ABILENE - Tours of President Dwight Eisenhower's boyhood home are once again available to the public.

Extensive preservation work including exterior lead paint abatement and maintenance updates closed the home for several months. The project is now complete and guests are welcome to once again step back in time and see the home where our nation's 34th President grew up.

"These repairs were necessary for both the preservation of this historic home and, more importantly, our ability to continue sharing this history for future generations," said Library Director Dawn Hammatt.

Scheduled tours are available Tuesday through Sunday and are limited to 10 guests per time slot. Tickets may only be purchased onsite. 

This project was funded through a combination of federal and private funds from the Eisenhower Foundation.&nbsp;

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0013jQMeVlINS9AjhiEWEbJ7u1jF5s0aRqd4_s0RI-KhosJWOFbw_QV-sSkkhKByfkmV9AYhAjWtSLWcppCVMF6YAlbQGux_YTEG0NxXE7qoXt1V6RNMLIL13BJsZr0T8hFzbwpNSKRn1hB7KUfDkZhczBokqu4dmp7&amp;c=w9Atd4c-1gMVgCt6HysFiwYruNM-DV9Frqv298JWSuA7OsLh04xAxA==&amp;ch=EcPJqcFP3Y-43EtUiLETsbzmOROoiq5ex--bPlBdvCM7RLZ4kv6MOQ==" target="_blank">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>&nbsp;for additional details on planning your visit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676430424506.png" alt="President Dwight Eisenhower's boyhood home in Abilene. Photo courtesy Eisenhower Presidential Library" />
 <figcaption>President Dwight Eisenhower's boyhood home in Abilene. Photo courtesy Eisenhower Presidential Library</figcaption>
 </figure>Eisenhower Presidential LibraryABILENE - Tours of President Dwight Eisenhower's boyhood home are once again available to the public.Extensive preservation work including exterior lead paint abatement and maintenance updates closed the home for several months. The project is now complete and guests are welcome to once again step back in time and see the home where our nation's 34th President grew up."These repairs were necessary for both the preservation of this historic home and, more importantly, our ability to continue sharing this history for future generations," said Library Director Dawn Hammatt. Scheduled tours are available Tuesday through Sunday and are limited to 10 guests per time slot. Tickets may only be purchased onsite. This project was funded through a combination of federal and private funds from the Eisenhower Foundation.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0013jQMeVlINS9AjhiEWEbJ7u1jF5s0aRqd4_s0RI-KhosJWOFbw_QV-sSkkhKByfkmV9AYhAjWtSLWcppCVMF6YAlbQGux_YTEG0NxXE7qoXt1V6RNMLIL13BJsZr0T8hFzbwpNSKRn1hB7KUfDkZhczBokqu4dmp7&amp;c=w9Atd4c-1gMVgCt6HysFiwYruNM-DV9Frqv298JWSuA7OsLh04xAxA==&amp;ch=EcPJqcFP3Y-43EtUiLETsbzmOROoiq5ex--bPlBdvCM7RLZ4kv6MOQ==" target="_blank">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>&nbsp;for additional details on planning your visit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eisenhower boyhood home now open for tours

Salina USD 305 announced this evening that Julie Falcon has been hired as principal of the Salina Virtual Innovation Academy.

An educator with 28 years of experience, Falcon has spent the last 18 years at Salina South High School, most recently serving nine years as assistant principal.

Her previous leadership experience includes:

Before moving to Salina, Falcon was a language arts teacher, counselor, and coach at Weskan USD 242.

Falcon earned a Master of Science degree in school leadership from Baker University and a Master of Science degree in counseling from Fort Hays State University, where she also earned a Bachelor of Arts in English.

Beth Morrison is currently serving as interim principal at the Salina Virtual Innovation Academy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676426637948.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Julie Falcon. Photo courtesy Salina USD 305" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Julie Falcon. Photo courtesy Salina USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina USD 305Salina USD 305 announced this evening that Julie Falcon has been hired as principal of the Salina Virtual Innovation Academy.An educator with 28 years of experience, Falcon has spent the last 18 years at Salina South High School, most recently serving nine years as assistant principal.Her previous leadership experience includes:●School counselor● Performance-based diploma director●ACT and SAT testing supervisor●Summer school director●Credit recovery directorBefore moving to Salina, Falcon was a language arts teacher, counselor, and coach at Weskan USD 242.Falcon earned a Master of Science degree in school leadership from Baker University and a Master of Science degree in counseling from Fort Hays State University, where she also earned a Bachelor of Arts in English.Beth Morrison is currently serving as interim principal at the Salina Virtual Innovation Academy.

Falcon named Salina Virtual Innovation Academy principal

The Salina USD 305 board today honored Hernan Hernandez as this year's Horizon Teacher.

Hernandez was recognized for demonstrating excellence during his first full year of teaching.

Now in his second year as a third-grade teacher at Schilling Elementary School, Hernandez’s style includes strong connections to his students, hands-on activities, frequent movement, and technology. While his instructional strategies are top-tier, his passion for teaching is evident in everything he does. 

“He wants to make sure his students get the best he can give,” according to a fellow teacher.

Hernandez takes the time to get to know his students’ interests, hobbies, and abilities. 

“Knowing the little things about your students helps you build important, positive relationships,” explained Hernandez. 

Making sure those relationships are meaningful and lasting is important to Hernandez. In meeting his students’ families, he is quick to learn parental goals and their preferred communication methods.

Collaboration is important to Hernandez. 

“Students can feel when adults are on the same page,” explained Hernandez. “This impacts how their learning environment feels and the amount of learning that is accomplished.” 

His time spent creating an exemplary learning environment benefits his students as well as his colleagues, with whom he shares generously.

“Hernan does everything in his power to make sure students’ needs are met, going above and beyond to improve his instruction and learning opportunities,” added a fellow teacher. “Hernan works to have the lessons suit his students, differentiating the material to meet their varied learning needs.” 

Always well prepared, he fluidly adjusts the lessons as needed to ensure concepts are learned.

By helping to begin a student council at Schilling Elementary, a new way for students to develop leadership, belonging and a sense of pride is now possible. 

“He thinks outside the box and is always finding new and exciting ways for student learning both in his class and throughout the building,” added a colleague.

Every morning, Hernandez greets students in the hallway with a smile on his face, setting a positive tone and reinforcing connections. His work in creating and supporting a safe and positive learning environment helps to promote student success on a daily basis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676425234559.jpeg" alt="Hernan Hernandez. Photo courtesy Salina USD 305" />
 <figcaption>Hernan Hernandez. Photo courtesy Salina USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina USD 305The Salina USD 305 board today honored Hernan Hernandez as this year's Horizon Teacher.Hernandez was recognized for demonstrating excellence during his first full year of teaching.Now in his second year as a third-grade teacher at Schilling Elementary School, Hernandez’s style includes strong connections to his students, hands-on activities, frequent movement, and technology. While his instructional strategies are top-tier, his passion for teaching is evident in everything he does. “He wants to make sure his students get the best he can give,” according to a fellow teacher.Hernandez takes the time to get to know his students’ interests, hobbies, and abilities. “Knowing the little things about your students helps you build important, positive relationships,” explained Hernandez. Making sure those relationships are meaningful and lasting is important to Hernandez. In meeting his students’ families, he is quick to learn parental goals and their preferred communication methods.Collaboration is important to Hernandez. “Students can feel when adults are on the same page,” explained Hernandez. “This impacts how their learning environment feels and the amount of learning that is accomplished.” His time spent creating an exemplary learning environment benefits his students as well as his colleagues, with whom he shares generously.“Hernan does everything in his power to make sure students’ needs are met, going above and beyond to improve his instruction and learning opportunities,” added a fellow teacher. “Hernan works to have the lessons suit his students, differentiating the material to meet their varied learning needs.” Always well prepared, he fluidly adjusts the lessons as needed to ensure concepts are learned.By helping to begin a student council at Schilling Elementary, a new way for students to develop leadership, belonging and a sense of pride is now possible. “He thinks outside the box and is always finding new and exciting ways for student learning both in his class and throughout the building,” added a colleague.Every morning, Hernandez greets students in the hallway with a smile on his face, setting a positive tone and reinforcing connections. His work in creating and supporting a safe and positive learning environment helps to promote student success on a daily basis.

Schilling Elementary's Hernandez honored as Horizon Teacher

Ginger Jones has been hired as the new principal at Salina South High School, Salina USD 305 announced this evening.

She is scheduled to begin her duties on July 1.

Jones has been an educator for 25 years, most recently serving as assistant superintendent at the Richmond R-XVI School District in Missouri. She has 11 years of teaching experience in career and technical education (business) and 14 years of administrative experience.

She has a doctorate in educational leadership from St. Louis University and an educational specialist superintendent degree from Northwest Missouri State University. Jones has a master’s degree in educational instruction technology from Northwest Missouri State University and a bachelor’s degree in secondary business education and office information systems from Northwest Missouri State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676424110326.jpeg" alt="Ginger Jones. Photo courtesy USD 305" />
 <figcaption>Ginger Jones. Photo courtesy USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina USD 305Ginger Jones has been hired as the new principal at Salina South High School, Salina USD 305 announced this evening.She is scheduled to begin her duties on July 1.Jones has been an educator for 25 years, most recently serving as assistant superintendent at the Richmond R-XVI School District in Missouri. She has 11 years of teaching experience in career and technical education (business) and 14 years of administrative experience.She has a doctorate in educational leadership from St. Louis University and an educational specialist superintendent degree from Northwest Missouri State University. Jones has a master’s degree in educational instruction technology from Northwest Missouri State University and a bachelor’s degree in secondary business education and office information systems from Northwest Missouri State University.

Jones hired as new Salina South High School principal

The Salina USD 305 board today honored Kevin Poland, this year's Master Teacher.

Poland, a social studies teacher at South High School, was selected for the honor by NEA-Salina members.

Poland earned a Bachelor of Science in education degree and a Bachelor of Arts in history from Fort Hays State University, as well as a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Kansas State University. He has taught social studies for 15 years at South High School.

As a social studies educator, Poland strives to ensure future generations of civic-minded citizens. He knows the value of guiding the development of students’ empathy and education. Present in each of his lessons is his pursuit of excellence, community inclusion, and development. Students in Poland’s classroom practice healthy community relationships and develop skills that can be applied to improve the political and economic climate.

Poland has served on the Writing to Learn team at South High School. The team’s teachers, from different content areas, plan and deliver staff training about how to use writing in the classroom as a way for students to communicate their learning. He has also piloted technology integration, served on South High’s Multi-Tiered Student Support leadership team and mentored others as a teacher ambassador. He was trained in Kagan and Advance Placement instruction.

Poland received the Secondary Horizon Award in 2010 and became involved in the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network, forging connections with other passionate and dedicated educators across Kansas. As a career-long KNEA member, he values the collective strength and support of fellow KNEA educators.

Poland’s involvement extends into the Salina community. He judges debate, attends student events, and is a sponsor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Project 7. His involvement in his church includes Church Council, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, an Afterschool Program, and the Deacon Board.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676423103716.jpeg" alt="Kevin Poland. Photo courtesy Salina USD 305" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Poland. Photo courtesy Salina USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina USD 305The Salina USD 305 board today honored Kevin Poland, this year's Master Teacher.Poland, a social studies teacher at South High School, was selected for the honor by NEA-Salina members.Poland earned a Bachelor of Science in education degree and a Bachelor of Arts in history from Fort Hays State University, as well as a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Kansas State University. He has taught social studies for 15 years at South High School.As a social studies educator, Poland strives to ensure future generations of civic-minded citizens. He knows the value of guiding the development of students’ empathy and education. Present in each of his lessons is his pursuit of excellence, community inclusion, and development. Students in Poland’s classroom practice healthy community relationships and develop skills that can be applied to improve the political and economic climate.Poland has served on the Writing to Learn team at South High School. The team’s teachers, from different content areas, plan and deliver staff training about how to use writing in the classroom as a way for students to communicate their learning. He has also piloted technology integration, served on South High’s Multi-Tiered Student Support leadership team and mentored others as a teacher ambassador. He was trained in Kagan and Advance Placement instruction.Poland received the Secondary Horizon Award in 2010 and became involved in the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network, forging connections with other passionate and dedicated educators across Kansas. As a career-long KNEA member, he values the collective strength and support of fellow KNEA educators.Poland’s involvement extends into the Salina community. He judges debate, attends student events, and is a sponsor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Project 7. His involvement in his church includes Church Council, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, an Afterschool Program, and the Deacon Board.

Salina Board of Education honors Master Teacher Poland

Please join the Talent Acquisition Team&nbsp;Feb. 23 from 4-6 p.m.&nbsp;at the Salina Country Club for an evening of celebrating registered nurses; recent and upcoming graduates, as well as experienced nurses seeking employment, are encouraged to attend.

Learn about compensation and benefits, nurse residency, relocation expenses, free housing for Med/Surg, childcare stipend, student loan forgiveness, clinic ladders program, sign-on bonus and more.

You will have the opportunity to visit with nursing leadership about flexible scheduling, culture and professional development. It is a fantastic time to see how SRHC&nbsp;“takes care of you, so you can care for others”

Bring an RN friend and enjoy food, door prizes, and a great experience!

Contact Tess Modrow for details at 785-452-7026.

Salina Regional Health CenterPlease join the Talent Acquisition Team&nbsp;Feb. 23 from 4-6 p.m.&nbsp;at the Salina Country Club for an evening of celebrating registered nurses; recent and upcoming graduates, as well as experienced nurses seeking employment, are encouraged to attend.Learn about compensation and benefits, nurse residency, relocation expenses, free housing for Med/Surg, childcare stipend, student loan forgiveness, clinic ladders program, sign-on bonus and more.You will have the opportunity to visit with nursing leadership about flexible scheduling, culture and professional development. It is a fantastic time to see how SRHC&nbsp;“takes care of you, so you can care for others”Bring an RN friend and enjoy food, door prizes, and a great experience!Contact Tess Modrow for details at 785-452-7026.

SRHC’s annual Nursing Celebration coming up Feb. 23

While Salina Area Technical College has routinely set new fall enrollment records over the past several years, spring enrollment numbers have been quietly growing as well.

For the spring 2023 semester, the college reached a record headcount of 1,055 students enrolled in a record 7,921 credit hours.

Those numbers represent a 22 percent increase in headcount compared to spring of 2022, and an 18 percent increase in the number of credit hours. In the past five years, headcount is up 58 percent, and the number of credit hours is up 50 percent.

“The growth is coming in a number of different ways,” said Salina Tech President Greg Nichols. “We have several newer programs, such as Fire Science and Police Science, that can accept new students in the spring. But much of the growth is from our concurrent enrollment partnership with area high schools.”

In the current semester, 597 high school students are enrolled in 2,880 credit hours through the concurrent enrollment program, earning both high school and college credit by taking college-level classes such as General Psychology or College Algebra at their high school.

“These numbers are great, but our enrollment is only growing because our reputation is growing,” Nichols said. “For several years now, we’ve been at or near the top college in Kansas in measures such as graduation rates, job placement and overall student success.”

This past fall, the college’s nursing program was recognized by RegisteredNusring.org for having the highest first-time passing rate of any two-year college in Kansas on the NCLEX-RN national nursing licensing exam. The only colleges with higher passing rates were four-year programs at Benedictine College, Baker University and the University of St. Mary.

Rapid growth brings new challenges, Nichols said.

“We’re pretty much out of space on campus,” he said. “Our new student center opened in January, and that freed up some space for new employees – but what we also need is additional classroom and shop spaces.”

Salina Tech recently received a $1.8 million grant from the State of Kansas to pay for part of the cost of a new building to house a new Industrial Maintenance and Automation program, and the college is working to raise additional funds to match that grant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676331741183.png" alt="Charts courtesy Salina Tech" />
 <figcaption>Charts courtesy Salina Tech</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina TechWhile Salina Area Technical College has routinely set new fall enrollment records over the past several years, spring enrollment numbers have been quietly growing as well.For the spring 2023 semester, the college reached a record headcount of 1,055 students enrolled in a record 7,921 credit hours.Those numbers represent a 22 percent increase in headcount compared to spring of 2022, and an 18 percent increase in the number of credit hours. In the past five years, headcount is up 58 percent, and the number of credit hours is up 50 percent.“The growth is coming in a number of different ways,” said Salina Tech President Greg Nichols. “We have several newer programs, such as Fire Science and Police Science, that can accept new students in the spring. But much of the growth is from our concurrent enrollment partnership with area high schools.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676331830295.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In the current semester, 597 high school students are enrolled in 2,880 credit hours through the concurrent enrollment program, earning both high school and college credit by taking college-level classes such as General Psychology or College Algebra at their high school.“These numbers are great, but our enrollment is only growing because our reputation is growing,” Nichols said. “For several years now, we’ve been at or near the top college in Kansas in measures such as graduation rates, job placement and overall student success.”This past fall, the college’s nursing program was recognized by RegisteredNusring.org for having the highest first-time passing rate of any two-year college in Kansas on the NCLEX-RN national nursing licensing exam. The only colleges with higher passing rates were four-year programs at Benedictine College, Baker University and the University of St. Mary.Rapid growth brings new challenges, Nichols said.“We’re pretty much out of space on campus,” he said. “Our new student center opened in January, and that freed up some space for new employees – but what we also need is additional classroom and shop spaces.”Salina Tech recently received a $1.8 million grant from the State of Kansas to pay for part of the cost of a new building to house a new Industrial Maintenance and Automation program, and the college is working to raise additional funds to match that grant.

Salina Tech sets spring enrollment record

UPDATE 7:30 a.m. Tuesday: The National Weather Service in Topeka has now included Dickinson County in a winter storm watch. That information is included below. Additionally, the snow total forecast map has been adjusted.

Winter storm watches have been issued for counties in our area.

<a href="http://kandrive.org/">Go to kandrive.org for updates on highway conditions</a>

The National Weather Service in Topeka has included Dickinson County in a winter storm watch from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.

Heavy snow is possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches are possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph leading to reduced visibilities from blowing and drifting snow.

Plan on snow-covered and slick road conditions. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute Thursday.

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a winter storm watch in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning for the following counties in our area.

Heavy snow is possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches are possible and locally higher amounts. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph resulting in blowing and drifting snow.

Plan on snow covered and slick road conditions. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday evening commute and early  Thursday morning commute.

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a winter storm watch in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning for the following counties in our area.

Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a winter storm watch in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning for the following counties in our area.

Heavy snow is possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches are possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.

Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

UPDATE 7:30 a.m. Tuesday: The National Weather Service in Topeka has now included Dickinson County in a winter storm watch. That information is included below. Additionally, the snow total forecast map has been adjusted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676382850977.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTWinter storm watches have been issued for counties in our area.<a href="http://kandrive.org/">Go to kandrive.org for updates on highway conditions</a>The National Weather Service in Topeka has included Dickinson County in a winter storm watch from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.Heavy snow is possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches are possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph leading to reduced visibilities from blowing and drifting snow.Plan on snow-covered and slick road conditions. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute Thursday.The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a winter storm watch in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning for the following counties in our area.Ellsworth CountyLincoln CountyMcPherson CountySaline CountyHeavy snow is possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches are possible and locally higher amounts. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph resulting in blowing and drifting snow.Plan on snow covered and slick road conditions. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday evening commute and early Thursday morning commute.The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a winter storm watch in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud County Ottawa CountyRepublic CountyHeavy snow is possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches are possible and locally higher amounts. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph resulting in blowing and drifting snow.Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a winter storm watch in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning for the following counties in our area.Jewell CountyMitchell CountyHeavy snow is possible. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches are possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

UPDATE: Winter storm watches issued for counties in our area

The Greater Salina Community Foundation recently awarded more than $57,000 to 11 charitable projects and organizations. The following organizations received funding:

• Salina Child Care Association, $6,824.58 to be used to purchase a new door security system.

• City of Gypsum, $4,966.42 for restoration of Gypsum baseball field.

• Cornerstone Classical School, $850 to purchase new trash receptacles in their playground area.

• Bethany College, $2,200 to provide support for the Bethany Career and Leadership Conference.

• Church of the Cross, $10,000 for purchase and installation of toddler equipment, fencing and surfacing within the playground.

• City of Assaria, $2,000 to help offset the cost of field trip entry fees for the 2023 Assaria Summer Youth Program.

• Salina Rescue Mission, $10,000 to help purchase a 15-passenger van.

• USD 305, $1,712 to purchase several books and book sets for pre-kindergarten to 5th grade to distribute to Sunset Elementary students through their Book Vending Machine.

• Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank, $8,970 to help purchase a new donor management database and upgrade technology to support the increase in clientele.

• Prairieland Market, $4,000 to purchase a large refrigeration unit and two refrigerated mobile displays.

• Love, Chloe Foundation, $6,196.39 to purchase a new donor database.

This round of grants was made possible by three funds at the community foundation: the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, which supports projects and programs that improve the community’s quality of life; the Fund for Greater Salina, which supports funds used for a variety of charitable causes that positively impact the community; and the YW Legacy Fund, which supports initiatives that align with the mission of the former Salina YWCA.

Applications for the foundation’s next community grant cycle are due by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday. Detailed application and fund criteria are available at <a href="http://www.gscf.org/about-grants">www.gscf.org/about-grants</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660923055537.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GSCFThe Greater Salina Community Foundation recently awarded more than $57,000 to 11 charitable projects and organizations. The following organizations received funding:• Salina Child Care Association, $6,824.58 to be used to purchase a new door security system.• City of Gypsum, $4,966.42 for restoration of Gypsum baseball field.• Cornerstone Classical School, $850 to purchase new trash receptacles in their playground area.• Bethany College, $2,200 to provide support for the Bethany Career and Leadership Conference.• Church of the Cross, $10,000 for purchase and installation of toddler equipment, fencing and surfacing within the playground.• City of Assaria, $2,000 to help offset the cost of field trip entry fees for the 2023 Assaria Summer Youth Program.• Salina Rescue Mission, $10,000 to help purchase a 15-passenger van.• USD 305, $1,712 to purchase several books and book sets for pre-kindergarten to 5th grade to distribute to Sunset Elementary students through their Book Vending Machine.• Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank, $8,970 to help purchase a new donor management database and upgrade technology to support the increase in clientele.• Prairieland Market, $4,000 to purchase a large refrigeration unit and two refrigerated mobile displays.• Love, Chloe Foundation, $6,196.39 to purchase a new donor database.This round of grants was made possible by three funds at the community foundation: the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund, which supports projects and programs that improve the community’s quality of life; the Fund for Greater Salina, which supports funds used for a variety of charitable causes that positively impact the community; and the YW Legacy Fund, which supports initiatives that align with the mission of the former Salina YWCA.Applications for the foundation’s next community grant cycle are due by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday. Detailed application and fund criteria are available at <a href="http://www.gscf.org/about-grants">www.gscf.org/about-grants</a>.

GSCF awards more than $57,000 in community grants

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Police are investigating a residential burglary in southwest Salina Monday that resulted in the theft of cash and guns.

A 62-year-old Salina man told police that while he was at work between 5:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday, someone broke into his residence in the 1600 block of Beach Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. When the man got home from work, he noticed that a closet door was ajar, as was the door leading to the basement steps.

Forrester said the man believes entry was made through the backdoor, however, there is no damage to the door.

Items missing from the residence include the following, Forrester said.

●A black tray with approximately $10 in change

●A money box with approximately $100 in it

●Loose change (approximately $5) from the top of the dresser

●A .22 caliber Glenfield rifle with a wooden stock with a squirrel imprint valued at $50

●A .22 caliber Stevens rifle valued at $150

●A Winchester 270 with a walnut-colored stock valued at $250

●A Henry lever action .22 caliber rifle valued at $400

Forrester said police are reviewing surveillance video from the neighborhood.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice are investigating a residential burglary in southwest Salina Monday that resulted in the theft of cash and guns.A 62-year-old Salina man told police that while he was at work between 5:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday, someone broke into his residence in the 1600 block of Beach Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. When the man got home from work, he noticed that a closet door was ajar, as was the door leading to the basement steps.Forrester said the man believes entry was made through the backdoor, however, there is no damage to the door.Items missing from the residence include the following, Forrester said.●A black tray with approximately $10 in change●A money box with approximately $100 in it●Loose change (approximately $5) from the top of the dresser●A .22 caliber Glenfield rifle with a wooden stock with a squirrel imprint valued at $50●A .22 caliber Stevens rifle valued at $150●A Winchester 270 with a walnut-colored stock valued at $250●A Henry lever action .22 caliber rifle valued at $400Forrester said police are reviewing surveillance video from the neighborhood.

Cash, guns stolen from southwest Salina residence Monday

Siny Joseph, professor and graduate faculty at&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus</a>,&nbsp;is among a team of five researchers who have been awarded grant funding from the&nbsp;<a href="https://beta.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/convergence-accelerator" target="_blank">National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator program</a>&nbsp;to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. Wichita State University is leading the $750,000 National Science Foundation, or NSF, grant to gather information and create digital maps of indoor spaces that could be used by persons with disabilities.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/academics/faculty/bios/joseph-s.html" target="_blank">Joseph</a>&nbsp;is a co-principal investigator on the research team. The NSF Convergence Accelerator program selected 16 multidisciplinary teams to develop tools and technologies to enhance the quality of life and employment access and opportunities for persons with disabilities as part of Track H: Enhancing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. According to Wichita State, the creation of MABLE, or Mapping for Accessibility in Built Environments, maps through crowdsourcing, experiences, observations and robots will help persons with disabilities assess, plan and navigate indoor environments with audio and visual information. Envisioned users include those with visual or mobility impairments. While recent advances in indoor localization technology provide opportunities to enable real-time navigation and wayfinding within built environments, continued progress has been slowed by the lack of detailed and usable accessibility information. The project aims to create a community-driven framework and prototypes for information collection, processing and analysis for accessible maps, navigating and wayfinding development. Joseph's role in the research project will focus on creating frameworks for quantifying economic benefits from accessible built environments encompassing perspectives of future economic growth potential, cost savings and return on investments. Joseph has been a faculty member with K-State Salina since 2012. She earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and a Master of Business Administration, specializing in marketing and operations research, from institutions in India, and a master's and a doctorate in resource economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She was also the recipient of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=85769" target="_blank">2022 McArthur Award</a>&nbsp;for excellence in teaching and research at K-State Salina. The first phase of the one-year NSF grant is designed to develop new technologies and tools to enhance the quality of life and employment access and opportunities for persons with disabilities. At the end of phase one, the 16 teams will submit a formal proposal and participate in a pitch to be selected for phase two. Selected teams will receive up to $5 million in additional support during 24 months to develop their solutions and sustainability development plans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667392560238.jpeg" alt="Siny Joseph. Photo courtesy K-State Salina" />
 <figcaption>Siny Joseph. Photo courtesy K-State Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State SalinaSiny Joseph, professor and graduate faculty at&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus</a>,&nbsp;is among a team of five researchers who have been awarded grant funding from the&nbsp;<a href="https://beta.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/convergence-accelerator" target="_blank">National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator program</a>&nbsp;to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. Wichita State University is leading the $750,000 National Science Foundation, or NSF, grant to gather information and create digital maps of indoor spaces that could be used by persons with disabilities.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/academics/faculty/bios/joseph-s.html" target="_blank">Joseph</a>&nbsp;is a co-principal investigator on the research team. The NSF Convergence Accelerator program selected 16 multidisciplinary teams to develop tools and technologies to enhance the quality of life and employment access and opportunities for persons with disabilities as part of Track H: Enhancing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. According to Wichita State, the creation of MABLE, or Mapping for Accessibility in Built Environments, maps through crowdsourcing, experiences, observations and robots will help persons with disabilities assess, plan and navigate indoor environments with audio and visual information. Envisioned users include those with visual or mobility impairments. While recent advances in indoor localization technology provide opportunities to enable real-time navigation and wayfinding within built environments, continued progress has been slowed by the lack of detailed and usable accessibility information. The project aims to create a community-driven framework and prototypes for information collection, processing and analysis for accessible maps, navigating and wayfinding development. Joseph's role in the research project will focus on creating frameworks for quantifying economic benefits from accessible built environments encompassing perspectives of future economic growth potential, cost savings and return on investments. Joseph has been a faculty member with K-State Salina since 2012. She earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and a Master of Business Administration, specializing in marketing and operations research, from institutions in India, and a master's and a doctorate in resource economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She was also the recipient of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=85769" target="_blank">2022 McArthur Award</a>&nbsp;for excellence in teaching and research at K-State Salina. The first phase of the one-year NSF grant is designed to develop new technologies and tools to enhance the quality of life and employment access and opportunities for persons with disabilities. At the end of phase one, the 16 teams will submit a formal proposal and participate in a pitch to be selected for phase two. Selected teams will receive up to $5 million in additional support during 24 months to develop their solutions and sustainability development plans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State Salina professor, research team awarded NSF grant

UPDATE: The date of the presentation in Lincoln has changed. See below.

Although there is still snow on the ground, meteorologists with the National Weather Service are preparing for the upcoming severe storm season.

Among their preparations are scheduling storm identification and safety presentations to help prepare storm spotters and weather enthusiasts for the upcoming storm season.

"Our staff will provide an in-depth weather presentation that will engage the audience by teaching them about the different types of storms, the individual storm features that help a person to recognize the storms' potential severity, how to report hazardous weather, and severe weather safety," the NWS team noted on the NWS-Wichita website.

The in-person presentations are scheduled throughout the area, beginning in February, and are open to the public.

NWS-Wichita's Storm Fury on the Plains presentations in our area include the following.

March 16 - Marion County 6:30 p.m., Tabor College's Shari Flaming Center for the Arts in Hillsboro

March 20 - Ellsworth County 6:30 p.m., PAC Ellsworth High School Auditorium

March 29 - Saline County 6:30 p.m., Fitzpatrick Auditorium, Sams Hall of Fine Arts at Kansas Wesleyan University

March 30 - McPherson County 6:30 p.m., McPherson Opera House

Storm identification and safety presentations in area counties outside of NWS-Wichita's coverage area include the following.

March 14 - Jewell County 6:30 p.m., Mankato Community Center

March 21 - Mitchell County 6:30 p.m., North Central Kansas Technical College student union in Beloit

March 28 - Ottawa County 7 p.m., Basement of the Ottawa County Courthouse

April 4 - Lincoln County 6:30 p.m., Lincoln High School Commons&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674705340739.jpeg" alt="The NWS-Wichita Weather Forecast Office. Photo courtesy NWS-Wichita" />
 <figcaption>The NWS-Wichita Weather Forecast Office. Photo courtesy NWS-Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: The date of the presentation in Lincoln has changed. See below.By SALINA POSTAlthough there is still snow on the ground, meteorologists with the National Weather Service are preparing for the upcoming severe storm season.Among their preparations are scheduling storm identification and safety presentations to help prepare storm spotters and weather enthusiasts for the upcoming storm season."Our staff will provide an in-depth weather presentation that will engage the audience by teaching them about the different types of storms, the individual storm features that help a person to recognize the storms' potential severity, how to report hazardous weather, and severe weather safety," the NWS team noted on the NWS-Wichita website.The in-person presentations are scheduled throughout the area, beginning in February, and are open to the public.NWS-Wichita's Storm Fury on the Plains presentations in our area include the following.March 16 - Marion County 6:30 p.m., Tabor College's Shari Flaming Center for the Arts in HillsboroMarch 20 - Ellsworth County 6:30 p.m., PAC Ellsworth High School AuditoriumMarch 29 - Saline County 6:30 p.m., Fitzpatrick Auditorium, Sams Hall of Fine Arts at Kansas Wesleyan UniversityMarch 30 - McPherson County 6:30 p.m., McPherson Opera HouseStorm identification and safety presentations in area counties outside of NWS-Wichita's coverage area include the following.March 14 - Jewell County 6:30 p.m., Mankato Community CenterMarch 21 - Mitchell County 6:30 p.m., North Central Kansas Technical College student union in BeloitMarch 28 - Ottawa County 7 p.m., Basement of the Ottawa County CourthouseApril 4 - Lincoln County 6:30 p.m., Lincoln High School Commons&nbsp;&nbsp;

UPDATE: NWS storm identification, safety presentations to begin in February

The Catholic Diocese of Salina has announced the hiring of two people for development and marketing positions with Salina Catholic Schools.

Joel Bicknell, development director

Joel Bicknell has joined the Salina Catholic Schools team as development director. Bicknell, a ’91 Sacred Heart High School alumni, has served as a principal and head of school for private schools in Oklahoma and Texas. He has experience with capital campaigns, annual campaigns, fundraising events, and operations of schools with his most recent role as Head of School at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Amarillo, Texas. Bicknell and his wife, Regina, have been married for 22 years and have four children, Olivia, Delaney, Jillian, and Collier. 

“I am excited to reconnect with the Catholic community of Salina and the schools that helped shape me into the person I am today. Returning home after 32 years to support the mission and vision of Salina Catholic Schools and the good work of our educators on behalf of our children is a dream come true,” Bicknell said.

No matter the type of event, Bicknell is looking forward to being in the stands and audiences with friends and family supporting the students and faculty of Sacred Heart Jr./Sr. High School and St. Mary’s Grade School. 

“I love a good story, both hearing and telling one and Salina Catholic Schools has an exciting story to tell! I look forward to hearing what people love about our schools,” Bicknell said.

Hannah Doll has joined the Salina Catholic Schools team as marketing director. Doll, a '13 Sacred Heart High School alumna, who has spent most of her life in Salina, graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing. She started her marketing career at Child Care Aware of Kansas, a statewide non-profit organization located in Salina that supports childcare providers and their efforts, before furthering her career in digital marketing at Blue Beacon, Inc., where she worked on a variety of marketing campaigns for Blue Beacon Truck Wash and Charlie’s Car Wash. 

“I am overjoyed for this opportunity to be able to give back to Sacred Heart, St. Mary’s, and the Salina community. Exciting things are happening in the Salina Catholic Schools and I am thrilled to be a part of it.” 

Doll has deep roots in the Salina community as several generations of her family attended and supported Salina Catholic Schools. 

Doll and her fiancé, Colten VonLintel, also a graduate of Sacred Heart High School, are planning a wedding in Salina this summer. 

“Colten and I are eager to meet and connect with the families of Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s plus all of those that make these institutions thrive today and for many years to come,” she said.

Catholic Diocese of SalinaThe Catholic Diocese of Salina has announced the hiring of two people for development and marketing positions with Salina Catholic Schools.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676345474130.png" alt="Joel Bicknell. Photos courtesy Catholic Diocese of Salina" />
 <figcaption>Joel Bicknell. Photos courtesy Catholic Diocese of Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>Joel Bicknell, development directorJoel Bicknell has joined the Salina Catholic Schools team as development director. Bicknell, a ’91 Sacred Heart High School alumni, has served as a principal and head of school for private schools in Oklahoma and Texas. He has experience with capital campaigns, annual campaigns, fundraising events, and operations of schools with his most recent role as Head of School at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Amarillo, Texas. Bicknell and his wife, Regina, have been married for 22 years and have four children, Olivia, Delaney, Jillian, and Collier. “I am excited to reconnect with the Catholic community of Salina and the schools that helped shape me into the person I am today. Returning home after 32 years to support the mission and vision of Salina Catholic Schools and the good work of our educators on behalf of our children is a dream come true,” Bicknell said.No matter the type of event, Bicknell is looking forward to being in the stands and audiences with friends and family supporting the students and faculty of Sacred Heart Jr./Sr. High School and St. Mary’s Grade School. “I love a good story, both hearing and telling one and Salina Catholic Schools has an exciting story to tell! I look forward to hearing what people love about our schools,” Bicknell said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676345222131.png" alt="Hannah Doll" />
 <figcaption>Hannah Doll</figcaption>
 </figure>Hannah Doll, marketing directorHannah Doll has joined the Salina Catholic Schools team as marketing director. Doll, a '13 Sacred Heart High School alumna, who has spent most of her life in Salina, graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing. She started her marketing career at Child Care Aware of Kansas, a statewide non-profit organization located in Salina that supports childcare providers and their efforts, before furthering her career in digital marketing at Blue Beacon, Inc., where she worked on a variety of marketing campaigns for Blue Beacon Truck Wash and Charlie’s Car Wash. “I am overjoyed for this opportunity to be able to give back to Sacred Heart, St. Mary’s, and the Salina community. Exciting things are happening in the Salina Catholic Schools and I am thrilled to be a part of it.” Doll has deep roots in the Salina community as several generations of her family attended and supported Salina Catholic Schools. Doll and her fiancé, Colten VonLintel, also a graduate of Sacred Heart High School, are planning a wedding in Salina this summer. “Colten and I are eager to meet and connect with the families of Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s plus all of those that make these institutions thrive today and for many years to come,” she said.

Bicknell, Doll hired for positions at Salina Catholic Schools

TOPEKA–The 28th Judicial District Nominating Commission will no longer accept nominations to fill an anticipated district magistrate judge vacancy in Ottawa County because the incumbent withdrew his resignation.

District Magistrate Judge Jason Parks had given notice of his intent to resign effective March 3, which started the nominating commission process to fill the upcoming vacancy. However, Parks has since notified Chief Justice Marla Luckert he no longer plans to resign, so no vacancy will occur.

The nominating commission notified everyone who submitted a nomination that the incumbent no longer plans to resign and the commission's work to fill the previously anticipated vacancy will stop.

The 28th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Supreme Court Justice K.J. Wall as the nonvoting chair; David Stanley of Bennington; Jay Macy of Minneapolis; Lance Cochran, Robert German, Peter Johnston, Donald Merriman, and Christine Ritter of Salina; and Robert Martin of Solomon.

Kansas Judicial BranchTOPEKA–The 28th Judicial District Nominating Commission will no longer accept nominations to fill an anticipated district magistrate judge vacancy in Ottawa County because the incumbent withdrew his resignation.District Magistrate Judge Jason Parks had given notice of his intent to resign effective March 3, which started the nominating commission process to fill the upcoming vacancy. However, Parks has since notified Chief Justice Marla Luckert he no longer plans to resign, so no vacancy will occur.The nominating commission notified everyone who submitted a nomination that the incumbent no longer plans to resign and the commission's work to fill the previously anticipated vacancy will stop.The 28th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Supreme Court Justice K.J. Wall as the nonvoting chair; David Stanley of Bennington; Jay Macy of Minneapolis; Lance Cochran, Robert German, Peter Johnston, Donald Merriman, and Christine Ritter of Salina; and Robert Martin of Solomon.

Ottawa County district magistrate judge withdraws resignation

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 14, the 45th day of 2023. There are 320 days left in the year. This is Valentine's Day.

In 1989, Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini called on Muslims to kill Salman Rushdie, author of "The Satanic Verses," a novel condemned as blasphemous.

In 1876, inventors Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray applied separately for patents related to the telephone. (The U.S. Supreme Court eventually ruled Bell the rightful inventor.)

In 1912, Arizona became the 48th state of the Union as President William Howard Taft signed a proclamation.

In 1913, labor leader Jimmy Hoffa was born in Brazil, Ind.; college football coach Woody Hayes was born in Clifton, Ohio; sports broadcaster Mel Allen was born in Birmingham, Ala.

In 1924, the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Co. of New York was formally renamed International Business Machines Corp., or IBM.

In 1929, the "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" took place in a Chicago garage as seven rivals of Al Capone's gang were gunned down.

In 1945, during World War II, British and Canadian forces reached the Rhine River in Germany.

In 1967, Aretha Franklin recorded her cover of Otis Redding's "Respect" at Atlantic Records in New York.

In 1984, 6-year-old Stormie Jones became the world's first heart-liver transplant recipient when the surgery was performed at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Ten years ago: Double-amputee Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, at his home in Pretoria, South Africa; he was later convicted of murder and is serving a 13-year prison term.

Five years ago: A gunman identified as a former student opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School near Fort Lauderdale, Fla., killing 17 people in the nation's deadliest school shooting since the attack in Newtown, Conn., more than five years earlier. (Nikolas Cruz pleaded guilty to murder in October 2021 and was sentenced in November 2022 to life in prison without the possibility of parole.)

One year ago: The Kremlin signaled it was ready to keep talking with the West about security grievances that led to the Ukraine crisis, offering hope that Russia might not invade its neighbor within days. (Russia would invade Ukraine less than a week later.) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked emergency powers to try to quell the protests by truck drivers and others who paralyzed Ottawa and blocked border crossings in anger over the country's COVID-19 restrictions.

Today's birthdays: Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is 81. Jazz musician Maceo Parker is 80. Journalist Carl Bernstein is 79. Former Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., is 76. TV personality Pat O'Brien is 75. Magician Teller (Penn and Teller) is 75. Cajun singer-musician Michael Doucet (Beausoleil) is 72. Actor Ken Wahl is 66. Opera singer Renee Fleming is 64. Actor Meg Tilly is 63. Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly is 63. Singer-producer Dwayne Wiggins is 62. Actor Sakina Jaffrey is 61. Actor Enrico Colantoni is 60. Actor Zach Galligan is 59. Former tennis player Manuela Maleeva is 56. Actor Simon Pegg is 53. Rock musician Kevin Baldes (Lit) is 51. Rock singer Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty) is 51. Former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe is 51. Actor Danai Gurira is 45. Actor Matt Barr is 39. Actor Stephanie Leonidas is 39. Actor Jake Lacy is 37. Actor Tiffany Thornton is 37. Actor Brett Dier is 33. Actor Freddie Highmore is 31.

<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, Feb. 14, the 45th day of 2023. There are 320 days left in the year. This is Valentine's Day.Today's Highlight in History:In 1989, Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini called on Muslims to kill Salman Rushdie, author of "The Satanic Verses," a novel condemned as blasphemous.On this date:In 1876, inventors Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray applied separately for patents related to the telephone. (The U.S. Supreme Court eventually ruled Bell the rightful inventor.)In 1912, Arizona became the 48th state of the Union as President William Howard Taft signed a proclamation.In 1913, labor leader Jimmy Hoffa was born in Brazil, Ind.; college football coach Woody Hayes was born in Clifton, Ohio; sports broadcaster Mel Allen was born in Birmingham, Ala.In 1924, the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Co. of New York was formally renamed International Business Machines Corp., or IBM.In 1929, the "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" took place in a Chicago garage as seven rivals of Al Capone's gang were gunned down.In 1945, during World War II, British and Canadian forces reached the Rhine River in Germany.In 1967, Aretha Franklin recorded her cover of Otis Redding's "Respect" at Atlantic Records in New York.In 1984, 6-year-old Stormie Jones became the world's first heart-liver transplant recipient when the surgery was performed at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.Ten years ago: Double-amputee Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, at his home in Pretoria, South Africa; he was later convicted of murder and is serving a 13-year prison term.Five years ago: A gunman identified as a former student opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School near Fort Lauderdale, Fla., killing 17 people in the nation's deadliest school shooting since the attack in Newtown, Conn., more than five years earlier. (Nikolas Cruz pleaded guilty to murder in October 2021 and was sentenced in November 2022 to life in prison without the possibility of parole.)One year ago: The Kremlin signaled it was ready to keep talking with the West about security grievances that led to the Ukraine crisis, offering hope that Russia might not invade its neighbor within days. (Russia would invade Ukraine less than a week later.) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked emergency powers to try to quell the protests by truck drivers and others who paralyzed Ottawa and blocked border crossings in anger over the country's COVID-19 restrictions.Today's birthdays: Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is 81. Jazz musician Maceo Parker is 80. Journalist Carl Bernstein is 79. Former Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., is 76. TV personality Pat O'Brien is 75. Magician Teller (Penn and Teller) is 75. Cajun singer-musician Michael Doucet (Beausoleil) is 72. Actor Ken Wahl is 66. Opera singer Renee Fleming is 64. Actor Meg Tilly is 63. Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly is 63. Singer-producer Dwayne Wiggins is 62. Actor Sakina Jaffrey is 61. Actor Enrico Colantoni is 60. Actor Zach Galligan is 59. Former tennis player Manuela Maleeva is 56. Actor Simon Pegg is 53. Rock musician Kevin Baldes (Lit) is 51. Rock singer Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty) is 51. Former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe is 51. Actor Danai Gurira is 45. Actor Matt Barr is 39. Actor Stephanie Leonidas is 39. Actor Jake Lacy is 37. Actor Tiffany Thornton is 37. Actor Brett Dier is 33. Actor Freddie Highmore is 31.

Today in History - Feb. 14

A jail project update, the 2024 budget process, and bid awards are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.

Saline County Commission is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street. The meetings also can be viewed on Saline County’s YouTube channel:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA</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">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>

For further information, contact the County Commission’s Office at (785) 309-5825.

Commissioners are scheduled to hear the January 2023 progress report on the new Saline County Jail project at 800 E. Pacific Avenue.

Work done during January included the following, according to the monthly construction summary.

●Housing Unit A &amp; Housing Unit C Control Room &amp; Diagonal CMU Walls Complete

●Housing Unit A &amp; Housing Unit C Concrete Floors Complete

●Housing Unit C Stairs &amp; Handrail Complete

●Over Head MEP in Progress – Area B, Area C Complete

●In Wall MEP Complete – Area C &amp; D

●Interior Framing &amp; Drywall Complete – Area B, C &amp; D

●Acoustical &amp; Hard Lid Ceilings Area A &amp; Area B

●Light Fixtures &amp; HVAC Trim Out Area A &amp; Area B

●Glass Glazing - Area A, Area B &amp; Area C

●Light Weight Insulated Concrete Complete - Housing Unit A, Housing Unit B, &amp; Housing Unit C

To see the full monthly jail project update, <a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=3769">click here</a>.

Commissioners also are scheduled to discuss the 2024 budget process. The discussion will include a proposed calendar for the process.

Other items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday include the following.

●Consider approving a cereal malt beverage license for Salina Speedway.

●Consider approving an agreement with Lincoln County to continue providing environmental health services.

●Consider approving an agreement with Ellsworth County to continue providing environmental health services.

●Consider a request to proclaim February 2023 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

●Consider a request from the Road and Bridge Department to purchase half tanker drainage structures.

●Consider awarding a bid for traffic paint and beads.

●Consider awarding a bid for 2023 crack sealing.

●Consider a temporary construction easement at the jail site.

●Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes' update.

To see the full Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/commission">click here</a>&nbsp;and then click on the Feb. 14 link.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By SALINA POSTA jail project update, the 2024 budget process, and bid awards are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.About the meetingSaline County Commission is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street. The meetings also can be viewed on Saline County’s YouTube channel:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA</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">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>Meeting ID: 968 3581 9901Passcode: 144636For further information, contact the County Commission’s Office at (785) 309-5825.Agenda itemsCommissioners are scheduled to hear the January 2023 progress report on the new Saline County Jail project at 800 E. Pacific Avenue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676342479451.png" alt="Work progressed on this housing unit and control room at the new Saline County Jail. Photos courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Work progressed on this housing unit and control room at the new Saline County Jail. Photos courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676342594069.png" alt="Work also progressed on the locker room area." />
 <figcaption>Work also progressed on the locker room area.</figcaption>
 </figure>Work done during January included the following, according to the monthly construction summary.●Housing Unit A &amp; Housing Unit C Control Room &amp; Diagonal CMU Walls Complete●Housing Unit A &amp; Housing Unit C Concrete Floors Complete●Housing Unit C Stairs &amp; Handrail Complete●Over Head MEP in Progress – Area B, Area C Complete●In Wall MEP Complete – Area C &amp; D●Interior Framing &amp; Drywall Complete – Area B, C &amp; D●First Coat Paint Area B &amp; Area C●Acoustical &amp; Hard Lid Ceilings Area A &amp; Area B●Light Fixtures &amp; HVAC Trim Out Area A &amp; Area B●Glass Glazing - Area A, Area B &amp; Area C●Fire Proofing Area D &amp; E Complete●Light Weight Insulated Concrete Complete - Housing Unit A, Housing Unit B, &amp; Housing Unit C●Exterior Metal Panels Area A●TPO Roofing Area D &amp; E To see the full monthly jail project update, <a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=3769">click here</a>.Commissioners also are scheduled to discuss the 2024 budget process. The discussion will include a proposed calendar for the process.Other items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Consider approving a cereal malt beverage license for Salina Speedway.●Consider approving an agreement with Lincoln County to continue providing environmental health services.●Consider approving an agreement with Ellsworth County to continue providing environmental health services.●Consider a request to proclaim February 2023 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.●Consider a request from the Road and Bridge Department to purchase half tanker drainage structures.●Consider awarding a bid for traffic paint and beads.●Consider awarding a bid for 2023 crack sealing.●Consider a temporary construction easement at the jail site.●Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes' update.To see the full Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/commission">click here</a>&nbsp;and then click on the Feb. 14 link.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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