Today is Tuesday, Jan. 26, the 26th day of 2021. There are 339 days left in the year. 

On Jan. 26, 2020, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others were killed when their helicopter plunged into a steep hillside in dense morning fog in Southern California; the former Lakers star was 41. 

In 1788, the first European settlers in Australia, led by Capt. Arthur Phillip, landed in present-day Sydney. 

In 1907, Congress passed the Tillman Act, which prohibited corporations from making direct campaign contributions to federal election candidates.

In 1960, National Football League team owners chose Pete Rozelle to be the new commissioner, succeeding the late Bert Bell.

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy appointed Dr. Janet G. Travell to be his personal physician; she was the first woman to hold the job.

In 1962, the United States launched Ranger 3 to land scientific instruments on the moon — but the probe ended up missing its target by more than 22,000 miles. 

In 1988, the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical "Phantom of the Opera" opened at Broadway's Majestic Theater.

In 1992, Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton, appearing with his wife, Hillary, on CBS' "60 Minutes," acknowledged "causing pain in my marriage," but said past problems were not relevant to the campaign. 

In 1993, Vaclav Havel was elected president of the newly formed Czech Republic. 

In 1994, a scare occurred during a visit to Sydney, Australia, by Britain's Prince Charles as college student David Kang lunged at the prince, firing two blank shots from a starter's pistol. (Kang was later sentenced to 500 hours of community service.) 

In 1998, President Bill Clinton forcefully denied having an affair with a former White House intern, telling reporters, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky." 

In 2005, a U.S. Marine helicopter crashed in western Iraq, killing 30 Marines and a Navy medic aboard. A man parked his SUV on railroad tracks in Glendale, California, setting off a crash of two commuter trains that killed 11 people. (The SUV's driver, Juan Alvarez, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 11 consecutive life terms.) 

In 2009, Nadya Suleman gave birth at Kaiser Permanente Bellflower Medical Center in California to six boys and two girls; criticism came after the public learned that the unemployed, single mother had gotten pregnant with the octuplets and six elder children through in vitro fertilization. 

Ten years ago: Speaking in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, President Barack Obama campaigned vigorously for his revamped economic message, warning that other countries were grasping for first place in the global marketplace as the U.S. fell down on the job. Afghan President Hamid Karzai swore in the country's new parliament, marking the end of a drawn-out battle over whether the lawmakers would be able to start work despite ongoing investigations into electoral fraud.

Five years ago: The FBI arrested the leaders of an armed group that was occupying a national wildlife refuge in Oregon for more than three weeks during a traffic stop that left one man, Robert "LaVoy" Finicum, dead. Pope Francis held talks with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the Vatican, calling on Tehran to play a key role in stopping the spread of terrorism. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announced that its symbolic "Doomsday Clock" remained at three minutes to midnight, citing rising tension between Russia and the U.S., North Korea's recent nuclear test and a lack of aggressive steps to address climate change. Character actor Abe Vigoda, 94, died in Woodland Park, New Jersey.

One year ago: The U.S. consulate in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus epidemic, said it would evacuate its personnel and some private citizens aboard a charter flight. Five cases of the new coronavirus were now confirmed in the United States, including new cases in California and Arizona; all involved people who had traveled to Wuhan. The New York Times reported that in a draft of an upcoming book, former national security adviser John Bolton said that President Donald Trump had wanted to maintain a freeze on military assistance to Ukraine until it aided political investigations into his Democratic rivals. Eighteen-year-old singer Billie Eilish made history at the Grammy Awards, becoming the youngest to win one of Grammy's top awards and the first to sweep all four in nearly 40 years.

Today's Birthdays: Cartoonist Jules Feiffer is 92. Sportscaster-actor Bob Uecker is 86. Actor Scott Glenn is 82. Singer Jean Knight is 78. Activist Angela Davis is 77. Actor Richard Portnow is 74. Rock musician Corky Laing (Mountain) is 73. Actor David Strathairn is 72. Producer-director Mimi Leder is 69. Alt-country singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams is 68. Reggae musician Norman Hassan (UB40) is 63. Actor-comedian-talk show host Ellen DeGeneres is 63. Rock musician Charlie Gillingham (Counting Crows) is 61. Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky is 60. Musician Andrew Ridgeley is 58. R&amp;B singer Jazzie B (Soul II Soul) is 58. Actor Paul Johansson is 57. Director Lenny Abrahamson is 55. Actor Bryan Callen is 54. Gospel singer Kirk Franklin is 51. Actor Nate Mooney is 49. Actor Jennifer Crystal is 48. Rock musician Chris Hesse (Hoobastank) is 47. Actor Matilda Szydagis is 47. Actor Gilles Marini is 45. Gospel singer Tye Tribbett is 45. Retired NBA player Vince Carter is 44. Actor Sarah Rue is 43. Actor Colin O'Donoghue is 40.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Tuesday, Jan. 26, the 26th day of 2021. There are 339 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Jan. 26, 2020, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others were killed when their helicopter plunged into a steep hillside in dense morning fog in Southern California; the former Lakers star was 41. On this date: In 1788, the first European settlers in Australia, led by Capt. Arthur Phillip, landed in present-day Sydney. In 1907, Congress passed the Tillman Act, which prohibited corporations from making direct campaign contributions to federal election candidates.In 1960, National Football League team owners chose Pete Rozelle to be the new commissioner, succeeding the late Bert Bell.In 1961, President John F. Kennedy appointed Dr. Janet G. Travell to be his personal physician; she was the first woman to hold the job.In 1962, the United States launched Ranger 3 to land scientific instruments on the moon — but the probe ended up missing its target by more than 22,000 miles. In 1988, the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical "Phantom of the Opera" opened at Broadway's Majestic Theater.In 1992, Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton, appearing with his wife, Hillary, on CBS' "60 Minutes," acknowledged "causing pain in my marriage," but said past problems were not relevant to the campaign. In 1993, Vaclav Havel was elected president of the newly formed Czech Republic. In 1994, a scare occurred during a visit to Sydney, Australia, by Britain's Prince Charles as college student David Kang lunged at the prince, firing two blank shots from a starter's pistol. (Kang was later sentenced to 500 hours of community service.) In 1998, President Bill Clinton forcefully denied having an affair with a former White House intern, telling reporters, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky." In 2005, a U.S. Marine helicopter crashed in western Iraq, killing 30 Marines and a Navy medic aboard. A man parked his SUV on railroad tracks in Glendale, California, setting off a crash of two commuter trains that killed 11 people. (The SUV's driver, Juan Alvarez, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 11 consecutive life terms.) In 2009, Nadya Suleman gave birth at Kaiser Permanente Bellflower Medical Center in California to six boys and two girls; criticism came after the public learned that the unemployed, single mother had gotten pregnant with the octuplets and six elder children through in vitro fertilization. Ten years ago: Speaking in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, President Barack Obama campaigned vigorously for his revamped economic message, warning that other countries were grasping for first place in the global marketplace as the U.S. fell down on the job. Afghan President Hamid Karzai swore in the country's new parliament, marking the end of a drawn-out battle over whether the lawmakers would be able to start work despite ongoing investigations into electoral fraud.Five years ago: The FBI arrested the leaders of an armed group that was occupying a national wildlife refuge in Oregon for more than three weeks during a traffic stop that left one man, Robert "LaVoy" Finicum, dead. Pope Francis held talks with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the Vatican, calling on Tehran to play a key role in stopping the spread of terrorism. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announced that its symbolic "Doomsday Clock" remained at three minutes to midnight, citing rising tension between Russia and the U.S., North Korea's recent nuclear test and a lack of aggressive steps to address climate change. Character actor Abe Vigoda, 94, died in Woodland Park, New Jersey.One year ago: The U.S. consulate in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus epidemic, said it would evacuate its personnel and some private citizens aboard a charter flight. Five cases of the new coronavirus were now confirmed in the United States, including new cases in California and Arizona; all involved people who had traveled to Wuhan. The New York Times reported that in a draft of an upcoming book, former national security adviser John Bolton said that President Donald Trump had wanted to maintain a freeze on military assistance to Ukraine until it aided political investigations into his Democratic rivals. Eighteen-year-old singer Billie Eilish made history at the Grammy Awards, becoming the youngest to win one of Grammy's top awards and the first to sweep all four in nearly 40 years. Today's Birthdays: Cartoonist Jules Feiffer is 92. Sportscaster-actor Bob Uecker is 86. Actor Scott Glenn is 82. Singer Jean Knight is 78. Activist Angela Davis is 77. Actor Richard Portnow is 74. Rock musician Corky Laing (Mountain) is 73. Actor David Strathairn is 72. Producer-director Mimi Leder is 69. Alt-country singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams is 68. Reggae musician Norman Hassan (UB40) is 63. Actor-comedian-talk show host Ellen DeGeneres is 63. Rock musician Charlie Gillingham (Counting Crows) is 61. Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky is 60. Musician Andrew Ridgeley is 58. R&amp;B singer Jazzie B (Soul II Soul) is 58. Actor Paul Johansson is 57. Director Lenny Abrahamson is 55. Actor Bryan Callen is 54. Gospel singer Kirk Franklin is 51. Actor Nate Mooney is 49. Actor Jennifer Crystal is 48. Rock musician Chris Hesse (Hoobastank) is 47. Actor Matilda Szydagis is 47. Actor Gilles Marini is 45. Gospel singer Tye Tribbett is 45. Retired NBA player Vince Carter is 44. Actor Sarah Rue is 43. Actor Colin O'Donoghue is 40.

Today in History -- Jan. 26

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

It’s often said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but we are not flattered at all by a scam website designed to look like a Federal Trade Commission site and steal your money.&nbsp;

The imposter calls itself the US Trading Commission and uses the FTC’s seal and address. It claims it operates a “personal data protection fund” to compensate people whose personal information has been exposed on the web. The site says you can “instantly receive” a cash payment by clicking on some links and giving the site your personal data and bank account or electronic wallet information. Of course, if you do that, your money will be gone, you may download malware onto your device, and scammers can misuse your personal information to steal your identity.

The site pops up as a YouTube link and has used several different URLs. It promises that payment “is available to residents of all countries of the world.” People as far away as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Latvia have reported the site to the FTC, and several have reported losing money.

Here’s what you need to know. The FTC does shut down scams and return money to people who lost it to dishonest or unfair business practices. But we will never ask for money, or for your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number so that you can get a refund. If the FTC needs to get money to you, we usually send a check through the mail. You can learn about our refund programs at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/refunds">FTC.gov/refunds</a>.

If you’ve encountered this scam or any other, tell us at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>&nbsp;so we can warn others. If you’ve given your personal information to someone you don’t know, you may be at risk for identity theft. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.identitytheft.gov/">identitytheft.gov</a>&nbsp;to learn what to do. And, to learn more about imposter scams of all sorts, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ftc.gov/imposters">ftc.gov/imposters</a>.

The above information is from the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/01/scam-us-trading-commission-website-not-ftc?utm_source=govdelivery">blog</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611629596609.png" alt="Image courtesy FTC" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy FTC</figcaption>
 </figure>By SEENA GRESSIN Attorney, Division of Consumer &amp; Business Education, FTCIt’s often said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but we are not flattered at all by a scam website designed to look like a Federal Trade Commission site and steal your money.&nbsp;The imposter calls itself the US Trading Commission and uses the FTC’s seal and address. It claims it operates a “personal data protection fund” to compensate people whose personal information has been exposed on the web. The site says you can “instantly receive” a cash payment by clicking on some links and giving the site your personal data and bank account or electronic wallet information. Of course, if you do that, your money will be gone, you may download malware onto your device, and scammers can misuse your personal information to steal your identity.The site pops up as a YouTube link and has used several different URLs. It promises that payment “is available to residents of all countries of the world.” People as far away as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Latvia have reported the site to the FTC, and several have reported losing money.Here’s what you need to know. The FTC does shut down scams and return money to people who lost it to dishonest or unfair business practices. But we will never ask for money, or for your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number so that you can get a refund. If the FTC needs to get money to you, we usually send a check through the mail. You can learn about our refund programs at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/refunds">FTC.gov/refunds</a>.If you’ve encountered this scam or any other, tell us at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>&nbsp;so we can warn others. If you’ve given your personal information to someone you don’t know, you may be at risk for identity theft. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.identitytheft.gov/">identitytheft.gov</a>&nbsp;to learn what to do. And, to learn more about imposter scams of all sorts, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ftc.gov/imposters">ftc.gov/imposters</a>.

The above information is from the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/01/scam-us-trading-commission-website-not-ftc?utm_source=govdelivery">blog</a>.&nbsp;

FTC says 'US Trading Commission' website is a scam

Closings and delays due to the weather have been announced. We will update the list as more information becomes available, so please check regularly.

Cloud County Community College - Concordia campus, closed

North Central Kansas Technical College - Beloit, all classes and business operations will be remote

St. John's of Beloit, closed. All scheduled activities canceled

Salvation Army - Salina, no youth programs tonight

USD 239 N. Ottawa County, opening two hours late

USD 272 Waconda, closed Tuesday. All scheduled activities canceled

USD 306 Southeast of Saline, two-hour delay

USD 333 Concordia, closed. All scheduled activities canceled

USD 334 Glasco/Miltonvale, two-hour delay

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611526675630.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@damianmccoig?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Damian McCoig</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/snow?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@damianmccoig?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Damian McCoig</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/snow?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Closings and delays due to the weather have been announced. We will update the list as more information becomes available, so please check regularly.<h2>Tuesday</h2>Cloud County Community College - Concordia campus, closedNorth Central Kansas Technical College - Beloit, all classes and business operations will be remoteSt. John's of Beloit, closed. All scheduled activities canceledSalvation Army - Salina, no youth programs tonightUSD 107 Rock Hills, closedUSD 239 N. Ottawa County, opening two hours lateUSD 240 Twin Valley, 10 a.m. startUSD 272 Waconda, closed Tuesday. All scheduled activities canceledUSD 273 Beloit, closedUSD 299 Sylvan Grove, closedUSD 306 Southeast of Saline, two-hour delayUSD 307 Ell-Saline, two-hour delayUSD 327 Ellsworth. two-hour delayUSD 333 Concordia, closed. All scheduled activities canceledUSD 334 Glasco/Miltonvale, two-hour delay

Area closings and delays due to weather

A small earthquake shook part of southeastern Saline County Sunday afternoon.

According to the Kansas Geological Survey, a magnitude 2 quake struck at 4:55 p.m. Sunday south-southwest of Gypsum. It was centered between South Kipp Road and South Whitmore Road and East Lapsley Road and East Hobbs Creek Road.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611616223755.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A small earthquake shook part of southeastern Saline County Sunday afternoon.According to the Kansas Geological Survey, a magnitude 2 quake struck at 4:55 p.m. Sunday south-southwest of Gypsum. It was centered between South Kipp Road and South Whitmore Road and East Lapsley Road and East Hobbs Creek Road.

Small earthquake rattles part of southeastern Saline County

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

Sadly, there have been two additional deaths due to COVID-19 reported since our last update on January 22; bringing the total number of members of our community who have lost their lives to this deadly virus to 88. Additionally, Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have 21 patients who require hospitalization for COVID-19.

There have been 78 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since January 22. The total number of positive cases for Saline County has risen to 5,400.

The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 1,877 cases. At least 3,435 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=001eEulDrEdlx-oLMaCI_nCU8OHD1V26a1u_l8iBSFLdPIs2iqxeiZJnbIVf3ArZlK8Po8sOwPn0SJRq7NnNqkkWXYgscOPhyvtpvXlSvh8pxmkN0ecZ6Ohh5wBDtWdsJt2pO5A7zQHxvSOZVop8xAoYBPUcVQqZCsQ&amp;c=Q5qCzIhCoSgYWbzRnRG-NmWWvH2fkF5zfXq5fMQDXacVc1nKt5Z8Fw==&amp;ch=0aADkcjC5sVj-SaVGOxkamEhVCkkGNY63PdfADafA3pT0GBDiXwMFw==" 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=001eEulDrEdlx-oLMaCI_nCU8OHD1V26a1u_l8iBSFLdPIs2iqxeiZJnbIVf3ArZlK850hXmAS7BHRuXHnggrZx0jXAyCfIir1ipuRSPCY5Crsp6vDnSaXspu2vp24-4GtNMaMbwkqU9qQOa_iabk3tG9tBtvD57gMo&amp;c=Q5qCzIhCoSgYWbzRnRG-NmWWvH2fkF5zfXq5fMQDXacVc1nKt5Z8Fw==&amp;ch=0aADkcjC5sVj-SaVGOxkamEhVCkkGNY63PdfADafA3pT0GBDiXwMFw==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there are now 269,255 cases and 3,622 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=001eEulDrEdlx-oLMaCI_nCU8OHD1V26a1u_l8iBSFLdPIs2iqxeiZJnbIVf3ArZlK8xtsGl36Zzgu-JeIarHI7h3yEFOo7qruzgL5Conka0HgJEubhYls-0jYRqskifV8ruinh9BD1RFSqQzk_n2Dddm_pQ0YgPwhN&amp;c=Q5qCzIhCoSgYWbzRnRG-NmWWvH2fkF5zfXq5fMQDXacVc1nKt5Z8Fw==&amp;ch=0aADkcjC5sVj-SaVGOxkamEhVCkkGNY63PdfADafA3pT0GBDiXwMFw==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001eEulDrEdlx-oLMaCI_nCU8OHD1V26a1u_l8iBSFLdPIs2iqxeiZJnbIVf3ArZlK8b8enyfdZ33A0V4zDhBxWfq8AYkzko5ZBTlQxdIh7sYvdIpirfYCWHwtMHp2B7s0wZza33fLpUdg=&amp;c=Q5qCzIhCoSgYWbzRnRG-NmWWvH2fkF5zfXq5fMQDXacVc1nKt5Z8Fw==&amp;ch=0aADkcjC5sVj-SaVGOxkamEhVCkkGNY63PdfADafA3pT0GBDiXwMFw==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611614551992.png" alt="Image courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.Sadly, there have been two additional deaths due to COVID-19 reported since our last update on January 22; bringing the total number of members of our community who have lost their lives to this deadly virus to 88. Additionally, Salina Regional Health Center has notified us that they currently have 21 patients who require hospitalization for COVID-19. There have been 78 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since January 22. The total number of positive cases for Saline County has risen to 5,400. The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 1,877 cases. At least 3,435 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=001eEulDrEdlx-oLMaCI_nCU8OHD1V26a1u_l8iBSFLdPIs2iqxeiZJnbIVf3ArZlK8Po8sOwPn0SJRq7NnNqkkWXYgscOPhyvtpvXlSvh8pxmkN0ecZ6Ohh5wBDtWdsJt2pO5A7zQHxvSOZVop8xAoYBPUcVQqZCsQ&amp;c=Q5qCzIhCoSgYWbzRnRG-NmWWvH2fkF5zfXq5fMQDXacVc1nKt5Z8Fw==&amp;ch=0aADkcjC5sVj-SaVGOxkamEhVCkkGNY63PdfADafA3pT0GBDiXwMFw==" 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=001eEulDrEdlx-oLMaCI_nCU8OHD1V26a1u_l8iBSFLdPIs2iqxeiZJnbIVf3ArZlK850hXmAS7BHRuXHnggrZx0jXAyCfIir1ipuRSPCY5Crsp6vDnSaXspu2vp24-4GtNMaMbwkqU9qQOa_iabk3tG9tBtvD57gMo&amp;c=Q5qCzIhCoSgYWbzRnRG-NmWWvH2fkF5zfXq5fMQDXacVc1nKt5Z8Fw==&amp;ch=0aADkcjC5sVj-SaVGOxkamEhVCkkGNY63PdfADafA3pT0GBDiXwMFw==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there are now 269,255 cases and 3,622 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=001eEulDrEdlx-oLMaCI_nCU8OHD1V26a1u_l8iBSFLdPIs2iqxeiZJnbIVf3ArZlK8xtsGl36Zzgu-JeIarHI7h3yEFOo7qruzgL5Conka0HgJEubhYls-0jYRqskifV8ruinh9BD1RFSqQzk_n2Dddm_pQ0YgPwhN&amp;c=Q5qCzIhCoSgYWbzRnRG-NmWWvH2fkF5zfXq5fMQDXacVc1nKt5Z8Fw==&amp;ch=0aADkcjC5sVj-SaVGOxkamEhVCkkGNY63PdfADafA3pT0GBDiXwMFw==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001eEulDrEdlx-oLMaCI_nCU8OHD1V26a1u_l8iBSFLdPIs2iqxeiZJnbIVf3ArZlK8b8enyfdZ33A0V4zDhBxWfq8AYkzko5ZBTlQxdIh7sYvdIpirfYCWHwtMHp2B7s0wZza33fLpUdg=&amp;c=Q5qCzIhCoSgYWbzRnRG-NmWWvH2fkF5zfXq5fMQDXacVc1nKt5Z8Fw==&amp;ch=0aADkcjC5sVj-SaVGOxkamEhVCkkGNY63PdfADafA3pT0GBDiXwMFw==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Saline County: 2 additional deaths, 78 new COVID-19 cases

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 – <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 <a href="http://heritagecenterdk@sbcglobal.net">heritagecenterdk@sbcglobal.net</a> 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 – <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 <a href="http://heritagecenterdk@sbcglobal.net">heritagecenterdk@sbcglobal.net</a> or mail to:Dickinson County Historical Society Attn: James D. Holland 412 S. Campbell Street Abilene, Kansas 67410Position open until filled.

NWS cancels most winter storm warnings for area; advisories replace them

Township appointments and a variety of senior services items are among those 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 the appointment of several people to positions on township boards. Those people include the following.

Cambria Township Board -- treasurer Ann McCall

Pleasant Valley Township Board -- clerk Nikki Davenport

Walnut Township Board -- clerk Larry Hemphill

Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to consider and hear about a variety of items relating to the Senior Services Department.

The department, which operates the senior center and Meals on Wheels, is asking commissioners for permission to accept a $35,000 coronavirus block grant to help offset the increased cost of Meals on Wheels due to COVID-19. According to information in the commission meeting packet, the department originally applied for a $10,000 grant, however, because it was the only applicant in its particular category of the block grant, the department "was requested by the City of Salina to apply for the available funding of $35,000."

Additionally, senior services is requesting that a 65-inch Samsung television that no longer works be declared of no value so that it can be disposed of.

Rosie Walter, senior services director, also is scheduled to present a quarterly department update.

County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes is scheduled to provide his weekly update. Topics in his update include the following, according to the meeting packet information.

To view the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet (a 27-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20210126.pdf?ver=bWuRK8oQyegAW2QPYFT9jA%3d%3d">click here</a>.

Township appointments and a variety of senior services items are among those 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 the appointment of several people to positions on township boards. Those people include the following.Cambria Township Board -- treasurer Ann McCallPleasant Valley Township Board -- clerk Nikki DavenportWalnut Township Board -- clerk Larry HemphillAdditionally, commissioners are scheduled to consider and hear about a variety of items relating to the Senior Services Department.The department, which operates the senior center and Meals on Wheels, is asking commissioners for permission to accept a $35,000 coronavirus block grant to help offset the increased cost of Meals on Wheels due to COVID-19. According to information in the commission meeting packet, the department originally applied for a $10,000 grant, however, because it was the only applicant in its particular category of the block grant, the department "was requested by the City of Salina to apply for the available funding of $35,000."Additionally, senior services is requesting that a 65-inch Samsung television that no longer works be declared of no value so that it can be disposed of.Rosie Walter, senior services director, also is scheduled to present a quarterly department update.County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes is scheduled to provide his weekly update. Topics in his update include the following, according to the meeting packet information.●New CRF reporting deadlines●2021 budget in brief●Jail progress●Legislative updateTo view the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet (a 27-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20210126.pdf?ver=bWuRK8oQyegAW2QPYFT9jA%3d%3d">click here</a>.

Township appointments, senior services items on county agenda

SALINE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 10:30 a.m. Monday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford Expedition driven by Rochelle C. Tsosie, 33, Red Oak, Okla., was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of Halstead Road.

The SUV was traveling too fast on the icy roadway and the driver lost control. 

The SUV entered the north ditch between the highway and the on ramp to westbound from Halstead Road and struck a KDOT sign.

EMS transported a passenger Cody A. Brown, 32 , Wilberton, OK., to Salina Regional Health Center. Tsosie was not injured. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611604538694.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 10:30 a.m. Monday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford Expedition driven by Rochelle C. Tsosie, 33, Red Oak, Okla., was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of Halstead Road.The SUV was traveling too fast on the icy roadway and the driver lost control. The SUV entered the north ditch between the highway and the on ramp to westbound from Halstead Road and struck a KDOT sign.EMS transported a passenger Cody A. Brown, 32 , Wilberton, OK., to Salina Regional Health Center. Tsosie was not injured. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

One hospitalized after SUV crash on icy I-70

Great Plains Manufacturing is hosting area job fairs, seeking qualified applicants to support recent company growth in both its Great Plains Ag and Land Pride Divisions. 

The company is hiring employees in welding, assembly, and fabrication/machine shop. Job fairs will be hosted in both Salina and Abilene. 

The Abilene job fair will take place at the Abilene National Guard Armory, 1009 Northwest Eighth Street,&nbsp; from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. 

The Salina job fair will be held at the Great Plains Manufacturing Conference Center, 1525 East North Street, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 5 and from 8 a.m. to noon on Feb. 6.

Applicants can apply online at <a href="http://www.WorkForGPM.com">www.WorkForGPM.com</a>&nbsp;or apply in-person during the job fair events. Great Plains Mfg. Human Resources staff will accept applications and conduct on-site interviews, along with occupational performance testing. Sign-on bonuses are available, and positions may be filled on-site.

Applicants are asked to follow social distancing and COVID-19 protocols, such as wearing masks, during the event. For questions about the job fairs or current applications, please contact the Great Plains Manufacturing Human Resources Department at (785) 823-9556.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611601370097.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Plains Manufacturing is hosting area job fairs, seeking qualified applicants to support recent company growth in both its Great Plains Ag and Land Pride Divisions. The company is hiring employees in welding, assembly, and fabrication/machine shop. Job fairs will be hosted in both Salina and Abilene. The Abilene job fair will take place at the Abilene National Guard Armory, 1009 Northwest Eighth Street,&nbsp; from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. The Salina job fair will be held at the Great Plains Manufacturing Conference Center, 1525 East North Street, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 5 and from 8 a.m. to noon on Feb. 6.Applicants can apply online at <a href="http://www.WorkForGPM.com">www.WorkForGPM.com</a>&nbsp;or apply in-person during the job fair events. Great Plains Mfg. Human Resources staff will accept applications and conduct on-site interviews, along with occupational performance testing. Sign-on bonuses are available, and positions may be filled on-site. Applicants are asked to follow social distancing and COVID-19 protocols, such as wearing masks, during the event. For questions about the job fairs or current applications, please contact the Great Plains Manufacturing Human Resources Department at (785) 823-9556.

Great Plains Manufacturing to host area job fairs

Trooper Ben Gardner says to stay home today if you can because of the weather. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHPTroopC">Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C</a> Facebook page:

Trooper Ben Gardner says to stay home today if you can because of the weather. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHPTroopC">Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKHPTroopC%2Fvideos%2F759619344939016%2F&show_text=true&width=560" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

🎥KHP's Trooper Ben: Stay home today if you can


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service recently announced that they will start accepting returns for the 2020 tax year next month.

"This year, we had to push the date back to February 12," said spokesperson Michael Devine. "That's the date we're going to start processing tax returns. The law was passed in December on the 27th that changed how we do some things and it required additional programming and testing of our system. In order to make sure that we get it right on our end, we pushed the date back to give our folks more time. A lot of these changes had to do with the Recovery Rebate Credit that you'll file on your 2020 return to claim it if you didn't get the economic impact payment, but you can still file if you've got all your documents."

However, there is no hurry to file this year. The deadline is normal, but the processing window is smaller.

"We aren't even going to start processing returns until February 12," Devine said. "Make sure you have all of the documents. Do that return one time. If you do think you made a mistake and you have to file an amended return, wait until your first tax return is processed. If you file that amended return, you're going to have two 1040s in the system at the same time. It's going to look to our system like tax fraud, both of them are going to bounce out of the system and any refund that you were expecting is going to be delayed until we work it out."

Also, as has been the case in previous years, those with certain tax credits they are eligible for will have their returns delayed a little while.

"That includes the Earned Income Tax Credit," Devine said. "Last year, about 174,000 in Kansas got over $400 million in benefits. By law, those refunds, the entire refund has to be held until February 15. If you get everything and you file before we start processing returns, as soon as those come through, it will probably be the 15th and then that money will go out."

If you have questions about your return, or how to file for free, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/">go to irs.gov</a>.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611593538336.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service recently announced that they will start accepting returns for the 2020 tax year next month."This year, we had to push the date back to February 12," said spokesperson Michael Devine. "That's the date we're going to start processing tax returns. The law was passed in December on the 27th that changed how we do some things and it required additional programming and testing of our system. In order to make sure that we get it right on our end, we pushed the date back to give our folks more time. A lot of these changes had to do with the Recovery Rebate Credit that you'll file on your 2020 return to claim it if you didn't get the economic impact payment, but you can still file if you've got all your documents."However, there is no hurry to file this year. The deadline is normal, but the processing window is smaller."We aren't even going to start processing returns until February 12," Devine said. "Make sure you have all of the documents. Do that return one time. If you do think you made a mistake and you have to file an amended return, wait until your first tax return is processed. If you file that amended return, you're going to have two 1040s in the system at the same time. It's going to look to our system like tax fraud, both of them are going to bounce out of the system and any refund that you were expecting is going to be delayed until we work it out."Also, as has been the case in previous years, those with certain tax credits they are eligible for will have their returns delayed a little while."That includes the Earned Income Tax Credit," Devine said. "Last year, about 174,000 in Kansas got over $400 million in benefits. By law, those refunds, the entire refund has to be held until February 15. If you get everything and you file before we start processing returns, as soon as those come through, it will probably be the 15th and then that money will go out."If you have questions about your return, or how to file for free, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/">go to irs.gov</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

IRS: Tax returns to be accepted beginning Feb. 12, EITC refunds still delayed

Two sheds caught fire after a trash burn got out of hand in northwestern Saline County near Glendale Friday evening.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that Timothy Lecklider, 57, was burning trash in a barrel at 10798 West Watkins Road when burning trash escaped the barrel and caught a nearby shed on fire. Deputies and firefighters from Rural Fire District 3 were dispatched to the blaze at approximately 7 p.m.

The fire destroyed the shed and spread to a second shed, Soldan said.

Total loss was estimated at $20,000, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611591045136.jpeg" alt="The blaze burned two sheds in northwest Saline County. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The blaze burned two sheds in northwest Saline County. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Two sheds caught fire after a trash burn got out of hand in northwestern Saline County near Glendale Friday evening.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that Timothy Lecklider, 57, was burning trash in a barrel at 10798 West Watkins Road when burning trash escaped the barrel and caught a nearby shed on fire. Deputies and firefighters from Rural Fire District 3 were dispatched to the blaze at approximately 7 p.m.The fire destroyed the shed and spread to a second shed, Soldan said.Total loss was estimated at $20,000, he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611591146062.jpeg" alt="Fire from the burning sheds lights up the smoke." />
 <figcaption>Fire from the burning sheds lights up the smoke.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Burning trash gets out of barrel, sets shed ablaze; fire spreads to 2nd shed

OCCK Transportation is hoping to help increase access to the COVID-19 vaccination by offering free rides to vaccination sites by the general public starting Feb. 1.&nbsp;

A free one-day pass to CityGo or 81 Connection will be offered to each passenger that is on his or her way to or from a vaccination site starting February 1, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;Passengers must tell the driver that they are going to a vaccination site.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Salina, that location is in the Central Mall in the former JC Penney’s location (Red Stop 17 or Yellow Stop 29).&nbsp;&nbsp;Other sites are eligible as well.

Paratransit riders that are going to a vaccination site will also receive a free ride.&nbsp;&nbsp;Paratransit rides must be scheduled by 4 p.m. the day before.

“Transportation should not be an obstacle for receiving the COVID-19 vaccination,” said Michelle Griffin, Mobility Manager for OCCK.&nbsp;&nbsp;“By offering this free pass, we hope to help more people reach the vaccination sites and receive the shot.”

OCCK is committed to providing transportation services to the general public, seniors, and persons with disabilities, through a variety of programs, including a fixed route service in Salina, CityGo, a regional paratransit service that serves fourteen counties, non emergency medical transportation for people with Medicaid, as well as non emergency medical transportation for clients of Salina Regional Health Center, a regional fixed route service, 81 Connection, KANcycle – the regional bike sharing program, City of Abilene public transportation and the newest program, KanConnect.

OCCK Transportation is hoping to help increase access to the COVID-19 vaccination by offering free rides to vaccination sites by the general public starting Feb. 1.&nbsp;A free one-day pass to CityGo or 81 Connection will be offered to each passenger that is on his or her way to or from a vaccination site starting February 1, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;Passengers must tell the driver that they are going to a vaccination site.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Salina, that location is in the Central Mall in the former JC Penney’s location (Red Stop 17 or Yellow Stop 29).&nbsp;&nbsp;Other sites are eligible as well.Paratransit riders that are going to a vaccination site will also receive a free ride.&nbsp;&nbsp;Paratransit rides must be scheduled by 4 p.m. the day before.“Transportation should not be an obstacle for receiving the COVID-19 vaccination,” said Michelle Griffin, Mobility Manager for OCCK.&nbsp;&nbsp;“By offering this free pass, we hope to help more people reach the vaccination sites and receive the shot.”OCCK is committed to providing transportation services to the general public, seniors, and persons with disabilities, through a variety of programs, including a fixed route service in Salina, CityGo, a regional paratransit service that serves fourteen counties, non emergency medical transportation for people with Medicaid, as well as non emergency medical transportation for clients of Salina Regional Health Center, a regional fixed route service, 81 Connection, KANcycle – the regional bike sharing program, City of Abilene public transportation and the newest program, KanConnect.--OCCK Transportation--

OCCK to provide free rides to COVID-19 vaccination sites

TOPEKA – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8 percent in December. This was a decrease from 5.1 percent in November and an increase from 3.1 percent in December 2019.

“The unemployment rate fell in December, but remains significantly higher than the pre-pandemic rate,” said Acting Secretary Brett Flachsbarth. “The federal unemployment benefit programs that initially expired on December 26th were extended and the Kansas Department of Labor is currently evaluating guidelines from the United States Department of Labor and working to implement these CARES Act extensions and bring much-needed relief to eligible claimants.”

After an increase to 5 percent in November, the Saline County jobless rate fell to 3.4 percent in December.&nbsp;The numbers also saw a dramatic fall in in Ottawa County to 2.9 percent from 4.9 in December and to 2.4 percent from 3.8 percent in McPherson County.&nbsp;Dickinson County dropped just a tick to 4.3 in December.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 2,300 from November. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 4,500 from the previous month, while government decreased by 2,200.

“The private sector added 4,500 jobs in December. Multiple industries contributed to this growth, with the largest gains in the retail trade industry,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “Some of these gains were offset by a decline in the accommodation and food services industry, which has been significantly impacted by the pandemic.”

Since December 2019, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have declined by 60,200. This change is due to a decrease of 45,100 private sector jobs and 15,100 government jobs.

BLS revised seasonally adjusted preliminary total nonfarm jobs estimates for November upward by 500 jobs, from 1,365,000 to 1,365,500. Seasonally adjusted private sector jobs were revised upward by 1,100 jobs, from 1,117,100 to 1,118,200.

The January 2021 Labor Report will be released March 5.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611584262172.png" alt="Image courtesy Kansas Department of Labor" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Kansas Department of Labor</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8 percent in December. This was a decrease from 5.1 percent in November and an increase from 3.1 percent in December 2019.“The unemployment rate fell in December, but remains significantly higher than the pre-pandemic rate,” said Acting Secretary Brett Flachsbarth. “The federal unemployment benefit programs that initially expired on December 26th were extended and the Kansas Department of Labor is currently evaluating guidelines from the United States Department of Labor and working to implement these CARES Act extensions and bring much-needed relief to eligible claimants.”After an increase to 5 percent in November, the Saline County jobless rate fell to 3.4 percent in December.&nbsp;The numbers also saw a dramatic fall in in Ottawa County to 2.9 percent from 4.9 in December and to 2.4 percent from 3.8 percent in McPherson County.&nbsp;Dickinson County dropped just a tick to 4.3 in December.Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 2,300 from November. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 4,500 from the previous month, while government decreased by 2,200.“The private sector added 4,500 jobs in December. Multiple industries contributed to this growth, with the largest gains in the retail trade industry,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “Some of these gains were offset by a decline in the accommodation and food services industry, which has been significantly impacted by the pandemic.”Since December 2019, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have declined by 60,200. This change is due to a decrease of 45,100 private sector jobs and 15,100 government jobs.BLS revised seasonally adjusted preliminary total nonfarm jobs estimates for November upward by 500 jobs, from 1,365,000 to 1,365,500. Seasonally adjusted private sector jobs were revised upward by 1,100 jobs, from 1,117,100 to 1,118,200.The January 2021 Labor Report will be released March 5.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611584304879.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Jobless rate continues to drop in Saline Co., the region

A Salina man was arrested on multiple drug and firearms charges after a stop Saturday evening in north Salina.

A patrol officer was in the 1100 block of North Ninth Street at approximately 6 p.m. Saturday and observed a 2014 KIA Soul traveling southbound on North Ninth Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. The officer ran the tag and discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Wichita, he noted.

The officer made contact with the driver, Arthur Strickland, 31, of Salina, after the vehicle pulled into the Pump Mart, 1118 North Ninth Street. A search of the vehicle was conducted and 1.35 pounds of methamphetamine, $3,855 in cash, and a Springfield 1911 .45 caliber handgun were seized, Forrester explained. 

Strickland was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Forrester.

Possession with intent to distribute a certain stimulant

Criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611497270482.jpeg" alt="Arthur Strickland. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Arthur Strickland. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A Salina man was arrested on multiple drug and firearms charges after a stop Saturday evening in north Salina.A patrol officer was in the 1100 block of North Ninth Street at approximately 6 p.m. Saturday and observed a 2014 KIA Soul traveling southbound on North Ninth Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. The officer ran the tag and discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Wichita, he noted.The officer made contact with the driver, Arthur Strickland, 31, of Salina, after the vehicle pulled into the Pump Mart, 1118 North Ninth Street. A search of the vehicle was conducted and 1.35 pounds of methamphetamine, $3,855 in cash, and a Springfield 1911 .45 caliber handgun were seized, Forrester explained. Strickland was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Forrester.Possession with intent to distribute a certain stimulantNo drug tax stampFelony possession of drug paraphernaliaCriminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felonMisdemeanor possession of drug paraphernaliaNo proof of insurance

Salina man arrested after 1.35 pounds of meth found in car

If you translate the Western term “rights” into many Asian languages, it comes out meaning “responsibilities.” This becomes obvious when we contrast our different responses to the pandemic.

Education Week&nbsp;described how Taipei American School (TAS) addressed the pandemic early last year. TAS was a sister school to Hong Kong International School where I taught for three years. So I paid attention to how their faculty and students were handling the coronavirus.

TAS serves PK–12 students and closed for one month last February. It then re-opened and kept a regular school schedule until the summer break. They reported how “masks are now a way of life at the Taipei American School, and that has eased the pressure of maintaining social distancing....”

The Taiwan government “...provides all adults nine masks every two weeks, and all children 10 masks every two weeks. During the school year, [TAS] gives staff members an additional five masks every two weeks so they can have a new mask every day.”

The deputy head of TAS explained: “In this culture, a majority of people are very used to putting on a mask any time they’re sick—it's the concept that I’m actually protecting everybody else, not myself; I’m more concerned about the community as a whole instead of my own personal preferences. With this pandemic, it was very easy to tell the entire community, masks on at all times.”

The Taiwan government recommended citizens stay five feet apart indoors—unless wearing a mask. The deputy head explained how the school’s mask requirement meant classroom desks and chairs did not have to be spaced so far apart. They checked student temperatures; only ten students had a fever the rest of that semester. Student meals were packaged and they ate outside in a courtyard. Students were allowed to play during recess, but masks were to remain on. If they got short of breath or overheated, students could step away and take a “chin break” with their mask down for a short time.

Student music classes continued, but with percussion and string instruments only. The deputy head explained her strategy “to give people the facts and the transparency and the data and all the information behind certain decisions. Hopefully, they’ll then make the best decisions they can.”

While Taiwan is a democracy similar to the United States, Taiwan’s success in controlling the pandemic is embedded in an Asian cultural concern-for-others that puts social responsibility above any idea of selfish “rights.”

In contrast, some American protesters claim that the U.S. Constitution provides a “right” to not wear a mask. This is addressed by John E. Finn, a constitutional law scholar at Wesleyan University. He explains why “The Constitution Doesn’t Have a Problem With Mask Mandates” available online as a scholarly article published by&nbsp;The Conversation.&nbsp;Finn explains the false claims that mandatory masks violate 1) a “First Amendment right to speech, assembly, and especially association” and 2) a “person’s constitutional right to liberty and to make decisions about their own health and bodily integrity.”

Finn cites a lawsuit filed by four Florida residents against Palm Beach County mask mandates where “...on July 27, the Court declined to issue an injunction against the mask mandate. Citing&nbsp;Jacobsen v. Massachusetts, the Court found that ‘no constitutional right is infringed by the Mask Ordinance’s mandate…and that the requirement to wear such a covering has a clear rational basis based on the protection of public health.’ More to the point, the Court continued, ‘constitutional rights and the ideals of limited government do not…allow (citizens) to wholly shirk their social obligation to their fellow Americans or to society as a whole…. After all, we do not have a constitutional right to infect others.’”

Finn likewise explains why “the 1905 case of&nbsp;Jacobsen v. Massachusetts&nbsp;shows why mask mandates don’t violate any constitutional right to privacy or health or bodily integrity. In that case, the Supreme Court upheld a smallpox vaccination requirement in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The court said that the vaccination requirement did not violate Jacobsen’s right to liberty or ‘the inherent right of every freeman to care for his own body and health in such way as to him seems best.’ As the court wrote, “There are manifold restraints to which every person is necessarily subject for the common good. On any other basis, organized society could not exist with safety to its members.”

This responsibility is obvious to folks in Taiwan.&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 SCHROCKIf you translate the Western term “rights” into many Asian languages, it comes out meaning “responsibilities.” This becomes obvious when we contrast our different responses to the pandemic. Education Week&nbsp;described how Taipei American School (TAS) addressed the pandemic early last year. TAS was a sister school to Hong Kong International School where I taught for three years. So I paid attention to how their faculty and students were handling the coronavirus. TAS serves PK–12 students and closed for one month last February. It then re-opened and kept a regular school schedule until the summer break. They reported how “masks are now a way of life at the Taipei American School, and that has eased the pressure of maintaining social distancing....” The Taiwan government “...provides all adults nine masks every two weeks, and all children 10 masks every two weeks. During the school year, [TAS] gives staff members an additional five masks every two weeks so they can have a new mask every day.” The deputy head of TAS explained: “In this culture, a majority of people are very used to putting on a mask any time they’re sick—it's the concept that I’m actually protecting everybody else, not myself; I’m more concerned about the community as a whole instead of my own personal preferences. With this pandemic, it was very easy to tell the entire community, masks on at all times.” The Taiwan government recommended citizens stay five feet apart indoors—unless wearing a mask. The deputy head explained how the school’s mask requirement meant classroom desks and chairs did not have to be spaced so far apart. They checked student temperatures; only ten students had a fever the rest of that semester. Student meals were packaged and they ate outside in a courtyard. Students were allowed to play during recess, but masks were to remain on. If they got short of breath or overheated, students could step away and take a “chin break” with their mask down for a short time. Student music classes continued, but with percussion and string instruments only. The deputy head explained her strategy “to give people the facts and the transparency and the data and all the information behind certain decisions. Hopefully, they’ll then make the best decisions they can.” While Taiwan is a democracy similar to the United States, Taiwan’s success in controlling the pandemic is embedded in an Asian cultural concern-for-others that puts social responsibility above any idea of selfish “rights.” In contrast, some American protesters claim that the U.S. Constitution provides a “right” to not wear a mask. This is addressed by John E. Finn, a constitutional law scholar at Wesleyan University. He explains why “The Constitution Doesn’t Have a Problem With Mask Mandates” available online as a scholarly article published by&nbsp;The Conversation.&nbsp;Finn explains the false claims that mandatory masks violate 1) a “First Amendment right to speech, assembly, and especially association” and 2) a “person’s constitutional right to liberty and to make decisions about their own health and bodily integrity.” Finn cites a lawsuit filed by four Florida residents against Palm Beach County mask mandates where “...on July 27, the Court declined to issue an injunction against the mask mandate. Citing&nbsp;Jacobsen v. Massachusetts, the Court found that ‘no constitutional right is infringed by the Mask Ordinance’s mandate…and that the requirement to wear such a covering has a clear rational basis based on the protection of public health.’ More to the point, the Court continued, ‘constitutional rights and the ideals of limited government do not…allow (citizens) to wholly shirk their social obligation to their fellow Americans or to society as a whole…. After all, we do not have a constitutional right to infect others.’” Finn likewise explains why “the 1905 case of&nbsp;Jacobsen v. Massachusetts&nbsp;shows why mask mandates don’t violate any constitutional right to privacy or health or bodily integrity. In that case, the Supreme Court upheld a smallpox vaccination requirement in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The court said that the vaccination requirement did not violate Jacobsen’s right to liberty or ‘the inherent right of every freeman to care for his own body and health in such way as to him seems best.’ As the court wrote, “There are manifold restraints to which every person is necessarily subject for the common good. On any other basis, organized society could not exist with safety to its members.” This responsibility is obvious to folks in Taiwan.&nbsp; &nbsp;John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

EDUCATION FRONTLINES: Rights versus responsibilities

Today is Monday, Jan. 25, the 25th day of 2021. There are 340 days left in the year. 

On Jan. 25, 1981, the 52 Americans held hostage by Iran for 444 days arrived in the United States. 

In 1533, England's King Henry VIII secretly married his second wife, Anne Boleyn, who later gave birth to Elizabeth I.

In 1759, Scottish poet Robert Burns was born in Alloway.

<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, Jan. 25, the 25th day of 2021. There are 340 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Jan. 25, 1981, the 52 Americans held hostage by Iran for 444 days arrived in the United States. On this date: In 1533, England's King Henry VIII secretly married his second wife, Anne Boleyn, who later gave birth to Elizabeth I.In 1759, Scottish poet Robert Burns was born in Alloway.In 1915, America's first official transcontinental telephone call took place as Alexander Graham Bell, who was in New York, spoke to his former assistant, Thomas Watson, who was in San Francisco, over a line set up by American Telephone &amp; Telegraph.In 1924, the first Winter Olympic Games opened in Chamonix, France. In 1945, the World War II Battle of the Bulge ended as German forces were pushed back to their original positions. Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first community to add fluoride to its public water supply. In 1947, gangster Al Capone died in Miami Beach, Florida, at age 48. In 1949, the first Emmy Awards, honoring local Los Angeles TV programs and talent, were presented at the Hollywood Athletic Club.In 1959, American Airlines began Boeing 707 jet flights between New York and Los Angeles.In 1971, Idi Amin seized power in Uganda by ousting President Milton Obote in a military coup.In 2004, NASA's Opportunity rover zipped its first pictures of Mars to Earth, showing a surface smooth and dark red in some places, and strewn with fragmented slabs of light bedrock in others.In 2017, President Donald Trump moved aggressively to tighten the nation's immigration controls, signing executive actions to jumpstart construction of his promised U.S.-Mexico border wall and cut federal grants for immigrant-protecting "sanctuary cities." Death claimed actor Mary Tyler Moore at age 80 and actor John Hurt at age 77. In 2019, President Donald Trump's confidant Roger Stone was arrested by the FBI in a pre-dawn raid at his Florida home and charged with lying about his pursuit of Russian-hacked emails damaging to Hillary Clinton's 2016 election bid. (Stone was convicted in November 2019 on charges including lying to Congress and witness tampering; Trump commuted his 40-month prison sentence just days before Stone was due to report to prison in July 2020 and issued Stone a pardon in December of that year.)Ten years ago: Pleading for unity in a newly divided government, President Barack Obama used his State of the Union address to implore Democrats and Republicans to rally behind his vision of economic revival, declaring: "We will move forward together or not at all." In Egypt, thousands of anti-government protesters clashed with police during a Tunisia-inspired demonstration to demand the end of President Hosni Mubarak's rule. A federal judge in New York sentenced Ahmed Ghailani, the first Guantanamo detainee to have a U.S. civilian trial, to life in prison for conspiring in the bombing of two U.S. embassies in Africa in 1998.Five years ago: President Barack Obama said he would ban the use of solitary confinement for juvenile and low-level offenders in federal prisons, citing the potential for "devastating, lasting psychological consequences" from the use of the isolation as punishment. A Houston grand jury investigating undercover footage of Planned Parenthood found no wrongdoing by the abortion provider, and instead indicted anti-abortion activists for using fake driver's licenses when making the videos that targeted the handling of fetal tissue in clinics. (The charges were later dropped.) One year ago: President Donald Trump's defense team opened its arguments at his Senate impeachment trial, casting the effort to remove him from office as a politically-motivated attempt to subvert the 2016 election and the upcoming 2020 contest. Canada, Australia and Malaysia each reported their first cases of the new coronavirus. The virus caused Lunar New Year festivities to be canceled across mainland China. LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers moved past former Laker Kobe Bryant for third place on the NBA's career scoring list.Today's Birthdays: Country singer Claude Gray is 89. Actor Leigh Taylor-Young is 77. Actor Jenifer Lewis is 64. Country musician Mike Burch (River Road) is 55. R&amp;B singer Kina is 52. Actor China Kantner is 50. Actor Ana Ortiz is 50. Drummer Joe Sirois (Mighty Mighty Bosstones) is 49. Musician Matt Odmark (Jars of Clay) is 47. Actor Mia Kirshner is 46. Actor Christine Lakin is 42. R&amp;B singer Alicia Keys is 41. Actor Michael Trevino is 36. Pop musician Calum Hood (5 Seconds to Summer) is 25. Actor Olivia Edward is 14.

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