The Saline County Commission has a busy agenda for its virtual meeting Tuesday morning.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday via Zoom and the county's YouTube channel. This decision to revise the meeting format was made to align with the mass gathering limitations imposed by the Saline County Commission and Saline County Health Officer.

Meetings can be viewed on Saline County’s YouTube channel:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA</a>

To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link. Use the following link and put in the Meeting ID and passcode.

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

If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the Chairman requests public comment on an item, they must raise their hand so that the meeting host can allow them to speak.

Citizens can also send comments or questions to County Commissioners via email by going to the website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/">www.saline.org</a>&nbsp;and clicking on the County Commissioner’s page under the Department tab. Please send any emails prior to the Sunday before the meeting when possible.

Commissioners are scheduled to review the COVID-19 situation as it pertains to the county's mask mandate with Jason Tiller, health department director. Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to discuss with Tiller a public health order.

A memorandum of understanding related to the recruitment and hiring of personnel for the sheriff's office also will be before the commissioners. According to information in the commission meeting packet, the county "is experiencing vast challenges with hiring and retaining Corrections Officers." The sheriff's office currently is short 11 corrections officers, with some of the positions having been vacant for six months.

In an effort to help resolve the shortage, the memorandum will put before the commissioners the following.

An amendment to the 2021-2023 agreement, to implement a two-grade increase for all positions covered by this bargaining unit effective April 5, 2021, in exchange for delaying the $500 one-time payment currently scheduled for December 2021 to July 2022. This would bring the base starting pay from $15.00/hour to $16.35/hour for entry level Corrections Officers.

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

●Consider signing a letter appointing Jason Kern as clerk on the board for Ohio Township -- Jamie Doss, county clerk

●Consider a bid award for 2021 chemical purchase -- David Flaherty II, weed supervisor, livestock and expo

●Consider a spring 2021 sheltering memorandum of understanding with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management -- Michelle Barkley, emergency management director

●Consider a federal fund exchange agreement -- Justin Mader, county engineer

●Consider three bid awards for the Road and Bridge Department for a mower deck, an assistant superintendent truck, and a heavy haul equipment trailer -- Darren Fishel, road and bridge administrator

●Hear the health department update -- Tiller

●Hear the livestock and expo update -- Rick Lamer, director

●Consider environmental health fees -- Tim Hamilton, planning and zoning administrator

●Hear the planning and zoning update -- Hamilton

To see the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet for Tuesday (a 35-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20210216.pdf?ver=6iuKr0imMz07kp8Cj4mnZg%3d%3d">click here</a>.

The Saline County Commission has a busy agenda for its virtual meeting Tuesday morning.Meeting via ZoomThe meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday via Zoom and the county's YouTube channel. This decision to revise the meeting format was made to align with the mass gathering limitations imposed by the Saline County Commission and Saline County Health Officer.Meetings can be viewed on Saline County’s YouTube channel:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA</a>To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link. Use the following link and put in the Meeting ID and passcode.<a href="https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>Meeting ID: 968 3581 9901Passcode: 144636If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the Chairman requests public comment on an item, they must raise their hand so that the meeting host can allow them to speak.Citizens can also send comments or questions to County Commissioners via email by going to the website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/">www.saline.org</a>&nbsp;and clicking on the County Commissioner’s page under the Department tab. Please send any emails prior to the Sunday before the meeting when possible.Agenda itemsCommissioners are scheduled to review the COVID-19 situation as it pertains to the county's mask mandate with Jason Tiller, health department director. Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to discuss with Tiller a public health order.A memorandum of understanding related to the recruitment and hiring of personnel for the sheriff's office also will be before the commissioners. According to information in the commission meeting packet, the county "is experiencing vast challenges with hiring and retaining Corrections Officers." The sheriff's office currently is short 11 corrections officers, with some of the positions having been vacant for six months.In an effort to help resolve the shortage, the memorandum will put before the commissioners the following.An amendment to the 2021-2023 agreement, to implement a two-grade increase for all positions covered by this bargaining unit effective April 5, 2021, in exchange for delaying the $500 one-time payment currently scheduled for December 2021 to July 2022. This would bring the base starting pay from $15.00/hour to $16.35/hour for entry level Corrections Officers.Other items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Consider signing a letter appointing Jason Kern as clerk on the board for Ohio Township -- Jamie Doss, county clerk●Consider a bid award for 2021 chemical purchase -- David Flaherty II, weed supervisor, livestock and expo●Consider a spring 2021 sheltering memorandum of understanding with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management -- Michelle Barkley, emergency management director●Consider a federal fund exchange agreement -- Justin Mader, county engineer●Consider three bid awards for the Road and Bridge Department for a mower deck, an assistant superintendent truck, and a heavy haul equipment trailer -- Darren Fishel, road and bridge administrator●Hear the health department update -- Tiller●Hear the livestock and expo update -- Rick Lamer, director●Consider environmental health fees -- Tim Hamilton, planning and zoning administrator●Hear the planning and zoning update -- HamiltonTo see the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet for Tuesday (a 35-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20210216.pdf?ver=6iuKr0imMz07kp8Cj4mnZg%3d%3d">click here</a>.

Mask mandate, health order, SO recruitment among county agenda items

UPDATED Tuesday morning with additional information from Kansas State University Polytechnic:&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Polytechnic Campus</a>&nbsp;and Salina USD 305 have partnered to create the new Polytechnic Center for Applied Technology Studies. This academy provides an opportunity for eligible high school students to earn industry-recognized credentials, receive college credit for general education requirements and complete dual credits for an associate degree during high school. The PolyCATS Academy will also foster strong community partnerships with businesses, community organizations and educational organizations. K-State Polytechnic currently partners with USD 305 to offer Computing Principles, a blended credit class, at both Central High School and South High School. The course is team-taught with a USD 305 teacher and K-State faculty. Collaboration efforts also include 36 dual-credit elective offerings taught by K-State faculty. "Kansas State University is committed to innovation in education while serving the communities in our state,"&nbsp;said Terri Gaeddert, associate dean for academics and student success at K-State Polytechnic.&nbsp;"The PolyCATS Academy is an exciting new initiative that brings important stakeholders together to support the needs of our region in a collaborative manner. Students will benefit. Public schools will benefit. Businesses will benefit. This is a win-win-win approach to ensuring the needs of our workforce are met, both now and in the future." The PolyCATS Academy will allow students to enroll in classes and receive credit from both USD 305 and K-State. Dual-credit electives will also expand from 36 to 102 courses. By the time they graduate from high school, students will have an opportunity to earn an associate degree in aviation, business or engineering technology. Other student advantages include discounted tuition rates, transitional support to college and career, networking with area employers, a collegiate connection while in high school and connections to the workforce. USD 305 educators will benefit from the PolyCATS Academy through opportunities to work in concert with college professors, develop a greater depth of knowledge in their content areas, engage in networking opportunities and grow professionally by teaching college-level courses. "This partnership greatly expands the choices for USD 305 students to have a post-secondary experience while still in high school," said Linn Exline, superintendent of USD 305. "The opportunity to earn college credits and an associate degree are key experiences on their road map that leads to success beyond graduation." To learn more about the PolyCATS Academy at K-State Polytechnic Campus, contact the Office of Admissions at 785-826-2640 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:polytechnic@k-state.edu" target="_blank">polytechnic@k-state.edu</a>, or the&nbsp;high school counseling departments at Central High School, 785-309-3636, or South High School, 785-309-3715.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officials braved the cold for the PolyCATS Academy, an initiative with USD 305. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD305/">USD 305</a> Facebook page:

UPDATED Tuesday morning with additional information from Kansas State University Polytechnic:&nbsp;

&nbsp;Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Polytechnic Campus</a>&nbsp;and Salina USD 305 have partnered to create the new Polytechnic Center for Applied Technology Studies. This academy provides an opportunity for eligible high school students to earn industry-recognized credentials, receive college credit for general education requirements and complete dual credits for an associate degree during high school. The PolyCATS Academy will also foster strong community partnerships with businesses, community organizations and educational organizations. K-State Polytechnic currently partners with USD 305 to offer Computing Principles, a blended credit class, at both Central High School and South High School. The course is team-taught with a USD 305 teacher and K-State faculty. Collaboration efforts also include 36 dual-credit elective offerings taught by K-State faculty. "Kansas State University is committed to innovation in education while serving the communities in our state,"&nbsp;said Terri Gaeddert, associate dean for academics and student success at K-State Polytechnic.&nbsp;"The PolyCATS Academy is an exciting new initiative that brings important stakeholders together to support the needs of our region in a collaborative manner. Students will benefit. Public schools will benefit. Businesses will benefit. This is a win-win-win approach to ensuring the needs of our workforce are met, both now and in the future." The PolyCATS Academy will allow students to enroll in classes and receive credit from both USD 305 and K-State. Dual-credit electives will also expand from 36 to 102 courses. By the time they graduate from high school, students will have an opportunity to earn an associate degree in aviation, business or engineering technology. Other student advantages include discounted tuition rates, transitional support to college and career, networking with area employers, a collegiate connection while in high school and connections to the workforce. USD 305 educators will benefit from the PolyCATS Academy through opportunities to work in concert with college professors, develop a greater depth of knowledge in their content areas, engage in networking opportunities and grow professionally by teaching college-level courses. "This partnership greatly expands the choices for USD 305 students to have a post-secondary experience while still in high school," said Linn Exline, superintendent of USD 305. "The opportunity to earn college credits and an associate degree are key experiences on their road map that leads to success beyond graduation." To learn more about the PolyCATS Academy at K-State Polytechnic Campus, contact the Office of Admissions at 785-826-2640 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:polytechnic@k-state.edu" target="_blank">polytechnic@k-state.edu</a>, or the&nbsp;high school counseling departments at Central High School, 785-309-3636, or South High School, 785-309-3715.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officials braved the cold for the PolyCATS Academy, an initiative with USD 305. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD305/">USD 305</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FUSD305%2Fposts%2F3712768092104988&width=500&show_text=true&height=740&appId" width="500" height="740" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

UPDATE: PolyCATS Academy offers opportunity for USD 305 students

The Salina Symphony's&nbsp;Percussion Ensemble and Bass Quintet will be featured in the final&nbsp;concert of the “Listen Together” series.

The Virtual Chamber Concert is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday and will be&nbsp;premiered and available for viewing on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaSymphony">Facebook</a> at no cost.

The percussion ensemble program will include Blue Rondo à la Turk&nbsp; arranged by Jeff Moore, Alexis Orfaly’s Structure Set, La Llorona&nbsp; arranged by Ruth Jeanne, and Rosales’ Bolero arranged by Omar Musser. The bass quintet will present Tony Osborne’s The Pink Elephant.

Bass Quintet members include Gus Applequist, John Davis, Nelson Gutsch, David James, and Jeff Leach. The Percussion Ensemble features Dean Kranzler, Hannah Applequist, Eric Corby, John Karlin, Bridget Long, and Garret Ward with Gus Applequist on electric bass.

--<a href="http://salinasymphony.org">Salina Symphony</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613412125735.jpeg" alt="The Salina Symphony's Percussion Ensemble. Photo courtesy Salina Symphony" />
 <figcaption>The Salina Symphony's Percussion Ensemble. Photo courtesy Salina Symphony</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Symphony's&nbsp;Percussion Ensemble and Bass Quintet will be featured in the final&nbsp;concert of the “Listen Together” series.The Virtual Chamber Concert is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday and will be&nbsp;premiered and available for viewing on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaSymphony">Facebook</a> at no cost.The percussion ensemble program will include Blue Rondo à la Turk&nbsp; arranged by Jeff Moore, Alexis Orfaly’s Structure Set, La Llorona&nbsp; arranged by Ruth Jeanne, and Rosales’ Bolero arranged by Omar Musser. The bass quintet will present Tony Osborne’s The Pink Elephant.Bass Quintet members include Gus Applequist, John Davis, Nelson Gutsch, David James, and Jeff Leach. The Percussion Ensemble features Dean Kranzler, Hannah Applequist, Eric Corby, John Karlin, Bridget Long, and Garret Ward with Gus Applequist on electric bass.--<a href="http://salinasymphony.org">Salina Symphony</a>--

Salina Symphony virtual chamber concert set for Sunday

Ottawa County opens a warming center. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCountyHealthAging">Ottawa County Health Department</a> Facebook page:

Ottawa County opens a warming center. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCountyHealthAging">Ottawa County Health Department</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOttawaCountyHealthAging%2Fposts%2F3804490829616715&width=500&show_text=true&height=474&appId" width="500" height="474" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Ottawa County opens warming center in courthouse basement

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Due to extended extreme temperatures affecting the regional power supply, the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) has asked member electric utilities, including Evergy, to implement controlled, temporary emergency electricity reductions in order to help avoid larger uncontrolled and extended power outages throughout the region.

Beginning on Monday at 12:15 p.m., Evergy will begin to turn off electricity to blocks of customers for approximately 30-60 minutes. Once the period has concluded, power will be restored to the impacted area. The emergency outages will then rotate to another portion of Evergy’s service area. Power will cycle off and on periodically until the reduction is no longer required by the SPP. With these extreme cold temperatures, equipment may not operate as intended. As a result, outages could last longer than 30 - 60 minutes.

If you are impacted by an emergency electricity reduction, you do not need to report your outage.&nbsp; Rather, check&nbsp;<a href="https://outagemap.evergy.com/?_ga=2.120573896.1722132041.1613369210-189839730.1568394464">Evergy’s outag map</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.evergy.com/">www.evergy.com</a>/outageinfo for more information.&nbsp; All customers should be prepared for the potential for these periodic outages. If you experience an outage that lasts longer than an hour, report your outage at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.evergy.com/">www.evergy.com</a>&nbsp;or call 888-544-4852 or 800-544-4857, for Kansas Central customers.

Evergy asks customers to continue to conserve energy to help reduce stress on the power grid, potentially reducing the ongoing need for emergency reductions.

●Turn thermostats a little cooler (65-68 degrees). Avoid the use of electric space heaters.

●Close blinds and shades to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.

●Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances. When possible, delay non-essential uses of energy washing drying clothes, washing dishes and bathing to non-peak hours, between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

●Use low-temperature cooking methods and avoid opening the oven door if it’s on.

Evergy is also working with its large commercial and industrial customers to reduce energy usage this week. The company has reduced electricity use at Evergy facilities, implemented cold-weather procedures, and adapted operations at its power plants to keep equipment working and fuel available to generate electricity for customers.

Evergy is a member of the Southwest Power Pool, which coordinates the regional transmission grid and wholesale energy markets for a 17-state region across the central United States, including Kansas and Missouri. The SPP monitors power flow through its footprint and coordinates regional response in emergency situations.

In addition to the SPP call for reductions, its peers in Texas and the upper Midwest are also facing electricity shortages and are asking customers to conserve.

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEvergyPower%2Fposts%2F10159357215230680&width=500&show_text=true&height=721&appId" width="500" height="721" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Due to extended extreme temperatures affecting the regional power supply, the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) has asked member electric utilities, including Evergy, to implement controlled, temporary emergency electricity reductions in order to help avoid larger uncontrolled and extended power outages throughout the region.Beginning on Monday at 12:15 p.m., Evergy will begin to turn off electricity to blocks of customers for approximately 30-60 minutes. Once the period has concluded, power will be restored to the impacted area. The emergency outages will then rotate to another portion of Evergy’s service area. Power will cycle off and on periodically until the reduction is no longer required by the SPP. With these extreme cold temperatures, equipment may not operate as intended. As a result, outages could last longer than 30 - 60 minutes.If you are impacted by an emergency electricity reduction, you do not need to report your outage.&nbsp; Rather, check&nbsp;<a href="https://outagemap.evergy.com/?_ga=2.120573896.1722132041.1613369210-189839730.1568394464">Evergy’s outag map</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.evergy.com/">www.evergy.com</a>/outageinfo for more information.&nbsp; All customers should be prepared for the potential for these periodic outages. If you experience an outage that lasts longer than an hour, report your outage at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.evergy.com/">www.evergy.com</a>&nbsp;or call 888-544-4852 or 800-544-4857, for Kansas Central customers.Evergy asks customers to continue to conserve energy to help reduce stress on the power grid, potentially reducing the ongoing need for emergency reductions.●Turn thermostats a little cooler (65-68 degrees). Avoid the use of electric space heaters.●Close blinds and shades to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.●Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances. When possible, delay non-essential uses of energy washing drying clothes, washing dishes and bathing to non-peak hours, between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.●Use low-temperature cooking methods and avoid opening the oven door if it’s on.Evergy is also working with its large commercial and industrial customers to reduce energy usage this week. The company has reduced electricity use at Evergy facilities, implemented cold-weather procedures, and adapted operations at its power plants to keep equipment working and fuel available to generate electricity for customers.Evergy is a member of the Southwest Power Pool, which coordinates the regional transmission grid and wholesale energy markets for a 17-state region across the central United States, including Kansas and Missouri. The SPP monitors power flow through its footprint and coordinates regional response in emergency situations.In addition to the SPP call for reductions, its peers in Texas and the upper Midwest are also facing electricity shortages and are asking customers to conserve.--Evergy--

UPDATE: Evergy implementing emergency electricity reductions

Live Well Saline County wants to know what you think about healthy living.

The local community coalition has created a 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.

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

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.

To learn more about Live Well Saline County and its participation in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas' Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative, READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3f50c4b5-5920-415c-923d-091bcda15a06">BCBS selects Live Well Saline County Coalition for Pathways program</a>.

Live Well Saline County wants to know what you think about healthy living.The local community coalition has created a 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.To take the survey, <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T9DM3PD">click here</a>.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.To learn more about Live Well Saline County and its participation in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas' Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative, READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3f50c4b5-5920-415c-923d-091bcda15a06">BCBS selects Live Well Saline County Coalition for Pathways program</a>.

Local coalition wants to know what you think about healthy living

With the increase in unemployment, loss of health insurance, and increased mental health needs, the funding to offer discounted services for the uninsured and to provide trainings to the community has been depleted while communities are experiencing an emerging mental health crisis. Now more than ever mental health support is critical.

Central Kansas Mental Health Center set a goal of raising $10,000 by the end of the 2020 and partnered with First Bank Kansas to match those donations. By Dec. 31, 2020 the success of the drive brought in donations from community members in the amount of $9,321. 

With numbers so close to goal, First Bank Kansas moved forward with a $10,000 donation to support mental health awareness.

“When Central Kansas Mental Health Center approached us about this donation drive, we were excited to begin matching donations” said Cindy Rempe, senior vice president of commercial services at First Bank Kansas. “During these uncertain times, it has become even more important to help those in our communities in need of mental health services.”

“First Bank Kansas continues to stay dedicated to supporting our communities before, during, and after this pandemic” said Hannah Weishaar, marketing director at First Bank Kansas. “Central Kansas Mental Health Center is doing an amazing job to assist with the mental health crisis that has only magnified during this pandemic and we are honored to help in the awareness.”

CKMHC noted in a news release that it is grateful to have such a wonderful partnership with First Bank Kansas. 

“With First Bank Kansas’ generous contribution, services will be available, accessible, and affordable for anyone seeking help,” said Kathy Mosher, executive director at Central Kansas Mental Health Center. “Thank you for helping people in our community not only survive, but thrive.”

Erica Green, marketing and public education specialist at CKMHC, said donations will also be used toward scholarships for public education trainings such as Mental Health First Aid and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. 

“These trainings are so very important for members of our community, especially in this time of a global pandemic," Green said. "With the skills and knowledge these trainings provide, you could easily save someone’s life.”

Green also said she is proud of how the community came together to give. 

“It’s such a challenging time out there for everyone. The fact that we have such generous friends and partners like First Bank Kansas says so much about this awesome community we call home. We are truly thankful,” she said.

For more information on public education and training courses that CKMHC offers, visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CKMHC">www.facebook.com/CKMHC</a> or call 785-823-6322. For those that would like to donate, please visit <a href="http://www.ckmhc.org">www.ckmhc.org</a>.

--<a href="http://www.ckmhc.org">CKMHC</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590689615043.jpeg" alt=" Salina Central Kansas Mental Health Center. Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption> Salina Central Kansas Mental Health Center. Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>With the increase in unemployment, loss of health insurance, and increased mental health needs, the funding to offer discounted services for the uninsured and to provide trainings to the community has been depleted while communities are experiencing an emerging mental health crisis. Now more than ever mental health support is critical.Central Kansas Mental Health Center set a goal of raising $10,000 by the end of the 2020 and partnered with First Bank Kansas to match those donations. By Dec. 31, 2020 the success of the drive brought in donations from community members in the amount of $9,321. With numbers so close to goal, First Bank Kansas moved forward with a $10,000 donation to support mental health awareness.“When Central Kansas Mental Health Center approached us about this donation drive, we were excited to begin matching donations” said Cindy Rempe, senior vice president of commercial services at First Bank Kansas. “During these uncertain times, it has become even more important to help those in our communities in need of mental health services.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613406470646.png" alt="First Bank Kansas moved forward with its commitment to the project. From left&nbsp; are Cindy Rempe, senior vice president of commercial services at First Bank Kansas; Sheila Srna, director of finance at CKMHC; and Kathy Mosher, executive director at CKMHC. Photo courtesy CKMHC" />
 <figcaption>First Bank Kansas moved forward with its commitment to the project. From left&nbsp; are Cindy Rempe, senior vice president of commercial services at First Bank Kansas; Sheila Srna, director of finance at CKMHC; and Kathy Mosher, executive director at CKMHC. Photo courtesy CKMHC</figcaption>
 </figure>“First Bank Kansas continues to stay dedicated to supporting our communities before, during, and after this pandemic” said Hannah Weishaar, marketing director at First Bank Kansas. “Central Kansas Mental Health Center is doing an amazing job to assist with the mental health crisis that has only magnified during this pandemic and we are honored to help in the awareness.”CKMHC noted in a news release that it is grateful to have such a wonderful partnership with First Bank Kansas. “With First Bank Kansas’ generous contribution, services will be available, accessible, and affordable for anyone seeking help,” said Kathy Mosher, executive director at Central Kansas Mental Health Center. “Thank you for helping people in our community not only survive, but thrive.”Erica Green, marketing and public education specialist at CKMHC, said donations will also be used toward scholarships for public education trainings such as Mental Health First Aid and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. “These trainings are so very important for members of our community, especially in this time of a global pandemic," Green said. "With the skills and knowledge these trainings provide, you could easily save someone’s life.”Green also said she is proud of how the community came together to give. “It’s such a challenging time out there for everyone. The fact that we have such generous friends and partners like First Bank Kansas says so much about this awesome community we call home. We are truly thankful,” she said.For more information on public education and training courses that CKMHC offers, visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CKMHC">www.facebook.com/CKMHC</a> or call 785-823-6322. For those that would like to donate, please visit <a href="http://www.ckmhc.org">www.ckmhc.org</a>.--<a href="http://www.ckmhc.org">CKMHC</a>--

CKMHC partners with First Bank Kansas to focus on mental health

UPDATE 9 p.m. Sunday: The wind chill warnings for our area have been updated.

Wind chill warnings have been issued for much of Kansas, including all counties in our area.

READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/02a84e00-ad6e-4a09-930f-8a0103f5e8af">Weather-related closings and delays</a>

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9ac81614-c7bc-42e7-b3c0-7764a44a18fa">NWS extends winter weather advisories for some counties</a>

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a wind chill warning that remains in effect until noon Tuesday for the following counties in our area.

Dangerously cold wind chills are expected, with wind chills as low as 30 below zero.

The dangerously cold wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as   little as 10 minutes. Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.

NWS-Wichita has issued a wind chill warning that remains in effect until noon Tuesday for the following counties in our area.

NWS in Hastings, Neb., has issued a wind chill warning that remains in effect until noon Tuesday for the following counties in our area.

Dangerously cold wind chills expected, especially during the overnight and morning hours. Wind chills as low as 35 below to 40 below zero are expected.

The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.

NWS in Topeka has issued a wind chill warning that remains in effect until noon Tuesday for the following counties in our area.

Dangerously cold wind chills are expected, with wind chills as low as 35 below zero.

The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613405258723.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE 9 p.m. Sunday: The wind chill warnings for our area have been updated.Wind chill warnings have been issued for much of Kansas, including all counties in our area.READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/02a84e00-ad6e-4a09-930f-8a0103f5e8af">Weather-related closings and delays</a>READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9ac81614-c7bc-42e7-b3c0-7764a44a18fa">NWS extends winter weather advisories for some counties</a>The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a wind chill warning that remains in effect until noon Tuesday for the following counties in our area.Marion CountyMcPherson CountyDangerously cold wind chills are expected, with wind chills as low as 30 below zero.The dangerously cold wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613312480352.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NWS-Wichita has issued a wind chill warning that remains in effect until noon Tuesday for the following counties in our area.Ellsworth CountyLincoln CountySaline CountyDangerously cold wind chills are expected, with wind chills as low as 30 below zero.The dangerously cold wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.NWS in Hastings, Neb., has issued a wind chill warning that remains in effect until noon Tuesday for the following counties in our area.Jewell CountyMitchell CountyDangerously cold wind chills expected, especially during the overnight and morning hours. Wind chills as low as 35 below to 40 below zero are expected.The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.NWS in Topeka has issued a wind chill warning that remains in effect until noon Tuesday for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyDickinson CountyOttawa CountyRepublic CountyDangerously cold wind chills are expected, with wind chills as low as 35 below zero.The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.

UPDATE: Wind chill warnings continue through noon Tuesday

Here's a fun way to help out a local program for children.

The Salina Family YMCA is hosting its first Cornhole Fundraiser Tournament to benefit its Strong Kids Campaign.

The YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign allows the organization to give back to the community in so many ways, from teaching local second graders life water safety skills with the SPLASH Water Safety program, to sending 40 kids to a traditional overnight summer camp at CAMP WOOD YMCA, to financial assistance on membership and programs and more.

"From safe spaces to academic achievement to family well-being and more, you’re allowing those in need to thrive when you register to play. As you know, at the Y, lives are changed every day," the YMCA noted in a news release.

The tournament is scheduled for Feb. 27, and teams need to register by Feb. 22. The tournament will be divided into two categories. They are as follows.

●Double elimination or round robin depending on numbers

●Must be 21+ yrs to attend and or participate

●Double elimination: bracket will be available the Friday before

A mask policy will be in place. Masks must be worn unless persons are playing, eating, or drinking.

Persons who have an official cornhole board they are willing to bring are asked to contact Ellen or Kathy (see below) for a price discount.

ELLEN HOGELAND WELLNESS &amp; AQUATICS DIRECTOR 785-404-4026 <a href="mailto:ehogeland@salinaymca.org" target="_blank">ehogeland@salinaymca.org</a>

KATHY NELSON SPORTS DIRECTOR 785-404-4033 <a href="mailto:knelson@salinaymca.org" target="_blank">knelson@salinaymca.org</a>

Here's a fun way to help out a local program for children.The Salina Family YMCA is hosting its first Cornhole Fundraiser Tournament to benefit its Strong Kids Campaign.The YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign allows the organization to give back to the community in so many ways, from teaching local second graders life water safety skills with the SPLASH Water Safety program, to sending 40 kids to a traditional overnight summer camp at CAMP WOOD YMCA, to financial assistance on membership and programs and more."From safe spaces to academic achievement to family well-being and more, you’re allowing those in need to thrive when you register to play. As you know, at the Y, lives are changed every day," the YMCA noted in a news release.The tournament is scheduled for Feb. 27, and teams need to register by Feb. 22. The tournament will be divided into two categories. They are as follows.FAMILY EVENT -- 2 p.m.●$20/team ●Win fun prizes●Raffle for board●Boards/bags provided●Double elimination or round robin depending on numbers●Team of twoMAIN EVENT -- 6 p.m.●$30/team●Win cash prize●50/50 Raffle●Raffle for board●Beer Sales●Pizza Provided●Boards/bags provided●Must be 21+ yrs to attend and or participate●Double elimination: bracket will be available the Friday before●Team of twoA mask policy will be in place. Masks must be worn unless persons are playing, eating, or drinking.Persons who have an official cornhole board they are willing to bring are asked to contact Ellen or Kathy (see below) for a price discount.QUESTIONS?ELLEN HOGELAND WELLNESS &amp; AQUATICS DIRECTOR 785-404-4026 <a href="mailto:ehogeland@salinaymca.org" target="_blank">ehogeland@salinaymca.org</a>KATHY NELSON SPORTS DIRECTOR 785-404-4033 <a href="mailto:knelson@salinaymca.org" target="_blank">knelson@salinaymca.org</a>

YMCA cornhole tourney to benefit Strong Kids Campaign

There are advantages for pre-school children, and especially those speaking English as a second language, in watching Sesame Street and similar programs. But using television to teach more advanced courses lacks evidence of effectiveness. This has again become an issue since some educational television is hyped as an effective supplement to the online learning that has been a necessary stopgap during this pandemic.

One common image of televised content education is based on programs such as the PBS “NOVA.” But the long-time executive producer of the NOVA program (now just retired) was clear about its educational limitations when interviewed in 1990.&nbsp; NOVA only drew an average of 11–12 million viewers each week. “Studies of NOVA’s audience reveal they are somewhat older, better educated, and better off economically than the nation as a whole...”

She continued: “We don’t see ourselves doing ‘physics’ programs or ‘chemistry’ lessons. We see ourselves involved doing stories that demand an explanation of the science involved in order to make sense.... The decisions we make on each film, however, do not begin with any sense of the film’s value as pedagogy. First, we look for something that will be a good movie.”

“Given that we occasionally produce an almost purely education film, and that we don’t feel these films have a great impact, how do we see our role in bringing science to the American public? We like to think that an entire season or more of NOVA represents a fairly high level of science education and that as a result, the scientific literacy of our audience steadily increases. But even if we could test this thesis, it’s clear that our educational impact is incremental at best. The important issue is not that our audience retains specific facts from any given program. Instead, they should understand that science is a human endeavor that we use to order our material world. If your audience gets a sense of the method and power of science and the limits to that power, then we have done a good job.... Successful television has to recognize that the medium is better suited to entertainment than to pure pedagogy.”

Long before there were personal computers, educational television began to be promoted in the early 1960s with “Continental Classroom” and other courses “on the air.” The mistaken assumption, promoted by Education Schools, was that if you had an expert in a field who was a good speaker, then you could fully replace school teachers with televised broadcasts.

But good teaching for 95 percent of students requires face-to-face, eyeball-to-eyeball communication with a good teacher. With other students also present alongside for support and motivation, all are “in the moment” learning from a teacher they personally know, and WHO ALSO KNOWS THEM!

This is what was missing from that two decades of abysmal televised instruction.

With the arrival of cable and satellites, this format was revived by Whittle Communications that announced in March, 1990 its&nbsp; controversial Channel One with both a Classroom Channel and an Educators` Channel. Some schools bought into the deal since Whittle would provide a satellite dish and as many TV sets and VCRs as the schools needed. It was supposedly “free” but the 12-minute programs contained commercials and schools were required to show them to their students who were a captive audience. Despite making concessions, this system eventually declined.

Today the EdTech Industrial complex is huge. One television that lasts decades in a classroom is now replaced by a laptop or tablet for every student. And marketing that “you can’t teach tomorrow’s students with today’s technology” makes a 2 or 3-year turnover of digital devices mandatory. Meanwhile, substantial and overwhelming research on screen reading and online learning shows it is a very inferior mode of learning for all but a few students. Meanwhile, the cost of the continually evolving equipment and extra IT personnel to maintain it is dramatically diverting funding from teacher’s salaries while requiring continuous re-learning of technical changes that provide no learning advantages for students.

This massive experiment driven by the pandemic has revealed a slowdown in learning that not only causes a gap across all age groups of students, but also shows that we will need to require students to attend school for 14 years to learn what they previously learned in 12 years under face-to-face teaching.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="John Richard Schrock" />
 <figcaption>John Richard Schrock</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCKThere are advantages for pre-school children, and especially those speaking English as a second language, in watching Sesame Street and similar programs. But using television to teach more advanced courses lacks evidence of effectiveness. This has again become an issue since some educational television is hyped as an effective supplement to the online learning that has been a necessary stopgap during this pandemic. One common image of televised content education is based on programs such as the PBS “NOVA.” But the long-time executive producer of the NOVA program (now just retired) was clear about its educational limitations when interviewed in 1990.&nbsp; NOVA only drew an average of 11–12 million viewers each week. “Studies of NOVA’s audience reveal they are somewhat older, better educated, and better off economically than the nation as a whole...” She continued: “We don’t see ourselves doing ‘physics’ programs or ‘chemistry’ lessons. We see ourselves involved doing stories that demand an explanation of the science involved in order to make sense.... The decisions we make on each film, however, do not begin with any sense of the film’s value as pedagogy. First, we look for something that will be a good movie.” “Given that we occasionally produce an almost purely education film, and that we don’t feel these films have a great impact, how do we see our role in bringing science to the American public? We like to think that an entire season or more of NOVA represents a fairly high level of science education and that as a result, the scientific literacy of our audience steadily increases. But even if we could test this thesis, it’s clear that our educational impact is incremental at best. The important issue is not that our audience retains specific facts from any given program. Instead, they should understand that science is a human endeavor that we use to order our material world. If your audience gets a sense of the method and power of science and the limits to that power, then we have done a good job.... Successful television has to recognize that the medium is better suited to entertainment than to pure pedagogy.” Long before there were personal computers, educational television began to be promoted in the early 1960s with “Continental Classroom” and other courses “on the air.” The mistaken assumption, promoted by Education Schools, was that if you had an expert in a field who was a good speaker, then you could fully replace school teachers with televised broadcasts. But good teaching for 95 percent of students requires face-to-face, eyeball-to-eyeball communication with a good teacher. With other students also present alongside for support and motivation, all are “in the moment” learning from a teacher they personally know, and WHO ALSO KNOWS THEM! This is what was missing from that two decades of abysmal televised instruction. With the arrival of cable and satellites, this format was revived by Whittle Communications that announced in March, 1990 its&nbsp; controversial Channel One with both a Classroom Channel and an Educators` Channel. Some schools bought into the deal since Whittle would provide a satellite dish and as many TV sets and VCRs as the schools needed. It was supposedly “free” but the 12-minute programs contained commercials and schools were required to show them to their students who were a captive audience. Despite making concessions, this system eventually declined. Today the EdTech Industrial complex is huge. One television that lasts decades in a classroom is now replaced by a laptop or tablet for every student. And marketing that “you can’t teach tomorrow’s students with today’s technology” makes a 2 or 3-year turnover of digital devices mandatory. Meanwhile, substantial and overwhelming research on screen reading and online learning shows it is a very inferior mode of learning for all but a few students. Meanwhile, the cost of the continually evolving equipment and extra IT personnel to maintain it is dramatically diverting funding from teacher’s salaries while requiring continuous re-learning of technical changes that provide no learning advantages for students. This massive experiment driven by the pandemic has revealed a slowdown in learning that not only causes a gap across all age groups of students, but also shows that we will need to require students to attend school for 14 years to learn what they previously learned in 12 years under face-to-face teaching.&nbsp;&nbsp;John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

ED FRONTLINES: The proven failure of educational television

Today is Monday, Feb. 15, the 46th day of 2021. There are 319 days left in the year. This is Presidents Day. 

On Feb. 15, 1989, the Soviet Union announced that the last of its troops had left Afghanistan, after more than nine years of military intervention. 

In 1564, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei was born in Pisa. 

In 1764, the site of present-day St. Louis was established by Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau.

In 1798, a feud between two members of the U.S. House of Representatives (meeting in Philadelphia) boiled over as Roger Griswold of Connecticut used a cane to attack Vermont's Matthew Lyon, who defended himself with a set of tongs. (Griswold was enraged over the House's refusal to expel Lyon for spitting tobacco juice in his face two weeks earlier; after the two men were separated, a motion to expel them both was defeated.)

In 1879, President Rutherford B. Hayes signed a bill allowing female attorneys to argue cases before the Supreme Court. 

In 1898, the U.S. battleship Maine mysteriously blew up in Havana Harbor, killing more than 260 crew members and bringing the United States closer to war with Spain. 

In 1933, President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt escaped an assassination attempt in Miami that mortally wounded Chicago Mayor Anton J. Cermak; gunman Giuseppe Zangara was executed more than four weeks later. 

In 1944, Allied bombers destroyed the monastery atop Monte Cassino in Italy.

In 1961, 73 people, including an 18-member U.S. figure skating team en route to the World Championships in Czechoslovakia, were killed in the crash of a Sabena Airlines Boeing 707 in Belgium. 

In 1992, a Milwaukee jury found that Jeffrey Dahmer was sane when he killed and mutilated 15 men and boys. (The decision meant that Dahmer, who had already pleaded guilty to the murders, would receive a mandatory life sentence for each count; Dahmer was beaten to death in prison in 1994.) 

In 2004, Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Daytona 500 on the same track where his father was killed three years earlier. 

In 2005, defrocked priest Paul Shanley was sentenced in Boston to 12 to 15 years in prison on child rape charges. 

In 2018, the last of the bodies of the 17 victims of a school shooting in Florida were removed from the building after authorities analyzed the crime scene; 13 wounded survivors were still hospitalized. In response to the Florida school shooting, President Donald Trump, in an address to the nation, promised to "tackle the difficult issue of mental health," but avoided any mention of guns. Nikolas Cruz, the suspect in the shooting, was ordered held without bond at a brief court hearing. 

Ten years ago: Protesters swarmed Wisconsin's capitol after Gov. Scott Walker proposed cutbacks in benefits and abolishing bargaining rights for most public employees. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was ordered to stand trial on charges he'd paid a 17-year-old Moroccan girl for sex and then used his influence to cover it up. (Berlusconi was found guilty, but had his conviction overturned.)

Five years ago: President Barack Obama opened a meeting in Rancho Mirage, California, of leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, calling the landmark gathering on U.S. soil a reflection of his personal commitment to an enduring partnership with the diverse group of countries. Taylor Swift's "1989" brought the singer her second Grammy Award win for album of the year; Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars earned top record for "Uptown Funk," while Ed Sheeran won song of the year for "Thinking Out Loud." Vanity, a Prince protege who renounced her sexy stage persona to become a Christian minister, died in Fremont, California; she was 57.

One year ago: The U.S. government said Americans who were on board a cruise ship under quarantine in Japan because of the coronavirus would be flown back home on a chartered flight, but that they would face another two-week quarantine; about 380 Americans were aboard the Diamond Princess. China reported 143 new coronavirus deaths, but a dip in the number of new cases; the World Health Organization praised China's efforts to contain the new disease.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Claire Bloom is 90. Author Susan Brownmiller is 86. Songwriter Brian Holland is 80. Rock musician Mick Avory (The Kinks) is 77. Jazz musician Henry Threadgill is 77. Actor-model Marisa Berenson is 74. Actor Jane Seymour is 70. Singer Melissa Manchester is 70. Actor Lynn Whitfield is 68. "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening is 67. Model Janice Dickinson is 66. Actor Christopher McDonald is 66. Reggae singer Ali Campbell is 62. Actor Joseph R. Gannascoli is 62. Musician Mikey Craig (Culture Club) is 61. College and Pro Football Hall of Famer Darrell Green is 61. Actor-comedian Steven Michael Quezada is 58. Actor Michael Easton is 54. Latin singer Gloria Trevi is 53. Rock musician Stevie Benton (Drowning Pool) is 50. Actor Alex Borstein is 50. Actor Renee O'Connor is 50. Actor Sarah Wynter is 48. Olympic gold medal swimmer Amy Van Dyken-Rouen is 48. Actor-director Miranda July is 47. Rock singer Brandon Boyd (Incubus) is 45. Rock musician Ronnie Vannucci (The Killers) is 45. Rock singer/guitarist Adam Granduciel (The War on Drugs) is 42. Singer-songwriter-musician Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) is 41. Actor Ashley Lyn Cafagna is 38. Blues-rock musician Gary Clark Jr. is 37. Actor Natalie Morales is 36. Actor Amber Riley is 35. Rapper Megan Thee Stallion is 26. Actor Zach Gordon is 23.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Monday, Feb. 15, the 46th day of 2021. There are 319 days left in the year. This is Presidents Day. Today's Highlight in History: On Feb. 15, 1989, the Soviet Union announced that the last of its troops had left Afghanistan, after more than nine years of military intervention. On this date: In 1564, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei was born in Pisa. In 1764, the site of present-day St. Louis was established by Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau.In 1798, a feud between two members of the U.S. House of Representatives (meeting in Philadelphia) boiled over as Roger Griswold of Connecticut used a cane to attack Vermont's Matthew Lyon, who defended himself with a set of tongs. (Griswold was enraged over the House's refusal to expel Lyon for spitting tobacco juice in his face two weeks earlier; after the two men were separated, a motion to expel them both was defeated.)In 1879, President Rutherford B. Hayes signed a bill allowing female attorneys to argue cases before the Supreme Court. In 1898, the U.S. battleship Maine mysteriously blew up in Havana Harbor, killing more than 260 crew members and bringing the United States closer to war with Spain. In 1933, President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt escaped an assassination attempt in Miami that mortally wounded Chicago Mayor Anton J. Cermak; gunman Giuseppe Zangara was executed more than four weeks later. In 1944, Allied bombers destroyed the monastery atop Monte Cassino in Italy.In 1961, 73 people, including an 18-member U.S. figure skating team en route to the World Championships in Czechoslovakia, were killed in the crash of a Sabena Airlines Boeing 707 in Belgium. In 1992, a Milwaukee jury found that Jeffrey Dahmer was sane when he killed and mutilated 15 men and boys. (The decision meant that Dahmer, who had already pleaded guilty to the murders, would receive a mandatory life sentence for each count; Dahmer was beaten to death in prison in 1994.) In 2004, Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Daytona 500 on the same track where his father was killed three years earlier. In 2005, defrocked priest Paul Shanley was sentenced in Boston to 12 to 15 years in prison on child rape charges. In 2018, the last of the bodies of the 17 victims of a school shooting in Florida were removed from the building after authorities analyzed the crime scene; 13 wounded survivors were still hospitalized. In response to the Florida school shooting, President Donald Trump, in an address to the nation, promised to "tackle the difficult issue of mental health," but avoided any mention of guns. Nikolas Cruz, the suspect in the shooting, was ordered held without bond at a brief court hearing. Ten years ago: Protesters swarmed Wisconsin's capitol after Gov. Scott Walker proposed cutbacks in benefits and abolishing bargaining rights for most public employees. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was ordered to stand trial on charges he'd paid a 17-year-old Moroccan girl for sex and then used his influence to cover it up. (Berlusconi was found guilty, but had his conviction overturned.)Five years ago: President Barack Obama opened a meeting in Rancho Mirage, California, of leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, calling the landmark gathering on U.S. soil a reflection of his personal commitment to an enduring partnership with the diverse group of countries. Taylor Swift's "1989" brought the singer her second Grammy Award win for album of the year; Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars earned top record for "Uptown Funk," while Ed Sheeran won song of the year for "Thinking Out Loud." Vanity, a Prince protege who renounced her sexy stage persona to become a Christian minister, died in Fremont, California; she was 57.One year ago: The U.S. government said Americans who were on board a cruise ship under quarantine in Japan because of the coronavirus would be flown back home on a chartered flight, but that they would face another two-week quarantine; about 380 Americans were aboard the Diamond Princess. China reported 143 new coronavirus deaths, but a dip in the number of new cases; the World Health Organization praised China's efforts to contain the new disease.Today's Birthdays: Actor Claire Bloom is 90. Author Susan Brownmiller is 86. Songwriter Brian Holland is 80. Rock musician Mick Avory (The Kinks) is 77. Jazz musician Henry Threadgill is 77. Actor-model Marisa Berenson is 74. Actor Jane Seymour is 70. Singer Melissa Manchester is 70. Actor Lynn Whitfield is 68. "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening is 67. Model Janice Dickinson is 66. Actor Christopher McDonald is 66. Reggae singer Ali Campbell is 62. Actor Joseph R. Gannascoli is 62. Musician Mikey Craig (Culture Club) is 61. College and Pro Football Hall of Famer Darrell Green is 61. Actor-comedian Steven Michael Quezada is 58. Actor Michael Easton is 54. Latin singer Gloria Trevi is 53. Rock musician Stevie Benton (Drowning Pool) is 50. Actor Alex Borstein is 50. Actor Renee O'Connor is 50. Actor Sarah Wynter is 48. Olympic gold medal swimmer Amy Van Dyken-Rouen is 48. Actor-director Miranda July is 47. Rock singer Brandon Boyd (Incubus) is 45. Rock musician Ronnie Vannucci (The Killers) is 45. Rock singer/guitarist Adam Granduciel (The War on Drugs) is 42. Singer-songwriter-musician Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) is 41. Actor Ashley Lyn Cafagna is 38. Blues-rock musician Gary Clark Jr. is 37. Actor Natalie Morales is 36. Actor Amber Riley is 35. Rapper Megan Thee Stallion is 26. Actor Zach Gordon is 23.

Today in History -- Feb. 15

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

By Eian Pracht Smoky View 4-H Club reporter

Meetings have moved online for the Smoky View 4-H Club because of the pandemic, and the annual Model Meeting competition looked different, too.&nbsp;

The club participated in the Model Meeting competition for the Central Kansas District on Jan. 30, in an online competition. The club won a purple ribbon and are going to be moving on to regional level, going up against other clubs from the Central Kansas District, River Valley District, and Dickinson, Geary, and Marshall Counties. Regional Model Meeting will be held March 27.&nbsp;

Normally, a Model Meeting would be held in person in front of a judge. Model Meeting was held virtually this year.&nbsp;

Despite the pandemic, Model Meeting was still able to be held for members this year.&nbsp;

“Model Meeting is a great way for kids to learn the parliamentary process used in running a meeting,” said club leader Jodie Norberg, “It is also a great way to mix the older members with the younger members of our club.”

By Eian Pracht Smoky View 4-H Club reporterMeetings have moved online for the Smoky View 4-H Club because of the pandemic, and the annual Model Meeting competition looked different, too.&nbsp;The club participated in the Model Meeting competition for the Central Kansas District on Jan. 30, in an online competition. The club won a purple ribbon and are going to be moving on to regional level, going up against other clubs from the Central Kansas District, River Valley District, and Dickinson, Geary, and Marshall Counties. Regional Model Meeting will be held March 27.&nbsp;Normally, a Model Meeting would be held in person in front of a judge. Model Meeting was held virtually this year.&nbsp;Despite the pandemic, Model Meeting was still able to be held for members this year.&nbsp;“Model Meeting is a great way for kids to learn the parliamentary process used in running a meeting,” said club leader Jodie Norberg, “It is also a great way to mix the older members with the younger members of our club.”

Smoky View wins purple ribbon in Model Meeting competition

The National Weather Service (NWS) has extended winter weather advisories for some counties in our area.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d56e0c81-5fce-4f3a-8c3a-c3e4df5b4e21">UPDATE: Wind chill warnings continue through noon Tuesday</a>

READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/02a84e00-ad6e-4a09-930f-8a0103f5e8af">Weather-related closings and delays</a>

For road conditions, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kandrive.org/">kandrive.org</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1 or 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).

A winter weather advisory remains in effect until noon Monday for Marion County, according to the NWS in Wichita.

Additional snow accumulations of up to an inch are forecast.

Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and cause cleared roads to become snow covered again.

A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. Monday for the following counties in our area, according to NWS in Topeka.

Additional snow accumulations of up to one inch are forecast.

Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613359727674.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service (NWS) has extended winter weather advisories for some counties in our area.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d56e0c81-5fce-4f3a-8c3a-c3e4df5b4e21">UPDATE: Wind chill warnings continue through noon Tuesday</a>READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/02a84e00-ad6e-4a09-930f-8a0103f5e8af">Weather-related closings and delays</a>For road conditions, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kandrive.org/">kandrive.org</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1 or 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).A winter weather advisory remains in effect until noon Monday for Marion County, according to the NWS in Wichita.Additional snow accumulations of up to an inch are forecast.Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and cause cleared roads to become snow covered again.A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. Monday for the following counties in our area, according to NWS in Topeka.Clay CountyCloud CountyDickinson CountyOttawa CountyRepublic CountyAdditional snow accumulations of up to one inch are forecast.Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

NWS extends winter weather advisories for some counties

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.

Central theatre students to present 'Puffs'

The next commodities distribution is scheduled for later this week.

The February Emergency Food Assistance Program commodities distribution is scheduled for 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the 4-H Building.

Persons participating are required to have with them a Saline County photo ID and proof of income. A photo ID also is required for persons who are picking up commodities for someone else.

Those participating also are required to wear face masks.

Items being distributed include mixed fruit, plums, garbanzo beans, pork patties, raisins, orange juice, fruit and nuts mixed, frozen chicken breast, frozen chicken leg quarter, lamb shank, and split peas.

The next commodities distribution is scheduled for later this week.The February Emergency Food Assistance Program commodities distribution is scheduled for 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the 4-H Building.Persons participating are required to have with them a Saline County photo ID and proof of income. A photo ID also is required for persons who are picking up commodities for someone else.Those participating also are required to wear face masks.Items being distributed include mixed fruit, plums, garbanzo beans, pork patties, raisins, orange juice, fruit and nuts mixed, frozen chicken breast, frozen chicken leg quarter, lamb shank, and split peas.

Commodities distribution scheduled for Wednesday

Along with forecast frigid temperatures, Monday will bring with it the Presidents Day holiday.

City of Salina and Saline County offices and facilities will be closed in observance of the holiday. Regular hours are scheduled to resume on Tuesday.

There also will be no city commission meeting on Monday.

Additionally, the city General Services Department has announced that the landfill and sanitation collection crews will maintain their regular schedules on Monday.

Along with forecast frigid temperatures, Monday will bring with it the Presidents Day holiday.City of Salina and Saline County offices and facilities will be closed in observance of the holiday. Regular hours are scheduled to resume on Tuesday.There also will be no city commission meeting on Monday.Additionally, the city General Services Department has announced that the landfill and sanitation collection crews will maintain their regular schedules on Monday.