CONCORDIA -- Cloud County Community College will be offering adult education and GED classes in March in Concordia, Junction City, and Clay Center.

The Adult Education program at CCCC offers an adult learning atmosphere to gain skills necessary for success at home and in the workplace. The classes are open to individuals 16 and older who are not enrolled in school. Basic skills and diploma preparation classes are offered afternoons and evenings in Concordia; mornings, afternoons, and evenings in Junction City; and afternoons in Clay Center to accommodate working adults’ schedules. Classes are small with both classroom and computer instruction.

Those who attend can also improve on basic skills in everyday reading, math and English, as well as learn employability skills while earning WorkReady Credentials. Computer skills are also a part of the courses, where students can gain basic Microsoft Word and Internet skills, and also earn technology certificates.

GED test preparation instruction is also available at all three locations. The centers are located at CCCC’s Concordia campus, at the Geary County campus in Junction City and at Dreams Unlimited in Clay Center. All students must attend orientation before enrolling in classes, and students are to call for an appointment. In Junction City and Concordia, classes begin March 22, and orientation appointments need to be made before March 19. In Clay Center, classes will begin March 29, and students need to call for an orientation appointment by March 26.

Students, faculty and staff at Cloud County will be required to wear a mask or face covering, especially when they are unable to maintain six feet of social distancing.

All classes are limited in size. For more information or to register for orientation in Concordia or Junction City, contact Debbie Kearn, ABE/GED Director, Cloud County Community College at (785) 243-1435, ext. 335 or (800) 729-5101, ext. 335. For information in the Clay Center area, call Kathy Dawson, Dreams Unlimited coordinator at (785) 632-2588.

CONCORDIA -- Cloud County Community College will be offering adult education and GED classes in March in Concordia, Junction City, and Clay Center.The Adult Education program at CCCC offers an adult learning atmosphere to gain skills necessary for success at home and in the workplace. The classes are open to individuals 16 and older who are not enrolled in school. Basic skills and diploma preparation classes are offered afternoons and evenings in Concordia; mornings, afternoons, and evenings in Junction City; and afternoons in Clay Center to accommodate working adults’ schedules. Classes are small with both classroom and computer instruction.Those who attend can also improve on basic skills in everyday reading, math and English, as well as learn employability skills while earning WorkReady Credentials. Computer skills are also a part of the courses, where students can gain basic Microsoft Word and Internet skills, and also earn technology certificates.GED test preparation instruction is also available at all three locations. The centers are located at CCCC’s Concordia campus, at the Geary County campus in Junction City and at Dreams Unlimited in Clay Center. All students must attend orientation before enrolling in classes, and students are to call for an appointment. In Junction City and Concordia, classes begin March 22, and orientation appointments need to be made before March 19. In Clay Center, classes will begin March 29, and students need to call for an orientation appointment by March 26.Students, faculty and staff at Cloud County will be required to wear a mask or face covering, especially when they are unable to maintain six feet of social distancing.All classes are limited in size. For more information or to register for orientation in Concordia or Junction City, contact Debbie Kearn, ABE/GED Director, Cloud County Community College at (785) 243-1435, ext. 335 or (800) 729-5101, ext. 335. For information in the Clay Center area, call Kathy Dawson, Dreams Unlimited coordinator at (785) 632-2588.

CCCC offering adult education, GED classes at several locations

K-State meat scientist notes ‘stark’ differences&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – Consumers overwhelmingly chose ground beef over plant-based beef alternatives in a multifaceted study now being reported by Kansas State University researchers.&nbsp;

Ground beef – offered with 10%, 20% and 30% fat -- was strongly preferred for taste and flavor over plant-based alternatives, and less than one-third of the respondents said they would buy the plant-based alternatives in the store or retail settings, according to K-State meat scientist Travis O’Quinn.&nbsp;

“The results are pretty stark,” O’Quinn said. “Our three ground beef products were highly desired by consumers. We didn’t witness many differences among the three fat levels we offered, but when we compared those to the ground beef alternatives, every one of the alternatives had a tendency to fall out (of favorability with consumers).”&nbsp;

Consumers rated the plant-based alternatives as “extremely dry,” according to O’Quinn, and rated those products “very low” for flavor. In one test, only 18% of the consumers said they would be willing to buy the plant-based ground beef alternative.

O’Quinn said the researchers tested ground beef alternatives designed for retail and food service use, and another consisting of a traditional soy protein base.&nbsp;

The market for plant-based alternatives to all forms of beef has grown in grocery stores and some restaurants over the past six years. O’Quinn noted, however, that “not many of these products are tested or evaluated on how they really do stack up to ground beef.”&nbsp;

“There is a need to assess these products and determine whether the claims that they can substitute for beef or pork or sausage are (legitimate),” O’Quinn said. “We need to make sure that we fact check those claims to get a good idea of what the science says as it relates to how these products compare to the products they are trying to substitute for.”&nbsp;

The K-State study seems to indicate that they are not comparable, but rather separate food items.&nbsp;

“These ground beef alternatives are very different than ground beef,” O’Quinn said. “There’s nothing we can measure that puts it on the same level playing field with ground beef….not how they’re cooked, looked or taste.”&nbsp;

Some additional findings reported in the study include: ●Plant-based ground beef alternatives are more tender than regular ground beef. However, with ground products, that’s not necessary a good thing. The tenderness made the products more soft and less likely to hold together. Ground beef’s ability to stick together provides a texture that was more preferred by consumers.

●While ground beef patties tend to shrink when cooked, the plant-based alternatives stayed the same size – and in some cases even got somewhat bigger.&nbsp;

The team’s work, funded by the Kansas Beef Council, was included in the research report offered during the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/events/cattlemens-day" target="_blank">K-State Cattlemen’s Day</a>&nbsp;on Friday.&nbsp;<a href="https://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol7/iss1" target="_blank">The report is available to view online</a>&nbsp;through the&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension bookstore</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615090095088.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; Image by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/pexels-2286921/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1846030">Pexels</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1846030">Pixabay</a>" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Image by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/pexels-2286921/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1846030">Pexels</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1846030">Pixabay</a></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State meat scientist notes ‘stark’ differences&nbsp;</h2>MANHATTAN – Consumers overwhelmingly chose ground beef over plant-based beef alternatives in a multifaceted study now being reported by Kansas State University researchers.&nbsp;Ground beef – offered with 10%, 20% and 30% fat -- was strongly preferred for taste and flavor over plant-based alternatives, and less than one-third of the respondents said they would buy the plant-based alternatives in the store or retail settings, according to K-State meat scientist Travis O’Quinn.&nbsp;“The results are pretty stark,” O’Quinn said. “Our three ground beef products were highly desired by consumers. We didn’t witness many differences among the three fat levels we offered, but when we compared those to the ground beef alternatives, every one of the alternatives had a tendency to fall out (of favorability with consumers).”&nbsp;Consumers rated the plant-based alternatives as “extremely dry,” according to O’Quinn, and rated those products “very low” for flavor. In one test, only 18% of the consumers said they would be willing to buy the plant-based ground beef alternative.O’Quinn said the researchers tested ground beef alternatives designed for retail and food service use, and another consisting of a traditional soy protein base.&nbsp;The market for plant-based alternatives to all forms of beef has grown in grocery stores and some restaurants over the past six years. O’Quinn noted, however, that “not many of these products are tested or evaluated on how they really do stack up to ground beef.”&nbsp;“There is a need to assess these products and determine whether the claims that they can substitute for beef or pork or sausage are (legitimate),” O’Quinn said. “We need to make sure that we fact check those claims to get a good idea of what the science says as it relates to how these products compare to the products they are trying to substitute for.”&nbsp;The K-State study seems to indicate that they are not comparable, but rather separate food items.&nbsp;“These ground beef alternatives are very different than ground beef,” O’Quinn said. “There’s nothing we can measure that puts it on the same level playing field with ground beef….not how they’re cooked, looked or taste.”&nbsp;Some additional findings reported in the study include: ●Plant-based ground beef alternatives are more tender than regular ground beef. However, with ground products, that’s not necessary a good thing. The tenderness made the products more soft and less likely to hold together. Ground beef’s ability to stick together provides a texture that was more preferred by consumers.●While ground beef patties tend to shrink when cooked, the plant-based alternatives stayed the same size – and in some cases even got somewhat bigger.&nbsp;The team’s work, funded by the Kansas Beef Council, was included in the research report offered during the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/events/cattlemens-day" target="_blank">K-State Cattlemen’s Day</a>&nbsp;on Friday.&nbsp;<a href="https://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol7/iss1" target="_blank">The report is available to view online</a>&nbsp;through the&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension bookstore</a>.--KSRE--

Study: Consumers favor ground beef over plant-based alternatives

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

“Bring your best.” Perhaps you received that advice from a schoolteacher or coach. Today we’ll meet a rural Kansas farmer who has built a business by bringing the best of his family’s products to farmers markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gail and Sue Johnson are owners of Johnson Farms Country Market, which specializes in producing and selling produce, canned items, and baked goods at local farmers markets. Gail grew up on a farm near Bennington. Sue’s family lived at Burdick and Enterprise before she and Gail were married.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sue became a nurse, and Gail worked as a lab technician at a plant in Salina. In 1999, they bought a farm near Hope. “Our families both had big gardens growing up,” Gail said. They put in a garden at their new place. One day they stopped at the farmers market in Abilene. “We thought that would be fun to do,” Gail said.&nbsp;

They set up a stand to sell their garden vegetables at the weekly farmers market in Abilene, and it went well. Then they added some jams and jellies. When they wanted to make and sell pickles from their cucumbers, they needed a license and an approved kitchen. “Our first commercial kitchen was in 2015,” Gail said.&nbsp;

Sue’s mom and grandma had an old German family recipe for bierocks, and people said they were good enough to sell. The bierocks are now their No. 1 seller.&nbsp;

The business is called Johnson Farms Country Market, with products sold at a series of community-based farmers markets throughout the year. The Johnsons go to a regular circuit of farmers markets. Salina has a market on Tuesday, Abilene has a market on Wednesday, Junction City has a market on Thursday, and on Saturday there are markets in Abilene and Manhattan.&nbsp;

The Johnsons also sell products at the Prairieland Market, a cooperatively owned grocery store in Salina, and the Hoffman Grist Mill in Enterprise.&nbsp;

Today, Johnson Farms Country Market sells bierocks, cinnamon rolls, cookies, maple bars, banana bread, fruit pies, salsa and more. “These days, most of our produce is needed for our baked goods,” Gail said. “We source everything we can locally.” Fruit pies include such flavors as strawberry, rhubarb, gooseberry, peach, blueberry, red raspberry and more.&nbsp;

“The chocolate chip cookies are our own recipe,” Gail said. One of their cooking secrets is to use a mix of cake and bread flour. “We might make a hundred dozen cookies in a week,” he said. That also meant that Sue might be up baking until 3 or 4 in the morning before the market.&nbsp;

“We had a family meeting and had to decide if we would try to expand further or not,” Gail said. They chose to pursue the growth opportunities. In early 2020, Gail retired and went full-time into the business. A new 42 x 64 Morton building was constructed to house an expanded commercial kitchen with space for delivery vans. “Our five kids all help, plus a daughter-in-law,” Gail said. Their daughters also produce arts and craft items.&nbsp;

When COVID-19 hit in spring 2020, farmers markets and other businesses shut down. Then food workers were deemed essential, and markets reopened, with added sanitation and socially distanced spacing. “Andrea from A&amp;H Farms is our market manager in Manhattan, and she’s done a great job,” Gail said.&nbsp;

What is the key to success in direct marketing through farmer’s markets? “You have to offer a really good product and be at the market consistently,” Gail said. “Almost everything we make from scratch. My wife will not cook anything out of a can or a box. People love our pie crust. &nbsp;

“My wife is very picky about what comes out of our kitchen,” he said. “We pride ourselves in bringing the best products that we can to the farmer’s markets.” That’s key to this business near the rural community of Hope, population 368 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

“Bring your best.” It’s good advice for farmers markets and for life. We commend Gail and Sue Johnson for making a difference with their crops and kitchens, and for bringing out the best.&nbsp;

Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.

Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600566316666.jpeg" alt="Ron Wilson. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State University“Bring your best.” Perhaps you received that advice from a schoolteacher or coach. Today we’ll meet a rural Kansas farmer who has built a business by bringing the best of his family’s products to farmers markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gail and Sue Johnson are owners of Johnson Farms Country Market, which specializes in producing and selling produce, canned items, and baked goods at local farmers markets. Gail grew up on a farm near Bennington. Sue’s family lived at Burdick and Enterprise before she and Gail were married.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sue became a nurse, and Gail worked as a lab technician at a plant in Salina. In 1999, they bought a farm near Hope. “Our families both had big gardens growing up,” Gail said. They put in a garden at their new place. One day they stopped at the farmers market in Abilene. “We thought that would be fun to do,” Gail said.&nbsp;They set up a stand to sell their garden vegetables at the weekly farmers market in Abilene, and it went well. Then they added some jams and jellies. When they wanted to make and sell pickles from their cucumbers, they needed a license and an approved kitchen. “Our first commercial kitchen was in 2015,” Gail said.&nbsp;Sue’s mom and grandma had an old German family recipe for bierocks, and people said they were good enough to sell. The bierocks are now their No. 1 seller.&nbsp;The business is called Johnson Farms Country Market, with products sold at a series of community-based farmers markets throughout the year. The Johnsons go to a regular circuit of farmers markets. Salina has a market on Tuesday, Abilene has a market on Wednesday, Junction City has a market on Thursday, and on Saturday there are markets in Abilene and Manhattan.&nbsp;The Johnsons also sell products at the Prairieland Market, a cooperatively owned grocery store in Salina, and the Hoffman Grist Mill in Enterprise.&nbsp;Today, Johnson Farms Country Market sells bierocks, cinnamon rolls, cookies, maple bars, banana bread, fruit pies, salsa and more. “These days, most of our produce is needed for our baked goods,” Gail said. “We source everything we can locally.” Fruit pies include such flavors as strawberry, rhubarb, gooseberry, peach, blueberry, red raspberry and more.&nbsp;“The chocolate chip cookies are our own recipe,” Gail said. One of their cooking secrets is to use a mix of cake and bread flour. “We might make a hundred dozen cookies in a week,” he said. That also meant that Sue might be up baking until 3 or 4 in the morning before the market.&nbsp;“We had a family meeting and had to decide if we would try to expand further or not,” Gail said. They chose to pursue the growth opportunities. In early 2020, Gail retired and went full-time into the business. A new 42 x 64 Morton building was constructed to house an expanded commercial kitchen with space for delivery vans. “Our five kids all help, plus a daughter-in-law,” Gail said. Their daughters also produce arts and craft items.&nbsp;When COVID-19 hit in spring 2020, farmers markets and other businesses shut down. Then food workers were deemed essential, and markets reopened, with added sanitation and socially distanced spacing. “Andrea from A&amp;H Farms is our market manager in Manhattan, and she’s done a great job,” Gail said.&nbsp;What is the key to success in direct marketing through farmer’s markets? “You have to offer a really good product and be at the market consistently,” Gail said. “Almost everything we make from scratch. My wife will not cook anything out of a can or a box. People love our pie crust. &nbsp;“My wife is very picky about what comes out of our kitchen,” he said. “We pride ourselves in bringing the best products that we can to the farmer’s markets.” That’s key to this business near the rural community of Hope, population 368 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;“Bring your best.” It’s good advice for farmers markets and for life. We commend Gail and Sue Johnson for making a difference with their crops and kitchens, and for bringing out the best.&nbsp;Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

NOW THAT'S RURAL: Gail and Sue Johnson, Johnson Farms Country Market

Today is Sunday, March 7, the 66th day of 2021 There are 299 days left in the year. 

On March 7, 1965, a march by civil rights demonstrators was violently broken up at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, by state troopers and a sheriff's posse in what came to be known as "Bloody Sunday." 

In 1875, composer Maurice Ravel was born in Ciboure, France.

In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received a U.S. patent for his telephone. 

In 1911, President William Howard Taft ordered 20,000 troops to patrol the U.S.-Mexico border in response to the Mexican Revolution. 

In 1912, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen arrived in Hobart, Australia, where he dispatched telegrams announcing his success in leading the first expedition to the South Pole the previous December. 

In 1926, the first successful trans-Atlantic radio-telephone conversations took place between New York and London. 

In 1936, Adolf Hitler ordered his troops to march into the Rhineland, thereby breaking the Treaty of Versailles and the Locarno Pact. 

In 1945, during World War II, U.S. forces crossed the Rhine at Remagen, Germany, using the damaged but still usable Ludendorff Bridge. 

In 1963, the Pan Am Building (today the MetLife Building) first opened in midtown Manhattan.

In 1975, the U.S. Senate revised its filibuster rule, allowing 60 senators to limit debate in most cases, instead of the previously required two-thirds of senators present. 

In 1994, the U.S. Navy issued its first permanent orders assigning women to regular duty on a combat ship — in this case, the USS Eisenhower.

In 2001, Ariel Sharon was sworn in as Israel's prime minister, serving until he suffered a stroke in 2006. 

In 2010, the Iraq war thriller "The Hurt Locker" received six Academy Awards including best picture, with Kathryn Bigelow accepting the first directing Oscar awarded to a woman.

Ten years ago: Reversing course, President Barack Obama approved the resumption of military trials at the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, ending a two-year ban. Charlie Sheen was fired from the sitcom "Two and a Half Men" by Warner Bros. Television following repeated misbehavior and weeks of the actor's angry, often-manic media campaign against his studio bosses.

Five years ago: Peyton Manning announced his retirement after 18 seasons in the National Football League. A jury in Nashville, Tennessee, awarded sports reporter Erin Andrews $55 million in her lawsuit against a stalker who rented a hotel room next to hers and secretly recorded her, finding that the hotel companies and the stalker shared in the blame. Stephen Curry scored 41 points and became the first player in NBA history to make 300 3-pointers in a season as the Golden State Warriors held off the Orlando Magic 119-113 for their 45th straight home victory.

One year ago: Health officials in Florida said two people who had tested positive for the new coronavirus had died; the deaths were the first on the East Coast attributed to the outbreak. Italy saw its biggest daily increase in coronavirus cases since the outbreak began in the northern part of the country. A hotel in southeastern China that was being used to quarantine suspected coronavirus patients collapsed, killing 29 people. In an interim report, Ethiopian investigators put most of the blame on Boeing for the 2019 crash of a 737 Max jet shortly after takeoff, saying there were design failures and inadequate training for pilots; the crash killed all 157 people on board.

Today's Birthdays: TV personality Willard Scott is 87. International Motorsports Hall of Famer Janet Guthrie is 83. Actor Daniel J. Travanti is 81. Entertainment executive Michael Eisner is 79. Rock musician Chris White (The Zombies) is 78. Rock singer Peter Wolf is 75. Rock musician Matthew Fisher (Procol Harum) is 75. Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris is 71. Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann is 69. R&amp;B singer-musician Ernie Isley (The Isley Brothers) is 69. Rock musician Kenny Aronoff (BoDeans, John Mellencamp) is 68. Actor Bryan Cranston is 65. Actor Donna Murphy is 62. Actor Nick Searcy is 62. Golfer Tom Lehman is 62. International Tennis Hall of Famer Ivan Lendl is 61. Actor Mary Beth Evans is 60. Singer-actor Taylor Dayne is 59. Actor Bill Brochtrup is 58. Author E.L. James is 58. Author Bret Easton Ellis is 57. Opera singer Denyce Graves is 57. Comedian Wanda Sykes is 57. Actor Jonathan Del Arco is 55. Rock musician Randy Guss (Toad the Wet Sprocket) is 54. Actor Rachel Weisz (wys) is 51. Actor Peter Sarsgaard is 50. Actor Jay Duplass is 48. Classical singer Sebastien Izambard (Il Divo) is 48. Rock singer Hugo Ferreira (Tantric) is 47. Actor Jenna Fischer is 47. Actor Tobias Menzies is 47. Actor Sarayu Blue is 46. Actor Audrey Marie Anderson is 46. Actor TJ Thyne is 46. Bluegrass singer-musician Frank Solivan is 44. Actor Laura Prepon is 41. Actor Bel Powley is 29. Actor Giselle Eisenberg (TV: "Life in Pieces") is 14.

<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 Sunday, March 7, the 66th day of 2021 There are 299 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On March 7, 1965, a march by civil rights demonstrators was violently broken up at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, by state troopers and a sheriff's posse in what came to be known as "Bloody Sunday." On this date: In 1875, composer Maurice Ravel was born in Ciboure, France.In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received a U.S. patent for his telephone. In 1911, President William Howard Taft ordered 20,000 troops to patrol the U.S.-Mexico border in response to the Mexican Revolution. In 1912, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen arrived in Hobart, Australia, where he dispatched telegrams announcing his success in leading the first expedition to the South Pole the previous December. In 1926, the first successful trans-Atlantic radio-telephone conversations took place between New York and London. In 1936, Adolf Hitler ordered his troops to march into the Rhineland, thereby breaking the Treaty of Versailles and the Locarno Pact. In 1945, during World War II, U.S. forces crossed the Rhine at Remagen, Germany, using the damaged but still usable Ludendorff Bridge. In 1963, the Pan Am Building (today the MetLife Building) first opened in midtown Manhattan.In 1975, the U.S. Senate revised its filibuster rule, allowing 60 senators to limit debate in most cases, instead of the previously required two-thirds of senators present. In 1994, the U.S. Navy issued its first permanent orders assigning women to regular duty on a combat ship — in this case, the USS Eisenhower.In 2001, Ariel Sharon was sworn in as Israel's prime minister, serving until he suffered a stroke in 2006. In 2010, the Iraq war thriller "The Hurt Locker" received six Academy Awards including best picture, with Kathryn Bigelow accepting the first directing Oscar awarded to a woman.Ten years ago: Reversing course, President Barack Obama approved the resumption of military trials at the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, ending a two-year ban. Charlie Sheen was fired from the sitcom "Two and a Half Men" by Warner Bros. Television following repeated misbehavior and weeks of the actor's angry, often-manic media campaign against his studio bosses.Five years ago: Peyton Manning announced his retirement after 18 seasons in the National Football League. A jury in Nashville, Tennessee, awarded sports reporter Erin Andrews $55 million in her lawsuit against a stalker who rented a hotel room next to hers and secretly recorded her, finding that the hotel companies and the stalker shared in the blame. Stephen Curry scored 41 points and became the first player in NBA history to make 300 3-pointers in a season as the Golden State Warriors held off the Orlando Magic 119-113 for their 45th straight home victory.One year ago: Health officials in Florida said two people who had tested positive for the new coronavirus had died; the deaths were the first on the East Coast attributed to the outbreak. Italy saw its biggest daily increase in coronavirus cases since the outbreak began in the northern part of the country. A hotel in southeastern China that was being used to quarantine suspected coronavirus patients collapsed, killing 29 people. In an interim report, Ethiopian investigators put most of the blame on Boeing for the 2019 crash of a 737 Max jet shortly after takeoff, saying there were design failures and inadequate training for pilots; the crash killed all 157 people on board.Today's Birthdays: TV personality Willard Scott is 87. International Motorsports Hall of Famer Janet Guthrie is 83. Actor Daniel J. Travanti is 81. Entertainment executive Michael Eisner is 79. Rock musician Chris White (The Zombies) is 78. Rock singer Peter Wolf is 75. Rock musician Matthew Fisher (Procol Harum) is 75. Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris is 71. Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann is 69. R&amp;B singer-musician Ernie Isley (The Isley Brothers) is 69. Rock musician Kenny Aronoff (BoDeans, John Mellencamp) is 68. Actor Bryan Cranston is 65. Actor Donna Murphy is 62. Actor Nick Searcy is 62. Golfer Tom Lehman is 62. International Tennis Hall of Famer Ivan Lendl is 61. Actor Mary Beth Evans is 60. Singer-actor Taylor Dayne is 59. Actor Bill Brochtrup is 58. Author E.L. James is 58. Author Bret Easton Ellis is 57. Opera singer Denyce Graves is 57. Comedian Wanda Sykes is 57. Actor Jonathan Del Arco is 55. Rock musician Randy Guss (Toad the Wet Sprocket) is 54. Actor Rachel Weisz (wys) is 51. Actor Peter Sarsgaard is 50. Actor Jay Duplass is 48. Classical singer Sebastien Izambard (Il Divo) is 48. Rock singer Hugo Ferreira (Tantric) is 47. Actor Jenna Fischer is 47. Actor Tobias Menzies is 47. Actor Sarayu Blue is 46. Actor Audrey Marie Anderson is 46. Actor TJ Thyne is 46. Bluegrass singer-musician Frank Solivan is 44. Actor Laura Prepon is 41. Actor Bel Powley is 29. Actor Giselle Eisenberg (TV: "Life in Pieces") is 14.

Today in History -- March 7

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recent obituaries

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

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

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

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

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

Red flag warnings issued for much of the area Sunday

Here's what's new at the Salina Public Library. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary">Salina Public Library</a> Facebook page:

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Dallas-based Texas Instruments (TI) offers its 30,000 employees career and support groups for Christians, Muslims and Jews, time-off flexibility around religious holidays and serenity rooms for prayers or worship.

Software company Salesforce has a career and support group focused on religion,&nbsp;<a href="https://religiousfreedomandbusiness.org/salesforce-has-a-faithforce" target="_blank">Faithforce</a>, that has been the company’s fastest growing employee group since it was introduced in 2017.

Alphabet/Google’s&nbsp;<a href="https://diversity.google/commitments/" target="_blank">Inter Belief Network</a>&nbsp;and American Airlines’ various&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-service/about-us/diversity/employee-diversity.jsp" target="_blank">faith-focused employee resource groups</a>&nbsp;earned them high rankings this year on the list of Fortune 200 companies with faith- and belief-friendly corporate workplaces.

These and other major companies say that respecting religious freedom at work not only is the right thing to do but also can lead to happier, more productive employees and a better bottom line.

TI employee&nbsp;Jason Rosen, speaking of his faith-friendly workplace, said, “When I’m bringing my whole self to work, that makes me want to give my all to Texas Instruments. …You’ve enabled me to be who I am and I want to use that whole self and give it back to you.’”

Addressing faith and belief at work starts with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/programs/business-leaders/about/" target="_blank">recognizing the reality</a>&nbsp;of faith and belief among employees. The Religious Freedom Center offers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/programs/business-leaders/" target="_blank">training</a>&nbsp;to help managers and workers develop knowledge and skills in environments of accommodation and action to make it happen.

The diversifying world economy supports the trend toward accommodating faith at work. Markets are expanding globally, creating a more diverse and more religious customer base. All but one of the 10&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/06/these-are-the-world-s-fastest-growing-economies-in-2017-2/" target="_blank">fastest-growing economies</a>&nbsp;each year since 2017 have been countries with big religious majority populations. This means the great majority of potential customers in emerging markets have a deeply held religious worldview.

Global data tracking religious affiliation shows a similar trend toward religiosity. The Pew Research Center calculates that&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pewforum.org/2015/04/02/religious-projections-2010-2050/" target="_blank">religious affiliation in the world</a>&nbsp;will grow to 84 percent by 2050. This has major impacts on market growth in a global economy. Any company that hopes to grow its global footprint must better understand and accommodate global customers, including their religious and cultural worldviews.

But it isn’t just a macro issue. At Intel, for example, faith-based employee resource groups have had a positive impact on employee recruitment and retention and on revenue, said&nbsp;Craig Carter, an Intel manager and controller, at the&nbsp;<a href="https://religiousfreedomandbusiness.org/faith-at-work-erg-conference-2020" target="_blank">2020&nbsp;Faith@Work&nbsp;Conference</a>.

In Silicon Valley, 57 percent of the tech workforce is foreign born, according to a recent study by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Silicon Valley Competitiveness and Innovation Project. With national diversity comes religious diversity, with many&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/02/how-trumps-immigration-rules-will-hurt-the-us-tech-sector/515202/" target="_blank">workers coming from religious-majority countries</a>, such as India and Iran.

Companies seeking to attract and keep this talent must have policies in place that accommodate and protect religious diversity and belief. I’d also note: A workplace that embraces diversity also welcomes atheists, agnostics and those of no faith.

Employees who feel accommodated in their religious beliefs at work and see others accommodated as well are better employees, says TI software engineer&nbsp;Zonera Javed, who moved to the U.S. as a child.

“For many people of faith, our religions aren’t something we can toggle on or off depending on where we are during the day. And that shouldn’t be the case or the expectation,” Javed said, speaking at a conference last fall about her workplace experiences as a Muslim. “We spend a lot of time at work and by having an environment that allows us to truly feel at home, our work thrives and our companies perform better.”

Sadly, U.S. businesses have a long way to go in creating faith-welcoming workplaces. Thirty-six percent of American workers — 50 million people — say they have experienced or witnessed hiring discrimination or verbal abuse based on religion and other forms of religious disparagement or discrimination, according to a 2014&nbsp;<a href="https://religiousfreedomandbusiness.org/2/post/2014/08/workplace-religious-discrimination-encountered-by-1-in-3.html" target="_blank">survey</a>&nbsp;by the Tannenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding.

In another&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/statistics/religion-based-charges-charges-filed-eeoc-fy-1997-fy-2019" target="_blank">report</a>, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found that workplace religious discrimination complaints were nearly twice as high as complaints about sexual orientation in 2018.

For many companies, accommodating employees’ faith and belief at work may sound scary and hard. In my role with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/about/" target="_blank">Freedom Forum’s Religious Freedom Center</a>, I’ve worked on these topics with some of the companies I’ve mentioned and I don’t see it that way. It’s a small investment that pays immeasurable dividends.

It’s time for all employers to recognize the power of faith and belief accommodation and empowerment. It’s not only a fundamental right and the right thing to do, it’s also good for business.

Paul Lambert is a Freedom Forum fellow for religious freedom.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615048421462.jpeg" alt="Paul Lambert. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Paul Lambert. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL LAMBERTDallas-based Texas Instruments (TI) offers its 30,000 employees career and support groups for Christians, Muslims and Jews, time-off flexibility around religious holidays and serenity rooms for prayers or worship.Software company Salesforce has a career and support group focused on religion,&nbsp;<a href="https://religiousfreedomandbusiness.org/salesforce-has-a-faithforce" target="_blank">Faithforce</a>, that has been the company’s fastest growing employee group since it was introduced in 2017.Alphabet/Google’s&nbsp;<a href="https://diversity.google/commitments/" target="_blank">Inter Belief Network</a>&nbsp;and American Airlines’ various&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-service/about-us/diversity/employee-diversity.jsp" target="_blank">faith-focused employee resource groups</a>&nbsp;earned them high rankings this year on the list of Fortune 200 companies with faith- and belief-friendly corporate workplaces.These and other major companies say that respecting religious freedom at work not only is the right thing to do but also can lead to happier, more productive employees and a better bottom line.TI employee&nbsp;Jason Rosen, speaking of his faith-friendly workplace, said, “When I’m bringing my whole self to work, that makes me want to give my all to Texas Instruments. …You’ve enabled me to be who I am and I want to use that whole self and give it back to you.’”Addressing faith and belief at work starts with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/programs/business-leaders/about/" target="_blank">recognizing the reality</a>&nbsp;of faith and belief among employees. The Religious Freedom Center offers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/programs/business-leaders/" target="_blank">training</a>&nbsp;to help managers and workers develop knowledge and skills in environments of accommodation and action to make it happen.The diversifying world economy supports the trend toward accommodating faith at work. Markets are expanding globally, creating a more diverse and more religious customer base. All but one of the 10&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/06/these-are-the-world-s-fastest-growing-economies-in-2017-2/" target="_blank">fastest-growing economies</a>&nbsp;each year since 2017 have been countries with big religious majority populations. This means the great majority of potential customers in emerging markets have a deeply held religious worldview.Global data tracking religious affiliation shows a similar trend toward religiosity. The Pew Research Center calculates that&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pewforum.org/2015/04/02/religious-projections-2010-2050/" target="_blank">religious affiliation in the world</a>&nbsp;will grow to 84 percent by 2050. This has major impacts on market growth in a global economy. Any company that hopes to grow its global footprint must better understand and accommodate global customers, including their religious and cultural worldviews.But it isn’t just a macro issue. At Intel, for example, faith-based employee resource groups have had a positive impact on employee recruitment and retention and on revenue, said&nbsp;Craig Carter, an Intel manager and controller, at the&nbsp;<a href="https://religiousfreedomandbusiness.org/faith-at-work-erg-conference-2020" target="_blank">2020&nbsp;Faith@Work&nbsp;Conference</a>.In Silicon Valley, 57 percent of the tech workforce is foreign born, according to a recent study by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Silicon Valley Competitiveness and Innovation Project. With national diversity comes religious diversity, with many&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/02/how-trumps-immigration-rules-will-hurt-the-us-tech-sector/515202/" target="_blank">workers coming from religious-majority countries</a>, such as India and Iran.Companies seeking to attract and keep this talent must have policies in place that accommodate and protect religious diversity and belief. I’d also note: A workplace that embraces diversity also welcomes atheists, agnostics and those of no faith.Employees who feel accommodated in their religious beliefs at work and see others accommodated as well are better employees, says TI software engineer&nbsp;Zonera Javed, who moved to the U.S. as a child.“For many people of faith, our religions aren’t something we can toggle on or off depending on where we are during the day. And that shouldn’t be the case or the expectation,” Javed said, speaking at a conference last fall about her workplace experiences as a Muslim. “We spend a lot of time at work and by having an environment that allows us to truly feel at home, our work thrives and our companies perform better.”Sadly, U.S. businesses have a long way to go in creating faith-welcoming workplaces. Thirty-six percent of American workers — 50 million people — say they have experienced or witnessed hiring discrimination or verbal abuse based on religion and other forms of religious disparagement or discrimination, according to a 2014&nbsp;<a href="https://religiousfreedomandbusiness.org/2/post/2014/08/workplace-religious-discrimination-encountered-by-1-in-3.html" target="_blank">survey</a>&nbsp;by the Tannenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding.In another&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/statistics/religion-based-charges-charges-filed-eeoc-fy-1997-fy-2019" target="_blank">report</a>, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found that workplace religious discrimination complaints were nearly twice as high as complaints about sexual orientation in 2018.For many companies, accommodating employees’ faith and belief at work may sound scary and hard. In my role with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/about/" target="_blank">Freedom Forum’s Religious Freedom Center</a>, I’ve worked on these topics with some of the companies I’ve mentioned and I don’t see it that way. It’s a small investment that pays immeasurable dividends.It’s time for all employers to recognize the power of faith and belief accommodation and empowerment. It’s not only a fundamental right and the right thing to do, it’s also good for business.Paul Lambert is a Freedom Forum fellow for religious freedom.&nbsp;

FIRST 5: Faith and belief accommodation at work

IOWA CITY, Iowa --&nbsp;Leanna McDonald of Woodbine was one of more than 1,400 current University of Iowa students who participated in the 27th&nbsp;annual student-led Dance Marathon, which raised more than $1.4 million for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.

The final tally raised by the students -- who were inspired by the theme of this year's Dance Marathon: "Rise with Resilience" -- was $1,422,443.27,&nbsp;a total which pushed the amount of support generated by Dance Marathon over the course of its history to more than $31 million.

"A very popular spark word this year has been resilience," DM27 excecutive director Elizabeth Jackson told the University of Iowa's Daily Iowan. "But for our families, they've been resilient as they received a diagnosis, got treatment, entered remission, or lost their child. The epitome of resilience is to have to go through all those challenges.

Dance Marathon's "Big Event" is the celebration of UI students' year-round dedication to the children and families who have received treatment at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. Dancers and Dance Marathon leadership fundraise for 365 days to reach their individual fundraising goal.

Dance Marathon works to create special projects to provide emotional and financial support to families treated at the UI Stead Family Children's Hospital with an emphasis on pediatric cancer and bone marrow transplant patients. It committed $5 million of support to the construction of the UI Stead Family Children's Hospital where the 11th&nbsp;floor is named the University of Iowa Pediatric Oncology Unit.

In addition, Dance Marathon pledged $2.2 million to fund a Child Life Specialist Position to ensure patients are provided the emotional support they need.

Dance Marathon is the UI's largest student organization. It has raised more than $31 million since its first event in 1995. In addition to raising money, the event celebrates the lives of survivors and recognizes those lost.

IOWA CITY, Iowa --&nbsp;Leanna McDonald of Woodbine was one of more than 1,400 current University of Iowa students who participated in the 27th&nbsp;annual student-led Dance Marathon, which raised more than $1.4 million for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.The final tally raised by the students -- who were inspired by the theme of this year's Dance Marathon: "Rise with Resilience" -- was $1,422,443.27,&nbsp;a total which pushed the amount of support generated by Dance Marathon over the course of its history to more than $31 million."A very popular spark word this year has been resilience," DM27 excecutive director Elizabeth Jackson told the University of Iowa's Daily Iowan. "But for our families, they've been resilient as they received a diagnosis, got treatment, entered remission, or lost their child. The epitome of resilience is to have to go through all those challenges.Dance Marathon's "Big Event" is the celebration of UI students' year-round dedication to the children and families who have received treatment at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. Dancers and Dance Marathon leadership fundraise for 365 days to reach their individual fundraising goal.Dance Marathon works to create special projects to provide emotional and financial support to families treated at the UI Stead Family Children's Hospital with an emphasis on pediatric cancer and bone marrow transplant patients. It committed $5 million of support to the construction of the UI Stead Family Children's Hospital where the 11th&nbsp;floor is named the University of Iowa Pediatric Oncology Unit.In addition, Dance Marathon pledged $2.2 million to fund a Child Life Specialist Position to ensure patients are provided the emotional support they need.Dance Marathon is the UI's largest student organization. It has raised more than $31 million since its first event in 1995. In addition to raising money, the event celebrates the lives of survivors and recognizes those lost.

Woodbine's McDonald helped raise $1.4M for UI children's hospital

If you haven't yet shared your views about healthy living with Live Well Saline County, you'd better hurry. The coalition's survey is closing on Wednesday.

"Thank you to everyone who has participated in the community physical activity, nutrition, and wellness survey. If you haven't participated yet we will be closing the survey on March 10th. We would like to get as much input as possible," Daniel Craig, cancer outreach coordinator for the Tammy Walker Cancer Center and a member of the coalition, told Salina Post.

To take the survey,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T9DM3PD">click here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Live Well Saline County created the five-minute online survey to gather Saline County citizens' perceptions about opportunities for physical activity, healthy eating, and commercial tobacco control in the community. The information gathered in this survey will assist Live Well Saline County's efforts in ensuring that community members have healthy options from which to choose.

"Your responses to this survey will be compiled with other responses and will never directly identify your individual response. We are gathering some demographic information to ensure that we have heard from a broad representation of individuals in the community. You can choose to skip questions that you don't feel comfortable answering and you can stop at any time," Craig explained.

The survey is part of Live Well Saline County's participation in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas' (BCBSKS) Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative, the largest community grant program ever funded by BCBSKS. Since the initiative began in 2016, BCBSKS has donated more than $11.7 million in grants and assistance to communities throughout Kansas. The Pathways program was created to inspire long-lasting, community-wide health and wellness in communities across Kansas.

In July 2020, Live Well Saline County was announced as one of 24 grantees of the BCBSKS initiative. The grant funding includes a coordination grant of $200,000 for each community. In addition, Saline County will have the opportunity to apply for non-competitive implementation grants amounting to $300,000, for a total of up to $500,000.

Live Well Saline County designated the Tammy Walker Cancer Center as the fiduciary agent. Craig serves as the grant manager.

“The Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant will enable us to bring everyone together so rather than doing a lot of great individual programs and efforts we can work more collaboratively as a community,” Craig said in July. “Being part of the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas cohort will provide opportunities for us to learn from other communities and share things that have helped us be successful.”

The Pathways grant addresses the three behaviors of focus – physical activity, commercial tobacco prevention, and healthy eating – that reduce risk for serious health conditions though six areas of work, or pathways. The pathways include Community &amp; Social Context, Neighborhood &amp; Physical Environment, Food, Healthcare, Education, and Economic Stability, and strive to improve conditions that are the drivers of health in a community.

Live Well Saline County began in 2009 when a group of community members came together to identify ways to partner to address chronic disease prevention in Saline County. Live Well Saline County has active participants from a variety of organizations with a common interest in healthy living.

The coalition is comprised of representatives from the following organizations: Tammy Walker Cancer Center, City of Salina, Salina Regional Health Center, Salina Family YMCA, Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina Area United Way, Saline County Health Department, CKF Addiction Treatment, K-State Research &amp; Extension Central District, and Prairieland Market.

Live Well Saline County partners with many additional organizations in the community to implement programs to improve the health and well-being of the community.

Feature photo courtesy the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Live-Well-Saline-County-341344356076326">Live Well Saline County</a> Facebook page.

If you haven't yet shared your views about healthy living with Live Well Saline County, you'd better hurry. The coalition's survey is closing on Wednesday."Thank you to everyone who has participated in the community physical activity, nutrition, and wellness survey. If you haven't participated yet we will be closing the survey on March 10th. We would like to get as much input as possible," Daniel Craig, cancer outreach coordinator for the Tammy Walker Cancer Center and a member of the coalition, told Salina Post.To take the survey,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T9DM3PD">click here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Live Well Saline County created the five-minute online survey to gather Saline County citizens' perceptions about opportunities for physical activity, healthy eating, and commercial tobacco control in the community. The information gathered in this survey will assist Live Well Saline County's efforts in ensuring that community members have healthy options from which to choose."Your responses to this survey will be compiled with other responses and will never directly identify your individual response. We are gathering some demographic information to ensure that we have heard from a broad representation of individuals in the community. You can choose to skip questions that you don't feel comfortable answering and you can stop at any time," Craig explained.The survey is part of Live Well Saline County's participation in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas' (BCBSKS) Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative, the largest community grant program ever funded by BCBSKS. Since the initiative began in 2016, BCBSKS has donated more than $11.7 million in grants and assistance to communities throughout Kansas. The Pathways program was created to inspire long-lasting, community-wide health and wellness in communities across Kansas.In July 2020, Live Well Saline County was announced as one of 24 grantees of the BCBSKS initiative. The grant funding includes a coordination grant of $200,000 for each community. In addition, Saline County will have the opportunity to apply for non-competitive implementation grants amounting to $300,000, for a total of up to $500,000.Live Well Saline County designated the Tammy Walker Cancer Center as the fiduciary agent. Craig serves as the grant manager.“The Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant will enable us to bring everyone together so rather than doing a lot of great individual programs and efforts we can work more collaboratively as a community,” Craig said in July. “Being part of the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas cohort will provide opportunities for us to learn from other communities and share things that have helped us be successful.”The Pathways grant addresses the three behaviors of focus – physical activity, commercial tobacco prevention, and healthy eating – that reduce risk for serious health conditions though six areas of work, or pathways. The pathways include Community &amp; Social Context, Neighborhood &amp; Physical Environment, Food, Healthcare, Education, and Economic Stability, and strive to improve conditions that are the drivers of health in a community.About Live Well Saline CountyLive Well Saline County began in 2009 when a group of community members came together to identify ways to partner to address chronic disease prevention in Saline County. Live Well Saline County has active participants from a variety of organizations with a common interest in healthy living.The coalition is comprised of representatives from the following organizations: Tammy Walker Cancer Center, City of Salina, Salina Regional Health Center, Salina Family YMCA, Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina Area United Way, Saline County Health Department, CKF Addiction Treatment, K-State Research &amp; Extension Central District, and Prairieland Market.Live Well Saline County partners with many additional organizations in the community to implement programs to improve the health and well-being of the community.Feature photo courtesy the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Live-Well-Saline-County-341344356076326">Live Well Saline County</a> Facebook page.

You still have time to complete the short Live Well Saline County survey

A red flag warning has been issued for counties in our area.

A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, dry fuels, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Topeka.

Winds from the south-southwest at 15 to 25 mph with gusts of 30 to 35 mph are forecast. Humidity is expected to be 20 to 25 percent.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615065304113.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A red flag warning has been issued for counties in our area.A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, dry fuels, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Topeka.NWS in Topeka has issued a red flag warning in effect from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyDickinson CountyOttawa CountyRepublic CountyWinds from the south-southwest at 15 to 25 mph with gusts of 30 to 35 mph are forecast. Humidity is expected to be 20 to 25 percent.Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Red flag warning issued for multiple counties in our area

Today is Saturday, March 6, the 65th day of 2021. There are 300 days left in the year. 

On March 6, 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Dred Scott v. Sandford, ruled 7-2 that Scott, a slave, was not an American citizen and therefore could not sue for his freedom in federal court. 

In 1475, Italian artist and poet Michelangelo was born in Caprese in the Republic of Florence. 

In 1836, the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, fell as Mexican forces led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna stormed the fortress after a 13-day siege; the battle claimed the lives of all the Texan defenders, nearly 200 strong, including William Travis, James Bowie and Davy Crockett. 

In 1853, Verdi's opera "La Traviata" premiered in Venice, Italy.

In 1944, U.S. heavy bombers staged the first full-scale American raid on Berlin during World War II. 

In 1962, what became known as the Ash Wednesday Storm began pounding the mid-Atlantic coast; over a three-day period, the storm resulted in 40 deaths and caused more than $200 million in property damage.

In 1964, heavyweight boxing champion Cassius Clay officially changed his name to Muhammad Ali. 

In 1970, a bomb being built inside a Greenwich Village townhouse by the radical Weathermen accidentally went off, destroying the house and killing three group members. 

In 1973, Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck, 80, died in Danby, Vermont. 

In 1981, Walter Cronkite signed off for the last time as principal anchorman of "The CBS Evening News." 

In 1987, the first "Lethal Weapon" movie, starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, was released by Warner Bros.

In 2002, Independent Counsel Robert Ray issued his final report in which he wrote that former President Bill Clinton could have been indicted and probably would have been convicted in the scandal involving former White House intern Monica Lewinsky. 

In 2015, during a town hall at South Carolina's Benedict College, President Barack Obama said racial discrimination by police in Ferguson, Missouri, was "oppressive and abusive" as he called for criminal justice reform as part of the modern struggle for civil rights.

Ten years ago: The space shuttle and space station crews hugged goodbye after more than a week together, but saved their most heartfelt farewell for Discovery, which was on its final voyage after nearly three decades.

Five years ago: Former first lady Nancy Reagan died in Los Angeles at age 94. Former President Jimmy Carter announced he no longer needed treatment for cancer, less than seven months after revealing he'd been diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders tangled aggressively in a Democratic presidential debate in Flint, Michigan, over trade, Wall Street influence and more.

One year ago: The number of people infected by the coronavirus worldwide reached 100,000, with more than 3,400 dead. President Donald Trump signed a $8.3 billion measure to help tackle the coronavirus outbreak; it included money for vaccines, tests and potential treatments. Vice President Mike Pence said 21 people on a cruise ship being held off San Francisco had tested positive for the coronavirus. The president announced a major staff overhaul, replacing acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney with Republican Rep. Mark Meadows. The family of jazz pianist McCoy Tyner announced that Tyner, the last surviving member of the John Coltrane Quartet, had died at the age of 81. Former hockey star Henri Richard, who won a record 11 Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, died at 84.

Today's Birthdays: Former FBI and CIA director William Webster is 97. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan is 95. Dancer-actor Carmen de Lavallade is 90. Former Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova is 84. Former Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond, R-Mo., is 82. Actor-writer Joanna Miles is 81. Actor Ben Murphy is 79. Opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is 77. Rock musician Hugh Grundy (The Zombies) is 76. Rock singer-musician David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) is 75. Actor Anna Maria Horsford is 74. Actor-director Rob Reiner is 74. Singer Kiki Dee is 74. TV consumer reporter John Stossel is 74. Composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz is 73. Rock singer-musician Phil Alvin (The Blasters) is 68. Sports correspondent Armen Keteyian is 68. Actor Tom Arnold is 62. Actor D.L. Hughley is 58. Country songwriter Skip Ewing is 57. Actor Shuler Hensley is 54. Actor Connie Britton is 54. Actor Moira Kelly is 53. Actor Amy Pietz is 52. Rock musician Chris Broderick (Megadeth) is 51. Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal is 49. Country singer Trent Willmon is 48. Rapper Beanie Sigel is 47. Rapper Bubba Sparxxx is 44. Actor Shaun Evans is 41. Rock musician Chris Tomson (Vampire Weekend) is 37. MLB pitcher Jake Arrieta is 35. Actor Eli Marienthal is 35. Actor Jimmy Galeota is 35. Rapper/producer Tyler, the Creator is 30. Actor Dillon Freasier is 25. Actor Savannah Stehlin is 25. Actor Millicent Simmonds (Film: "Wonderstruck") is 18.

<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 Saturday, March 6, the 65th day of 2021. There are 300 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On March 6, 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Dred Scott v. Sandford, ruled 7-2 that Scott, a slave, was not an American citizen and therefore could not sue for his freedom in federal court. On this date: In 1475, Italian artist and poet Michelangelo was born in Caprese in the Republic of Florence. In 1836, the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, fell as Mexican forces led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna stormed the fortress after a 13-day siege; the battle claimed the lives of all the Texan defenders, nearly 200 strong, including William Travis, James Bowie and Davy Crockett. In 1853, Verdi's opera "La Traviata" premiered in Venice, Italy.In 1944, U.S. heavy bombers staged the first full-scale American raid on Berlin during World War II. In 1962, what became known as the Ash Wednesday Storm began pounding the mid-Atlantic coast; over a three-day period, the storm resulted in 40 deaths and caused more than $200 million in property damage.In 1964, heavyweight boxing champion Cassius Clay officially changed his name to Muhammad Ali. In 1970, a bomb being built inside a Greenwich Village townhouse by the radical Weathermen accidentally went off, destroying the house and killing three group members. In 1973, Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck, 80, died in Danby, Vermont. In 1981, Walter Cronkite signed off for the last time as principal anchorman of "The CBS Evening News." In 1987, the first "Lethal Weapon" movie, starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, was released by Warner Bros.In 2002, Independent Counsel Robert Ray issued his final report in which he wrote that former President Bill Clinton could have been indicted and probably would have been convicted in the scandal involving former White House intern Monica Lewinsky. In 2015, during a town hall at South Carolina's Benedict College, President Barack Obama said racial discrimination by police in Ferguson, Missouri, was "oppressive and abusive" as he called for criminal justice reform as part of the modern struggle for civil rights.Ten years ago: The space shuttle and space station crews hugged goodbye after more than a week together, but saved their most heartfelt farewell for Discovery, which was on its final voyage after nearly three decades.Five years ago: Former first lady Nancy Reagan died in Los Angeles at age 94. Former President Jimmy Carter announced he no longer needed treatment for cancer, less than seven months after revealing he'd been diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders tangled aggressively in a Democratic presidential debate in Flint, Michigan, over trade, Wall Street influence and more.One year ago: The number of people infected by the coronavirus worldwide reached 100,000, with more than 3,400 dead. President Donald Trump signed a $8.3 billion measure to help tackle the coronavirus outbreak; it included money for vaccines, tests and potential treatments. Vice President Mike Pence said 21 people on a cruise ship being held off San Francisco had tested positive for the coronavirus. The president announced a major staff overhaul, replacing acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney with Republican Rep. Mark Meadows. The family of jazz pianist McCoy Tyner announced that Tyner, the last surviving member of the John Coltrane Quartet, had died at the age of 81. Former hockey star Henri Richard, who won a record 11 Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, died at 84.Today's Birthdays: Former FBI and CIA director William Webster is 97. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan is 95. Dancer-actor Carmen de Lavallade is 90. Former Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova is 84. Former Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond, R-Mo., is 82. Actor-writer Joanna Miles is 81. Actor Ben Murphy is 79. Opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is 77. Rock musician Hugh Grundy (The Zombies) is 76. Rock singer-musician David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) is 75. Actor Anna Maria Horsford is 74. Actor-director Rob Reiner is 74. Singer Kiki Dee is 74. TV consumer reporter John Stossel is 74. Composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz is 73. Rock singer-musician Phil Alvin (The Blasters) is 68. Sports correspondent Armen Keteyian is 68. Actor Tom Arnold is 62. Actor D.L. Hughley is 58. Country songwriter Skip Ewing is 57. Actor Shuler Hensley is 54. Actor Connie Britton is 54. Actor Moira Kelly is 53. Actor Amy Pietz is 52. Rock musician Chris Broderick (Megadeth) is 51. Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal is 49. Country singer Trent Willmon is 48. Rapper Beanie Sigel is 47. Rapper Bubba Sparxxx is 44. Actor Shaun Evans is 41. Rock musician Chris Tomson (Vampire Weekend) is 37. MLB pitcher Jake Arrieta is 35. Actor Eli Marienthal is 35. Actor Jimmy Galeota is 35. Rapper/producer Tyler, the Creator is 30. Actor Dillon Freasier is 25. Actor Savannah Stehlin is 25. Actor Millicent Simmonds (Film: "Wonderstruck") is 18.

Today in History -- March 6

By EMILY WU Attorney, Federal Trade Commission

Lots of people are having trouble sleeping, thanks to the pandemic and all the parts of our lives it’s affecting. And it doesn’t help when you get a call saying you owe the government money. Oh, and, they add, you’ll go to jail if you don’t pay up immediately. That’s a scam, and nothing to lose sleep over. For those who are a little more cut off from people than usual, these calls might feel more real and worrying than they are. If you know someone might be cut off from others right now, <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/03/when-it-comes-scams-lets-look-out-one-another">reach out to them to make sure they know these calls are scams</a>. &nbsp;

Here are some things you might share with them about government imposters.

First, plenty of people have spotted calls, texts, and emails from bogus government officials. In 2020, people <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/GovernmentImposter/Infographic">reported</a> losing more than $174 million to government imposter scams, with a median loss of $1,250.

Second, you can share a few ways to spot these scammers in the act:

●Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers manipulate caller ID to look like the call is coming from an official government number. Look up the agency’s number yourself, if you’re concerned, and give them a call. But don’t use the number in caller ID.

●Government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Social Security Administration (SSA) won’t call, text, or email you out of the blue to demand payment right away.

●Nobody legit will ever tell you to pay with gift cards, money transfers, or cryptocurrency.

●Never share personal information with anyone who contacts&nbsp;you. If you’re worried, look up the government agency’s information yourself to check with them.

Sharing these tips might just help someone you care about sleep a little more soundly. And, of course, if you spot a scammer, talk about it, and then tell the FTC at <a href="http://ReportFraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Each report helps protect your community.

The above information is from the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/03/when-its-not-really-government-calling?utm_source=govdelivery">blog</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614976036319.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By EMILY WU Attorney, Federal Trade CommissionLots of people are having trouble sleeping, thanks to the pandemic and all the parts of our lives it’s affecting. And it doesn’t help when you get a call saying you owe the government money. Oh, and, they add, you’ll go to jail if you don’t pay up immediately. That’s a scam, and nothing to lose sleep over. For those who are a little more cut off from people than usual, these calls might feel more real and worrying than they are. If you know someone might be cut off from others right now, <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/03/when-it-comes-scams-lets-look-out-one-another">reach out to them to make sure they know these calls are scams</a>. &nbsp;Here are some things you might share with them about government imposters.First, plenty of people have spotted calls, texts, and emails from bogus government officials. In 2020, people <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/federal.trade.commission#!/vizhome/GovernmentImposter/Infographic">reported</a> losing more than $174 million to government imposter scams, with a median loss of $1,250.Second, you can share a few ways to spot these scammers in the act:●Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers manipulate caller ID to look like the call is coming from an official government number. Look up the agency’s number yourself, if you’re concerned, and give them a call. But don’t use the number in caller ID.●Government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Social Security Administration (SSA) won’t call, text, or email you out of the blue to demand payment right away.●Nobody legit will ever tell you to pay with gift cards, money transfers, or cryptocurrency.●Never share personal information with anyone who contacts&nbsp;you. If you’re worried, look up the government agency’s information yourself to check with them.Sharing these tips might just help someone you care about sleep a little more soundly. And, of course, if you spot a scammer, talk about it, and then tell the FTC at <a href="http://ReportFraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Each report helps protect your community.The above information is from the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/03/when-its-not-really-government-calling?utm_source=govdelivery">blog</a>.

FTC: When it’s not really the government calling

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

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 two 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 3, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 5,972.

The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 313 cases. At least 5,553 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=0011BkvqwlwlNQ_QoJBOMud_1vqLRXKOhUZYPRpOmkOveZK_MPPKCC9aHnHYDV-NHNQEzcp_dEc5vd0QATtIhVfq0nJOHWS_GdHVY3ibZ5wxxoBkk524MkSJ4hR6ITkz7rMyXgRwYAUIOl6BDCl0UEz8zWwM9oSEMc7&amp;c=5fpRq8vHnNucRg64vrrRceTQ7EeYWrilpfeTjdgKP0DwtV6Ulz-wIA==&amp;ch=74WPNirb8RUWT-kB1iln1FwhYiPW_qcG-hChcN6rhZYkdiKsuyFjPw==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 295,861 cases and 4,812 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:

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=0011BkvqwlwlNQ_QoJBOMud_1vqLRXKOhUZYPRpOmkOveZK_MPPKCC9aHnHYDV-NHNQgOUNG4fAWUN0P10vaCxdwHpbgy8onT43eHqZm0HwTqBydM7WQr3IVIGgtCtTOMSy_BsvTgULgHgaj_4Xyot8ddGfeFcFw5-q&amp;c=5fpRq8vHnNucRg64vrrRceTQ7EeYWrilpfeTjdgKP0DwtV6Ulz-wIA==&amp;ch=74WPNirb8RUWT-kB1iln1FwhYiPW_qcG-hChcN6rhZYkdiKsuyFjPw==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011BkvqwlwlNQ_QoJBOMud_1vqLRXKOhUZYPRpOmkOveZK_MPPKCC9aHnHYDV-NHNQMmPs81Y9RWaCjGA3bB4HuVXW288DOmOhXOcVSUaIEu-4WSnR0Xl35xnP1MkT0kR6o02XFY0LHf8=&amp;c=5fpRq8vHnNucRg64vrrRceTQ7EeYWrilpfeTjdgKP0DwtV6Ulz-wIA==&amp;ch=74WPNirb8RUWT-kB1iln1FwhYiPW_qcG-hChcN6rhZYkdiKsuyFjPw==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614983854855.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Friday.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 two 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 3, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 5,972. The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 313 cases. At least 5,553 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=0011BkvqwlwlNQ_QoJBOMud_1vqLRXKOhUZYPRpOmkOveZK_MPPKCC9aHnHYDV-NHNQEzcp_dEc5vd0QATtIhVfq0nJOHWS_GdHVY3ibZ5wxxoBkk524MkSJ4hR6ITkz7rMyXgRwYAUIOl6BDCl0UEz8zWwM9oSEMc7&amp;c=5fpRq8vHnNucRg64vrrRceTQ7EeYWrilpfeTjdgKP0DwtV6Ulz-wIA==&amp;ch=74WPNirb8RUWT-kB1iln1FwhYiPW_qcG-hChcN6rhZYkdiKsuyFjPw==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there have been 295,861 cases and 4,812 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: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=0011BkvqwlwlNQ_QoJBOMud_1vqLRXKOhUZYPRpOmkOveZK_MPPKCC9aHnHYDV-NHNQgOUNG4fAWUN0P10vaCxdwHpbgy8onT43eHqZm0HwTqBydM7WQr3IVIGgtCtTOMSy_BsvTgULgHgaj_4Xyot8ddGfeFcFw5-q&amp;c=5fpRq8vHnNucRg64vrrRceTQ7EeYWrilpfeTjdgKP0DwtV6Ulz-wIA==&amp;ch=74WPNirb8RUWT-kB1iln1FwhYiPW_qcG-hChcN6rhZYkdiKsuyFjPw==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0011BkvqwlwlNQ_QoJBOMud_1vqLRXKOhUZYPRpOmkOveZK_MPPKCC9aHnHYDV-NHNQMmPs81Y9RWaCjGA3bB4HuVXW288DOmOhXOcVSUaIEu-4WSnR0Xl35xnP1MkT0kR6o02XFY0LHf8=&amp;c=5fpRq8vHnNucRg64vrrRceTQ7EeYWrilpfeTjdgKP0DwtV6Ulz-wIA==&amp;ch=74WPNirb8RUWT-kB1iln1FwhYiPW_qcG-hChcN6rhZYkdiKsuyFjPw==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Saline County: 8 new COVID-19 cases; 5,553 of 5,972 recovered

Salina has a new director of public works.

In a release this afternoon the City of Salina announced that City Manager Mike Schrage had appointed Jim Teutsch as the new director of public works. 

The search for the director of public works position generated 24 candidates from across the country.

Teutsch has served as operations manager within the Public Works Department since 2008. His duties have included management of the streets, sanitation, solid waste/landfill, traffic control, flood control and central garage divisions. 

Along with his public works experience, Teutsch served in the United States Army for more than 22 years, with numerous roles in leadership, instruction, training, operations, and development. He retired from the Army with the rank of Sergeant Major. His background also includes civilian roles as technical director and operations officer at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. 

He holds a bachelor’s degree in operations management from Empire State College, and a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from American InterContinental University. 

In 2020, the governor appointed Teutsch to the Solid Waste Grants Advisory Committee, and he is a lifetime member of the Army Engineer Association.

"Jim’s breadth of knowledge in public works and of our organization gave him the advantage. He has consistently applied himself not only in the many facets of day-to-day operations, but also with numerous projects during his tenure here. His professional, methodical approach and eye for detail contribute to his success," Schrage said. "It is exciting when we can provide new opportunities for our employees and I look forward to working with Jim in his new role.”

Teutsch succeeds Jim Kowach in the director role, which has been vacant since Kowach’s retirement last September. Teutsch will transition to the new role immediately.

Salina has a new director of public works.In a release this afternoon the City of Salina announced that City Manager Mike Schrage had appointed Jim Teutsch as the new director of public works. The search for the director of public works position generated 24 candidates from across the country.Teutsch has served as operations manager within the Public Works Department since 2008. His duties have included management of the streets, sanitation, solid waste/landfill, traffic control, flood control and central garage divisions. Along with his public works experience, Teutsch served in the United States Army for more than 22 years, with numerous roles in leadership, instruction, training, operations, and development. He retired from the Army with the rank of Sergeant Major. His background also includes civilian roles as technical director and operations officer at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He holds a bachelor’s degree in operations management from Empire State College, and a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from American InterContinental University. In 2020, the governor appointed Teutsch to the Solid Waste Grants Advisory Committee, and he is a lifetime member of the Army Engineer Association."Jim’s breadth of knowledge in public works and of our organization gave him the advantage. He has consistently applied himself not only in the many facets of day-to-day operations, but also with numerous projects during his tenure here. His professional, methodical approach and eye for detail contribute to his success," Schrage said. "It is exciting when we can provide new opportunities for our employees and I look forward to working with Jim in his new role.”Teutsch succeeds Jim Kowach in the director role, which has been vacant since Kowach’s retirement last September. Teutsch will transition to the new role immediately.

City manager appoints Teutsch as new director of public works

Rolling Hills Zoo has announced the sighting of a new joey! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rollinghillszoo/">Rolling Hills Zoo</a> Facebook page:

#OhBaby! There is a new joey ready to make their appearance at Rolling Hills Zoo! You heard it right, a new baby wallaby has been spotted sticking his (or her) head out of mama’s pouch. While this is our first sighting of this wallaby, it is now about 6 to 7 months old.

At this age a joey is starting to poke their head out and respond to stimuli around them. The joey is just furring up now and should start venturing out of its pouch in time for Spring Break. Even after a joey leaves the pouch, it often returns to jump in when danger approaches.

When joeys are born they are the size of a grape. Immediately after birth the joey will crawl into its mother’s pouch and stay there to continue developing while being nourished by mother’s milk. It takes about six months for them to see, grow ears and hair, and walk (or waddle) on their own.

The mother of this joey is Marge, and the father is Barley. This is Marge’s second joey. Her first was Martha, who is part of the mob (group of wallabies) and can be seen out in the yard.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614963964466.jpeg" alt="The new joey and mama Marge. Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rollinghillszoo/">Rolling Hills Zoo</a> Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>The new joey and mama Marge. Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rollinghillszoo/">Rolling Hills Zoo</a> Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>Rolling Hills Zoo has announced the sighting of a new joey! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rollinghillszoo/">Rolling Hills Zoo</a> Facebook page:#OhBaby! There is a new joey ready to make their appearance at Rolling Hills Zoo! You heard it right, a new baby wallaby has been spotted sticking his (or her) head out of mama’s pouch. While this is our first sighting of this wallaby, it is now about 6 to 7 months old.At this age a joey is starting to poke their head out and respond to stimuli around them. The joey is just furring up now and should start venturing out of its pouch in time for Spring Break. Even after a joey leaves the pouch, it often returns to jump in when danger approaches. When joeys are born they are the size of a grape. Immediately after birth the joey will crawl into its mother’s pouch and stay there to continue developing while being nourished by mother’s milk. It takes about six months for them to see, grow ears and hair, and walk (or waddle) on their own. The mother of this joey is Marge, and the father is Barley. This is Marge’s second joey. Her first was Martha, who is part of the mob (group of wallabies) and can be seen out in the yard. The other wallabies are quite interested in this new young joey, and he/she is very curious about its surroundings.--RHZ--

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