By TIM UNRUH For Salina Airport Authority

An old-school go-getter has won national attention for his customer service in the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul industry.

Swift, detailed, and accurate work is a must at 1 Vision Aviation that has mushroomed to global prominence, thanks to the approach, attitude, and staff of owner and CEO Jimmy Sponder.

“It’s quality work done in a timely fashion, getting the airplane back in the sky before anyone else,” he said. “We understand airplanes don’t make money sitting on the ground.”

The growing firm, based in Sioux City, Iowa, that opened a successful expansion in Salina in September 2019 — was listed in March among aviation’s top 10 MRO companies in the United States, by the Aerospace &amp; Defense Review, a national trade magazine.

The distinction has instilled pride in the growing business that endures despite challenging times.

“We’re still very busy. We just flew in six more planes (in mid-April) and we’ve taken on corporate jets,” said Mandy Merritt, 1 Vision’s director of quality assurance.

Salina operations are centered in a 130,000-square-foot hangar nicknamed “Big Bertha” where up to six Boeing 737s can be brought inside for repairs and other simultaneous services.

The growing staff also services regional and corporate jets in Salina and general aviation aircraft in Sioux City.

Up to a couple of dozen jets typically ring Big Bertha where they are stored or await service. Some jets were flown to north-central Kansas from France, Ukraine, Mexico and Australia.

“1 Vision Aviation is the partner of choice for airlines that offers qualified and trained technicians to perform aircraft maintenance, service checks, heavy checks, modifications, sheet metal work, refurbishment, fiberglass repair, and more,” according to the magazine story.

It opens by recounting a memorable experience for the company in 2017 when an American Airlines flight hit a deer during takeoff in Charlotte, N.C. A technical team from 1 Vision responded quickly “and got the aircraft in service within two days, which was incredible given the damage it had undergone,” the story reads.

Being “one of the fastest on the scene,” Sponder said, is what sets his crew apart.

The stubborn company founder figures out unique ways to solve problems, such as buying an eight-bedroom home in Salina when 1 Vision expanded there. Those digs, where Sponder and his wife, Robyne, also live, eased a housing shortage for up to 14 of his initial 35 workers. All, by the way, are considered family.

While Salina and Saline County leaders worked to add workforce housing to the burgeoning economy, Sponder himself considered a foray into real estate that would lead to a number of employers filling worker voids.

That 1 Vision Aviation roster has grown to 250 covering two shifts, with a goal of four times that many workers.

Hiring skilled airframe and power plant mechanics has presented challenges, and some of his workers have opted for flight school and are pursuing careers as commercial pilots.

To improve his chances to hire more, Sponder’s company includes an apprenticeship program. Three in April have completed necessary on-the-job training, achieved approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to test for certification, and passed. A total of 20 have gotten licensed so far. Six more are in the process.

“The FAA has to approve them to test. They look at training records to see if they’re able,” Merritt said. “(1 Vision workers) are always ready to move up in the company.”

A 1 Vision employee since 2019, Jabier Martinez completed his airframe and power plant certification April 8.

He collected on-the-job training cards with every project and have them signed by a certified A&amp;P. After 18 months in the program, with credit for his experience in the U.S. Army, Martinez passed his test and is working today as 1 Vision’s avionics manager in Salina. It came with a “big raise and a sense of pride. Jim was willing to trust me to do my job professionally. He puts a lot of trust in his guys.”

A long association with Sponder and Vice President of Operations Kevin Boyer, enticed Doug Gann, former sheet metal worker for Boeing and Cessna and operations manager at Gulf stream, to seek employment at 1 Vision. He also entered the apprenticeship program 18 months ago.

“Having my A&amp;P opens up a lot of doors. I want to move up and become a project manager,” Gann said. “During the last seven or eight jobs I’ve had, I was always looking for something better. I’m not looking any more.”

Having his A&amp;P certification is empowering, he said.

“When you see that airplane take off after a heavy check, you realize you had something to do with that,” Gann said.

He’s definitely a proponent of the 1 Vision apprenticeship.

“People with not a lot of experience can come and get their license,” Gann said.

After learning that it’s common for A&amp;P mechanics to take early retirement and move to Florida, Sponder stayed true to his mantra and hatched a plan for 1 Vision to soon open an MRO division in the warm and sunny beach state.

“We are getting a lot of calls from people wanting to work in Florida,” Sponder said.

But there’s a catch that he believes will help grow the staff elsewhere.

“To get to Florida, you’ve gotta pay your dues and prove yourself in Salina or Sioux City,” he said. “Upper managers who want to go, have to train their replacement.”

Part of 1 Vision’s way is to keep growing and avoid stagnation.

“It’s Jim’s ownership style,” Merritt said. “When the business gets to where he wants it to be, he moves on and grows it even more.”

Sponder hasn’t changed in his 31-year career.

“I keep lighting fires,” he said. “When they do get lit, we stoke ‘em like an after-burner and push it forward.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656553176956.jpeg" alt="1 Vision Aviation employees work on a jet at hangar H959 at Salina Regional Airport. Photo courtesy Salina Airport Authority" />
 <figcaption>1 Vision Aviation employees work on a jet at hangar H959 at Salina Regional Airport. Photo courtesy Salina Airport Authority</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM UNRUH For Salina Airport AuthorityAn old-school go-getter has won national attention for his customer service in the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul industry.Swift, detailed, and accurate work is a must at 1 Vision Aviation that has mushroomed to global prominence, thanks to the approach, attitude, and staff of owner and CEO Jimmy Sponder.“It’s quality work done in a timely fashion, getting the airplane back in the sky before anyone else,” he said. “We understand airplanes don’t make money sitting on the ground.”The growing firm, based in Sioux City, Iowa, that opened a successful expansion in Salina in September 2019 — was listed in March among aviation’s top 10 MRO companies in the United States, by the Aerospace &amp; Defense Review, a national trade magazine.The distinction has instilled pride in the growing business that endures despite challenging times.“We’re still very busy. We just flew in six more planes (in mid-April) and we’ve taken on corporate jets,” said Mandy Merritt, 1 Vision’s director of quality assurance.Salina operations are centered in a 130,000-square-foot hangar nicknamed “Big Bertha” where up to six Boeing 737s can be brought inside for repairs and other simultaneous services.The growing staff also services regional and corporate jets in Salina and general aviation aircraft in Sioux City.Up to a couple of dozen jets typically ring Big Bertha where they are stored or await service. Some jets were flown to north-central Kansas from France, Ukraine, Mexico and Australia.“1 Vision Aviation is the partner of choice for airlines that offers qualified and trained technicians to perform aircraft maintenance, service checks, heavy checks, modifications, sheet metal work, refurbishment, fiberglass repair, and more,” according to the magazine story.It opens by recounting a memorable experience for the company in 2017 when an American Airlines flight hit a deer during takeoff in Charlotte, N.C. A technical team from 1 Vision responded quickly “and got the aircraft in service within two days, which was incredible given the damage it had undergone,” the story reads.Being “one of the fastest on the scene,” Sponder said, is what sets his crew apart.The stubborn company founder figures out unique ways to solve problems, such as buying an eight-bedroom home in Salina when 1 Vision expanded there. Those digs, where Sponder and his wife, Robyne, also live, eased a housing shortage for up to 14 of his initial 35 workers. All, by the way, are considered family.While Salina and Saline County leaders worked to add workforce housing to the burgeoning economy, Sponder himself considered a foray into real estate that would lead to a number of employers filling worker voids.That 1 Vision Aviation roster has grown to 250 covering two shifts, with a goal of four times that many workers.Hiring skilled airframe and power plant mechanics has presented challenges, and some of his workers have opted for flight school and are pursuing careers as commercial pilots.To improve his chances to hire more, Sponder’s company includes an apprenticeship program. Three in April have completed necessary on-the-job training, achieved approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to test for certification, and passed. A total of 20 have gotten licensed so far. Six more are in the process.“The FAA has to approve them to test. They look at training records to see if they’re able,” Merritt said. “(1 Vision workers) are always ready to move up in the company.”A 1 Vision employee since 2019, Jabier Martinez completed his airframe and power plant certification April 8.He collected on-the-job training cards with every project and have them signed by a certified A&amp;P. After 18 months in the program, with credit for his experience in the U.S. Army, Martinez passed his test and is working today as 1 Vision’s avionics manager in Salina. It came with a “big raise and a sense of pride. Jim was willing to trust me to do my job professionally. He puts a lot of trust in his guys.”A long association with Sponder and Vice President of Operations Kevin Boyer, enticed Doug Gann, former sheet metal worker for Boeing and Cessna and operations manager at Gulf stream, to seek employment at 1 Vision. He also entered the apprenticeship program 18 months ago.“Having my A&amp;P opens up a lot of doors. I want to move up and become a project manager,” Gann said. “During the last seven or eight jobs I’ve had, I was always looking for something better. I’m not looking any more.”Having his A&amp;P certification is empowering, he said.“When you see that airplane take off after a heavy check, you realize you had something to do with that,” Gann said.He’s definitely a proponent of the 1 Vision apprenticeship.“People with not a lot of experience can come and get their license,” Gann said.After learning that it’s common for A&amp;P mechanics to take early retirement and move to Florida, Sponder stayed true to his mantra and hatched a plan for 1 Vision to soon open an MRO division in the warm and sunny beach state.“We are getting a lot of calls from people wanting to work in Florida,” Sponder said.But there’s a catch that he believes will help grow the staff elsewhere.“To get to Florida, you’ve gotta pay your dues and prove yourself in Salina or Sioux City,” he said. “Upper managers who want to go, have to train their replacement.”Part of 1 Vision’s way is to keep growing and avoid stagnation.“It’s Jim’s ownership style,” Merritt said. “When the business gets to where he wants it to be, he moves on and grows it even more.”Sponder hasn’t changed in his 31-year career.“I keep lighting fires,” he said. “When they do get lit, we stoke ‘em like an after-burner and push it forward.”

1 Vision snares national attention for service to aviation

By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County public information coordinator

Dickinson County employees are getting some extra help to deal with the rising cost of fuel, groceries and other increasing prices.

County commissioners, during the June 23 meeting, approved a two percent mid-year pay adjustment for employees, effective July 1. The increase will impact the existing budget by $128,000.

County Administrator Brad Homman said this is a step some other counties and cities have done due to the tremendous increases in the cost of products.

“We were talking about either a one-time stipend or a slight pay increase in the middle of the year taken from the existing budget,” Homman said. “We’re doing this to help our staff out through a period of hyperinflation we’ve never seen before in our lives.”

Homman said elected officials and department heads keep a good eye on their budgets and staff is confident the money is available in the existing budget.

Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson noted the pay adjustment is part of a regularly planned increase that would have started in January 2023.

“This money will be taken off what will be approved for Jan. 1 of the upcoming year. We’re just giving it a little early. Otherwise it, would be given at the beginning of the year,” Homman said.

Peterson commented that businesses often plan on giving wage increases that take effect at the first of the year or on an employee’s hiring anniversary.

“The pay increase would have occurred the first of the year. But because we have enough money set aside, it seemed like an appropriate time to consider this,” Peterson said.

Homman thanked the commission on behalf of county employees and Peterson responded that employees are a “great asset” for the county.

“The training that takes place, the skill set they have, it’s important we have employee retention and an attractive place for people to work,” Peterson said.

County Counselor Doug Thompson said 168 properties are on the next sale of properties with delinquent taxes. In comparison, only 34 properties were sold during the delinquent tax sale earlier this year. The spike is because no tax sale was held in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so several years are included.

Thompson said information already has been sent out to the two local title companies to do title searches, but he is hopeful affected people will get caught up on their taxes before the properties go into foreclosure.

●The 1510 Rain Road Bridge is nearly complete, but recent rains caused a new problem. Homman said the ground on the south side of the bridge was very wet, causing equipment to sink into the ground. However, the county’s road and bridge department was able to bring in rock so the ground would hold.

“The fact that we put the rock in, with compaction, there will be no extra cost. They (the contractor) said Dickinson County always helps them out,” Homman said.

The rain also delayed building the bridge approaches, but the hope was that guard rails would be installed soon so the bridge could reopen.

●Commissioners reviewed a draft resolution regarding placing the question of liquor by the individual drink on the November general election ballot. They are expected to approve the resolution during the June 30 meeting.

●Heard from Homman that commissioners will receive a resolution June 30 setting a minimum bond amount for township treasurers.

●Homman said railroad officials had been contacted about a car derailment by Sand Springs, but they were dealing with a 43-car derailment near Lawrence that would take weeks to clean up. So, the local derailment would have to wait.

●Homman said he is working with Herington and Solomon school districts regarding a child care project. More information will be presented to commissioners at a future meeting.

●The commission approved change orders 113 to 136 for the courthouse renovation project, amounting to $192,000. Homman said this was a “housekeeping” item since the commission was informed of the changes as they occurred. Some of the items include solar shades for the front entrance and Treasurer Leah Hern’s office, a door for a judge’s chamber, a three-way light switch and other items.

●The commission approved an application for property tax relief for a property at 1690 3100 Ave., owned by Mathew and Gaea Hock. The house was destroyed by fire on March 22. State legislation gives counties the ability to grant property tax relief due to the severity of damage and/or total loss.

Since the damage occurred before August 2022, the commission has the authority to forgive property taxes.

“Essentially you are forgiving the property taxes for this year, giving them time to regroup and rebuild their home,” Homman said.

By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County public information coordinatorDickinson County employees are getting some extra help to deal with the rising cost of fuel, groceries and other increasing prices.County commissioners, during the June 23 meeting, approved a two percent mid-year pay adjustment for employees, effective July 1. The increase will impact the existing budget by $128,000.County Administrator Brad Homman said this is a step some other counties and cities have done due to the tremendous increases in the cost of products.“We were talking about either a one-time stipend or a slight pay increase in the middle of the year taken from the existing budget,” Homman said. “We’re doing this to help our staff out through a period of hyperinflation we’ve never seen before in our lives.”Homman said elected officials and department heads keep a good eye on their budgets and staff is confident the money is available in the existing budget.Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson noted the pay adjustment is part of a regularly planned increase that would have started in January 2023.“This money will be taken off what will be approved for Jan. 1 of the upcoming year. We’re just giving it a little early. Otherwise it, would be given at the beginning of the year,” Homman said.Peterson commented that businesses often plan on giving wage increases that take effect at the first of the year or on an employee’s hiring anniversary.“The pay increase would have occurred the first of the year. But because we have enough money set aside, it seemed like an appropriate time to consider this,” Peterson said.Homman thanked the commission on behalf of county employees and Peterson responded that employees are a “great asset” for the county.“The training that takes place, the skill set they have, it’s important we have employee retention and an attractive place for people to work,” Peterson said.Delinquent property listCounty Counselor Doug Thompson said 168 properties are on the next sale of properties with delinquent taxes. In comparison, only 34 properties were sold during the delinquent tax sale earlier this year. The spike is because no tax sale was held in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so several years are included.Thompson said information already has been sent out to the two local title companies to do title searches, but he is hopeful affected people will get caught up on their taxes before the properties go into foreclosure.Other●The 1510 Rain Road Bridge is nearly complete, but recent rains caused a new problem. Homman said the ground on the south side of the bridge was very wet, causing equipment to sink into the ground. However, the county’s road and bridge department was able to bring in rock so the ground would hold.“The fact that we put the rock in, with compaction, there will be no extra cost. They (the contractor) said Dickinson County always helps them out,” Homman said.The rain also delayed building the bridge approaches, but the hope was that guard rails would be installed soon so the bridge could reopen.●Commissioners reviewed a draft resolution regarding placing the question of liquor by the individual drink on the November general election ballot. They are expected to approve the resolution during the June 30 meeting.●Heard from Homman that commissioners will receive a resolution June 30 setting a minimum bond amount for township treasurers.●Homman said railroad officials had been contacted about a car derailment by Sand Springs, but they were dealing with a 43-car derailment near Lawrence that would take weeks to clean up. So, the local derailment would have to wait.●Homman said he is working with Herington and Solomon school districts regarding a child care project. More information will be presented to commissioners at a future meeting.●The commission approved change orders 113 to 136 for the courthouse renovation project, amounting to $192,000. Homman said this was a “housekeeping” item since the commission was informed of the changes as they occurred. Some of the items include solar shades for the front entrance and Treasurer Leah Hern’s office, a door for a judge’s chamber, a three-way light switch and other items.●The commission approved an application for property tax relief for a property at 1690 3100 Ave., owned by Mathew and Gaea Hock. The house was destroyed by fire on March 22. State legislation gives counties the ability to grant property tax relief due to the severity of damage and/or total loss.Since the damage occurred before August 2022, the commission has the authority to forgive property taxes.“Essentially you are forgiving the property taxes for this year, giving them time to regroup and rebuild their home,” Homman said.

Dickinson County employees get early pay adjustment

Warm today with breezy conditions throughout the day. 

Storms are possible along and north of Interstate 70 this evening through the overnight hours.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656590496704.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National Weather ServiceWarm today with breezy conditions throughout the day. Storms are possible along and north of Interstate 70 this evening through the overnight hours.

National Weather Service: Hot today, storms possible tonight

Today is Thursday, June 30, the 181st day of 2022. There are 184 days left in the year.

On June 30, 1982, the proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution expired, having failed to receive the required number of ratifications for its adoption, despite having its seven-year deadline extended by three years.

In 1918, labor activist and socialist Eugene V. Debs was arrested in Cleveland, charged under the Espionage Act of 1917 for a speech he'd made two weeks earlier denouncing U.S. involvement in World War I. (Debs was sentenced to prison and disenfranchised for life.)

In 1921, President Warren G. Harding nominated former President William Howard Taft to be chief justice of the United States, succeeding the late Edward Douglass White.

In 1934, Adolf Hitler launched his "blood purge" of political and military rivals in Germany in what came to be known as "The Night of the Long Knives."

In 1958, the U.S. Senate passed the Alaska statehood bill by a vote of 64-20.

In 1971, the Supreme Court ruled, 6-3, that the government could not prevent The New York Times or The Washington Post from publishing the Pentagon Papers. A Soviet space mission ended in tragedy when three cosmonauts aboard Soyuz 11 were found dead of asphyxiation inside their capsule after it had returned to Earth.

In 1985, 39 American hostages from a hijacked TWA jetliner were freed in Beirut after being held 17 days.

In 1986, the Supreme Court, in Bowers v. Hardwick, ruled 5-4 that states could outlaw homosexual acts between consenting adults (however, the nation's highest court effectively reversed this decision in 2003 in Lawrence v. Texas).

In 1994, the U.S. Figure Skating Association stripped Tonya Harding of the national championship and banned her for life for her role in the attack on rival Nancy Kerrigan.

In 2009, American soldier Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl went missing from his base in eastern Afghanistan, and was later confirmed to have been captured by insurgents after walking away from his post. (Bergdahl was released on May 31, 2014 in exchange for five Taliban detainees; he pleaded guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy, but was spared a prison sentence by a military judge.)

In 2013, 19 elite firefighters known as members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots were killed battling a wildfire northwest of Phoenix after a change in wind direction pushed the flames back toward their position.

In 2016, saying it was the right thing to do, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced that transgender people would be allowed to serve openly in the U.S. military, ending one of the last bans on service in the armed forces.

In 2020, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed a landmark bill retiring the last state flag bearing the Confederate battle emblem. Boston's arts commission voted unanimously to remove a statue depicting a freed slave kneeling at Abraham Lincoln's feet.

Ten years ago: Islamist Mohammed Morsi became Egypt's first freely elected president as he was sworn in during a pair of ceremonies. An international conference in Geneva accepted a U.N.-brokered peace plan calling for creation of a transitional government in Syria, but at Russia's insistence the compromise left the door open to Syria's president being a part of it. Former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir died at age 96.

Five years ago: President Donald Trump and South Korea's new leader, Moon Jae-in, concluding two days of talks at the White House, showed joint resolve on North Korea despite their divergent philosophies for addressing the nuclear threat.

One year ago: Pennsylvania's highest court threw out Bill Cosby's sexual assault conviction and released him from prison, ruling that the prosecutor who brought the case was bound by his predecessor's agreement not to charge Cosby; the comedian had served nearly three years of a three- to 10-year sentence. Sharply split along party lines, the House launched a new investigation of the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, approving a special committee to probe the violent attack. TV actor Allison Mack was sentenced to three years in prison for manipulating women into becoming sex slaves for the spiritual leader of the cult-like group NXIVM.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Lea Massari is 89. Actor Nancy Dussault is 86. Songwriter Tony Hatch is 83. Singer Glenn Shorrock is 78. Actor Leonard Whiting is 72. Jazz musician Stanley Clarke is 71. Actor David Garrison is 70. Rock musician Hal Lindes (Dire Straits) is 69. Actor-comedian David Alan Grier is 66. Actor Vincent D'Onofrio is 63. Actor Deirdre Lovejoy is 60. Actor Rupert Graves is 59. Former boxer Mike Tyson is 56. Actor Peter Outerbridge is 56. Rock musician Tom Drummond (Better Than Ezra) is 53. Actor-comedian Tony Rock (TV: "Living Biblically") is 53. Actor Brian Bloom is 52. Actor Monica Potter is 51. Actor Molly Parker is 50. Actor Rick Gonzalez is 43. Actor Tom Burke is 41. Actor Lizzy Caplan is 40. Actor Susannah Flood is 40. Rock musician James Adam Shelley (American Authors) is 39. Country singer Cole Swindell is 39. R&amp;B singer Fantasia is 38. Olympic gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps is 37. Actor Sean Marquette (TV: "The Goldbergs") is 34.

<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 Thursday, June 30, the 181st day of 2022. There are 184 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On June 30, 1982, the proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution expired, having failed to receive the required number of ratifications for its adoption, despite having its seven-year deadline extended by three years.On this date:In 1918, labor activist and socialist Eugene V. Debs was arrested in Cleveland, charged under the Espionage Act of 1917 for a speech he'd made two weeks earlier denouncing U.S. involvement in World War I. (Debs was sentenced to prison and disenfranchised for life.)In 1921, President Warren G. Harding nominated former President William Howard Taft to be chief justice of the United States, succeeding the late Edward Douglass White.In 1934, Adolf Hitler launched his "blood purge" of political and military rivals in Germany in what came to be known as "The Night of the Long Knives."In 1958, the U.S. Senate passed the Alaska statehood bill by a vote of 64-20.In 1971, the Supreme Court ruled, 6-3, that the government could not prevent The New York Times or The Washington Post from publishing the Pentagon Papers. A Soviet space mission ended in tragedy when three cosmonauts aboard Soyuz 11 were found dead of asphyxiation inside their capsule after it had returned to Earth.In 1985, 39 American hostages from a hijacked TWA jetliner were freed in Beirut after being held 17 days.In 1986, the Supreme Court, in Bowers v. Hardwick, ruled 5-4 that states could outlaw homosexual acts between consenting adults (however, the nation's highest court effectively reversed this decision in 2003 in Lawrence v. Texas).In 1994, the U.S. Figure Skating Association stripped Tonya Harding of the national championship and banned her for life for her role in the attack on rival Nancy Kerrigan.In 2009, American soldier Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl went missing from his base in eastern Afghanistan, and was later confirmed to have been captured by insurgents after walking away from his post. (Bergdahl was released on May 31, 2014 in exchange for five Taliban detainees; he pleaded guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy, but was spared a prison sentence by a military judge.)In 2013, 19 elite firefighters known as members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots were killed battling a wildfire northwest of Phoenix after a change in wind direction pushed the flames back toward their position.In 2016, saying it was the right thing to do, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced that transgender people would be allowed to serve openly in the U.S. military, ending one of the last bans on service in the armed forces.In 2020, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed a landmark bill retiring the last state flag bearing the Confederate battle emblem. Boston's arts commission voted unanimously to remove a statue depicting a freed slave kneeling at Abraham Lincoln's feet.Ten years ago: Islamist Mohammed Morsi became Egypt's first freely elected president as he was sworn in during a pair of ceremonies. An international conference in Geneva accepted a U.N.-brokered peace plan calling for creation of a transitional government in Syria, but at Russia's insistence the compromise left the door open to Syria's president being a part of it. Former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir died at age 96.Five years ago: President Donald Trump and South Korea's new leader, Moon Jae-in, concluding two days of talks at the White House, showed joint resolve on North Korea despite their divergent philosophies for addressing the nuclear threat.One year ago: Pennsylvania's highest court threw out Bill Cosby's sexual assault conviction and released him from prison, ruling that the prosecutor who brought the case was bound by his predecessor's agreement not to charge Cosby; the comedian had served nearly three years of a three- to 10-year sentence. Sharply split along party lines, the House launched a new investigation of the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, approving a special committee to probe the violent attack. TV actor Allison Mack was sentenced to three years in prison for manipulating women into becoming sex slaves for the spiritual leader of the cult-like group NXIVM.Today's Birthdays: Actor Lea Massari is 89. Actor Nancy Dussault is 86. Songwriter Tony Hatch is 83. Singer Glenn Shorrock is 78. Actor Leonard Whiting is 72. Jazz musician Stanley Clarke is 71. Actor David Garrison is 70. Rock musician Hal Lindes (Dire Straits) is 69. Actor-comedian David Alan Grier is 66. Actor Vincent D'Onofrio is 63. Actor Deirdre Lovejoy is 60. Actor Rupert Graves is 59. Former boxer Mike Tyson is 56. Actor Peter Outerbridge is 56. Rock musician Tom Drummond (Better Than Ezra) is 53. Actor-comedian Tony Rock (TV: "Living Biblically") is 53. Actor Brian Bloom is 52. Actor Monica Potter is 51. Actor Molly Parker is 50. Actor Rick Gonzalez is 43. Actor Tom Burke is 41. Actor Lizzy Caplan is 40. Actor Susannah Flood is 40. Rock musician James Adam Shelley (American Authors) is 39. Country singer Cole Swindell is 39. R&amp;B singer Fantasia is 38. Olympic gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps is 37. Actor Sean Marquette (TV: "The Goldbergs") is 34.

Today in History - June 30

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We have openings in Salina, Abilene, Beloit, and Concordia.

We offer many options for employment – you can work as little or as much as you want!

For more information, or to apply, please go to&nbsp;<a href="http://occk.com/">OCCK.com</a>&nbsp;and click on the CAREERS tab.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592535783410.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OCCK, Inc. is growing!We have openings in Salina, Abilene, Beloit, and Concordia.We are currently looking for:●Home Care Attendants●Direct Support Professionals●Independent Living Specialists●Physician Therapy Assistant●Team Leaders●Drivers●Master Level Autism Specialist●Master Social Worker●Targeted Case ManagersWe offer many options for employment – you can work as little or as much as you want!For more information, or to apply, please go to&nbsp;<a href="http://occk.com/">OCCK.com</a>&nbsp;and click on the CAREERS tab.

FHSU releases spring 2022 Dean’s Honor Roll

By JULIA DEBES Kansas Wheat

Combines are now on the roll in northwest and north central Kansas with the return of hot, windy weather. Mid-harvest rains have reduced test weights, but variety selection and farming practices are making a big difference in how the crop is finishing out.

Tanner Durham was cutting south of Randall in Jewell County on Wednesday. The family also farms in neighboring Mitchell County. Harvest here in north central Kansas is on time, having started on Monday and hoping to finish up by Friday without rain delays. Yields are coming in from the upper 30 bushels per acre up to the 60s bushels per acre range. Proteins are averaging around 12 percent. Test weights started at 62 pounds per bushel, but after some mid-harvest rains are now at 57 pounds per bushel.

Overall, Durham reported it’s been a good harvest with clean wheat and decent seed size. The wheat is short compared to a normal year, but nowhere near as short as in other parts of the state. With spring planting also complete, farm life in north central Kansas is right on track.

Closer to the Colorado border, the Schemm family — son Clay and parents Lisa and David — started harvest in Logan County on June 21 and now have moved west to Wallace County. The family operation has more wheat acres this year, so they are harvesting about a third of their acres and hiring custom cutters to cut the other two-thirds. Altogether, they hope to be done cutting by the upcoming holiday.

Clay Schemm noted there was not much fall growth, but a hefty early spring snow of 24 inches brought much-needed moisture during an otherwise dry year. The snow and May rains helped the wheat significantly.

As a result, their farm yields — while still below normal — are averaging around 50 bushels per acre. Test weights are heavy at 61 to 63 pounds per bushel. Proteins are averaging 12.5 percent and above. Clay Schemm noted two varieties — KS Dallas from the Kansas Wheat Alliance and AgriPro/Syngenta's SY Wolverine — are performing particularly well.

Fields have a little weed pressure where stands are thin but no disease pressure. The operation recently switched back to minimum tillage, where the family tills the ground before planting wheat to control perennial grasses that are resistant to chemical applications. Clay Schemm said they would ideally use a cost-effective herbicide to control the weeds, but without that option, tilling the soil is essential to keeping weeds down to preserve soil moisture.

Tillage is a tool also used by Mosbarger Family Farms, which grows wheat in three northwest Kansas counties. Wheat is an important part of their crop rotation, building residue for next year’s crop.

“That’s the way we make two years of dryland corn work,” said John Mosbarger, who is based in Goodland. They plan to continue their normal crop rotation regardless of price changes for the different crops.

Mosbarger explained their operation was entirely no-till until three years ago when they decided to start making two to three passes with the sweep before drilling wheat. Working the ground is giving them larger soil particle size, less wind erosion and better wheat emergence.

“We like to pull from a lot of different practices so that we have the most tools in our toolbox,” he said.

In addition, they’ve been fighting palmer amaranth and kochia, two weeds that are resistant to herbicides.

“They aren’t resistant to steel yet,” he joked.

This year’s wheat harvest just started for Mosbarger Family Farms on June 27 and is expected to last about two weeks.

While harvesting a field of KS Hamilton in Cheyenne County, Mosbarger said, “Wheat is pretty amazing,” noting that they didn’t get the stand they wanted in the fall and there was limited moisture throughout the growing season. Variability from field to field is based on emergence last fall. Regardless, he expects their farm to average 45 bushels per acre this year. Test weights are averaging 60 pounds per bushel and protein is right around 12 percent.

Mosbarger noted their expectations of yield have changed over the years, normally hoping to grow at least 60-bushel wheat. Even though this year’s crop isn’t meeting those expectations, it’s much better than they anticipated in March.

The 2022 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use&nbsp;#wheatharvest22. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001AuygtUsLKsx1SFAs1QsQ79NruvfTykWWATgCsSMFl9Qsn9mclipB1kpA6XhLUO4q9-DlkyQzwVhdfCLizFOrUA6t2csft_eIgpaprl73fbj2qdsVrDweRXcKHlG6YsU1Qgeu_khcPRicliyrWA5wYd71MgxWdkc0&amp;c=56Xdu9Rj3QXsiVpAIL9VRtcqcGdy78bg4xth8KNqtx8aAdP9H51jHw==&amp;ch=awpQV7tw5jHdY7aZM1w5fUBRM4kgn6z0UI2-RvteBdmvMkA-IWhxTQ==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001AuygtUsLKsx1SFAs1QsQ79NruvfTykWWATgCsSMFl9Qsn9mclipB1psNEm09WU6X3JKbiuPbQrLo4WdAOFIi2TRaYjguEfv-4aL7uiSWakwoHNUJQCSnDECI1mAZBSZ-tUhHoTL-Vszxn3VH8If1qctuUThVLCf-&amp;c=56Xdu9Rj3QXsiVpAIL9VRtcqcGdy78bg4xth8KNqtx8aAdP9H51jHw==&amp;ch=awpQV7tw5jHdY7aZM1w5fUBRM4kgn6z0UI2-RvteBdmvMkA-IWhxTQ==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001AuygtUsLKsx1SFAs1QsQ79NruvfTykWWATgCsSMFl9Qsn9mclipB1uYnkwVvigbtK1nGbNzHKvmDZJrNZS1R2a_OFkecQCTPJSXR0Y09SETM07GTsIDXkb3tyrpXevQzPfJrQ0uampikAI9npUU4N8qHnO1dPoM3&amp;c=56Xdu9Rj3QXsiVpAIL9VRtcqcGdy78bg4xth8KNqtx8aAdP9H51jHw==&amp;ch=awpQV7tw5jHdY7aZM1w5fUBRM4kgn6z0UI2-RvteBdmvMkA-IWhxTQ==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656549131094.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatCombines are now on the roll in northwest and north central Kansas with the return of hot, windy weather. Mid-harvest rains have reduced test weights, but variety selection and farming practices are making a big difference in how the crop is finishing out. Tanner Durham was cutting south of Randall in Jewell County on Wednesday. The family also farms in neighboring Mitchell County. Harvest here in north central Kansas is on time, having started on Monday and hoping to finish up by Friday without rain delays. Yields are coming in from the upper 30 bushels per acre up to the 60s bushels per acre range. Proteins are averaging around 12 percent. Test weights started at 62 pounds per bushel, but after some mid-harvest rains are now at 57 pounds per bushel. Overall, Durham reported it’s been a good harvest with clean wheat and decent seed size. The wheat is short compared to a normal year, but nowhere near as short as in other parts of the state. With spring planting also complete, farm life in north central Kansas is right on track. Closer to the Colorado border, the Schemm family — son Clay and parents Lisa and David — started harvest in Logan County on June 21 and now have moved west to Wallace County. The family operation has more wheat acres this year, so they are harvesting about a third of their acres and hiring custom cutters to cut the other two-thirds. Altogether, they hope to be done cutting by the upcoming holiday. Clay Schemm noted there was not much fall growth, but a hefty early spring snow of 24 inches brought much-needed moisture during an otherwise dry year. The snow and May rains helped the wheat significantly. As a result, their farm yields — while still below normal — are averaging around 50 bushels per acre. Test weights are heavy at 61 to 63 pounds per bushel. Proteins are averaging 12.5 percent and above. Clay Schemm noted two varieties — KS Dallas from the Kansas Wheat Alliance and AgriPro/Syngenta's SY Wolverine — are performing particularly well. Fields have a little weed pressure where stands are thin but no disease pressure. The operation recently switched back to minimum tillage, where the family tills the ground before planting wheat to control perennial grasses that are resistant to chemical applications. Clay Schemm said they would ideally use a cost-effective herbicide to control the weeds, but without that option, tilling the soil is essential to keeping weeds down to preserve soil moisture. Tillage is a tool also used by Mosbarger Family Farms, which grows wheat in three northwest Kansas counties. Wheat is an important part of their crop rotation, building residue for next year’s crop. “That’s the way we make two years of dryland corn work,” said John Mosbarger, who is based in Goodland. They plan to continue their normal crop rotation regardless of price changes for the different crops. Mosbarger explained their operation was entirely no-till until three years ago when they decided to start making two to three passes with the sweep before drilling wheat. Working the ground is giving them larger soil particle size, less wind erosion and better wheat emergence. “We like to pull from a lot of different practices so that we have the most tools in our toolbox,” he said. In addition, they’ve been fighting palmer amaranth and kochia, two weeds that are resistant to herbicides. “They aren’t resistant to steel yet,” he joked. This year’s wheat harvest just started for Mosbarger Family Farms on June 27 and is expected to last about two weeks. While harvesting a field of KS Hamilton in Cheyenne County, Mosbarger said, “Wheat is pretty amazing,” noting that they didn’t get the stand they wanted in the fall and there was limited moisture throughout the growing season. Variability from field to field is based on emergence last fall. Regardless, he expects their farm to average 45 bushels per acre this year. Test weights are averaging 60 pounds per bushel and protein is right around 12 percent. Mosbarger noted their expectations of yield have changed over the years, normally hoping to grow at least 60-bushel wheat. Even though this year’s crop isn’t meeting those expectations, it’s much better than they anticipated in March.The 2022 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use&nbsp;#wheatharvest22. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001AuygtUsLKsx1SFAs1QsQ79NruvfTykWWATgCsSMFl9Qsn9mclipB1kpA6XhLUO4q9-DlkyQzwVhdfCLizFOrUA6t2csft_eIgpaprl73fbj2qdsVrDweRXcKHlG6YsU1Qgeu_khcPRicliyrWA5wYd71MgxWdkc0&amp;c=56Xdu9Rj3QXsiVpAIL9VRtcqcGdy78bg4xth8KNqtx8aAdP9H51jHw==&amp;ch=awpQV7tw5jHdY7aZM1w5fUBRM4kgn6z0UI2-RvteBdmvMkA-IWhxTQ==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001AuygtUsLKsx1SFAs1QsQ79NruvfTykWWATgCsSMFl9Qsn9mclipB1psNEm09WU6X3JKbiuPbQrLo4WdAOFIi2TRaYjguEfv-4aL7uiSWakwoHNUJQCSnDECI1mAZBSZ-tUhHoTL-Vszxn3VH8If1qctuUThVLCf-&amp;c=56Xdu9Rj3QXsiVpAIL9VRtcqcGdy78bg4xth8KNqtx8aAdP9H51jHw==&amp;ch=awpQV7tw5jHdY7aZM1w5fUBRM4kgn6z0UI2-RvteBdmvMkA-IWhxTQ==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001AuygtUsLKsx1SFAs1QsQ79NruvfTykWWATgCsSMFl9Qsn9mclipB1uYnkwVvigbtK1nGbNzHKvmDZJrNZS1R2a_OFkecQCTPJSXR0Y09SETM07GTsIDXkb3tyrpXevQzPfJrQ0uampikAI9npUU4N8qHnO1dPoM3&amp;c=56Xdu9Rj3QXsiVpAIL9VRtcqcGdy78bg4xth8KNqtx8aAdP9H51jHw==&amp;ch=awpQV7tw5jHdY7aZM1w5fUBRM4kgn6z0UI2-RvteBdmvMkA-IWhxTQ==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Day 13: Kansas wheat harvest report

LINDSBORG - Saline County's Peterson Farm Bros are celebrating 10 years of making parody music videos about farming with a free concert Saturday evening.

The concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at The Heights, located just outside Lindsborg at 2951 13th Avenue.

Ten years ago this month, the Peterson Farm Bros, who farm with their families near Assaria, filmed and posted their first music video parody, "I'm Farming and I Grow It." The song was a viral hit on YouTube and received more than five million views in over 200 countries in two weeks, according to information on the <a href="https://petersonfarmbrothers.com/">brothers' website</a>.

Since that time, the trio has made 18 music video parodies and many other videos that that combined have more that 150 million views on social media.

On Saturday, there will be chairs available for up to 500 people, however, those attending also are welcome to take their own lawn chairs. Bottled water and some other concessions will be for sale, but there will not be a meal during the event, according to information on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PetersonFarmBros">Peterson Farm Bros Facebook page</a>.

According to the event post on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PetersonFarmBros">Peterson Farm Bros Facebook page</a>, the schedule for Saturday is as follows.

●Optional tour of main farmstead at 5 p.m. The tour will leave from The Heights for an approximate 15 minute drive to the farm. "We normally charge for these tours but this will be a shortened version and will be a free will donation!" the Peterson Farm Bros noted.

●Meet and greet/merchandise sales with Peterson family from 6-7 p.m. at The Heights.

●Peterson Farm Bros will perform parodies and speak a little from 7-8:30 p.m.

●Meet and greet afterward for those who didn't do the one before and then finish the night with a few fireworks!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656540698669.png" alt="The Peterson Farm Bros have been making music video parodies for 10 years. On Saturday, they plan to celebrate with a free concert. Photo courtesy the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PetersonFarmBros">Peterson Farm Bros Facebook page</a>" />
 <figcaption>The Peterson Farm Bros have been making music video parodies for 10 years. On Saturday, they plan to celebrate with a free concert. Photo courtesy the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PetersonFarmBros">Peterson Farm Bros Facebook page</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTLINDSBORG - Saline County's Peterson Farm Bros are celebrating 10 years of making parody music videos about farming with a free concert Saturday evening.The concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at The Heights, located just outside Lindsborg at 2951 13th Avenue.Ten years ago this month, the Peterson Farm Bros, who farm with their families near Assaria, filmed and posted their first music video parody, "I'm Farming and I Grow It." The song was a viral hit on YouTube and received more than five million views in over 200 countries in two weeks, according to information on the <a href="https://petersonfarmbrothers.com/">brothers' website</a>.Since that time, the trio has made 18 music video parodies and many other videos that that combined have more that 150 million views on social media.On Saturday, there will be chairs available for up to 500 people, however, those attending also are welcome to take their own lawn chairs. Bottled water and some other concessions will be for sale, but there will not be a meal during the event, according to information on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PetersonFarmBros">Peterson Farm Bros Facebook page</a>.According to the event post on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PetersonFarmBros">Peterson Farm Bros Facebook page</a>, the schedule for Saturday is as follows.●Optional tour of main farmstead at 5 p.m. The tour will leave from The Heights for an approximate 15 minute drive to the farm. "We normally charge for these tours but this will be a shortened version and will be a free will donation!" the Peterson Farm Bros noted.●Meet and greet/merchandise sales with Peterson family from 6-7 p.m. at The Heights.●Peterson Farm Bros will perform parodies and speak a little from 7-8:30 p.m.●Meet and greet afterward for those who didn't do the one before and then finish the night with a few fireworks!

Peterson Farm Bros to celebrate 10 years of music video parodies

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Kellie Warren believes her policy experience and conservativism make her the ideal candidate to be the next attorney general in Kansas.

Warren, of Leawood, is one of three Republicans who have filed to run for attorney general in Kansas. Warren currently represents District 11 in Johnson County in the Kansas Senate. The other two Republicans are Kris Kobach and Tony Mattivi. Chris Mann is the lone Democrat who has filed for the position.

Warren was campaigning in Salina earlier this week and stopped by the Salina Post office to talk about her candidacy. 

"I tell you who I am. I'm honest about it and then I go be that in elected office. And I have the policy experience. I've had to vote on all policy as a state elected official for four years, whether it's energy, education, taxes, commerce, law and order. And Kansans then can look at the record of policy leading that I have," Warren said.

Should she be elected in November, Warren said she would probably do two things first: set up her team in the attorney general's office and create a new division in the office to look at federal overreach.

"I would probably create a new division, whether it's called 'federal overreach' or the 10th Amendment to make sure that we're looking at federalism essentially. That we don't have the government overreaching from Washington, D.C., what we're doing here in Kansas, and so either create a task force, maybe, or a new division," she said.

Warren said that Kansas Republicans need to make sure they select the right nominee to vie for the attorney general position in the November general election.

"We can't select a conservative Republican who doesn't win, and we can't select a person who tells us they're a conservative Republican but doesn't have a record, so how do we know?" Warren said. "With me, you have the record you can depend on of a battle-tested conservative who fights and wins. I win tough elections. I win policy battles that you care about. And I win in the courtroom as well. That's what we need in our next attorney general."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656537462040.jpeg" alt="Kellie Warren is a Republican candidate for attorney general in Kansas. Photo courtesy Warren's Kansas Senate webpage" />
 <figcaption>Kellie Warren is a Republican candidate for attorney general in Kansas. Photo courtesy Warren's Kansas Senate webpage</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostKellie Warren believes her policy experience and conservativism make her the ideal candidate to be the next attorney general in Kansas.Warren, of Leawood, is one of three Republicans who have filed to run for attorney general in Kansas. Warren currently represents District 11 in Johnson County in the Kansas Senate. The other two Republicans are Kris Kobach and Tony Mattivi. Chris Mann is the lone Democrat who has filed for the position.Warren was campaigning in Salina earlier this week and stopped by the Salina Post office to talk about her candidacy. "I tell you who I am. I'm honest about it and then I go be that in elected office. And I have the policy experience. I've had to vote on all policy as a state elected official for four years, whether it's energy, education, taxes, commerce, law and order. And Kansans then can look at the record of policy leading that I have," Warren said.Should she be elected in November, Warren said she would probably do two things first: set up her team in the attorney general's office and create a new division in the office to look at federal overreach."I would probably create a new division, whether it's called 'federal overreach' or the 10th Amendment to make sure that we're looking at federalism essentially. That we don't have the government overreaching from Washington, D.C., what we're doing here in Kansas, and so either create a task force, maybe, or a new division," she said.Warren said that Kansas Republicans need to make sure they select the right nominee to vie for the attorney general position in the November general election."We can't select a conservative Republican who doesn't win, and we can't select a person who tells us they're a conservative Republican but doesn't have a record, so how do we know?" Warren said. "With me, you have the record you can depend on of a battle-tested conservative who fights and wins. I win tough elections. I win policy battles that you care about. And I win in the courtroom as well. That's what we need in our next attorney general."

Warren cites policy experience, conservatism in run for Kansas AG

Do you work with a local non-profit? Does your organization need funding to make physical changes that adapt to the post-pandemic environment? 

Then join us Friday at 11 a.m.(via Zoom) for an informational webinar on Saline County's latest American Rescue Plan Grant program: Capital Improvements for Non-profits Grant (CING).

The CING program, funded by $250,000 of the county's&nbsp;Business &amp; Non-Profit Recovery&nbsp;allocation, will provide grants of up to $75,000 each for non-profits looking to fund capital projects that adapt the organization's ability to serve the public to the new realities created by COVID-19 and its associated economic and staffing impacts. 

You can find more information on our <a href="https://www.saline.org/ARPA">ARPA webpage</a> and get answers to your questions on the webinar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saline CountyDo you work with a local non-profit? Does your organization need funding to make physical changes that adapt to the post-pandemic environment? Then join us Friday at 11 a.m.(via Zoom) for an informational webinar on Saline County's latest American Rescue Plan Grant program: Capital Improvements for Non-profits Grant (CING). The CING program, funded by $250,000 of the county's&nbsp;Business &amp; Non-Profit Recovery&nbsp;allocation, will provide grants of up to $75,000 each for non-profits looking to fund capital projects that adapt the organization's ability to serve the public to the new realities created by COVID-19 and its associated economic and staffing impacts. You can find more information on our <a href="https://www.saline.org/ARPA">ARPA webpage</a> and get answers to your questions on the webinar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saline County plans ARPA grant webinar for non-profits

Attention Salina dinosaur lovers! Walk among the dinosaurs at Jurassic Quest in Tony’s Pizza Events Center Aug. 16-28.

The classic indoor adventure is back! Jurassic Quest and its skyscraping dinosaurs bring supersized family fun – only here can you get up close to life-size, realistic dinos, and even see them move and roar! Whether the dinos had skin that was scaly, feathers or fur, Jurassic Quest has spared no expense to bring the dinosaurs to life.

Walk through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods, and “Deep Dive” into the “Ancient Oceans” exhibit with ancient ocean dwellers including the largest apex predator that ever existed – a moving, life-size, 50-footlong Megalodon!

Fan-favorite, can’t-miss-moments include:

• Walk among animatronic dinosaurs created with paleontologists to be true-to-detail (and size – watch the teeth)!

• Climb aboard some of the largest rideable dinosaurs in North America!

• Get your giggles going at our interactive Baby &amp; Walking Dinosaur Shows

• Live your best dinosaur life with activities like fossil digs, fossil science exhibit, inflatables, a “Triceratots” soft play area, and more!

• Meet the babies – hatched only at Jurassic Quest – Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex and Trixie the Triceratops. And you may even catch one of our star dino trainers: Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Captain Caleb, Prehistoric Nick or Park Ranger Marty!

• Dig for fossils, and check out a real T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and life-size dino skull at our fossil exhibit.

With exciting and unique experiences for the whole family, Jurassic Quest guests have a dino-mite time! Get your tickets before they go extinct at <a href="http://www.jurassicquest.com">www.jurassicquest.com</a>. Timed tickets are available and advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656531006345.jpeg" alt="You can get up close to life-size, realistic dinosaurs during the Jurassic Quest event at Tony's Pizza Events Center Aug. 16-28. Photos courtesy Tony's Pizza Events Center" />
 <figcaption>You can get up close to life-size, realistic dinosaurs during the Jurassic Quest event at Tony's Pizza Events Center Aug. 16-28. Photos courtesy Tony's Pizza Events Center</figcaption>
 </figure>Tony's Pizza Events CenterAttention Salina dinosaur lovers! Walk among the dinosaurs at Jurassic Quest in Tony’s Pizza Events Center Aug. 16-28.The classic indoor adventure is back! Jurassic Quest and its skyscraping dinosaurs bring supersized family fun – only here can you get up close to life-size, realistic dinos, and even see them move and roar! Whether the dinos had skin that was scaly, feathers or fur, Jurassic Quest has spared no expense to bring the dinosaurs to life.Walk through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods, and “Deep Dive” into the “Ancient Oceans” exhibit with ancient ocean dwellers including the largest apex predator that ever existed – a moving, life-size, 50-footlong Megalodon!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656531273816.jpeg" alt="The indoor dino adventure has a number of fan favorites." />
 <figcaption>The indoor dino adventure has a number of fan favorites.</figcaption>
 </figure>Fan-favorite, can’t-miss-moments include:• Walk among animatronic dinosaurs created with paleontologists to be true-to-detail (and size – watch the teeth)!• Climb aboard some of the largest rideable dinosaurs in North America!• Get your giggles going at our interactive Baby &amp; Walking Dinosaur Shows• Live your best dinosaur life with activities like fossil digs, fossil science exhibit, inflatables, a “Triceratots” soft play area, and more!• Meet the babies – hatched only at Jurassic Quest – Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex and Trixie the Triceratops. And you may even catch one of our star dino trainers: Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Captain Caleb, Prehistoric Nick or Park Ranger Marty!• Dig for fossils, and check out a real T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and life-size dino skull at our fossil exhibit.With exciting and unique experiences for the whole family, Jurassic Quest guests have a dino-mite time! Get your tickets before they go extinct at <a href="http://www.jurassicquest.com">www.jurassicquest.com</a>. Timed tickets are available and advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.

Dino invasion: Jurassic Quest coming to TPEC in August

The week will finish with periodic storm chances beginning late Thursday night. 

Some storms may be strong to marginally severe. Localized flooding will also be possible in areas that see multiple rounds of storms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656522773676.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National Weather ServiceThe week will finish with periodic storm chances beginning late Thursday night. Some storms may be strong to marginally severe. Localized flooding will also be possible in areas that see multiple rounds of storms.

NWS: Storm chances increase later in the week

A rural Saline County teen was injured when a pickup he was driving went off the road and rolled south of Salina Tuesday evening.

Saline County Sheriff's Captain Jim Hughes said this morning that a 16-year-old boy was southbound on Old 81 Highway just south of Farrelly Road at approximately 8:50 p.m. Tuesday when the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado he was driving drifted off the road and into the ditch, causing the pickup to roll. The pickup ended up on its top in a field.

Hughes said the boy suffered minor injuries and was taken by private vehicle to Salina Regional Health Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656518786567.jpeg" alt="A rural Saline County teen sustained only minor injuries after this pickup that he was driving went off the road and rolled into a field south of Salina Tuesday night.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A rural Saline County teen sustained only minor injuries after this pickup that he was driving went off the road and rolled into a field south of Salina Tuesday night.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA rural Saline County teen was injured when a pickup he was driving went off the road and rolled south of Salina Tuesday evening.Saline County Sheriff's Captain Jim Hughes said this morning that a 16-year-old boy was southbound on Old 81 Highway just south of Farrelly Road at approximately 8:50 p.m. Tuesday when the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado he was driving drifted off the road and into the ditch, causing the pickup to roll. The pickup ended up on its top in a field.Hughes said the boy suffered minor injuries and was taken by private vehicle to Salina Regional Health Center.

Saline County teen sustains minor injuries when pickup rolls

Three Salina woman were cited after a domestic disturbance Tuesday night.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that officers were sent to the area of N. 13th Street and W. Ash Street at 8 p.m. Tuesday for the report of an altercation involving three women and a handgun.

The incident started as an alleged heated argument about a family member between Candie Greeley, 35, of Salina, and Natasha Dixon, 42, of Salina, Forrester said. During the argument, Heather Whelchel, 46, of Salina, joined the fray and allegedly brought with her a purple Ruger 9mm handgun which she allegedly waved around and began yelling at Greeley, Forrester said. 

By the time police arrived, Whelchel had left the scene. Police contacted her at her nearby residence and she gave them the handgun, Forrester said.

Greeley and Dixon were cited for disorderly conduct and Whelchel was cited for disorderly conduct and hostile demonstration with a weapon, he said.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThree Salina woman were cited after a domestic disturbance Tuesday night.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that officers were sent to the area of N. 13th Street and W. Ash Street at 8 p.m. Tuesday for the report of an altercation involving three women and a handgun.The incident started as an alleged heated argument about a family member between Candie Greeley, 35, of Salina, and Natasha Dixon, 42, of Salina, Forrester said. During the argument, Heather Whelchel, 46, of Salina, joined the fray and allegedly brought with her a purple Ruger 9mm handgun which she allegedly waved around and began yelling at Greeley, Forrester said. By the time police arrived, Whelchel had left the scene. Police contacted her at her nearby residence and she gave them the handgun, Forrester said.Greeley and Dixon were cited for disorderly conduct and Whelchel was cited for disorderly conduct and hostile demonstration with a weapon, he said.The pickup was towed from the scene.

Three Salina women cited after disturbance

A rural Saline County man lost a combine to fire Monday evening south of Salina.

Saline County Sheriff's Captain Jim Hughes said this morning that deputies and personnel from Rural Fire District No. 2 were sent to the 8800 block of Centennial Road at approximately 6:36 p.m. Monday for the report of a combine on fire in a field. 

The combine's owner, David Persigehl, 57, of rural Saline County, told deputies he believed a U joint on the combine's PTO shaft sparked the blaze, Hughes said.

Some wheat stubble was burnt in the area of the combine, but no wheat was lost because Persigehl was just finishing up harvesting that particular field, Hughes said. The Case IH 2188 combine, valued at $55,000, was a total loss.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656516761314.jpeg" alt="A firefighter from Rural Fire District No. 2 finishes extinguishing a combine that caught fire south of Salina Monday evening. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>A firefighter from Rural Fire District No. 2 finishes extinguishing a combine that caught fire south of Salina Monday evening. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA rural Saline County man lost a combine to fire Monday evening south of Salina.Saline County Sheriff's Captain Jim Hughes said this morning that deputies and personnel from Rural Fire District No. 2 were sent to the 8800 block of Centennial Road at approximately 6:36 p.m. Monday for the report of a combine on fire in a field. The combine's owner, David Persigehl, 57, of rural Saline County, told deputies he believed a U joint on the combine's PTO shaft sparked the blaze, Hughes said.Some wheat stubble was burnt in the area of the combine, but no wheat was lost because Persigehl was just finishing up harvesting that particular field, Hughes said. The Case IH 2188 combine, valued at $55,000, was a total loss.

Combine catches fire in field south of Salina

From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafire">Salina Fire Facebook page</a>:

As you prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, following this checklist could help reduce injuries to those you love. Remember fireworks can only be discharged inside the City of Salina on July 3rd &amp; July 4th from 8am-11pm. You are not allowed to discharge fireworks on public property including; parks, on streets, roads or the side of the roads. For firework complaints please use the non emergency line 785-826-7210, only use 911 for emergencies not complaints.&nbsp;&nbsp;

From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafire">Salina Fire Facebook page</a>:As you prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, following this checklist could help reduce injuries to those you love. Remember fireworks can only be discharged inside the City of Salina on July 3rd &amp; July 4th from 8am-11pm. You are not allowed to discharge fireworks on public property including; parks, on streets, roads or the side of the roads. For firework complaints please use the non emergency line 785-826-7210, only use 911 for emergencies not complaints.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656505704886.jpeg" alt="" />
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Salina Fire Department offers fireworks checklist

Worker shortages, supply chain issues, other situations increase expense

Editor's note: This is the second installment of a two-part story regarding the construction of the new jail addition and renovation of the courthouse. Part 1 of this story explained how the project came about and how a bond issue was approved by Dickinson County voters. This installment explains the various challenges - the expected and the unexpected - involved with phase 1, building the jail, and Phase 2, renovating the courthouse.

READ PART 1: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ef81c7c7-9812-4684-8320-c49919776d15">A rocky path to completion</a>

Today, the new jail addition and renovated courthouse is a source of pride for many in Dickinson County, but it was a project that had more than its share of twists and turns.

Dickinson County Administrator Brad Homman sums up the situation:

“If you would have told me that we were going to have to do two elections (after a protest petition against it was filed), design the project twice to scale it down for the second design, be hit with a worldwide pandemic as we started the project that shut down society as we know it - resulting in a shortage of skilled workers to do the work, then the government would infuse tons of money into our economy which resulted in contractors that were scheduled to work on our project going elsewhere for more money, and that every time we dug a hole for the foundation we would hit a new surprise - water, tanks, or something similar we did not know about.

“Then we would get hit with price increases and inflation like we have never experienced before, and then experience supply chain issues where we couldn’t get simple things like doors and openers, I would have told you that you were crazy!”

What should have taken 16 to 18 months ended up taking about two years.

“It wasn’t a huge amount of time, but it was significant,” Homman said.

But despite all the negatives, the courthouse construction/renovation project had some silver linings. The county received federal monies from the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) that were used to pay for some additional projects -- like paving the parking lot and upgrading technology in the courtrooms -- that would not have happened otherwise.

Also, the county hopes to receive tax credits for working with state historians to maintain the historical significance of the 1956-building. The sale of those credits could potentially bring in several hundred thousand dollars to help pay off the debt.

In the weeks and months following the successful 2018 bond issue, Goldberg Group Architects staff worked on plans for the new jail and courthouse renovation. About a year later in July 2019, the county commission met with Loyd Builders, the construction manager at risk, to review the bids.

<h2>Worker shortages, supply chain issues, other situations increase expense</h2>Editor's note: This is the second installment of a two-part story regarding the construction of the new jail addition and renovation of the courthouse. Part 1 of this story explained how the project came about and how a bond issue was approved by Dickinson County voters. This installment explains the various challenges - the expected and the unexpected - involved with phase 1, building the jail, and Phase 2, renovating the courthouse.READ PART 1: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ef81c7c7-9812-4684-8320-c49919776d15">A rocky path to completion</a>By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County public information coordinatorToday, the new jail addition and renovated courthouse is a source of pride for many in Dickinson County, but it was a project that had more than its share of twists and turns.Dickinson County Administrator Brad Homman sums up the situation:“If you would have told me that we were going to have to do two elections (after a protest petition against it was filed), design the project twice to scale it down for the second design, be hit with a worldwide pandemic as we started the project that shut down society as we know it - resulting in a shortage of skilled workers to do the work, then the government would infuse tons of money into our economy which resulted in contractors that were scheduled to work on our project going elsewhere for more money, and that every time we dug a hole for the foundation we would hit a new surprise - water, tanks, or something similar we did not know about.“Then we would get hit with price increases and inflation like we have never experienced before, and then experience supply chain issues where we couldn’t get simple things like doors and openers, I would have told you that you were crazy!”What should have taken 16 to 18 months ended up taking about two years.“It wasn’t a huge amount of time, but it was significant,” Homman said.But despite all the negatives, the courthouse construction/renovation project had some silver linings. The county received federal monies from the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) that were used to pay for some additional projects -- like paving the parking lot and upgrading technology in the courtrooms -- that would not have happened otherwise.Also, the county hopes to receive tax credits for working with state historians to maintain the historical significance of the 1956-building. The sale of those credits could potentially bring in several hundred thousand dollars to help pay off the debt.Bids too highIn the weeks and months following the successful 2018 bond issue, Goldberg Group Architects staff worked on plans for the new jail and courthouse renovation. About a year later in July 2019, the county commission met with Loyd Builders, the construction manager at risk, to review the bids.“Exactly what (Architect) Larry Goldberg told us was going to happen happened. He said every year you wait you’re going to see a four-to-six percent increase on construction costs and this was all pre-COVID. After COVID, all the rules went out the window,” Homman said.“He told us you’re going to have trouble finding professional and skilled laborers, brick masons, electricians, plumbers, concrete finishers,” Homman continued. “That was absolute fact and truer than we ever imagined it would be.”When the bids came in for phase 1 and phase 2, they were too high.“I reached out to several contractors who said they could bid phase 1 very competitively because they were going to order materials as soon as the papers were signed,” Homman said. “But we were also asking them to bid phase 2, which wasn’t even going to start until after the jail was done.“They said, ‘you’re asking us to bid something construction-wise which is months down the road when we have no idea what the costs are going to be’,” Homman related.So, the decision was made to rebid phase 1 and then wait until the jail portion was nearing completion and bid phase 2.“We got our phase 1 bids more competitively, but by the time phase 2 came around, the pandemic forced costs to go through the roof.” Homman said.A ground-breaking ceremony was held on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019, involving representatives from the county, Goldberg Group Architects, Loyd Builders and others. A few days later fencing was installed to create a construction perimeter and soon after, work began.Historic districtOne of the first challenges – which may turn out to be a blessing in disguise – occurred because the courthouse is located in the Abilene historic district. Thus, any changes to the existing structure had to be reviewed by the state’s historical preservation office.“The building is not on the historic register, but it’s a contributor to the historical district,” Homman explained. “We met with two staff members from the SHPO (State Historic Preservation Office) who wanted to see the building. They told us to do your best to maintain the look of the courthouse. They didn’t want us to replace the windows, because the windows of the 1956-era were unique.”However, since achieving energy efficiency and lowering utility bills was a major goal of the renovation, leaving in the original windows was not an option. They had lost any insulating value they once had years ago. The seals had dried out and anytime the wind blew, the shades moved, bringing hot or cold air directly into the building.“We planned to use some of the money we saved in energy efficiency to help pay for the renovation,” Homman explained.As a compromise, several original windows on the east end of what was the sheriff’s department were left in the wall, although they are hidden underneath sheet rock. Also hidden on the outside are the window frames of the original building. They are still there, but covered by a material that looks like limestone.“If someone wants to take the new windows out and buy windows that look like those in the 1950s they could do it,” Homman said.Other 1956-era windows remain in the hallways, although they too are not visible. Each office used to have a window next to the entry door, but those windows were no longer safe in a “secure courthouse” since they could easily be shot out during an active shooter incident.“If 100 years from now, the county commission wants to turn the courthouse back to the way it was in 1956 they could do that,” Homman said. “Outside, we did our best to maintain the same physical façade and look.”By following the various SHPO directives, the county should be eligible to receive tax credits that could be sold.“There’s a grant program to promote the historical significance of buildings in Kansas,” Homman said. “They will give you grants up to 25 percent of your investment in tax certificates.”While the county does not have to pay taxes, it can still obtain tax credits which can be sold to businesses and companies that do. Theoretically, if the county were to receive $1 million in tax credits, and can sell the tax credits for say, 85 cents on the dollar, that means the county could get paid $850,000 that could be used to help pay off the bond.Major obstaclesOne of the first problems occurred early on when the vendor that was awarded the concrete bid called the day before they were scheduled to be on site and said they were not coming. That resulted in litigation between the construction manager at risk and the vendor; however, it was a tough blow to the budget.The contractor that bailed was $60,000 cheaper on the flat surface bid than the second lowest bidder.“We called the next lowest bidder, and by then COVID had hit and the first round of CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) money was coming out to the schools and it had a deadline,” Homman said. “So that vendor said we’ll be out as soon as we can. Another vendor we called was going to be $200,000 higher and they didn’t have anybody to send.”More extra costs were incurred after underground debris - from a long-buried kerosene tank used to heat the courthouse in the 1950s - was found while excavating and that debris had to be dug up and removed. Even though penetrating radar had been used ahead of time to scan the ground, it was not discovered until groundwork began.Another issue occurred as the walls for the jail addition were being built.“If you’ve got an existing building and you’re digging right next to the wall, you risk the underlayment coming out and the wall caving in,” Homman said.“The ground wasn’t strong enough to hold the pressure of those walls so they had to put in more of them and had to go down deeper. They drilled piers down to the bedrock, then poured piers with columns full of steel and concrete,” he said.“They were afraid the soil underground wasn’t stable enough to hold it. Then when we got down to about 18-feet and water started running in. We had to find pumps and pump it out. Then it would rain.”In hindsight it would have been easier to put a basement under the new addition, but that had been cut to lower the amount of the bond issue.“It took forever to get the project off the ground,” Homman added. “Once we got the flat stuff down it was time for the masons to come in and that company could only send a couple guys over at a time.”Snail’s pace“Most things drug along at a snail’s pace and all the while we could hear the price of things in the economy ticking upward,” Homman said.“Every two weeks we had an owner-contractor meeting to talk about how things were progressing and we’d be sitting at the same place we were two weeks ago,” he added. “It seemed like everything that could go wrong – did – except nobody got hurt, and we were really thankful for that.”Homman said he did not realize how much of a challenge dividing the project into two phases would pose for Tom Shirack, Loyd Builder’s project supervisor.“When we started with phase 1 they were running conduit and electricians were showing up trying to figure out where the power in the new building is coming from. Well, it was coming in from a room in the courthouse that was going to be built in phase 2,” Homman recalled. “So how do we make this work? We ended up putting in a generator and power service into a room that was being used and moved part of the sheriff’s department out.”Another problematic phase 1/phase 2 crossover involved the new HVAC rooftop units. While they sit on top of the new addition, they also serve part of the original courthouse.“We had to get 911 dispatch out of the basement of the original courthouse and had built a temporary office for them in the old sheriff’s department garage. We tried to put a window air conditioning unit in there but it wouldn’t keep it cool enough. We had to get climate control in there while the building was being gutted, but the RTU (rooftop units) on the jail building were not hooked up yet and there was no power in the courthouse.”The solution involved running temporary ductwork from the new addition into the old garage area used by dispatch to keep staff cool.Moving outIn order for the renovation to occur, all offices (except 911 dispatch which stayed in the old garage area) had to move somewhere else so the building could be gutted.Originally it was thought Sterl Hall was large enough to accommodate everyone, “but once we got to measuring and looking at where we could put up walls, the space got smaller and smaller,” Homman said.Realizing Sterl Hall could not accommodate all departments, the county next looked into renting modular units, like school districts commonly do when they need extra space, but that idea was not optimal. Then the thought of using the Abilene Civic Center came to mind.“I talked to Julie Roller Weeks (Abilene Convention &amp; Visitor’s Bureau director) and said the civic center would be ideal,” Homman recalled. “It’s in close proximity to the courthouse, it has ground parking, there’s no stairs or elevators. We’ll make it work.”Roller Weeks worked with the city manager and city commission to make the temporary location a reality for the county.“We did an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the city saying they’d let us use the building for free and we’d make any improvements and pay the expenses,” Homman said. “When we leave it will be the same or better than when we moved in.”The county made permanent improvements to the building so it could handle the various offices’ electrical and technology needs, including adding data and power boxes, rewiring the electrical panel, putting in an alarm system, replacing the locks in the building, upgrading the plumbing, repairing doors that didn’t shut properly and sealing them and other fixes.“This worked out really well for us and the city. It helped them save some budget money which helped. During the pandemic, they had been shut down and they weren’t having to pay utility bills on a place they couldn’t rent out,” Homman said.Phase 2As Phase 2 commenced, workforce and supply chain issues were rampant, slowing down the progress even more -- no thanks to fallout from the COVID pandemic.One positive, however, came in the form of ARPA funds, which gave the county needed monies that could be used to enhance various aspects of the project, including switching out the asphalt parking lot for a concrete one.“The original specs called for an asphalt parking lot, resurfacing the parking lot and having a sidewalk down the middle,” Homman said. “But John Gough (former county engineer) suggested we take that parking lot curbing out. So, when the road and bridge guys come in here at 4 a.m. in the dark to clear snow they won’t have to deal with the curbs.“When it rains, the water will be a sheet runoff into the grass,” he added.Switching to concrete cost about $80,000, but concrete has an approximate 50-year life span as opposed to asphalt with only about 10 years.Inadvertently overlooked in the design process was installation of a fire lane to park firetrucks if there were a fire. Located on the northeast side of the building, the fire lane ended up being an additional $60,000 to $80,000 unplanned cost.Another unplanned cost came when it was discovered the courthouse roof needed to be replaced, because it had been done incorrectly previously.Courts embrace techBefore the coronavirus shutdown, court proceedings were nearly all done in person, but when they went remote due to necessity that was a game changer.“When they were forced to use technology, they found out it was so efficient that they will never go back,” Homman said.Most attorneys who represent clients in Dickinson County have offices in Salina, Junction City and other places, meaning they always had to drive to Abilene to appear in Dickinson County District Court. It is common for an attorney to have hearings in multiple courts scheduled during the same time period. So, if a hearing in Salina ran longer than expected, it often meant a hearing in Abilene had to be rescheduled.That problem was pretty well eliminated by going to remote hearings on Zoom.“The attorney can sit in his office, attend those hearings and never leave his desk. And the judge can keep his docket going,” Homman said.After learning that Lyon and Cowley counties had installed new tech system in their courtrooms, Homman said he contacted the Wichita company that installs the highly-specialized systems, specifically geared for the courtroom.Knowing that the renovation was the best time to add the system, the decision was made to use some of the ARPA money to pay for the $280,000 system.“We were able to do extra projects using ARPA funds and not local ad valorum tax money,” Homman explained.Adding upThe additional projects, plus the unexpected costs, brought the total up to approximately $18.3 million from the $15 million originally planned, according to Asst. County Administrator/Budget Director Janelle Dockendorf.“Those things all add up,” Dockendorf said.“Three million is a lot of money, but some of that was planned expenditures, like the parking lot, the courtroom audio-visual, and the rest was due to increased costs,” Dockendorf added. “COVID played into that.”Homman and Dockendorf both said the county was fortunate to have the ARPA money, otherwise the “extras” would not have happened.“We will be saving money in the long run with the parking lot. We’re saving money with the efficiency of having the audio-visual in the courtroom, and the roof needed to be done and we were going to have to pay for it whether we used ARPA money or county money,” Homman said. “It was all stuff we didn’t have in the plan. But I’m thankful that through good planning and good management of our resources we were able to do it without increasing anybody’s tax debt.”