Cathy Boos has been promoted to the position of marketing and sales director for Salina Presbyterian Manor.

Boos first joined the senior living community as its life enrichment director in March 2016. She left for a position with the Catholic Diocese of Salina, but it wasn’t long before she returned to Presbyterian Manor.

“After leaving for a short time, I knew my passion and purpose was with the Manor and its residents,” Boos said. “They are my family, and I love them all.”

She served as the administrative assistant from February 2020 until her promotion in November.

Her work history and approach to her job mean Boos will be a good fit in her new position, said Jenni Jones, regional director of marketing for PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America).

“Cathy will be a true asset with her prior experience in Life Enrichment and the Administrative Assistant role,” said Jenni, who once held the marketing and sales position at Salina Presbyterian Manor. “Cathy has a professional customer service approach and a compassionate heart to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.”

Christian Gilbert, Presbyterian Manor’s executive director, agrees.

“Cathy’s focus every day has been to make the residents’ lives better,” he said. “I have no doubt that incoming residents will feel just as loved and cared for by her as our current residents. She is all about relationships.”

A native of Victoria, Boos earned a bachelor of business administration with an emphasis in marketing from Fort Hays State University. Her career includes stints as a donor recruitment representative for the American Red Cross and sales and marketing director for Smoky Hill Rehabilitation.

Outside work, Boos stays active in the community by serving on the board of directors for both Sunflower Adult Day Services and Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas. She is also a member of the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608227980879.jpeg" alt="Cathy Boos. Photo courtesy Salina Presbyterian Manor" />
 <figcaption>Cathy Boos. Photo courtesy Salina Presbyterian Manor</figcaption>
 </figure>Cathy Boos has been promoted to the position of marketing and sales director for Salina Presbyterian Manor.Boos first joined the senior living community as its life enrichment director in March 2016. She left for a position with the Catholic Diocese of Salina, but it wasn’t long before she returned to Presbyterian Manor.“After leaving for a short time, I knew my passion and purpose was with the Manor and its residents,” Boos said. “They are my family, and I love them all.”She served as the administrative assistant from February 2020 until her promotion in November.Her work history and approach to her job mean Boos will be a good fit in her new position, said Jenni Jones, regional director of marketing for PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America).“Cathy will be a true asset with her prior experience in Life Enrichment and the Administrative Assistant role,” said Jenni, who once held the marketing and sales position at Salina Presbyterian Manor. “Cathy has a professional customer service approach and a compassionate heart to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.”Christian Gilbert, Presbyterian Manor’s executive director, agrees.“Cathy’s focus every day has been to make the residents’ lives better,” he said. “I have no doubt that incoming residents will feel just as loved and cared for by her as our current residents. She is all about relationships.”A native of Victoria, Boos earned a bachelor of business administration with an emphasis in marketing from Fort Hays State University. Her career includes stints as a donor recruitment representative for the American Red Cross and sales and marketing director for Smoky Hill Rehabilitation.Outside work, Boos stays active in the community by serving on the board of directors for both Sunflower Adult Day Services and Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas. She is also a member of the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi.

Salina Presbyterian Manor promotes Boos

A Salina man was arrested on requested drug and threat charges after an incident late Wednesday afternoon on North Santa Fe Avenue.

Officers were sent to the 500 block of North Santa Fe Avenue at 5:05 p.m. Wednesday for the report of a disorderly subject blocking traffic and threatening a female driver, Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus reported this morning.

According to Hanus, a 59-year-old Salina woman told police that a male had been blocking the roadway. When she honked the horn on her vehicle, the male threw what was believed to be a cell phone at the woman's vehicle, striking it, he noted. The subject then ran around to the driver’s door of the woman's vehicle, attempted to open it, and told the woman he was going to kill her, Hanus explained. The woman remained locked in her vehicle and the male ran away, he added.

Officers locate the subject in the area. He was identified as Wesley L. Spragg, 39, of Salina, Hanus reported.

Spragg ran from the officer before stopping in the 500 block of North Eighth Street and charging at two officers, Hanus noted. One of the officers deployed a Taser at Spragg, who then was subdued and arrested, he explained.

Suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located in Spragg's belongings, Hanus reported.

Spragg was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Hanus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600441531432.jpeg" alt="Wesley L. Spragg. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Wesley L. Spragg. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A Salina man was arrested on requested drug and threat charges after an incident late Wednesday afternoon on North Santa Fe Avenue.Officers were sent to the 500 block of North Santa Fe Avenue at 5:05 p.m. Wednesday for the report of a disorderly subject blocking traffic and threatening a female driver, Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus reported this morning.According to Hanus, a 59-year-old Salina woman told police that a male had been blocking the roadway. When she honked the horn on her vehicle, the male threw what was believed to be a cell phone at the woman's vehicle, striking it, he noted. The subject then ran around to the driver’s door of the woman's vehicle, attempted to open it, and told the woman he was going to kill her, Hanus explained. The woman remained locked in her vehicle and the male ran away, he added.Officers locate the subject in the area. He was identified as Wesley L. Spragg, 39, of Salina, Hanus reported.Spragg ran from the officer before stopping in the 500 block of North Eighth Street and charging at two officers, Hanus noted. One of the officers deployed a Taser at Spragg, who then was subdued and arrested, he explained.Suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located in Spragg's belongings, Hanus reported.Spragg was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Hanus.Criminal threatObstruction of law enforcementDisorderly conductPossession of methamphetaminePossession of drug paraphernalia

Salina man arrested after incident on North Santa Fe Wednesday

Here is the estimated snowfall from Tuesday's winter storm as provided by the National Weather Service.

Here is the estimated snowfall from Tuesday's winter storm as provided by the National Weather Service.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608214349141.png" alt="" />
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Estimate snowfall amounts from Tuesday's storm

Casey Flinn is the final Comfort Heating &amp; Air Salute to Service honoree for 2020.

Casey has served 22 years in the United States Army and Kansas Army National Guard. During that time, he has served in such locations as Korea, Iraq, and Kuwait. Casey is scheduled to retire with 23 years of service in June 2021 at the rank of Sergeant First Class.

Casey's nominator wrote, "During his time he has been a mentor to many soldiers and truly believes in taking care of all soldiers. For the past nine years he has served as a full instructor for the Kansas Army National Guard, teaching professional development courses. He has had a huge impact on hundreds of soldiers during his time. In his spare time, he also serves as the Recorded and Business Manager at the local Shriners temple. There he works hard to raise funds to ensure that children are able to receive care at Shriners Hospitals for Children."

Congratulations, Casey, on being selected as this week’s Comfort Heating &amp; Air Salute to Service honoree! Thank you for your service!

Comfort Heating &amp; Air and Mokas Coffee were back this fall with their "Salute to Service" program, a weekly contest on Salina Post to honor a local police officers, military members, medical professionals, or first responders. Each week, a winner was selected to receive a $50 gift card to Mokas Coffee in Salina.

All the weekly winners will be entered in a random drawing to be held on Dec. 20 to win a Salina Staycation with hotel, a local gift cards for shopping and food. Additionally, Comfort Heating &amp; Air will also donate $500 to the charity or service organization of the grand prize winner’s choice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608179002407.jpeg" alt="Casey Flinn. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Casey Flinn. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Casey Flinn is the final Comfort Heating &amp; Air Salute to Service honoree for 2020.Casey has served 22 years in the United States Army and Kansas Army National Guard. During that time, he has served in such locations as Korea, Iraq, and Kuwait. Casey is scheduled to retire with 23 years of service in June 2021 at the rank of Sergeant First Class.Casey's nominator wrote, "During his time he has been a mentor to many soldiers and truly believes in taking care of all soldiers. For the past nine years he has served as a full instructor for the Kansas Army National Guard, teaching professional development courses. He has had a huge impact on hundreds of soldiers during his time. In his spare time, he also serves as the Recorded and Business Manager at the local Shriners temple. There he works hard to raise funds to ensure that children are able to receive care at Shriners Hospitals for Children."Congratulations, Casey, on being selected as this week’s Comfort Heating &amp; Air Salute to Service honoree! Thank you for your service!Comfort Heating &amp; Air and Mokas Coffee were back this fall with their "Salute to Service" program, a weekly contest on Salina Post to honor a local police officers, military members, medical professionals, or first responders. Each week, a winner was selected to receive a $50 gift card to Mokas Coffee in Salina.All the weekly winners will be entered in a random drawing to be held on Dec. 20 to win a Salina Staycation with hotel, a local gift cards for shopping and food. Additionally, Comfort Heating &amp; Air will also donate $500 to the charity or service organization of the grand prize winner’s choice.

Comfort's Salute to Service honors Casey Flinn

LINDSBORG -- The Kansas Leadership Center recently named Bethany College a recipient of the 2021 Transformation Grant. 

KLC partners with different organizations each year and guides them through a three-step leadership program. 

Dr. Adam Pryor, vice president for academic and student affairs, applied for the grant on behalf of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Members of the committee will act as the Bethany College Core team. The members of the committee are: Pryor, Dr. Mark McDonald, Jessica Esquivel, Laura Jackson-Stenlund, and Brittany Torres.

This program was highly recommended by other organizations who have participated. The committee recognizes that fostering a true spirit of inclusion on campus is not as easy as fixing a technical problem. It requires examining the capacity for self-evaluation, adopting common language for articulating the challenges faced, and finding ways to celebrate the successes of slow, gradual change in the community. 

KLC helps organizations develop the adaptive leadership skills to address large-scale, seemingly intractable, challenges and measure progress toward goals that can be difficult to quantify like promoting inclusion. In the coming weeks, the committee will be soliciting additional employees to participate in the KLC program.

LINDSBORG -- The Kansas Leadership Center recently named Bethany College a recipient of the 2021 Transformation Grant. KLC partners with different organizations each year and guides them through a three-step leadership program. Dr. Adam Pryor, vice president for academic and student affairs, applied for the grant on behalf of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Members of the committee will act as the Bethany College Core team. The members of the committee are: Pryor, Dr. Mark McDonald, Jessica Esquivel, Laura Jackson-Stenlund, and Brittany Torres.This program was highly recommended by other organizations who have participated. The committee recognizes that fostering a true spirit of inclusion on campus is not as easy as fixing a technical problem. It requires examining the capacity for self-evaluation, adopting common language for articulating the challenges faced, and finding ways to celebrate the successes of slow, gradual change in the community. KLC helps organizations develop the adaptive leadership skills to address large-scale, seemingly intractable, challenges and measure progress toward goals that can be difficult to quantify like promoting inclusion. In the coming weeks, the committee will be soliciting additional employees to participate in the KLC program.

Bethany College receives Kansas Leadership Center grant

Today is Thursday, Dec. 17, the 352nd day of 2020. There are 14 days left in the year. 

On Dec. 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright of Dayton, Ohio, conducted the first successful manned powered-airplane flights near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, using their experimental craft, the Wright Flyer. 

In 1777, France recognized American independence. 

In 1933, in the inaugural NFL championship football game, the Chicago Bears defeated the New York Giants, 23-21, at Wrigley Field.

In 1938, German chemists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann discovered nuclear fission by splitting the nuclei of uranium into lighter elements. 

In 1944, the U.S. War Department announced it was ending its policy of excluding people of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast. 

In 1975, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme was sentenced in Sacramento, Calif. to life in prison for her attempt on the life of President Gerald R. Ford. (She was paroled in Aug. 2009.) 

In 1979, Arthur McDuffie, a Black insurance executive, was fatally injured after leading police on a chase with his motorcycle in Miami. (Four white police officers accused of beating McDuffie were later acquitted, sparking riots.) 

In 1989, the animated TV series "The Simpsons" premiered on Fox with a Christmas-themed episode.

In 1992, President George H.W. Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari signed the North American Free Trade Agreement in separate ceremonies. (After President Donald Trump demanded a new deal, the three countries signed a replacement agreement in 2018.) 

In 2001, Marines raised the Stars and Stripes over the long-abandoned American Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.

In 2007, Gov. Jon S. Corzine signed a measure making New Jersey the first state to abolish the death penalty in more than 40 years.

In 2011, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il died after more than a decade of iron rule; he was 69, according to official records, but some reports indicated he was 70. 

In 2014, the United States and Cuba restored diplomatic relations, sweeping away one of the last vestiges of the Cold War. 

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama signed into law a huge, holiday-season tax bill extending cuts for all Americans, saluting a new spirit of political compromise as Republicans applauded and liberals seethed. Federal prosecutors reached a settlement with the estate of Florida philanthropist Jeffry Picower in which his widow, Barbara, agreed to return $7.2 billion that her husband had reaped from Bernard Madoff's giant Ponzi scheme. Don Van Vliet, a musician and artist who'd performed a complex brand of experimental rock under the name Captain Beefheart, died in Arcata, California, at age 69. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was voted the 2010 Male Athlete of the Year by members of The Associated Press.

Five years ago: Defense Secretary Ash Carter acknowledged that he sometimes used a personal, unsecured email account to conduct official business after he took office, a practice he called "entirely my mistake." Representatives of Libya's s two rival factions signed a U.N.-brokered deal to form a unity government.

One year ago: Joe Biden released a doctor's report saying that the 77-year-old former vice president was "healthy, vigorous" and "fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency." A federal judge in Washington sentenced former Trump campaign official Rick Gates to 45 days in jail despite what she said was "extraordinary" cooperation with special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe and other Justice Department investigations; Gates had pleaded guilty to charges related to political consulting work he did in Ukraine.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Armin Mueller-Stahl is 90. Pope Francis is 84. Singer-actor Tommy Steele is 84. Actor Bernard Hill is 76 Actor Ernie Hudson is 75. Political commentator Chris Matthews is 75. Comedian-actor Eugene Levy is 74. Actor Marilyn Hassett is 73. Actor Wes Studi is 73. Pop musician Jim Bonfanti (The Raspberries) is 72. Actor Joel Brooks is 71. Rock singer Paul Rodgers is 71. Rhythm-and-blues singer Wanda Hutchinson Vaughn (The Emotions) is 69. Actor Bill Pullman is 67. Actor Barry Livingston is 67. Country singer Sharon White is 67. Producer-director-writer Peter Farrelly is 64. Rock musician Mike Mills (R.E.M.) is 62. Pop singer Sarah Dallin (Bananarama) is 59. Country singer Tracy Byrd is 54. Country musician Duane Propes is 54. Actor Laurie Holden is 51. DJ Homicide (Sugar Ray) is 50. Actor Sean Patrick Thomas is 50. Actor Claire Forlani is 49. Pop-rock musician Eddie Fisher (OneRepublic) is 47. Actor Sarah Paulson is 46. Actor Marissa Ribisi is 46. Actor Giovanni Ribisi is 46. Actor Milla Jovovich is 45. Singer Bree Sharp is 45. Singer-songwriter Ben Goldwasser (MGMT) is 38. Rock singer Mikky Ekko is 37. Actor Shannon Woodward is 36. Actor Emma Bell is 34. Actor Vanessa Zima is 34. Rock musician Taylor York (Paramore) is 31. Actor Graham Rogers is 30. Actor-singer Nat Wolff is 26.

<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, Dec. 17, the 352nd day of 2020. There are 14 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright of Dayton, Ohio, conducted the first successful manned powered-airplane flights near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, using their experimental craft, the Wright Flyer. On this date: In 1777, France recognized American independence. In 1933, in the inaugural NFL championship football game, the Chicago Bears defeated the New York Giants, 23-21, at Wrigley Field.In 1938, German chemists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann discovered nuclear fission by splitting the nuclei of uranium into lighter elements. In 1944, the U.S. War Department announced it was ending its policy of excluding people of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast. In 1975, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme was sentenced in Sacramento, Calif. to life in prison for her attempt on the life of President Gerald R. Ford. (She was paroled in Aug. 2009.) In 1979, Arthur McDuffie, a Black insurance executive, was fatally injured after leading police on a chase with his motorcycle in Miami. (Four white police officers accused of beating McDuffie were later acquitted, sparking riots.) In 1989, the animated TV series "The Simpsons" premiered on Fox with a Christmas-themed episode.In 1992, President George H.W. Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari signed the North American Free Trade Agreement in separate ceremonies. (After President Donald Trump demanded a new deal, the three countries signed a replacement agreement in 2018.) In 2001, Marines raised the Stars and Stripes over the long-abandoned American Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.In 2007, Gov. Jon S. Corzine signed a measure making New Jersey the first state to abolish the death penalty in more than 40 years.In 2011, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il died after more than a decade of iron rule; he was 69, according to official records, but some reports indicated he was 70. In 2014, the United States and Cuba restored diplomatic relations, sweeping away one of the last vestiges of the Cold War. Ten years ago: President Barack Obama signed into law a huge, holiday-season tax bill extending cuts for all Americans, saluting a new spirit of political compromise as Republicans applauded and liberals seethed. Federal prosecutors reached a settlement with the estate of Florida philanthropist Jeffry Picower in which his widow, Barbara, agreed to return $7.2 billion that her husband had reaped from Bernard Madoff's giant Ponzi scheme. Don Van Vliet, a musician and artist who'd performed a complex brand of experimental rock under the name Captain Beefheart, died in Arcata, California, at age 69. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was voted the 2010 Male Athlete of the Year by members of The Associated Press.Five years ago: Defense Secretary Ash Carter acknowledged that he sometimes used a personal, unsecured email account to conduct official business after he took office, a practice he called "entirely my mistake." Representatives of Libya's s two rival factions signed a U.N.-brokered deal to form a unity government.One year ago: Joe Biden released a doctor's report saying that the 77-year-old former vice president was "healthy, vigorous" and "fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency." A federal judge in Washington sentenced former Trump campaign official Rick Gates to 45 days in jail despite what she said was "extraordinary" cooperation with special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe and other Justice Department investigations; Gates had pleaded guilty to charges related to political consulting work he did in Ukraine.Today's Birthdays: Actor Armin Mueller-Stahl is 90. Pope Francis is 84. Singer-actor Tommy Steele is 84. Actor Bernard Hill is 76 Actor Ernie Hudson is 75. Political commentator Chris Matthews is 75. Comedian-actor Eugene Levy is 74. Actor Marilyn Hassett is 73. Actor Wes Studi is 73. Pop musician Jim Bonfanti (The Raspberries) is 72. Actor Joel Brooks is 71. Rock singer Paul Rodgers is 71. Rhythm-and-blues singer Wanda Hutchinson Vaughn (The Emotions) is 69. Actor Bill Pullman is 67. Actor Barry Livingston is 67. Country singer Sharon White is 67. Producer-director-writer Peter Farrelly is 64. Rock musician Mike Mills (R.E.M.) is 62. Pop singer Sarah Dallin (Bananarama) is 59. Country singer Tracy Byrd is 54. Country musician Duane Propes is 54. Actor Laurie Holden is 51. DJ Homicide (Sugar Ray) is 50. Actor Sean Patrick Thomas is 50. Actor Claire Forlani is 49. Pop-rock musician Eddie Fisher (OneRepublic) is 47. Actor Sarah Paulson is 46. Actor Marissa Ribisi is 46. Actor Giovanni Ribisi is 46. Actor Milla Jovovich is 45. Singer Bree Sharp is 45. Singer-songwriter Ben Goldwasser (MGMT) is 38. Rock singer Mikky Ekko is 37. Actor Shannon Woodward is 36. Actor Emma Bell is 34. Actor Vanessa Zima is 34. Rock musician Taylor York (Paramore) is 31. Actor Graham Rogers is 30. Actor-singer Nat Wolff is 26.

Today in History -- Dec. 17

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

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today announced 91 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 2,114.

Of that total, 1,212 of the cases have either met Kansas Department of Health and environment recovery guidelines or have died, and 19 of the active cases are hospitalized.

Following is the updated case data, as reported by the health department.

• New cases since last public release: 91

• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 83

• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 7

-Male cases age: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39, 91, 92, 52, 80, 30, 72, 82, 88, 85

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today announced 91 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 2,114.Of that total, 1,212 of the cases have either met Kansas Department of Health and environment recovery guidelines or have died, and 19 of the active cases are hospitalized.Following is the updated case data, as reported by the health department.• New cases since last public release: 91• Asymptomatic: 53• Cases with unknown exposure: 935• Cases 60 years old and above: 670• Cases 50-59 years old: 292• Cases 40-49 years old: 267• Cases 30-39 years old: 268• Cases 18-29 years old: 415• Cases under 18 years old: 202• Female cases: 1099• Male cases: 1015• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 83• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 7• Deaths: 22-Male cases age: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39, 91, 92, 52, 80, 30, 72, 82, 88, 85-Female cases age: 92, 89, 94, 66, 82

McPherson County reports 91 new cases of COVID-19

OCCK, Inc. is seeking Direct Support Professionals. These individuals are residential in their supported Living Department in the Salina, Beloit, and Concordia locations. Full time with benefits, EOE, drug testing.

This person will be coordinating services and provide Independent living skills. Training will be provided as needed. Need to be a compassionate and a problem solver.

Must be at least 18 years old with strong oral and written communication skills, math skills and valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Must have the ability to work with a diverse group of people in a team setting. Various shifts available.

OCCK, Inc. is a not-for-profit, mission-based organization that has been providing services to people with disabilities since 1970. With regional offices throughout North Central Kansas. Help others and getting paid to do so. Apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=occkinc.appone.com">https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=occkinc.appone.com</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592535783410.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OCCK, Inc. is seeking Direct Support Professionals. These individuals are residential in their supported Living Department in the Salina, Beloit, and Concordia locations. Full time with benefits, EOE, drug testing.This person will be coordinating services and provide Independent living skills. Training will be provided as needed. Need to be a compassionate and a problem solver.Must be at least 18 years old with strong oral and written communication skills, math skills and valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Must have the ability to work with a diverse group of people in a team setting. Various shifts available.OCCK, Inc. is a not-for-profit, mission-based organization that has been providing services to people with disabilities since 1970. With regional offices throughout North Central Kansas. Help others and getting paid to do so. Apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=occkinc.appone.com">https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=occkinc.appone.com</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;

2 hospitalized in Salina after pickup crash

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

Sadly, we have been notified of one additional death due to COVID-19 since our last update on December 14. This brings the COVID-19 death toll in Saline County to 46. There have been 152 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since our last. The total number of positive cases for Saline County is now 3521 with 1,545 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department. At least 1,930 have recovered. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they currently have 38 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information: ●Mobile Device Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a>

●Desktop Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</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 the FAQ section of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus" target="_blank">https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus</a>&nbsp;for additional questions. However, 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. According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 194,569 cases and 2,253 deaths statewide. This information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>. Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please: 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. 2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more. 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. 4. By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments). 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. Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus%3Chttp://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or www.kdheks.gov.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608161244018.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Wednesday.Sadly, we have been notified of one additional death due to COVID-19 since our last update on December 14. This brings the COVID-19 death toll in Saline County to 46. There have been 152 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since our last. The total number of positive cases for Saline County is now 3521 with 1,545 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department. At least 1,930 have recovered. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they currently have 38 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information: ●Mobile Device Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a> ●Desktop Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</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 the FAQ section of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus" target="_blank">https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus</a>&nbsp;for additional questions. However, 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. According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 194,569 cases and 2,253 deaths statewide. This information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>. Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please: 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. 2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more. 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. 4. By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments). 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. Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus%3Chttp://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or www.kdheks.gov.

Saline County: 1 additional death, 152 new COVID-19 cases

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Nebraska state Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh never understood how Saint Francis Ministries secured the state’s only private foster care contract with a shockingly low bid and no plan for providing minimum services.

She was concerned the cost savings would be made by overloading social workers with too many cases, despite warnings from legislators that state law required foster care providers to keep caseloads low. After Saint Francis took over services for the Omaha region in January, it was no surprise to Cavanaugh that the organization failed to meet its obligations.

“We told Saint Francis at our public hearings numerous times that this was a statute, and if that was their plan, they could not increase case numbers,” Cavanaugh said. “It was against our laws. We could never really get a full answer.”

A recent report by the Nebraska Office of Inspector General and revelations of financial mismanagement by leaders of the Kansas-based organization have brought into focus the concerns raised by Cavanaugh and others in Nebraska when the contract was awarded last year.

The decision by Saint Francis leadership to spend $80,000 on Chicago Cubs tickets, which was revealed in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/04/kansas-agency-serving-3100-foster-children-accused-of-rampant-financial-mismanagement/">a Kansas Reflector report earlier this month</a>, also is a point of interest because Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts’ family owns the Cubs and he formerly served on the team’s board of directors.

Cavanaugh and other lawmakers who serve on a foster care oversight committee will get their first chance to question Saint Francis about the developments at a hearing scheduled for Wednesday at the state capitol in Lincoln.

Among findings in the OIG report, just 41% of Saint Francis social workers have acceptable caseloads, children were staying for days at a time in a location intended for short emergency stays, children were housed in office space, and the organization was “ill-prepared and unable to secure enough foster homes.” Additionally, Saint Francis has struggled to retain and hire employees.

Morgan Rothenberger, spokeswoman for Saint Francis, said the foster care provider was meeting a majority of its performance measures.

“Case management work is complex, with numerous moving parts,” Rothenberger said. “In beginning new services, we expect challenges as Saint Francis adapts to a new system and as we partner with state officials to bring healing and hope to children and families.”

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services operates nearly all of the state’s foster care system following a short-lived experiment with privatization that ended about a decade ago.

The lone holdover from the privatized system was PromiseShip, an organization formed by the iconic Boys Town and other social welfare groups in Omaha. No one expected the announcement in July 2019 that DHHS was severing ties with PromiseShip. Even more surprising was the disparity in bids for the five-year deal: Saint Francis offered to do the work for $197 million, compared to PromiseShip’s offer of $341 million.

“It was shocking and abrupt,” Cavanaugh said.

Saint Francis was preceded by its reputation in Kansas, where the foster care system had devolved into chaos and cruelty. More children were missing, abused, killed, sold for sex, frequently moved, and sleeping in office spaces. Caseloads skyrocketed for social workers.

Kansas Department for Children and Families recommends a limit of 30 cases assigned to social workers. At times, the average case management in some regions exceeded 50 children.

Under a 2012 Nebraska law, caseloads are capped at 14-17, depending on case type. The same Sept. 15 OIG report that pointed to concerns with Saint Francis caseloads also found that 100% of social workers in two state-run regions had acceptable caseloads, as well as 92% and 88% of social workers in the other two regions.

And as Saint Francis severely underperformed, Nebraska lawmakers grew wary of the numbers the organization reported.

Cavanaugh, a Democrat who represents Omaha in a unicameral legislature that doesn’t recognize political parties, said there was an implication that Saint Francis would count a family of five as a single case.

“It seemed like there was some suspect math on the casework numbers,” she said. “I certainly was suspicious of it.”

Kansas Reflector obtained the whistleblower’s report on financial mismanagement through an open records request with DCF, which had received the report in November 2019.

The Kansas agency hired an accounting firm to audit Saint Francis finances, but the organization declined to cooperate until a separate complaint about financial mismanagement was made directly to the Saint Francis board in October of this year. President and CEO Robert Smith and chief operating officer Tom Blythe&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/19/foster-care-provider-removes-top-leaders-after-investigation-into-mismanagement/">left the organization</a>&nbsp;after an internal review.

“We’ve taken very proactive steps in recent weeks to stabilize the financial situation of Saint Francis Ministries,” Rothenberger said.

Among the complaints in the whistleblower report was the decision to spend $80,000 on Chicago Cubs tickets at a time when the organization had exhausted its line of credit and was struggling to make weekly payments.

Rothenberger said the Cubs tickets were purchased in September 2019 and refunded when the team failed to make the playoffs. A review of paperwork indicated the purchase had nothing to do with Nebraska, she said.

Nebraska officials also indicated the tickets didn’t influence the decision by Ricketts’ administration to award a contract to Saint Francis.

“The governor was not aware of the purchase of those tickets until after media reporting on the whistleblower’s report,” said Justin Pinkerman, a spokesman for the Republican governor.

Khalilah LeGrand, spokeswoman for Nebraska DHHS, said nobody at the agency received tickets.

Still, Cavanaugh said, it is concerning that Saint Francis leadership purchased the tickets at a time of upheaval in Nebraska over the surprising decision to change foster care providers.

“I’m concerned about our youth in Nebraska,” Cavanaugh said. “There’s a lot of concern and a lot of unanswered questions, and there has been since the start of this contract.”

The above story has been republished with permission from Kansas Reflector.

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608131492172.jpeg" alt="Concerns over Saint Francis Ministries' failure to meet performance measures in Nebraska were heightened by the revelation of alleged financial mismanagement at the Kansas-based foster care provider. (Illustration by Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Concerns over Saint Francis Ministries' failure to meet performance measures in Nebraska were heightened by the revelation of alleged financial mismanagement at the Kansas-based foster care provider. (Illustration by Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Nebraska state Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh never understood how Saint Francis Ministries secured the state’s only private foster care contract with a shockingly low bid and no plan for providing minimum services.She was concerned the cost savings would be made by overloading social workers with too many cases, despite warnings from legislators that state law required foster care providers to keep caseloads low. After Saint Francis took over services for the Omaha region in January, it was no surprise to Cavanaugh that the organization failed to meet its obligations.“We told Saint Francis at our public hearings numerous times that this was a statute, and if that was their plan, they could not increase case numbers,” Cavanaugh said. “It was against our laws. We could never really get a full answer.”A recent report by the Nebraska Office of Inspector General and revelations of financial mismanagement by leaders of the Kansas-based organization have brought into focus the concerns raised by Cavanaugh and others in Nebraska when the contract was awarded last year.The decision by Saint Francis leadership to spend $80,000 on Chicago Cubs tickets, which was revealed in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/04/kansas-agency-serving-3100-foster-children-accused-of-rampant-financial-mismanagement/">a Kansas Reflector report earlier this month</a>, also is a point of interest because Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts’ family owns the Cubs and he formerly served on the team’s board of directors.Cavanaugh and other lawmakers who serve on a foster care oversight committee will get their first chance to question Saint Francis about the developments at a hearing scheduled for Wednesday at the state capitol in Lincoln.Among findings in the OIG report, just 41% of Saint Francis social workers have acceptable caseloads, children were staying for days at a time in a location intended for short emergency stays, children were housed in office space, and the organization was “ill-prepared and unable to secure enough foster homes.” Additionally, Saint Francis has struggled to retain and hire employees.Morgan Rothenberger, spokeswoman for Saint Francis, said the foster care provider was meeting a majority of its performance measures.“Case management work is complex, with numerous moving parts,” Rothenberger said. “In beginning new services, we expect challenges as Saint Francis adapts to a new system and as we partner with state officials to bring healing and hope to children and families.”<h2>Suspect math</h2>The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services operates nearly all of the state’s foster care system following a short-lived experiment with privatization that ended about a decade ago.The lone holdover from the privatized system was PromiseShip, an organization formed by the iconic Boys Town and other social welfare groups in Omaha. No one expected the announcement in July 2019 that DHHS was severing ties with PromiseShip. Even more surprising was the disparity in bids for the five-year deal: Saint Francis offered to do the work for $197 million, compared to PromiseShip’s offer of $341 million.“It was shocking and abrupt,” Cavanaugh said.Saint Francis was preceded by its reputation in Kansas, where the foster care system had devolved into chaos and cruelty. More children were missing, abused, killed, sold for sex, frequently moved, and sleeping in office spaces. Caseloads skyrocketed for social workers.Kansas Department for Children and Families recommends a limit of 30 cases assigned to social workers. At times, the average case management in some regions exceeded 50 children.Under a 2012 Nebraska law, caseloads are capped at 14-17, depending on case type. The same Sept. 15 OIG report that pointed to concerns with Saint Francis caseloads also found that 100% of social workers in two state-run regions had acceptable caseloads, as well as 92% and 88% of social workers in the other two regions.And as Saint Francis severely underperformed, Nebraska lawmakers grew wary of the numbers the organization reported.Cavanaugh, a Democrat who represents Omaha in a unicameral legislature that doesn’t recognize political parties, said there was an implication that Saint Francis would count a family of five as a single case.“It seemed like there was some suspect math on the casework numbers,” she said. “I certainly was suspicious of it.”<h2>Ticket timing</h2>Kansas Reflector obtained the whistleblower’s report on financial mismanagement through an open records request with DCF, which had received the report in November 2019.The Kansas agency hired an accounting firm to audit Saint Francis finances, but the organization declined to cooperate until a separate complaint about financial mismanagement was made directly to the Saint Francis board in October of this year. President and CEO Robert Smith and chief operating officer Tom Blythe&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/19/foster-care-provider-removes-top-leaders-after-investigation-into-mismanagement/">left the organization</a>&nbsp;after an internal review.“We’ve taken very proactive steps in recent weeks to stabilize the financial situation of Saint Francis Ministries,” Rothenberger said.Among the complaints in the whistleblower report was the decision to spend $80,000 on Chicago Cubs tickets at a time when the organization had exhausted its line of credit and was struggling to make weekly payments.Rothenberger said the Cubs tickets were purchased in September 2019 and refunded when the team failed to make the playoffs. A review of paperwork indicated the purchase had nothing to do with Nebraska, she said.Nebraska officials also indicated the tickets didn’t influence the decision by Ricketts’ administration to award a contract to Saint Francis.“The governor was not aware of the purchase of those tickets until after media reporting on the whistleblower’s report,” said Justin Pinkerman, a spokesman for the Republican governor.Khalilah LeGrand, spokeswoman for Nebraska DHHS, said nobody at the agency received tickets.Still, Cavanaugh said, it is concerning that Saint Francis leadership purchased the tickets at a time of upheaval in Nebraska over the surprising decision to change foster care providers.“I’m concerned about our youth in Nebraska,” Cavanaugh said. “There’s a lot of concern and a lot of unanswered questions, and there has been since the start of this contract.”The above story has been republished with permission from Kansas Reflector.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.

Saint Francis' financial turmoil, Cubs tickets amplify concerns in Nebraska

Well done, students! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD305/">USD 305</a> Facebook page:

Well done, students! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD305/">USD 305</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FUSD305%2Fposts%2F3552810458100753&width=500&show_text=true&height=647&appId" width="500" height="647" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Salina South Student Council collects Angel Tree gifts for 21 kids

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that Saline County&nbsp;has been selected to receive funding as part of the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program (KLBIP).&nbsp;

Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz announced the selection as part of the state-local partnership program that is part of the IKE transportation program. This year’s selections include 27 counties and three cities who will receive a combined total of $5.1 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Congratulations to&nbsp;Saline County&nbsp;for submitting a successful application and securing local matching funds for a bridge project that is critical to the community’s success,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Improving the overall transportation system across our state is integral to our economic recovery, and an important step forward as we work to invest in and rebuild our state’s foundation.”&nbsp;

“I was thrilled to receive the news that Saline County will be a recipient of the KLBIP,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Justin&nbsp;Mader, Saline County engineer.&nbsp;“This bridge is the last fracture critical bridge in Saline County on Mentor Road. The bridge and road serve as a very important route to get grain and livestock to market.”&nbsp;

The Harper County bridge chosen for replacement is&nbsp;2.0 miles&nbsp;North and 0.2 miles&nbsp;East of Gypsum on Mentor Road.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KDOT reinstated this&nbsp;bridge program in 2019 to assist cities and counties by providing up to $150,000 toward the replacement or rehabilitation of a bridge on the local roadway system.&nbsp;&nbsp;For this recent round of KLBIP selections, a&nbsp;total of 68 applications from 61 local public agencies were received with requests for $11.4 million in funds. The total value of the individual bridge replacement costs ranged from $150,000 to $2.4 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We welcome opportunities to partner with Kansas cities and counties to replace or rehabilitate deteriorating bridges,”&nbsp;said Secretary Julie Lorenz, Kansas Department of Transportation. “This program allows KDOT to help communities move forward with projects that keep critical local roadways open and viable.”&nbsp;

The KLBIP&nbsp;targets bridges 20-50 feet in length and&nbsp;with&nbsp;a daily vehicle count of less than 100. Of the nearly 25,000 total bridges on the roadway system – approximately 19,000 of them owned by local entities – over 5,700 have ratings or characteristics that make them eligible for replacement under this program.&nbsp;

The list of cities and counties receiving funding is below. Those with an asterisk indicate recipients that also chose to close a second deficient bridge in order to receive an additional $50,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that Saline County&nbsp;has been selected to receive funding as part of the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program (KLBIP).&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz announced the selection as part of the state-local partnership program that is part of the IKE transportation program. This year’s selections include 27 counties and three cities who will receive a combined total of $5.1 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Congratulations to&nbsp;Saline County&nbsp;for submitting a successful application and securing local matching funds for a bridge project that is critical to the community’s success,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Improving the overall transportation system across our state is integral to our economic recovery, and an important step forward as we work to invest in and rebuild our state’s foundation.”&nbsp;“I was thrilled to receive the news that Saline County will be a recipient of the KLBIP,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Justin&nbsp;Mader, Saline County engineer.&nbsp;“This bridge is the last fracture critical bridge in Saline County on Mentor Road. The bridge and road serve as a very important route to get grain and livestock to market.”&nbsp;The Harper County bridge chosen for replacement is&nbsp;2.0 miles&nbsp;North and 0.2 miles&nbsp;East of Gypsum on Mentor Road.&nbsp;&nbsp;KDOT reinstated this&nbsp;bridge program in 2019 to assist cities and counties by providing up to $150,000 toward the replacement or rehabilitation of a bridge on the local roadway system.&nbsp;&nbsp;For this recent round of KLBIP selections, a&nbsp;total of 68 applications from 61 local public agencies were received with requests for $11.4 million in funds. The total value of the individual bridge replacement costs ranged from $150,000 to $2.4 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We welcome opportunities to partner with Kansas cities and counties to replace or rehabilitate deteriorating bridges,”&nbsp;said Secretary Julie Lorenz, Kansas Department of Transportation. “This program allows KDOT to help communities move forward with projects that keep critical local roadways open and viable.”&nbsp;The KLBIP&nbsp;targets bridges 20-50 feet in length and&nbsp;with&nbsp;a daily vehicle count of less than 100. Of the nearly 25,000 total bridges on the roadway system – approximately 19,000 of them owned by local entities – over 5,700 have ratings or characteristics that make them eligible for replacement under this program.&nbsp;The list of cities and counties receiving funding is below. Those with an asterisk indicate recipients that also chose to close a second deficient bridge in order to receive an additional $50,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;Allen County&nbsp;City of Arkansas City&nbsp;&nbsp;Chautauqua County&nbsp;Cheyenne County *&nbsp;Cloud County&nbsp;Cowley County&nbsp;City of De Soto&nbsp;Ellis County *&nbsp;Graham County&nbsp;Harper County *&nbsp;Harvey County&nbsp;Kingman County *&nbsp;Labette County&nbsp;Lincoln County *&nbsp;Linn County&nbsp;Marion County&nbsp;McPherson County&nbsp;Nemaha County&nbsp;Neosho County&nbsp;Ness County *&nbsp;Norton County *&nbsp;Ottawa County&nbsp;Rooks County *&nbsp;Saline County *&nbsp;Scott County&nbsp;Sheridan County *&nbsp;Sherman County *&nbsp;City of South Hutchinson&nbsp;Wallace County *&nbsp;Washington County&nbsp;

Saline County to receive state funding for Mentor Road bridge project

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

As Christmas draws closer, I can’t help but think of the many holiday traditions my family has generally followed over the years. Some are strange, some are widely shared, but they’re all unique markers of how we spend our time together marking the birth of Christ. Perhaps the most fleeting tradition was when my brother and I were younger, and our parents would affix bells to our bedroom doors on Christmas Eve. It was an early-warning system for Santa to scramble back up the chimney, or at least alert my parents that someone was trying to sneak a peek into their stockings or get a glimpse of any new presents under the tree. Another staple of Christmas was always finding the right red cedar in some forgotten corner of a pasture, where it had escaped fire just long enough to be cut down, hauled home and adorned with ornaments. In addition to adding a festive fragrance, it was always the center of attention on Christmas morning with a bounty of gifts beneath its branches. Of course, the tree hunt itself was a tradition prone to the occasional hiccup, like the time we got stuck before finding the perfect tree. I was young enough I don’t remember all the particulars of exactly how we got stuck, I just know the winch on my father’s Toyota FJ40 wasn’t enough to break us free. We sat there for what seem like hours as he walked to my grandparents’ house to fetch my grandfather and a tractor. He might have been gone all of 30 minutes before returning with his head a little lower. My grandfather, however, was grinning ear to ear knowing the story would become fodder around the dinner table for years to come. Stories weren’t the only traditions around the table either. Every Christmas Eve featured shrimp cocktail for dinner, a legacy from my mother’s family. The next night, prime rib was the ritual delicacy. &nbsp; I know most of these customs are shared widely, with the exception of the shrimp cocktail, and I recognize how fortunate I am to have a family with the time and resources to devote to such endeavors. As a kid, I equated Christmas with gift-giving because that’s what kids do. Now that I’m older and have a family of my own, I’ve come to treasure not the gifts themselves, rather the time together they represent. I’ve forgotten most of the toys, clothes and other tokens I’ve received over the years, save for a smattering of sentimental gifts. While gift giving is still a central tradition, I’m more interested in seeing the reactions of others opening their gifts. I’m also more cognizant of the work necessary for traditions to develop and flourish. Like everything else, Christmas as I know it didn’t just happen. My parents, with my mom doing the heavy lifting, spent countless hours planning, shopping, cooking, baking, wrapping and organizing to make those traditions happen. I count these moments among the greatest gifts I’ve received. My wife and I have passed down some unchanged, mixed others from both our families and created some out of whole cloth. This year may require some tweaks to certain traditions, but it’s also a good opportunity to reflect on what’s important and evaluate if anything could be improved upon. While we will still exchange gifts, this year has made me ever more thankful for our traditions. Even if they will be modified, it’s a reminder that presence is far more rewarding than presents. For that, I’m forever grateful for the gift of tradition.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering. Photo courtesy KFB" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering. Photo courtesy KFB</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauAs Christmas draws closer, I can’t help but think of the many holiday traditions my family has generally followed over the years. Some are strange, some are widely shared, but they’re all unique markers of how we spend our time together marking the birth of Christ. Perhaps the most fleeting tradition was when my brother and I were younger, and our parents would affix bells to our bedroom doors on Christmas Eve. It was an early-warning system for Santa to scramble back up the chimney, or at least alert my parents that someone was trying to sneak a peek into their stockings or get a glimpse of any new presents under the tree. Another staple of Christmas was always finding the right red cedar in some forgotten corner of a pasture, where it had escaped fire just long enough to be cut down, hauled home and adorned with ornaments. In addition to adding a festive fragrance, it was always the center of attention on Christmas morning with a bounty of gifts beneath its branches. Of course, the tree hunt itself was a tradition prone to the occasional hiccup, like the time we got stuck before finding the perfect tree. I was young enough I don’t remember all the particulars of exactly how we got stuck, I just know the winch on my father’s Toyota FJ40 wasn’t enough to break us free. We sat there for what seem like hours as he walked to my grandparents’ house to fetch my grandfather and a tractor. He might have been gone all of 30 minutes before returning with his head a little lower. My grandfather, however, was grinning ear to ear knowing the story would become fodder around the dinner table for years to come. Stories weren’t the only traditions around the table either. Every Christmas Eve featured shrimp cocktail for dinner, a legacy from my mother’s family. The next night, prime rib was the ritual delicacy. &nbsp; I know most of these customs are shared widely, with the exception of the shrimp cocktail, and I recognize how fortunate I am to have a family with the time and resources to devote to such endeavors. As a kid, I equated Christmas with gift-giving because that’s what kids do. Now that I’m older and have a family of my own, I’ve come to treasure not the gifts themselves, rather the time together they represent. I’ve forgotten most of the toys, clothes and other tokens I’ve received over the years, save for a smattering of sentimental gifts. While gift giving is still a central tradition, I’m more interested in seeing the reactions of others opening their gifts. I’m also more cognizant of the work necessary for traditions to develop and flourish. Like everything else, Christmas as I know it didn’t just happen. My parents, with my mom doing the heavy lifting, spent countless hours planning, shopping, cooking, baking, wrapping and organizing to make those traditions happen. I count these moments among the greatest gifts I’ve received. My wife and I have passed down some unchanged, mixed others from both our families and created some out of whole cloth. This year may require some tweaks to certain traditions, but it’s also a good opportunity to reflect on what’s important and evaluate if anything could be improved upon. While we will still exchange gifts, this year has made me ever more thankful for our traditions. Even if they will be modified, it’s a reminder that presence is far more rewarding than presents. For that, I’m forever grateful for the gift of tradition."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Gift of tradition

CONCORDIA -- Aspen University and Cloud County Community College announced this week the signing of a memorandum of understanding that will give nursing graduates the opportunity to attend Aspen for their bachelor’s degree.

Aspen University is a nationally accredited distance-learning university in Denver, Colo. Aspen’s online nursing program offers registered nurses the opportunity to earn their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees fully online.

With the agreement, students graduating from Cloud’s Associate of Applied Science in nursing program, and who possess a valid Registered Nurse license, can transition into Aspen’s bachelor’s of nursing online program and receive a 10-percent discount on tuition.

Nursing students can enroll in Aspen’s nursing courses via the following links: RN to BSN –&nbsp;<a href="https://aspen.degree/aspen-rn2bsn" target="_blank">https://aspen.degree/aspen-rn2bsn</a> MSN –&nbsp;<a href="https://aspen.degree/msn-aspen" target="_blank">https://aspen.degree/msn-aspen</a> DNP –&nbsp;<a href="https://aspen.degree/dnp-aspen" target="_blank">https://aspen.degree/dnp-aspen</a>

CONCORDIA -- Aspen University and Cloud County Community College announced this week the signing of a memorandum of understanding that will give nursing graduates the opportunity to attend Aspen for their bachelor’s degree.Aspen University is a nationally accredited distance-learning university in Denver, Colo. Aspen’s online nursing program offers registered nurses the opportunity to earn their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees fully online.With the agreement, students graduating from Cloud’s Associate of Applied Science in nursing program, and who possess a valid Registered Nurse license, can transition into Aspen’s bachelor’s of nursing online program and receive a 10-percent discount on tuition.Nursing students can enroll in Aspen’s nursing courses via the following links: RN to BSN –&nbsp;<a href="https://aspen.degree/aspen-rn2bsn" target="_blank">https://aspen.degree/aspen-rn2bsn</a> MSN –&nbsp;<a href="https://aspen.degree/msn-aspen" target="_blank">https://aspen.degree/msn-aspen</a> DNP –&nbsp;<a href="https://aspen.degree/dnp-aspen" target="_blank">https://aspen.degree/dnp-aspen</a>

CCCC, Aspen University announce nursing agreement

Today is Wednesday, Dec. 16, the 351st day of 2020. There are 15 days left in the year. 

On Dec. 16, 2000, President-elect George W. Bush selected Colin Powell to become the first African-American secretary of state. 

In 1773, the Boston Tea Party took place as American colonists boarded a British ship and dumped more than 300 chests of tea into Boston Harbor to protest tea taxes. 

In 1809, the French Senate granted a divorce decree to Emperor Napoleon I and Empress Josephine (the dissolution was made final the following month).

In 1811, the first of the powerful New Madrid earthquakes struck the central Mississippi Valley with an estimated magnitude of 7.7.

In 1905, the entertainment trade publication Variety came out with its first weekly issue. 

In 1944, the World War II Battle of the Bulge began as German forces launched a surprise attack against Allied forces through the Ardennes Forest in Belgium and Luxembourg (the Allies were eventually able to turn the Germans back). 

In 1950, President Harry S. Truman proclaimed a national state of emergency in order to fight "world conquest by Communist imperialism." 

In 1960, 134 people were killed when a United Air Lines DC-8 and a TWA Super Constellation collided over New York City. 

In 1980, Harland Sanders, founder of the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant chain, died in Shelbyville, Kentucky, at age 90.

In 1982, Environmental Protection Agency head Anne M. Gorsuch became the first Cabinet-level officer to be cited for contempt of Congress for refusing to submit documents requested by a congressional committee. 

In 1985, Organized-crime chief Paul Castellano and his bodyguard were shot to death outside a New York City restaurant on orders from John Gotti.

In 1991, the U.N. General Assembly rescinded its 1975 resolution equating Zionism with racism by a vote of 111-25. 

In 2001, after nine weeks of fighting, Afghan militia leaders claimed control of the last mountain bastion of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida fighters, but bin Laden himself was nowhere to be seen. 

Ten years ago: The House joined the Senate in passing a massive bipartisan tax package preventing a big New Year's Day tax hike for millions of Americans. Interviewer Larry King, joined by a parade of former guests, concluded his CNN talk show after 25 years.

Five years ago: The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade, lifting its key rate by a quarter-point to a range of 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent. The first attempt to find a Baltimore police officer criminally responsible for Freddie Gray's death from a broken neck in a police van ended with a hung jury and a mistrial in the case of William Porter.

One year ago: House Democrats laid out their impeachment case against President Donald Trump; a sweeping report from the House Judiciary Committee said Trump had "betrayed the Nation by abusing his high office to enlist a foreign power in corrupting democratic elections." Boeing said it would temporarily stop producing its grounded 737 Max jet as it struggled to get approval from regulators to put the plane back in the air; it had been grounded since March after two deadly crashes. Drew Brees became the NFL's all-time leader in touchdown passes, throwing for four TDs to lead the New Orleans Saints to a 34-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. "The Rise of Skywalker," the conclusion of the third trilogy in the "Star Wars" movie franchise, was given a standing ovation at its world premiere in Hollywood.

Today's Birthdays: Civil rights attorney and co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center, Morris Dees is 84. Actor Joyce Bulifant is 83. Actor Liv Ullmann is 82. CBS news correspondent Lesley Stahl is 79. Pop musician Tony Hicks (The Hollies) is 75. Pop singer Benny Andersson (ABBA) is 74. Rock singer-musician Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) is 71. Rock musician Bill Bateman (The Blasters) is 69. Actor Xander Berkeley is 65. Actor Alison LaPlaca is 61. Actor Sam Robards is 59. Actor Jon Tenney is 59. Actor Benjamin Bratt is 57. Country singer-songwriter Jeff Carson is 57. Actor-comedian JB Smoove is 55. Actor Miranda Otto is 53. Actor Daniel Cosgrove is 50. Rhythm-and-blues singer Michael McCary is 49. Actor Jonathan Scarfe is 45. Actor Krysten Ritter is 39. Actor Zoe Jarman is 38. Country musician Chris Scruggs is 38. Actor Theo James is 36. Actor Amanda Setton is 35. Rock musician Dave Rublin (American Authors) is 34. Actor Hallee Hirsh is 33. Actor Anna Popplewell is 32. Actor Stephan James is 27.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, Dec. 16, the 351st day of 2020. There are 15 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 16, 2000, President-elect George W. Bush selected Colin Powell to become the first African-American secretary of state. On this date: In 1773, the Boston Tea Party took place as American colonists boarded a British ship and dumped more than 300 chests of tea into Boston Harbor to protest tea taxes. In 1809, the French Senate granted a divorce decree to Emperor Napoleon I and Empress Josephine (the dissolution was made final the following month).In 1811, the first of the powerful New Madrid earthquakes struck the central Mississippi Valley with an estimated magnitude of 7.7.In 1905, the entertainment trade publication Variety came out with its first weekly issue. In 1944, the World War II Battle of the Bulge began as German forces launched a surprise attack against Allied forces through the Ardennes Forest in Belgium and Luxembourg (the Allies were eventually able to turn the Germans back). In 1950, President Harry S. Truman proclaimed a national state of emergency in order to fight "world conquest by Communist imperialism." In 1960, 134 people were killed when a United Air Lines DC-8 and a TWA Super Constellation collided over New York City. In 1980, Harland Sanders, founder of the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant chain, died in Shelbyville, Kentucky, at age 90.In 1982, Environmental Protection Agency head Anne M. Gorsuch became the first Cabinet-level officer to be cited for contempt of Congress for refusing to submit documents requested by a congressional committee. In 1985, Organized-crime chief Paul Castellano and his bodyguard were shot to death outside a New York City restaurant on orders from John Gotti.In 1991, the U.N. General Assembly rescinded its 1975 resolution equating Zionism with racism by a vote of 111-25. In 2001, after nine weeks of fighting, Afghan militia leaders claimed control of the last mountain bastion of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida fighters, but bin Laden himself was nowhere to be seen. Ten years ago: The House joined the Senate in passing a massive bipartisan tax package preventing a big New Year's Day tax hike for millions of Americans. Interviewer Larry King, joined by a parade of former guests, concluded his CNN talk show after 25 years.Five years ago: The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade, lifting its key rate by a quarter-point to a range of 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent. The first attempt to find a Baltimore police officer criminally responsible for Freddie Gray's death from a broken neck in a police van ended with a hung jury and a mistrial in the case of William Porter. One year ago: House Democrats laid out their impeachment case against President Donald Trump; a sweeping report from the House Judiciary Committee said Trump had "betrayed the Nation by abusing his high office to enlist a foreign power in corrupting democratic elections." Boeing said it would temporarily stop producing its grounded 737 Max jet as it struggled to get approval from regulators to put the plane back in the air; it had been grounded since March after two deadly crashes. Drew Brees became the NFL's all-time leader in touchdown passes, throwing for four TDs to lead the New Orleans Saints to a 34-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. "The Rise of Skywalker," the conclusion of the third trilogy in the "Star Wars" movie franchise, was given a standing ovation at its world premiere in Hollywood.Today's Birthdays: Civil rights attorney and co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center, Morris Dees is 84. Actor Joyce Bulifant is 83. Actor Liv Ullmann is 82. CBS news correspondent Lesley Stahl is 79. Pop musician Tony Hicks (The Hollies) is 75. Pop singer Benny Andersson (ABBA) is 74. Rock singer-musician Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) is 71. Rock musician Bill Bateman (The Blasters) is 69. Actor Xander Berkeley is 65. Actor Alison LaPlaca is 61. Actor Sam Robards is 59. Actor Jon Tenney is 59. Actor Benjamin Bratt is 57. Country singer-songwriter Jeff Carson is 57. Actor-comedian JB Smoove is 55. Actor Miranda Otto is 53. Actor Daniel Cosgrove is 50. Rhythm-and-blues singer Michael McCary is 49. Actor Jonathan Scarfe is 45. Actor Krysten Ritter is 39. Actor Zoe Jarman is 38. Country musician Chris Scruggs is 38. Actor Theo James is 36. Actor Amanda Setton is 35. Rock musician Dave Rublin (American Authors) is 34. Actor Hallee Hirsh is 33. Actor Anna Popplewell is 32. Actor Stephan James is 27.

Today in History -- Dec. 16

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Bradley Koch of Clyde was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Koch was initiated at Washburn University.

Koch is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Bradley Koch of Clyde was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Koch was initiated at Washburn University.Koch is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

Clyde's Koch initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—Two people were injured in separate accidents due to slick roads Tuesday afternoon in Ellsworth County.&nbsp;

Just before 5:30p.m., a Stewart and&nbsp; Stevenson truck driven by&nbsp; Aspen Lee Watson, 23, Casper, Wyoming, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of 21st Road.&nbsp;

The driver lost control on the slick roadway and struck an exit sign. EMS transported a passenger Kyle Raymond Caldwell, 31, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, to the hospital in Salina. Watson and a second passenger were not injured and all three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Just before 4p.m. Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Dodge Dakota driven by Patricia Yvonne Schmid, 60, Hays, was westbound on Kansas 156 ten miles west of Kansas 14.

The driver lost control of the vehicle on the slick roadway. The pickup traveled off the right hand side of the roadway, rotated approximately 180 degrees, struck a concrete culvert, flipped&nbsp; over and came to rest on its wheels in the ditch.

EMS transported Schmid to Clara Barton Hospital.&nbsp; A passenger Sarah Lorraine Kyner, 38, Hoisington, was not transported for treatment. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—Two people were injured in separate accidents due to slick roads Tuesday afternoon in Ellsworth County.&nbsp;Just before 5:30p.m., a Stewart and&nbsp; Stevenson truck driven by&nbsp; Aspen Lee Watson, 23, Casper, Wyoming, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of 21st Road.&nbsp;The driver lost control on the slick roadway and struck an exit sign. EMS transported a passenger Kyle Raymond Caldwell, 31, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, to the hospital in Salina. Watson and a second passenger were not injured and all three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.Just before 4p.m. Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Dodge Dakota driven by Patricia Yvonne Schmid, 60, Hays, was westbound on Kansas 156 ten miles west of Kansas 14.The driver lost control of the vehicle on the slick roadway. The pickup traveled off the right hand side of the roadway, rotated approximately 180 degrees, struck a concrete culvert, flipped&nbsp; over and came to rest on its wheels in the ditch.EMS transported Schmid to Clara Barton Hospital.&nbsp; A passenger Sarah Lorraine Kyner, 38, Hoisington, was not transported for treatment. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Man hospitalized in Salina after crash on icy I-70 

Congratulations to Chris Lackey, Salina, the Week 14 winner in the Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chris, who scored 14 out of 16, wins $100!

Although we are well into the season, 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 Chris Lackey, Salina, the Week 14 winner in the Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Chris, who scored 14 out of 16, wins $100!Although we are well into the season, 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 Chris Lackey!

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Saline County today took another step forward in its efforts to build a new jail. 

By a 5-0 vote, commissioners approved a contract with the LaVelle Frick Trust to purchase approximately 17.94 acres of land located southeast of the intersection of East Pacific Avenue and North Front Street at the east end of East Woodland Avenue on which it plans to build the new jail. 

According to information in the commission meeting packet, the project architect has verified that the space "is suitable for the jail as designed as well as future expansion.

The sale is contingent on both soil testing and upon approval of this usage by the City of Salina Planning and Zoning, County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes told commissioners this morning during their regular meeting. According to information in the county meeting packet, an environmental survey of the property is scheduled to be conducted this week. Additionally, the county's architect for the project met with city planning staff Thursday to begin the process of getting city approval.

The land will cost the county $500,000, $10,000 of which is due upon execution of the agreement. The balance is due at closing, which is to be prior to the end of January 2021, according to the contract.

Commissioners also approved 5-0 the the acquisition of emergency communications equipment for the rural fire districts and the offering for sale of general obligation bonds to pay for the equipment.

Smith-Hanes told commissioners that the original plan was for each rural fire district to "seek lease purchase agreements with local banks to finance the remaining portion of their share of the radio equipment that they do not have currently in their special equipment funds."

"They have done that previously on other equipment, so that was sort of what we were thinking, but on the advice of our financial advisor, we believe that we can actually get a lower interest rate by pooling all of the fire districts together rather than have each one go separately out for financing," he said. "This would involve the county issuing general obligation bonds and essentially serving as the bank that would then lease the equipment to each of the rural fire districts until they had paid off their particular equipment, at which point in time it would become their property."

In a related matter, commissioners approved 5-0 requesting that the Saline County Public Building Commission proceed with selling up to $6.5 million in revenue bonds to pay for the emergency radio system for the county. Smith-Hanes said money raised from the bonds would pay for the towers, backbone system, etc., for the county. He said the bonds would be paid back in about 15 years.

Commissioners also heard a proposal in which the county could lease non-patrol county vehicles from Enterprise Fleet Management at a cost savings compared to the county's current practice of purchasing vehicles. Smith-Hanes told commissioners that several cities and counties in the Kansas City metro area are utilizing the program, which has been competitively bid by the Sourcewell buying consortium. He said that Saline County could piggyback on that program per the county's purchasing policy.

After much discussion, commissioners voted 3-2 to table the matter for a week. Commission Chair Robert Vidricksen strongly urged Smith-Hanes to set up a public study session for the commissioners prior to the next commission meeting so that commissioners can further study the proposal.

Smith-Hanes also updated commissioners on the status of the county's coronavirus relief funds (CRF). 

"We did submit and the state did approve a plan for spending the full $11,026,434 that Saline County received, however we have become aware that some of the agencies that were allocated funding under that plan are likely to be unable, principally through no fault of their own, to fully expend the funds they were allocated by the federally imposed deadline of Dec. 30," Smith-Hanes said. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608041605543.jpeg" alt="The location of the new Saline County Jail. Image courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>The location of the new Saline County Jail. Image courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSaline County today took another step forward in its efforts to build a new jail. By a 5-0 vote, commissioners approved a contract with the LaVelle Frick Trust to purchase approximately 17.94 acres of land located southeast of the intersection of East Pacific Avenue and North Front Street at the east end of East Woodland Avenue on which it plans to build the new jail. According to information in the commission meeting packet, the project architect has verified that the space "is suitable for the jail as designed as well as future expansion.The sale is contingent on both soil testing and upon approval of this usage by the City of Salina Planning and Zoning, County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes told commissioners this morning during their regular meeting. According to information in the county meeting packet, an environmental survey of the property is scheduled to be conducted this week. Additionally, the county's architect for the project met with city planning staff Thursday to begin the process of getting city approval.The land will cost the county $500,000, $10,000 of which is due upon execution of the agreement. The balance is due at closing, which is to be prior to the end of January 2021, according to the contract.Commissioners also approved 5-0 the the acquisition of emergency communications equipment for the rural fire districts and the offering for sale of general obligation bonds to pay for the equipment.Smith-Hanes told commissioners that the original plan was for each rural fire district to "seek lease purchase agreements with local banks to finance the remaining portion of their share of the radio equipment that they do not have currently in their special equipment funds.""They have done that previously on other equipment, so that was sort of what we were thinking, but on the advice of our financial advisor, we believe that we can actually get a lower interest rate by pooling all of the fire districts together rather than have each one go separately out for financing," he said. "This would involve the county issuing general obligation bonds and essentially serving as the bank that would then lease the equipment to each of the rural fire districts until they had paid off their particular equipment, at which point in time it would become their property."In a related matter, commissioners approved 5-0 requesting that the Saline County Public Building Commission proceed with selling up to $6.5 million in revenue bonds to pay for the emergency radio system for the county. Smith-Hanes said money raised from the bonds would pay for the towers, backbone system, etc., for the county. He said the bonds would be paid back in about 15 years.Commissioners also heard a proposal in which the county could lease non-patrol county vehicles from Enterprise Fleet Management at a cost savings compared to the county's current practice of purchasing vehicles. Smith-Hanes told commissioners that several cities and counties in the Kansas City metro area are utilizing the program, which has been competitively bid by the Sourcewell buying consortium. He said that Saline County could piggyback on that program per the county's purchasing policy.After much discussion, commissioners voted 3-2 to table the matter for a week. Commission Chair Robert Vidricksen strongly urged Smith-Hanes to set up a public study session for the commissioners prior to the next commission meeting so that commissioners can further study the proposal.Smith-Hanes also updated commissioners on the status of the county's coronavirus relief funds (CRF). "We did submit and the state did approve a plan for spending the full $11,026,434 that Saline County received, however we have become aware that some of the agencies that were allocated funding under that plan are likely to be unable, principally through no fault of their own, to fully expend the funds they were allocated by the federally imposed deadline of Dec. 30," Smith-Hanes said. As a result, the county's CRF advisory committee recommended that the county accept supplemental applications for any unused funds still available. A notice about the supplemental applications was issued on Nov. 5, with a deadline of Nov. 18. Smith-Hanes said that 39 supplemental applications were received and included a mix of new requests and renewed requests from original applicants from July."On Nov. 25, the advisory committee met and identified eight of those 39 applications to target for available funding. This includes six applications for additional funding from organizations that were part of the plan approved by your commission on Aug. 11 and two applications from new organizations," Smith-Hanes said.He explained that county staff worked with the existing awardees to determine what unexpended funds might still be available. Smith-Hanes estimated the amount to be a low $100,000 amount."The advisory committee then met again on Dec. 10 and recommended that the county commission award each of the eight identified organizations the lesser of their full application or $10,000 -- that is projected to total $67,629.16 -- and then for any available CRF in excess of that amount divided equally among the organizations that requested in excess of $10,000 up to the full requests of those organizations," Smith-Hanes said.Vidricksen praised the advisory committee for its work. "They took this job head-on and they've done a fantastic job, and thank you to those people who were on that committee," he said.Commissioners then voted 5-0 to approve the committee's request concerning unexpended funds.In a COVID-19 related matter, Vidricksen told the other commissioners that he had received coronavirus information from the Kansas Hospital Association. He said that as of Monday, according to the report, 6.2 percent of the Saline County population "had been affected by coronavirus.""That is equal to Clay County, which is 6.2 percent, Dickinson County, which is slightly less than Saline County at 5 percent, and Ottawa County, which is right at 6 percent," Vidricksen said. "It's amazing to me the counties who were slow to go with a mask mandate, and I will specifically say Cloud and Republic counties. Republic is at 9.6 percent and Cloud is at 8.5. The big one was the county of Ellsworth, which was the last one to, I think I'm correct by saying that they were the last one to approve a mask mandate and their percentage of population that has been effected is 14.5 percent."Vidricksen noted that since the commission's last meeting, the county has seen 448 new confirmed cases of COVID-19."And that's why I wanted to specifically ask Jason a few questions in light of the fact that it's been announced that the vaccine is available," Vidricksen said.County Health Officer Jason Tiller told the commissioners that his office had yet to receive vaccine information specific to Saline County. He said that although some healthcare workers in Wichita have been vaccinated, no one in Saline County has been. Once the health department receives county-specific information about vaccinations, it will be disseminated to the public, he said."Anytime in the next week or so, I expect to start hearing about those initial pushes for our healthcare workers and long-term care, but it's going to be a while for the general public," Tiller said.Tiller informed the commissioners that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is including on its website a general vaccine update once a week. He said the county would be sharing that information "just to make sure people are aware of them."