Francis Ministries&nbsp;informed staff Thursday that the Rev. Robert Smith and CEO Tom Blythe won’t return to the organization. William Clark, who has been chief of staff since last year, will serve as interim president and CEO.The board of directors for the nonprofit, private contractor initiated an investigation last month after receiving a whistleblower complaint alleging mismanagement. The organization declined to disclose details of the allegations except to say that they didn’t involve improprieties with children.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606157654637.png" alt="William Clark, interim CEO of Saint Francis Ministries, said the whistleblower’s complaint did not allege any improprieties having to do with children or families in the organization’s care. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>William Clark, interim CEO of Saint Francis Ministries, said the whistleblower’s complaint did not allege any improprieties having to do with children or families in the organization’s care. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina-based organization is responsible for about 3,000 children in the Kansas foster care system, and also provides services in Nebraska, five other states and Central America.Clark said “timely and appropriate action was taken” after receiving the whistleblower complaint. The organization hired Chris McHugh, an attorney in Kansas City, Kansas, to investigate.“Saint Francis Ministries’ leaders have been in regular contact with Kansas and Nebraska officials, keeping them up to date on our leadership change,” Clark said. “Our services and contracts in those states are unchanged. We will continue to communicate directly with our state partners.”He said he was “unable to speculate as to whether someone will file a lawsuit” in relation to the alleged mismanagement.DCF spokesman Mike Deines said he didn’t know whether the agency had been given a copy of the whistleblower’s report.“DCF looks forward to further discussion with Saint Francis to learn more about what their investigation revealed,” Deines said. “And we will continue to do our due diligence to ensure that Kansas resources were properly handled and that Saint Francis continues to meet the outcomes laid out in its contract with the state.”For the past decade, the state’s foster care system has been maligned over scandals involving the abuse and deaths of children, kids sleeping in office spaces, missing runaways, human trafficking and other horrors.In July, Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasappleseed.org/ksfailsfosteryouth.html">settled a lawsuit with Kansas Appleseed</a>&nbsp;over the mistreatment of foster children and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2019-10-15/kansas-foster-care-instability-led-to-surge-in-runaways-left-children-vulnerable-to-sex-traffickers">instability within the system</a>. The administration promised to reduce case loads for social workers and the frequency in which children are moved from one home to another, among other concessions.Advocates argue the problems are rooted in policies enacted by the Legislature under former Gov. Sam Brownback that contributed to a rapid increase in the number of children in the foster care system. The administrations before Kelly also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20200516/kansas-secretly-withheld-21-million-in-payments-to-foster-care-providers">secretly withheld millions in payments</a>&nbsp;to Saint Francis, placing the organization in financial peril.-----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. A lifelong Kansan, he graduated from Emporia State University in 2004 as a Shepherd Scholar with a degree in English.

Saint Francis Ministries removes top leaders after investigation

Police are investigating the theft of approximately $40,000 worth of items from a south Salina residence over the weekend.

A 32-year-old Salina man reported that sometime between 8 p.m. Friday and 11:45 a.m. Saturday, someone stole his blue 2017 Ford F-150 crew cab pickup from his driveway in the 700 block of Max Avenue, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. The pickup had a Kansas veteran's tag of 62CMN, he added. A Sig Sauer 2022 9mm semi-automatic handgun was in the pickup.

According to Forrester, the keys to the pickup were on a table in the man's kitchen. Additionally, the man reported that a FN Scar 16, 5.56 caliber rifle with a Strike Force 400 zoom scope on it was taken from a closet in the house, Forrester noted.

Total loss was estimated at approximately $40,000, Forrester reported.

Police are investigating the theft of approximately $40,000 worth of items from a south Salina residence over the weekend.A 32-year-old Salina man reported that sometime between 8 p.m. Friday and 11:45 a.m. Saturday, someone stole his blue 2017 Ford F-150 crew cab pickup from his driveway in the 700 block of Max Avenue, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. The pickup had a Kansas veteran's tag of 62CMN, he added. A Sig Sauer 2022 9mm semi-automatic handgun was in the pickup.According to Forrester, the keys to the pickup were on a table in the man's kitchen. Additionally, the man reported that a FN Scar 16, 5.56 caliber rifle with a Strike Force 400 zoom scope on it was taken from a closet in the house, Forrester noted.Total loss was estimated at approximately $40,000, Forrester reported.

Pickup, guns stolen from south Salina residence

A $3,000 electric bike was stolen in downtown Salina Friday night while its owner was at work. 

According to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester, a gray Camp Scrambler Electric Bike was reported stolen sometime between 9 p.m. and midnight. The owner, a 34-year-old Salina man, told police that the bike had been parked on the north side of YaYa's European Bistro, 257 South Santa Fe Avenue, while he was working, Forrester noted.

Surveillance video is being reviewed, he added. 

A $3,000 electric bike was stolen in downtown Salina Friday night while its owner was at work. According to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester, a gray Camp Scrambler Electric Bike was reported stolen sometime between 9 p.m. and midnight. The owner, a 34-year-old Salina man, told police that the bike had been parked on the north side of YaYa's European Bistro, 257 South Santa Fe Avenue, while he was working, Forrester noted.Surveillance video is being reviewed, he added.

Local