Child Advocacy and Parenting Services, Inc. (CAPS) wants Salina to go blue for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

In the last 12 months, there were 868 reports of child abuse or neglect investigated in Saline County. CAPS wants to bring awareness to the issue of child abuse and neglect throughout April for Child Abuse Prevention Month. CAPS presents numerous opportunities for the month of April for advocates to engage in. By supporting CAPS, you are supporting child abuse prevention efforts and education, according to a news release from the organization.

CAPS is inviting businesses to raise funds by encouraging employees to wear denim for a $5 donation. To participate, contact CAPS at 785-825-4493 for stickers and display materials. Then, post photos of your employees showing off their blue with the hashtags #CAPMonth, #PassthePinwheel or tag @capsofsalina.

Pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse prevention. A pinwheel garden is making its way through the neighborhoods, and you can help plant these symbols for the “Pinwheels for Prevention Challenge.” Call CAPS to commit a $25 donation to pass the pinwheels from your family to another who would like to spread awareness about child abuse prevention. Make sure to post pictures and tag CAPS with the hashtags #PassThePinwheel, #CAPMonth, or tag @capsofsalina on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Additionally, families can participate in the Pinwheels for Prevention Parade by going to <a href="http://capsofsalina.org">capsofsalina.org</a> to print off the pinwheel coloring page. Color the pinwheel (or color many!) and put them in your street-facing windows. Then take a picture for Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Tag CAPS with @capsofsalina and the hashtags #CAPMonth and #Pinwheels4Prevention and you will be entered in a drawing to win a $50 Silver Certificate to spend at any Salina Area Chamber of Commerce member business for a family outing! One entry per social media account. Enjoy the beauty of spring while showing you believe every child should have a place to be safe, healthy and strong.

Target has chosen CAPS to receive donations through their new Guest-Directed Giving Program.

Just go to the Circle app or <a href="http://target.com/circle">target.com/circle</a> to log in to your account. Select Circle to see how many votes you already have to give! Vote for CAPS through June 30 to make your local purchases improve children’s lives and strengthen families through education, advocacy and support.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617330233478.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Child Advocacy and Parenting Services, Inc. (CAPS) wants Salina to go blue for Child Abuse Prevention Month.In the last 12 months, there were 868 reports of child abuse or neglect investigated in Saline County. CAPS wants to bring awareness to the issue of child abuse and neglect throughout April for Child Abuse Prevention Month. CAPS presents numerous opportunities for the month of April for advocates to engage in. By supporting CAPS, you are supporting child abuse prevention efforts and education, according to a news release from the organization.CAPS is inviting businesses to raise funds by encouraging employees to wear denim for a $5 donation. To participate, contact CAPS at 785-825-4493 for stickers and display materials. Then, post photos of your employees showing off their blue with the hashtags #CAPMonth, #PassthePinwheel or tag @capsofsalina.Pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse prevention. A pinwheel garden is making its way through the neighborhoods, and you can help plant these symbols for the “Pinwheels for Prevention Challenge.” Call CAPS to commit a $25 donation to pass the pinwheels from your family to another who would like to spread awareness about child abuse prevention. Make sure to post pictures and tag CAPS with the hashtags #PassThePinwheel, #CAPMonth, or tag @capsofsalina on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.Additionally, families can participate in the Pinwheels for Prevention Parade by going to <a href="http://capsofsalina.org">capsofsalina.org</a> to print off the pinwheel coloring page. Color the pinwheel (or color many!) and put them in your street-facing windows. Then take a picture for Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Tag CAPS with @capsofsalina and the hashtags #CAPMonth and #Pinwheels4Prevention and you will be entered in a drawing to win a $50 Silver Certificate to spend at any Salina Area Chamber of Commerce member business for a family outing! One entry per social media account. Enjoy the beauty of spring while showing you believe every child should have a place to be safe, healthy and strong.Target has chosen CAPS to receive donations through their new Guest-Directed Giving Program.Just go to the Circle app or <a href="http://target.com/circle">target.com/circle</a> to log in to your account. Select Circle to see how many votes you already have to give! Vote for CAPS through June 30 to make your local purchases improve children’s lives and strengthen families through education, advocacy and support.

CAPS: Several ways to bring awareness to child abuse prevention

My husband and I are close to having our home paid off and being completely debt-free. Can we dip into our emergency fund to pay off the house?

I’m not sure I’d recommend doing this. I might&nbsp;think&nbsp;about it if your emergency fund is&nbsp;way&nbsp;too big, plus you have a&nbsp;very&nbsp;small amount left to pay on your home. But remember, your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/askdave/saving/emergency-fund-in-a-safe" target="_blank">emergency fund</a>&nbsp;should be three to six months of&nbsp;expenses—not income. On top of that, paying off your home a few months earlier isn’t exactly an emergency.

Believe me, I understand the feelings that go along with being so close to becoming completely debt-free. It can be tempting to throw a bunch of money at your house, and get rid of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/mortgage-payoff-calculator" target="_blank">mortgage payments</a>. Still, even as much as I hate debt, I wouldn’t put my emergency fund at risk to make it happen.

When you do things like that, Enid, you’re just begging for Murphy to come visit. The moment you write a big check and weaken your emergency fund for something that isn’t an emergency, the transmission in your car will go out or you’ll have to replace the central unit on your home. It’s not worth the risk!

Should I catch up on my past due bills before saving up $1,000 for Baby Step 1?

That’s exactly what you should do. Get current or make payment arrangements with everyone who’s willing to work with you first. In the process, make sure you’re keeping your own living necessities in mind—food, shelter, clothing, utilities, and transportation.

After you’ve done that, and saved a beginner emergency fund of $1,000, start your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/askdave/budgeting/whats-the-reason-for-the-debt-snowball" target="_blank">debt snowball</a>&nbsp;and pay off all your debts from smallest largest, except for your home. That’s Baby Step 2. In Baby Step 3, you’ll save up and increase your emergency fund from $1,000 to a full three to six months of expenses. Once you reach this point, you can really start looking toward the future.

In Baby Step 4, start investing 15 percent of your income into Roth IRAs and other pre-tax retirement plans.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/recommends/student-loan-refinancing" target="_blank">College</a>&nbsp;funding for the kids, if there are any, is next in Baby Step 5.

Baby Step 6 is a big one, because this is where you pay off your home early. But Baby Step 7 is the real deal. This is when you’re completely debt-free, and you’re able to build wealth like crazy and give with outrageous generosity!

<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 16 million listeners each week. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Not really an emergency</h2>Dear Dave,My husband and I are close to having our home paid off and being completely debt-free. Can we dip into our emergency fund to pay off the house?EnidDear Enid,I’m not sure I’d recommend doing this. I might&nbsp;think&nbsp;about it if your emergency fund is&nbsp;way&nbsp;too big, plus you have a&nbsp;very&nbsp;small amount left to pay on your home. But remember, your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/askdave/saving/emergency-fund-in-a-safe" target="_blank">emergency fund</a>&nbsp;should be three to six months of&nbsp;expenses—not income. On top of that, paying off your home a few months earlier isn’t exactly an emergency.Believe me, I understand the feelings that go along with being so close to becoming completely debt-free. It can be tempting to throw a bunch of money at your house, and get rid of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/mortgage-payoff-calculator" target="_blank">mortgage payments</a>. Still, even as much as I hate debt, I wouldn’t put my emergency fund at risk to make it happen.When you do things like that, Enid, you’re just begging for Murphy to come visit. The moment you write a big check and weaken your emergency fund for something that isn’t an emergency, the transmission in your car will go out or you’ll have to replace the central unit on your home. It’s not worth the risk!Dave<h2>Getting started</h2>Dear Dave,Should I catch up on my past due bills before saving up $1,000 for Baby Step 1?SharynDear Sharyn,That’s exactly what you should do. Get current or make payment arrangements with everyone who’s willing to work with you first. In the process, make sure you’re keeping your own living necessities in mind—food, shelter, clothing, utilities, and transportation.After you’ve done that, and saved a beginner emergency fund of $1,000, start your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/askdave/budgeting/whats-the-reason-for-the-debt-snowball" target="_blank">debt snowball</a>&nbsp;and pay off all your debts from smallest largest, except for your home. That’s Baby Step 2. In Baby Step 3, you’ll save up and increase your emergency fund from $1,000 to a full three to six months of expenses. Once you reach this point, you can really start looking toward the future.In Baby Step 4, start investing 15 percent of your income into Roth IRAs and other pre-tax retirement plans.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/recommends/student-loan-refinancing" target="_blank">College</a>&nbsp;funding for the kids, if there are any, is next in Baby Step 5.Baby Step 6 is a big one, because this is where you pay off your home early. But Baby Step 7 is the real deal. This is when you’re completely debt-free, and you’re able to build wealth like crazy and give with outrageous generosity!Dave<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 16 million listeners each week. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

DAVE SAYS: Not really an emergency; Getting started

Today is Friday, April 2, the 92nd day of 2021. There are 273 days left in the year. 

On April 2, 1792, Congress passed the Coinage Act, which authorized establishment of the U.S. Mint. 

In 1865, Confederate President Jefferson Davis and most of his Cabinet fled the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, because of advancing Union forces. 

In 1917, President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war against Germany, saying, "The world must be made safe for democracy." (Congress declared war four days later.) 

In 1932, aviator Charles A. Lindbergh and John F. Condon went to a cemetery in The Bronx, New York, where Condon turned over $50,000 to a man in exchange for Lindbergh's kidnapped son. (The child, who was not returned, was found dead the following month.)

In 1968, "2001: A Space Odyssey," the groundbreaking science-fiction film epic produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood, had its world premiere in Washington, D.C. 

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed into law a windfall profits tax on the oil industry. (The tax was repealed in 1988.) 

In 1982, several thousand troops from Argentina seized the disputed Falkland Islands, located in the south Atlantic, from Britain. (Britain seized the islands back the following June.) 

In 1986, four American passengers, including an 8-month-old girl, her mother and grandmother, were killed when a terrorist bomb exploded aboard a TWA jetliner en route from Rome to Athens, Greece. 

In 2002, Israel seized control of Bethlehem; Palestinian gunmen forced their way into the Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, where they began a 39-day standoff. 

In 2003, during the Iraq War, American forces fought their way to within sight of the Baghdad skyline. 

In 2005, Pope John Paul II died in his Vatican apartment at age 84. 

In 2007, in its first case on climate change, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency, ruled 5-4 that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases were air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

In 2019, former federal prosecutor Lori Lightfoot won the runoff election for Chicago mayor, becoming the first Black woman and the first openly gay person to lead the nation's third-largest city. Police near Los Angeles arrested a man they said had fatally shot rapper Nipsey Hussle and evaded authorities for two days; police said the two men knew each other and had some sort of personal dispute in the hours before the rapper was killed.

Ten years ago: Highly radioactive water leaked into the sea from a crack at Japan's stricken nuclear power plant; meanwhile, earthquake-tsunami survivors complained that the government was not paying enough attention to victims.

Five years ago: Mormon leaders meeting in Salt Lake City called on church members to practice tolerance despite political differences, providing guidance at a conference amid a presidential campaign between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton that was marked by harsh rhetoric and bickering.

One year ago: The number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide passed the 1 million mark, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. The captain of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier facing a coronavirus outbreak was fired after widely distributing a memo pleading for help; Navy Secretary Thomas Modly said Capt. Brett Crozier had demonstrated "poor judgment" in a crisis. (Modly himself would resign days later after facing a backlash over his harsh criticism of Crozier in remarks to the ship's crew.) The government said more than 6.6 million Americans had applied for unemployment benefits in the preceding week, doubling a record high set just a week earlier.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Sharon Acker is 86. Actor Dame Penelope Keith is 81. Actor Linda Hunt is 76. Singer Emmylou Harris is 74. Actor Sam Anderson is 74. Social critic and author Camille Paglia is 74. Actor Pamela Reed is 72. Rock musician Dave Robinson (The Cars) is 72. Country singer Buddy Jewell is 60. Actor Christopher Meloni is 60. Singer Keren Woodward (Bananarama) is 60. Country singer Billy Dean is 59. Actor Clark Gregg is 59. Actor Jana Marie Hupp is 57. Rock musician Greg Camp is 54. Actor Roselyn Sanchez is 48. Country singer Jill King is 46. Actor Pedro Pascal is 46. Actor Adam Rodriguez is 46. Actor Michael Fassbender is 44. Actor Jaime Ray Newman is 43. Rock musician Jesse Carmichael (Maroon 5) is 42. Actor Bethany Joy Lenz is 40. Singer Lee Dewyze (TV: "American Idol") is 35. Country singer Chris Janson is 35. Actor Drew Van Acker is 35. Actor Briga Heelan (TV: "Great News") is 34. Actor Jesse Plemons is 33. Singer Aaron Kelly (TV: "American Idol") is 28.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Friday, April 2, the 92nd day of 2021. There are 273 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On April 2, 1792, Congress passed the Coinage Act, which authorized establishment of the U.S. Mint. On this date: In 1865, Confederate President Jefferson Davis and most of his Cabinet fled the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, because of advancing Union forces. In 1917, President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war against Germany, saying, "The world must be made safe for democracy." (Congress declared war four days later.) In 1932, aviator Charles A. Lindbergh and John F. Condon went to a cemetery in The Bronx, New York, where Condon turned over $50,000 to a man in exchange for Lindbergh's kidnapped son. (The child, who was not returned, was found dead the following month.)In 1968, "2001: A Space Odyssey," the groundbreaking science-fiction film epic produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood, had its world premiere in Washington, D.C. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed into law a windfall profits tax on the oil industry. (The tax was repealed in 1988.) In 1982, several thousand troops from Argentina seized the disputed Falkland Islands, located in the south Atlantic, from Britain. (Britain seized the islands back the following June.) In 1986, four American passengers, including an 8-month-old girl, her mother and grandmother, were killed when a terrorist bomb exploded aboard a TWA jetliner en route from Rome to Athens, Greece. In 2002, Israel seized control of Bethlehem; Palestinian gunmen forced their way into the Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, where they began a 39-day standoff. In 2003, during the Iraq War, American forces fought their way to within sight of the Baghdad skyline. In 2005, Pope John Paul II died in his Vatican apartment at age 84. In 2007, in its first case on climate change, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency, ruled 5-4 that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases were air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.In 2019, former federal prosecutor Lori Lightfoot won the runoff election for Chicago mayor, becoming the first Black woman and the first openly gay person to lead the nation's third-largest city. Police near Los Angeles arrested a man they said had fatally shot rapper Nipsey Hussle and evaded authorities for two days; police said the two men knew each other and had some sort of personal dispute in the hours before the rapper was killed.Ten years ago: Highly radioactive water leaked into the sea from a crack at Japan's stricken nuclear power plant; meanwhile, earthquake-tsunami survivors complained that the government was not paying enough attention to victims. Five years ago: Mormon leaders meeting in Salt Lake City called on church members to practice tolerance despite political differences, providing guidance at a conference amid a presidential campaign between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton that was marked by harsh rhetoric and bickering. One year ago: The number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide passed the 1 million mark, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. The captain of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier facing a coronavirus outbreak was fired after widely distributing a memo pleading for help; Navy Secretary Thomas Modly said Capt. Brett Crozier had demonstrated "poor judgment" in a crisis. (Modly himself would resign days later after facing a backlash over his harsh criticism of Crozier in remarks to the ship's crew.) The government said more than 6.6 million Americans had applied for unemployment benefits in the preceding week, doubling a record high set just a week earlier.Today's Birthdays: Actor Sharon Acker is 86. Actor Dame Penelope Keith is 81. Actor Linda Hunt is 76. Singer Emmylou Harris is 74. Actor Sam Anderson is 74. Social critic and author Camille Paglia is 74. Actor Pamela Reed is 72. Rock musician Dave Robinson (The Cars) is 72. Country singer Buddy Jewell is 60. Actor Christopher Meloni is 60. Singer Keren Woodward (Bananarama) is 60. Country singer Billy Dean is 59. Actor Clark Gregg is 59. Actor Jana Marie Hupp is 57. Rock musician Greg Camp is 54. Actor Roselyn Sanchez is 48. Country singer Jill King is 46. Actor Pedro Pascal is 46. Actor Adam Rodriguez is 46. Actor Michael Fassbender is 44. Actor Jaime Ray Newman is 43. Rock musician Jesse Carmichael (Maroon 5) is 42. Actor Bethany Joy Lenz is 40. Singer Lee Dewyze (TV: "American Idol") is 35. Country singer Chris Janson is 35. Actor Drew Van Acker is 35. Actor Briga Heelan (TV: "Great News") is 34. Actor Jesse Plemons is 33. Singer Aaron Kelly (TV: "American Idol") is 28.

Today in History -- April 2

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

Showcase Diamond Jewelers of Salina is looking for someone to join our sales team!

Showcase Jewelers is looking for someone reliable and motivated to work our sales floor. This person needs to be eager to learn.

This is a PART-TIME sales position with hours falling between 9:30-7:30 Monday through Friday and 9:30-5:30 on Saturdays.

This position includes two Saturdays a month.

Immediate opening with hourly wage and hourly wage plus commission after 90 days.

Please contact Tonya at 785-823-1313 or email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tonya@showcasejewelers.net">tonya@showcasejewelers.net</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615572658804.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Showcase Diamond Jewelers of Salina is looking for someone to join our sales team!Showcase Jewelers is looking for someone reliable and motivated to work our sales floor. This person needs to be eager to learn.This is a PART-TIME sales position with hours falling between 9:30-7:30 Monday through Friday and 9:30-5:30 on Saturdays.This position includes two Saturdays a month.Will work around other schedules!Immediate opening with hourly wage and hourly wage plus commission after 90 days.Please contact Tonya at 785-823-1313 or email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tonya@showcasejewelers.net">tonya@showcasejewelers.net</a>

Arts & Humanities launching Salina Storytelling Project

Wind advisories and fire weather watches have been issued for counties in our area for Friday.

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a wind advisory in effect from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday for the following counties in our area.

South winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected.

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a wind advisory in effect from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday for the following counties in our area.

South winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected.

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Driving high profile vehicles could be difficult especially on east to west roads like Interstate 70.

A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur.

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a fire weather watch in effect from Friday afternoon through Friday evening for the following counties in our area. 

South winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and minimum relative humidity values between 20 and 25 percent are expected.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a fire weather watch in effect from Friday afternoon through Friday evening for the following counties in our area.

South winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph and relative humidity as low as 20 percent are forecast.

Any fires that ignite may spread rapidly and exhibit extreme fire behavior. Use extreme caution if engaging in activities that could lead to fire ignition.

Wind advisories and fire weather watches have been issued for counties in our area for Friday.<h2>Wind advisories</h2>The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a wind advisory in effect from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday for the following counties in our area.Ellsworth CountyLincoln CountyMcPherson CountySaline CountySouth winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected.Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a wind advisory in effect from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyDickinson CountyOttawa CountyRepublic CountySouth winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected.Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Driving high profile vehicles could be difficult especially on east to west roads like Interstate 70.<h2>Fire weather watches</h2>A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur.The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a fire weather watch in effect from Friday afternoon through Friday evening for the following counties in our area. Clay CountyCloud CountyDickinson CountyOttawa CountyRepublic CountySouth winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and minimum relative humidity values between 20 and 25 percent are expected.Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a fire weather watch in effect from Friday afternoon through Friday evening for the following counties in our area.Jewell CountyMitchell CountySouth winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph and relative humidity as low as 20 percent are forecast.Any fires that ignite may spread rapidly and exhibit extreme fire behavior. Use extreme caution if engaging in activities that could lead to fire ignition.

NWS issues wind advisories, fire weather watches for Friday

Following is the Saline County Health Department's Vax Facts information for Thursday.

VACCINATION REGISTRATION OPEN TO EVERYONE 16 AND UP

The community health partners strongly encourage 16- and 17-year-olds to register, as we hope to receive more of the Pfizer vaccine in the future. Pfizer is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently on the market approved for those 16 to 18.

Currently, Moderna is the primary vaccine available in Saline County. We are also seeing limited stocks of the Janssen vaccine. Both of these vaccines are approved only for those who are 18 years old and older.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Saline County Community Health Partners are actively registering and scheduling everyone age 16-years-old and older. If you or your teen would like to be vaccinated against COVID-19, please register for your appointment today.

Saline County has vaccinated more than 14,000 members of our community against COVID-19 thus far.

Those without access to the internet can register via phone or by visiting the Salina Senior Services Center.

Please remember to be cordial with the medical personnel who are working tirelessly to serve the Saline County Community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Following is the Saline County Health Department's Vax Facts information for Thursday.VACCINATION REGISTRATION OPEN TO EVERYONE 16 AND UPThe community health partners strongly encourage 16- and 17-year-olds to register, as we hope to receive more of the Pfizer vaccine in the future. Pfizer is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently on the market approved for those 16 to 18. Currently, Moderna is the primary vaccine available in Saline County. We are also seeing limited stocks of the Janssen vaccine. Both of these vaccines are approved only for those who are 18 years old and older.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617316992991.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Saline County Community Health Partners are actively registering and scheduling everyone age 16-years-old and older. If you or your teen would like to be vaccinated against COVID-19, please register for your appointment today.Saline County has vaccinated more than 14,000 members of our community against COVID-19 thus far.Those without access to the internet can register via phone or by visiting the Salina Senior Services Center. Please remember to be cordial with the medical personnel who are working tirelessly to serve the Saline County Community.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613516312548.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Saline County: Approximately 34% of adults vaccinated

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ae0848fe-45b6-438f-919e-19f3557b7fe9">Fire department rescues 25-year-old from grain elevator</a>

UPDATE: 4:40 p.m. Thursday:&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff's Lieutenant Jeremiah Hayes told Salina Post that a man was rescued from the Scoular Grain elevator and taken to Salina Regional Health Center. No other information&nbsp; was available.

Emergency rescue personnel responded this afternoon to the Scoular Grain elevator at 3339 E. Country Club Road for the report of someone who was trapped in one of the grain storage areas.

Post will have more information when it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617306805267.jpeg" alt="Emergency crews responded to Scoular Grain elevator east of Salina this afternoon. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Emergency crews responded to Scoular Grain elevator east of Salina this afternoon. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ae0848fe-45b6-438f-919e-19f3557b7fe9">Fire department rescues 25-year-old from grain elevator</a>UPDATE: 4:40 p.m. Thursday:&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff's Lieutenant Jeremiah Hayes told Salina Post that a man was rescued from the Scoular Grain elevator and taken to Salina Regional Health Center. No other information&nbsp; was available.Emergency rescue personnel responded this afternoon to the Scoular Grain elevator at 3339 E. Country Club Road for the report of someone who was trapped in one of the grain storage areas.Post will have more information when it becomes available.

UPDATE: Rescue personnel respond to accident at Scoular elevator

Much of our area is facing potential grassland fire danger on Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita.

Gusty south winds and low relative humidity will result in very high fire danger across most of the area on Friday afternoon and early evening. Outdoor burning is highly discouraged.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617299634259.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Much of our area is facing potential grassland fire danger on Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita.Gusty south winds and low relative humidity will result in very high fire danger across most of the area on Friday afternoon and early evening. Outdoor burning is highly discouraged.

NWS: 'Very high' fire danger for much of our area Friday

A stolen ATV belonging to the City of Salina was recovered the next day in another part of town.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that sometime between 5 p.m. Tuesday and 7 a.m. Wednesday, someone broke into a maintenance shed at Bill Burke Park and stole a green Polaris Sportsman 400 four-wheeler and dirt puller.

A city employee told police that he had locked the shed prior to leaving on Tuesday. Total loss was estimated at $1,700.

The ATV was later found in the roadway in the 3200 block of E. North Street, Forrester explained. It was not damaged.

A stolen ATV belonging to the City of Salina was recovered the next day in another part of town.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that sometime between 5 p.m. Tuesday and 7 a.m. Wednesday, someone broke into a maintenance shed at Bill Burke Park and stole a green Polaris Sportsman 400 four-wheeler and dirt puller.A city employee told police that he had locked the shed prior to leaving on Tuesday. Total loss was estimated at $1,700.The ATV was later found in the roadway in the 3200 block of E. North Street, Forrester explained. It was not damaged.

Stolen city ATV later found abandoned in roadway

A local man was cited after a car he was driving struck a central Salina residence early this morning.

At 2:20 a.m. Thursday, officers were sent to a residence in the 800 block of W. Prescott Avenue for the report of a vehicle striking a house. 

It appeared that the vehicle was traveling northbound in the 600 block of S. Phillips Avenue and failed to negotiate a left hand turn onto W. Prescott Avenue. The vehicle jumped the curb and struck a wheelchair ramp, flag pole, and the exterior wall of the house. The flag pole was broken off, the ramp was destroyed, and the wall of the residence was cracked and partially caved in, Forrester noted. 

The resident, a 61-year-old female, was not injured, he added.

The vehicle, a 2008 Honda Civic, had left the scene. Officers were able to track the fluid leak from the vehicle to the area of W. Franklin Street and Seneca Avenue, but did not locate the vehicle there. Later this morning, officers located the unoccupied vehicle near the intersection of Foxboro Drive and W. Schilling Road.

According to Forrester, officers made contact with the registered owner of the vehicle, Thomas Cole, 31, of Salina, at his nearby residence in the 1300 block of Kingston Drive and issued citations related to the collision.

Estimated damage to the residence has yet to be determined, Forrester reported. The Civic had major front-end damage.

A local man was cited after a car he was driving struck a central Salina residence early this morning.At 2:20 a.m. Thursday, officers were sent to a residence in the 800 block of W. Prescott Avenue for the report of a vehicle striking a house. It appeared that the vehicle was traveling northbound in the 600 block of S. Phillips Avenue and failed to negotiate a left hand turn onto W. Prescott Avenue. The vehicle jumped the curb and struck a wheelchair ramp, flag pole, and the exterior wall of the house. The flag pole was broken off, the ramp was destroyed, and the wall of the residence was cracked and partially caved in, Forrester noted. The resident, a 61-year-old female, was not injured, he added.The vehicle, a 2008 Honda Civic, had left the scene. Officers were able to track the fluid leak from the vehicle to the area of W. Franklin Street and Seneca Avenue, but did not locate the vehicle there. Later this morning, officers located the unoccupied vehicle near the intersection of Foxboro Drive and W. Schilling Road.According to Forrester, officers made contact with the registered owner of the vehicle, Thomas Cole, 31, of Salina, at his nearby residence in the 1300 block of Kingston Drive and issued citations related to the collision.Estimated damage to the residence has yet to be determined, Forrester reported. The Civic had major front-end damage.

Salina man cited after car he was driving crashes into house

USD 305 elementary libraries will be getting more books, thanks to a grant from a local foundation.

The Earl Bane Foundation has awarded a $3,200 grant to the Salina Education Foundation. Grant funds will be used to purchase library books for each of USD 305’s elementary school libraries. 

“We are very thankful for the Earl Bane Foundation’s generosity. This gift allows each of our eight elementary school libraries to purchase 20-30 books featuring unique and diverse characters,” said Michael Chambers, Salina Education Foundation’s executive director.

 USD 305 Instructional specialist, Dr. Patricia Bandre, who coordinated the ordering process for the libraries, said, “Investing in libraries helps all students and each librarian was excited to select special books for their school.”

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

Earl Bane Foundation is a Salina-based private charitable foundation committed to giving to qualified organizations for the benefit of children, youth, social services, and higher education.

USD 305 elementary libraries will be getting more books, thanks to a grant from a local foundation.The Earl Bane Foundation has awarded a $3,200 grant to the Salina Education Foundation. Grant funds will be used to purchase library books for each of USD 305’s elementary school libraries. “We are very thankful for the Earl Bane Foundation’s generosity. This gift allows each of our eight elementary school libraries to purchase 20-30 books featuring unique and diverse characters,” said Michael Chambers, Salina Education Foundation’s executive director. USD 305 Instructional specialist, Dr. Patricia Bandre, who coordinated the ordering process for the libraries, said, “Investing in libraries helps all students and each librarian was excited to select special books for their school.”Salina Education Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of trustees. Established in 1987, the foundation endeavors to promote and support educational excellence by providing resources to enhance opportunities for the students and staff of Salina’s public schools.Earl Bane Foundation is a Salina-based private charitable foundation committed to giving to qualified organizations for the benefit of children, youth, social services, and higher education.

Grant from local foundation to benefit elementary libraries

Salina Media Connection's producers Paul Kirkwood and Nona Miller will be recognized this year during the Midwest Film Festival.&nbsp;

Kirkwood's&nbsp;Decision: Saline County Jail Vote&nbsp;received a Merit Award in the documentary/feature category. Nona Miller's&nbsp;Let's Go - Germania Park&nbsp;also received a Merit Award for Short&nbsp;Form Documentary&nbsp;Feature category. Her program was also recommended for program sharing with other media organizations.

Paul Kirkwood is a graduate of Fort Hays State University where he majored in media studies and served as a video editor/content producer for Tiger Media Network.&nbsp; Hannah&nbsp;Stambaugh, Saline County deputy administrator assisted Kirkwood by providing content support for the program which featured community interviews and scenes from the Saline County Jail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Decision: Saline County Jail Vote&nbsp;was designed to inform Saline County voters about the upcoming new jail project and vote. The program was&nbsp;aired on Salina Media Connection's local Channel 21 prior to the new jail vote which passed.

Nona Miller attended the University of Colorado and Kansas Wesleyan University with studies in&nbsp;creative writing. She&nbsp;is&nbsp;an adjunct instructor at KWU with extensive&nbsp;experience and serves as the curator of education at the Smoky Hill Museum.&nbsp; Miller previously served as a&nbsp;board member and chairperson for Salina Media Connection.&nbsp;&nbsp;Let’s Go-Germania Park,&nbsp;was designed to be a brief, fun, virtual field trip, encouraging people, especially young people, to be curious about and engage with stories of the past.

"We are excited to be recognized by the Best of the Midwest&nbsp;Media Fest. This is the first award received by SMC producers in several&nbsp;years. With our staff and new equipment, the quality&nbsp;of our&nbsp;programs, community outreach have improved,"&nbsp; said Greg Stephens, a member of the Salina Media Connection management team.

Salina Media Connection is Salina’s TV station and operates like a community media makerspace with programs aired on Cable Channel 20 and 21. Besides city, county, and USD 305 meetings. Other programs include Spanish Connection, Kids' Connection,&nbsp;University United Methodist Church’s Sunday services, JAB-IT Tuesday Technology, FAQ Friday's by the Saline County Health Department, Artist Express, Strictly Salina, Legislative Forums, Liberty Football, Your City in Action, Salina Connected, Thad Beach's All Aboard, The Pulse, CAPS, graduations, parades, local PSA's, news, and other features.

--<a href="https://www.salinatv.org/">Salina Media Connection</a>--

Salina Media Connection's producers Paul Kirkwood and Nona Miller will be recognized this year during the Midwest Film Festival.&nbsp;Kirkwood's&nbsp;Decision: Saline County Jail Vote&nbsp;received a Merit Award in the documentary/feature category. Nona Miller's&nbsp;Let's Go - Germania Park&nbsp;also received a Merit Award for Short&nbsp;Form Documentary&nbsp;Feature category. Her program was also recommended for program sharing with other media organizations.Paul Kirkwood is a graduate of Fort Hays State University where he majored in media studies and served as a video editor/content producer for Tiger Media Network.&nbsp; Hannah&nbsp;Stambaugh, Saline County deputy administrator assisted Kirkwood by providing content support for the program which featured community interviews and scenes from the Saline County Jail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Decision: Saline County Jail Vote&nbsp;was designed to inform Saline County voters about the upcoming new jail project and vote. The program was&nbsp;aired on Salina Media Connection's local Channel 21 prior to the new jail vote which passed.Nona Miller attended the University of Colorado and Kansas Wesleyan University with studies in&nbsp;creative writing. She&nbsp;is&nbsp;an adjunct instructor at KWU with extensive&nbsp;experience and serves as the curator of education at the Smoky Hill Museum.&nbsp; Miller previously served as a&nbsp;board member and chairperson for Salina Media Connection.&nbsp;&nbsp;Let’s Go-Germania Park,&nbsp;was designed to be a brief, fun, virtual field trip, encouraging people, especially young people, to be curious about and engage with stories of the past."We are excited to be recognized by the Best of the Midwest&nbsp;Media Fest. This is the first award received by SMC producers in several&nbsp;years. With our staff and new equipment, the quality&nbsp;of our&nbsp;programs, community outreach have improved,"&nbsp; said Greg Stephens, a member of the Salina Media Connection management team.Salina Media Connection is Salina’s TV station and operates like a community media makerspace with programs aired on Cable Channel 20 and 21. Besides city, county, and USD 305 meetings. Other programs include Spanish Connection, Kids' Connection,&nbsp;University United Methodist Church’s Sunday services, JAB-IT Tuesday Technology, FAQ Friday's by the Saline County Health Department, Artist Express, Strictly Salina, Legislative Forums, Liberty Football, Your City in Action, Salina Connected, Thad Beach's All Aboard, The Pulse, CAPS, graduations, parades, local PSA's, news, and other features.--<a href="https://www.salinatv.org/">Salina Media Connection</a>--

Local producers win merit awards in Best of the Midwest Film Fest

Salina USD 305 is now accepting applications from persons interested in serving on the district's Equity Council.

The council, made up of community members, staff, and students, is accepting applications for at-large positions. Interested community members are encouraged to apply before the deadline of May 7, 2021.

Formed in the spring of 2018, the Equity Council is a collaborative group focused on leading and facilitating efforts to provide students and staff with equitable experiences in USD 305.

The membership application reopens in order to fill any vacancies. Council membership includes:

●14 at-large community and parent representatives

●Four student representatives, two from each high school

●Six representatives to include NEA-Salina, board of education, district administration

District staff and student representation is by appointment.

Community members interested in participating are asked to complete an application between now and May 7.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EquityAtLargeMembership2021" target="_blank">Applications are available here.</a>

Requests for a printed, mailed application will be accepted through April 26 by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Deborah.howard@usd305.com" target="_blank">deborah.howard@usd305.com</a>&nbsp;or leaving a message at 785-309-4727. Equity Council members will be announced by the end of June.

For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/about_us/equity_council" target="_blank">Equity Council webpage</a>&nbsp;and find the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EquityAtLargeMembership2021" target="_blank">membership application here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617288719316.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina USD 305 is now accepting applications from persons interested in serving on the district's Equity Council.The council, made up of community members, staff, and students, is accepting applications for at-large positions. Interested community members are encouraged to apply before the deadline of May 7, 2021.Formed in the spring of 2018, the Equity Council is a collaborative group focused on leading and facilitating efforts to provide students and staff with equitable experiences in USD 305.The membership application reopens in order to fill any vacancies. Council membership includes:●14 at-large community and parent representatives●13 school building representatives●Four student representatives, two from each high school●Six representatives to include NEA-Salina, board of education, district administrationDistrict staff and student representation is by appointment.Community members interested in participating are asked to complete an application between now and May 7.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EquityAtLargeMembership2021" target="_blank">Applications are available here.</a>Requests for a printed, mailed application will be accepted through April 26 by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Deborah.howard@usd305.com" target="_blank">deborah.howard@usd305.com</a>&nbsp;or leaving a message at 785-309-4727. Equity Council members will be announced by the end of June.For more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/about_us/equity_council" target="_blank">Equity Council webpage</a>&nbsp;and find the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EquityAtLargeMembership2021" target="_blank">membership application here</a>.

USD 305 accepting applications for Equity Council at-large members

ABILENE -- Memorial Hospital’s Wound Center, in Abilene, earned the 2020 Going the Distance award, issued by RestorixHealth, an organization that specializes in the development and management of comprehensive wound healing and Amputation Prevention Center®&nbsp;facilities.

Healthcare professionals have been tasked with maintaining quality through patient outcomes despite a daunting global pandemic. The Going the Distance award acknowledges those outpatient wound healing centers who have achieved or exceeded nationwide patient outcome standards within a set period of time during 2020.

“Our Wound Center staff brings a wealth of talent to the wound healing workplace, and that fuels a positive impact on our patients’ outcomes,” said Memorial Hospital Wound Center physician, Dr. Bill Short. “Amidst a pandemic, their dedication to healing is a sign of resilience and strong work ethic. We are proud to be recognized as a center that is “Going the Distance.”

Results are calculated by comparing the center’s patient outcomes against RestorixHealth nationwide benchmarks.

Memorial Hospital’s Wound Center is open on Thursdays. For more information about wound care, or to schedule an appointment, call 785-571-1070.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617245203419.jpeg" alt="Wound Center personnel, from left:&nbsp;Anne Rose, RN; Dr. William Short; Katie Purdue, RN; Kristen Frieze, RN, COC" />
 <figcaption>Wound Center personnel, from left:&nbsp;Anne Rose, RN; Dr. William Short; Katie Purdue, RN; Kristen Frieze, RN, COC</figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE -- Memorial Hospital’s Wound Center, in Abilene, earned the 2020 Going the Distance award, issued by RestorixHealth, an organization that specializes in the development and management of comprehensive wound healing and Amputation Prevention Center®&nbsp;facilities.Healthcare professionals have been tasked with maintaining quality through patient outcomes despite a daunting global pandemic. The Going the Distance award acknowledges those outpatient wound healing centers who have achieved or exceeded nationwide patient outcome standards within a set period of time during 2020.“Our Wound Center staff brings a wealth of talent to the wound healing workplace, and that fuels a positive impact on our patients’ outcomes,” said Memorial Hospital Wound Center physician, Dr. Bill Short. “Amidst a pandemic, their dedication to healing is a sign of resilience and strong work ethic. We are proud to be recognized as a center that is “Going the Distance.”Results are calculated by comparing the center’s patient outcomes against RestorixHealth nationwide benchmarks.Memorial Hospital’s Wound Center is open on Thursdays. For more information about wound care, or to schedule an appointment, call 785-571-1070.

Memorial Hospital's Wound Center earns Going the Distance award

The 37th Spring Poetry Series, sponsored by Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, opens on Tuesday with online readings by poets Joe McKenzie and Lori Brack.

The readings will begin at 7 p.m. via Zoom web-based video conferencing. To sign up for the reading, visit Salina Arts &amp; Humanities on Facebook, call the office at 785-309-5770, or visit the web page <a href="http://salinaarts.com/poetry_series.cfm">salinaarts.com/poetry_series.cfm</a>. Viewers will be invited to ask the poet questions after the reading.

McKenzie says, “Stuff happens constantly and I try to have a poetic response to it.” He calls his poems “observational free verse narratives of the world, everyday life and people, and their dogs.” He will read from his 2019 book At the Mercy of Ourselves, as well as newer work that emerged from the confluence of the theme of the book and the COVID-19 pandemic.

McKenzie will be joined by poet Lori Brack, who will read from her new book A Case for the Dead Letter Detective that features poems about an imagined and simultaneously real character, along with newer and older work. “Being outside in the back yard, down the street in a wheat field, sitting in the grass, and reading are what I am made of. I wish I was drawn to write more politically, but really, I’d rather remember and imagine,” Brack says.

Three other local poets – Ruth Moritz, Harley Elliott, and series founder Patricia Traxler will read from their work via Zoom and YouTube on remaining Tuesdays in April.

“This year’s format for the Spring Poetry Series needed to adapt due to the pandemic and its impact on the community,” says Brad Anderson, executive director of Salina Arts &amp; Humanities. “Shifting to a virtual event will allow the poets and audience to safely engage as they experience recent work by an exceptional group of poets.”

Joe McKenzie is a writer who retired after a
long career as a public librarian in Salina. He does freelance reporting and a
column for The Salina Journal, and
also writes children’s stories. McKenzie grew up in Philadelphia and went to
colleges in Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Colorado. His connection with the Spring
Poetry Series goes back to his work as director of the Salina Public Library,
which used to co-sponsor the series. McKenzie is a 2006 New Voice award winner
and has been a Poetry Series reader. His active community involvement informs
everything he writes. McKenzie is married to Mary Lou and has two sons and two
granddaughters.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Brack is a freelance arts worker and the
author of Museum Made of Breath,
published in 2018, and A Fine Place to
See the Sky, a poetic script for a work of performance art by Ernesto
Pujol, presented in 2010 at the Salina Art Center.

Her poems and essays have appeared
in journals and anthologies including Rooted: The
Best New Arboreal Nonfiction, Begin Again: 150 Kansas Poems, Atlas and Alice, North
American Review, South Dakota Review, and others. She is a Pushcart Prize
nominee and has worked for art centers, libraries, newspapers, and universities,
and for independent artistic projects including as a teaching artist in
secondary schools.&nbsp;She is coordinating this year’s poetry Spring
Poetry Series.

Books by the poets are available for purchase at Ad
Astra Books &amp; Coffee House, 141 N. Santa Fe Avenue.

The 37th Spring Poetry Series, sponsored by Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, opens on Tuesday with online readings by poets Joe McKenzie and Lori Brack.The readings will begin at 7 p.m. via Zoom web-based video conferencing. To sign up for the reading, visit Salina Arts &amp; Humanities on Facebook, call the office at 785-309-5770, or visit the web page <a href="http://salinaarts.com/poetry_series.cfm">salinaarts.com/poetry_series.cfm</a>. Viewers will be invited to ask the poet questions after the reading.McKenzie says, “Stuff happens constantly and I try to have a poetic response to it.” He calls his poems “observational free verse narratives of the world, everyday life and people, and their dogs.” He will read from his 2019 book At the Mercy of Ourselves, as well as newer work that emerged from the confluence of the theme of the book and the COVID-19 pandemic.McKenzie will be joined by poet Lori Brack, who will read from her new book A Case for the Dead Letter Detective that features poems about an imagined and simultaneously real character, along with newer and older work. “Being outside in the back yard, down the street in a wheat field, sitting in the grass, and reading are what I am made of. I wish I was drawn to write more politically, but really, I’d rather remember and imagine,” Brack says.Three other local poets – Ruth Moritz, Harley Elliott, and series founder Patricia Traxler will read from their work via Zoom and YouTube on remaining Tuesdays in April.“This year’s format for the Spring Poetry Series needed to adapt due to the pandemic and its impact on the community,” says Brad Anderson, executive director of Salina Arts &amp; Humanities. “Shifting to a virtual event will allow the poets and audience to safely engage as they experience recent work by an exceptional group of poets.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617244766678.png" alt="Joe McKenzie. Photos courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities" />
 <figcaption>Joe McKenzie. Photos courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities</figcaption>
 </figure>Joe McKenzie is a writer who retired after a
long career as a public librarian in Salina. He does freelance reporting and a
column for The Salina Journal, and
also writes children’s stories. McKenzie grew up in Philadelphia and went to
colleges in Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Colorado. His connection with the Spring
Poetry Series goes back to his work as director of the Salina Public Library,
which used to co-sponsor the series. McKenzie is a 2006 New Voice award winner
and has been a Poetry Series reader. His active community involvement informs
everything he writes. McKenzie is married to Mary Lou and has two sons and two
granddaughters.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617244680937.png" alt="Lori Brack. Photo by&nbsp;Maggie Mae" />
 <figcaption>Lori Brack. Photo by&nbsp;Maggie Mae</figcaption>
 </figure>Brack is a freelance arts worker and the
author of Museum Made of Breath,
published in 2018, and A Fine Place to
See the Sky, a poetic script for a work of performance art by Ernesto
Pujol, presented in 2010 at the Salina Art Center.Her poems and essays have appeared
in journals and anthologies including Rooted: The
Best New Arboreal Nonfiction, Begin Again: 150 Kansas Poems, Atlas and Alice, North
American Review, South Dakota Review, and others. She is a Pushcart Prize
nominee and has worked for art centers, libraries, newspapers, and universities,
and for independent artistic projects including as a teaching artist in
secondary schools.&nbsp;She is coordinating this year’s poetry Spring
Poetry Series.Books by the poets are available for purchase at Ad
Astra Books &amp; Coffee House, 141 N. Santa Fe Avenue.

McKenzie, Brack to open 37th Spring Poetry Series online

Today is Thursday, April 1, the 91st day of 2021. There are 274 days left in the year. This is April Fool's Day. 

On April 1, 1954, the United States Air Force Academy was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

In 1789, the U.S. House of Representatives held its first full meeting in New York; Frederick Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania was elected the first House speaker. 

In 1933, Nazi Germany staged a daylong national boycott of Jewish-owned businesses.

In 1945, American forces launched the amphibious invasion of Okinawa during World War II. (U.S. forces succeeded in capturing the Japanese island on June 22.) 

In 1970, President Richard M. Nixon signed a measure banning cigarette advertising on radio and television, to take effect after Jan. 1, 1971. 

In 1972, the first Major League Baseball players' strike began; it lasted 12 days. 

In 1975, with Khmer Rouge guerrillas closing in, Cambodian President Lon Nol resigned and fled into exile, spending the rest of his life in the United States. 

In 1976, Apple Computer was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. 

In 1977, the U.S. Senate followed the example of the House of Representatives by adopting, 86-9, a stringent code of ethics requiring full financial disclosure and limits on outside income.

In 1984, Marvin Gaye was shot to death by his father, Marvin Gay, Sr. in Los Angeles, the day before the recording star's 45th birthday. (The elder Gay pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and received probation.) 

In 1987, in his first speech on the AIDS epidemic, President Ronald Reagan told doctors in Philadelphia, "We've declared AIDS public health enemy no. 1." 

In 1992, the National Hockey League Players' Association went on its first-ever strike, which lasted 10 days. 

In 2003, American troops entered a hospital in Nasiriyah, Iraq, and rescued Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch, who had been held prisoner since her unit was ambushed on March 23. 

Ten years ago: Afghans angry over the burning of a Quran at a small Florida church stormed a U.N. compound in northern Afghanistan, killing seven foreigners, including four Nepalese guards.

Five years ago: World leaders ended a nuclear security summit in Washington by declaring progress in safeguarding nuclear materials sought by terrorists and wayward nations, even as President Barack Obama acknowledged the task was far from finished.

One year ago: President Donald Trump acknowledged that the federal stockpile of personal protective equipment used by doctors and nurses was nearly depleted, and he warned of some "horrific" days ahead for the country. Resisting calls to issue a national stay-at-home order, Trump said he wanted to give governors "flexibility" to respond to the coronavirus. Under growing pressure, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis joined his counterparts in more than 30 states in issuing a stay-at-home order. Navy officials struggling to quarantine crew members in the face of an outbreak on a U.S. aircraft carrier said nearly 3,000 sailors would be taken off of the USS Theodore Roosevelt in Guam. Grand Canyon National Park joined some other national parks in shutting down indefinitely in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus. England's Wimbledon tennis tournament was canceled for the first time since World War II.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Jane Powell is 92. Actor Don Hastings is 87. Actor Ali MacGraw is 82. R&amp;B singer Rudolph Isley is 82. Reggae singer Jimmy Cliff is 73. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is 71. Rock musician Billy Currie (Ultravox) is 71. Actor Annette O'Toole is 69. Movie director Barry Sonnenfeld is 68. Singer Susan Boyle is 60. Actor Jose Zuniga is 59. Country singer Woody Lee is 53. Actor Jessica Collins is 50. Rapper-actor Method Man is 50. Movie directors Albert and Allen Hughes are 49. Political commentator Rachel Maddow is 48. Former tennis player Magdalena Maleeva is 46. Actor David Oyelowo is 45. Actor JJ Field is 43. Singer Bijou Phillips is 41. Actor Sam Huntington is 39. Comedian-actor Taran Killam is 39. Actor Matt Lanter is 38. Actor Josh Zuckerman is 36. Country singer Hillary Scott (Lady A) is 35. Rock drummer Arejay Hale (Halestorm) is 34. Actor Asa Butterfield is 24. Actor Tyler Wladis is 11.

<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 Thursday, April 1, the 91st day of 2021. There are 274 days left in the year. This is April Fool's Day. Today's Highlight in History: On April 1, 1954, the United States Air Force Academy was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. On this date: In 1789, the U.S. House of Representatives held its first full meeting in New York; Frederick Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania was elected the first House speaker. In 1933, Nazi Germany staged a daylong national boycott of Jewish-owned businesses.In 1945, American forces launched the amphibious invasion of Okinawa during World War II. (U.S. forces succeeded in capturing the Japanese island on June 22.) In 1970, President Richard M. Nixon signed a measure banning cigarette advertising on radio and television, to take effect after Jan. 1, 1971. In 1972, the first Major League Baseball players' strike began; it lasted 12 days. In 1975, with Khmer Rouge guerrillas closing in, Cambodian President Lon Nol resigned and fled into exile, spending the rest of his life in the United States. In 1976, Apple Computer was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. In 1977, the U.S. Senate followed the example of the House of Representatives by adopting, 86-9, a stringent code of ethics requiring full financial disclosure and limits on outside income.In 1984, Marvin Gaye was shot to death by his father, Marvin Gay, Sr. in Los Angeles, the day before the recording star's 45th birthday. (The elder Gay pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and received probation.) In 1987, in his first speech on the AIDS epidemic, President Ronald Reagan told doctors in Philadelphia, "We've declared AIDS public health enemy no. 1." In 1992, the National Hockey League Players' Association went on its first-ever strike, which lasted 10 days. In 2003, American troops entered a hospital in Nasiriyah, Iraq, and rescued Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch, who had been held prisoner since her unit was ambushed on March 23. Ten years ago: Afghans angry over the burning of a Quran at a small Florida church stormed a U.N. compound in northern Afghanistan, killing seven foreigners, including four Nepalese guards. Five years ago: World leaders ended a nuclear security summit in Washington by declaring progress in safeguarding nuclear materials sought by terrorists and wayward nations, even as President Barack Obama acknowledged the task was far from finished. One year ago: President Donald Trump acknowledged that the federal stockpile of personal protective equipment used by doctors and nurses was nearly depleted, and he warned of some "horrific" days ahead for the country. Resisting calls to issue a national stay-at-home order, Trump said he wanted to give governors "flexibility" to respond to the coronavirus. Under growing pressure, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis joined his counterparts in more than 30 states in issuing a stay-at-home order. Navy officials struggling to quarantine crew members in the face of an outbreak on a U.S. aircraft carrier said nearly 3,000 sailors would be taken off of the USS Theodore Roosevelt in Guam. Grand Canyon National Park joined some other national parks in shutting down indefinitely in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus. England's Wimbledon tennis tournament was canceled for the first time since World War II.Today's Birthdays: Actor Jane Powell is 92. Actor Don Hastings is 87. Actor Ali MacGraw is 82. R&amp;B singer Rudolph Isley is 82. Reggae singer Jimmy Cliff is 73. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is 71. Rock musician Billy Currie (Ultravox) is 71. Actor Annette O'Toole is 69. Movie director Barry Sonnenfeld is 68. Singer Susan Boyle is 60. Actor Jose Zuniga is 59. Country singer Woody Lee is 53. Actor Jessica Collins is 50. Rapper-actor Method Man is 50. Movie directors Albert and Allen Hughes are 49. Political commentator Rachel Maddow is 48. Former tennis player Magdalena Maleeva is 46. Actor David Oyelowo is 45. Actor JJ Field is 43. Singer Bijou Phillips is 41. Actor Sam Huntington is 39. Comedian-actor Taran Killam is 39. Actor Matt Lanter is 38. Actor Josh Zuckerman is 36. Country singer Hillary Scott (Lady A) is 35. Rock drummer Arejay Hale (Halestorm) is 34. Actor Asa Butterfield is 24. Actor Tyler Wladis is 11.

Today in History -- April 1

The Company The daily theme at Crestwood, Inc. is&nbsp;Quality&nbsp;in&nbsp;every&nbsp;job detail. Inspect before/during/after every touch you make! The end result is beautiful cabinetry for our customers.

Positions Various Small &amp; Large Machine Operators for Full-Time, 1st Shift Positions!

Wage Starting Wage of $15.50/hour - Incentive Pay after Training Period completed!

The Core Values Machine Operators pull, sort, rip, and cut lumber/plywood to various measurements. They learn how to be efficient, choose lumber to set standards and ready the lumber for the next process: finish, building, shipping.&nbsp;Helpful Background:&nbsp;Experience with saws, machinery operation, knowledge of U.S. linear and metric measurements, some calipers. We are looking for people with&nbsp;proven manufacturing process experience and are:&nbsp;1) Willingness to learn wood species, different cabinet parts, finish processes; 2) Work with others in positive communication; and, 3) Be On Time &amp; Reliable!

The Overall Focus Machine Operators encompass three areas of focus: 1) Molding (decorative pieces); 2) Raw Cut (Doors, Drawer Fronts, Inserts, Face Frames); and, 3) Panel (sides of the cabinet). These three areas all fit together to prepare cabinetry, wood hoods, islands, all parts of the final assembly.

The Details Physical Demands&nbsp;- On a regular basis, the lifting is up to 50 pounds; some areas may be up to 20 pounds. If material is large in size/heavy - do a 2-person lift! You pull material from bunks/forklifts and carts (above and below your shoulders), place on saw, table, cut, move to next area. Nutshell: Walk, Lift, Bend, Squat, Pull - it's a workout!

Safety/Personal Protective Equipment - Work Safe For You &amp; Others!&nbsp;Lift properly, use tools in safe manner, wear eye and hearing protection.

Company Values-Make it a GREAT Day!&nbsp;Bring your smile, sing while you operate machinery, enjoy your co-workers, be on-time, at work and respectful to all. Quality Product from Quality People!

The Schedule Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm, thirty-minute lunch because everyone needs to rest and eat! Overtime and Saturdays scheduled per production needs.

The Priority Crestwood is known for beautiful custom cabinetry. How does that happen? It all Starts with the “right cut”! The quality of the wood begins the process.&nbsp;Be part of the Pride as a Machine Operator!

The Benefits Health/Vision/Dental Insurance (Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield) Health Savings Account (Further) Paid Life Insurance &amp; Additional Voluntary Options (Lincoln Financial Group) Cancer Insurance (BC/BS) Hospital Indemnity Plan (BC/BS) Short-Term Disability Insurance (Lincoln Financial Group) Paid Vacation: 2 Weeks 0-9 Years / 3 Weeks 10-19 Years / 4 Weeks 20+ Years Paid Holidays: New Year’s Day/Memorial Day/4th of July/Labor Day/thanksgiving/Christmas 401(k) Plan with Employer Match (also Roth option) Employee Assistance Program Alcohol &amp; Drug-Free Environment Equal Opportunity Employment In-house Job Opportunities for Continued Career Growth!

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 </figure>The Company The daily theme at Crestwood, Inc. is&nbsp;Quality&nbsp;in&nbsp;every&nbsp;job detail. Inspect before/during/after every touch you make! The end result is beautiful cabinetry for our customers.Positions Various Small &amp; Large Machine Operators for Full-Time, 1st Shift Positions!Wage Starting Wage of $15.50/hour - Incentive Pay after Training Period completed!The Core Values Machine Operators pull, sort, rip, and cut lumber/plywood to various measurements. They learn how to be efficient, choose lumber to set standards and ready the lumber for the next process: finish, building, shipping.&nbsp;Helpful Background:&nbsp;Experience with saws, machinery operation, knowledge of U.S. linear and metric measurements, some calipers. We are looking for people with&nbsp;proven manufacturing process experience and are:&nbsp;1) Willingness to learn wood species, different cabinet parts, finish processes; 2) Work with others in positive communication; and, 3) Be On Time &amp; Reliable!The Overall Focus Machine Operators encompass three areas of focus: 1) Molding (decorative pieces); 2) Raw Cut (Doors, Drawer Fronts, Inserts, Face Frames); and, 3) Panel (sides of the cabinet). These three areas all fit together to prepare cabinetry, wood hoods, islands, all parts of the final assembly.The Details Physical Demands&nbsp;- On a regular basis, the lifting is up to 50 pounds; some areas may be up to 20 pounds. If material is large in size/heavy - do a 2-person lift! You pull material from bunks/forklifts and carts (above and below your shoulders), place on saw, table, cut, move to next area. Nutshell: Walk, Lift, Bend, Squat, Pull - it's a workout!Safety/Personal Protective Equipment - Work Safe For You &amp; Others!&nbsp;Lift properly, use tools in safe manner, wear eye and hearing protection.Company Values-Make it a GREAT Day!&nbsp;Bring your smile, sing while you operate machinery, enjoy your co-workers, be on-time, at work and respectful to all. Quality Product from Quality People!The Schedule Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm, thirty-minute lunch because everyone needs to rest and eat! Overtime and Saturdays scheduled per production needs.The Priority Crestwood is known for beautiful custom cabinetry. How does that happen? It all Starts with the “right cut”! The quality of the wood begins the process.&nbsp;Be part of the Pride as a Machine Operator!The Benefits Health/Vision/Dental Insurance (Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield) Health Savings Account (Further) Paid Life Insurance &amp; Additional Voluntary Options (Lincoln Financial Group) Cancer Insurance (BC/BS) Hospital Indemnity Plan (BC/BS) Short-Term Disability Insurance (Lincoln Financial Group) Paid Vacation: 2 Weeks 0-9 Years / 3 Weeks 10-19 Years / 4 Weeks 20+ Years Paid Holidays: New Year’s Day/Memorial Day/4th of July/Labor Day/thanksgiving/Christmas 401(k) Plan with Employer Match (also Roth option) Employee Assistance Program Alcohol &amp; Drug-Free Environment Equal Opportunity Employment In-house Job Opportunities for Continued Career Growth!