The old adage that if you don't like the Kansas weather, wait a day or two is proving to be accurate once again.

After issuing red flag warnings Wednesday for much of the state, including counties in our area, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood watches for a significant part of the state.

NWS in Wichita has issued a flood watch in effect from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon for the following counties in our area.

Occasional showers and thunderstorms, some thunderstorms will contain very heavy rain will be likely during the watch time. As much as 2 to 4 inches of rain will be possible during this time.

Low land and flood prone areas will likely flood first. Areas adjacent to these areas will also be a risk.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615474026728.png" alt="rainfall potential 312to142021.png" />
 <figcaption>rainfall potential 312to142021.png</figcaption>
 </figure>The old adage that if you don't like the Kansas weather, wait a day or two is proving to be accurate once again.After issuing red flag warnings Wednesday for much of the state, including counties in our area, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood watches for a significant part of the state.NWS in Wichita has issued a flood watch in effect from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon for the following counties in our area.Marion CountyMcPherson CountySaline CountyOccasional showers and thunderstorms, some thunderstorms will contain very heavy rain will be likely during the watch time. As much as 2 to 4 inches of rain will be possible during this time.Low land and flood prone areas will likely flood first. Areas adjacent to these areas will also be a risk.

Flood watch issued for Saline, Marion, McPherson counties

OCCK Transportation has announced the addition of transit data for the KanConnect regional fixed route service through Google Maps and Apple Maps.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This will allow riders to plan trips and get directions using OCCK transit service from Abilene to Salina easily with a smart phone or computer.

"OCCK Transportation is one of only a handful of transit agencies in Kansas to join Google Maps and Apple Maps with transit data.&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope our participation will encourage current ridership and expand KanConnect, 81 Connection and CityGo to new active riders," OCCK Transportation noted in a news release.&nbsp;

By showing the “Public Transit” link in every search for driving directions, Google Maps and Apple Maps is helping to promote public transit by informing drivers of the possible transit services they could utilize.&nbsp;

The Google Maps service can be used on computers by going to the Google Maps website or on mobile phones and devices that use the Google Maps app.

The Apple Maps service can be used on Apple mobile phones and devices that use the Apple Maps app.

Both the KanConnect and the 81 Connection information is also coordinated with CityGo, so passengers can completely get to their destination.

OCCK Transportation has announced the addition of transit data for the KanConnect regional fixed route service through Google Maps and Apple Maps.&nbsp;&nbsp;This will allow riders to plan trips and get directions using OCCK transit service from Abilene to Salina easily with a smart phone or computer."OCCK Transportation is one of only a handful of transit agencies in Kansas to join Google Maps and Apple Maps with transit data.&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope our participation will encourage current ridership and expand KanConnect, 81 Connection and CityGo to new active riders," OCCK Transportation noted in a news release.&nbsp;By showing the “Public Transit” link in every search for driving directions, Google Maps and Apple Maps is helping to promote public transit by informing drivers of the possible transit services they could utilize.&nbsp;The Google Maps service can be used on computers by going to the Google Maps website or on mobile phones and devices that use the Google Maps app.The Apple Maps service can be used on Apple mobile phones and devices that use the Apple Maps app.Both the KanConnect and the 81 Connection information is also coordinated with CityGo, so passengers can completely get to their destination.

OCCK Transportation adds transit data to popular map apps

Joan Benefiel is the new arts services coordinator for Salina Arts &amp; Humanities.

Benefiel will oversee the Smoky Hill River Festival’s juried art show, demo artists, outdoor art installations and the Art Patron Program. She also will serve as the primary liaison to the Community Art &amp; Design Program and its advisory committee, and will serve as a regional public art and visual arts resource. 

A native of Wichita, Benefiel most recently lived and worked in New York City and in Brooklyn, N.Y. In the last 17 years, Benefiel’s work as a sculptor has included commissions for the Vietnam Veteran’s War Monument in Eisenhower State Park in Long Island, N.Y., and to create a St. Ignatius Memorial for Fairfield University in Fairfield, Conn.  

Her pieces have been included in shows ranging from “Beyond Rodin: Contemporary Figurative Sculpture Exhibition” for the Rye Arts Center, to “The Showcase Collection of Small Works” at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. 

“I never wanted to be an artist who didn’t understand each step,” said Benefiel. “I wanted to do it myself.” 

Initially self-taught, her training in dimensional design and production began with Kansas City sculptor Tom Corbin during her years at KU, then continued in various roles Benefiel held for more than a decade at Excalibur Bronze Fine Art Foundry in New York City. 

In 2008, she and husband, Jeremy Leichman, started their own firm, Figuration Studio, where they produced their own works and provided design and fabrication services for other artists. 

Recently, Benefiel’s works have appeared in exhibitions in Palm Desert, Calif., Springfield, Mo., Colorado Springs, Colo., Knoxville, Tenn., Naples, Fla., Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and other locations. Her work is currently featured in the El Paseo Public Art Sculpture Exhibition in Palm Desert, Calif., and in SculptureTour Salina-style exhibits in Gladstone and Springfield, Mo., and on the campus of Appalachian State University. Her work has been showcased in two documentaries and in media including Fox News, The New York Times, and Christian Century.

Benefiel’s lifelong commitment to sculpture illustrates how deeply the medium resonates with her. 

“It’s literal, but not limiting,” she said. “I can communicate something important to me while putting something out there that others can bring parts of themselves to. To have them experience a piece in the same physical space in which I create it, is special.”

Benefiel holds a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies from the University of Kansas and a MFA in figurative sculpture from the New York Academy of Art. She also has studied at the Art Students League of New York, Parsons School of Design, the School of Visual Arts, and at the University of Hull in the United Kingdom.

Her unique, hand-tinted, seemingly lit-from-within resin sculpture series titled “Cast In Light” has been featured in numerous temporary public-art installations around the United States, including spanning five blocks of Broadway below Times Square in NYC’s Fashion District, at L.A. Live at Nokia Plaza in Los Angeles, and in Rye Town Park in Rye, N.Y. Within her wide range of sculptural work, Benefiel created a two-part, 80-panel bronze bas-relief work depicting an historic railroad, as a focal element of the lobby of the famous Helmsley Building on Park Avenue, where one of the railway stations was once located.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615433984828.jpeg" alt="Joan Benefiel. Photo courtesy SAH" />
 <figcaption>Joan Benefiel. Photo courtesy SAH</figcaption>
 </figure>Joan Benefiel is the new arts services coordinator for Salina Arts &amp; Humanities.Benefiel will oversee the Smoky Hill River Festival’s juried art show, demo artists, outdoor art installations and the Art Patron Program. She also will serve as the primary liaison to the Community Art &amp; Design Program and its advisory committee, and will serve as a regional public art and visual arts resource. A native of Wichita, Benefiel most recently lived and worked in New York City and in Brooklyn, N.Y. In the last 17 years, Benefiel’s work as a sculptor has included commissions for the Vietnam Veteran’s War Monument in Eisenhower State Park in Long Island, N.Y., and to create a St. Ignatius Memorial for Fairfield University in Fairfield, Conn. Her pieces have been included in shows ranging from “Beyond Rodin: Contemporary Figurative Sculpture Exhibition” for the Rye Arts Center, to “The Showcase Collection of Small Works” at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. “I never wanted to be an artist who didn’t understand each step,” said Benefiel. “I wanted to do it myself.” Initially self-taught, her training in dimensional design and production began with Kansas City sculptor Tom Corbin during her years at KU, then continued in various roles Benefiel held for more than a decade at Excalibur Bronze Fine Art Foundry in New York City. In 2008, she and husband, Jeremy Leichman, started their own firm, Figuration Studio, where they produced their own works and provided design and fabrication services for other artists. Recently, Benefiel’s works have appeared in exhibitions in Palm Desert, Calif., Springfield, Mo., Colorado Springs, Colo., Knoxville, Tenn., Naples, Fla., Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and other locations. Her work is currently featured in the El Paseo Public Art Sculpture Exhibition in Palm Desert, Calif., and in SculptureTour Salina-style exhibits in Gladstone and Springfield, Mo., and on the campus of Appalachian State University. Her work has been showcased in two documentaries and in media including Fox News, The New York Times, and Christian Century.Benefiel’s lifelong commitment to sculpture illustrates how deeply the medium resonates with her. “It’s literal, but not limiting,” she said. “I can communicate something important to me while putting something out there that others can bring parts of themselves to. To have them experience a piece in the same physical space in which I create it, is special.”Benefiel holds a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies from the University of Kansas and a MFA in figurative sculpture from the New York Academy of Art. She also has studied at the Art Students League of New York, Parsons School of Design, the School of Visual Arts, and at the University of Hull in the United Kingdom.Her unique, hand-tinted, seemingly lit-from-within resin sculpture series titled “Cast In Light” has been featured in numerous temporary public-art installations around the United States, including spanning five blocks of Broadway below Times Square in NYC’s Fashion District, at L.A. Live at Nokia Plaza in Los Angeles, and in Rye Town Park in Rye, N.Y. Within her wide range of sculptural work, Benefiel created a two-part, 80-panel bronze bas-relief work depicting an historic railroad, as a focal element of the lobby of the famous Helmsley Building on Park Avenue, where one of the railway stations was once located.

Benefiel is the new SAH arts services coordinator

Are you interested in learning more about criminal behavior and what can be done to keep our community safe?&nbsp; Saline County is seeking four individuals to volunteer along with our standing members on the Criminal Behavior Reduction Committee.&nbsp; 

As a member of this committee, you will be tasked with reviewing existing support programs and services and provide information to the Saline County Board of County Commissioners that will assist with finding appropriate and cost-effective intervention efforts that prevent and correct criminal behaviors.

Saline County Commissioners noted that the previous work by the former “Committee for Reducing Jail Population” created the establishment of several new programs such as Drug Court and Pre-Trial services, but recognize that the work of reducing the need for incarceration is ongoing.&nbsp; The adopted changes to the previous by-laws will allow this committee to focus more broadly on criminal behavior rather than specifically the jail population.

Saline County is seeking volunteers for the following positions on this committee:

If you are interested in serving on this committee, you are asked to fill out an expression of interest form which may be obtained from the Saline County website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/" target="_blank">www.saline.org</a>, or by visiting the Administrative Resource Center, 300 W. Ash, Room 217.&nbsp; For questions, call 785-309-5810.

Are you interested in learning more about criminal behavior and what can be done to keep our community safe?&nbsp; Saline County is seeking four individuals to volunteer along with our standing members on the Criminal Behavior Reduction Committee.&nbsp; As a member of this committee, you will be tasked with reviewing existing support programs and services and provide information to the Saline County Board of County Commissioners that will assist with finding appropriate and cost-effective intervention efforts that prevent and correct criminal behaviors.Saline County Commissioners noted that the previous work by the former “Committee for Reducing Jail Population” created the establishment of several new programs such as Drug Court and Pre-Trial services, but recognize that the work of reducing the need for incarceration is ongoing.&nbsp; The adopted changes to the previous by-laws will allow this committee to focus more broadly on criminal behavior rather than specifically the jail population.Saline County is seeking volunteers for the following positions on this committee:<ol>
 <li>An attorney whose practice includes significant criminal defense work</li><li>A representative from a substance abuse treatment organization</li><li>A representative from Community Mental Health</li><li>An interested Citizen</li>
 </ol>If you are interested in serving on this committee, you are asked to fill out an expression of interest form which may be obtained from the Saline County website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/" target="_blank">www.saline.org</a>, or by visiting the Administrative Resource Center, 300 W. Ash, Room 217.&nbsp; For questions, call 785-309-5810.

County seeks volunteers for Criminal Behavior Reduction Committee

Today is Thursday, March 11, the 70th day of 2021. There are 295 days left in the year. 

On March 11, 1918, what were believed to be the first confirmed U.S. cases of a deadly global flu pandemic were reported among U.S. Army soldiers stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas; 46 would die. (The worldwide outbreak of influenza claimed an estimated 20 to 40 million lives.) 

In 1862, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln removed Gen. George B. McClellan as general-in-chief of the Union armies, leaving him in command of the Army of the Potomac, a post McClellan also ended up losing. 

In 1935, the Bank of Canada began operations, issuing its first series of bank notes. 

In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Lend-Lease Bill, providing war supplies to countries fighting the Axis. 

In 1942, as Japanese forces continued to advance in the Pacific during World War II, U.S. Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur left the Philippines for Australia, where he vowed on March 20, "I shall return" — a promise he kept more than 2½ years later. 

In 1954, the U.S. Army charged that Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy, R-Wis., and his subcommittee's chief counsel, Roy Cohn, had exerted pressure to obtain favored treatment for Pvt. G. David Schine, a former consultant to the subcommittee. (The confrontation culminated in the famous Senate Army-McCarthy hearings.) 

In 1955, Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin, died in London at age 73.

In 1959, the Lorraine Hansberry drama "A Raisin in the Sun" opened at New York's Ethel Barrymore Theater. 

In 1977, more than 130 hostages held in Washington, D.C., by Hanafi Muslims were freed after ambassadors from three Islamic nations joined the negotiations. 

In 1985, Mikhail S. Gorbachev was chosen to succeed the late Konstantin U. Chernenko as general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party. 

In 1986, the state of Georgia pardoned Leo Frank, a Jewish businessman lynched in 1915 for the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan.

In 2004, ten bombs exploded in quick succession across the commuter rail network in Madrid, Spain, killing 191 people in an attack linked to al-Qaida-inspired militants. 

In 2006, former Serb leader Slobodan Milosevic was found dead of a heart attack in his prison cell in the Netherlands, abruptly ending his four-year U.N. war crimes trial; he was 64.

Ten years ago: A magnitude-9.0 earthquake and resulting tsunami struck Japan's northeastern coast, killing nearly 20,000 people and severely damaging the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power station. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker signed a measure to eliminate most union rights for public employees, a proposal that had provoked three weeks of loud, relentless protests. NFL owners and players broke off labor negotiations hours before their contract expired; the league imposed a lockout that lasted 4½ months. Songwriter Hugh Martin, whose works included "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "The Trolley Song," died in Encinitas, California, at age 96.

Five years ago: Nancy Reagan's life was celebrated by 1,000 invited guests gathered at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, to pay final tribute to the former first lady who had died five days earlier at the age of 94. Keith Emerson, 71, founder and keyboardist of the progressive-rock band Emerson, Lake and Palmer, took his own life in Santa Monica, California; he was 71.

One year ago: With infection clusters expanding in the United States and Europe, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. In an Oval Office address to the nation, President Donald Trump said he was sharply restricting travel from Europe to the U.S. The NBA suspended its season "until further notice" after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the coronavirus. Actor Tom Hanks said that he and his wife, Rita Wilson, had tested positive in Australia; they were isolated in stable condition in a hospital. Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison for rape and sexual abuse after delivering a rambling plea for mercy in a New York courtroom. Russian lawmakers approved constitutional reforms that would let President Vladimir Putin stay in power until 2036. Three service members, including two Americans, were killed when a barrage of rockets was fired at a military base in Iraq.

Today's Birthdays: Media mogul Rupert Murdoch is 90. Former ABC News correspondent Sam Donaldson is 87. Musician Flaco Jimenez is 82. Actor Tricia O'Neil is 76. Actor Mark Metcalf is 75. Rock singer-musician Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge) is 74. Singer Bobby McFerrin is 71. Movie director Jerry Zucker is 71. Singer Cheryl Lynn is 70. Actor Susan Richardson is 69. Recording executive Jimmy Iovine is 68. Singer Nina Hagen is 66. Country singer Jimmy Fortune (The Statler Brothers) is 66. Actor Elias Koteas is 60. Actor-director Peter Berg is 59. Singer Mary Gauthier is 59. Actor Jeffrey Nordling is 59. Actor Alex Kingston is 58. Actor Wallace Langham is 56. Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., is 56. Actor John Barrowman is 54. Singer Lisa Loeb is 53. Neo-soul musician Al Gamble (St. Paul &amp; the Broken Bones) is 52. Singer Pete Droge is 52. Actor Terrence Howard is 52. Rock musician Rami Jaffee is 52. Actor Johnny Knoxville is 50. Rock singer-musicians Benji and Joel Madden (Good Charlotte; The Madden Brothers) are 42. Actor David Anders is 40. Singer LeToya Luckett is 40. Actor Thora Birch is 39. TV personality Melissa Rycroft is 38. Actor Rob Brown is 37. Actor Jodie Comer 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 Thursday, March 11, the 70th day of 2021. There are 295 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On March 11, 1918, what were believed to be the first confirmed U.S. cases of a deadly global flu pandemic were reported among U.S. Army soldiers stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas; 46 would die. (The worldwide outbreak of influenza claimed an estimated 20 to 40 million lives.) On this date: In 1862, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln removed Gen. George B. McClellan as general-in-chief of the Union armies, leaving him in command of the Army of the Potomac, a post McClellan also ended up losing. In 1935, the Bank of Canada began operations, issuing its first series of bank notes. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Lend-Lease Bill, providing war supplies to countries fighting the Axis. In 1942, as Japanese forces continued to advance in the Pacific during World War II, U.S. Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur left the Philippines for Australia, where he vowed on March 20, "I shall return" — a promise he kept more than 2½ years later. In 1954, the U.S. Army charged that Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy, R-Wis., and his subcommittee's chief counsel, Roy Cohn, had exerted pressure to obtain favored treatment for Pvt. G. David Schine, a former consultant to the subcommittee. (The confrontation culminated in the famous Senate Army-McCarthy hearings.) In 1955, Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin, died in London at age 73.In 1959, the Lorraine Hansberry drama "A Raisin in the Sun" opened at New York's Ethel Barrymore Theater. In 1977, more than 130 hostages held in Washington, D.C., by Hanafi Muslims were freed after ambassadors from three Islamic nations joined the negotiations. In 1985, Mikhail S. Gorbachev was chosen to succeed the late Konstantin U. Chernenko as general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party. In 1986, the state of Georgia pardoned Leo Frank, a Jewish businessman lynched in 1915 for the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan.In 2004, ten bombs exploded in quick succession across the commuter rail network in Madrid, Spain, killing 191 people in an attack linked to al-Qaida-inspired militants. In 2006, former Serb leader Slobodan Milosevic was found dead of a heart attack in his prison cell in the Netherlands, abruptly ending his four-year U.N. war crimes trial; he was 64.Ten years ago: A magnitude-9.0 earthquake and resulting tsunami struck Japan's northeastern coast, killing nearly 20,000 people and severely damaging the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power station. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker signed a measure to eliminate most union rights for public employees, a proposal that had provoked three weeks of loud, relentless protests. NFL owners and players broke off labor negotiations hours before their contract expired; the league imposed a lockout that lasted 4½ months. Songwriter Hugh Martin, whose works included "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "The Trolley Song," died in Encinitas, California, at age 96.Five years ago: Nancy Reagan's life was celebrated by 1,000 invited guests gathered at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, to pay final tribute to the former first lady who had died five days earlier at the age of 94. Keith Emerson, 71, founder and keyboardist of the progressive-rock band Emerson, Lake and Palmer, took his own life in Santa Monica, California; he was 71.One year ago: With infection clusters expanding in the United States and Europe, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. In an Oval Office address to the nation, President Donald Trump said he was sharply restricting travel from Europe to the U.S. The NBA suspended its season "until further notice" after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the coronavirus. Actor Tom Hanks said that he and his wife, Rita Wilson, had tested positive in Australia; they were isolated in stable condition in a hospital. Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison for rape and sexual abuse after delivering a rambling plea for mercy in a New York courtroom. Russian lawmakers approved constitutional reforms that would let President Vladimir Putin stay in power until 2036. Three service members, including two Americans, were killed when a barrage of rockets was fired at a military base in Iraq.Today's Birthdays: Media mogul Rupert Murdoch is 90. Former ABC News correspondent Sam Donaldson is 87. Musician Flaco Jimenez is 82. Actor Tricia O'Neil is 76. Actor Mark Metcalf is 75. Rock singer-musician Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge) is 74. Singer Bobby McFerrin is 71. Movie director Jerry Zucker is 71. Singer Cheryl Lynn is 70. Actor Susan Richardson is 69. Recording executive Jimmy Iovine is 68. Singer Nina Hagen is 66. Country singer Jimmy Fortune (The Statler Brothers) is 66. Actor Elias Koteas is 60. Actor-director Peter Berg is 59. Singer Mary Gauthier is 59. Actor Jeffrey Nordling is 59. Actor Alex Kingston is 58. Actor Wallace Langham is 56. Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., is 56. Actor John Barrowman is 54. Singer Lisa Loeb is 53. Neo-soul musician Al Gamble (St. Paul &amp; the Broken Bones) is 52. Singer Pete Droge is 52. Actor Terrence Howard is 52. Rock musician Rami Jaffee is 52. Actor Johnny Knoxville is 50. Rock singer-musicians Benji and Joel Madden (Good Charlotte; The Madden Brothers) are 42. Actor David Anders is 40. Singer LeToya Luckett is 40. Actor Thora Birch is 39. TV personality Melissa Rycroft is 38. Actor Rob Brown is 37. Actor Jodie Comer is 28.

Today in History -- March 11

NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. --&nbsp;At the end of each semester, the Office of Academic Affairs publishes the Dean's List.

Laura Ullom-Minnich of Moundridge was named to the Manchester University fall 2020 Dean's List.

Ullom-Minnich was among 382 students named to the fall 2020 Dean's List. Ullom-Minnich is majoring in environmental studies.

Students earning a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher who have completed at least 12 semester hours with no more than three hours of Pass/Not Pass grades are included on the Dean's List. Students with more than one hour of Incomplete (I) or Not Recorded (NR) grades at the end of the semester are not eligible for the Dean's List.

To graduate with distinction, a candidate for the bachelor's degree must have completed a minimum of 96 semester hours at Manchester University and accumulated a grade point average that falls in the ranges outlined below:

With campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., Manchester provides vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at <a href="http://www.manchester.edu/about-manchester">www.manchester.edu/about-manchester</a>.

NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. --&nbsp;At the end of each semester, the Office of Academic Affairs publishes the Dean's List.Laura Ullom-Minnich of Moundridge was named to the Manchester University fall 2020 Dean's List.Ullom-Minnich was among 382 students named to the fall 2020 Dean's List. Ullom-Minnich is majoring in environmental studies.Students earning a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher who have completed at least 12 semester hours with no more than three hours of Pass/Not Pass grades are included on the Dean's List. Students with more than one hour of Incomplete (I) or Not Recorded (NR) grades at the end of the semester are not eligible for the Dean's List.To graduate with distinction, a candidate for the bachelor's degree must have completed a minimum of 96 semester hours at Manchester University and accumulated a grade point average that falls in the ranges outlined below:summa cum laude&nbsp;3.950-4.000magna cum laude&nbsp;3.850-3.949cum laude&nbsp;3.650-3.849With campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., Manchester provides vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at <a href="http://www.manchester.edu/about-manchester">www.manchester.edu/about-manchester</a>.

Ullom-Minnich named to Dean's List at Manchester University

The Salina Fire Department offers a timely tip for safety. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafire/">Salina Fire</a> Facebook page:

The Salina Fire Department offers a timely tip for safety. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafire/">Salina Fire</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinafire%2Fphotos%2Fa.634668966630633%2F3558347424262758%2F&width=500&show_text=true&height=448&appId" width="500" height="448" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Salina Fire Department: Change detector batteries this weekend

Your new career is waiting for you at Robson Oil Company!&nbsp;

Robson Oil has been serving Kansas since 1924, providing Kansas with high quality fuel and lubricants, both on the farm and commercial customers.

They are currently hiring for a full-time office position with bookkeeping and accounting experience and someone who is detail oriented.

Robson Oil Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers Competitive Pay and benefits package. Please email your resume to:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:office@robsonoil.com" target="_blank">office@robsonoil.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614711349218.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Your new career is waiting for you at Robson Oil Company!&nbsp;Robson Oil has been serving Kansas since 1924, providing Kansas with high quality fuel and lubricants, both on the farm and commercial customers.They are currently hiring for a full-time office position with bookkeeping and accounting experience and someone who is detail oriented.Robson Oil Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers Competitive Pay and benefits package. Please email your resume to:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:office@robsonoil.com" target="_blank">office@robsonoil.com</a>.

Saline County reports 1 additional death, 17 new COVID-19 cases

Less than a year after purchasing El Dorado in Salina, Forest River Inc. has notified its Salina employees and the State of Kansas that it is closing the facility. 

According to the KansasWorks website, Forest River, Inc. filed a WARN Notice on Monday for its facility at 1655 Wall Street in Salina. 

The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act is a federal law that requires employers to provide advanced notification to workers when faced with a plant closing or mass layoff. 

The move will affect 146 employees, according to the WARN notice. The closure is expected to occur in mid-May.

Forest River purchased the former El Dorado bus facility from the REV Group in mid-May of 2020.

Attempts to reach Forest River have not been successful.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589401725328.jpeg" alt="The former El Dorado facility is closing. It was purchased from the REV group nearly a year ago by Forest River Inc. 2020 Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>The former El Dorado facility is closing. It was purchased from the REV group nearly a year ago by Forest River Inc. 2020 Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Less than a year after purchasing El Dorado in Salina, Forest River Inc. has notified its Salina employees and the State of Kansas that it is closing the facility. According to the KansasWorks website, Forest River, Inc. filed a WARN Notice on Monday for its facility at 1655 Wall Street in Salina. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act is a federal law that requires employers to provide advanced notification to workers when faced with a plant closing or mass layoff. The move will affect 146 employees, according to the WARN notice. The closure is expected to occur in mid-May.Forest River purchased the former El Dorado bus facility from the REV Group in mid-May of 2020.Attempts to reach Forest River have not been successful.

Forest River closing Salina facility; 146 soon to lose jobs

Weather History for Wednesday, March 10, 2021, from the National Weather Service in Wichita: In 1951, a slow-moving winter storm brought a 4 day period of heavy snow to much of the Midwest. Hardest hit were Iowa and Missouri, where snow fell continuously for around 4 days. Iowa City was buried by 27.2 inches which set an Iowa State record. Most of the snow occurred on the 10th. In 1922, Dodge City, Kansas reported a record 24 hour snow total of 17.5 inches. In 1938, 17 members of one family were injured when an F2 tornado destroyed their home 3 miles southeast of Salina. Fortunately, none of the injuries were fatal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Weather History for Wednesday, March 10, 2021, from the National Weather Service in Wichita: In 1951, a slow-moving winter storm brought a 4 day period of heavy snow to much of the Midwest. Hardest hit were Iowa and Missouri, where snow fell continuously for around 4 days. Iowa City was buried by 27.2 inches which set an Iowa State record. Most of the snow occurred on the 10th. In 1922, Dodge City, Kansas reported a record 24 hour snow total of 17.5 inches. In 1938, 17 members of one family were injured when an F2 tornado destroyed their home 3 miles southeast of Salina. Fortunately, none of the injuries were fatal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today in Weather History: 17 injured when F2 hit SE of Salina in 1938

The work of Salina Central High School Visual Art Department students will be included in the exhibit “Creatively Carrying On” on display in Salina Public Library’s Virtual Gallery 708.

The exhibit can be accessed at salinapubliclibrary.org/virtual until March 28. It features work by students of Larry Cullins and Kiersten Dykes, Salina Central High School art teachers. 

“Creatively Carrying On” includes a cross-section of drawing, painting and mixed media art. Students were encouraged to experiment while mastering rendering and composition, while incorporating the elements of design-line, color, space, form, texture, balance, unity and emphasis. Media used include oils, watercolors, graphite, acrylic, charcoal, pastels, ink, ceramics, paper mache, and wood.

This collection represents Salina Central’s intermediate Art 2-D and Art 3-D seniors, Art 2-D and 3-D Advanced seniors, and Advanced Placement Art and Design candidates. 

Artists whose works are included in the virtual exhibition are Camila Arellanes, Katherynne Bettes, Katelyn Botz, Emma Brady, Isaiah Deckert, Yornely Felix, Jaymie Ferguson, Rebekah Franklin, McCabe Green, Aydan Hernandez, Isaiah Houltberg, Katelee Jennings, Julieonna Good, Justice Gonzales, Rianne Jordan, Devina Madera, Lucas McConnell, Mialee Miller, Andrea Pack, Shawn Pyeatt, Sydney Raman, Emily Redding, Allexys Ronning-Franco, Max Shaffer, Avery Smith, and Chloe White.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615393180091.jpeg" alt=""Shoes," an oil painting by Salina Central's Camila Arellanes is one of many student-created pieces in the Salina Public Library's latest exhibit in Virtual Gallery 708. Photos courtesy Salina Public Library" />
 <figcaption>"Shoes," an oil painting by Salina Central's Camila Arellanes is one of many student-created pieces in the Salina Public Library's latest exhibit in Virtual Gallery 708. Photos courtesy Salina Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>The work of Salina Central High School Visual Art Department students will be included in the exhibit “Creatively Carrying On” on display in Salina Public Library’s Virtual Gallery 708.The exhibit can be accessed at salinapubliclibrary.org/virtual until March 28. It features work by students of Larry Cullins and Kiersten Dykes, Salina Central High School art teachers. “Creatively Carrying On” includes a cross-section of drawing, painting and mixed media art. Students were encouraged to experiment while mastering rendering and composition, while incorporating the elements of design-line, color, space, form, texture, balance, unity and emphasis. Media used include oils, watercolors, graphite, acrylic, charcoal, pastels, ink, ceramics, paper mache, and wood.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615393461171.jpeg" alt=""Brilliant Betta" 2020, a&nbsp;papier mache, wood, an acrylic piece by Katelee Jennings." />
 <figcaption>"Brilliant Betta" 2020, a&nbsp;papier mache, wood, an acrylic piece by Katelee Jennings.</figcaption>
 </figure>This collection represents Salina Central’s intermediate Art 2-D and Art 3-D seniors, Art 2-D and 3-D Advanced seniors, and Advanced Placement Art and Design candidates. Artists whose works are included in the virtual exhibition are Camila Arellanes, Katherynne Bettes, Katelyn Botz, Emma Brady, Isaiah Deckert, Yornely Felix, Jaymie Ferguson, Rebekah Franklin, McCabe Green, Aydan Hernandez, Isaiah Houltberg, Katelee Jennings, Julieonna Good, Justice Gonzales, Rianne Jordan, Devina Madera, Lucas McConnell, Mialee Miller, Andrea Pack, Shawn Pyeatt, Sydney Raman, Emily Redding, Allexys Ronning-Franco, Max Shaffer, Avery Smith, and Chloe White.

Variety of media included in SPL gallery exhibit of Central students' work

First Bank Kansas has announced its recent hire of Jaden Miller, who has joined the team as a lender at the Salina branch located at 235 South Santa Fe Avenue.

Miller brings an extensive knowledge of the agribusiness industry. He was raised on a farm in Harper, and previously worked at Smithfield Foods out of Crete, Neb., in the hog procurement division. Miller has a life-long passion for agriculture and continues that today through both his professional and personal endeavors.

Miller attended Kansas State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agribusiness. He enjoys cheering on the Wildcats, playing golf and basketball, working on the farm, and most importantly, spending time with family.

“Faith, family and work are the three big things in my life that I am passionate about. These three things drive me forward every day,” said Miller. “I look forward to working with the people of Salina; it is an amazing town with such great people. I really enjoy the small town feel and getting to know familiar faces around the area. It makes my day to help this community in a positive way.”

“The team at First Bank Kansas is excited to have Jaden join us. Jaden grew up in the agriculture world and brings a great perspective to future agricultural lending. We enjoy his small town work ethic and customer first attitude. Jaden’s philosophy of faith, family, and work will serve him well in his long future with First Bank Kansas. Jaden has a ‘can do’ attitude and is already a great asset to our team,” said First Bank Kansas Senior Vice President Brian Schwarz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615349432756.png" alt="Jaden Miller. Photo courtesy First Bank Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Jaden Miller. Photo courtesy First Bank Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>First Bank Kansas has announced its recent hire of Jaden Miller, who has joined the team as a lender at the Salina branch located at 235 South Santa Fe Avenue.Miller brings an extensive knowledge of the agribusiness industry. He was raised on a farm in Harper, and previously worked at Smithfield Foods out of Crete, Neb., in the hog procurement division. Miller has a life-long passion for agriculture and continues that today through both his professional and personal endeavors.Miller attended Kansas State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agribusiness. He enjoys cheering on the Wildcats, playing golf and basketball, working on the farm, and most importantly, spending time with family.“Faith, family and work are the three big things in my life that I am passionate about. These three things drive me forward every day,” said Miller. “I look forward to working with the people of Salina; it is an amazing town with such great people. I really enjoy the small town feel and getting to know familiar faces around the area. It makes my day to help this community in a positive way.”“The team at First Bank Kansas is excited to have Jaden join us. Jaden grew up in the agriculture world and brings a great perspective to future agricultural lending. We enjoy his small town work ethic and customer first attitude. Jaden’s philosophy of faith, family, and work will serve him well in his long future with First Bank Kansas. Jaden has a ‘can do’ attitude and is already a great asset to our team,” said First Bank Kansas Senior Vice President Brian Schwarz.--First Bank Kansas--

Jaden Miller joins First Bank Kansas as lender

A $2,000 trailer was stolen from a local business late last week.

Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander said this morning that sometime between Thursday and Saturday, someone stole a seven-foot by 16-foot homemade car trailer from Crestwood, Inc., 601 East Water Well Road. The trailer is described as being black with a wooden deck and two metal ramps on the back, and is valued at $2,000, he said. The trailer does not have a tag, he added.

The theft was reported Tuesday. Melander said that investigators are following up to see whether surveillance video is available.

A $2,000 trailer was stolen from a local business late last week.Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander said this morning that sometime between Thursday and Saturday, someone stole a seven-foot by 16-foot homemade car trailer from Crestwood, Inc., 601 East Water Well Road. The trailer is described as being black with a wooden deck and two metal ramps on the back, and is valued at $2,000, he said. The trailer does not have a tag, he added.The theft was reported Tuesday. Melander said that investigators are following up to see whether surveillance video is available.

Car trailer stolen from business south of Salina

Public safety agencies are one of the fastest-growing adopters of unmanned aircraft systems technology. Utilizing UAS provides opportunities and advantages to law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency management personnel, but knowing where to start in developing a UAS operation can be complicated. Kansas State Polytechnic is offering a&nbsp;<a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/training/public-safety-operation/" target="_blank">free webinar and live question and answer session</a>&nbsp;from noon to 1 p.m. CDT April 15 to provide guidance to public safety and emergency management organizations on how to start a UAS operation. The free webinar will cover identifying a need, budgeting, technology decisions, training and legal considerations. Law enforcement officials currently managing a UAS operation will also join the webinar to discuss lessons learned, including how to gain leadership and community buy-in, and identifying funding sources. Kansas State Polytechnic UAS experts will be available to answer questions. The webinar is free, but registration is&nbsp;<a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/training/public-safety-operation/" target="_blank">required</a>&nbsp;by noon CDT April 14.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615389404237.jpeg" alt="K-State Polytechnic is hosting a free webinar on establishing UAS operations in public safety organizations. Photo courtesy K-State Polytechnic" />
 <figcaption>K-State Polytechnic is hosting a free webinar on establishing UAS operations in public safety organizations. Photo courtesy K-State Polytechnic</figcaption>
 </figure>Public safety agencies are one of the fastest-growing adopters of unmanned aircraft systems technology. Utilizing UAS provides opportunities and advantages to law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency management personnel, but knowing where to start in developing a UAS operation can be complicated. Kansas State Polytechnic is offering a&nbsp;<a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/training/public-safety-operation/" target="_blank">free webinar and live question and answer session</a>&nbsp;from noon to 1 p.m. CDT April 15 to provide guidance to public safety and emergency management organizations on how to start a UAS operation. The free webinar will cover identifying a need, budgeting, technology decisions, training and legal considerations. Law enforcement officials currently managing a UAS operation will also join the webinar to discuss lessons learned, including how to gain leadership and community buy-in, and identifying funding sources. Kansas State Polytechnic UAS experts will be available to answer questions. The webinar is free, but registration is&nbsp;<a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/training/public-safety-operation/" target="_blank">required</a>&nbsp;by noon CDT April 14.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Free webinar on UAS operations in public safety organizations offered

Police are investigating the report of credit card skimmers being found on fuel pumps at a west Salina convenience store.

Officers were sent to Rod's, 1717 West Crawford Street, Tuesday for the report of fraudulent activity. An employee with Double Check, the company that services the fuel pumps, reported that he had located four credit card skimmers inside four of the fuel pumps, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The pumps were locked and the skimmers were not visible from the outside, he explained.

The pumps had last been serviced on Feb. 17, 2021.

It is unknown at this time if or how many persons' cards may have been compromised, Forrester noted.

Police are investigating the report of credit card skimmers being found on fuel pumps at a west Salina convenience store.Officers were sent to Rod's, 1717 West Crawford Street, Tuesday for the report of fraudulent activity. An employee with Double Check, the company that services the fuel pumps, reported that he had located four credit card skimmers inside four of the fuel pumps, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The pumps were locked and the skimmers were not visible from the outside, he explained.The pumps had last been serviced on Feb. 17, 2021.It is unknown at this time if or how many persons' cards may have been compromised, Forrester noted.

Credit card skimmers found at west Salina convenience store

UPDATE Wednesday morning: Wind speeds and some humidity levels have been updated.

Multiple red flag warnings have been issued for counties in our area.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a red flag warning in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m Wednesday for the following counties in our area.

Extreme grassland fire danger is forecast. Winds from the southwest at 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and relative humidity as low as 15 percent are forecast.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

NWS in Topeka has issued a red flag warning in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m Wednesday for the following counties in our area.

Southwest winds at 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph, shifting to the northwest at 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 25 mph in the evening are forecast. Humidity is expected to be 13 to 28 percent.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. Shifting winds will cause fire control problems.

NWS in Hastings has issued a red flag warning in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. that includes Mitchell County.

Winds from the west at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 35 to 45 mph and humidity as low as 15 to 20 percent are forecast.

Any fires that develop may be difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended. Use extreme caution if engaging in activities that could start a fire.

UPDATE Wednesday morning: Wind speeds and some humidity levels have been updated.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615384776288.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Multiple red flag warnings have been issued for counties in our area.The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a red flag warning in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m Wednesday for the following counties in our area.Ellsworth CountyLincoln CountyMarion CountyMcPherson CountySaline CountyExtreme grassland fire danger is forecast. Winds from the southwest at 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and relative humidity as low as 15 percent are forecast.Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.NWS in Topeka has issued a red flag warning in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m Wednesday for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyDickinson CountyOttawa CountyRepublic CountySouthwest winds at 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph, shifting to the northwest at 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 25 mph in the evening are forecast. Humidity is expected to be 13 to 28 percent.Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. Shifting winds will cause fire control problems.NWS in Hastings has issued a red flag warning in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. that includes Mitchell County.Winds from the west at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 35 to 45 mph and humidity as low as 15 to 20 percent are forecast.Any fires that develop may be difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended. Use extreme caution if engaging in activities that could start a fire.

UPDATE: NWS issues red flag warnings for Wednesday

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

A perfect spring day has a bright blue sky, just the right amount of heat, a light breeze and an almost unnoticeable humidity. It’s always a welcome sight after winter, but especially after Mother Nature treats everyone to two weeks of below-freezing temperatures. All of that is on top of months of pandemic-induced cabin fever. Yes, it’s safe to say I’m ready for spring for all the usual reasons: green grass, blooming flowers and trees, longer days and anticipation of summer. But this year the normal sense of renewal that comes with a dose of spring is heightened by the widespread distribution of vaccines that will let us return to living our lives in a more normal fashion. At this point, all of this will happen sooner rather than later. Somethings are never going back the way they were before. That’s good for some things, like remote work or more people buying their food directly from farmers and ranchers. These are the benefits that will stay with us long after everyone has had their chance to get a shot. For everything else to return, however, getting needles in every willing arm as fast as possible is the ticket back to the good life. I understand why some people are wary of taking one of these shots. Two of the three vaccines are based on a relatively new technology, and they were developed four times faster than any previous inoculation. Again, I understand wanting to be cautious, but I believe the rapid development of these vaccines is an achievement to be celebrated. A combination of government incentives and private enterprise combined to deliver doses of a safe and effective antidote to a modern-day plague in less than a year. It will take more time to see the full benefits of these vaccines, but early results in reducing the risk of death and hospitalizations are encouraging. Anecdotal reports from friends and family who’ve received their shots have also been positive. This is a revolutionary development in humans’ fight against disease. That message has been somewhat muddled because caution and mitigation efforts are still necessary. Vaccine supply constraints and the lead time needed before they’re fully effective require continued vigilance. But production is ramping up, and so is the pace of doses going into arms. But with each passing day we’re getting closer to reaching critical mass, closer to the end of this pandemic. Closer to hearing the hum of a crowded restaurant on a Friday night. Closer to watching the latest movie in a theater. Closer to boarding airplanes and collecting passport stamps. Closer to concerts, sporting events and celebrations disrupted over the past year. Just as a good dose of spring makes us quickly forget the chill of winter, a shot or two this season will get us to the other side of the pandemic by summer. And I expect it will be as glorious as feeling a shot of sunshine during a perfect spring day.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering. Photo courtesy KFB" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering. Photo courtesy KFB</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauA perfect spring day has a bright blue sky, just the right amount of heat, a light breeze and an almost unnoticeable humidity. It’s always a welcome sight after winter, but especially after Mother Nature treats everyone to two weeks of below-freezing temperatures. All of that is on top of months of pandemic-induced cabin fever. Yes, it’s safe to say I’m ready for spring for all the usual reasons: green grass, blooming flowers and trees, longer days and anticipation of summer. But this year the normal sense of renewal that comes with a dose of spring is heightened by the widespread distribution of vaccines that will let us return to living our lives in a more normal fashion. At this point, all of this will happen sooner rather than later. Somethings are never going back the way they were before. That’s good for some things, like remote work or more people buying their food directly from farmers and ranchers. These are the benefits that will stay with us long after everyone has had their chance to get a shot. For everything else to return, however, getting needles in every willing arm as fast as possible is the ticket back to the good life. I understand why some people are wary of taking one of these shots. Two of the three vaccines are based on a relatively new technology, and they were developed four times faster than any previous inoculation. Again, I understand wanting to be cautious, but I believe the rapid development of these vaccines is an achievement to be celebrated. A combination of government incentives and private enterprise combined to deliver doses of a safe and effective antidote to a modern-day plague in less than a year. It will take more time to see the full benefits of these vaccines, but early results in reducing the risk of death and hospitalizations are encouraging. Anecdotal reports from friends and family who’ve received their shots have also been positive. This is a revolutionary development in humans’ fight against disease. That message has been somewhat muddled because caution and mitigation efforts are still necessary. Vaccine supply constraints and the lead time needed before they’re fully effective require continued vigilance. But production is ramping up, and so is the pace of doses going into arms. But with each passing day we’re getting closer to reaching critical mass, closer to the end of this pandemic. Closer to hearing the hum of a crowded restaurant on a Friday night. Closer to watching the latest movie in a theater. Closer to boarding airplanes and collecting passport stamps. Closer to concerts, sporting events and celebrations disrupted over the past year. Just as a good dose of spring makes us quickly forget the chill of winter, a shot or two this season will get us to the other side of the pandemic by summer. And I expect it will be as glorious as feeling a shot of sunshine during a perfect spring day."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: Shots of spring

Today is Wednesday, March 10, the 69th day of 2021. There are 296 days left in the year. 

On March 10, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln assigned Ulysses S. Grant, who had just received his commission as lieutenant-general, to the command of the Armies of the United States. 

In 1785, Thomas Jefferson was appointed America's minister to France, succeeding Benjamin Franklin.

In 1848, the U.S. Senate ratified the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War. 

In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell's assistant, Thomas Watson, heard Bell say over his experimental telephone: "Mr. Watson — come here — I want to see you" from the next room of Bell's Boston laboratory. 

In 1906, about 1,100 miners in northern France were killed by a coal-dust explosion. 

In 1913, former slave, abolitionist and Underground Railroad "conductor" Harriet Tubman died in Auburn, New York; she was in her 90s. 

In 1914, the Rokeby Venus, a 17th century painting by Diego Velazquez on display at the National Gallery in London, was slashed multiple times by Mary Richardson, who was protesting the arrest of fellow suffragist Emmeline Pankhurst. (The painting was repaired.)

In 1927, the Sinclair Lewis novel "Elmer Gantry" was published by Harcourt, Brace &amp; Co.

In 1969, James Earl Ray pleaded guilty in Memphis, Tennessee (on his 41st birthday) to assassinating civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. (Ray later repudiated that plea, maintaining his innocence until his death.) 

In 1985, Konstantin U. Chernenko, who was the Soviet Union's leader for 13 months, died at age 73; he was succeeded by Mikhail Gorbachev.

In 1988, pop singer Andy Gibb died in Oxford, England, at age 30 of heart inflammation.

In 2000, Pope John Paul II approved sainthood for Katharine Drexel, a Philadelphia socialite who had taken a vow of poverty and devoted her fortune to helping poor Blacks and American Indians. (Drexel, who died in 1955, was canonized in October 2000.) 

In 2015, breaking her silence in the face of a growing controversy over her use of a private email address and server, Hillary Rodham Clinton conceded that she should have used government email as secretary of state but insisted she had not violated any federal laws or Obama administration rules.

Ten years ago: The House Homeland Security Committee examined Muslim extremism in America during a hearing punctuated by tearful testimony and angry recriminations. (Chairman Peter King, R-N.Y., accused U.S. Muslims of doing too little to help fight terror in America; Democrats warned of inflaming anti-Muslim sentiment.)

Five years ago: Donald Trump and his Republican rivals turned their presidential debate in Miami into a mostly respectful but still pointed discussion of Social Security, Islam, trade and more. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an official visit to the White House.

One year ago: Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden canceled primary-night rallies in Cleveland amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus. Biden won primaries in the battleground state of Michigan and three other states, dealing a serious blow to Sanders. Clusters of the coronavirus swelled on both U.S. coasts, with more than 70 cases linked to a biotech conference in Boston and infections turning up at 10 nursing homes in the Seattle area. Infections in Italy topped the 10,000 mark, as authorities enforced a sweeping nationwide lockdown. Stocks recouped most of their historic losses from a day earlier, amid fluctuating hopes on Wall Street that the government would try to cushion the economic pain from the coronavirus.

Today's Birthdays: Talk show host Ralph Emery is 88. Bluegrass/country singer-musician Norman Blake is 83. Actor Chuck Norris is 81. Playwright David Rabe is 81. Singer Dean Torrence (Jan and Dean) is 81. Actor Katharine Houghton (Film: "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?") is 79. Actor Richard Gant is 77. Rock musician Tom Scholz (Boston) is 74. Former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell is 74. TV personality/businesswoman Barbara Corcoran (TV: "Shark Tank") is 72. Actor Aloma Wright is 71. Blues musician Ronnie Earl (Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters) is 68. Producer-director-writer Paul Haggis is 68. Alt-country/rock musician Gary Louris is 66. Actor Shannon Tweed is 64. Pop/jazz singer Jeanie Bryson is 63. Actor Sharon Stone is 63. Rock musician Gail Greenwood is 61. Magician Lance Burton is 61. Movie producer Scott Gardenhour is 60. Actor Jasmine Guy is 59. Rock musician Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam) is 58. Music producer Rick Rubin is 58. Britain's Prince Edward is 57. Rock singer Edie Brickell is 55. Actor Stephen Mailer is 55. Actor Philip Anthony-Rodriguez is 53. Actor Paget Brewster is 52. Actor Jon Hamm is 50. Rapper-producer Timbaland is 49. Actor Cristian de la Fuente is 47. Rock musician Jerry Horton (Papa Roach) is 46. Actor Jeff Branson is 44. Singer Robin Thicke is 44. Actor Bree Turner is 44. Olympic gold medal gymnast Shannon Miller is 44. Contemporary Christian singer Michael Barnes (Red) is 42. Actor Edi Gathegi is 42. Actor Thomas Middleditch is 39. Country singer Carrie Underwood is 38. Actor Olivia Wilde is 37. R&amp;B singer Emeli Sande&nbsp; is 34. Country singer Rachel Reinert is 32. Country musician Jared Hampton (LANCO) is 30. Actor Emily Osment is 29.

<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, March 10, the 69th day of 2021. There are 296 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On March 10, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln assigned Ulysses S. Grant, who had just received his commission as lieutenant-general, to the command of the Armies of the United States. On this date: In 1785, Thomas Jefferson was appointed America's minister to France, succeeding Benjamin Franklin.In 1848, the U.S. Senate ratified the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War. In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell's assistant, Thomas Watson, heard Bell say over his experimental telephone: "Mr. Watson — come here — I want to see you" from the next room of Bell's Boston laboratory. In 1906, about 1,100 miners in northern France were killed by a coal-dust explosion. In 1913, former slave, abolitionist and Underground Railroad "conductor" Harriet Tubman died in Auburn, New York; she was in her 90s. In 1914, the Rokeby Venus, a 17th century painting by Diego Velazquez on display at the National Gallery in London, was slashed multiple times by Mary Richardson, who was protesting the arrest of fellow suffragist Emmeline Pankhurst. (The painting was repaired.)In 1927, the Sinclair Lewis novel "Elmer Gantry" was published by Harcourt, Brace &amp; Co.In 1969, James Earl Ray pleaded guilty in Memphis, Tennessee (on his 41st birthday) to assassinating civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. (Ray later repudiated that plea, maintaining his innocence until his death.) In 1985, Konstantin U. Chernenko, who was the Soviet Union's leader for 13 months, died at age 73; he was succeeded by Mikhail Gorbachev.In 1988, pop singer Andy Gibb died in Oxford, England, at age 30 of heart inflammation.In 2000, Pope John Paul II approved sainthood for Katharine Drexel, a Philadelphia socialite who had taken a vow of poverty and devoted her fortune to helping poor Blacks and American Indians. (Drexel, who died in 1955, was canonized in October 2000.) In 2015, breaking her silence in the face of a growing controversy over her use of a private email address and server, Hillary Rodham Clinton conceded that she should have used government email as secretary of state but insisted she had not violated any federal laws or Obama administration rules.Ten years ago: The House Homeland Security Committee examined Muslim extremism in America during a hearing punctuated by tearful testimony and angry recriminations. (Chairman Peter King, R-N.Y., accused U.S. Muslims of doing too little to help fight terror in America; Democrats warned of inflaming anti-Muslim sentiment.)Five years ago: Donald Trump and his Republican rivals turned their presidential debate in Miami into a mostly respectful but still pointed discussion of Social Security, Islam, trade and more. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an official visit to the White House. One year ago: Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden canceled primary-night rallies in Cleveland amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus. Biden won primaries in the battleground state of Michigan and three other states, dealing a serious blow to Sanders. Clusters of the coronavirus swelled on both U.S. coasts, with more than 70 cases linked to a biotech conference in Boston and infections turning up at 10 nursing homes in the Seattle area. Infections in Italy topped the 10,000 mark, as authorities enforced a sweeping nationwide lockdown. Stocks recouped most of their historic losses from a day earlier, amid fluctuating hopes on Wall Street that the government would try to cushion the economic pain from the coronavirus. Today's Birthdays: Talk show host Ralph Emery is 88. Bluegrass/country singer-musician Norman Blake is 83. Actor Chuck Norris is 81. Playwright David Rabe is 81. Singer Dean Torrence (Jan and Dean) is 81. Actor Katharine Houghton (Film: "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?") is 79. Actor Richard Gant is 77. Rock musician Tom Scholz (Boston) is 74. Former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell is 74. TV personality/businesswoman Barbara Corcoran (TV: "Shark Tank") is 72. Actor Aloma Wright is 71. Blues musician Ronnie Earl (Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters) is 68. Producer-director-writer Paul Haggis is 68. Alt-country/rock musician Gary Louris is 66. Actor Shannon Tweed is 64. Pop/jazz singer Jeanie Bryson is 63. Actor Sharon Stone is 63. Rock musician Gail Greenwood is 61. Magician Lance Burton is 61. Movie producer Scott Gardenhour is 60. Actor Jasmine Guy is 59. Rock musician Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam) is 58. Music producer Rick Rubin is 58. Britain's Prince Edward is 57. Rock singer Edie Brickell is 55. Actor Stephen Mailer is 55. Actor Philip Anthony-Rodriguez is 53. Actor Paget Brewster is 52. Actor Jon Hamm is 50. Rapper-producer Timbaland is 49. Actor Cristian de la Fuente is 47. Rock musician Jerry Horton (Papa Roach) is 46. Actor Jeff Branson is 44. Singer Robin Thicke is 44. Actor Bree Turner is 44. Olympic gold medal gymnast Shannon Miller is 44. Contemporary Christian singer Michael Barnes (Red) is 42. Actor Edi Gathegi is 42. Actor Thomas Middleditch is 39. Country singer Carrie Underwood is 38. Actor Olivia Wilde is 37. R&amp;B singer Emeli Sande&nbsp; is 34. Country singer Rachel Reinert is 32. Country musician Jared Hampton (LANCO) is 30. Actor Emily Osment is 29.

Today in History -- March 10

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

These positions are full time with benefits. The positions available are:

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>These positions are full time 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 MakersCheck 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.

City announces crack sealing work to begin on Wednesday

Saline County Commissioners Tuesday approved the schematic design for the new jail and sheriff's office.

"Once we found out what the site was, and the one that the county wanted to purchase, we spent some time as a team looking at that site," architect Jeff Lane of Treanor HL told commissioners this morning. 

The site where the county plans to build the new jail is located southeast of the intersection of East Pacific Avenue and North Front Street at the east end of East Woodland Avenue.

"We spent time thinking about the overall orientation of the building. Part of what we're trying to accomplish here with this site and with the building is creating an efficient building, both from a foot print perspective as well as from an energy perspective. So we actually spent a lot of time looking at wind, sun, how do we capture enough sun to actually be able to turn off lights or dim lights and reduce the electricity within this facility," Lane explained.

The team finally settled on a northeast-facing building, he told the commissioners.

"Do we know what that quantity of efficiency is? At this point, we don't, but I can tell you that based on the site orientation we feel that we have created an area or created an actual orientation that's going to allow for some efficiencies within what we're trying to accomplish. It also is allowing us to, from a utility perspective, bring utilities to this site in a better manner than it would have the other way," Lane said.

The schematic design also allows for future growth of the jail as well as for another county building, Lane explained.

At the conclusion of the presentation, the commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the schematic design.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615240179686.jpeg" alt="Commissioners approved the proposed northeast facing orientation for the new jail. Drawing courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Commissioners approved the proposed northeast facing orientation for the new jail. Drawing courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Saline County Commissioners Tuesday approved the schematic design for the new jail and sheriff's office."Once we found out what the site was, and the one that the county wanted to purchase, we spent some time as a team looking at that site," architect Jeff Lane of Treanor HL told commissioners this morning. The site where the county plans to build the new jail is located southeast of the intersection of East Pacific Avenue and North Front Street at the east end of East Woodland Avenue."We spent time thinking about the overall orientation of the building. Part of what we're trying to accomplish here with this site and with the building is creating an efficient building, both from a foot print perspective as well as from an energy perspective. So we actually spent a lot of time looking at wind, sun, how do we capture enough sun to actually be able to turn off lights or dim lights and reduce the electricity within this facility," Lane explained.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615344211512.png" alt="The architect's rendering of what the entrance to the new jail would look like. Rendering from Jeff Lane's presentation to the commissioners" />
 <figcaption>The architect's rendering of what the entrance to the new jail would look like. Rendering from Jeff Lane's presentation to the commissioners</figcaption>
 </figure>The team finally settled on a northeast-facing building, he told the commissioners."Do we know what that quantity of efficiency is? At this point, we don't, but I can tell you that based on the site orientation we feel that we have created an area or created an actual orientation that's going to allow for some efficiencies within what we're trying to accomplish. It also is allowing us to, from a utility perspective, bring utilities to this site in a better manner than it would have the other way," Lane said.The schematic design also allows for future growth of the jail as well as for another county building, Lane explained.At the conclusion of the presentation, the commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the schematic design.

County commission approves schematic design for new jail

Following is the Saline County Health Department Vax Facts update for Tuesday.

If you believe you are an eligible member of a Phase 2 population and have not yet registered please do so immediately.

If you have already registered, please do not register again.

The CDC has released new guidance regarding masking and social distancing after being fully vaccinated; however, Saline County and the City of Salina still has a mask requirement and public health order in place.

Currently just over 20 percent of the adult population who live and work in Saline County have received either one or both of their COVID-19 vaccinations. At least 70 percent will need to be fully vaccinated before the health officer recommends the mask requirement is lifted.

Masking is the most effective tool in preventing COVID-19 and other viruses, while being the least restrictive to personal freedom. Public health advises that mandates like a masking requirement should remain in place until at least 70 percent of the adult population are vaccinated to achieve some level of “herd immunity” and to allow individuals the opportunity to be self-determined in their own safety.

The currently public health order limiting mass gatherings and restricting business hours will remain in place until March 21. If numbers continue to trend downward, the public health officer intends to allow the order to expire. The mask requirement will remain in place until rescinded by the City and County Commissions.

Following is the Saline County Health Department Vax Facts update for Tuesday.If you believe you are an eligible member of a Phase 2 population and have not yet registered please do so immediately.If you have already registered, please do not register again.The CDC has released new guidance regarding masking and social distancing after being fully vaccinated; however, Saline County and the City of Salina still has a mask requirement and public health order in place.Currently just over 20 percent of the adult population who live and work in Saline County have received either one or both of their COVID-19 vaccinations. At least 70 percent will need to be fully vaccinated before the health officer recommends the mask requirement is lifted.Masking is the most effective tool in preventing COVID-19 and other viruses, while being the least restrictive to personal freedom. Public health advises that mandates like a masking requirement should remain in place until at least 70 percent of the adult population are vaccinated to achieve some level of “herd immunity” and to allow individuals the opportunity to be self-determined in their own safety.The currently public health order limiting mass gatherings and restricting business hours will remain in place until March 21. If numbers continue to trend downward, the public health officer intends to allow the order to expire. The mask requirement will remain in place until rescinded by the City and County Commissions.The state of Kansas remains in Phase 2. The decision to move forward to Phase 3 will be decided at the state level.The best vaccine for you is the first one offered to you. Dillon’s pharmacy is actively taking vaccination registrations and other pharmacies are anticipating being able to offer the same in the near future.You are encouraged to sign up on as many lists as possible to get the vaccine as soon as possible.If you receive a vaccine elsewhere please contact us to have your name removed from the registry. You will need to get both your first and second vaccine from the same organization.Anyone living or working in licensed congregate settings and other special care or congregate environments.●Licensed congregate settings are facilities licensed by the state or local government, that provide housing or care arrangements and where social distancing is not possible; they provide a form of social service or healthcare (or healthcare-associated) service.●Settings included in this phase are monitored by the state or the local government, or house vulnerable populations under care, e.g. in-home care and retirement facilities.●Risk is increased because of:-Proximity, i.e., residents and staff are less than 6ft away from one another;-Type of contact, i.e., exposure to droplets, shared surfaces, common items;-Duration, i.e., average interactions last more than 10 min;-Potentially high number of contacts and, sometimes, difficulties to implement protective measures.●Examples include:-Homeless shelters and other homeless housing settings and dwelling places;-Congregate childcare institutions, adult and child protective services;-Emergency shelters or safe houses for victims of domestic violence;-Corrections facilities, including jails and juvenile justice facilities;-Behavioral Health institutions (including mental health institutions) and residential treatment centers;-Adult care homes, residents and staff in home plus facilities not covered in phase 1;-Senior living homes;-Home care givers (paid or unpaid), personal care aides.High-contact critical workers​Workers providing critical services who are at a higher risk of being infected, because their jobs require consistent and close contact with a large number of individuals.●Critical workers are those necessary to maintain systems, assets and activities that are vital to the state (or national) security, the economy, or public health, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security;●Risk is associated with the likelihood of infecting oneself or spreading COVID. Factors that increase risk include proximity, type of contact, duration of contacts and challenges to implement protective measures;●Settings that provide a critical service and have recorded high transmission rates or become clusters in the past are usually high risk.●Examples include:-Firefighters, police officers, first responders, correction officers;-Grocery store workers and food services;-K-12 and childcare workers, including teachers, custodians, drivers and other staff;-Food processing, including meat processing plants;-Large-scale aviation manufacturing plants;-Transportation workers.●Workers in the following industries, if they regularly need to be in high-risk settings to perform their duties:-Retail, warehouses and sales outlets;-Agriculture;-Supply of critical services or materials for the COVID response (e.g. PPE);-The U.S. Postal Service;-Department of Motor Vehicles.Senior citizens remain the priority Phase 2 population and continue to be allotted the majority of the unrestricted vaccine doses as we work to distribute vaccines throughout our community.Vaccine supply remains the primary barrier to vaccinating our community.Unfortunately due to the state allocation process local staff members are unable to tell you when you can expect a vaccine at the time of your registration. Please be patient and someone will call you as soon as we have vaccine available for you.You can track KDHE's weekly vaccination allocation to each county on the <a href="http://KansasVaccine.gov">KansasVaccine.gov</a> data page.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.<figure>
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