BATON ROUGE, La. - Area students recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Brandon Morse of Abilene, at Kansas State University

Rodney Tsoodle Jr. of Clay Center, at Kansas State University

They are among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

BATON ROUGE, La. - Area students recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.Those students include:Brandon Morse of Abilene, at Kansas State UniversityRodney Tsoodle Jr. of Clay Center, at Kansas State UniversityThey are among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

Area students inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

ABILENE - There was a noticeable drop in preventative care visits to health care providers in 2020. 

To urge individuals to revisit their doctor and reclaim their health, Memorial Health System (MHS), in Abilene, is joining other Kansas hospitals in the&nbsp;Catch Up on Care&nbsp;campaign.

The&nbsp;Catch Up on Care&nbsp;campaign is a response to the decline of annual health care visits in 2020. There is considerable concern this drop will lead to increased numbers of advanced or life-threatening illnesses. One such example is the nearly 25,000 Kansans who delayed cancer screenings last year.&nbsp;

“We saw a decline in preventative health care from data and anecdotal evidence. This is affecting children to adults by delaying timely immunizations, screenings for disease, and management of chronic conditions. The&nbsp;Catch Up on Care&nbsp;campaign is a reminder to reopen a line of communication with your health care provider,” said Harold Courtois, MHS CEO.

We encourage everyone to schedule any missed visits with their health care providers. Catch up on:

●Behavioral and psychological assessments

Regular visits and annual screenings are the best way to maintain your health. They also allow health care providers to identify and address serious conditions earlier. Now is the time to catch up on what you missed and reclaim your health journey.&nbsp;

ABILENE - There was a noticeable drop in preventative care visits to health care providers in 2020. To urge individuals to revisit their doctor and reclaim their health, Memorial Health System (MHS), in Abilene, is joining other Kansas hospitals in the&nbsp;Catch Up on Care&nbsp;campaign.The&nbsp;Catch Up on Care&nbsp;campaign is a response to the decline of annual health care visits in 2020. There is considerable concern this drop will lead to increased numbers of advanced or life-threatening illnesses. One such example is the nearly 25,000 Kansans who delayed cancer screenings last year.&nbsp;“We saw a decline in preventative health care from data and anecdotal evidence. This is affecting children to adults by delaying timely immunizations, screenings for disease, and management of chronic conditions. The&nbsp;Catch Up on Care&nbsp;campaign is a reminder to reopen a line of communication with your health care provider,” said Harold Courtois, MHS CEO.We encourage everyone to schedule any missed visits with their health care providers. Catch up on:●Physical exams●Annual screenings●Well child visits and immunizations●Chronic care check ups●Delayed surgical procedures●Behavioral and psychological assessmentsRegular visits and annual screenings are the best way to maintain your health. They also allow health care providers to identify and address serious conditions earlier. Now is the time to catch up on what you missed and reclaim your health journey.&nbsp;

MHS joins campaign urging Kansans to  ‘Catch Up On Care’

Saline County announced this afternoon that State Street between Kansas Highway 140 and N. Fairchilds Road will be open to through traffic at the end of the day.

That section of State Street was closed on April 22 after a void was discovered under the pavement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619119642291.png" alt="Map courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Saline County announced this afternoon that State Street between Kansas Highway 140 and N. Fairchilds Road will be open to through traffic at the end of the day.That section of State Street was closed on April 22 after a void was discovered under the pavement.

Saline County: State Street reopening today

Evergy is warning customers about imposters claiming to be with the company.

The company has received reports of individuals placing phone calls to customers and claiming to be Evergy representatives. The individuals are asking customers for immediate payment to avoid service disconnection. These representatives are not employees of Evergy. For past-due accounts, calls from Evergy requesting payment are never made the same day as the disconnection, the company noted.

"Several customers have contacted us after receiving suspicious calls. In most cases, the caller claims to be an Evergy customer service representative to get the customer to provide credit card information or other personal information, telling the customer a check has bounced or he/she has a past-due bill. Imposters will often ask customers to use a pre-paid card for payment. Evergy will never ask a customer to purchase a pre-paid debit card to pay for service," the company noted in a news release issued Wednesday.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Customers may verify an individual is from Evergy by asking to see company identification or by calling the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.evergy.com/contact-us">Customer Contact Center</a>&nbsp;before giving any information such as Evergy account numbers or banking information.

"If you can’t verify that you’re speaking with an Evergy employee, do not give them this information," the company urged.&nbsp; 

Evergy Missouri service areas and Evergy Kansas Metro may reach customer service toll-free at 1-888-471-5275. Evergy Kansas Central customers may call 1-800-383-1183. Customers can also review their account status online by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.evergy.com/">www.evergy.com</a>.

Evergy offers the following information to help customers identify Evergy representatives. 

●Employees will carry Evergy employee identification. 

●For a service appointment, they may be driving an Evergy vehicle or wearing Evergy branded clothing. 

●Evergy does not perform door-to-door sales. 

●Evergy employees rarely need to enter a customer’s home.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers have increased calls, texts, emails, and in-person tactics and are contacting utility customers asking for immediate payment to avoid service disconnection. As a reminder, Evergy will never ask customers to make payments with a pre-paid debit card, gift card, any form of cryptocurrency, or third-party digital payment mobile applications.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593537612913.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Evergy is warning customers about imposters claiming to be with the company.The company has received reports of individuals placing phone calls to customers and claiming to be Evergy representatives. The individuals are asking customers for immediate payment to avoid service disconnection. These representatives are not employees of Evergy. For past-due accounts, calls from Evergy requesting payment are never made the same day as the disconnection, the company noted."Several customers have contacted us after receiving suspicious calls. In most cases, the caller claims to be an Evergy customer service representative to get the customer to provide credit card information or other personal information, telling the customer a check has bounced or he/she has a past-due bill. Imposters will often ask customers to use a pre-paid card for payment. Evergy will never ask a customer to purchase a pre-paid debit card to pay for service," the company noted in a news release issued Wednesday.&nbsp; &nbsp;Customers may verify an individual is from Evergy by asking to see company identification or by calling the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.evergy.com/contact-us">Customer Contact Center</a>&nbsp;before giving any information such as Evergy account numbers or banking information. "If you can’t verify that you’re speaking with an Evergy employee, do not give them this information," the company urged.&nbsp; Evergy Missouri service areas and Evergy Kansas Metro may reach customer service toll-free at 1-888-471-5275. Evergy Kansas Central customers may call 1-800-383-1183. Customers can also review their account status online by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.evergy.com/">www.evergy.com</a>.Evergy offers the following information to help customers identify Evergy representatives. ●Employees will carry Evergy employee identification. ●For a service appointment, they may be driving an Evergy vehicle or wearing Evergy branded clothing. ●Evergy does not perform door-to-door sales. ●Evergy employees rarely need to enter a customer’s home.Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers have increased calls, texts, emails, and in-person tactics and are contacting utility customers asking for immediate payment to avoid service disconnection. As a reminder, Evergy will never ask customers to make payments with a pre-paid debit card, gift card, any form of cryptocurrency, or third-party digital payment mobile applications.&nbsp;

Evergy warns customers regarding recent utility scam attempts

Here is the Saline County Health Department's COVID-19 report for Wednesday:

Here is the Saline County Health Department's COVID-19 report for Wednesday:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620856594142.png" alt="Image courtesy Saline County Health Department" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Saline County Health Department</figcaption>
 </figure>

Saline County COVID by the Numbers for Wednesday

Following is a statement issued Wednesday afternoon by Republican State Rep. Steven Howe, Salina, concerning derogatory comments made pertaining to the ouster of U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney. Howe represents the 71st District in Kansas.

As a State Representative I rarely weigh-in on national politics. However, I believe it is time for Republicans including myself to push-back against the vitriol that has plagued our Party and political landscape. As a lifelong Republican and former staffer for two Republican members of Congress, I am appalled at the divisiveness and disrespect exhibited by our former President in his comments directed at the U.S. Representative from Wyoming. There is no reason to publicly defame someone’s character. This type of inflammatory rhetoric is childish, beneath the Office of the President, and it does nothing to further the cause of freedom, liberty, or the well-being of our country.

When I ran for office last summer, I made a commitment to listen, encourage civility, and work with others to find solutions. For the past five months I have worked with legislators from each corner of Kansas. Whether it was addressing the broken unemployment system or supporting our school kids, Republicans worked together to accomplish common sense solutions that would gain bipartisan support, and even receive the approval from our Governor who is a Democrat. More importantly than the legislative victories we accomplished, we did it civilly and without name-calling. I challenge all citizens to keep engaged in the political process by having thoughtful dialogue and avoiding personal attacks. We can do better!

U.S. House Republicans ousted&nbsp; Cheney from her post as the chamber’s No. 3 GOP leader on Wednesday, punishing her after she repeatedly rebuked former President Donald Trump for his false claims of election fraud and his role in fomenting the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, according to the Associated Press.

Today on his blog, the former president posted, "Liz Cheney is a bitter, horrible human being. I watched her yesterday and realized how bad she is for the Republican Party. She has no personality or anything good having to do with politics or our Country. She is a talking point for Democrats, whether that means the Border, the gas lines, inflation, or destroying our economy. She is a warmonger whose family stupidly pushed us into the never-ending Middle East Disaster, draining our wealth and depleting our Great Military, the worst decision in our Country’s history. I look forward to soon watching her as a Paid Contributor on CNN or MSDNC!"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609297173904.jpeg" alt="State Rep. Steven Howe" />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Steven Howe</figcaption>
 </figure>Following is a statement issued Wednesday afternoon by Republican State Rep. Steven Howe, Salina, concerning derogatory comments made pertaining to the ouster of U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney. Howe represents the 71st District in Kansas.As a State Representative I rarely weigh-in on national politics. However, I believe it is time for Republicans including myself to push-back against the vitriol that has plagued our Party and political landscape. As a lifelong Republican and former staffer for two Republican members of Congress, I am appalled at the divisiveness and disrespect exhibited by our former President in his comments directed at the U.S. Representative from Wyoming. There is no reason to publicly defame someone’s character. This type of inflammatory rhetoric is childish, beneath the Office of the President, and it does nothing to further the cause of freedom, liberty, or the well-being of our country.When I ran for office last summer, I made a commitment to listen, encourage civility, and work with others to find solutions. For the past five months I have worked with legislators from each corner of Kansas. Whether it was addressing the broken unemployment system or supporting our school kids, Republicans worked together to accomplish common sense solutions that would gain bipartisan support, and even receive the approval from our Governor who is a Democrat. More importantly than the legislative victories we accomplished, we did it civilly and without name-calling. I challenge all citizens to keep engaged in the political process by having thoughtful dialogue and avoiding personal attacks. We can do better!U.S. House Republicans ousted&nbsp; Cheney from her post as the chamber’s No. 3 GOP leader on Wednesday, punishing her after she repeatedly rebuked former President Donald Trump for his false claims of election fraud and his role in fomenting the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, according to the Associated Press.Today on his blog, the former president posted, "Liz Cheney is a bitter, horrible human being. I watched her yesterday and realized how bad she is for the Republican Party. She has no personality or anything good having to do with politics or our Country. She is a talking point for Democrats, whether that means the Border, the gas lines, inflation, or destroying our economy. She is a warmonger whose family stupidly pushed us into the never-ending Middle East Disaster, draining our wealth and depleting our Great Military, the worst decision in our Country’s history. I look forward to soon watching her as a Paid Contributor on CNN or MSDNC!"

Howe issues statement concerning comments made about Cheney

By LISA LAKE Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

It’s never too late to find love, and lots of dating sites and apps are there to help. But scammers are out to steal your heart, too…and then steal your money. This Older Americans Month, let’s talk about romance scams. These can happen when someone makes a fake profile on dating sites, apps and social media. They then message you to get a relationship going, build your trust, and connect.

Then, they hit you up for money. “Baby, I want to come see you but I’m short on funds. Can you send me $500 for a ticket?” Or, “I love you, honey. But we may not be able to talk anymore because my phone is about to get cut off. I need $300 to pay the bill…” Get the idea?

In the name of love, you send money. They come back with other lies to get still more money. Then the messages stop. You can’t reach them. They’ve taken off with a piece of your heart and big chunk of your wallet.

People reported <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/data-spotlight/2021/02/romance-scams-take-record-dollars-2020">$304 million in losses</a> to romance scams in 2020. Here’s how you can avoid these heartless imposters:

●If someone you’ve never met in person asks you for money, that’s a scam. No matter the story. Never send money or gifts to anyone you haven’t met in person — even if they send you money first.

●Only scammers tell you to buy&nbsp;gift cards,&nbsp;wire money, or send&nbsp;cryptocurrency. Once you send that money, you won’t get it back.

 ●Do a reverse image search of the person’s profile picture. See if it’s associated with another name or with details that don’t match up. Those are signs of a scam.

Talk to someone you trust about your new love interest, and pay attention if they’re concerned. Learn more by watching this video and at <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/romancescams">ftc.gov/romancescams</a>. And if a scammer tries to charm you out of your funds, <a href="file:///C:/Users/cbrown3/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/JPJPAZTW/ftc.gov/reportfraud">report it to the FTC</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620832047864.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA LAKE Consumer Education Specialist, FTCIt’s never too late to find love, and lots of dating sites and apps are there to help. But scammers are out to steal your heart, too…and then steal your money. This Older Americans Month, let’s talk about romance scams. These can happen when someone makes a fake profile on dating sites, apps and social media. They then message you to get a relationship going, build your trust, and connect.Then, they hit you up for money. “Baby, I want to come see you but I’m short on funds. Can you send me $500 for a ticket?” Or, “I love you, honey. But we may not be able to talk anymore because my phone is about to get cut off. I need $300 to pay the bill…” Get the idea?In the name of love, you send money. They come back with other lies to get still more money. Then the messages stop. You can’t reach them. They’ve taken off with a piece of your heart and big chunk of your wallet.People reported <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/data-spotlight/2021/02/romance-scams-take-record-dollars-2020">$304 million in losses</a> to romance scams in 2020. Here’s how you can avoid these heartless imposters:●If someone you’ve never met in person asks you for money, that’s a scam. No matter the story. Never send money or gifts to anyone you haven’t met in person — even if they send you money first.●Only scammers tell you to buy&nbsp;gift cards,&nbsp;wire money, or send&nbsp;cryptocurrency. Once you send that money, you won’t get it back. ●Do a reverse image search of the person’s profile picture. See if it’s associated with another name or with details that don’t match up. Those are signs of a scam.Talk to someone you trust about your new love interest, and pay attention if they’re concerned. Learn more by watching this video and at <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/romancescams">ftc.gov/romancescams</a>. And if a scammer tries to charm you out of your funds, <a href="file:///C:/Users/cbrown3/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/JPJPAZTW/ftc.gov/reportfraud">report it to the FTC</a>.

FTC: No money, honey

MCPHERSON -- On May 5, at approximately 7:56 a.m., the McPherson Police Department was called to 1601 Cemetery Drive in McPherson, for a report of vandalism and criminal damage to property. 

Officers contacted the reporting party and observed several headstones that were either damaged or stolen. The estimated damage was less than $1,500, according to information on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/McPherson-County-Crime-Stoppers-300318421920/">McPherson County Crime Stoppers</a>&nbsp;Facebook page. The incidents occurred between May 4 at approximately 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. on May 5.

Any information to identify possible suspects and locate the missing property is appreciated. Contact the McPherson Police Department via phone at (620)245-1266 or the Contact Us button on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/McPherson-County-Crime-Stoppers-300318421920/">McPherson County Crime Stoppers</a> Facebook page to remain anonymous.

MCPHERSON -- On May 5, at approximately 7:56 a.m., the McPherson Police Department was called to 1601 Cemetery Drive in McPherson, for a report of vandalism and criminal damage to property. Officers contacted the reporting party and observed several headstones that were either damaged or stolen. The estimated damage was less than $1,500, according to information on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/McPherson-County-Crime-Stoppers-300318421920/">McPherson County Crime Stoppers</a>&nbsp;Facebook page. The incidents occurred between May 4 at approximately 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. on May 5. Any information to identify possible suspects and locate the missing property is appreciated. Contact the McPherson Police Department via phone at (620)245-1266 or the Contact Us button on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/McPherson-County-Crime-Stoppers-300318421920/">McPherson County Crime Stoppers</a> Facebook page to remain anonymous.

McPherson County Crime Stoppers seeks tips about cemetery incident

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

The City of Salina has announced that part of Centennial Road will closed next week.

On Monday, Burns &amp; McDonnell Engineering will begin work to install new storm water culverts across Centennial Road at the intersection of Arnold Avenue. Centennial Road will be closed to through traffic north of Wall Street and south of W. Schilling Road. Arnold Avenue will be closed to all traffic east of Scanlan Avenue.

Passengers needing to reach the Salina Regional Airport terminal and surrounding businesses will have access via Arnold Avenue from W. Schilling Road from the north and Scanlan Avenue from the south

Weather permitting, the intersection will be opened by June 7, the city noted in a news release.

The City of Salina has announced that part of Centennial Road will closed next week.On Monday, Burns &amp; McDonnell Engineering will begin work to install new storm water culverts across Centennial Road at the intersection of Arnold Avenue. Centennial Road will be closed to through traffic north of Wall Street and south of W. Schilling Road. Arnold Avenue will be closed to all traffic east of Scanlan Avenue.Passengers needing to reach the Salina Regional Airport terminal and surrounding businesses will have access via Arnold Avenue from W. Schilling Road from the north and Scanlan Avenue from the southWeather permitting, the intersection will be opened by June 7, the city noted in a news release.

City closing part of Centennial Road for culvert work

Do you know of someone who has done a good deed? Recognize that person with a nomination on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>&nbsp;for Comfort Heating &amp; Air's Good Neighbor Award!

Comfort Heating &amp; Air is partnering with Mokas to reward friendship and kindness in the community. Each week they will give away a $50 Mokas gift card and free VIP Clean &amp; Check to someone who has done a good deed for others.

They’re looking for persons who perform acts of kindness in our community; perhaps a neighbor who helps mow your lawn, watches your pets while you’re away, or shares vegetables from his/her garden.

To nominate someone for the Comfort Heating &amp; Air Good Neighbor Award,&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fdb390c2-b6bd-4467-9693-f83f01e740b6#//">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618249218899.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Do you know of someone who has done a good deed? Recognize that person with a nomination on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>&nbsp;for Comfort Heating &amp; Air's Good Neighbor Award!Comfort Heating &amp; Air is partnering with Mokas to reward friendship and kindness in the community. Each week they will give away a $50 Mokas gift card and free VIP Clean &amp; Check to someone who has done a good deed for others.They’re looking for persons who perform acts of kindness in our community; perhaps a neighbor who helps mow your lawn, watches your pets while you’re away, or shares vegetables from his/her garden.To nominate someone for the Comfort Heating &amp; Air Good Neighbor Award,&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fdb390c2-b6bd-4467-9693-f83f01e740b6#//">click here</a>.

Do you have a good neighbor? Comfort wants to hear from you!

Work in a persons home and go with them to do daily things. Help out with their goals and dreams.

Paid time off, sick leave Holiday pay plus time and a half Great Benefits &amp; Paid training

OCCK, Inc. is a not-for-profit, mission-based organization that has been providing services to people with disabilities since 1970. With regional offices throughout North Central Kansas. Help others and getting paid to do so. Apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=occkinc.appone.com">https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=occkinc.appone.com</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592535783410.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Direct Support Professional$13/hour Full or Part time$14.5 6pm to 5am &amp; weekendsWork in a persons home and go with them to do daily things. Help out with their goals and dreams.Flexible schedulesPaycheck for life retirement (KPERS)Paid time off, sick leave Holiday pay plus time and a half Great Benefits &amp; Paid trainingFun, satisfying, rewarding work.CNA, CMA, HHA openings also!OCCK, Inc. is a not-for-profit, mission-based organization that has been providing services to people with disabilities since 1970. With regional offices throughout North Central Kansas. Help others and getting paid to do so. Apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=occkinc.appone.com">https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=occkinc.appone.com</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;&nbsp; EOE Drug testing required.

15 USD 305 seniors recognized for biliteracy

A motorcycle that was stolen from a central Salina yard on Monday was recognized by the owner the next day, after it had been repainted.

Kenneth Larson, 19, of Salina, told police that his 2001 Kawasaki motorcycle with the key left in it was stolen from his yard in the 400 block of S. 12th Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.

On Tuesday, Larson was exiting Dillons, 1201 W. Crawford Street, when he saw a motorcycle he recognized to be his, as it had a unique tear in the seat. The motorcycle had been spray painted.

A white male in his 20s with short hair and wearing a white full-face helmet, jeans, a black coat, and a gray backpack was on the motorcycle, Forrester noted. He left on the motorcycle and Larson followed. The man crashed the motorcycle at Rod's No. 5, 680 S. Phillips, and fled on foot. The bike was valued at $1,000.

A motorcycle that was stolen from a central Salina yard on Monday was recognized by the owner the next day, after it had been repainted.Kenneth Larson, 19, of Salina, told police that his 2001 Kawasaki motorcycle with the key left in it was stolen from his yard in the 400 block of S. 12th Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.On Tuesday, Larson was exiting Dillons, 1201 W. Crawford Street, when he saw a motorcycle he recognized to be his, as it had a unique tear in the seat. The motorcycle had been spray painted.A white male in his 20s with short hair and wearing a white full-face helmet, jeans, a black coat, and a gray backpack was on the motorcycle, Forrester noted. He left on the motorcycle and Larson followed. The man crashed the motorcycle at Rod's No. 5, 680 S. Phillips, and fled on foot. The bike was valued at $1,000.

Stolen motorcycle located after it was spray painted

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

The first good thunderstorm of the season swept through my area late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. It rolled in from the west with a brilliant light show and booming bass of thunder reverberating through our windows. It started simply enough. The air, still warm from the day, stirred. Trees began to shake in a cool breeze that grew to a howl. My daughter was home from college for the weekend, and we took in the sights and sounds from the front porch until the chilly air and sheets of rain chased us inside. I’ve never grown tired of watching storms come in, even in Kansas where they occur with regularity. The mix of beauty and the potential for destruction tap into something primal. The allure and angst are as intertwined as lightning and thunder. Some of my first memories of watching storms are in the small sunroom in my childhood home. The thick panes of glass in the south-facing room coupled with the home’s hillside elevation provided the ideal enclosure for viewing the ferocity of Mother Nature. The best storms are always at night. Darkness heightens your other senses, so you feel the ground shake from thunder or hearing the rain come in wind-blown sheets. The smell of damp earth is strong enough to taste. Even when a bolt of electricity illuminates the sky, it offers only a flash of the world around you. Usually, I’d watch storms alone by virtue of being the only one awake when one passed through. Sometimes though my dad would pull up a chair beside me and we’d take it all in silence for a few minutes before he chided me to get to bed. I get a sense of calm watching a storm system move over me, though being a few steps from the basement certainly helps. I know there are those who chase so-called “supercells” in hopes of spotting the truly terrifying phenomenon of tornadoes. I understand it, but that’s a little too much thrill seeking for my taste. Living in Kansas, I’ve had enough close calls with twisters to satisfy my curiosity. Another good perspective for watching a storm was from the hayfield. While we usually didn’t want any rain on the drying grasses, we also could see for miles. Sometimes that was enough to see the cumulonimbus clouds build thousands of feet in the air as the squall line developed far enough away the sun was still shining on us. Whether I’m watching a storm from near or far, I always feel incredibly small. The combination of wind and rain and lightning and thunder is the result of two air masses colliding and releasing more energy than the atomic bomb blast at Hiroshima. Despite all the havoc thunderstorms can cause, they do bring rain that helps crops grow in fields and gardens. Sometimes they provide a much-needed respite from working those fields. Other times the cool, calm day after the storm is the reward. Either way, I usually find myself looking forward to the chance to watch the next one.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauThe first good thunderstorm of the season swept through my area late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. It rolled in from the west with a brilliant light show and booming bass of thunder reverberating through our windows. It started simply enough. The air, still warm from the day, stirred. Trees began to shake in a cool breeze that grew to a howl. My daughter was home from college for the weekend, and we took in the sights and sounds from the front porch until the chilly air and sheets of rain chased us inside. I’ve never grown tired of watching storms come in, even in Kansas where they occur with regularity. The mix of beauty and the potential for destruction tap into something primal. The allure and angst are as intertwined as lightning and thunder. Some of my first memories of watching storms are in the small sunroom in my childhood home. The thick panes of glass in the south-facing room coupled with the home’s hillside elevation provided the ideal enclosure for viewing the ferocity of Mother Nature. The best storms are always at night. Darkness heightens your other senses, so you feel the ground shake from thunder or hearing the rain come in wind-blown sheets. The smell of damp earth is strong enough to taste. Even when a bolt of electricity illuminates the sky, it offers only a flash of the world around you. Usually, I’d watch storms alone by virtue of being the only one awake when one passed through. Sometimes though my dad would pull up a chair beside me and we’d take it all in silence for a few minutes before he chided me to get to bed. I get a sense of calm watching a storm system move over me, though being a few steps from the basement certainly helps. I know there are those who chase so-called “supercells” in hopes of spotting the truly terrifying phenomenon of tornadoes. I understand it, but that’s a little too much thrill seeking for my taste. Living in Kansas, I’ve had enough close calls with twisters to satisfy my curiosity. Another good perspective for watching a storm was from the hayfield. While we usually didn’t want any rain on the drying grasses, we also could see for miles. Sometimes that was enough to see the cumulonimbus clouds build thousands of feet in the air as the squall line developed far enough away the sun was still shining on us. Whether I’m watching a storm from near or far, I always feel incredibly small. The combination of wind and rain and lightning and thunder is the result of two air masses colliding and releasing more energy than the atomic bomb blast at Hiroshima. Despite all the havoc thunderstorms can cause, they do bring rain that helps crops grow in fields and gardens. Sometimes they provide a much-needed respite from working those fields. Other times the cool, calm day after the storm is the reward. Either way, I usually find myself looking forward to the chance to watch the next one."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

INSIGHT: Storm watching

TOPEKA — Schools and districts throughout Kansas, including several in our area, were honored Tuesday.

Stockton Grade School, Stockton Unified School District 271, was recognized as a 2021 Kansas School of Character.

Recognition is given through the&nbsp;Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program&nbsp;and sponsoring organizations - Character.org, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and the Smoky Hill Education Service Center.

“We are so pleased to announce Stockton Grade School as a 2021 State School of Character,” said Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson. “The past two school years have been filled with many challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Stockton’s students, educators and parents worked hard and consistently practiced character development. Kansas is proud to recognize their hard work and unwavering dedication.”

Stockton Grade School is one of 76 schools and one school district across the country to be certified by <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a> as 2021 State Schools of Character.

The state Schools of Character award program recognizes schools and districts that have worked to enhance social, emotional and character development. Character.org certifies schools and districts at the state level that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development, which has been shown to have a positive effect on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate, according to character.org. Character.org was founded in 1993 and is a national nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. Since its inception, <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a>’s Schools of Character program has impacted nearly 3 million students, staff members, parents and other community members.

Criteria for selection are based on <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a>’s ​11 Principles of Character, which include providing students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership and engaging families and communities as partners in the character-building effort.&nbsp;

More information on Kansas’ Social, Emotional and Character Development Standards, which the state adopted in 2012, is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/Content-Area-M-Z/School-Counseling/Social-Emotional-and-Character-Development" target="_blank">http://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/Content-Area-M-Z/School-Counseling/Social-Emotional-and-Character-Development</a>. The 11 Principles of Effective Character Education by <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a> are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.character.org/" target="_blank">character.org</a>.

School and district receiving Shifting School Culture Recognition

One Kansas school and one Kansas school district received&nbsp;<a>Shifting School Culture Recognition</a>&nbsp;through the Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program. This recognizes schools and districts that have developed and implemented a social-emotional character-development (SECD) initiative or program for at least one year and are transforming the school/district culture, as well as growing students’ SECD skills. They are:

Bickerdyke Elementary School, Russell USD 407

Schools and district receiving Enhanced Spotlight Recognition

Eight schools and one district received Enhanced Spotlight Recognition through the Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program. This recognizes schools and districts that are implementing new initiatives or are enhancing existing initiatives that will strengthen the SECD skills in their students and school climate. They are:

Lakeside Elementary School, Waconda USD 272

Kennedy Primary, McKinley Intermediate School and Eisenhower Elementary School, Abilene USD 435

Meade Elementary/Junior High School, Meade USD 226

Spring Valley Elementary School, Geary County USD 475.

For more information about State Schools of Character or National Schools of Character, visit <a href="http://character.org">character.org</a>. For more information about KSDE, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksde.org/" target="_blank">www.ksde.org</a>. For more information about Smoky Hill Education Service Center, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.smokyhill.org&amp;c=E,1,tk_Dy1bkBZLUvetRJxyuKEq_xYgrYZlkilMUGVMKof9l1VMbsqPzWbC_BWbHph1bFqLYyfXfL3i7cCngkFq9AqneFGHB993K-K7-e_9o&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">www.smokyhill.org</a>.

TOPEKA — Schools and districts throughout Kansas, including several in our area, were honored Tuesday.Stockton Grade School, Stockton Unified School District 271, was recognized as a 2021 Kansas School of Character.Recognition is given through the&nbsp;Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program&nbsp;and sponsoring organizations - Character.org, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and the Smoky Hill Education Service Center.“We are so pleased to announce Stockton Grade School as a 2021 State School of Character,” said Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson. “The past two school years have been filled with many challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Stockton’s students, educators and parents worked hard and consistently practiced character development. Kansas is proud to recognize their hard work and unwavering dedication.”Stockton Grade School is one of 76 schools and one school district across the country to be certified by <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a> as 2021 State Schools of Character.The state Schools of Character award program recognizes schools and districts that have worked to enhance social, emotional and character development. Character.org certifies schools and districts at the state level that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development, which has been shown to have a positive effect on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate, according to character.org. Character.org was founded in 1993 and is a national nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. Since its inception, <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a>’s Schools of Character program has impacted nearly 3 million students, staff members, parents and other community members.Criteria for selection are based on <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a>’s ​11 Principles of Character, which include providing students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership and engaging families and communities as partners in the character-building effort.&nbsp;More information on Kansas’ Social, Emotional and Character Development Standards, which the state adopted in 2012, is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/Content-Area-M-Z/School-Counseling/Social-Emotional-and-Character-Development" target="_blank">http://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/Content-Area-M-Z/School-Counseling/Social-Emotional-and-Character-Development</a>. The 11 Principles of Effective Character Education by <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a> are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.character.org/" target="_blank">character.org</a>.School and district receiving Shifting School Culture RecognitionOne Kansas school and one Kansas school district received&nbsp;<a>Shifting School Culture Recognition</a>&nbsp;through the Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program. This recognizes schools and districts that have developed and implemented a social-emotional character-development (SECD) initiative or program for at least one year and are transforming the school/district culture, as well as growing students’ SECD skills. They are:Barber County North USD 254Bickerdyke Elementary School, Russell USD 407Schools and district receiving Enhanced Spotlight RecognitionEight schools and one district received Enhanced Spotlight Recognition through the Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program. This recognizes schools and districts that are implementing new initiatives or are enhancing existing initiatives that will strengthen the SECD skills in their students and school climate. They are:Barber County North USD 254Bickerdyke Elementary School, Russell USD 407Hesston Middle School, Hesston USD 460Lakeside Elementary School, Waconda USD 272Kennedy Primary, McKinley Intermediate School and Eisenhower Elementary School, Abilene USD 435Meade Elementary/Junior High School, Meade USD 226Spring Valley Elementary School, Geary County USD 475.For more information about State Schools of Character or National Schools of Character, visit <a href="http://character.org">character.org</a>. For more information about KSDE, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksde.org/" target="_blank">www.ksde.org</a>. For more information about Smoky Hill Education Service Center, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.smokyhill.org&amp;c=E,1,tk_Dy1bkBZLUvetRJxyuKEq_xYgrYZlkilMUGVMKof9l1VMbsqPzWbC_BWbHph1bFqLYyfXfL3i7cCngkFq9AqneFGHB993K-K7-e_9o&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">www.smokyhill.org</a>.

Area schools among those in the spotlight

Salina Area Technical College is accepting applications from individuals interested in serving on the college’s Board of Trustees.

This nine-member board is the college’s governing body, and determines goals and direction for the institution. The board currently has one vacant seat. New board members are appointed by the current board, with terms starting in July.

The board typically meets on the fourth Monday of each month, and also has occasional special meetings.

Candidates should have experience in a business or education setting, especially involving technical education or related to one of Salina Tech’s programs.

To learn more about Salina Tech and serving on its Board of Trustees, contact President Greg Nichols at 785-309-3182 or <a href="mailto:greg.nichols@salinatech.edu">greg.nichols@salinatech.edu</a>.

Applications should be returned by May 24.

Salina Area Technical College is accepting applications from individuals interested in serving on the college’s Board of Trustees.This nine-member board is the college’s governing body, and determines goals and direction for the institution. The board currently has one vacant seat. New board members are appointed by the current board, with terms starting in July.The board typically meets on the fourth Monday of each month, and also has occasional special meetings.Candidates should have experience in a business or education setting, especially involving technical education or related to one of Salina Tech’s programs.To learn more about Salina Tech and serving on its Board of Trustees, contact President Greg Nichols at 785-309-3182 or <a href="mailto:greg.nichols@salinatech.edu">greg.nichols@salinatech.edu</a>.Applications should be returned by May 24.

Salina Tech seeks persons interested in serving as trustees

Today is Wednesday, May 12, the 132nd day of 2021. There are 233 days left in the year. 

On May 12, 1949, the Soviet Union lifted the Berlin Blockade, which the Western powers had succeeded in circumventing with their Berlin Airlift. 

In 1780, during the Revolutionary War, the besieged city of Charleston, South Carolina, surrendered to British forces. 

In 1937, Britain's King George VI was crowned at Westminster Abbey; his wife, Elizabeth, was crowned as queen consort. 

In 1943, during World War II, Axis forces in North Africa surrendered. The two-week Trident Conference, headed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, opened in Washington. 

In 1955, Manhattan's last elevated rail line, the Third Avenue El, ceased operation. 

In 1958, the United States and Canada signed an agreement to create the North American Air Defense Command (later the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD). 

In 1970, the Senate voted unanimously to confirm Harry A. Blackmun as a Supreme Court justice. 

In 1975, the White House announced the new Cambodian government had seized an American merchant ship, the Mayaguez, in international waters. (U.S. Marines gained control of the ship three days after its seizure, not knowing the 39 civilian members of the crew had already been released by Cambodia.)

In 1982, in Fatima, Portugal, security guards overpowered a Spanish priest armed with a bayonet who attacked Pope John Paul II. (In 2008, the pope's longtime private secretary revealed that the pontiff was slightly wounded in the assault.) 

In 1997, Australian Susie Maroney became the first woman to swim from Cuba to Florida, covering the 118-mile distance in 24 1/2 hours.

In 2002, Jimmy Carter arrived in Cuba, becoming the first U.S. president in or out of office to visit since the 1959 revolution that put Fidel Castro in power. 

In 2008, a devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake in China's Sichuan province left more than 87,000 people dead or missing. 

In 2009, five Miami men were convicted in a plot to blow up FBI buildings and Chicago's Sears Tower; one man was acquitted. Suspected Nazi death camp guard John Demjanjuk was deported from the United States to Germany. 

Ten years ago: CEOs of the five largest oil companies went before the Senate Finance Committee, where Democrats challenged the executives to justify tax breaks at a time when people were paying $4 a gallon for gas. A German court convicted retired U.S. autoworker John Demjanjuk of being an accessory to the murder of tens of thousands of Jews as a Nazi death camp guard. (Demjanjuk, who maintained his innocence, died in March 2012 at age 91.)

Five years ago: A divided U.S. Supreme Court blocked the execution of an Alabama inmate so that a lower court could review claims that strokes and dementia had rendered him incompetent to understand his looming death sentence. (A federal appeals court ruled in March 2017 that Vernon Madison was incompetent, and could not be executed.)

One year ago: House Democrats unveiled a coronavirus aid package totaling more than $3 trillion, including nearly $1 trillion for states and cities to avert layoffs and a fresh round of direct cash aid to American households. (The measure won House approval but Senate Republicans and the White House rejected it as too costly.) Dr. Anthony Fauci warned a Senate panel that cities and states could "turn back the clock" and see more COVID-19 deaths and economic damage if they lifted stay-at-home orders too quickly. German photographer Astrid Kirchherr, who shot some of the earliest and most striking images of the Beatles and helped shape their visual style, died at age 81 in her native Hamburg.

Today's Birthdays: Composer Burt Bacharach is 93. Actor Millie Perkins is 85. R&amp;B singer Jayotis Washington is 80. Country singer Billy Swan is 79. Actor Linda Dano is 78. Actor Lindsay Crouse is 73. Singer-musician Steve Winwood is 73. Actor Gabriel Byrne is 71. Actor Bruce Boxleitner is 71. Singer Billy Squier is 71. Blues singer-musician Guy Davis is 69. Country singer Kix Brooks is 66. Actor Kim Greist is 63. Rock musician Eric Singer (KISS) is 63. Actor Ving Rhames is 62. Rock musician Billy Duffy is 60. Actor Emilio Estevez is 59. Actor April Grace is 59. Actor Vanessa A. Williams is 58. TV personality/chef Carla Hall is 57. Actor Stephen Baldwin is 55. Actor Scott Schwartz is 53. Actor Kim Fields is 52. Actor Samantha Mathis is 51. Actor Jamie Luner is 50. Actor Christian Campbell is 49. Actor Rhea Seehorn is 49. Actor Mackenzie Astin is 48. Country musician Matt Mangano (The Zac Brown Band) is 45. Actor Rebecca Herbst is 44. Actor Malin Akerman is 43. Actor Jason Biggs is 43. Actor Rami Malek is 40. Actor-singer Clare Bowen is 37. Actor Emily VanCamp is 35. Actor Malcolm David Kelley is 29. Actor Sullivan Sweeten is 26.

<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 Wednesday, May 12, the 132nd day of 2021. There are 233 days left in the year. Today's Highlights in History: On May 12, 1949, the Soviet Union lifted the Berlin Blockade, which the Western powers had succeeded in circumventing with their Berlin Airlift. On this date: In 1780, during the Revolutionary War, the besieged city of Charleston, South Carolina, surrendered to British forces. In 1937, Britain's King George VI was crowned at Westminster Abbey; his wife, Elizabeth, was crowned as queen consort. In 1943, during World War II, Axis forces in North Africa surrendered. The two-week Trident Conference, headed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, opened in Washington. In 1955, Manhattan's last elevated rail line, the Third Avenue El, ceased operation. In 1958, the United States and Canada signed an agreement to create the North American Air Defense Command (later the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD). In 1970, the Senate voted unanimously to confirm Harry A. Blackmun as a Supreme Court justice. In 1975, the White House announced the new Cambodian government had seized an American merchant ship, the Mayaguez, in international waters. (U.S. Marines gained control of the ship three days after its seizure, not knowing the 39 civilian members of the crew had already been released by Cambodia.)In 1982, in Fatima, Portugal, security guards overpowered a Spanish priest armed with a bayonet who attacked Pope John Paul II. (In 2008, the pope's longtime private secretary revealed that the pontiff was slightly wounded in the assault.) In 1997, Australian Susie Maroney became the first woman to swim from Cuba to Florida, covering the 118-mile distance in 24 1/2 hours.In 2002, Jimmy Carter arrived in Cuba, becoming the first U.S. president in or out of office to visit since the 1959 revolution that put Fidel Castro in power. In 2008, a devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake in China's Sichuan province left more than 87,000 people dead or missing. In 2009, five Miami men were convicted in a plot to blow up FBI buildings and Chicago's Sears Tower; one man was acquitted. Suspected Nazi death camp guard John Demjanjuk was deported from the United States to Germany. Ten years ago: CEOs of the five largest oil companies went before the Senate Finance Committee, where Democrats challenged the executives to justify tax breaks at a time when people were paying $4 a gallon for gas. A German court convicted retired U.S. autoworker John Demjanjuk of being an accessory to the murder of tens of thousands of Jews as a Nazi death camp guard. (Demjanjuk, who maintained his innocence, died in March 2012 at age 91.)Five years ago: A divided U.S. Supreme Court blocked the execution of an Alabama inmate so that a lower court could review claims that strokes and dementia had rendered him incompetent to understand his looming death sentence. (A federal appeals court ruled in March 2017 that Vernon Madison was incompetent, and could not be executed.) One year ago: House Democrats unveiled a coronavirus aid package totaling more than $3 trillion, including nearly $1 trillion for states and cities to avert layoffs and a fresh round of direct cash aid to American households. (The measure won House approval but Senate Republicans and the White House rejected it as too costly.) Dr. Anthony Fauci warned a Senate panel that cities and states could "turn back the clock" and see more COVID-19 deaths and economic damage if they lifted stay-at-home orders too quickly. German photographer Astrid Kirchherr, who shot some of the earliest and most striking images of the Beatles and helped shape their visual style, died at age 81 in her native Hamburg.Today's Birthdays: Composer Burt Bacharach is 93. Actor Millie Perkins is 85. R&amp;B singer Jayotis Washington is 80. Country singer Billy Swan is 79. Actor Linda Dano is 78. Actor Lindsay Crouse is 73. Singer-musician Steve Winwood is 73. Actor Gabriel Byrne is 71. Actor Bruce Boxleitner is 71. Singer Billy Squier is 71. Blues singer-musician Guy Davis is 69. Country singer Kix Brooks is 66. Actor Kim Greist is 63. Rock musician Eric Singer (KISS) is 63. Actor Ving Rhames is 62. Rock musician Billy Duffy is 60. Actor Emilio Estevez is 59. Actor April Grace is 59. Actor Vanessa A. Williams is 58. TV personality/chef Carla Hall is 57. Actor Stephen Baldwin is 55. Actor Scott Schwartz is 53. Actor Kim Fields is 52. Actor Samantha Mathis is 51. Actor Jamie Luner is 50. Actor Christian Campbell is 49. Actor Rhea Seehorn is 49. Actor Mackenzie Astin is 48. Country musician Matt Mangano (The Zac Brown Band) is 45. Actor Rebecca Herbst is 44. Actor Malin Akerman is 43. Actor Jason Biggs is 43. Actor Rami Malek is 40. Actor-singer Clare Bowen is 37. Actor Emily VanCamp is 35. Actor Malcolm David Kelley is 29. Actor Sullivan Sweeten is 26.

Today in History - May 12

DICKINSON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 2020 International truck driven by Elizabeth E. Bishop, 35, Tennessee Colony, Texas, was stopped at 3325 Avenue 21 miles south of Clay Center.&nbsp;

A northbound 2017 Kia Forte driven by Galen T. Carpenter, 45, Clay Center, struck the side of the International as it turned southbound on Kansas 15.

Carpenter was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. Bishop and a passenger were not wearing seat belts and not injured, according to the KHP

DICKINSON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in Dickinson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 2020 International truck driven by Elizabeth E. Bishop, 35, Tennessee Colony, Texas, was stopped at 3325 Avenue 21 miles south of Clay Center.&nbsp;A northbound 2017 Kia Forte driven by Galen T. Carpenter, 45, Clay Center, struck the side of the International as it turned southbound on Kansas 15.Carpenter was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. Bishop and a passenger were not wearing seat belts and not injured, according to the KHP

Clay Center man dies after Dickinson County crash

During its meeting today, the Salina USD 305 Board of Education unanimously approved refinancing bonds that will save the school district $1,904,624. 

In addition, the outstanding bonds of the district will be paid one year sooner with the final payment occurring in 2033.

The portion of the outstanding bonds being refinanced had an average interest rate of 2.61 percent and the average interest rate on the new Refunding Bonds is 1.36 percent, which results in a reduction of 1.25 percent, according to information from the district. The lower interest rate results in a savings of $1,904,624 over the remaining life of the bonds while also paying off the bonds one year earlier than scheduled.

The district has always looked for opportunities to lower the interest expense and generate a savings for the taxpayers. Since 2001, the district has completed several bond refinancings that have resulted in the cumulative savings for the taxpayers that now totals $12,247,021, according to information from USD 305. 

The bonds being refinanced are primarily related to the 2014 bond election that funded construction and renovation of schools throughout the district. The bond refinancings and resulting savings have allowed the district to set the mill levy for the repayment of the bonds well below the estimated mill levy shared with voters during the bond election campaign.

"We’ve seen improvement in the bond market and interest rates now allow us to achieve this savings," said Linn Exline, superintendent. "This is a good opportunity to save dollars in a way that doesn’t affect people or services."

The district benefits from being one of the highest rated school districts in Kansas. Moody’s Investors Service assigned a bond rating of "Aa3" to USD 305. The strong credit rating is a result of the district’s cash reserves, financial management, and its moderately sized tax base serving as economic center for the region. Maintaining a favorable bond rating is important for the district as it helps to lower the interest rate on the bonds and, in turn, reduces the interest expense for the taxpayers.

According to Greg Vahrenberg, managing director at Raymond James &amp; Associates, "The district should be very proud of its bond rating of 'Aa3,' which is well above average for school districts in Kansas and nationally. In Kansas and nationally, there are very few school districts that achieve a bond rating in the 'Aa' category and Salina USD 305 has maintained its rating in the 'Aa' category for over a decade."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595606933685.jpeg" alt="The USD 305 district office building. Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>The USD 305 district office building. Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>During its meeting today, the Salina USD 305 Board of Education unanimously approved refinancing bonds that will save the school district $1,904,624. In addition, the outstanding bonds of the district will be paid one year sooner with the final payment occurring in 2033.The portion of the outstanding bonds being refinanced had an average interest rate of 2.61 percent and the average interest rate on the new Refunding Bonds is 1.36 percent, which results in a reduction of 1.25 percent, according to information from the district. The lower interest rate results in a savings of $1,904,624 over the remaining life of the bonds while also paying off the bonds one year earlier than scheduled.The district has always looked for opportunities to lower the interest expense and generate a savings for the taxpayers. Since 2001, the district has completed several bond refinancings that have resulted in the cumulative savings for the taxpayers that now totals $12,247,021, according to information from USD 305. The bonds being refinanced are primarily related to the 2014 bond election that funded construction and renovation of schools throughout the district. The bond refinancings and resulting savings have allowed the district to set the mill levy for the repayment of the bonds well below the estimated mill levy shared with voters during the bond election campaign."We’ve seen improvement in the bond market and interest rates now allow us to achieve this savings," said Linn Exline, superintendent. "This is a good opportunity to save dollars in a way that doesn’t affect people or services."The district benefits from being one of the highest rated school districts in Kansas. Moody’s Investors Service assigned a bond rating of "Aa3" to USD 305. The strong credit rating is a result of the district’s cash reserves, financial management, and its moderately sized tax base serving as economic center for the region. Maintaining a favorable bond rating is important for the district as it helps to lower the interest rate on the bonds and, in turn, reduces the interest expense for the taxpayers.According to Greg Vahrenberg, managing director at Raymond James &amp; Associates, "The district should be very proud of its bond rating of 'Aa3,' which is well above average for school districts in Kansas and nationally. In Kansas and nationally, there are very few school districts that achieve a bond rating in the 'Aa' category and Salina USD 305 has maintained its rating in the 'Aa' category for over a decade."&nbsp;

USD 305 refinances bonds, saves taxpayers more than $1.9M

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;

Pettle’s Flowers is seeking a Part Time Floral Delivery Driver

•This position is needed Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings (Hours may increase during holidays and peak seasons.)

•Driver will provide deliveries of merchandise to customers in the most efficient and safest manner on a daily basis.

•Apply in person at Pettle’s Flowers, 341 Center St., Salina, KS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618973081997.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Pettle’s Flowers is seeking a Part Time Floral Delivery Driver•This position is needed Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings (Hours may increase during holidays and peak seasons.)•Driver will provide deliveries of merchandise to customers in the most efficient and safest manner on a daily basis.•Must have valid driver’s license.•Apply in person at Pettle’s Flowers, 341 Center St., Salina, KSEOE

UPDATE: Fire chief issues statement about partial building collapse

Police are looking for a car that was stolen from a south Salina convenience store early this morning.

Adrian Richardson, 29, of Salina, told police that he had allowed a friend to borrow his 1997 Honda Accord. The friend drove the car to Kwik Shop at 305 W. Schilling Road, left it running, and went inside the store, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this afternoon. When the friend went back outside, the car was gone. The incident occurred shortly after 3 a.m. Tuesday

The Accord, valued at $1,500, was described as being maroon with a black hood and a white "Rockville" sticker on the passenger side, Forrester noted. The car had a Kansas license plate of 944 NXX.

Police are looking for a car that was stolen from a south Salina convenience store early this morning.Adrian Richardson, 29, of Salina, told police that he had allowed a friend to borrow his 1997 Honda Accord. The friend drove the car to Kwik Shop at 305 W. Schilling Road, left it running, and went inside the store, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this afternoon. When the friend went back outside, the car was gone. The incident occurred shortly after 3 a.m. TuesdayThe Accord, valued at $1,500, was described as being maroon with a black hood and a white "Rockville" sticker on the passenger side, Forrester noted. The car had a Kansas license plate of 944 NXX.

Car left running at convenience store stolen this morning

A boy was taken to Salina Regional Health Center after a two-vehicle accident in central Salina Monday morning.

A 17-year-old Minneapolis girl was westbound in the 600 block of E. Crawford Street in a 1998 Chevrolet 1500 pickup when she had to stop abruptly for traffic, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this afternoon. A 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Lauren Tompkinson, 28, of Salina, failed to stop and rear-ended the pickup, he noted. The accident occurred shortly after 7 a.m. Monday.

A nine-year-old boy who was a passenger in the pickup suffered a laceration to the back of his head. The boy was checked by EMS and then transported to Salina Regional Health Center by a parent, Forrester said. The teen driver complained of a possible concussion, but was not transported, he added.

The pickup sustained left rear damage and was removed by the owner. The Grand Caravan sustained front end damage and had to be towed.

Tompkinson was cited for following too closely.

A boy was taken to Salina Regional Health Center after a two-vehicle accident in central Salina Monday morning.A 17-year-old Minneapolis girl was westbound in the 600 block of E. Crawford Street in a 1998 Chevrolet 1500 pickup when she had to stop abruptly for traffic, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this afternoon. A 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Lauren Tompkinson, 28, of Salina, failed to stop and rear-ended the pickup, he noted. The accident occurred shortly after 7 a.m. Monday.A nine-year-old boy who was a passenger in the pickup suffered a laceration to the back of his head. The boy was checked by EMS and then transported to Salina Regional Health Center by a parent, Forrester said. The teen driver complained of a possible concussion, but was not transported, he added.The pickup sustained left rear damage and was removed by the owner. The Grand Caravan sustained front end damage and had to be towed.Tompkinson was cited for following too closely.