By RON WILSON Kansas State University

Have you had your shot? That question was on the minds of millions as vaccinations for COVID-19 were rolled out across the country. Today we’ll learn about a rural Kansas pharmacy which responded to the pandemic in remarkable ways.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last week we learned about Heather Johnson, chief executive of S&amp;S Drug, a family-owned pharmacy in Beloit. Heather and her husband Jim Johnson have three children in college and high school. Jim, an attorney in Beloit, had grown up at the nearby rural community of Randall, population 65 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/30e63239-30ee-4a94-8d9b-893c7ed2b406">NOW THAT'S RURAL: Heather Johnson, S&amp;S Drug – Part 1</a>

“We hosted Jim’s high school class reunion at our house. They had 100% attendance,” Heather said. “Of course, it was only seven people,” she said with a smile.&nbsp;

But serious times hit rural America when the pandemic spread in spring 2020 and stay-at-home orders were issued across the nation. “Like any small business, the pandemic had a big impact on us,” Heather said. S&amp;S closed its doors for four months and reopened in June 2020. Even though the retail operation closed, the pharmacy still had to meet essential needs and provide prescriptions through drive-up and delivery.&nbsp;

The business model had to pivot quickly. “It was like building the airplane while trying to fly it,” Heather said.&nbsp;

Rural areas avoided most of the worst impact of the disease in the early stages, but by fall and winter, COVID-19 had reached the smaller communities as well. Many businesses closed again. The disease even reached the Johnson household in Beloit.&nbsp;

“I had it really bad. I was in the hospital for 10 days,” Heather said. Slowly and painfully, Heather worked her way back into recovery.&nbsp;

“I’m a COVID long-hauler,” Heather said. “Recovery is a long, slow process. I had the extreme fatigue and the muscle weakness – even hair loss,” she said. Eventually, she pulled through.&nbsp;

“I came out of this with a true desire to help as many people as possible avoid what I went through,” Heather said. Then prospects for vaccines began to appear on the horizon.&nbsp;

“Our head pharmacist, Chris Mondero, was very proactive,” Heather said. She credits Chris for learning early on about a program which allocated vaccines to community pharmacies across the nation and signing up as one of the early participants in the program.&nbsp;

“Thanks to Chris, we were able to benefit from early access to the vaccines,” Heather said. “When the local health department was getting 100 doses per week, we got 1,000 doses,” she said. S&amp;S Drug moved quickly to work with the local health department to get those doses administered in the community, and then reached out to the region.&nbsp;

“We realized we needed to take it beyond Beloit,” Heather said. Through word-of-mouth and social media, they informed the public about vaccine availability. As additional categories were added to eligibility, S&amp;S Drug adjusted.&nbsp;

Manhattan became a site for outreach. Trase McQueen, a friend at St. Isidore’s church in Manhattan, arranged for vaccinations there. Four hundred kids signed up in 60 minutes. S&amp;S Drug reached out to sorority houses and fraternities. Heather’s brother took vaccines to Kansas City.&nbsp;

“It kept spiraling, it was such a fast pace,” Heather said. “The S&amp;S team was fantastic.” Pharmacy staff had to maintain day-to-day operations back in Beloit while conducting outreach to other communities. “It took every single person to do it,” she said.&nbsp;

Within eight weeks, S&amp;S Drug administered more than 7,000 vaccinations across Kansas. Not only was this a huge contribution to public health, it helped Heather Johnson recover from COVID-19 itself. “My mind was hazy, and I think the vaccination push helped me refocus,” she said.&nbsp;

“We were blessed,” Heather said. “God gave us a mission to share the vaccines, and every member of our team stepped up to help.”&nbsp;

For more information about the pharmacy, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sandsdrug.com/" target="_blank">www.sandsdrug.com</a>.&nbsp;

Have you had your shot? We salute Heather Johnson, Chris Mondero, and the entire team at S&amp;S Drug plus all health care providers everywhere who have made a difference by responding to the pandemic with such remarkable effort. It was definitely a good shot.&nbsp;

Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623560862487.jpeg" alt="Ron Wilson. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State UniversityHave you had your shot? That question was on the minds of millions as vaccinations for COVID-19 were rolled out across the country. Today we’ll learn about a rural Kansas pharmacy which responded to the pandemic in remarkable ways.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Last week we learned about Heather Johnson, chief executive of S&amp;S Drug, a family-owned pharmacy in Beloit. Heather and her husband Jim Johnson have three children in college and high school. Jim, an attorney in Beloit, had grown up at the nearby rural community of Randall, population 65 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/30e63239-30ee-4a94-8d9b-893c7ed2b406">NOW THAT'S RURAL: Heather Johnson, S&amp;S Drug – Part 1</a>“We hosted Jim’s high school class reunion at our house. They had 100% attendance,” Heather said. “Of course, it was only seven people,” she said with a smile.&nbsp;But serious times hit rural America when the pandemic spread in spring 2020 and stay-at-home orders were issued across the nation. “Like any small business, the pandemic had a big impact on us,” Heather said. S&amp;S closed its doors for four months and reopened in June 2020. Even though the retail operation closed, the pharmacy still had to meet essential needs and provide prescriptions through drive-up and delivery.&nbsp;The business model had to pivot quickly. “It was like building the airplane while trying to fly it,” Heather said.&nbsp;Rural areas avoided most of the worst impact of the disease in the early stages, but by fall and winter, COVID-19 had reached the smaller communities as well. Many businesses closed again. The disease even reached the Johnson household in Beloit.&nbsp;“I had it really bad. I was in the hospital for 10 days,” Heather said. Slowly and painfully, Heather worked her way back into recovery.&nbsp;“I’m a COVID long-hauler,” Heather said. “Recovery is a long, slow process. I had the extreme fatigue and the muscle weakness – even hair loss,” she said. Eventually, she pulled through.&nbsp;“I came out of this with a true desire to help as many people as possible avoid what I went through,” Heather said. Then prospects for vaccines began to appear on the horizon.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625964591322.jpeg" alt="The S&amp;S Drug family. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>The S&amp;S Drug family. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>“Our head pharmacist, Chris Mondero, was very proactive,” Heather said. She credits Chris for learning early on about a program which allocated vaccines to community pharmacies across the nation and signing up as one of the early participants in the program.&nbsp;“Thanks to Chris, we were able to benefit from early access to the vaccines,” Heather said. “When the local health department was getting 100 doses per week, we got 1,000 doses,” she said. S&amp;S Drug moved quickly to work with the local health department to get those doses administered in the community, and then reached out to the region.&nbsp;“We realized we needed to take it beyond Beloit,” Heather said. Through word-of-mouth and social media, they informed the public about vaccine availability. As additional categories were added to eligibility, S&amp;S Drug adjusted.&nbsp;Manhattan became a site for outreach. Trase McQueen, a friend at St. Isidore’s church in Manhattan, arranged for vaccinations there. Four hundred kids signed up in 60 minutes. S&amp;S Drug reached out to sorority houses and fraternities. Heather’s brother took vaccines to Kansas City.&nbsp;“It kept spiraling, it was such a fast pace,” Heather said. “The S&amp;S team was fantastic.” Pharmacy staff had to maintain day-to-day operations back in Beloit while conducting outreach to other communities. “It took every single person to do it,” she said.&nbsp;Within eight weeks, S&amp;S Drug administered more than 7,000 vaccinations across Kansas. Not only was this a huge contribution to public health, it helped Heather Johnson recover from COVID-19 itself. “My mind was hazy, and I think the vaccination push helped me refocus,” she said.&nbsp;“We were blessed,” Heather said. “God gave us a mission to share the vaccines, and every member of our team stepped up to help.”&nbsp;For more information about the pharmacy, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sandsdrug.com/" target="_blank">www.sandsdrug.com</a>.&nbsp;Have you had your shot? We salute Heather Johnson, Chris Mondero, and the entire team at S&amp;S Drug plus all health care providers everywhere who have made a difference by responding to the pandemic with such remarkable effort. It was definitely a good shot.&nbsp;Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.

NOW THAT'S RURAL: Heather Johnson, S&S Drug – Part 2

Saline County Treasurer Jim DuBois has a message for county residents who have unpaid property taxes.

Per Kansas statute, all those who have unpaid property taxes will have their names published during the month of August, DuBois noted in a news release. 

Persons who pay their property taxes prior to Aug. 1 will not have their names published, according to DuBois.

If you have questions regarding whether property taxes have been paid or are up-to-date, call the Saline County Treasurer's Office at 785-309-5860 or email <a href="mailto:sc.treasurer@saline.org">sc.treasurer@saline.org</a>.

Saline County Treasurer Jim DuBois has a message for county residents who have unpaid property taxes.Per Kansas statute, all those who have unpaid property taxes will have their names published during the month of August, DuBois noted in a news release. Persons who pay their property taxes prior to Aug. 1 will not have their names published, according to DuBois.If you have questions regarding whether property taxes have been paid or are up-to-date, call the Saline County Treasurer's Office at 785-309-5860 or email <a href="mailto:sc.treasurer@saline.org">sc.treasurer@saline.org</a>.

DuBois: If you haven't paid property taxes, your name will be published

Following is an update on the new Saline County Jail project from County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes.

If you’ve driven past 800 E. Pacific Avenue in Salina lately, you’ve probably noticed the sign pictured. Many folks in the community asked about the location the County acquired for the new jail and Sheriff’s Office, so staff and our consultants worked to get the parcel marked. 

Wheat has now been harvested off the site, and the property boundaries have been staked. Temporary fencing will start appearing on the site soon in anticipation of the beginning of construction this fall.

The County Commission will be considering two significant actions to move the project forward at their Tuesday, July 13, meeting.

The first will be authorization to move from the design development phase of the project into the construction documents phase and preparation of the Guaranteed Maximum Price contract for Phase 1 of construction. While the design team will continue to be involved in the project through completion, these items essentially mark the “hand-off” between the design and construction of the project.

The architectural team has now delivered 700+ pages of drawings and specifications to the County in preparation for this hand-off.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The second big item on the County Commission agenda is a decision to move forward with the issuance of bonds to pay for the project. While voters authorized up to $89.655 million in bonds at the election last November, the staff is recommending issuing only $75 million at this time. A second series of bonds, if needed, would be issued in 2023. If approved by Commissioners on Tuesday, the bond sale for the first $75 million would occur on August 5 and funds would be delivered to the County approximately August 26. This time frame aligns well with when payments would start to come due for construction activities.&nbsp;

Payments on the bonds, first due in March of 2022, would be made from the special ½-cent sales tax also approved by voters in November 2020. This sales tax increase went into effect April 1, 2021, and the County received the first distribution of funds (from the month of April) at the end of June. The new sales tax generated over $610,000 in April, which is being held in a special account until needed for bond repayment.

Following is an update on the new Saline County Jail project from County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625968476018.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>The siteIf you’ve driven past 800 E. Pacific Avenue in Salina lately, you’ve probably noticed the sign pictured. Many folks in the community asked about the location the County acquired for the new jail and Sheriff’s Office, so staff and our consultants worked to get the parcel marked. Wheat has now been harvested off the site, and the property boundaries have been staked. Temporary fencing will start appearing on the site soon in anticipation of the beginning of construction this fall.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625968541102.jpeg" alt="An architect's rendering of the exterior of the new jail. Image courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>An architect's rendering of the exterior of the new jail. Image courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>The designThe County Commission will be considering two significant actions to move the project forward at their Tuesday, July 13, meeting. The first will be authorization to move from the design development phase of the project into the construction documents phase and preparation of the Guaranteed Maximum Price contract for Phase 1 of construction. While the design team will continue to be involved in the project through completion, these items essentially mark the “hand-off” between the design and construction of the project. The architectural team has now delivered 700+ pages of drawings and specifications to the County in preparation for this hand-off.&nbsp;&nbsp;The moneyThe second big item on the County Commission agenda is a decision to move forward with the issuance of bonds to pay for the project. While voters authorized up to $89.655 million in bonds at the election last November, the staff is recommending issuing only $75 million at this time. A second series of bonds, if needed, would be issued in 2023. If approved by Commissioners on Tuesday, the bond sale for the first $75 million would occur on August 5 and funds would be delivered to the County approximately August 26. This time frame aligns well with when payments would start to come due for construction activities.&nbsp;Payments on the bonds, first due in March of 2022, would be made from the special ½-cent sales tax also approved by voters in November 2020. This sales tax increase went into effect April 1, 2021, and the County received the first distribution of funds (from the month of April) at the end of June. The new sales tax generated over $610,000 in April, which is being held in a special account until needed for bond repayment.

County administrator provides update on jail project

Today is Sunday, July 11, the 192nd day of 2021. There are 173 days left in the year. 

On July 11, 1995, the U.N.-designated "safe haven" of Srebrenica in Bosnia-Herzegovina fell to Bosnian Serb forces, who then carried out the killings of more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys. 

In 1798, the U.S. Marine Corps was formally re-established by a congressional act that also created the U.S. Marine Band. 

In 1804, Vice President Aaron Burr mortally wounded former Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton during a pistol duel in Weehawken, New Jersey. (Hamilton died the next day.)

In 1859, Big Ben, the great bell inside the famous London clock tower, chimed for the first time. 

In 1936, New York City's Triborough Bridge (now officially the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge) linking Manhattan, Queens and The Bronx was opened to traffic. 

In 1955, the U.S. Air Force Academy swore in its first class of cadets at its temporary quarters at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado. 

In 1960, the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee was first published by J.B. Lippincott and Co. 

In 1966, the game show "The Newlywed Game," hosted by Bob Eubanks, premiered on ABC-TV.

In 1972, the World Chess Championship opened as grandmasters Bobby Fischer of the United States and defending champion Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union began play in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Fischer won after 21 games.) 

In 1979, the abandoned U.S. space station Skylab made a spectacular return to Earth, burning up in the atmosphere and showering debris over the Indian Ocean and Australia. 

In 1989, actor and director Laurence Olivier died in Steyning, West Sussex, England, at age 82. 

In 1991, a Nigeria Airways DC-8 carrying Muslim pilgrims crashed at the Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, international airport, killing all 261 people on board.

In 1995, the United States normalized relations with Vietnam. 

Ten years ago: Rupert Murdoch's media empire was besieged by accusations that two more of his British newspapers engaged in hacking, deception and privacy violations. So Yeon Ryu won the U.S. Women's Open, defeating fellow South Korean Hee Kyung Seo by three shots in a three-hole playoff.

Five years ago: Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced that the United States would send 560 more troops to Iraq to transform a freshly retaken air base into a staging hub for a long-awaited battle to recapture Mosul from Islamic State militants. Two bailiffs at the Berrien County, Michigan, courthouse were shot to death by a jail inmate during an escape attempt; the inmate was also killed.

One year ago: In Portland, Oregon, where nightly protests since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis had frequently turned violent, a protester was hospitalized in critical condition after being hit in the head by a round fired by a federal law enforcement officer. (Videos showed that Donavan LaBella had been standing with both arms in the air, holding a large speaker, across the street from the federal courthouse when he was hit.) President Donald Trump wore a mask during a visit to a military hospital; it was the first time he had been seen in public with one. Okinawa's governor said dozens of U.S. Marines at bases on the Japanese island had been infected with the coronavirus. As virus cases surged in Florida, Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopened with new rules in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Susan Seaforth Hayes is 78. Singer Jeff Hanna (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) is 74. Ventriloquist-actor Jay Johnson is 72. Actor Bruce McGill is 71. Actor Stephen Lang is 69. Actor Mindy Sterling is 68. Actor Sela Ward is 65. Reggae singer Michael Rose (Black Uhuru) is 64. Singer Peter Murphy is 64. Actor Mark Lester is 63. Jazz musician Kirk Whalum is 63. Singer Suzanne Vega is 62. Rock guitarist Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi) is 62. Actor Lisa Rinna is 58. Rock musician Scott Shriner (Weezer) is 56. Actor Debbe Dunning is 55. Actor Greg Grunberg is 55. Wildlife expert Jeff Corwin is 54. Actor Justin Chambers is 51. Actor Leisha Hailey is 50. Actor Michael Rosenbaum is 49. Pop-rock singer Andrew Bird is 48. Country singer Scotty Emerick is 48. Rapper Lil' Kim is 47. U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona is 46. Actor Jon Wellner is 46. Rapper Lil' Zane is 40. Pop-jazz singer-musician Peter Cincotti is 38. Actor Serinda Swan is 37. Actor Robert Adamson is 36. Actor David Henrie is 32. Actor Connor Paolo is 31. Former tennis player Caroline Wozniacki is 31. R&amp;B/pop singer Alessia Cara is 25.

<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 Sunday, July 11, the 192nd day of 2021. There are 173 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 11, 1995, the U.N.-designated "safe haven" of Srebrenica in Bosnia-Herzegovina fell to Bosnian Serb forces, who then carried out the killings of more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys. On this date: In 1798, the U.S. Marine Corps was formally re-established by a congressional act that also created the U.S. Marine Band. In 1804, Vice President Aaron Burr mortally wounded former Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton during a pistol duel in Weehawken, New Jersey. (Hamilton died the next day.)In 1859, Big Ben, the great bell inside the famous London clock tower, chimed for the first time. In 1936, New York City's Triborough Bridge (now officially the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge) linking Manhattan, Queens and The Bronx was opened to traffic. In 1955, the U.S. Air Force Academy swore in its first class of cadets at its temporary quarters at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado. In 1960, the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee was first published by J.B. Lippincott and Co. In 1966, the game show "The Newlywed Game," hosted by Bob Eubanks, premiered on ABC-TV.In 1972, the World Chess Championship opened as grandmasters Bobby Fischer of the United States and defending champion Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union began play in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Fischer won after 21 games.) In 1979, the abandoned U.S. space station Skylab made a spectacular return to Earth, burning up in the atmosphere and showering debris over the Indian Ocean and Australia. In 1989, actor and director Laurence Olivier died in Steyning, West Sussex, England, at age 82. In 1991, a Nigeria Airways DC-8 carrying Muslim pilgrims crashed at the Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, international airport, killing all 261 people on board.In 1995, the United States normalized relations with Vietnam. Ten years ago: Rupert Murdoch's media empire was besieged by accusations that two more of his British newspapers engaged in hacking, deception and privacy violations. So Yeon Ryu won the U.S. Women's Open, defeating fellow South Korean Hee Kyung Seo by three shots in a three-hole playoff.Five years ago: Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced that the United States would send 560 more troops to Iraq to transform a freshly retaken air base into a staging hub for a long-awaited battle to recapture Mosul from Islamic State militants. Two bailiffs at the Berrien County, Michigan, courthouse were shot to death by a jail inmate during an escape attempt; the inmate was also killed.One year ago: In Portland, Oregon, where nightly protests since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis had frequently turned violent, a protester was hospitalized in critical condition after being hit in the head by a round fired by a federal law enforcement officer. (Videos showed that Donavan LaBella had been standing with both arms in the air, holding a large speaker, across the street from the federal courthouse when he was hit.) President Donald Trump wore a mask during a visit to a military hospital; it was the first time he had been seen in public with one. Okinawa's governor said dozens of U.S. Marines at bases on the Japanese island had been infected with the coronavirus. As virus cases surged in Florida, Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopened with new rules in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Today's Birthdays: Actor Susan Seaforth Hayes is 78. Singer Jeff Hanna (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) is 74. Ventriloquist-actor Jay Johnson is 72. Actor Bruce McGill is 71. Actor Stephen Lang is 69. Actor Mindy Sterling is 68. Actor Sela Ward is 65. Reggae singer Michael Rose (Black Uhuru) is 64. Singer Peter Murphy is 64. Actor Mark Lester is 63. Jazz musician Kirk Whalum is 63. Singer Suzanne Vega is 62. Rock guitarist Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi) is 62. Actor Lisa Rinna is 58. Rock musician Scott Shriner (Weezer) is 56. Actor Debbe Dunning is 55. Actor Greg Grunberg is 55. Wildlife expert Jeff Corwin is 54. Actor Justin Chambers is 51. Actor Leisha Hailey is 50. Actor Michael Rosenbaum is 49. Pop-rock singer Andrew Bird is 48. Country singer Scotty Emerick is 48. Rapper Lil' Kim is 47. U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona is 46. Actor Jon Wellner is 46. Rapper Lil' Zane is 40. Pop-jazz singer-musician Peter Cincotti is 38. Actor Serinda Swan is 37. Actor Robert Adamson is 36. Actor David Henrie is 32. Actor Connor Paolo is 31. Former tennis player Caroline Wozniacki is 31. R&amp;B/pop singer Alessia Cara is 25.

Today in History - July 11

There are jobs to be had. Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/jobs">Jobs page</a>&nbsp;on Salina Post.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

There are jobs to be had. Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/jobs">Jobs page</a>&nbsp;on Salina Post.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Are you looking for a job? Check this out!

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday the third round of Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV) awards, distributing nearly $4 million to 25 Kansas communities to promote business retention for small businesses affected by the pandemic.

The cities of Belleville and Wakefield are among the recipients.

“Kansas continues to experience record economic success, bringing in jobs and business investment at historic levels,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“These grant funds will support that momentum by ensuring small Kansas businesses can maintain their workforce. We’ll continue to focus strategic investments that will create a stronger, more resilient economy to help Kansas businesses and families succeed.”

CDBG-CV is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce. The two previous grant rounds in this category awarded cities and counties with projects pertaining to economic development and meal programs. However, unlike previous rounds, these grants are available specifically to ensure job retention for Kansas businesses with under 50 employees.

“Kansas’ economic recovery is a critical step in truly returning to normal life,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said.&nbsp;“By emphasizing economic development funding specifically, we’re ensuring that businesses and employees don’t have to bear the brunt of an unprecedented pandemic. I’m pleased to know that these funds will help Kansans maintain their employment.”

The following communities are recipients of CDBG-CV awards.

CDBG funds are one of the Kansas Department of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities. CDBG-CV grants are part of the state’s allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and are designed to help Kansas communities respond to the needs of their residents and businesses during the reopening phase of the state.

For more information on CDBG-CV, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.VL7EWWAA1YgwLM7YT7_2rlkFcPfbjf6cilLKVAHo7c8/s/1419840138/br/109082028549-l" target="_blank">kansascommerce.gov/cdbg-cv</a>.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday the third round of Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV) awards, distributing nearly $4 million to 25 Kansas communities to promote business retention for small businesses affected by the pandemic.The cities of Belleville and Wakefield are among the recipients.“Kansas continues to experience record economic success, bringing in jobs and business investment at historic levels,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“These grant funds will support that momentum by ensuring small Kansas businesses can maintain their workforce. We’ll continue to focus strategic investments that will create a stronger, more resilient economy to help Kansas businesses and families succeed.”CDBG-CV is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce. The two previous grant rounds in this category awarded cities and counties with projects pertaining to economic development and meal programs. However, unlike previous rounds, these grants are available specifically to ensure job retention for Kansas businesses with under 50 employees.“Kansas’ economic recovery is a critical step in truly returning to normal life,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said.&nbsp;“By emphasizing economic development funding specifically, we’re ensuring that businesses and employees don’t have to bear the brunt of an unprecedented pandemic. I’m pleased to know that these funds will help Kansans maintain their employment.”The following communities are recipients of CDBG-CV awards.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625966177165.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CDBG funds are one of the Kansas Department of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities. CDBG-CV grants are part of the state’s allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and are designed to help Kansas communities respond to the needs of their residents and businesses during the reopening phase of the state.For more information on CDBG-CV, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.VL7EWWAA1YgwLM7YT7_2rlkFcPfbjf6cilLKVAHo7c8/s/1419840138/br/109082028549-l" target="_blank">kansascommerce.gov/cdbg-cv</a>.

Belleville, Wakefield among recent block grant recipients

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has issued the first of several utility-specific orders addressing customer payment of deferred energy costs related to the February 2021 winter weather event.

&nbsp; On Feb. 15, the KCC ordered regulated utilities to do everything possible to continue providing power and natural gas service to their customers in spite of skyrocketing natural gas prices. Utilities were instructed to defer any extraordinary costs and then propose a plan to recoup the charges over time to reduce the financial impact on customers. Each plan would require commission approval.

The first of the payment plans to be considered by the Commission, submitted by American Energies Gas Service, was approved this morning. The company, which supplies gas service to approximately 200 customers in Harvey, McPherson, and Marion counties, reported $317,914 in extraordinary costs for the weather event, inclusive of carrying costs to finance the delayed recovery plan. For context, that is more than the utility typically collects in total annual revenues from customer billing.

Under the plan, American Energies customers have the option to make monthly payments over a 5-year period or make a lump sum payment. &nbsp;If a customer chooses to make a lump sum payment, they will avoid the monthly carrying charges over 60 months.&nbsp; The payment amounts are based on individual customer usage during February 2021.

In light of ongoing state and federal investigations into the higher than normal February prices for natural gas, provisions are being included in each payment plan to protect ratepayer interests while still allowing utilities to begin recouping service costs.

“These investigations take time, and we don’t know when they will be completed. In the event there is a finding that the market price was unjust or the result of market manipulation, we make it crystal clear to utilities in these agreements that those proceeds will go back to the individual customers that are paying their bills today,” said Justin Grady, KCC Chief of Revenue Requirements, Cost of Service, and Finance.

An agreement on a plan proposed by the City of Eskridge is currently pending before the Commission while plans submitted by Southern Pioneer, Black Hills Energy, and Evergy are still being evaluated by KCC staff. Atmos, Empire, and Kansas Gas Service have not yet filed plans.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has issued the first of several utility-specific orders addressing customer payment of deferred energy costs related to the February 2021 winter weather event.&nbsp; On Feb. 15, the KCC ordered regulated utilities to do everything possible to continue providing power and natural gas service to their customers in spite of skyrocketing natural gas prices. Utilities were instructed to defer any extraordinary costs and then propose a plan to recoup the charges over time to reduce the financial impact on customers. Each plan would require commission approval.The first of the payment plans to be considered by the Commission, submitted by American Energies Gas Service, was approved this morning. The company, which supplies gas service to approximately 200 customers in Harvey, McPherson, and Marion counties, reported $317,914 in extraordinary costs for the weather event, inclusive of carrying costs to finance the delayed recovery plan. For context, that is more than the utility typically collects in total annual revenues from customer billing. Under the plan, American Energies customers have the option to make monthly payments over a 5-year period or make a lump sum payment. &nbsp;If a customer chooses to make a lump sum payment, they will avoid the monthly carrying charges over 60 months.&nbsp; The payment amounts are based on individual customer usage during February 2021.In light of ongoing state and federal investigations into the higher than normal February prices for natural gas, provisions are being included in each payment plan to protect ratepayer interests while still allowing utilities to begin recouping service costs.“These investigations take time, and we don’t know when they will be completed. In the event there is a finding that the market price was unjust or the result of market manipulation, we make it crystal clear to utilities in these agreements that those proceeds will go back to the individual customers that are paying their bills today,” said Justin Grady, KCC Chief of Revenue Requirements, Cost of Service, and Finance.An agreement on a plan proposed by the City of Eskridge is currently pending before the Commission while plans submitted by Southern Pioneer, Black Hills Energy, and Evergy are still being evaluated by KCC staff. Atmos, Empire, and Kansas Gas Service have not yet filed plans.

KCC issues first order on recovery of February weather event costs

Sunday looks to be a beautiful summer day across the area.

According to the National Weather Service,&nbsp;cooler temperatures are expected for Sunday with highs topping out in the upper 70s to around 80 degrees.

Additionally, there is a slight chance for rain on Sunday.&nbsp;Scattered showers and storms are expected Sunday for areas generally along and especially east of Interstate 135. Strong or severe storms are not expected with this activity, the weather service noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625955130496.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sunday looks to be a beautiful summer day across the area.According to the National Weather Service,&nbsp;cooler temperatures are expected for Sunday with highs topping out in the upper 70s to around 80 degrees.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625955181362.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Additionally, there is a slight chance for rain on Sunday.&nbsp;Scattered showers and storms are expected Sunday for areas generally along and especially east of Interstate 135. Strong or severe storms are not expected with this activity, the weather service noted.

NWS: Cooler with an ever so slight chance for rain on Sunday

Two words that seem to petrify many but should not are government efficiency.

Government efficiency is not a way to make cuts that do not allow government to function. Rather it is a way to achieve cost savings and allow ways to rethink how government works in order to make government work better for the people. Government efficiency means innovation, better management and improved service for Kansans.

Over the past year we have seen many instances where better management was needed in our state government. Who can forget the failures in the Kansas Department of Labor with regards to chronic computer system breakdowns and people being unable to access customer service? This was and still is unacceptable behavior for our state government.

Better management in state government could have warded off many of the issues we faced last year. Call centers could have been staffed up quickly. Outside the box thinking could have been employed. Employees could have been cross trained and moved from one function to another in order to address shortfalls. Everything that happened last year should serve as a warning to Kansans that we need to change how are state government is managed.

We need to make government management and efficiency top priorities for our state. We need to look at every aspect of state government and figure out if we are getting the best bang for our buck from it. We need to look at ways to innovate aspects of our state government in order to address management issues. We can look at ways to combine services and cross train employees.

How can we better use technology to serve Kansans? Can we move more services online and create easy to use web portals and smartphone apps to get things done? Obviously, this will require a better information technology system than we have in place now. But hopefully last year’s IT failures will show a need to invest in modern IT systems.

In the private sector we have to constantly look at ways to innovate and be efficient. We need to stay a step ahead of others and find better ways to serve our customers. Take consumer banking for example. The advent of ATMs in the 1970s allowed for banking to better serve customers by allowing to easily make withdrawals and deposits 24 hours a day, a system made even easier now by online banking.

At the same time ATMs allowed in-person banking to become more efficient. Teller lines became shorter as people used ATMs for quick transactions and tellers for more complicated ones. Tellers could serve more customers every hour and move people out of the bank quicker, giving customers the gift of time.

Government innovation can easily work for our state. We can make government services at all levels easier for residents to access. Government efficiency needs to be part of any innovation process since this can show us what we can innovate faster and how best to innovate.

Government efficiency can also save us money in the long run by addressing duplicative measures or management practices that spent more than they should. This money can either be used to offset a tax hike or to fund a tax deduction.

Better management can help move our state forward.

Wink Hartman is the CEO of the Hartman Group of Companies in Wichita and the 2018 Republican nominee for lieutenant governor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576860598575.png" alt="Wink Hartman" />
 <figcaption>Wink Hartman</figcaption>
 </figure>By WINK HARTMANTwo words that seem to petrify many but should not are government efficiency.Government efficiency is not a way to make cuts that do not allow government to function. Rather it is a way to achieve cost savings and allow ways to rethink how government works in order to make government work better for the people. Government efficiency means innovation, better management and improved service for Kansans.Over the past year we have seen many instances where better management was needed in our state government. Who can forget the failures in the Kansas Department of Labor with regards to chronic computer system breakdowns and people being unable to access customer service? This was and still is unacceptable behavior for our state government.Better management in state government could have warded off many of the issues we faced last year. Call centers could have been staffed up quickly. Outside the box thinking could have been employed. Employees could have been cross trained and moved from one function to another in order to address shortfalls. Everything that happened last year should serve as a warning to Kansans that we need to change how are state government is managed.We need to make government management and efficiency top priorities for our state. We need to look at every aspect of state government and figure out if we are getting the best bang for our buck from it. We need to look at ways to innovate aspects of our state government in order to address management issues. We can look at ways to combine services and cross train employees.How can we better use technology to serve Kansans? Can we move more services online and create easy to use web portals and smartphone apps to get things done? Obviously, this will require a better information technology system than we have in place now. But hopefully last year’s IT failures will show a need to invest in modern IT systems.In the private sector we have to constantly look at ways to innovate and be efficient. We need to stay a step ahead of others and find better ways to serve our customers. Take consumer banking for example. The advent of ATMs in the 1970s allowed for banking to better serve customers by allowing to easily make withdrawals and deposits 24 hours a day, a system made even easier now by online banking.At the same time ATMs allowed in-person banking to become more efficient. Teller lines became shorter as people used ATMs for quick transactions and tellers for more complicated ones. Tellers could serve more customers every hour and move people out of the bank quicker, giving customers the gift of time.Government innovation can easily work for our state. We can make government services at all levels easier for residents to access. Government efficiency needs to be part of any innovation process since this can show us what we can innovate faster and how best to innovate.Government efficiency can also save us money in the long run by addressing duplicative measures or management practices that spent more than they should. This money can either be used to offset a tax hike or to fund a tax deduction.Better management can help move our state forward.Wink Hartman is the CEO of the Hartman Group of Companies in Wichita and the 2018 Republican nominee for lieutenant governor.

HARTMAN: Better management can move state forward

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.

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: <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. EOE

&nbsp; 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>Material Handler 1st ShiftSunbelt-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: <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. EOE&nbsp; Job Link:&nbsp;Click here to Apply :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solomoncorp.com/careers/">Solomon Corporation's Career Page</a>

Bethany College announces vaccination expectation

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

Here's what's new at the Salina Public Library. From the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary/">Salina Public Library</a>&nbsp;Facebook page:&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinapubliclibrary%2Fphotos%2Fa.435863323139%2F10159676176173140%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

When news is overwhelming — as it has been this past year — more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/07/02/local-news-is-playing-an-important-role-for-americans-during-covid-19-outbreak/" target="_blank">people turn to local news</a>&nbsp;than almost any other source.

And for good reason: Local news is often the best place to find what you need to know right now about what’s happening where you live.

You’re more likely to get&nbsp;<a href="https://www.journalism.org/2019/03/26/americans-give-fairly-high-marks-to-their-local-news-media-especially-when-journalists-are-seen-as-connected-to-the-community/" target="_blank">just-the-facts journalism</a>&nbsp;there than from social media, where most people expect to encounter at least some mis- or disinformation, or from more opinion-based cable shows.

Local news makes it easier to break through information overload. But it’s not always easy to get that news to you — and it’s getting harder.

<a href="https://www.rtdna.org/article/2021_newsrooms_by_numbers" target="_blank">One in five local TV stations across the country had news crews attacked on the job</a>&nbsp;during 2020, a local news professional group found.

More attacks occurred in bigger cities, and many occurred while covering some of the biggest stories of the last year, like protests. Chances are, though, reporters at one of your local news stations were targets.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://pressfreedomtracker.us/" target="_blank">U.S. Press Freedom Tracker</a>&nbsp;documented 438 physical attacks on journalists during 2020, and more than 60 through the first half of 2021, including reporters thrown to the ground, pepper sprayed and punched in the face.

Each of these assaults on local reporters is a slap in the face to our right to know what’s going on in our communities.

They are part of a trend that should trouble all Americans who think of our country as an example of freedom to the world: The latest&nbsp;<a href="https://rsf.org/en/ranking" target="_blank">World Press Freedom Index</a>&nbsp;issued by Reporters Without Borders ranks the United States 44th of 180 nations ranked globally.

That’s up one spot from 2020, but the U.S. has lost ground in five of the past seven years.

Nearly 90 percent of TV news department managers say they have changed procedures to step up safety for their reporters. Now<a href="https://cpj.org/2021/05/audio_assaults_media_protests_black_lives_matter_police/" target="_blank">&nbsp;journalists are asking for a reset</a>, and some press freedom advocacy groups say more specific&nbsp;<a href="https://nppa.org/news/part-world-press-freedom-day-we-call-congress-strengthen-america%E2%80%99s-right-free-press" target="_blank">federal laws are needed to prevent and punish</a>&nbsp;these literal assaults on the First Amendment.

Finding out what your city council is spending your tax dollars on, where to find vaccines and which local businesses are hiring is still as simple as opening your local TV station’s news app or the Freedom Forum’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/todaysfrontpages/" target="_blank">Today’s Front Pages</a>&nbsp;app. As long as getting the news to us takes body armor, though, we’ve got work to do to regain recognition as a truly free country.

Karen Hansen is the Freedom Forum content managing editor. You can reach her at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:khansen@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">khansen@freedomforum.org</a>.

By KAREN HANSEN&nbsp;When news is overwhelming — as it has been this past year — more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/07/02/local-news-is-playing-an-important-role-for-americans-during-covid-19-outbreak/" target="_blank">people turn to local news</a>&nbsp;than almost any other source.And for good reason: Local news is often the best place to find what you need to know right now about what’s happening where you live.You’re more likely to get&nbsp;<a href="https://www.journalism.org/2019/03/26/americans-give-fairly-high-marks-to-their-local-news-media-especially-when-journalists-are-seen-as-connected-to-the-community/" target="_blank">just-the-facts journalism</a>&nbsp;there than from social media, where most people expect to encounter at least some mis- or disinformation, or from more opinion-based cable shows.Local news makes it easier to break through information overload. But it’s not always easy to get that news to you — and it’s getting harder.<a href="https://www.rtdna.org/article/2021_newsrooms_by_numbers" target="_blank">One in five local TV stations across the country had news crews attacked on the job</a>&nbsp;during 2020, a local news professional group found.More attacks occurred in bigger cities, and many occurred while covering some of the biggest stories of the last year, like protests. Chances are, though, reporters at one of your local news stations were targets.The&nbsp;<a href="https://pressfreedomtracker.us/" target="_blank">U.S. Press Freedom Tracker</a>&nbsp;documented 438 physical attacks on journalists during 2020, and more than 60 through the first half of 2021, including reporters thrown to the ground, pepper sprayed and punched in the face.Each of these assaults on local reporters is a slap in the face to our right to know what’s going on in our communities.They are part of a trend that should trouble all Americans who think of our country as an example of freedom to the world: The latest&nbsp;<a href="https://rsf.org/en/ranking" target="_blank">World Press Freedom Index</a>&nbsp;issued by Reporters Without Borders ranks the United States 44th of 180 nations ranked globally.That’s up one spot from 2020, but the U.S. has lost ground in five of the past seven years.Nearly 90 percent of TV news department managers say they have changed procedures to step up safety for their reporters. Now<a href="https://cpj.org/2021/05/audio_assaults_media_protests_black_lives_matter_police/" target="_blank">&nbsp;journalists are asking for a reset</a>, and some press freedom advocacy groups say more specific&nbsp;<a href="https://nppa.org/news/part-world-press-freedom-day-we-call-congress-strengthen-america%E2%80%99s-right-free-press" target="_blank">federal laws are needed to prevent and punish</a>&nbsp;these literal assaults on the First Amendment.Finding out what your city council is spending your tax dollars on, where to find vaccines and which local businesses are hiring is still as simple as opening your local TV station’s news app or the Freedom Forum’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/todaysfrontpages/" target="_blank">Today’s Front Pages</a>&nbsp;app. As long as getting the news to us takes body armor, though, we’ve got work to do to regain recognition as a truly free country.Karen Hansen is the Freedom Forum content managing editor. You can reach her at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:khansen@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">khansen@freedomforum.org</a>.

FIRST 5: Assaults on local reporters a slap in the face of our right to know

WACONDA LAKE - If you see an increased presence of rescue boats and divers at Waconda Lake Sunday afternoon, most likely it is just a multi-agency training.

The Saline County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol &amp; Rescue Squad is scheduled to train with the Mitchell County Dive Team Sunday afternoon at Waconda Lake.

Because of the training, half of the Osage boat ramp at Waconda Lake will be closed to the public at 2 p.m. on Sunday, according to a post on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MCKSEM">Mitchell County Emergency Management</a> Facebook page.

There will be two to three boats out on the water with numerous divers in the water, the post noted. 

By SALINA POSTWACONDA LAKE - If you see an increased presence of rescue boats and divers at Waconda Lake Sunday afternoon, most likely it is just a multi-agency training.The Saline County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol &amp; Rescue Squad is scheduled to train with the Mitchell County Dive Team Sunday afternoon at Waconda Lake.Because of the training, half of the Osage boat ramp at Waconda Lake will be closed to the public at 2 p.m. on Sunday, according to a post on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MCKSEM">Mitchell County Emergency Management</a> Facebook page. There will be two to three boats out on the water with numerous divers in the water, the post noted.

Local rescue personnel to participate in training at Waconda

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SOLOMON - Food and fun for the entire family is the order of the day for the 2021 Solomon Festival on July 17.

"We have activities for all ages! We invite anyone and everyone to bring their families out and come join in on the festivities!" festival volunteer Katelan Turner told Salina Post.

Since 1976, the good folk of Solomon have been coming together to celebrate, well, Solomon.

"We are smaller this year, sadly, due to COVID, but we plan to come back bigger and better next year!" Turner said.

Nonetheless, there are quite a few activities planned for this year.

The festival, in the Solomon City Park off of Old Highway 40, kicks off at 8 a.m. July 17 with the flag raising by Cub Scout Pack 80 and goes until midnight when the live music and street dance conclude. In between are a variety of activities, including a car show, a cornhole tournament, turtle races, vendor booths, a baby beauty contest, bounce houses and games for children, a horseshoe tournament, hay scramble, tractor pull, bingo, kids races, and a free swim at the city pool.

Sponsored by the Solomon Lions Club, the Hay Scramble for children is along the lines of finding a needle in a haystack, but with money.

"They basically have a fenced area full of hay, they then toss coin money throughout the hay and let the kids dig through to collect as much money as they can for a certain amount of time," Turner said.

The bounce houses and kids games require a wristband ($5 per person) and tickets (25 cents each), she said. Additionally, admission to the street dance is by button. Buttons purchased in advance are $10 each or $15 each at the gate, Turner said. Advanced buttons can be purchased from a festival committee member or at Bush's Market in Solomon.

What about food? A pancake feed opens at 8 a.m. Lunch is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, a watermelon feed donated by the City of Solomon in celebration of the city's 150 years of existence opens at noon.

Following is the festival schedule. For updates, go to the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/solomonfestival">Solomon Festival</a> Facebook page.

Car show registration until 10 a.m., hosted by Packages for Warriors

Pancake feed hosted by Lucinda's Katering and Solomon High School athletes

Baby beauty contest hosted by the Solomon Community Preschool

Hay scramble sponsored by the Solomon Lions Club

Lunch at the Cabin (until 2 p.m.), hosted by the Solomon Fire Department and the Solomon Community Preschool

Tractor pull sponsored by Abilene Machine

Watermelon feed donated by the City of Solomon

Solomon High School Football Golf Tournament. Registration due by Monday. READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6f84ef49-c848-40b5-8654-2100f4d70901">Registration open for Gorilla Golf Tournament</a>

Live music and street dance featuring Tanner Foulk. Coolers are welcome, but no glass is allowed. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625881950959.jpeg" alt="Bounce houses at a previous festival. Photo courtesy the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/solomonfestival">Solomon Festival</a> Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>Bounce houses at a previous festival. Photo courtesy the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/solomonfestival">Solomon Festival</a> Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSOLOMON - Food and fun for the entire family is the order of the day for the 2021 Solomon Festival on July 17."We have activities for all ages! We invite anyone and everyone to bring their families out and come join in on the festivities!" festival volunteer Katelan Turner told Salina Post.Since 1976, the good folk of Solomon have been coming together to celebrate, well, Solomon."We are smaller this year, sadly, due to COVID, but we plan to come back bigger and better next year!" Turner said.Nonetheless, there are quite a few activities planned for this year.The festival, in the Solomon City Park off of Old Highway 40, kicks off at 8 a.m. July 17 with the flag raising by Cub Scout Pack 80 and goes until midnight when the live music and street dance conclude. In between are a variety of activities, including a car show, a cornhole tournament, turtle races, vendor booths, a baby beauty contest, bounce houses and games for children, a horseshoe tournament, hay scramble, tractor pull, bingo, kids races, and a free swim at the city pool.Sponsored by the Solomon Lions Club, the Hay Scramble for children is along the lines of finding a needle in a haystack, but with money."They basically have a fenced area full of hay, they then toss coin money throughout the hay and let the kids dig through to collect as much money as they can for a certain amount of time," Turner said.The bounce houses and kids games require a wristband ($5 per person) and tickets (25 cents each), she said. Additionally, admission to the street dance is by button. Buttons purchased in advance are $10 each or $15 each at the gate, Turner said. Advanced buttons can be purchased from a festival committee member or at Bush's Market in Solomon.What about food? A pancake feed opens at 8 a.m. Lunch is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, a watermelon feed donated by the City of Solomon in celebration of the city's 150 years of existence opens at noon.Following is the festival schedule. For updates, go to the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/solomonfestival">Solomon Festival</a> Facebook page.8 a.m.Flag raising by Cub Scout Pack 80Car show registration until 10 a.m., hosted by Packages for WarriorsPancake feed hosted by Lucinda's Katering and Solomon High School athletes8:30 a.m.Cornhole tournament registration9 a.m.Turtle racesCornhole tournamentVendor booths (until 2 p.m.)9:30 a.m.Baby beauty contest registration10 a.m.Baby beauty contest hosted by the Solomon Community PreschoolBounce houses and games (until 2 p.m.)Horseshoe tournament registration10:30 a.m.Horseshoe tournament11 a.m.Hay scramble sponsored by the Solomon Lions ClubTractor pull registrationLunch at the Cabin (until 2 p.m.), hosted by the Solomon Fire Department and the Solomon Community Preschool11:30 a.m.Tractor pull sponsored by Abilene MachineNoonBingoWatermelon feed donated by the City of Solomon1 p.m.Kids racesSolomon High School Football Golf Tournament. Registration due by Monday. READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6f84ef49-c848-40b5-8654-2100f4d70901">Registration open for Gorilla Golf Tournament</a>1:30 p.m.Car show judging presentation2-4 p.m.Free swim at the city pool8 p.m.Gates open for the street dance9 p.m.-midnightLive music and street dance featuring Tanner Foulk. Coolers are welcome, but no glass is allowed. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Solomon Festival: Food and fun for the whole family

Today is Saturday, July 10, the 191st day of 2021. There are 174 days left in the year. 

On July 10, 1991, Boris N. Yeltsin took the oath of office as the first elected president of the Russian republic. President George H.W. Bush lifted economic sanctions against South Africa. 

In A.D. 138, Roman Emperor Hadrian, responsible for the construction of opulent temples as well as the barrier in northern Britain known as Hadrian's Wall, died at age 62.

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson personally delivered the Treaty of Versailles to the Senate and urged its ratification. (However, the Senate rejected it.) 

In 1925, jury selection took place in Dayton, Tennessee, in the trial of John T. Scopes, charged with violating the law by teaching Darwin's Theory of Evolution. (Scopes was convicted and fined, but the verdict was overturned on a technicality.) 

In 1940, during World War II, the Battle of Britain began as the Luftwaffe started attacking southern England. (The Royal Air Force was ultimately victorious.)

In 1943, during World War II, U.S. and British forces invaded Sicily.

In 1951, armistice talks aimed at ending the Korean War began at Kaesong. 

In 1985, the Greenpeace protest ship Rainbow Warrior was sunk with explosives in Auckland, New Zealand, by French intelligence agents; one activist was killed.

In 1989, Mel Blanc, the "man of a thousand voices," including such cartoon characters as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig, died in Los Angeles at age 81.

In 2002, The House approved, 310-113, a measure to allow airline pilots to carry guns in the cockpit to defend their planes against terrorists (President George W. Bush later signed the measure into law). 

In 2005, a search-and-rescue team found the body of a missing U.S. commando in eastern Afghanistan, bringing an end to the desperate search for the last member of an ill-fated, four-man special forces unit that had disappeared the previous month. 

In 2015, to the cheers of thousands, South Carolina pulled the Confederate flag from its place of honor at the Statehouse after more than 50 years.

In 2018, a daring rescue mission in Thailand was completed successfully, as the last four of the 12 boys who were trapped in a flooded cave for more than two weeks were brought to safety along with their soccer coach; the other eight had been brought out in the two preceding days.

Ten years ago: The space shuttle Atlantis docked with the International Space Station, the final such hookup in orbit. An overloaded cruise vessel sank in Russia's Volga River, killing 122 people. Some 70 people were killed when a train derailed in northern India. Britain's best-selling Sunday tabloid the News of the World, brought down by a phone-hacking scandal, signed off with a simple front page message: "THANK YOU &amp; GOODBYE."

Five years ago: President Barack Obama, during an abbreviated visit to Spain, urged respect and restraint from Americans angered by the killing of Black men by police, saying anything less did a "disservice to the cause" of ridding the criminal justice system of racial bias. Andy Murray won his second Wimbledon title by beating Milos Raonic 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) on Centre Court.

One year ago: President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of his longtime political confidant Roger Stone, intervening in extraordinary fashion in a criminal case that was central to the Russia investigation and concerned Trump's own conduct; the move came days before Stone was to begin serving a 40-month sentence for lying to Congress, witness tampering and obstructing the House investigation into whether Trump's 2016 campaign had colluded with Russia.

Today's Birthdays: Actor William Smithers is 94. Actor Lawrence Pressman is 82. Singer Mavis Staples is 82. Actor Mills Watson is 81. Actor Robert Pine is 80. Rock musician Jerry Miller (Moby Grape) is 78. International Tennis Hall of Famer Virginia Wade is 76. Folk singer Arlo Guthrie is 74. Rock musician Dave Smalley is 72. Country-folk singer-songwriter Cheryl Wheeler is 70. Rock singer Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys) is 67. Banjo player Bela Fleck is 63. Actor Fiona Shaw is 63. Bluegrass singer-musician Tim Surrett (Balsam Range) is 58. Actor Alec Mapa is 56. Country singer-songwriter Ken Mellons is 56. Rock musician Peter DiStefano (Porno for Pyros) is 56. Actor Gale Harold is 52. Country singer Gary LeVox (Rascal Flatts) is 51. Actor Aaron D. Spears is 50. Actor Sofia Vergara is 49. Rockabilly singer Imelda May is 47. Actor Adrian Grenier is 45. Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor is 44. Actor Gwendoline Yeo is 44. Actor Thomas Ian Nicholas is 41. Singer-actor Jessica Simpson is 41. Actor Heather Hemmens is 37. Actor Emily Skeggs (TV: "When We Rise") is 31. Rapper/singer Angel Haze is 30. Pop singer Perrie Edwards (Little Mix) is 28.

<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 10, the 191st day of 2021. There are 174 days left in the year. Today's Highlights in History: On July 10, 1991, Boris N. Yeltsin took the oath of office as the first elected president of the Russian republic. President George H.W. Bush lifted economic sanctions against South Africa. On this date: In A.D. 138, Roman Emperor Hadrian, responsible for the construction of opulent temples as well as the barrier in northern Britain known as Hadrian's Wall, died at age 62.In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson personally delivered the Treaty of Versailles to the Senate and urged its ratification. (However, the Senate rejected it.) In 1925, jury selection took place in Dayton, Tennessee, in the trial of John T. Scopes, charged with violating the law by teaching Darwin's Theory of Evolution. (Scopes was convicted and fined, but the verdict was overturned on a technicality.) In 1940, during World War II, the Battle of Britain began as the Luftwaffe started attacking southern England. (The Royal Air Force was ultimately victorious.)In 1943, during World War II, U.S. and British forces invaded Sicily.In 1951, armistice talks aimed at ending the Korean War began at Kaesong. In 1985, the Greenpeace protest ship Rainbow Warrior was sunk with explosives in Auckland, New Zealand, by French intelligence agents; one activist was killed.In 1989, Mel Blanc, the "man of a thousand voices," including such cartoon characters as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig, died in Los Angeles at age 81.In 2002, The House approved, 310-113, a measure to allow airline pilots to carry guns in the cockpit to defend their planes against terrorists (President George W. Bush later signed the measure into law). In 2005, a search-and-rescue team found the body of a missing U.S. commando in eastern Afghanistan, bringing an end to the desperate search for the last member of an ill-fated, four-man special forces unit that had disappeared the previous month. In 2015, to the cheers of thousands, South Carolina pulled the Confederate flag from its place of honor at the Statehouse after more than 50 years.In 2018, a daring rescue mission in Thailand was completed successfully, as the last four of the 12 boys who were trapped in a flooded cave for more than two weeks were brought to safety along with their soccer coach; the other eight had been brought out in the two preceding days.Ten years ago: The space shuttle Atlantis docked with the International Space Station, the final such hookup in orbit. An overloaded cruise vessel sank in Russia's Volga River, killing 122 people. Some 70 people were killed when a train derailed in northern India. Britain's best-selling Sunday tabloid the News of the World, brought down by a phone-hacking scandal, signed off with a simple front page message: "THANK YOU &amp; GOODBYE." Five years ago: President Barack Obama, during an abbreviated visit to Spain, urged respect and restraint from Americans angered by the killing of Black men by police, saying anything less did a "disservice to the cause" of ridding the criminal justice system of racial bias. Andy Murray won his second Wimbledon title by beating Milos Raonic 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) on Centre Court.One year ago: President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of his longtime political confidant Roger Stone, intervening in extraordinary fashion in a criminal case that was central to the Russia investigation and concerned Trump's own conduct; the move came days before Stone was to begin serving a 40-month sentence for lying to Congress, witness tampering and obstructing the House investigation into whether Trump's 2016 campaign had colluded with Russia. Today's Birthdays: Actor William Smithers is 94. Actor Lawrence Pressman is 82. Singer Mavis Staples is 82. Actor Mills Watson is 81. Actor Robert Pine is 80. Rock musician Jerry Miller (Moby Grape) is 78. International Tennis Hall of Famer Virginia Wade is 76. Folk singer Arlo Guthrie is 74. Rock musician Dave Smalley is 72. Country-folk singer-songwriter Cheryl Wheeler is 70. Rock singer Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys) is 67. Banjo player Bela Fleck is 63. Actor Fiona Shaw is 63. Bluegrass singer-musician Tim Surrett (Balsam Range) is 58. Actor Alec Mapa is 56. Country singer-songwriter Ken Mellons is 56. Rock musician Peter DiStefano (Porno for Pyros) is 56. Actor Gale Harold is 52. Country singer Gary LeVox (Rascal Flatts) is 51. Actor Aaron D. Spears is 50. Actor Sofia Vergara is 49. Rockabilly singer Imelda May is 47. Actor Adrian Grenier is 45. Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor is 44. Actor Gwendoline Yeo is 44. Actor Thomas Ian Nicholas is 41. Singer-actor Jessica Simpson is 41. Actor Heather Hemmens is 37. Actor Emily Skeggs (TV: "When We Rise") is 31. Rapper/singer Angel Haze is 30. Pop singer Perrie Edwards (Little Mix) is 28.

Today in History - July 10

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for&nbsp;the City of Esbon public water supply system, located in Jewell County. This advisory is not related to Covid-19.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

●If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

●Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.

●Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker.

●Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

●Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

The advisory took effect today and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of a line break resulting in a loss of pressure in the system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MDkuNDMwMzczMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.hAUeAVVeSHrFqE1ShCjYdqXvkLl8AjFqRLyxds2JVL8/s/1305935158/br/109122068592-l" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov" target="_blank">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for&nbsp;the City of Esbon public water supply system, located in Jewell County. This advisory is not related to Covid-19.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:●If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.●Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.●Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker.●Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.●Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.The advisory took effect today and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of a line break resulting in a loss of pressure in the system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.For consumer questions, please contact the water system or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MDkuNDMwMzczMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.hAUeAVVeSHrFqE1ShCjYdqXvkLl8AjFqRLyxds2JVL8/s/1305935158/br/109122068592-l" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov" target="_blank">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil water advisory issued for the City of Esbon

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

Atchison County State Fishing Lake, Atchison County

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.Active advisories include the following.<h2>Warnings</h2>Atchison County State Fishing Lake, Atchison CountyBrown State Fishing Lake, Brown CountyHerington Reservoir (New City Lake), Dickinson CountyGathering Pond at Milford, Geary CountyMilford Lake&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MDkuNDMwMTQ2NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tkaGVrcy5nb3YvYWxnYWUtaWxsbmVzcy9kb3dubG9hZC9taWxmb3JkLWxha2Utem9uZWQucGRmP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.FtGJyTQ66UBLrTRRosG1Pst_bBHXYTobG6gtpE2QPIs/s/1305935158/br/109098131778-l" target="_blank">Zone C</a>, Geary CountyBig Hill Lake, Labette County (upgraded Friday)Marion Reservoir, Marion CountyWebster Reservoir, Rooks CountyJerry Ivey Park Pond, Saline CountyBig Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County<h2>Watches</h2>Mission Lake Horton, Brown CountyHerington City Lake (Old Lake), Dickinson CountyMilford Lake&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MDkuNDMwMTQ2NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tkaGVrcy5nb3YvYWxnYWUtaWxsbmVzcy9kb3dubG9hZC9taWxmb3JkLWxha2Utem9uZWQucGRmP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.MygKulGAqyQWBdLsZsl7k_jnY0RhPSlhm5_I-GFmJ5M/s/1305935158/br/109098131778-l" target="_blank">Zones A</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MDkuNDMwMTQ2NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tkaGVrcy5nb3YvYWxnYWUtaWxsbmVzcy9kb3dubG9hZC9taWxmb3JkLWxha2Utem9uZWQucGRmP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.VDbZ8OZGKeZJBrqe8zIKV-HlXRyKDMfO6ME8YfqQGNE/s/1305935158/br/109098131778-l" target="_blank">B</a>, Geary CountyHarvey County East Lake, Harvey County (new)Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman CountySouth Lake, Johnson CountyAltamont City Lake “Idle Hour”, Labette County (new)Linn Valley Lake, Linn County (new)Marion County Lake, Marion CountyMelvern Outlet Pond, Osage CountyOverbook City Lake, Osage CountyAgra City Lake, Phillips County (downgrade Friday)Atwood Township Lake, Rawlins County<h2>Advisories lifted Friday</h2><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MDkuNDMwMTQ2NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tkaGVrcy5nb3YvYWxnYWUtaWxsbmVzcy9kb3dubG9hZC9wZXJyeV9sYWtlX3pvbmVzLnBkZj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.w_SYBaF11AAfm22WH_LFgkSrUgb8vX017uOyJ-eyA8Y/s/1305935158/br/109098131778-l" target="_blank">Perry Zone C</a>, Jefferson CountyPomona Reservoir, Osage CountyWhen a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:●Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.●Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.●Water contact should be avoided.●Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.●Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.●If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible. ●Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:●Signage will be posted at all public access locations.●Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.●Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.●Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.●Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.●Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.Signs of a possible bloom include if there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MDkuNDMwMTQ2NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvYWxnYWUtaWxsbmVzcy9pbmRleC5odG0_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.RhwNCduDHOd8rpoPvBhywUnGVm-Nb4fZ3TmzLalC5zI/s/1305935158/br/109098131778-l" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm</a>.