The City of Salina has announced that resurfacing work will be conducted Tuesday and Wednesday at the N. Ohio Street bridge south of E. Pacific Avenue.

On Tuesday, APAC Shears Salina Division will resurface the approaches on each side of bridge to level and improve the rideability. The work will be completed with lane closures. 

Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time to get to their destinations, or if possible avoid the work zone altogether. 

Weather permitting the work will conclude on Wednesday. 

The $15,000 resurfacing is part of the City of Salina's 2021 $4.7 million maintenance capital improvement program.

The City of Salina has announced that resurfacing work will be conducted Tuesday and Wednesday at the N. Ohio Street bridge south of E. Pacific Avenue.On Tuesday, APAC Shears Salina Division will resurface the approaches on each side of bridge to level and improve the rideability. The work will be completed with lane closures. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time to get to their destinations, or if possible avoid the work zone altogether. Weather permitting the work will conclude on Wednesday. The $15,000 resurfacing is part of the City of Salina's 2021 $4.7 million maintenance capital improvement program.

Resurfacing work scheduled at N. Ohio bridge

GYPSUM - A minor earthquake rattled part of southeastern Saline County this afternoon.

According to the Kansas Geological Survey, a 2.1 magnitude quake struck at 3:50 p.m. southwest of Gypsum. The quake was centered east of S. Kipp Road between E. Assaria Road and E. Hedberg Road.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629161780968.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GYPSUM - A minor earthquake rattled part of southeastern Saline County this afternoon.According to the Kansas Geological Survey, a 2.1 magnitude quake struck at 3:50 p.m. southwest of Gypsum. The quake was centered east of S. Kipp Road between E. Assaria Road and E. Hedberg Road.

Small quake shakes part of southeastern Saline County Monday

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

●Another person has died due to COVID-19 since Friday.

●16 people are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19.

●18 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday.

●147 variants were identified in the 272 samples sent from Saline County to KDHE for sequencing.

Another person has died due to COVID-19 since our last update on Friday. This brings the total number of deaths in Saline County to 127.

Salina Regional Health Center reports they currently have 16 patients who require hospitalization for COVID-19.

There have been 18 new COVID-19 cases identified since our last update on Friday. The Saline County Health Department staff is actively monitoring 495 cases of COVID-19. There has been a total of 6992 confirmed cases, and at least 6370 people have recovered from COVID-19.

KDHE has identified variants in 147 of the 272 specimens sent from Saline County for sequencing.

At least 23,372 people (43.1 percent of the population) have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Saline County.

Due to the overwhelming number of new cases and hospitalizations, vaccination/ re-infection rates are not available at this time. The Saline County Health Department and Salina Regional Health Center thank you for your patience and understanding.

More data and additional information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-CU4rv0jg2UNKjP5ITG9drRjL7pYz9ftL9Kn0KgKXrof2i_ulZPZGtAwYhwLsXGJW_tagvwPzSBm5ooVA0c6iGgUeoec4cMkvRLpU9_n6OSOFLErVtssa5btpcEvjPgkUYCiS4BJF_-mfHbwPAax4vFgsR2aYbQq&amp;c=EakzPfjC05fJdvWpFTyDAGg09udxp9w-ICdlEPvVczjHzWtt_yDykw==&amp;ch=iTKm8X3-arIEnqBxeQD9Foqilp_jrLHwfAkncgi0Ryum29lxVBnUeA==" target="_blank">Saline County Coronavirus webpage</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-CU4rv0jg2UNKjP5ITG9drRjL7pYz9ftL9Kn0KgKXrof2i_ulZPZGiSP4-dlDD7TgOjuhR3ii1N8Hl_ZfSnplcko_5DI1Qv2k3fqFHwwgQB-vwhUqRHX1ZkASaH6u0oEu_p3OuD6XEL2Y3M2isqUc1Dv0wC0fuzdQ7Qzu1dSqULddvqiQHTjq0nPu7dbd78t&amp;c=EakzPfjC05fJdvWpFTyDAGg09udxp9w-ICdlEPvVczjHzWtt_yDykw==&amp;ch=iTKm8X3-arIEnqBxeQD9Foqilp_jrLHwfAkncgi0Ryum29lxVBnUeA==" target="_blank">KDHE COVID-19 Information Site</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-CU4rv0jg2UNKjP5ITG9drRjL7pYz9ftL9Kn0KgKXrof2i_ulZPZGgVWWy4dF2cOPuFMeFy1c12cNfsx_MHDZAVp0bKnWPeGA8zs_q5Hd-s5Y9T2prGUySuoQd4GDrr0AiV7KDsSnVXsqpO760uqcinOr9yhkla6m0FhC6dqka9f2KfmJfT6D4QZ7qg9pwpc&amp;c=EakzPfjC05fJdvWpFTyDAGg09udxp9w-ICdlEPvVczjHzWtt_yDykw==&amp;ch=iTKm8X3-arIEnqBxeQD9Foqilp_jrLHwfAkncgi0Ryum29lxVBnUeA==" target="_blank">CDC COVID-19 Tracker</a>.

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

●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=001-CU4rv0jg2UNKjP5ITG9drRjL7pYz9ftL9Kn0KgKXrof2i_ulZPZGni9GdaEXs02rCsjyz_mq_7N5OMZlO9zvcA9y1XDYkUoFJzjrosw5y_lV-cNkYgiE48XU_ESAXVphgYzDqgVANkbolalTulIrLk_2G88yUoT6cfl7Z_dhXUUxYPusZ0gomfc6xSK-hnH&amp;c=EakzPfjC05fJdvWpFTyDAGg09udxp9w-ICdlEPvVczjHzWtt_yDykw==&amp;ch=iTKm8X3-arIEnqBxeQD9Foqilp_jrLHwfAkncgi0Ryum29lxVBnUeA==" target="_blank">HERE</a>or contact your local medical provider.

●Get vaccinated.You can find a vaccine at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-CU4rv0jg2UNKjP5ITG9drRjL7pYz9ftL9Kn0KgKXrof2i_ulZPZGpwO4MyFRiL30EQwgAz-9EzvlMPwz3YGcvxDl818zA0pbAZEX2QE7yhVgCvj8GmBDkSGj9cBe-CH5mGRs2DDrNgiqJ4gBaJhnQ==&amp;c=EakzPfjC05fJdvWpFTyDAGg09udxp9w-ICdlEPvVczjHzWtt_yDykw==&amp;ch=iTKm8X3-arIEnqBxeQD9Foqilp_jrLHwfAkncgi0Ryum29lxVBnUeA==" target="_blank">vaccines.g</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-CU4rv0jg2UNKjP5ITG9drRjL7pYz9ftL9Kn0KgKXrof2i_ulZPZGpwO4MyFRiL30EQwgAz-9EzvlMPwz3YGcvxDl818zA0pbAZEX2QE7yhVgCvj8GmBDkSGj9cBe-CH5mGRs2DDrNgiqJ4gBaJhnQ==&amp;c=EakzPfjC05fJdvWpFTyDAGg09udxp9w-ICdlEPvVczjHzWtt_yDykw==&amp;ch=iTKm8X3-arIEnqBxeQD9Foqilp_jrLHwfAkncgi0Ryum29lxVBnUeA==" target="_blank">ov</a>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 least6 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=001-CU4rv0jg2UNKjP5ITG9drRjL7pYz9ftL9Kn0KgKXrof2i_ulZPZGpwO4MyFRiL36_f4idsQpVZQA4CygXOSC4xi4a-qdkUAIbxm5Tc2NaX0RBAURp0LDDbjXsOXXyyzN9vIyCwFTJRBfh5eShZx65Zcq84SOofHPjYyINpC_rVbfKRUxc3O8mC65z4WEJvF4p3t88c20KcwNT4K_Im04AZ2zjxXJmHs&amp;c=EakzPfjC05fJdvWpFTyDAGg09udxp9w-ICdlEPvVczjHzWtt_yDykw==&amp;ch=iTKm8X3-arIEnqBxeQD9Foqilp_jrLHwfAkncgi0Ryum29lxVBnUeA==" 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/2021/8/1629150216457.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.●Another person has died due to COVID-19 since Friday.●16 people are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19.●18 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday.●147 variants were identified in the 272 samples sent from Saline County to KDHE for sequencing.Another person has died due to COVID-19 since our last update on Friday. This brings the total number of deaths in Saline County to 127. Salina Regional Health Center reports they currently have 16 patients who require hospitalization for COVID-19. There have been 18 new COVID-19 cases identified since our last update on Friday. The Saline County Health Department staff is actively monitoring 495 cases of COVID-19. There has been a total of 6992 confirmed cases, and at least 6370 people have recovered from COVID-19. KDHE has identified variants in 147 of the 272 specimens sent from Saline County for sequencing. At least 23,372 people (43.1 percent of the population) have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Saline County. Due to the overwhelming number of new cases and hospitalizations, vaccination/ re-infection rates are not available at this time. The Saline County Health Department and Salina Regional Health Center thank you for your patience and understanding. More data and additional information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-CU4rv0jg2UNKjP5ITG9drRjL7pYz9ftL9Kn0KgKXrof2i_ulZPZGtAwYhwLsXGJW_tagvwPzSBm5ooVA0c6iGgUeoec4cMkvRLpU9_n6OSOFLErVtssa5btpcEvjPgkUYCiS4BJF_-mfHbwPAax4vFgsR2aYbQq&amp;c=EakzPfjC05fJdvWpFTyDAGg09udxp9w-ICdlEPvVczjHzWtt_yDykw==&amp;ch=iTKm8X3-arIEnqBxeQD9Foqilp_jrLHwfAkncgi0Ryum29lxVBnUeA==" target="_blank">Saline County Coronavirus webpage</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-CU4rv0jg2UNKjP5ITG9drRjL7pYz9ftL9Kn0KgKXrof2i_ulZPZGiSP4-dlDD7TgOjuhR3ii1N8Hl_ZfSnplcko_5DI1Qv2k3fqFHwwgQB-vwhUqRHX1ZkASaH6u0oEu_p3OuD6XEL2Y3M2isqUc1Dv0wC0fuzdQ7Qzu1dSqULddvqiQHTjq0nPu7dbd78t&amp;c=EakzPfjC05fJdvWpFTyDAGg09udxp9w-ICdlEPvVczjHzWtt_yDykw==&amp;ch=iTKm8X3-arIEnqBxeQD9Foqilp_jrLHwfAkncgi0Ryum29lxVBnUeA==" target="_blank">KDHE COVID-19 Information Site</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-CU4rv0jg2UNKjP5ITG9drRjL7pYz9ftL9Kn0KgKXrof2i_ulZPZGgVWWy4dF2cOPuFMeFy1c12cNfsx_MHDZAVp0bKnWPeGA8zs_q5Hd-s5Y9T2prGUySuoQd4GDrr0AiV7KDsSnVXsqpO760uqcinOr9yhkla6m0FhC6dqka9f2KfmJfT6D4QZ7qg9pwpc&amp;c=EakzPfjC05fJdvWpFTyDAGg09udxp9w-ICdlEPvVczjHzWtt_yDykw==&amp;ch=iTKm8X3-arIEnqBxeQD9Foqilp_jrLHwfAkncgi0Ryum29lxVBnUeA==" target="_blank">CDC COVID-19 Tracker</a>.

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=001-CU4rv0jg2UNKjP5ITG9drRjL7pYz9ftL9Kn0KgKXrof2i_ulZPZGni9GdaEXs02rCsjyz_mq_7N5OMZlO9zvcA9y1XDYkUoFJzjrosw5y_lV-cNkYgiE48XU_ESAXVphgYzDqgVANkbolalTulIrLk_2G88yUoT6cfl7Z_dhXUUxYPusZ0gomfc6xSK-hnH&amp;c=EakzPfjC05fJdvWpFTyDAGg09udxp9w-ICdlEPvVczjHzWtt_yDykw==&amp;ch=iTKm8X3-arIEnqBxeQD9Foqilp_jrLHwfAkncgi0Ryum29lxVBnUeA==" target="_blank">HERE</a>or contact your local medical provider.●Get vaccinated.You can find a vaccine at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-CU4rv0jg2UNKjP5ITG9drRjL7pYz9ftL9Kn0KgKXrof2i_ulZPZGpwO4MyFRiL30EQwgAz-9EzvlMPwz3YGcvxDl818zA0pbAZEX2QE7yhVgCvj8GmBDkSGj9cBe-CH5mGRs2DDrNgiqJ4gBaJhnQ==&amp;c=EakzPfjC05fJdvWpFTyDAGg09udxp9w-ICdlEPvVczjHzWtt_yDykw==&amp;ch=iTKm8X3-arIEnqBxeQD9Foqilp_jrLHwfAkncgi0Ryum29lxVBnUeA==" target="_blank">vaccines.g</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-CU4rv0jg2UNKjP5ITG9drRjL7pYz9ftL9Kn0KgKXrof2i_ulZPZGpwO4MyFRiL30EQwgAz-9EzvlMPwz3YGcvxDl818zA0pbAZEX2QE7yhVgCvj8GmBDkSGj9cBe-CH5mGRs2DDrNgiqJ4gBaJhnQ==&amp;c=EakzPfjC05fJdvWpFTyDAGg09udxp9w-ICdlEPvVczjHzWtt_yDykw==&amp;ch=iTKm8X3-arIEnqBxeQD9Foqilp_jrLHwfAkncgi0Ryum29lxVBnUeA==" target="_blank">ov</a>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 least6 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=001-CU4rv0jg2UNKjP5ITG9drRjL7pYz9ftL9Kn0KgKXrof2i_ulZPZGpwO4MyFRiL36_f4idsQpVZQA4CygXOSC4xi4a-qdkUAIbxm5Tc2NaX0RBAURp0LDDbjXsOXXyyzN9vIyCwFTJRBfh5eShZx65Zcq84SOofHPjYyINpC_rVbfKRUxc3O8mC65z4WEJvF4p3t88c20KcwNT4K_Im04AZ2zjxXJmHs&amp;c=EakzPfjC05fJdvWpFTyDAGg09udxp9w-ICdlEPvVczjHzWtt_yDykw==&amp;ch=iTKm8X3-arIEnqBxeQD9Foqilp_jrLHwfAkncgi0Ryum29lxVBnUeA==" 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: 18 new cases of COVID-19; one new death 

The Salina Symphony plans to kick off its season with two outdoor chamber concerts in September.

The Fall Outdoor Chamber Concerts are scheduled for 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sept. 12 in the Homewood Suites by Hilton Outdoor Courtyard in downtown Salina.

The concerts will feature a string quartet and brass quintet composed of Salina Symphony musicians. The ensembles will present an entertaining mix of classical and popular music.

Tickets are $30 per concert per person and may be ordered by calling the Salina Symphony Office at 785-823-8309. Seating will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons will be seated at tables of two, four, or six.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629149473068.jpeg" alt="A previous outdoor Salina Symphony Brass Quintet Chamber Concert at Homewood Suites.&nbsp; Photo courtesy Salina Symphony" />
 <figcaption>A previous outdoor Salina Symphony Brass Quintet Chamber Concert at Homewood Suites.&nbsp; Photo courtesy Salina Symphony</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Symphony plans to kick off its season with two outdoor chamber concerts in September.The Fall Outdoor Chamber Concerts are scheduled for 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sept. 12 in the Homewood Suites by Hilton Outdoor Courtyard in downtown Salina.The concerts will feature a string quartet and brass quintet composed of Salina Symphony musicians. The ensembles will present an entertaining mix of classical and popular music.Tickets are $30 per concert per person and may be ordered by calling the Salina Symphony Office at 785-823-8309. Seating will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons will be seated at tables of two, four, or six.

Symphony to present two outdoor chamber concerts this fall

UPDATE 2 p.m. Monday:&nbsp;According to the National Weather Service, afternoon storms will be more isolated across central Kansas and be more scattered across southern Kansas.

The strongest storms will be capable of wind gusts of 50-60 mph and dime to half dollar sized hail. Minor localized flooding will be possible as well given slow storm motions.

A strong storm is possible this morning across central Kansas with a better chance for strong to severe storms across central and parts of south-central Kansas this afternoon and early evening, according to the National Weather Service. 

The main threats will be dime to half dollar size hail, strong wind gusts of 50 to 65 mph and locally heavy rainfall, which may result in minor lowland flooding.

To see whether storms are headed your way, check out the radar on the Salina Post severe weather page.&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Click here</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629140649989.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE 2 p.m. Monday:&nbsp;According to the National Weather Service, afternoon storms will be more isolated across central Kansas and be more scattered across southern Kansas. The strongest storms will be capable of wind gusts of 50-60 mph and dime to half dollar sized hail. Minor localized flooding will be possible as well given slow storm motions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629118179131.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A strong storm is possible this morning across central Kansas with a better chance for strong to severe storms across central and parts of south-central Kansas this afternoon and early evening, according to the National Weather Service. The main threats will be dime to half dollar size hail, strong wind gusts of 50 to 65 mph and locally heavy rainfall, which may result in minor lowland flooding.To see whether storms are headed your way, check out the radar on the Salina Post severe weather page.&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Click here</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

UPDATE: NWS says storms isolated over central Kansas today

An important back-to-school reminder from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD305">USD 305</a> Facebook page:

An important back-to-school reminder from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD305">USD 305</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FUSD305%2Fphotos%2Fa.178480522200447%2F4236619576386501%2F&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="646" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

USD 305 reminds drivers to be aware of school zones, buses

ABILENE - The Radiology and Imaging Department of Memorial Hospital, in Abilene, received notification from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) that their mammography services has again passed its recent survey with zero deficiencies. 

The survey is conducted to see that all certifications, personnel, and equipment meet standards.

The KDHE completes an annual survey on behalf of the FDA to meet the requirements for certification under the Mammography Quality Standards Act.

The Radiology and Imaging Department at Memorial Hospital completes around 1,100 mammograms per year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629131251690.jpeg" alt="From left are Kari Smith, lead mammography technologist; Memorial Hospital Radiology Manager/Mammography Technologist Rhonda Schmid; and Sharon Gleason, mammography technologist. Photo courtesy Memorial Health System" />
 <figcaption>From left are Kari Smith, lead mammography technologist; Memorial Hospital Radiology Manager/Mammography Technologist Rhonda Schmid; and Sharon Gleason, mammography technologist. Photo courtesy Memorial Health System</figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE - The Radiology and Imaging Department of Memorial Hospital, in Abilene, received notification from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) that their mammography services has again passed its recent survey with zero deficiencies. The survey is conducted to see that all certifications, personnel, and equipment meet standards.The KDHE completes an annual survey on behalf of the FDA to meet the requirements for certification under the Mammography Quality Standards Act.The Radiology and Imaging Department at Memorial Hospital completes around 1,100 mammograms per year.

KDHE: No deficiencies in Memorial Hospital mammography services

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Fort Smith, Ark., man is missing some property after a U-Haul trailer he was pulling behind his vehicle was broken into during an overnight stay in Salina.

Sometime between 10 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday, someone broke into a U-Haul trailer that was locked and secured to a vehicle owned by Timothy Arquitt, 46, of Fort Smith, Ark., while it was parked at Courtyard by Marriott, 3020 Riffel Drive, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.

When Arquitt came out Saturday morning, he found the trailer door open and a purple Trek Marlin 5 bicycle, a 29-inch XRT Comp tire, and the lock to the trailer missing, Forrester said. Total loss was estimated at $950.

Police are reviewing surveillance video, he said.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Fort Smith, Ark., man is missing some property after a U-Haul trailer he was pulling behind his vehicle was broken into during an overnight stay in Salina.Sometime between 10 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday, someone broke into a U-Haul trailer that was locked and secured to a vehicle owned by Timothy Arquitt, 46, of Fort Smith, Ark., while it was parked at Courtyard by Marriott, 3020 Riffel Drive, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.When Arquitt came out Saturday morning, he found the trailer door open and a purple Trek Marlin 5 bicycle, a 29-inch XRT Comp tire, and the lock to the trailer missing, Forrester said. Total loss was estimated at $950.Police are reviewing surveillance video, he said.

Nearly $1,000 worth of items stolen from trailer parked at Salina hotel

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=v7jgb-10b6d9c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.

🎤Forward Ever: U.S. Senator Roger Marshall

MENTOR - An Assaria teen was arrested after a pickup he was driving went off the road and into a drainage ditch early Saturday morning.

Camden Spano-Lund, 18, of Assaria, was westbound in the 2500 block of E. Mentor Road in a 2000 Chevrolet 1500 pickup when he failed to navigate a curve, went across a field, and dropped into a drainage ditch, Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander said this morning. The pickup came to rest on its tires in four feet of water.

The accident occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. Saturday.

Spano-Lund was able to get out of the pickup and walked toward a residence near Mentor. A person there called 911.

Spano-Lund was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center with non-life-threatening injuries, Melander said. After treatment, Spano-Lund was booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges, Melander said.

●Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

●Possession of liquor by an underaged person

Melander said that the Salina Fire Department rescue team also responded and was able to successfully rescue a cat that was in the pickup.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629128488243.jpeg" alt="The pickup ended up in four feet of water. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The pickup ended up in four feet of water. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostMENTOR - An Assaria teen was arrested after a pickup he was driving went off the road and into a drainage ditch early Saturday morning.Camden Spano-Lund, 18, of Assaria, was westbound in the 2500 block of E. Mentor Road in a 2000 Chevrolet 1500 pickup when he failed to navigate a curve, went across a field, and dropped into a drainage ditch, Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander said this morning. The pickup came to rest on its tires in four feet of water.The accident occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629036833179.jpeg" alt="Camden Spano-Lund. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Camden Spano-Lund. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Spano-Lund was able to get out of the pickup and walked toward a residence near Mentor. A person there called 911.Spano-Lund was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center with non-life-threatening injuries, Melander said. After treatment, Spano-Lund was booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges, Melander said.●Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs●Possession of marijuana●Possession of drug paraphernalia●Possession of liquor by an underaged personMelander said that the Salina Fire Department rescue team also responded and was able to successfully rescue a cat that was in the pickup.

Assaria teen arrested after 1-vehicle accident east of Mentor

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

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

Recent obituaries

Last week, the journal&nbsp;Science&nbsp;ran “U.S. departure from Afghanistan imperils global quest to eradicate polio.” The last natural case of smallpox was in 1977, and having eradicated this terrible disease from the world, we have long since stopped vaccinating our youth for smallpox. We likewise have vaccines for polio and have expected polio to also soon be extinct. So what has changed?

Older Americans will remember the mother’s “March of Dimes” that funded polio research. After World War II, the new medium of television showed adults in “iron lungs” and crippled children in braces. Our President Franklin Roosevelt was crippled by polio.

By using monkey tissue culture, Dr. Jonas Salk was able to develop a poliovirus vaccine that was inactivated by treatment with formaldehyde. Injection of this perfectly safe vaccine began in the mid-1950s. The public was relieved. I gladly took my shot, and later, a booster shot. Even when Cutter Lab released a bad batch of vaccine where the virus was not fully inactivated, it caused some polio cases. But the public knew the terror of the polio epidemic and had faith that the scientists would correct it.

Soon the Sabin vaccine—drops in sugar cubes—replaced the Salk shots. It was an “attenuated” or weakened virus that replicated in a person without causing polio. The recipient shed the virus and “vaccinated” those around them. This was even more effective in spreading protection. Polio was effectively eliminated from North and South America, Europe and East Asia.

In hopes of driving polio extinct, similar to smallpox, heroic efforts have been made to wipe it out in the remote regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. But in the past, health workers have been killed by various rebels under the belief that the vaccine is actually an attempt to sterilize them.

But times have changed. According to the&nbsp;Science&nbsp;article,&nbsp; “The Taliban has blocked house-to- house polio vaccination in areas under its reign for the past 3 years, putting up to 3 million children out of reach of the campaign and leaving Afghanistan one of only two countries, along with Pakistan, where the wild polio virus survives.”

“Cases in Afghanistan almost tripled to 56 between 2018 and 2020...” the article continues. However, members of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative are hopeful. They found that the Taliban is not opposed to polio vaccination, noting it has collaborated with the GPEI. Instead, the Taliban accuses vaccinators of providing the U.S. forces with information to target airstrikes that killed Taliban leaders.

Medical workers hope that an end to the conflict will remove that concern and aid their eradication efforts. The Taliban have been willing to keep vaccinations going where it can “select people it trusts” and administer vaccinations in mosques.

But a significant portion of Americans have no excuses for their anti-vaccination stance.

It is true that the success of science eliminates the very experience-base that led to the medical breakthroughs and the eradication of many infectious diseases. —There are no more iron-lung machines. --No more childhood leg braces. –No more children crippled from infantile paralysis. The terror of death or disfigurement from smallpox is no longer in most citizen’s living memory.&nbsp; We have lost the experience-base to know and fear measles and whooping cough and tetanus. Science in this way is self-defeating. It eliminates our terrible experiences with many diseases. But this pandemic has restored some experience with the trauma of horrible diseases.

Education should fill that missing role. But America continues to provide virtually no human anatomy or physiology education to high school students, compared to all other developed countries.

And America now has a vast wasteland of online misinformation that spreads anti-vax conspiracy theories.

If we had this lack of science education and the social media and the rapid diffusion of misinformation in the 1950s that we have today, we most likely would still be living with iron lungs, crippled children in braces, and thirty percent of smallpox victims still dying today.&nbsp; &nbsp;

John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="John Richard Schrock" />
 <figcaption>John Richard Schrock</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCKLast week, the journal&nbsp;Science&nbsp;ran “U.S. departure from Afghanistan imperils global quest to eradicate polio.” The last natural case of smallpox was in 1977, and having eradicated this terrible disease from the world, we have long since stopped vaccinating our youth for smallpox. We likewise have vaccines for polio and have expected polio to also soon be extinct. So what has changed?Older Americans will remember the mother’s “March of Dimes” that funded polio research. After World War II, the new medium of television showed adults in “iron lungs” and crippled children in braces. Our President Franklin Roosevelt was crippled by polio.By using monkey tissue culture, Dr. Jonas Salk was able to develop a poliovirus vaccine that was inactivated by treatment with formaldehyde. Injection of this perfectly safe vaccine began in the mid-1950s. The public was relieved. I gladly took my shot, and later, a booster shot. Even when Cutter Lab released a bad batch of vaccine where the virus was not fully inactivated, it caused some polio cases. But the public knew the terror of the polio epidemic and had faith that the scientists would correct it.Soon the Sabin vaccine—drops in sugar cubes—replaced the Salk shots. It was an “attenuated” or weakened virus that replicated in a person without causing polio. The recipient shed the virus and “vaccinated” those around them. This was even more effective in spreading protection. Polio was effectively eliminated from North and South America, Europe and East Asia.In hopes of driving polio extinct, similar to smallpox, heroic efforts have been made to wipe it out in the remote regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. But in the past, health workers have been killed by various rebels under the belief that the vaccine is actually an attempt to sterilize them.But times have changed. According to the&nbsp;Science&nbsp;article,&nbsp; “The Taliban has blocked house-to- house polio vaccination in areas under its reign for the past 3 years, putting up to 3 million children out of reach of the campaign and leaving Afghanistan one of only two countries, along with Pakistan, where the wild polio virus survives.”“Cases in Afghanistan almost tripled to 56 between 2018 and 2020...” the article continues. However, members of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative are hopeful. They found that the Taliban is not opposed to polio vaccination, noting it has collaborated with the GPEI. Instead, the Taliban accuses vaccinators of providing the U.S. forces with information to target airstrikes that killed Taliban leaders.Medical workers hope that an end to the conflict will remove that concern and aid their eradication efforts. The Taliban have been willing to keep vaccinations going where it can “select people it trusts” and administer vaccinations in mosques.But a significant portion of Americans have no excuses for their anti-vaccination stance.It is true that the success of science eliminates the very experience-base that led to the medical breakthroughs and the eradication of many infectious diseases. —There are no more iron-lung machines. --No more childhood leg braces. –No more children crippled from infantile paralysis. The terror of death or disfigurement from smallpox is no longer in most citizen’s living memory.&nbsp; We have lost the experience-base to know and fear measles and whooping cough and tetanus. Science in this way is self-defeating. It eliminates our terrible experiences with many diseases. But this pandemic has restored some experience with the trauma of horrible diseases.Education should fill that missing role. But America continues to provide virtually no human anatomy or physiology education to high school students, compared to all other developed countries.And America now has a vast wasteland of online misinformation that spreads anti-vax conspiracy theories.If we had this lack of science education and the social media and the rapid diffusion of misinformation in the 1950s that we have today, we most likely would still be living with iron lungs, crippled children in braces, and thirty percent of smallpox victims still dying today.&nbsp; &nbsp;John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

EDUCATION FRONTLINES: Polio and possible forever viruses

Advantage Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of First Bank Kansas, has announced the hiring of Jeffrey Wacker as vice president/trust officer. 

Advantage Trust Company is located at 227 S. Santa Fe Avenue.

Wacker received his Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri State University and Master of Science degree from the University of Kansas. Prior to joining Advantage Trust Company, he worked in the Wichita area as a trust officer and financial advisor. 

“I enjoy helping people and building relationships in the community,” Wacker said. 

He enjoys running and riding his bike on the trails in his spare time and is currently training for a marathon in the fall. 

“Salina is a great community and I look forward to getting involved,”he said.

“We are excited to welcome Jeff to our team. His experience in the trust industry matched with his desire to provide exceptional customer service make him a great addition to Advantage Trust Company,” Advantage Trust Company President and CEO Brian Boyer said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629077105822.jpeg" alt="Jeff Wacker. Photo courtesy First Bank Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Wacker. Photo courtesy First Bank Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>Advantage Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of First Bank Kansas, has announced the hiring of Jeffrey Wacker as vice president/trust officer. Advantage Trust Company is located at 227 S. Santa Fe Avenue.Wacker received his Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri State University and Master of Science degree from the University of Kansas. Prior to joining Advantage Trust Company, he worked in the Wichita area as a trust officer and financial advisor. “I enjoy helping people and building relationships in the community,” Wacker said. He enjoys running and riding his bike on the trails in his spare time and is currently training for a marathon in the fall. “Salina is a great community and I look forward to getting involved,”he said.“We are excited to welcome Jeff to our team. His experience in the trust industry matched with his desire to provide exceptional customer service make him a great addition to Advantage Trust Company,” Advantage Trust Company President and CEO Brian Boyer said.

Advantage Trust names Wacker, vice president, trust officer

Today is Monday, Aug. 16, the 228th day of 2021. There are 137 days left in the year.

On August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley died at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee, at age 42.

In 1777, American forces won the Battle of Bennington in what was considered a turning point of the Revolutionary War.

In 1812, Detroit fell to British and Native American forces in the War of 1812.

In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln issued Proclamation 86, which prohibited the states of the Union from engaging in commercial trade with states that were in rebellion — i.e., the Confederacy.

In 1954, Sports Illustrated was first published by Time Inc.

In 1962, the Beatles fired their original drummer, Pete Best, replacing him with Ringo Starr.

In 1977, a judge in New York ruled that Renee Richards, a transgender woman, had the right to compete in the U.S. Open without having to pass a sex chromosome test. (In the opening round of the Open, Richards lost to Virginia Wade in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4). 

In 1978, James Earl Ray, convicted assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., told a Capitol Hill hearing he did not commit the crime, saying he'd been set up by a mysterious man called "Raoul."

In 1987, 156 people were killed when Northwest Airlines Flight 255 crashed while trying to take off from Detroit; the sole survivor was 4-year-old Cecelia Cichan.

In 1991, Pope John Paul II began the first-ever papal visit to Hungary.

In 2002, terrorist mastermind Abu Nidal reportedly was found shot to death in Baghdad, Iraq; he was 65.

In 2014, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson, where police and protesters repeatedly clashed in the week since a Black teenager was shot to death by a white police officer.

In 2018, Aretha Franklin, the undisputed "Queen of Soul," died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 76.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama, on a Midwest bus tour, implored Iowans during a stopover in Peosta to share ideas with him about how leaders could give an economic jolt to the nation's heartland. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, meeting in Paris, called for greater economic discipline and unity among European nations but declined to take immediate financial measures.

Five years ago: Simone Biles captured her fourth gold of the Rio Games with an electric performance in the floor exercise. Political commentator and TV host John McLaughlin, 89, died in Washington, D.C.

One year ago: A riot was declared in Oregon's biggest city as protesters demonstrated again outside a law enforcement building in Portland; officers used crowd control munitions to disperse protesters who they said had thrown rocks, glass bottles and other objects at officers. House Democrats demanded that leaders of the U.S. Postal Service testify at an emergency oversight hearing on mail delays, amid concerns that the Trump White House was trying to undermine the agency as states expanded mail-in voting options. California's Death Valley recorded a temperature of 130 degrees amid a blistering heat wave, the third-highest temperature ever measured.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Ann Blyth is 93. Actor Gary Clarke is 88. Actor Julie Newmar is 88. Actor-singer Ketty Lester is 87. Actor John Standing is 87. College Football Hall of Famer and NFL player Bill Glass is 86. Actor Anita Gillette is 85. Movie director Bruce Beresford is 81. Actor Bob Balaban is 76. Ballerina Suzanne Farrell is 76. Actor Lesley Ann Warren is 75. Rock singer-musician Joey Spampinato is 73. Actor Marshall Manesh is 71. Actor Reginald VelJohnson is 69. Former TV host Kathie Lee Gifford is 68. R&amp;B singer J.T. Taylor is 68. Movie director James Cameron is 67. Actor Jeff Perry is 66. Rock musician Tim Farriss (INXS) is 64. Actor Laura Innes is 64. Singer Madonna is 63. Actor Angela Bassett is 63. Actor Timothy Hutton is 61. Actor Steve Carell is 59. Former tennis player Jimmy Arias is 57. Actor-singer Donovan Leitch is 54. Actor Andy Milder is 53. Actor Seth Peterson is 51. Country singer Emily Robison (The Chicks) is 49. Actor George Stults is 46. Singer Vanessa Carlton is 41. Actor Cam Gigandet is 39. Actor Agnes Bruckner is 36. Singer-musician Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes) is 36. Actor Cristin Milioti is 36. San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish is 35. Actor Shawn Pyfrom is 35. Country singer Ashton Shepherd is 35. Actor Okieriete Onaodowan is 34. Country singer Dan Smyers (Dan &amp; Shay) is 34. NHL goalie Carey Price is 34. Actor Kevin G. Schmidt is 33. Actor Rumer Willis is 33. Actor Parker Young is 33. Rapper Young Thug is 30. Actor Cameron Monaghan is 28. Singer-pianist Greyson Chance is 24.

<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 Monday, Aug. 16, the 228th day of 2021. There are 137 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley died at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee, at age 42.On this date:In 1777, American forces won the Battle of Bennington in what was considered a turning point of the Revolutionary War.In 1812, Detroit fell to British and Native American forces in the War of 1812.In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln issued Proclamation 86, which prohibited the states of the Union from engaging in commercial trade with states that were in rebellion — i.e., the Confederacy.In 1954, Sports Illustrated was first published by Time Inc.In 1962, the Beatles fired their original drummer, Pete Best, replacing him with Ringo Starr.In 1977, a judge in New York ruled that Renee Richards, a transgender woman, had the right to compete in the U.S. Open without having to pass a sex chromosome test. (In the opening round of the Open, Richards lost to Virginia Wade in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4). In 1978, James Earl Ray, convicted assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., told a Capitol Hill hearing he did not commit the crime, saying he'd been set up by a mysterious man called "Raoul."In 1987, 156 people were killed when Northwest Airlines Flight 255 crashed while trying to take off from Detroit; the sole survivor was 4-year-old Cecelia Cichan.In 1991, Pope John Paul II began the first-ever papal visit to Hungary.In 2002, terrorist mastermind Abu Nidal reportedly was found shot to death in Baghdad, Iraq; he was 65.In 2014, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson, where police and protesters repeatedly clashed in the week since a Black teenager was shot to death by a white police officer.In 2018, Aretha Franklin, the undisputed "Queen of Soul," died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 76.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama, on a Midwest bus tour, implored Iowans during a stopover in Peosta to share ideas with him about how leaders could give an economic jolt to the nation's heartland. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, meeting in Paris, called for greater economic discipline and unity among European nations but declined to take immediate financial measures.Five years ago: Simone Biles captured her fourth gold of the Rio Games with an electric performance in the floor exercise. Political commentator and TV host John McLaughlin, 89, died in Washington, D.C.One year ago: A riot was declared in Oregon's biggest city as protesters demonstrated again outside a law enforcement building in Portland; officers used crowd control munitions to disperse protesters who they said had thrown rocks, glass bottles and other objects at officers. House Democrats demanded that leaders of the U.S. Postal Service testify at an emergency oversight hearing on mail delays, amid concerns that the Trump White House was trying to undermine the agency as states expanded mail-in voting options. California's Death Valley recorded a temperature of 130 degrees amid a blistering heat wave, the third-highest temperature ever measured.Today's Birthdays: Actor Ann Blyth is 93. Actor Gary Clarke is 88. Actor Julie Newmar is 88. Actor-singer Ketty Lester is 87. Actor John Standing is 87. College Football Hall of Famer and NFL player Bill Glass is 86. Actor Anita Gillette is 85. Movie director Bruce Beresford is 81. Actor Bob Balaban is 76. Ballerina Suzanne Farrell is 76. Actor Lesley Ann Warren is 75. Rock singer-musician Joey Spampinato is 73. Actor Marshall Manesh is 71. Actor Reginald VelJohnson is 69. Former TV host Kathie Lee Gifford is 68. R&amp;B singer J.T. Taylor is 68. Movie director James Cameron is 67. Actor Jeff Perry is 66. Rock musician Tim Farriss (INXS) is 64. Actor Laura Innes is 64. Singer Madonna is 63. Actor Angela Bassett is 63. Actor Timothy Hutton is 61. Actor Steve Carell is 59. Former tennis player Jimmy Arias is 57. Actor-singer Donovan Leitch is 54. Actor Andy Milder is 53. Actor Seth Peterson is 51. Country singer Emily Robison (The Chicks) is 49. Actor George Stults is 46. Singer Vanessa Carlton is 41. Actor Cam Gigandet is 39. Actor Agnes Bruckner is 36. Singer-musician Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes) is 36. Actor Cristin Milioti is 36. San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish is 35. Actor Shawn Pyfrom is 35. Country singer Ashton Shepherd is 35. Actor Okieriete Onaodowan is 34. Country singer Dan Smyers (Dan &amp; Shay) is 34. NHL goalie Carey Price is 34. Actor Kevin G. Schmidt is 33. Actor Rumer Willis is 33. Actor Parker Young is 33. Rapper Young Thug is 30. Actor Cameron Monaghan is 28. Singer-pianist Greyson Chance is 24.

Today in History - Aug. 16

WICHITA - Wichita State University has announced the names of more than 3,500 students who were on the WSU dean's honor roll for spring 2021. 

To be included on the dean's honor roll, a student must be enrolled full time (at least 12 credit hours) and earn at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. 

Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling more than 15,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.

Local and area students who earned academic honors include the following.

Abilene &nbsp;Hannah J Snowball &nbsp;Jaden Q Wood Bennington &nbsp;Kyler V Mick &nbsp;Luke A Snyder &nbsp;Alexis D Watson Brookville &nbsp;Duncan W Anglin &nbsp;Milah K Linenberger Ellsworth &nbsp;Dylan S Bunch &nbsp;Taylor M Bunch &nbsp;Gentry B Oberle &nbsp;Luke A Oberle &nbsp;Alexis A Stefek Goessel &nbsp;Candy L Geiser &nbsp;Alexandria L Nickel &nbsp;Jenna R Nightengale &nbsp;Julia A Nightengale &nbsp;Jacob M Rymill &nbsp;Madison N Smith &nbsp;Rachel L Sparks Gypsum &nbsp;Margaret L Matteson &nbsp;Faith R Pruett &nbsp;Madison E Roths Herington &nbsp;Emma R Bigham &nbsp;Theron C Miller &nbsp;Rebecca Morgan &nbsp;Melody F Olson Hope &nbsp;Isaac A Elsasser Inman &nbsp;Koy D Light &nbsp;Micah D Mikulecky &nbsp;John Ramey &nbsp;Elizabeth A Wood Lincoln &nbsp;Eilleen H Beckmeyer &nbsp;Heidi J Donley Lindsborg &nbsp;Perla S Vivanco Marion &nbsp;Bailey E Baker &nbsp;Victoria L Boyd &nbsp;Madison P Coleman &nbsp;Corrina M Crabb &nbsp;Emily L Davies &nbsp;Devin T Hamm McPherson &nbsp;Nathan W Ayers &nbsp;Joshua A Beck &nbsp;Samuel J Brossard &nbsp;Jill D Brunsell &nbsp;Kali B Casebeer &nbsp;Kayley M Cox &nbsp;Alaina B Diggs &nbsp;Gavin F Dobson &nbsp;Andrea L Dunham &nbsp;Iliana D Garcia &nbsp;Makenzie G Goering &nbsp;Nicole R Gosselin &nbsp;Jaquilyn M Holder &nbsp;Brandon W Kasting &nbsp;Nicholas W Krizek &nbsp;Lily S Parker &nbsp;Jalyn N Whorton &nbsp;Spring D Wolf &nbsp;Abbey M Yianakopulos Minneapolis &nbsp;Reagan S Smith &nbsp;Landon T Wilson Moundridge &nbsp;Alec M Thach Salina &nbsp;Paul C Armbrust &nbsp;Alijah A Banton &nbsp;Alina H Bohanan &nbsp;Analisa M Bridge &nbsp;Jade R Burroughs &nbsp;Madison P Carlgren &nbsp;Margarette M Clem &nbsp;Jillian C Coleman &nbsp;Sophia Darnell &nbsp;Elena R Ewing &nbsp;Ismael D Garcia &nbsp;Zephyr C Gill &nbsp;Carson T Harris &nbsp;Hannah M Jones &nbsp;Blanca I LeSage &nbsp;Bryana K Loisranoi &nbsp;Elena Martinez &nbsp;Courtney L Meyer &nbsp;Ebony N Moore &nbsp;Alora H Nesting &nbsp;Kimberly Nevarez &nbsp;Lynn D Nguyen &nbsp;Brayden A Pavey &nbsp;Alyssa L Peppers &nbsp;Addison L Praytor &nbsp;Marci Ramsey &nbsp;Keara Reeves &nbsp;Elaine G Stineman &nbsp;Caitlynn I Waller &nbsp;James I Wheeler &nbsp;Shelby N Wood &nbsp;Shadden E Zapata Solomon &nbsp;Alec M Azim &nbsp;Andrew T Capsey &nbsp;Katelyn A Staley Sylvan Grove &nbsp;Mia P Maupin Wilson &nbsp;Ambria S Roberson &nbsp;Kendyl E Zorn&nbsp;&nbsp;

WICHITA - Wichita State University has announced the names of more than 3,500 students who were on the WSU dean's honor roll for spring 2021. To be included on the dean's honor roll, a student must be enrolled full time (at least 12 credit hours) and earn at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling more than 15,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.Local and area students who earned academic honors include the following.Abilene &nbsp;Hannah J Snowball &nbsp;Jaden Q Wood Bennington &nbsp;Kyler V Mick &nbsp;Luke A Snyder &nbsp;Alexis D Watson Brookville &nbsp;Duncan W Anglin &nbsp;Milah K Linenberger Ellsworth &nbsp;Dylan S Bunch &nbsp;Taylor M Bunch &nbsp;Gentry B Oberle &nbsp;Luke A Oberle &nbsp;Alexis A Stefek Goessel &nbsp;Candy L Geiser &nbsp;Alexandria L Nickel &nbsp;Jenna R Nightengale &nbsp;Julia A Nightengale &nbsp;Jacob M Rymill &nbsp;Madison N Smith &nbsp;Rachel L Sparks Gypsum &nbsp;Margaret L Matteson &nbsp;Faith R Pruett &nbsp;Madison E Roths Herington &nbsp;Emma R Bigham &nbsp;Theron C Miller &nbsp;Rebecca Morgan &nbsp;Melody F Olson Hope &nbsp;Isaac A Elsasser Inman &nbsp;Koy D Light &nbsp;Micah D Mikulecky &nbsp;John Ramey &nbsp;Elizabeth A Wood Lincoln &nbsp;Eilleen H Beckmeyer &nbsp;Heidi J Donley Lindsborg &nbsp;Perla S Vivanco Marion &nbsp;Bailey E Baker &nbsp;Victoria L Boyd &nbsp;Madison P Coleman &nbsp;Corrina M Crabb &nbsp;Emily L Davies &nbsp;Devin T Hamm McPherson &nbsp;Nathan W Ayers &nbsp;Joshua A Beck &nbsp;Samuel J Brossard &nbsp;Jill D Brunsell &nbsp;Kali B Casebeer &nbsp;Kayley M Cox &nbsp;Alaina B Diggs &nbsp;Gavin F Dobson &nbsp;Andrea L Dunham &nbsp;Iliana D Garcia &nbsp;Makenzie G Goering &nbsp;Nicole R Gosselin &nbsp;Jaquilyn M Holder &nbsp;Brandon W Kasting &nbsp;Nicholas W Krizek &nbsp;Lily S Parker &nbsp;Jalyn N Whorton &nbsp;Spring D Wolf &nbsp;Abbey M Yianakopulos Minneapolis &nbsp;Reagan S Smith &nbsp;Landon T Wilson Moundridge &nbsp;Alec M Thach Salina &nbsp;Paul C Armbrust &nbsp;Alijah A Banton &nbsp;Alina H Bohanan &nbsp;Analisa M Bridge &nbsp;Jade R Burroughs &nbsp;Madison P Carlgren &nbsp;Margarette M Clem &nbsp;Jillian C Coleman &nbsp;Sophia Darnell &nbsp;Elena R Ewing &nbsp;Ismael D Garcia &nbsp;Zephyr C Gill &nbsp;Carson T Harris &nbsp;Hannah M Jones &nbsp;Blanca I LeSage &nbsp;Bryana K Loisranoi &nbsp;Elena Martinez &nbsp;Courtney L Meyer &nbsp;Ebony N Moore &nbsp;Alora H Nesting &nbsp;Kimberly Nevarez &nbsp;Lynn D Nguyen &nbsp;Brayden A Pavey &nbsp;Alyssa L Peppers &nbsp;Addison L Praytor &nbsp;Marci Ramsey &nbsp;Keara Reeves &nbsp;Elaine G Stineman &nbsp;Caitlynn I Waller &nbsp;James I Wheeler &nbsp;Shelby N Wood &nbsp;Shadden E Zapata Solomon &nbsp;Alec M Azim &nbsp;Andrew T Capsey &nbsp;Katelyn A Staley Sylvan Grove &nbsp;Mia P Maupin Wilson &nbsp;Ambria S Roberson &nbsp;Kendyl E Zorn&nbsp;&nbsp;

Local, area students earn academic honors at WSU

Lott Implement, an AGCO dealer in Minneapolis, Kansas, is looking for a service technician. The duties include repairing combines, tractors and hay equipment.

Lott Implement is looking for someone dependable and motivated, who has their own tools, an is able to get along well with others.

Immediate opening with pay based on experience. Contact Jeff at 785-392-3110 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jlott2522@att.net">jlott2522@att.net</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587062240402.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lott Implement, an AGCO dealer in Minneapolis, Kansas, is looking for a service technician. The duties include repairing combines, tractors and hay equipment.Lott Implement is looking for someone dependable and motivated, who has their own tools, an is able to get along well with others.Immediate opening with pay based on experience. Contact Jeff at 785-392-3110 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jlott2522@att.net">jlott2522@att.net</a>.

UPDATE: Flood warning for Ellsworth, Lincoln counties has expired

From the 2022 budget to the fire department audit to bonds, to a proposed transient guest tax to a citizen-driven petition to a potential annexation, the Salina City Commission has a busy agenda for Monday.

Study sessions and city commission meetings will take place in–person in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street, and via Zoom until further notice. Meetings also can be viewed at the City of Salina YouTube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.

To participate via Zoom, citizens will need to use the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>.

The meeting also can be accessed by phone at 1-346-248-7799. Enter Meeting ID:892 7598 4587 when prompted.

If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens attending via Zoom must raise their hands so that the meeting host can allow them to speak. Those who attend the in-person meeting will have the opportunity to speak at the podium.

Citizens also can send written comments or questions to city commissioners via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:citycommission@salina.org">citycommission@salina.org</a>.

In order for the commissioners to have an opportunity to review comments in advance of the meeting, please email your comments or questions by 5 p.m. the Sunday prior to the Monday meetings.

The regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.

Commissioners are scheduled to conduct a public hearing on the proposed 2022 city budget. The proposed budget for 2022 includes total expenditures of $187,525,706, according to information in the commission meeting packet.

"The comparable amount for 2021 was $111,457,319. The 2022 budget includes a $60,000,000 expenditure budgeted for the Former Schilling Air Force Base Clean Up Fund, $6,000,000 in additional transfers from the Sales Tax Capital Fund to create capital reserve funds and a reserve expenditure for the General Fund of $10 million," information from the city noted. "Excluding these exceptions, the overall 2022 budget is less than 1% higher than the adopted 2021 budget."

The final proposed 2022 budget, if approved, would set the mill levy at 30.452 mills.

To see the draft of the 2022 budget book, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=475633&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

A representative of BKD CPAs &amp; Advisors is scheduled to present the findings of the firm's forensics audit of Salina Fire Department leave time. The audit found that some fire department personnel took time off without applying it to their vacation time, which is valued at more than $198,000. Additionally, the audit found $18,000 worth of personal or sick time that was not reported.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/94aa87c8-fdd9-46db-bbb0-3701e7d2b1fb">Forensic audit of fire department leave time shows misuse</a>

Commissioners also are scheduled to consider a verified petition seeking to limit the commission's ability to enact ordinances that impose restrictions on businesses or citizens in response to public emergencies. The petition was delivered to the city clerk on July 28.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5537b379-74a7-49b1-8bf6-1423e7a1d311">Petition seeking to limit commission authority delivered to city</a>

Commissioners also are scheduled to consider a proposed ordinance to annex the former Signify plant site on S. Ninth Street. On Aug. 6, 2020, the city commission adopted a resolution preliminarily indicating the city's intent to issue $20 million in industrial revenue bonds for what was later announced as Great Plains Manufacturing's expansion into the site, with the understanding that the plant site would be annexed into the city upon Great Plains taking ownership.

Other items on the city agenda for Monday include the following.

●Consider authorizing the city manager to submit a Solid Waste Management Planning Grant Program application to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's Bureau of Waste Management.

●Consider authorizing the city manager to execute a contract addendum to the purchase agreement with the Janine L. Henry Trust, as successor in interest to KMJJM, L.L.C., for the optioned property located at 125 W. North Street (location of the Salina Drive-thru Recycling Center), which was approved by the city commission on July 12, 2021.

●Consider approving a resolution accepting a conditional grant award for the Emergency Solutions Grant Fiscal Fund Year 2021 from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation to benefit local recipient agencies, and authorize the city manager and city staff to sign the related grant documents for allocation of grant funds to three Salina agencies: Ashby House, DVACK, and Catholic Charities.

●Receive the report on bids received on sales of general obligation refunding bonds; hear the second reading of an ordinance authorizing the issuance and delivery of $6,500,000 principal amount of general obligation refunding bonds; and consider a resolution prescribing the form and details of and authorizing the delivery of $6,500,000 principal amount of general obligation refunding bonds.

●Hear the second reading of a proposed ordinance levying special assessments against certain lots and pieces of property to pay the cost of abatement of nuisances on certain lots and parts of lots and the parkways abutting them.

●Consider a proposed ordinance levying a transient guest tax on the gross receipts derived from or paid directly or through an accommodation broker by transient guests for sleeping accommodations within the city and repealing the current resolution in place pertaining to transient guest tax.

To see the entire Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday (305 pages), <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?startid=177362&amp;&amp;dbid=0&amp;cr=1">click here</a>. (You also can open agenda items individually.)

By SALINA POSTFrom the 2022 budget to the fire department audit to bonds, to a proposed transient guest tax to a citizen-driven petition to a potential annexation, the Salina City Commission has a busy agenda for Monday.About the meetingStudy sessions and city commission meetings will take place in–person in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street, and via Zoom until further notice. Meetings also can be viewed at the City of Salina YouTube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.To participate via Zoom, citizens will need to use the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>.The meeting also can be accessed by phone at 1-346-248-7799. Enter Meeting ID:892 7598 4587 when prompted.If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens attending via Zoom must raise their hands so that the meeting host can allow them to speak. Those who attend the in-person meeting will have the opportunity to speak at the podium.Citizens also can send written comments or questions to city commissioners via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:citycommission@salina.org">citycommission@salina.org</a>.In order for the commissioners to have an opportunity to review comments in advance of the meeting, please email your comments or questions by 5 p.m. the Sunday prior to the Monday meetings.Regular meetingThe regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.Commissioners are scheduled to conduct a public hearing on the proposed 2022 city budget. The proposed budget for 2022 includes total expenditures of $187,525,706, according to information in the commission meeting packet."The comparable amount for 2021 was $111,457,319. The 2022 budget includes a $60,000,000 expenditure budgeted for the Former Schilling Air Force Base Clean Up Fund, $6,000,000 in additional transfers from the Sales Tax Capital Fund to create capital reserve funds and a reserve expenditure for the General Fund of $10 million," information from the city noted. "Excluding these exceptions, the overall 2022 budget is less than 1% higher than the adopted 2021 budget."The final proposed 2022 budget, if approved, would set the mill levy at 30.452 mills.To see the draft of the 2022 budget book, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=475633&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.A representative of BKD CPAs &amp; Advisors is scheduled to present the findings of the firm's forensics audit of Salina Fire Department leave time. The audit found that some fire department personnel took time off without applying it to their vacation time, which is valued at more than $198,000. Additionally, the audit found $18,000 worth of personal or sick time that was not reported.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/94aa87c8-fdd9-46db-bbb0-3701e7d2b1fb">Forensic audit of fire department leave time shows misuse</a>Commissioners also are scheduled to consider a verified petition seeking to limit the commission's ability to enact ordinances that impose restrictions on businesses or citizens in response to public emergencies. The petition was delivered to the city clerk on July 28.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5537b379-74a7-49b1-8bf6-1423e7a1d311">Petition seeking to limit commission authority delivered to city</a>Commissioners also are scheduled to consider a proposed ordinance to annex the former Signify plant site on S. Ninth Street. On Aug. 6, 2020, the city commission adopted a resolution preliminarily indicating the city's intent to issue $20 million in industrial revenue bonds for what was later announced as Great Plains Manufacturing's expansion into the site, with the understanding that the plant site would be annexed into the city upon Great Plains taking ownership.Other items on the city agenda for Monday include the following.●Consider authorizing the city manager to submit a Solid Waste Management Planning Grant Program application to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's Bureau of Waste Management.●Consider authorizing the city manager to execute a contract addendum to the purchase agreement with the Janine L. Henry Trust, as successor in interest to KMJJM, L.L.C., for the optioned property located at 125 W. North Street (location of the Salina Drive-thru Recycling Center), which was approved by the city commission on July 12, 2021.●Consider approving a resolution accepting a conditional grant award for the Emergency Solutions Grant Fiscal Fund Year 2021 from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation to benefit local recipient agencies, and authorize the city manager and city staff to sign the related grant documents for allocation of grant funds to three Salina agencies: Ashby House, DVACK, and Catholic Charities.●Receive the report on bids received on sales of general obligation refunding bonds; hear the second reading of an ordinance authorizing the issuance and delivery of $6,500,000 principal amount of general obligation refunding bonds; and consider a resolution prescribing the form and details of and authorizing the delivery of $6,500,000 principal amount of general obligation refunding bonds.●Hear the second reading of a proposed ordinance levying special assessments against certain lots and pieces of property to pay the cost of abatement of nuisances on certain lots and parts of lots and the parkways abutting them.●Consider a proposed ordinance levying a transient guest tax on the gross receipts derived from or paid directly or through an accommodation broker by transient guests for sleeping accommodations within the city and repealing the current resolution in place pertaining to transient guest tax.To see the entire Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday (305 pages), <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?startid=177362&amp;&amp;dbid=0&amp;cr=1">click here</a>. (You also can open agenda items individually.)

Budget, SFD audit, citizen petition, annexation on city agenda

By&nbsp;ALLISON KITE Kansas Reflector

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The total cost from a more than week-long cold snap that brought the Midwest power supply to the brink of collapse is nearly $1 billion — and growing.

The greatest breakdown during the storm, which forced controlled electrical blackouts in Kansas and Missouri, industry groups have said, was natural gas, which was in short supply and rose to 200 times its normal price during the worst stretch of the storm.

So far, two of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/07/30/customers-of-kansas-largest-natural-gas-utility-could-pay-cold-snap-costs-for-10-years/">Kansas’ largest natural gas companies have filed</a>&nbsp;to collect a combined $539.5 million from ratepayers over as long as 10 years. Some&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/08/after-winter-storm-some-evergy-customers-could-see-savings-while-others-pay-for-years/">Evergy customers in Kansas will pay for $152.3 million</a>&nbsp;in power costs from Winter Storm Uri over two years.

But as regulators review those companies’ plans and prepare to pass on the costs to Kansas ratepayers, some groups representing large-scale customers say that —&nbsp;even six months later —&nbsp;the state has more work to do investigating the cause of huge natural gas price spikes during the storm.

“We don’t know who got the bag of cash, but somebody got it,” said C. Edward Watson II, an attorney representing several large-scale customers, including the Catholic Diocese of Wichita.&nbsp;

Watson, on behalf of his clients, joined a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S202107301012494448.pdf?Id=660cf248-4c2f-4f76-ac98-34cae14ffbac">motion filed with the Kansas Corporation Commission</a>&nbsp;by the Natural Gas Transportation Customer Coalition to subpoena a national gas price index to look for signs of market manipulation or dysfunction. NGTCC, represented by attorney Jim Zakoura, also wants the Kansas Gas Service to disclose the names of suppliers that charged such high prices during the storm. In the filing, Zakoura wrote KGS has not challenged the extraordinarily high February gas prices.

“Essentially, KGS has abandoned its advocacy on behalf of its Kansas ratepayers —&nbsp;the very ratepayers who will be obligated to pay $451 million for seven days of natural gas, if ordered by the commission,” the filing says.

KGS has yet to file a response to the motion but said in a statement it cooperated with investigations into the natural gas price spike and disputed some invoices from its suppliers. It did not answer whether it agreed with the call for subpoena of S&amp;P Global Platts Gas Daily.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the same time, the attorney general’s office is investigating whether any price gouging took place during the storm.&nbsp;

The Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board, the state’s dedicated consumer advocate, said it’s important the parties cooperate with that investigation.&nbsp;

In a statement, Black Hills Energy’s spokesman, James Williams, also pointed to the attorney general’s investigation.

“Identifying who profited from the winter storm is the responsibility of governmental bodies, but the cost of gas is a pass-through expense for Black Hills Energy,” Williams said. “We’re committed to helping find a solution for our customers that lessens the impact of this historic event.”

In Missouri, Spire has yet to file a plan to recover the costs it incurred to keep heat on for Kansas City-area and Western Missouri residents during the storm. In an email, a spokesman said the utility would file with the Public Service Commission this fall.

<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/29/spire-claims-fatal-consequences-if-feds-allow-st-louis-pipeline-to-be-shut-down/">Spire is currently in a battle over a pipeline</a>&nbsp;it installed in the St. Louis area, which it says was instrumental in avoiding the need to cut off gas service to residents in eastern Missouri.

All told, the Kansas Gas Service incurred an additional $390 million in extraordinary gas costs in February, plus carrying costs. It has filed a plan to recover those over five, seven or 10 years, increasing customers’ bills by anywhere from about $5 to $11 per month.

Black Hills customers could see their bills go up by $12.23 per month to recoup $87.9 million in costs over two years.&nbsp;

Atmos Energy has yet to file a plan, but according to its quarterly report with the Securities and Exchange Commission, it incurred an estimated $76.7 million in excess natural gas costs.&nbsp;

Along with Evergy’s filings, loans taken out by municipalities that supply their residents power, and cooperatives across the state, the total cost of the storm is $953.9 million, according to a filing by NGTCC. That doesn’t account for costs incurred by large-scale customers that purchase their natural gas directly, such as hospitals, school districts and large businesses.&nbsp;

Zakoura noted Kansas ratepayers weren’t getting any new wind or solar farms, new or safer pipelines, or other upgrades in exchange for their high bills. He called it the “most costly event in the last 50 years.”

“This is $1 billion, and it’s all gone,” he said.

David Nickel, executive director of the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board, called the event substantial but said the utilities were doing their due diligence to lessen the impact on customers. He said he understood Zakoura’s point that no new infrastructure came from the huge sum, but he said it depends on “how you determine value.”

“The whole concept of being able to live through this event without having massive curtailments, without having blackouts that roll through the states, like we did in Texas … I think there’s value to that,” he said.

To recover those costs from residents, the gas utilities have to incur them prudently. If they don’t, the KCC can deny the unreasonable costs. Nickel said he doesn’t see any evidence the utilities took on unreasonable costs, but that CURB and KCC staff will investigate.&nbsp;

Williams said Black Hills’ purchases followed regulators’ instructions to “do all things possible and necessary to ensure continued natural gas service.”

And while some municipalities or large consumer customers are challenging their bills, Zakoura said utilities supplying gas to residential customers aren’t doing enough to challenge the exorbitant gas prices they paid before passing the surcharges on to their customers.&nbsp;

Between Feb. 1 and Feb. 18, average gas prices on the Southern Star Pipeline, which serves Kansas, rose from $2.55 to $622.79, according to the S&amp;P Global Platts Gas Daily, which relies on gas companies to report their purchases. Zakoura said on the days the prices were highest, only a handful of trades were reported to make up that average.

Zakoura filed a motion in the Kansas Gas Service’s proceedings before the KCC to subpoena the index, saying there was “overwhelming circumstantial evidence of a dysfunctional market that was characterized by unconscionable price increases” during the cold snap.&nbsp;

The filing claimed KGS had made no effort to challenge the high prices it was charged for gas.&nbsp;

“This docket is not a docket that is solely focused on the issue of ‘the length of time’ that Kansas ratepayers will have in order to pay KGS $451 million,” the filing said. “It is equally, if not more focused on whether KGS ratepayers should pay KGS $451 million, and whether Kansas residents, businesses, and governments should pay $1 billion for seven days supply of natural gas.”

In its statement, KGS said it had made purchases tied to the S&amp;P price, which isn’t known until the market closes at the end of the day. That amounted to about 30% of the gas purchased during the storm.

The utility hasn’t “lodged an independent investigation of the prices,” said spokeswoman Dawn Tripp, who added that KGS disputed invoices from some of its suppliers.

KGS has yet to file a response with the KCC but has resisted Zakoura’s filings seeking to have the company disclose its suppliers, saying those are confidential business dealings.

Tripp said the company submitted documents to the KCC, CURB, attorney general’s office, NGTCC and others under a protective order. It noted the KCC staff and CURB had not objected to the protective order.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629039370962.jpeg" alt="The Calista Compressor Station serves the Kansas Gas Service’s network in Kansas. The utility has filed with the KCC to recover $451 million in natural gas purchase and carrying costs from this February’s cold snap. Photo from Kansas Gas Service courtesy Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>The Calista Compressor Station serves the Kansas Gas Service’s network in Kansas. The utility has filed with the KCC to recover $451 million in natural gas purchase and carrying costs from this February’s cold snap. Photo from Kansas Gas Service courtesy Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;ALLISON KITE Kansas ReflectorKANSAS CITY, Mo. — The total cost from a more than week-long cold snap that brought the Midwest power supply to the brink of collapse is nearly $1 billion — and growing.The greatest breakdown during the storm, which forced controlled electrical blackouts in Kansas and Missouri, industry groups have said, was natural gas, which was in short supply and rose to 200 times its normal price during the worst stretch of the storm.So far, two of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/07/30/customers-of-kansas-largest-natural-gas-utility-could-pay-cold-snap-costs-for-10-years/">Kansas’ largest natural gas companies have filed</a>&nbsp;to collect a combined $539.5 million from ratepayers over as long as 10 years. Some&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/08/after-winter-storm-some-evergy-customers-could-see-savings-while-others-pay-for-years/">Evergy customers in Kansas will pay for $152.3 million</a>&nbsp;in power costs from Winter Storm Uri over two years.But as regulators review those companies’ plans and prepare to pass on the costs to Kansas ratepayers, some groups representing large-scale customers say that —&nbsp;even six months later —&nbsp;the state has more work to do investigating the cause of huge natural gas price spikes during the storm.“We don’t know who got the bag of cash, but somebody got it,” said C. Edward Watson II, an attorney representing several large-scale customers, including the Catholic Diocese of Wichita.&nbsp;Watson, on behalf of his clients, joined a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S202107301012494448.pdf?Id=660cf248-4c2f-4f76-ac98-34cae14ffbac">motion filed with the Kansas Corporation Commission</a>&nbsp;by the Natural Gas Transportation Customer Coalition to subpoena a national gas price index to look for signs of market manipulation or dysfunction. NGTCC, represented by attorney Jim Zakoura, also wants the Kansas Gas Service to disclose the names of suppliers that charged such high prices during the storm. In the filing, Zakoura wrote KGS has not challenged the extraordinarily high February gas prices.“Essentially, KGS has abandoned its advocacy on behalf of its Kansas ratepayers —&nbsp;the very ratepayers who will be obligated to pay $451 million for seven days of natural gas, if ordered by the commission,” the filing says.KGS has yet to file a response to the motion but said in a statement it cooperated with investigations into the natural gas price spike and disputed some invoices from its suppliers. It did not answer whether it agreed with the call for subpoena of S&amp;P Global Platts Gas Daily.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the same time, the attorney general’s office is investigating whether any price gouging took place during the storm.&nbsp;The Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board, the state’s dedicated consumer advocate, said it’s important the parties cooperate with that investigation.&nbsp;In a statement, Black Hills Energy’s spokesman, James Williams, also pointed to the attorney general’s investigation.“Identifying who profited from the winter storm is the responsibility of governmental bodies, but the cost of gas is a pass-through expense for Black Hills Energy,” Williams said. “We’re committed to helping find a solution for our customers that lessens the impact of this historic event.”In Missouri, Spire has yet to file a plan to recover the costs it incurred to keep heat on for Kansas City-area and Western Missouri residents during the storm. In an email, a spokesman said the utility would file with the Public Service Commission this fall.<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/29/spire-claims-fatal-consequences-if-feds-allow-st-louis-pipeline-to-be-shut-down/">Spire is currently in a battle over a pipeline</a>&nbsp;it installed in the St. Louis area, which it says was instrumental in avoiding the need to cut off gas service to residents in eastern Missouri.<h2>‘$1 billion and it’s all gone’</h2>All told, the Kansas Gas Service incurred an additional $390 million in extraordinary gas costs in February, plus carrying costs. It has filed a plan to recover those over five, seven or 10 years, increasing customers’ bills by anywhere from about $5 to $11 per month.Black Hills customers could see their bills go up by $12.23 per month to recoup $87.9 million in costs over two years.&nbsp;Atmos Energy has yet to file a plan, but according to its quarterly report with the Securities and Exchange Commission, it incurred an estimated $76.7 million in excess natural gas costs.&nbsp;Along with Evergy’s filings, loans taken out by municipalities that supply their residents power, and cooperatives across the state, the total cost of the storm is $953.9 million, according to a filing by NGTCC. That doesn’t account for costs incurred by large-scale customers that purchase their natural gas directly, such as hospitals, school districts and large businesses.&nbsp;Zakoura noted Kansas ratepayers weren’t getting any new wind or solar farms, new or safer pipelines, or other upgrades in exchange for their high bills. He called it the “most costly event in the last 50 years.”“This is $1 billion, and it’s all gone,” he said.David Nickel, executive director of the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board, called the event substantial but said the utilities were doing their due diligence to lessen the impact on customers. He said he understood Zakoura’s point that no new infrastructure came from the huge sum, but he said it depends on “how you determine value.”“The whole concept of being able to live through this event without having massive curtailments, without having blackouts that roll through the states, like we did in Texas … I think there’s value to that,” he said.To recover those costs from residents, the gas utilities have to incur them prudently. If they don’t, the KCC can deny the unreasonable costs. Nickel said he doesn’t see any evidence the utilities took on unreasonable costs, but that CURB and KCC staff will investigate.&nbsp;Williams said Black Hills’ purchases followed regulators’ instructions to “do all things possible and necessary to ensure continued natural gas service.”And while some municipalities or large consumer customers are challenging their bills, Zakoura said utilities supplying gas to residential customers aren’t doing enough to challenge the exorbitant gas prices they paid before passing the surcharges on to their customers.&nbsp;Between Feb. 1 and Feb. 18, average gas prices on the Southern Star Pipeline, which serves Kansas, rose from $2.55 to $622.79, according to the S&amp;P Global Platts Gas Daily, which relies on gas companies to report their purchases. Zakoura said on the days the prices were highest, only a handful of trades were reported to make up that average.Zakoura filed a motion in the Kansas Gas Service’s proceedings before the KCC to subpoena the index, saying there was “overwhelming circumstantial evidence of a dysfunctional market that was characterized by unconscionable price increases” during the cold snap.&nbsp;The filing claimed KGS had made no effort to challenge the high prices it was charged for gas.&nbsp;“This docket is not a docket that is solely focused on the issue of ‘the length of time’ that Kansas ratepayers will have in order to pay KGS $451 million,” the filing said. “It is equally, if not more focused on whether KGS ratepayers should pay KGS $451 million, and whether Kansas residents, businesses, and governments should pay $1 billion for seven days supply of natural gas.”In its statement, KGS said it had made purchases tied to the S&amp;P price, which isn’t known until the market closes at the end of the day. That amounted to about 30% of the gas purchased during the storm.The utility hasn’t “lodged an independent investigation of the prices,” said spokeswoman Dawn Tripp, who added that KGS disputed invoices from some of its suppliers.KGS has yet to file a response with the KCC but has resisted Zakoura’s filings seeking to have the company disclose its suppliers, saying those are confidential business dealings.Tripp said the company submitted documents to the KCC, CURB, attorney general’s office, NGTCC and others under a protective order. It noted the KCC staff and CURB had not objected to the protective order.Tripp said KGS purchases gas through a competitive bid process it considered confidential.“Natural gas suppliers may be reluctant to sell gas to Kansas Gas Service if the only option is under a public contract,” Tripp said. “With fewer suppliers available to purchase gas from, it would likely result in higher gas prices paid by Kansas Gas Service’s sales customers.”Black Hills, too, said it does not publicly disclose contract prices.KCC staff filed a response Thursday to Zakoura’s motion supporting KGS’ position that the documents should be confidential. In its filing, it noted the KCC and CURB are designated to protect residential consumers, not NGTCC.“While staff fully understands and appreciates the extraordinary nature of the winter weather event,” the filing said, “staff finds it difficult to agree that the extraordinary nature of the event requires an extraordinary deviation from traditional commission practice related to confidentiality.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625673106778.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The above story is republished with permission from <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>.