National Healthcare Decisions Day is observed annually on April 16 and is aimed at increasing the number of Americans who have completed an advance directive – also known as a living will. 

Salina Regional Health Center is commemorating the day by providing a free workbook called Five Wishes to help guide people and their loved ones who are having discussions about the choices that should be made if a serious health condition arises.

“Many people put off discussing the topic of serious illness and death, but it’s essential to have these family conversations in advance and documenting these decisions,” said Zachary Jepson, M.D., an Emergency Department physician at Salina Regional Health Center. “These discussions should take place in the comfort of one’s home, not in a hospital emergency room when it may be too late.”

To receive a copy of Five Wishes, click on the “Contact Us” tab at <a href="http://www.srhc.com">www.srhc.com</a> and please provide your name and a postal mailing address. Copies of the workbook will be mailed to interested participants’ homes. You can also call Salina Regional’s Organizational Development department at (785) 452-7600 to request a copy. The effort is underwritten by the Salina Regional Health Foundation.

This past year Salina Regional Health Center began using Aging with Dignity’s Five Wishes advance care planning program to help patients and family members who are having these discussions. Salina Regional attorneys have adapted Five Wishes to meet legal requirements for the state of Kansas.

The simple 12-page workbook offers step-by-step guidance that walks people through the personal, family and spiritual matters, in addition to the medical and legal concerns, that should be considered when making these decisions.

It’s estimated that only about 20 to 30 percent of Americans have completed an advance directive, even though all people age 18 and older should have one.

Five Wishes is a national program that was created by Aging with Dignity, a non-profit organization founded in 1996 that seeks to safeguard and affirm the human dignity of every person who faces the challenges and opportunities of aging or serious illness.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618453965063.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National Healthcare Decisions Day is observed annually on April 16 and is aimed at increasing the number of Americans who have completed an advance directive – also known as a living will. Salina Regional Health Center is commemorating the day by providing a free workbook called Five Wishes to help guide people and their loved ones who are having discussions about the choices that should be made if a serious health condition arises.“Many people put off discussing the topic of serious illness and death, but it’s essential to have these family conversations in advance and documenting these decisions,” said Zachary Jepson, M.D., an Emergency Department physician at Salina Regional Health Center. “These discussions should take place in the comfort of one’s home, not in a hospital emergency room when it may be too late.”To receive a copy of Five Wishes, click on the “Contact Us” tab at <a href="http://www.srhc.com">www.srhc.com</a> and please provide your name and a postal mailing address. Copies of the workbook will be mailed to interested participants’ homes. You can also call Salina Regional’s Organizational Development department at (785) 452-7600 to request a copy. The effort is underwritten by the Salina Regional Health Foundation.
This past year Salina Regional Health Center began using Aging with Dignity’s Five Wishes advance care planning program to help patients and family members who are having these discussions. Salina Regional attorneys have adapted Five Wishes to meet legal requirements for the state of Kansas.The simple 12-page workbook offers step-by-step guidance that walks people through the personal, family and spiritual matters, in addition to the medical and legal concerns, that should be considered when making these decisions.It’s estimated that only about 20 to 30 percent of Americans have completed an advance directive, even though all people age 18 and older should have one.Five Wishes is a national program that was created by Aging with Dignity, a non-profit organization founded in 1996 that seeks to safeguard and affirm the human dignity of every person who faces the challenges and opportunities of aging or serious illness.
--SRHC--

SRHC observes National Healthcare Decisions Day with gift to public

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a freeze warning in effect from 1-8 a.m. Thursday that includes Republic County.

Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 are expected.

Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a freeze warning in effect from 1-8 a.m. Thursday that includes Republic County.Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 are expected.Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

Freeze warning for Thursday a.m. includes Republic County

Frost advisories have been issued for counties in our area for early Thursday morning.

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a frost advisory in effect from 3-8 a.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.

Temperatures in the low to mid 30s will likely result in frost formation. Additional opportunities for frost or freeze conditions are possible in the coming days.

Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered. Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

Additionally, the National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a frost advisory in effect from 1-8 a.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.

Temperatures as low as 32 will result in frost formation. 

Frost advisories have been issued for counties in our area for early Thursday morning.The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a frost advisory in effect from 3-8 a.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.Marion CountyMcPherson CountySaline CountyTemperatures in the low to mid 30s will likely result in frost formation. Additional opportunities for frost or freeze conditions are possible in the coming days.Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered. Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.Additionally, the National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a frost advisory in effect from 1-8 a.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyDickinson CountyOttawa CountyTemperatures as low as 32 will result in frost formation. Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered. Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

Area frost advisories issued for early Thursday morning

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

We are happy to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have one patient hospitalized for COVID-19.

There have been eight new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 12, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,119.

The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 35 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,976 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;108 members of our community have lost their lives to this deadly virus. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:

●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/ccad98556b7a46648616706b9f3e9cc4">Mobile Device Users</a>

●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4c3ee372c5704546b7771da303afd0a7">Desktop Users</a>

According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZR56a4dkcQjoByD3lEiwEkZh19NcBlRvSZxTMq1qbnnfxMo66VAl37lVOBgn1bCGJjd38fBaqmlctq9S8yu26UPe1VN3E1V6hUMaA4MzQDR_OLQDCCRLW2l3pTu7-FCrIHgP48lA-wtxJorIz63bOCr8V9dNOfNe&amp;c=xpmKuW_5-3W60lZpQzThqPtl_cOA0XH70NNjZT1rPeI54vWPCyoKzw==&amp;ch=D-9xJD6BGudN2ZEvLU5OpmAdcIw3Vxq5LFiKg1R39XdYX8S1YQNL3w==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 305,320 cases and 4,944 deaths statewide.

Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please:&nbsp;

1. Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water.&nbsp;

2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more.&nbsp;

3. Wear masks in public spaces. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective.&nbsp;

4. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc.

5. Stay home if you are sick. Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse.&nbsp;

Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZR56a4dkcQjoByD3lEiwEkZh19NcBlRvSZxTMq1qbnnfxMo66VAl37lVOBgn1bCG-ajgRkBZQNYNqWK3uCklYWgPTraFIDX9ciR1vVlZov5Yl3_03oP2FNO1mb3a2KIsgM23r3pVUgtnQWs96MdEmYVH2aT6H0Nx&amp;c=xpmKuW_5-3W60lZpQzThqPtl_cOA0XH70NNjZT1rPeI54vWPCyoKzw==&amp;ch=D-9xJD6BGudN2ZEvLU5OpmAdcIw3Vxq5LFiKg1R39XdYX8S1YQNL3w==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZR56a4dkcQjoByD3lEiwEkZh19NcBlRvSZxTMq1qbnnfxMo66VAl37lVOBgn1bCGkw1OsphAW-BmUUnTZ36MLfkR7hZTT-bSvTrSuk2dsSHxPFJXyqJCCzAW8PXh3Y6fIJk5xz7Qf6o=&amp;c=xpmKuW_5-3W60lZpQzThqPtl_cOA0XH70NNjZT1rPeI54vWPCyoKzw==&amp;ch=D-9xJD6BGudN2ZEvLU5OpmAdcIw3Vxq5LFiKg1R39XdYX8S1YQNL3w==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618436475623.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Wednesday.We are happy to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported since March 22. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have one patient hospitalized for COVID-19. There have been eight new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on April 12, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 6,119. The Health Department staff are now&nbsp;actively monitoring 35 cases.&nbsp;At least 5,976 people have recovered,&nbsp;but sadly&nbsp;108 members of our community have lost their lives to this deadly virus. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/ccad98556b7a46648616706b9f3e9cc4">Mobile Device Users</a>●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4c3ee372c5704546b7771da303afd0a7">Desktop Users</a> According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZR56a4dkcQjoByD3lEiwEkZh19NcBlRvSZxTMq1qbnnfxMo66VAl37lVOBgn1bCGJjd38fBaqmlctq9S8yu26UPe1VN3E1V6hUMaA4MzQDR_OLQDCCRLW2l3pTu7-FCrIHgP48lA-wtxJorIz63bOCr8V9dNOfNe&amp;c=xpmKuW_5-3W60lZpQzThqPtl_cOA0XH70NNjZT1rPeI54vWPCyoKzw==&amp;ch=D-9xJD6BGudN2ZEvLU5OpmAdcIw3Vxq5LFiKg1R39XdYX8S1YQNL3w==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 305,320 cases and 4,944 deaths statewide.

Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please:&nbsp; 1. Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water.&nbsp;2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more.&nbsp;3. Wear masks in public spaces. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective.&nbsp;4. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc.5. Stay home if you are sick. Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse.&nbsp; Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZR56a4dkcQjoByD3lEiwEkZh19NcBlRvSZxTMq1qbnnfxMo66VAl37lVOBgn1bCG-ajgRkBZQNYNqWK3uCklYWgPTraFIDX9ciR1vVlZov5Yl3_03oP2FNO1mb3a2KIsgM23r3pVUgtnQWs96MdEmYVH2aT6H0Nx&amp;c=xpmKuW_5-3W60lZpQzThqPtl_cOA0XH70NNjZT1rPeI54vWPCyoKzw==&amp;ch=D-9xJD6BGudN2ZEvLU5OpmAdcIw3Vxq5LFiKg1R39XdYX8S1YQNL3w==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZR56a4dkcQjoByD3lEiwEkZh19NcBlRvSZxTMq1qbnnfxMo66VAl37lVOBgn1bCGkw1OsphAW-BmUUnTZ36MLfkR7hZTT-bSvTrSuk2dsSHxPFJXyqJCCzAW8PXh3Y6fIJk5xz7Qf6o=&amp;c=xpmKuW_5-3W60lZpQzThqPtl_cOA0XH70NNjZT1rPeI54vWPCyoKzw==&amp;ch=D-9xJD6BGudN2ZEvLU5OpmAdcIw3Vxq5LFiKg1R39XdYX8S1YQNL3w==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

Saline County: 8 new COVID-19 cases; 5,976 of 6,119 recovered

Russell Stover Hiring Full Time Positions

These positions are full time positions with benefits.

As well as Part Time Relief Positions Available

Check out these jobs! To apply for these positions, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.russellstover.com/careers">www.russellstover.com/careers</a>.

Russell Stover Chocolates factory and store is located right of I-70 at exit 270 on the west side of Abilene, Kansas, and has been in business nationally since 1923.

Russell Stover Chocolates is an equal opportunity employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610422205593.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Russell Stover Hiring Full Time PositionsThese positions are full time positions with benefits.The positions available are:· 2nd Shift Service Floater Part Time· 2nd Shift Material Handler/Utility· 1st Material Handler/Utility· 2nd Shift Striper· Quality Assurance Manager· 2nd Shift Service· 2nd Shift Candy MakersAs well as Part Time Relief Positions AvailableCheck out these jobs! To apply for these positions, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.russellstover.com/careers">www.russellstover.com/careers</a>.Russell Stover Chocolates factory and store is located right of I-70 at exit 270 on the west side of Abilene, Kansas, and has been in business nationally since 1923.Russell Stover Chocolates is an equal opportunity employer.

NWS: On this day in 2012, tornadoes rake the Plains

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Tucked away in the Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C Headquarters building in Salina is a room that is a beehive of activity. 

From that room, communications specialists with KHP's Troop M provide dispatch services for most of the state 24/7. The site in Salina dispatches for KHP for the entire state with the exception of the Turnpike and the state capitol.

"The police officers that are there, they have their own dispatch center as well, however at midnight and overnight, we take over operations for them," said Lieutenant Alex Taylor, who oversees the central communications operations for Troop M.

While much of their communications are over the radio, the dispatchers also field thousands of telephone calls from other law enforcement agencies and the public, including calls to the Kansas State Department of Education's school safety hotline.

With all of that, the communications specialists keep quite busy.

Since Jan. 1, the communications specialists have handled more than 4,317,000 radio transmissions and phone calls, Taylor noted. In 2020, they dealt with 309,103 incidents from across the state, he added.

Brian Walter, a public service administrator who has worked for the KHP for 19 years, reiterated that the communications specialists stay busy.

"Just on one day of this month (March 2021), for a 24-hour period, we averaged 980 phone calls," Walter said.

The Salina dispatch center employees 49 people, including seven supervisors. Taylor noted, however, that the dispatch center also has 13 open positions. 

Some of the communications specialists have been with KHP for more than 20 years, while others have been with the dispatch center for only a few years.

"You know, it's not uncommon to have people who do this for a career and want to be here for 10 to 20 or longer years," Taylor said.

"The unique thing about KHP is that it is very much like a family here," Taylor added. "There is a lot of commitment here and a lot of unspoken things that keep people drawn to this, plus, you don't come into this profession without wanting to help people. And there is a purpose behind it, and I think people see that and they value that greatly."

Derek Lathan, a Communications Specialist II, said he came to the KHP because he was unhappy where he was and needed a different job.

"I kind of just ended up here and ran with it," he said. 

That decision proved to be a good one, as Lathan has now been with the KHP for 22 years. When asked what he liked best about his job, he replied, "All of it."

"From the start it's always been intriguing to me. I like the camaraderie with the troopers and the one-on-ones with them. Running the traffic, the end-of-the-day result, especially if you've spent most of the day trying to hunt down information on a subject or incident," he said.

Lathan also said he enjoyed being a part of the finished process from start to finish.

"I hate it when a car chase starts at shift change and you lose out on it at shift change because it is time for you to go home," Lathan said and laughed.

"It's just great being on this side of law enforcement rather than being on the uniform side of it, and I did try that out also, but I just wasn't physically cut out for it. I got a little bit of an injury so I came back to dispatch and haven't looked back since," he said.

Lathan said that the most challenging part of his job has been learning the troop areas.

"I was born and raised here in Salina," Lathan explained. "We dispatch the entire state for the highway patrol from here. For me it was learning a lot of areas that I'd never been to or never frequented a lot."

Now that he's learned the areas, they seem familiar to him when he does happen to travel there, he said.

For Nikki Miles, the path to a career as a KHP communications specialist, began with a suggestion from a former supervisor.

"Actually, I had never heard of the highway patrol. I was working at Raytheon Aircraft in the administrative office and my supervisor used to be a dispatcher. Our department was getting laid off and she said 'I think you'd be really good at dispatching.' And I'm like, 'really? What does a dispatcher do?'" Miles said and laughed.

The woman explained to Miles about dispatching, but Miles said that initially, she was reluctant to pursue a dispatching job because it sounded stressful and she saw herself as being soft-spoken. But the idea stuck in her head, and when she saw an ad for a dispatcher opening with KHP, she applied. That was nearly 20 years ago and she is now a Communications Specialist II!

Over the years, Miles, like other dispatchers, has had a chance to meet some of the troopers with whom she communicates over the radio or by telephone. She said the troopers never look like she imagines they do while she is talking with them over the radio, but their voices are the same. 

"I think it was the first time I ever met a trooper, they had come in and they were standing behind me, and I could tell by just them talking," who they were, Miles said.

Dispatching for the Kansas Highway Patrol is both challenging and rewarding, Miles said. While some days are stressful, others are not; and for those stressful days, there is support and the dispatcher team in place to help.

"We seem to be a pretty good group. Like if we have a critical incident or something major is going on, the teamwork is there and that's comforting to know that you've got people behind your back helping you out," Miles said. "The teamwork is just awesome."

Megan Rogers, a Communications Specialist I, who has been with KHP for a little over a year, said she had always wanted to be a dispatcher.

"I love that we help people. They call in and we can get them the help that they need as fast as we can," Rogers said. "We can help them with day-to-day road conditions, weather conditions, that sort of thing, and also in their worst moments when they're in an accident or someone's hurt, we can get them help."

And while the job isn't what Rogers thought it would be, she wouldn't trade it.

"It's not what I thought, honestly, but it's way better," Rogers said. "I love my job. I love what I do. I love the environment. I love everybody that I work with. I think it's awesome!"

Rogers said that she considered dispatching for the Kansas Highway Patrol a career choice, not just another job. 

Like Rogers, the ability to help is important to Maggie Studt, a Communications Specialist who has been with the KHP for six and a half years.

"I kind of wanted to help keep the roads or Kansas a little bit safer and I knew I couldn't be a trooper, so this was a way that I could do that," Studt said. "I thought it was kind of interesting, something different that was out of my box. I had always done office work and I wanted to try something different."

While Taylor and a number of the communications specialists reiterated that no two days are the same, there are some steps that are taken daily, Taylor explained. 

The communications specialists work on three shifts: daytime, evening, and midnight. The calls and incidents, however don't take a break for the shift changes, so it is imperative that communications specialists beginning their shift communicate with those going off-shift, Taylor said.

"The incoming dispatcher first meets with the dispatcher he/she is relieving to find out whether there are any calls that are ongoing," he said.

Likewise, as troopers go on and off duty, they are required to call in and check out with dispatch, Taylor added.

Once the incoming dispatchers are up-to-speed on current activity, they log into all of the various criminal justice information systems that they will need during their shifts, as well as the system they use to keep track of every call and the events that occur during it.

"From there, they have a phone line that is constantly getting calls, not only from troopers, but also from citizens across the state for their needs," Taylor said. "It's a dispatcher's job to determine exactly what those needs are and then relay them to the appropriate people. Throughout all this time, they're also receiving traffic calls or calls of accidents from other counties and other agencies, and they're multitasking and managing the processes of where do these calls need to go? How do they need to be routed? Which ones are of highest priority and urgency? Obviously looking at human life as the No. 1 priority and the goal is to preserve that."

Dispatching isn't for everyone. Likewise, everyone isn't qualified to be a dispatcher. 

For those who are interested in dispatching for the Kansas Highway Patrol, there are a number of steps to complete, according to Nicole Ascher, a staff development specialist with Troop M. 

"It takes a couple of months just to get through all the steps and make sure everything is clear in the background," Taylor added.

1. Employment application submitted. Those applications can be found at <a href="http://kansashighwaypatrol.org">kansashighwaypatrol.org</a>.

9. Background investigation (process typically takes four-six weeks to complete)

10. Psychological exam and interview (process typically takes one-two weeks to complete)

12. Newly hired communications specialists undergo at least one week of classroom training and at least eight-12 weeks of on-the-job training to become proficient dispatchers.

Once someone is hired as a communications specialist, he or she is assigned a "home troop." 

"This is assigned to you partly by what's needed. It's also based off of your skill set and what's demonstrated through your basic class," Taylor explained. "We evaluate you during that time. If you're having a harder time, we may put you on a troop that's a little more forgiving or has a little bit less activity. Whereas, if you come in with some experience, maybe you've been a dispatcher before for another agency and you come in, we may put you on a busier troop."

Taylor said there are tests involved to make sure a communications specialist knows "who the troopers are who are working that area, the roads that are in those areas, the chain of command that is in those areas, and so forth. Once you complete it, then you're given some time on that troop."

"From here, there's seven different troops that are dispatched all from this location, and so there's seven different locations you could learn to work. You don't ever take a troop unless you've learned that area," he said.

Ideally, there are two dispatchers per troop working at the same time, however, other dispatchers who are proficient in multiple troop areas can also help out when needed, Taylor said.

"The nice thing about centralized dispatch like we are is the fact that if there is only one person on a troop, another person from another troop can help out. If there's a major incident, everybody works as a team. Everybody pitches in because there are so many steps that happen, like for a pursuit or for a fatality accident or an injury accident. There are so many calls that need to be made, so many messages that need to be sent. There's a lot of help down there," Taylor said.

"It's a good profession," Taylor added. "It's got good ethics and morals behind it. And it's a service-oriented position. For those people that really want to be a part of something bigger than just themselves, this is a good place to work." 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618432306934.jpeg" alt="The Kansas Highway Patrol dispatch center is arranged with groupings of workstation pods. Each grouping of pods is assigned a certain area of the state, and from that, individual dispatchers are assigned particular KHP troops. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Highway Patrol dispatch center is arranged with groupings of workstation pods. Each grouping of pods is assigned a certain area of the state, and from that, individual dispatchers are assigned particular KHP troops. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostTucked away in the Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C Headquarters building in Salina is a room that is a beehive of activity. From that room, communications specialists with KHP's Troop M provide dispatch services for most of the state 24/7. The site in Salina dispatches for KHP for the entire state with the exception of the Turnpike and the state capitol."The police officers that are there, they have their own dispatch center as well, however at midnight and overnight, we take over operations for them," said Lieutenant Alex Taylor, who oversees the central communications operations for Troop M.While much of their communications are over the radio, the dispatchers also field thousands of telephone calls from other law enforcement agencies and the public, including calls to the Kansas State Department of Education's school safety hotline.With all of that, the communications specialists keep quite busy.Since Jan. 1, the communications specialists have handled more than 4,317,000 radio transmissions and phone calls, Taylor noted. In 2020, they dealt with 309,103 incidents from across the state, he added.Brian Walter, a public service administrator who has worked for the KHP for 19 years, reiterated that the communications specialists stay busy."Just on one day of this month (March 2021), for a 24-hour period, we averaged 980 phone calls," Walter said.The Salina dispatch center employees 49 people, including seven supervisors. Taylor noted, however, that the dispatch center also has 13 open positions. <h2>From a few years to many</h2>Some of the communications specialists have been with KHP for more than 20 years, while others have been with the dispatch center for only a few years."You know, it's not uncommon to have people who do this for a career and want to be here for 10 to 20 or longer years," Taylor said."The unique thing about KHP is that it is very much like a family here," Taylor added. "There is a lot of commitment here and a lot of unspoken things that keep people drawn to this, plus, you don't come into this profession without wanting to help people. And there is a purpose behind it, and I think people see that and they value that greatly."Derek Lathan, a Communications Specialist II, said he came to the KHP because he was unhappy where he was and needed a different job."I kind of just ended up here and ran with it," he said. That decision proved to be a good one, as Lathan has now been with the KHP for 22 years. When asked what he liked best about his job, he replied, "All of it.""From the start it's always been intriguing to me. I like the camaraderie with the troopers and the one-on-ones with them. Running the traffic, the end-of-the-day result, especially if you've spent most of the day trying to hunt down information on a subject or incident," he said.Lathan also said he enjoyed being a part of the finished process from start to finish."I hate it when a car chase starts at shift change and you lose out on it at shift change because it is time for you to go home," Lathan said and laughed."It's just great being on this side of law enforcement rather than being on the uniform side of it, and I did try that out also, but I just wasn't physically cut out for it. I got a little bit of an injury so I came back to dispatch and haven't looked back since," he said.Lathan said that the most challenging part of his job has been learning the troop areas."I was born and raised here in Salina," Lathan explained. "We dispatch the entire state for the highway patrol from here. For me it was learning a lot of areas that I'd never been to or never frequented a lot."Now that he's learned the areas, they seem familiar to him when he does happen to travel there, he said.For Nikki Miles, the path to a career as a KHP communications specialist, began with a suggestion from a former supervisor."Actually, I had never heard of the highway patrol. I was working at Raytheon Aircraft in the administrative office and my supervisor used to be a dispatcher. Our department was getting laid off and she said 'I think you'd be really good at dispatching.' And I'm like, 'really? What does a dispatcher do?'" Miles said and laughed.The woman explained to Miles about dispatching, but Miles said that initially, she was reluctant to pursue a dispatching job because it sounded stressful and she saw herself as being soft-spoken. But the idea stuck in her head, and when she saw an ad for a dispatcher opening with KHP, she applied. That was nearly 20 years ago and she is now a Communications Specialist II!Over the years, Miles, like other dispatchers, has had a chance to meet some of the troopers with whom she communicates over the radio or by telephone. She said the troopers never look like she imagines they do while she is talking with them over the radio, but their voices are the same. "I think it was the first time I ever met a trooper, they had come in and they were standing behind me, and I could tell by just them talking," who they were, Miles said.Dispatching for the Kansas Highway Patrol is both challenging and rewarding, Miles said. While some days are stressful, others are not; and for those stressful days, there is support and the dispatcher team in place to help."We seem to be a pretty good group. Like if we have a critical incident or something major is going on, the teamwork is there and that's comforting to know that you've got people behind your back helping you out," Miles said. "The teamwork is just awesome."<h2>A love for the job and for helping</h2>Megan Rogers, a Communications Specialist I, who has been with KHP for a little over a year, said she had always wanted to be a dispatcher."I love that we help people. They call in and we can get them the help that they need as fast as we can," Rogers said. "We can help them with day-to-day road conditions, weather conditions, that sort of thing, and also in their worst moments when they're in an accident or someone's hurt, we can get them help."And while the job isn't what Rogers thought it would be, she wouldn't trade it."It's not what I thought, honestly, but it's way better," Rogers said. "I love my job. I love what I do. I love the environment. I love everybody that I work with. I think it's awesome!"Rogers said that she considered dispatching for the Kansas Highway Patrol a career choice, not just another job. Like Rogers, the ability to help is important to Maggie Studt, a Communications Specialist who has been with the KHP for six and a half years."I kind of wanted to help keep the roads or Kansas a little bit safer and I knew I couldn't be a trooper, so this was a way that I could do that," Studt said. "I thought it was kind of interesting, something different that was out of my box. I had always done office work and I wanted to try something different."<h2>No typical day</h2>While Taylor and a number of the communications specialists reiterated that no two days are the same, there are some steps that are taken daily, Taylor explained. The communications specialists work on three shifts: daytime, evening, and midnight. The calls and incidents, however don't take a break for the shift changes, so it is imperative that communications specialists beginning their shift communicate with those going off-shift, Taylor said."The incoming dispatcher first meets with the dispatcher he/she is relieving to find out whether there are any calls that are ongoing," he said.Likewise, as troopers go on and off duty, they are required to call in and check out with dispatch, Taylor added.Once the incoming dispatchers are up-to-speed on current activity, they log into all of the various criminal justice information systems that they will need during their shifts, as well as the system they use to keep track of every call and the events that occur during it."From there, they have a phone line that is constantly getting calls, not only from troopers, but also from citizens across the state for their needs," Taylor said. "It's a dispatcher's job to determine exactly what those needs are and then relay them to the appropriate people. Throughout all this time, they're also receiving traffic calls or calls of accidents from other counties and other agencies, and they're multitasking and managing the processes of where do these calls need to go? How do they need to be routed? Which ones are of highest priority and urgency? Obviously looking at human life as the No. 1 priority and the goal is to preserve that."<h2>Becoming a KHP communications specialist</h2>Dispatching isn't for everyone. Likewise, everyone isn't qualified to be a dispatcher. For those who are interested in dispatching for the Kansas Highway Patrol, there are a number of steps to complete, according to Nicole Ascher, a staff development specialist with Troop M. "It takes a couple of months just to get through all the steps and make sure everything is clear in the background," Taylor added.Those steps are as follows.1. Employment application submitted. Those applications can be found at <a href="http://kansashighwaypatrol.org">kansashighwaypatrol.org</a>.2. Typing test3. Panel interview4. Conditional offer of employment5. Vision test6. Hearing exam7. Physical requirements review8. Fingerprints9. Background investigation (process typically takes four-six weeks to complete)10. Psychological exam and interview (process typically takes one-two weeks to complete)11. Final offer of employment12. Newly hired communications specialists undergo at least one week of classroom training and at least eight-12 weeks of on-the-job training to become proficient dispatchers.<h2>Area assignments</h2>Once someone is hired as a communications specialist, he or she is assigned a "home troop." "This is assigned to you partly by what's needed. It's also based off of your skill set and what's demonstrated through your basic class," Taylor explained. "We evaluate you during that time. If you're having a harder time, we may put you on a troop that's a little more forgiving or has a little bit less activity. Whereas, if you come in with some experience, maybe you've been a dispatcher before for another agency and you come in, we may put you on a busier troop."Taylor said there are tests involved to make sure a communications specialist knows "who the troopers are who are working that area, the roads that are in those areas, the chain of command that is in those areas, and so forth. Once you complete it, then you're given some time on that troop.""From here, there's seven different troops that are dispatched all from this location, and so there's seven different locations you could learn to work. You don't ever take a troop unless you've learned that area," he said.Ideally, there are two dispatchers per troop working at the same time, however, other dispatchers who are proficient in multiple troop areas can also help out when needed, Taylor said."The nice thing about centralized dispatch like we are is the fact that if there is only one person on a troop, another person from another troop can help out. If there's a major incident, everybody works as a team. Everybody pitches in because there are so many steps that happen, like for a pursuit or for a fatality accident or an injury accident. There are so many calls that need to be made, so many messages that need to be sent. There's a lot of help down there," Taylor said."It's a good profession," Taylor added. "It's got good ethics and morals behind it. And it's a service-oriented position. For those people that really want to be a part of something bigger than just themselves, this is a good place to work."

KHP dispatchers: Providing help throughout the state from one location

Two people from Salina were arrested on multiple requested drug charges after a pursuit early this morning.

At 3 a.m. Wednesday, a patrol officer observed a red 2021 Toyota Corolla traveling eastbound on West Republic Avenue when the car immediately began trying to elude the officer, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The vehicle was in the 1100 block of Apache Drive and accelerated to approximately 50 mph. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop at that time, but the vehicle continued to try to elude the officer, Forrester explained.

The pursuit continued for several minutes in the southwest part of Salina and eventually went west on W. Cloud Street to Centennial Road. The vehicle then went north on Centennial Road to W. Crawford Street and then west. Speeds on W. Crawford Street reached approximately 90 mph, Forrester reported.

In the area of S. Burma Road and W. Crawford Street, a Saline County Sheriff's deputy deployed spikes and the Corolla ran over them. The vehicle finally stopped in the 5400 block of W. Crawford Street where the two occupants fled on foot into a field and were later apprehended, Forrester noted.

The two were identified as Bradley Sparks, 41, of Salina, and Nicole Wolf, 38, of Salina. Wolf was identified as the driver. Sparks was identified as having an active warrant. 

According to Forrester, officers located a backpack in the field near where the two were apprehended. The backpack contained 166 grams of methamphetamine (approximately 1/3 of a pound), a 9mm handgun, some oxycodone pills, drug paraphernalia, and cash. 

Sparks was arrested on the following requested charges, Forrester noted.

Possession of stimulant with intent to distribute

Criminal possession of a firearm by a felon

Wolf was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Forrester.

Trafficking contraband into a correctional facility

Two people from Salina were arrested on multiple requested drug charges after a pursuit early this morning.At 3 a.m. Wednesday, a patrol officer observed a red 2021 Toyota Corolla traveling eastbound on West Republic Avenue when the car immediately began trying to elude the officer, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The vehicle was in the 1100 block of Apache Drive and accelerated to approximately 50 mph. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop at that time, but the vehicle continued to try to elude the officer, Forrester explained.The pursuit continued for several minutes in the southwest part of Salina and eventually went west on W. Cloud Street to Centennial Road. The vehicle then went north on Centennial Road to W. Crawford Street and then west. Speeds on W. Crawford Street reached approximately 90 mph, Forrester reported.In the area of S. Burma Road and W. Crawford Street, a Saline County Sheriff's deputy deployed spikes and the Corolla ran over them. The vehicle finally stopped in the 5400 block of W. Crawford Street where the two occupants fled on foot into a field and were later apprehended, Forrester noted.The two were identified as Bradley Sparks, 41, of Salina, and Nicole Wolf, 38, of Salina. Wolf was identified as the driver. Sparks was identified as having an active warrant. According to Forrester, officers located a backpack in the field near where the two were apprehended. The backpack contained 166 grams of methamphetamine (approximately 1/3 of a pound), a 9mm handgun, some oxycodone pills, drug paraphernalia, and cash. Sparks was arrested on the following requested charges, Forrester noted.Possession of stimulant with intent to distributeNo drug tax stampFelony possession of drug paraphernaliaCriminal possession of a firearm by a felonPossession of drug paraphernaliaPossession of a controlled substancePossession of drug proceedsPossession of methamphetamineInterference with law enforcementWolf was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Forrester.Possession of stimulant with intent to distributeNo drug tax stampFelony possession of drug paraphernaliaPossession of a controlled substancePossession of drug proceedsPossession of methamphetamineInterference with law enforcementTrafficking contraband into a correctional facilityFelony flee and eludeReckless drivingMultiple traffic violationsDriving while suspendedNo proof of insurance

Two from Salina arrested on requested drug charges after pursuit

ABILENE -- Hospice of Dickinson County has announced that the annual Ed Kuntz Memorial Golf Tournament has been canceled for 2021. 

"The difficult decision to cancel the tournament was made because of the economic impact COVID-19 has had on our community," the organization noted in a news release. 

Hospice of Dickinson County plans to resume its fundraising tournament in 2022.&nbsp;

If you have any questions, or would like more information about how to donate, please contact Home Health &amp; Hospice of Dickinson County at (785) 263-6630.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618415779265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE -- Hospice of Dickinson County has announced that the annual Ed Kuntz Memorial Golf Tournament has been canceled for 2021. "The difficult decision to cancel the tournament was made because of the economic impact COVID-19 has had on our community," the organization noted in a news release. Hospice of Dickinson County plans to resume its fundraising tournament in 2022.&nbsp;If you have any questions, or would like more information about how to donate, please contact Home Health &amp; Hospice of Dickinson County at (785) 263-6630.

Hospice of Dickinson County cancels fundraising golf tourney

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for McPherson Rural Water District No. 1, located in McPherson 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 on Wednesday 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 water main break resulting in a&nbsp;loss of pressure in the system. A loss of pressure may lead to inadequate 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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTQuMzg3NjQ1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.a1LMrCDPG3rhPGeKb77AP7hVYx5tkaD5hblYnhNMYrU/s/1305935158/br/102051683655-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 McPherson Rural Water District No. 1, located in McPherson 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 on Wednesday 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 water main break resulting in a&nbsp;loss of pressure in the system. A loss of pressure may lead to inadequate 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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MTQuMzg3NjQ1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.a1LMrCDPG3rhPGeKb77AP7hVYx5tkaD5hblYnhNMYrU/s/1305935158/br/102051683655-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 McPherson County RWD No. 1

Salina Education
Foundation has announced the 2021 recipients of its Loan Initiative for Future Teachers (LIFT). 

The following
recipients were selected by a committee consisting of Salina Education
Foundation Trustees, USD 305 staff, and community members from a pool of 15
applicants. 

Lexi Doherty
will graduate from Salina South High School this May. She will major in
elementary education at Kansas State University beginning this fall.

Melissa Gates
is a graduate of Tescott High School and Kansas State University. She will
complete her teacher education from Fort Hays State University beginning this
summer.

Regan Stein
will graduate from Salina Central High School this May. She will major in
secondary education at the University of Kansas beginning this fall.

Each LIFT recipient receives
up to $5,000 in forgivable loans, renewable annually after completion of their
freshman year in college. Upon becoming certified teachers, they are eligible
for hire to teach in USD 305 schools. Loans are forgivable for each year they
teach in Salina public schools. 

Salina Education Foundation is governed by a
volunteer board of trustees. Established in 1987, it endeavors to promote and
support educational excellence by providing resources to enhance opportunities
for the students and staff of Salina’s public schools. 

Salina Education
Foundation has announced the 2021 recipients of its Loan Initiative for Future Teachers (LIFT). The following
recipients were selected by a committee consisting of Salina Education
Foundation Trustees, USD 305 staff, and community members from a pool of 15
applicants. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618414520430.jpeg" alt="Lexi Doherty. Photos courtesy Salina Education Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Lexi Doherty. Photos courtesy Salina Education Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>Lexi Doherty
will graduate from Salina South High School this May. She will major in
elementary education at Kansas State University beginning this fall.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618414600205.png" alt="Melissa Gates" />
 <figcaption>Melissa Gates</figcaption>
 </figure>Melissa Gates
is a graduate of Tescott High School and Kansas State University. She will
complete her teacher education from Fort Hays State University beginning this
summer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618414674989.jpeg" alt="Reagan Stein" />
 <figcaption>Reagan Stein</figcaption>
 </figure>Regan Stein
will graduate from Salina Central High School this May. She will major in
secondary education at the University of Kansas beginning this fall.Each LIFT recipient receives
up to $5,000 in forgivable loans, renewable annually after completion of their
freshman year in college. Upon becoming certified teachers, they are eligible
for hire to teach in USD 305 schools. Loans are forgivable for each year they
teach in Salina public schools. Salina Education Foundation is governed by a
volunteer board of trustees. Established in 1987, it endeavors to promote and
support educational excellence by providing resources to enhance opportunities
for the students and staff of Salina’s public schools.

Salina Education Foundation announces 2021 LIFT recipients

A storm system will bring increasing chances for rain late Thursday into Friday. 

Some wet snow may develop across portions of central Kansas Thursday night but no accumulation is expected, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita. 

Most locations will see at least 1/2 inch of rain by Friday evening, the weather service noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618408959201.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A storm system will bring increasing chances for rain late Thursday into Friday. Some wet snow may develop across portions of central Kansas Thursday night but no accumulation is expected, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita. Most locations will see at least 1/2 inch of rain by Friday evening, the weather service noted.

NWS: Good chance for rain across the area

Beginning Monday, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will begin a HMA overlay with a chip seal on the shoulders of Interstate 70 (I-70).<a></a><a></a>

Work on eastbound and westbound I-70 will begin at the Saline/Lincoln county line and continue east&nbsp;about eight miles.

Traffic will be reduced to one 16-foot lane at a reduced speed through the work zone. Drivers should expect minimal delays, not exceeding five minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, of Hutchinson is the prime contractor and has scheduled this $2.5 million project to be completed in early June, weather permitting.

KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a highway work zone.&nbsp; To stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.org</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1.

Beginning Monday, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will begin a HMA overlay with a chip seal on the shoulders of Interstate 70 (I-70).<a></a><a></a>Work on eastbound and westbound I-70 will begin at the Saline/Lincoln county line and continue east&nbsp;about eight miles.Traffic will be reduced to one 16-foot lane at a reduced speed through the work zone. Drivers should expect minimal delays, not exceeding five minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp;APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, of Hutchinson is the prime contractor and has scheduled this $2.5 million project to be completed in early June, weather permitting.KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a highway work zone.&nbsp; To stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.org</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1.

Shoulder resurfacing on I-70 begins Monday in Saline County

Kansas Wesleyan has announced that it will honor the history of education in Salina with a new scholarship. Children and grandchildren of Marymount College alumni will be eligible for a 50-percent tuition scholarship.

The scholarship applies to new full-time, on-ground, on-campus undergraduate students beginning in the fall of 2021.

“Marymount College was an important part of the educational landscape of Salina,” said Ken Oliver, KWU vice president of Advancement, Admissions and Marketing. “2022 will mark the 100th&nbsp;year since its founding. Many influential individuals worked at both KWU and Marymount, both in academics and athletics, and we’re honored to remember the history of such an important institution with this scholarship.”

Marymount College opened in 1922 in Salina and operated until June 1989. It was a regional leader in art, theatre and music, and was also known for athletics. That included basketball, a sport where its men’s team nearly defeated a team from the Soviet Union in Smoot Gymnasium in November of 1975. The game is still remembered as one of the landmark athletic events in Salina history, and the team’s coach, Ken Cochran, is a member of the Kansas Wesleyan Sports Hall of Fame.

Educational records from Marymount College are housed at Kansas Wesleyan.

Kansas Wesleyan has announced that it will honor the history of education in Salina with a new scholarship. Children and grandchildren of Marymount College alumni will be eligible for a 50-percent tuition scholarship.The scholarship applies to new full-time, on-ground, on-campus undergraduate students beginning in the fall of 2021.“Marymount College was an important part of the educational landscape of Salina,” said Ken Oliver, KWU vice president of Advancement, Admissions and Marketing. “2022 will mark the 100th&nbsp;year since its founding. Many influential individuals worked at both KWU and Marymount, both in academics and athletics, and we’re honored to remember the history of such an important institution with this scholarship.”Marymount College opened in 1922 in Salina and operated until June 1989. It was a regional leader in art, theatre and music, and was also known for athletics. That included basketball, a sport where its men’s team nearly defeated a team from the Soviet Union in Smoot Gymnasium in November of 1975. The game is still remembered as one of the landmark athletic events in Salina history, and the team’s coach, Ken Cochran, is a member of the Kansas Wesleyan Sports Hall of Fame.Educational records from Marymount College are housed at Kansas Wesleyan.

KWU announces scholarship for families of Marymount alumni

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

It is springtime in the Flint Hills, and that means one thing: It’s pasture burning season. Those of us who are caretakers of the Flint Hills know fire is the most important tool we have to maintain the last large-scale vestige of warm-season tallgrass prairie. Without it, invasive shrubs and trees would take over and the Flint Hills prairie would be no more. However, in recent years burning has come under extra scrutiny from the EPA because of air quality issues in the large cities surrounding the Flint Hills. Pardon the pun, but we had a burning issue. Kansas Farm Bureau and other agriculture organizations worked with EPA, Kansas State University and others to build <a href="http://ksfire.org">ksfire.org</a>, a website that helps producers understand where their smoke will go so they can time burns to lessen the impact on our city cousins. This voluntary collaboration is an example of how working with others can ensure we have all the tools we need to be good stewards of the natural resources we all value and rely on. In the end we have helped reduce the air quality problems with minimal impact to our essential operations. That is why Kansas Farm Bureau is so vital to all of us as ag producers, even if you are not a Flint Hills grazer and are not impacted by this issue, I can give several others that do have direct implications to your long-term sustainability as a farmer or rancher. Kansas Farm Bureau plays a critical role in the day-to-day operations of everyone in agriculture, and I can think of no more important reason that every farmer and rancher, or anyone involved in ag for that matter, should be a member of Kansas Farm Bureau. We are all busy with the day-to-day details of our farms and ranches, and we only get busier every day. The incredible staff of Kansas Farm Bureau are here every day watching out for the best interests of our members. As the largest general farm organization in Kansas and as a part of the American Farm Bureau Association, the largest general farm organization in the United States, we can work with other ag organizations, consumer groups and across the aisle with both parties to help build better and more workable solutions to protect our livelihoods. I am sure you know those of us involved in production agriculture are a very small minority, less than 2 percent of the population, and that is why we need the unified collective voice of Kansas Farm Bureau. If you are not a member, I promise it will be the best money you spend each year. If you are a member and you know of neighbors who are not, I challenge you to sit down with them and tell them we need them. Kansas Farm Bureau has a place and a need for everyone involved in agriculture. Because of Kansas Farm Bureau’s engagement, we still have the ability to use fire as a tool to keep our Flint Hills ecosystem healthy and viable. This was a victory for all of us in Kansas agriculture and, pardon the pun, is not blowing smoke.

"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/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Brunkow. Photo courtesy KFB" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow. Photo courtesy KFB</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancherIt is springtime in the Flint Hills, and that means one thing: It’s pasture burning season. Those of us who are caretakers of the Flint Hills know fire is the most important tool we have to maintain the last large-scale vestige of warm-season tallgrass prairie. Without it, invasive shrubs and trees would take over and the Flint Hills prairie would be no more. However, in recent years burning has come under extra scrutiny from the EPA because of air quality issues in the large cities surrounding the Flint Hills. Pardon the pun, but we had a burning issue. Kansas Farm Bureau and other agriculture organizations worked with EPA, Kansas State University and others to build <a href="http://ksfire.org">ksfire.org</a>, a website that helps producers understand where their smoke will go so they can time burns to lessen the impact on our city cousins. This voluntary collaboration is an example of how working with others can ensure we have all the tools we need to be good stewards of the natural resources we all value and rely on. In the end we have helped reduce the air quality problems with minimal impact to our essential operations. That is why Kansas Farm Bureau is so vital to all of us as ag producers, even if you are not a Flint Hills grazer and are not impacted by this issue, I can give several others that do have direct implications to your long-term sustainability as a farmer or rancher. Kansas Farm Bureau plays a critical role in the day-to-day operations of everyone in agriculture, and I can think of no more important reason that every farmer and rancher, or anyone involved in ag for that matter, should be a member of Kansas Farm Bureau. We are all busy with the day-to-day details of our farms and ranches, and we only get busier every day. The incredible staff of Kansas Farm Bureau are here every day watching out for the best interests of our members. As the largest general farm organization in Kansas and as a part of the American Farm Bureau Association, the largest general farm organization in the United States, we can work with other ag organizations, consumer groups and across the aisle with both parties to help build better and more workable solutions to protect our livelihoods. I am sure you know those of us involved in production agriculture are a very small minority, less than 2 percent of the population, and that is why we need the unified collective voice of Kansas Farm Bureau. If you are not a member, I promise it will be the best money you spend each year. If you are a member and you know of neighbors who are not, I challenge you to sit down with them and tell them we need them. Kansas Farm Bureau has a place and a need for everyone involved in agriculture. Because of Kansas Farm Bureau’s engagement, we still have the ability to use fire as a tool to keep our Flint Hills ecosystem healthy and viable. This was a victory for all of us in Kansas agriculture and, pardon the pun, is not blowing smoke."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: Burning and other issues

TOPEKA — Numerous school districts excelling in outcomes established around the vision for education in Kansas were recognized during the Kansas State Board of Education meeting on Tuesday.

The vision for education in Kansas – Kansas leads the world in the success of each student – was announced in 2015 by the State Board of Education and the Kansas State Department of Education. That announcement was followed shortly by a new accreditation model, Kansas Education Systems Accreditation, which accredits at the system level to create systemic change among school buildings in a district.

The Kansans Can Star Recognition Program is designed to support the KESA process by providing a level of recognition that helps districts identify where they want to focus their improvement efforts.

The program recognizes district success in the outcome measures Kansans said they value. These outcomes, categorized as either quantitative or qualitative measures, are serving as a roadmap to help Kansas reach its educational vision.

Districts had to apply for recognition in the qualitative measures area. Applications were due to KSDE by Dec. 31, 2020.

District recognition in the quantitative measures area are automatically calculated by KSDE based on collected district data. No application is necessary.

Districts can receive gold, silver, bronze or copper stars in the qualitative measures of:

Districts can receive gold, silver, bronze or copper stars in these quantitative measure areas:

●Academically prepared for postsecondary.

There also were 54 districts that achieved the Commissioner’s Award; 39 received the Commissioner’s Award with Honors; and four received the Commissioner’s Award – Highest Distinction.

Local and area school districts that were recognized include the following.

TOPEKA — Numerous school districts excelling in outcomes established around the vision for education in Kansas were recognized during the Kansas State Board of Education meeting on Tuesday.The vision for education in Kansas – Kansas leads the world in the success of each student – was announced in 2015 by the State Board of Education and the Kansas State Department of Education. That announcement was followed shortly by a new accreditation model, Kansas Education Systems Accreditation, which accredits at the system level to create systemic change among school buildings in a district.The Kansans Can Star Recognition Program is designed to support the KESA process by providing a level of recognition that helps districts identify where they want to focus their improvement efforts.The program recognizes district success in the outcome measures Kansans said they value. These outcomes, categorized as either quantitative or qualitative measures, are serving as a roadmap to help Kansas reach its educational vision.Districts had to apply for recognition in the qualitative measures area. Applications were due to KSDE by Dec. 31, 2020.District recognition in the quantitative measures area are automatically calculated by KSDE based on collected district data. No application is necessary.Districts can receive gold, silver, bronze or copper stars in the qualitative measures of:●Social-emotional growth.●Kindergarten readiness.●Individual Plan of Study.●Civic engagement.Districts can receive gold, silver, bronze or copper stars in these quantitative measure areas:●Academically prepared for postsecondary.●High school graduation.●Postsecondary success.There also were 54 districts that achieved the Commissioner’s Award; 39 received the Commissioner’s Award with Honors; and four received the Commissioner’s Award – Highest Distinction.Local and area school districts that were recognized include the following.<h2>High school graduation</h2>GOLDBeloit USD 273Canton-Galva USD 419Ell-Saline USD 307Goessel USD 411Hillsboro USD 410Salina Catholic DioceseSoutheast of Saline USD 306SILVERConcordia USD 333Waconda USD 272BRONZEClay Center USD 379Ellsworth USD 327Rock Hills USD 107Twin Valley USD 240COPPERLincoln USD 298Marion-Florence USD 408Solomon USD 393<h2>Academically Prepared for Postsecondary</h2>BRONZERock Hills USD 107COPPERAbilene USD 435Beloit USD 273Central Plains USD 112Chapman USD 473Clay Center USD 379Ellsworth USD 327Goessel USD 411Hillsboro USD 410Inman USD 448Marion-Florence USD 408Moundridge USD 423North Ottawa County USD 239Republic County USD 109Salina Catholic DioceseSmoky Valley USD 400Southeast of Saline USD 306Sylvan Grove USD 299Waconda USD 272<h2>Postsecondary success</h2>GOLDSalina Catholic DioceseSILVERBeloit USD 273Clifton-Clyde USD 224Ell-Saline USD 307Hillsboro USD 410Marion-Florence USD 408Southeast of Saline USD 306BRONZECanton-Galva USD 419Clay Center USD 379Concordia USD 333Ellsworth USD 327Goessel USD 411Lincoln USD 298Logan USD 326McPherson USD 418Republic County USD 109Rock Hills USD 107Sylvan Grove USD 299Twin Valley USD 240COPPERAbilene USD 435Central Plains USD 112Solomon USD 393<h2>Kindergarten Readiness</h2>COPPERHillsboro USD 410Moundridge USD 423<h2>Commissioner’s Award</h2>Beloit USD 273Herington USD 487Hillsboro USD 410Lincoln USD 298Salina Catholic DioceseSylvan Grove USD 299Twin Valley USD 240<h2>Commissioner’s Award with Honors</h2>Clifton-Clyde USD 224Concordia USD 333Marion-Florence USD 408Republic County USD 109

Local, area districts recognized by State Board of Education

Today is Wednesday, April 14, the 104th day of 2021. There are 261 days left in the year. 

On April 14, 1912, the British liner RMS Titanic collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic at 11:40 p.m. ship's time and began sinking. (The ship went under two hours and 40 minutes later with the loss of 1,514 lives.) 

In 1759, German-born English composer George Frideric Handel died in London at age 74. 

In 1828, the first edition of Noah Webster's "American Dictionary of the English Language" was published.

In 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot and mortally wounded by John Wilkes Booth during a performance of "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theater in Washington. 

In 1910, President William Howard Taft became the first U.S. chief executive to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game as the Washington Senators beat the Philadelphia Athletics 3-0. 

In 1935, the "Black Sunday" dust storm descended upon the central Plains, turning a sunny afternoon into total darkness. 

In 1960, Tamla Records and Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy Jr., were incorporated as Motown Record Corp. The Montreal Canadiens won their fifth consecutive Stanley Cup, defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0 in Game 4 of the Finals.

In 1965, the state of Kansas hanged Richard Hickock and Perry Smith for the 1959 "In Cold Blood" murders of Herbert Clutter, his wife, Bonnie, and two of their children, Nancy and Kenyon. 

In 1970, President Richard Nixon nominated Harry Blackmun to the U.S. Supreme Court. (The choice of Blackmun, who was unanimously confirmed by the Senate a month later, followed the failed nominations of Clement Haynsworth and G. Harrold Carswell.) 

In 1981, the first test flight of America's first operational space shuttle, the Columbia, ended successfully with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. 

In 1994, two U.S. Air Force F-15 warplanes mistakenly shot down two U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters over northern Iraq, killing 26 people, including 15 Americans. 

In 1999, NATO mistakenly bombed a convoy of ethnic Albanian refugees; Yugoslav officials said 75 people were killed.

In 2004, in a historic policy shift, President George W. Bush endorsed Israel's plan to hold on to part of the West Bank in any final peace settlement with the Palestinians; he also ruled out Palestinian refugees returning to Israel, bringing strong criticism from the Palestinians. 

<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, April 14, the 104th day of 2021. There are 261 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On April 14, 1912, the British liner RMS Titanic collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic at 11:40 p.m. ship's time and began sinking. (The ship went under two hours and 40 minutes later with the loss of 1,514 lives.) On this date: In 1759, German-born English composer George Frideric Handel died in London at age 74. In 1828, the first edition of Noah Webster's "American Dictionary of the English Language" was published.In 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot and mortally wounded by John Wilkes Booth during a performance of "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theater in Washington. In 1910, President William Howard Taft became the first U.S. chief executive to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game as the Washington Senators beat the Philadelphia Athletics 3-0. In 1935, the "Black Sunday" dust storm descended upon the central Plains, turning a sunny afternoon into total darkness. In 1960, Tamla Records and Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy Jr., were incorporated as Motown Record Corp. The Montreal Canadiens won their fifth consecutive Stanley Cup, defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0 in Game 4 of the Finals.In 1965, the state of Kansas hanged Richard Hickock and Perry Smith for the 1959 "In Cold Blood" murders of Herbert Clutter, his wife, Bonnie, and two of their children, Nancy and Kenyon. In 1970, President Richard Nixon nominated Harry Blackmun to the U.S. Supreme Court. (The choice of Blackmun, who was unanimously confirmed by the Senate a month later, followed the failed nominations of Clement Haynsworth and G. Harrold Carswell.) In 1981, the first test flight of America's first operational space shuttle, the Columbia, ended successfully with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. In 1994, two U.S. Air Force F-15 warplanes mistakenly shot down two U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters over northern Iraq, killing 26 people, including 15 Americans. In 1999, NATO mistakenly bombed a convoy of ethnic Albanian refugees; Yugoslav officials said 75 people were killed.In 2004, in a historic policy shift, President George W. Bush endorsed Israel's plan to hold on to part of the West Bank in any final peace settlement with the Palestinians; he also ruled out Palestinian refugees returning to Israel, bringing strong criticism from the Palestinians. Ten years ago: Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi rolled defiantly through the streets of Tripoli the same day NATO air strikes shook the city. North Korean confirmed it was holding an American who was detained in November 2010, reportedly for proselytizing. (Eddie Jun was freed in May 2011.) ABC canceled two of its longtime soap operas, "One Life to Live" and "All My Children."Five years ago: Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders aggressively challenged each other's judgment during a Democratic debate in Brooklyn, New York, sparring over Wall Street banks, how high to raise the minimum wage and gun control. The first of two strong earthquakes struck southern Japan; the temblors killed at least 50 people.One year ago: President Donald Trump announced that he was cutting off U.S. payments to the U.N. health agency, the World Health Organization; Trump said it had not done enough to stop the coronavirus from spreading. Louisiana again delayed its presidential primary, rescheduling it for July 11. (The late date made the primary irrelevant to the selection of the nominees.) NASCAR driver Kyle Larson was fired by the Chip Ganassi Racing team, two days after he used a racial slur on a live stream of a virtual race. Hank Steinbrenner, the oldest son of George Steinbrenner and one of four siblings who owned controlling shares of the New York Yankees, died at 63.Today's Birthdays: Country singer Loretta Lynn is 89. Actor Julie Christie is 81. Retired MLB All-Star Pete Rose is 80. Rock musician Ritchie Blackmore is 76. Actor John Shea is 73. Actor Peter Capaldi is 63. Actor-turned-race car driver Brian Forster is 61. Actor Brad Garrett is 61. Actor Robert Carlyle is 60. Rock singer-musician John Bell (Widespread Panic) is 59. Actor Robert Clendenin is 57. Actor Catherine Dent is 56. Actor Lloyd Owen is 55. Baseball Hall of Famer Greg Maddux is 55. Rock musician Barrett Martin is 54. Actor Anthony Michael Hall is 53. Actor Adrien Brody is 48. Classical singer David Miller (Il Divo) is 48. Rapper Da Brat is 47. Actor Antwon Tanner is 46. Actor Sarah Michelle Gellar is 44. Actor-producer Rob McElhenney is 44. Roots singer JD McPherson is 44. Rock singer Win Butler (Arcade Fire) is 41. Actor Claire Coffee is 41. Actor Christian Alexander is 31. Actor Nick Krause is 29. Actor Vivien Cardone is 28. Actor Graham Phillips is 28. Actor Skyler Samuels is 27. Actor Abigail Breslin is 25.