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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

Work in a persons home and go with them to do daily things. Help out with their goals and dreams.

Paid time off, sick leave Holiday pay plus time and a half Great Benefits &amp; Paid training

OCCK, Inc. is a not-for-profit, mission-based organization that has been providing services to people with disabilities since 1970. With regional offices throughout North Central Kansas. Help others and getting paid to do so. Apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=occkinc.appone.com">https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=occkinc.appone.com</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592535783410.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Direct Support Professional$13/hour Full or Part time$14.5 6pm to 5am &amp; weekendsWork in a persons home and go with them to do daily things. Help out with their goals and dreams.Flexible schedulesPaycheck for life retirement (KPERS)Paid time off, sick leave Holiday pay plus time and a half Great Benefits &amp; Paid trainingFun, satisfying, rewarding work.CNA, CMA, HHA openings also!OCCK, Inc. is a not-for-profit, mission-based organization that has been providing services to people with disabilities since 1970. With regional offices throughout North Central Kansas. Help others and getting paid to do so. Apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=occkinc.appone.com">https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=occkinc.appone.com</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;&nbsp; EOE Drug testing required.

UPDATE: NWS cancels winter weather advisories for some

Residents and animals should not enter the river at this time

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a stream advisory for the Smoky Hill River downstream of Salina.

The stream advisory is a result of a power loss at the City of Salina wastewater treatment plant. Wastewater was not fully treated during the power failure and entered the river.&nbsp;

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/cced182f-7b2d-4679-aa61-ee0ed0473be6">UPDATE: Power outage hits approximately 15,000 in Salina Saturday</a>

Electricity has been restored and the wastewater plant is operating normally.&nbsp; The overflow has ceased.

The advisory has been issued because potential elevated bacteria and contaminants may be present in the Smoky Hill River as it flows east to the Solomon River.&nbsp; If you live or have activities near the Smoky Hill River, do not enter the river or allow children or pets to enter the river.

KDHE will rescind the advisory once subsequent bacteria testing indicates secondary (wading) contact has been deemed safe.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613870598183.png" alt="City of Salina wastewater treatment plant. Map courtesy Google" />
 <figcaption>City of Salina wastewater treatment plant. Map courtesy Google</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Residents and animals should not enter the river at this time</h2>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a stream advisory for the Smoky Hill River downstream of Salina.The stream advisory is a result of a power loss at the City of Salina wastewater treatment plant. Wastewater was not fully treated during the power failure and entered the river.&nbsp;READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/cced182f-7b2d-4679-aa61-ee0ed0473be6">UPDATE: Power outage hits approximately 15,000 in Salina Saturday</a>Electricity has been restored and the wastewater plant is operating normally.&nbsp; The overflow has ceased.The advisory has been issued because potential elevated bacteria and contaminants may be present in the Smoky Hill River as it flows east to the Solomon River.&nbsp; If you live or have activities near the Smoky Hill River, do not enter the river or allow children or pets to enter the river.KDHE will rescind the advisory once subsequent bacteria testing indicates secondary (wading) contact has been deemed safe.--KDHE--

Stream advisory issued for Smoky Hill River downstream of Salina

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Electricity has been restored to nearly all of the approximate 15,000 customers who lost power Saturday afternoon in Salina.

A spokesperson for Evergy told Salina Post that as of 2:20 p.m. electricity had been restored to all but about 1,000 customers in northeast Salina. Those customers were to have their electricity restored shortly, she said.

A piece of equipment at an Evergy substation failed, knocking out power for the approximately 15,000 customers, the spokesperson said. The outage stretched from northeast Salina to southern parts of the city.

Electricity went out for approximately 13,000 Evergy customers in Salina shortly after 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

A spokesperson for Evergy told Salina Post that personnel were running the power lines to determine the cause of the outage.

Power was restored to some locations in southeast Salina shortly after the outage occurred, however, the Evergy spokesperson told Salina Post just before 2 p.m. that about 13,000 customers in Salina were still without electricity.&nbsp;

We will update this story as more information becomes available.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostElectricity has been restored to nearly all of the approximate 15,000 customers who lost power Saturday afternoon in Salina.A spokesperson for Evergy told Salina Post that as of 2:20 p.m. electricity had been restored to all but about 1,000 customers in northeast Salina. Those customers were to have their electricity restored shortly, she said.A piece of equipment at an Evergy substation failed, knocking out power for the approximately 15,000 customers, the spokesperson said. The outage stretched from northeast Salina to southern parts of the city.Electricity went out for approximately 13,000 Evergy customers in Salina shortly after 1:30 p.m. Saturday.A spokesperson for Evergy told Salina Post that personnel were running the power lines to determine the cause of the outage.Power was restored to some locations in southeast Salina shortly after the outage occurred, however, the Evergy spokesperson told Salina Post just before 2 p.m. that about 13,000 customers in Salina were still without electricity.&nbsp;We will update this story as more information becomes available.

UPDATE: Power outage hits approximately 15,000 in Salina Saturday

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Burns public water supply system. 

The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure in the distribution system.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Burns indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMjAuMzU2MDMxNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.U2923cRnKL8Nph6YfAbXKntLLHaUHJw4r8dsZ1soqMQ/s/1305935158/br/98135539957-l" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Burns public water supply system. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure in the distribution system.Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.Laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Burns indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;For consumer questions, please contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMjAuMzU2MDMxNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.U2923cRnKL8Nph6YfAbXKntLLHaUHJw4r8dsZ1soqMQ/s/1305935158/br/98135539957-l" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>

Boil water advisory rescinded for City of Burns

The Kansas Highway Patrol will join other Kansas law enforcement agencies in partnership with the Seat Belts are For Everyone (SAFE) program for a two-week seat belt enforcement Monday to March 5.&nbsp;

Troopers will focus on drivers and passengers in and around elementary and middle schools.

SAFE is a locally sustained program administered by the students at the high school they attend. The focus is on reducing deaths and injuries on Kansas roadways. Currently in Kansas, 117 high schools from 57 counties participate in the SAFE program.

According to the 2019 Kansas observational seatbelt survey, children are much more likely to be buckled up if the driver is wearing their seatbelt. If the driver is buckled, about 97% of the children are restrained. If the driver is not buckled, only about 30% of the observed children were buckled. We want adults to model good driving behaviors for children.

“The KHP will be working with local law enforcement partners in an aggressive education and enforcement campaign focused on the importance of seat belt usage,” said Colonel Herman T. Jones, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol. “Seatbelts have been proven to save lives and prevent injuries. It is our goal to make sure all citizens of Kansas buckle up in all seating positions.”

Troopers will be extra vigilant when patrolling around schools. For more than 20 years, law enforcement officers have educated and warned drivers and passengers about the importance of using seat belts while in their vehicles.

For the latest data and to see more about Kansas safety belt laws, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ktsro.org/child-passenger-safety" target="_blank">www.ktsro.org</a>.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ff809b30-e1d3-4b1a-bbfa-17658dd8d16e">SPD to conduct enforcement campaign near high schools</a>

READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9f4eabdc-9527-466c-aaa8-d551a9a980ac">Sheriff's office to begin teen traffic safety campaign Monday</a>

The Kansas Highway Patrol will join other Kansas law enforcement agencies in partnership with the Seat Belts are For Everyone (SAFE) program for a two-week seat belt enforcement Monday to March 5.&nbsp;Troopers will focus on drivers and passengers in and around elementary and middle schools.SAFE is a locally sustained program administered by the students at the high school they attend. The focus is on reducing deaths and injuries on Kansas roadways. Currently in Kansas, 117 high schools from 57 counties participate in the SAFE program.According to the 2019 Kansas observational seatbelt survey, children are much more likely to be buckled up if the driver is wearing their seatbelt. If the driver is buckled, about 97% of the children are restrained. If the driver is not buckled, only about 30% of the observed children were buckled. We want adults to model good driving behaviors for children.“The KHP will be working with local law enforcement partners in an aggressive education and enforcement campaign focused on the importance of seat belt usage,” said Colonel Herman T. Jones, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol. “Seatbelts have been proven to save lives and prevent injuries. It is our goal to make sure all citizens of Kansas buckle up in all seating positions.”Troopers will be extra vigilant when patrolling around schools. For more than 20 years, law enforcement officers have educated and warned drivers and passengers about the importance of using seat belts while in their vehicles.For the latest data and to see more about Kansas safety belt laws, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ktsro.org/child-passenger-safety" target="_blank">www.ktsro.org</a>.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ff809b30-e1d3-4b1a-bbfa-17658dd8d16e">SPD to conduct enforcement campaign near high schools</a>READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9f4eabdc-9527-466c-aaa8-d551a9a980ac">Sheriff's office to begin teen traffic safety campaign Monday</a>

KHP joins in safety enforcement near schools

The would-be varsity cheerleader, the tattletale and Snapchat have converged in a Supreme Court free speech case sure to draw the interest of social media-loving students, concerned parents and wary school administrators everywhere.

In 2017, a ninth-grade student in Schuylkill County, Pa., who failed to make the varsity cheerleading squad, vented her frustration in an F-bomb laced Snapchat post. She repeated the same curse before each of the words “school,” “softball,” “cheer” and “everything.”

A teammate told a coach about the post, and administrators kicked her off the junior varsity cheerleading squad.

Now, in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/mahanoy-area-school-district-v-b-l/" target="_blank">Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L.</a>, the Supreme Court faces the question: Can school officials punish students for social media posts even when students post them off-campus, including in their own homes? The stakes are high: School administrators say they need to know the limits of their authority. Students deserve to know if schools can regulate them for social media posts they make off school grounds. The court could hear oral arguments as early as April.

The student, identified as “B.L.,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclupa.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/b.l._-_verified_complaint_-_9-25-17.pdf" target="_blank">filed a federal lawsuit</a>&nbsp;through her parents, alleging a violation of her First Amendment free speech rights. A federal district court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclupa.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/memorandum_opinion_granting_summary_judgment_for_b.l._-_3_21_19_.pdf" target="_blank">ruled in her favor</a>, reasoning her profane snap was off-campus speech that did not cause a substantial disruption of school activities. The disruption of school functions is the key standard in student-speech cases from the Supreme Court’s famous 1969 decision in&nbsp;<a href="https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/393/503.html" target="_blank">Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District</a>.

In Tinker, several students, including siblings&nbsp;Mary Beth&nbsp;and&nbsp;John Tinker, wore black armbands to school to protest U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. School officials learned of the impending black armband protest and quickly passed a rule banning armbands. But they continued to allow students to wear other symbols, such as Iron Crosses and political campaign buttons. In effect, school officials had targeted a specific symbol associated with a particular political viewpoint.

The Supreme Court in Tinker delivered a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/2019/01/30/tinker-after-50-a-historic-ruling-still-relevant-after-all-these-years/" target="_blank">stunning victory</a>&nbsp;for student rights, declaring that neither students nor teachers “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.”

The court ruled that public school officials could not punish students for their speech unless the officials could reasonably forecast that the student speech would cause a substantial disruption of school activities.

Mahanoy school officials relied not on Tinker but another Supreme Court case to argue in support of their punishing the cheerleader student. In the 1986 case&nbsp;<a href="https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/478/675.html" target="_blank">Bethel School District v. Fraser</a>, school officials who disciplined a student for delivering a sexually laced speech during a student assembly prevailed. The court ruled in that case that public school officials could prohibit student speech that was vulgar or lewd.

In the cheerleading student’s case, an appellate court said the Fraser rule did not apply because her speech was completely off-campus.

The appeals court ruled that Tinker doesn’t apply to her case, either — it applies when student speech takes place on campus, within the schoolhouse gates, but not when a student is posting on social media at home, the court said. A concurring judge separately found that the Tinker ruling does apply, but that school officials still lose because the student’s off-campus speech did not disrupt school activities.

The Mahanoy school district, in its appeal to the Supreme Court, emphasized the vitally important question of whether Tinker applies to off-campus speech.

“That question has become especially acute because social media has made it far easier for students’ off-campus messages to instantly reach a wide audience of classmates and dominate the on-campus environment,” the school district&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/20/20-255/151619/20200828144703420_Mahanoy%20Cert%20Petition%20-%20Final.pdf" target="_blank">wrote in its petition</a>.

School administrators, students, parents, teachers and others don’t know how far the arm of school authority extends off campus. At the very least, public school officials must show a clear connection between the off-campus post and events that take place at school.

The court’s decision should provide much-needed guidance in an&nbsp;<a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3650306" target="_blank">unsettled area</a>&nbsp;of student-speech law. Free-speech advocates hope the decision will, like the Tinker decision more than 50 years ago, respect students and their free-speech rights. Students are the future of the country and need to learn in an environment that protects their constitutional freedoms.

David Hudson, Jr. is a Freedom Forum fellow for the First Amendment and a law professor at Belmont University who publishes widely on First Amendment topics. He is the author of several First Amendment books, including “<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.penguinrandomhouse.com%2Fbooks%2F209103%2Flet-the-students-speak-by-david-hudson%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccfitzpatrick%40freedomforum.org%7C2685cd6ced894f04dd7c08d8ceab2bbc%7C769dac65dc844365a403d9a08681378c%7C0%7C0%7C637486582661751731%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0&amp;sdata=uHRw4fHnLNk9oFwbGjg9ckXMTppaXa0jcwqN1HPgwmk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Let The Students Speak!: A History of the Fight for Freedom of Expression in American Schools</a>” (2011). He is also the author of a 12-lecture audio course on the First Amendment titled, “<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.audible.com%2Fpd%2FFreedom-of-Speech-Audiobook%2FB07KWDRZ5Z&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccfitzpatrick%40freedomforum.org%7C174b7887b2b646d45e7d08d8ceaddfa2%7C769dac65dc844365a403d9a08681378c%7C0%7C0%7C637486593458613959%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=dNR6vBtIwJZjR5U7TFot4X7J0o7dT67xpUSgGUTb1RY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Freedom of Speech: Understanding the First Amendment,</a>” Now You Know Media (2018).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613679776461.jpeg" alt="David Hudson, Jr." />
 <figcaption>David Hudson, Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID HUDSON, JRThe would-be varsity cheerleader, the tattletale and Snapchat have converged in a Supreme Court free speech case sure to draw the interest of social media-loving students, concerned parents and wary school administrators everywhere.In 2017, a ninth-grade student in Schuylkill County, Pa., who failed to make the varsity cheerleading squad, vented her frustration in an F-bomb laced Snapchat post. She repeated the same curse before each of the words “school,” “softball,” “cheer” and “everything.”A teammate told a coach about the post, and administrators kicked her off the junior varsity cheerleading squad.Now, in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/mahanoy-area-school-district-v-b-l/" target="_blank">Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L.</a>, the Supreme Court faces the question: Can school officials punish students for social media posts even when students post them off-campus, including in their own homes? The stakes are high: School administrators say they need to know the limits of their authority. Students deserve to know if schools can regulate them for social media posts they make off school grounds. The court could hear oral arguments as early as April.The student, identified as “B.L.,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclupa.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/b.l._-_verified_complaint_-_9-25-17.pdf" target="_blank">filed a federal lawsuit</a>&nbsp;through her parents, alleging a violation of her First Amendment free speech rights. A federal district court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclupa.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/memorandum_opinion_granting_summary_judgment_for_b.l._-_3_21_19_.pdf" target="_blank">ruled in her favor</a>, reasoning her profane snap was off-campus speech that did not cause a substantial disruption of school activities. The disruption of school functions is the key standard in student-speech cases from the Supreme Court’s famous 1969 decision in&nbsp;<a href="https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/393/503.html" target="_blank">Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District</a>.In Tinker, several students, including siblings&nbsp;Mary Beth&nbsp;and&nbsp;John Tinker, wore black armbands to school to protest U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. School officials learned of the impending black armband protest and quickly passed a rule banning armbands. But they continued to allow students to wear other symbols, such as Iron Crosses and political campaign buttons. In effect, school officials had targeted a specific symbol associated with a particular political viewpoint.The Supreme Court in Tinker delivered a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/2019/01/30/tinker-after-50-a-historic-ruling-still-relevant-after-all-these-years/" target="_blank">stunning victory</a>&nbsp;for student rights, declaring that neither students nor teachers “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.”The court ruled that public school officials could not punish students for their speech unless the officials could reasonably forecast that the student speech would cause a substantial disruption of school activities.Mahanoy school officials relied not on Tinker but another Supreme Court case to argue in support of their punishing the cheerleader student. In the 1986 case&nbsp;<a href="https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/478/675.html" target="_blank">Bethel School District v. Fraser</a>, school officials who disciplined a student for delivering a sexually laced speech during a student assembly prevailed. The court ruled in that case that public school officials could prohibit student speech that was vulgar or lewd.In the cheerleading student’s case, an appellate court said the Fraser rule did not apply because her speech was completely off-campus.The appeals court ruled that Tinker doesn’t apply to her case, either — it applies when student speech takes place on campus, within the schoolhouse gates, but not when a student is posting on social media at home, the court said. A concurring judge separately found that the Tinker ruling does apply, but that school officials still lose because the student’s off-campus speech did not disrupt school activities.The Mahanoy school district, in its appeal to the Supreme Court, emphasized the vitally important question of whether Tinker applies to off-campus speech.“That question has become especially acute because social media has made it far easier for students’ off-campus messages to instantly reach a wide audience of classmates and dominate the on-campus environment,” the school district&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/20/20-255/151619/20200828144703420_Mahanoy%20Cert%20Petition%20-%20Final.pdf" target="_blank">wrote in its petition</a>.School administrators, students, parents, teachers and others don’t know how far the arm of school authority extends off campus. At the very least, public school officials must show a clear connection between the off-campus post and events that take place at school.The court’s decision should provide much-needed guidance in an&nbsp;<a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3650306" target="_blank">unsettled area</a>&nbsp;of student-speech law. Free-speech advocates hope the decision will, like the Tinker decision more than 50 years ago, respect students and their free-speech rights. Students are the future of the country and need to learn in an environment that protects their constitutional freedoms.David Hudson, Jr. is a Freedom Forum fellow for the First Amendment and a law professor at Belmont University who publishes widely on First Amendment topics. He is the author of several First Amendment books, including “<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.penguinrandomhouse.com%2Fbooks%2F209103%2Flet-the-students-speak-by-david-hudson%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccfitzpatrick%40freedomforum.org%7C2685cd6ced894f04dd7c08d8ceab2bbc%7C769dac65dc844365a403d9a08681378c%7C0%7C0%7C637486582661751731%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0&amp;sdata=uHRw4fHnLNk9oFwbGjg9ckXMTppaXa0jcwqN1HPgwmk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Let The Students Speak!: A History of the Fight for Freedom of Expression in American Schools</a>” (2011). He is also the author of a 12-lecture audio course on the First Amendment titled, “<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.audible.com%2Fpd%2FFreedom-of-Speech-Audiobook%2FB07KWDRZ5Z&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccfitzpatrick%40freedomforum.org%7C174b7887b2b646d45e7d08d8ceaddfa2%7C769dac65dc844365a403d9a08681378c%7C0%7C0%7C637486593458613959%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=dNR6vBtIwJZjR5U7TFot4X7J0o7dT67xpUSgGUTb1RY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Freedom of Speech: Understanding the First Amendment,</a>” Now You Know Media (2018).

1ST FIVE: Cheerleader's Snapchat rant tests students' free speech rights

Today is Saturday, Feb. 20, the 51st day of 2021. There are 314 days left in the year. 

On Feb. 20, 1905, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Jacobson v. Massachusetts, upheld, 7-2, compulsory vaccination laws intended to protect the public's health. 

In 1792, President George Washington signed an act creating the United States Post Office Department. 

In 1839, Congress prohibited dueling in the District of Columbia.

In 1933, Congress proposed the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to repeal Prohibition.

In 1942, Lt. Edward "Butch" O'Hare became the U.S. Navy's first flying ace of World War II by shooting down five Japanese bombers while defending the aircraft carrier USS Lexington in the South Pacific. 

In 1962, astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth as he flew aboard Project Mercury's Friendship 7 spacecraft, which circled the globe three times in a flight lasting 4 hours, 55 minutes and 23 seconds before splashing down safely in the Atlantic Ocean 800 miles southeast of Bermuda.

In 1965, America's Ranger 8 spacecraft crashed on the moon, as planned, after sending back thousands of pictures of the lunar surface. 

In 1987, a bomb left by Unabomber Ted Kaczynski exploded behind a computer store in Salt Lake City, seriously injuring store owner Gary Wright. Soviet authorities released Jewish activist Josef Begun. 

In 1998, Tara Lipinski of the U.S. won the ladies' figure skating gold medal at the Nagano Olympics; Michelle Kwan won the silver. 

In 1999, movie reviewer Gene Siskel died at a hospital outside Chicago at age 53.

In 2003, a fire sparked by pyrotechnics broke out during a concert by the group Great White at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, killing 100 people and injuring about 200 others. 

In 2007, in a victory for President George W. Bush, a divided federal appeals court ruled that Guantanamo Bay detainees could not use the U.S. court system to challenge their indefinite imprisonment. 

In 2010, Alexander Haig, a soldier and statesman who'd held high posts in three Republican administrations and some of the U.S. military's top jobs, died in Baltimore at 85.

Ten years ago: Security forces loyal to Libya's Moammar Gadhafi unleashed heavy gunfire as thousands marched in the rebellious eastern city of Benghazi, cutting down mourners trying to bury victims. Twenty-year-old Trevor Bayne won the Daytona 500 in only his second Sprint Cup start. Kobe Bryant won his record-tying fourth All-Star game MVP award, scoring 37 points and propelling the West to a 148-143 victory over the East in the NBA All-Star game.

Five years ago: Donald Trump barreled to victory in South Carolina's Republican primary; Hillary Clinton pulled out a crucial win over Bernie Sanders in Nevada's Democratic caucuses. A funeral Mass was held for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. Lindsey Vonn clinched a record 20th World Cup crystal globe title in La Thuile, Italy, surpassing Swedish great Ingemar Stenmark.

One year ago: Japan's Health Ministry said two passengers who'd been taken off a quarantined cruise ship after being infected with the new coronavirus had died; both were in their 80s and had pre-existing diseases. Sixteen Americans who'd been brought to the U.S. from the cruise ship were in hospitals, either because delayed test results showed that they had the virus or because they had shown symptoms. A poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found more Americans expressing some concern about catching the flu than about catching the coronavirus. Trump loyalist Roger Stone was sentenced to more than three years in prison for crimes including lying to Congress and obstructing the House's inquiry into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. (Trump would commute the sentence just days before Stone was to report for detention; he then gave Stone a full pardon in December 2020.) Morgan Stanley announced that it was buying E-Trade Financial for $13 billion in stock.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Sidney Poitier is 94. Racing Hall of Famer Bobby Unser is 87. Racing Hall of Famer Roger Penske is 84. Singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie is 80. Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Esposito is 79. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is 79. Movie director Mike Leigh is 78. Actor Brenda Blethyn is 75. Actor Sandy Duncan is 75. Actor Peter Strauss is 74. Rock musician Billy Zoom (X) is 73. Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is 70. Actor John Voldstad is 70. Newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst is 67. Actor Anthony Head is 67. Country singer Leland Martin is 64. Actor James Wilby is 63. Rock musician Sebastian Steinberg is 62. Comedian Joel Hodgson is 61. Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is 58. Rock musician Ian Brown (Stone Roses) is 58. Actor Willie Garson is 57. Actor French Stewart is 57. Actor Ron Eldard is 56. Model Cindy Crawford is 55. Actor Andrew Shue is 54. Actor Lili Taylor is 54. Actor Andrea Savage is 48. Singer Brian Littrell is 46. Actor Lauren Ambrose is 43. Actor Jay Hernandez is 43. Actor Chelsea Peretti is 43. Country musician Coy Bowles is 42. Actor Michael Zegen is 42. Actor Majandra Delfino is 40. Actor Jocko Sims is 40. Singer-musician Chris Thile is 40. Actor-singer Jessie Mueller is 38. MLB All-Star pitcher Justin Verlander is 38. Comedian Trevor Noah is 37. Actor Jake Richardson is 36. Actor Daniella Pineda is 34. Actor Miles Teller is 34. Singer Rihanna is 33. Actor Jack Falahee is 32.

<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, Feb. 20, the 51st day of 2021. There are 314 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Feb. 20, 1905, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Jacobson v. Massachusetts, upheld, 7-2, compulsory vaccination laws intended to protect the public's health. On this date: In 1792, President George Washington signed an act creating the United States Post Office Department. In 1839, Congress prohibited dueling in the District of Columbia.In 1933, Congress proposed the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to repeal Prohibition.In 1942, Lt. Edward "Butch" O'Hare became the U.S. Navy's first flying ace of World War II by shooting down five Japanese bombers while defending the aircraft carrier USS Lexington in the South Pacific. In 1962, astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth as he flew aboard Project Mercury's Friendship 7 spacecraft, which circled the globe three times in a flight lasting 4 hours, 55 minutes and 23 seconds before splashing down safely in the Atlantic Ocean 800 miles southeast of Bermuda.In 1965, America's Ranger 8 spacecraft crashed on the moon, as planned, after sending back thousands of pictures of the lunar surface. In 1987, a bomb left by Unabomber Ted Kaczynski exploded behind a computer store in Salt Lake City, seriously injuring store owner Gary Wright. Soviet authorities released Jewish activist Josef Begun. In 1998, Tara Lipinski of the U.S. won the ladies' figure skating gold medal at the Nagano Olympics; Michelle Kwan won the silver. In 1999, movie reviewer Gene Siskel died at a hospital outside Chicago at age 53.In 2003, a fire sparked by pyrotechnics broke out during a concert by the group Great White at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, killing 100 people and injuring about 200 others. In 2007, in a victory for President George W. Bush, a divided federal appeals court ruled that Guantanamo Bay detainees could not use the U.S. court system to challenge their indefinite imprisonment. In 2010, Alexander Haig, a soldier and statesman who'd held high posts in three Republican administrations and some of the U.S. military's top jobs, died in Baltimore at 85.Ten years ago: Security forces loyal to Libya's Moammar Gadhafi unleashed heavy gunfire as thousands marched in the rebellious eastern city of Benghazi, cutting down mourners trying to bury victims. Twenty-year-old Trevor Bayne won the Daytona 500 in only his second Sprint Cup start. Kobe Bryant won his record-tying fourth All-Star game MVP award, scoring 37 points and propelling the West to a 148-143 victory over the East in the NBA All-Star game.Five years ago: Donald Trump barreled to victory in South Carolina's Republican primary; Hillary Clinton pulled out a crucial win over Bernie Sanders in Nevada's Democratic caucuses. A funeral Mass was held for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. Lindsey Vonn clinched a record 20th World Cup crystal globe title in La Thuile, Italy, surpassing Swedish great Ingemar Stenmark.One year ago: Japan's Health Ministry said two passengers who'd been taken off a quarantined cruise ship after being infected with the new coronavirus had died; both were in their 80s and had pre-existing diseases. Sixteen Americans who'd been brought to the U.S. from the cruise ship were in hospitals, either because delayed test results showed that they had the virus or because they had shown symptoms. A poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found more Americans expressing some concern about catching the flu than about catching the coronavirus. Trump loyalist Roger Stone was sentenced to more than three years in prison for crimes including lying to Congress and obstructing the House's inquiry into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. (Trump would commute the sentence just days before Stone was to report for detention; he then gave Stone a full pardon in December 2020.) Morgan Stanley announced that it was buying E-Trade Financial for $13 billion in stock.Today's Birthdays: Actor Sidney Poitier is 94. Racing Hall of Famer Bobby Unser is 87. Racing Hall of Famer Roger Penske is 84. Singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie is 80. Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Esposito is 79. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is 79. Movie director Mike Leigh is 78. Actor Brenda Blethyn is 75. Actor Sandy Duncan is 75. Actor Peter Strauss is 74. Rock musician Billy Zoom (X) is 73. Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is 70. Actor John Voldstad is 70. Newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst is 67. Actor Anthony Head is 67. Country singer Leland Martin is 64. Actor James Wilby is 63. Rock musician Sebastian Steinberg is 62. Comedian Joel Hodgson is 61. Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is 58. Rock musician Ian Brown (Stone Roses) is 58. Actor Willie Garson is 57. Actor French Stewart is 57. Actor Ron Eldard is 56. Model Cindy Crawford is 55. Actor Andrew Shue is 54. Actor Lili Taylor is 54. Actor Andrea Savage is 48. Singer Brian Littrell is 46. Actor Lauren Ambrose is 43. Actor Jay Hernandez is 43. Actor Chelsea Peretti is 43. Country musician Coy Bowles is 42. Actor Michael Zegen is 42. Actor Majandra Delfino is 40. Actor Jocko Sims is 40. Singer-musician Chris Thile is 40. Actor-singer Jessie Mueller is 38. MLB All-Star pitcher Justin Verlander is 38. Comedian Trevor Noah is 37. Actor Jake Richardson is 36. Actor Daniella Pineda is 34. Actor Miles Teller is 34. Singer Rihanna is 33. Actor Jack Falahee is 32.

Today in History -- Feb. 20

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;

It will be warmer today, but watch out for the patchy freezing drizzle tonight!

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, the gradual warming trend will continue today. The warmest temperatures will over central Kansas with highs near 50s. Colder temperatures will be located over southern and southeast Kansas, where lingering snow cover will keep temperatures in the upper 30s.

When the sun goes down, so do the temperatures, and with that comes the possibility of some patchy freezing drizzle late tonight through Sunday morning, mainly over central and northern Kansas. NWS noted that significant icing is not expected, but there could be just enough of a glaze of ice to lead to slick spots on some roads, as well as some light icing on car windshields, railings, sidewalks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613834138677.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It will be warmer today, but watch out for the patchy freezing drizzle tonight!According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, the gradual warming trend will continue today. The warmest temperatures will over central Kansas with highs near 50s. Colder temperatures will be located over southern and southeast Kansas, where lingering snow cover will keep temperatures in the upper 30s.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613834180919.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>When the sun goes down, so do the temperatures, and with that comes the possibility of some patchy freezing drizzle late tonight through Sunday morning, mainly over central and northern Kansas. NWS noted that significant icing is not expected, but there could be just enough of a glaze of ice to lead to slick spots on some roads, as well as some light icing on car windshields, railings, sidewalks.

NWS: Warmer today; patchy freezing drizzle possible tonight

Museum Director – The Dickinson County Historical Society, Abilene, Kansas

The Dickinson County Historical Society (DCHS) seeks a dynamic, self-motivated director with a passion for history, education, and community. The Museum Director will lead DCHS in day-to-day museum activities, strategic long-range planning, program development, and more. Furthermore, the director will guide the DCHS fundraising efforts and build strong relationships with donors and Board Members. Additional duties will include collections oversight, exhibitions, education activities, publications, and representing the society as the public spokesperson.

• Organizational Development and Strategic Planning

• Management of Museum Employees and Volunteers

The successful candidate will have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Business Management, a related field, or comparable combination of education and experience. Additionally, candidates will have demonstrated experience in fundraising and grant writing.

• Superior Communication &amp; Interpersonal Skills

• Managerial Experience in the Nonprofit World

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Quick Books.

To learn more about this regional nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and protection of the Dickinson County Historical Society please visit our website –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dickinsoncountyhistoricalsociety.com/">www.dickinsoncountyhistoricalsociety.com</a>.

Salary Range: $30,000 to $35,000 depending on education and experience.

To apply please submit cover letter, resume and three professional references to&nbsp;<a href="http://heritagecenterdk@sbcglobal.net/">heritagecenterdk@sbcglobal.net</a>&nbsp;or mail to:

Dickinson County Historical Society Attn: James D. Holland 412 S. Campbell Street Abilene, Kansas 67410

<h2>Museum Director – The Dickinson County Historical Society, Abilene, Kansas</h2>The Dickinson County Historical Society (DCHS) seeks a dynamic, self-motivated director with a passion for history, education, and community. The Museum Director will lead DCHS in day-to-day museum activities, strategic long-range planning, program development, and more. Furthermore, the director will guide the DCHS fundraising efforts and build strong relationships with donors and Board Members. Additional duties will include collections oversight, exhibitions, education activities, publications, and representing the society as the public spokesperson.Key Responsibilities:• Organizational Development and Strategic Planning• Membership and Resource Development• Fundraising• Office and Day-to-Day Administration• All aspects of Event Coordination• Management of Museum Employees and VolunteersThe successful candidate will have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Business Management, a related field, or comparable combination of education and experience. Additionally, candidates will have demonstrated experience in fundraising and grant writing.Minimum Qualifications:• Superior Communication &amp; Interpersonal Skills• Financial and Business Management• Innovative Thinking• Strong Organizational Abilities• Managerial Experience in the Nonprofit World• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Quick Books.To learn more about this regional nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and protection of the Dickinson County Historical Society please visit our website –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dickinsoncountyhistoricalsociety.com/">www.dickinsoncountyhistoricalsociety.com</a>.Salary Range: $30,000 to $35,000 depending on education and experience.To apply please submit cover letter, resume and three professional references to&nbsp;<a href="http://heritagecenterdk@sbcglobal.net/">heritagecenterdk@sbcglobal.net</a>&nbsp;or mail to:Dickinson County Historical Society Attn: James D. Holland 412 S. Campbell Street Abilene, Kansas 67410Position open until filled.

🎥Explore 'Mamie's World' with Mary Jean Eisenhower

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

No additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported since February 17; the total number of members of our community who have lost their lives to this deadly virus stands at 104. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have 9 patients who require hospitalization for COVID-19.

There have been 25 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on February 17, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 5,880.

The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 1,179 cases. At least 4,572 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>

If you have tested positive or you are known to be a close contact, please do not call the Health Department unless it has been at least five days since you received your results and you have not heard from us. We understand that for both employees and employers, quarantine or isolation documentation may be necessary to verify a leave of absence. Please refer to our&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001gUExU-G0ARoZlKDwiaPJo-Bq5SCscccOLa1pegUt9K8v-tmQd-2hTZPjNr-WxLMBJBPX5E3pMo_7MCPzAe8S12rz1R0qh-xq4VwpNP_6mUQXp8eVNN4CP4KqU87YVixdSX-QYtnLJB0L7zv3kBeEgJkFcoFSuJtH&amp;c=6Dsrln7ADQEqk9v2N12PZhpp_-sshK5nADytVPT17qNhhe9qx5Mg1g==&amp;ch=Wbq6FR4EjXVpg3zBgyRzzxm89z344SnpXJ5mGUZuxMZP_UFO22u5Cw==" target="_blank">FAQ Section</a>&nbsp;for additional questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001gUExU-G0ARoZlKDwiaPJo-Bq5SCscccOLa1pegUt9K8v-tmQd-2hTZPjNr-WxLMBngz4QnfnBpuiGpQ6ORNrKMDNl7LSJwfypylexfobU8_VFP2awyOx4PQC8wHCtNWHS1GqA5Uzux2dmgSP6W22yh5lNh_Tgw7Q&amp;c=6Dsrln7ADQEqk9v2N12PZhpp_-sshK5nADytVPT17qNhhe9qx5Mg1g==&amp;ch=Wbq6FR4EjXVpg3zBgyRzzxm89z344SnpXJ5mGUZuxMZP_UFO22u5Cw==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there are now 290,832 cases and 4,614 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 15 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=001gUExU-G0ARoZlKDwiaPJo-Bq5SCscccOLa1pegUt9K8v-tmQd-2hTZPjNr-WxLMBuuHc4oUrKpufz4oSFEb_t-oWZ3Z4E-Rmgutul4ZDdCGN2jUZbO_RZCyJuT_QPHutVpkc9YONA9JBZYuHGqX1bM3OjfT4ECum&amp;c=6Dsrln7ADQEqk9v2N12PZhpp_-sshK5nADytVPT17qNhhe9qx5Mg1g==&amp;ch=Wbq6FR4EjXVpg3zBgyRzzxm89z344SnpXJ5mGUZuxMZP_UFO22u5Cw==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001gUExU-G0ARoZlKDwiaPJo-Bq5SCscccOLa1pegUt9K8v-tmQd-2hTZPjNr-WxLMBibx7oDS87xoG7b2dbHFapODu9QOEox9Fff6C74fq686R9kZoTpkOeWtOekFmqqIUKiZ68KB2tdE=&amp;c=6Dsrln7ADQEqk9v2N12PZhpp_-sshK5nADytVPT17qNhhe9qx5Mg1g==&amp;ch=Wbq6FR4EjXVpg3zBgyRzzxm89z344SnpXJ5mGUZuxMZP_UFO22u5Cw==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613774561110.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Friday.No additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported since February 17; the total number of members of our community who have lost their lives to this deadly virus stands at 104. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have 9 patients who require hospitalization for COVID-19.There have been 25 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on February 17, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 5,880. The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 1,179 cases. At least 4,572 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>If you have tested positive or you are known to be a close contact, please do not call the Health Department unless it has been at least five days since you received your results and you have not heard from us. We understand that for both employees and employers, quarantine or isolation documentation may be necessary to verify a leave of absence. Please refer to our&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001gUExU-G0ARoZlKDwiaPJo-Bq5SCscccOLa1pegUt9K8v-tmQd-2hTZPjNr-WxLMBJBPX5E3pMo_7MCPzAe8S12rz1R0qh-xq4VwpNP_6mUQXp8eVNN4CP4KqU87YVixdSX-QYtnLJB0L7zv3kBeEgJkFcoFSuJtH&amp;c=6Dsrln7ADQEqk9v2N12PZhpp_-sshK5nADytVPT17qNhhe9qx5Mg1g==&amp;ch=Wbq6FR4EjXVpg3zBgyRzzxm89z344SnpXJ5mGUZuxMZP_UFO22u5Cw==" target="_blank">FAQ Section</a>&nbsp;for additional questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001gUExU-G0ARoZlKDwiaPJo-Bq5SCscccOLa1pegUt9K8v-tmQd-2hTZPjNr-WxLMBngz4QnfnBpuiGpQ6ORNrKMDNl7LSJwfypylexfobU8_VFP2awyOx4PQC8wHCtNWHS1GqA5Uzux2dmgSP6W22yh5lNh_Tgw7Q&amp;c=6Dsrln7ADQEqk9v2N12PZhpp_-sshK5nADytVPT17qNhhe9qx5Mg1g==&amp;ch=Wbq6FR4EjXVpg3zBgyRzzxm89z344SnpXJ5mGUZuxMZP_UFO22u5Cw==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there are now 290,832 cases and 4,614 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 15 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=001gUExU-G0ARoZlKDwiaPJo-Bq5SCscccOLa1pegUt9K8v-tmQd-2hTZPjNr-WxLMBuuHc4oUrKpufz4oSFEb_t-oWZ3Z4E-Rmgutul4ZDdCGN2jUZbO_RZCyJuT_QPHutVpkc9YONA9JBZYuHGqX1bM3OjfT4ECum&amp;c=6Dsrln7ADQEqk9v2N12PZhpp_-sshK5nADytVPT17qNhhe9qx5Mg1g==&amp;ch=Wbq6FR4EjXVpg3zBgyRzzxm89z344SnpXJ5mGUZuxMZP_UFO22u5Cw==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001gUExU-G0ARoZlKDwiaPJo-Bq5SCscccOLa1pegUt9K8v-tmQd-2hTZPjNr-WxLMBibx7oDS87xoG7b2dbHFapODu9QOEox9Fff6C74fq686R9kZoTpkOeWtOekFmqqIUKiZ68KB2tdE=&amp;c=6Dsrln7ADQEqk9v2N12PZhpp_-sshK5nADytVPT17qNhhe9qx5Mg1g==&amp;ch=Wbq6FR4EjXVpg3zBgyRzzxm89z344SnpXJ5mGUZuxMZP_UFO22u5Cw==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Saline County: 25 new COVID-19 cases; 4,572 of 5,880 recovered

Areas of patchy freezing fog are possible after midnight across central and eastern Kansas, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita. 

While the fog could reduce visibilities to as low as one mile, it could also help create slick spots and untreated roads and walks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613773618458.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Areas of patchy freezing fog are possible after midnight across central and eastern Kansas, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita. While the fog could reduce visibilities to as low as one mile, it could also help create slick spots and untreated roads and walks.

Patchy freezing fog possible late tonight

You can soon once again browse the book collection inside the Salina Public Library!

After a lengthy closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the library is scheduled to reopen the building to the public on Monday. The library will be open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Saturday and noon–6 p.m. Sunday. Pickup Service will be available 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Saturday in the north entrance of the library. Visits are limited to 30 minutes, but visitors may stay up to an hour if they are using a computer or gaming equipment.

Services that are returning with access to the building include browsing the collection of books, media, newspapers and magazines, making copies in the Technology Center, computer use, gaming, and proctoring. The library will be following a disinfection routine throughout the day.

The library has continued to provide a host of digital services and Pickup Service while the building has been closed to the public. Access to e-books, audiobooks and more have been available through the library’s website — <a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">salinapubliclibrary.org</a>. A few services will be added back at a later date.

In-person programs and McKenzie Center and meeting room reservations will remain temporarily unavailable. Donations of materials are not being accepted, at this time.&nbsp;

Patrons are asked not to visit the library if they are feeling ill. Face masks are required and frequent use of hand sanitizer and hand washing are encouraged. Entrance will be through the north doors only.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613772473619.jpeg" alt="The Salina Public Library is scheduled to reopen Monday. Entrance will be through the north doors. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>The Salina Public Library is scheduled to reopen Monday. Entrance will be through the north doors. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>You can soon once again browse the book collection inside the Salina Public Library!After a lengthy closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the library is scheduled to reopen the building to the public on Monday. The library will be open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Saturday and noon–6 p.m. Sunday. Pickup Service will be available 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Saturday in the north entrance of the library. Visits are limited to 30 minutes, but visitors may stay up to an hour if they are using a computer or gaming equipment.Services that are returning with access to the building include browsing the collection of books, media, newspapers and magazines, making copies in the Technology Center, computer use, gaming, and proctoring. The library will be following a disinfection routine throughout the day.The library has continued to provide a host of digital services and Pickup Service while the building has been closed to the public. Access to e-books, audiobooks and more have been available through the library’s website — <a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">salinapubliclibrary.org</a>. A few services will be added back at a later date. In-person programs and McKenzie Center and meeting room reservations will remain temporarily unavailable. Donations of materials are not being accepted, at this time.&nbsp;Patrons are asked not to visit the library if they are feeling ill. Face masks are required and frequent use of hand sanitizer and hand washing are encouraged. Entrance will be through the north doors only.

Salina Public Library to reopen to the public on Monday

WICHITA -- More than 1,100 students completed degrees at Wichita State University in fall 2020, according to the WSU graduation list released today.

Undergraduate students who have attained a grade point average of 3.9 out of a possible 4.0 received the summa cum laude award; those with an average of 3.55 received the magna cum laude award; and those with an average of 3.25 received the cum laude.

Local and area students who graduated from WSU in fall 2020 include the following.

Bennington Kaysia L Carlson, B.S. in Health Science, Health Science, Cum Laude Brookville Yadira Nunez, Bachelor of Business Admin., Accounting, Cum Laude Chapman Nathan R Nelson, B.S. in Mechanical Engr, Mechanical Engineering, Magna Cum Laude Goessel Lauren E Rymill, Bachelor of Arts, Commun Sciences and Disorders, Magna Cum Laude Herington Nicholas J Connors, Bachelor of Business Admin., Management, Cum Laude Inman Jeffrey S Leddy, Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology, Cum Laude Jacob L Renner, B.S. in Industrial Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Magna Cum Laude Kane A Thimmesch, Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences BS Lindsborg Alyssa B Carlson, Bachelor of Arts, Commun-Integrated Marketing, Summa Cum Laude Alyssa B Carlson, Bachelor of Music, Music Performance-Instrumental, Summa Cum Laude Marion Tyler J Arocha, Bachelor of Applied Arts, Media Arts, Magna Cum Laude McPherson Matthew D McCasland, Master of Education, Special Educ - High Incidence Jordan T Sammer, Bachelor of General Studies, General Studies Psychology, Cum Laude Allison N Unruh, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice Minneapolis Coral R Weis, Bachelor of Arts, Performing Arts BA, Magna Cum Laude Salina Abigail Dominguez, BS in Nursing, Nursing, Magna Cum Laude Shontel L Gaddis, Bachelor of Music Education, PK-12 Music-Special Music Ed Mikayla M Irish, Master of Business Admin., Business Administration Charlene M Jeffries, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice, Cum Laude Austin R Nachbar, Bachelor of Business Admin., General Business Isidro A Nieto, B.S. in Mechanical Engr, Mechanical Engineering Tonya Y Vidales, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice&nbsp;&nbsp;

WICHITA -- More than 1,100 students completed degrees at Wichita State University in fall 2020, according to the WSU graduation list released today.Undergraduate students who have attained a grade point average of 3.9 out of a possible 4.0 received the summa cum laude award; those with an average of 3.55 received the magna cum laude award; and those with an average of 3.25 received the cum laude.Local and area students who graduated from WSU in fall 2020 include the following.Bennington Kaysia L Carlson, B.S. in Health Science, Health Science, Cum Laude Brookville Yadira Nunez, Bachelor of Business Admin., Accounting, Cum Laude Chapman Nathan R Nelson, B.S. in Mechanical Engr, Mechanical Engineering, Magna Cum Laude Goessel Lauren E Rymill, Bachelor of Arts, Commun Sciences and Disorders, Magna Cum Laude Herington Nicholas J Connors, Bachelor of Business Admin., Management, Cum Laude Inman Jeffrey S Leddy, Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology, Cum Laude Jacob L Renner, B.S. in Industrial Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Magna Cum Laude Kane A Thimmesch, Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences BS Lindsborg Alyssa B Carlson, Bachelor of Arts, Commun-Integrated Marketing, Summa Cum Laude Alyssa B Carlson, Bachelor of Music, Music Performance-Instrumental, Summa Cum Laude Marion Tyler J Arocha, Bachelor of Applied Arts, Media Arts, Magna Cum Laude McPherson Matthew D McCasland, Master of Education, Special Educ - High Incidence Jordan T Sammer, Bachelor of General Studies, General Studies Psychology, Cum Laude Allison N Unruh, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice Minneapolis Coral R Weis, Bachelor of Arts, Performing Arts BA, Magna Cum Laude Salina Abigail Dominguez, BS in Nursing, Nursing, Magna Cum Laude Shontel L Gaddis, Bachelor of Music Education, PK-12 Music-Special Music Ed Mikayla M Irish, Master of Business Admin., Business Administration Charlene M Jeffries, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice, Cum Laude Austin R Nachbar, Bachelor of Business Admin., General Business Isidro A Nieto, B.S. in Mechanical Engr, Mechanical Engineering Tonya Y Vidales, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice&nbsp;&nbsp;--<a href="http://wichita.edu">WSU</a>--

Local, area students graduate from WSU

Damage done when a tractor-trailer rig went off a bridge on Interstate 135 (I-135) in October will be permanently repaired beginning Monday.

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announced today that what it called "emergency bridge repair" will begin Monday on the bridge, which is located on northbound I-135 over Interstate 70 (I-70).

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that on Oct. 13, 2020, a 2013 Chrysler 300 pilot car driven by Darlene McCall, 57, Houston, Texas, was stopped on I-135 south of I-70 to allow a tractor-trailer rig with an oversized load to merge onto northbound U.S. Highway 81. 

A 2016 Freightliner driven by Earl James Griffin, Jr., 61, Wichita, that was northbound on I-135 struck the Chrysler, traveled out of control across northbound lanes of I-135, and struck a concrete bridge railing.

The Freightliner continued through the bridge railing and vaulted onto the eastbound lanes of I-70 where it came to rest. A 2017 Dodge Ram driven by Durand L. Weidman, 65, Salina, was struck by debris that were falling onto I-70.

Ashley Perez, KDOT public affairs manager, told Salina Post this morning that at the time, the bridge was temporarily fixed and the northbound lane adjoining the damaged railing was closed.

The repairs scheduled to begin Monday will provide a permanent repair to the bridge, she said.

During construction, traffic will be reduced to one 13-foot lane on I-135, and alternate lane closures will occur on I-70 during the bridge repair, KDOT noted in a news release. Drivers should expect minimal delays and plan extra time in their travel schedules.

PCI Roads, LLC. of Saint Michael, Minn., is the prime contractor and has scheduled the $115,584 project to be completed in late March, weather permitting.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602619174800.png" alt="The Freightliner can be seen below the damaged bridge after the Oct. 13, 2020, accident.&nbsp;

Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://kandrive.org/">kandrive.org</a>" />
 <figcaption>The Freightliner can be seen below the damaged bridge after the Oct. 13, 2020, accident.&nbsp;

Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://kandrive.org/">kandrive.org</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostDamage done when a tractor-trailer rig went off a bridge on Interstate 135 (I-135) in October will be permanently repaired beginning Monday.The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announced today that what it called "emergency bridge repair" will begin Monday on the bridge, which is located on northbound I-135 over Interstate 70 (I-70).The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that on Oct. 13, 2020, a 2013 Chrysler 300 pilot car driven by Darlene McCall, 57, Houston, Texas, was stopped on I-135 south of I-70 to allow a tractor-trailer rig with an oversized load to merge onto northbound U.S. Highway 81. A 2016 Freightliner driven by Earl James Griffin, Jr., 61, Wichita, that was northbound on I-135 struck the Chrysler, traveled out of control across northbound lanes of I-135, and struck a concrete bridge railing.The Freightliner continued through the bridge railing and vaulted onto the eastbound lanes of I-70 where it came to rest. A 2017 Dodge Ram driven by Durand L. Weidman, 65, Salina, was struck by debris that were falling onto I-70.Ashley Perez, KDOT public affairs manager, told Salina Post this morning that at the time, the bridge was temporarily fixed and the northbound lane adjoining the damaged railing was closed.The repairs scheduled to begin Monday will provide a permanent repair to the bridge, she said.During construction, traffic will be reduced to one 13-foot lane on I-135, and alternate lane closures will occur on I-70 during the bridge repair, KDOT noted in a news release. Drivers should expect minimal delays and plan extra time in their travel schedules.PCI Roads, LLC. of Saint Michael, Minn., is the prime contractor and has scheduled the $115,584 project to be completed in late March, weather permitting.KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a highway work zone. To stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas, go to <a href="http://www.kandrive.org">www.kandrive.org</a> or call 5-1-1.

Emergency bridge repair to begin Monday in Saline County

On Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 6500 block of North Kipp Road in rural Saline County for suspicious activity. 

When Deputies arrived they found a Chevrolet Tahoe abandoned on the side of the road. Attached to the Tahoe was an older model Chevrolet pickup bed trailer, black in color. The trailer did not have a tail gate, instead a metal chain link fence was fastened to the back of the trailer. A wooden tool box was also secured to the front of the trailer. Deputies did not locate anyone in the area.

The Tahoe’s owner was contacted and reported the Tahoe stolen. The pickup bed trailer was loaded with equipment, tools, and old household property. An owner of the pickup bed trailer has not been identified. 

If you have any information concerning who attempted to commit these crimes, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit <a href="http://www.pd.salina.org">www.pd.salina.org</a> and follow Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 and you are not required to give your name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613745980879.jpeg" alt="The trailer found on North Kipp Road. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The trailer found on North Kipp Road. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 6500 block of North Kipp Road in rural Saline County for suspicious activity. When Deputies arrived they found a Chevrolet Tahoe abandoned on the side of the road. Attached to the Tahoe was an older model Chevrolet pickup bed trailer, black in color. The trailer did not have a tail gate, instead a metal chain link fence was fastened to the back of the trailer. A wooden tool box was also secured to the front of the trailer. Deputies did not locate anyone in the area.The Tahoe’s owner was contacted and reported the Tahoe stolen. The pickup bed trailer was loaded with equipment, tools, and old household property. An owner of the pickup bed trailer has not been identified. If you have any information concerning who attempted to commit these crimes, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit <a href="http://www.pd.salina.org">www.pd.salina.org</a> and follow Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 and you are not required to give your name.

Crimestoppers seeks tips in suspicious activity case

We’d like to own a home someday, but we know we’re not ready for that kind of financial commitment yet. Where does buying a house fit in your Baby Steps plan?

Buying a home when you’re broke is the easiest way I know to become a foreclosure statistic. I’m glad you two are being thoughtful and sensible about taking such a big step.

If you remember, in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/dave-ramsey-7-baby-steps" target="_blank">Baby Step</a>&nbsp;1 I advise people to save up a beginner emergency fund of $1,000. Baby Step 2 is paying off all consumer debt from smallest to largest using the debt snowball method. Then, Baby Step 3 is where you go back and grow your emergency fund to a full three to six months of living expenses.

With all this in mind, let’s call getting ready to buy a home Baby Step 3b. Save up for a down payment of at least 20 percent to avoid PMI (private mortgage insurance). Also, make sure any&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/rsYiFK" target="_blank">mortgage</a>&nbsp;loan is a 15-year, fixed rate loan, where the payments are no more than 25 percent of your monthly take-home pay.

Doing it this way may delay your dream of being a homeowner for a while, but it will help ensure your new home is a blessing and not a financial curse!&nbsp;

How far in advance do you recommend figuring future purchases into your budget?

I recommend starting to put money aside, and including it in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.everydollar.com/guide-to-budgeting-dave-says" target="_blank">your budget</a>&nbsp;as soon as you know the need for an item is a real possibility. Waiting until things go wrong or something breaks down will leave you in a real mess, more times than not.

For example, if you’re pretty sure you’ll need another vehicle in a year or two, the smart thing is to start putting money aside now. Do some research on prices, then do the math to see how much you’ll need to set aside each month.

And remember, it’s a whole lot easier to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/askdave/budgeting/watch-your-spending-while-saving" target="_blank">save money</a>&nbsp;when you don’t have things like credit card payments and other debt hanging around your neck. That’s one of the big reasons I want to help people learn to live debt-free!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Mortgages and Baby Steps</h2>Dear Dave,We’d like to own a home someday, but we know we’re not ready for that kind of financial commitment yet. Where does buying a house fit in your Baby Steps plan?HeatherDear Heather,Buying a home when you’re broke is the easiest way I know to become a foreclosure statistic. I’m glad you two are being thoughtful and sensible about taking such a big step.If you remember, in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/dave-ramsey-7-baby-steps" target="_blank">Baby Step</a>&nbsp;1 I advise people to save up a beginner emergency fund of $1,000. Baby Step 2 is paying off all consumer debt from smallest to largest using the debt snowball method. Then, Baby Step 3 is where you go back and grow your emergency fund to a full three to six months of living expenses.With all this in mind, let’s call getting ready to buy a home Baby Step 3b. Save up for a down payment of at least 20 percent to avoid PMI (private mortgage insurance). Also, make sure any&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/rsYiFK" target="_blank">mortgage</a>&nbsp;loan is a 15-year, fixed rate loan, where the payments are no more than 25 percent of your monthly take-home pay.Doing it this way may delay your dream of being a homeowner for a while, but it will help ensure your new home is a blessing and not a financial curse!&nbsp;Dave<h2>Plan for future purchases</h2>Dear Dave,How far in advance do you recommend figuring future purchases into your budget?RobbieDear Robbie,I recommend starting to put money aside, and including it in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.everydollar.com/guide-to-budgeting-dave-says" target="_blank">your budget</a>&nbsp;as soon as you know the need for an item is a real possibility. Waiting until things go wrong or something breaks down will leave you in a real mess, more times than not.For example, if you’re pretty sure you’ll need another vehicle in a year or two, the smart thing is to start putting money aside now. Do some research on prices, then do the math to see how much you’ll need to set aside each month.And remember, it’s a whole lot easier to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/askdave/budgeting/watch-your-spending-while-saving" target="_blank">save money</a>&nbsp;when you don’t have things like credit card payments and other debt hanging around your neck. That’s one of the big reasons I want to help people learn to live debt-free!Dave<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 16 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

DAVE SAYS: Mortgages and baby steps; Plan for future purchases

The Salina and Hutchinson districts will be getting a new district superintendent, the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church announced earlier this week.

According to information from the conference, the Rev. Karen Rice Ratzlaff, will assume the responsibilites of superintendent for the Salina and Hutchinson districts on July 1. She is one of three new district superintendents announced by the conference.

“I’m very excited about the skill sets, perspectives, and diversity of the group — age, gender and ethnicity,” Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr., said. “I’m excited about the different gifts they all bring, their unique pastoral experiences, the contexts they’ve been in, and how they will all add to the cabinet to move the conference forward.”

Rice Ratzlaff’s call from the bishop came as she was in the middle of a four-day meeting of the conference’s Board of Ordained Ministry, or BOOM, which determines recommendations of candidates for ordained ministry.

“I really didn’t know what to say, and that is unusual for me,” she said with a laugh.

“Once I got back to my Zoom meeting and seeing all the faces of the candidates we were meeting and the board, there was something about seeing that connection while getting that call that was really meaningful,” she said.

“I just care deeply about pastors,” Rice Ratzlaff added. “I know what it’s like to just work so hard in the local church, and I want to be a supportive presence for clergy.”

Rice Ratzlaff will follow the Rev. Dee Williamston, who last month was announced as director of clergy excellence and assistant to the bishop as of July 1, as superintendent of the Hutchinson and Salina districts.

“District superintendents are an extension of the office of the bishop. They oversee the total ministry of the clergy and of the churches in the communities of the district in their missions of witness and service in the world. And they relate to people across all theological spectrums. I want somebody that can pull people together, that can coach others, that can work with groups to help them accomplish great things for Christ’s mission,” Saenz said. “Karen checked all of those boxes.”

Saenz praised Rice Ratzlaff as being “highly relatable” with a passion for leadership development.

“Karen is an amazing, gifted person that has tremendous communication skills and can convene people and help them accomplish great things,” he said.

Being named as a district superintendent, she said, “connects me deeply to the heart of the church in our conference — that sense of what the church is going to become. I felt really scared and really excited at the same time.”

Rice Ratzlaff has what she calls “just a deep love for all the life-giving aspects of the church.

“I can’t give up on the church and what we are called to be together,” she said. “I love thinking about vision and missional alignment. Those are my favorite things because of the excitement that generates and the clarity that brings for next steps and hope in a congregation.”

A farmer’s daughter who grew up north of Goodland, Rice Ratzlaff earned a bachelor’s degree from Bethel College and her master’s degree from Saint Paul School of Theology. In January, she began work for her doctorate in ministry from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, concentrating in spiritual direction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613705218762.jpeg" alt="The Rev. Karen Rice Ratzlaff. Photos courtesy&nbsp;Great Plains Conference" />
 <figcaption>The Rev. Karen Rice Ratzlaff. Photos courtesy&nbsp;Great Plains Conference</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina and Hutchinson districts will be getting a new district superintendent, the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church announced earlier this week.According to information from the conference, the Rev. Karen Rice Ratzlaff, will assume the responsibilites of superintendent for the Salina and Hutchinson districts on July 1. She is one of three new district superintendents announced by the conference.“I’m very excited about the skill sets, perspectives, and diversity of the group — age, gender and ethnicity,” Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr., said. “I’m excited about the different gifts they all bring, their unique pastoral experiences, the contexts they’ve been in, and how they will all add to the cabinet to move the conference forward.”Rice Ratzlaff’s call from the bishop came as she was in the middle of a four-day meeting of the conference’s Board of Ordained Ministry, or BOOM, which determines recommendations of candidates for ordained ministry.“I really didn’t know what to say, and that is unusual for me,” she said with a laugh.“Once I got back to my Zoom meeting and seeing all the faces of the candidates we were meeting and the board, there was something about seeing that connection while getting that call that was really meaningful,” she said.“I just care deeply about pastors,” Rice Ratzlaff added. “I know what it’s like to just work so hard in the local church, and I want to be a supportive presence for clergy.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613705054256.jpeg" alt="The Rev. Dee Williamston" />
 <figcaption>The Rev. Dee Williamston</figcaption>
 </figure>Rice Ratzlaff will follow the Rev. Dee Williamston, who last month was announced as director of clergy excellence and assistant to the bishop as of July 1, as superintendent of the Hutchinson and Salina districts.“District superintendents are an extension of the office of the bishop. They oversee the total ministry of the clergy and of the churches in the communities of the district in their missions of witness and service in the world. And they relate to people across all theological spectrums. I want somebody that can pull people together, that can coach others, that can work with groups to help them accomplish great things for Christ’s mission,” Saenz said. “Karen checked all of those boxes.”Saenz praised Rice Ratzlaff as being “highly relatable” with a passion for leadership development.“Karen is an amazing, gifted person that has tremendous communication skills and can convene people and help them accomplish great things,” he said.Being named as a district superintendent, she said, “connects me deeply to the heart of the church in our conference — that sense of what the church is going to become. I felt really scared and really excited at the same time.”Rice Ratzlaff has what she calls “just a deep love for all the life-giving aspects of the church.“I can’t give up on the church and what we are called to be together,” she said. “I love thinking about vision and missional alignment. Those are my favorite things because of the excitement that generates and the clarity that brings for next steps and hope in a congregation.”A farmer’s daughter who grew up north of Goodland, Rice Ratzlaff earned a bachelor’s degree from Bethel College and her master’s degree from Saint Paul School of Theology. In January, she began work for her doctorate in ministry from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, concentrating in spiritual direction.After a little more than three years as an associate pastor at Wichita Calvary UMC, she served 22 years — 16 as associate, six as senior — at McPherson UMC.“Having that long-term partnership, really over the course of a lifetime, built a kind of trust in the church and in the community,” Rice Ratzlaff said, adding that she has performed weddings for church members that she baptized as infants – a rarity in the itinerant United Methodist system.She is proud of the work that McPherson did with justice ministry surrounding poverty. Steps to End Poverty in McPherson County, formerly known as Circles, has assisted many individuals in the area, she said.Rice Ratzlaff stepped away from pulpit ministry in 2019, and in 2020 joined the staff of the Wichita-based SoCe Life for its Good Neighboring Movement, leading cohorts of churches.“I’ve always been passionate about community engagement, particularly building relationships with people across class lines,” she said. “I think being a part of the Neighboring Movement reminds you of how many communities we’re connected in as the church and how the gifts in our community really point the way for our churches.”Rice Ratzlaff, 53, lives in her husband’s hometown of Moundridge, where he is a physician. They have three grown children: one entering medical school residency, another a middle-school English teacher and the youngest a junior at the University of Kansas.The location is ideal for the superintendent posts, she said, since it is 45 miles from Salina and 35 miles from Hutchinson.“Karen is from that area so she knows that area extremely well,” Saenz said. “Her time to on-board to know the churches and know the pastors is almost going to be non-existent. She can step in there Day One and know who people are, where the churches are, and what they’re doing.”Saenz said he is looking forward to working with the new district superintendents as they further Christ’s mission in the Great Plains.“They’re all successful, much-beloved and will be highly effective district superintendents,” the bishop said. “I am extremely, extremely overjoyed and excited about what these three new cabinet members are going to bring to the cabinet and the amazing work they’re going to accomplish in their respective districts and together as part of the cabinet team.”The above story was pulled from a larger story by David Burke, conference content specialist, about the three newly announced district superintendents that was published on the conference <a href="https://www.greatplainsumc.org/">website</a>. The information is republished with permission.