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

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.7 percent in June. This was an increase from 3.5 percent in May and a decrease from 7.0 percent in June 2020.

“The labor force grew in June as the number of Kansans seeking employment increased,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “This resulted in a slight increase in the unemployment rate to 3.7 percent."

The jobless rate jumped in counties across the region over May. The Saline County unemployment rate rose from 3.3 percent in May to 4.2 percent in June.

Dickinson and Ottawa County also saw their unemployment rate jump over 4 percent. Lincoln and Ellsworth County saw a slight increase and remain below 3 percent. McPherson County's jobless rate increased from 2.3 percent in May to 3.0 in June.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 8,100 from May. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 100 from the previous month, while government increased by 8,000.

“Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 8,100 in June, with the majority of these gains in state and local government. The pandemic disrupted typical seasonal hiring patterns for public schools, which contributed to this large over-the-month change.” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “Even with these job gains, government job estimates remain 1.8 percent lower than pre-pandemic estimates for February 2020."

Since June 2020, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 51,400. This change is due to an increase of 40,100 private sector jobs and 11,300 government jobs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626451569304.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.7 percent in June. This was an increase from 3.5 percent in May and a decrease from 7.0 percent in June 2020.“The labor force grew in June as the number of Kansans seeking employment increased,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “This resulted in a slight increase in the unemployment rate to 3.7 percent."The jobless rate jumped in counties across the region over May. The Saline County unemployment rate rose from 3.3 percent in May to 4.2 percent in June.Dickinson and Ottawa County also saw their unemployment rate jump over 4 percent. Lincoln and Ellsworth County saw a slight increase and remain below 3 percent. McPherson County's jobless rate increased from 2.3 percent in May to 3.0 in June.Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 8,100 from May. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 100 from the previous month, while government increased by 8,000.“Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 8,100 in June, with the majority of these gains in state and local government. The pandemic disrupted typical seasonal hiring patterns for public schools, which contributed to this large over-the-month change.” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “Even with these job gains, government job estimates remain 1.8 percent lower than pre-pandemic estimates for February 2020."Since June 2020, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 51,400. This change is due to an increase of 40,100 private sector jobs and 11,300 government jobs.

Jobless rate in Saline County jumps in June

Here's what's new at the Salina Public Library. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary">Salina Public Library</a> Facebook page:

Here's what's new at the Salina Public Library. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary">Salina Public Library</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinapubliclibrary%2Fphotos%2Fa.435863323139%2F10159690511508140%2F&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="658" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Check out what's new at the Salina Public Library

Component Technician – Stacking/Poles

Location: Solomon Corporation 129 W Main St Solomon KS 67480

Sunbelt-Solomon Solutions is hiring! We are one of the world's largest providers of new and reconditioned transformers and electrical equipment for commercial and industrial markets. We currently have openings for individuals seeking to join a forward-thinking company with excellent benefits and growth opportunities for motivated employees.

In this role you will be responsible for:

Disassembling poles and pads as well as separating and boxing material for the salvage department. In addition to collecting and sorting material, unloading and loading materials and various other tasks.

For hourly employees hired between 6/15/21 and 12/31/21 we are offering a bonus at 90 days and 6 months.

$100 paid to active eligible employees on the first payroll following 90 days &amp; $400 paid to active eligible employees on the first payroll following 6 months.

Apply online at:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.solomoncorp.com/">www.solomoncorp.com</a> or click the link to the Solomon Corporation careers page at the bottom of this page.

Job Link:&nbsp;Click here to Apply :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solomoncorp.com/careers/">Solomon Corporation's Career Page</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625787138924.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Component Technician – Stacking/PolesLocation: Solomon Corporation 129 W Main St Solomon KS 67480Sunbelt-Solomon Solutions is hiring! We are one of the world's largest providers of new and reconditioned transformers and electrical equipment for commercial and industrial markets. We currently have openings for individuals seeking to join a forward-thinking company with excellent benefits and growth opportunities for motivated employees.In this role you will be responsible for:Disassembling poles and pads as well as separating and boxing material for the salvage department. In addition to collecting and sorting material, unloading and loading materials and various other tasks.NEW INCENTIVE PROGRAM!For hourly employees hired between 6/15/21 and 12/31/21 we are offering a bonus at 90 days and 6 months.$100 paid to active eligible employees on the first payroll following 90 days &amp; $400 paid to active eligible employees on the first payroll following 6 months.Apply online at:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.solomoncorp.com/">www.solomoncorp.com</a> or click the link to the Solomon Corporation careers page at the bottom of this page.EOEJob Link:&nbsp;Click here to Apply :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solomoncorp.com/careers/">Solomon Corporation's Career Page</a>

Rain chances continue Sunday and Monday

The Kansas Highway Patrol will be working to ensure students are safe on their travels to and from school. 

Every July and August, KHP troopers partner with school districts across the state to check all school buses and ensure they are in proper working condition.

Troopers will check the buses until the beginning of the school session to make sure the vehicles will safely load, transport and unload students. Troopers will check the lights, emergency exits, tires, windshield wipers, fire extinguishers, first aid kits and emergency spill kits.

“Our children are our future. We owe it to the family members and their children to make sure these kids arrive to and from their destinations safely,” said Lieutenant Candice Breshears, KHP public information officer. “By partnering with these school districts across Kansas, we can ensure that we are taking the proper steps to keep Kansas children safe.”

A decal will be displayed in the lower driver’s side corner of the windshield for any bus or school vehicle passing inspection. Vehicles that do not comply with safety regulations cannot be used to transport students until all defects are corrected and a Trooper re-checks the vehicle.

In 2020, the patrol inspected 10,862 buses and other school vehicles for defects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626444000326.jpeg" alt="A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper inspects school buses in this file photo from 2019. Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHPTroopC">Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C</a> Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper inspects school buses in this file photo from 2019. Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHPTroopC">Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C</a> Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Highway Patrol will be working to ensure students are safe on their travels to and from school. Every July and August, KHP troopers partner with school districts across the state to check all school buses and ensure they are in proper working condition.Troopers will check the buses until the beginning of the school session to make sure the vehicles will safely load, transport and unload students. Troopers will check the lights, emergency exits, tires, windshield wipers, fire extinguishers, first aid kits and emergency spill kits.“Our children are our future. We owe it to the family members and their children to make sure these kids arrive to and from their destinations safely,” said Lieutenant Candice Breshears, KHP public information officer. “By partnering with these school districts across Kansas, we can ensure that we are taking the proper steps to keep Kansas children safe.”A decal will be displayed in the lower driver’s side corner of the windshield for any bus or school vehicle passing inspection. Vehicles that do not comply with safety regulations cannot be used to transport students until all defects are corrected and a Trooper re-checks the vehicle.In 2020, the patrol inspected 10,862 buses and other school vehicles for defects.

Troopers inspecting buses to prep for first day of school

By FREEDOM FORUM STAFF with GENE POLICINSKI and TONY MAURO

Significant First Amendment cases involving religion, student speech, assembly and press rights were at the top of U.S. Supreme Court decisions in the just-finished 2020-21 term.

In several key cases, the court ruled on the side of First Amendment freedoms, including where they seemed to conflict with other values and interests. But support was not equally strong for all five freedoms.

In the Fulton v. City of Philadelphia case of a Catholic social services agency colliding with municipal policy, the justices said the city violated the religious rights of the agency by requiring it to screen same-sex couples as potential foster parents. The agency argued that its religious beliefs conflicted with the requirement and that no harm was done to prospective parents because it would refer couples to multiple other agencies that work with the city and do screen same-sex couples.

<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/06/23/perspective-supreme-court-case-goes-beyond-lgbtq-versus-catholic-rights/" target="_blank">Perspective: Supreme Court case goes beyond LGBTQ+ versus Catholic rights</a>

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20a87_4g15.pdf" target="_blank">another decision</a>, New York state was found to be violating the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious liberty when it prohibited in-person religious services as part of COVID-19 pandemic regulations. The opinion for the 5-4 majority, written by newly appointed&nbsp;Justice Amy Coney Barrett, said the state unfairly singled out religious groups for severe restrictions, while exempting many “essential” businesses such as major retailers and liquor stores.

In a decision that attracted wide media coverage (the case of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/02/17/cheerleaders-snapchat-rant-tests-students-free-speech-rights/" target="_blank">Snapchatting cheerleader</a>, Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L.), the court held that school officials cannot punish a student for off-campus speech in most instances.

As Freedom Forum Fellow and student speech expert&nbsp;David Hudson&nbsp;wrote, the court “reaffirmed the core principles” of Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, the nation’s major student speech case.

<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/06/30/perspective-students-parents-and-free-speech-win-in-cheerleading-case/" target="_blank">Perspective: Students, Parents and Free Speech Win in Cheerleading Case</a>

But the court also left open circumstances in which administrators can act, including field trips and “away” athletic events, and noted that the increasing presence of social media and distance learning likely will broaden the category of when school officials can discipline student speech.

In an end-of-term decision (Shkelzen Berisha v. Guy Lawson), the court declined to hear a defamation case. But&nbsp;Justice Neil Gorsuch&nbsp;disagreed and appeared to join an earlier call by&nbsp;Justice Clarence Thomas&nbsp;to revisit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/2019/12/16/a-profound-national-commitment-to-robust-debate/" target="_blank">seminal 1964 case New York Times Co. v. Sullivan</a>, which could signal a future First Amendment collision over free speech and free press.

The court in the Sullivan decision set a high standard of proof for defamation cases: requiring showing those statements are made with “actual malice” — that is, with knowledge the information was false or with reckless disregard for whether or not it was true.

Those who would not revisit Sullivan say journalists, and anyone speaking or writing in public, would face a near-impossible task in this litigious-happy society if even a minor, inadvertent error could subject them to harassing or meritless lawsuits aimed at making speakers spend money on defending themselves.

But the two justices say deliberate falsehoods are so prevalent that a revision is needed to allow some an easier path for defamation complaints.

Gorsuch wrote that in the 1960s at the time of the Sullivan case, the news media needed protections from occasional error, but argued the media landscape has changed so much that level of protection no longer makes sense. He noted how much harder it has become to sue for libel:

“If ensuring an informed democratic debate is the goal, how well do we serve that interest with rules that no longer merely tolerate but encourage falsehoods in quantities no one could have envisioned almost 60 years ago?”

<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/06/09/perspective-is-the-supreme-court-still-a-defender-of-press-freedom/" target="_blank">Perspective: Is the Supreme Court Still a Defender of Press Freedom?</a>

Some legal scholars have pushed back on similar claims against Sullivan, saying flaws in the “malice” standard have more to do with the court’s expansion of when the standard comes into play, originally applied only for “public officials,” but later to all “public figures” and then to those who only temporarily have a public life due to involvement in newsworthy events, for example.

The final First Amendment decision of the term was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/04/19/news-supreme-court-to-tackle-a-rare-first-amendment-test-of-freedom-of-association/" target="_blank">an unusual one</a>, notes Freedom Forum special correspondent&nbsp;Tony Mauro:

Americans for Prosperity Foundation v. Bonta involved a broad range of nonprofit organizations challenging California’s requirement that the names and addresses of organizations’ donors be disclosed. California said the information is needed to monitor potential misconduct by charities. But the organizations said the names should be private, especially in the current divisive political climate where donors could be harassed.

To protect freedom of association, long viewed as a component of “the right of the people peaceably to assemble,” the Supreme Court has ruled in the past that such organizations and their members should be given a high level of privacy from government scrutiny, especially if the groups are controversial.

The high court embraced that viewpoint again in its July 1 ruling. By a 6-3 vote, with&nbsp;Chief Justice John Roberts Jr.&nbsp;writing for the majority, the court said California’s disclosure regulation was not important enough to outweigh the “risk of a chilling effect on association” of donors who might fear being attacked for their views.

The decision was applauded by some as a First Amendment victory, but criticized by others as a boost for “dark money” donors who want their contributions in political campaigns to be anonymous.

While the court largely leaned toward strong protections for religious freedom, speech and assembly this term, it was less decisive on press freedom. And as with many Supreme Court findings, the cases this term answered several key First Amendment questions, but raised others.

Gene Policinski is Freedom Forum senior fellow for the First Amendment. Reach him at <a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>. Tony Mauro, who has covered the U.S. Supreme Court since 1979, is contributing U.S. Supreme Court correspondent for the National Law Journal and ALM Media.

By FREEDOM FORUM STAFF with GENE POLICINSKI and TONY MAUROSignificant First Amendment cases involving religion, student speech, assembly and press rights were at the top of U.S. Supreme Court decisions in the just-finished 2020-21 term.In several key cases, the court ruled on the side of First Amendment freedoms, including where they seemed to conflict with other values and interests. But support was not equally strong for all five freedoms.<h2>RELIGIOUS FREEDOM</h2>In the Fulton v. City of Philadelphia case of a Catholic social services agency colliding with municipal policy, the justices said the city violated the religious rights of the agency by requiring it to screen same-sex couples as potential foster parents. The agency argued that its religious beliefs conflicted with the requirement and that no harm was done to prospective parents because it would refer couples to multiple other agencies that work with the city and do screen same-sex couples.<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/06/23/perspective-supreme-court-case-goes-beyond-lgbtq-versus-catholic-rights/" target="_blank">Perspective: Supreme Court case goes beyond LGBTQ+ versus Catholic rights</a>In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20a87_4g15.pdf" target="_blank">another decision</a>, New York state was found to be violating the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious liberty when it prohibited in-person religious services as part of COVID-19 pandemic regulations. The opinion for the 5-4 majority, written by newly appointed&nbsp;Justice Amy Coney Barrett, said the state unfairly singled out religious groups for severe restrictions, while exempting many “essential” businesses such as major retailers and liquor stores.<h2>STUDENT SPEECH</h2>In a decision that attracted wide media coverage (the case of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/02/17/cheerleaders-snapchat-rant-tests-students-free-speech-rights/" target="_blank">Snapchatting cheerleader</a>, Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L.), the court held that school officials cannot punish a student for off-campus speech in most instances.As Freedom Forum Fellow and student speech expert&nbsp;David Hudson&nbsp;wrote, the court “reaffirmed the core principles” of Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, the nation’s major student speech case.<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/06/30/perspective-students-parents-and-free-speech-win-in-cheerleading-case/" target="_blank">Perspective: Students, Parents and Free Speech Win in Cheerleading Case</a>But the court also left open circumstances in which administrators can act, including field trips and “away” athletic events, and noted that the increasing presence of social media and distance learning likely will broaden the category of when school officials can discipline student speech.<h2>PRESS FREEDOM</h2>In an end-of-term decision (Shkelzen Berisha v. Guy Lawson), the court declined to hear a defamation case. But&nbsp;Justice Neil Gorsuch&nbsp;disagreed and appeared to join an earlier call by&nbsp;Justice Clarence Thomas&nbsp;to revisit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/2019/12/16/a-profound-national-commitment-to-robust-debate/" target="_blank">seminal 1964 case New York Times Co. v. Sullivan</a>, which could signal a future First Amendment collision over free speech and free press.The court in the Sullivan decision set a high standard of proof for defamation cases: requiring showing those statements are made with “actual malice” — that is, with knowledge the information was false or with reckless disregard for whether or not it was true.Those who would not revisit Sullivan say journalists, and anyone speaking or writing in public, would face a near-impossible task in this litigious-happy society if even a minor, inadvertent error could subject them to harassing or meritless lawsuits aimed at making speakers spend money on defending themselves.But the two justices say deliberate falsehoods are so prevalent that a revision is needed to allow some an easier path for defamation complaints.Gorsuch wrote that in the 1960s at the time of the Sullivan case, the news media needed protections from occasional error, but argued the media landscape has changed so much that level of protection no longer makes sense. He noted how much harder it has become to sue for libel:“If ensuring an informed democratic debate is the goal, how well do we serve that interest with rules that no longer merely tolerate but encourage falsehoods in quantities no one could have envisioned almost 60 years ago?”<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/06/09/perspective-is-the-supreme-court-still-a-defender-of-press-freedom/" target="_blank">Perspective: Is the Supreme Court Still a Defender of Press Freedom?</a>Some legal scholars have pushed back on similar claims against Sullivan, saying flaws in the “malice” standard have more to do with the court’s expansion of when the standard comes into play, originally applied only for “public officials,” but later to all “public figures” and then to those who only temporarily have a public life due to involvement in newsworthy events, for example.<h2>FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY</h2>The final First Amendment decision of the term was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/04/19/news-supreme-court-to-tackle-a-rare-first-amendment-test-of-freedom-of-association/" target="_blank">an unusual one</a>, notes Freedom Forum special correspondent&nbsp;Tony Mauro:Americans for Prosperity Foundation v. Bonta involved a broad range of nonprofit organizations challenging California’s requirement that the names and addresses of organizations’ donors be disclosed. California said the information is needed to monitor potential misconduct by charities. But the organizations said the names should be private, especially in the current divisive political climate where donors could be harassed.To protect freedom of association, long viewed as a component of “the right of the people peaceably to assemble,” the Supreme Court has ruled in the past that such organizations and their members should be given a high level of privacy from government scrutiny, especially if the groups are controversial.The high court embraced that viewpoint again in its July 1 ruling. By a 6-3 vote, with&nbsp;Chief Justice John Roberts Jr.&nbsp;writing for the majority, the court said California’s disclosure regulation was not important enough to outweigh the “risk of a chilling effect on association” of donors who might fear being attacked for their views.The decision was applauded by some as a First Amendment victory, but criticized by others as a boost for “dark money” donors who want their contributions in political campaigns to be anonymous.While the court largely leaned toward strong protections for religious freedom, speech and assembly this term, it was less decisive on press freedom. And as with many Supreme Court findings, the cases this term answered several key First Amendment questions, but raised others.Gene Policinski is Freedom Forum senior fellow for the First Amendment. Reach him at <a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>. Tony Mauro, who has covered the U.S. Supreme Court since 1979, is contributing U.S. Supreme Court correspondent for the National Law Journal and ALM Media.

FIRST 5: Supreme Court sides with First Amendment freedoms; questions linger

Today is Saturday, July 17, the 198th day of 2021. There are 167 days left in the year. 

On July 17, 1975, an Apollo spaceship docked with a Soyuz spacecraft in orbit in the first superpower link-up of its kind. 

In 1821, Spain ceded Florida to the United States. 

In 1862, during the Civil War, Congress approved the Second Confiscation Act, which declared that all slaves taking refuge behind Union lines were to be set free. 

In 1918, Russia's Czar Nicholas II and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks. 

In 1936, the Spanish Civil War began as right-wing army generals launched a coup attempt against the Second Spanish Republic.

In 1944, during World War II, 320 men, two-thirds of them African-Americans, were killed when a pair of ammunition ships exploded at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in California.

In 1945, following Nazi Germany's surrender, President Harry S. Truman, Soviet leader Josef Stalin and British Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill began meeting at Potsdam in the final Allied summit of World War II. 

In 1962, the United States conducted its last atmospheric nuclear test to date, detonating a 20-kiloton device, codenamed Little Feller I, at the Nevada Test Site. 

In 1967, after seven dates, Jimi Hendrix quit as the opening act for the Monkees following a concert at Forest Hills Stadium in New York. (Although greatly admired by the Monkees, Hendrix had received a less than enthusiastic reception from their fans.)

In 1981, 114 people were killed when a pair of suspended walkways above the lobby of the Kansas City Hyatt Regency Hotel collapsed during a tea dance. 

In 1996, TWA Flight 800, a Europe-bound Boeing 747, exploded and crashed off Long Island, New York, shortly after departing John F. Kennedy International Airport, killing all 230 people on board. 

In 1997, Woolworth Corp. announced it was closing its 400 remaining five-and-dime stores across the country, ending 117 years in business. 

In 2014, Eric Garner, a Black man accused of selling loose, untaxed cigarettes, died shortly after being wrestled to the ground by New York City police officers; a video of the takedown showed Garner repeatedly saying, "I can't breathe." (Garner's family received $5.9 million from the city in 2015 to settle a wrongful death claim.) All 298 passengers and crew aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 were killed when the Boeing 777 was shot down over rebel-held eastern Ukraine; both Ukraine's government and pro-Russian separatists denied responsibility. 

Ten years ago: Japan won the Women's World Cup in Frankfurt, Germany, stunning the United States 3-1 in a penalty shootout after coming from behind twice in a 2-2 tie. Darren Clarke gave Northern Ireland another major championship, winning the British Open by three strokes over Americans Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson.

Five years ago: Three Baton Rouge law enforcement officers investigating a report of a man with an assault rifle were killed, less than two weeks after a Black man was shot and killed by police in the city in a confrontation that sparked nightly protests that reverberated nationwide. (The gunman was killed by tactical officers.)

One year ago: Civil rights icon John Lewis, whose bloody beating by Alabama state troopers in 1965 helped galvanize opposition to racial segregation, and who went on to a long and celebrated career in Congress, died at the age of 80. Militarized federal agents deployed by President Donald Trump to Portland, Oregon, again fired tear gas to break up crowds of protesters as the city's mayor demanded that the agents be removed. Oregon's attorney general sued the Department of Homeland Security and the Marshals Service, alleging that unidentified federal agents had grabbed people off the streets of Portland with no warrant or explanation. Teams of military medics were deployed in Texas and California to help hospitals swamped with coronavirus patients. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said she was receiving chemotherapy for a recurrence of cancer, but that she had no plans to retire. (Ginsburg died in September 2020; she was succeeded by Amy Coney Barrett.)

Today's Birthdays: Actor Donald Sutherland is 86. Sportscaster Verne Lundquist is 81. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is 74. Rock musician Terry "Geezer" Butler is 72. Actor Lucie Arnaz is 70. Actor David Hasselhoff is 69. Rock musician Fran Smith Jr. (The Hooters) is 69. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is 67. Television producer Mark Burnett is 61. Actor Nancy Giles is 61. Singer Regina Belle is 58. Country singer Craig Morgan is 57. Rock musician Lou Barlow is 55. Contemporary Christian singer Susan Ashton is 54. Actor Andre Royo is 53. Actor Bitty Schram is 53. Actor Jason Clarke is 52. Movie director F. Gary Gray is 52. Rapper Sole' is 48. Country singer Luke Bryan is 45. Actor Eric Winter is 45. Actor Mike Vogel is 42. Actor Tom Cullen is 36. Actor Brando Eaton is 35. R&amp;B singer Jeremih is 34. Actor Summer Bishil is 33. Actor Billie Lourd is 29. Actor Leo Howard 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 Saturday, July 17, the 198th day of 2021. There are 167 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 17, 1975, an Apollo spaceship docked with a Soyuz spacecraft in orbit in the first superpower link-up of its kind. On this date: In 1821, Spain ceded Florida to the United States. In 1862, during the Civil War, Congress approved the Second Confiscation Act, which declared that all slaves taking refuge behind Union lines were to be set free. In 1918, Russia's Czar Nicholas II and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks. In 1936, the Spanish Civil War began as right-wing army generals launched a coup attempt against the Second Spanish Republic.In 1944, during World War II, 320 men, two-thirds of them African-Americans, were killed when a pair of ammunition ships exploded at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in California.In 1945, following Nazi Germany's surrender, President Harry S. Truman, Soviet leader Josef Stalin and British Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill began meeting at Potsdam in the final Allied summit of World War II. In 1962, the United States conducted its last atmospheric nuclear test to date, detonating a 20-kiloton device, codenamed Little Feller I, at the Nevada Test Site. In 1967, after seven dates, Jimi Hendrix quit as the opening act for the Monkees following a concert at Forest Hills Stadium in New York. (Although greatly admired by the Monkees, Hendrix had received a less than enthusiastic reception from their fans.)In 1981, 114 people were killed when a pair of suspended walkways above the lobby of the Kansas City Hyatt Regency Hotel collapsed during a tea dance. In 1996, TWA Flight 800, a Europe-bound Boeing 747, exploded and crashed off Long Island, New York, shortly after departing John F. Kennedy International Airport, killing all 230 people on board. In 1997, Woolworth Corp. announced it was closing its 400 remaining five-and-dime stores across the country, ending 117 years in business. In 2014, Eric Garner, a Black man accused of selling loose, untaxed cigarettes, died shortly after being wrestled to the ground by New York City police officers; a video of the takedown showed Garner repeatedly saying, "I can't breathe." (Garner's family received $5.9 million from the city in 2015 to settle a wrongful death claim.) All 298 passengers and crew aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 were killed when the Boeing 777 was shot down over rebel-held eastern Ukraine; both Ukraine's government and pro-Russian separatists denied responsibility. Ten years ago: Japan won the Women's World Cup in Frankfurt, Germany, stunning the United States 3-1 in a penalty shootout after coming from behind twice in a 2-2 tie. Darren Clarke gave Northern Ireland another major championship, winning the British Open by three strokes over Americans Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson.Five years ago: Three Baton Rouge law enforcement officers investigating a report of a man with an assault rifle were killed, less than two weeks after a Black man was shot and killed by police in the city in a confrontation that sparked nightly protests that reverberated nationwide. (The gunman was killed by tactical officers.) One year ago: Civil rights icon John Lewis, whose bloody beating by Alabama state troopers in 1965 helped galvanize opposition to racial segregation, and who went on to a long and celebrated career in Congress, died at the age of 80. Militarized federal agents deployed by President Donald Trump to Portland, Oregon, again fired tear gas to break up crowds of protesters as the city's mayor demanded that the agents be removed. Oregon's attorney general sued the Department of Homeland Security and the Marshals Service, alleging that unidentified federal agents had grabbed people off the streets of Portland with no warrant or explanation. Teams of military medics were deployed in Texas and California to help hospitals swamped with coronavirus patients. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said she was receiving chemotherapy for a recurrence of cancer, but that she had no plans to retire. (Ginsburg died in September 2020; she was succeeded by Amy Coney Barrett.)Today's Birthdays: Actor Donald Sutherland is 86. Sportscaster Verne Lundquist is 81. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is 74. Rock musician Terry "Geezer" Butler is 72. Actor Lucie Arnaz is 70. Actor David Hasselhoff is 69. Rock musician Fran Smith Jr. (The Hooters) is 69. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is 67. Television producer Mark Burnett is 61. Actor Nancy Giles is 61. Singer Regina Belle is 58. Country singer Craig Morgan is 57. Rock musician Lou Barlow is 55. Contemporary Christian singer Susan Ashton is 54. Actor Andre Royo is 53. Actor Bitty Schram is 53. Actor Jason Clarke is 52. Movie director F. Gary Gray is 52. Rapper Sole' is 48. Country singer Luke Bryan is 45. Actor Eric Winter is 45. Actor Mike Vogel is 42. Actor Tom Cullen is 36. Actor Brando Eaton is 35. R&amp;B singer Jeremih is 34. Actor Summer Bishil is 33. Actor Billie Lourd is 29. Actor Leo Howard is 24.

Today in History - July 17

UPDATE 8:30 a.m. Saturday:&nbsp;Scattered storms with heavy rainfall will continue build across the area this morning, according to the National Weather Service.

The strongest storms may produce gusty winds to around 50 mph and small hail in addition to heavy rain. Heavy rain may aggravate ongoing flooding problems across southeast Kansas.

Scattered storms with heavy rainfall will continue building into central and south-central Kansas. 

According to the National Weather Service, the strongest storms may produce small hail and gusty winds in addition to heavy rain and aggravate ongoing flooding problems. 

Other more isolated activity will impact portions of southeast Kansas as we move through the morning hours.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626529901685.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE 8:30 a.m. Saturday:&nbsp;Scattered storms with heavy rainfall will continue build across the area this morning, according to the National Weather Service. The strongest storms may produce gusty winds to around 50 mph and small hail in addition to heavy rain. Heavy rain may aggravate ongoing flooding problems across southeast Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626525492327.png" alt="storm threat though 9 am 7172021.png" />
 <figcaption>storm threat though 9 am 7172021.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Scattered storms with heavy rainfall will continue building into central and south-central Kansas. According to the National Weather Service, the strongest storms may produce small hail and gusty winds in addition to heavy rain and aggravate ongoing flooding problems. Other more isolated activity will impact portions of southeast Kansas as we move through the morning hours.

UPDATE: Part of area has chance for heavy rain this morning

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a flood watch that includes Marion County.

The flood watch is in effect until 1 p.m. Saturday.

Scattered to numerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall rates are expected to impact portions of east-central and southeast Kansas this morning. Pockets of very heavy rainfall and flooding  are likely, especially for areas that have already received heavy rainfall the past few days. This watch may need to be extended in time, especially if thunderstorms continue to develop this afternoon and evening. Stay tuned!

Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626526419704.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a flood watch that includes Marion County.The flood watch is in effect until 1 p.m. Saturday.Scattered to numerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall rates are expected to impact portions of east-central and southeast Kansas this morning. Pockets of very heavy rainfall and flooding are likely, especially for areas that have already received heavy rainfall the past few days. This watch may need to be extended in time, especially if thunderstorms continue to develop this afternoon and evening. Stay tuned!Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

UPDATE: Marion County flood watch has expired

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

Due to the recent increase of new COVID-19 cases in Saline County and rise in the number of variants sequenced, the Saline County Health Department will return to reporting local COVID-19 data three times per week. Vaccination statistics are updated each Wednesday, while case numbers will be shared each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

At least 21,387 people have been vaccinated in Saline County. This accounts for approximately 39.4 percent of the total population and an increase of just .4 percent over the previous week. We are aware of a reporting issue with federal providers like CVS, the VA, and others who are&nbsp;not&nbsp;reporting their vaccination numbers at the state level. We are awaiting a fix on the federal level.&nbsp;

One additional death due to COVID-19 has been reported thus far in July. Salina Regional Health Center reported today that five people require hospitalization for COVID-19. While medical privacy laws prevent the release of identifying information, teens and young adults account for the bulk of the new and active cases in the county, while most of the people requiring hospitalization are in their 40s, 50s, or 60s.

In fact, the Saline County Health officer reports that since the beginning of June, just four people over the age of 70 have tested positive for the virus.

A variant of COVID-19 has been detected in 27 of the 152 specimens the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has sequenced from Saline County. A deeper analysis of this information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019g48XEyDqynvVw06BSkZhsA-EtddZ-g54so41jcLYqYYr8Joi__fR0iGqD-mVS5c501Ox4u72f_QXiO5mG0GPsZzhSi-IMAZTz7a1QFEXjwT9wusL-L0Vx1I9wZugWd8eaZpFvKKtvFXuHO7WUtgaAlmmGPHPVkB&amp;c=rFEbJ-cGig9UFKY2SucZ0r3KSWm_gGmOpnbr3y9cCXa72bk8_o352Q==&amp;ch=RvIXNruZaVryEVi3DstIusCBh2IAopvQzk-45QQNo0ezDAuWUWVxWg==" target="_blank">KDHE Coronavirus website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626475368688.png" alt="COVID by the Numbers 7162021.png" />
 <figcaption>COVID by the Numbers 7162021.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Friday.Due to the recent increase of new COVID-19 cases in Saline County and rise in the number of variants sequenced, the Saline County Health Department will return to reporting local COVID-19 data three times per week. Vaccination statistics are updated each Wednesday, while case numbers will be shared each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. At least 21,387 people have been vaccinated in Saline County. This accounts for approximately 39.4 percent of the total population and an increase of just .4 percent over the previous week. We are aware of a reporting issue with federal providers like CVS, the VA, and others who are&nbsp;not&nbsp;reporting their vaccination numbers at the state level. We are awaiting a fix on the federal level.&nbsp; One additional death due to COVID-19 has been reported thus far in July. Salina Regional Health Center reported today that five people require hospitalization for COVID-19. While medical privacy laws prevent the release of identifying information, teens and young adults account for the bulk of the new and active cases in the county, while most of the people requiring hospitalization are in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. In fact, the Saline County Health officer reports that since the beginning of June, just four people over the age of 70 have tested positive for the virus. A variant of COVID-19 has been detected in 27 of the 152 specimens the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has sequenced from Saline County. A deeper analysis of this information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019g48XEyDqynvVw06BSkZhsA-EtddZ-g54so41jcLYqYYr8Joi__fR0iGqD-mVS5c501Ox4u72f_QXiO5mG0GPsZzhSi-IMAZTz7a1QFEXjwT9wusL-L0Vx1I9wZugWd8eaZpFvKKtvFXuHO7WUtgaAlmmGPHPVkB&amp;c=rFEbJ-cGig9UFKY2SucZ0r3KSWm_gGmOpnbr3y9cCXa72bk8_o352Q==&amp;ch=RvIXNruZaVryEVi3DstIusCBh2IAopvQzk-45QQNo0ezDAuWUWVxWg==" target="_blank">KDHE Coronavirus website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saline County resumes 3-times-per-week COVID-19 updates

Minneapolis Housing Authority is seeking applications for the position of Maintenance Technician.

This is a full-time position that will require on-call availability.

Applicants should have some experience with plumbing, electrical and carpentry and have a valid driver’s license. A track record of responsibility and excellent customer service is essential.

Opportunity for advancement, KPERS eligibility and competitive pay.

Call the MHA office at 785-392-3272 Mon-Thursday 8:00am to 4:30pm, Friday before 2:00pm or pick up an application at the office located at 114 S. Rock St. Minneapolis.

Minneapolis Housing Authority is seeking applications for the position of Maintenance Technician.This is a full-time position that will require on-call availability.Applicants should have some experience with plumbing, electrical and carpentry and have a valid driver’s license. A track record of responsibility and excellent customer service is essential.Opportunity for advancement, KPERS eligibility and competitive pay.Call the MHA office at 785-392-3272 Mon-Thursday 8:00am to 4:30pm, Friday before 2:00pm or pick up an application at the office located at 114 S. Rock St. Minneapolis.

Here's this week's clue for the library scavenger hunt

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Dickinson County, the National Archives and Records Administration is closing the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene effective Monday.

“It is with great disappointment that I am ordering the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum closed until public health conditions improve,” said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero.

The seven-day average for new COVID-19 cases and the positivity rate in this area both far exceed the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) definition of "high transmission," which is more than 99 new cases per 100,000 and a positivity rate of more than 9.9 percent.

“I am taking this action out of concern for the health of the staff and the visiting public,” Ferriero said.

After closing due to the pandemic in March 2020, the Eisenhower Museum reopened to guests on a limited basis on May 20, 2021, and announced expanded hours on June 16, 2021. 

The National Archives will reopen the Eisenhower Museum as soon as the public health conditions allow.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621437146845.jpeg" alt="The Eisenhower Museum. Photo courtesy the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library" />
 <figcaption>The Eisenhower Museum. Photo courtesy the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C. – Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Dickinson County, the National Archives and Records Administration is closing the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene effective Monday.“It is with great disappointment that I am ordering the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum closed until public health conditions improve,” said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero. The seven-day average for new COVID-19 cases and the positivity rate in this area both far exceed the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) definition of "high transmission," which is more than 99 new cases per 100,000 and a positivity rate of more than 9.9 percent. “I am taking this action out of concern for the health of the staff and the visiting public,” Ferriero said. After closing due to the pandemic in March 2020, the Eisenhower Museum reopened to guests on a limited basis on May 20, 2021, and announced expanded hours on June 16, 2021. The National Archives will reopen the Eisenhower Museum as soon as the public health conditions allow.

Eisenhower Museum to close due to public health conditions

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

An electrical issue has been identified as the cause of an early Tuesday morning fire at a local motel.

Firefighters were dispatched at 1:20 a.m. Tuesday to the Village Inn motel, 453 S. Broadway Boulevard, for the report of a structure fire, Fire Inspector Jeff Daily told Salina Post this afternoon.

The fire started in the attic of the middle section of a building at the back of the motel complex, he said. While fire spread within the section of the motel building, well-built fire walls provided firefighters the opportunity to extinguish the blaze before it spread to other parts of the motel, Daily said.

Additionally, off-duty firefighters were called in to help extinguish the fire. The last unit was cleared from the scene at approximately 5 a.m. Tuesday.

According to Daily, the section of the building that caught fire was unoccupied and no one was injured or killed.

Daily said that property damage from the fire was estimated at $320,000, while content loss was estimated at $240,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626467068909.jpeg" alt="The middle section of this building at the Village Inn motel was heavily damaged by fire early Tuesday morning. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>The middle section of this building at the Village Inn motel was heavily damaged by fire early Tuesday morning. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostAn electrical issue has been identified as the cause of an early Tuesday morning fire at a local motel.Firefighters were dispatched at 1:20 a.m. Tuesday to the Village Inn motel, 453 S. Broadway Boulevard, for the report of a structure fire, Fire Inspector Jeff Daily told Salina Post this afternoon.The fire started in the attic of the middle section of a building at the back of the motel complex, he said. While fire spread within the section of the motel building, well-built fire walls provided firefighters the opportunity to extinguish the blaze before it spread to other parts of the motel, Daily said.Additionally, off-duty firefighters were called in to help extinguish the fire. The last unit was cleared from the scene at approximately 5 a.m. Tuesday.According to Daily, the section of the building that caught fire was unoccupied and no one was injured or killed.Daily said that property damage from the fire was estimated at $320,000, while content loss was estimated at $240,000.

Electrical issue cited as cause of Village Inn motel fire

Check this out! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCCDA/">Jewell County Community Development</a> Facebook page:

Check this out! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCCDA/">Jewell County Community Development</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJCCDA%2Fposts%2F1873239706171561&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="647" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Annual Jewell County Historical Society Threshing Bee is back!

Investigations by the I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force have resulted in the recent seizure of multiple drug-related items and cash, as well as several arrests.

In a news release issued this afternoon, the task force reported that since February, it has been conducting drug distribution investigations of individuals in Salina. 

"During the course of the investigations, the I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force identified three individuals who were conducting ongoing drug distributions from residences in Salina," the task force noted.

Through information uncovered during the investigations, the task force was able to secure search warrants for three locations in Salina.

On July 8, the task force served a search warrant at a residence in the 1100 block of N. Ninth Street. The following items were seized from that residence.

●More than three grams of psilocybin mushrooms

●More than 20 grams of marijuana and THC gummies

According to information from the task force, arrests are pending in this investigation.

On Tuesday, the task force served a search warrant at 924 E. Kirwin Avenue. The following items were seized from that residence.

Two people were arrested in connection to this search warrant, the task force noted.

Oscar Lopez-Garcia, 21, of Salina was arrested on the following requested charges.

●Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute

●Felony possession of drug paraphernalia

Antonio Lopez, 22, of Salina was arrested on the following requested charges.

●Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (two times)

On Thursday, the Salina Police Department served a search warrant at 627 Washington Street for the task force. The following items were seized from that residence.

●A Glock 9mm handgun with three magazines (two 33-round extended)

Zachary D. Swarts, 18, was arrested in connection to that search warrant on the following requested charges.

Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute

According to the information from the task force, the investigations into these cases are ongoing. If you have any information concerning any of these events, or any other illegal drug activities, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or you can visit <a href="http://www.pd.salina.org">www.pd.salina.org</a> and follow the Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 and you are not required to give your name.

By SALINA POSTInvestigations by the I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force have resulted in the recent seizure of multiple drug-related items and cash, as well as several arrests.In a news release issued this afternoon, the task force reported that since February, it has been conducting drug distribution investigations of individuals in Salina. "During the course of the investigations, the I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force identified three individuals who were conducting ongoing drug distributions from residences in Salina," the task force noted.Through information uncovered during the investigations, the task force was able to secure search warrants for three locations in Salina.On July 8, the task force served a search warrant at a residence in the 1100 block of N. Ninth Street. The following items were seized from that residence.●More than five ounces of cocaine●More than three grams of psilocybin mushrooms●More than $21,000 in cash●A .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun●More than 20 grams of marijuana and THC gummies<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626458455519.png" alt="Items seized at the first house. Photos courtesy&nbsp;I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force" />
 <figcaption>Items seized at the first house. Photos courtesy&nbsp;I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force</figcaption>
 </figure>According to information from the task force, arrests are pending in this investigation.On Tuesday, the task force served a search warrant at 924 E. Kirwin Avenue. The following items were seized from that residence.●More than one pound of THC wax●More than $1,300 in cash●An AR-15 rifle●A 2005 BMW 325i●More than a pound of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626458542721.png" alt="Items seized at the second house" />
 <figcaption>Items seized at the second house</figcaption>
 </figure>Two people were arrested in connection to this search warrant, the task force noted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626269118486.jpeg" alt="Oscar Lopez-Garcia. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Oscar Lopez-Garcia. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Oscar Lopez-Garcia, 21, of Salina was arrested on the following requested charges.●Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute●Felony possession of drug paraphernalia●Drug tax stamp violation●Possession of drug paraphernalia●Criminal possession of a firearm<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626269000252.jpeg" alt="Antonio Lopez. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Antonio Lopez. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Antonio Lopez, 22, of Salina was arrested on the following requested charges.●Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (two times)●Felony possession of drug paraphernalia●Drug tax stamp violation●Possession of drug paraphernalia●Possession of drug proceeds<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626458750073.png" alt="Items seized at third house" />
 <figcaption>Items seized at third house</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday, the Salina Police Department served a search warrant at 627 Washington Street for the task force. The following items were seized from that residence.●More than three grams of psilocybin mushrooms●More than $15,000 in cash●A Glock 9mm handgun with three magazines (two 33-round extended)●More than two pounds of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626436843243.jpeg" alt="Zachary Swarts. Photos courtesy Saline Count Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Zachary Swarts. Photos courtesy Saline Count Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Zachary D. Swarts, 18, was arrested in connection to that search warrant on the following requested charges.Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute●Felony possession of drug paraphernalia●Drug tax stamp violation●Possession of drug paraphernalia●Possession of drug proceeds●Possession of marijuanaAccording to the information from the task force, the investigations into these cases are ongoing. If you have any information concerning any of these events, or any other illegal drug activities, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or you can visit <a href="http://www.pd.salina.org">www.pd.salina.org</a> and follow the Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 and you are not required to give your name.

I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force arrests 3, seizes multiple items

Summer Splash has been canceled. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/99KGCountry">99KG #1 For New Country</a> Facebook page:

The video was made Thursday afternoon.

Summer Splash has been canceled. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/99KGCountry">99KG #1 For New Country</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F99KGCountry%2Fposts%2F4531702106874968&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="438" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F99KGCountry%2Fvideos%2F1834211023426965%2F&show_text=true&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The video was made Thursday afternoon.

Rain forces cancelation of Summer Splash

By ALLISON KITE Kansas Reflector

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Evergy’s plan to spend more than $8.9 billion updating its infrastructure is too expensive and doesn’t focus enough on moving the electric utility away from coal power, says the consensus of hundreds of members of the public who commented on the plan.

Since last year, the Kansas Corporation Commission and environmental and consumer stakeholders have been reviewing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.evergy.com/about-evergy/newsroom/2020/august/evergy-announces-sustainability-transformation-plan">Evergy’s “Sustainability Transformation Plan,</a>” which it developed under pressure from an investor. And despite its name, the plan has faced&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/23/advocacy-groups-push-for-transparency-in-evergys-8-9-billion-sustainability-plan/">criticism that it appears more geared toward Evergy shareholders</a>&nbsp;than sustainability.

After some of those complaints, the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/public-can-comment-on-evergy-sustainability-plan-after-critiques-over-transparency/">KCC opened the plan up for public comment</a>, receiving overwhelming feedback that Kansas electric customers want more price protections and more renewable energy.

“This is what it looks like when a hedge fund is driving a ‘sustainability transformation plan,’ ” Michelle Milburn, of Mission, said in written comments posted Wednesday to the KCC website.

Evergy announced the STP last August after Elliott Management Corporation, an activist Evergy shareholder, urged the board to either develop such a plan or sell. The plan doesn’t need KCC approval. The commission will review any infrastructure spending Evergy proposes to pass onto customers as part of its normal rate-setting process.

But the KCC opened an investigation to review the plan and allow environmental groups, consumer advocates and Evergy to discuss the proposals. Much of the analysis underpinning the plan — and more detailed information about the plan itself — has been marked confidential and shielded from public scrutiny.

Over the past several months, KCC has hosted workshops on the STP before opening up for public comment.

“Now, the public comments are part of the agency record and can be considered by the commission,” the agency’s spokeswoman, Linda Berry, said in an email. “The commission will evaluate the record and determine if additional information or proceedings are needed.”

The plan, billed as a five-year strategic and operating plan, is meant to “drive increased value and benefits for all of the company’s stakeholders, including Evergy’s shareholders, customers, employees and the communities it serves,” the company said in its announcement last year. The plan says the company expects to spend more than $8.9 billion by 2024.

The bulk of that — about $5 billion — will go to upgrade transmission and distribution technology to improve reliability. Just $675 million goes to generating more renewable energy. The plan accounts for retiring up to 500 megawatts of coal generation and development and purchase of up to 900 megawatts to replace it.

Documents on file with the KCC show the plan could result in rate increases of more than 11% over the coming years. For its part, Evergy says its rates have become more competitive in recent years and anticipates any rate increases resulting from the STP would be lower than inflation.

Since then, Evergy has filed integrated resource plans in Kansas and Missouri that outline investments in renewable energy and retirements of coal-burning power plants. Evergy spokeswoman Gina Penzig said in an email the company prioritized “reliability and keeping energy affordable as we begin to retire aging fossil-fuel units and add more renewable energy.”

“We appreciate customers taking the time to learn about the plan and share their opinion,” Penzig said. “Public comments will complement our customer research to help us better understand where customers are supportive or concerned with the company’s long-term plans.”

Evergy announced as part of its IRP filings this spring that it would&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/30/evergy-to-shutter-lawrence-coal-plant-speed-transition-to-renewable-energy/">retire the Lawrence Energy Center</a>, a 487-megawatt power plant north of the city, in 2023.

But it will take until 2040 for the company to retire “nearly all” of its remaining coal generation, something stakeholder groups and members of the public want it to do faster.

“We don’t have the time to gradually lose coal,” Molly Crager, of St. Paul, wrote to the commission. “We need it gone now. … We knew about the climate crisis years ago and knew it would cost more to wait.”

Ty Gorman, Kansas representative for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign, said the environmental group wasn’t satisfied by the STP’s priorities. Environmentalists want to see the company invest in battery storage to help make wind energy, which is now only reliable when the wind is blowing, more steady. They also want to see Evergy work on energy efficiency projects to reduce the amount of power people are using.

Members of the public also feared Evergy’s STP would mean a hike in their rates after a year of economic destruction brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Veda Joy, of Leavenworth, wrote that when her family lost power during an ice storm in 2019, they lost their perishable food and stayed in a hotel.

“It took me nearly a year to pay off the credit card debt we took on as a result,” Joy said. “And we were not alone.”

Kansas’ electric rates, including both Evergy and other companies’ territories, were some of the highest among surrounding states as of March,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eia.gov/state/rankings/?sid=KS#series/31">according to the Energy Information Administration</a>.

Penzig said the company’s rates had become more competitive over the past three years, following the merger between Westar and Kansas City Power &amp; Light, which created Evergy.

Evergy must go through the KCC to raise customers’ rates, and Penzig said in a statement that the company “remains committed to regionally competitive rates.”

The STP, she said, anticipates any rate increases will be less than inflation.

While the STP doesn’t need KCC approval, Gorman said he hopes the public comments will inform the commission’s proceedings moving forward and push Evergy to make more investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency in its next integrated resource plan update.

“We really want the KCC staff and commissioners to know that the public cares about their energy future,” Gorman said. “They know that it’s possible to get away from poisonous fossil fuels and move to clean energy while also lowering prices for our struggling communities.”

The above story is republished with permission from <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>.

By ALLISON KITE Kansas ReflectorKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Evergy’s plan to spend more than $8.9 billion updating its infrastructure is too expensive and doesn’t focus enough on moving the electric utility away from coal power, says the consensus of hundreds of members of the public who commented on the plan.Since last year, the Kansas Corporation Commission and environmental and consumer stakeholders have been reviewing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.evergy.com/about-evergy/newsroom/2020/august/evergy-announces-sustainability-transformation-plan">Evergy’s “Sustainability Transformation Plan,</a>” which it developed under pressure from an investor. And despite its name, the plan has faced&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/23/advocacy-groups-push-for-transparency-in-evergys-8-9-billion-sustainability-plan/">criticism that it appears more geared toward Evergy shareholders</a>&nbsp;than sustainability.After some of those complaints, the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/public-can-comment-on-evergy-sustainability-plan-after-critiques-over-transparency/">KCC opened the plan up for public comment</a>, receiving overwhelming feedback that Kansas electric customers want more price protections and more renewable energy.“This is what it looks like when a hedge fund is driving a ‘sustainability transformation plan,’ ” Michelle Milburn, of Mission, said in written comments posted Wednesday to the KCC website.Evergy announced the STP last August after Elliott Management Corporation, an activist Evergy shareholder, urged the board to either develop such a plan or sell. The plan doesn’t need KCC approval. The commission will review any infrastructure spending Evergy proposes to pass onto customers as part of its normal rate-setting process.But the KCC opened an investigation to review the plan and allow environmental groups, consumer advocates and Evergy to discuss the proposals. Much of the analysis underpinning the plan — and more detailed information about the plan itself — has been marked confidential and shielded from public scrutiny.Over the past several months, KCC has hosted workshops on the STP before opening up for public comment.“Now, the public comments are part of the agency record and can be considered by the commission,” the agency’s spokeswoman, Linda Berry, said in an email. “The commission will evaluate the record and determine if additional information or proceedings are needed.”The plan, billed as a five-year strategic and operating plan, is meant to “drive increased value and benefits for all of the company’s stakeholders, including Evergy’s shareholders, customers, employees and the communities it serves,” the company said in its announcement last year. The plan says the company expects to spend more than $8.9 billion by 2024.The bulk of that — about $5 billion — will go to upgrade transmission and distribution technology to improve reliability. Just $675 million goes to generating more renewable energy. The plan accounts for retiring up to 500 megawatts of coal generation and development and purchase of up to 900 megawatts to replace it.Documents on file with the KCC show the plan could result in rate increases of more than 11% over the coming years. For its part, Evergy says its rates have become more competitive in recent years and anticipates any rate increases resulting from the STP would be lower than inflation.Since then, Evergy has filed integrated resource plans in Kansas and Missouri that outline investments in renewable energy and retirements of coal-burning power plants. Evergy spokeswoman Gina Penzig said in an email the company prioritized “reliability and keeping energy affordable as we begin to retire aging fossil-fuel units and add more renewable energy.”“We appreciate customers taking the time to learn about the plan and share their opinion,” Penzig said. “Public comments will complement our customer research to help us better understand where customers are supportive or concerned with the company’s long-term plans.”<h2>Transitioning from coal</h2>Evergy announced as part of its IRP filings this spring that it would&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/04/30/evergy-to-shutter-lawrence-coal-plant-speed-transition-to-renewable-energy/">retire the Lawrence Energy Center</a>, a 487-megawatt power plant north of the city, in 2023.But it will take until 2040 for the company to retire “nearly all” of its remaining coal generation, something stakeholder groups and members of the public want it to do faster.“We don’t have the time to gradually lose coal,” Molly Crager, of St. Paul, wrote to the commission. “We need it gone now. … We knew about the climate crisis years ago and knew it would cost more to wait.”Ty Gorman, Kansas representative for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign, said the environmental group wasn’t satisfied by the STP’s priorities. Environmentalists want to see the company invest in battery storage to help make wind energy, which is now only reliable when the wind is blowing, more steady. They also want to see Evergy work on energy efficiency projects to reduce the amount of power people are using.<h2>Rates going up</h2>Members of the public also feared Evergy’s STP would mean a hike in their rates after a year of economic destruction brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.Veda Joy, of Leavenworth, wrote that when her family lost power during an ice storm in 2019, they lost their perishable food and stayed in a hotel.“It took me nearly a year to pay off the credit card debt we took on as a result,” Joy said. “And we were not alone.”Kansas’ electric rates, including both Evergy and other companies’ territories, were some of the highest among surrounding states as of March,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eia.gov/state/rankings/?sid=KS#series/31">according to the Energy Information Administration</a>.Penzig said the company’s rates had become more competitive over the past three years, following the merger between Westar and Kansas City Power &amp; Light, which created Evergy.Evergy must go through the KCC to raise customers’ rates, and Penzig said in a statement that the company “remains committed to regionally competitive rates.”The STP, she said, anticipates any rate increases will be less than inflation.While the STP doesn’t need KCC approval, Gorman said he hopes the public comments will inform the commission’s proceedings moving forward and push Evergy to make more investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency in its next integrated resource plan update.“We really want the KCC staff and commissioners to know that the public cares about their energy future,” Gorman said. “They know that it’s possible to get away from poisonous fossil fuels and move to clean energy while also lowering prices for our struggling communities.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625673106778.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>The above story is republished with permission from <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>.

Evergy customers make demands following utility’s ‘sustainability’ plan

Parts of the area received rain during the 24-hour period that ended at 7 a.m. Friday.

Following are 24-hour rainfall totals as of 7 a.m. Friday (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; &nbsp;

READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ee4ce44ebfb13423b27a8f4">Volunteers needed to help collect weather data</a>

Concordia 0.6 SW, 0.33 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m)

Beloit 0.4 NNW, 0.02 of an inch (reported at 7:30 a.m.)

Ada 7.0 NNW, 0.13 of an inch (reported at 5:32 a.m.)

Parts of the area received rain during the 24-hour period that ended at 7 a.m. Friday.Following are 24-hour rainfall totals as of 7 a.m. Friday (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; &nbsp;READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ee4ce44ebfb13423b27a8f4">Volunteers needed to help collect weather data</a><h2>CLAY COUNTY</h2>Clay Center 12.4 NNE, 0.43 of an inchClay Center 6.7 WNW, 0.33 of an inch<h2>CLOUD COUNTY</h2>Concordia 0.6 SW, 0.33 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m)Jamestown 2.4 NW, 0.46 of an inchConcordia 9.3 SSW, 0.71 of an inch<h2>DICKINSON COUNTY</h2>Chapman 6.0 NNE, 0.31 of an inchAbilene 7.9 NNW, 0.06 of an inchAbilene 10.9 S, 0.01 of an inchAbilene 1.1 NNE, traceAbilene 9.4 S, 0.02 of an inch<h2>ELLSWORTH COUNTY</h2>No totals reported.<h2>JEWELL COUNTY</h2>No totals reported.<h2>LINCOLN COUNTY</h2>No totals reported.<h2>MARION COUNTY</h2>Hillsboro 8.5 SW, 0.88 of an inchNewton 9.4 N, 0.98 of an inchNewton 12.6 N, 0.91 of an inch<h2>MCPHERSON COUNTY</h2>McPherson 6.6 WSW, 0.19 of an inchInman 0.8 WSW, 0.20 of an inchMoundridge 5.3 WSW, 0.29 of an inchMoundridge 0.4 SW, 0.44 of an inchCanton 3.2 N, 0.29 of an inchMoundridge 2.2 W, 0.32 of an inchGalva 9.5 N, 0.08 of an inchMoundridge 4.8 W, 0.30 of an inchMcPherson 6.6 ENE, 0.38 of an inchGalva 1.1 WSW, 0.40 of an inchGalva 2.6 SSE, 0.30 of an inchMcPherson 1.1 NW, 0.43 of an inchMcPherson 0.8 SW, 0.38 of an inch<h2>MITCHELL COUNTY</h2>Scottsville 4.6 SSW, 0.02 of an inchBeloit 9.9 SSW, 0.01 of an inchBeloit 0.4 NNW, 0.02 of an inch (reported at 7:30 a.m.)<h2>OTTAWA COUNTY</h2>Ada 7.0 NNW, 0.13 of an inch (reported at 5:32 a.m.)Minneapolis 0.4 NE, 1.19 inchesMinneapolis 0.3 WNW, 1.55 inchesMinneapolis 6.1 E, 1.54 inches<h2>REPUBLIC COUNTY</h2>Belleville 4.2 N, 0.22 of an inchBelleville 0.5 S, 0.65 of an inchRepublic 1.0 NNW, 2.67 inchesScandia 1.1 N, 0.81 of an inchBelleville 0.6 ESE, 0.75 of an inch<h2>SALINE COUNTY</h2>Salina 0.7 SSW, 0.02 of an inchNew Cambria 2.1 NW, 0.02 of an inch

Parts of the area receive rainfall

Two local men were arrested after a pursuit via vehicle and on foot that began late Thursday night in north Salina.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostTwo local men were arrested after a pursuit via vehicle and on foot that began late Thursday night in north Salina.At 11:30 p.m. Thursday, an officer observed a blue Oldsmobile Delta 88 that was westbound on W. Decatur Street. The driver failed to use his turn signal and instead turned on his flashers before turning south in the 600 block of N. Ninth Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled at a high rate of speed, leading the officer on a chase through parts of north Salina, Forrester said. Top speed during the pursuit was 70 mph.The pursuit eventually ended up on E. Iron Avenue, where the car turned into the parking lot at Quail Creek Apartments, 1515 E. Iron Avenue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626436569605.jpeg" alt="Adrian Richardson. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Adrian Richardson. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver, identified as Adrian Richardson, 29, of Salina, fled on foot. A witness told police that Richardson had gone into an apartment in the complex. Police located him in the apartment and he was taken into custody, Forrester said.None of the four occupants of the apartment knew Richardson and he did not have permission to be there, Forrester added. None of the occupants was injured.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626450250116.jpeg" alt="Anthony Wonder. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Anthony Wonder. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>As another officer was pulling up on the scene, he noticed a passenger from the car fleeing on foot as well. The passenger was identified as Anthony Wonder, 33, of Salina. As the officer chased Wonder on foot, Wonder allegedly turned around and punched the officer in the head, Forrester said. Wonder eventually was taken into custody in the 1400 block of E. Iron Avenue.The officer was not seriously injured, Forrester said.Richardson was arrested on the following requested charges, Forrester said.●Felony flee and elude●Felony interference with a law enforcement officer●Aggravated burglary●Reckless driving●Multiple traffic infractions●No proof of insuranceForrester said Wonder was arrested on the following requested charges.●Felony interference with a law enforcement officer●Possession of methamphetamine●Possession of paraphernalia●Battery of a law enforcement officer●No drug tax stamp

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