We’re trying to get control of our finances by living on a budget. We also have about $18,000 in debt we are trying to pay off. My husband brings home $3,400 a month, and I am currently taking care of our eight-month-old baby. We would like to have a date night once a month, and he thinks we should set aside $200 for this. Under the current circumstances, I feel like this is too much. What do you think?

If you’d told me you guys make $150,000 a year, I’d say go have a great time. But with your income, and a lot of debt on top, I’d put the brakes on that amount. It sounds like he’s looking for an outlet to unwind and have a little fun, without giving a lot of thought to the big picture. The good thing, though, is you’re&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/relationships/what-to-do-when-spouses-dont-agree-on-money" target="_blank">working&nbsp;together</a>&nbsp;and beginning to take this personal finance thing seriously.

My advice would be to lower the date night amount to about $50 right now. That’s plenty for a reasonable dinner and a babysitter for a couple of hours. You might not have to figure babysitting expenses into the equation at all if you have family or friends nearby.

Going out on a date doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Years ago, when my wife and I were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/money-myths-broke-people-believe" target="_blank">broke</a>, we did tons of stuff that didn’t cost a dime. Things like hiking and picnics are great ways to spend quality time together, while keeping your pocketbook in your pocket. Just be creative, talk about it&nbsp;together&nbsp;and make sure you find ways to have a little&nbsp;us&nbsp;time on a regular basis.

I think you’re right on this one, Carolyne!

<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey&nbsp;</a>is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,We’re trying to get control of our finances by living on a budget. We also have about $18,000 in debt we are trying to pay off. My husband brings home $3,400 a month, and I am currently taking care of our eight-month-old baby. We would like to have a date night once a month, and he thinks we should set aside $200 for this. Under the current circumstances, I feel like this is too much. What do you think?CarolyneDear Carolyne,If you’d told me you guys make $150,000 a year, I’d say go have a great time. But with your income, and a lot of debt on top, I’d put the brakes on that amount. It sounds like he’s looking for an outlet to unwind and have a little fun, without giving a lot of thought to the big picture. The good thing, though, is you’re&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/relationships/what-to-do-when-spouses-dont-agree-on-money" target="_blank">working&nbsp;together</a>&nbsp;and beginning to take this personal finance thing seriously.My advice would be to lower the date night amount to about $50 right now. That’s plenty for a reasonable dinner and a babysitter for a couple of hours. You might not have to figure babysitting expenses into the equation at all if you have family or friends nearby.Going out on a date doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Years ago, when my wife and I were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/money-myths-broke-people-believe" target="_blank">broke</a>, we did tons of stuff that didn’t cost a dime. Things like hiking and picnics are great ways to spend quality time together, while keeping your pocketbook in your pocket. Just be creative, talk about it&nbsp;together&nbsp;and make sure you find ways to have a little&nbsp;us&nbsp;time on a regular basis.I think you’re right on this one, Carolyne!Dave<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey&nbsp;</a>is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

DAVE SAYS: Date night can be inexpensive and fun

Today is Friday, March 4, the 63rd day of 2022. There are 302 days left in the year. 

On March 4, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt took office as America's 32nd president. 

In 1789, the Constitution of the United States went into effect as the first Federal Congress met in New York. (The lawmakers then adjourned for lack of a quorum.) 

In 1863, the Idaho Territory was created. 

In 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated for a second term of office; with the end of the Civil War in sight, Lincoln declared: "With malice toward none, with charity for all." 

In 1917, Republican Jeannette Rankin of Montana took her seat as the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, the same day President Woodrow Wilson took his oath of office for a second term (it being a Sunday, a private ceremony was held inside the U.S. Capitol; a second, public swearing-in took place the next day).

In 1966, John Lennon of The Beatles was quoted in the London Evening Standard as saying, "We're more popular than Jesus now," a comment that caused an angry backlash in the United States.

In 1981, a jury in Salt Lake City convicted Joseph Paul Franklin, an avowed racist and serial killer, of violating the civil rights of two Black men, Ted Fields and David Martin, who'd been shot to death. (Franklin received two life sentences for this crime; he was executed in 2013 for the 1977 murder of a Jewish man, Gerald Gordon.) 

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan addressed the nation on the Iran-Contra affair, acknowledging that his overtures to Iran had "deteriorated" into an arms-for-hostages deal. 

In 1994, in New York, four extremists were convicted of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing that killed six people and injured more than a thousand. Actor-comedian John Candy died in Durango, Mexico, at age 43. 

In 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that sexual harassment at work can be illegal even when the offender and victim are of the same gender. 

In 2015, the Justice Department cleared Darren Wilson, a white former Ferguson, Missouri, police officer, in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, a Black 18-year-old, but also issued a scathing report calling for sweeping changes in city law enforcement practices. 

In 2018, former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter were found unconscious on a bench in the southwestern English city of Salisbury; both survived what British authorities said was a murder attempt using a nerve agent. 

In 2020, federal health officials investigated a suburban Seattle nursing home at the center of a coronavirus outbreak. 

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama, in an address to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in Washington, said he didn't want war but that he would not hesitate to attack Iran if that were the only option left to stop it from getting a nuclear weapon. Vladimir Putin scored a decisive victory in Russia's presidential election to return to the Kremlin and extend his hold on power. Nearly 300 people in the Republic of Congo were killed after a series of blasts at an arms depot in the capital Brazzaville.

Five years ago: President Donald Trump accused former President Barack Obama of tapping his telephones during the 2016 election; an Obama spokesman declared that the assertion was "simply false." Tommy Page, a former pop star whose song "I'll Be Your Everything" went to No. 1 in 1990 and who later became a record company executive, died in New York at age 46.

One year ago: Breaking from other Southern GOP governors, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey extended her state's mask order for another month but said the requirement would end for good in April. Demonstrators in Myanmar protesting the previous month's military coup returned to the streets, undaunted by the killing of at least 38 people a day earlier by security forces.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Paula Prentiss is 84. Movie director Adrian Lyne is 81. Singer Shakin' Stevens is 74. Author James Ellroy is 74. Former Energy Secretary Rick Perry is 72. Singer Chris Rea is 71. Actor/rock singer-musician Ronn Moss is 70. Actor Kay Lenz is 69. Musician Emilio Estefan is 69. Movie director Scott Hicks is 69. Actor Catherine O'Hara is 68. Actor Mykelti Williamson is 65. Actor Patricia Heaton is 64. Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., is 64. Actor Steven Weber is 61. Rock musician Jason Newsted is 59. Actor Stacy Edwards is 57. Rapper Grand Puba is 56. Rock singer Evan Dando (Lemonheads) is 55. Actor Patsy Kensit is 54. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., is 54. Gay rights activist Chaz Bono is 53. Actor Andrea Bendewald is 52. Actor Nick Stabile is 52. Country singer Jason Sellers is 51. Jazz musician Jason Marsalis is 45. Actor Jessica Heap is 39. Actor Scott Michael Foster is 37. TV personality Whitney Port is 37. Actor Audrey Esparza is 36. Actor Margo Harshman is 36. Actor Josh Bowman is 34. Actor Andrea Bowen is 32. Actor Jenna Boyd is 29.

<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 Friday, March 4, the 63rd day of 2022. There are 302 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On March 4, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt took office as America's 32nd president. On this date: In 1789, the Constitution of the United States went into effect as the first Federal Congress met in New York. (The lawmakers then adjourned for lack of a quorum.) In 1863, the Idaho Territory was created. In 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated for a second term of office; with the end of the Civil War in sight, Lincoln declared: "With malice toward none, with charity for all." In 1917, Republican Jeannette Rankin of Montana took her seat as the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, the same day President Woodrow Wilson took his oath of office for a second term (it being a Sunday, a private ceremony was held inside the U.S. Capitol; a second, public swearing-in took place the next day).In 1966, John Lennon of The Beatles was quoted in the London Evening Standard as saying, "We're more popular than Jesus now," a comment that caused an angry backlash in the United States.In 1981, a jury in Salt Lake City convicted Joseph Paul Franklin, an avowed racist and serial killer, of violating the civil rights of two Black men, Ted Fields and David Martin, who'd been shot to death. (Franklin received two life sentences for this crime; he was executed in 2013 for the 1977 murder of a Jewish man, Gerald Gordon.) In 1987, President Ronald Reagan addressed the nation on the Iran-Contra affair, acknowledging that his overtures to Iran had "deteriorated" into an arms-for-hostages deal. In 1994, in New York, four extremists were convicted of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing that killed six people and injured more than a thousand. Actor-comedian John Candy died in Durango, Mexico, at age 43. In 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that sexual harassment at work can be illegal even when the offender and victim are of the same gender. In 2015, the Justice Department cleared Darren Wilson, a white former Ferguson, Missouri, police officer, in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, a Black 18-year-old, but also issued a scathing report calling for sweeping changes in city law enforcement practices. In 2018, former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter were found unconscious on a bench in the southwestern English city of Salisbury; both survived what British authorities said was a murder attempt using a nerve agent. In 2020, federal health officials investigated a suburban Seattle nursing home at the center of a coronavirus outbreak. Ten years ago: President Barack Obama, in an address to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in Washington, said he didn't want war but that he would not hesitate to attack Iran if that were the only option left to stop it from getting a nuclear weapon. Vladimir Putin scored a decisive victory in Russia's presidential election to return to the Kremlin and extend his hold on power. Nearly 300 people in the Republic of Congo were killed after a series of blasts at an arms depot in the capital Brazzaville.Five years ago: President Donald Trump accused former President Barack Obama of tapping his telephones during the 2016 election; an Obama spokesman declared that the assertion was "simply false." Tommy Page, a former pop star whose song "I'll Be Your Everything" went to No. 1 in 1990 and who later became a record company executive, died in New York at age 46. One year ago: Breaking from other Southern GOP governors, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey extended her state's mask order for another month but said the requirement would end for good in April. Demonstrators in Myanmar protesting the previous month's military coup returned to the streets, undaunted by the killing of at least 38 people a day earlier by security forces. Today's Birthdays: Actor Paula Prentiss is 84. Movie director Adrian Lyne is 81. Singer Shakin' Stevens is 74. Author James Ellroy is 74. Former Energy Secretary Rick Perry is 72. Singer Chris Rea is 71. Actor/rock singer-musician Ronn Moss is 70. Actor Kay Lenz is 69. Musician Emilio Estefan is 69. Movie director Scott Hicks is 69. Actor Catherine O'Hara is 68. Actor Mykelti Williamson is 65. Actor Patricia Heaton is 64. Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., is 64. Actor Steven Weber is 61. Rock musician Jason Newsted is 59. Actor Stacy Edwards is 57. Rapper Grand Puba is 56. Rock singer Evan Dando (Lemonheads) is 55. Actor Patsy Kensit is 54. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., is 54. Gay rights activist Chaz Bono is 53. Actor Andrea Bendewald is 52. Actor Nick Stabile is 52. Country singer Jason Sellers is 51. Jazz musician Jason Marsalis is 45. Actor Jessica Heap is 39. Actor Scott Michael Foster is 37. TV personality Whitney Port is 37. Actor Audrey Esparza is 36. Actor Margo Harshman is 36. Actor Josh Bowman is 34. Actor Andrea Bowen is 32. Actor Jenna Boyd is 29.

Today in History - March 4

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

Recent obituaries

Full-time positions have benefits as well as shift differential (Part Time Relief Positions available).

Or to apply for these online or for a full listing of other positions, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.russellstover.com/careers">www.russellstover.com/careers</a>.

Russell Stover Chocolates factory and store is located right of I-70 at exit 272 on the west side of Abilene, Kansas and has been in business nationally since 1923. Russell Stover is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610422205593.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JOB FAIRMarch 15, 2022 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Onsite with the Kansas Works Van.HiringCandy MakersS.A.P. Lead 2nd1st Industrial Performance LeadMachine Operator 2nd ShiftProduction Supervisors 1 and 2nd ShiftFull-time positions have benefits as well as shift differential (Part Time Relief Positions available).Or to apply for these online or for a full listing of other positions, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.russellstover.com/careers">www.russellstover.com/careers</a>.Russell Stover Chocolates factory and store is located right of I-70 at exit 272 on the west side of Abilene, Kansas and has been in business nationally since 1923. Russell Stover is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Kansas teen hospitalized after 2 vehicle crash

See all of the 2022 Oscar short film nominations over the weekend at the Art Center Cinema.

The Oscar Shorts Festival is scheduled for Friday through Monday at the Art Center Cinema, 150 S. Santa Fe Avenue. Tickets are $10 per show, $6 for Art Center members, $8 for seniors, and free for Cinema Society members.

According to the cinema, a short film is typically considered to be a movie that is less than 30 minutes in length.

All three categories — Animated, Live Action, and Documentary — will be offered during the festival, the cinema noted in a news release.

Additionally, you can participate in the cinema's Oscar Predictions Contest. Visit the <a href="http://salinaartcenter.org/Oscar-shorts-festival">festival's website</a> to fill out an Oscar Predictions Contest Ballot. The contest winner will receive a Movies Worth Sharing package that includes two Art Center Cinema tickets, a small popcorn, and two small drinks, the cinema noted.

Following is the Art Center Cinema's Oscar Shorts Festival schedule.

Friday Live-Action Shorts at 6 pm

Saturday Animation shorts at 2 pm

Sunday Live-Action Shorts at 2 pm

Monday Documentary Shorts at 6 pm

NOTE: This year, the Animated Oscar Shorts program contains adult content and is not suitable for patrons age 17 and younger.

The Art Center Cinema has been hosting the Oscar Shorts Festival for more than 10 years. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646339206549.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Salina Art Center" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Salina Art Center</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTSee all of the 2022 Oscar short film nominations over the weekend at the Art Center Cinema.The Oscar Shorts Festival is scheduled for Friday through Monday at the Art Center Cinema, 150 S. Santa Fe Avenue. Tickets are $10 per show, $6 for Art Center members, $8 for seniors, and free for Cinema Society members.According to the cinema, a short film is typically considered to be a movie that is less than 30 minutes in length.All three categories — Animated, Live Action, and Documentary — will be offered during the festival, the cinema noted in a news release.Additionally, you can participate in the cinema's Oscar Predictions Contest. Visit the <a href="http://salinaartcenter.org/Oscar-shorts-festival">festival's website</a> to fill out an Oscar Predictions Contest Ballot. The contest winner will receive a Movies Worth Sharing package that includes two Art Center Cinema tickets, a small popcorn, and two small drinks, the cinema noted.Following is the Art Center Cinema's Oscar Shorts Festival schedule.Friday Live-Action Shorts at 6 pmSaturday Animation shorts at 2 pmDocumentary shorts at 6 pmSunday Live-Action Shorts at 2 pmAnimation Shorts at 6 pmMonday Documentary Shorts at 6 pmNOTE: This year, the Animated Oscar Shorts program contains adult content and is not suitable for patrons age 17 and younger. The Art Center Cinema has been hosting the Oscar Shorts Festival for more than 10 years.

Oscar Shorts Festival at Art Center Cinema Friday-Monday

Starlet Parham, senior at Central High School (CHS), received a Rudd Scholarship valued at $80,000 to attend Fort Hays State University (FHSU).

“Starlet has always been a leader in my classroom by the example she sets with her hard work and integrity,” said Sheila Shaffer, science teacher at CHS. “Starlet has a wonderful work ethic and understands that learning involves many failures to find true success.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starlet plans on studying psychology and pre-law at FHSU. She stays focused by keeping her eye on her end goal. “I tell myself that the big goal in the end can’t be completed without the little goals now,” explained Starlet. ”None of this would have been possible without my faith and trust that I endow in God. And for that, I am forever grateful and blessed.”

“Starlet is a tremendous asset to our Robotics team,” added Sheila Alstatt, CHS Robotics coach. “When she commits to a project, she stays at it until it is finished. I especially admire that she is a self-starter and can work independently on tasks.”

The Rudd Scholarship is a renewable, four-year program that covers any remaining cost of attendance after all other aid, grants and scholarships are applied to a student’s account. In January, fifty finalists were chosen from a large applicant pool of highly talented, accomplished Kansas high school seniors.

The final level of competition was an interview, after which Starlet was named one of 25 Rudd Scholarship winners across Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646345285213.jpeg" alt="Starlet Parham, left, receives the Rudd Foundation Scholarship from Corri Roberts, program director at the Rudd Foundation. Photo courtesy Salina USD 305" />
 <figcaption>Starlet Parham, left, receives the Rudd Foundation Scholarship from Corri Roberts, program director at the Rudd Foundation. Photo courtesy Salina USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina USD 305Starlet Parham, senior at Central High School (CHS), received a Rudd Scholarship valued at $80,000 to attend Fort Hays State University (FHSU).“Starlet has always been a leader in my classroom by the example she sets with her hard work and integrity,” said Sheila Shaffer, science teacher at CHS. “Starlet has a wonderful work ethic and understands that learning involves many failures to find true success.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Starlet plans on studying psychology and pre-law at FHSU. She stays focused by keeping her eye on her end goal. “I tell myself that the big goal in the end can’t be completed without the little goals now,” explained Starlet. ”None of this would have been possible without my faith and trust that I endow in God. And for that, I am forever grateful and blessed.”“Starlet is a tremendous asset to our Robotics team,” added Sheila Alstatt, CHS Robotics coach. “When she commits to a project, she stays at it until it is finished. I especially admire that she is a self-starter and can work independently on tasks.”The Rudd Scholarship is a renewable, four-year program that covers any remaining cost of attendance after all other aid, grants and scholarships are applied to a student’s account. In January, fifty finalists were chosen from a large applicant pool of highly talented, accomplished Kansas high school seniors.The final level of competition was an interview, after which Starlet was named one of 25 Rudd Scholarship winners across Kansas.

Salina Central's Starlet Parham receives $80,000 Rudd Scholarship

ABILENE - Dr. William Short has been elected to serve as Memorial Hospital’s chief of medical staff of the full medical staff for 2022-2023.

Short is a family medicine physician at Heartland Health Care Clinic. He also serves as the physician for Memorial Hospital Wound Center. The chief of medical staff serves as the president of Memorial Hospital’s medical staff. His duties include developing and implementing quality assurance activities, coordinating the activities of the medical staff, and communicating the opinions, policies, and needs of the medical staff to the board of directors, CEO, and other officials of the medical staff. Other elected officers for the medical staff are: Dr. Kimmy Hinman, vice president; Dr. Brian Holmes, secretary/treasurer; Dr. Megan Brown, past-president; and Dr. Christopher Young, specialty representative.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646336983722.jpeg" alt="Dr. William Short. Photo courtesy Memorial Hospital" />
 <figcaption>Dr. William Short. Photo courtesy Memorial Hospital</figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE - Dr. William Short has been elected to serve as Memorial Hospital’s chief of medical staff of the full medical staff for 2022-2023.Short is a family medicine physician at Heartland Health Care Clinic. He also serves as the physician for Memorial Hospital Wound Center. The chief of medical staff serves as the president of Memorial Hospital’s medical staff. His duties include developing and implementing quality assurance activities, coordinating the activities of the medical staff, and communicating the opinions, policies, and needs of the medical staff to the board of directors, CEO, and other officials of the medical staff. Other elected officers for the medical staff are: Dr. Kimmy Hinman, vice president; Dr. Brian Holmes, secretary/treasurer; Dr. Megan Brown, past-president; and Dr. Christopher Young, specialty representative.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Short elected as Memorial Hospital's chief of medical staff

A colorful nod to nature is SculptureTour Salina's 2021 People's Choice Award.

Reven Marie Swanson's Butterfly Tree was announced this morning as the winner. The announcement was made where the sculpture currently resides, near the southwest corner of the Santa Fe Avenue/Iron Avenue intersection.

Butterfly Tree also was the winner of the Kids Choice Merit Award.

Based on public voting each year, the City of Salina  purchases for up to $15,000 the top vote getter, and it is placed somewhere in the public domain for everyone to enjoy. There is also a $1,000 Merit Award for the artist whose piece receives the second highest number of votes. The Kids Choice Merit Award of $500 goes to the creator of the piece receiving the most votes from children ages 12 and under. 

"At the heart of SculptureTour Salina lies the People’s Choice Award," said Salina City Commissioner Mike Hoppock, who chairs the SculptureTour Salina Committee. "The public has an opportunity to vote for their favorite and have their voice counted when a piece is chosen to stay in Salina."

Transformation by Jodie Bliss received the Merit Award for the second highest amount of votes.

Following is information about artist Reven Marie Swanson as provided by SculptureTour Salina.

The natural world has many observers and admirers from bird watchers, farmers and recreationalist. As a sculptor, Swanson seeks to put her observations of garden and back country adventures into a modern interpretation of steel and glass. It is her hope that her fellow observers interpret and covet the forms. It’s an act of stewardship to foster a greater appreciation to protect this beautiful resource.

Her work resides in numerous public and private collections, both nationally and internationally. Highlighted commissions are throughout the Rocky Mountain region, including the National Endowment for the Arts, Trust for Public Lands, and the Museum of Outdoor Arts. 

She installs many temporary outdoor installations leased by city municipalities. She works closely with city officials and installation crews to successfully and smoothly install more than a dozen works each year. For Swanson installing public art is like "leaving pieces of sunshine" wherever she goes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646328925235.png" alt="A closeup of SculptureTour Salina's 2021 People's Choice Award winner, "Butterfly Tree" by Reven Marie Swanson. Photo courtesy SculptureTour Salina" />
 <figcaption>A closeup of SculptureTour Salina's 2021 People's Choice Award winner, "Butterfly Tree" by Reven Marie Swanson. Photo courtesy SculptureTour Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTA colorful nod to nature is SculptureTour Salina's 2021 People's Choice Award.Reven Marie Swanson's Butterfly Tree was announced this morning as the winner. The announcement was made where the sculpture currently resides, near the southwest corner of the Santa Fe Avenue/Iron Avenue intersection.Butterfly Tree also was the winner of the Kids Choice Merit Award.Based on public voting each year, the City of Salina purchases for up to $15,000 the top vote getter, and it is placed somewhere in the public domain for everyone to enjoy. There is also a $1,000 Merit Award for the artist whose piece receives the second highest number of votes. The Kids Choice Merit Award of $500 goes to the creator of the piece receiving the most votes from children ages 12 and under. "At the heart of SculptureTour Salina lies the People’s Choice Award," said Salina City Commissioner Mike Hoppock, who chairs the SculptureTour Salina Committee. "The public has an opportunity to vote for their favorite and have their voice counted when a piece is chosen to stay in Salina."Transformation by Jodie Bliss received the Merit Award for the second highest amount of votes.About the People's Choice ArtistFollowing is information about artist Reven Marie Swanson as provided by SculptureTour Salina.The natural world has many observers and admirers from bird watchers, farmers and recreationalist. As a sculptor, Swanson seeks to put her observations of garden and back country adventures into a modern interpretation of steel and glass. It is her hope that her fellow observers interpret and covet the forms. It’s an act of stewardship to foster a greater appreciation to protect this beautiful resource.Her work resides in numerous public and private collections, both nationally and internationally. Highlighted commissions are throughout the Rocky Mountain region, including the National Endowment for the Arts, Trust for Public Lands, and the Museum of Outdoor Arts. She installs many temporary outdoor installations leased by city municipalities. She works closely with city officials and installation crews to successfully and smoothly install more than a dozen works each year. For Swanson installing public art is like "leaving pieces of sunshine" wherever she goes.

SculptureTour Salina announces 2021 People's Choice Award winner

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

What a Salina man left behind aided police in his arrest Wednesday night.

Officers were sent to the 700 block of Moundview Avenue shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday for the report of a vehicle theft, Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus said this morning. Someone had entered a residence and stolen a key fob for a 2011 Buick four-door car, which was had been stolen from the attached garage of the residence. The fob was valued at $10 and the car at $10,000, Hanus said.

During the investigation, officers canvassed the neighborhood and heard from a neighbor who told them that a homeless man had been in the area. The neighbor, trying to be a good citizen and help someone in need, gave the man and item to help, Hanus said. Police found that particular item in the residence where the key fob was stolen.

Additionally, the neighbor told police that the man had dropped his ID in the neighbor's yard, Hanus said. The ID was turned over to police.

As officers were exiting the area, they saw a 2011 Buick four-door car with its hood up parked in the lot at Hillside Liquor, 1200 E. Crawford Street, Hanus said. Asleep inside was Anthony M. Langhorst, 32, of Salina, whose ID had been found in the neighbor's yard near the scene of the theft, Hanus said.

Langhorst was arrested on the following requested charges, Hanus said.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostWhat a Salina man left behind aided police in his arrest Wednesday night.Officers were sent to the 700 block of Moundview Avenue shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday for the report of a vehicle theft, Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus said this morning. Someone had entered a residence and stolen a key fob for a 2011 Buick four-door car, which was had been stolen from the attached garage of the residence. The fob was valued at $10 and the car at $10,000, Hanus said.During the investigation, officers canvassed the neighborhood and heard from a neighbor who told them that a homeless man had been in the area. The neighbor, trying to be a good citizen and help someone in need, gave the man and item to help, Hanus said. Police found that particular item in the residence where the key fob was stolen.Additionally, the neighbor told police that the man had dropped his ID in the neighbor's yard, Hanus said. The ID was turned over to police.As officers were exiting the area, they saw a 2011 Buick four-door car with its hood up parked in the lot at Hillside Liquor, 1200 E. Crawford Street, Hanus said. Asleep inside was Anthony M. Langhorst, 32, of Salina, whose ID had been found in the neighbor's yard near the scene of the theft, Hanus said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646326177815.png" alt="Anthony M. Langhorst. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Anthony M. Langhorst. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Langhorst was arrested on the following requested charges, Hanus said.●Aggravated burglary●Felony theft

Items left behind help police ID alleged car thief

By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County Public Information coordinator

ABILENE - Dickinson County Commissioners signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Abilene during their Thursday meeting regarding the development of the Northwest 14th Street corridor.

County and city officials have applied for a BASE grant to fund infrastructure improvements in the area, some of which are in city jurisdiction while others are in the county.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly set aside $100 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds for BASE (Building A Stronger Economy) grant funding to help support infrastructure development and advance economic development opportunities in Kansas. BASE grant funding – if awarded -- is based on a 75/25 basis, with grant monies picking up 75 percent of any project funded while local entities are responsible for 25 percent. However, County Administrator Brad Homman said the city/county were offering to provide 30 percent of the match with each entity providing 15 percent of the funding.

“It’s a quick deal,” Homman said, speaking of the short window to submit grant applications.

The city/county application seeks funding to expand NW 14th Street to three lanes beginning west at Shady Lane, removing the curve where NW14th, Van Buren and Flag Road meet, turning it into a four-way intersection, and improving the intersection at Fair Road and NW 14th Street.

That improvement will also address flooding problems at NW 14th and Fair, putting in a box culvert on the north side of 14th, building up 14th so water won’t run over and diverting water to the north side where it has been running naturally, eventually ending up in Mud Creek.

The proposed project also includes a new road going north into the industrial park behind Russell Stover Candies and Love’s Travel Stop between NW 14th and Interstate 70, and a new frontage road, visible to those traveling I-70. Homman said the frontage road is a prime area for developers who want interstate exposure.

“The city and I agree that by putting that frontage road in there you could have businesses on the north and south and make it much more appealing,” Homman said. “And that new road would tie into Flag Road to circle around the Golden Belt (former Highlands housing development).”

The total project cost is estimated at approximately $13 million.

The county’s financial commitment to the grant, if awarded, would range somewhere around $1.8 million, depending on whether it is fully funded – which is unlikely.

Homman noted the prospects of receiving a grant are “something less than positive,” but also commented “if you don’t apply you get nothing.”

Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson asked if land would have to be purchased from private owners who live on the NW 14th and Van Buren curve to build a four-way intersection. Homman said a few feet may need to be purchased, but it would be minimal.

“When you look at this project I think it’s ideal. You’ve got city improvements, you’ve got county improvements, you’ve got drainage improvements, you’re improving an&nbsp;intersection we know is a problem on Old 40. We’re both getting quite a bit out of this for our matching funds,” he said.

“If we’re lucky enough to be funded that would be a very positive project for all of us,” Homman added.

In a somewhat related issue, Homman and commissioners agreed the county will apply for a Kansas Department of Transportation off system grant to help build a new bridge on NW 14th Street west of Emmanuel Church on Old 40 Highway. The county applied for an off system grant last year but it was not funded.

Homman said he had been contacted by Brady Hedstrom from the engineering firm BG Consultants who wanted to know if the county was interested in applying once again.

The Northwest 14th Street bridge is in county jurisdiction. While the bridge is in good condition, it is outdated by today’s standards and has no walkway for pedestrians. The bridge is narrow, creating a bottleneck situation particularly when large trucks cross the span.

It’s also a potential concern based on the amount of traffic that travels the road. That area of roadway is a main connection to the Russell Stover Candies plant, Love’s Travel Stop and other businesses located in the northwest portion of Abilene.

Also, with the potential of new development in the Golden Belt Heights housing subdivision (former Highlands) that could bring extra traffic, bikers and others needing to use the bridge.

Plus, that portion of Old 40 is the busiest section of road in Dickinson County, Homman said recently. That was verified again recently with a road sign traffic counter that sat next to the 14th Street bridge for several months in 2021.

Homman said he learned from John Gough, former county engineer, to apply over and over for KDOT grants and at some point, the agency will approve it.

“We may get denied again, but we may get it,” Homman said, explaining that additional wording will be added to the last year’s grant application incorporating information about the Northwest Corridor project and its importance to the schools, industry and plans for revitalization of the Golden Belt housing development.

By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County Public Information coordinatorABILENE - Dickinson County Commissioners signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Abilene during their Thursday meeting regarding the development of the Northwest 14th Street corridor.County and city officials have applied for a BASE grant to fund infrastructure improvements in the area, some of which are in city jurisdiction while others are in the county.Kansas Governor Laura Kelly set aside $100 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds for BASE (Building A Stronger Economy) grant funding to help support infrastructure development and advance economic development opportunities in Kansas. BASE grant funding – if awarded -- is based on a 75/25 basis, with grant monies picking up 75 percent of any project funded while local entities are responsible for 25 percent. However, County Administrator Brad Homman said the city/county were offering to provide 30 percent of the match with each entity providing 15 percent of the funding.The grant application was due Monday.“It’s a quick deal,” Homman said, speaking of the short window to submit grant applications.The city/county application seeks funding to expand NW 14th Street to three lanes beginning west at Shady Lane, removing the curve where NW14th, Van Buren and Flag Road meet, turning it into a four-way intersection, and improving the intersection at Fair Road and NW 14th Street.That improvement will also address flooding problems at NW 14th and Fair, putting in a box culvert on the north side of 14th, building up 14th so water won’t run over and diverting water to the north side where it has been running naturally, eventually ending up in Mud Creek.The proposed project also includes a new road going north into the industrial park behind Russell Stover Candies and Love’s Travel Stop between NW 14th and Interstate 70, and a new frontage road, visible to those traveling I-70. Homman said the frontage road is a prime area for developers who want interstate exposure.“The city and I agree that by putting that frontage road in there you could have businesses on the north and south and make it much more appealing,” Homman said. “And that new road would tie into Flag Road to circle around the Golden Belt (former Highlands housing development).”The total project cost is estimated at approximately $13 million.The county’s financial commitment to the grant, if awarded, would range somewhere around $1.8 million, depending on whether it is fully funded – which is unlikely.Homman noted the prospects of receiving a grant are “something less than positive,” but also commented “if you don’t apply you get nothing.”Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson asked if land would have to be purchased from private owners who live on the NW 14th and Van Buren curve to build a four-way intersection. Homman said a few feet may need to be purchased, but it would be minimal.“When you look at this project I think it’s ideal. You’ve got city improvements, you’ve got county improvements, you’ve got drainage improvements, you’re improving an&nbsp;intersection we know is a problem on Old 40. We’re both getting quite a bit out of this for our matching funds,” he said.“If we’re lucky enough to be funded that would be a very positive project for all of us,” Homman added.Off system grantIn a somewhat related issue, Homman and commissioners agreed the county will apply for a Kansas Department of Transportation off system grant to help build a new bridge on NW 14th Street west of Emmanuel Church on Old 40 Highway. The county applied for an off system grant last year but it was not funded.Homman said he had been contacted by Brady Hedstrom from the engineering firm BG Consultants who wanted to know if the county was interested in applying once again.The Northwest 14th Street bridge is in county jurisdiction. While the bridge is in good condition, it is outdated by today’s standards and has no walkway for pedestrians. The bridge is narrow, creating a bottleneck situation particularly when large trucks cross the span.It’s also a potential concern based on the amount of traffic that travels the road. That area of roadway is a main connection to the Russell Stover Candies plant, Love’s Travel Stop and other businesses located in the northwest portion of Abilene.Also, with the potential of new development in the Golden Belt Heights housing subdivision (former Highlands) that could bring extra traffic, bikers and others needing to use the bridge.Plus, that portion of Old 40 is the busiest section of road in Dickinson County, Homman said recently. That was verified again recently with a road sign traffic counter that sat next to the 14th Street bridge for several months in 2021.Homman said he learned from John Gough, former county engineer, to apply over and over for KDOT grants and at some point, the agency will approve it.“We may get denied again, but we may get it,” Homman said, explaining that additional wording will be added to the last year’s grant application incorporating information about the Northwest Corridor project and its importance to the schools, industry and plans for revitalization of the Golden Belt housing development.

Abilene, Dickinson County seek grant to develop NW corridor

Saline County Road and Bridge Department

N. Niles Road between the Ottawa County Line and E. Humbargar Road will be closed to through traffic beginning Friday for replacement of a cross-road drainage structure. 

Weather permitting the roadway will be opened by the middle of May 2022. 

 Motorists are advised to allow a few extra minutes of travel time to reach their destinations.  Local and emergency traffic will be provided access to private property within the sections of closed road at all times but only from the side upon which the property lies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646279326455.png" alt="Map courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Saline County Road and Bridge DepartmentN. Niles Road between the Ottawa County Line and E. Humbargar Road will be closed to through traffic beginning Friday for replacement of a cross-road drainage structure. Weather permitting the roadway will be opened by the middle of May 2022. Motorists are advised to allow a few extra minutes of travel time to reach their destinations. Local and emergency traffic will be provided access to private property within the sections of closed road at all times but only from the side upon which the property lies.

Saline County closing part of N. Niles Road for drainage work

Today is Thursday, March 3, the 62nd day of 2022. There are 303 days left in the year. 

On March 3, 1974, a Turkish Airlines DC-10 crashed shortly after takeoff from Orly Airport in Paris, killing all 346 people on board. 

In 1791, Congress passed a measure taxing distilled spirits; it was the first internal revenue act in U.S. history. 

In 1849, the U.S. Department of the Interior was established.

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed a measure creating the National Academy of Sciences. 

In 1931, "The Star-Spangled Banner" became the national anthem of the United States as President Herbert Hoover signed a congressional resolution.

In 1943, in London's East End, 173 people died in a crush of bodies at the Bethnal Green tube station, which was being used as a wartime air raid shelter. 

In 1945, the Allies fully secured the Philippine capital of Manila from Japanese forces during World War II. 

In 1960, Lucille Ball filed for divorce from her husband, Desi Arnaz, a day after they had finished filming the last episode of "The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show." 

In 1966, death claimed actors William Frawley at age 79 and Alice Pearce at age 48 in Hollywood.

In 1969, Apollo 9 blasted off from Cape Kennedy on a mission to test the lunar module.

In 1991, motorist Rodney King was severely beaten by Los Angeles police officers in a scene captured on amateur video. Twenty-five people were killed when a United Airlines Boeing 737-200 crashed while approaching the Colorado Springs airport. 

In 2020, in a surprise move, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by a half-point, its largest cut in more than a decade, to support the economy in the face of the spreading coronavirus. 

Ten years ago: Mitt Romney rolled to a double-digit victory in Washington state's Republican presidential caucuses, his fourth campaign triumph in a row.

Five years ago: President Donald Trump toured St. Andrew Catholic School, a private religious facility in Orlando, Florida, praising it as an ideal institution for "disadvantaged children" while re-emphasizing that his education agenda would focus on school choice. The Nintendo Switch, a hybrid game machine that works as both a console at home and a portable tablet on the go, made its debut.

One year ago: Officials testifying at a Senate hearing said Defense Department leaders had delayed sending help for hours on Jan. 6, despite an urgent plea for reinforcement from police protecting the U.S. Capitol building. Video showed a dramatic escalation of violence by security forces in Myanmar against opponents of a February military coup; a U.N. official said 38 people were killed. The manager of the Texas power grid was fired following February's deadly blackouts that left millions of people without electricity and heat for days. A man who admitted using a van to kill 10 pedestrians in Toronto in April 2018 was found guilty on charges including first-degree murder, bringing an automatic life sentence. Former NFL player Kellen Winslow II was sentenced in California to 14 years in prison for multiple rapes and other sexual offenses against five women.

Today's Birthdays: Singer-musician Mike Pender (The Searchers) is 81. Movie producer-director George Miller is 77. Actor Hattie Winston is 77. Singer Jennifer Warnes is 75. Actor-director Tim Kazurinsky is 72. Singer-musician Robyn Hitchcock is 69. Actor Robert Gossett is 68. Rock musician John Lilley is 68. Actor Miranda Richardson is 64. Radio personality Ira Glass is 63. Actor Mary Page Keller is 61. Olympic track and field gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee is 60. Former NFL player and College Football Hall of Famer Herschel Walker is 60. Actor Laura Harring is 58. Contemporary Christian musician Duncan Phillips (Newsboys) is 58. Rapper-actor Tone Loc is 56. Actor Julie Bowen is 52. Country singer Brett Warren (The Warren Brothers) is 51. Actor David Faustino is 48. Gospel singer Jason Crabb is 45. Singer Ronan Keating (Boyzone) is 45. Rapper Lil' Flip is 41. Actor Jessica Biel is 40. Rock musician Blower (AKA Joe Garvey) (Hinder) is 38. Musician Brett Hite (Frenship) is 36. Pop singer Camila Cabello is 25. Actor Thomas Barbusca (TV: "The Mick") is 19. Actor Reylynn Caster is 19.

<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, March 3, the 62nd day of 2022. There are 303 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On March 3, 1974, a Turkish Airlines DC-10 crashed shortly after takeoff from Orly Airport in Paris, killing all 346 people on board. On this date: In 1791, Congress passed a measure taxing distilled spirits; it was the first internal revenue act in U.S. history. In 1845, Florida became the 27th state. In 1849, the U.S. Department of the Interior was established.In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed a measure creating the National Academy of Sciences. In 1931, "The Star-Spangled Banner" became the national anthem of the United States as President Herbert Hoover signed a congressional resolution.In 1943, in London's East End, 173 people died in a crush of bodies at the Bethnal Green tube station, which was being used as a wartime air raid shelter. In 1945, the Allies fully secured the Philippine capital of Manila from Japanese forces during World War II. In 1960, Lucille Ball filed for divorce from her husband, Desi Arnaz, a day after they had finished filming the last episode of "The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show." In 1966, death claimed actors William Frawley at age 79 and Alice Pearce at age 48 in Hollywood.In 1969, Apollo 9 blasted off from Cape Kennedy on a mission to test the lunar module.In 1991, motorist Rodney King was severely beaten by Los Angeles police officers in a scene captured on amateur video. Twenty-five people were killed when a United Airlines Boeing 737-200 crashed while approaching the Colorado Springs airport. In 2020, in a surprise move, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by a half-point, its largest cut in more than a decade, to support the economy in the face of the spreading coronavirus. Ten years ago: Mitt Romney rolled to a double-digit victory in Washington state's Republican presidential caucuses, his fourth campaign triumph in a row. Five years ago: President Donald Trump toured St. Andrew Catholic School, a private religious facility in Orlando, Florida, praising it as an ideal institution for "disadvantaged children" while re-emphasizing that his education agenda would focus on school choice. The Nintendo Switch, a hybrid game machine that works as both a console at home and a portable tablet on the go, made its debut.One year ago: Officials testifying at a Senate hearing said Defense Department leaders had delayed sending help for hours on Jan. 6, despite an urgent plea for reinforcement from police protecting the U.S. Capitol building. Video showed a dramatic escalation of violence by security forces in Myanmar against opponents of a February military coup; a U.N. official said 38 people were killed. The manager of the Texas power grid was fired following February's deadly blackouts that left millions of people without electricity and heat for days. A man who admitted using a van to kill 10 pedestrians in Toronto in April 2018 was found guilty on charges including first-degree murder, bringing an automatic life sentence. Former NFL player Kellen Winslow II was sentenced in California to 14 years in prison for multiple rapes and other sexual offenses against five women. Today's Birthdays: Singer-musician Mike Pender (The Searchers) is 81. Movie producer-director George Miller is 77. Actor Hattie Winston is 77. Singer Jennifer Warnes is 75. Actor-director Tim Kazurinsky is 72. Singer-musician Robyn Hitchcock is 69. Actor Robert Gossett is 68. Rock musician John Lilley is 68. Actor Miranda Richardson is 64. Radio personality Ira Glass is 63. Actor Mary Page Keller is 61. Olympic track and field gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee is 60. Former NFL player and College Football Hall of Famer Herschel Walker is 60. Actor Laura Harring is 58. Contemporary Christian musician Duncan Phillips (Newsboys) is 58. Rapper-actor Tone Loc is 56. Actor Julie Bowen is 52. Country singer Brett Warren (The Warren Brothers) is 51. Actor David Faustino is 48. Gospel singer Jason Crabb is 45. Singer Ronan Keating (Boyzone) is 45. Rapper Lil' Flip is 41. Actor Jessica Biel is 40. Rock musician Blower (AKA Joe Garvey) (Hinder) is 38. Musician Brett Hite (Frenship) is 36. Pop singer Camila Cabello is 25. Actor Thomas Barbusca (TV: "The Mick") is 19. Actor Reylynn Caster is 19.

Today in History - March 3

SALINE COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Wednesday in Salina County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Honda Odyssey driven by Jerry A. Winter, 56, Brookville,&nbsp; was traveling on Kansas 140 at Reece Road and struck a northbound 2001 Dodge 3500 driven by Mikaylee Dawn Laas, 23, Salina.

EMS transported Laas to Salina Regional Health Center. A private vehicle transported Winter to Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp; Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SALINE COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Wednesday in Salina County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Honda Odyssey driven by Jerry A. Winter, 56, Brookville,&nbsp; was traveling on Kansas 140 at Reece Road and struck a northbound 2001 Dodge 3500 driven by Mikaylee Dawn Laas, 23, Salina.EMS transported Laas to Salina Regional Health Center. A private vehicle transported Winter to Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp; Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized in Salina after 2-vehicle crash

ASSARIA - A minor earthquake rattled part of southern Saline County late this afternoon.

A 2.3 magnitude quake struck at 5:08 p.m. Wednesday just north of Assaria, according to the Kansas Geological Survey. 

By SALINA POSTASSARIA - A minor earthquake rattled part of southern Saline County late this afternoon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646274358814.png" alt="The 5:08 p.m. Wednesday, 2.3 magnitude Saline County earthquake. Map courtesy Google Maps" />
 <figcaption>The 5:08 p.m. Wednesday, 2.3 magnitude Saline County earthquake. Map courtesy Google Maps</figcaption>
 </figure>A 2.3 magnitude quake struck at 5:08 p.m. Wednesday just north of Assaria, according to the Kansas Geological Survey.

Minor earthquake strikes just north of Assaria Wednesday

MCPHERSON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Wednesday in McPherson.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021&nbsp;McPherson Fire Department&nbsp; Ford F250 driven by Timothy John&nbsp;Wyssmann, 38, McPherson, was northbound on Main Street at National Avenue running lights and sirens to a call.

A 2003 Ford Taurus driven by Mary Elizabeth Ramsey, 77, Marion, pulled out in front of the F250.&nbsp; The fire department vehicle struck the car.

EMS transported Ramsey to a hospital in Wichita.&nbsp; A private vehicle transported a passenger in the fire department Ford identified as Jenae Kathryn&nbsp;Pfeiff, 29, McPherson, to the McPherson Center for Health.&nbsp;Wyssmann was not injured. Ramsey was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

MCPHERSON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Wednesday in McPherson.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021&nbsp;McPherson Fire Department&nbsp; Ford F250 driven by Timothy John&nbsp;Wyssmann, 38, McPherson, was northbound on Main Street at National Avenue running lights and sirens to a call.A 2003 Ford Taurus driven by Mary Elizabeth Ramsey, 77, Marion, pulled out in front of the F250.&nbsp; The fire department vehicle struck the car.EMS transported Ramsey to a hospital in Wichita.&nbsp; A private vehicle transported a passenger in the fire department Ford identified as Jenae Kathryn&nbsp;Pfeiff, 29, McPherson, to the McPherson Center for Health.&nbsp;Wyssmann was not injured. Ramsey was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after crash with fire dept. vehicle in McPherson

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. 

The letting took place Feb. 16 in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Douglas ‑&nbsp;24‑23 KA‑6239‑01 ‑ U.S. 24, from the U.S. 24/K‑32 junction northeast to the Douglas/Leavenworth county line, ultra thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 0.2 mile, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $61,373.74.

Douglas ‑&nbsp;10‑23 KA‑6281‑01 ‑ K‑10 and E. 1900 Road intersection near Lawrence, lighting, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries , Wichita, Kansas, $224,350.00.

Jefferson ‑&nbsp;237‑44 KA‑6399‑01 ‑ K‑237, from the U.S. 24/K‑237 junction north 3.5 miles to end of the route at Perry State Park, overlay and shoulder, 3.4 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,139,749.53.

Johnson ‑&nbsp;56‑46 KA‑6243‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, from the north I‑35/U.S. 56/U.S. 69 junction to 0.33 mile west of Lamar Avenue in Mission; from east of Metcalf Avenue east to State Line Road and at the interchange ramps of the U.S. 56/U.S. 69 junction, milling and overlay, 1.5 miles, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $1,797,830.30.

Leavenworth ‑&nbsp;24‑52 KA‑6240‑01 ‑ U.S. 24, from the Douglas/Leavenworth county line to the south city limits of Tonganoxie, ultra thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 9.3 miles, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $1,143,376.70.

Marshall ‑&nbsp;87‑58 KA‑6314‑01 ‑ K‑87, from the city limits of the Village of Vliet north to the K‑87/U.S. 36 junction, overlay, 8.6 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $1,283,215.30.

Marshall ‑&nbsp;36‑58 KA‑6335‑01 ‑ U.S. 36, from the K‑87/U.S. 36 junction east to the Marshall/Nemaha county line, milling and overlay, 5.0 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $1,467,982.45.

Marshall ‑&nbsp;9‑58 KA‑6413‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the K‑87/K‑9 junction east to the Marshall/Nemaha county line, milling and overlay, 5.0 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $780,833.25

Marshall ‑&nbsp;9‑58 KA‑6416‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the north city limits of Frankfort to the north K‑9/K‑99 junction, milling and overlay, 0.9 mile, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $216,302.47.

Marshall ‑&nbsp;99‑58 KA‑6417‑01 ‑ K‑99, from the north K‑9/K‑99 junction north to the K‑99/U.S. 36 junction, milling and overlay, 8.1 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $1,581,056.44.

Nemaha ‑&nbsp;36‑66 KA‑6313‑01 ‑ U.S. 36, from the Marshall/Nemaha county line east to the east city limits of Seneca, milling and overlay, 9.7 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $3,098,071.27.

Nemaha ‑&nbsp;9‑66 KA‑6414‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the Marshall/Nemaha county line east and southeast to the south city limits of Corning, milling and overlay, 15.9 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $2,519,858.32

Nemaha ‑&nbsp;63‑66 KA‑6415‑01 ‑ K‑63, from the Pottawatomie/Nemaha county line north to the south K‑9/K‑63 junction, milling and overlay, 6.1 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $897,446.25.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;70‑89 KA‑6122‑01 – I-70, bridges #026, #027, #028, #032, #033, #034 and #035 in Topeka, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries , Wichita, Kansas, $5,574,579.70.

Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;99‑99 KA‑6397‑01 ‑ K‑99, from the west K‑4/K‑99 junction north to the Pottawatomie/Wabaunsee county line (excluding the City of Alma and the 4 miles previously repaired under a prior project), milling and overlay, 21.3 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $3,436,561.13.

Ellsworth ‑&nbsp;156‑27 KA‑5553‑01 ‑ K‑156 at K‑14, intersection improvement, 0.2 mile, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,337,145.50.

McPherson ‑&nbsp;59 U‑2371‑01 –East Durst Street Bridge over Black Kettle Creek located near N. Black Kettle Avenue in Moundridge, bridge replacement, 0.3 mile, Ward Davis Builders Inc., Hutchinson, Kansas, $228,620.20.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑6385‑01 ‑ U.S. 77, from the U.S. 56/U.S. 77 junction north to the Morris/Dickinson county line and from the Morris/Dickinson county line north to the U.S. 77/K‑209 junction; K-218, from the K‑4/K‑218 junction to the west city limits of Herington, milling and overlay, 9.8 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $2,096,894.50.

Miami ‑&nbsp;69‑61 KA‑6524‑01 ‑ U.S. 69, from the Linn/Miami county line north 4.7 miles, joint repair, 4.7 miles, Scodeller Construction Inc., Wixom, Michigan, $304,284.75

Neosho ‑&nbsp;146‑67 KA‑6134‑01 ‑ K‑146, bridge #054 over Rock Creek located 6.2 miles east of the U.S. 59 junction, bridge repair, Mission Construction Co. Inc., St Paul, Kansas, $287,182.86.

Woodson ‑&nbsp;105‑104 KA‑6373‑01 ‑ K‑105, from the Toronto State Park north to the U.S. 54/K‑105 junction (excluding through the City of Toronto), sealing, 38.5 miles, Vance Brothers Inc And Subsidiary, Kansas City, Missouri, $288,285.50.

Reno ‑&nbsp;14‑78 KA‑5798‑01 ‑ K‑14/K‑96, from 1,300 feet south of Heartland Drive and K‑14, from 1,470 feet south of W. Trail West Road, guard fence, 2.6 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $311,580.73.

Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;54‑87 KA‑6233‑01 ‑ U.S. 54, at various locations on U.S. 54 from Maize Road to Eastern Street, special, 12.5 miles, Cornejo &amp; Sons LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $843,538.80.

The following projects were approved from the Jan. 19, 2022, letting.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;89 TE‑0494‑01 – 10th Street, along the north side from S.W. Wanamaker Road east to S.W. Robinson Avenue, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.1 mile, Conroy Contractors Inc., Topeka., $389,814.30.

McPherson ‑&nbsp;56‑59 KA‑5416‑01 ‑ U.S. 56/K‑153 intersection, intersection improvement, 0.8 mile, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, $665,685.10.

Jackson ‑&nbsp;43 C‑5078‑01 – Bridge over Straight Creek, located 2.0 miles east and 5.8 miles north of Holton, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, King Construction Company Inc &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, $622,967.60.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Feb. 16 in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.District One — NortheastDouglas ‑&nbsp;24‑23 KA‑6239‑01 ‑ U.S. 24, from the U.S. 24/K‑32 junction northeast to the Douglas/Leavenworth county line, ultra thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 0.2 mile, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $61,373.74.Douglas ‑&nbsp;10‑23 KA‑6281‑01 ‑ K‑10 and E. 1900 Road intersection near Lawrence, lighting, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries , Wichita, Kansas, $224,350.00.Jefferson ‑&nbsp;237‑44 KA‑6399‑01 ‑ K‑237, from the U.S. 24/K‑237 junction north 3.5 miles to end of the route at Perry State Park, overlay and shoulder, 3.4 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,139,749.53.Johnson ‑&nbsp;56‑46 KA‑6243‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, from the north I‑35/U.S. 56/U.S. 69 junction to 0.33 mile west of Lamar Avenue in Mission; from east of Metcalf Avenue east to State Line Road and at the interchange ramps of the U.S. 56/U.S. 69 junction, milling and overlay, 1.5 miles, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $1,797,830.30.Leavenworth ‑&nbsp;24‑52 KA‑6240‑01 ‑ U.S. 24, from the Douglas/Leavenworth county line to the south city limits of Tonganoxie, ultra thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 9.3 miles, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $1,143,376.70.Marshall ‑&nbsp;87‑58 KA‑6314‑01 ‑ K‑87, from the city limits of the Village of Vliet north to the K‑87/U.S. 36 junction, overlay, 8.6 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $1,283,215.30.Marshall ‑&nbsp;36‑58 KA‑6335‑01 ‑ U.S. 36, from the K‑87/U.S. 36 junction east to the Marshall/Nemaha county line, milling and overlay, 5.0 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $1,467,982.45.Marshall ‑&nbsp;9‑58 KA‑6413‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the K‑87/K‑9 junction east to the Marshall/Nemaha county line, milling and overlay, 5.0 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $780,833.25Marshall ‑&nbsp;9‑58 KA‑6416‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the north city limits of Frankfort to the north K‑9/K‑99 junction, milling and overlay, 0.9 mile, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $216,302.47.Marshall ‑&nbsp;99‑58 KA‑6417‑01 ‑ K‑99, from the north K‑9/K‑99 junction north to the K‑99/U.S. 36 junction, milling and overlay, 8.1 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $1,581,056.44.Nemaha ‑&nbsp;36‑66 KA‑6313‑01 ‑ U.S. 36, from the Marshall/Nemaha county line east to the east city limits of Seneca, milling and overlay, 9.7 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $3,098,071.27.Nemaha ‑&nbsp;9‑66 KA‑6414‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the Marshall/Nemaha county line east and southeast to the south city limits of Corning, milling and overlay, 15.9 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $2,519,858.32Nemaha ‑&nbsp;63‑66 KA‑6415‑01 ‑ K‑63, from the Pottawatomie/Nemaha county line north to the south K‑9/K‑63 junction, milling and overlay, 6.1 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $897,446.25.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;70‑89 KA‑6122‑01 – I-70, bridges #026, #027, #028, #032, #033, #034 and #035 in Topeka, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries , Wichita, Kansas, $5,574,579.70.Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;99‑99 KA‑6397‑01 ‑ K‑99, from the west K‑4/K‑99 junction north to the Pottawatomie/Wabaunsee county line (excluding the City of Alma and the 4 miles previously repaired under a prior project), milling and overlay, 21.3 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $3,436,561.13.District Two — North CentralEllsworth ‑&nbsp;156‑27 KA‑5553‑01 ‑ K‑156 at K‑14, intersection improvement, 0.2 mile, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,337,145.50.McPherson ‑&nbsp;59 U‑2371‑01 –East Durst Street Bridge over Black Kettle Creek located near N. Black Kettle Avenue in Moundridge, bridge replacement, 0.3 mile, Ward Davis Builders Inc., Hutchinson, Kansas, $228,620.20.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑6385‑01 ‑ U.S. 77, from the U.S. 56/U.S. 77 junction north to the Morris/Dickinson county line and from the Morris/Dickinson county line north to the U.S. 77/K‑209 junction; K-218, from the K‑4/K‑218 junction to the west city limits of Herington, milling and overlay, 9.8 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $2,096,894.50.District Four — SoutheastMiami ‑&nbsp;69‑61 KA‑6524‑01 ‑ U.S. 69, from the Linn/Miami county line north 4.7 miles, joint repair, 4.7 miles, Scodeller Construction Inc., Wixom, Michigan, $304,284.75Neosho ‑&nbsp;146‑67 KA‑6134‑01 ‑ K‑146, bridge #054 over Rock Creek located 6.2 miles east of the U.S. 59 junction, bridge repair, Mission Construction Co. Inc., St Paul, Kansas, $287,182.86.Woodson ‑&nbsp;105‑104 KA‑6373‑01 ‑ K‑105, from the Toronto State Park north to the U.S. 54/K‑105 junction (excluding through the City of Toronto), sealing, 38.5 miles, Vance Brothers Inc And Subsidiary, Kansas City, Missouri, $288,285.50.District Five — South CentralReno ‑&nbsp;14‑78 KA‑5798‑01 ‑ K‑14/K‑96, from 1,300 feet south of Heartland Drive and K‑14, from 1,470 feet south of W. Trail West Road, guard fence, 2.6 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $311,580.73.Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;54‑87 KA‑6233‑01 ‑ U.S. 54, at various locations on U.S. 54 from Maize Road to Eastern Street, special, 12.5 miles, Cornejo &amp; Sons LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $843,538.80.The following projects were approved from the Jan. 19, 2022, letting.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;89 TE‑0494‑01 – 10th Street, along the north side from S.W. Wanamaker Road east to S.W. Robinson Avenue, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.1 mile, Conroy Contractors Inc., Topeka., $389,814.30.McPherson ‑&nbsp;56‑59 KA‑5416‑01 ‑ U.S. 56/K‑153 intersection, intersection improvement, 0.8 mile, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, $665,685.10.Jackson ‑&nbsp;43 C‑5078‑01 – Bridge over Straight Creek, located 2.0 miles east and 5.8 miles north of Holton, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, King Construction Company Inc &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, $622,967.60.

KDOT announces approved February bids

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

Two additional members of our community have lost their lives to COVID-19 since our last update on Wednesday.

Another 23 people have had COVID-19 positive test results reported to the Saline County Health Department.

The Salina Regional Health Center reports that 5 people are hospitalized due to COVID-19.

There are 60 known active cases of COVID-19 in Saline County.

Public reporting of COVID-19 case updates will end next week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Vn2FpvamHkTqlAl8UQaUWpcP_TQiG7cIXi-RCXfKUjR54EsqpYM-KWP-aIEtKAvqiX9DCtgTcjJ63wlhJMLc1OpEKSBbMS-OKhM19pfELzBmYy5AX0idPcevMDouJe4TVyF3k-1XC5ZK0IrqozCmb4PeZ-bpqoq5L9lQ5aCkSl80C0fxKUE1VuZiEHfnHHmE&amp;c=PTVIunqDDsDrf90LM566rVhdjjhuYV5oOzwZkbAdoeiOlRuFEmIjXg==&amp;ch=O9NyLSMbMzeKAHSe6_2PievnOOEwkGVs9mWpsx_9c6YGF223iexT_w==" target="_blank">Kansas&nbsp;COVID Overview</a>

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Vn2FpvamHkTqlAl8UQaUWpcP_TQiG7cIXi-RCXfKUjR54EsqpYM-KdFcpYdIPVmA2FtsV8l9mR-p8qPxZCNf3UwaZMVe9svgI4lyzgp1Wsb6DpPhmNLEYQr7JoJ42KryhX_Yd9DbhUUEAfWfio6m51LaqlQ5tOLftKPq7laMRC1zLUnC-Uh2PaSut74dcqS_&amp;c=PTVIunqDDsDrf90LM566rVhdjjhuYV5oOzwZkbAdoeiOlRuFEmIjXg==&amp;ch=O9NyLSMbMzeKAHSe6_2PievnOOEwkGVs9mWpsx_9c6YGF223iexT_w==" target="_blank">US COVID Data Tracker</a>

COVID Vaccination Update for Saline County An additional 54 people were vaccinated against COVID-19 this week, an increase of .1 percent.

A total of 30,104 residents of Saline County have been vaccinated, accounting for 55.5 percent of the total population.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Vn2FpvamHkTqlAl8UQaUWpcP_TQiG7cIXi-RCXfKUjR54EsqpYM-KaYHy0XFB3kOoGMRJqcz1dEqQJs-dK17fO1Gxq_WJU3xdXiNFC4ZdDdcCPlpA0ic27yHjVj7zKDXGnAHlMrR8xpxnYgkBL5CIQ==&amp;c=PTVIunqDDsDrf90LM566rVhdjjhuYV5oOzwZkbAdoeiOlRuFEmIjXg==&amp;ch=O9NyLSMbMzeKAHSe6_2PievnOOEwkGVs9mWpsx_9c6YGF223iexT_w==" target="_blank">Vaccine Finder</a>

Following is the Saline County Health Department COVID-19 update for Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646260605078.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Two additional members of our community have lost their lives to COVID-19 since our last update on Wednesday. Another 23 people have had COVID-19 positive test results reported to the Saline County Health Department. The Salina Regional Health Center reports that 5 people are hospitalized due to COVID-19. There are 60 known active cases of COVID-19 in Saline County. Public reporting of COVID-19 case updates will end next week.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Vn2FpvamHkTqlAl8UQaUWpcP_TQiG7cIXi-RCXfKUjR54EsqpYM-KWP-aIEtKAvqiX9DCtgTcjJ63wlhJMLc1OpEKSBbMS-OKhM19pfELzBmYy5AX0idPcevMDouJe4TVyF3k-1XC5ZK0IrqozCmb4PeZ-bpqoq5L9lQ5aCkSl80C0fxKUE1VuZiEHfnHHmE&amp;c=PTVIunqDDsDrf90LM566rVhdjjhuYV5oOzwZkbAdoeiOlRuFEmIjXg==&amp;ch=O9NyLSMbMzeKAHSe6_2PievnOOEwkGVs9mWpsx_9c6YGF223iexT_w==" target="_blank">Kansas&nbsp;COVID Overview</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Vn2FpvamHkTqlAl8UQaUWpcP_TQiG7cIXi-RCXfKUjR54EsqpYM-KdFcpYdIPVmA2FtsV8l9mR-p8qPxZCNf3UwaZMVe9svgI4lyzgp1Wsb6DpPhmNLEYQr7JoJ42KryhX_Yd9DbhUUEAfWfio6m51LaqlQ5tOLftKPq7laMRC1zLUnC-Uh2PaSut74dcqS_&amp;c=PTVIunqDDsDrf90LM566rVhdjjhuYV5oOzwZkbAdoeiOlRuFEmIjXg==&amp;ch=O9NyLSMbMzeKAHSe6_2PievnOOEwkGVs9mWpsx_9c6YGF223iexT_w==" target="_blank">US COVID Data Tracker</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646260462109.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>COVID Vaccination Update for Saline County An additional 54 people were vaccinated against COVID-19 this week, an increase of .1 percent. A total of 30,104 residents of Saline County have been vaccinated, accounting for 55.5 percent of the total population.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Vn2FpvamHkTqlAl8UQaUWpcP_TQiG7cIXi-RCXfKUjR54EsqpYM-KaYHy0XFB3kOoGMRJqcz1dEqQJs-dK17fO1Gxq_WJU3xdXiNFC4ZdDdcCPlpA0ic27yHjVj7zKDXGnAHlMrR8xpxnYgkBL5CIQ==&amp;c=PTVIunqDDsDrf90LM566rVhdjjhuYV5oOzwZkbAdoeiOlRuFEmIjXg==&amp;ch=O9NyLSMbMzeKAHSe6_2PievnOOEwkGVs9mWpsx_9c6YGF223iexT_w==" target="_blank">Vaccine Finder</a>

Saline County: 2 additional deaths; 60 known active cases

Strong south winds will elevate the grassland fire danger on Friday afternoon. 

Dry conditions and strong winds behind an advancing dryline will create very high to extreme fire danger on Saturday afternoon and early evening. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646257745453.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National Weather ServiceStrong south winds will elevate the grassland fire danger on Friday afternoon. Dry conditions and strong winds behind an advancing dryline will create very high to extreme fire danger on Saturday afternoon and early evening. Be mindful of anything that may cause a spark for both Friday and Saturday.