On June 4, 1942, the World War II Battle of Midway began, resulting in a decisive American victory against Japan and marking the turning point of the war in the Pacific.

In 1812, the U.S. House of Representatives approved, 79-49, a declaration of war against Britain.

In 1919, Congress approved the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which said that the right to vote could not be denied or abridged based on gender. The amendment was sent to the states for ratification.

In 1939, the German ocean liner MS St. Louis, carrying more than 900 Jewish refugees from Germany, was turned away from the Florida coast by U.S. officials.

In 1940, during World War II, the Allied military evacuation of some 338,000 troops from Dunkirk, France, ended. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared: “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”

In 1944, U-505, a German submarine, was captured by a U.S. Navy task group in the south Atlantic; it was the first such capture of an enemy vessel at sea by the U.S. Navy since the War of 1812. The U.S. Fifth Army began liberating Rome.

In 1967, “Mission: Impossible” won outstanding dramatic series, “The Monkees” outstanding comedy series at the 19th Primetime Emmy Awards.

In 1985, the Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling striking down an Alabama law providing for a daily minute of silence in public schools.

In 1986, Jonathan Jay Pollard, a former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst, pleaded guilty in Washington to conspiring to deliver information related to the national defense to Israel. (Pollard, sentenced to life in prison, was released on parole on Nov. 20, 2015; he moved to Israel after completing parole in December 2020.)

In 1989, a gas explosion in the Soviet Union engulfed two passing trains, killing 575.

In 1990, Dr. Jack Kevorkian carried out his first publicly assisted suicide, helping Janet Adkins, a 54-year-old Alzheimer’s patient from Portland, Oregon, end her life in Oakland County, Michigan.

In 1998, a federal judge sentenced Terry Nichols to life in prison for his role in the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

In 2020, in the first of a series of memorials set for three cities over six days, celebrities, musicians and political leaders gathered in front of George Floyd’s golden casket in Minneapolis.

<h2>Today's history highlight</h2>On June 4, 1942, the World War II Battle of Midway began, resulting in a decisive American victory against Japan and marking the turning point of the war in the Pacific.<h2>On this date</h2>In 1812, the U.S. House of Representatives approved, 79-49, a declaration of war against Britain.In 1919, Congress approved the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which said that the right to vote could not be denied or abridged based on gender. The amendment was sent to the states for ratification.In 1939, the German ocean liner MS St. Louis, carrying more than 900 Jewish refugees from Germany, was turned away from the Florida coast by U.S. officials.In 1940, during World War II, the Allied military evacuation of some 338,000 troops from Dunkirk, France, ended. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared: “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”In 1944, U-505, a German submarine, was captured by a U.S. Navy task group in the south Atlantic; it was the first such capture of an enemy vessel at sea by the U.S. Navy since the War of 1812. The U.S. Fifth Army began liberating Rome.In 1967, “Mission: Impossible” won outstanding dramatic series, “The Monkees” outstanding comedy series at the 19th Primetime Emmy Awards.In 1985, the Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling striking down an Alabama law providing for a daily minute of silence in public schools.In 1986, Jonathan Jay Pollard, a former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst, pleaded guilty in Washington to conspiring to deliver information related to the national defense to Israel. (Pollard, sentenced to life in prison, was released on parole on Nov. 20, 2015; he moved to Israel after completing parole in December 2020.)In 1989, a gas explosion in the Soviet Union engulfed two passing trains, killing 575.In 1990, Dr. Jack Kevorkian carried out his first publicly assisted suicide, helping Janet Adkins, a 54-year-old Alzheimer’s patient from Portland, Oregon, end her life in Oakland County, Michigan.In 1998, a federal judge sentenced Terry Nichols to life in prison for his role in the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.In 2020, in the first of a series of memorials set for three cities over six days, celebrities, musicians and political leaders gathered in front of George Floyd’s golden casket in Minneapolis.

Today in History- June 4

By NATE KING Salina Post

Salina Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the City of Salina, Great Plains Manufacturing and&nbsp;Donice and Roy Applequist, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday morning in partnership with the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

Members of the community, Salina Chamber of Commerce Blue Coat Ambassadors and Great Plains' leadership team gathered from 10-11 a.m.&nbsp; to celebrate the grand opening of the 'Great Plains Playground' located in Lakewood Park,&nbsp;1323 E. Iron Avenue.

Those who spoke at the event include, Salina Mayor Mike Hoppock, Salina Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Hammond and Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Events and Community Initiatives Director Stephanie Gillig.

Gillig noted that she was speaking in the place of Chamber President and CEO Renee Duxler, who was out of town on the day of the ribbon cutting.

 During her opening remarks Gillig, expressed her appreciation for the Salina community's support in the playground project and the City's investment in parks and recreation.

 She also rhetorically asked those attending if they were enjoying the beautiful "Chamber Weather." 

To which Hoppock jokingly replied, "I think it is City Commission Weather."&nbsp;

Gillig said the park demonstrates the "spirit" of the city.&nbsp;

"I am so proud to be part of this community, as I know we all are," Gillig said.&nbsp;

During his remarks Hoppock said the former parks and recreation director, Chris Cotton initiated the discussions with Great Plains Manufacturing,&nbsp;1525 E. North Street. John Quinley, retired Land Pride employee,&nbsp; was also instrumental in making the project a success.&nbsp;

"The generous donation from the Applequist family, and Great Plains' investment in current and future generations of children in the City of Salina, shows the pride both citizens and private partners&nbsp; have in our&nbsp; community," Hoppock said.

In 2018 The Salina City Commission adopted the&nbsp;Next Step Parks and Recreation Master Plan,&nbsp;which identified approximately 187 items within Salina parks that needed to be addressed.

Hammond said many of the items identified in the study were "deferred maintenance," planned or unplanned maintenance that has been postponed.

"Playgrounds were part of that deferred maintenance. This one [Lakewood playground] was at the top of our list last year," Hammond said.&nbsp;

In the city of Salina there are 29 total playgrounds. Hammond said of the 29, one third of them need replaced.

"Whether it be because of age and heavy use, or because some of them have outdated surfacing, some of them were sand," Hammond said.

Sand is no longer an acceptable surface for a playground area according to the Americans With Disabilities Act, which was passed in 1990.&nbsp;

The new playground's surface is composed of rubber pellets that provide children and parents who use the playground a nice low impact safe surface.

The state-of-the-art $220,000 playground was made possible thanks to a $100,000 contribution from Great Plains and $80,000 contribution from the City of Salina as well as donations from the Applequist family.&nbsp;

" We ordered it [the playground] in January," Hammond said. "We took receipt of it in November and as soon as we took receipt of it, Miracle Recreation came in and installed it for us."&nbsp;

Hammond said he is very pleased and said he doesn't think he or his team would have done anything differently on the project. He did note however that there was an extended delay due to supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.&nbsp;

Great Plains President and CEO, David Disberger also spoke prior to the ribbon being cut.&nbsp;

" I am so excited to be able to represent a Great Plains and this&nbsp; partnership, actually, Roy and his family have been able to put together the fundings to produce this wonderful place for children to come play and&nbsp; for families to come and hang out," Disberger said. "It's through that longtime commitment Great Plains has had in this community that's really enabled us to continue to grow and expand our business that's enabled us to do these types of projects. We're certainly very thankful to be a part of what we do here."

Linda Salem, principal advisor at Great Plains Manufacturing also attended the event- Salem even slid down one of the playground slides.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685813586801.png" alt="Ribbon Cutting at Great Plains Playground in Lakewood Park. Photos by Nate King/Salina Post/910KINA" />
 <figcaption>Ribbon Cutting at Great Plains Playground in Lakewood Park. Photos by Nate King/Salina Post/910KINA</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostSalina Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the City of Salina, Great Plains Manufacturing and&nbsp;Donice and Roy Applequist, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday morning in partnership with the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.Members of the community, Salina Chamber of Commerce Blue Coat Ambassadors and Great Plains' leadership team gathered from 10-11 a.m.&nbsp; to celebrate the grand opening of the 'Great Plains Playground' located in Lakewood Park,&nbsp;1323 E. Iron Avenue.Those who spoke at the event include, Salina Mayor Mike Hoppock, Salina Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Hammond and Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Events and Community Initiatives Director Stephanie Gillig.Gillig noted that she was speaking in the place of Chamber President and CEO Renee Duxler, who was out of town on the day of the ribbon cutting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685810596257.png" alt="Stephanie Gillig speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony at Lakewood Park Playground, now 'Great Plains' Playground." />
 <figcaption>Stephanie Gillig speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony at Lakewood Park Playground, now 'Great Plains' Playground.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685726301410.png" alt="New playground equipment at Lakewood Park. Photos by Nate King/Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>New playground equipment at Lakewood Park. Photos by Nate King/Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure> During her opening remarks Gillig, expressed her appreciation for the Salina community's support in the playground project and the City's investment in parks and recreation. She also rhetorically asked those attending if they were enjoying the beautiful "Chamber Weather." To which Hoppock jokingly replied, "I think it is City Commission Weather."&nbsp;Gillig said the park demonstrates the "spirit" of the city.&nbsp;"I am so proud to be part of this community, as I know we all are," Gillig said.&nbsp;<h2>Mayor Hoppock</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685810733700.png" alt="Mayor Mike Hoppock spoke about the city resources and public/privet partnerships that made the project a success.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Mayor Mike Hoppock spoke about the city resources and public/privet partnerships that made the project a success.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>During his remarks Hoppock said the former parks and recreation director, Chris Cotton initiated the discussions with Great Plains Manufacturing,&nbsp;1525 E. North Street. John Quinley, retired Land Pride employee,&nbsp; was also instrumental in making the project a success.&nbsp;"The generous donation from the Applequist family, and Great Plains' investment in current and future generations of children in the City of Salina, shows the pride both citizens and private partners&nbsp; have in our&nbsp; community," Hoppock said.In 2018 The Salina City Commission adopted the&nbsp;Next Step Parks and Recreation Master Plan,&nbsp;which identified approximately 187 items within Salina parks that needed to be addressed. Hammond said many of the items identified in the study were "deferred maintenance," planned or unplanned maintenance that has been postponed."Playgrounds were part of that deferred maintenance. This one [Lakewood playground] was at the top of our list last year," Hammond said.&nbsp;In the city of Salina there are 29 total playgrounds. Hammond said of the 29, one third of them need replaced."Whether it be because of age and heavy use, or because some of them have outdated surfacing, some of them were sand," Hammond said.Sand is no longer an acceptable surface for a playground area according to the Americans With Disabilities Act, which was passed in 1990.&nbsp;The new playground's surface is composed of rubber pellets that provide children and parents who use the playground a nice low impact safe surface.The state-of-the-art $220,000 playground was made possible thanks to a $100,000 contribution from Great Plains and $80,000 contribution from the City of Salina as well as donations from the Applequist family.&nbsp;" We ordered it [the playground] in January," Hammond said. "We took receipt of it in November and as soon as we took receipt of it, Miracle Recreation came in and installed it for us."&nbsp;Hammond said he is very pleased and said he doesn't think he or his team would have done anything differently on the project. He did note however that there was an extended delay due to supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.&nbsp;Great Plains President and CEO, David Disberger also spoke prior to the ribbon being cut.&nbsp;" I am so excited to be able to represent a Great Plains and this&nbsp; partnership, actually, Roy and his family have been able to put together the fundings to produce this wonderful place for children to come play and&nbsp; for families to come and hang out," Disberger said. "It's through that longtime commitment Great Plains has had in this community that's really enabled us to continue to grow and expand our business that's enabled us to do these types of projects. We're certainly very thankful to be a part of what we do here."Linda Salem, principal advisor at Great Plains Manufacturing also attended the event- Salem even slid down one of the playground slides.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685813455569.png" alt="Pictured, from left are Salem, Hoppock and Disberger" />
 <figcaption>Pictured, from left are Salem, Hoppock and Disberger</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685813522868.png" alt="Salem sticks the landing after going down one of the newly installed slides at Great Plains Playground in Lakewood Park. " />
 <figcaption>Salem sticks the landing after going down one of the newly installed slides at Great Plains Playground in Lakewood Park. </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685814112363.png" alt="The new playground gets an A+ grade from the children who were the first to play on the various levels and slides.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The new playground gets an A+ grade from the children who were the first to play on the various levels and slides.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Salina Area Chamber of Commerce: playground ribbon cutting at Lakewood Park

Each week Salina Post will highlight one pet that is up for adoption at <a href="https://www.salinaanimalservices.com/">Salina Animal Services</a>, 329 N. Second Street, Salina.

Meet Chloe! She wants to be your girl. According to her handlers she is very picky and&nbsp; wants ALL of your attention. She is&nbsp; looking forward to her Starbucks runs (Pup cups are my favorite), long walks in the park, and of course hours of snuggle/nap time. &nbsp;

Chloe is 2 years old and is a Rottweiler mix. It is unknown if she is house trained.

Call to make an appointment to meet Chloe at 785-826-6535 

Please plan to bring your already forever dog friends if you have any, she would love to meet them before you take her home. &nbsp;The shelter is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685800949410.png" alt="Chloe Image Courtesy Salina Animal Services" />
 <figcaption>Chloe Image Courtesy Salina Animal Services</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTEach week Salina Post will highlight one pet that is up for adoption at <a href="https://www.salinaanimalservices.com/">Salina Animal Services</a>, 329 N. Second Street, Salina.Meet Chloe! She wants to be your girl. According to her handlers she is very picky and&nbsp; wants ALL of your attention. She is&nbsp; looking forward to her Starbucks runs (Pup cups are my favorite), long walks in the park, and of course hours of snuggle/nap time. &nbsp;P.S. She does not like cats&nbsp; Chloe is 2 years old and is a Rottweiler mix. It is unknown if she is house trained.Call to make an appointment to meet Chloe at 785-826-6535 Please plan to bring your already forever dog friends if you have any, she would love to meet them before you take her home. &nbsp;The shelter is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Salina Post's Animal Shelter Pet of the Week: Meet Chloe

On Monday, May 29th, the Salina Police Department responded to Seraphim Bread, 228 S. Santa Fe Avenue, with reports of damage being done to the property. 

Also, over the weekend gardening planters were tipped over and damaged on the back side of the business. Video surveillance from nearby businesses caught the five individuals involved.

The Salina Police Department thanked the public for providing tips leading to their identification.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685800168481.png" alt="The five individuals have been identified. Photo Courtesy SPD" />
 <figcaption>The five individuals have been identified. Photo Courtesy SPD</figcaption>
 </figure>CRIMESTOPPERSOn Monday, May 29th, the Salina Police Department responded to Seraphim Bread, 228 S. Santa Fe Avenue, with reports of damage being done to the property. Also, over the weekend gardening planters were tipped over and damaged on the back side of the business. Video surveillance from nearby businesses caught the five individuals involved.The Salina Police Department thanked the public for providing tips leading to their identification.&nbsp;

CRIMESTOPPERS: Salina Downtown vandals identified

Memorial Health Systems news release

Employees of Memorial Health System (MHS), in Abilene, wore blue jeans at work during May for a “Jeans Day” fundraiser. Employees who made a donation of at least $5 were allowed to wear blue jeans on Fridays in May.

 A total donation of $680 was presented to Cooper Holloway and his family. In May of 2013, Cooper was diagnosed with a Common Variable Immune Disease, which makes it hard for his body to fight off illness. He has weekly infusions to boost his T &amp; B cells. 

Last fall, Cooper was seriously injured during a middle school football practice, which has required intense rehabilitation stays and appointments, including at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Nebraska. Cooper’s mother, Dawn, recently had two major surgeries, and his father, Brian, also had two surgeries in recent months. 

The Jeans Day was organized by the MHS Employer of Choice (EOC) committee. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685736807635.jpeg" alt="Pictured, from left, are Sara Boyd, EOC committee member; Dawn Holloway, Cooper Holloway, Brian Holloway; and Brittany Ogden, EOC committee member. Photo Courtesy Memorial Health Systems" />
 <figcaption>Pictured, from left, are Sara Boyd, EOC committee member; Dawn Holloway, Cooper Holloway, Brian Holloway; and Brittany Ogden, EOC committee member. Photo Courtesy Memorial Health Systems</figcaption>
 </figure>Memorial Health Systems news releaseEmployees of Memorial Health System (MHS), in Abilene, wore blue jeans at work during May for a “Jeans Day” fundraiser. Employees who made a donation of at least $5 were allowed to wear blue jeans on Fridays in May. A total donation of $680 was presented to Cooper Holloway and his family. In May of 2013, Cooper was diagnosed with a Common Variable Immune Disease, which makes it hard for his body to fight off illness. He has weekly infusions to boost his T &amp; B cells. Last fall, Cooper was seriously injured during a middle school football practice, which has required intense rehabilitation stays and appointments, including at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Nebraska. Cooper’s mother, Dawn, recently had two major surgeries, and his father, Brian, also had two surgeries in recent months. The Jeans Day was organized by the MHS Employer of Choice (EOC) committee.

Memorial Health System employees raise funds for local boy

On June 3, 1989, Chinese army troops began their sweep of Beijing to crush student-led pro-democracy demonstrations.

In 1621, the Dutch West India Co. received its charter for a trade monopoly in parts of the Americas and Africa.

In 1888, the poem “Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Lawrence Thayer was first published in the San Francisco Daily Examiner.

In 1935, the French liner Normandie set a record on its maiden voyage, arriving in New York after crossing the Atlantic in just four days.

In 1937, Edward, The Duke of Windsor, who had abdicated the British throne, married Wallis Simpson in a private ceremony in Monts, France.

In 1962, Air France Flight 007, a U.S.-bound Boeing 707, crashed while attempting to take off from Orly Airport near Paris; all but two of the 132 people aboard were killed.

In 1965, astronaut Edward H. White became the first American to “walk” in space during the flight of Gemini 4.

In 1977, the United States and Cuba agreed to set up diplomatic interests sections in each other’s countries; Cuba also announced the immediate release of 10 Americans jailed on drug charges.

In 2008, Barack Obama claimed the Democratic presidential nomination, speaking in the same St. Paul, Minnesota, arena where Republicans would be holding their national convention in September 2008.

In 2011, physician-assisted suicide advocate Dr. Jack Kevorkian died at a Michigan hospital at 83. Actor James Arness (TV: “Gunsmoke”), 88, died in Brentwood, California.

In 2016, heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali died at a hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona, at age 74.

In 2020, prosecutors charged three more police officers in the death of George Floyd and filed a new, tougher charge of second-degree murder against Derek Chauvin, the officer who was caught on video pressing his knee to Floyd’s neck. (Chauvin would be convicted on all charges.) Defense Secretary Mark Esper took issue with President Donald Trump’s threats to use the full force of the military to quell street protests. Enforcing a curfew, police in New York City moved in on crowds of demonstrators, at times blasting people with pepper spray.

On June 3, 1989, Chinese army troops began their sweep of Beijing to crush student-led pro-democracy demonstrations.<h2>On this date</h2>In 1621, the Dutch West India Co. received its charter for a trade monopoly in parts of the Americas and Africa.In 1888, the poem “Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Lawrence Thayer was first published in the San Francisco Daily Examiner.In 1935, the French liner Normandie set a record on its maiden voyage, arriving in New York after crossing the Atlantic in just four days.In 1937, Edward, The Duke of Windsor, who had abdicated the British throne, married Wallis Simpson in a private ceremony in Monts, France.In 1962, Air France Flight 007, a U.S.-bound Boeing 707, crashed while attempting to take off from Orly Airport near Paris; all but two of the 132 people aboard were killed.In 1965, astronaut Edward H. White became the first American to “walk” in space during the flight of Gemini 4.In 1977, the United States and Cuba agreed to set up diplomatic interests sections in each other’s countries; Cuba also announced the immediate release of 10 Americans jailed on drug charges.<h2>Today in history</h2>In 2008, Barack Obama claimed the Democratic presidential nomination, speaking in the same St. Paul, Minnesota, arena where Republicans would be holding their national convention in September 2008.In 2011, physician-assisted suicide advocate Dr. Jack Kevorkian died at a Michigan hospital at 83. Actor James Arness (TV: “Gunsmoke”), 88, died in Brentwood, California.In 2016, heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali died at a hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona, at age 74.In 2020, prosecutors charged three more police officers in the death of George Floyd and filed a new, tougher charge of second-degree murder against Derek Chauvin, the officer who was caught on video pressing his knee to Floyd’s neck. (Chauvin would be convicted on all charges.) Defense Secretary Mark Esper took issue with President Donald Trump’s threats to use the full force of the military to quell street protests. Enforcing a curfew, police in New York City moved in on crowds of demonstrators, at times blasting people with pepper spray.

Today in History- June 3

MARION COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Friday in Marion County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Nissan Maxima driven by Mallory Anne&nbsp;Seirer, 19, Newton was westbound on U.S. 50. three and one half miles east of the U.S. 77 Junction.

The Nissan was passing a 2004 Freightliner semi driven by David Allen Williams, 52, Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Seirer observed an eastbound vehicle. She swerved, lost control of the Nissan and struck the semi. After impact the Nissan traveled across the eastbound lanes and came to a rest in the south ditch.

EMS transported Seirer to Wesley Medical Center. Williams was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

MARION COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Friday in Marion County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Nissan Maxima driven by Mallory Anne&nbsp;Seirer, 19, Newton was westbound on U.S. 50. three and one half miles east of the U.S. 77 Junction.The Nissan was passing a 2004 Freightliner semi driven by David Allen Williams, 52, Cedar Falls, Iowa.Seirer observed an eastbound vehicle. She swerved, lost control of the Nissan and struck the semi. After impact the Nissan traveled across the eastbound lanes and came to a rest in the south ditch.EMS transported Seirer to Wesley Medical Center. Williams was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman hospitalized after crash with a semi

By TIM UNRUH For Saline County

Childcare is wrapped in a sticky web of issues affecting growth and quality of life improvements in Salina and Saline County.

Local leaders agree money is the biggest need to improve daily care for children. They’re relying on collaboration and a deep sense of community to offer higher wages for childcare professionals, and create more slots for children.

Many improvements are needed in the system, said Leigh Ann Montoy, child care coordinator at the Saline County Health Department.

“We are not taking care of our children,” she said.

Services especially for infants and toddlers, are lacking here, Montoy said, and nationally as well.

Cities all over have been dealing with shortages of quality, consistent childcare services for years, said Renee Duxler, president and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

It is among the biggest detriments to local growth, she said, but also a “positive challenge,” serving as proof that expansion is taking place.

An intensified attack on the subject has entered a second decade in Salina and Saline County, that has bested some major snags.

“Housing and childcare: I live, eat and breathe conversations around those two issues,” Duxler said. “It takes a village to figure this out.”

In roughly 2017, the “Connecting the Dots Coalition” formed as a subcommittee of PIECE (Partners in Early Childhood Education) led by Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS) of Salina.

The subcommittee, consisting of Child Care Aware, the City of Salina, Salina Community Economic Development Organization, Martin Luther King Jr. Child Development Center, Salina Family YMCA, Saline Child Care Center, Heartland Early Education Services, and the Chamber, began to attack childcare shortages, she said, including a visit to a new childcare center in Garden City to learn and compare notes.

“This group came back, received grant funding from the Earl Bane Foundation and gained momentum,” Duxler said. “Then COVID hit and all of that came to a screeching halt. When I started at the Chamber in 2020, we were just starting to kind of touch on those conversations again, and since that period, a second wind has come about with the childcare discussion.”

Parents in the workforce simply could not afford to pay higher childcare fees to make wages competitive, said Claire Ludes, executive director of the Salina Area United Way.

Earlier, pay for childcare professionals was augmented by the 1998 multibillion dollar tobacco settlement.

“Then in 2012, those dollars were redirected somewhere else, and that’s when we really started seeing a ripple effect,” she said.

“(Childcare professionals) started leaving because the wages weren’t being supplemented. Staff was paid $8 to $10 an hour. Teachers weren’t being paid an adequate and relevant wage,” Ludes said.

Childcare centers can’t charge clients more, because they can’t afford it, said Mitch Robinson, executive director of the Salina EDO. Slots for childcare centers were reduced, leaving parents with tough choices.

“When a family makes the decision for the husband or wife to stay home, that’s also an issue on the workforce side. We want as many people to work as we can,” he said.

Incentives diminished for folks to continue working in childcare.

“There are people who love to take care of kids, but you still can’t starve to death,” Robinson said. “When you can work in retail or a restaurant for more wages than in childcare, it’s just not financially feasible. That’s what we’ve got to change.”

As childcare issues began to attack the local economy, Salina EDO “pivoted” its priorities, he said, especially when 1 Vision Aviation, Schwan’s and Great Plains Manufacturing embarked on huge expansion projects involving a collective need for thousands more workers.

“Our board prioritized housing and childcare as critical areas of importance for the community for a lot of reasons,” Robinson said. “The city’s made some major strides in getting a (housing) development selected.”

But childcare, he said, “has been up and down. With some (workers) staying home, it has continued to be a real problem. Several groups have come together trying to focus on the issues, and most recently, the United Way has volunteered to take the lead on that.”

Ludes is running the show, but the United Way has hired a childcare director. The nonprofit has applied for a bit more than $2 million Kansas Children’s Cabinet Accelerator Grant on behalf of three childcare centers. It would create 187 childcare slots in Saline County.

The three centers include the Salina Family YMCA McAdams Center, 1323 McAdams Road, near the Schwan’s plant in southwest Salina; St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 215 S. Chicago, and St. Mary’s Love N. Learn, 232 E. Cloud, part of St. Mary’s School (a division of the Salina Catholic Diocese).

Other centers would be eligible to apply for grant funding through the United Way to supplement the wage gap, Ludes said.

Those are Heartland Early Head Start, 700 Jupiter, which has three rooms closed equating to 60 slots, due to staffing issues, she said, while Martin Luther King Childcare Center, 1215 N. Santa Fe, is fully staffed and open, but has no capacity for expansion at this time. Childcare in the YMCA building is at maximum capacity, Ludes said, and the Y also runs Angels Academy in Church of the Cross United Methodist, 1600 Rush.&nbsp;

Elected county leaders have infused $400,000 from its share of the federal American Rescue Plan Act, to jumpstart childcare improvements.

United Way has applied for that funding, with $75,000 going toward the new childcare director position and $325,000 to be used as matching funds to encourage contributions.

“An agreement its being ironed out and will be presented to the County Commission for consideration once complete,” said Phillip Smith-Hanes, Saline County administrator.

United Way is also accepting private donations. Checks may be sent to 113 N. Seventh, Salina, KS 67401. Include the word “childcare” on the “for” line.

One center not on the list is Salina Childcare Center, 155 N. Oakdale, Suite 100 in the Donna L. Vanier Children’s Center. It closed four rooms before raising pay in 2020.

“When they did that, they were immediately able to hire all staff and reopen rooms,” Ludes said.

In that case raising pay for childcare professionals was a good move.

“It considerably increased their ability to hire,” Robinson said.

Ludes figures the system in Salina and Saline County needs $500,000 a year to grow the wages. It’s essential to provide a service that will fill youngsters’ needs.

“(Childcare centers) struggle to get and keep staff. When you have constant staff changing, that’s hard on kiddos, too,” she said. “If they’re not getting that consistency, it’s hard on brain development as they grow.”

United Way in Salina has started an Early Childhood Care Initiative. The fund currently contains $40,000, Ludes said. Much more is needed to keep staff from bolting for other lines of work.

“We are in the very initial stages of this program,” she said. “In-home childcare is not part of this phase because they are for-profit, but we are exploring how to help those providers in the future.”

An example of coming improvement in Salina/Saline County childcare can be found at Salina Area Technical College, where a childcare curriculum was launched last year, in response to the shortage, said Mike Strand, college spokesman. The class started with two students.

This fall, it’s full, he said, with 14 students enrolled, including adult and high school pupils.

“I was glad it filled up,” Strand said. “I think a lot of people are hearing about the need.”

A single completed semester — 17 hours of college credit — qualifies students to serve infants and toddlers; another semester is for pre-kindergarten children, covering 19 credit hours. One year covers both infants, toddlers and pre-K, with 33 hours credit, he said, and two years of study, with 62 credit hours, completes an associate degree.

&nbsp;“If someone is interested in going for the Associate Degree, they can start on that this fall, even if the Early Childhood classes are full, by taking some of the general education classes,” Strand said, “like English Composition or General Psychology.”

Women began entering the workforce in the 1970s and ‘80s, Ludes said, and childcare costs have since increased.

“It kind of goes back to centers never being able to charge enough to supplement wages, because families can’t afford it,” Ludes said.

United Way and other leaders have been visiting with major employers to gauge their willingness to contribute money to help improve childcare, and other shortfalls, such as worker shortages.

Linda Salem, principal advisor at Great Plains Manufacturing, 1525 E. North, provided this statement: “Great Plains continues to expand. With that, the need for housing and child care for our employees continues to grow.&nbsp;The City is addressing the housing need.&nbsp;It gives us continued confidence in our decision to expand here when we see this strong focus on child care.&nbsp;Salina is fortunate to have a really strong partnership between the community and business.&nbsp;Great Plains is committed to being part of the solution in our communities to assist with the child care challenge and we have confidence that the other business leaders will also want to participate.”&nbsp;

A number of employers have joined in discussions to develop solutions, according to local leaders.

“We will be meeting with local businesses in Saline County to help supplement wages across all nonprofit childcare centers,” Ludes said, “except for Salina Childcare Association.”

Salina Childcare Center, 155 N. Oakdale, Suite 100, in the Donna L. Vanier Children’s Center, had closed four rooms before raising pay in 2020.

“When they did that, they were immediately able to hire all staff and reopen rooms,” she said.

The drive melds with a June 2022 comment from Lori Blake, executive director of CAPS. She outlined a “three legged stool” with problems hampering childcare services, families, and employers.

“Providers and teachers can’t afford to stay and families can’t afford to pay,” Blake said. “Public investment is the way.”

She’s been engaged with this issue since 2001, and originally chaired Saline County Childcare Workforce Development, a work group of PIECE, which is a public/private community collaboration of more than 20 local organizations. Lindsey Rojas, early education initiatives program director at CAPS, is the facilitator of PIECE.

Among the most recent developments in the process is having an organization that can be a champion for childcare issues in the community, Blake said.

“We were missing a bridge from the practitioners in early education to connect with business and industry and the Salina Area United Way’s new position is doing just that, both fundraising, identifying needs, and writing grants on behalf of the entire community,” she said. “United Way is there for the issue and not for an individual organization.”

There are also less universal changes occurring.

In July 2022, for example, CAPS added childcare as a benefit for employees with children the age of 6, not enrolled in kindergarten, Blake said, and continues to “offer flex schedules to our employees as a family-friendly employment strategy. I am trained and willing to work with local employers on implementing such practices.”

“We’ve got to lead by example. We need to me walkin’ that talk,” she said. “We have been able to retain employees because of it. I think it’s a great benefit for employers to consider.”

With an influx of workers expected to take jobs available from a number of companies, chief among them the sizable Great Plains/Kubota and Schwan’s expansions in Salina, 1 Vision Aviation, and Vortex Companies, childcare is among the obstacles of filling jobs.

Schwan’s has entered a partnership with the McAdams Center, which is close to the company’s Tony’s Pizza plant.

“They are going to have that for their people, first right fo refusal, with overflow for the general public” Ludes said, “We have been meeting with people left and right, and it has the most momentum it’s ever had. I think we’re going to see some real progress being made before long.”

While the problems are far from solved, Montoy is encouraged.

“Everybody’s working hard. I’m sensing it’s getting better,” she said.&nbsp;“We want the best of the best taking care of our children, because they’re that important. Communities don’t work without safe, available childcare. It’s a critical component to making our society work.”

By TIM UNRUH For Saline CountyChildcare is wrapped in a sticky web of issues affecting growth and quality of life improvements in Salina and Saline County.Local leaders agree money is the biggest need to improve daily care for children. They’re relying on collaboration and a deep sense of community to offer higher wages for childcare professionals, and create more slots for children.Many improvements are needed in the system, said Leigh Ann Montoy, child care coordinator at the Saline County Health Department.“We are not taking care of our children,” she said.Services especially for infants and toddlers, are lacking here, Montoy said, and nationally as well.Cities all over have been dealing with shortages of quality, consistent childcare services for years, said Renee Duxler, president and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675101063457.png" alt="Renee Duxler, CEO and President of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce" />
 <figcaption>Renee Duxler, CEO and President of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce</figcaption>
 </figure>It is among the biggest detriments to local growth, she said, but also a “positive challenge,” serving as proof that expansion is taking place.An intensified attack on the subject has entered a second decade in Salina and Saline County, that has bested some major snags.“Housing and childcare: I live, eat and breathe conversations around those two issues,” Duxler said. “It takes a village to figure this out.”In roughly 2017, the “Connecting the Dots Coalition” formed as a subcommittee of PIECE (Partners in Early Childhood Education) led by Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS) of Salina.The subcommittee, consisting of Child Care Aware, the City of Salina, Salina Community Economic Development Organization, Martin Luther King Jr. Child Development Center, Salina Family YMCA, Saline Child Care Center, Heartland Early Education Services, and the Chamber, began to attack childcare shortages, she said, including a visit to a new childcare center in Garden City to learn and compare notes.“This group came back, received grant funding from the Earl Bane Foundation and gained momentum,” Duxler said. “Then COVID hit and all of that came to a screeching halt. When I started at the Chamber in 2020, we were just starting to kind of touch on those conversations again, and since that period, a second wind has come about with the childcare discussion.”But there has been no clear resolution.Parents in the workforce simply could not afford to pay higher childcare fees to make wages competitive, said Claire Ludes, executive director of the Salina Area United Way.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685737653246.jpeg" alt="Claire Ludes, executive director of the Salina Area United Way. Photo Courtesy Salina United Way" />
 <figcaption>Claire Ludes, executive director of the Salina Area United Way. Photo Courtesy Salina United Way</figcaption>
 </figure>Earlier, pay for childcare professionals was augmented by the 1998 multibillion dollar tobacco settlement.“Then in 2012, those dollars were redirected somewhere else, and that’s when we really started seeing a ripple effect,” she said.The system nearly went belly-up.“(Childcare professionals) started leaving because the wages weren’t being supplemented. Staff was paid $8 to $10 an hour. Teachers weren’t being paid an adequate and relevant wage,” Ludes said.Childcare centers can’t charge clients more, because they can’t afford it, said Mitch Robinson, executive director of the Salina EDO. Slots for childcare centers were reduced, leaving parents with tough choices.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685738070673.jpeg" alt="D. Mitch Robinson, Executive Director Salina Community Economic Development Organization. Photo Courtesy Mitch Robinson" />
 <figcaption>D. Mitch Robinson, Executive Director Salina Community Economic Development Organization. Photo Courtesy Mitch Robinson</figcaption>
 </figure>“When a family makes the decision for the husband or wife to stay home, that’s also an issue on the workforce side. We want as many people to work as we can,” he said.Incentives diminished for folks to continue working in childcare.“There are people who love to take care of kids, but you still can’t starve to death,” Robinson said. “When you can work in retail or a restaurant for more wages than in childcare, it’s just not financially feasible. That’s what we’ve got to change.”As childcare issues began to attack the local economy, Salina EDO “pivoted” its priorities, he said, especially when 1 Vision Aviation, Schwan’s and Great Plains Manufacturing embarked on huge expansion projects involving a collective need for thousands more workers.“Our board prioritized housing and childcare as critical areas of importance for the community for a lot of reasons,” Robinson said. “The city’s made some major strides in getting a (housing) development selected.”But childcare, he said, “has been up and down. With some (workers) staying home, it has continued to be a real problem. Several groups have come together trying to focus on the issues, and most recently, the United Way has volunteered to take the lead on that.”Ludes is running the show, but the United Way has hired a childcare director. The nonprofit has applied for a bit more than $2 million Kansas Children’s Cabinet Accelerator Grant on behalf of three childcare centers. It would create 187 childcare slots in Saline County.The three centers include the Salina Family YMCA McAdams Center, 1323 McAdams Road, near the Schwan’s plant in southwest Salina; St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 215 S. Chicago, and St. Mary’s Love N. Learn, 232 E. Cloud, part of St. Mary’s School (a division of the Salina Catholic Diocese).Other centers would be eligible to apply for grant funding through the United Way to supplement the wage gap, Ludes said.Those are Heartland Early Head Start, 700 Jupiter, which has three rooms closed equating to 60 slots, due to staffing issues, she said, while Martin Luther King Childcare Center, 1215 N. Santa Fe, is fully staffed and open, but has no capacity for expansion at this time. Childcare in the YMCA building is at maximum capacity, Ludes said, and the Y also runs Angels Academy in Church of the Cross United Methodist, 1600 Rush.&nbsp;Elected county leaders have infused $400,000 from its share of the federal American Rescue Plan Act, to jumpstart childcare improvements.United Way has applied for that funding, with $75,000 going toward the new childcare director position and $325,000 to be used as matching funds to encourage contributions.“An agreement its being ironed out and will be presented to the County Commission for consideration once complete,” said Phillip Smith-Hanes, Saline County administrator.United Way is also accepting private donations. Checks may be sent to 113 N. Seventh, Salina, KS 67401. Include the word “childcare” on the “for” line.One center not on the list is Salina Childcare Center, 155 N. Oakdale, Suite 100 in the Donna L. Vanier Children’s Center. It closed four rooms before raising pay in 2020.“When they did that, they were immediately able to hire all staff and reopen rooms,” Ludes said.In that case raising pay for childcare professionals was a good move.“It considerably increased their ability to hire,” Robinson said.Ludes figures the system in Salina and Saline County needs $500,000 a year to grow the wages. It’s essential to provide a service that will fill youngsters’ needs.“(Childcare centers) struggle to get and keep staff. When you have constant staff changing, that’s hard on kiddos, too,” she said. “If they’re not getting that consistency, it’s hard on brain development as they grow.”United Way in Salina has started an Early Childhood Care Initiative. The fund currently contains $40,000, Ludes said. Much more is needed to keep staff from bolting for other lines of work.“We are in the very initial stages of this program,” she said. “In-home childcare is not part of this phase because they are for-profit, but we are exploring how to help those providers in the future.”An example of coming improvement in Salina/Saline County childcare can be found at Salina Area Technical College, where a childcare curriculum was launched last year, in response to the shortage, said Mike Strand, college spokesman. The class started with two students.This fall, it’s full, he said, with 14 students enrolled, including adult and high school pupils.“I was glad it filled up,” Strand said. “I think a lot of people are hearing about the need.”A single completed semester — 17 hours of college credit — qualifies students to serve infants and toddlers; another semester is for pre-kindergarten children, covering 19 credit hours. One year covers both infants, toddlers and pre-K, with 33 hours credit, he said, and two years of study, with 62 credit hours, completes an associate degree.&nbsp;“If someone is interested in going for the Associate Degree, they can start on that this fall, even if the Early Childhood classes are full, by taking some of the general education classes,” Strand said, “like English Composition or General Psychology.”Women began entering the workforce in the 1970s and ‘80s, Ludes said, and childcare costs have since increased.“It kind of goes back to centers never being able to charge enough to supplement wages, because families can’t afford it,” Ludes said.United Way and other leaders have been visiting with major employers to gauge their willingness to contribute money to help improve childcare, and other shortfalls, such as worker shortages.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685738334110.jpeg" alt="Linda Salem, principal advisor at Great Plains Manufacturing. Photo Courtesy Great Plains" />
 <figcaption>Linda Salem, principal advisor at Great Plains Manufacturing. Photo Courtesy Great Plains</figcaption>
 </figure>Linda Salem, principal advisor at Great Plains Manufacturing, 1525 E. North, provided this statement: “Great Plains continues to expand. With that, the need for housing and child care for our employees continues to grow.&nbsp;The City is addressing the housing need.&nbsp;It gives us continued confidence in our decision to expand here when we see this strong focus on child care.&nbsp;Salina is fortunate to have a really strong partnership between the community and business.&nbsp;Great Plains is committed to being part of the solution in our communities to assist with the child care challenge and we have confidence that the other business leaders will also want to participate.”&nbsp;A number of employers have joined in discussions to develop solutions, according to local leaders.“We will be meeting with local businesses in Saline County to help supplement wages across all nonprofit childcare centers,” Ludes said, “except for Salina Childcare Association.”Salina Childcare Center, 155 N. Oakdale, Suite 100, in the Donna L. Vanier Children’s Center, had closed four rooms before raising pay in 2020.“When they did that, they were immediately able to hire all staff and reopen rooms,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685738426304.jpeg" alt="Lori Blake, executive director for CAPS. Photo Courtesy CAPS" />
 <figcaption>Lori Blake, executive director for CAPS. Photo Courtesy CAPS</figcaption>
 </figure>The drive melds with a June 2022 comment from Lori Blake, executive director of CAPS. She outlined a “three legged stool” with problems hampering childcare services, families, and employers.“Providers and teachers can’t afford to stay and families can’t afford to pay,” Blake said. “Public investment is the way.”She’s been engaged with this issue since 2001, and originally chaired Saline County Childcare Workforce Development, a work group of PIECE, which is a public/private community collaboration of more than 20 local organizations. Lindsey Rojas, early education initiatives program director at CAPS, is the facilitator of PIECE.Among the most recent developments in the process is having an organization that can be a champion for childcare issues in the community, Blake said.“We were missing a bridge from the practitioners in early education to connect with business and industry and the Salina Area United Way’s new position is doing just that, both fundraising, identifying needs, and writing grants on behalf of the entire community,” she said. “United Way is there for the issue and not for an individual organization.”There are also less universal changes occurring.In July 2022, for example, CAPS added childcare as a benefit for employees with children the age of 6, not enrolled in kindergarten, Blake said, and continues to “offer flex schedules to our employees as a family-friendly employment strategy. I am trained and willing to work with local employers on implementing such practices.”The change proved beneficial.“We’ve got to lead by example. We need to me walkin’ that talk,” she said. “We have been able to retain employees because of it. I think it’s a great benefit for employers to consider.”With an influx of workers expected to take jobs available from a number of companies, chief among them the sizable Great Plains/Kubota and Schwan’s expansions in Salina, 1 Vision Aviation, and Vortex Companies, childcare is among the obstacles of filling jobs.Schwan’s has entered a partnership with the McAdams Center, which is close to the company’s Tony’s Pizza plant.“They are going to have that for their people, first right fo refusal, with overflow for the general public” Ludes said, “We have been meeting with people left and right, and it has the most momentum it’s ever had. I think we’re going to see some real progress being made before long.”While the problems are far from solved, Montoy is encouraged.“Everybody’s working hard. I’m sensing it’s getting better,” she said.&nbsp;“We want the best of the best taking care of our children, because they’re that important. Communities don’t work without safe, available childcare. It’s a critical component to making our society work.”

‘It takes a village’  Salina/Saline County aim to attract ‘best of the best’ in childcare

Here's the lineup for this week's&nbsp;KINA Saturday Morning.

9:05 a.m.:&nbsp;Brad Anderson on Smoky Hill River Festival.

9:20 a.m.:&nbsp;Cori Sherman North, Curator, Burger Sandzen&nbsp; Memorial Gallery, Lindsborg, on Gun Safety.&nbsp;&nbsp;

9:35 a.m.:&nbsp;Vickee Spicer on "School of Rock" and audition workshop.

10:05 a.m.:&nbsp;Ben Miller on Stutzmans.

10:30 a.m.:&nbsp;&nbsp;Deb Wood, Shick Counselor, K-State Salina on 'The Senior Years."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625885773462.jpeg" alt="KINA Logo. Image Courtesy of 910KINA" />
 <figcaption>KINA Logo. Image Courtesy of 910KINA</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTHere's the lineup for this week's&nbsp;KINA Saturday Morning.9:05 a.m.:&nbsp;Brad Anderson on Smoky Hill River Festival. 9:20 a.m.:&nbsp;Cori Sherman North, Curator, Burger Sandzen&nbsp; Memorial Gallery, Lindsborg, on Gun Safety.&nbsp;&nbsp; 9:35 a.m.:&nbsp;Vickee Spicer on "School of Rock" and audition workshop. 10:05 a.m.:&nbsp;Ben Miller on Stutzmans. 10:30 a.m.:&nbsp;&nbsp;Deb Wood, Shick Counselor, K-State Salina on 'The Senior Years."

This week's 'KINA Saturday Morning' lineup

Schedule:	Full Time (64 hours/pay period)&nbsp;

Shift/Hours:	Generally, 3 days/week 9:30 am – 6:00 p.m. and 2 days/week 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Hours 		are flexible and occasional weekend/holiday shifts may be required.&nbsp;

Functions as a member of the Salina Surgical Hospital Dietary Department assisting the Salina Surgical Hospital healthcare team by providing appetizing, nutritionally sound meals of sufficient quantity to satisfy the appetites and needs of our patients, families, physicians, nursing staff and other support staff.&nbsp;

Must have a minimum of a high school diploma or documented work experience in the Food Service field.&nbsp;

Must be able to comprehend and follow both written and oral instructions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds multiple times.&nbsp;

Apply:		Online at <a href="http://www.salinasurgical.com/careers.php" target="_blank">www.salinasurgical.com/careers.php</a>&nbsp;

In person at 401 S. Santa Fe, Salina, KS&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685727523199.jpeg" alt="Image provided by Salina Surgical Hospital" />
 <figcaption>Image provided by Salina Surgical Hospital</figcaption>
 </figure>Dietary Staff&nbsp;Department:	Dietary&nbsp;Schedule:	Full Time (64 hours/pay period)&nbsp;Shift/Hours:	Generally, 3 days/week 9:30 am – 6:00 p.m. and 2 days/week 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Hours 		are flexible and occasional weekend/holiday shifts may be required.&nbsp;Job Details:&nbsp;Functions as a member of the Salina Surgical Hospital Dietary Department assisting the Salina Surgical Hospital healthcare team by providing appetizing, nutritionally sound meals of sufficient quantity to satisfy the appetites and needs of our patients, families, physicians, nursing staff and other support staff.&nbsp;Position Qualifications:Must have a minimum of a high school diploma or documented work experience in the Food Service field.&nbsp;Must be able to comprehend and follow both written and oral instructions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Healthcare experience preferred&nbsp;Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds multiple times.&nbsp;Apply:		Online at <a href="http://www.salinasurgical.com/careers.php" target="_blank">www.salinasurgical.com/careers.php</a>&nbsp;In person at 401 S. Santa Fe, Salina, KS&nbsp;

Moran introduces legislation to support aviation safety, accessibility

🎤 Forward Ever: State Library of Kansas director of reference Cindy Roupe

MCPHERSON COUNTY —Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers responded Friday morning to a fully engulfed semi in McPherson County. 

Traffic on Interstate 135 near milepost 64, Pawnee Road (CR 448) is slow.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685722198529.png" alt="Photo sMcPherson Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Photo sMcPherson Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY —Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers responded Friday morning to a fully engulfed semi in McPherson County. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685710135127.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Traffic on Interstate 135 near milepost 64, Pawnee Road (CR 448) is slow.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685722233533.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>No injuries have been reported.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

KHP: Semi on fire, traffic slow on Interstate 135

On June 2, 1997, Timothy McVeigh was convicted of murder and conspiracy in the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City that killed 168 people. (McVeigh was executed in June 2001.)

In 1924, Congress passed, and President Calvin Coolidge signed, a measure guaranteeing full American citizenship for all Native Americans born within U.S. territorial limits.

In 1941, baseball’s “Iron Horse,” Lou Gehrig, died in New York of a degenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; he was 37.

In 1953, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place in London’s Westminster Abbey, 16 months after the death of her father, King George VI.

In 1961, playwright and director George S. Kaufman, 71, died in New York.

In 1962, Soviet forces opened fire on striking workers in the Russian city of Novocherkassk; a retired general in 1989 put the death toll at 22 to 24.

In 1966, U.S. space probe Surveyor 1 landed on the moon and began transmitting detailed photographs of the lunar surface.

In 1979, Pope John Paul II arrived in his native Poland on the first visit by a pope to a Communist country.

In 1981, the Japanese video arcade game “Donkey Kong” was released by Nintendo.

In 1999, South Africans went to the polls in their second post-apartheid election, giving the African National Congress a decisive victory; retiring president Nelson Mandela was succeeded by Thabo Mbeki (TAH’-boh um-BEH’-kee).

In 2011, a judge in Placerville, California, sentenced serial sex offender Phillip Garrido to life in prison for kidnapping and raping Jaycee Dugard; Garrido’s wife, Nancy, received a decades-long sentence.

In 2016, autopsy results showed superstar musician Prince died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, a powerful opioid painkiller.

In 2020, defying curfews, protesters streamed back into the nation’s streets, hours after President Donald Trump urged governors to put down the violence set off by the death of George Floyd. Police said four officers were hit by gunfire after protests in St. Louis that began peacefully became violent. The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington sharply criticized Trump for staging a visit to St. John’s Church across from the White House after authorities had cleared the area of peaceful protesters. Mayors and governors from both parties rejected Trump’s threat to use the military against protesters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592508316421.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; Photo of old book courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://shutterstock.com/">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Photo of old book courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://shutterstock.com/">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS<h2>Today’s Highlight in History </h2>On June 2, 1997, Timothy McVeigh was convicted of murder and conspiracy in the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City that killed 168 people. (McVeigh was executed in June 2001.)<h2>On this date</h2>In 1924, Congress passed, and President Calvin Coolidge signed, a measure guaranteeing full American citizenship for all Native Americans born within U.S. territorial limits.In 1941, baseball’s “Iron Horse,” Lou Gehrig, died in New York of a degenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; he was 37.In 1953, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place in London’s Westminster Abbey, 16 months after the death of her father, King George VI.In 1961, playwright and director George S. Kaufman, 71, died in New York.In 1962, Soviet forces opened fire on striking workers in the Russian city of Novocherkassk; a retired general in 1989 put the death toll at 22 to 24.In 1966, U.S. space probe Surveyor 1 landed on the moon and began transmitting detailed photographs of the lunar surface.In 1979, Pope John Paul II arrived in his native Poland on the first visit by a pope to a Communist country.In 1981, the Japanese video arcade game “Donkey Kong” was released by Nintendo.In 1999, South Africans went to the polls in their second post-apartheid election, giving the African National Congress a decisive victory; retiring president Nelson Mandela was succeeded by Thabo Mbeki (TAH’-boh um-BEH’-kee).In 2011, a judge in Placerville, California, sentenced serial sex offender Phillip Garrido to life in prison for kidnapping and raping Jaycee Dugard; Garrido’s wife, Nancy, received a decades-long sentence.In 2016, autopsy results showed superstar musician Prince died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, a powerful opioid painkiller.In 2020, defying curfews, protesters streamed back into the nation’s streets, hours after President Donald Trump urged governors to put down the violence set off by the death of George Floyd. Police said four officers were hit by gunfire after protests in St. Louis that began peacefully became violent. The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington sharply criticized Trump for staging a visit to St. John’s Church across from the White House after authorities had cleared the area of peaceful protesters. Mayors and governors from both parties rejected Trump’s threat to use the military against protesters.

Today in History-June 2

In the beloved sitcom&nbsp;Everybody Loves Raymond, Ray Romano perfected a relatable type: the dryly-humorous everyman who invariably gets embroiled in work and family conflicts despite his efforts to remain above the fray. Making his directorial debut, Romano brings his hang-dog relatability to this comedy-drama about a father who becomes obsessed with his shy teenage son’s basketball prowess.

 Romano is Leo Russo, part of a sprawling, often contentious Italian-American clan dominated by Tony Lo Bianco as Romano’s father, owner of the construction company where Leo’s worked all his life. Married to his high school sweetheart Angela (an excellent Laurie Metcalf), Leo tries to connect with his son Matthew (Jacob Ward), which he never could with his own macho father. When Matthew (nicknamed “Sticks”) unexpectedly gets a chance at a basketball scholarship to college, Leo pushes him to take this chance instead of joining the family business as everyone else expects him to do. But his efforts to be a sensitive, supportive dad don’t quite work out. 

Angela, though more aloof, also wants what’s best for Sticks—especially when she meets her son’s much more extroverted girlfriend (Sadie Stanley, a star in the making) and takes an instant dislike to her. Romano’s direction is assured and unpretentious, and his script (co-written with Mark Stegemann) nimble and funny, but what really separates this film from sitcom clichés and Italian-American stereotypes we might expect is the surprising humanity and heart.

 As in real life, no one is 100% saint or villain; everyone is doing their best, and Romano’s film gets great comic and dramatic mileage from showing how good intentions can go haywire.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Somewhere in Queens" is rated R for profanity and sexual references and is 117 minutes long.&nbsp;

For ticket prices and Salina Art Center cinema showtimes <a href="https://prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=306561~324e763b-503c-450c-8c59-54007b851949&amp;epguid=1462896f-957e-4d46-93dc-7403f388152f&amp;">click here.</a>

Sponsored by: John, Jamie, Brigid, &amp; Quint Hall

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685636671556.jpeg" alt="Somewhere in Queens movie poster. Image courtesy Salina Art Center" />
 <figcaption>Somewhere in Queens movie poster. Image courtesy Salina Art Center</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Art CenterIn the beloved sitcom&nbsp;Everybody Loves Raymond, Ray Romano perfected a relatable type: the dryly-humorous everyman who invariably gets embroiled in work and family conflicts despite his efforts to remain above the fray. Making his directorial debut, Romano brings his hang-dog relatability to this comedy-drama about a father who becomes obsessed with his shy teenage son’s basketball prowess. Romano is Leo Russo, part of a sprawling, often contentious Italian-American clan dominated by Tony Lo Bianco as Romano’s father, owner of the construction company where Leo’s worked all his life. Married to his high school sweetheart Angela (an excellent Laurie Metcalf), Leo tries to connect with his son Matthew (Jacob Ward), which he never could with his own macho father. When Matthew (nicknamed “Sticks”) unexpectedly gets a chance at a basketball scholarship to college, Leo pushes him to take this chance instead of joining the family business as everyone else expects him to do. But his efforts to be a sensitive, supportive dad don’t quite work out. Angela, though more aloof, also wants what’s best for Sticks—especially when she meets her son’s much more extroverted girlfriend (Sadie Stanley, a star in the making) and takes an instant dislike to her. Romano’s direction is assured and unpretentious, and his script (co-written with Mark Stegemann) nimble and funny, but what really separates this film from sitcom clichés and Italian-American stereotypes we might expect is the surprising humanity and heart. As in real life, no one is 100% saint or villain; everyone is doing their best, and Romano’s film gets great comic and dramatic mileage from showing how good intentions can go haywire.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Somewhere in Queens" is rated R for profanity and sexual references and is 117 minutes long.&nbsp;For ticket prices and Salina Art Center cinema showtimes <a href="https://prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=306561~324e763b-503c-450c-8c59-54007b851949&amp;epguid=1462896f-957e-4d46-93dc-7403f388152f&amp;">click here.</a>Sponsored by: John, Jamie, Brigid, &amp; Quint Hall