The Kansas National Guard is reminding citizens that an announcement once again making the rounds on social media and via test is false. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasNationalGuard/">Kansas National Guard</a> Facebook page:

The Kansas National Guard is reminding citizens that an announcement once again making the rounds on social media and via test is false. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasNationalGuard/">Kansas National Guard</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasNationalGuard%2Fposts%2F10164272156950467&width=500&show_text=true&height=646&appId" width="500" height="646" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Kansas National Guard warns of false announcement

A boy was injured in a two vehicle accident in south Salina Monday evening.

A 2005 Kia Sedona driven by Keith Kraynek, 39, of Beloit, was westbound on Schilling Road and approaching South Ninth Street as an eastbound 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Michael Willmon, 23, of Junction City, was making a left-hand turn onto South Ninth Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.

A witness told police that the Grand Marquis was making the left-hand turn as the flashing yellow turn signal turned to red, Forrester noted. The Sedona ran the red light and struck the Grand Marquis, he added.

The accident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. Monday, according to Forrester.

A seven-year-old boy who was a passenger in the Sedona was checked for hip pain by paramedics and released at the scene, Forrester reported.

The Sedona had front-end damage and was removed by the driver, while the Grand Marquis had passenger side damage and had to be towed from the scene, Forrester explained.

Kraynek was cited for running a red light, Forrester reported.

A boy was injured in a two vehicle accident in south Salina Monday evening.A 2005 Kia Sedona driven by Keith Kraynek, 39, of Beloit, was westbound on Schilling Road and approaching South Ninth Street as an eastbound 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Michael Willmon, 23, of Junction City, was making a left-hand turn onto South Ninth Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.A witness told police that the Grand Marquis was making the left-hand turn as the flashing yellow turn signal turned to red, Forrester noted. The Sedona ran the red light and struck the Grand Marquis, he added.The accident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. Monday, according to Forrester.A seven-year-old boy who was a passenger in the Sedona was checked for hip pain by paramedics and released at the scene, Forrester reported.The Sedona had front-end damage and was removed by the driver, while the Grand Marquis had passenger side damage and had to be towed from the scene, Forrester explained.Kraynek was cited for running a red light, Forrester reported.

Boy injured, Beloit man cited in two vehicle accident Monday evening

Three Salina men have been arrested in connection with a case that involved the theft of police equipment from an off-duty officer's vehicle in Kipp as well as other burglaries in the county.

On Dec. 30, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan reported that sometime between 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 29 and 3:20 a.m. Dec. 30, someone got into the unlocked personal vehicle of an Salina Police Department officer in Kipp and stole the following items.

Total loss was estimated at $5,036, Soldan said.

Soldan said this morning that a search warrant in the case was executed at 110 Raleigh Street in southwest Salina on Dec. 31. As the warrant was being executed, Byron Neef, 23, of Salina, attempted to flee and a magazine believed to be from the Glock stolen in Kipp fell out of his pocket, Soldan said. When Neef was stopped, the Glock and part of a magazine for the Glock were located in his vehicle, Soldan explained.

Items found during the search of the residence included the officer's badge, radio and mic, part of the vest carrier, the knife, methamphetamine, and marijuana, Soldan said.

Additionally, the victim's wallet from a burglary in the 7200 block of East Farrelly Road that occurred sometime between 8 p.m. Dec. 29 and 7:30 a.m. Dec. 30 and checks from two other burglaries in the county also were found in the residence at 110 Raleigh Street, Soldan said.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d1bc8d12-68d5-4165-8665-ec72ec93e71c">Vehicle burglaries on rise in county; latest on East Farrelly Road</a>

A person who law enforcement was hoping to find during the search at 110 Raleigh Street, Jeremy Cullen, 25, of Salina, was not at the residence, Soldan noted.

On Jan. 3 another search warrant was executed, this time at 1844 North Fifth Street. During that search, part of the vest carrier, a third magazine for the Glock, the taser holster, and a double magazine ammunition holder were located, Soldan said.

Additionally, a rifle reported stolen in a burglary between 8 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. Wednesday in the 6900 block of Thorstenberg Road was recovered during the search of the residence on North Fifth Street, Soldan said.

READ:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/671ec69c-31ed-41a9-9686-64f893b2f980"> Items stolen from three more unlocked vehicles in county</a>

During the search, Richard Blevins, 52, of Salina, who lives at the North Fifth Street address, was arrested, Soldan said.

On Wednesday, Cullen was located at a Wichita motel and arrested by Wichita police on multiple active warrants out of Saline County, according to Soldan.

Additional requested charges for Cullen were added today by Saline County, including the following, Soldan said.

Two counts of possession of stolen property

Two counts of distribution of a firearm to a felon

Attempted unlawful use of a financial card

According to Soldan, Neef was arrested by the Salina Police Department on Dec. 31 on the following requested charges.

Possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute

Interference with a law enforcement officer

Additionally, Blevins was arrested on the following requested charges, Soldan said.

Three Salina men have been arrested in connection with a case that involved the theft of police equipment from an off-duty officer's vehicle in Kipp as well as other burglaries in the county.On Dec. 30, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan reported that sometime between 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 29 and 3:20 a.m. Dec. 30, someone got into the unlocked personal vehicle of an Salina Police Department officer in Kipp and stole the following items.A ballistic vestA taserA body cameraA Kenwood portable radioA Glock 9mm hand gunA flashlightAn SPD badge52 rounds of 9mm ammunitionOC spray (pepper spray)An ASP expandable batonAn emergency tourniquet belt holderA black duty beltA black and blue knifeA handcuff pouchA magazine pouchTotal loss was estimated at $5,036, Soldan said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609515247267.jpeg" alt="Byron Neef. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Byron Neef. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Soldan said this morning that a search warrant in the case was executed at 110 Raleigh Street in southwest Salina on Dec. 31. As the warrant was being executed, Byron Neef, 23, of Salina, attempted to flee and a magazine believed to be from the Glock stolen in Kipp fell out of his pocket, Soldan said. When Neef was stopped, the Glock and part of a magazine for the Glock were located in his vehicle, Soldan explained.Items found during the search of the residence included the officer's badge, radio and mic, part of the vest carrier, the knife, methamphetamine, and marijuana, Soldan said.Additionally, the victim's wallet from a burglary in the 7200 block of East Farrelly Road that occurred sometime between 8 p.m. Dec. 29 and 7:30 a.m. Dec. 30 and checks from two other burglaries in the county also were found in the residence at 110 Raleigh Street, Soldan said.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d1bc8d12-68d5-4165-8665-ec72ec93e71c">Vehicle burglaries on rise in county; latest on East Farrelly Road</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610201134636.jpeg" alt="Jeremy Cullen. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Jeremy Cullen. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A person who law enforcement was hoping to find during the search at 110 Raleigh Street, Jeremy Cullen, 25, of Salina, was not at the residence, Soldan noted.On Jan. 3 another search warrant was executed, this time at 1844 North Fifth Street. During that search, part of the vest carrier, a third magazine for the Glock, the taser holster, and a double magazine ammunition holder were located, Soldan said.Additionally, a rifle reported stolen in a burglary between 8 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. Wednesday in the 6900 block of Thorstenberg Road was recovered during the search of the residence on North Fifth Street, Soldan said.READ:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/671ec69c-31ed-41a9-9686-64f893b2f980"> Items stolen from three more unlocked vehicles in county</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609944154195.jpeg" alt="Richard Blevins. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Richard Blevins. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>During the search, Richard Blevins, 52, of Salina, who lives at the North Fifth Street address, was arrested, Soldan said.On Wednesday, Cullen was located at a Wichita motel and arrested by Wichita police on multiple active warrants out of Saline County, according to Soldan.Additional requested charges for Cullen were added today by Saline County, including the following, Soldan said.Two counts of burglaryTwo counts of theftTwo counts of possession of stolen propertyTwo counts of theft of a firearmTwo counts of distribution of a firearm to a felonPossession of methamphetaminePossession of marijuanaPossession of drug paraphernaliaAttempted unlawful use of a financial cardAccording to Soldan, Neef was arrested by the Salina Police Department on Dec. 31 on the following requested charges.Possession of a stolen firearmPossession of stolen propertyFelon in possession of a firearmPossession of methamphetamine with the intent to distributePossession of drug paraphernaliaNo tax stampUnlawful drug proceedsInterference with a law enforcement officerDriving while suspendedAdditionally, Blevins was arrested on the following requested charges, Soldan said.Felon in possession of a firearmPossession of a stolen firearmPossession of stolen propertyPossession of marijuanaPossession of drug paraphernalia

Three from Salina arrested in connected to stolen police items case

Interested in becoming an American Red Cross volunteer? Check out one of the 2021 Virtual Volunteer Fairs offered by the organization. 

The sessions begin at noon and are scheduled as follows.

Please RSVP with which session you would like to virtually attend by calling, texting or emailing Marama Bayles-Raleigh, marama.baylesraleigh@redcross.org, 539-777-3441.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610423337235.png" alt="Image courtesy American Red Cross" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy American Red Cross</figcaption>
 </figure>Interested in becoming an American Red Cross volunteer? Check out one of the 2021 Virtual Volunteer Fairs offered by the organization. The sessions begin at noon and are scheduled as follows.WednesdayFeb. 10March 10April 14May 12June 9Please RSVP with which session you would like to virtually attend by calling, texting or emailing Marama Bayles-Raleigh, marama.baylesraleigh@redcross.org, 539-777-3441.

American Red Cross hosting virtual volunteer fairs

Today is Tuesday, Jan. 12, the 12th day of 2021. There are 353 days left in the year. 

On Jan. 12, 2000, in a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Illinois v. Wardlow, gave police broad authority to stop and question people who run at the sight of an officer. 

In 1773, the first public museum in America was organized in Charleston, South Carolina.

In 1828, the United States and Mexico signed a Treaty of Limits defining the boundary between the two countries to be the same as the one established by an 1819 treaty between the U.S. and Spain.

In 1910, at a White House dinner hosted by President William Howard Taft, Baroness Rosen, wife of the Russian ambassador, caused a stir by requesting and smoking a cigarette — it was, apparently, the first time a woman had smoked openly during a public function in the executive mansion. (Some of the other women present who had brought their own cigarettes began lighting up in turn.)

In 1915, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected, 204-174, a proposed constitutional amendment to give women nationwide the right to vote. 

In 1948, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Sipuel v. Board of Regents of University of Oklahoma, unanimously ruled that state law schools could not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race. 

In 1959, Berry Gordy Jr. founded Motown Records (originally Tamla Records) in Detroit. 

In 1969, the New York Jets of the American Football League upset the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League 16-7 in Super Bowl III, played at the Orange Bowl in Miami. 

In 1971, the groundbreaking situation comedy "All in the Family" premiered on CBS television. 

In 1976, mystery writer Dame Agatha Christie died in Wallingford, England, at age 85.

In 1995, Qubilah Shabazz, the daughter of Malcolm X, was arrested in Minneapolis on charges she'd tried to hire a hitman to kill Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan (the charges were later dropped in a settlement with the government). 

In 2006, Mehmet Ali Agca, the Turkish gunman who shot Pope John Paul II in 1981, was released from an Istanbul prison after serving more than 25 years in Italy and Turkey for the plot against the pontiff and the slaying of a Turkish journalist. 

In 2010, Haiti was struck by a magnitude-7 earthquake; the Haitian government said 316,000 people were killed, while a report prepared for the U.S. Agency for International Development suggested the death toll may have been between 46,000 and 85,000.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama visited Tucson, Arizona, the scene of a shooting rampage that wounded Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and killed six others; he urged Americans to refrain from partisan bickering and to embrace the idealistic vision of democracy held by 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, the youngest of the victims.

Five years ago: In his final State of the Union address, President Barack Obama urged Americans to rekindle their belief in the promise of change that first carried him to the White House, declaring that the country must not allow election-year fear and division to put economic and security progress at risk. Iran detained 10 American sailors and their two small Navy boats after the boats drifted into Iranian waters; the sailors and their vessels were released the following day. The St. Louis Rams' move back to Los Angeles was approved by 30 of 32 NFL owners. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch announced his engagement to ex-supermodel Jerry Hall, Mick Jagger's ex-wife (they married the following March).

One year ago: President Donald Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sparred ahead of Trump's impeachment trial, with Pelosi saying senators would "pay a price" for blocking new witnesses, and Trump labeling the House impeachment vote a "totally partisan hoax." Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he had seen no hard evidence that four American embassies had been under a possible threat, as Trump had claimed, when the president authorized the drone strike that killed Iran's top military commander.

Today's Birthdays: The Amazing Kreskin is 86. Country singer William Lee Golden (The Oak Ridge Boys) is 82. Actor Anthony Andrews is 73. Movie director Wayne Wang is 72. Actor Kirstie Alley is 70. Political commentator Rush Limbaugh is 70. Legal affairs blogger Ann Althouse is 70. Writer Walter Mosley is 69. Country singer Ricky Van Shelton is 69. Radio-TV personality Howard Stern is 67. Writer-producer-director John Lasseter is 64. Broadcast journalist Christiane Amanpour is 63. Actor Oliver Platt is 61. Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins is 61. Entrepreneur Jeff Bezos is 57. Rock singer Rob Zombie is 56. Actor Olivier Martinez is 55. Model Vendela is 54. Actor Farrah Forke is 53. Actor Rachael Harris is 53. Rock singer Zack de la Rocha is 51. Rapper Raekwon (Wu Tang Clan) is 51. Actor Zabryna Guevara is 49. Singer Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay) is 48. Singer Melanie Chisholm (Spice Girls) is 47. Contemporary Christian singer Jeremy Camp is 43. Actor Cynthia Addai-Robinson is 41. Rhythm-and-blues singer Amerie is 41. Actor Issa Rae is 36. Actor Will Rothhaar is 34. Actor Andrew Lawrence is 33. Rock singer ZAYN is 28. Pop/soul singer Ella Henderson (TV: "The X Factor") is 25.

<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. 12, the 12th day of 2021. There are 353 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Jan. 12, 2000, in a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Illinois v. Wardlow, gave police broad authority to stop and question people who run at the sight of an officer. On this date: In 1773, the first public museum in America was organized in Charleston, South Carolina.In 1828, the United States and Mexico signed a Treaty of Limits defining the boundary between the two countries to be the same as the one established by an 1819 treaty between the U.S. and Spain.In 1910, at a White House dinner hosted by President William Howard Taft, Baroness Rosen, wife of the Russian ambassador, caused a stir by requesting and smoking a cigarette — it was, apparently, the first time a woman had smoked openly during a public function in the executive mansion. (Some of the other women present who had brought their own cigarettes began lighting up in turn.)In 1915, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected, 204-174, a proposed constitutional amendment to give women nationwide the right to vote. In 1948, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Sipuel v. Board of Regents of University of Oklahoma, unanimously ruled that state law schools could not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race. In 1959, Berry Gordy Jr. founded Motown Records (originally Tamla Records) in Detroit. In 1969, the New York Jets of the American Football League upset the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League 16-7 in Super Bowl III, played at the Orange Bowl in Miami. In 1971, the groundbreaking situation comedy "All in the Family" premiered on CBS television. In 1976, mystery writer Dame Agatha Christie died in Wallingford, England, at age 85.In 1995, Qubilah Shabazz, the daughter of Malcolm X, was arrested in Minneapolis on charges she'd tried to hire a hitman to kill Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan (the charges were later dropped in a settlement with the government). In 2006, Mehmet Ali Agca, the Turkish gunman who shot Pope John Paul II in 1981, was released from an Istanbul prison after serving more than 25 years in Italy and Turkey for the plot against the pontiff and the slaying of a Turkish journalist. In 2010, Haiti was struck by a magnitude-7 earthquake; the Haitian government said 316,000 people were killed, while a report prepared for the U.S. Agency for International Development suggested the death toll may have been between 46,000 and 85,000.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama visited Tucson, Arizona, the scene of a shooting rampage that wounded Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and killed six others; he urged Americans to refrain from partisan bickering and to embrace the idealistic vision of democracy held by 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, the youngest of the victims. Five years ago: In his final State of the Union address, President Barack Obama urged Americans to rekindle their belief in the promise of change that first carried him to the White House, declaring that the country must not allow election-year fear and division to put economic and security progress at risk. Iran detained 10 American sailors and their two small Navy boats after the boats drifted into Iranian waters; the sailors and their vessels were released the following day. The St. Louis Rams' move back to Los Angeles was approved by 30 of 32 NFL owners. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch announced his engagement to ex-supermodel Jerry Hall, Mick Jagger's ex-wife (they married the following March).One year ago: President Donald Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sparred ahead of Trump's impeachment trial, with Pelosi saying senators would "pay a price" for blocking new witnesses, and Trump labeling the House impeachment vote a "totally partisan hoax." Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he had seen no hard evidence that four American embassies had been under a possible threat, as Trump had claimed, when the president authorized the drone strike that killed Iran's top military commander.Today's Birthdays: The Amazing Kreskin is 86. Country singer William Lee Golden (The Oak Ridge Boys) is 82. Actor Anthony Andrews is 73. Movie director Wayne Wang is 72. Actor Kirstie Alley is 70. Political commentator Rush Limbaugh is 70. Legal affairs blogger Ann Althouse is 70. Writer Walter Mosley is 69. Country singer Ricky Van Shelton is 69. Radio-TV personality Howard Stern is 67. Writer-producer-director John Lasseter is 64. Broadcast journalist Christiane Amanpour is 63. Actor Oliver Platt is 61. Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins is 61. Entrepreneur Jeff Bezos is 57. Rock singer Rob Zombie is 56. Actor Olivier Martinez is 55. Model Vendela is 54. Actor Farrah Forke is 53. Actor Rachael Harris is 53. Rock singer Zack de la Rocha is 51. Rapper Raekwon (Wu Tang Clan) is 51. Actor Zabryna Guevara is 49. Singer Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay) is 48. Singer Melanie Chisholm (Spice Girls) is 47. Contemporary Christian singer Jeremy Camp is 43. Actor Cynthia Addai-Robinson is 41. Rhythm-and-blues singer Amerie is 41. Actor Issa Rae is 36. Actor Will Rothhaar is 34. Actor Andrew Lawrence is 33. Rock singer ZAYN is 28. Pop/soul singer Ella Henderson (TV: "The X Factor") is 25.

Today in History -- Jan. 12

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

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 <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 <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.

When hospitals can't handle non-COVID patients

Two proclamations, a disaster declaration, and the reorganization of the Saline County Commission are among the items on the county 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 following two proclamation requests from the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK).

●Proclaim National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Saline County

●Proclaim National Stalking Awareness Month in Saline County

Commissioners also are scheduled to consider a a request from Michelle Barkley, emergency management director, for a Declaration of a State of Local Public Health Emergency for Saline County for 60 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This emergency declaration allows Saline County to submit resource requests to the State of Kansas, continue emergency sheltering, and track expenditures for reimbursement, according to information from the county.

Additionally, at the conclusion of the regular meeting, commissioners are scheduled to conduct the annual reorganization of the commission, with consists of electing new officers for the commission.

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

●Consider a bid award for aggregate and aggregate Hauling -- Justin Mader, county engineer

●Consider a request to award the contract for the purchase of three new motor graders -- Darren Fishel, road and bridge administrator

●Consider Resolution 21-2325 Public Building Commission Lease -- Hannah Stambaugh, deputy county administrator

●Consider Resolution 21-2326 for  Rural Fire Districts GO Bond Finalization -- Stambaugh, deputy county administrator

●Consider the allocation of alcohol funds for 2021 -- Phillip Smith-Hanes, county administrator

●Hear an emergency management update from Barkley

To view the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet (a 293-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20210112.pdf?ver=WrD6G43U84zfUn16cMhJyw%3d%3d">click here</a>.

Two proclamations, a disaster declaration, and the reorganization of the Saline County Commission are among the items on the county 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 following two proclamation requests from the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK).●Proclaim National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Saline County●Proclaim National Stalking Awareness Month in Saline CountyCommissioners also are scheduled to consider a a request from Michelle Barkley, emergency management director, for a Declaration of a State of Local Public Health Emergency for Saline County for 60 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This emergency declaration allows Saline County to submit resource requests to the State of Kansas, continue emergency sheltering, and track expenditures for reimbursement, according to information from the county.Additionally, at the conclusion of the regular meeting, commissioners are scheduled to conduct the annual reorganization of the commission, with consists of electing new officers for the commission.Other items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Consider a bid award for aggregate and aggregate Hauling -- Justin Mader, county engineer●Consider a request to award the contract for the purchase of three new motor graders -- Darren Fishel, road and bridge administrator●Consider Resolution 21-2325 Public Building Commission Lease -- Hannah Stambaugh, deputy county administrator●Consider Resolution 21-2326 for Rural Fire Districts GO Bond Finalization -- Stambaugh, deputy county administrator●Consider the allocation of alcohol funds for 2021 -- Phillip Smith-Hanes, county administrator●Hear an emergency management update from BarkleyTo view the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet (a 293-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20210112.pdf?ver=WrD6G43U84zfUn16cMhJyw%3d%3d">click here</a>.

Proclamations, disaster declaration, reorganization on county agenda

MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension will offer virtual workshops Feb. 16–19, 2021, to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and also for those wanting to sell food products directly to consumers. 

The workshop series includes three online Lunch and Learn sessions, followed by a half-day virtual workshop.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen an increase in people’s enthusiasm for locally sourced food, and these workshops will address common questions and concerns for farmers and small businesses who are embracing these opportunities to reach local consumers,” said Londa Nwadike, food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) and the University of Missouri. “It’s also important for farmers to understand certain legal, safety and financial parameters before choosing to sell either directly to the consumer or at a farmers’ market.”&nbsp;In 2020, 76 farmers’ markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.

Dates and topics for each Lunch and Learn online session are as follows:

Tuesday, February 16, 2021, noon to 1 p.m.:&nbsp;Food Safety for Value-Added Food Products

Wednesday, February 17, 2021, noon to 1 p.m.:&nbsp;Meat and Poultry Regulations

Thursday, February 18, 2021, noon to 1 p.m.:&nbsp;Taxation and Accepting EBT/SNAP

The half-day virtual workshop on&nbsp;Friday, February 19, 2021, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.&nbsp;will cover topics such as COVID-19 related changes, Double Up Food Bucks program, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program,&nbsp;From the Land of Kansas&nbsp;program, and resources available from KSRE. Keynote speaker Michael Kilpatrick of the Thriving Farmer podcast will also discuss marketing tips for direct-to-consumer sales.

KDA’s weights and measures program will offer free scale certification with a paid registration to an online workshop.

Registration for the February virtual workshops is now open. The cost is $5 per participant. Register at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fromthelandofkansas.com%2FFMworkshop&amp;data=04%7C01%7CPio-stwide%40list.da.ks.gov%7Ca4e7f7bc54404596c06708d8b66de3c5%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637459930932652145%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=0C5tDUZdDUB4KkPZ6hUDdc%2FZCcypaiwyTv5uAv74mpw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">FromtheLandofKansas.com/FMworkshop</a>.

For more information, contact Robin Blume, KDA’s education and events coordinator, at 785-564-6756 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:robin.blume@ks.gov" target="_blank">Robin.Blume@ks.gov</a>. The workshops are funded by the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, the Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension will offer virtual workshops Feb. 16–19, 2021, to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and also for those wanting to sell food products directly to consumers. The workshop series includes three online Lunch and Learn sessions, followed by a half-day virtual workshop.“Over the past year, we’ve seen an increase in people’s enthusiasm for locally sourced food, and these workshops will address common questions and concerns for farmers and small businesses who are embracing these opportunities to reach local consumers,” said Londa Nwadike, food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) and the University of Missouri. “It’s also important for farmers to understand certain legal, safety and financial parameters before choosing to sell either directly to the consumer or at a farmers’ market.”&nbsp;In 2020, 76 farmers’ markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.Dates and topics for each Lunch and Learn online session are as follows:Tuesday, February 16, 2021, noon to 1 p.m.:&nbsp;Food Safety for Value-Added Food ProductsWednesday, February 17, 2021, noon to 1 p.m.:&nbsp;Meat and Poultry RegulationsThursday, February 18, 2021, noon to 1 p.m.:&nbsp;Taxation and Accepting EBT/SNAPThe half-day virtual workshop on&nbsp;Friday, February 19, 2021, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.&nbsp;will cover topics such as COVID-19 related changes, Double Up Food Bucks program, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program,&nbsp;From the Land of Kansas&nbsp;program, and resources available from KSRE. Keynote speaker Michael Kilpatrick of the Thriving Farmer podcast will also discuss marketing tips for direct-to-consumer sales.KDA’s weights and measures program will offer free scale certification with a paid registration to an online workshop.Registration for the February virtual workshops is now open. The cost is $5 per participant. Register at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fromthelandofkansas.com%2FFMworkshop&amp;data=04%7C01%7CPio-stwide%40list.da.ks.gov%7Ca4e7f7bc54404596c06708d8b66de3c5%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637459930932652145%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=0C5tDUZdDUB4KkPZ6hUDdc%2FZCcypaiwyTv5uAv74mpw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">FromtheLandofKansas.com/FMworkshop</a>.For more information, contact Robin Blume, KDA’s education and events coordinator, at 785-564-6756 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:robin.blume@ks.gov" target="_blank">Robin.Blume@ks.gov</a>. The workshops are funded by the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, the Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Farmers’ market/ direct-to-consumer virtual workshops set for Feb.

Saline County officials who were elected to office on Nov. 3, 2020, were sworn in today.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610406051195.jpeg" alt="Saline County officials waiting to be sworn in, from left, Commissioner Roger Sparks, Sheriff Roger Soldan, Register of Deeds Rebecca Seeman, and Treasurer Jim DuBois. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Saline County officials waiting to be sworn in, from left, Commissioner Roger Sparks, Sheriff Roger Soldan, Register of Deeds Rebecca Seeman, and Treasurer Jim DuBois. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Saline County officials who were elected to office on Nov. 3, 2020, were sworn in today.They include the following.Commissioner Robert VidricksenCommissioner Roger SparksClerk Jamie DossTreasurer Jim DuBoisRegister of Deeds Rebecca SeemanCounty Attorney Jeff EbelSheriff Roger Soldan

Elected Saline County officials sworn into office today

During a organizational meeting this afternoon on Zoom, the Salina City Commission elected Commissioner Melissa Hodges as the city's new mayor.

Commissioner Trent Davis was elected acting mayor and would serve in the mayor's position when Hodges is not available.

During a organizational meeting this afternoon on Zoom, the Salina City Commission elected Commissioner Melissa Hodges as the city's new mayor.Commissioner Trent Davis was elected acting mayor and would serve in the mayor's position when Hodges is not available.

Salina City Commission elects Melissa Hodges as new mayor

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

Sadly, we have been notified of four additional deaths due to COVID-19 since our last update on January 8. Seventy-eight members of our community have lost their lives to this virus.&nbsp;Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they currently have 27 hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

There have been 110 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since January 8. The total number of positive cases for Saline County has risen to 4,848.

The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 1,935 cases. At least 2,835 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=0012m-pqAr4goHg7nAt1JjI9MGIuOZHnyzJlWqTI-PTw1WQSRYFQraUssBnLjVBVdPBmW8SRO7P1NGjnlowitd043uxjzH4H60SpHu0AymUzL0gf0ainz1i48QWUk_ABceUe23eAouVNLjNT8TCXWPNBr_dzOGq17UK&amp;c=BekbDbwd0KyUvDlyaK7pnHL_IZ2p0ucLYz11DiJ0P9MMATfFsvzOCw==&amp;ch=fYpzShM8GXUZeMj29EcBwJgSPEyzEkhWB5gorY--ii54l-uS0JghwA==" target="_blank">FAQ Section</a>&nbsp;for additional questions.

Health Department staff continue to be overwhelmed and several days behind with contacting new positive cases and close contacts and we are unable to produce the necessary documentation immediately. We have added staff and some cases being routed to contact tracers at KDHE, but with cases rising every day we continue to be behind. Thank you for your patience.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012m-pqAr4goHg7nAt1JjI9MGIuOZHnyzJlWqTI-PTw1WQSRYFQraUssBnLjVBVdPBKS0plBcECw2hZUJftUytymViVC28DCTt8D6GceO73aPxdU1a-qhxKV3vTa3Jf8lpkYvwH3rzos9UUg4cJrOnALmpKhSzXvDP&amp;c=BekbDbwd0KyUvDlyaK7pnHL_IZ2p0ucLYz11DiJ0P9MMATfFsvzOCw==&amp;ch=fYpzShM8GXUZeMj29EcBwJgSPEyzEkhWB5gorY--ii54l-uS0JghwA==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there are now 247,502 cases and 3,255 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=0012m-pqAr4goHg7nAt1JjI9MGIuOZHnyzJlWqTI-PTw1WQSRYFQraUssBnLjVBVdPBJQcZTNrGA_m-HjmsdHgD4FCuO8Ev9KATzuf15Q5xor0-lpb8nEB1VFFqA0BGu9BkyPaHnvvFoKeZditma13AuzBkm0xFzIEp&amp;c=BekbDbwd0KyUvDlyaK7pnHL_IZ2p0ucLYz11DiJ0P9MMATfFsvzOCw==&amp;ch=fYpzShM8GXUZeMj29EcBwJgSPEyzEkhWB5gorY--ii54l-uS0JghwA==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012m-pqAr4goHg7nAt1JjI9MGIuOZHnyzJlWqTI-PTw1WQSRYFQraUssBnLjVBVdPBT6--V9qbUwdGN34DrquO13uO0W_kcxyfe0Z7pVBRTZ4lxvExWeDljG2jsUcycmUuB85E8XFkzKU=&amp;c=BekbDbwd0KyUvDlyaK7pnHL_IZ2p0ucLYz11DiJ0P9MMATfFsvzOCw==&amp;ch=fYpzShM8GXUZeMj29EcBwJgSPEyzEkhWB5gorY--ii54l-uS0JghwA==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610402884065.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.Sadly, we have been notified of four additional deaths due to COVID-19 since our last update on January 8. Seventy-eight members of our community have lost their lives to this virus.&nbsp;Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they currently have 27 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. There have been 110 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since January 8. The total number of positive cases for Saline County has risen to 4,848. The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 1,935 cases. At least 2,835 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=0012m-pqAr4goHg7nAt1JjI9MGIuOZHnyzJlWqTI-PTw1WQSRYFQraUssBnLjVBVdPBmW8SRO7P1NGjnlowitd043uxjzH4H60SpHu0AymUzL0gf0ainz1i48QWUk_ABceUe23eAouVNLjNT8TCXWPNBr_dzOGq17UK&amp;c=BekbDbwd0KyUvDlyaK7pnHL_IZ2p0ucLYz11DiJ0P9MMATfFsvzOCw==&amp;ch=fYpzShM8GXUZeMj29EcBwJgSPEyzEkhWB5gorY--ii54l-uS0JghwA==" target="_blank">FAQ Section</a>&nbsp;for additional questions. Health Department staff continue to be overwhelmed and several days behind with contacting new positive cases and close contacts and we are unable to produce the necessary documentation immediately. We have added staff and some cases being routed to contact tracers at KDHE, but with cases rising every day we continue to be behind. Thank you for your patience.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; According to the&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012m-pqAr4goHg7nAt1JjI9MGIuOZHnyzJlWqTI-PTw1WQSRYFQraUssBnLjVBVdPBKS0plBcECw2hZUJftUytymViVC28DCTt8D6GceO73aPxdU1a-qhxKV3vTa3Jf8lpkYvwH3rzos9UUg4cJrOnALmpKhSzXvDP&amp;c=BekbDbwd0KyUvDlyaK7pnHL_IZ2p0ucLYz11DiJ0P9MMATfFsvzOCw==&amp;ch=fYpzShM8GXUZeMj29EcBwJgSPEyzEkhWB5gorY--ii54l-uS0JghwA==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there are now 247,502 cases and 3,255 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=0012m-pqAr4goHg7nAt1JjI9MGIuOZHnyzJlWqTI-PTw1WQSRYFQraUssBnLjVBVdPBJQcZTNrGA_m-HjmsdHgD4FCuO8Ev9KATzuf15Q5xor0-lpb8nEB1VFFqA0BGu9BkyPaHnvvFoKeZditma13AuzBkm0xFzIEp&amp;c=BekbDbwd0KyUvDlyaK7pnHL_IZ2p0ucLYz11DiJ0P9MMATfFsvzOCw==&amp;ch=fYpzShM8GXUZeMj29EcBwJgSPEyzEkhWB5gorY--ii54l-uS0JghwA==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012m-pqAr4goHg7nAt1JjI9MGIuOZHnyzJlWqTI-PTw1WQSRYFQraUssBnLjVBVdPBT6--V9qbUwdGN34DrquO13uO0W_kcxyfe0Z7pVBRTZ4lxvExWeDljG2jsUcycmUuB85E8XFkzKU=&amp;c=BekbDbwd0KyUvDlyaK7pnHL_IZ2p0ucLYz11DiJ0P9MMATfFsvzOCw==&amp;ch=fYpzShM8GXUZeMj29EcBwJgSPEyzEkhWB5gorY--ii54l-uS0JghwA==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Saline County: 4 new deaths, 110 new cases of COVID-19

Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson today addressed perceived threats posted on Facebook concerning election results. Following is his post on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaKSPD/">Salina Police Department</a> Facebook page:

We have recently been made aware of concerns that Salina citizens have regarding perceived threats being posted on Facebook commenting on opposing political party views regarding the election process and results. These concerns have been sent directly to city commissioners and to the police department via emails and Facebook messaging on our police department Facebook page. To be clear, this does not constitute making an official police report.

There does seem to be some confusion as to what constitutes a criminal offense regarding Facebook posts and what actions can be taken to address these concerns. It is my intention to address these concerns to the best of my ability. These are very troubling times our nation finds itself in and unfortunately our nation is deeply divided.

The First Amendment allows us as Americans the right to freedom of speech. Our forefathers could not have fathomed the power of social media to immediately voice one’s opinion to the world with a few strokes on a keyboard. This immense power, now at our fingertips, can and is used by many to acquire support or to diminish the value of another or the beliefs of many.

However, those that choose to post inappropriate messages on social media are not immune to civil or criminal prosecution if these posts contain messages that are determined in a court of law to be:

It is impossible to describe exactly what constitutes defamatory, threatening or indecent messages and that is why each complaint must be reviewed on its own merit. First by law enforcement and then a careful review by the Saline County Attorney who will ultimately decide whether criminal charges are appropriate.

To be clear, your police department does not actively monitor social media sites randomly nor does it continuously monitor social media threads to determine if crimes are being perpetuated. A citizen who believes that a social media post is criminal in nature must first report the incident to their police department. By far the majority of concerns regarding social media posts involved real or perceived threats of violence.

Please understand that it is very simple for someone to gather what may feel like personal information from your posts or social media profile on sites such as Facebook or Twitter. As it is for public consumption, it is not illegal to simply “grab” or screenshot that material and repost it or share it in other formats. Only you can control what information you wish for the general public to see and it is your responsibility to lock down your social media account(s) as you see fit.

I would encourage all citizens to allow tolerance for those who may have differing views points and simply not engage. Many posts are defamatory in nature with the expressed intent to garner a response and merely not responding is often times the best course of action.

If you feel that you are a crime victim as a result of a social media post directed at you, please contact the Salina Police department at 785- 826-7210 and request a report regarding your concerns.

Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson today addressed perceived threats posted on Facebook concerning election results. Following is his post on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaKSPD/">Salina Police Department</a> Facebook page:We have recently been made aware of concerns that Salina citizens have regarding perceived threats being posted on Facebook commenting on opposing political party views regarding the election process and results. These concerns have been sent directly to city commissioners and to the police department via emails and Facebook messaging on our police department Facebook page. To be clear, this does not constitute making an official police report.There does seem to be some confusion as to what constitutes a criminal offense regarding Facebook posts and what actions can be taken to address these concerns. It is my intention to address these concerns to the best of my ability. These are very troubling times our nation finds itself in and unfortunately our nation is deeply divided.The First Amendment allows us as Americans the right to freedom of speech. Our forefathers could not have fathomed the power of social media to immediately voice one’s opinion to the world with a few strokes on a keyboard. This immense power, now at our fingertips, can and is used by many to acquire support or to diminish the value of another or the beliefs of many. However, those that choose to post inappropriate messages on social media are not immune to civil or criminal prosecution if these posts contain messages that are determined in a court of law to be:➢ Defamatory and/or;➢ Threatening and/or;➢ IndecentIt is impossible to describe exactly what constitutes defamatory, threatening or indecent messages and that is why each complaint must be reviewed on its own merit. First by law enforcement and then a careful review by the Saline County Attorney who will ultimately decide whether criminal charges are appropriate.To be clear, your police department does not actively monitor social media sites randomly nor does it continuously monitor social media threads to determine if crimes are being perpetuated. A citizen who believes that a social media post is criminal in nature must first report the incident to their police department. By far the majority of concerns regarding social media posts involved real or perceived threats of violence. Please understand that it is very simple for someone to gather what may feel like personal information from your posts or social media profile on sites such as Facebook or Twitter. As it is for public consumption, it is not illegal to simply “grab” or screenshot that material and repost it or share it in other formats. Only you can control what information you wish for the general public to see and it is your responsibility to lock down your social media account(s) as you see fit.I would encourage all citizens to allow tolerance for those who may have differing views points and simply not engage. Many posts are defamatory in nature with the expressed intent to garner a response and merely not responding is often times the best course of action.If you feel that you are a crime victim as a result of a social media post directed at you, please contact the Salina Police department at 785- 826-7210 and request a report regarding your concerns.Chief Brad L. Nelson

Chief Nelson addresses concerns about perceived threats on Facebook

Congratulations to Gavin Aills, Salina, the Week 18 winner in the Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Gavin, who scored 18 out of 18, wins $100!

Although the post season has begun, you still have time to win!

<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up and play Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.

Throughout the season, Anesthesia Associates' Gridiron Glory on Salina Post gives you the opportunity to win weekly prizes.&nbsp;In addition to the weekly prizes, you can accumulate points throughout the pro football season toward winning the local grand prize of $1,000 and a national grand prize of a trip to Hawaii!

But remember: You can't win if you don't play! Are you up to the challenge? Play Anesthesia Associates'&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">Gridiron Glory</a>&nbsp;today!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599153961730.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Gavin Aills, Salina, the Week 18 winner in the Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Gavin, who scored 18 out of 18, wins $100!Although the post season has begun, you still have time to win!<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up and play Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.Throughout the season, Anesthesia Associates' Gridiron Glory on Salina Post gives you the opportunity to win weekly prizes.&nbsp;In addition to the weekly prizes, you can accumulate points throughout the pro football season toward winning the local grand prize of $1,000 and a national grand prize of a trip to Hawaii!But remember: You can't win if you don't play! Are you up to the challenge? Play Anesthesia Associates'&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">Gridiron Glory</a>&nbsp;today!

Gridiron Glory: Congrats Gavin Aills

Lawmakers also on hook for resources to meet obligations of Kansas Appleseed settlement

By SHERMAN SMITH Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA — Revelations of financial mismanagement at Saint Francis Ministries and the state’s handling of a whistleblower complaint could become the catalyst for installing an office of the child advocate.

The CEO of Saint Francis, the state’s largest foster care provider, resigned in November after an investigation revealed he hid financial losses from the board of directors, funneled $11 million to a business partner for faulty software, purchased $65,000 worth of Chicago Cubs tickets, and used the organization’s credit cards for personal expenses.

Some of those concerns were raised a year earlier in an anonymous letter sent by a Saint Francis employee to the Kansas Department for Children and Families. The agency responded by hiring a Topeka accounting firm to audit Saint Francis finances but didn’t alert the nonprofit’s board or lawmakers to the allegations.

Even before the scandal became public, lawmakers frustrated with years of turmoil in the foster care system had warmed up to the idea of installing an independent investigator to handle complaints and report back to the Legislature. Kansas Appleseed lobbied for an office of the child advocate a year ago, before the pandemic halted legislative action in March.

Mike Fonkert, campaign director for Kansas Appleseed, said he would challenge anyone to come up with a more effective oversight tool.

“Policymakers and advocates have really narrowed in on this office of the child advocate as the tool that, when established in an independent way, is something that can make a really robust, in-depth, big difference in our system,” Fonkert said. “You can see the system we have now, and it desperately needs more oversight.”

Kansas Appleseed also reached a settlement agreement with Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration in July for a lawsuit over instability within the foster care system. The Legislature now faces the responsibility of providing resources in a cash-strapped budget to ensure mental health, education and other foster care needs are met.

“The most important role the Legislature can play is to continue its emphasis on, oversight of and support for child welfare services,” said Mike Deines, spokesman for DCF. “Continuing to place public policy focus on child welfare is an important element in ensuring accountability across systems and will be critical to making progress the settlement agreement calls out.”

Deines said DCF plans to introduce several pieces of legislation this year, including proposals to waive work requirements for food assistance for children in foster care and to clarify that the agency doesn’t have to release information about the death of a foster child until criminal charges have been filed.

The agency also wants to create a pilot program that would pay the cost of driver’s education, licensure and motor vehicle insurance for children in state custody.

Sen. Richard Hilderbrand, a Republican from Galena, said establishing the office of the child advocate will be one of his top priorities as chairman of the Public Health and Welfare Committee.

“The challenge we will have,” he said, “is that we have to take great care in making sure that it isn’t just more fluff legislation and that it is crafted correctly and does what it is actually intended to do.”

Republicans would prefer to place the autonomous child advocate within the Kansas Attorney General’s office, and give it the authority to investigate concerns raised by foster parents, kinship parents, social workers and others who work within the foster care system. One proposal for appointing the child advocate calls for the governor and Supreme Court to make a recommendation that would require confirmation from the Legislature. The position would come with a six-year term and up to 10 staff members.

Morgan Rothenberger, spokeswoman for Saint Francis, said the organization values the concept of an ombudsman with increased accountability and transparency.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with an advocate who would offer an independent look at challenging cases and, most importantly, work toward systems improvements that would impact all of the children and families in care,” she said.

The governor hasn’t embraced the idea of adding independent oversight of her administration. She said the office of the child advocate wouldn’t have prevented the financial misconduct at Saint Francis, which she blamed on poor oversight by the Saint Francis board.

“That child advocate office would do nothing to change the dynamics between the CEO, the CFO and the board,” Kelly said. “I think that’s an internal issue for St. Francis, and certainly DCF is on it, with investigations and whatever else.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610396669700.jpeg" alt="An investigation by a Kansas City, Kansas, attorney substantiated claims of financial misconduct by Saint Francis Ministries CEO Robert Smith, leading to his departure from the organization in November. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>An investigation by a Kansas City, Kansas, attorney substantiated claims of financial misconduct by Saint Francis Ministries CEO Robert Smith, leading to his departure from the organization in November. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lawmakers also on hook for resources to meet obligations of Kansas Appleseed settlement</h2>By SHERMAN SMITH Kansas ReflectorTOPEKA — Revelations of financial mismanagement at Saint Francis Ministries and the state’s handling of a whistleblower complaint could become the catalyst for installing an office of the child advocate.The CEO of Saint Francis, the state’s largest foster care provider, resigned in November after an investigation revealed he hid financial losses from the board of directors, funneled $11 million to a business partner for faulty software, purchased $65,000 worth of Chicago Cubs tickets, and used the organization’s credit cards for personal expenses.Some of those concerns were raised a year earlier in an anonymous letter sent by a Saint Francis employee to the Kansas Department for Children and Families. The agency responded by hiring a Topeka accounting firm to audit Saint Francis finances but didn’t alert the nonprofit’s board or lawmakers to the allegations.Even before the scandal became public, lawmakers frustrated with years of turmoil in the foster care system had warmed up to the idea of installing an independent investigator to handle complaints and report back to the Legislature. Kansas Appleseed lobbied for an office of the child advocate a year ago, before the pandemic halted legislative action in March.Mike Fonkert, campaign director for Kansas Appleseed, said he would challenge anyone to come up with a more effective oversight tool.“Policymakers and advocates have really narrowed in on this office of the child advocate as the tool that, when established in an independent way, is something that can make a really robust, in-depth, big difference in our system,” Fonkert said. “You can see the system we have now, and it desperately needs more oversight.”Kansas Appleseed also reached a settlement agreement with Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration in July for a lawsuit over instability within the foster care system. The Legislature now faces the responsibility of providing resources in a cash-strapped budget to ensure mental health, education and other foster care needs are met.“The most important role the Legislature can play is to continue its emphasis on, oversight of and support for child welfare services,” said Mike Deines, spokesman for DCF. “Continuing to place public policy focus on child welfare is an important element in ensuring accountability across systems and will be critical to making progress the settlement agreement calls out.”Deines said DCF plans to introduce several pieces of legislation this year, including proposals to waive work requirements for food assistance for children in foster care and to clarify that the agency doesn’t have to release information about the death of a foster child until criminal charges have been filed.The agency also wants to create a pilot program that would pay the cost of driver’s education, licensure and motor vehicle insurance for children in state custody.Office of child advocateSen. Richard Hilderbrand, a Republican from Galena, said establishing the office of the child advocate will be one of his top priorities as chairman of the Public Health and Welfare Committee.“The challenge we will have,” he said, “is that we have to take great care in making sure that it isn’t just more fluff legislation and that it is crafted correctly and does what it is actually intended to do.”Republicans would prefer to place the autonomous child advocate within the Kansas Attorney General’s office, and give it the authority to investigate concerns raised by foster parents, kinship parents, social workers and others who work within the foster care system. One proposal for appointing the child advocate calls for the governor and Supreme Court to make a recommendation that would require confirmation from the Legislature. The position would come with a six-year term and up to 10 staff members.Morgan Rothenberger, spokeswoman for Saint Francis, said the organization values the concept of an ombudsman with increased accountability and transparency.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610396871749.jpeg" alt="Morgan Rothenberger, spokeswoman for Saint Francis Ministries, said the organization would welcome an independent advocate who could identify ways to improve the foster care system in Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Morgan Rothenberger, spokeswoman for Saint Francis Ministries, said the organization would welcome an independent advocate who could identify ways to improve the foster care system in Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“We welcome the opportunity to work with an advocate who would offer an independent look at challenging cases and, most importantly, work toward systems improvements that would impact all of the children and families in care,” she said.The governor hasn’t embraced the idea of adding independent oversight of her administration. She said the office of the child advocate wouldn’t have prevented the financial misconduct at Saint Francis, which she blamed on poor oversight by the Saint Francis board.“That child advocate office would do nothing to change the dynamics between the CEO, the CFO and the board,” Kelly said. “I think that’s an internal issue for St. Francis, and certainly DCF is on it, with investigations and whatever else.”Kelly also said when DCF reviews “what went wrong,” the agency will realize it should have gone to the board members with the whistleblower report.Fonkert said the child advocate would provide a place “for every perspective to be heard.”“The whistleblower went to DCF with a totally valid complaint, and we don’t hear about it for a year. Well, why was that?” he said. “If we can truly have an independent oversight mechanism, that is just there to protect kids, and make sure that things are done the right way, we’re going to get to the bottom of a lot of these situations”Sen. Pat Pettey, D-Kansas City, said children and parents who face crisis in the foster care system often feel like they get stonewalled when they voice concerns to DCF.“There’s only one place to go,” she said. “Now, I’m not sure that this would totally change that for them. But at least this would be thought of as more of an independent lens to look at those issues.”Jenny Kutz, spokeswoman for KVC Health Systems, said the office of the child advocate would duplicate checks and balances already established by federal and state regulations. Employees of the foster care provider are child advocates, too, she said.“We can understand why there is interest in an additional level of oversight since there have been challenges within Kansas child welfare over the last decade,” Kutz said. “We are equally concerned about those challenges and want to be part of rectifying problems and strengthening the system.”Appleseed settlementUnder the settlement agreement between the state and Kansas Appleseed, foster children no longer can be housed in offices, night-to-night placements must end, housing facilities cannot exceed capacity, and kids in state custody must get the mental health treatment they need.Kansas Appleseed filed the lawsuit in 2018, before Kelly took office, after a surge in the number of foster kids overwhelmed the system. The settlement addresses some of the problems that have long plagued the system, such as lowering the rate in which children are moved from one home to another.“The Appleseed lawsuit only confirms what we already knew,” Hilderbrand said. “Our foster care system has been failing for a long time. It is way past time for us to start making some meaningful progress to help the kids that are in our custody.”A federal judge will retain oversight of the case to ensure compliance.Teresa Woody, litigation director for Kansas Appleseed, said the settlement was designed to give the state flexibility in how to achieve proper outcomes for children.“I think you’ll find that, yes, it’s going to take some additional resources to have programs that keep kids in school, those kinds of things,” Woody said. “There may need to be an investment in foster care training.”Betty Rush, a licensed master social worker and regional vice president for Saint Francis, said the organization is already working with DCF to improve services.“We know that children and teenagers have a better chance of success if they are able to remain in a stable, homelike environment, preferably with family members but also with foster or adoptive parents,” Rush said. “It’s also critical that needed support services are accessible.”Kutz, the KVC spokeswoman, said the lawsuit was a result of the surge in the number of kids in foster care, combined with “a debilitating lack of funding.”Legislation passed under former Gov. Sam Brownback denied poor families access to food assistance and other support measures, which contributed to a 43% increase in the number of children in the foster care system.In 2016, the state slashed Medicaid reimbursement rates and cut funding for community health centers. And for several years under&nbsp;Brownback and Gov. Jeff Colyer, DCF secretly withheld millions in payments to Saint Francis and KVC.The Legislature could help strengthen child welfare, Kutz said, by expanding coverage to KanCare, as Medicaid is known in Kansas, and by increasing rates paid to mental health and substance use treatment providers.“There is a lack of timely, high-quality, consistent mental health services for kids in foster care,” Kutz said. “This is due in large part to the insufficient rates paid through KanCare to community mental health centers, private practice providers, and in-home providers. Children need to be able to access the right providers in their local areas with the right openings.”The above story was reprinted with permission from <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>.Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature. He spent 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal, where he started on the copy desk, then oversaw digital operations, was the managing editor and reported from the Statehouse.