A proclamation request, the expo center, the Jail Population Reduction Committee, and a review of the COVID-19 situation are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.

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 consider a request to proclaim February 2021 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Commissioners also are scheduled to consider a request to contract for project management services to assist the county in completing maintenance and improvement projects at the expo center over the next five years to satisfy the terms of the county's lease agreement with the City of Salina.

The county received submitted qualifications from four firms/individuals and staff is recommending that Hutton, from Wichita, be selected. According to the commission meeting packet information, "Hutton received the highest overall score and highest marks from references."

The county information noted that the compensation rate would be hourly, with an estimated $45,000-$65,000 paid with capital improvement funds.

Commissioners also are scheduled to review with Jason Tiller, health department director, the county's current COVID-19 situation as it pertains to maintaining the county's face mask mandate.

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

●Consider a bid award for pipe culverts

●Consider a request from Rural Fire District No. 7 to donate 14 Scott brand 2200 psi aluminum cylinders to the volunteer Osborne Fire Department. According to the county meeting packet information, RFD 7 no longer uses this type of cylinders in their air packs. Additionally, no other rural fire districts in Saline County have expressed an interest in the cylinders.

●Consider the future of the Jail Population Reduction Committee now that the project of building a new jail is under way.

●Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes' weekly update, which is scheduled to include a legislative update, information about the City of Salina Housing study session, and information about conference attendance.

Commissioners also are scheduled to meet in executive session for employer-employee negotiations.

To see the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet (37-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20210202.pdf?ver=9F79MTN244MhOEVU4EAERw%3d%3d">click here</a>.

A proclamation request, the expo center, the Jail Population Reduction Committee, and a review of the COVID-19 situation are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.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 consider a request to proclaim February 2021 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.Commissioners also are scheduled to consider a request to contract for project management services to assist the county in completing maintenance and improvement projects at the expo center over the next five years to satisfy the terms of the county's lease agreement with the City of Salina.The county received submitted qualifications from four firms/individuals and staff is recommending that Hutton, from Wichita, be selected. According to the commission meeting packet information, "Hutton received the highest overall score and highest marks from references."The county information noted that the compensation rate would be hourly, with an estimated $45,000-$65,000 paid with capital improvement funds.Commissioners also are scheduled to review with Jason Tiller, health department director, the county's current COVID-19 situation as it pertains to maintaining the county's face mask mandate.Other items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Consider a bid award for pipe culverts●Consider a request from Rural Fire District No. 7 to donate 14 Scott brand 2200 psi aluminum cylinders to the volunteer Osborne Fire Department. According to the county meeting packet information, RFD 7 no longer uses this type of cylinders in their air packs. Additionally, no other rural fire districts in Saline County have expressed an interest in the cylinders.●Consider the future of the Jail Population Reduction Committee now that the project of building a new jail is under way.●Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes' weekly update, which is scheduled to include a legislative update, information about the City of Salina Housing study session, and information about conference attendance.Commissioners also are scheduled to meet in executive session for employer-employee negotiations.To see the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet (37-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20210202.pdf?ver=9F79MTN244MhOEVU4EAERw%3d%3d">click here</a>.

Proclamation, expo center, COVID-19 review on county agenda

Multiple counties in our area are under dense fog advisories.

The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a dense fog advisory in effect until noon Tuesday that includes the following counties in our area.

Visibility is forecast to be around one quarter mile in dense fog.

Redevelopment or persistence of dense fog is likely this evening through Tuesday morning across much of the area. In addition, with temperatures dropping below or remaining below freezing, fog may create slick spots on area roadways. Please note that visibility could vary considerably within the Advisory area, with some areas being worse off than others, and that dense fog issues could begin and end at different times during the overnight and morning hours depending on exact location.

Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility, along with possible slick spots from freezing fog are expected. If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

Additionally, NWS in Topeka has issued a dense fog advisory in effect until noon Tuesday that includes the following counties in our area.

Visibility is forecast to be one quarter to one half mile in dense fog.

Temperatures remain below freezing and may result in slick spots, especially on bridges and overpasses. 

Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility are expected. If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

Multiple counties in our area are under dense fog advisories.The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a dense fog advisory in effect until noon Tuesday that includes the following counties in our area.Jewell CountyMitchell CountyVisibility is forecast to be around one quarter mile in dense fog.Redevelopment or persistence of dense fog is likely this evening through Tuesday morning across much of the area. In addition, with temperatures dropping below or remaining below freezing, fog may create slick spots on area roadways. Please note that visibility could vary considerably within the Advisory area, with some areas being worse off than others, and that dense fog issues could begin and end at different times during the overnight and morning hours depending on exact location.Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility, along with possible slick spots from freezing fog are expected. If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.Additionally, NWS in Topeka has issued a dense fog advisory in effect until noon Tuesday that includes the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyRepublic CountyVisibility is forecast to be one quarter to one half mile in dense fog.Temperatures remain below freezing and may result in slick spots, especially on bridges and overpasses. Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility are expected. If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

NWS issues dense fog advisories for counties in our area

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

We are so pleased to announce that there have been no additional deaths due to COVID-19 reported since January 27; but sadly 92 members of our community have lost their lives to this deadly virus. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have 19 patients who require hospitalization for COVID-19.

There have been 73 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on January 29, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 5,591.

The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 1,738 cases. At least 3,809 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>

This is an ever-evolving situation. Please continue to follow official sources to obtain the most accurate information possible.

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=001PiluQFD_DFFloVQYXuxXBZ8GoJheqXccmNbPZoChytvI6gTR3rybtzSTSxRnB7zNrKx-th2r7JAh5onVLTWnyf8mXNVkSduhargiT3xbCXpOiC_GaJ7Stgk9BQI99CgXK-m0pW8tQOk2_K1pRGKZEkjlkfaB7N8s&amp;c=6SiDfWArTAnb0F9ZkI2X_-_H25Pxqn5yuUUbz8KNmrzc_ZRLFU1-oQ==&amp;ch=3NSGAmiWRh0CMZA0NrbU5siB1EiUuXfYHkPjLKq2IKmF1VnZJ3B_Ow==" 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=001PiluQFD_DFFloVQYXuxXBZ8GoJheqXccmNbPZoChytvI6gTR3rybtzSTSxRnB7zNZAE2ibkik9NsZ3iHDr_lMHRHMqtyo0kaXSqgKl9Cyx6TmeXSUeiU6mecxnQalTXHR89cwS168U79xd1ztUiFNMDi-v064izP&amp;c=6SiDfWArTAnb0F9ZkI2X_-_H25Pxqn5yuUUbz8KNmrzc_ZRLFU1-oQ==&amp;ch=3NSGAmiWRh0CMZA0NrbU5siB1EiUuXfYHkPjLKq2IKmF1VnZJ3B_Ow==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there are now 276,668 cases and 3,809 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=001PiluQFD_DFFloVQYXuxXBZ8GoJheqXccmNbPZoChytvI6gTR3rybtzSTSxRnB7zNCmPfAashkSL7hJh8nzAhgrEkvO5WU9FM4ChVbxcXVwsN5woVC0lATcF_s36CTrpGE4l4j4PA4YnLEt0Xx2FOIT8oS5ZyY342&amp;c=6SiDfWArTAnb0F9ZkI2X_-_H25Pxqn5yuUUbz8KNmrzc_ZRLFU1-oQ==&amp;ch=3NSGAmiWRh0CMZA0NrbU5siB1EiUuXfYHkPjLKq2IKmF1VnZJ3B_Ow==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PiluQFD_DFFloVQYXuxXBZ8GoJheqXccmNbPZoChytvI6gTR3rybtzSTSxRnB7zN_pPvE3OoOd2QB2zw_lD6-fqfA0tuP1GazwQIKLwUZjtUdKr2qkl2RoO90XrRtMzlHk7rqLev-oE=&amp;c=6SiDfWArTAnb0F9ZkI2X_-_H25Pxqn5yuUUbz8KNmrzc_ZRLFU1-oQ==&amp;ch=3NSGAmiWRh0CMZA0NrbU5siB1EiUuXfYHkPjLKq2IKmF1VnZJ3B_Ow==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612219234364.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.We are so pleased to announce that there have been no additional deaths due to COVID-19 reported since January 27; but sadly 92 members of our community have lost their lives to this deadly virus. Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have 19 patients who require hospitalization for COVID-19. There have been 73 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since our last update on January 29, which brings the total number of positive cases for Saline County to 5,591. The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 1,738 cases. At least 3,809 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> This is an ever-evolving situation. Please continue to follow official sources to obtain the most accurate information possible. 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=001PiluQFD_DFFloVQYXuxXBZ8GoJheqXccmNbPZoChytvI6gTR3rybtzSTSxRnB7zNrKx-th2r7JAh5onVLTWnyf8mXNVkSduhargiT3xbCXpOiC_GaJ7Stgk9BQI99CgXK-m0pW8tQOk2_K1pRGKZEkjlkfaB7N8s&amp;c=6SiDfWArTAnb0F9ZkI2X_-_H25Pxqn5yuUUbz8KNmrzc_ZRLFU1-oQ==&amp;ch=3NSGAmiWRh0CMZA0NrbU5siB1EiUuXfYHkPjLKq2IKmF1VnZJ3B_Ow==" 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=001PiluQFD_DFFloVQYXuxXBZ8GoJheqXccmNbPZoChytvI6gTR3rybtzSTSxRnB7zNZAE2ibkik9NsZ3iHDr_lMHRHMqtyo0kaXSqgKl9Cyx6TmeXSUeiU6mecxnQalTXHR89cwS168U79xd1ztUiFNMDi-v064izP&amp;c=6SiDfWArTAnb0F9ZkI2X_-_H25Pxqn5yuUUbz8KNmrzc_ZRLFU1-oQ==&amp;ch=3NSGAmiWRh0CMZA0NrbU5siB1EiUuXfYHkPjLKq2IKmF1VnZJ3B_Ow==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there are now 276,668 cases and 3,809 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=001PiluQFD_DFFloVQYXuxXBZ8GoJheqXccmNbPZoChytvI6gTR3rybtzSTSxRnB7zNCmPfAashkSL7hJh8nzAhgrEkvO5WU9FM4ChVbxcXVwsN5woVC0lATcF_s36CTrpGE4l4j4PA4YnLEt0Xx2FOIT8oS5ZyY342&amp;c=6SiDfWArTAnb0F9ZkI2X_-_H25Pxqn5yuUUbz8KNmrzc_ZRLFU1-oQ==&amp;ch=3NSGAmiWRh0CMZA0NrbU5siB1EiUuXfYHkPjLKq2IKmF1VnZJ3B_Ow==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PiluQFD_DFFloVQYXuxXBZ8GoJheqXccmNbPZoChytvI6gTR3rybtzSTSxRnB7zN_pPvE3OoOd2QB2zw_lD6-fqfA0tuP1GazwQIKLwUZjtUdKr2qkl2RoO90XrRtMzlHk7rqLev-oE=&amp;c=6SiDfWArTAnb0F9ZkI2X_-_H25Pxqn5yuUUbz8KNmrzc_ZRLFU1-oQ==&amp;ch=3NSGAmiWRh0CMZA0NrbU5siB1EiUuXfYHkPjLKq2IKmF1VnZJ3B_Ow==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Saline County reports 73 new COVID-19 cases, total at 5,591

Coming off what the university notes is perhaps the most successful term in the school’s 134-year history, Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) launched its spring&nbsp;semester&nbsp;on Jan. 19.&nbsp;

KWU’s recent progress is signified in part by the university’s first&nbsp;new, on-campus exclusively academic building in more than 50 years – the Nursing Education Center. The building opened on Jan. 12, completing a true community project heavily influenced by the donations of Salina Regional Health Center and its foundation, the university noted. All contractors and subcontractors for the Nursing Education Center were local businesses whenever possible, a reflection of KWU’s estimated $40 million annual economic impact on the Salina community.&nbsp;

The Nursing Education program is just one example of the university’s extensive influence in the community and the region. Going forward, the facility helps remedy a shortage of nurses in north-central Kansas. Already, many of KWU’s Nursing Education graduates remain in the region to work at the Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;

Currently, Kansas Wesleyan sits just outside the top-15 employers in Salina with 144 full-time employees. Last year, KWU faculty served in leadership roles with nearly 25 different local organizations. In addition, school alumni hold important positions throughout the county, including the county treasurer and director of emergency management.&nbsp;

“All of us at KWU are thankful to be part of the wonderful Salina community,” KWU President Matt Thompson, said. “In a traditional school year, we offer over 14,000 hours of internship, job shadowing and community service opportunities to our students, all here in north-central Kansas. We know that our success is due, in so many ways, to the community support we receive, and we are proud to give back to the community.”

Enrollment is another sign of KWU’s recent success, as the university reached its highest enrollment figures in nearly a decade, this past fall. Retention rates indicating the number of students who stayed at KWU for the last two years are the best in school history.

Spring enrollment is also trending upward for&nbsp;new&nbsp;and returning students. Academic success is following suit, with 264 students earning honor roll laurels during the fall, an increase over the previous semester's efforts. The school’s placement rate continues to be outstanding, as 99 percent of graduates from the past five years were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Financially, Kansas Wesleyan&nbsp;recently&nbsp;concluded the best six months of fundraising in school history, helped by two particular gifts. In November, a $4 million-gift from the estate of the late Dale Olson marked the largest in school history. Mac Steele’s $1 million-donation for nursing scholarships followed shortly thereafter, placing KWU’s endowment at its highest figure in school history.&nbsp;

“We are so thankful for the generous giving from alumni and friends during these past several months,” Thompson said. “This support is crucial in helping us meet student needs, improve our facilities and realize the ambitious goals we have for our community.”&nbsp;

Fueled by the recent on-campus improvements and determined to provide the best higher education experience possible, KWU administration felt it was particularly important to continue the on-campus experience in 2021. While multiple universities across the state started classes online, KWU began the spring&nbsp;semester&nbsp;on-ground. A seven-day quarantine was required for students before they could participate in activities or in-person classes.

“One of the reasons we’ve remained on-ground is we believe it’s the best way to serve our students,” Thompson said. “Being on-ground enables students to have direct contact with professors, tutors, labs and other educational outlets, thereby helping improve the educational process itself. The on-ground experience also allows students to be immersed in the KWU community in countless ways. This is especially vital because 57 percent of our students come from out-of-state. The availability of additional mental and spiritual health resources – at no cost to the students – is an important part of those support services.”

The year 2020 was marked not only by COVID-19, but a litany of other stressful national and international events that affected students. KWU recognized the resultant need, increasing the availability of mental and spiritual health resources. Campus ministry continued to expand its small group Bible studies and weekly praise opportunities. The university also implemented “Let’s Talk,” a free program offering weekly, on-campus visits with a licensed counselor. The program&nbsp;is&nbsp;available to faculty, staff and students.&nbsp;

Mental health was also a focus with KWU’s&nbsp;newest addition, a campus dog that will be accessible to students. Students can sign up for sessions with the dog that are aimed at reducing stress and encouraging connection.

Progress on campus is also demonstrated through KWU’s continued commitment to the environment, particularly with nearly $5 million of capital improvements. Those enhancements include renovated classroom spaces and considerable energy-saving work on HVAC systems throughout KWU buildings. This fall, reusable trays were issued to each student on a meal plan, dramatically reducing the use of Styrofoam by dining services.&nbsp;

Along with environmental commitment, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) continues to be a critical element of campus life. KWU was among the first schools in the state to provide educational opportunities to minorities and women, and was an early leader in the development of organized women’s athletics opportunities in Kansas. Now, KWU faculty are engaged in implementing&nbsp;new, progressive strategies to promote DEI in the classroom. The university’s DEI committee also works to help promote these ideals throughout the KWU community.&nbsp;

“All of our recent successes have been because of unified, campus-wide efforts,” Thompson said. “Whether it was the completion of the Nursing Education Center, our staff creating a more open, welcoming environment for all, or the significant additions in student support services, the KWU family came together in&nbsp;new&nbsp;and exciting ways throughout the fall. As we move into the spring, I am excited about what we will accomplish next!”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612219881152.jpeg" alt="Ethan Asur, right, talks to the patient in the simulation lab at Kansas Wesleyan University on Jan. 12, 2021. He and classmate Sara Taylor, left, were participating in a simulation to help students learn how to treat a diabetic patient with a low blood sugar. The newly opened Nursing Education Center at KWU houses two simulation suites and also a skills lab.&nbsp;Photo by Karen Bonar courtesy KWU" />
 <figcaption>Ethan Asur, right, talks to the patient in the simulation lab at Kansas Wesleyan University on Jan. 12, 2021. He and classmate Sara Taylor, left, were participating in a simulation to help students learn how to treat a diabetic patient with a low blood sugar. The newly opened Nursing Education Center at KWU houses two simulation suites and also a skills lab.&nbsp;Photo by Karen Bonar courtesy KWU</figcaption>
 </figure>Coming off what the university notes is perhaps the most successful term in the school’s 134-year history, Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) launched its spring&nbsp;semester&nbsp;on Jan. 19.&nbsp;KWU’s recent progress is signified in part by the university’s first&nbsp;new, on-campus exclusively academic building in more than 50 years – the Nursing Education Center. The building opened on Jan. 12, completing a true community project heavily influenced by the donations of Salina Regional Health Center and its foundation, the university noted. All contractors and subcontractors for the Nursing Education Center were local businesses whenever possible, a reflection of KWU’s estimated $40 million annual economic impact on the Salina community.&nbsp;The Nursing Education program is just one example of the university’s extensive influence in the community and the region. Going forward, the facility helps remedy a shortage of nurses in north-central Kansas. Already, many of KWU’s Nursing Education graduates remain in the region to work at the Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;Currently, Kansas Wesleyan sits just outside the top-15 employers in Salina with 144 full-time employees. Last year, KWU faculty served in leadership roles with nearly 25 different local organizations. In addition, school alumni hold important positions throughout the county, including the county treasurer and director of emergency management.&nbsp;“All of us at KWU are thankful to be part of the wonderful Salina community,” KWU President Matt Thompson, said. “In a traditional school year, we offer over 14,000 hours of internship, job shadowing and community service opportunities to our students, all here in north-central Kansas. We know that our success is due, in so many ways, to the community support we receive, and we are proud to give back to the community.”KWU GrowingEnrollment is another sign of KWU’s recent success, as the university reached its highest enrollment figures in nearly a decade, this past fall. Retention rates indicating the number of students who stayed at KWU for the last two years are the best in school history.Spring enrollment is also trending upward for&nbsp;new&nbsp;and returning students. Academic success is following suit, with 264 students earning honor roll laurels during the fall, an increase over the previous semester's efforts. The school’s placement rate continues to be outstanding, as 99 percent of graduates from the past five years were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Financially, Kansas Wesleyan&nbsp;recently&nbsp;concluded the best six months of fundraising in school history, helped by two particular gifts. In November, a $4 million-gift from the estate of the late Dale Olson marked the largest in school history. Mac Steele’s $1 million-donation for nursing scholarships followed shortly thereafter, placing KWU’s endowment at its highest figure in school history.&nbsp;“We are so thankful for the generous giving from alumni and friends during these past several months,” Thompson said. “This support is crucial in helping us meet student needs, improve our facilities and realize the ambitious goals we have for our community.”&nbsp;KWU CaringFueled by the recent on-campus improvements and determined to provide the best higher education experience possible, KWU administration felt it was particularly important to continue the on-campus experience in 2021. While multiple universities across the state started classes online, KWU began the spring&nbsp;semester&nbsp;on-ground. A seven-day quarantine was required for students before they could participate in activities or in-person classes.“One of the reasons we’ve remained on-ground is we believe it’s the best way to serve our students,” Thompson said. “Being on-ground enables students to have direct contact with professors, tutors, labs and other educational outlets, thereby helping improve the educational process itself. The on-ground experience also allows students to be immersed in the KWU community in countless ways. This is especially vital because 57 percent of our students come from out-of-state. The availability of additional mental and spiritual health resources – at no cost to the students – is an important part of those support services.”The year 2020 was marked not only by COVID-19, but a litany of other stressful national and international events that affected students. KWU recognized the resultant need, increasing the availability of mental and spiritual health resources. Campus ministry continued to expand its small group Bible studies and weekly praise opportunities. The university also implemented “Let’s Talk,” a free program offering weekly, on-campus visits with a licensed counselor. The program&nbsp;is&nbsp;available to faculty, staff and students.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612220158649.jpeg" alt="KWU's campus dog.&nbsp;Photo by Karen Bonar courtesy KWU" />
 <figcaption>KWU's campus dog.&nbsp;Photo by Karen Bonar courtesy KWU</figcaption>
 </figure>Mental health was also a focus with KWU’s&nbsp;newest addition, a campus dog that will be accessible to students. Students can sign up for sessions with the dog that are aimed at reducing stress and encouraging connection.Progress on campus is also demonstrated through KWU’s continued commitment to the environment, particularly with nearly $5 million of capital improvements. Those enhancements include renovated classroom spaces and considerable energy-saving work on HVAC systems throughout KWU buildings. This fall, reusable trays were issued to each student on a meal plan, dramatically reducing the use of Styrofoam by dining services.&nbsp;KWU ProgressingAlong with environmental commitment, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) continues to be a critical element of campus life. KWU was among the first schools in the state to provide educational opportunities to minorities and women, and was an early leader in the development of organized women’s athletics opportunities in Kansas. Now, KWU faculty are engaged in implementing&nbsp;new, progressive strategies to promote DEI in the classroom. The university’s DEI committee also works to help promote these ideals throughout the KWU community.&nbsp;“All of our recent successes have been because of unified, campus-wide efforts,” Thompson said. “Whether it was the completion of the Nursing Education Center, our staff creating a more open, welcoming environment for all, or the significant additions in student support services, the KWU family came together in&nbsp;new&nbsp;and exciting ways throughout the fall. As we move into the spring, I am excited about what we will accomplish next!”--<a href="http://kwu.edu">KWU</a>--

KWU kicks off new semester with new building, much more

DICKINSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Monday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Nissan Altima driven by Charles A. Adams, 40, McPherson,&nbsp; was westbound on Interstate 70 four miles east of Solomon.

The Nissan passed a vehicle and when coming back into the drive lane struck the rear of a 2013 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Michael L Spurlock, 59, Belton, Missouri.

EMS transported Adams to the hospital in Abilene.&nbsp;Spurlock was not injured. Adams was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

DICKINSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Monday in Dickinson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Nissan Altima driven by Charles A. Adams, 40, McPherson,&nbsp; was westbound on Interstate 70 four miles east of Solomon.The Nissan passed a vehicle and when coming back into the drive lane struck the rear of a 2013 Freightliner semi driven by&nbsp; Michael L Spurlock, 59, Belton, Missouri.EMS transported Adams to the hospital in Abilene.&nbsp;Spurlock was not injured. Adams was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after car rear-ends semi

The Federal Aviation Administration has announced several changes related to unmanned aircraft systems operations that will go into effect in the coming months. 

These regulation changes are important for every new and experienced UAS pilot to understand. <a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus</a>&nbsp;is offering a&nbsp;<a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/training/faa-regulation-webinar/" target="_blank">free webinar</a>&nbsp;and live question and answer session to discuss these important updates to the regulations and how they will impact UAS operations going forward. Join the Kansas State Polytechnic UAS experts from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 25, to learn more and ask questions. The webinar is free but registration is&nbsp;<a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/training/faa-regulation-webinar/" target="_blank">required</a>. The updates to the federal regulations primarily cover remote identification of unmanned aircraft, operations over people, operations at night and requirements for recurrent training for remote pilots. The webinar's primary focus will be on the immediate changes that will affect remote pilots starting in March. Kansas State Polytechnic is recognized by the FAA as an expert in the UAS industry and has been part of numerous research projects advising rules and regulations. K-State Polytechnic provides numerous UAS training opportunities in addition to two nationally ranked UAS bachelor's degrees. <a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/training/faa-regulation-webinar/" target="_blank">Register online</a>&nbsp;for the free webinar by noon CST Feb. 24. Contact K-State Polytechnic Professional Education and Outreach with questions at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:profed@k-state.edu" target="_blank">profed@k-state.edu</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Federal Aviation Administration has announced several changes related to unmanned aircraft systems operations that will go into effect in the coming months. These regulation changes are important for every new and experienced UAS pilot to understand. <a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus</a>&nbsp;is offering a&nbsp;<a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/training/faa-regulation-webinar/" target="_blank">free webinar</a>&nbsp;and live question and answer session to discuss these important updates to the regulations and how they will impact UAS operations going forward. Join the Kansas State Polytechnic UAS experts from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 25, to learn more and ask questions. The webinar is free but registration is&nbsp;<a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/training/faa-regulation-webinar/" target="_blank">required</a>. The updates to the federal regulations primarily cover remote identification of unmanned aircraft, operations over people, operations at night and requirements for recurrent training for remote pilots. The webinar's primary focus will be on the immediate changes that will affect remote pilots starting in March. Kansas State Polytechnic is recognized by the FAA as an expert in the UAS industry and has been part of numerous research projects advising rules and regulations. K-State Polytechnic provides numerous UAS training opportunities in addition to two nationally ranked UAS bachelor's degrees. <a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/training/faa-regulation-webinar/" target="_blank">Register online</a>&nbsp;for the free webinar by noon CST Feb. 24. Contact K-State Polytechnic Professional Education and Outreach with questions at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:profed@k-state.edu" target="_blank">profed@k-state.edu</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

K-State Poly to host free webinar on UAS regulation changes from FAA

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.

Teen pedestrian struck by pickup, which then leaves the scene

The Salina Police Department has identified the body found Sunday morning in central Salina as that of a Salina man.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this afternoon that the body of Cody Espinoza, 38, of Salina, was found in the front yard of 675 Jaran.

The incident is currently under investigation, but the Salina Police Department does not suspect any foul play, Forrester noted.&nbsp;

The Salina Police Department has identified the body found Sunday morning in central Salina as that of a Salina man.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this afternoon that the body of Cody Espinoza, 38, of Salina, was found in the front yard of 675 Jaran.The incident is currently under investigation, but the Salina Police Department does not suspect any foul play, Forrester noted.&nbsp;

SPD IDs body found Sunday morning as that of Salina man

Southeast of Saline students are getting into the Super Bowl spirit. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Southeast-of-Saline-Elementary-1182330031783483/">Southeast of Saline Elementary</a> Facebook page:

You can listen to the Chiefs take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and 99KG (99.9 FM).

Southeast of Saline students are getting into the Super Bowl spirit. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Southeast-of-Saline-Elementary-1182330031783483/">Southeast of Saline Elementary</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D4366502920032829%26id%3D1182330031783483&width=500&show_text=true&height=645&appId" width="500" height="645" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>You can listen to the Chiefs take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) and 99KG (99.9 FM).

SES Elementary students participate in Mahomes Monday

By SEENA GRESSIN Attorney, Division of Consumer &amp; Business Education, FTC

The challenges that COVID-19 has brought include a higher risk of identity theft. In 2020, the FTC got about 1.4 million reports of identity theft, double the number from 2019. Repeatedly, identity thieves targeted government funds earmarked to help people hard hit financially by the pandemic. Join us for Identity Theft Awareness Week, Feb. 1-5. Learn about protecting yourself from identity theft, and recovering if it happens to you<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft-awareness-week">

</a>

The FTC and its partners will co-host a series of free events. Among them, a webinar with the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), and a Facebook Live event where experts from the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the FTC will take your questions. Visit <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft-awareness-week">ftc.gov/IDtheftweek</a> to learn more.

2020’s biggest surge in identity theft reports to the FTC related to the nationwide dip in employment. After the government expanded unemployment benefits to people left jobless by the pandemic, <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/06/scammer-getting-unemployment-benefits-your-name">cybercriminals filed unemployment claims</a> using other people’s personal information. In 2020, we had 394,280 reports about government benefits fraud — overwhelmingly about identity theft involving unemployment benefits. Compare that with 12,900 reports in 2019.

People also reported identity theft in which criminals used their business or personal information to get money from <a href="https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options">government-sponsored small business loan programs</a>. Last year, we had 99,650 reports of fraud involving business or personal loans, compared with 43,920 reports in 2019. Not all of the new reports related to the government relief effort, but they were a big share of the increase.

People told us about identity theft involving their federal stimulus payments from the IRS by <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/05/did-id-thief-steal-your-stimulus-payment-report-it-us">reporting it as tax identity theft</a>. In 2020, the FTC got 89,390 reports of tax identity theft, compared with 27,450 reports in 2019. While many of the reports concerned other types of tax identity theft, the report numbers began to swell when distribution of the stimulus payments began.

Join us for Identity Theft Awareness Week to learn more about identity theft during the pandemic.

The above information is from the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/02/identity-theft-awareness-week-starts-today?utm_source=govdelivery">blog</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612189328805.png" alt="Image courtesy FTC" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy FTC</figcaption>
 </figure>By SEENA GRESSIN Attorney, Division of Consumer &amp; Business Education, FTCThe challenges that COVID-19 has brought include a higher risk of identity theft. In 2020, the FTC got about 1.4 million reports of identity theft, double the number from 2019. Repeatedly, identity thieves targeted government funds earmarked to help people hard hit financially by the pandemic. Join us for Identity Theft Awareness Week, Feb. 1-5. Learn about protecting yourself from identity theft, and recovering if it happens to you<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft-awareness-week">

</a>The FTC and its partners will co-host a series of free events. Among them, a webinar with the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), and a Facebook Live event where experts from the AARP Fraud Watch Network and the FTC will take your questions. Visit <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft-awareness-week">ftc.gov/IDtheftweek</a> to learn more.2020’s biggest surge in identity theft reports to the FTC related to the nationwide dip in employment. After the government expanded unemployment benefits to people left jobless by the pandemic, <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/06/scammer-getting-unemployment-benefits-your-name">cybercriminals filed unemployment claims</a> using other people’s personal information. In 2020, we had 394,280 reports about government benefits fraud — overwhelmingly about identity theft involving unemployment benefits. Compare that with 12,900 reports in 2019.People also reported identity theft in which criminals used their business or personal information to get money from <a href="https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options">government-sponsored small business loan programs</a>. Last year, we had 99,650 reports of fraud involving business or personal loans, compared with 43,920 reports in 2019. Not all of the new reports related to the government relief effort, but they were a big share of the increase.People told us about identity theft involving their federal stimulus payments from the IRS by <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/05/did-id-thief-steal-your-stimulus-payment-report-it-us">reporting it as tax identity theft</a>. In 2020, the FTC got 89,390 reports of tax identity theft, compared with 27,450 reports in 2019. While many of the reports concerned other types of tax identity theft, the report numbers began to swell when distribution of the stimulus payments began.Join us for Identity Theft Awareness Week to learn more about identity theft during the pandemic.The above information is from the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/02/identity-theft-awareness-week-starts-today?utm_source=govdelivery">blog</a>.&nbsp;

FTC: Identity Theft Awareness Week starts today

On this episode of the Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Lynn Maska.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Lynn Maska" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/8njze-f957e4?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of the Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Lynn Maska.

🎤Forward Ever: COVID-19 vaccine test participant Lynn Maska

A Texas man was injured in a one-vehicle accident late Friday afternoon north of Salina.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that Michael Olalde, 26, of Balch Springs, Texas, was eastbound on Kansas Highway 143 in a blue 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis when he failed to stop or turn at the intersection with Old Highway 81 shortly before 5:40 p.m. Friday. The car went off the east side of Old Highway 81 and came to rest in a deep ditch.

Olalde suffered a lasceration to his leg and complained of rib pain, Soldan said. Olalde was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center.

The Saline County Sheriff's Office is awaiting the results of Olalde's toxicology test, however, alcohol is a suspected contributing factor in the accident, Soldan said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612196775100.jpeg" alt="The Mercury Grand Marquis ended up in the east ditch of Old Highway 81. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The Mercury Grand Marquis ended up in the east ditch of Old Highway 81. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A Texas man was injured in a one-vehicle accident late Friday afternoon north of Salina.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that Michael Olalde, 26, of Balch Springs, Texas, was eastbound on Kansas Highway 143 in a blue 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis when he failed to stop or turn at the intersection with Old Highway 81 shortly before 5:40 p.m. Friday. The car went off the east side of Old Highway 81 and came to rest in a deep ditch.Olalde suffered a lasceration to his leg and complained of rib pain, Soldan said. Olalde was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center.The Saline County Sheriff's Office is awaiting the results of Olalde's toxicology test, however, alcohol is a suspected contributing factor in the accident, Soldan said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612197543216.jpeg" alt="The front of the vehicle. Old Highway 81 can be seen in the upper background." />
 <figcaption>The front of the vehicle. Old Highway 81 can be seen in the upper background.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Texas man injured in one-vehicle accident north of Salina

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 TIM UNRUH Salina Airport Authority

Job openings in aviation maintenance translates to more interest as students seek certification and degrees in that major at Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus.

Late in 2019, a couple months after 1Vision Aviation opened in the Salina Regional Airport, K-State Poly had fewer than 10 students enrolled in aviation maintenance.

Now there are 55 to 60, said Prof. Terry Hunt, aviation department chair, who is both a pilot and an airframe and power plant mechanic.

“Aviation maintenance has always been important,” he said. “These airplanes are highly sophisticated. It’s just an exciting career, a lucrative career and you make a great salary.”

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/bd19ba85-97c6-4bbc-87be-e2c9ead3d79b">Job openings illuminate Salina housing shortage</a>

Having 1Vision within walking distance of the campus is a benefit to the program, said Andrew Smith, professor of aviation at K-State Poly in a November 2019 story. A number of professional pilot and aviation maintenance students have landed part-time jobs at 1Vision, where they receive real-world experience.

“We’re excited that 1Vision is hiring. We’re seeing that trend across the industry,” Hunt said. “Maybe we can send some of our graduates their way.”

K-State Poly will be doing “a lot of recruiting” to technologically minded persons for those careers, he said.

“We’re going to get into the high schools and let juniors and seniors know the career is out there,” Hunt said. “We’re starting to see an uptick in enrollment.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The above story was republished with permission from the Salina Airport Authority.

By TIM UNRUH Salina Airport AuthorityJob openings in aviation maintenance translates to more interest as students seek certification and degrees in that major at Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus. Late in 2019, a couple months after 1Vision Aviation opened in the Salina Regional Airport, K-State Poly had fewer than 10 students enrolled in aviation maintenance. Now there are 55 to 60, said Prof. Terry Hunt, aviation department chair, who is both a pilot and an airframe and power plant mechanic. “Aviation maintenance has always been important,” he said. “These airplanes are highly sophisticated. It’s just an exciting career, a lucrative career and you make a great salary.”READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/bd19ba85-97c6-4bbc-87be-e2c9ead3d79b">Job openings illuminate Salina housing shortage</a>Having 1Vision within walking distance of the campus is a benefit to the program, said Andrew Smith, professor of aviation at K-State Poly in a November 2019 story. A number of professional pilot and aviation maintenance students have landed part-time jobs at 1Vision, where they receive real-world experience. “We’re excited that 1Vision is hiring. We’re seeing that trend across the industry,” Hunt said. “Maybe we can send some of our graduates their way.” K-State Poly will be doing “a lot of recruiting” to technologically minded persons for those careers, he said. “We’re going to get into the high schools and let juniors and seniors know the career is out there,” Hunt said. “We’re starting to see an uptick in enrollment.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The above story was republished with permission from the Salina Airport Authority.

1Vision hiring boosts K-State Poly program

Last year the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a massive shutdown in China just as they were beginning to celebrate their most important holiday.&nbsp; Also known as Spring Festival, this is an important time for family reunions all across Asian countries.&nbsp; Scheduled on January 25 last year, many students had begun to travel home when China locked down. China’s successful stay-in-place, testing, and mobile phone-tracking-and-alert strategy allowed a return to near normal in two months. Schooling resumed and consumed summer vacation time. China and other East Asian countries assumed that families could reunite in the 2021 Lunar New Year on February 12. That is now in doubt.

On January 22, Mimi Leung reported in&nbsp;University World News&nbsp;how Chinese “Campuses face new lockdowns to halt spread of COVID-19.” Their Ministry had earlier established a staggered schedule so China’s university students would not all be traveling on the same days. Winter break would be January 11–February 21 for Beijing’s Tsinghua University, January 25–March 7 for Peking University and&nbsp; Beijing Institute of Technology would begin vacation on February 1st.

But this central planning is being suspended due to an increase in infections. Prior cases had been limited to imports through the Beijing airport, and at borders in northeast China with North Korea and Siberia. But new domestic cases in Beijing required a state of emergency imposed on December 27 as various neighborhoods in Beijing saw outbreaks. China has returned to regional travel bans. Many students remain on Beijing campuses, restricted from leaving Beijing.

Hardest hit in this last month is Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei province&nbsp;and just south of Beijing&nbsp;(not to be confused with Hubei province and Wuhan). It has seen an outbreak of over 800 COVID-19 cases in these last weeks. This is a small number compared to U.S. localities, but the success by Asian countries has been due to rapid test-and-trace, with isolation before numbers explode as they have in the West.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;According to the&nbsp;UWN&nbsp;and&nbsp;China News Weekly, many students left their university but were then stranded when cities beyond the province also went into lockdown. Provincial officials have been directed to locate stranded students and get them to hotels where they would receive free food and accommodation.

Meanwhile, China normally has nearly 400,000 foreign students studying at their universities each year. They were mostly evacuated a year ago and remain shut out. Chinese universities, similar to Western schools, rapidly shifted to online courses. However,&nbsp;Study International&nbsp;(SI) reports that many students, similar to Western students, find “online classes are of extremely poor quality.” International students also face a time difference where a daytime class in China is in the middle of the night in their home country, which “makes online classes impossible”. And those students in medical and similar programs cannot complete any hands-on training and lab work online.&nbsp;SI&nbsp;reports that the China International Student Union that represents foreign students at over 200 universities in China, has asked China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to set a date when foreign students can return. Over 10,000 students signed the petition so far, but it is likely China will put national safety first.

These problems would have been minor in 1970s China, where only a few of their top students were able to travel far from home to attend their small number of universities. A lockdown back then would have found nearly all young adults close to home and still able to celebrate the Lunar New Year with family. Today, their massive numbers of students who score high enough to enter a much larger number of specialty universities find themselves many provinces away from parents and now facing a second year away from family. For older students who married their partner they met in graduate school, parents on both sides may likely live in different provinces—another difficulty posed by their modern university system.

Similar to the situation in the West where new graduates are having difficulty finding jobs due to the severe economic slowdown, China’s graduates are also finding it difficult to locate jobs despite China and a few other Asian countries being the only nations to have increased annual economic growth. &nbsp;

The Lunar New Year is still the largest travel event in the world.&nbsp; Last year, this travel in China fell 60 percent from travel in 2019. The official forecast this year was only 1.15 billion trips during this holiday break, which would be down 20 percent from 2020. Now that may be far lower.&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 SCHROCK Last year the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a massive shutdown in China just as they were beginning to celebrate their most important holiday.&nbsp; Also known as Spring Festival, this is an important time for family reunions all across Asian countries.&nbsp; Scheduled on January 25 last year, many students had begun to travel home when China locked down. China’s successful stay-in-place, testing, and mobile phone-tracking-and-alert strategy allowed a return to near normal in two months. Schooling resumed and consumed summer vacation time. China and other East Asian countries assumed that families could reunite in the 2021 Lunar New Year on February 12. That is now in doubt. On January 22, Mimi Leung reported in&nbsp;University World News&nbsp;how Chinese “Campuses face new lockdowns to halt spread of COVID-19.” Their Ministry had earlier established a staggered schedule so China’s university students would not all be traveling on the same days. Winter break would be January 11–February 21 for Beijing’s Tsinghua University, January 25–March 7 for Peking University and&nbsp; Beijing Institute of Technology would begin vacation on February 1st. But this central planning is being suspended due to an increase in infections. Prior cases had been limited to imports through the Beijing airport, and at borders in northeast China with North Korea and Siberia. But new domestic cases in Beijing required a state of emergency imposed on December 27 as various neighborhoods in Beijing saw outbreaks. China has returned to regional travel bans. Many students remain on Beijing campuses, restricted from leaving Beijing. Hardest hit in this last month is Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei province&nbsp;and just south of Beijing&nbsp;(not to be confused with Hubei province and Wuhan). It has seen an outbreak of over 800 COVID-19 cases in these last weeks. This is a small number compared to U.S. localities, but the success by Asian countries has been due to rapid test-and-trace, with isolation before numbers explode as they have in the West.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;According to the&nbsp;UWN&nbsp;and&nbsp;China News Weekly, many students left their university but were then stranded when cities beyond the province also went into lockdown. Provincial officials have been directed to locate stranded students and get them to hotels where they would receive free food and accommodation. Meanwhile, China normally has nearly 400,000 foreign students studying at their universities each year. They were mostly evacuated a year ago and remain shut out. Chinese universities, similar to Western schools, rapidly shifted to online courses. However,&nbsp;Study International&nbsp;(SI) reports that many students, similar to Western students, find “online classes are of extremely poor quality.” International students also face a time difference where a daytime class in China is in the middle of the night in their home country, which “makes online classes impossible”. And those students in medical and similar programs cannot complete any hands-on training and lab work online.&nbsp;SI&nbsp;reports that the China International Student Union that represents foreign students at over 200 universities in China, has asked China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to set a date when foreign students can return. Over 10,000 students signed the petition so far, but it is likely China will put national safety first. These problems would have been minor in 1970s China, where only a few of their top students were able to travel far from home to attend their small number of universities. A lockdown back then would have found nearly all young adults close to home and still able to celebrate the Lunar New Year with family. Today, their massive numbers of students who score high enough to enter a much larger number of specialty universities find themselves many provinces away from parents and now facing a second year away from family. For older students who married their partner they met in graduate school, parents on both sides may likely live in different provinces—another difficulty posed by their modern university system. Similar to the situation in the West where new graduates are having difficulty finding jobs due to the severe economic slowdown, China’s graduates are also finding it difficult to locate jobs despite China and a few other Asian countries being the only nations to have increased annual economic growth. &nbsp; The Lunar New Year is still the largest travel event in the world.&nbsp; Last year, this travel in China fell 60 percent from travel in 2019. The official forecast this year was only 1.15 billion trips during this holiday break, which would be down 20 percent from 2020. Now that may be far lower.&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: Pandemic threatens 2nd Lunar New Year

Today is Monday, Feb. 1, the 32nd day of 2021. There are 333 days left in the year. 

On Feb. 1, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia broke up during re-entry, killing all seven of its crew members: commander Rick Husband; pilot William McCool; payload commander Michael Anderson; mission specialists Kalpana Chawla, David Brown and Laurel Clark; and payload specialist Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli in space. 

In 1790, the U.S. Supreme Court convened for the first time in New York. (However, since only three of the six justices were present, the court recessed until the next day.) 

In 1862, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," a poem by Julia Ward Howe, was published in the Atlantic Monthly. 

In 1865, abolitionist John S. Rock became the first Black lawyer admitted to the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court.

In 1893, inventor Thomas Edison completed work on the world's first motion picture studio, his "Black Maria," in West Orange, New Jersey.

In 1942, during World War II, the Voice of America broadcast its first program to Europe, relaying it through the facilities of the British Broadcasting Corp. in London. 

In 1943, during World War II, one of America's most highly decorated military units, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, made up almost exclusively of Japanese-Americans, was authorized. 

In 1960, four Black college students began a sit-in protest at a Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, where they'd been refused service. 

In 1962, the Ken Kesey novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" was first published by Viking Press. 

In 1968, during the Vietnam War, South Vietnam's police chief (Nguyen Ngoc Loan) executed a Viet Cong officer with a pistol shot to the head in a scene captured by news photographers. Richard M. Nixon announced his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. 

In 1979, Iranian religious leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini received a tumultuous welcome in Tehran as he ended nearly 15 years of exile. 

In 1991, 34 people were killed when an arriving USAir jetliner crashed atop a commuter plane on a runway at Los Angeles International Airport. 

In 2018, a judge ordered a Wisconsin girl, Morgan Geyser, to be committed to a mental hospital for 40 years for stabbing a classmate when she was 12 years old to curry favor with the fictional horror character Slender Man.

Ten years ago: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced he would not run for a new term in September elections but rejected protesters' demands he step down immediately and leave the country, after a dramatic day in which a quarter-million Egyptians staged their biggest protest to date calling on him to go.

Five years ago: Texas Sen. Ted Cruz swept to victory in Iowa's Republican caucuses, overcoming Donald Trump and a stronger-than-expected showing by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio; among Democrats, Bernie Sanders rode a wave of voter enthusiasm to a virtual tie with Hillary Clinton. The World Health Organization declared a global emergency over the explosive spread of the Zika virus, which was linked to birth defects in the Americas, calling it an "extraordinary event" that posed a public health threat to other parts of the world.

One year ago: As China's death toll from the new coronavirus rose to 259, Beijing criticized Washington's order barring entry to most foreigners who had visited China in the past two weeks. A World Health Organization official said governments needed to prepare for "domestic outbreak control." Sofia Kenin of the United States beat Garbiñe Muguruza of Spain to win the Australian Open for her first Grand Slam title.

Today's Birthdays: Singer Don Everly is 84. Actor Garrett Morris is 84. Bluegrass singer Del McCoury is 82. TV personality-singer Joy Philbin is 80. Political commentator Fred Barnes is 78. Rock musician Mike Campbell (Tom Petty &amp; the Heartbreakers) is 71. Blues singer-musician Sonny Landreth is 70. Actor-writer-producer Bill Mumy is 67. Rock singer Exene Cervenka is 65. Actor Linus Roache is 57. Princess Stephanie of Monaco is 56. Actor Sherilyn Fenn is 56. Lisa Marie Presley is 53. Comedian-actor Pauly Shore is 53. Actor Brian Krause is 52. Jazz musician Joshua Redman is 52. Rock musician Patrick Wilson (Weezer) is 52. Actor Michael C. Hall is 50. Rock musician Ron Welty is 50. Rapper Big Boi (Outkast) is 46. Roots rocker Jason Isbell is 42. Country singer Julie Roberts is 42. Actor Jarrett Lennon is 39. Rock singer-musician Andrew VanWyngarden is 38. TV personality Lauren Conrad is 35. Actor-singer Heather Morris is 34. Actor and mixed martial artist Ronda Rousey is 34. Rock singer Harry Styles (One Direction) is 27.

<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. 1, the 32nd day of 2021. There are 333 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Feb. 1, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia broke up during re-entry, killing all seven of its crew members: commander Rick Husband; pilot William McCool; payload commander Michael Anderson; mission specialists Kalpana Chawla, David Brown and Laurel Clark; and payload specialist Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli in space. On this date: In 1790, the U.S. Supreme Court convened for the first time in New York. (However, since only three of the six justices were present, the court recessed until the next day.) In 1862, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," a poem by Julia Ward Howe, was published in the Atlantic Monthly. In 1865, abolitionist John S. Rock became the first Black lawyer admitted to the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court.In 1893, inventor Thomas Edison completed work on the world's first motion picture studio, his "Black Maria," in West Orange, New Jersey.In 1942, during World War II, the Voice of America broadcast its first program to Europe, relaying it through the facilities of the British Broadcasting Corp. in London. In 1943, during World War II, one of America's most highly decorated military units, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, made up almost exclusively of Japanese-Americans, was authorized. In 1960, four Black college students began a sit-in protest at a Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, where they'd been refused service. In 1962, the Ken Kesey novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" was first published by Viking Press. In 1968, during the Vietnam War, South Vietnam's police chief (Nguyen Ngoc Loan) executed a Viet Cong officer with a pistol shot to the head in a scene captured by news photographers. Richard M. Nixon announced his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. In 1979, Iranian religious leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini received a tumultuous welcome in Tehran as he ended nearly 15 years of exile. In 1991, 34 people were killed when an arriving USAir jetliner crashed atop a commuter plane on a runway at Los Angeles International Airport. In 2018, a judge ordered a Wisconsin girl, Morgan Geyser, to be committed to a mental hospital for 40 years for stabbing a classmate when she was 12 years old to curry favor with the fictional horror character Slender Man.Ten years ago: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced he would not run for a new term in September elections but rejected protesters' demands he step down immediately and leave the country, after a dramatic day in which a quarter-million Egyptians staged their biggest protest to date calling on him to go.Five years ago: Texas Sen. Ted Cruz swept to victory in Iowa's Republican caucuses, overcoming Donald Trump and a stronger-than-expected showing by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio; among Democrats, Bernie Sanders rode a wave of voter enthusiasm to a virtual tie with Hillary Clinton. The World Health Organization declared a global emergency over the explosive spread of the Zika virus, which was linked to birth defects in the Americas, calling it an "extraordinary event" that posed a public health threat to other parts of the world.One year ago: As China's death toll from the new coronavirus rose to 259, Beijing criticized Washington's order barring entry to most foreigners who had visited China in the past two weeks. A World Health Organization official said governments needed to prepare for "domestic outbreak control." Sofia Kenin of the United States beat Garbiñe Muguruza of Spain to win the Australian Open for her first Grand Slam title.Today's Birthdays: Singer Don Everly is 84. Actor Garrett Morris is 84. Bluegrass singer Del McCoury is 82. TV personality-singer Joy Philbin is 80. Political commentator Fred Barnes is 78. Rock musician Mike Campbell (Tom Petty &amp; the Heartbreakers) is 71. Blues singer-musician Sonny Landreth is 70. Actor-writer-producer Bill Mumy is 67. Rock singer Exene Cervenka is 65. Actor Linus Roache is 57. Princess Stephanie of Monaco is 56. Actor Sherilyn Fenn is 56. Lisa Marie Presley is 53. Comedian-actor Pauly Shore is 53. Actor Brian Krause is 52. Jazz musician Joshua Redman is 52. Rock musician Patrick Wilson (Weezer) is 52. Actor Michael C. Hall is 50. Rock musician Ron Welty is 50. Rapper Big Boi (Outkast) is 46. Roots rocker Jason Isbell is 42. Country singer Julie Roberts is 42. Actor Jarrett Lennon is 39. Rock singer-musician Andrew VanWyngarden is 38. TV personality Lauren Conrad is 35. Actor-singer Heather Morris is 34. Actor and mixed martial artist Ronda Rousey is 34. Rock singer Harry Styles (One Direction) is 27.

Today in History -- Feb. 1

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1st Shift 5am - 5:30pm

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 2nd Shift is 5pm - 5:30am

To apply for this position, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.russellstover.com/careers">www.russellstover.com/careers</a>

Russell Stover Chocolates factory is located right off I-70 at exit 272 on the west side of Abilene, Kansas and has been in business nationally since 1923.

Russell Stover Chocolates is an equal opportunity employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610422205593.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This position is full time with benefitsWork 36 hours get paid for 40Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1st Shift 5am - 5:30pmThursday, Friday and Saturday 2nd Shift is 5pm - 5:30amTo apply for this position, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.russellstover.com/careers">www.russellstover.com/careers</a>Russell Stover Chocolates factory is located right off I-70 at exit 272 on the west side of Abilene, Kansas and has been in business nationally since 1923.Russell Stover Chocolates is an equal opportunity employer.

Virtual museum program to look at Cold War, including Salina's role

Proclamations, future land use in south Salina, Tony's Pizza Events Center items, and the city manager's evaluation are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, city study sessions and commission meetings will take place via Zoom until further notice. You can view the meetings at the City of Salina YouTube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.

To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>

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

Citizens can also send written comments or questions to commissioners via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:citycommission@salina.org">citycommission@salina.org</a>. The city requests that in order for commissioners to have an opportunity to review comments in advance of the meeting, citizens should email their comments or questions by 5 p.m. the Sunday prior to the Monday meeting.

Commissioners are scheduled to begin with a study session at 2:30 p.m. The topic of the study session is <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=318094&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">Live Salina Plan Update: Demographics and Economic Incentives</a>.

The regular commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.

Commissioners are being asked to approve two proclamation requests. They are as follows.

●Consider proclaiming February 2021 as <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=461510&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">"Black History Month" in the City of Salina</a>. Sandra Beverly is scheduled to read the proclamation.

●Consider proclaiming February 2021 as <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=461618&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">"Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month" in the City of Salina</a>. Caitlyn Butts is scheduled to read the proclamation.

Commissioners also will be considering two resolutions pertaining to Tony's Pizza Events Center (TPEC). One resolution would authorize and provide for the replacement of four rooftop HVAC units for the Great Plains Manufacturing Convention Hall and for the relocation of HVAC controls for the units to connect to the main floor control system at TPEC. The project would be funded by the issuance of temporary notes and/or city general obligation bonds.

Proclamations, future land use in south Salina, Tony's Pizza Events Center items, and the city manager's evaluation are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.About city meetingsBecause of the COVID-19 pandemic, city study sessions and commission meetings will take place via Zoom until further notice. You can view the meetings at the City of Salina YouTube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens must raise their hand so that the meeting host can allow them to speak.Citizens can also send written comments or questions to commissioners via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:citycommission@salina.org">citycommission@salina.org</a>. The city requests that in order for commissioners to have an opportunity to review comments in advance of the meeting, citizens should email their comments or questions by 5 p.m. the Sunday prior to the Monday meeting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608522466779.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Study sessionCommissioners are scheduled to begin with a study session at 2:30 p.m. The topic of the study session is <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=318094&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">Live Salina Plan Update: Demographics and Economic Incentives</a>.Regular meetingThe regular commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.Commissioners are being asked to approve two proclamation requests. They are as follows.●Consider proclaiming February 2021 as <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=461510&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">"Black History Month" in the City of Salina</a>. Sandra Beverly is scheduled to read the proclamation.●Consider proclaiming February 2021 as <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=461618&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">"Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month" in the City of Salina</a>. Caitlyn Butts is scheduled to read the proclamation.Commissioners also will be considering two resolutions pertaining to Tony's Pizza Events Center (TPEC). One resolution would authorize and provide for the replacement of four rooftop HVAC units for the Great Plains Manufacturing Convention Hall and for the relocation of HVAC controls for the units to connect to the main floor control system at TPEC. The project would be funded by the issuance of temporary notes and/or city general obligation bonds.On Dec. 7, the city commission approved the adoption of the 2021-2025 Capital Improvement Program, which included $160,426 for replacement of the four rooftop HVAC units and the relocating of the HVAC controls for the units.The second resolution would authorize and provide for the replacement of portable basketball floors at TPEC. This project also would be funded by the issuance of temporary notes and/or city general obligation bonds. This project originally was submitted for replacement in 2020 with funding from the TPEC Fund balance, however, the project was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was not encumbered in 2020, according to information in the commission meeting packet. Because the pandemic had negative financial impacts on the TPEC Fund balance, funding for the project in the 2021 budget was approved to be funded through the issuance of debt with payments beginning in 2022. According to the meeting packet information, the city anticipates that temporary notes in the amount of $110,000 will be issued in the spring of 2021.Other items on the city agenda for Monday include the following.●Consider approving a resolution praising City Manager Mike Schrage for his dedicated service to the city during the 2020 challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution notes that Schrage's "service and dedication to his job and the interests of the City of Salina are worthy of public recognition, even while Mr. Schrage declined to accept a raise or a bonus." Read the entire resolution <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=461612&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">here</a>.●Hear the second reading of Ordinance No. 21-11050 amending the city Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan to change the future land use designation of property located on Cortland Circle south of East Schilling Road and west of South Ohio Street from future employment to future neighborhood center and amending the text of the narrative describing the neighborhood center land use category of the Salina Comprehensive Plan to add C-5 and PC-5 to the list of potential zoning districts.●Hear the second reading of Ordinance No. 21-11052 changing the zoning district classification from PC-6 (planned heavy commercial) to PC-5 (planned service commercial) for the property legally described as lots 1-5, block 4 and lots 1-4, block 5 in the corrected plat of Liberty Addition No. 2.●Consider a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a lease with the Saline County Fair Association.Commissioners also are scheduled to meet in executive session to discuss with legal counsel legal considerations relation to defense of the case of William Sheppard and Cornerstone Development Group, L.L.C. v. City of Salina and City of Salina Planning Commission with possible action to follow.To see the entire Salina City Commission meeting packet (157 pages), <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?startid=177362&amp;&amp;dbid=0&amp;cr=1">click here</a>.

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