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

Beginning the week of February 21, the Saline County Health Department will reduce the frequency of our COVID by The Numbers report to once per week.

COVID-19 was first reported in our county almost two years ago. Since the pandemic began much of our staffing, time, and resources have been diverted to combat the pandemic. Unfortunately, many long-standing and valuable programs provided by the Health Department have not received the attention they merit during that time. On this front, we intend to focus more of our energies to re-establish and strengthen non-COVID related public health programs.

Thankfully, reliable at-home testing has become ubiquitous in recent months offering the general public easy access to their COVID status. As at-home testing does not get reported to state or local authorities and it is not reflected in our data points. Additionally, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has taken over all new COVID case investigations.

Our intention is to give the public actionable data that you can use to make decisions and determinations in your personal health. Reducing this report to once a week, rather than three times a week will continue to give the community the information needed to make these decisions but also allow the Health Department staff to prioritize other health initiatives.

You can continue to find updated COVID information and data points on the websites below.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Ybvf1R6TQQfi7-QZi_BvoaS2FRfZxay8SfxQZ5eCnjupxjtEE6OggeQWzWQczKxHec1JndpobosF4rjmynYRDT6avsDE9Zo8PaBm8x1P94CD68cgj4ow7VECKj7E1RY1bHXqvJBMru3dlDafCEPNSDygGQ8lJCI8&amp;c=XgT5h7jErd6FwEqwYMplb35drV7K7vuYMt_EU4eVLtQhnG9WAe42rw==&amp;ch=O1MtbR8RUZA5mGnprq240F6fQcFm7YlAMSqarvrA6kN99wxRQL_I-A==" target="_blank">Saline County COVID-19 Information</a>

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Ybvf1R6TQQfi7-QZi_BvoaS2FRfZxay8SfxQZ5eCnjupxjtEE6OggeLL27qMO8cXsrfEkXn1_XfBIeXwL21Fp3UpEzvH0Z6x_4i7XNkEUD0Ojz5iBRCAAtuCmbWMVAPxt4k0y0mdrZfu7UY2yYIx-_Td0vbZg5-rasaBmsj4wCkRzou3fU1s9j4eo5wG6Kxm&amp;c=XgT5h7jErd6FwEqwYMplb35drV7K7vuYMt_EU4eVLtQhnG9WAe42rw==&amp;ch=O1MtbR8RUZA5mGnprq240F6fQcFm7YlAMSqarvrA6kN99wxRQL_I-A==" target="_blank">KDHE&nbsp;</a>COVID Overview&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Ybvf1R6TQQfi7-QZi_BvoaS2FRfZxay8SfxQZ5eCnjupxjtEE6OggffqAwty_n8al6iQmcWCtku0KBg77FsFYpDdtufZlpIkTTLYkOmIidpMi9uErIhYUjGMpdUmsZR-b-0lWv_LKvDfxd5rcEwbo51lb6Un1r8lAaP7EmBIeZQSW9RHWwGwZr3SQsrKErb_&amp;c=XgT5h7jErd6FwEqwYMplb35drV7K7vuYMt_EU4eVLtQhnG9WAe42rw==&amp;ch=O1MtbR8RUZA5mGnprq240F6fQcFm7YlAMSqarvrA6kN99wxRQL_I-A==" target="_blank">CDC&nbsp;</a>COVID Data&nbsp;Tracker

According to the Salina Regional Health Center, 13 patients lost their lives to COVID, of those 7 (54 percent) were unvaccinated. Additionally, 105 people were admitted to the hospital for symptoms related to COVID-19. Of these, 63 patients (60 percent) were unvaccinated.

In this dataset, a person is considered to be vaccinated if they have received at least one approved vaccination against COVID-19.

This information does not include people who were transported to other hospitals due to bed or staff shortages at Salina Regional Health Center. Typically, juvenile cases of COVID are referred to Children's Mercy in Kansas City, or other children's hospitals.

Hospital data may include people who are not residents of Saline County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another member of our community has lost their life to COVID-19 since our last update on Wednesday, bringing the total number of lives lost in Saline County to 204.

The Salina Regional Health Center reports that there are currently 21 patients hospitalized battling COVID-19.

Another 51 positive COVID-19 test results have been reported to the Saline County Health Department since Wednesday. It is important to note, that this does not include home test kits or those who are presumed positive and do not test.

There are a recorded 408 active cases of COVID-19.

All new cases are now being handled by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Friday.Beginning the week of February 21, the Saline County Health Department will reduce the frequency of our COVID by The Numbers report to once per week. COVID-19 was first reported in our county almost two years ago. Since the pandemic began much of our staffing, time, and resources have been diverted to combat the pandemic. Unfortunately, many long-standing and valuable programs provided by the Health Department have not received the attention they merit during that time. On this front, we intend to focus more of our energies to re-establish and strengthen non-COVID related public health programs. Thankfully, reliable at-home testing has become ubiquitous in recent months offering the general public easy access to their COVID status. As at-home testing does not get reported to state or local authorities and it is not reflected in our data points. Additionally, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has taken over all new COVID case investigations. Our intention is to give the public actionable data that you can use to make decisions and determinations in your personal health. Reducing this report to once a week, rather than three times a week will continue to give the community the information needed to make these decisions but also allow the Health Department staff to prioritize other health initiatives. You can continue to find updated COVID information and data points on the websites below.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Ybvf1R6TQQfi7-QZi_BvoaS2FRfZxay8SfxQZ5eCnjupxjtEE6OggeQWzWQczKxHec1JndpobosF4rjmynYRDT6avsDE9Zo8PaBm8x1P94CD68cgj4ow7VECKj7E1RY1bHXqvJBMru3dlDafCEPNSDygGQ8lJCI8&amp;c=XgT5h7jErd6FwEqwYMplb35drV7K7vuYMt_EU4eVLtQhnG9WAe42rw==&amp;ch=O1MtbR8RUZA5mGnprq240F6fQcFm7YlAMSqarvrA6kN99wxRQL_I-A==" target="_blank">Saline County COVID-19 Information</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Ybvf1R6TQQfi7-QZi_BvoaS2FRfZxay8SfxQZ5eCnjupxjtEE6OggeLL27qMO8cXsrfEkXn1_XfBIeXwL21Fp3UpEzvH0Z6x_4i7XNkEUD0Ojz5iBRCAAtuCmbWMVAPxt4k0y0mdrZfu7UY2yYIx-_Td0vbZg5-rasaBmsj4wCkRzou3fU1s9j4eo5wG6Kxm&amp;c=XgT5h7jErd6FwEqwYMplb35drV7K7vuYMt_EU4eVLtQhnG9WAe42rw==&amp;ch=O1MtbR8RUZA5mGnprq240F6fQcFm7YlAMSqarvrA6kN99wxRQL_I-A==" target="_blank">KDHE&nbsp;</a>COVID Overview&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Ybvf1R6TQQfi7-QZi_BvoaS2FRfZxay8SfxQZ5eCnjupxjtEE6OggffqAwty_n8al6iQmcWCtku0KBg77FsFYpDdtufZlpIkTTLYkOmIidpMi9uErIhYUjGMpdUmsZR-b-0lWv_LKvDfxd5rcEwbo51lb6Un1r8lAaP7EmBIeZQSW9RHWwGwZr3SQsrKErb_&amp;c=XgT5h7jErd6FwEqwYMplb35drV7K7vuYMt_EU4eVLtQhnG9WAe42rw==&amp;ch=O1MtbR8RUZA5mGnprq240F6fQcFm7YlAMSqarvrA6kN99wxRQL_I-A==" target="_blank">CDC&nbsp;</a>COVID Data&nbsp;Tracker<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644619073976.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644619100072.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to the Salina Regional Health Center, 13 patients lost their lives to COVID, of those 7 (54 percent) were unvaccinated. Additionally, 105 people were admitted to the hospital for symptoms related to COVID-19. Of these, 63 patients (60 percent) were unvaccinated. In this dataset, a person is considered to be vaccinated if they have received at least one approved vaccination against COVID-19. This information does not include people who were transported to other hospitals due to bed or staff shortages at Salina Regional Health Center. Typically, juvenile cases of COVID are referred to Children's Mercy in Kansas City, or other children's hospitals. Hospital data may include people who are not residents of Saline County.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644619253817.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Another member of our community has lost their life to COVID-19 since our last update on Wednesday, bringing the total number of lives lost in Saline County to 204. The Salina Regional Health Center reports that there are currently 21 patients hospitalized battling COVID-19. Another 51 positive COVID-19 test results have been reported to the Saline County Health Department since Wednesday. It is important to note, that this does not include home test kits or those who are presumed positive and do not test. There are a recorded 408 active cases of COVID-19. All new cases are now being handled by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saline County reducing COVID reports to once a week

Salina Arts &amp; Humanities has announced the residency of a visionary hip-hop duo from Denver that's coming up later this month.

The Reminders are scheduled to work with students in Salina area schools on Feb. 23-25, thanks to Salina Arts &amp; Humanities' Arts Infusion Program.

Additionally, a community performance by the duo is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Watson Room of the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue. The performance is open to the public at no charge. 

Those attending must follow the Stiefel Theatre's COVID-19 policy, available online at <a href="https://www.stiefeltheatre.org/news/covid-19-policy">here</a>.

Performer information courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities

The group consists of Brussels-born emcee Big Samir and Queens-born emcee and vocalist Aja Black. Big Samir weaves intricate rhythmic patterns with a bilingual French/English flow, displaying his street-smart credibility in his lyrics and cool demeanor. Aja Black beautifully complements him in her confident delivery, diverse cadences, and unique vocal stylings.

The Reminders' upcoming Salina performance will showcase their visionary music infused with roots and soul. The duo seamlessly blends sharp rhymes and soulful vocals with reggae-tinged hip-hop beats to highlight relevant and inspiring messages of unity and togetherness.

In their residency, Samir and Black will introduce students to the origins, evolution, and contemporary expression of hip-hop music and informal sessions in which the artists and students participate in telling personal stories using prompts. These sessions with curricular connections in Drama, Movement, and music allow students to explore creative self-expression.

The Reminders are the 2021-2022 Sharon Benson Visiting Artist, a teaching artist residency provided through the Arts Infusion

program designated to provide educational programs and content that reflects cultural diversity while connecting the arts to new and established audiences in relevant ways.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644611133605.jpeg" alt="The Reminders. Photo courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities" />
 <figcaption>The Reminders. Photo courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTSalina Arts &amp; Humanities has announced the residency of a visionary hip-hop duo from Denver that's coming up later this month.The Reminders are scheduled to work with students in Salina area schools on Feb. 23-25, thanks to Salina Arts &amp; Humanities' Arts Infusion Program.Additionally, a community performance by the duo is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Watson Room of the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue. The performance is open to the public at no charge. Those attending must follow the Stiefel Theatre's COVID-19 policy, available online at <a href="https://www.stiefeltheatre.org/news/covid-19-policy">here</a>.Performer information courtesy Salina Arts &amp; HumanitiesThe group consists of Brussels-born emcee Big Samir and Queens-born emcee and vocalist Aja Black. Big Samir weaves intricate rhythmic patterns with a bilingual French/English flow, displaying his street-smart credibility in his lyrics and cool demeanor. Aja Black beautifully complements him in her confident delivery, diverse cadences, and unique vocal stylings.The Reminders' upcoming Salina performance will showcase their visionary music infused with roots and soul. The duo seamlessly blends sharp rhymes and soulful vocals with reggae-tinged hip-hop beats to highlight relevant and inspiring messages of unity and togetherness.In their residency, Samir and Black will introduce students to the origins, evolution, and contemporary expression of hip-hop music and informal sessions in which the artists and students participate in telling personal stories using prompts. These sessions with curricular connections in Drama, Movement, and music allow students to explore creative self-expression.The Reminders are the 2021-2022 Sharon Benson Visiting Artist, a teaching artist residency provided through the Arts Infusionprogram designated to provide educational programs and content that reflects cultural diversity while connecting the arts to new and established audiences in relevant ways.

Hip-hop duo The Reminders to work with Salina area students, perform

Following is an update from Saline County about its Love Your Mental Health campaign.

Saline County kicked off our inaugural "Love Your Mental Health" campaign last week by offering CopeNotes subscriptions to all county employees. We are pleased to announce subscriptions are now open and available to Saline County residents.

"We understand that there is no 'one-size-fits-all' answer to combating mental health issues," explained Phil Smith-Hanes, County Administrator. "This is just one tool to help reach the portion of our community who prefer to receive their mental health support through a digital, proactive, and anonymous platform."

Saline County residents can sign up at the link below with the redemption code SALINE.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JR15DQh9HqeXlC7cE7mN4DlhcgvbnqxwjLWO_mt1YDikcHvkmZdSJkzM0VGd10bQ4dlnhzmkwxdL1-B_iU-yzmLCXONBlvdRIwrTEcM6AsvPKZUTgkkj4HV026NuHFVyuD1fY5fEM9huP7iUpVCZD5VfpPfh8v1y&amp;c=KFc76QRjsCUseLV9oEDVWdjmUrsNXp61WF-jdqxldTaeqpGgrHcPVg==&amp;ch=P4UpJArKfcVLZPPjmecSQRQDeMfD63ji_JvFCawd6jZP5K1ARnHzJw==" target="_blank">Cope Notes</a>

With low in-person attendance in mental health programs, Cope Notes aims to address the need for digital solutions that maintain consistent communication with individuals seeking preventative care, as well as those reluctant to engage with providers altogether.

Cope Notes provides individuals with randomly timed messages containing anything from psychology facts to exercises and journaling prompts. Every subscriber’s text sequence is unique so that no two users ever receive the same message at the same time. Each Cope Notes text must first undergo a thorough review process by a panel of peer-support advocates and mental health professionals, in order to ensure that the messages will have a positive effect on the subscriber’s health. The ultimate goal of the service is to train the brain to disrupt negative thoughts and promote a more positive pattern of thinking.

While Cope Notes encourages members to reply to text messages, it does not offer real-time conversations, but rather encourages members to use replies as an anonymous, confidential journal. A person in crisis can text the word "HELP" to connect with a crisis counselor at the Crisis Text Line.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JR15DQh9HqeXlC7cE7mN4DlhcgvbnqxwjLWO_mt1YDikcHvkmZdSJkpB7eKJ1AvBz4fsm3PI8IsJza6uhd4Kcj0mXgOp809iTY_RBKkS7In_6vhWINcOaWtWHqW353JYFd3o3Utm2KDj4uTdjZIhtcW-XfWsXMGlvG4fg2dooGF999kbcxJ6-HsLkY6aqKKlvpK9eAovbO_KnpqyrvDDWYGrdzKVC3-mPTfBbp743CxL2hQMeCpPvVK7ve7kXqlFg7yYWne4y19AP7QkGuhK_9HLKbhCSIvD8G0zgAP6g61RrpEa9zRDlZHOij_6u1214yoETwsAcVVrgzrd7oojsX9awnLJMTwWfGssiaKKYSiaO3O4ar9cc7JmjgIhzqCEzOkpgAcIf1399-XOGTZOrJWxbb2qzeBXnR6k0GbkeRrQA8CFDL9sJOp7i6NmV1LTNYYaGVzWwBonck-z8jjo7YRX-DUkFxgElcCMTM9ak3ubj8T9TwPyqXQc9rqRjthySyNj4afYXY8t_n5vQ0tApylWXT4Lb7_PDI574XI3LyFNk3_aZ8xX8e9Ect3l1eN5i6GEvWs7g3xKC3K4HubR8_271q4EKaW5H8VAyZqlAq_X1E_DjJJS2n_TTBWUJ0vvBTWsbE7jxsrmmrWCLAFc9vqm4qhmxhOKhOoG3N-aR08obZUa7WJcbgLQQaKBEJgqxdgpFu73oWj-GNcxlxqkaQ==&amp;c=KFc76QRjsCUseLV9oEDVWdjmUrsNXp61WF-jdqxldTaeqpGgrHcPVg==&amp;ch=P4UpJArKfcVLZPPjmecSQRQDeMfD63ji_JvFCawd6jZP5K1ARnHzJw==" target="_blank">Saline County ARPA Webpage</a>

Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Cope Notes' implementation in Saline County comes at a time when the stressors and complications of adapting to COVID-19 have amplified the need for digital solutions that maintain consistent communication with individuals seeking preventative care, as well as those reluctant to engage with providers altogether.

Following is an update from Saline County about its Love Your Mental Health campaign.Saline County kicked off our inaugural "Love Your Mental Health" campaign last week by offering CopeNotes subscriptions to all county employees. We are pleased to announce subscriptions are now open and available to Saline County residents. "We understand that there is no 'one-size-fits-all' answer to combating mental health issues," explained Phil Smith-Hanes, County Administrator. "This is just one tool to help reach the portion of our community who prefer to receive their mental health support through a digital, proactive, and anonymous platform." Saline County residents can sign up at the link below with the redemption code SALINE.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JR15DQh9HqeXlC7cE7mN4DlhcgvbnqxwjLWO_mt1YDikcHvkmZdSJkzM0VGd10bQ4dlnhzmkwxdL1-B_iU-yzmLCXONBlvdRIwrTEcM6AsvPKZUTgkkj4HV026NuHFVyuD1fY5fEM9huP7iUpVCZD5VfpPfh8v1y&amp;c=KFc76QRjsCUseLV9oEDVWdjmUrsNXp61WF-jdqxldTaeqpGgrHcPVg==&amp;ch=P4UpJArKfcVLZPPjmecSQRQDeMfD63ji_JvFCawd6jZP5K1ARnHzJw==" target="_blank">Cope Notes</a>With low in-person attendance in mental health programs, Cope Notes aims to address the need for digital solutions that maintain consistent communication with individuals seeking preventative care, as well as those reluctant to engage with providers altogether. Cope Notes provides individuals with randomly timed messages containing anything from psychology facts to exercises and journaling prompts. Every subscriber’s text sequence is unique so that no two users ever receive the same message at the same time. Each Cope Notes text must first undergo a thorough review process by a panel of peer-support advocates and mental health professionals, in order to ensure that the messages will have a positive effect on the subscriber’s health. The ultimate goal of the service is to train the brain to disrupt negative thoughts and promote a more positive pattern of thinking. While Cope Notes encourages members to reply to text messages, it does not offer real-time conversations, but rather encourages members to use replies as an anonymous, confidential journal. A person in crisis can text the word "HELP" to connect with a crisis counselor at the Crisis Text Line.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JR15DQh9HqeXlC7cE7mN4DlhcgvbnqxwjLWO_mt1YDikcHvkmZdSJkpB7eKJ1AvBz4fsm3PI8IsJza6uhd4Kcj0mXgOp809iTY_RBKkS7In_6vhWINcOaWtWHqW353JYFd3o3Utm2KDj4uTdjZIhtcW-XfWsXMGlvG4fg2dooGF999kbcxJ6-HsLkY6aqKKlvpK9eAovbO_KnpqyrvDDWYGrdzKVC3-mPTfBbp743CxL2hQMeCpPvVK7ve7kXqlFg7yYWne4y19AP7QkGuhK_9HLKbhCSIvD8G0zgAP6g61RrpEa9zRDlZHOij_6u1214yoETwsAcVVrgzrd7oojsX9awnLJMTwWfGssiaKKYSiaO3O4ar9cc7JmjgIhzqCEzOkpgAcIf1399-XOGTZOrJWxbb2qzeBXnR6k0GbkeRrQA8CFDL9sJOp7i6NmV1LTNYYaGVzWwBonck-z8jjo7YRX-DUkFxgElcCMTM9ak3ubj8T9TwPyqXQc9rqRjthySyNj4afYXY8t_n5vQ0tApylWXT4Lb7_PDI574XI3LyFNk3_aZ8xX8e9Ect3l1eN5i6GEvWs7g3xKC3K4HubR8_271q4EKaW5H8VAyZqlAq_X1E_DjJJS2n_TTBWUJ0vvBTWsbE7jxsrmmrWCLAFc9vqm4qhmxhOKhOoG3N-aR08obZUa7WJcbgLQQaKBEJgqxdgpFu73oWj-GNcxlxqkaQ==&amp;c=KFc76QRjsCUseLV9oEDVWdjmUrsNXp61WF-jdqxldTaeqpGgrHcPVg==&amp;ch=P4UpJArKfcVLZPPjmecSQRQDeMfD63ji_JvFCawd6jZP5K1ARnHzJw==" target="_blank">Saline County ARPA Webpage</a>Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Cope Notes' implementation in Saline County comes at a time when the stressors and complications of adapting to COVID-19 have amplified the need for digital solutions that maintain consistent communication with individuals seeking preventative care, as well as those reluctant to engage with providers altogether.

Saline County: CopeNotes for residents now available

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;announced&nbsp;40&nbsp;rural Kansas communities will receive&nbsp;Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) totaling more than&nbsp;$17.6 million to help support&nbsp;critical community development projects.&nbsp;

“These grants will help our communities improve public safety, revitalize vital infrastructure and maximize economic opportunity for our Kansas families,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“It’s further proof that investments like this are critical to positively impact lives of Kansans living in rural parts of the state.”

The awards&nbsp;are administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and granted&nbsp;from&nbsp;the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Small Cities&nbsp;CDBG program.&nbsp;Eligible CDBG public&nbsp;improvement&nbsp;projects help fund water&nbsp;and&nbsp;wastewater&nbsp;projects, housing rehabilitation and other community facilities&nbsp;and services.&nbsp;

“Community Development Block Grants strike at the core of what we all want to achieve for Kansas: strong communities, healthy families and a high quality of life,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary&nbsp;David Toland said.&nbsp;“The investments announced today will create better living conditions for Kansans, which in turn drives new economic opportunities and promotes new growth across our state.”

Cities&nbsp;and counties, their award amount and project type&nbsp;are as follows:&nbsp;

City of Atchison $370,000 for sidewalk improvements&nbsp;

City of Arkansas City $300,000 for housing rehabilitation&nbsp;

City of Auburn $330,765 for stormwater street improvements&nbsp;

City of Augusta $260,000 for the purchase of a fire engine&nbsp;

City of Burr Oak $330,000 for water system improvements&nbsp;&nbsp;

City of&nbsp;Bushton $530,000 for water system improvements&nbsp;&nbsp;

City of Caldwell $300,000 for housing rehabilitation and demolition&nbsp;

City of Cawker City $454,250 for a new water tower&nbsp;&nbsp;

City of Cedar Vale $300,000 for housing rehabilitation and demolition&nbsp;

City of Concordia $560,000 for the purchase of a fire ladder truck&nbsp;&nbsp;

City of Dodge City $300,000 housing rehabilitation&nbsp;

City of Douglass $99,000 for new playground equipment&nbsp;&nbsp;

City of Emporia $750,000 for street replacement with curbs and gutters&nbsp;

City of Fort Scott $700,000 for water system improvements&nbsp;&nbsp;

City of Fulton $270,000 for water system improvements&nbsp;&nbsp;

City of Girard&nbsp; $600,000 for new lift stations and improvements to the sanitary sewer system&nbsp;

City of Glasco&nbsp; $323,530 for improvements to the lift station and sanitary sewer system

City of Hiawatha&nbsp; $600,000 for improvements to the lift station and sanitary sewer system &nbsp;

City of Highland&nbsp; $600,000 for street improvements&nbsp;

City of Humboldt&nbsp; $492,086 for street improvements&nbsp;

City of Leon&nbsp; $616,000 for water system Improvements&nbsp;&nbsp;

City of Lincoln Center&nbsp; $300,000&nbsp;for housing rehabilitation and demolition&nbsp;

City of Linwood&nbsp; $499,586 for replacement of remaining cast-iron water lines throughout town&nbsp;

City of Lucas&nbsp; $600,000 for new water tower and water supply improvements&nbsp;&nbsp;

City of Lyndon&nbsp; $501,111 for construction of a new community center&nbsp;

City of Lyons&nbsp; $300,000 for housing rehabilitation and demolition&nbsp;

City of Mankato&nbsp; $600,000 for wastewater collection system repairs and improvements&nbsp;

City of Marysville&nbsp; $600,000 for sanitary sewer treatment facility improvements&nbsp;

McPherson County&nbsp; $250,000 for water system improvements&nbsp;&nbsp;

City of McPherson&nbsp; $500,000 for housing rehabilitation and street improvements&nbsp;

City of Medicine Lodge&nbsp; $480,000 to rehabilitate/re-purpose existing building for a non-profit daycare&nbsp;

City of&nbsp;Miltonvale&nbsp; $383,000 for wastewater collection system and treatment facility improvements&nbsp;

City of Moran&nbsp; $450,000 for water&nbsp;supply improvements&nbsp;&nbsp;

City of Oberlin&nbsp; $466,598 for sanitary sewer treatment facility improvements&nbsp;

Osage County&nbsp; $260,000 for sanitary sewer systems improvements&nbsp;

City of Russell&nbsp; $360,300 for street improvements&nbsp;

City of Saint Francis&nbsp; $600,000 for street improvements&nbsp;

City of Timken&nbsp; $170,000 for water system improvements&nbsp;

City of Valley Falls&nbsp; $600,000 for sanitary sewer systems improvements&nbsp;

City of Wellington&nbsp; $634,706 for water system improvements&nbsp;

The CDBG program,&nbsp;administered by the&nbsp;Community Development Division,&nbsp;provides federal funds to local governments for the development of viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities, and economic development needs. To&nbsp;receive funds,&nbsp;the&nbsp;local government units must meet at least one of three&nbsp;national&nbsp;program objectives:&nbsp;

●The grant will benefit low-&nbsp;and moderate-income persons

●The grant will prevent or eliminate slums and blight

●The grant will resolve an urgent need where local resources are not available

The&nbsp;Small Cities&nbsp;CDBG&nbsp;program is one of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Community Development&nbsp;Division’s&nbsp;primary&nbsp;tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities.&nbsp;

Kansas Governor's OfficeTOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;announced&nbsp;40&nbsp;rural Kansas communities will receive&nbsp;Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) totaling more than&nbsp;$17.6 million to help support&nbsp;critical community development projects.&nbsp;“These grants will help our communities improve public safety, revitalize vital infrastructure and maximize economic opportunity for our Kansas families,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“It’s further proof that investments like this are critical to positively impact lives of Kansans living in rural parts of the state.”The awards&nbsp;are administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and granted&nbsp;from&nbsp;the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Small Cities&nbsp;CDBG program.&nbsp;Eligible CDBG public&nbsp;improvement&nbsp;projects help fund water&nbsp;and&nbsp;wastewater&nbsp;projects, housing rehabilitation and other community facilities&nbsp;and services.&nbsp;“Community Development Block Grants strike at the core of what we all want to achieve for Kansas: strong communities, healthy families and a high quality of life,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary&nbsp;David Toland said.&nbsp;“The investments announced today will create better living conditions for Kansans, which in turn drives new economic opportunities and promotes new growth across our state.”Cities&nbsp;and counties, their award amount and project type&nbsp;are as follows:&nbsp;City of Atchison $370,000 for sidewalk improvements&nbsp;City of Arkansas City $300,000 for housing rehabilitation&nbsp;City of Auburn $330,765 for stormwater street improvements&nbsp;City of Augusta $260,000 for the purchase of a fire engine&nbsp;City of Burr Oak $330,000 for water system improvements&nbsp;&nbsp;City of&nbsp;Bushton $530,000 for water system improvements&nbsp;&nbsp;City of Caldwell $300,000 for housing rehabilitation and demolition&nbsp;City of Cawker City $454,250 for a new water tower&nbsp;&nbsp;City of Cedar Vale $300,000 for housing rehabilitation and demolition&nbsp;City of Concordia $560,000 for the purchase of a fire ladder truck&nbsp;&nbsp;City of Dodge City $300,000 housing rehabilitation&nbsp;City of Douglass $99,000 for new playground equipment&nbsp;&nbsp;City of Emporia $750,000 for street replacement with curbs and gutters&nbsp;City of Fort Scott $700,000 for water system improvements&nbsp;&nbsp;City of Fulton $270,000 for water system improvements&nbsp;&nbsp;City of Girard&nbsp; $600,000 for new lift stations and improvements to the sanitary sewer system&nbsp;City of Glasco&nbsp; $323,530 for improvements to the lift station and sanitary sewer systemCity of Hiawatha&nbsp; $600,000 for improvements to the lift station and sanitary sewer system &nbsp;City of Highland&nbsp; $600,000 for street improvements&nbsp;City of Humboldt&nbsp; $492,086 for street improvements&nbsp;City of Leon&nbsp; $616,000 for water system Improvements&nbsp;&nbsp;City of Lincoln Center&nbsp; $300,000&nbsp;for housing rehabilitation and demolition&nbsp;City of Linwood&nbsp; $499,586 for replacement of remaining cast-iron water lines throughout town&nbsp;City of Lucas&nbsp; $600,000 for new water tower and water supply improvements&nbsp;&nbsp;City of Lyndon&nbsp; $501,111 for construction of a new community center&nbsp;City of Lyons&nbsp; $300,000 for housing rehabilitation and demolition&nbsp;City of Mankato&nbsp; $600,000 for wastewater collection system repairs and improvements&nbsp;City of Marysville&nbsp; $600,000 for sanitary sewer treatment facility improvements&nbsp;McPherson County&nbsp; $250,000 for water system improvements&nbsp;&nbsp;City of McPherson&nbsp; $500,000 for housing rehabilitation and street improvements&nbsp;City of Medicine Lodge&nbsp; $480,000 to rehabilitate/re-purpose existing building for a non-profit daycare&nbsp;City of&nbsp;Miltonvale&nbsp; $383,000 for wastewater collection system and treatment facility improvements&nbsp;City of Moran&nbsp; $450,000 for water&nbsp;supply improvements&nbsp;&nbsp;City of Oberlin&nbsp; $466,598 for sanitary sewer treatment facility improvements&nbsp;Osage County&nbsp; $260,000 for sanitary sewer systems improvements&nbsp;City of Russell&nbsp; $360,300 for street improvements&nbsp;City of Saint Francis&nbsp; $600,000 for street improvements&nbsp;City of Timken&nbsp; $170,000 for water system improvements&nbsp;City of Valley Falls&nbsp; $600,000 for sanitary sewer systems improvements&nbsp;City of Wellington&nbsp; $634,706 for water system improvements&nbsp; The CDBG program,&nbsp;administered by the&nbsp;Community Development Division,&nbsp;provides federal funds to local governments for the development of viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities, and economic development needs. To&nbsp;receive funds,&nbsp;the&nbsp;local government units must meet at least one of three&nbsp;national&nbsp;program objectives:&nbsp;●The grant will benefit low-&nbsp;and moderate-income persons●The grant will prevent or eliminate slums and blight●The grant will resolve an urgent need where local resources are not availableThe&nbsp;Small Cities&nbsp;CDBG&nbsp;program is one of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Community Development&nbsp;Division’s&nbsp;primary&nbsp;tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities.&nbsp;

Kelly announces block grants; area communities among recipients

Do you have a reliable vehicle? Are you looking to start your own business as an Independent Courier?

Henry Industries has open routes available for contract in Salina.

The optimal delivery vehicle, per customer request, would be an SUV and/or a Sprinter Van.

●Reliable delivery vehicle with up-to-date and appropriate insurance.

●Valid driver’s license with a driving record with no more than 3 traffic violations within the last 12 months.

●Able to pass customer required drug screen and 7-year background check.

This is a&nbsp;CONTRACTED, NON-EMPLOYEE&nbsp;opportunity. Serious inquiries only.

Please contact Henry Industries by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:csd@henryind.net">csd@henryind.net</a>&nbsp;or call 888-662-7222.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642128587122.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Do you have a reliable vehicle? Are you looking to start your own business as an Independent Courier?Henry Industries has open routes available for contract in Salina.The optimal delivery vehicle, per customer request, would be an SUV and/or a Sprinter Van.You can negotiate your rates.Customer requirements include:●Reliable delivery vehicle with up-to-date and appropriate insurance.●Smart phone with data plan.●Valid driver’s license with a driving record with no more than 3 traffic violations within the last 12 months.●Able to pass customer required drug screen and 7-year background check.This is a&nbsp;CONTRACTED, NON-EMPLOYEE&nbsp;opportunity. Serious inquiries only.Please contact Henry Industries by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:csd@henryind.net">csd@henryind.net</a>&nbsp;or call 888-662-7222.

🎤Forward Ever: BCBS of Kansas president and CEO Matt All

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina man wanted on an outstanding warrant was arrested early Friday morning during a traffic stop in north Salina.

At approximately 1:25 a.m. Friday, an officer stopped a Ford Ranger pickup in the 500 block of W. Harsh Avenue for having an illegal license plate, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. The license plate was registered to a Dodge Ram 2500.

The passenger in the vehicle was identified as Brandon St. Clair, 39, of Salina, who had an active felony warrant out of Saline County District Court for bond supervision violation.

According to Forrester, St. Clair allegedly refused to exit the pickup, and locked the doors. Officers broke out the passenger-side window of the pickup and were able to take St. Clair into custody.

St. Clair allegedly was found to be in possession of what was thought to be methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. 

In addition to the active warrant, St. Clair was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Forrester.

●Felony interference with law enforcement

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man wanted on an outstanding warrant was arrested early Friday morning during a traffic stop in north Salina.At approximately 1:25 a.m. Friday, an officer stopped a Ford Ranger pickup in the 500 block of W. Harsh Avenue for having an illegal license plate, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. The license plate was registered to a Dodge Ram 2500.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644596736780.jpeg" alt="Brandon St. Clair. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Brandon St. Clair. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>The passenger in the vehicle was identified as Brandon St. Clair, 39, of Salina, who had an active felony warrant out of Saline County District Court for bond supervision violation.According to Forrester, St. Clair allegedly refused to exit the pickup, and locked the doors. Officers broke out the passenger-side window of the pickup and were able to take St. Clair into custody.St. Clair allegedly was found to be in possession of what was thought to be methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. In addition to the active warrant, St. Clair was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Forrester.●Felony interference with law enforcement●Possession of a stimulant●Possession of marijuana●Possession of drug paraphernalia

Salina man arrested on requested drug charges, warrant after traffic stop

Police are looking for a pickup that was stolen from a Salina grocery store parking lot Thursday evening.

A 41-year-old Salina woman told police that she let an acquaintance drive her white 1995 Chevrolet 2500. He went to Dillons, 1235 E. Cloud, and reportedly left the pickup unlocked and the keys on the floorboard, but not visible from outside the pickup, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The man said he was in the store for approximately 20 minutes. When he came out, the pickup was gone.

The theft occurred sometime between 7:30-8 p.m. Thursday.

The pickup was valued at $3,500. It had a Kansas license plate of 566PPH.

Additionally, it was reported that there were approximately $12,000-$15,000 worth of miscellaneous tools and approximately 40 rings valued at an estimated $10,000 in the pickup, Forrester noted.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice are looking for a pickup that was stolen from a Salina grocery store parking lot Thursday evening.A 41-year-old Salina woman told police that she let an acquaintance drive her white 1995 Chevrolet 2500. He went to Dillons, 1235 E. Cloud, and reportedly left the pickup unlocked and the keys on the floorboard, but not visible from outside the pickup, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The man said he was in the store for approximately 20 minutes. When he came out, the pickup was gone.The theft occurred sometime between 7:30-8 p.m. Thursday.The pickup was valued at $3,500. It had a Kansas license plate of 566PPH.Additionally, it was reported that there were approximately $12,000-$15,000 worth of miscellaneous tools and approximately 40 rings valued at an estimated $10,000 in the pickup, Forrester noted.Surveillance video is being reviewed.

Pickup with up to $25,000 in tools, rings inside stolen from parking lot

Salina USD 305 announced this morning that it will change to optional masking at all its facilities beginning Feb. 21.

According to a news release from the district this morning, Feb. 21 was selected as the date for the change to optional use of face masks to "meet the USD 305 Board of Education’s directive that families were to have a notice of three school days prior to the change." USD 305 has parent-teacher conferences scheduled on Feb. 17 and 18, so those days would not count as "school days."

The new optional masking rule will apply at all attendance centers unless the percentage of a particular school's positive COVID-19 cases reaches five percent. When the five percent threshold is reached, masking will be required at that particular school for a two-week period. Additionally, the school could return to optional masking in the second week if the percentage of positive COVID-19 cases drops below five percent, the district noted.

With the implementation of the optional masking policy on Feb. 21, district families will be notified on Fridays should their children's school need to change to required masking.

The district noted that in accordance with federal mandate masks will continue to be required on all school transportation, which includes buses and district vehicles.

As the district moves to optional masking, other safety practices will remain in place in USD 305 schools, according to information from the district. Those safety practices include the following.

•Self-screening at home before coming to school

The district also noted that it is "developing a website dashboard that will report each building’s mask status and COVID-19 percent positive."

By SALINA POSTSalina USD 305 announced this morning that it will change to optional masking at all its facilities beginning Feb. 21.According to a news release from the district this morning, Feb. 21 was selected as the date for the change to optional use of face masks to "meet the USD 305 Board of Education’s directive that families were to have a notice of three school days prior to the change." USD 305 has parent-teacher conferences scheduled on Feb. 17 and 18, so those days would not count as "school days."The new optional masking rule will apply at all attendance centers unless the percentage of a particular school's positive COVID-19 cases reaches five percent. When the five percent threshold is reached, masking will be required at that particular school for a two-week period. Additionally, the school could return to optional masking in the second week if the percentage of positive COVID-19 cases drops below five percent, the district noted.With the implementation of the optional masking policy on Feb. 21, district families will be notified on Fridays should their children's school need to change to required masking.The district noted that in accordance with federal mandate masks will continue to be required on all school transportation, which includes buses and district vehicles.As the district moves to optional masking, other safety practices will remain in place in USD 305 schools, according to information from the district. Those safety practices include the following.•Self-screening at home before coming to school•Handwashing frequently•Using correct respiratory etiquette•Sanitizing high touch areasThe district also noted that it is "developing a website dashboard that will report each building’s mask status and COVID-19 percent positive."

USD 305 to move to optional masking on Feb. 21

A red flag warning has been issued for counties in our area.

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a red flag warning in effect from noon to 6 p.m. Friday that includes the following counties in our area.

Very high to extreme grassland fire danger is forecast. Winds from the north at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and relative humidity as low as 20 percent are forecast.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

A red flag warning has been issued for counties in our area.The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a red flag warning in effect from noon to 6 p.m. Friday that includes the following counties in our area.Ellsworth CountyLincoln CountyVery high to extreme grassland fire danger is forecast. Winds from the north at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and relative humidity as low as 20 percent are forecast.Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Latest red flag warning includes Ellsworth, Lincoln counties

USD 305 has announced the dates for its summer school program this year.

In 2022, summer school is scheduled for May 31 to July 1. The middle and high school programs will be at South High School, the district noted. The location of the elementary program has yet to be determined.

“There will likely be two locations,” said Shanna Rector, deputy superintendent. “The number of students registered and where they live will be factors.”

Elementary and middle school students will attend summer school free of charge, the district noted in a news release. The elementary program will focus on reading, math and enrichment activities.

“Last year, we learned that flexible schedules work really well for families,” Rector said. 

Students will again be able to participate in just math or reading and have the option to stay for the entire program.

According to district information, busing and the summer meal program are integrated into summer school so that students have lunch available at the summer school location.

There is no charge for credit recovery classes for high school students but the elective courses, driver’s education, and ACT preparation classes are fee-based.

Rector also reviewed the 2021 summer school program. Last summer’s program focused on filling in gaps and addressing learning needs after the first year of COVID-19. Highlights from 2021 included:

●Approximately 1,000 students were served.

●More than 120 staff provided services.

●Food resources included the summer lunch program and food bank.

●Two sessions of summer school were offered in 2021.

Rector offered appreciation to the summer school staff including Tricia McVay, elementary director; Krista DeVoe, secondary directory; and Tiffany Lowe, director of student support services, for their hard work, planning and diligence.

“A special thank you to all of the departments that came together to make summer school happen,” said Rector. “Last summer was a new year for us. We tried new things and were able to pull together and have a very successful program.”

By SALINA POSTUSD 305 has announced the dates for its summer school program this year.In 2022, summer school is scheduled for May 31 to July 1. The middle and high school programs will be at South High School, the district noted. The location of the elementary program has yet to be determined.“There will likely be two locations,” said Shanna Rector, deputy superintendent. “The number of students registered and where they live will be factors.”Elementary and middle school students will attend summer school free of charge, the district noted in a news release. The elementary program will focus on reading, math and enrichment activities.“Last year, we learned that flexible schedules work really well for families,” Rector said. Students will again be able to participate in just math or reading and have the option to stay for the entire program.According to district information, busing and the summer meal program are integrated into summer school so that students have lunch available at the summer school location.There is no charge for credit recovery classes for high school students but the elective courses, driver’s education, and ACT preparation classes are fee-based.Rector also reviewed the 2021 summer school program. Last summer’s program focused on filling in gaps and addressing learning needs after the first year of COVID-19. Highlights from 2021 included:●Approximately 1,000 students were served.●More than 120 staff provided services.●Bus route availability increased.●Food resources included the summer lunch program and food bank.●Two sessions of summer school were offered in 2021.Rector offered appreciation to the summer school staff including Tricia McVay, elementary director; Krista DeVoe, secondary directory; and Tiffany Lowe, director of student support services, for their hard work, planning and diligence.“A special thank you to all of the departments that came together to make summer school happen,” said Rector. “Last summer was a new year for us. We tried new things and were able to pull together and have a very successful program.”

USD 305 announces plans for 2022 summer school

We have $15,000 in credit card debt. My husband works very hard, but only makes about $25,000 a year. We’re also living in a very old trailer right now, and I stay at home with our newborn. My dad told us he is willing to pay off our debt if we agree to get financial counseling together, and show that we are serious about doing better with our finances. What should we do?

I wouldn’t accept the money from your dad if it’s going to be a loan. If you really want to ruin family events, have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-calculator" target="_blank">debt</a>&nbsp;to your parents. It twists you up inside. And it’ll be especially hard on your husband. No matter what anyone else says, the borrower is&nbsp;always&nbsp;slave to the lender.

If it’s going to be a gift, meaning there’s no expectation of repayment, that’s a different story. Still, I think your dad has a great idea in making the debt payoff contingent on you two going to some kind of financial counseling, and making a proactive effort to change things, get out of debt and save money—for your child’s future&nbsp;and&nbsp;for yours. I’d probably do the same thing.

It doesn’t sound like you’re being crazy with your money, but it’s tough to provide for a family on that kind of income. You and your husband need to sit down together, develop a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/guide-to-budgeting/Introduction" target="_blank">monthly budget</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;realistic five-year plan to improve his earning potential. Make it a date night. Hold hands, do something inexpensive you both enjoy, and let him know he can be anything he wants to be. Then, help him decide exactly what and where he wants to be in five years. What does he want to be making, and what feasible steps can he take educationally or in terms of job training to get there?

If you want to go to work at some point when your baby is a little older, that’s fine. I completely understand the desire to be at home with a brand new baby. But hard work alone just isn’t enough these days. You’ve got to boost your brain power and value in the marketplace, too. God bless you guys!

<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 have $15,000 in credit card debt. My husband works very hard, but only makes about $25,000 a year. We’re also living in a very old trailer right now, and I stay at home with our newborn. My dad told us he is willing to pay off our debt if we agree to get financial counseling together, and show that we are serious about doing better with our finances. What should we do?HarperDear Harper,I wouldn’t accept the money from your dad if it’s going to be a loan. If you really want to ruin family events, have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-calculator" target="_blank">debt</a>&nbsp;to your parents. It twists you up inside. And it’ll be especially hard on your husband. No matter what anyone else says, the borrower is&nbsp;always&nbsp;slave to the lender.If it’s going to be a gift, meaning there’s no expectation of repayment, that’s a different story. Still, I think your dad has a great idea in making the debt payoff contingent on you two going to some kind of financial counseling, and making a proactive effort to change things, get out of debt and save money—for your child’s future&nbsp;and&nbsp;for yours. I’d probably do the same thing.It doesn’t sound like you’re being crazy with your money, but it’s tough to provide for a family on that kind of income. You and your husband need to sit down together, develop a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/guide-to-budgeting/Introduction" target="_blank">monthly budget</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;realistic five-year plan to improve his earning potential. Make it a date night. Hold hands, do something inexpensive you both enjoy, and let him know he can be anything he wants to be. Then, help him decide exactly what and where he wants to be in five years. What does he want to be making, and what feasible steps can he take educationally or in terms of job training to get there?If you want to go to work at some point when your baby is a little older, that’s fine. I completely understand the desire to be at home with a brand new baby. But hard work alone just isn’t enough these days. You’ve got to boost your brain power and value in the marketplace, too. God bless you guys!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: Is it a loan or is it a gift?

Today is Friday, Feb. 11, the 42nd day of 2022. There are 323 days left in the year. 

On Feb. 11, 2013, with a few words in Latin, Pope Benedict XVI did what no pope had done in more than half a millennium: announced his resignation. The bombshell came during a routine morning meeting of Vatican cardinals. (The 85-year-old pontiff was succeeded by Pope Francis.) 

In 660 B.C., tradition holds that Japan was founded as Jimmu ascended the throne as the country's first emperor.

In 1847, American inventor Thomas Alva Edison was born in Milan, Ohio. 

In 1937, a six-week-old sit-down strike against General Motors ended, with the company agreeing to recognize the United Automobile Workers Union. 

In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Josef Stalin signed the Yalta Agreement, in which Stalin agreed to declare war against Imperial Japan following Nazi Germany's capitulation. 

In 1963, American author and poet Sylvia Plath was found dead in her London flat, a suicide; she was 30. 

In 1975, Margaret Thatcher was elected leader of Britain's opposition Conservative Party. 

In 1979, followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini seized power in Iran. 

In 1990, South African Black activist Nelson Mandela was freed after 27 years in captivity. 

In 2006, Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot and wounded Harry Whittington, a companion during a weekend quail-hunting trip in Texas. 

In 2008, the Pentagon charged Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and five other detainees at Guantanamo Bay with murder and war crimes in connection with the Sept. 11 attacks. 

In 2011, Egypt exploded with joy after pro-democracy protesters brought down President Hosni Mubarak, whose resignation ended three decades of authoritarian rule. 

In 2020, the World Health Organization gave the official name of COVID-19 to the disease caused by the coronavirus that had emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan. 

Ten years ago: Pop singer Whitney Houston, 48, was found dead in a hotel room bathtub in Beverly Hills, California.

Five years ago: Yale University announced it would change the name of a residential college honoring 19th-century alumnus and former U.S. Vice President John C. Calhoun, who was an ardent supporter of slavery.

One year ago: At the Senate impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, Democrats asserted that Trump had incited an attack on the U.S. Capitol, put his own vice president in danger and expressed solidarity with rioters who sought to overturn the 2020 election in his name. President Joe Biden ended the "national emergency" that Trump had declared in order to take money from the Pentagon for a wall along the Mexican border. California surpassed New York as the state with the most coronavirus deaths. An Alabama inmate won a reprieve from a lethal injection after the Supreme Court said the state could not proceed without his pastor in the death chamber. (Willie B. Smith III would be executed in October 2021.) Sister André, a French nun who was believed to be the world's second-oldest person, celebrated her 117th birthday at a care home in France after surviving COVID-19. A British judge ruled that a newspaper invaded the privacy of the Duchess of Sussex, the former Meghan Markle, by publishing a personal letter to her estranged father.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Conrad Janis is 94. Gospel singer Jimmy Carter is 90. Actor Tina Louise is 88. Fashion designer Mary Quant is 88. Bandleader Sergio Mendes is 81. Actor Philip Anglim is 70. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is 69. Actor Catherine Hickland is 66. Rock musician David Uosikkinen (The Hooters) is 66. Actor Carey Lowell is 61. Singer Sheryl Crow is 60. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is 58. Actor Jennifer Aniston is 53. Actor Damian Lewis is 51. Actor Marisa Petroro is 50. Singer D'Angelo is 48. Actor Brice Beckham is 46. Rock M-C/vocalist Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park) is 45. Singer-actor Brandy is 43. Country musician Jon Jones (The Eli Young Band) is 42. Actor Matthew Lawrence is 42. R&amp;B singer Kelly Rowland is 41. Actor Natalie Dormer is 40. Singer Aubrey O'Day is 38. Actor Q'orianka Kilcher is 32. Actor Taylor Lautner is 30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Friday, Feb. 11, the 42nd day of 2022. There are 323 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Feb. 11, 2013, with a few words in Latin, Pope Benedict XVI did what no pope had done in more than half a millennium: announced his resignation. The bombshell came during a routine morning meeting of Vatican cardinals. (The 85-year-old pontiff was succeeded by Pope Francis.) On this date: In 660 B.C., tradition holds that Japan was founded as Jimmu ascended the throne as the country's first emperor.In 1847, American inventor Thomas Alva Edison was born in Milan, Ohio. In 1937, a six-week-old sit-down strike against General Motors ended, with the company agreeing to recognize the United Automobile Workers Union. In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Josef Stalin signed the Yalta Agreement, in which Stalin agreed to declare war against Imperial Japan following Nazi Germany's capitulation. In 1963, American author and poet Sylvia Plath was found dead in her London flat, a suicide; she was 30. In 1975, Margaret Thatcher was elected leader of Britain's opposition Conservative Party. In 1979, followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini seized power in Iran. In 1990, South African Black activist Nelson Mandela was freed after 27 years in captivity. In 2006, Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot and wounded Harry Whittington, a companion during a weekend quail-hunting trip in Texas. In 2008, the Pentagon charged Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and five other detainees at Guantanamo Bay with murder and war crimes in connection with the Sept. 11 attacks. In 2011, Egypt exploded with joy after pro-democracy protesters brought down President Hosni Mubarak, whose resignation ended three decades of authoritarian rule. In 2020, the World Health Organization gave the official name of COVID-19 to the disease caused by the coronavirus that had emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Ten years ago: Pop singer Whitney Houston, 48, was found dead in a hotel room bathtub in Beverly Hills, California.Five years ago: Yale University announced it would change the name of a residential college honoring 19th-century alumnus and former U.S. Vice President John C. Calhoun, who was an ardent supporter of slavery. One year ago: At the Senate impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, Democrats asserted that Trump had incited an attack on the U.S. Capitol, put his own vice president in danger and expressed solidarity with rioters who sought to overturn the 2020 election in his name. President Joe Biden ended the "national emergency" that Trump had declared in order to take money from the Pentagon for a wall along the Mexican border. California surpassed New York as the state with the most coronavirus deaths. An Alabama inmate won a reprieve from a lethal injection after the Supreme Court said the state could not proceed without his pastor in the death chamber. (Willie B. Smith III would be executed in October 2021.) Sister André, a French nun who was believed to be the world's second-oldest person, celebrated her 117th birthday at a care home in France after surviving COVID-19. A British judge ruled that a newspaper invaded the privacy of the Duchess of Sussex, the former Meghan Markle, by publishing a personal letter to her estranged father. Today's Birthdays: Actor Conrad Janis is 94. Gospel singer Jimmy Carter is 90. Actor Tina Louise is 88. Fashion designer Mary Quant is 88. Bandleader Sergio Mendes is 81. Actor Philip Anglim is 70. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is 69. Actor Catherine Hickland is 66. Rock musician David Uosikkinen (The Hooters) is 66. Actor Carey Lowell is 61. Singer Sheryl Crow is 60. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is 58. Actor Jennifer Aniston is 53. Actor Damian Lewis is 51. Actor Marisa Petroro is 50. Singer D'Angelo is 48. Actor Brice Beckham is 46. Rock M-C/vocalist Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park) is 45. Singer-actor Brandy is 43. Country musician Jon Jones (The Eli Young Band) is 42. Actor Matthew Lawrence is 42. R&amp;B singer Kelly Rowland is 41. Actor Natalie Dormer is 40. Singer Aubrey O'Day is 38. Actor Q'orianka Kilcher is 32. Actor Taylor Lautner is 30.

Today in History - Feb. 11

Proper care can extend the life of the favored holiday flower

MANHATTAN – The calendar indicates that love will soon be in the air, and for those fortunate to receive Valentine’s Day&nbsp;roses, Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham has some guidelines for extending the life of the flowers.&nbsp;

“For floral arrangements,” he said, “keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with warm water. Add fresh, warm water daily. If the water turns cloudy, replace it immediately.”&nbsp;

Upham suggests re-cutting stems by removing 1-2 inches with a sharp knife, while holding the stem under water.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;roses&nbsp;should be kept in a cool spot – 65-67 degrees Fahrenheit, Upham said – and away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents. He also suggests avoiding areas under ceiling fans or near radiators.&nbsp;

“If a rose starts to wilt, remove it from the arrangement and re-cut the stem under water,” he said. “Submerge the entire rose in warm water. The rose should revive in 1-2 hours.”&nbsp;

For loose stem&nbsp;roses, Upham shared the following tips:

●If you can’t get your flowers in a food solution right away, keep them in a cool place.

●Fill a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained from the florist. Follow directions on the package.

●Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth.

●Re-cut stems under water with a sharp knife and place the flowers in the vase solution.

Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;

Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu" target="_blank">wupham@ksu.edu</a>,&nbsp;or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.&nbsp;

<h2>Proper care can extend the life of the favored holiday flower</h2>K-State Research and ExtensionMANHATTAN – The calendar indicates that love will soon be in the air, and for those fortunate to receive Valentine’s Day&nbsp;roses, Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham has some guidelines for extending the life of the flowers.&nbsp;“For floral arrangements,” he said, “keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with warm water. Add fresh, warm water daily. If the water turns cloudy, replace it immediately.”&nbsp;Upham suggests re-cutting stems by removing 1-2 inches with a sharp knife, while holding the stem under water.&nbsp;The&nbsp;roses&nbsp;should be kept in a cool spot – 65-67 degrees Fahrenheit, Upham said – and away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents. He also suggests avoiding areas under ceiling fans or near radiators.&nbsp;“If a rose starts to wilt, remove it from the arrangement and re-cut the stem under water,” he said. “Submerge the entire rose in warm water. The rose should revive in 1-2 hours.”&nbsp;For loose stem&nbsp;roses, Upham shared the following tips: ●If you can’t get your flowers in a food solution right away, keep them in a cool place.●Fill a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained from the florist. Follow directions on the package.●Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth.●Re-cut stems under water with a sharp knife and place the flowers in the vase solution.Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu" target="_blank">wupham@ksu.edu</a>,&nbsp;or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.&nbsp;

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