Kansas Wesleyan University on Thursday announced its fall honor rolls, a listing of 264 students across two separate honor rolls.&nbsp;

Full-time students who accumulated a 3.75 grade point average or better during the fall semester were named to the President’s Honor Roll, while those who posted a GPA between 3.25–3.74 this past semester were selected to the Dean’s Honor Roll.

“To be named to a honor roll is always a great accomplishment,” said Dr. Damon Kraft, KWU Provost. “However, to accomplish this feat during a global pandemic -- a time of uncertainty, stress and change – is true excellence. We salute all of these individuals!”

President’s Honor Roll (Fall 2020)

Fraser Boyd (Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia)

Ethan Kickhaefer&nbsp;<a>(Salina, Kan.)</a>

Kansas Wesleyan University on Thursday announced its fall honor rolls, a listing of 264 students across two separate honor rolls.&nbsp;Full-time students who accumulated a 3.75 grade point average or better during the fall semester were named to the President’s Honor Roll, while those who posted a GPA between 3.25–3.74 this past semester were selected to the Dean’s Honor Roll.“To be named to a honor roll is always a great accomplishment,” said Dr. Damon Kraft, KWU Provost. “However, to accomplish this feat during a global pandemic -- a time of uncertainty, stress and change – is true excellence. We salute all of these individuals!”A full listing of names appears below.President’s Honor Roll (Fall 2020)Paige Anderson (Lakeville, Minn.)Meredith Angelotti (Shawnee, Kan.)Makenzie Archer (McPherson, Kan.)Kelcie Bailey (Fort Scott, Kan.)Andrew Ball (McKinney, Texas)Sydney Barrett (Beloit, Kan.)Jessyka Barten (Woodbine, Kan.)Cameron Becker (Coffeyville, Kan.)Madyson Beckett (Halstead, Kan.)Karley Benson (Salina, Kan.)Landon Berquist (Lawrence, Kan.)Daisy Bingham (Huntington Beach, Calif.)Lauren Blue (Arlington, Texas)Allison Blumenthal (Temecula, Calif.)Micah Bolton (Ellsworth, Kan.)Alexander Botz (Salina, Kan.)Fraser Boyd (Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia)Courtney Brockhoff (Hiawatha, Kan.)Sydney Brown (Tucson, Ariz.)Taylor Brundidge (Mesquite, Texas)Morgan Bryand (Wichita, Kan.)Zachary Cepure&nbsp; (Lincoln, Neb.)Amanda Cheney (Rexford, Kan.)Samantha Chesser (Wichita, Kan.)Autumn Colgin (Canton, Kan.)Katie Comley (Sterling, Kan.)Nelson Cook (Salina, Kan.)Paola Cordova (El Paso, Texas)Byron Cox (Allen, Texas)Michaela Crowe (Shawnee Mission, Kan.)Tabetha Deines (Salina, Kan.)Hailey Delisle (Herington, Kan.)Dalayna Demarte (Rocklin, Calif.)Caleb Demel (Salina, Kan.)Avery DeWalt (Keller, Texas)Peter Dilley (Mesa, Ari.)Tyler Doherty (Salina, Kan.)William Dryburgh (Saint Joseph, Mo.)Trey Duffey (Topeka, Kan.)Noah Eichelberger (Moundridge, Kan.)Kennedy Elliott (Bartlesville, Okla.)Madison Elskamp (Topeka, Kan.)Alexander Escobedo (Salina, Kan.)Janell Fellers (Assaria, Kan.)Lauren Flowers (Overland Park, Kan.)Spencer Foley (Lancaster, Calif.)Tara Fox (Frankfort, Kan.)Autumn Freidhof (Salina, Kan.)Trey Gilbert (Holcomb, Kan.)Hannah Goetz (Salina, Kan.)Ronald Griffin III (Stinnett, Texas)Izaiah Grogan (Concordia, Kan.)Nicolas Hanenberg (Pueblo, Colo.)Dillon Harriger (Kearney, Mo.)Hannah Hart (Ventura, Calif.)Jeffrey Hendrixson (Haven, Kan.)Todd Humiston (Salina, Kan.)Chelsea James (Wichita, Kan.)Heidi Jones (Plainville, Kan.)Nolan Jones (Plainville, Kan.)Jalen Jones (Katy, Texas)Ryann Kats (Prairie View, Kan.)Ethan Kickhaefer&nbsp;<a>(Salina, Kan.)</a>Eryk Kyser (Caney, Kan.)Evan Lambert (Salina, Kan.)Taylor Lang (Hutchinson, Kan.)Diana Lara (Salina, Kan.)Jacob Lovell (Junction City, Kan.)Alison Magni (Santa Maria, Calif.)Stephanie Martinez (Horizon City, Texas)Jackson Maupin (Argyle, Texas)Allisan McGowan (Pratt, Kan.)Brianna Mendoza (Balch Springs, Texas)Nathan Mercer (Topeka, Kan.)Steven Merrill (Arvada, Colo.)Dylan Michieli (Tracy, Calif.)Emily Monson (Cheney, Kan.)Cody Montanez (Santa Rosa, Calif.)Delaney Nash (Salina, Kan.)Reese Nebel (Hesston, Kan.)Thanh Vu Nguyen (Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam)Maddison Nowlin (Salina, Kan.)Jordan Ott (Austin, Texas)Mariam Oubaid (Salina, Kan.)Samuel Overbey (Leavenworth, Kan.)Lane Peters (Scandia, Kan.)Emma Ramberg (Topeka, Kan.)Kirsten Redfern (Keller, Texas)Regan Rhodes (Mullinville, Kan.)Kyle Rice (Topeka, Kan.)Brenna Rich (Mission Viejo, Calif.)Aidan Richmond (Keller, Texas)Kelsey Ripperger (Hastings, Neb.)Paige Robinson (Orange, Calif.)Haylie Rodriguez (Salina, Kan.)Bianca Sanchez (Frisco, Texas)Claire Schmidt (Salina, Kan.)Noah Schneider (Topeka, Kan.)Amber Schreiber (Las Vegas, Nev.)Audrey Sineath (Lawrence, Kan.)Jayme Sloan (Asbury, Mo.)Sydnee Smith (Hutchinson, Kan.)Avery Smith (Leawood, Kan.)Jessica Smith (Salina, Kan.)Jacob Sohm (Russell, Kan.)Ethan Speer (Salina, Kan.)Tara Stubits (Topeka, Kan.)Ashley Taylor (Salina, Kan.)Emma Turner (Topeka, Kan.)Alexis Utz (Kansas City, Mo.)Sisipako Vehikite (Santa Clara, Calif.)Brianna Wallace (Riverside, Calif.)Thomas Waltz (Niceville, Fla.)Molly Watson (Loveland, Colo.)Trevor Watson (Coffeyville, Kan.)Paige Welk (Laguna Niguel, Calif.)Matthew Whitsitt (Newton, Kan.)Austin Wiley (San Antonio, Texas)Karlie Will (Wichita, Kan.)Anna Williams (Crandall, Texas)Elizabeth Willison (Moore, Okla.)Abby Wray (Wichita, Kan.)Dean’s Honor RollMalakye Adams (Victoria, Texas)Katelynn Ade (Salina, Kan.)Mcginnis Albert (Boca Raton, Fla.)Carmen Angulo (Long Beach, Calif.)Clayton Aultman (Roanoke, Texas)Ethan Badders (Salina, Kan.)Justin Bailey (Yorba Linda, Calif.)Anthony Bargas Jr. (Pittsburg, Calif.)Carlee Becker (Henderson, Nev.)Austin Becker (Garland, Texas)Nathaniel Beers (Port Orchard, Wash.)David Bellin (Berlin, Germany)Julissa Bermudez (Dallas, Texas)Kelli Bowles (Lindsborg, Kan.)Bryce Boyd (Oklahoma City, Okla.)Noah Brennan (Salina, Kan.)Shane Calvin (Lakin, Kan.)Mason Catterson (Tucson, Ari.)Bryden Cole (Salina, Kan.)Morgan Cossairt (Lenexa, Kan.)Tyler Davis (Spring, Texas)David Dean (Okemah, Okla.)Josie Deckinger (Wichita, Kan.)Trent Dewyer (Albuquerque, N.M.)Jordan Dupre (Little Elm, Texas)Dylan Epke (Wichita, Kan.)Peyton Farrington (Sachse, Texas)Caleb Fistler (El Dorado, Kan.)Grace Gallagher (Arvada, Colo.)Daniella Gaona (Clifton, Texas)Freddie Garcia (Palmdale, Calif.)Riley Goertzen (Salina, Kan.)Tyler Goodwin (Covina, Calif.)Billy Granzow (Herington, Kan.)Maysin Griffith (Salina, Kan.)Emma Griffith (Valley, Neb.)Taylor Grzywacz-Carnes (Simi Valley, Calif.)Lezlie Guerrero (Whittier, Calif.)Ivis Gutierrez Lopez (Los Angeles, Calif.)Kaleb Hagans (Hays, Kan.)Hayleigh Hale-Haggard (Allen, Texas)Cleon Hamilton (Chico, Calif.)Cortney Hanna (Lawrence, Kan.)Kaleigh Hanzlick (Hoisington, Kan.)Nolan Harris (Lexington, Mo.)Paden Hazuga (San Diego, Calif.)Kennedy Herbel (Salina, Kan.)Kevin Herman (Wichita, Kan.)Brianna Hernandez-Silva (Las Vegas, Nev.)Kelsey Hett (Lincolnville. Kan.)Clay Hickey (Virginia Beach, Va.)Caila Hill (Rossville, Kan.)Linda Himes (Texarkana, Ark.)Bradyn Houltberg (Salina, Kan.)Tammy Houston (Cleveland, Texas)Brianna Hull (Wichita, Kan.)Chardinee Hunkin (Harker Heights, Texas)Easton Hunter (Colwich, Kan.)Tia Jackson (Sutter, Calif.)Noah James (Lexington, Ky.)Destin Kimball (Olathe, Kan.)Aaron King (Yates Center, Kan.)Hinamalailena Kua (Hilo, Hawaii)Ashton Larza (Crandall, Texas)Payton Latney (Wichita, Kan.)Ryan Lee (Sugar Land, Texas)Alexandra Liles (Salina, Kan.)Tory Lublin Jr. (Escondido, Calif.)Bryan Martell (Salina, Kan.)Tyler Martin (Phillipsburg, Kan.)Sierra Martinez (Manteca, Calif.)Trevor Matthews (Wildomar, Calif.)Rachael McWilliams (Leavenworth, Kan.)Nalomeli Memea (Imperial Beach, Calif.)Bailey Menges (Colby, Kan.)Della Mettlen (Salina, Kan.)Linda Miranda (Oxnard, Calif.)Jenna Morford (Haviland, Kan.)John Murdock Jr. (Wichita, Kan.)Austin Musselman (Catoosa, Okla.)Christopher Nam (Honolulu, Hawaii)Brian Nelson (Jamestown, Kan.)Aaron Nitka (Waurika, Okla.)Ruth Nkulu (Seneca, Kan.)Savannah Noel (Portis, Kan.)Madeline Norrell (Chandler, Okla.)Parker Norton (Salina, Kan.)Adreah Novotny (Clay Center, Kan.)Trevor Oberg (McCook, Neb.)Emilly Ortega Fernandes (Spring, Texas)Sven Otterness (Rochester, Minn.)Elijah Parmenter (Wichita, Kan.)Megan Peeler (Russell, Kan.)Thalia Ramirez (Leawood, Kan.)Emily Rank (Overland Park, Kan.)Samantha Reese (Scranton, Pa.)Valaree Reyes (Round Rock, Texas)Shelby Riggins (Topeka, Kan.)Isaac Robinson (Fountain, Colo.)Carlos Rodriguez-Garcia (Silverton, Ore.)Samantha Rossin (Castle Rock, Colo.)Dylan Ruder (Hays, Kan.)Riley Rudio (Los Angeles, Calif.)Joshua Sandoval (Glendale, Ari.)Kristen Sayyalinh (Loves Park, Ill.)Sarah Scarbrough-Walker (San Antonio, Texas)Elizabeth Schaefer (Lyons, Kan.)Maggie Schneider (Chase, Kan.)Dalton Schuette (Colby, Kan.)Steele Schweinebraten (Las Cruces, N.M.)Jordyn Scott (Miltonvale, Kan.)Zizi Sebrant (Moundridge, Kan.)Zofia Selwesiuk Katy (Wroclawskie, Poland)Jasmine Senechal (Maryville, Tenn.)Connor Shindoll (Delmar, N.Y.)Mariah Sigala (South El Monte, Calif.)Luis Simbron (Miami, Fla.)Storm Slupianek (Marysville, Kan.)Alyssa Stachura (Glendale, Ari.)Haley Staroscik (Deshler, Neb.)Bryce Stephenson (Garland, Texas)Christian Stevens (Wakefield, Kan.)Brett Stindt (Belleville, Kan.)Justin Sullivan (Salina, Kan.)Mackenzie Sweet (Parker, Colo.)Makenzie Teeter (Clearwater, Kan.)Ethan Thompson (Olathe, Kan.)Eli Truhe (Salina, Kan.)Kiana Turner (Quapaw, Okla.)Caleb Ubel (Wheaton, Kan.)Albert Vasquez III (Dallas, Texas)Jessica Vegely (Mariposa, Calif.)Ethan Vikander (Aberdeen, S.D.)Michael Vongphakdy (Salina, Kan.)Joshua Walker (Mukwonago, Wis.)Brianna Ward (Basehor, Kan.)Kristen Watson (Holyrood, Kan.)Payton Whaler (Sublette, Kan.)Taylor Wiley (San Antonio, Texas)Stefany Wilson (Salina, Kan.)Ethan Wilson (Marietta, Okla.)Preston Yurt (Fort Collins, Colo.)--<a href="http://kwu.edu">KWU</a>--

Kansas Wesleyan announces 2020 Fall Honor Rolls

Today is Friday, Jan. 8, the eighth day of 2021. There are 357 days left in the year. 

On Jan. 8, 1998, Ramzi Yousef, the mastermind of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, was sentenced in New York to life in prison without the possibility of parole. 

In 1815, the last major engagement of the War of 1812 came to an end as U.S. forces defeated the British in the Battle of New Orleans, not having gotten word of the signing of a peace treaty. 

In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson outlined his Fourteen Points for lasting peace after World War I. Mississippi became the first state to ratify the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, which established Prohibition. 

In 1935, rock-and-roll legend Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. 

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson, in his State of the Union address, declared an "unconditional war on poverty in America." 

In 1968, the Otis Redding single "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released on the Volt label almost a month after the singer's death in a plane crash. 

In 1973, the Paris peace talks between the United States and North Vietnam resumed. 

In 1982, American Telephone and Telegraph settled the Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against it by agreeing to divest itself of the 22 Bell System companies. 

In 1994, Tonya Harding won the ladies' U.S. Figure Skating Championship in Detroit, a day after Nancy Kerrigan dropped out because of the clubbing attack that had injured her right knee. (The U.S. Figure Skating Association later stripped Harding of the title.)

In 1997, the state of Arkansas put three men to death in the second triple execution since capital punishment was reinstated in 1976. (The first also occurred in Arkansas, in 1994.)

In 2004, A U.S. Black Hawk medivac helicopter crashed near Fallujah, Iraq, killing all nine soldiers aboard. 

In 2006, the first funerals were held in West Virginia for the 12 miners who'd died in the Sago Mine disaster six days earlier. 

In 2008, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton powered to victory in New Hampshire's 2008 Democratic primary in a startling upset, defeating Sen. Barack Obama and resurrecting her bid for the White House; Sen. John McCain defeated his Republican rivals to move back into contention for the GOP nomination. 

Ten years ago: U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., was shot and critically wounded when a gunman opened fire as the congresswoman met with constituents in Tucson; six people were killed, 12 others also injured. (Gunman Jared Lee Loughner was sentenced in November 2012 to seven consecutive life sentences, plus 140 years.)

Five years ago: Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, the world's most-wanted drug lord, was captured for a third time in a daring raid by Mexican marines, six months after walking through a tunnel to freedom from a maximum security prison in a made-for-Hollywood escape that deeply embarrassed the government and strained ties with the United States.

One year ago: Iran struck back at the United States for killing Iran's top military commander, firing missiles at two Iraqi military bases housing American troops; more than 100 U.S. service members were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries after the attack. As Iran braced for a counterattack, the country's Revolutionary Guard shot down a Ukrainian jetliner after apparently mistaking it for a missile; all 176 people on board were killed, including 82 Iranians and more than 50 Canadians. South Korea said it had put a Chinese woman under isolated treatment amid concerns that she had brought back the virus that had sickened dozens in mainland China and Hong Kong. Britain's Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, said they planned to "step back" as senior members of the royal family while balancing their time between the U.K. and North America. Screenwriter and actor Buck Henry, who co-wrote and appeared in "The Graduate," died in Los Angeles at the age of 89.

Today's Birthdays: Actor-comedian Larry Storch is 98. Former CBS newsman Charles Osgood is 88. Singer Shirley Bassey is 84. Game show host Bob Eubanks is 83. Country-gospel singer Cristy Lane is 81. Rhythm-and-blues singer Anthony Gourdine (Little Anthony and the Imperials) is 80. Actor Yvette Mimieux is 79. Singer Juanita Cowart Motley (The Marvelettes) is 77. Actor Kathleen Noone is 76. Rock musician Robby Krieger (The Doors) is 75. Movie director John McTiernan is 70. Actor Harriet Sansom Harris is 66. Actor Ron Cephas Jones is 64. Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is 63. Singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith is 57. Actor Michelle Forbes is 56. Actor Maria Pitillo is 55. Singer R. Kelly is 54. Rock musician Jeff Abercrombie (Fuel) is 52. Actor Ami Dolenz is 52. Reggae singer Sean Paul is 48. Actor Donnell Turner is 48. Country singer Tift Merritt is 46. Actor-rock singer Jenny Lewis is 45. Actor Amber Benson is 44. Actor Scott Whyte is 43. Singer-songwriter Erin McCarley is 42. Actor Sarah Polley is 42. Actor Rachel Nichols is 41. Actor Gaby Hoffman is 39. Rock musician Disashi Lumumbo-Kasongo (Gym Class Heroes) is 38. Actor Cynthia Erivo is 34. Actor Freddie Stroma is 34.

<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 Friday, Jan. 8, the eighth day of 2021. There are 357 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Jan. 8, 1998, Ramzi Yousef, the mastermind of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, was sentenced in New York to life in prison without the possibility of parole. On this date: In 1815, the last major engagement of the War of 1812 came to an end as U.S. forces defeated the British in the Battle of New Orleans, not having gotten word of the signing of a peace treaty. In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson outlined his Fourteen Points for lasting peace after World War I. Mississippi became the first state to ratify the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, which established Prohibition. In 1935, rock-and-roll legend Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson, in his State of the Union address, declared an "unconditional war on poverty in America." In 1968, the Otis Redding single "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released on the Volt label almost a month after the singer's death in a plane crash. In 1973, the Paris peace talks between the United States and North Vietnam resumed. In 1982, American Telephone and Telegraph settled the Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against it by agreeing to divest itself of the 22 Bell System companies. In 1994, Tonya Harding won the ladies' U.S. Figure Skating Championship in Detroit, a day after Nancy Kerrigan dropped out because of the clubbing attack that had injured her right knee. (The U.S. Figure Skating Association later stripped Harding of the title.)In 1997, the state of Arkansas put three men to death in the second triple execution since capital punishment was reinstated in 1976. (The first also occurred in Arkansas, in 1994.)In 2004, A U.S. Black Hawk medivac helicopter crashed near Fallujah, Iraq, killing all nine soldiers aboard. In 2006, the first funerals were held in West Virginia for the 12 miners who'd died in the Sago Mine disaster six days earlier. In 2008, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton powered to victory in New Hampshire's 2008 Democratic primary in a startling upset, defeating Sen. Barack Obama and resurrecting her bid for the White House; Sen. John McCain defeated his Republican rivals to move back into contention for the GOP nomination. Ten years ago: U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., was shot and critically wounded when a gunman opened fire as the congresswoman met with constituents in Tucson; six people were killed, 12 others also injured. (Gunman Jared Lee Loughner was sentenced in November 2012 to seven consecutive life sentences, plus 140 years.) Five years ago: Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, the world's most-wanted drug lord, was captured for a third time in a daring raid by Mexican marines, six months after walking through a tunnel to freedom from a maximum security prison in a made-for-Hollywood escape that deeply embarrassed the government and strained ties with the United States. One year ago: Iran struck back at the United States for killing Iran's top military commander, firing missiles at two Iraqi military bases housing American troops; more than 100 U.S. service members were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries after the attack. As Iran braced for a counterattack, the country's Revolutionary Guard shot down a Ukrainian jetliner after apparently mistaking it for a missile; all 176 people on board were killed, including 82 Iranians and more than 50 Canadians. South Korea said it had put a Chinese woman under isolated treatment amid concerns that she had brought back the virus that had sickened dozens in mainland China and Hong Kong. Britain's Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, said they planned to "step back" as senior members of the royal family while balancing their time between the U.K. and North America. Screenwriter and actor Buck Henry, who co-wrote and appeared in "The Graduate," died in Los Angeles at the age of 89. Today's Birthdays: Actor-comedian Larry Storch is 98. Former CBS newsman Charles Osgood is 88. Singer Shirley Bassey is 84. Game show host Bob Eubanks is 83. Country-gospel singer Cristy Lane is 81. Rhythm-and-blues singer Anthony Gourdine (Little Anthony and the Imperials) is 80. Actor Yvette Mimieux is 79. Singer Juanita Cowart Motley (The Marvelettes) is 77. Actor Kathleen Noone is 76. Rock musician Robby Krieger (The Doors) is 75. Movie director John McTiernan is 70. Actor Harriet Sansom Harris is 66. Actor Ron Cephas Jones is 64. Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is 63. Singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith is 57. Actor Michelle Forbes is 56. Actor Maria Pitillo is 55. Singer R. Kelly is 54. Rock musician Jeff Abercrombie (Fuel) is 52. Actor Ami Dolenz is 52. Reggae singer Sean Paul is 48. Actor Donnell Turner is 48. Country singer Tift Merritt is 46. Actor-rock singer Jenny Lewis is 45. Actor Amber Benson is 44. Actor Scott Whyte is 43. Singer-songwriter Erin McCarley is 42. Actor Sarah Polley is 42. Actor Rachel Nichols is 41. Actor Gaby Hoffman is 39. Rock musician Disashi Lumumbo-Kasongo (Gym Class Heroes) is 38. Actor Cynthia Erivo is 34. Actor Freddie Stroma is 34.

Today in History -- Jan. 8

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department this evening reported 72 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, bringing the county total to 2,617.

Of that total, 1,475 cases have either met recovery guidelines or have died, and 20 of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department reported.

Following is the updated case data as provided by the health department.

• New cases since last public release: 72

• Deaths: 31 -Male: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39, 91, 92, 52, 80, 30, 72, 82, 88, 85, 77, 89, 82, 78, 64, 85 -Female: 92, 89, 94, 66, 82, 91, 84, 90

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department this evening reported 72 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, bringing the county total to 2,617.Of that total, 1,475 cases have either met recovery guidelines or have died, and 20 of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department reported.Following is the updated case data as provided by the health department.• New cases since last public release: 72• Asymptomatic: 61• Unknown exposure: 1193• Cases 60 years old and above: 836• Cases 50-59 years old: 366• Cases 40-49 years old: 328• Cases 30-39 years old: 322• Cases 18-29 years old: 524• Cases under 18 years old: 241• Female cases: 1382• Male cases: 1235• Total hospitalizations: 99• Total ventilated cases: 10• Deaths: 31 -Male: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39, 91, 92, 52, 80, 30, 72, 82, 88, 85, 77, 89, 82, 78, 64, 85 -Female: 92, 89, 94, 66, 82, 91, 84, 90

McPherson County reports 72 new cases of COVID-19

TOPEKA — Thirty-two first-year educators from Kansas are being recognized for their outstanding teaching skills through the 2021 Kansas Horizon Award program.

The 2021 Kansas Horizon Award recipients were announced today by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).

The Kansas Horizon Award program, sponsored by KSDE, gives all school districts in the state an opportunity to nominate one elementary and one secondary teacher for the award. To be eligible for the award, teachers must have successfully completed their first year of teaching and have performed in such a way as to distinguish themselves as outstanding.

The program is a regional competition with four regions corresponding to the state’s U.S. congressional districts. Four elementary and four secondary classroom teachers may be selected for the award from each region.

Recipients of the 2021 Kansas Horizon Award were notified of their selection by Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson.

“I want to commend these outstanding educators,” Watson said. "Thanks to the pandemic, this group has experienced anything but a typical first year in the teaching profession. And to be singled out by their districts for their extraordinary performance makes me both proud and excited to have them in Kansas classrooms.”

Larrah Bills, Heusner Elementary School, Salina USD 305

Hanna Lehr, Buhler High School, Buhler USD 313

Shelby Mann, Norton Community High School, Norton Community Schools USD 211

Sam Pahls, Prairie Hills Middle School, Buhler USD 313

Nicholas Preheim, Hutchinson STEM Magnet School at Allen, Hutchinson USD 308

Elizabeth Ratzlaff, Moundridge Middle/High School, Moundridge USD 423

Paige Stewart, Hutchinson Middle School, Hutchinson USD 308

Sarah Wedel, Park Elementary School, Lyons USD 405

Spencer Feldkamp, Ottawa High School, Ottawa USD 290

Lindsay Francis, Lincoln Elementary School, Fredonia USD 484

Allyson Gilmore, Lawrence Free State High School, Lawrence USD 497

Sarah Kennedy, West Indianola Elementary School, Seaman USD 345

Haydee Martinez Bretado, Scott Dual Language Magnet, Topeka USD 501

Ruochen Shen, Eudora High School, Eudora USD 491

Tricia Wyckoff, Southeast Elementary School, Southeast USD 247

Dr. David Yoo, Baldwin High School, Baldwin USD 348

Sydney Clarke, Wheatridge Middle School, Gardner Edgerton USD 231

Molly Dugan, Spring Hill Middle School, Spring Hill USD 230

Kassidy Evans, Blue Valley Northwest High School, Blue Valley USD 229

Rachel Leonard, F.L. Schlagle High School, Kansas City USD 500

Kelsey Mackeprang, Junction Elementary School, Turner USD 202

Emily Mauer, Timber Creek Elementary School, Blue Valley USD 229

Abigail Morris, Stony Point North Elementary School, Kansas City USD 500

Susan Specht, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, Shawnee Mission USD 512.

Micaela Heinrich, Maize South High School, Maize USD 266

Brooke Hernandez, Andover Middle School, Andover USD 385

Victoria Hoerst, Wheatland Elementary School, Andover USD 385

Candice Michaud, Haysville West Middle School, Haysville USD 261

Shonna Miller, Rex Elementary School, Haysville USD 261

Alison Nikkel, Hesston Elementary School, Hesston USD 460

Madison Sites, Pray-Woodman Elementary School, Maize USD 266

Rebekah Wendland, Derby High School, Derby USD 260

As recipients of the Kansas Horizon Award, these educators are invited to join the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN), a network of educators from around the state who have been formally recognized for exemplary performance. Members of KEEN have an opportunity to network with other outstanding educators and participate in several professional development programs throughout the year.

Each awardee will receive a cash award sponsored by The Capitol Federal Foundation.&nbsp;

TOPEKA — Thirty-two first-year educators from Kansas are being recognized for their outstanding teaching skills through the 2021 Kansas Horizon Award program.The 2021 Kansas Horizon Award recipients were announced today by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).The Kansas Horizon Award program, sponsored by KSDE, gives all school districts in the state an opportunity to nominate one elementary and one secondary teacher for the award. To be eligible for the award, teachers must have successfully completed their first year of teaching and have performed in such a way as to distinguish themselves as outstanding.The program is a regional competition with four regions corresponding to the state’s U.S. congressional districts. Four elementary and four secondary classroom teachers may be selected for the award from each region.Recipients of the 2021 Kansas Horizon Award were notified of their selection by Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson.“I want to commend these outstanding educators,” Watson said. "Thanks to the pandemic, this group has experienced anything but a typical first year in the teaching profession. And to be singled out by their districts for their extraordinary performance makes me both proud and excited to have them in Kansas classrooms.”<h2>2021 KANSAS HORIZON AWARD RECIPIENTS</h2>Region 1Larrah Bills, Heusner Elementary School, Salina USD 305<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FUSD305%2Fvideos%2F3692889660749853%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>Hanna Lehr, Buhler High School, Buhler USD 313Shelby Mann, Norton Community High School, Norton Community Schools USD 211Sam Pahls, Prairie Hills Middle School, Buhler USD 313Nicholas Preheim, Hutchinson STEM Magnet School at Allen, Hutchinson USD 308Elizabeth Ratzlaff, Moundridge Middle/High School, Moundridge USD 423Paige Stewart, Hutchinson Middle School, Hutchinson USD 308Sarah Wedel, Park Elementary School, Lyons USD 405Region 2Spencer Feldkamp, Ottawa High School, Ottawa USD 290Lindsay Francis, Lincoln Elementary School, Fredonia USD 484Allyson Gilmore, Lawrence Free State High School, Lawrence USD 497Sarah Kennedy, West Indianola Elementary School, Seaman USD 345Haydee Martinez Bretado, Scott Dual Language Magnet, Topeka USD 501Ruochen Shen, Eudora High School, Eudora USD 491Tricia Wyckoff, Southeast Elementary School, Southeast USD 247Dr. David Yoo, Baldwin High School, Baldwin USD 348Region 3Sydney Clarke, Wheatridge Middle School, Gardner Edgerton USD 231Molly Dugan, Spring Hill Middle School, Spring Hill USD 230Kassidy Evans, Blue Valley Northwest High School, Blue Valley USD 229Rachel Leonard, F.L. Schlagle High School, Kansas City USD 500Kelsey Mackeprang, Junction Elementary School, Turner USD 202Emily Mauer, Timber Creek Elementary School, Blue Valley USD 229Abigail Morris, Stony Point North Elementary School, Kansas City USD 500Susan Specht, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, Shawnee Mission USD 512.Region 4Micaela Heinrich, Maize South High School, Maize USD 266Brooke Hernandez, Andover Middle School, Andover USD 385Victoria Hoerst, Wheatland Elementary School, Andover USD 385Candice Michaud, Haysville West Middle School, Haysville USD 261Shonna Miller, Rex Elementary School, Haysville USD 261Alison Nikkel, Hesston Elementary School, Hesston USD 460Madison Sites, Pray-Woodman Elementary School, Maize USD 266Rebekah Wendland, Derby High School, Derby USD 260As recipients of the Kansas Horizon Award, these educators are invited to join the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN), a network of educators from around the state who have been formally recognized for exemplary performance. Members of KEEN have an opportunity to network with other outstanding educators and participate in several professional development programs throughout the year.Each awardee will receive a cash award sponsored by The Capitol Federal Foundation.&nbsp;

🎥UPDATE: Heusner's Bills among 2021 KS Horizon Award recipients

UPDATE: Corrects the number of people who can gather in an indoor space.

The Saline County public health order to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 has been extended.

After consulting with hospital, healthcare, and local government officials, Saline County Health Officer Jason Tiller has determined that a 15-day extension of the existing public health order is necessary, according to information from the county.

The order is effective at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday and will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2021, unless extended, rescinded or modified prior to that date.

According to the order, no group of more than 15 people can gather within any indoor space within Saline County, with exception of specific types of businesses, establishments, or spaces noted in the order.

Outdoor gatherings "shall maintain social distancing to the maximum extent possible and any individuals who are not actively participating in a sporting activity shall wear a face covering," the order indicates.

UPDATE: Corrects the number of people who can gather in an indoor space.The Saline County public health order to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 has been extended.After consulting with hospital, healthcare, and local government officials, Saline County Health Officer Jason Tiller has determined that a 15-day extension of the existing public health order is necessary, according to information from the county.The order is effective at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday and will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2021, unless extended, rescinded or modified prior to that date.According to the order, no group of more than 15 people can gather within any indoor space within Saline County, with exception of specific types of businesses, establishments, or spaces noted in the order.Outdoor gatherings "shall maintain social distancing to the maximum extent possible and any individuals who are not actively participating in a sporting activity shall wear a face covering," the order indicates.Following is a copy of the full order.<figure>
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UPDATE: Saline County extends COVID-19 public health order

Saline County Commissioners on Tuesday approved awarding&nbsp; Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus Relief Grant (CDBG-CV) dollars to 12 businesses in Saline County. 

Saline County was awarded $132,000 in CDBG-CV dollars in July of 2020. Of that amount, $120,000 was to be used for economic development in light of the coronavirus pandemic and $12,000 for grant administration by the North Central Regional Planning Commission.

These grant dollars were to be used specifically for businesses outside of the city limits of Salina and for businesses that retained employees that met low-to-moderate-income thresholds. A total of 13 businesses submitted applications and went through the rigorous verification process. In the end, 12 of those businesses were selected by an appointed committee that reviewed the applications to receive grant funds for working capital for business retention, according to information released by the county. 

Businesses that were provided grant awards include&nbsp;Midwest Sticker Shop, Central States Industrial Services, BEL Tree Farm. Blue Barn Door, Olson Rentals, Gypsum Flea Market, Olson Financial Services, Exit 14 Restaurant, Gypsum Valley Loomix, Huebele Farms, K4 Garage, and The Spotlight, the county noted.

“We know that this funding is a small drop in the bucket compared to the losses local businesses have suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic; but we are thankful to the State of Kansas for this award so that we can funnel what money we can into the Saline County business community,” said Commission Chair Robert Vidricksen.

Saline County Commissioners on Tuesday approved awarding&nbsp; Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus Relief Grant (CDBG-CV) dollars to 12 businesses in Saline County. Saline County was awarded $132,000 in CDBG-CV dollars in July of 2020. Of that amount, $120,000 was to be used for economic development in light of the coronavirus pandemic and $12,000 for grant administration by the North Central Regional Planning Commission.These grant dollars were to be used specifically for businesses outside of the city limits of Salina and for businesses that retained employees that met low-to-moderate-income thresholds. A total of 13 businesses submitted applications and went through the rigorous verification process. In the end, 12 of those businesses were selected by an appointed committee that reviewed the applications to receive grant funds for working capital for business retention, according to information released by the county. Businesses that were provided grant awards include&nbsp;Midwest Sticker Shop, Central States Industrial Services, BEL Tree Farm. Blue Barn Door, Olson Rentals, Gypsum Flea Market, Olson Financial Services, Exit 14 Restaurant, Gypsum Valley Loomix, Huebele Farms, K4 Garage, and The Spotlight, the county noted.“We know that this funding is a small drop in the bucket compared to the losses local businesses have suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic; but we are thankful to the State of Kansas for this award so that we can funnel what money we can into the Saline County business community,” said Commission Chair Robert Vidricksen.

County commission OKs CDBG-CV funds for 12 businesses

Eight-part series focuses on business transition to help communities maintain local stores&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – When a grocery store closes, the local community suffers. The Rural Grocery Initiative is addressing this problem with a free, online webinar series aimed at preventing such closures in the first place.&nbsp;

The eight-part series, “<a href="https://www.ruralgrocery.org/events/webinars_and_workshops/webinars_workshops.html" target="_blank">Keeping Groceries Alive: Successful Ownership Transitions for Rural Grocery Stores</a>,” will kick off in late January to help grocers plan ahead so that their stores remain open, even after the owners retire or exit the industry. &nbsp;

The Rural Grocery Initiative is a program supported by K-State Research and Extension to provide resources and help sustain independently owned rural grocery stores.&nbsp;

David Procter, co-founder of the Rural Grocery Initiative and professor of communication studies at Kansas State University, said that without transition plans in place, grocery stores often abruptly close, leaving local communities with limited access to healthy food.&nbsp;

“Over a ten-year period, from 2008 to 2018, we tracked 54 rural grocery store closures,” Procter said. “We’ve learned that if a community can transition ownership and keep their store open during the process, the store is set up for success.”&nbsp;

Keeping Groceries Alive is presented in partnership with NetWork Kansas, the Kansas Rural Center, the Kansas Center for Business Transition, the Food Co-Op Initiative, and K-State Research and Extension. It is sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kauffman.org/our-grants/heartland-challenge-rfp/" target="_blank">Heartland Challenge</a>.&nbsp;

Jan. 28 – Grocery Business Transition Planning: An Overview

Feb. 4 – Understanding Grocery Ownership Models

Feb. 11 – Preparing for Business Transition

Feb. 18 – Assessing Markets and Community Needs

Mar. 18 – Mastering Grocery Store Nuts and Bolts&nbsp;

Erica Blair, a program manager with the Rural Grocery Initiative, said making a business transition plan is in the best interest of grocers,&nbsp;

“Especially as grocers near retirement, developing an exit strategy is an important step toward securing financial stability,” she said. “Many grocers also want to see their businesses continue to flourish so that their legacies and communities live on.”&nbsp;

Rial Carver, a program manager with the&nbsp;Rural Grocery Initiative, says the webinar series will explore various community-supported grocery models.&nbsp;In many cases, according to Carver, some form of community ownership can be a viable option for maintaining a healthy grocery store.&nbsp;

“Communities across Kansas recognize that grocery stores are critical assets, both for the economy and quality of life. When communities are involved in the transition plan for a grocery store, innovative ideas arise,” she said. “We’ve seen several&nbsp;rural communities have success with public-private partnerships, cooperatives, and even school-based grocery stores.”&nbsp;

The webinar series is free and open to the public. Grocers, prospective grocers, and community stakeholders are encouraged to attend. To reserve a spot and receive the Zoom link, individuals can register online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ruralgrocery.org/" target="_blank">www.ruralgrocery.org</a>. &nbsp;

“We are pleased that the Kauffman Foundation is investing in rural communities and rural entrepreneurship,” Procter said, “and we are very pleased to be working with such a great group of partners on this important project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610041129320.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Eight-part series focuses on business transition to help communities maintain local stores&nbsp;</h2>MANHATTAN – When a grocery store closes, the local community suffers. The Rural Grocery Initiative is addressing this problem with a free, online webinar series aimed at preventing such closures in the first place.&nbsp;The eight-part series, “<a href="https://www.ruralgrocery.org/events/webinars_and_workshops/webinars_workshops.html" target="_blank">Keeping Groceries Alive: Successful Ownership Transitions for Rural Grocery Stores</a>,” will kick off in late January to help grocers plan ahead so that their stores remain open, even after the owners retire or exit the industry. &nbsp;The Rural Grocery Initiative is a program supported by K-State Research and Extension to provide resources and help sustain independently owned rural grocery stores.&nbsp;David Procter, co-founder of the Rural Grocery Initiative and professor of communication studies at Kansas State University, said that without transition plans in place, grocery stores often abruptly close, leaving local communities with limited access to healthy food.&nbsp;“Over a ten-year period, from 2008 to 2018, we tracked 54 rural grocery store closures,” Procter said. “We’ve learned that if a community can transition ownership and keep their store open during the process, the store is set up for success.”&nbsp;Keeping Groceries Alive is presented in partnership with NetWork Kansas, the Kansas Rural Center, the Kansas Center for Business Transition, the Food Co-Op Initiative, and K-State Research and Extension. It is sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kauffman.org/our-grants/heartland-challenge-rfp/" target="_blank">Heartland Challenge</a>.&nbsp;Upcoming webinars include:&nbsp;Jan. 28 – Grocery Business Transition Planning: An OverviewFeb. 4 – Understanding Grocery Ownership ModelsFeb. 11 – Preparing for Business TransitionFeb. 18 – Assessing Markets and Community NeedsFeb. 25 – Planning your BusinessMar. 4 – Funding the TransitionMar. 11 – Recruiting Store ManagersMar. 18 – Mastering Grocery Store Nuts and Bolts&nbsp;Erica Blair, a program manager with the Rural Grocery Initiative, said making a business transition plan is in the best interest of grocers,&nbsp;“Especially as grocers near retirement, developing an exit strategy is an important step toward securing financial stability,” she said. “Many grocers also want to see their businesses continue to flourish so that their legacies and communities live on.”&nbsp;Rial Carver, a program manager with the&nbsp;Rural Grocery Initiative, says the webinar series will explore various community-supported grocery models.&nbsp;In many cases, according to Carver, some form of community ownership can be a viable option for maintaining a healthy grocery store.&nbsp;“Communities across Kansas recognize that grocery stores are critical assets, both for the economy and quality of life. When communities are involved in the transition plan for a grocery store, innovative ideas arise,” she said. “We’ve seen several&nbsp;rural communities have success with public-private partnerships, cooperatives, and even school-based grocery stores.”&nbsp;The webinar series is free and open to the public. Grocers, prospective grocers, and community stakeholders are encouraged to attend. To reserve a spot and receive the Zoom link, individuals can register online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ruralgrocery.org/" target="_blank">www.ruralgrocery.org</a>. &nbsp;“We are pleased that the Kauffman Foundation is investing in rural communities and rural entrepreneurship,” Procter said, “and we are very pleased to be working with such a great group of partners on this important project.--KSRE--

Rural Grocery Initiative to host ‘Keeping Groceries Alive’ webinar

Police are investigating the theft of a motorized bicycle that was stolen from a residence in central Salina.

Sometime between Monday and Wednesday, someone stole a blue Diamond bicycle with an attached black engine from a side yard in the 200 block of Oakdale Drive, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.

The owner of the bicycle told police that he found his bicycle helmet in the alley behind the residence.

The bicycle and engine were valued at $1,700.

Police are investigating the theft of a motorized bicycle that was stolen from a residence in central Salina.Sometime between Monday and Wednesday, someone stole a blue Diamond bicycle with an attached black engine from a side yard in the 200 block of Oakdale Drive, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.The owner of the bicycle told police that he found his bicycle helmet in the alley behind the residence.The bicycle and engine were valued at $1,700.

Motorized bicycle stolen from central Salina yard

David Burchfield, unmanned aircraft systems teaching assistant professor, is the 2020 recipient of the Rex McArthur Family Faculty Fellow Award from&nbsp;<a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus</a>. Presented annually, the award recognizes a Kansas State Polytechnic faculty member for teaching excellence, a commitment to research and honorable service to the university, college and community. Burchfield, who first arrived on campus in 2016, strives to provide hands-on practical experiences in the classroom. He also uses field trips to reinforce ideas and practices discussed in the classroom. Burchfield teaches multirotor flight training, unmanned aircraft systems design and construction, data acquisition methods and the senior capstone course. Kurt Carraway, head of the unmanned aircraft systems department, describes Burchfield as a model faculty member. "He embraces a research-driven approach to instruction, bringing case studies, datasets and problems from his own research projects into the classroom in order to give students real-world examples of course topics and their applications," Carraway said. "When his research activities occur during a course, he successfully obtains funding to transport his students to the study area to observe and participate in research activities." In 2017, Burchfield took a group of students to Kit Carson County Airport in Burlington, Colorado, to conduct one of the first-ever UAS-based mapping surveys of an active airport. Students practiced UAS mapping skills, organized simultaneous operations of small UAS across three sectors of the airport. They also coordinated with air traffic to ensure a safe operation. In 2018, Burchfield's students participated in a series of field trips to Gove County in western Kansas where they assisted an Ohio State University ornithologist. The observation project studied the effects of UAS surveillance overflights on flocks of lesser prairie chickens, a threatened grouse species. In 2019, another project introduced students to foresters from Kansas Forest Service. They assisted with UAS-based mapping and monitoring of a forest preserve near Lawrence. After the operation, the students processed the dataset, which was later delivered to the forest service." A native of central Florida, Burchfield move to central Mexico after high school to work as a volunteer for his church. In 2011, he completed an undergraduate degree in geography at Brigham Young University followed by a Master of Arts in geography at K-State in 2014. He is currently completing a doctoral degree in wildlife and wildlands conservation at BYU. "One thing that has really enhanced my teaching has been pursuing a doctorate, which I plan to complete this spring," Burchfield said. "Taking classes part time and conducting extensive research in the summers has injected new ideas and content into my courses." Burchfield presented a portion of his research at the 2019 Esri User's Conference in San Diego. He also published the first chapter of his dissertation earlier this year in a peer-reviewed journal. Burchfield said he enjoys working with students and helping them develop skills to benefit them professionally. "Continually evolving and strengthening my courses to give my students the best possible experience has become a healthy obsession of mine," he said. Because Burchfield teaches in a fast-moving discipline, he is committed to development time to keep his courses fresh and relevant. He also focuses on discussion-based classes, asking students many questions to help them relate to the content and to promote in-class collaboration. "It means a great deal to be recognized for teaching excellence, and I am grateful for this opportunity to represent our fine campus as a McArthur faculty fellow,” Burchfield said. "I feel honor-bound to continue to provide conscientious instruction to my students."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610027738095.jpeg" alt="David Burchfield. Photo courtesy K-State Polytechnic" />
 <figcaption>David Burchfield. Photo courtesy K-State Polytechnic</figcaption>
 </figure>David Burchfield, unmanned aircraft systems teaching assistant professor, is the 2020 recipient of the Rex McArthur Family Faculty Fellow Award from&nbsp;<a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus</a>. Presented annually, the award recognizes a Kansas State Polytechnic faculty member for teaching excellence, a commitment to research and honorable service to the university, college and community. Burchfield, who first arrived on campus in 2016, strives to provide hands-on practical experiences in the classroom. He also uses field trips to reinforce ideas and practices discussed in the classroom. Burchfield teaches multirotor flight training, unmanned aircraft systems design and construction, data acquisition methods and the senior capstone course. Kurt Carraway, head of the unmanned aircraft systems department, describes Burchfield as a model faculty member. "He embraces a research-driven approach to instruction, bringing case studies, datasets and problems from his own research projects into the classroom in order to give students real-world examples of course topics and their applications," Carraway said. "When his research activities occur during a course, he successfully obtains funding to transport his students to the study area to observe and participate in research activities." In 2017, Burchfield took a group of students to Kit Carson County Airport in Burlington, Colorado, to conduct one of the first-ever UAS-based mapping surveys of an active airport. Students practiced UAS mapping skills, organized simultaneous operations of small UAS across three sectors of the airport. They also coordinated with air traffic to ensure a safe operation. In 2018, Burchfield's students participated in a series of field trips to Gove County in western Kansas where they assisted an Ohio State University ornithologist. The observation project studied the effects of UAS surveillance overflights on flocks of lesser prairie chickens, a threatened grouse species. In 2019, another project introduced students to foresters from Kansas Forest Service. They assisted with UAS-based mapping and monitoring of a forest preserve near Lawrence. After the operation, the students processed the dataset, which was later delivered to the forest service." A native of central Florida, Burchfield move to central Mexico after high school to work as a volunteer for his church. In 2011, he completed an undergraduate degree in geography at Brigham Young University followed by a Master of Arts in geography at K-State in 2014. He is currently completing a doctoral degree in wildlife and wildlands conservation at BYU. "One thing that has really enhanced my teaching has been pursuing a doctorate, which I plan to complete this spring," Burchfield said. "Taking classes part time and conducting extensive research in the summers has injected new ideas and content into my courses." Burchfield presented a portion of his research at the 2019 Esri User's Conference in San Diego. He also published the first chapter of his dissertation earlier this year in a peer-reviewed journal. Burchfield said he enjoys working with students and helping them develop skills to benefit them professionally. "Continually evolving and strengthening my courses to give my students the best possible experience has become a healthy obsession of mine," he said. Because Burchfield teaches in a fast-moving discipline, he is committed to development time to keep his courses fresh and relevant. He also focuses on discussion-based classes, asking students many questions to help them relate to the content and to promote in-class collaboration. "It means a great deal to be recognized for teaching excellence, and I am grateful for this opportunity to represent our fine campus as a McArthur faculty fellow,” Burchfield said. "I feel honor-bound to continue to provide conscientious instruction to my students."&nbsp;

Burchfield receives 2020 McArthur Family Faculty Award

OCCK, Inc. Transportation, including Salina CityGo, Regional Paratransit, City of Abilene transportation, and 81 Connection, will run shortened hours on Jan. 18.&nbsp;

On Jan. 18, CityGo buses will run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with no peak routes running.&nbsp;

Regional paratransit vehicles will run only essential trips.

81 Connection will run its normal schedule.

The City of Abilene public transportation will be closed.&nbsp;

Transportation services will resume normal operating hours on Jan. 19.

For more information about OCCK, Inc., visit <a href="http://www.occk.com">www.occk.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information about CityGo and OCCK Transportation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinacitygo.com/" target="_blank">www.salinacitygo.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information about 81 Connection, visit <a href="http://www.ksrides.org">www.ksrides.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Or, contact the OCCK Transportation Center at 785-826-1583.

OCCK, Inc. Transportation, including Salina CityGo, Regional Paratransit, City of Abilene transportation, and 81 Connection, will run shortened hours on Jan. 18.&nbsp;On Jan. 18, CityGo buses will run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with no peak routes running.&nbsp;Regional paratransit vehicles will run only essential trips.81 Connection will run its normal schedule.The City of Abilene public transportation will be closed.&nbsp;Transportation services will resume normal operating hours on Jan. 19.For more information about OCCK, Inc., visit <a href="http://www.occk.com">www.occk.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information about CityGo and OCCK Transportation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinacitygo.com/" target="_blank">www.salinacitygo.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information about 81 Connection, visit <a href="http://www.ksrides.org">www.ksrides.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Or, contact the OCCK Transportation Center at 785-826-1583.

OCCK Transportation to run reduced hours on Jan. 18

January is here, and we all have high hopes for this year—especially after 2020. But here’s the thing about a new year:&nbsp;It’s still the same you. When midnight came on New Year’s Eve, there was no magic wand that transformed you and took all your problems away. The only way anything is going to change for you this year is if you do it yourself!

The past couple years I’ve been researching what causes people to reach their financial goals. One of the things I discovered is that we all have the capacity to improve. We just need a little self-awareness to make it happen.

There are seven strengths and weaknesses everyone has when it comes to their money. I call them the 7 Money Tendencies. Knowing your personal tendencies will help you reach your goals faster because you know what to expect. You can see a potential pitfall from a mile away.

None of the tendencies are right or wrong, but they do have implications.&nbsp;I’ve identified these tendencies in my new book,&nbsp;Know Yourself, Know Your Money. They are:

You’ll lean toward one or the other of each tendency, but don’t overthink it. It’s a spectrum, so you might be somewhere in between.

For example, let’s look at nerds vs. free spirits.&nbsp;Nerds love spreadsheets and budgeting because it makes them feel empowered—but rigidity and rules&nbsp;all&nbsp;the time might lead to burnout. Free spirits spend their money more freely, living life to the fullest. But if they aren’t intentional with their money, they’ll look up in a few years and wonder where it went.&nbsp;

Or, take safety vs. status. If you tend toward safety, you value the security money brings, but you’ll never reach your big goals if you make money decisions based in fear. If you lean toward status, you’re more likely to justify a large purchase if it makes you feel successful—but you need to remember that money doesn’t define you.

The more you pay attention to why you spend (or don’t spend) money the way you do, the more you can course-correct when you need to. Having self-awareness around your money tendencies will help you to win with money faster.

If you’re ready to make changes with your money in 2021, you can dig into all of the 7 Money Tendencies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/what-are-money-tendencies" target="_blank">here</a>.

Rachel Cruze&nbsp;is a two-time No. 1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of&nbsp;The Rachel Cruze Show.&nbsp;She has appeared on Good Morning America, TODAY Show and Live! With Kelly &amp; Ryan, among others. Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people to avoid debt, save money, budget and how to win with money at any stage in life. Follow Rachel on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/rachelcruze" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelcruze/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rachelramseycruze" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/rachelcruze" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rachelcruze.com/" target="_blank">rachelcruze.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596976282095.jpeg" alt="Rachel Cruze" />
 <figcaption>Rachel Cruze</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL CRUZEJanuary is here, and we all have high hopes for this year—especially after 2020. But here’s the thing about a new year:&nbsp;It’s still the same you. When midnight came on New Year’s Eve, there was no magic wand that transformed you and took all your problems away. The only way anything is going to change for you this year is if you do it yourself!The past couple years I’ve been researching what causes people to reach their financial goals. One of the things I discovered is that we all have the capacity to improve. We just need a little self-awareness to make it happen.There are seven strengths and weaknesses everyone has when it comes to their money. I call them the 7 Money Tendencies. Knowing your personal tendencies will help you reach your goals faster because you know what to expect. You can see a potential pitfall from a mile away.None of the tendencies are right or wrong, but they do have implications.&nbsp;I’ve identified these tendencies in my new book,&nbsp;Know Yourself, Know Your Money. They are:<ol>
 <li>Spender or Saver</li><li>Nerd or Free Spirit</li><li>Experiences or Things</li><li>Quality or Quantity</li><li>Safety or Status</li><li>Abundance or Scarcity</li><li>Spontaneous Giver or Planned Giver</li>
 </ol>You’ll lean toward one or the other of each tendency, but don’t overthink it. It’s a spectrum, so you might be somewhere in between.For example, let’s look at nerds vs. free spirits.&nbsp;Nerds love spreadsheets and budgeting because it makes them feel empowered—but rigidity and rules&nbsp;all&nbsp;the time might lead to burnout. Free spirits spend their money more freely, living life to the fullest. But if they aren’t intentional with their money, they’ll look up in a few years and wonder where it went.&nbsp;Or, take safety vs. status. If you tend toward safety, you value the security money brings, but you’ll never reach your big goals if you make money decisions based in fear. If you lean toward status, you’re more likely to justify a large purchase if it makes you feel successful—but you need to remember that money doesn’t define you.The more you pay attention to why you spend (or don’t spend) money the way you do, the more you can course-correct when you need to. Having self-awareness around your money tendencies will help you to win with money faster.If you’re ready to make changes with your money in 2021, you can dig into all of the 7 Money Tendencies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/what-are-money-tendencies" target="_blank">here</a>.Rachel Cruze&nbsp;is a two-time No. 1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of&nbsp;The Rachel Cruze Show.&nbsp;She has appeared on Good Morning America, TODAY Show and Live! With Kelly &amp; Ryan, among others. Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people to avoid debt, save money, budget and how to win with money at any stage in life. Follow Rachel on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/rachelcruze" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rachelcruze/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rachelramseycruze" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/rachelcruze" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rachelcruze.com/" target="_blank">rachelcruze.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CRUZE: The real secret to reaching your financial goals in 2021

First Bank
Kansas has announced Dustin Schroller as the new compliance manager
and bank secrecy act officer.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Schroller grew
up in Salina and graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in
business administration. Schroller comes from a diverse banking background, and
most previously joins First Bank Kansas from Vortex. Schroller will be
responsible for auditing and reviewing the lending, deposits, and bank
operations.

“We are very
excited to have Dustin join our team,” said Chief Operations Officer Angie
Eilrich. “Dustin brings over twenty years of operational experience to the
team. His banking background, along with other real-world experience, makes him
a great addition to First Bank Kansas.”

Outside of
work, Schroller enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys, all active
in sports.&nbsp; Recently, he has had the
pleasure of helping one son train for his black belt in Taekwondo.&nbsp; 

Schroller has
a passion for coaching community sports, golfing, volunteering, and music.&nbsp; 

“I am excited to work with such a
community-centered organization as First Bank Kansas,” said Schroller. “I
believe we are called to both love and serve others.” 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609789836083.png" alt="Dustin Schroller. Photo courtesy First Bank Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Dustin Schroller. Photo courtesy First Bank Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>First Bank
Kansas has announced Dustin Schroller as the new compliance manager
and bank secrecy act officer.&nbsp;&nbsp; Schroller grew
up in Salina and graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in
business administration. Schroller comes from a diverse banking background, and
most previously joins First Bank Kansas from Vortex. Schroller will be
responsible for auditing and reviewing the lending, deposits, and bank
operations.“We are very
excited to have Dustin join our team,” said Chief Operations Officer Angie
Eilrich. “Dustin brings over twenty years of operational experience to the
team. His banking background, along with other real-world experience, makes him
a great addition to First Bank Kansas.”Outside of
work, Schroller enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys, all active
in sports.&nbsp; Recently, he has had the
pleasure of helping one son train for his black belt in Taekwondo.&nbsp; Schroller has
a passion for coaching community sports, golfing, volunteering, and music.&nbsp; “I am excited to work with such a
community-centered organization as First Bank Kansas,” said Schroller. “I
believe we are called to both love and serve others.”

First Bank Kansas: Schroller new compliance manager

Today is Thursday, Jan. 7, the seventh day of 2021. There are 358 days left in the year. 

On Jan. 7, 1789, America held its first presidential election as voters chose electors who, a month later, selected George Washington to be the nation's first chief executive. 

In 1927, commercial transatlantic telephone service was inaugurated between New York and London. 

In 1942, Japanese forces began besieging American and Filipino troops in Bataan during World War II. (The fall of Bataan three months later was followed by the notorious Death March.)

In 1953, President Truman announced in his State of the Union message to Congress that the United States had developed a hydrogen bomb. 

In 1959, the United States recognized the new government of Cuba, six days after Fidel Castro led the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista. 

In 1972, Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist were sworn in as the 99th and 100th members of the U.S. Supreme Court. 

In 1979, Vietnamese forces captured the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, overthrowing the Khmer Rouge government. 

In 1989, Emperor Hirohito of Japan died in Tokyo at age 87; he was succeeded by his son, Crown Prince Akihito. 

In 1999, for the second time in history, an impeached American president went on trial before the Senate. President Bill Clinton faced charges of perjury and obstruction of justice; he was acquitted. 

In 2004, President George W. Bush proposed legal status, at least temporarily, for millions of immigrants improperly working in the U.S. 

In 2006, U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, facing corruption charges, stepped down as House majority leader. (DeLay was found guilty in Nov. 2010 of illegally funneling corporate money to Texas candidates; his conviction was eventually overturned.)

In 2015, masked gunmen stormed the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, a French newspaper that had caricatured the Prophet Mohammad, methodically killing 12 people, including the editor, before escaping in a car. (Two suspects were killed two days later.)

In 2019, Amazon eclipsed Microsoft as the most valuable publicly-traded company in the U.S. For the first time in more than 25 years, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was absent from oral arguments as she recuperated from cancer surgery. 

Ten years ago: A package addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano ignited at a Washington postal facility, a day after fiery packages sent to Maryland's governor and state transportation secretary burned the fingers of workers who opened them.

Five years ago: President Barack Obama tore into the National Rifle Association during a televised town hall meeting in Fairfax, Virginia, as he dismissed what he called a "conspiracy" alleging that the federal government — and Obama in particular — wanted to seize all firearms as a precursor to imposing martial law.

One year ago: A magnitude 6.4 earthquake, the strongest to hit Puerto Rico in more than 100 years, killed one person, injured nine others and knocked out power across the U.S. territory. A stampede at the funeral of Gen. Qassem Soleimani in his Iranian hometown of Kerman killed 56 people and injured more than 200. Jury selection began in New York for the rape and sexual assault trial of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein; about a third of the first 120 prospective jurors were sent home after they said they could not be impartial. Neil Peart, the drummer for the influential rock trio Rush, died at the age of 67 at his California home; the band said he had been battling brain cancer.

Today's Birthdays: Magazine publisher Jann Wenner is 75. Singer Kenny Loggins is 73. Singer-songwriter Marshall Chapman is 72. Actor Erin Gray is 71. Actor Sammo Hung is 69. Actor Jodi Long is 67. Actor David Caruso is 65. Talk show host Katie Couric is 64. Country singer David Lee Murphy is 62. Rock musician Kathy Valentine is 62. Actor David Marciano is 61. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., is 60. Actor Hallie Todd is 59. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is 58. Actor Nicolas Cage is 57. Singer-songwriter John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting) is 56. Actor Rex Lee is 52. Actor Doug E. Doug is 51. Actor Kevin Rahm is 50. Actor Jeremy Renner is 50. Country singer-musician John Rich is 47. Actor Dustin Diamond is 44. Actor Reggie Austin is 42. Singer-rapper Aloe Blacc is 42. Actor Lauren Cohan is 39. Actor Brett Dalton is 38. Actor Robert Ri'chard is 38. Actor Lyndsy Fonseca is 34. Actor Liam Aiken is 31. Actor Camryn Grimes is 31. Actor Max Morrow is 30. Actor Marcus Scribner is 21.

<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 Thursday, Jan. 7, the seventh day of 2021. There are 358 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Jan. 7, 1789, America held its first presidential election as voters chose electors who, a month later, selected George Washington to be the nation's first chief executive. On this date: In 1927, commercial transatlantic telephone service was inaugurated between New York and London. In 1942, Japanese forces began besieging American and Filipino troops in Bataan during World War II. (The fall of Bataan three months later was followed by the notorious Death March.)In 1953, President Truman announced in his State of the Union message to Congress that the United States had developed a hydrogen bomb. In 1959, the United States recognized the new government of Cuba, six days after Fidel Castro led the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista. In 1972, Lewis F. Powell, Jr. and William H. Rehnquist were sworn in as the 99th and 100th members of the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1979, Vietnamese forces captured the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, overthrowing the Khmer Rouge government. In 1989, Emperor Hirohito of Japan died in Tokyo at age 87; he was succeeded by his son, Crown Prince Akihito. In 1999, for the second time in history, an impeached American president went on trial before the Senate. President Bill Clinton faced charges of perjury and obstruction of justice; he was acquitted. In 2004, President George W. Bush proposed legal status, at least temporarily, for millions of immigrants improperly working in the U.S. In 2006, U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, facing corruption charges, stepped down as House majority leader. (DeLay was found guilty in Nov. 2010 of illegally funneling corporate money to Texas candidates; his conviction was eventually overturned.)In 2015, masked gunmen stormed the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, a French newspaper that had caricatured the Prophet Mohammad, methodically killing 12 people, including the editor, before escaping in a car. (Two suspects were killed two days later.)In 2019, Amazon eclipsed Microsoft as the most valuable publicly-traded company in the U.S. For the first time in more than 25 years, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was absent from oral arguments as she recuperated from cancer surgery. Ten years ago: A package addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano ignited at a Washington postal facility, a day after fiery packages sent to Maryland's governor and state transportation secretary burned the fingers of workers who opened them.Five years ago: President Barack Obama tore into the National Rifle Association during a televised town hall meeting in Fairfax, Virginia, as he dismissed what he called a "conspiracy" alleging that the federal government — and Obama in particular — wanted to seize all firearms as a precursor to imposing martial law. One year ago: A magnitude 6.4 earthquake, the strongest to hit Puerto Rico in more than 100 years, killed one person, injured nine others and knocked out power across the U.S. territory. A stampede at the funeral of Gen. Qassem Soleimani in his Iranian hometown of Kerman killed 56 people and injured more than 200. Jury selection began in New York for the rape and sexual assault trial of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein; about a third of the first 120 prospective jurors were sent home after they said they could not be impartial. Neil Peart, the drummer for the influential rock trio Rush, died at the age of 67 at his California home; the band said he had been battling brain cancer.Today's Birthdays: Magazine publisher Jann Wenner is 75. Singer Kenny Loggins is 73. Singer-songwriter Marshall Chapman is 72. Actor Erin Gray is 71. Actor Sammo Hung is 69. Actor Jodi Long is 67. Actor David Caruso is 65. Talk show host Katie Couric is 64. Country singer David Lee Murphy is 62. Rock musician Kathy Valentine is 62. Actor David Marciano is 61. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., is 60. Actor Hallie Todd is 59. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is 58. Actor Nicolas Cage is 57. Singer-songwriter John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting) is 56. Actor Rex Lee is 52. Actor Doug E. Doug is 51. Actor Kevin Rahm is 50. Actor Jeremy Renner is 50. Country singer-musician John Rich is 47. Actor Dustin Diamond is 44. Actor Reggie Austin is 42. Singer-rapper Aloe Blacc is 42. Actor Lauren Cohan is 39. Actor Brett Dalton is 38. Actor Robert Ri'chard is 38. Actor Lyndsy Fonseca is 34. Actor Liam Aiken is 31. Actor Camryn Grimes is 31. Actor Max Morrow is 30. Actor Marcus Scribner is 21.

Today in History -- Jan. 7

Periods of drizzle, rain, and snow will affect the area through the morning hours. 

Any rain or snow accumulations will be very light, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.

The morning rain, drizzle and patchy mix of snow will go away this afternoon, though the clouds will stay with us, NWS noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610027084577.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Periods of drizzle, rain, and snow will affect the area through the morning hours. Any rain or snow accumulations will be very light, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.The morning rain, drizzle and patchy mix of snow will go away this afternoon, though the clouds will stay with us, NWS noted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610029600138.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NWS: Light drizzle in morning, cloudy and cool in afternoon

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

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

Sadly, we have been notified of three additional deaths due to COVID-19 since our last update on January 4. Seventy-two 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 158 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since January 4. The total number of positive cases for Saline County has risen to 4,638.

The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 1,857 cases. At least 2,709 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=001Jjha_H1I69wKhoX-zQxaIkqq-iqddMwZU1_SPwlHC8dX1munUy7hp9kA04F2XosfJOrp7hOvLBhG-RA720heTw2YwlFIB_SYoeuMrKpWWybld6QCVAZGCLGwUeh9kTno8oUTuLVmgZHrwG1IGct1mPm4D54yUUZ3&amp;c=TvINNZNsPiwHEEmNXkYCQ6boJlykqTaFGHrlbFGvdZpF2dNFHi2VwQ==&amp;ch=nysJjfyxkvWu_BgmIBaGRfD37KNkiLEqWB8ZpOhp7bQw3KLaVRuCmQ==" 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=001Jjha_H1I69wKhoX-zQxaIkqq-iqddMwZU1_SPwlHC8dX1munUy7hp9kA04F2Xosf0WfU1DT11zN62M6zew4flMBy0dHuRp3eKfYgcj4YCDZzEA5aoOQIYIQm_f75r8G1tX16snQdKnw6QFVd1saQVXR-hv4L612T&amp;c=TvINNZNsPiwHEEmNXkYCQ6boJlykqTaFGHrlbFGvdZpF2dNFHi2VwQ==&amp;ch=nysJjfyxkvWu_BgmIBaGRfD37KNkiLEqWB8ZpOhp7bQw3KLaVRuCmQ==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there are now 236,818 cases and 3,027 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=001Jjha_H1I69wKhoX-zQxaIkqq-iqddMwZU1_SPwlHC8dX1munUy7hp9kA04F2Xosf9MHpUpVx6DHnMF1qGNcBpJFcotWY8bhnXcQFGM0Ep3s43nlAqNxOjrDJpaceMXqgAglizpAYvDkL8q6KrOEVzQa9k6Ka2Gw2&amp;c=TvINNZNsPiwHEEmNXkYCQ6boJlykqTaFGHrlbFGvdZpF2dNFHi2VwQ==&amp;ch=nysJjfyxkvWu_BgmIBaGRfD37KNkiLEqWB8ZpOhp7bQw3KLaVRuCmQ==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Jjha_H1I69wKhoX-zQxaIkqq-iqddMwZU1_SPwlHC8dX1munUy7hp9kA04F2Xosfis04Q1O0rTmfLyIeC3bYThnmrpeCiznYloxtz_tzJPkIFXz-q8b6M2Bs77aeHqqjXznpggjMwgI=&amp;c=TvINNZNsPiwHEEmNXkYCQ6boJlykqTaFGHrlbFGvdZpF2dNFHi2VwQ==&amp;ch=nysJjfyxkvWu_BgmIBaGRfD37KNkiLEqWB8ZpOhp7bQw3KLaVRuCmQ==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609971133549.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Wednesday.Sadly, we have been notified of three additional deaths due to COVID-19 since our last update on January 4. Seventy-two 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 158 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in Saline County since January 4. The total number of positive cases for Saline County has risen to 4,638. The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 1,857 cases. At least 2,709 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=001Jjha_H1I69wKhoX-zQxaIkqq-iqddMwZU1_SPwlHC8dX1munUy7hp9kA04F2XosfJOrp7hOvLBhG-RA720heTw2YwlFIB_SYoeuMrKpWWybld6QCVAZGCLGwUeh9kTno8oUTuLVmgZHrwG1IGct1mPm4D54yUUZ3&amp;c=TvINNZNsPiwHEEmNXkYCQ6boJlykqTaFGHrlbFGvdZpF2dNFHi2VwQ==&amp;ch=nysJjfyxkvWu_BgmIBaGRfD37KNkiLEqWB8ZpOhp7bQw3KLaVRuCmQ==" 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=001Jjha_H1I69wKhoX-zQxaIkqq-iqddMwZU1_SPwlHC8dX1munUy7hp9kA04F2Xosf0WfU1DT11zN62M6zew4flMBy0dHuRp3eKfYgcj4YCDZzEA5aoOQIYIQm_f75r8G1tX16snQdKnw6QFVd1saQVXR-hv4L612T&amp;c=TvINNZNsPiwHEEmNXkYCQ6boJlykqTaFGHrlbFGvdZpF2dNFHi2VwQ==&amp;ch=nysJjfyxkvWu_BgmIBaGRfD37KNkiLEqWB8ZpOhp7bQw3KLaVRuCmQ==" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment Coronavirus Website</a>, there are now 236,818 cases and 3,027 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=001Jjha_H1I69wKhoX-zQxaIkqq-iqddMwZU1_SPwlHC8dX1munUy7hp9kA04F2Xosf9MHpUpVx6DHnMF1qGNcBpJFcotWY8bhnXcQFGM0Ep3s43nlAqNxOjrDJpaceMXqgAglizpAYvDkL8q6KrOEVzQa9k6Ka2Gw2&amp;c=TvINNZNsPiwHEEmNXkYCQ6boJlykqTaFGHrlbFGvdZpF2dNFHi2VwQ==&amp;ch=nysJjfyxkvWu_BgmIBaGRfD37KNkiLEqWB8ZpOhp7bQw3KLaVRuCmQ==" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Jjha_H1I69wKhoX-zQxaIkqq-iqddMwZU1_SPwlHC8dX1munUy7hp9kA04F2Xosfis04Q1O0rTmfLyIeC3bYThnmrpeCiznYloxtz_tzJPkIFXz-q8b6M2Bs77aeHqqjXznpggjMwgI=&amp;c=TvINNZNsPiwHEEmNXkYCQ6boJlykqTaFGHrlbFGvdZpF2dNFHi2VwQ==&amp;ch=nysJjfyxkvWu_BgmIBaGRfD37KNkiLEqWB8ZpOhp7bQw3KLaVRuCmQ==" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>

Saline County: 3 additional deaths, 158 new COVID-19 cases

Presbyterian Manor will begin the process of vaccinating residents and staff on Thursday.

“There’s no doubt the senior population has been hit hard by the virus, along with the health care workers who’ve treated them,” said Christian Gilbert, executive director at Salina Presbyterian Manor. “We couldn’t be happier to know there’s finally a bit of light at the end of such a difficult year.”

The vaccine clinic was made possible through the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program. Salina Presbyterian Manor will receive the Pfizer vaccine in limited doses, which will be given to at-risk residents in health care and assisted living as well as essential health care workers. All those vaccinated on Jan. 7 will need to receive a second dose on Jan. 28, Salina Presbyterian Manor noted in a news release issued this afternoon.

Presbyterian Manor will begin the process of vaccinating residents and staff on Thursday.“There’s no doubt the senior population has been hit hard by the virus, along with the health care workers who’ve treated them,” said Christian Gilbert, executive director at Salina Presbyterian Manor. “We couldn’t be happier to know there’s finally a bit of light at the end of such a difficult year.”The vaccine clinic was made possible through the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program. Salina Presbyterian Manor will receive the Pfizer vaccine in limited doses, which will be given to at-risk residents in health care and assisted living as well as essential health care workers. All those vaccinated on Jan. 7 will need to receive a second dose on Jan. 28, Salina Presbyterian Manor noted in a news release issued this afternoon.Regarding independent living residents, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended prioritizing people over the age of 75 and essential frontline workers during the initial phase of vaccinations. Those ages 65-74 would be prioritized next, including those 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions. It’s important to note that these are guidelines. Kansas will determine vaccine distribution priorities.John Smutz, independent living resident and Cathy Boos, director of sales &amp; marketing at the Manor say they’re eager to receive their first dose.“I’m thrilled to be able to receive this vaccine,” said John. “It’s encouraging to know there’s much to look forward to after a year of challenges. I can’t say enough about the incredible staff here at Salina Presbyterian Manor and how they’ve handled the past year with professionalism and dedication.”“Knowing that I’ll be able to do my job and provide residents with the peace of mind that I’m protected from the virus is the best possible news,” said Boos. “I can’t say enough about how the community has supported all of us through everything we’ve faced this year.”While side effects related to the vaccine are rare according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salina Presbyterian Manor will closely monitor those who receive vaccinations. Potential side effects include injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain and fever.The vaccine being distributed at Salina Presbyterian Manor is being administered by CVS, who has partnered with Pfizer and the federal government to ensure safe distribution to at-risk populations during the first round of inoculations through the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program.While vaccinations will lower the risk of transmission throughout the community, precautions remain in place.

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