Looking for activities for your children during spring break? Check out the activities scheduled by the Salina Art Center (SAC).

SAC has two spring break art programs this year: "Spring Break Create" with Krista DeMars and "Spring Break Art Camp: Figure Drawing" with Paul Alexander. Scholarships are available for both programs.

Spring Break programs are March 15-19 at the Art Center Warehouse Education Studio, 149 South Fourth Street. 

Register for classes at <a href="http://www.salinaartcenter.org/" target="_blank">www.salinaartcenter.org</a>.&nbsp;

"Spring Break Create" explores the creative idea of "things that fly" and is inspired by the wind and the skies! Projects focus on acrylic painting, printmaking, and collage with the subject matter of birds, insects, aircraft, kites, and even time. Students learn and develop basic techniques while exploring different mediums.&nbsp; Grades K-2 is in the morning from 9-11 a.m.&nbsp; Grades 3-5 are in the afternoon from 1-3 p.m.&nbsp; The class fee is $50; scholarships are available.

"Spring Break Art Camp: Figure Drawing" teaches students to understand form and how to draw portraits and people. This week-long course introduces students to the human form's foundational study, drawing from mannequins and a life-sized skeleton! Projects include sculpting faces and figures in clay before drawing in pen.&nbsp; SBAC: Figure Drawing is for grades 6-12 and is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.&nbsp; Pack a sack lunch.&nbsp; The class fee is $75; scholarships are available.

For a full schedule of classes for artists of all ages or scholarship applications, visit <a href="http://www.salinaartcenter.org/" target="_blank">www.salinaartcenter.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615265593485.jpeg" alt="In addition to its regular programs for children, the Salina Art Center also is offering special programs during spring break. The spring break programs will be in the&nbsp;Art Center Warehouse Education Studio. File photo courtesy SAC" />
 <figcaption>In addition to its regular programs for children, the Salina Art Center also is offering special programs during spring break. The spring break programs will be in the&nbsp;Art Center Warehouse Education Studio. File photo courtesy SAC</figcaption>
 </figure>Looking for activities for your children during spring break? Check out the activities scheduled by the Salina Art Center (SAC).SAC has two spring break art programs this year: "Spring Break Create" with Krista DeMars and "Spring Break Art Camp: Figure Drawing" with Paul Alexander. Scholarships are available for both programs.Spring Break programs are March 15-19 at the Art Center Warehouse Education Studio, 149 South Fourth Street. Register for classes at <a href="http://www.salinaartcenter.org/" target="_blank">www.salinaartcenter.org</a>.&nbsp;"Spring Break Create" explores the creative idea of "things that fly" and is inspired by the wind and the skies! Projects focus on acrylic painting, printmaking, and collage with the subject matter of birds, insects, aircraft, kites, and even time. Students learn and develop basic techniques while exploring different mediums.&nbsp; Grades K-2 is in the morning from 9-11 a.m.&nbsp; Grades 3-5 are in the afternoon from 1-3 p.m.&nbsp; The class fee is $50; scholarships are available."Spring Break Art Camp: Figure Drawing" teaches students to understand form and how to draw portraits and people. This week-long course introduces students to the human form's foundational study, drawing from mannequins and a life-sized skeleton! Projects include sculpting faces and figures in clay before drawing in pen.&nbsp; SBAC: Figure Drawing is for grades 6-12 and is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.&nbsp; Pack a sack lunch.&nbsp; The class fee is $75; scholarships are available.For a full schedule of classes for artists of all ages or scholarship applications, visit <a href="http://www.salinaartcenter.org/" target="_blank">www.salinaartcenter.org</a>.

Salina Art Center offering spring break programs

Tax season is also busy season for savvy criminals. Scammers impersonating the IRS either over-the-phone, by email or in-person can steal money from people. All taxpayers should stay vigilant against these schemes.

Here are some tips to help people recognize and avoid&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDguMzY1NDk0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L25ld3Nyb29tL3RheC1zY2Ftcy1jb25zdW1lci1hbGVydHMifQ.VKTlD16-63csevuiB1INBAvQtAcW11AxfgDRlAZU_-A/s/1260222507/br/99574767026-l" target="_blank">tax-related scams</a>.

Email phishing scams The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. Generally, the IRS first mails a paper bill to a person who owes taxes. In some special situations, the IRS will call or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDguMzY1NDk0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L25ld3Nyb29tL2hvdy10by1rbm93LWl0cy1yZWFsbHktdGhlLWlycy1jYWxsaW5nLW9yLWtub2NraW5nLW9uLXlvdXItZG9vci1hdWRpdHMifQ.597Ln7oltcbsB_Fl0J5i7tCM5EOajdTtIMKGgVDxsp0/s/1260222507/br/99574767026-l" target="_blank">come to a home or business</a>.

Taxpayers should report IRS, Treasury or tax-related suspicious online or email phishing scams to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phishing@irs.gov" target="_blank">phishing@irs.gov</a>. They should not open any attachments, click on any links, reply to the sender, or take any other actions that could put them at risk.

Phone scams The IRS generally first mails a bill to a taxpayer who owes taxes. There are specific&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDguMzY1NDk0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L3BheW1lbnRzIn0.--wZQwkPIepYFo13mm6rKuxAF1mYsTMg3yGuNeSH_ds/s/1260222507/br/99574767026-l" target="_blank">ways to pay taxes</a>. The agency and its&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDguMzY1NDk0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L2J1c2luZXNzZXMvc21hbGwtYnVzaW5lc3Nlcy1zZWxmLWVtcGxveWVkL3ByaXZhdGUtZGVidC1jb2xsZWN0aW9uIn0.xumavMp66Pb0IGtscN4F9ZIgJ7dVfwNlBaPVoT46-ko/s/1260222507/br/99574767026-l" target="_blank">authorized private collection agencies</a>&nbsp;will not:

●Leave pre-recorded, urgent, or threatening messages on an answering system.

●Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to arrest the taxpayer for not paying, deport them or revoke their licenses.

●Call to demand immediate payment with a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer.

●Ask for checks to third parties.. Demand payment without giving the taxpayer an opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.

Criminals can fake or spoof caller ID numbers to appear to be anywhere in the country. Scammers can even spoof an IRS office phone number or the numbers of various local, state, federal or tribal government agencies.

If a taxpayer receives an IRS or Treasury-related phone call, but doesn't owe taxes and has no reason to think they do, they should:

●Not give out any information. Hang up immediately.

●Contact the <a href="https://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report.shtml">Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration</a>&nbsp;to report the IRS impersonation scam call.

●Report the caller ID and callback number to the IRS by sending it to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phishing@irs.gov">phishing@irs.gov</a>. The subject line should include "IRS Phone Scam."

●Report the call to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft">Federal Trade Commission</a>.

If a taxpayer wants to verify what taxes they owe the IRS, they should:

●<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">View tax account information online</a>&nbsp;at IRS.gov.

●Review their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">payment options</a>.

More information: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDguMzY1NDk0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3VzLWNlcnQuY2lzYS5nb3YvbmNhcy90aXBzL1NUMDQtMDE0In0.FpzMrdSYyQYAm3sXIiftl4EeWlCw1gbtKvjEsI7B3yM/s/1260222507/br/99574767026-l" target="_blank">Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDguMzY1NDk0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L3B1Yi9pcnMtcGRmL3A0NTI0LnBkZiJ9.QymZdRRmWdrtjNCYkrdwg-_TPuyWLlbDmHIGt--PezY/s/1260222507/br/99574767026-l" target="_blank">Security Awareness for Taxpayers</a>

Tax season is also busy season for savvy criminals. Scammers impersonating the IRS either over-the-phone, by email or in-person can steal money from people. All taxpayers should stay vigilant against these schemes.Here are some tips to help people recognize and avoid&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDguMzY1NDk0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L25ld3Nyb29tL3RheC1zY2Ftcy1jb25zdW1lci1hbGVydHMifQ.VKTlD16-63csevuiB1INBAvQtAcW11AxfgDRlAZU_-A/s/1260222507/br/99574767026-l" target="_blank">tax-related scams</a>.Email phishing scams The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. Generally, the IRS first mails a paper bill to a person who owes taxes. In some special situations, the IRS will call or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDguMzY1NDk0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L25ld3Nyb29tL2hvdy10by1rbm93LWl0cy1yZWFsbHktdGhlLWlycy1jYWxsaW5nLW9yLWtub2NraW5nLW9uLXlvdXItZG9vci1hdWRpdHMifQ.597Ln7oltcbsB_Fl0J5i7tCM5EOajdTtIMKGgVDxsp0/s/1260222507/br/99574767026-l" target="_blank">come to a home or business</a>.Taxpayers should report IRS, Treasury or tax-related suspicious online or email phishing scams to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phishing@irs.gov" target="_blank">phishing@irs.gov</a>. They should not open any attachments, click on any links, reply to the sender, or take any other actions that could put them at risk.Phone scams The IRS generally first mails a bill to a taxpayer who owes taxes. There are specific&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDguMzY1NDk0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L3BheW1lbnRzIn0.--wZQwkPIepYFo13mm6rKuxAF1mYsTMg3yGuNeSH_ds/s/1260222507/br/99574767026-l" target="_blank">ways to pay taxes</a>. The agency and its&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDguMzY1NDk0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L2J1c2luZXNzZXMvc21hbGwtYnVzaW5lc3Nlcy1zZWxmLWVtcGxveWVkL3ByaXZhdGUtZGVidC1jb2xsZWN0aW9uIn0.xumavMp66Pb0IGtscN4F9ZIgJ7dVfwNlBaPVoT46-ko/s/1260222507/br/99574767026-l" target="_blank">authorized private collection agencies</a>&nbsp;will not:●Leave pre-recorded, urgent, or threatening messages on an answering system.●Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to arrest the taxpayer for not paying, deport them or revoke their licenses.●Call to demand immediate payment with a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer.●Ask for checks to third parties.. Demand payment without giving the taxpayer an opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.Criminals can fake or spoof caller ID numbers to appear to be anywhere in the country. Scammers can even spoof an IRS office phone number or the numbers of various local, state, federal or tribal government agencies.If a taxpayer receives an IRS or Treasury-related phone call, but doesn't owe taxes and has no reason to think they do, they should:●Not give out any information. Hang up immediately.●Contact the <a href="https://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report.shtml">Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration</a>&nbsp;to report the IRS impersonation scam call.●Report the caller ID and callback number to the IRS by sending it to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phishing@irs.gov">phishing@irs.gov</a>. The subject line should include "IRS Phone Scam." ●Report the call to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft">Federal Trade Commission</a>.If a taxpayer wants to verify what taxes they owe the IRS, they should:●<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">View tax account information online</a>&nbsp;at IRS.gov.●Review their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">payment options</a>.More information: <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDguMzY1NDk0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3VzLWNlcnQuY2lzYS5nb3YvbmNhcy90aXBzL1NUMDQtMDE0In0.FpzMrdSYyQYAm3sXIiftl4EeWlCw1gbtKvjEsI7B3yM/s/1260222507/br/99574767026-l" target="_blank">Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDguMzY1NDk0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcnMuZ292L3B1Yi9pcnMtcGRmL3A0NTI0LnBkZiJ9.QymZdRRmWdrtjNCYkrdwg-_TPuyWLlbDmHIGt--PezY/s/1260222507/br/99574767026-l" target="_blank">Security Awareness for Taxpayers</a>

IRS: Tips to help taxpayers spot and avoid tax scams

"The final battle against intolerance is to be fought--not in the chambers of any legislature--but in the hearts of men."~ Dwight D. Eisenhower, Oct. 19, 1956

ABILENE --Snow Falling on Cedars is the subject of this evening's Ike's (Virtual) Book Club program.

The next virtual book club will meet at 7 p.m. central time tonight. The program is free and open to the public. Participants can join online or by phone.

Join this program as if you were meeting your friends in a cozy café or living room with a glass of wine -- even if you have not read the book. 

The March book selection is Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson. This bestseller received the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction in 1995. The discussion will also incorporate the movie of the same title released in 2000.

The informal discussion will be led by Sandra Wiechert in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Yw-u6-G483-8sdnufY5ON8WzxS1UtYsBwh6wfbtDDIcH8YFpeOFjMvsubul5vazts1BA4GvRm6myH5XXTu9ttjU4N1LembqbA6rU-B0ScgMvVnp-UizYblBw6961XTluBZ6BhBQIBwtTG_Rz1dCS1hW9d4kKiZMH&amp;c=OjGvmA9oTkJ7x0Br0RKnAPXQ3KRnQhP_1uovPUNsG9Xvlub7174uWg==&amp;ch=G197cxiJNYzmR2xmUGEHs1lk2pGn8ZaLbGI0CxB16yGPOeEzu5qGxw==" target="_blank">Humanities Kansas</a>. The entire&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Yw-u6-G483-8sdnufY5ON8WzxS1UtYsBwh6wfbtDDIcH8YFpeOFjMvsubul5vaztifnp_YHZFql6ddCH0KuEYBSM2JUyN8rKTib8eY7LSl5u0CDSW8YyNCOBb5i7-BA2wz9HmSWo4HZ27UYVY7xUBmNXYxMzYPaxDiRFYHNRWcW2QsYVKvtuJPL0ATwNFvCn&amp;c=OjGvmA9oTkJ7x0Br0RKnAPXQ3KRnQhP_1uovPUNsG9Xvlub7174uWg==&amp;ch=G197cxiJNYzmR2xmUGEHs1lk2pGn8ZaLbGI0CxB16yGPOeEzu5qGxw==" target="_blank">reading list schedule</a>&nbsp;is available on the Eisenhower Presidential Library's website (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Yw-u6-G483-8sdnufY5ON8WzxS1UtYsBwh6wfbtDDIcH8YFpeOFjMjg21KPZhO46dgAwb3EYK7-77zkM76RXma8_-syzUHQjbCaY__1CZMC-iJhQQ8j2hsn-_yRvP0Pzvl_WGH91DMzyYdveccvlfA==&amp;c=OjGvmA9oTkJ7x0Br0RKnAPXQ3KRnQhP_1uovPUNsG9Xvlub7174uWg==&amp;ch=G197cxiJNYzmR2xmUGEHs1lk2pGn8ZaLbGI0CxB16yGPOeEzu5qGxw==" target="_blank">www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>).

Google Meet online:&nbsp;﻿meet.google.com/skd-zcwh-rxf. 

Telephone:&nbsp;617-675-4444‬ (PIN: ‪691 800 541 4258‬#). 

Please join 10 minutes early so the program may begin on time.

The&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Yw-u6-G483-8sdnufY5ON8WzxS1UtYsBwh6wfbtDDIcH8YFpeOFjMvsubul5vaztifnp_YHZFql6ddCH0KuEYBSM2JUyN8rKTib8eY7LSl5u0CDSW8YyNCOBb5i7-BA2wz9HmSWo4HZ27UYVY7xUBmNXYxMzYPaxDiRFYHNRWcW2QsYVKvtuJPL0ATwNFvCn&amp;c=OjGvmA9oTkJ7x0Br0RKnAPXQ3KRnQhP_1uovPUNsG9Xvlub7174uWg==&amp;ch=G197cxiJNYzmR2xmUGEHs1lk2pGn8ZaLbGI0CxB16yGPOeEzu5qGxw==" target="_blank">2021 Ike Book Talk series</a>&nbsp;is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation, Jeffcoat Foundation, Humanities Kansas, and the Abilene Public Library. For more details about this event, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Yw-u6-G483-8sdnufY5ON8WzxS1UtYsBwh6wfbtDDIcH8YFpeOFjMovXBHzLP4u8bk4FW95MXfzKhd4pWmXcDw-Dws0eKUTE78V-RohqO4olrKCKU2sfVGgxgj3UDsrvuCIj8cvNP_ybPoy4zhr9Sw2j_tnPJtFc&amp;c=OjGvmA9oTkJ7x0Br0RKnAPXQ3KRnQhP_1uovPUNsG9Xvlub7174uWg==&amp;ch=G197cxiJNYzmR2xmUGEHs1lk2pGn8ZaLbGI0CxB16yGPOeEzu5qGxw==" target="_blank">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>.

About the Eisenhower Presidential Library

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum&nbsp;is one of 15 Presidential Libraries operated by the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Yw-u6-G483-8sdnufY5ON8WzxS1UtYsBwh6wfbtDDIcH8YFpeOFjMk3Pu2nB16Y3QfDnfr8B-ZOvfA75ASMFTsdaHKsiyJP0n7ZSc9PyuJXyzJX5k7FEYSCaxq4ThmIOU2ic9pKrq5FBwOncrIoiUw==&amp;c=OjGvmA9oTkJ7x0Br0RKnAPXQ3KRnQhP_1uovPUNsG9Xvlub7174uWg==&amp;ch=G197cxiJNYzmR2xmUGEHs1lk2pGn8ZaLbGI0CxB16yGPOeEzu5qGxw==" target="_blank">National Archives and Records Administration</a>. Presidential Libraries promote understanding of the presidency and the American experience. They preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire. Public programs and exhibits at the Eisenhower Presidential Library are made possible in part through the generous support of the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Yw-u6-G483-8sdnufY5ON8WzxS1UtYsBwh6wfbtDDIcH8YFpeOFjMk3Pu2nB16Y3RjfJHMme7tCza1IsoW_mDTb2H_sLRELB_XiZzbEgvg5-NJ5XxqC5SVzZG9weFhOJ3f_LozGJl2_l_MpL0HYYTSW937yVHopL&amp;c=OjGvmA9oTkJ7x0Br0RKnAPXQ3KRnQhP_1uovPUNsG9Xvlub7174uWg==&amp;ch=G197cxiJNYzmR2xmUGEHs1lk2pGn8ZaLbGI0CxB16yGPOeEzu5qGxw==" target="_blank">Eisenhower Foundation</a>. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Yw-u6-G483-8sdnufY5ON8WzxS1UtYsBwh6wfbtDDIcH8YFpeOFjMk3Pu2nB16Y3imksdrnpeNTaveDGJU6uXrC9-Wir7EAEyWU5ejzNQiCiU1QLyVn4nJ_guH9kmY54Qv2JXdiVzATamA_Sib2Jwj25xHEBlVgN&amp;c=OjGvmA9oTkJ7x0Br0RKnAPXQ3KRnQhP_1uovPUNsG9Xvlub7174uWg==&amp;ch=G197cxiJNYzmR2xmUGEHs1lk2pGn8ZaLbGI0CxB16yGPOeEzu5qGxw==" target="_blank">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>.

"The final battle against intolerance is to be fought--not in the chambers of any legislature--but in the hearts of men."~ Dwight D. Eisenhower, Oct. 19, 1956ABILENE --Snow Falling on Cedars is the subject of this evening's Ike's (Virtual) Book Club program.The next virtual book club will meet at 7 p.m. central time tonight. The program is free and open to the public. Participants can join online or by phone. Join this program as if you were meeting your friends in a cozy café or living room with a glass of wine -- even if you have not read the book. The March book selection is Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson. This bestseller received the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction in 1995. The discussion will also incorporate the movie of the same title released in 2000. The informal discussion will be led by Sandra Wiechert in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Yw-u6-G483-8sdnufY5ON8WzxS1UtYsBwh6wfbtDDIcH8YFpeOFjMvsubul5vazts1BA4GvRm6myH5XXTu9ttjU4N1LembqbA6rU-B0ScgMvVnp-UizYblBw6961XTluBZ6BhBQIBwtTG_Rz1dCS1hW9d4kKiZMH&amp;c=OjGvmA9oTkJ7x0Br0RKnAPXQ3KRnQhP_1uovPUNsG9Xvlub7174uWg==&amp;ch=G197cxiJNYzmR2xmUGEHs1lk2pGn8ZaLbGI0CxB16yGPOeEzu5qGxw==" target="_blank">Humanities Kansas</a>. The entire&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Yw-u6-G483-8sdnufY5ON8WzxS1UtYsBwh6wfbtDDIcH8YFpeOFjMvsubul5vaztifnp_YHZFql6ddCH0KuEYBSM2JUyN8rKTib8eY7LSl5u0CDSW8YyNCOBb5i7-BA2wz9HmSWo4HZ27UYVY7xUBmNXYxMzYPaxDiRFYHNRWcW2QsYVKvtuJPL0ATwNFvCn&amp;c=OjGvmA9oTkJ7x0Br0RKnAPXQ3KRnQhP_1uovPUNsG9Xvlub7174uWg==&amp;ch=G197cxiJNYzmR2xmUGEHs1lk2pGn8ZaLbGI0CxB16yGPOeEzu5qGxw==" target="_blank">reading list schedule</a>&nbsp;is available on the Eisenhower Presidential Library's website (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Yw-u6-G483-8sdnufY5ON8WzxS1UtYsBwh6wfbtDDIcH8YFpeOFjMjg21KPZhO46dgAwb3EYK7-77zkM76RXma8_-syzUHQjbCaY__1CZMC-iJhQQ8j2hsn-_yRvP0Pzvl_WGH91DMzyYdveccvlfA==&amp;c=OjGvmA9oTkJ7x0Br0RKnAPXQ3KRnQhP_1uovPUNsG9Xvlub7174uWg==&amp;ch=G197cxiJNYzmR2xmUGEHs1lk2pGn8ZaLbGI0CxB16yGPOeEzu5qGxw==" target="_blank">www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>). MEETING OPTIONSGoogle Meet online:&nbsp;﻿meet.google.com/skd-zcwh-rxf. Telephone:&nbsp;617-675-4444‬ (PIN: ‪691 800 541 4258‬#). Please join 10 minutes early so the program may begin on time.The&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Yw-u6-G483-8sdnufY5ON8WzxS1UtYsBwh6wfbtDDIcH8YFpeOFjMvsubul5vaztifnp_YHZFql6ddCH0KuEYBSM2JUyN8rKTib8eY7LSl5u0CDSW8YyNCOBb5i7-BA2wz9HmSWo4HZ27UYVY7xUBmNXYxMzYPaxDiRFYHNRWcW2QsYVKvtuJPL0ATwNFvCn&amp;c=OjGvmA9oTkJ7x0Br0RKnAPXQ3KRnQhP_1uovPUNsG9Xvlub7174uWg==&amp;ch=G197cxiJNYzmR2xmUGEHs1lk2pGn8ZaLbGI0CxB16yGPOeEzu5qGxw==" target="_blank">2021 Ike Book Talk series</a>&nbsp;is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation, Jeffcoat Foundation, Humanities Kansas, and the Abilene Public Library. For more details about this event, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Yw-u6-G483-8sdnufY5ON8WzxS1UtYsBwh6wfbtDDIcH8YFpeOFjMovXBHzLP4u8bk4FW95MXfzKhd4pWmXcDw-Dws0eKUTE78V-RohqO4olrKCKU2sfVGgxgj3UDsrvuCIj8cvNP_ybPoy4zhr9Sw2j_tnPJtFc&amp;c=OjGvmA9oTkJ7x0Br0RKnAPXQ3KRnQhP_1uovPUNsG9Xvlub7174uWg==&amp;ch=G197cxiJNYzmR2xmUGEHs1lk2pGn8ZaLbGI0CxB16yGPOeEzu5qGxw==" target="_blank">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>.About the Eisenhower Presidential LibraryThe Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum&nbsp;is one of 15 Presidential Libraries operated by the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Yw-u6-G483-8sdnufY5ON8WzxS1UtYsBwh6wfbtDDIcH8YFpeOFjMk3Pu2nB16Y3QfDnfr8B-ZOvfA75ASMFTsdaHKsiyJP0n7ZSc9PyuJXyzJX5k7FEYSCaxq4ThmIOU2ic9pKrq5FBwOncrIoiUw==&amp;c=OjGvmA9oTkJ7x0Br0RKnAPXQ3KRnQhP_1uovPUNsG9Xvlub7174uWg==&amp;ch=G197cxiJNYzmR2xmUGEHs1lk2pGn8ZaLbGI0CxB16yGPOeEzu5qGxw==" target="_blank">National Archives and Records Administration</a>. Presidential Libraries promote understanding of the presidency and the American experience. They preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire. Public programs and exhibits at the Eisenhower Presidential Library are made possible in part through the generous support of the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Yw-u6-G483-8sdnufY5ON8WzxS1UtYsBwh6wfbtDDIcH8YFpeOFjMk3Pu2nB16Y3RjfJHMme7tCza1IsoW_mDTb2H_sLRELB_XiZzbEgvg5-NJ5XxqC5SVzZG9weFhOJ3f_LozGJl2_l_MpL0HYYTSW937yVHopL&amp;c=OjGvmA9oTkJ7x0Br0RKnAPXQ3KRnQhP_1uovPUNsG9Xvlub7174uWg==&amp;ch=G197cxiJNYzmR2xmUGEHs1lk2pGn8ZaLbGI0CxB16yGPOeEzu5qGxw==" target="_blank">Eisenhower Foundation</a>. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Yw-u6-G483-8sdnufY5ON8WzxS1UtYsBwh6wfbtDDIcH8YFpeOFjMk3Pu2nB16Y3imksdrnpeNTaveDGJU6uXrC9-Wir7EAEyWU5ejzNQiCiU1QLyVn4nJ_guH9kmY54Qv2JXdiVzATamA_Sib2Jwj25xHEBlVgN&amp;c=OjGvmA9oTkJ7x0Br0RKnAPXQ3KRnQhP_1uovPUNsG9Xvlub7174uWg==&amp;ch=G197cxiJNYzmR2xmUGEHs1lk2pGn8ZaLbGI0CxB16yGPOeEzu5qGxw==" target="_blank">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>.

Ike's (Virtual) Book Club to look at 'Snow Falling on Cedars'

The American College of Cardiology has recognized Salina Regional Health Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. 

Salina Regional was awarded Chest Pain Center reaccreditation with Primary PCI following a rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.

Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they have streamlined their systems from admission to evaluation to diagnosis and treatment all the way through to appropriate post-discharge care and recommendations and assistance in patient lifestyle changes. In addition, they have formal agreements with other facilities that regularly refer heart attack patients to their facility for primary PCI.

“Salina Regional Health Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing north central Kansas with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, M.D., FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Salina Regional Health Center with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.”

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.

“This accreditation is a point of pride for the entire medical community,” said Robert Freelove, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer at Salina Regional Health Center. “It’s a great example of our collaborative efforts to provide the highest quality of care for patients with chest pain and acute coronary syndrome.”

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Salina Regional Health Center access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615264809327.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy SRHC" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy SRHC</figcaption>
 </figure>The American College of Cardiology has recognized Salina Regional Health Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. Salina Regional was awarded Chest Pain Center reaccreditation with Primary PCI following a rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they have streamlined their systems from admission to evaluation to diagnosis and treatment all the way through to appropriate post-discharge care and recommendations and assistance in patient lifestyle changes. In addition, they have formal agreements with other facilities that regularly refer heart attack patients to their facility for primary PCI.“Salina Regional Health Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing north central Kansas with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, M.D., FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Salina Regional Health Center with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation.”Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.“This accreditation is a point of pride for the entire medical community,” said Robert Freelove, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer at Salina Regional Health Center. “It’s a great example of our collaborative efforts to provide the highest quality of care for patients with chest pain and acute coronary syndrome.”The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like Salina Regional Health Center access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.

SRHC receives Chest Pain Center reaccreditation

ABILENE -- A special Memorial Health System (MHS) Jeans Day fundraiser proved to be quite popular in February.

Each month, employees who make a donation of at least $5 are allowed to wear blue jeans to work on the last Friday of the month. 

A total of $860 was raised during the Feb. 26 Jeans Day event, MHS noted.

"This was, by far, the largest donation made for a Jeans Day by the employees of MHS," the organization reported.

What was so special about this particular Jeans Day fundraiser? The MHS Employer of Choice committee, which organized the fundraiser, had decided to donate funds raised Feb. 26 to Ethan Gustin and his family. 

Ethan had surgery last December to remove a brain tumor, according to information from MHS. He recently began chemo and radiation treatments for six weeks in Kansas City.

Since September 2017, MHS employees have donated $10,553.75 to various organizations and causes in Dickinson County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615263503133.jpeg" alt="Pictured in front holding the check are Ethan (left) and his brother, Joshua. Just behind them is more of Ethan’s family, including his mother Heather (to Ethan’s right), and to her left are Ethan’s Grandmother Debbie Jenne, Aunt Katie Jenne, and cousins Maddilyn Jenne and Makayla Jenne. Standing behind the family are just a few of the many MHS employees who support Ethan and his family in their journey. Photo courtesy MHS" />
 <figcaption>Pictured in front holding the check are Ethan (left) and his brother, Joshua. Just behind them is more of Ethan’s family, including his mother Heather (to Ethan’s right), and to her left are Ethan’s Grandmother Debbie Jenne, Aunt Katie Jenne, and cousins Maddilyn Jenne and Makayla Jenne. Standing behind the family are just a few of the many MHS employees who support Ethan and his family in their journey. Photo courtesy MHS</figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE -- A special Memorial Health System (MHS) Jeans Day fundraiser proved to be quite popular in February.Each month, employees who make a donation of at least $5 are allowed to wear blue jeans to work on the last Friday of the month. A total of $860 was raised during the Feb. 26 Jeans Day event, MHS noted."This was, by far, the largest donation made for a Jeans Day by the employees of MHS," the organization reported.What was so special about this particular Jeans Day fundraiser? The MHS Employer of Choice committee, which organized the fundraiser, had decided to donate funds raised Feb. 26 to Ethan Gustin and his family. Ethan had surgery last December to remove a brain tumor, according to information from MHS. He recently began chemo and radiation treatments for six weeks in Kansas City.Since September 2017, MHS employees have donated $10,553.75 to various organizations and causes in Dickinson County.

Popular MHS Jeans Day fundraiser benefits boy who had brain tumor removed

Today is Tuesday, March 9, the 68th day of 2021. There are 297 days left in the year. 

On March 9, 1841, the U.S. Supreme Court, in United States v. The Amistad, ruled 7-1 in favor of a group of illegally enslaved Africans who were captured off the U.S. coast after seizing control of a Spanish schooner, La Amistad; the justices ruled that the Africans should be set free. 

In 1916, more than 400 Mexican raiders led by Pancho Villa attacked Columbus, New Mexico, killing 18 Americans. During the First World War, Germany declared war on Portugal. 

In 1933, Congress, called into special session by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, began its "hundred days" of enacting New Deal legislation. 

In 1945, during World War II, U.S. B-29 bombers began launching incendiary bomb attacks against Tokyo, resulting in an estimated 100,000 deaths. 

In 1954, CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow critically reviewed Wisconsin Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy's anti-communism campaign on "See It Now."

In 1959, Mattel's Barbie doll, created by Ruth Handler, made its public debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York. 

In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court, in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, raised the standard for public officials to prove they'd been libeled in their official capacity by news organizations. 

In 1976, a cable car in the Italian ski resort of Cavalese fell some 700 feet to the ground when a supporting line snapped, killing 43 people. 

In 1987, Chrysler Corp. announced it had agreed to buy the financially ailing American Motors Corp. 

In 1989, the Senate rejected President George H.W. Bush's nomination of John Tower to be defense secretary by a vote of 53-47. (The next day, Bush tapped Wyoming Rep. Dick Cheney, who went on to win unanimous Senate approval.)

In 1990, Dr. Antonia Novello was sworn in as surgeon general, becoming the first woman and the first Hispanic to hold the job.

In 1997, gangsta rapper The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace) was killed in a still-unsolved drive-by shooting in Los Angeles; he was 24. 

In 2000, John McCain suspended his presidential campaign, conceding the Republican nomination to George W. Bush. Bill Bradley ended his presidential bid, conceding the Democratic nomination to Vice President Al Gore.

Ten years ago: After a trip to the International Space Station, shuttle Discovery ended its career as the most flown U.S. spaceship, returning from orbit for the last time. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation abolishing the death penalty in his state and commuting the sentences of all remaining death row inmates.

Five years ago: Six days before the Florida primary, Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders tangled in an intense debate in Miami over who was the true friend of American Hispanics, and had even worse things to say about Republican front-runner Donald Trump. During a Trump rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina, John Franklin McGraw struck protester Rakeem Jones as Jones was being removed by sheriff's deputies (McGraw, who later apologized for his actions, received a 30-day suspended sentence).

One year ago: Global stock markets and oil prices plunged, reflecting mounting alarm over the impact of the coronavirus. An alarmingly sharp slide at the opening bell on Wall Street triggered the first automatic halt in trading in more than two decades; the Dow industrials finished nearly 8% lower. A cruise ship with at least 21 infected people aboard was allowed to dock in Oakland, California after days idling at sea while dozens of those aboard were tested. Italy's premier put the entire country on lockdown to combat the coronavirus, urging all 60 million Italians to stay home. The Capitol's attending physician said "several" members of Congress had contact with a person who had attended a recent political conference and had later developed COVID-19. More than two dozen people, including the trainer of champion horse Maximum Security, were charged in what authorities described as a widespread scheme to drug racehorses to make them run faster.

Today's Birthdays: Former Sen. James L. Buckley, Conservative-N.Y., is 98. Singer Lloyd Price is 88. Actor Joyce Van Patten is 87. Country singer Mickey Gilley is 85. Actor Trish Van Devere is 80. Singer-musician John Cale (The Velvet Underground) is 79. Singer Mark Lindsay (Paul Revere and the Raiders) is 79. Former ABC anchorman Charles Gibson is 78. Rock musician Robin Trower is 76. Singer Jeffrey Osborne is 73. Country musician Jimmie Fadden (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) is 73. Actor Jaime Lyn Bauer is 72. Magazine editor Michael Kinsley is 70. TV newscaster Faith Daniels is 64. Actor Linda Fiorentino is 63. Actor Tom Amandes is 62. Actor-director Lonny Price is 62. Country musician Rusty Hendrix (Confederate Railroad) is 61. Actor Juliette Binoche is 57. Rock musician Robert Sledge (Ben Folds Five) is 53. Rock musician Shannon Leto (30 Seconds to Mars) is 51. Rapper C-Murder (AKA C-Miller) is 50. Actor Emmanuel Lewis is 50. Actor Jean Louisa Kelly is 49. Actor Kerr Smith is 49. Actor Oscar Isaac is 42. Comedian Jordan Klepper (TV: "The Daily Show") is 42. Rapper Chingy is 41. Actor Matthew Gray Gubler is 41. Rock musician Chad Gilbert (New Found Glory) is 40. NHL defenseman Brent Burns is 36. Actor Brittany Snow is 35. Rapper Bow Wow is 34. Rapper YG is 31. Actor Luis Armand Garcia is 29. Actor Cierra Ramirez is 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Tuesday, March 9, the 68th day of 2021. There are 297 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On March 9, 1841, the U.S. Supreme Court, in United States v. The Amistad, ruled 7-1 in favor of a group of illegally enslaved Africans who were captured off the U.S. coast after seizing control of a Spanish schooner, La Amistad; the justices ruled that the Africans should be set free. On this date: In 1916, more than 400 Mexican raiders led by Pancho Villa attacked Columbus, New Mexico, killing 18 Americans. During the First World War, Germany declared war on Portugal. In 1933, Congress, called into special session by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, began its "hundred days" of enacting New Deal legislation. In 1945, during World War II, U.S. B-29 bombers began launching incendiary bomb attacks against Tokyo, resulting in an estimated 100,000 deaths. In 1954, CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow critically reviewed Wisconsin Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy's anti-communism campaign on "See It Now."In 1959, Mattel's Barbie doll, created by Ruth Handler, made its public debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York. In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court, in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, raised the standard for public officials to prove they'd been libeled in their official capacity by news organizations. In 1976, a cable car in the Italian ski resort of Cavalese fell some 700 feet to the ground when a supporting line snapped, killing 43 people. In 1987, Chrysler Corp. announced it had agreed to buy the financially ailing American Motors Corp. In 1989, the Senate rejected President George H.W. Bush's nomination of John Tower to be defense secretary by a vote of 53-47. (The next day, Bush tapped Wyoming Rep. Dick Cheney, who went on to win unanimous Senate approval.)In 1990, Dr. Antonia Novello was sworn in as surgeon general, becoming the first woman and the first Hispanic to hold the job.In 1997, gangsta rapper The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace) was killed in a still-unsolved drive-by shooting in Los Angeles; he was 24. In 2000, John McCain suspended his presidential campaign, conceding the Republican nomination to George W. Bush. Bill Bradley ended his presidential bid, conceding the Democratic nomination to Vice President Al Gore.Ten years ago: After a trip to the International Space Station, shuttle Discovery ended its career as the most flown U.S. spaceship, returning from orbit for the last time. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation abolishing the death penalty in his state and commuting the sentences of all remaining death row inmates. Five years ago: Six days before the Florida primary, Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders tangled in an intense debate in Miami over who was the true friend of American Hispanics, and had even worse things to say about Republican front-runner Donald Trump. During a Trump rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina, John Franklin McGraw struck protester Rakeem Jones as Jones was being removed by sheriff's deputies (McGraw, who later apologized for his actions, received a 30-day suspended sentence). One year ago: Global stock markets and oil prices plunged, reflecting mounting alarm over the impact of the coronavirus. An alarmingly sharp slide at the opening bell on Wall Street triggered the first automatic halt in trading in more than two decades; the Dow industrials finished nearly 8% lower. A cruise ship with at least 21 infected people aboard was allowed to dock in Oakland, California after days idling at sea while dozens of those aboard were tested. Italy's premier put the entire country on lockdown to combat the coronavirus, urging all 60 million Italians to stay home. The Capitol's attending physician said "several" members of Congress had contact with a person who had attended a recent political conference and had later developed COVID-19. More than two dozen people, including the trainer of champion horse Maximum Security, were charged in what authorities described as a widespread scheme to drug racehorses to make them run faster.Today's Birthdays: Former Sen. James L. Buckley, Conservative-N.Y., is 98. Singer Lloyd Price is 88. Actor Joyce Van Patten is 87. Country singer Mickey Gilley is 85. Actor Trish Van Devere is 80. Singer-musician John Cale (The Velvet Underground) is 79. Singer Mark Lindsay (Paul Revere and the Raiders) is 79. Former ABC anchorman Charles Gibson is 78. Rock musician Robin Trower is 76. Singer Jeffrey Osborne is 73. Country musician Jimmie Fadden (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) is 73. Actor Jaime Lyn Bauer is 72. Magazine editor Michael Kinsley is 70. TV newscaster Faith Daniels is 64. Actor Linda Fiorentino is 63. Actor Tom Amandes is 62. Actor-director Lonny Price is 62. Country musician Rusty Hendrix (Confederate Railroad) is 61. Actor Juliette Binoche is 57. Rock musician Robert Sledge (Ben Folds Five) is 53. Rock musician Shannon Leto (30 Seconds to Mars) is 51. Rapper C-Murder (AKA C-Miller) is 50. Actor Emmanuel Lewis is 50. Actor Jean Louisa Kelly is 49. Actor Kerr Smith is 49. Actor Oscar Isaac is 42. Comedian Jordan Klepper (TV: "The Daily Show") is 42. Rapper Chingy is 41. Actor Matthew Gray Gubler is 41. Rock musician Chad Gilbert (New Found Glory) is 40. NHL defenseman Brent Burns is 36. Actor Brittany Snow is 35. Rapper Bow Wow is 34. Rapper YG is 31. Actor Luis Armand Garcia is 29. Actor Cierra Ramirez is 26.

Today in History -- March 9

A wind advisory has been issued for our area.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a wind advisory in effect from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday for the following counties in our area.

South winds at 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph are expected.

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. High profile vehicles should use extra caution on east and west road. Blowing dust is also a possibility during the afternoon. 

A wind advisory has been issued for our area.The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a wind advisory in effect from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday for the following counties in our area.Marion CountyMcPherson CountySaline CountySouth winds at 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph are expected.Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. High profile vehicles should use extra caution on east and west road. Blowing dust is also a possibility during the afternoon.

NWS issues wind advisory for several counties in our area

Vortex Global has announced that it is showcasing its latest advancements in dry bulk solids handling technologies, specifically in the loading solutions and aerated conveying product lines, through an updated version of its website. “Over the past five years, our product research and development team has delivered several innovations to the dry bulk material handling industry,” said Vortex President &amp; CEO, Travis Young. “This includes dustless grain ship loaders, high temperature gates for fly ash handling, abrasive duty diverters, and aerated cement conveyors. It became evident that we had to do a better job explaining these new product offerings to the market. Vortex’s new website does a great job with every technical detail.” The updated website, developed and designed completely in-house, mirrors Vortex’s latest catalog of slide gates, diverter valves, iris valves, loading spouts and aerated conveying systems for the handling of dry bulk solid materials which was published in late 2019. Vortex customers can obtain information on the products most suitable for their unique application by searching by product or by industry served. Website visitors can access detailed specifications for each of Vortex’s products including technical specifications, dimensional drawings, video animations and photos. “Our digital footprint is something we take very seriously, and that starts with a strong web presence,” explained Vortex Corporate Marketing Director Eric Montoy. “This latest website update focuses on ease-of-use, mobile optimization and delivering more relevant content to our Vortex customers. By tapping into some of the latest technologies we can continue to grow our online resources and technical support into the future.” The refreshed version of the website also includes a variety of resources for Vortex customers and members of the dry bulk solids handling industry. Among these resources are more than 250 case studies featuring Vortex applications, technical articles and white papers, a bulk solids glossary, and news articles from Vortex. Additional features of the updated site include downloadable instruction manuals, quote requests and return requests, live chat with Vortex representatives and details about Vortex’s history, company policies and current job openings within the organization. Visit vortexglobal.com to view the revamped website on your desktop or mobile device. You can also follow Vortex on Facebook (@vortexdrybulksolutions), LinkedIn (@vortex-valves), Twitter (@vortexvalves), and YouTube.

Vortex Global has announced that it is showcasing its latest advancements in dry bulk solids handling technologies, specifically in the loading solutions and aerated conveying product lines, through an updated version of its website. “Over the past five years, our product research and development team has delivered several innovations to the dry bulk material handling industry,” said Vortex President &amp; CEO, Travis Young. “This includes dustless grain ship loaders, high temperature gates for fly ash handling, abrasive duty diverters, and aerated cement conveyors. It became evident that we had to do a better job explaining these new product offerings to the market. Vortex’s new website does a great job with every technical detail.” The updated website, developed and designed completely in-house, mirrors Vortex’s latest catalog of slide gates, diverter valves, iris valves, loading spouts and aerated conveying systems for the handling of dry bulk solid materials which was published in late 2019. Vortex customers can obtain information on the products most suitable for their unique application by searching by product or by industry served. Website visitors can access detailed specifications for each of Vortex’s products including technical specifications, dimensional drawings, video animations and photos. “Our digital footprint is something we take very seriously, and that starts with a strong web presence,” explained Vortex Corporate Marketing Director Eric Montoy. “This latest website update focuses on ease-of-use, mobile optimization and delivering more relevant content to our Vortex customers. By tapping into some of the latest technologies we can continue to grow our online resources and technical support into the future.” The refreshed version of the website also includes a variety of resources for Vortex customers and members of the dry bulk solids handling industry. Among these resources are more than 250 case studies featuring Vortex applications, technical articles and white papers, a bulk solids glossary, and news articles from Vortex. Additional features of the updated site include downloadable instruction manuals, quote requests and return requests, live chat with Vortex representatives and details about Vortex’s history, company policies and current job openings within the organization. Visit vortexglobal.com to view the revamped website on your desktop or mobile device. You can also follow Vortex on Facebook (@vortexdrybulksolutions), LinkedIn (@vortex-valves), Twitter (@vortexvalves), and YouTube.

Vortex showcases new technologies on updated website

LINCOLN COUNTY—Two Kansas teens were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in Lincoln County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Pickup driven by Gunner A. Hulse, 15, Lucas, was turning left from N 13th Road onto Kansas 18.

The driver failed to yield when turning, according to the KHP. A westbound 2000 GMC pickup driven by Zachary J. Rose, 17, Luray, struck the Ford.&nbsp;

EMS transported Hulse to a Wichita hospital and Rose to the Lincoln County Hospital. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

LINCOLN COUNTY—Two Kansas teens were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Monday in Lincoln County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Pickup driven by Gunner A. Hulse, 15, Lucas, was turning left from N 13th Road onto Kansas 18.The driver failed to yield when turning, according to the KHP. A westbound 2000 GMC pickup driven by Zachary J. Rose, 17, Luray, struck the Ford.&nbsp;EMS transported Hulse to a Wichita hospital and Rose to the Lincoln County Hospital. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

2 Kansas teens hospitalized after pickups collide 

Here's the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday:

We are pleased to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported since our February 26 update; the total number of members of our community who have lost their lives to this deadly virus stands at 106. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have three patients who require hospitalization for COVID-19.

There have been eight new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on March 5, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 5,980.

The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 215 cases. At least 5,659 have recovered. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:

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

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

According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001f0H8peAZI7qTvXPqirq1gL-Uqlvi6u-fw5oQ-_cLczs99aFpCQzBZCj5a8i762Fr7FtCshF89Upl3ucTDpcOywaJcMfA2UMaOUpS-iZwGdCeDByntRuKVeg6zuK8FvzomcEZ7K7eMDZ0N_HgcDlnXLv4VRtQbMsz&amp;c=jmQXQ6DNzscJ7C-io46oF4fdaClDYdm5hi5QqnLZyVoDr6tlghBAIQ==&amp;ch=NV8s5_o0ZwF4J9wdV7pfurPIN6h7ZU5tzB6Ye37UDR9effgkBEWfCQ==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 296,451 cases and 4,816 deaths statewide.

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

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

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

3. Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective.&nbsp;

4. By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 50 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments).&nbsp;

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

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

Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001f0H8peAZI7qTvXPqirq1gL-Uqlvi6u-fw5oQ-_cLczs99aFpCQzBZCj5a8i762Fr9Yw_9OcFcYP2cT3HpdNy7aVjQgD0UFq9TBBzZYhpZGRdmqNe4S2ZJNRoj38Aw9FEW6Yb4jrzgrShtINOgpIsYbH4IMzpmYdu&amp;c=jmQXQ6DNzscJ7C-io46oF4fdaClDYdm5hi5QqnLZyVoDr6tlghBAIQ==&amp;ch=NV8s5_o0ZwF4J9wdV7pfurPIN6h7ZU5tzB6Ye37UDR9effgkBEWfCQ==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001f0H8peAZI7qTvXPqirq1gL-Uqlvi6u-fw5oQ-_cLczs99aFpCQzBZCj5a8i762Fr0Hxp9QVWcwJ_iYpp71ponjNJm66h6zd9Vd2VSlcOw7RWk1H-2pvs-xVpkD6HG925bMsWSkym9AA=&amp;c=jmQXQ6DNzscJ7C-io46oF4fdaClDYdm5hi5QqnLZyVoDr6tlghBAIQ==&amp;ch=NV8s5_o0ZwF4J9wdV7pfurPIN6h7ZU5tzB6Ye37UDR9effgkBEWfCQ==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615243683760.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Here's the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday:We are pleased to share that no additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported since our February 26 update; the total number of members of our community who have lost their lives to this deadly virus stands at 106. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have three patients who require hospitalization for COVID-19. There have been eight new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on March 5, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 5,980. The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 215 cases. At least 5,659 have recovered. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/ccad98556b7a46648616706b9f3e9cc4">Mobile Device Users</a>●<a href="https://sacoks.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4c3ee372c5704546b7771da303afd0a7">Desktop Users</a> According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001f0H8peAZI7qTvXPqirq1gL-Uqlvi6u-fw5oQ-_cLczs99aFpCQzBZCj5a8i762Fr7FtCshF89Upl3ucTDpcOywaJcMfA2UMaOUpS-iZwGdCeDByntRuKVeg6zuK8FvzomcEZ7K7eMDZ0N_HgcDlnXLv4VRtQbMsz&amp;c=jmQXQ6DNzscJ7C-io46oF4fdaClDYdm5hi5QqnLZyVoDr6tlghBAIQ==&amp;ch=NV8s5_o0ZwF4J9wdV7pfurPIN6h7ZU5tzB6Ye37UDR9effgkBEWfCQ==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 296,451 cases and 4,816 deaths statewide.

Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please:&nbsp;1. Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water.&nbsp;2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more.&nbsp;3. Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective.&nbsp;4. By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 50 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments).&nbsp;5. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc.6. Stay home if you are sick. Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse.&nbsp; Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001f0H8peAZI7qTvXPqirq1gL-Uqlvi6u-fw5oQ-_cLczs99aFpCQzBZCj5a8i762Fr9Yw_9OcFcYP2cT3HpdNy7aVjQgD0UFq9TBBzZYhpZGRdmqNe4S2ZJNRoj38Aw9FEW6Yb4jrzgrShtINOgpIsYbH4IMzpmYdu&amp;c=jmQXQ6DNzscJ7C-io46oF4fdaClDYdm5hi5QqnLZyVoDr6tlghBAIQ==&amp;ch=NV8s5_o0ZwF4J9wdV7pfurPIN6h7ZU5tzB6Ye37UDR9effgkBEWfCQ==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001f0H8peAZI7qTvXPqirq1gL-Uqlvi6u-fw5oQ-_cLczs99aFpCQzBZCj5a8i762Fr0Hxp9QVWcwJ_iYpp71ponjNJm66h6zd9Vd2VSlcOw7RWk1H-2pvs-xVpkD6HG925bMsWSkym9AA=&amp;c=jmQXQ6DNzscJ7C-io46oF4fdaClDYdm5hi5QqnLZyVoDr6tlghBAIQ==&amp;ch=NV8s5_o0ZwF4J9wdV7pfurPIN6h7ZU5tzB6Ye37UDR9effgkBEWfCQ==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

Saline County: 8 new COVID-19 cases; 5,659 of 5,980 recovered

The Saline County Commission is resuming in-person meetings and among the items on the agenda for Tuesday is a discussion of the schematic design for the new jail and sheriff's office.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.

To participate in the meetings, citizens can attend in person or join the meeting using via Zoom. You can use the following Zoom link and put in the Meeting ID and passcode:

<a href="https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>

Those who wish to speak using the Zoom link, either during the public forum or when the chairman requests public comment on an item must raise their hands so that the meeting host can allow them to speak.

People also can watch the meeting via the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">county's YouTube channel</a>, on Salina Media Connection’s YouTube channel, or on Cox cable Channel 20.

During the meeting, commissioners are scheduled to discuss and consider approving the schematic design for the new jail and sheriff's office. Architect Jeff Lane of Treanor HL is scheduled to present the drawings and a further schedule.

On Dec. 15, 2020, commissioners approved a contract with the LaVelle Frick Trust to purchase approximately 17.94 acres of land located southeast of the intersection of East Pacific Avenue and North Front Street at the east end of East Woodland Avenue to be used for the new jail and sheriff's office.

Commissioners also are scheduled to hear a presentation by County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes concerning a projection of the county's future financial condition in preparation for the 2022 budget process.

Other items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.

●Consider a request for a Mack engine replacement, Darren Fishel, road and bridge administrator

●Consider right of way offers for the Simpson Road Improvement Project, Justin Mader, county engineer 

●Consider signing an Aid to Local Grants application through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Jason Tiller, health department director

●Consider an amendment to the resolution appointing members to the Public Building Commission, Hannah Stambaugh, deputy county administrator

●Consider an amendment to the resolution concerning bylaws for the Crime Reduction Committee, Smith-Hanes

●Hear an update on proposed vehicle leasing, Smith-Hanes

To view the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet for Tuesday (66-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20210309.pdf?ver=s4kABQEXo8LHbKGCk60ruw%3d%3d">click here</a>.

The Saline County Commission is resuming in-person meetings and among the items on the agenda for Tuesday is a discussion of the schematic design for the new jail and sheriff's office.About the meetingThe meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.To participate in the meetings, citizens can attend in person or join the meeting using via Zoom. You can use the following Zoom link and put in the Meeting ID and passcode:<a href="https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>Meeting ID: 968 3581 9901Passcode: 144636Those who wish to speak using the Zoom link, either during the public forum or when the chairman requests public comment on an item must raise their hands so that the meeting host can allow them to speak.People also can watch the meeting via the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">county's YouTube channel</a>, on Salina Media Connection’s YouTube channel, or on Cox cable Channel 20.Agenda items<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615240179686.jpeg" alt="One of the jail drawings included in the commission meeting packet. Image courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>One of the jail drawings included in the commission meeting packet. Image courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>During the meeting, commissioners are scheduled to discuss and consider approving the schematic design for the new jail and sheriff's office. Architect Jeff Lane of Treanor HL is scheduled to present the drawings and a further schedule.On Dec. 15, 2020, commissioners approved a contract with the LaVelle Frick Trust to purchase approximately 17.94 acres of land located southeast of the intersection of East Pacific Avenue and North Front Street at the east end of East Woodland Avenue to be used for the new jail and sheriff's office.Commissioners also are scheduled to hear a presentation by County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes concerning a projection of the county's future financial condition in preparation for the 2022 budget process.Other items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Consider a request for a Mack engine replacement, Darren Fishel, road and bridge administrator●Consider right of way offers for the Simpson Road Improvement Project, Justin Mader, county engineer ●Consider signing an Aid to Local Grants application through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Jason Tiller, health department director●Consider an amendment to the resolution appointing members to the Public Building Commission, Hannah Stambaugh, deputy county administrator●Consider an amendment to the resolution concerning bylaws for the Crime Reduction Committee, Smith-Hanes●Hear an update on proposed vehicle leasing, Smith-HanesTo view the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet for Tuesday (66-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20210309.pdf?ver=s4kABQEXo8LHbKGCk60ruw%3d%3d">click here</a>.

County to resume in-person meetings; jail on agenda

Saline County has announced that it has closed part of North Donmyer Road today because of pavement failure.

North Donmyer Road between Old 40 Highway and Mariposa Road is closed to through traffic beginning today due to a pavement failure, according to a news release from the Saline County Road and Bridge Department. The roadway will be closed indefinitely.

 Motorists are advised to allow a few extra minutes of travel time to reach their destinations.  Local and emergency traffic will be provided access to private property within the sections of closed road at all times but only from the side upon which the property lies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615228602016.png" alt="Map courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Saline County has announced that it has closed part of North Donmyer Road today because of pavement failure.North Donmyer Road between Old 40 Highway and Mariposa Road is closed to through traffic beginning today due to a pavement failure, according to a news release from the Saline County Road and Bridge Department. The roadway will be closed indefinitely. Motorists are advised to allow a few extra minutes of travel time to reach their destinations. Local and emergency traffic will be provided access to private property within the sections of closed road at all times but only from the side upon which the property lies.

County closes part of North Donmyer Road due to pavement failure

Work being done in the area is being blamed for brief power outages across parts of central and south Salina shortly before noon.

An Evergy spokesperson told Salina Post that just under 4,600 customers in Salina lost power for three to four minutes. She said work being done by Evergy in the area inadvertently caused the outages.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615227345134.png" alt="A look at where some of the outages were located. Outage map courtesy Evergy" />
 <figcaption>A look at where some of the outages were located. Outage map courtesy Evergy</figcaption>
 </figure>Work being done in the area is being blamed for brief power outages across parts of central and south Salina shortly before noon.An Evergy spokesperson told Salina Post that just under 4,600 customers in Salina lost power for three to four minutes. She said work being done by Evergy in the area inadvertently caused the outages.

Evergy: Work knocks out power briefly for nearly 4,600 in Salina

Registration for Kindergarten Roundup is open for students who turn five years old on or before Aug. 31, 2021. 

Salina Public Schools offers All Day Kindergarten at each elementary school.

Parents and guardians can register* their child at&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.gle/Pge3S6dvLsecW2sM6" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/Pge3S6dvLsecW2sM6</a>&nbsp;to receive more information from the school their child will attend.

Registration will reserve a place for a virtual Kindergarten Roundup event in April that will be held separately by each elementary school.

Getting ready for the first day of kindergarten is an exciting time for both our students and families. The staff at USD 305 look forward to sharing a long-lasting partnership with parents and guardians of their students. Find more information at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usd305.com/" target="_blank">www.usd305.com</a>.

*&nbsp;Questions about the registration form? Call (785) 309-4671 for help.

Per Kansas law, kindergarteners must be five years old on or before Aug. 31, 2021 to begin school in August of 2021.

Registration for Kindergarten Roundup is open for students who turn five years old on or before Aug. 31, 2021. Salina Public Schools offers All Day Kindergarten at each elementary school.Parents and guardians can register* their child at&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.gle/Pge3S6dvLsecW2sM6" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/Pge3S6dvLsecW2sM6</a>&nbsp;to receive more information from the school their child will attend.Registration will reserve a place for a virtual Kindergarten Roundup event in April that will be held separately by each elementary school.Getting ready for the first day of kindergarten is an exciting time for both our students and families. The staff at USD 305 look forward to sharing a long-lasting partnership with parents and guardians of their students. Find more information at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usd305.com/" target="_blank">www.usd305.com</a>.*&nbsp;Questions about the registration form? Call (785) 309-4671 for help.Per Kansas law, kindergarteners must be five years old on or before Aug. 31, 2021 to begin school in August of 2021.

Registration opens for Kindergarten Roundup at USD 305

A local store is missing two pint bottles of liquor after two subjects reportedly shattered a window and grabbed the booze.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that officers were sent to Laura's Liquor, 1600 East Iron Avenue at 1:20 a.m. Sunday for the report of two subjects breaking a window at the business. When they arrived, they found an approximate eight-foot by five-foot window that had been shattered and had a hole in it.

It is believed that the suspects reached through the hole and grabbed two pint bottles of liquor -- Calvert X and Canadian Club -- that were on a nearby shelf.

Total loss with damage and theft is estimated at $1,310, Forrester noted.

A local store is missing two pint bottles of liquor after two subjects reportedly shattered a window and grabbed the booze.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that officers were sent to Laura's Liquor, 1600 East Iron Avenue at 1:20 a.m. Sunday for the report of two subjects breaking a window at the business. When they arrived, they found an approximate eight-foot by five-foot window that had been shattered and had a hole in it.It is believed that the suspects reached through the hole and grabbed two pint bottles of liquor -- Calvert X and Canadian Club -- that were on a nearby shelf.Total loss with damage and theft is estimated at $1,310, Forrester noted.

Thieves shatter window, steal bottles of liquor

A controlled burn got away from a Saline County land owner early Saturday afternoon and spread to adjacent property, forcing four rural fire districts to respond to the blaze.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that Jeffrey Benson, 52, was burning grass around his pond in the 3600 block of South Crest Lane when the fire got away from him shortly after noon Saturday. 

The fire quickly spread north onto the property of Delbert Prophet, 75, where it burned/melted part of a fence. Prophet valued the damaged fence at $2,600, Soldan said.

The fire continued northward and past the 2700 block of South Burma Road before it was extinguished.

Rural Fire Districts 2, 3, 6, and 7 responded to the blaze, Soldan said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615220577969.jpeg" alt="Four rural fire districts responded to the fire that began as a controlled burn in the 3600 block of South Crest Lane. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Four rural fire districts responded to the fire that began as a controlled burn in the 3600 block of South Crest Lane. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A controlled burn got away from a Saline County land owner early Saturday afternoon and spread to adjacent property, forcing four rural fire districts to respond to the blaze.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that Jeffrey Benson, 52, was burning grass around his pond in the 3600 block of South Crest Lane when the fire got away from him shortly after noon Saturday. The fire quickly spread north onto the property of Delbert Prophet, 75, where it burned/melted part of a fence. Prophet valued the damaged fence at $2,600, Soldan said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615220723875.jpeg" alt="The fire spread to an adjacent property and melted part of a fence." />
 <figcaption>The fire spread to an adjacent property and melted part of a fence.</figcaption>
 </figure>The fire continued northward and past the 2700 block of South Burma Road before it was extinguished.Rural Fire Districts 2, 3, 6, and 7 responded to the blaze, Soldan said.

Controlled burn gets away from landowner; four RFDs respond

Police are looking for the driver of a pickup that struck a parked Ford F150 in south-central Salina Friday night.

Jacob Brockelman, 31, of Salina, told police that at approximately 9 p.m. Friday, he was inside his residence in the 1400 block of Pershing Street, when he heard a loud noise. Brockelman went outside and saw an older pickup traveling northbound on Pershing Street. He then noticed the driver side mirror of his 2004 Ford F150 had been ripped off and was on the street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.

Surveillance video from the neighborhood shows the suspect pickup to possibly be white, Forrester added.

Police are looking for the driver of a pickup that struck a parked Ford F150 in south-central Salina Friday night.Jacob Brockelman, 31, of Salina, told police that at approximately 9 p.m. Friday, he was inside his residence in the 1400 block of Pershing Street, when he heard a loud noise. Brockelman went outside and saw an older pickup traveling northbound on Pershing Street. He then noticed the driver side mirror of his 2004 Ford F150 had been ripped off and was on the street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.Surveillance video from the neighborhood shows the suspect pickup to possibly be white, Forrester added.

Police looking for driver in Friday night hit-and-run

Over a year ago, no would have predicted that the death toll of this coronavirus would approach the influenza pandemic of 1918. That so-called “Spanish flu” was actually first identified in soldiers at Fort Riley in Kansas and spread worldwide by our crowded troop ships during the first world war. The CDC estimated “...about 500 million people or one-third of the world’s population became infected with this virus. The number of deaths was estimated to be at least 50 million worldwide with about 675,000 occurring in the United States.”

But we passed 500,000 deaths and added 100,000 deaths last month. The U.S. could surpass the numbers of deaths in 1918. Back then, average lifespan had been 54 for men and 48 for women. The CDC calculated the estimated 675,000 American lives lost lowered average life expectancy by 12 years.

But the U.S. population in 1918 was only 103 million, under one-third our population today. That does not make the pandemic less tragic, especially considering that modern medical care is considerably more advanced than a century ago and we still have this high death rate.

Before this pandemic, the U.S. was the first developed nation to experience a drop in life expectancy of a month—due to drug overdoses. Data now indicate Americans have lost one year of life expectancy.&nbsp; This is far less than the 12 years of life expectancy lost in 1918.

The severe impact of the 1918 influenza virus was the high death rate it caused for healthy adults in the 20–40 year range, along with&nbsp; children under five. In contrast, this coronavirus has a heavier impact on the elderly; many deaths result in fewer years of potential life lost. Nevertheless, there are still many cases of middle-aged healthcare workers and others without any underlying health conditions dying, as well as some young children who suffer from a massive inflammation called MIS-C.&nbsp; &nbsp;

A year ago, many political figures proclaimed this coronavirus was not worse than the common flu.&nbsp; But seasonal influenza that rapidly evolves new strains has a much lower fatality rate. In the last ten years, the total annual deaths from seasonal influenza have varied from 12,000 to 62,000. &nbsp;

Researchers eventually exhumed the 1918 flu virus from frozen graves in Alaska and examined its genetics, a story you can find on the CDC website. The 1918 flu was caused by an AH1N1 virus of avian origin. Now health officials worldwide monitor for various bird-borne influenza viruses, concerned that the 1918 strain could evolve and return to a population lacking immunity from the 1918 pandemic.

Viral diseases vary in the extent they evolve variants as they are replicated in their hosts.&nbsp; Smallpox was relatively stable and we were able to wipe smallpox from the wild by vaccination. Polio has only a few variants and we hope we are near the end of eradicating it as well.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

But influenza evolves rapidly. Each year there is an educated guess on which new influenza strains will spread the following year. The CDC explains: “One influenza A(H1N1), one influenza A(H3N2), and one or two influenza B viruses (depending on the vaccine) are included in each season’s influenza vaccines. Getting a flu vaccine can protect against flu viruses that are like the viruses used to make vaccine.” When they predict correctly, the flu vaccine is very effective.&nbsp; &nbsp;

But can one vaccine be produced that triggers immunity against all variations of the influenza virus? Just reported in the March 3 issue of&nbsp;Science Translational Medicine,&nbsp;researchers have developed a potential universal influenza vaccine. When vaccinated nonhuman primates were subjected to a wide range of influenza strains, they appeared to have broad protection, suggesting it may be possible to produce a one-and-done flu vaccination that lasts. &nbsp;

The COVID-19 coronavirus is not fast evolving like the flu, but the variants do suggest that it may be necessary to modify the vaccines to stay within a window where we build effective immunity. This suggests that we may never reach “Covid zero” or eradicate the virus, as we did with smallpox.

However, one major discovery this last winter has been the near elimination of seasonal flu due to most persons wearing masks and keeping social distance. While in 2019, the CDC reported over 65,000 cases (not deaths) of influenza between September 29 to December 28, only 1,016 flu cases occurred in that period in 2020. These viruses are confirmed by a CDC-developed “multiplex test” that checks specimens for both the coronavirus and flu.

Some science illiterates spout that doctors just report flu as COVID-19. Unfortunately we lack a vaccine to cure science stupidity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="John Richard Schrock" />
 <figcaption>John Richard Schrock</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCKOver a year ago, no would have predicted that the death toll of this coronavirus would approach the influenza pandemic of 1918. That so-called “Spanish flu” was actually first identified in soldiers at Fort Riley in Kansas and spread worldwide by our crowded troop ships during the first world war. The CDC estimated “...about 500 million people or one-third of the world’s population became infected with this virus. The number of deaths was estimated to be at least 50 million worldwide with about 675,000 occurring in the United States.” But we passed 500,000 deaths and added 100,000 deaths last month. The U.S. could surpass the numbers of deaths in 1918. Back then, average lifespan had been 54 for men and 48 for women. The CDC calculated the estimated 675,000 American lives lost lowered average life expectancy by 12 years. But the U.S. population in 1918 was only 103 million, under one-third our population today. That does not make the pandemic less tragic, especially considering that modern medical care is considerably more advanced than a century ago and we still have this high death rate. Before this pandemic, the U.S. was the first developed nation to experience a drop in life expectancy of a month—due to drug overdoses. Data now indicate Americans have lost one year of life expectancy.&nbsp; This is far less than the 12 years of life expectancy lost in 1918. The severe impact of the 1918 influenza virus was the high death rate it caused for healthy adults in the 20–40 year range, along with&nbsp; children under five. In contrast, this coronavirus has a heavier impact on the elderly; many deaths result in fewer years of potential life lost. Nevertheless, there are still many cases of middle-aged healthcare workers and others without any underlying health conditions dying, as well as some young children who suffer from a massive inflammation called MIS-C.&nbsp; &nbsp; A year ago, many political figures proclaimed this coronavirus was not worse than the common flu.&nbsp; But seasonal influenza that rapidly evolves new strains has a much lower fatality rate. In the last ten years, the total annual deaths from seasonal influenza have varied from 12,000 to 62,000. &nbsp; Researchers eventually exhumed the 1918 flu virus from frozen graves in Alaska and examined its genetics, a story you can find on the CDC website. The 1918 flu was caused by an AH1N1 virus of avian origin. Now health officials worldwide monitor for various bird-borne influenza viruses, concerned that the 1918 strain could evolve and return to a population lacking immunity from the 1918 pandemic. Viral diseases vary in the extent they evolve variants as they are replicated in their hosts.&nbsp; Smallpox was relatively stable and we were able to wipe smallpox from the wild by vaccination. Polio has only a few variants and we hope we are near the end of eradicating it as well.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; But influenza evolves rapidly. Each year there is an educated guess on which new influenza strains will spread the following year. The CDC explains: “One influenza A(H1N1), one influenza A(H3N2), and one or two influenza B viruses (depending on the vaccine) are included in each season’s influenza vaccines. Getting a flu vaccine can protect against flu viruses that are like the viruses used to make vaccine.” When they predict correctly, the flu vaccine is very effective.&nbsp; &nbsp; But can one vaccine be produced that triggers immunity against all variations of the influenza virus? Just reported in the March 3 issue of&nbsp;Science Translational Medicine,&nbsp;researchers have developed a potential universal influenza vaccine. When vaccinated nonhuman primates were subjected to a wide range of influenza strains, they appeared to have broad protection, suggesting it may be possible to produce a one-and-done flu vaccination that lasts. &nbsp; The COVID-19 coronavirus is not fast evolving like the flu, but the variants do suggest that it may be necessary to modify the vaccines to stay within a window where we build effective immunity. This suggests that we may never reach “Covid zero” or eradicate the virus, as we did with smallpox. However, one major discovery this last winter has been the near elimination of seasonal flu due to most persons wearing masks and keeping social distance. While in 2019, the CDC reported over 65,000 cases (not deaths) of influenza between September 29 to December 28, only 1,016 flu cases occurred in that period in 2020. These viruses are confirmed by a CDC-developed “multiplex test” that checks specimens for both the coronavirus and flu. Some science illiterates spout that doctors just report flu as COVID-19. Unfortunately we lack a vaccine to cure science stupidity.&nbsp;&nbsp;John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

EDUCATION FRONTLINES: COVID-19 versus the flu of 1918

Today is Monday, March 8, the 67th day of 2021. There are 298 days left in the year. 

On March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, a Boeing 777 with 239 people on board, vanished during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, setting off a massive and ultimately unsuccessful search.

In 1618, German astronomer Johannes Kepler devised his third law of planetary motion. 

In 1817, the New York Stock &amp; Exchange Board, which had its beginnings in 1792, was formally organized; it later became known as the New York Stock Exchange.

In 1930, the 27th president of the United States, William Howard Taft, died in Washington at age 72.

In 1948, the Supreme Court, in McCollum v. Board of Education, struck down voluntary religious education classes in Champaign, Illinois, public schools, saying the program violated separation of church and state. 

In 1960, Democrat John F. Kennedy and Republican Richard M. Nixon won the New Hampshire presidential primary. 

In 1965, the United States landed its first combat troops in South Vietnam as 3,500 Marines arrived to defend the U.S. air base at Da Nang. 

In 1979, technology firm Philips demonstrated a prototype compact disc player during a press conference in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

In 1983, in a speech to the National Association of Evangelicals convention in Orlando, Florida, President Ronald Reagan referred to the Soviet Union as an "evil empire." 

In 1988, 17 soldiers were killed when two Army helicopters from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, collided in mid-flight. 

In 1999, baseball Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio died in Hollywood, Florida, at age 84. 

In 2004, Iraq's Governing Council signed a landmark interim constitution.

In 2008, President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have banned the CIA from using simulated drowning and other coercive interrogation methods to gain information from suspected terrorists. 

<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 Monday, March 8, the 67th day of 2021. There are 298 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, a Boeing 777 with 239 people on board, vanished during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, setting off a massive and ultimately unsuccessful search.On this date: In 1618, German astronomer Johannes Kepler devised his third law of planetary motion. In 1817, the New York Stock &amp; Exchange Board, which had its beginnings in 1792, was formally organized; it later became known as the New York Stock Exchange.In 1930, the 27th president of the United States, William Howard Taft, died in Washington at age 72.In 1948, the Supreme Court, in McCollum v. Board of Education, struck down voluntary religious education classes in Champaign, Illinois, public schools, saying the program violated separation of church and state. In 1960, Democrat John F. Kennedy and Republican Richard M. Nixon won the New Hampshire presidential primary. In 1965, the United States landed its first combat troops in South Vietnam as 3,500 Marines arrived to defend the U.S. air base at Da Nang. In 1979, technology firm Philips demonstrated a prototype compact disc player during a press conference in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.In 1983, in a speech to the National Association of Evangelicals convention in Orlando, Florida, President Ronald Reagan referred to the Soviet Union as an "evil empire." In 1988, 17 soldiers were killed when two Army helicopters from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, collided in mid-flight. In 1999, baseball Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio died in Hollywood, Florida, at age 84. In 2004, Iraq's Governing Council signed a landmark interim constitution.In 2008, President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have banned the CIA from using simulated drowning and other coercive interrogation methods to gain information from suspected terrorists. Ten years ago: Voters in Bell, California, went to the polls in huge numbers and threw out the entire City Council after most of its members had been charged with fraud. (Residents were infuriated to find out that former City Manager Robert Rizzo had been receiving an annual salary of $1.5 million, and that four of the five City Council members had paid themselves $100,000 a year to meet about once a month.)Five years ago: Democrat Bernie Sanders breathed new life into his longshot White House bid with a crucial win in Michigan's primary while Hillary Clinton breezed to an easy victory in Mississippi; Republican Donald Trump swept to victory in Michigan, Mississippi and Hawaii, while Ted Cruz carried Idaho. Sir George Martin, the Beatles' urbane producer who guided the band's swift, historic transformation from rowdy club act to musical and cultural revolutionaries, died at age 90.One year ago: Italy's prime minister announced a sweeping quarantine restricting the movements of about a quarter of the country's population. Two members of Congress, Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Paul Gosar, said they were isolating themselves after determining that they'd had contact at the Conservative Political Action Conference with a man who later tested positive for the coronavirus. The U.S. State Department issued an advisory against travel on cruise ships. U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams said communities would need to start thinking about canceling large gatherings, closing schools and letting more employees work from home. Actor Max von Sydow, who played the priest in the horror classic "The Exorcist," died at the age of 90.Today's Birthdays: Jazz musician George Coleman is 86. Actor Sue Ane Langdon is 85. College Football Hall of Famer Pete Dawkins is 83. Songwriter Carole Bayer Sager is 77. Actor-director Micky Dolenz (The Monkees) is 76. Singer-musician Randy Meisner is 75. Pop singer Peggy March is 73. Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice is 68. Jazz musician Billy Childs is 64. Singer Gary Numan is 63. NBC News anchor Lester Holt is 62. Actor Aidan Quinn is 62. Actor Camryn Manheim is 60. Actor Leon is 60. Country-rock singer Shawn Mullins is 53. Neo-soul singer Van Hunt is 51. Actor Andrea Parker is 51. Actor Boris Kodjoe is 48. Actor Freddie Prinze Jr. is 45. Actor Laura Main is 44. Actor James Van Der Beek is 44. R&amp;B singer Kameelah Williams (702) is 43. Actor Nick Zano is 43. Rock singer Tom Chaplin (Keane) is 42. Rock musician Andy Ross (OK Go) is 42. Actor Jessica Collins is 38. R&amp;B singer Kristinia DeBarge is 31.