Salina Central High School thespians will kick off their 2021-22 season with a series of one-act plays.

The one-acts are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday in the Central auditorium. Tickets are $5 general admission. The audience members will be able to select their own seats in the auditorium and there will be no assigned seating. Masking is required for all audience members, according to information from Salina Central Theatre.

Concessions will be available and the productions will run continuously without an intermission. Patrons may excuse themselves during changeovers from one production to another.

One-act plays to be presented include the following.

The Ledge, the Ledger, and the Legend by Paul Elliott

All rights provided by arrangements with Dramatists Publishing Company, Concord Theatricals, and Busy Bee Publishing. 

All of the productions will be student directed and stage managed by current members of Central's Thespian Troupe 639. 

The Ledge, Ledger, and the Legend

Co-directors: Josh Warner and Lillian Myers

For more information about the plays and Salina Central High School Theatre, <a href="https://our.show/chstroupe639/nightofoneacts">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633038936055.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTSalina Central High School thespians will kick off their 2021-22 season with a series of one-act plays.The one-acts are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday in the Central auditorium. Tickets are $5 general admission. The audience members will be able to select their own seats in the auditorium and there will be no assigned seating. Masking is required for all audience members, according to information from Salina Central Theatre.Concessions will be available and the productions will run continuously without an intermission. Patrons may excuse themselves during changeovers from one production to another.One-act plays to be presented include the following.The Ledge, the Ledger, and the Legend by Paul ElliottA Game by Dennis E. NobleAlways…? by Alexander BrowneI Hate Mothers by James RayfieldTracks by Peter TarsiAll rights provided by arrangements with Dramatists Publishing Company, Concord Theatricals, and Busy Bee Publishing. All of the productions will be student directed and stage managed by current members of Central's Thespian Troupe 639. <h2>Cast and crew</h2>The Ledge, Ledger, and the LegendDirector: Chloe Highsmith		Stage Manager: Peyton WoodPete: Israel BarlowJM: Ronin VallejoPJ: Mykayla CunninghamA GameDirector: Tayge Jones				Stage Manager: Kasheia PetersonCarter: Carson AblardBaker: Nathan GoldbachEdson: Michelle SimmonsDr. Henning: Alyssa MaasAlways…?Director: Charles Goldbach			Stage Manager: Lillian MyersCindy: Liv OwingsBerv: Will EbelHank: Karson GriffinMrs. Troutman: Maddison FarthingI Hate MothersDirector: Harper Johnston			Stage Manager: Emma KellyMother: Q DuxlorKimberly: Emma KellyJason: Ben CampbellTracksCo-directors: Josh Warner and Lillian MyersHomeless Girl: Camille MorrisOld Man: Tayge JonesLawyer: Harper JohnstonProfessor: Charles GoldbachNun: Vidhi BhaktaBusinesswoman: Chloe HighsmithBusinessman: Ethan HenryH.S. Girl: Peyton WoodH.S. Boy: Tyler J. CampbellWaitress: Emma KellyFor more information about the plays and Salina Central High School Theatre, <a href="https://our.show/chstroupe639/nightofoneacts">click here</a>.

Central Theatre to open season Friday with series of one-act plays

TOPEKA – Seven Kansas Lottery players have lucked out with $1,000 cash after winning the prize through the Lucky for You second-chance drawing!

Kansas Lottery players entered the promotion by submitting their winning and non-winning Lucky for Life tickets into PlayOn®&nbsp;from July 19 through Sept. 28, 2021. Each Lucky for Life ticket entered received an entry based on the dollar value of the ticket (e.g. $4 Lucky for Life ticket received four entries). There were 580,410 entries in the Kansas Lottery’s drawing.

To see details on other second-chance drawings, including a Chiefs Suite Experience, Powerball First Millionaire of the Year, cash, coupons, and more, visit the Promotions&nbsp;<a href="https://kslottery.com/marketingpromotionslist" target="_blank">webpage</a>.

TOPEKA – Seven Kansas Lottery players have lucked out with $1,000 cash after winning the prize through the Lucky for You second-chance drawing!The winners are:●P Griffiths of Lenexa●Lequita Scott of Overland Park●Lisa Gum of Dodge City●Julie Deiter of Topeka●Alan Figgs of Berryton●Richard Bammes of Manhattan●Amethyst Sankey of SalinaKansas Lottery players entered the promotion by submitting their winning and non-winning Lucky for Life tickets into PlayOn®&nbsp;from July 19 through Sept. 28, 2021. Each Lucky for Life ticket entered received an entry based on the dollar value of the ticket (e.g. $4 Lucky for Life ticket received four entries). There were 580,410 entries in the Kansas Lottery’s drawing.To see details on other second-chance drawings, including a Chiefs Suite Experience, Powerball First Millionaire of the Year, cash, coupons, and more, visit the Promotions&nbsp;<a href="https://kslottery.com/marketingpromotionslist" target="_blank">webpage</a>.

Salina's Sankey among lottery Lucky for You second-chance winners

Rainfall across the area varied as the first round of storms moved through over night.

At the Salina Regional Airport, 0.53 of an inch was reported for the 24-hour period ending at 7 a.m. Thursday.

Following are 24-hour rainfall totals as of 7 a.m. Saturday (unless otherwise noted) from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">Community Collaborative Rain, Hail &amp; Snow Network</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Wakefield 0.2 NW, 1.25 inches (reported at 6:30 a.m.)

Concordia 0.6 SW, 0.29 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)

Brookville 5.5 W, 0.22 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)

Lindsborg 0.7 NNW, 0.10 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)

McPherson 1.2 N, 0.11 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)

Galva 1.4 N, 0.26 of an inch (reported at 6:30 a.m.)

Galva 1.5 NE, 0.36 of an inch (reported at 6:40 a.m.)

Salina 6.2 ENE, 0.28 of an inch (reported at 5:38 a.m.)

Salina 0.2 NNE, 0.04 of an inch (reported at 6:30 a.m.)

Salina 6.0 WNW, 0.91 of an inch (reported at 6:42 a.m.)

Salina 0.7 SSW, 0.62 of an inch (reported at 6:50 a.m.)

Rainfall across the area varied as the first round of storms moved through over night.At the Salina Regional Airport, 0.53 of an inch was reported for the 24-hour period ending at 7 a.m. Thursday.Following are 24-hour rainfall totals as of 7 a.m. Saturday (unless otherwise noted) from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">Community Collaborative Rain, Hail &amp; Snow Network</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;CLAY COUNTYWakefield 0.2 NW, 1.25 inches (reported at 6:30 a.m.)Clay Center 12.4 NNE, 0.15 of an inchClay Center 6.7 WNW, 0.09 of an inchCLOUD COUNTYConcordia 0.6 SW, 0.29 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)Jamestown 2.4 NW, 0.93 of an inchConcordia 9.3 SSW, 0.41 of an inchConcordia 1.8 S, 0.27 of an inchDICKINSON COUNTYEnterprise 0.3 NW, 0.10 of an inchChapman 6.0 NNE, 0.21 of an inchHope 0.3 S, 0.04 of an inchAbilene 5.4 E, 0.10 of an inchHope 7.5 NNW, 0.57 of an inchAbilene 0.7 W, 0.05 of an inchAbilene 10.9 S, 0.01 of an inchAbilene 1.1 NNE, 0.05 of an inchELLSWORTH COUNTYBrookville 5.5 W, 0.22 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)Geneseo 4.1 N, 0.63 of an inchEllsworth 0.3 E, 0.85 of an inchLorraine 1.4 S, 0.68 of an inchHolyrood 6.2 NNW, 1.14 inchesLorraine 2.5 ESE, 0.75 of an inchKanopolis 4.5 NE, 0.69 of an inchKanopolis 0.4 SSE, 1.00 inchJEWELL COUNTYFormoso 0.3 W, 0.32 of an inchLINCOLN COUNTYBeverly 0.1 SSW, 0.42 of an inchMARION COUNTYNewton 9.4 N, 0.01 of an inchNewton 12.6 N, 0.02 of an inchMCPHERSON COUNTYLindsborg 0.7 NNW, 0.10 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)McPherson 1.2 N, 0.11 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)Galva 1.4 N, 0.26 of an inch (reported at 6:30 a.m.)Galva 1.5 NE, 0.36 of an inch (reported at 6:40 a.m.)McPherson 6.6 WSW, 0.56 of an inchLindsborg 5.6 W, 0.28 of an inchInman 0.8 WSW, 0.66 of an inchMoundridge 5.3 WSW, 0.33 of an inchMoundridge 0.4 SW, 0.03 of an inchMarquette 3.0 WSW, 0.62 of an inchCanton 3.2 N, 0.03 of an inchMoundridge 1.0 N, 0.02 of an inchMoundridge 2.2 W, 0.01 of an inchGalva 9.5 N, 0.26 of an inchMcPherson 0.9 NE, 0.18 of an inchMcPherson 6.6 ENE, 0.19 of an inchGalva 1.1 WSW, 0.11 of an inchGalva 2.6 SSE, 0.13 of an inchMarquette 3.2 NNE, 0.25 of an inchMcPherson 1.1 NW, 0.15 of an inchMcPherson 0.8 SW, 0.14 of an inchMarquette 2.1 NNE, 0.21 of an inchMITCHELL COUNTYScottsville 4.6 SSW, 0.30 of an inchBeloit 9.9 SSW, 0.48 of an inchHunter 2.1 NNW, 0.50 of an inchBeloit 1.9 ENE, 0.19 of an inchOTTAWA COUNTYAda 7.0 NNW, 0.45 of an inchMinneapolis 0.4 NE, 0.31 of an inchMinneapolis 0.3 WNW, 0.23 of an inchREPUBLIC COUNTYBelleville 4.2 N, 0.32 of an inchRepublic 1.0 NNW, 0.29 of an inchScandia 1.1 N, 0.47 of an inchBelleville 0.6 ESE, 0.41 of an inchSALINE COUNTYSalina 6.2 ENE, 0.28 of an inch (reported at 5:38 a.m.)Salina 0.2 NNE, 0.04 of an inch (reported at 6:30 a.m.)Salina 6.0 WNW, 0.91 of an inch (reported at 6:42 a.m.)Salina 0.7 SSW, 0.62 of an inch (reported at 6:50 a.m.)Brookville 8.0 NNE, 0.65 of an inchSalina 7.0 N, 0.40 of an inchBrookville 5.9 NNW, 0.38 of an inchSalina 5.7 NNW, 0.23 of an inchGypsum 1.1 NE, 0.26 of an inchSalina 8.7 NNE, 0.28 of an inchCulver 1.8 SE, 0.30 of an inchSalina 2.9 ENE, 0.12 of an inchNew Cambria 2.1 NW, 0.17 of an inchFalun 3.2 SW, 0.13 of an inchGypsum 5.6 S, 0.26 of an inch

Rainfall varies across the area overnight

Fall enrollment has been good for two Salina higher education institutions.

Salina Technical College set another enrollment record, while Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology reported its fourth consecutive year for enrollment growth.

Today is the fall 20th day enrollment reporting day for all Kansas Board of Regents affiliated institutions.

Salina Tech has 852 students, up from 697 on the 20th day in 2020 – a 22.2 percent increase, according to information provided by the college this morning.

Because nearly every higher education institution experienced enrollment decreases in the 2020-21 academic year, the first full academic year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Salina Tech President Greg Nichols said that he was looking back two years, to the 2019-20 school year, to gauge the results.

Compared to the 2019-20, Salina Tech headcount is up 7.7 percent, from 791 to 852, and credit hours are up 6.5 percent, from 6,541 to 6,970.

Additionally, compared to the fall of 2016, when Salina Tech  earned its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, headcount is up 46.9 percent, from 580 to 852, and credit hours are up 25.9 percent, from 5,535 to 6,970, the college noted in a news release.

While new programs, such as practical nursing and associate degree nursing, are fueling some of the growth, Salina Tech also is seeing more students in long-standing programs.

“We’re all very pleased with the numbers,” Nichols said. “But there are always challenges that come with growth – parking is becoming an issue, and we’re working to develop a plan to ensure campus facilities are used efficiently.”

During the past summer, Salina Tech was able to increase its parking when it gained ownership of its campus and buildings from Salina USD 305. Additionally, the campus gained parking space this past summer with the demolition of Building G, which had housed the diesel and automotive tech programs in the 1980s and 1990s, but had been vacant for several years.

Salina Tech isn't resting on its laurels, however. Nichols said he expects new programs to bring additional students to campus. The college is launching an Early Childhood Education program in January. The Fire Science program, which had been housed at Salina South High School for the past three years, has been moved on campus, opening it up for adults and high school students outside Salina.

K-State Salina credits its personalized approach for its enrollment increase.

"We know our personalized approach to education helps students be successful," said Christopher Smith, executive director of enrollment management and student engagement. "We saw huge increases in applications from Saline County, which increased by 54 percent this year, and an increase of 40 percent in first-generation students. We also saw an increase in both in-state and out-of-state applications, 84 percent and 39 percent respectively."

In addition to four years of overall enrollment increases, K-State Salina also is experiencing four consecutive years of growth in its freshmen population, the campus noted in a news release. This year's freshman class is 141, up 22 percent from 2020, and transfer student enrollment increased by 114 percent. The two on-campus suite-style residence halls are once again at capacity for the third consecutive year.

"This has been an exciting year for our campus," said Alysia Starkey, CEO and dean. "The aerospace and technology industries are hiring graduates at record pace and our enrollment management team, faculty and staff are working hard to keep up with demand. It is a great time to start a career in the industries we serve."

K-State Salina provides degrees for in-demand careers in aviation, advanced manufacturing, automation and technology, and much-needed career fields in Kansas like social work. The campus focuses on real-world education and uses 71 percent of its learning space for lab or hands-on learning, according to information provided by the campus.

The programs that saw the largest growth this year were in engineering technology and aviation. Engineering technology degrees increased in enrollment by 89 percent, with strong growth in electrical computer engineering technology and mechanical engineering technology. The aviation maintenance management program also increased 55 percent and the professional pilot program continued with record enrollment for the third year in a row, K-State Salina noted in a news release.

Other Kansas Board of Regents enrollment numbers

Nearly all of the state universities experienced enrollment declines, according to information from the Kansas Board of Regents. Following are this fall's headcount totals compared to fall 2020 as provided by the Kansas Board of Regents.

●Emporia State University, 5,615, down 3.7 percent

●Fort Hays State University, 14,104, down 6.2 percent

●Kansas State University, 19,753, down 3.1 percent

●Kansas State University-Veterinary Medicine, 476, down 0.2 percent

●Pittsburg State University, 6,017, down 6 percent

●University of Kansas Medical Center, 3,727, up 2 percent

●Wichita State University, 16,097, up 3.5 percent

Additionally, a number of Kansas community colleges experienced decreased enrollment as of the 20th day of classes. In our area, Cloud County Community College's headcount enrollment was 1,531, down 3.7 percent.

By SALINA POSTFall enrollment has been good for two Salina higher education institutions.Salina Technical College set another enrollment record, while Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology reported its fourth consecutive year for enrollment growth.Today is the fall 20th day enrollment reporting day for all Kansas Board of Regents affiliated institutions.Salina TechSalina Tech has 852 students, up from 697 on the 20th day in 2020 – a 22.2 percent increase, according to information provided by the college this morning.Because nearly every higher education institution experienced enrollment decreases in the 2020-21 academic year, the first full academic year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Salina Tech President Greg Nichols said that he was looking back two years, to the 2019-20 school year, to gauge the results.Compared to the 2019-20, Salina Tech headcount is up 7.7 percent, from 791 to 852, and credit hours are up 6.5 percent, from 6,541 to 6,970.Additionally, compared to the fall of 2016, when Salina Tech earned its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, headcount is up 46.9 percent, from 580 to 852, and credit hours are up 25.9 percent, from 5,535 to 6,970, the college noted in a news release.While new programs, such as practical nursing and associate degree nursing, are fueling some of the growth, Salina Tech also is seeing more students in long-standing programs.“We’re all very pleased with the numbers,” Nichols said. “But there are always challenges that come with growth – parking is becoming an issue, and we’re working to develop a plan to ensure campus facilities are used efficiently.”During the past summer, Salina Tech was able to increase its parking when it gained ownership of its campus and buildings from Salina USD 305. Additionally, the campus gained parking space this past summer with the demolition of Building G, which had housed the diesel and automotive tech programs in the 1980s and 1990s, but had been vacant for several years.Salina Tech isn't resting on its laurels, however. Nichols said he expects new programs to bring additional students to campus. The college is launching an Early Childhood Education program in January. The Fire Science program, which had been housed at Salina South High School for the past three years, has been moved on campus, opening it up for adults and high school students outside Salina.K-State SalinaK-State Salina credits its personalized approach for its enrollment increase."We know our personalized approach to education helps students be successful," said Christopher Smith, executive director of enrollment management and student engagement. "We saw huge increases in applications from Saline County, which increased by 54 percent this year, and an increase of 40 percent in first-generation students. We also saw an increase in both in-state and out-of-state applications, 84 percent and 39 percent respectively."In addition to four years of overall enrollment increases, K-State Salina also is experiencing four consecutive years of growth in its freshmen population, the campus noted in a news release. This year's freshman class is 141, up 22 percent from 2020, and transfer student enrollment increased by 114 percent. The two on-campus suite-style residence halls are once again at capacity for the third consecutive year."This has been an exciting year for our campus," said Alysia Starkey, CEO and dean. "The aerospace and technology industries are hiring graduates at record pace and our enrollment management team, faculty and staff are working hard to keep up with demand. It is a great time to start a career in the industries we serve."K-State Salina provides degrees for in-demand careers in aviation, advanced manufacturing, automation and technology, and much-needed career fields in Kansas like social work. The campus focuses on real-world education and uses 71 percent of its learning space for lab or hands-on learning, according to information provided by the campus.The programs that saw the largest growth this year were in engineering technology and aviation. Engineering technology degrees increased in enrollment by 89 percent, with strong growth in electrical computer engineering technology and mechanical engineering technology. The aviation maintenance management program also increased 55 percent and the professional pilot program continued with record enrollment for the third year in a row, K-State Salina noted in a news release.Other Kansas Board of Regents enrollment numbersNearly all of the state universities experienced enrollment declines, according to information from the Kansas Board of Regents. Following are this fall's headcount totals compared to fall 2020 as provided by the Kansas Board of Regents.●Emporia State University, 5,615, down 3.7 percent●Fort Hays State University, 14,104, down 6.2 percent●Kansas State University, 19,753, down 3.1 percent●Kansas State University-Veterinary Medicine, 476, down 0.2 percent●Pittsburg State University, 6,017, down 6 percent●University of Kansas, 23,958, flat●University of Kansas Medical Center, 3,727, up 2 percent●Wichita State University, 16,097, up 3.5 percentAdditionally, a number of Kansas community colleges experienced decreased enrollment as of the 20th day of classes. In our area, Cloud County Community College's headcount enrollment was 1,531, down 3.7 percent.

Salina Tech sets enrollment record; K-State Salina up

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

An alleged test drive turned into a stolen vehicle from a Salina dealership.

A man who is believed to have provided false information asked to test-drive a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado at Marshall Motor Company, 3500 S. Ninth Street, on Wednesday afternoon, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. The man was supposed to test-drive the pickup for two hours, but he never returned with it.

The pickup, which had some customization on it, was valued at $70,000. It had a Kansas dealer tag of D944AM on it.

The man was described as white, six-foot tall, and weighing 190 pounds. 

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostAn alleged test drive turned into a stolen vehicle from a Salina dealership.A man who is believed to have provided false information asked to test-drive a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado at Marshall Motor Company, 3500 S. Ninth Street, on Wednesday afternoon, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. The man was supposed to test-drive the pickup for two hours, but he never returned with it.The pickup, which had some customization on it, was valued at $70,000. It had a Kansas dealer tag of D944AM on it.The man was described as white, six-foot tall, and weighing 190 pounds.

Man takes pickup for test-drive but doesn't return

An upcoming pumpkin and mum sale will benefit patients in need of hospice services and their families.

Hospice of Salina's 15th annual Pumpkins for Patients fundraiser is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Kaye Pogue Hospice Center, 730 Holly Lane.

This year’s event will be a drive through sale due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Shoppers can choose from a wide variety of pumpkins and gourds of all shapes and sizes and a colorful array of fall mums from the comfort of their vehicles. Volunteers will place the purchases in the buyers’ vehicles. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted, according to information from Salina Regional Health Center.

“Due to COVID-19 we’re unable to have an event with food, games and hayrides like we usually do,” said Rebecca Hansen, clinic manager at Hospice of Salina. “This event is our main fundraiser to support patients and families in need of hospice services, and the need for hospice care doesn’t go away because of COVID-19.”

Mystery Prize Pumpkins have been added to this year’s selections. Five specially marked pumpkins are hidden among the selections. Pick the right pumpkin and you could be a winner! Four pumpkins will have a $25 cash prize and one pumpkin will have a $100 grand prize.

As the community’s only not-for-profit hospice provider, no patients are ever turned away from services based on ability to pay. All proceeds from this event support patients and families in need of hospice services, the Salina Regional Health Center news release noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632974284830.jpeg" alt=" A wide variety of pumpkins and fall mums have arrived for Hospice of Salina's annual Pumpkins for Patients fundraiser on Saturday. Photo courtesy Salina Regional Health Center" />
 <figcaption> A wide variety of pumpkins and fall mums have arrived for Hospice of Salina's annual Pumpkins for Patients fundraiser on Saturday. Photo courtesy Salina Regional Health Center</figcaption>
 </figure>An upcoming pumpkin and mum sale will benefit patients in need of hospice services and their families.Hospice of Salina's 15th annual Pumpkins for Patients fundraiser is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Kaye Pogue Hospice Center, 730 Holly Lane.This year’s event will be a drive through sale due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shoppers can choose from a wide variety of pumpkins and gourds of all shapes and sizes and a colorful array of fall mums from the comfort of their vehicles. Volunteers will place the purchases in the buyers’ vehicles. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted, according to information from Salina Regional Health Center.“Due to COVID-19 we’re unable to have an event with food, games and hayrides like we usually do,” said Rebecca Hansen, clinic manager at Hospice of Salina. “This event is our main fundraiser to support patients and families in need of hospice services, and the need for hospice care doesn’t go away because of COVID-19.”Mystery Prize Pumpkins have been added to this year’s selections. Five specially marked pumpkins are hidden among the selections. Pick the right pumpkin and you could be a winner! Four pumpkins will have a $25 cash prize and one pumpkin will have a $100 grand prize.As the community’s only not-for-profit hospice provider, no patients are ever turned away from services based on ability to pay. All proceeds from this event support patients and families in need of hospice services, the Salina Regional Health Center news release noted.

Hospice of Salina pumpkin, fall mum sale Saturday

GLASCO - With the opening of Glasco Family Physicians in November, local healthcare will return to Glasco for the first time in 15 years. 

Construction of the new clinic is now complete. This new, state-of-the-art, primary care clinic in Glasco is scheduled to open on Nov. 2, and is located at 302 E. First Street. 

Dr. Eric Anderson and Kay Cummins, FNP-C, will be the new medical providers serving the communities within Mitchell County and Cloud County.

Anderson is a board-certified family practice physician who specializes in family medicine, obstetrics, and pediatrics. He completed his residency at Via Christi Family Medicine Residency Program - Wichita, his Medical Degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita, and his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Emporia State University.

Cummins received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Wichita State University and her Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) from Fort Hays State University. She completed her Master of Science in Education degree from Kansas State University. Cummins has spent more than 20 years working in a rural healthcare setting. This included rural health clinics, hospitals, and providing coverage in rural ER’s.

This new primary care clinic has two modern exam rooms and an in-house laboratory. The building is fully handicap-accessible and has been designed to meet the current healthcare needs of the surrounding communities. The clinic will be open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Same day and walk-in appointments are encouraged. To schedule an appointment, please call (785) 568-2500.

Glasco Family Physicians is affiliated with Clay County Medical Center, a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital in the United States. 

“High quality medical care is our first priority,” said Austin Gillard, CEO of CCMC. “Whether you are an expecting mother, need your annual preventative checkup, or looking for specialized care, our entire team is ready to meet your needs. There is a reason we are ranked nationally in patient quality, patient outcomes, patient perspective, and overall cost to our patients. Come visit us in Glasco, you will see and experience the difference.”

GLASCO - With the opening of Glasco Family Physicians in November, local healthcare will return to Glasco for the first time in 15 years. Construction of the new clinic is now complete. This new, state-of-the-art, primary care clinic in Glasco is scheduled to open on Nov. 2, and is located at 302 E. First Street. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632972946479.png" alt="Dr. Eric Anderson. Photo courtesy CCMC" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Eric Anderson. Photo courtesy CCMC</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Eric Anderson and Kay Cummins, FNP-C, will be the new medical providers serving the communities within Mitchell County and Cloud County.Anderson is a board-certified family practice physician who specializes in family medicine, obstetrics, and pediatrics. He completed his residency at Via Christi Family Medicine Residency Program - Wichita, his Medical Degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita, and his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Emporia State University.Cummins received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Wichita State University and her Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) from Fort Hays State University. She completed her Master of Science in Education degree from Kansas State University. Cummins has spent more than 20 years working in a rural healthcare setting. This included rural health clinics, hospitals, and providing coverage in rural ER’s.This new primary care clinic has two modern exam rooms and an in-house laboratory. The building is fully handicap-accessible and has been designed to meet the current healthcare needs of the surrounding communities. The clinic will be open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Same day and walk-in appointments are encouraged. To schedule an appointment, please call (785) 568-2500.Glasco Family Physicians is affiliated with Clay County Medical Center, a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital in the United States. “High quality medical care is our first priority,” said Austin Gillard, CEO of CCMC. “Whether you are an expecting mother, need your annual preventative checkup, or looking for specialized care, our entire team is ready to meet your needs. There is a reason we are ranked nationally in patient quality, patient outcomes, patient perspective, and overall cost to our patients. Come visit us in Glasco, you will see and experience the difference.”-CCMC-

CCMC: Glasco Family Physicians to open in November

Today is Thursday, Sept. 30, the 273rd day of 2021. There are 92 days left in the year. 

On Sept. 30, 1962, James Meredith, a Black student, was escorted by federal marshals to the campus of the University of Mississippi, where he enrolled for classes the next day; Meredith's presence sparked rioting that claimed two lives. 

In 1777, the Continental Congress — forced to flee in the face of advancing British forces — moved to York, Pennsylvania. 

In 1938, after co-signing the Munich Agreement allowing Nazi annexation of Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain said, "I believe it is peace for our time."

In 1947, the World Series was broadcast on television for the first time; the New York Yankees defeated the Brooklyn Dodgers 5-3 in Game 1 (the Yankees went on to win the Series four games to three).

In 1949, the Berlin Airlift came to an end. 

In 1954, the first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, was commissioned by the U.S. Navy. 

In 1955, actor James Dean, 24, was killed in a two-car collision near Cholame, California. 

In 1972, Roberto Clemente hit a double against Jon Matlack of the New York Mets during Pittsburgh's 5-0 victory at Three Rivers Stadium; the hit was the 3,000th and last for the Pirates star. 

In 1984, the mystery series "Murder, She Wrote," starring Angela Lansbury, premiered on CBS. 

In 1986, the U.S. released accused Soviet spy Gennadiy Zakharov, one day after the Soviets released American journalist Nicholas Daniloff.

In 2001, under threat of U.S. military strikes, Afghanistan's hard-line Taliban rulers said explicitly for the first time that Osama bin Laden was still in the country and that they knew where his hideout was located. 

In 2014, the first case of Ebola diagnosed in the U.S. was confirmed in a patient who had recently traveled from Liberia to Dallas. California Gov. Jerry Brown signed the nation's first statewide ban on single-use plastic bags at grocery and convenience stores. 

In 2017, Monty Hall, the long-running host of TV's "Let's Make a Deal," died of heart failure at his home in Beverly Hills at the age of 96.

Ten years ago: A U.S. drone airstrike in Yemen killed two American members of al-Qaida, cleric Anwar al-Awlaki and recruiting magazine editor Samir Khan.

Five years ago: Alabama's Court of the Judiciary permanently suspended state Chief Justice Roy Moore for defying federal court rulings on gay marriage, saying he had violated judicial ethics. Scottish boxer Mike Towell, 25, died after suffering severe bleeding and swelling to his brain during a televised fight against Dale Evans in Glasgow.

One year ago: Authorities in California said they had arrested and charged a man in connection with the shooting earlier in the month that wounded two Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies as they sat in their squad car. (Deonte Lee Murray has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and other charges.) Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced he was ending a statewide mask mandate, but the Republican governor said he would still require people to wear masks in school to curb the spread of novel coronavirus. A court approved a settlement totaling $800 million from casino company MGM Resorts International and its insurers to more than 4,400 relatives and victims of the 2017 Las Vegas Strip shooting that left 58 people dead. Serena Williams' latest bid for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam title ended when she was unable to play a second-round match at the French Open because of an injury.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Angie Dickinson is 90. Singer Cissy Houston is 88. Singer Johnny Mathis is 86. Actor Len Cariou is 82. Singer Marilyn McCoo is 78. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is 76. Pop singer Sylvia Peterson (The Chiffons) is 75. Actor Vondie Curtis-Hall is 71. Actor Victoria Tennant is 71. Actor John Finn is 69. Rock musician John Lombardo is 69. Singer Deborah Allen is 68. Actor Calvin Levels is 67. Actor Barry Williams is 67. Singer Patrice Rushen is 67. Actor Fran Drescher is 64. Country singer Marty Stuart is 63. Actor Debrah Farentino is 62. Former Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., is 61. Actor Crystal Bernard is 60. Actor Eric Stoltz is 60. Rapper-producer Marley Marl is 59. Country singer Eddie Montgomery (Montgomery-Gentry) is 58. Rock singer Trey Anastasio is 57. Actor Monica Bellucci is 57. Rock musician Robby Takac (Goo Goo Dolls) is 57. Actor Lisa Thornhill is 55. Actor Andrea Roth is 54. Actor Amy Landecker is 52. Actor Silas Weir Mitchell is 52. Actor Tony Hale is 51. Actor Jenna Elfman is 50. Actor Ashley Hamilton is 47. Actor Marion Cotillard is 46. Actor Christopher Jackson is 46. Actor Stark Sands is 43. Actor Mike Damus is 42. Actor Toni Trucks is 41. Former tennis player Martina Hingis is 41. Olympic gold medal gymnast Dominique Moceanu is 40. Actor Lacey Chabert is 39. Actor Kieran Culkin is 39. Singer-rapper T-Pain is 37.

<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, Sept. 30, the 273rd day of 2021. There are 92 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Sept. 30, 1962, James Meredith, a Black student, was escorted by federal marshals to the campus of the University of Mississippi, where he enrolled for classes the next day; Meredith's presence sparked rioting that claimed two lives. On this date: In 1777, the Continental Congress — forced to flee in the face of advancing British forces — moved to York, Pennsylvania. In 1938, after co-signing the Munich Agreement allowing Nazi annexation of Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain said, "I believe it is peace for our time."In 1947, the World Series was broadcast on television for the first time; the New York Yankees defeated the Brooklyn Dodgers 5-3 in Game 1 (the Yankees went on to win the Series four games to three).In 1949, the Berlin Airlift came to an end. In 1954, the first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, was commissioned by the U.S. Navy. In 1955, actor James Dean, 24, was killed in a two-car collision near Cholame, California. In 1972, Roberto Clemente hit a double against Jon Matlack of the New York Mets during Pittsburgh's 5-0 victory at Three Rivers Stadium; the hit was the 3,000th and last for the Pirates star. In 1984, the mystery series "Murder, She Wrote," starring Angela Lansbury, premiered on CBS. In 1986, the U.S. released accused Soviet spy Gennadiy Zakharov, one day after the Soviets released American journalist Nicholas Daniloff.In 2001, under threat of U.S. military strikes, Afghanistan's hard-line Taliban rulers said explicitly for the first time that Osama bin Laden was still in the country and that they knew where his hideout was located. In 2014, the first case of Ebola diagnosed in the U.S. was confirmed in a patient who had recently traveled from Liberia to Dallas. California Gov. Jerry Brown signed the nation's first statewide ban on single-use plastic bags at grocery and convenience stores. In 2017, Monty Hall, the long-running host of TV's "Let's Make a Deal," died of heart failure at his home in Beverly Hills at the age of 96.Ten years ago: A U.S. drone airstrike in Yemen killed two American members of al-Qaida, cleric Anwar al-Awlaki and recruiting magazine editor Samir Khan.Five years ago: Alabama's Court of the Judiciary permanently suspended state Chief Justice Roy Moore for defying federal court rulings on gay marriage, saying he had violated judicial ethics. Scottish boxer Mike Towell, 25, died after suffering severe bleeding and swelling to his brain during a televised fight against Dale Evans in Glasgow.One year ago: Authorities in California said they had arrested and charged a man in connection with the shooting earlier in the month that wounded two Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies as they sat in their squad car. (Deonte Lee Murray has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and other charges.) Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced he was ending a statewide mask mandate, but the Republican governor said he would still require people to wear masks in school to curb the spread of novel coronavirus. A court approved a settlement totaling $800 million from casino company MGM Resorts International and its insurers to more than 4,400 relatives and victims of the 2017 Las Vegas Strip shooting that left 58 people dead. Serena Williams' latest bid for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam title ended when she was unable to play a second-round match at the French Open because of an injury.Today's Birthdays: Actor Angie Dickinson is 90. Singer Cissy Houston is 88. Singer Johnny Mathis is 86. Actor Len Cariou is 82. Singer Marilyn McCoo is 78. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is 76. Pop singer Sylvia Peterson (The Chiffons) is 75. Actor Vondie Curtis-Hall is 71. Actor Victoria Tennant is 71. Actor John Finn is 69. Rock musician John Lombardo is 69. Singer Deborah Allen is 68. Actor Calvin Levels is 67. Actor Barry Williams is 67. Singer Patrice Rushen is 67. Actor Fran Drescher is 64. Country singer Marty Stuart is 63. Actor Debrah Farentino is 62. Former Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., is 61. Actor Crystal Bernard is 60. Actor Eric Stoltz is 60. Rapper-producer Marley Marl is 59. Country singer Eddie Montgomery (Montgomery-Gentry) is 58. Rock singer Trey Anastasio is 57. Actor Monica Bellucci is 57. Rock musician Robby Takac (Goo Goo Dolls) is 57. Actor Lisa Thornhill is 55. Actor Andrea Roth is 54. Actor Amy Landecker is 52. Actor Silas Weir Mitchell is 52. Actor Tony Hale is 51. Actor Jenna Elfman is 50. Actor Ashley Hamilton is 47. Actor Marion Cotillard is 46. Actor Christopher Jackson is 46. Actor Stark Sands is 43. Actor Mike Damus is 42. Actor Toni Trucks is 41. Former tennis player Martina Hingis is 41. Olympic gold medal gymnast Dominique Moceanu is 40. Actor Lacey Chabert is 39. Actor Kieran Culkin is 39. Singer-rapper T-Pain is 37.

Today in History - Sept. 30

Week 4 of&nbsp; Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest on&nbsp;<a href="http://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>&nbsp;begins tonight. Have you made your picks?

Not registered? What are you waiting for? Although the season has begun, you still have time to win great weekly prizes including&nbsp;Chiefs tickets, show tickets, and cash. If you pick well, you'll also be in the running for the local season prize of $1,000 and a national season prize of a trip to Hawaii!

The Week 4 prize is a pair of tickets and a parking pass to the Chiefs' game against the Bills on Oct. 10.

To get to the registration page,&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d56f448d-e474-448c-9a47-8f7d4ce8ae6f?contestid=3#registration/login">click here</a>&nbsp;or go to the Contests tab near the top of&nbsp;<a href="http://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d56f448d-e474-448c-9a47-8f7d4ce8ae6f?contestid=3#registration/login">Register today</a>&nbsp;and prove that you have what it takes to win Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630526425065.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Week 4 of&nbsp; Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest on&nbsp;<a href="http://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>&nbsp;begins tonight. Have you made your picks?Not registered? What are you waiting for? Although the season has begun, you still have time to win great weekly prizes including&nbsp;Chiefs tickets, show tickets, and cash. If you pick well, you'll also be in the running for the local season prize of $1,000 and a national season prize of a trip to Hawaii!The Week 4 prize is a pair of tickets and a parking pass to the Chiefs' game against the Bills on Oct. 10.To get to the registration page,&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d56f448d-e474-448c-9a47-8f7d4ce8ae6f?contestid=3#registration/login">click here</a>&nbsp;or go to the Contests tab near the top of&nbsp;<a href="http://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d56f448d-e474-448c-9a47-8f7d4ce8ae6f?contestid=3#registration/login">Register today</a>&nbsp;and prove that you have what it takes to win Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory!

Gridiron Glory: Don't forget to make your picks for Week 4

Christ Cathedral will have a Blessing of the Animals Sunday.

The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at Christ Cathedral, 138 S. Eighth Street. The event is being held in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. 

Pets of all faiths are welcome, according to information from the church.

Additionally, the church issued a message to the animals to be blessed. It is as follows.

Your service will be held in the fenced Memorial Garden of Christ Cathedral. Your people may park in the lot on 9th Street, or on 8th St. If your human has been socialized and has clean up supplies with them, you may walk them on a leash to visit the other animals before the service. Attendants will pass out a printed booklet to follow during the service. A Clergy member will bless you and your family. Photos will be blessed as well. After you are blessed, you will receive a goodie bag to take home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632967379845.jpeg" alt="Pets are scheduled to be blessed Sunday at Christ Cathedral.&nbsp;

Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@sita2?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Andrew S</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/pets?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>" />
 <figcaption>Pets are scheduled to be blessed Sunday at Christ Cathedral.&nbsp;

Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@sita2?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Andrew S</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/pets?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTChrist Cathedral will have a Blessing of the Animals Sunday.The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at Christ Cathedral, 138 S. Eighth Street. The event is being held in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. Pets of all faiths are welcome, according to information from the church.Additionally, the church issued a message to the animals to be blessed. It is as follows.Your service will be held in the fenced Memorial Garden of Christ Cathedral. Your people may park in the lot on 9th Street, or on 8th St. If your human has been socialized and has clean up supplies with them, you may walk them on a leash to visit the other animals before the service. Attendants will pass out a printed booklet to follow during the service. A Clergy member will bless you and your family. Photos will be blessed as well. After you are blessed, you will receive a goodie bag to take home.

Christ Cathedral's Blessing of the Animals Sunday afternoon

Wet and cooler weather will end the week across the region, according to the National Weather Service. 

Highs are generally going to be in the 70s for the next few days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632962493648.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wet and cooler weather will end the week across the region, according to the National Weather Service. Highs are generally going to be in the 70s for the next few days.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632962435945.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NWS: Wet and cooler across the area to end the week

If you ever wanted to be directly involved in patient care in a growing Salina alternative health care clinic now is your opportunity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The clinic is seeking an exceptional individual to join their team.&nbsp;&nbsp; If you are someone who want to help others, have fun, and make a good living apply today&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

This position works Monday through Thursday.&nbsp; Off on Fridays.

Must be a positive, happy, upbeat people person with high integrity.&nbsp;&nbsp; Must get along with patients, co-workers, consistent high energy, and you are a dependable self-starter, problem solver, quick learner who pays attention to detail.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

●Past employment in health care environment preferred but will train.&nbsp;

●Must have the ability to learn computer programs.

●Must have the ability to relate to patients of all ages.

Position preferred to start immediately but if you need to give notice at current employer, they will wait for you.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Email resume and cover letter with compensation requirements to:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:drwilcox@livingwellsalina.com">drwilcox@livingwellsalina.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632418765532.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you ever wanted to be directly involved in patient care in a growing Salina alternative health care clinic now is your opportunity.&nbsp;&nbsp;The clinic is seeking an exceptional individual to join their team.&nbsp;&nbsp; If you are someone who want to help others, have fun, and make a good living apply today&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This position works Monday through Thursday.&nbsp; Off on Fridays.Must be a positive, happy, upbeat people person with high integrity.&nbsp;&nbsp; Must get along with patients, co-workers, consistent high energy, and you are a dependable self-starter, problem solver, quick learner who pays attention to detail.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;●Past employment in health care environment preferred but will train.&nbsp;●Must have the ability to learn computer programs.●Must have the ability to relate to patients of all ages.Position preferred to start immediately but if you need to give notice at current employer, they will wait for you.&nbsp; &nbsp;Email resume and cover letter with compensation requirements to:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:drwilcox@livingwellsalina.com">drwilcox@livingwellsalina.com</a>

Bennington man injured in pickup rollover accident

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

●There have been 46 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Saline County since our last update.

●Salina Regional Health Center reports that 17 people are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19.

●250 variants have been identified in the 374 samples sent from Saline County to KDHE for sequencing.

More data and additional information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001amA7SONa4hCOJAA1s8tgXmytFMcm9reG_T4qw3YOdkmqPiackZsFlytCUqOPMsiy0JrVD2GhYlSgIlV0nUqCV-BPTxX-nVH7QEVdcYhOWj-fytIXEBdx2TDRc3YWw0h3b_gjsl3YgWrFw5cGllYZusVo_dHj8rri&amp;c=UnZC13teshkhqs2IDA8mggebqJCBOFktLpRNER1TQiR6yXrvDb_HBg==&amp;ch=Uf1FLRY-gFALg2lNoFzz0R7UzL4qKa7BVWM3bb3tRQ3QiQQqrmKhxw==" target="_blank">Saline County Coronavirus webpage</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001amA7SONa4hCOJAA1s8tgXmytFMcm9reG_T4qw3YOdkmqPiackZsFl2OVVs0E8x8fEaY6BkhJ50uN64YJYj4GdVwMlTrES5M7wb2-DwVXK5cZjnI_23htUmJaTEVnQddwn3D2d4g2c29h_6yIMY-YEixTWXKooKKpYhEkNhtfybC-nSur78fdYxIzGfIzoB87&amp;c=UnZC13teshkhqs2IDA8mggebqJCBOFktLpRNER1TQiR6yXrvDb_HBg==&amp;ch=Uf1FLRY-gFALg2lNoFzz0R7UzL4qKa7BVWM3bb3tRQ3QiQQqrmKhxw==" target="_blank">KDHE COVID-19 Information Site</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001amA7SONa4hCOJAA1s8tgXmytFMcm9reG_T4qw3YOdkmqPiackZsFl_cp0raFr8q-VUsFivUSs1bbwRZJr_MPwIq6dg77yxZoOE1b1F0b_ZBhZa2ES18UGKs4icO-l9LDtbpb4aFoj_mlWdYJrKK-d13i6RBdfNUrIZHm4a2_iLX8G5NuOIs7yt-yk_50Abrs&amp;c=UnZC13teshkhqs2IDA8mggebqJCBOFktLpRNER1TQiR6yXrvDb_HBg==&amp;ch=Uf1FLRY-gFALg2lNoFzz0R7UzL4qKa7BVWM3bb3tRQ3QiQQqrmKhxw==" target="_blank">CDC COVID-19 Tracker</a>.

<a href="https://www.vaccinatesalinecountyks.com/testing">Click here for local COVID-19 testing options</a>

COVID Vaccination Update for Saline County

●An additional 374 people were vaccinated against COVID-19 this week, an increase of .6 percent.

●A total of 25,513 residents of Saline County have been vaccinated, accounting for 47 percent of the total population.

The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and thus prevent mutation of the virus is:

●Stay home&nbsp;if you are sick.

●Get tested&nbsp;if you feel unwell, even if you don’t believe it is COVID. You can find testing centers at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001amA7SONa4hCOJAA1s8tgXmytFMcm9reG_T4qw3YOdkmqPiackZsFlxnhHx4PWYekGybgqK6xfMIxRpf2wOgVQNjIq-0ylyKGJtRsrbjTydXUUjNrc5NpXSEPBPD2Vf70uIyvfcAV_pkXpVzVL6snXI1TMwyyvVug8f7UKMSupBY=&amp;c=UnZC13teshkhqs2IDA8mggebqJCBOFktLpRNER1TQiR6yXrvDb_HBg==&amp;ch=Uf1FLRY-gFALg2lNoFzz0R7UzL4qKa7BVWM3bb3tRQ3QiQQqrmKhxw==" target="_blank">VaccinateSalineCountyKS.com/testing</a>&nbsp;or contact your local medical provider.

●Get vaccinated. You can find a vaccine at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001amA7SONa4hCOJAA1s8tgXmytFMcm9reG_T4qw3YOdkmqPiackZsFl63ZTQfOjZu9_pxu25YvkSubPBGAwN1tmIEXaOJuwRr7S5d045DPmpfjE1q9rr00qUyLAe7-pmohW-nrvbwSl2sH8zcrY6rWoQ==&amp;c=UnZC13teshkhqs2IDA8mggebqJCBOFktLpRNER1TQiR6yXrvDb_HBg==&amp;ch=Uf1FLRY-gFALg2lNoFzz0R7UzL4qKa7BVWM3bb3tRQ3QiQQqrmKhxw==" target="_blank">vaccines.gov</a>&nbsp;or contact your local medical provider.

●Wear a mask, especially if you are not fully vaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated, wear a mask when in-doors in crowded spaces.

●Maintain at least 6 feet of distancebetween yourself and those with whom you do not live.

●Do not travel to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001amA7SONa4hCOJAA1s8tgXmytFMcm9reG_T4qw3YOdkmqPiackZsFl63ZTQfOjZu9AeJ8Nq_pOjBhdMvMlvK0bmYvId3o4skFKI_aZthtZnRDzADCh6kJlUFGDczWE052jSPXGoaOIQPLw16mFfobLD8qqdNOhNVltPrhDpeBzhjeTPo-XNHCcsxV2X6cAtKIGOnqyRAzImWiodHB_h34i8ejJIsPPWVc&amp;c=UnZC13teshkhqs2IDA8mggebqJCBOFktLpRNER1TQiR6yXrvDb_HBg==&amp;ch=Uf1FLRY-gFALg2lNoFzz0R7UzL4qKa7BVWM3bb3tRQ3QiQQqrmKhxw==" target="_blank">“hot spots."</a>

●If you test positive, isolate immediately and be open and honest with COVID caseworkers about your contacts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632952086779.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County Health Department COVID-19 update for Wednesday:●There have been 46 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Saline County since our last update.●Salina Regional Health Center reports that 17 people are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19.●250 variants have been identified in the 374 samples sent from Saline County to KDHE for sequencing.More data and additional information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001amA7SONa4hCOJAA1s8tgXmytFMcm9reG_T4qw3YOdkmqPiackZsFlytCUqOPMsiy0JrVD2GhYlSgIlV0nUqCV-BPTxX-nVH7QEVdcYhOWj-fytIXEBdx2TDRc3YWw0h3b_gjsl3YgWrFw5cGllYZusVo_dHj8rri&amp;c=UnZC13teshkhqs2IDA8mggebqJCBOFktLpRNER1TQiR6yXrvDb_HBg==&amp;ch=Uf1FLRY-gFALg2lNoFzz0R7UzL4qKa7BVWM3bb3tRQ3QiQQqrmKhxw==" target="_blank">Saline County Coronavirus webpage</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001amA7SONa4hCOJAA1s8tgXmytFMcm9reG_T4qw3YOdkmqPiackZsFl2OVVs0E8x8fEaY6BkhJ50uN64YJYj4GdVwMlTrES5M7wb2-DwVXK5cZjnI_23htUmJaTEVnQddwn3D2d4g2c29h_6yIMY-YEixTWXKooKKpYhEkNhtfybC-nSur78fdYxIzGfIzoB87&amp;c=UnZC13teshkhqs2IDA8mggebqJCBOFktLpRNER1TQiR6yXrvDb_HBg==&amp;ch=Uf1FLRY-gFALg2lNoFzz0R7UzL4qKa7BVWM3bb3tRQ3QiQQqrmKhxw==" target="_blank">KDHE COVID-19 Information Site</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001amA7SONa4hCOJAA1s8tgXmytFMcm9reG_T4qw3YOdkmqPiackZsFl_cp0raFr8q-VUsFivUSs1bbwRZJr_MPwIq6dg77yxZoOE1b1F0b_ZBhZa2ES18UGKs4icO-l9LDtbpb4aFoj_mlWdYJrKK-d13i6RBdfNUrIZHm4a2_iLX8G5NuOIs7yt-yk_50Abrs&amp;c=UnZC13teshkhqs2IDA8mggebqJCBOFktLpRNER1TQiR6yXrvDb_HBg==&amp;ch=Uf1FLRY-gFALg2lNoFzz0R7UzL4qKa7BVWM3bb3tRQ3QiQQqrmKhxw==" target="_blank">CDC COVID-19 Tracker</a>.

<a href="https://www.vaccinatesalinecountyks.com/testing">Click here for local COVID-19 testing options</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632951578153.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>COVID Vaccination Update for Saline County ●An additional 374 people were vaccinated against COVID-19 this week, an increase of .6 percent. ●A total of 25,513 residents of Saline County have been vaccinated, accounting for 47 percent of the total population.The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and thus prevent mutation of the virus is:●Stay home&nbsp;if you are sick.●Get tested&nbsp;if you feel unwell, even if you don’t believe it is COVID. You can find testing centers at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001amA7SONa4hCOJAA1s8tgXmytFMcm9reG_T4qw3YOdkmqPiackZsFlxnhHx4PWYekGybgqK6xfMIxRpf2wOgVQNjIq-0ylyKGJtRsrbjTydXUUjNrc5NpXSEPBPD2Vf70uIyvfcAV_pkXpVzVL6snXI1TMwyyvVug8f7UKMSupBY=&amp;c=UnZC13teshkhqs2IDA8mggebqJCBOFktLpRNER1TQiR6yXrvDb_HBg==&amp;ch=Uf1FLRY-gFALg2lNoFzz0R7UzL4qKa7BVWM3bb3tRQ3QiQQqrmKhxw==" target="_blank">VaccinateSalineCountyKS.com/testing</a>&nbsp;or contact your local medical provider.●Get vaccinated. You can find a vaccine at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001amA7SONa4hCOJAA1s8tgXmytFMcm9reG_T4qw3YOdkmqPiackZsFl63ZTQfOjZu9_pxu25YvkSubPBGAwN1tmIEXaOJuwRr7S5d045DPmpfjE1q9rr00qUyLAe7-pmohW-nrvbwSl2sH8zcrY6rWoQ==&amp;c=UnZC13teshkhqs2IDA8mggebqJCBOFktLpRNER1TQiR6yXrvDb_HBg==&amp;ch=Uf1FLRY-gFALg2lNoFzz0R7UzL4qKa7BVWM3bb3tRQ3QiQQqrmKhxw==" target="_blank">vaccines.gov</a>&nbsp;or contact your local medical provider.●Wear a mask, especially if you are not fully vaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated, wear a mask when in-doors in crowded spaces.●Maintain at least 6 feet of distancebetween yourself and those with whom you do not live.●Do not travel to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001amA7SONa4hCOJAA1s8tgXmytFMcm9reG_T4qw3YOdkmqPiackZsFl63ZTQfOjZu9AeJ8Nq_pOjBhdMvMlvK0bmYvId3o4skFKI_aZthtZnRDzADCh6kJlUFGDczWE052jSPXGoaOIQPLw16mFfobLD8qqdNOhNVltPrhDpeBzhjeTPo-XNHCcsxV2X6cAtKIGOnqyRAzImWiodHB_h34i8ejJIsPPWVc&amp;c=UnZC13teshkhqs2IDA8mggebqJCBOFktLpRNER1TQiR6yXrvDb_HBg==&amp;ch=Uf1FLRY-gFALg2lNoFzz0R7UzL4qKa7BVWM3bb3tRQ3QiQQqrmKhxw==" target="_blank">“hot spots."</a>●If you test positive, isolate immediately and be open and honest with COVID caseworkers about your contacts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saline County: 46 new COVID-19 cases; 563 active cases

If you are in need of a job, you're in luck. There are a number of positions available. 

A drive around town reveals numerous "we are hiring" signs. While driving around just to find locations that are hiring isn't practical, it might be helpful to watch for such signs when you're out and about. 

Another way to find a job is to look at the listings on the <a href="https://salinapost.com/category/jobs">Salina Post Jobs page</a>. Listings on the page change regularly.

Additionally, you can participate in a career fair. This option is gaining in popularity for both employers and job seekers.

Today and Thursday, the state is conducting KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair. The fair will give job seekers the opportunity to meet virtually with multiple businesses, with the ability to live chat and conduct interviews through computers, tablets and mobile devices. Job candidates also will be able to upload their resumes to their Virtual Job Fair account for employers statewide. 

<a href="https://portal.premiervirtual.com/event/register-jobseeker/9227-kansasworks-virtual-statewide-fair?fbclid=IwAR3F0-YWeUH0a-fglHuHaMzrSB3C-5rdS67ZR6FIVXX135_dYQahjV7gb4E">Click here to register for the KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair</a>

A long-standing job fair that also happens to be local is coming up next week. OCCK's 31st Annual Employment Expo is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Salina VFW, 1108 W. Crawford. The event is sponsored by OCCK, Inc., SHRMA, KANSASWORKS, and the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

"Employers from all over north central Kansas attend this event to meet with prospective employees. It’s a great networking event and gives both sides the space and time to have employment conversations," OCCK noted on its Employment Expo webpage.

This free event will have employers on site who are ready to hire employees, according to information from OCCK. The KANSASWORKS mobile unit will be on site as well.

"Job seekers are encouraged to come dressed professionally and bring a resume. Some employers may conduct on-site interviews," OCCK noted in its information about the Employment Expo.

Job seekers do not need to register ahead of time.

Don't have a way to get to the Employment Expo? If you live in Salina, OCCK Transportation has you covered!

OCCK Transportation announced today that it will be providing free rides on both CityGo and Paratransit services for job seekers attending the Employment Expo.

"The Salina VFW is served by both the Purple and Green routes on CityGo.  Passengers will just need to tell the driver that they are going to the Job Fair. Paratransit passengers just need to schedule their ride with the OCCK Dispatch team," OCCK Transportation noted in a news release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632946105600.png" alt="&nbsp; Image by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/sharijo-4588686/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=4074021">Shari Jo</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=4074021">Pixabay</a>" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Image by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/sharijo-4588686/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=4074021">Shari Jo</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=4074021">Pixabay</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST If you are in need of a job, you're in luck. There are a number of positions available. A drive around town reveals numerous "we are hiring" signs. While driving around just to find locations that are hiring isn't practical, it might be helpful to watch for such signs when you're out and about. Another way to find a job is to look at the listings on the <a href="https://salinapost.com/category/jobs">Salina Post Jobs page</a>. Listings on the page change regularly.Additionally, you can participate in a career fair. This option is gaining in popularity for both employers and job seekers.Today and Thursday, the state is conducting KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair. The fair will give job seekers the opportunity to meet virtually with multiple businesses, with the ability to live chat and conduct interviews through computers, tablets and mobile devices. Job candidates also will be able to upload their resumes to their Virtual Job Fair account for employers statewide. <a href="https://portal.premiervirtual.com/event/register-jobseeker/9227-kansasworks-virtual-statewide-fair?fbclid=IwAR3F0-YWeUH0a-fglHuHaMzrSB3C-5rdS67ZR6FIVXX135_dYQahjV7gb4E">Click here to register for the KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair</a>A long-standing job fair that also happens to be local is coming up next week. OCCK's 31st Annual Employment Expo is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Salina VFW, 1108 W. Crawford. The event is sponsored by OCCK, Inc., SHRMA, KANSASWORKS, and the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce."Employers from all over north central Kansas attend this event to meet with prospective employees. It’s a great networking event and gives both sides the space and time to have employment conversations," OCCK noted on its Employment Expo webpage.This free event will have employers on site who are ready to hire employees, according to information from OCCK. The KANSASWORKS mobile unit will be on site as well."Job seekers are encouraged to come dressed professionally and bring a resume. Some employers may conduct on-site interviews," OCCK noted in its information about the Employment Expo.Job seekers do not need to register ahead of time.Don't have a way to get to the Employment Expo? If you live in Salina, OCCK Transportation has you covered!OCCK Transportation announced today that it will be providing free rides on both CityGo and Paratransit services for job seekers attending the Employment Expo."The Salina VFW is served by both the Purple and Green routes on CityGo. Passengers will just need to tell the driver that they are going to the Job Fair. Paratransit passengers just need to schedule their ride with the OCCK Dispatch team," OCCK Transportation noted in a news release.

Looking for a job? Multiple options are available

Police are looking for a man who was seen on surveillance video throwing rocks through the windows of a central Salina financial planning office.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that officers were sent to Elmore Center, 645 E. Crawford Street at 9:40 p.m. Monday for the report of a person breaking windows.

Surveillance video showed a man who appeared to be upset leaving Little Caesars Pizza, which also is in Elmore Center. Video then showed the man picking up rocks and throwing them at the windows of IronStone Wealth Advisors, breaking two of the seven-foot by three-foot windows.

Forrester said that based on the video, the suspect is a white male with a trimmed beard/goatee who was wearing a white t-shirt, skinny jeans, and Adidis shoes.

The two windows, belonging to Elmore Plaza, LLC, were valued at $1,200.

Police are looking for a man who was seen on surveillance video throwing rocks through the windows of a central Salina financial planning office.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that officers were sent to Elmore Center, 645 E. Crawford Street at 9:40 p.m. Monday for the report of a person breaking windows.Surveillance video showed a man who appeared to be upset leaving Little Caesars Pizza, which also is in Elmore Center. Video then showed the man picking up rocks and throwing them at the windows of IronStone Wealth Advisors, breaking two of the seven-foot by three-foot windows.Forrester said that based on the video, the suspect is a white male with a trimmed beard/goatee who was wearing a white t-shirt, skinny jeans, and Adidis shoes.The two windows, belonging to Elmore Plaza, LLC, were valued at $1,200.

Police looking for man who broke windows in Elmore Center

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

The calendar has turned to fall, and the weather is slowly following suit. Harvest is underway with combines rolling through fields and semis hauling grain to elevators and on-farm bins. There’s more of those bins and semis now than ever before because there’s more grain. Over time, small changes can make an extraordinary impact. Of all the crops being cut this season, corn is perhaps the best example of how slow, steady progress has created grain harvests our ancestors could have never fathomed. From the 1860s to the late 1930s, corn yields were essentially flat at 26 bushels per acre. The USDA’s latest estimate for the 2021 crop is projecting a nationwide average of about 175 bushels per acre. Over the span of about 80 years, farmers have increased their production nearly seven-fold. Yields for other grains have shot up too, but corn takes the crown in overall productivity. This proliferation didn’t happen overnight, rather it began quite slowly, with yields inching up about 0.8 bushels per acre per year from the late ’30s to 1955 with the use of double-cross pollinated varieties. Continued improvements in genetic selection, the use of nitrogen fertilizer, mechanization, better management and more effective pesticides have pushed yields up by about 2 bushels per acre per year over the last 65-plus years. While farmers have incorporated all of these advances into their operations, it’s the result of a truly collective effort. Public and private research across a range of industries has contributed to the incremental but reliable yield increase.

While the actual yields still vary depending on weather, recent years have seen the national average stay within 10 bushels of the 176.6 bushel-per-acre record set in 2017. We’re just one good growing season away from setting a new national record. Harvest can top 300 bushels per acre in some areas across the country, but it requires some help from Mother Nature. Statewide, Kansas’ average is usually somewhere in the mid-130 bushel range because dryland acres dominate the landscape. Irrigated fields and those dryland parcels blessed with timely, adequate moisture often top 200 bushels per acre. That’s nearly six tons of grain per acre, an enormous increase from the inch-long cobs grown about 10,000 years ago in central Mexico where corn was first domesticated. The Columbian exchange delivered corn to the rest of the world. Now it grows across the globe, and its uses are just as versatile. Cattle convert corn to steak. Manufacturers transform the starch into plastics, fabrics, adhesives and more. It’s also a feedstock for the ethanol in your gas tank. Of course, it’s pounded into flour for things like cornbread and tortillas. Corn sugars sweeten drinks. My favorite though is corn that’s been fermented, distilled and poured over ice. Farmers have gotten so good at growing corn, wheat, soybeans, sorghum and many other staples we no longer see gradual improvements as something that’s especially newsworthy. This is partly because farmers make a very difficult job appear easy. While the rest of us enjoy all the bounty fall offers, from cool nights and tailgates to changing colors and bonfires, I hope the bounties in farmers’ fields are just as rich this autumn.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauThe calendar has turned to fall, and the weather is slowly following suit. Harvest is underway with combines rolling through fields and semis hauling grain to elevators and on-farm bins. There’s more of those bins and semis now than ever before because there’s more grain. Over time, small changes can make an extraordinary impact. Of all the crops being cut this season, corn is perhaps the best example of how slow, steady progress has created grain harvests our ancestors could have never fathomed. From the 1860s to the late 1930s, corn yields were essentially flat at 26 bushels per acre. The USDA’s latest estimate for the 2021 crop is projecting a nationwide average of about 175 bushels per acre. Over the span of about 80 years, farmers have increased their production nearly seven-fold. Yields for other grains have shot up too, but corn takes the crown in overall productivity. This proliferation didn’t happen overnight, rather it began quite slowly, with yields inching up about 0.8 bushels per acre per year from the late ’30s to 1955 with the use of double-cross pollinated varieties. Continued improvements in genetic selection, the use of nitrogen fertilizer, mechanization, better management and more effective pesticides have pushed yields up by about 2 bushels per acre per year over the last 65-plus years. While farmers have incorporated all of these advances into their operations, it’s the result of a truly collective effort. Public and private research across a range of industries has contributed to the incremental but reliable yield increase. While the actual yields still vary depending on weather, recent years have seen the national average stay within 10 bushels of the 176.6 bushel-per-acre record set in 2017. We’re just one good growing season away from setting a new national record. Harvest can top 300 bushels per acre in some areas across the country, but it requires some help from Mother Nature. Statewide, Kansas’ average is usually somewhere in the mid-130 bushel range because dryland acres dominate the landscape. Irrigated fields and those dryland parcels blessed with timely, adequate moisture often top 200 bushels per acre. That’s nearly six tons of grain per acre, an enormous increase from the inch-long cobs grown about 10,000 years ago in central Mexico where corn was first domesticated. The Columbian exchange delivered corn to the rest of the world. Now it grows across the globe, and its uses are just as versatile. Cattle convert corn to steak. Manufacturers transform the starch into plastics, fabrics, adhesives and more. It’s also a feedstock for the ethanol in your gas tank. Of course, it’s pounded into flour for things like cornbread and tortillas. Corn sugars sweeten drinks. My favorite though is corn that’s been fermented, distilled and poured over ice. Farmers have gotten so good at growing corn, wheat, soybeans, sorghum and many other staples we no longer see gradual improvements as something that’s especially newsworthy. This is partly because farmers make a very difficult job appear easy. While the rest of us enjoy all the bounty fall offers, from cool nights and tailgates to changing colors and bonfires, I hope the bounties in farmers’ fields are just as rich this autumn."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

INSIGHT: The bounty of fall

The Salina Post native app for iOS and Android devices is available FREE for your mobile device.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/download">Click here to download from the App Store or Google Play.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632880376239.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Post native app for iOS and Android devices is available FREE for your mobile device.<a href="https://salinapost.com/download">Click here to download from the App Store or Google Play.</a>

On the go? Get the free app and take Salina Post with you

A partnership between OCCK Transportation and Cloud County Community College will continue to allow students, faculty, and staff to ride 81 Connection buses for free.

All Thunderbird students, faculty, and staff can ride any 81 Connection regular fixed-route bus for free during normal operating hours by presenting a valid Cloud County Community College ID to the driver.

“We love working with community partners to make transportation options more accessible, especially for students,” said Michelle Griffin, mobility manager for the region. “81 Connection is an easy way for students to get around in north central Kansas, especially with connections to the KANcycle bike sharing program, and even CityGo in Salina.” According to OCCK Transportation, the 81 Connection bus service has three bi-directional trips each day, Monday through Friday.&nbsp; The first route starts in Belleville at 6:45 a.m., then heads south on U.S. Highway 81 to four stops in Concordia, a stop at the U.S. Highway 24/U.S Highway 81 junction, a stop in Minneapolis, and stops at the intersection of S. Seventh Street/W. Walnut Street and Wal-Mart in Salina and then heads back to north to the same stops.&nbsp; The bus runs this loop twice and finishes in Belleville around 5:40 p.m. each day.&nbsp; A Salina CityGo daily bus pass is included in the Salina fare.&nbsp;

A second bus leaves Salina at 1 p.m. and heads north on Highway 81 to the same stop in Minneapolis, the stop at the U.S. Highway 24/U.S Highway 81 junction, four stops in Concordia and the stop in Belleville, before heading back to Salina with the same stops.&nbsp; The bus finishes in Salina around 6 p.m. each day.

Trips on 81 Connection can be planned with both Google Maps and Apple Maps by using the Transit button on a computer or a smartphone, Occk Transportation noted in a news release.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630781044517.png" alt="A map of the 81 Connection route courtesy OCCK Transportation" />
 <figcaption>A map of the 81 Connection route courtesy OCCK Transportation</figcaption>
 </figure>A partnership between OCCK Transportation and Cloud County Community College will continue to allow students, faculty, and staff to ride 81 Connection buses for free.All Thunderbird students, faculty, and staff can ride any 81 Connection regular fixed-route bus for free during normal operating hours by presenting a valid Cloud County Community College ID to the driver.“We love working with community partners to make transportation options more accessible, especially for students,” said Michelle Griffin, mobility manager for the region. “81 Connection is an easy way for students to get around in north central Kansas, especially with connections to the KANcycle bike sharing program, and even CityGo in Salina.” According to OCCK Transportation, the 81 Connection bus service has three bi-directional trips each day, Monday through Friday.&nbsp; The first route starts in Belleville at 6:45 a.m., then heads south on U.S. Highway 81 to four stops in Concordia, a stop at the U.S. Highway 24/U.S Highway 81 junction, a stop in Minneapolis, and stops at the intersection of S. Seventh Street/W. Walnut Street and Wal-Mart in Salina and then heads back to north to the same stops.&nbsp; The bus runs this loop twice and finishes in Belleville around 5:40 p.m. each day.&nbsp; A Salina CityGo daily bus pass is included in the Salina fare.&nbsp;A second bus leaves Salina at 1 p.m. and heads north on Highway 81 to the same stop in Minneapolis, the stop at the U.S. Highway 24/U.S Highway 81 junction, four stops in Concordia and the stop in Belleville, before heading back to Salina with the same stops.&nbsp; The bus finishes in Salina around 6 p.m. each day.Trips on 81 Connection can be planned with both Google Maps and Apple Maps by using the Transit button on a computer or a smartphone, Occk Transportation noted in a news release.&nbsp;

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