Older Kansans interested in politics and public policy issues are encouraged to register to become a candidate for the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature (KSHL).

“The KSHL is an important voice for older Kansans and caregivers as our state’s population continues to age,” said Julie Govert Walter, executive director of the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA). “Each year, KSHL delegates learn political processes as they identify and discuss issues, develop and craft bills and resolutions and present priority bills to Kansas Legislators.”

a. Be age 60 or over when filing for candidacy.

b. Reside in the county and/or district in which candidacy is sought.

c. Be registered to vote in the State of Kansas

d. Be willing to participate in all activities required and expected of the KSHL including attending regional and state meetings and the annual legislative session that normally occurs in Topeka the first week of October.

e. File for candidacy by obtaining, completing and returning required registration forms to their Agency on Aging. The filing deadline for the NC-FH AAA region is Feb. 12, 2021.

Registration forms and more information are available by calling the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging at 800-432-2703.

A total of 125 delegates are eligible to serve for two years in the unicameral KSHL. Those elected are responsible for meeting with older adults and caregivers in their counties/districts, attending scheduled meetings, advocating for their legislation, and testifying at hearings on KSHL legislation. Fifteen people currently serve as KSHL delegates in the NC-FH AAA region.

Older Kansans interested in politics and public policy issues are encouraged to register to become a candidate for the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature (KSHL).“The KSHL is an important voice for older Kansans and caregivers as our state’s population continues to age,” said Julie Govert Walter, executive director of the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA). “Each year, KSHL delegates learn political processes as they identify and discuss issues, develop and craft bills and resolutions and present priority bills to Kansas Legislators.”To be eligible, a candidate must:a. Be age 60 or over when filing for candidacy.b. Reside in the county and/or district in which candidacy is sought.c. Be registered to vote in the State of Kansasd. Be willing to participate in all activities required and expected of the KSHL including attending regional and state meetings and the annual legislative session that normally occurs in Topeka the first week of October.e. File for candidacy by obtaining, completing and returning required registration forms to their Agency on Aging. The filing deadline for the NC-FH AAA region is Feb. 12, 2021.Registration forms and more information are available by calling the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging at 800-432-2703.A total of 125 delegates are eligible to serve for two years in the unicameral KSHL. Those elected are responsible for meeting with older adults and caregivers in their counties/districts, attending scheduled meetings, advocating for their legislation, and testifying at hearings on KSHL legislation. Fifteen people currently serve as KSHL delegates in the NC-FH AAA region.

Candidates sought for Kansas Silver Haired Legislature

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) was to begin a field survey on Monday for the detailed design of proposed bridge replacements in Ellsworth County.

One of the two locations being surveyed is for the bridge replacement over Union Pacific Railroad and West Spring Creek bridge, .64-mile south of Kansas Highway 140. The second location being surveyed is for the westbound and eastbound bridge replacements over Elkhorn Creek, .25-mile northeast of Kansas Highway 156.

The survey will take place on the existing highway alignment.

KDOT expects the survey to be completed by Feb. 1. Activities include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the corridor.

A member of the survey crew will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property.

Michael Lay, Professional Land Surveyor of George Butler Associates, will be in charge of this survey for KDOT.&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) was to begin a field survey on Monday for the detailed design of proposed bridge replacements in Ellsworth County.One of the two locations being surveyed is for the bridge replacement over Union Pacific Railroad and West Spring Creek bridge, .64-mile south of Kansas Highway 140. The second location being surveyed is for the westbound and eastbound bridge replacements over Elkhorn Creek, .25-mile northeast of Kansas Highway 156.The survey will take place on the existing highway alignment.KDOT expects the survey to be completed by Feb. 1. Activities include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the corridor.A member of the survey crew will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property.Michael Lay, Professional Land Surveyor of George Butler Associates, will be in charge of this survey for KDOT.&nbsp;

KDOT: Survey for bridge replacements in Ellsworth County

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

Light snow will impact locations generally along and west of the Flint Hills today through this evening. 

Accumulations will be less than one inch for most, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. However, locations generally along and west/southwest of a line extending from Russell to Pratt, to Harper to Ponca City have the greatest potential of seeing greater than one inch, NWS noted.

Light snow will impact western Kansas this morning, gradually expanding into central and eastern portions of the state this afternoon and evening. Snow will end everywhere by midnight, according to NWS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608039154298.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Light snow will impact locations generally along and west of the Flint Hills today through this evening. Accumulations will be less than one inch for most, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. However, locations generally along and west/southwest of a line extending from Russell to Pratt, to Harper to Ponca City have the greatest potential of seeing greater than one inch, NWS noted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608039184465.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Light snow will impact western Kansas this morning, gradually expanding into central and eastern portions of the state this afternoon and evening. Snow will end everywhere by midnight, according to NWS.

NWS: Light snow for much of the area today

UPDATE 10:20 a.m. Tuesday: During its meeting this morning, the Saline County Commission approved the purchase of land in north Salina for a new Saline County Jail. Salina Post will have more on this and other action from the county commission meeting later today.

The purchase of land in north Salina for a new Saline County Jail site is among the items on this morning's Saline County Commission meeting.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday via Zoom and the county's YouTube channel. This decision to revise the meeting format was made to align with the mass gathering limitations imposed by the Saline County Commission and Saline County Health Officer.

Meetings can be viewed on Saline County’s YouTube channel:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA</a>

To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link. Use the following link and put in the Meeting ID and passcode.

<a href="https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>

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

Citizens can also send comments or questions to County Commissioners via email by going to the website www.saline.org and clicking on the County Commissioner’s page under the Department tab. Please send any emails prior to the Sunday before the meeting when possible.

Commissioners will consider executing a contract with the LaVelle Frick Trust for the purchase of 18 lots at the east end of East Woodland Avenue for the new Saline County Jail. According to a copy of the contract in the commission meeting packet, the purchase will cost the county $500,000 and, if the agreement is approved, the closing will be no later than the end of January 2021.

When county staff set out to locate a suitable site for the new jail, they sought locations "in proximity to the District Court and other County Services," according to meeting packet information. The site noted in the agreement is approximately 17.94 acres and has been verified by the architect as having suitable space for the jail as designed as well as future expansion, according to the meeting packet information.

Other items on the county agenda include the following.

●Consider authorizing the offering for sale of general obligation bonds for rural fire radio equipment.

●Consider a resolution requesting the Saline County Public Building Commission proceed with selling bonds for the emergency radio communications system.

●Consider a lease agreement for county vehicles.

●Expenditure of the remaining Coronavirus Relief Funds.

●Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes' weekly update.

To see the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet for this morning's meeting (71-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20201215v2.pdf?ver=ynybQnLxPRRALxVa4-YAKg%3d%3d">click here</a>.

UPDATE 10:20 a.m. Tuesday: During its meeting this morning, the Saline County Commission approved the purchase of land in north Salina for a new Saline County Jail. Salina Post will have more on this and other action from the county commission meeting later today.The purchase of land in north Salina for a new Saline County Jail site is among the items on this morning's Saline County Commission meeting.Meeting via ZoomThe meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday via Zoom and the county's YouTube channel. This decision to revise the meeting format was made to align with the mass gathering limitations imposed by the Saline County Commission and Saline County Health Officer.Meetings can be viewed on Saline County’s YouTube channel:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA</a>To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link. Use the following link and put in the Meeting ID and passcode.<a href="https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>Meeting ID: 968 3581 9901Passcode: 144636If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the Chairman requests public comment on an item, they must raise their hand so that the meeting host can allow them to speak.Citizens can also send comments or questions to County Commissioners via email by going to the website www.saline.org and clicking on the County Commissioner’s page under the Department tab. Please send any emails prior to the Sunday before the meeting when possible.Agenda itemsCommissioners will consider executing a contract with the LaVelle Frick Trust for the purchase of 18 lots at the east end of East Woodland Avenue for the new Saline County Jail. According to a copy of the contract in the commission meeting packet, the purchase will cost the county $500,000 and, if the agreement is approved, the closing will be no later than the end of January 2021.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608041605543.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>When county staff set out to locate a suitable site for the new jail, they sought locations "in proximity to the District Court and other County Services," according to meeting packet information. The site noted in the agreement is approximately 17.94 acres and has been verified by the architect as having suitable space for the jail as designed as well as future expansion, according to the meeting packet information.Other items on the county agenda include the following.●Consider authorizing the offering for sale of general obligation bonds for rural fire radio equipment.●Consider a resolution requesting the Saline County Public Building Commission proceed with selling bonds for the emergency radio communications system.●Consider a lease agreement for county vehicles.●Expenditure of the remaining Coronavirus Relief Funds.●Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes' weekly update.To see the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet for this morning's meeting (71-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20201215v2.pdf?ver=ynybQnLxPRRALxVa4-YAKg%3d%3d">click here</a>.

UPDATE: County commission approves land purchase for new jail

The City of Salina has announced a temporary street closing for culvert work.

On Tuesday, Reece Construction will begin work to replace the reinforced box culvert at the intersection of Arnold Avenue and Jumper Road. Arnold Avenue will be closed to thru traffic just south of Schilling Road and to the west side of the of the airport terminal western entrance.

Passengers needing to reach the Salina Airport terminal will have access via Arnold Avenue from Centennial Road.

Weather permitting, the roadway will be opened by Christmas.

The City of Salina has announced a temporary street closing for culvert work.On Tuesday, Reece Construction will begin work to replace the reinforced box culvert at the intersection of Arnold Avenue and Jumper Road. Arnold Avenue will be closed to thru traffic just south of Schilling Road and to the west side of the of the airport terminal western entrance.Passengers needing to reach the Salina Airport terminal will have access via Arnold Avenue from Centennial Road.Weather permitting, the roadway will be opened by Christmas.

City announces street closing for culvert work

Classes may end for winter break, but the need for nutritious food is a constant. That's why the Salina Family YMCA is providing Grab N' Go Meals for children while schools are on winter break.

The program is available to children ages 5-18. Each child will receive seven days worth of lunches and snacks, according to information from the Salina Family YMCA. The meal kits are kid-friendly and easy to prepare. Instructions are included.

Those wishing to participate must register at 

<a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ygrabngo">www.surveymonkey.com/r/ygrabngo</a>

Meals for those who are registered may be picked up between 4-6 p.m. on Dec. 22 and 29 at the Campus Connection Building, 1503 South Ninth Street.

Classes may end for winter break, but the need for nutritious food is a constant. That's why the Salina Family YMCA is providing Grab N' Go Meals for children while schools are on winter break.The program is available to children ages 5-18. Each child will receive seven days worth of lunches and snacks, according to information from the Salina Family YMCA. The meal kits are kid-friendly and easy to prepare. Instructions are included.Those wishing to participate must register at <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ygrabngo">www.surveymonkey.com/r/ygrabngo</a>Meals for those who are registered may be picked up between 4-6 p.m. on Dec. 22 and 29 at the Campus Connection Building, 1503 South Ninth Street.

YMCA steps up to provide meals for kids during winter break

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

Sadly, we have been notified of two additional deaths due to COVID-19 since our last update on December 11. This brings the COVID-19 death toll in Saline County to 45. There have been 112 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since our last update. The total number of positive cases for Saline County is now 3,369 with 1,394 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 1,930 that have recovered. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they currently have 36 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 190,018 cases and 2,109 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more. 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments). 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc. 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus%3Chttp://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607987345281.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.Sadly, we have been notified of two additional deaths due to COVID-19 since our last update on December 11. This brings the COVID-19 death toll in Saline County to 45. There have been 112 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since our last update. The total number of positive cases for Saline County is now 3,369 with 1,394 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 1,930 that have recovered. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they currently have 36 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 190,018 cases and 2,109 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more. 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments). 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc. 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus%3Chttp://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saline County: 2 additional deaths, 112 new COVID-19 cases

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported five additional deaths and 74 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county death toll to 19 and total case total to 2,023.

Of that total, 1,187 have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died and 16 of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted.

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

• New cases since last public release: 74

• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 77

&nbsp; &nbsp;-There was a large number of hospitalizations reported to MCHD but does not totally reflect those currently hospitalized.

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

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

&nbsp; &nbsp;-Female cases age: 92, 89, 94

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported five additional deaths and 74 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county death toll to 19 and total case total to 2,023.Of that total, 1,187 have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died and 16 of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted.Following is the updated case data as provided by the health department.• New cases since last public release: 74• Asymptomatic: 52• Cases with unknown exposure: 912• Cases 60 years old and above: 629• Cases 50-59 years old: 285• Cases 40-49 years old: 256• Cases 30-39 years old: 254• Cases 18-29 years old: 407• Cases under 18 years old: 192• Female cases: 1049• Male cases: 974• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 77&nbsp; &nbsp;-There was a large number of hospitalizations reported to MCHD but does not totally reflect those currently hospitalized.• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 7• Deaths: 19 (1 pending)&nbsp; &nbsp;-Male cases age: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39, 91, 92, 52, 80, 30, 72, 82, 88&nbsp; &nbsp;-Female cases age: 92, 89, 94

McPherson County reports 5 new deaths, 74 new COVID-19 cases

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Burns, located in Marion County.&nbsp;

This advisory is not related to COVID-19.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

●If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

●Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.

●Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker.

●Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

●Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

The advisory took effect on December 14, 2020 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure in the system. A failure to maintain adequate pressure can lead to a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system or KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fpws%2Femergencyresponse%2Fwater_disruption.htm&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C1400cf77891342f3d66408d8a06bd586%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637435732730482600%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=%2FOsI5kAtGaK2c4XncTfx66loN%2B6g2OqgwkJMQslunBw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov" target="_blank">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Burns, located in Marion County.&nbsp;This advisory is not related to COVID-19.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:●If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.●Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.●Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker.●Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.●Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.The advisory took effect on December 14, 2020 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure in the system. A failure to maintain adequate pressure can lead to a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.For consumer questions, please contact the water system or KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fpws%2Femergencyresponse%2Fwater_disruption.htm&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C1400cf77891342f3d66408d8a06bd586%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637435732730482600%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=%2FOsI5kAtGaK2c4XncTfx66loN%2B6g2OqgwkJMQslunBw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov" target="_blank">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil water advisory issued for the City of Burns

By ROSARIO MÉNDEZ Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

Today, the FTC joined forces with numerous federal, state, and local government partners in <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/12/scammers-leverage-pandemic-fears-ftc-law-enforcement-partners">Operation Income Illusion</a>, an effort to fight&nbsp;income scams and help people recognize and avoid them. With record unemployment and the ongoing financial impact of the pandemic, many people are looking to make ends meet — and scammers are pitching income scams with false promises of success and financial security.&nbsp;

In a typical pitch, scammers will say that you can make a lot of money, for example, working from home with little time and effort, or starting your own online business. But those promises of big money are all an income illusion. In fact, in the first nine months of 2020 alone, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/data-spotlight/2020/12/income-scams-big-promises-big-losses">people reported to the FTC</a> that they lost at least $150 million. The total amount of alleged injury for the FTC cases announced today is over $1 billion. Income scams hit people hard.&nbsp;

Sometimes these scammers focus their pitches on particular communities. The cases announced today by the FTC and its law enforcement partners show that people in every community need to be on the alert for income scams. In one case, a <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams">work-from-home scam</a> targeted Latinas through Spanish language TV ads. In another case, an alleged <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/real-estate-and-investment-scams">investment scam</a> affected older adults, retirees, and immigrants. And in yet another case, we saw servicemembers, veterans, students, and college-age adults targeted with a <a href="http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/when-business-offer-or-coaching-program-scam">business coaching scam</a>.&nbsp;

When the <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/12/whos-affected-income-scams">FTC analyzed customer data</a> from some of our cases, we found that in income scams where the average loss was less than $500, people who lost money were 44% more likely to live in majority Black communities. You can spot income scams&nbsp; if you know the scammers’ tactics.

And if you know the signs of an income scam &nbsp;you can avoid it and help others avoid it, too. If you spot an income scam, report it at <a href="http://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607971709256.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROSARIO MÉNDEZ Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

Today, the FTC joined forces with numerous federal, state, and local government partners in <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/12/scammers-leverage-pandemic-fears-ftc-law-enforcement-partners">Operation Income Illusion</a>, an effort to fight&nbsp;income scams and help people recognize and avoid them. With record unemployment and the ongoing financial impact of the pandemic, many people are looking to make ends meet — and scammers are pitching income scams with false promises of success and financial security.&nbsp;In a typical pitch, scammers will say that you can make a lot of money, for example, working from home with little time and effort, or starting your own online business. But those promises of big money are all an income illusion. In fact, in the first nine months of 2020 alone, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/data-spotlight/2020/12/income-scams-big-promises-big-losses">people reported to the FTC</a> that they lost at least $150 million. The total amount of alleged injury for the FTC cases announced today is over $1 billion. Income scams hit people hard.&nbsp;Sometimes these scammers focus their pitches on particular communities. The cases announced today by the FTC and its law enforcement partners show that people in every community need to be on the alert for income scams. In one case, a <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams">work-from-home scam</a> targeted Latinas through Spanish language TV ads. In another case, an alleged <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/real-estate-and-investment-scams">investment scam</a> affected older adults, retirees, and immigrants. And in yet another case, we saw servicemembers, veterans, students, and college-age adults targeted with a <a href="http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/when-business-offer-or-coaching-program-scam">business coaching scam</a>.&nbsp;When the <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/12/whos-affected-income-scams">FTC analyzed customer data</a> from some of our cases, we found that in income scams where the average loss was less than $500, people who lost money were 44% more likely to live in majority Black communities. You can spot income scams&nbsp; if you know the scammers’ tactics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607971313428.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>And if you know the signs of an income scam &nbsp;you can avoid it and help others avoid it, too. If you spot an income scam, report it at <a href="http://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607971413447.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Watch this video to learn more:<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mEGG3PNyv1M" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥 Joining forces to stop income scams

A Salina man was arrested on multiple requested charges after a pursuit through part of the city Sunday morning.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that at 9:05 a.m. Sunday, an officer attempted to stop a blue 1995 GMC 1500 pickup in the 200 block of Oakdale Drive, as no license plate was displayed.

The officer initiated his lights and siren as the vehicle did not stop, and a pursuit ensued as follows.

Westbound on Center Street at speeds around 50 mph

Northbound on Santa Fe Avenue and through the Salina Regional Health Center parking lot to South Eighth Street

Northbound on South Ninth Street, where speeds reached 70 mph, and at one point the driver passed a vehicle on the right

Westbound on Hamilton Avenue where the vehicle was traveling too fast to negotiate the turn at Hamilton and struck the curb and went up into a yard

The vehicle came back into the street and pulled into a driveway in the 1100 block of North 12th Street

It then turned south and drove across a vacant lot and back southbound onto North 12th Street  

Eastbound on West Harsh Avenue at approximately 40 mph

At the intersection of West Harsh Avenue and North 10th Street, an SPD patrol vehicle had just pulled into the intersection and was struck by the blue pickup on the passenger side rear. The pickup traveled up into the yard at 1000 North 10th Street and was disabled.

According to Forrester, the driver exited the passenger side door and fled on foot. He was apprehended a short time later in the back of 1000 North 10th Street. The driver was identified as Dallas Backman, 27, of Salina. 

The patrol vehicle, a 2020 Ford Explorer, had disabling damage to the passenger side rear, Forrester noted. The officer was treated for a concussion and soreness from the crash and released, he added.

Requested charges for Backman include the following, according to Forrester.

Aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607956390809.jpeg" alt="Dallas Backman. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Dallas Backman. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A Salina man was arrested on multiple requested charges after a pursuit through part of the city Sunday morning.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that at 9:05 a.m. Sunday, an officer attempted to stop a blue 1995 GMC 1500 pickup in the 200 block of Oakdale Drive, as no license plate was displayed.The officer initiated his lights and siren as the vehicle did not stop, and a pursuit ensued as follows.Southbound on South Oakdale DriveWestbound on Center Street at speeds around 50 mphNorthbound on Santa Fe Avenue and through the Salina Regional Health Center parking lot to South Eighth StreetNorthbound on South Eighth StreetWestbound on West Mulberry StreetNorthbound on South Ninth Street, where speeds reached 70 mph, and at one point the driver passed a vehicle on the rightWestbound on Hamilton Avenue where the vehicle was traveling too fast to negotiate the turn at Hamilton and struck the curb and went up into a yardThe vehicle came back into the street and pulled into a driveway in the 1100 block of North 12th StreetIt then turned south and drove across a vacant lot and back southbound onto North 12th Street Eastbound on West Harsh Avenue at approximately 40 mphAt the intersection of West Harsh Avenue and North 10th Street, an SPD patrol vehicle had just pulled into the intersection and was struck by the blue pickup on the passenger side rear. The pickup traveled up into the yard at 1000 North 10th Street and was disabled.According to Forrester, the driver exited the passenger side door and fled on foot. He was apprehended a short time later in the back of 1000 North 10th Street. The driver was identified as Dallas Backman, 27, of Salina. The patrol vehicle, a 2020 Ford Explorer, had disabling damage to the passenger side rear, Forrester noted. The officer was treated for a concussion and soreness from the crash and released, he added.Requested charges for Backman include the following, according to Forrester.Felony flee and eludeFelony reckless drivingAggravated battery of a law enforcement officerCriminal damage to propertyFailure to stop at an accidentFailure to yield to emergency vehicleDriving without a driver’s licenseNo proof of insuranceNo seat beltNo vehicle registration

Salina man arrested after Sunday morning pursuit 

A police officer suffered no major organ or muscle damage after being stabbed during an incident Saturday in southwest Salina.

Early Saturday morning, officers were dispatched to the 2100 block of Meadowlark Lane for the report of an intoxicated male knocking on the back door of his ex-girlfriend’s residence. The caller reported the subject was Miguel Tostado, 29, of Salina, according to a news release issued this morning by the Salina Police Department (SPD).

According to the news release, the following happened.

Officers located Tostado walking away from the residence behind several houses. Tostado was ordered to stop but refused and continued walking away. Officer Karl Scheppelmann secured Tostado’s left arm in an attempt to place him into handcuffs. Tostado pulled away and made a swinging motion at Scheppelmann with his right hand. Scheppelmann instantly disengaged and observed Tostado to be now holding a knife in his right hand. Tostado asked officers to shoot him and began walking away. Scheppelmann deployed his Taser at Tostado, striking him in the back, which caused Tostado to fall to the ground and drop the knife, according to the news release. Tostado was then placed into handcuffs.

Once Tostado was in custody, Scheppelmann realized that he had been stabbed in the lower left side of his back. The puncture type wound was approximately two inches wide, according to the SPD release.

Tostado had two active Saline County District Court warrants, one for felony obstruction and one for aggravated failure to appear, as well as an active Salina Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear, the news release noted.

Tostado was arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and felony interference with a law enforcement office, SPD reported in the release.

Scheppelmann was treated and released from the hospital with no major organ or muscle damage, according to the news release. Scheppelmann has been with the Salina Police Department for one year. Prior to joining the SPD, he served in the United States Army.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607869160111.jpeg" alt="Miguel Tostado was arrested in connection to the stabbing incident. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Miguel Tostado was arrested in connection to the stabbing incident. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A police officer suffered no major organ or muscle damage after being stabbed during an incident Saturday in southwest Salina.Early Saturday morning, officers were dispatched to the 2100 block of Meadowlark Lane for the report of an intoxicated male knocking on the back door of his ex-girlfriend’s residence. The caller reported the subject was Miguel Tostado, 29, of Salina, according to a news release issued this morning by the Salina Police Department (SPD).According to the news release, the following happened.Officers located Tostado walking away from the residence behind several houses. Tostado was ordered to stop but refused and continued walking away. Officer Karl Scheppelmann secured Tostado’s left arm in an attempt to place him into handcuffs. Tostado pulled away and made a swinging motion at Scheppelmann with his right hand. Scheppelmann instantly disengaged and observed Tostado to be now holding a knife in his right hand. Tostado asked officers to shoot him and began walking away. Scheppelmann deployed his Taser at Tostado, striking him in the back, which caused Tostado to fall to the ground and drop the knife, according to the news release. Tostado was then placed into handcuffs.Once Tostado was in custody, Scheppelmann realized that he had been stabbed in the lower left side of his back. The puncture type wound was approximately two inches wide, according to the SPD release.Tostado had two active Saline County District Court warrants, one for felony obstruction and one for aggravated failure to appear, as well as an active Salina Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear, the news release noted.Tostado was arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and felony interference with a law enforcement office, SPD reported in the release.Scheppelmann was treated and released from the hospital with no major organ or muscle damage, according to the news release. Scheppelmann has been with the Salina Police Department for one year. Prior to joining the SPD, he served in the United States Army.

SPD provides update on stabbing of officer early Saturday morning

The Saline County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of multiple items from a farm east of Salina.

Sometime between Friday and Sunday afternoon, someone broke into a large storage shed owned by Robert Pace, 77, in the 300 block of South Cunningham Road, and stole multiple items from a room inside the shed, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning.

The items, belonging to Matthew Picking, 51, of Abilene, who works for Pace, included the following, Soldan said.

A Harbor Freight welding helmet valued at $50

A set of ratcheting wrenches valued at $50

Additionally, $50 worth of damage was done to the shed during the burglary, he added.

The Saline County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of multiple items from a farm east of Salina.Sometime between Friday and Sunday afternoon, someone broke into a large storage shed owned by Robert Pace, 77, in the 300 block of South Cunningham Road, and stole multiple items from a room inside the shed, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning.The items, belonging to Matthew Picking, 51, of Abilene, who works for Pace, included the following, Soldan said.A Harbor Freight welder valued at $75A Harbor Freight welding helmet valued at $50A set of ratcheting wrenches valued at $50A black air compressor valued at $50Additionally, $50 worth of damage was done to the shed during the burglary, he added.

Sheriff's office investigating theft of multiple items from shed

Salina Presbyterian Manor today reported three new cases of COVID-19 at the campus.

The senior living community conducted two rounds of employee surveillance testing and one round of outbreak testing for residents. One essential health care worker and two health care residents tested positive in testing this week.

“As COVID-19 continues to spread through the Salina community, we continue to be vigilant in our efforts to keep COVID-19 out of our building,” said Jeanne Gerstenkorn, PMMA’s vice president for health and wellness and infection preventionist. “This virus is highly contagious, and it is vitally important that everyone in the surrounding communities do their part to reduce the spread.”

The employee, who last worked Dec. 8, passed pre-shift screening and wore personal protective equipment as required. The employee will quarantine at home.

The residents have been placed in COVID-19 isolation and are being cared for by designated staff members according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infection control and prevention protocols and physician’s orders.

The residents will recover in isolation until they meet CDC and KDHE guidelines for leaving isolation. Under the current guidelines, symptomatic residents may leave isolation when at least 72 hours have passed since resolution of the resident’s fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and the resident’s symptoms have improved and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Asymptomatic positive residents will quarantine for at least 10 days.

Presbyterian Manor noted that it is in contact with the Saline County Health Department and that its next round of testing is scheduled for today. The facility plans to continue to test employees twice a week for surveillance testing and test residents once a week.

The employee will not be allowed to work until he/she meets the CDC and KDHE guidelines for when an employee may return to work. Under the current guidelines, symptomatic employees may return to work when at least 72 hours have passed since resolution of the employee’s fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and the employee’s symptoms have improved and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Asymptomatic positive employees will quarantine for at least 10 days. Upon the employee’s return to work, we will follow CDC recommendations related to work practices and restrictions.

"We encourage all staff members and residents to follow CDC guidelines and best practices as these are continually updated. We have been screening employees as they enter the community building for a shift and before employees have any direct contact with residents. We educate all staff to stay at home if they are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or not feeling well," Salina Presbyterian Manor noted in a news release.

Salina Presbyterian Manor today reported three new cases of COVID-19 at the campus.The senior living community conducted two rounds of employee surveillance testing and one round of outbreak testing for residents. One essential health care worker and two health care residents tested positive in testing this week.“As COVID-19 continues to spread through the Salina community, we continue to be vigilant in our efforts to keep COVID-19 out of our building,” said Jeanne Gerstenkorn, PMMA’s vice president for health and wellness and infection preventionist. “This virus is highly contagious, and it is vitally important that everyone in the surrounding communities do their part to reduce the spread.”The employee, who last worked Dec. 8, passed pre-shift screening and wore personal protective equipment as required. The employee will quarantine at home.The residents have been placed in COVID-19 isolation and are being cared for by designated staff members according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infection control and prevention protocols and physician’s orders.The residents will recover in isolation until they meet CDC and KDHE guidelines for leaving isolation. Under the current guidelines, symptomatic residents may leave isolation when at least 72 hours have passed since resolution of the resident’s fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and the resident’s symptoms have improved and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Asymptomatic positive residents will quarantine for at least 10 days.Presbyterian Manor noted that it is in contact with the Saline County Health Department and that its next round of testing is scheduled for today. The facility plans to continue to test employees twice a week for surveillance testing and test residents once a week.The employee will not be allowed to work until he/she meets the CDC and KDHE guidelines for when an employee may return to work. Under the current guidelines, symptomatic employees may return to work when at least 72 hours have passed since resolution of the employee’s fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and the employee’s symptoms have improved and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Asymptomatic positive employees will quarantine for at least 10 days. Upon the employee’s return to work, we will follow CDC recommendations related to work practices and restrictions."We encourage all staff members and residents to follow CDC guidelines and best practices as these are continually updated. We have been screening employees as they enter the community building for a shift and before employees have any direct contact with residents. We educate all staff to stay at home if they are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or not feeling well," Salina Presbyterian Manor noted in a news release.

Salina Presbyterian Manor reports 3 new COVID-19 cases

It looks like Salina might be dodging a snowball again Tuesday, but some part of our area are expected to get a bit of snow.

More snow is expected to impact the region Tuesday through Tuesday evening, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. The highest accumulations are expected across western Kansas and northwest Oklahoma, NWS noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607953298944.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It looks like Salina might be dodging a snowball again Tuesday, but some part of our area are expected to get a bit of snow.More snow is expected to impact the region Tuesday through Tuesday evening, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. The highest accumulations are expected across western Kansas and northwest Oklahoma, NWS noted.

NWS: A bit of snow in area on Tuesday

Movie houses closed during coronavirus lockdowns. Some film producers are announcing that they will be shifting to streaming services. And some pundits are predicting that this will be the end of movies as we knew them.

To really understand why screen size matters, you need to have been to an IMAX theater. That might be one of the seven-stories-tall flat screen IMAX theaters or the rounded Omnimax versions often found at science museums.

When it comes to real life, these massive screens are the next best thing to “being there.” They fill up our field of vision. The audience sets in steeply sloped rows of seats, so the person in front of you is mostly below your field of view and you block little of the view of the person behind you.

Today’s kids, from kindergarten to college, have not experienced the 35mm film projectors that teachers used into the early 1990s. In classrooms and movie houses, we used these films to project an image that was usually bigger than even today’s large screen TVs. Students generally paid attention. Moviegoers got out their hankies and cried along with the big screen drama. But in both cases, the edge of the film still reminded you that you were not really there.

But watching the IMAX screen puts you in the front seat of the race car or dangles you over the edge of the Grand Canyon with no visible edge to the scene. IMAX audience members dodge and duck and sometimes have to leave to go vomit. &nbsp;

Introduced in 1970, this Canadian technology became known for its convincing realism. Unlike the vertical 35mm reels, their 70mm film had to run sideways through a projector and held ten times the image for higher resolution. Instead of two sound channels for stereo, IMAX uses six sound channels; a viewer’s ears can track the race car approaching and passing as if you were really at the track. By 1980, IMAX began converting to digital projection but this system remains the same.

In addition, IMAX introduced a genuine three dimensional image, with two high definition cameras filming a scene with their two lenses as far apart as a person’s eyes. These are then projected by two cameras in the theater. The two images are polarized and the IMAX customer wears polarized lenses allowing each eye to view what the camera’s “eyes” had seen. A regular 2D movie screen always lacked the “depth” perception that told a viewer this wasn’t quite real, even if you moved up to where the edges were beyond your vision. Adding this high resolution 3D convinces a viewer’s brain that he or she is really, really there. —Lookout! Duck!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The distance the viewer sits from the screen is also important in comparing movies with television and smartphones. The old low-definition American televisions scanned 525 lines from top to bottom. It was recommended that you watch TV sitting back a distance that was seven times the height of the TV screen. The lines didn’t stand out but the little TV only made up about ten percent of your visual field.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The first-generation high definition TV allowed a viewer to sit closer, about three times the picture height in front of the TV.&nbsp; And now our so-called 4K TV can be watched from a viewing distance of about one-and-a-half times the screen height without noting the lines. That is still not as “engaging” as a regular movie screen, and pitiful compared to the IMAX. And compared to the pitifully-small screens on hand-held devices held at handheld length, it is no match.

Yes, there are virtual reality headsets. But they impress on their wearer their everpresence, and they lack the sharing-of-experience of movie-going. Movie companies are not moving that direction. &nbsp;

IMAX is a name formed from “image maximum.”&nbsp; Cell phones deserve the name IMIN for image minimum. Regular theater screens are halfway between.

There is the possibility that a young generation of smartphone-addicts will settle for viewing future “movies” due to their limited experience with television and handheld screens. But as we have witnessed over these last years how often our youngsters “watch” television movies while also drifting away to scan their latest cell phone messages, we know that they already fail to recognize their lack of engagement.

Welcome to a future of (yawn) boredom.&nbsp;&nbsp;

John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="John Richard Schrock" />
 <figcaption>John Richard Schrock</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCKMovie houses closed during coronavirus lockdowns. Some film producers are announcing that they will be shifting to streaming services. And some pundits are predicting that this will be the end of movies as we knew them. To really understand why screen size matters, you need to have been to an IMAX theater. That might be one of the seven-stories-tall flat screen IMAX theaters or the rounded Omnimax versions often found at science museums. When it comes to real life, these massive screens are the next best thing to “being there.” They fill up our field of vision. The audience sets in steeply sloped rows of seats, so the person in front of you is mostly below your field of view and you block little of the view of the person behind you. Today’s kids, from kindergarten to college, have not experienced the 35mm film projectors that teachers used into the early 1990s. In classrooms and movie houses, we used these films to project an image that was usually bigger than even today’s large screen TVs. Students generally paid attention. Moviegoers got out their hankies and cried along with the big screen drama. But in both cases, the edge of the film still reminded you that you were not really there. But watching the IMAX screen puts you in the front seat of the race car or dangles you over the edge of the Grand Canyon with no visible edge to the scene. IMAX audience members dodge and duck and sometimes have to leave to go vomit. &nbsp; Introduced in 1970, this Canadian technology became known for its convincing realism. Unlike the vertical 35mm reels, their 70mm film had to run sideways through a projector and held ten times the image for higher resolution. Instead of two sound channels for stereo, IMAX uses six sound channels; a viewer’s ears can track the race car approaching and passing as if you were really at the track. By 1980, IMAX began converting to digital projection but this system remains the same. In addition, IMAX introduced a genuine three dimensional image, with two high definition cameras filming a scene with their two lenses as far apart as a person’s eyes. These are then projected by two cameras in the theater. The two images are polarized and the IMAX customer wears polarized lenses allowing each eye to view what the camera’s “eyes” had seen. A regular 2D movie screen always lacked the “depth” perception that told a viewer this wasn’t quite real, even if you moved up to where the edges were beyond your vision. Adding this high resolution 3D convinces a viewer’s brain that he or she is really, really there. —Lookout! Duck!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; The distance the viewer sits from the screen is also important in comparing movies with television and smartphones. The old low-definition American televisions scanned 525 lines from top to bottom. It was recommended that you watch TV sitting back a distance that was seven times the height of the TV screen. The lines didn’t stand out but the little TV only made up about ten percent of your visual field.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; The first-generation high definition TV allowed a viewer to sit closer, about three times the picture height in front of the TV.&nbsp; And now our so-called 4K TV can be watched from a viewing distance of about one-and-a-half times the screen height without noting the lines. That is still not as “engaging” as a regular movie screen, and pitiful compared to the IMAX. And compared to the pitifully-small screens on hand-held devices held at handheld length, it is no match. Yes, there are virtual reality headsets. But they impress on their wearer their everpresence, and they lack the sharing-of-experience of movie-going. Movie companies are not moving that direction. &nbsp; IMAX is a name formed from “image maximum.”&nbsp; Cell phones deserve the name IMIN for image minimum. Regular theater screens are halfway between. There is the possibility that a young generation of smartphone-addicts will settle for viewing future “movies” due to their limited experience with television and handheld screens. But as we have witnessed over these last years how often our youngsters “watch” television movies while also drifting away to scan their latest cell phone messages, we know that they already fail to recognize their lack of engagement. Welcome to a future of (yawn) boredom.&nbsp;&nbsp;John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

EDUCATION FRONTLINES: Screen size matters

More than 115 Republican leaders from across the First Congressional District of Kansas gathered in Salina Saturday for the group's biennial reorganizational meeting. 

Laura Tawater of Ford County was elected the new district chair, defeating Tom Arpke of Saline County, who had been serving as chair, according to information from the organization.

Tawater thanked Arpke for his many years of service to the party and said she looks forward to building a strong team of Republicans in her time as chair.

"Our top priority is to keep Kansas's 1st Congressional District red and raise voter turnout in the mid-term election. The governor's race will be a major focus for us," Tawater said.

Craig Bowser of Riley County was elected to replace Tawater at the vice-chair position. Beverly Caley of Clay County and Jim DuBois of Saline County were re-elected to their current positions of secretary and treasurer respectively.

Additionally, 37 delegates and 37 alternates were selected to serve on the Republican State Committee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607917513161.jpeg" alt="Newly elected officers for the Kansas First Congressional District Republican organization are, from left,&nbsp;Laura Tawater, chair; Craig Bowser, vice chair; Jim Dubois, treasurer; Beverly Caley, secretary. Photo courtesy Kansas First Congressional District Republicans" />
 <figcaption>Newly elected officers for the Kansas First Congressional District Republican organization are, from left,&nbsp;Laura Tawater, chair; Craig Bowser, vice chair; Jim Dubois, treasurer; Beverly Caley, secretary. Photo courtesy Kansas First Congressional District Republicans</figcaption>
 </figure>More than 115 Republican leaders from across the First Congressional District of Kansas gathered in Salina Saturday for the group's biennial reorganizational meeting. Laura Tawater of Ford County was elected the new district chair, defeating Tom Arpke of Saline County, who had been serving as chair, according to information from the organization.Tawater thanked Arpke for his many years of service to the party and said she looks forward to building a strong team of Republicans in her time as chair."Our top priority is to keep Kansas's 1st Congressional District red and raise voter turnout in the mid-term election. The governor's race will be a major focus for us," Tawater said.Craig Bowser of Riley County was elected to replace Tawater at the vice-chair position. Beverly Caley of Clay County and Jim DuBois of Saline County were re-elected to their current positions of secretary and treasurer respectively.Additionally, 37 delegates and 37 alternates were selected to serve on the Republican State Committee.

Big First Republicans elect new officers during reorg meeting

Today is Monday, Dec. 14, the 349th day of 2020. There are 17 days left in the year. 

On Dec. 14, 2012, a gunman with a semi-automatic rifle killed 20 first-graders and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, then committed suicide as police arrived; the 20-year-old had also fatally shot his mother at their home before carrying out the attack on the school. 

In 1799, the first president of the United States, George Washington, died at his Mount Vernon, Virginia, home at age 67. 

In 1819, Alabama joined the Union as the 22nd state. 

In 1861, Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, died at Windsor Castle at age 42. 

In 1911, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team became the first men to reach the South Pole, beating out a British expedition led by Robert F. Scott. 

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson vetoed an immigration measure aimed at preventing "undesirables" and anyone born in the "Asiatic Barred Zone" from entering the U.S. (Congress overrode Wilson's veto in February 1917.) 

In 1961, a school bus was hit by a passenger train at a crossing near Greeley, Colorado, killing 20 students.

In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States, ruled that Congress was within its authority to enforce the Civil Rights Act of 1964 against racial discrimination by private businesses (in this case, a motel that refused to cater to Blacks). 

In 1981, Israel annexed the Golan Heights, which it had seized from Syria in 1967. 

In 1988, President Reagan authorized the U.S. to enter into a "substantive dialogue" with the Palestine Liberation Organization, after chairman Yasser Arafat said he was renouncing "all forms of terrorism." 

In 2005, President George W. Bush defended his decision to wage the Iraq war, even as he acknowledged that "much of the intelligence turned out to be wrong." 

In 2006, a British police inquiry concluded that the deaths of Princess Diana and her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, in a 1997 Paris car crash were a "tragic accident," and that allegations of a murder conspiracy were unfounded. Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun died in New York at age 83.

In 2016, Yahoo said it believed hackers had stolen data from more than one billion user accounts in Aug. 2013 (in Oct. 2017, Yahoo raised that figure to 3 billion).

Ten years ago: The White House insisted the implementation of President Barack Obama's landmark health care law would not be affected by a negative federal court ruling, and the Justice Department said it would appeal. Gunman Clay A. Duke fired at school board members in Panama City, Florida, but hit no one before fatally shooting himself. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi scraped through two parliamentary votes of no confidence.

Five years ago: Bill Cosby fired back at seven women who were suing him for defamation, accusing them in a federal countersuit of making false accusations of sexual misconduct for financial gain. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that Pete Rose, serving a lifetime ban for betting on baseball, would continue to be banned from working in the sport. Lillian Vernon, 88, creator of a multimillion dollar catalog business that sold specialized gifts and home goods, died in New York. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" had its world premiere at Hollywood's TCL Chinese Theater.

One year ago: French New Wave film star Anna Karina, an icon of the cinema in the 1960s, died at the age of 79. The bat that Babe Ruth used to hit his 500th home run was sold at auction for more than $1 million. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner defeated Tony Buzbee in a runoff election to win a second term; Turner had highlighted Buzbee's prior support of President Donald Trump. LSU quarterback Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy in a record landslide vote.

Today's Birthdays: Singer-actor Abbe Lane is 89. Actor Hal Williams is 86. Actor-singer Jane Birkin is 74. Pop singer Joyce Vincent-Wilson (Tony Orlando and Dawn) is 74. Entertainment executive Michael Ovitz is 74. Actor Dee Wallace is 72. Rhythm-and-blues singer Ronnie McNeir (The Four Tops) is 71. Rock musician Cliff Williams is 71. Actor-comedian T.K. Carter is 64. Rock singer-musician Mike Scott (The Waterboys) is 62. Singer-musician Peter "Spider" Stacy (The Pogues) is 62. Actor Cynthia Gibb is 57. Actor Nancy Valen is 55. Actor Archie Kao is 51. Actor Natascha McElhone is 51. Actor-comedian Michaela Watkins is 49. Actor-comedian Miranda Hart is 48. Rhythm-and-blues singer Brian Dalyrimple (Soul For Real) is 45. Actor KaDee Strickland is 45. Actor Tammy Blanchard is 44. Actor Sophie Monk is 41. Actor-singer-musician Jackson Rathbone is 36. Actor Vanessa Hudgens is 32. Rock/R&amp;B singer Tori Kelly is 28.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Monday, Dec. 14, the 349th day of 2020. There are 17 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 14, 2012, a gunman with a semi-automatic rifle killed 20 first-graders and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, then committed suicide as police arrived; the 20-year-old had also fatally shot his mother at their home before carrying out the attack on the school. On this date: In 1799, the first president of the United States, George Washington, died at his Mount Vernon, Virginia, home at age 67. In 1819, Alabama joined the Union as the 22nd state. In 1861, Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, died at Windsor Castle at age 42. In 1911, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team became the first men to reach the South Pole, beating out a British expedition led by Robert F. Scott. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson vetoed an immigration measure aimed at preventing "undesirables" and anyone born in the "Asiatic Barred Zone" from entering the U.S. (Congress overrode Wilson's veto in February 1917.) In 1961, a school bus was hit by a passenger train at a crossing near Greeley, Colorado, killing 20 students.In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States, ruled that Congress was within its authority to enforce the Civil Rights Act of 1964 against racial discrimination by private businesses (in this case, a motel that refused to cater to Blacks). In 1981, Israel annexed the Golan Heights, which it had seized from Syria in 1967. In 1988, President Reagan authorized the U.S. to enter into a "substantive dialogue" with the Palestine Liberation Organization, after chairman Yasser Arafat said he was renouncing "all forms of terrorism." In 2005, President George W. Bush defended his decision to wage the Iraq war, even as he acknowledged that "much of the intelligence turned out to be wrong." In 2006, a British police inquiry concluded that the deaths of Princess Diana and her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, in a 1997 Paris car crash were a "tragic accident," and that allegations of a murder conspiracy were unfounded. Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun died in New York at age 83.In 2016, Yahoo said it believed hackers had stolen data from more than one billion user accounts in Aug. 2013 (in Oct. 2017, Yahoo raised that figure to 3 billion).Ten years ago: The White House insisted the implementation of President Barack Obama's landmark health care law would not be affected by a negative federal court ruling, and the Justice Department said it would appeal. Gunman Clay A. Duke fired at school board members in Panama City, Florida, but hit no one before fatally shooting himself. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi scraped through two parliamentary votes of no confidence.Five years ago: Bill Cosby fired back at seven women who were suing him for defamation, accusing them in a federal countersuit of making false accusations of sexual misconduct for financial gain. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that Pete Rose, serving a lifetime ban for betting on baseball, would continue to be banned from working in the sport. Lillian Vernon, 88, creator of a multimillion dollar catalog business that sold specialized gifts and home goods, died in New York. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" had its world premiere at Hollywood's TCL Chinese Theater.One year ago: French New Wave film star Anna Karina, an icon of the cinema in the 1960s, died at the age of 79. The bat that Babe Ruth used to hit his 500th home run was sold at auction for more than $1 million. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner defeated Tony Buzbee in a runoff election to win a second term; Turner had highlighted Buzbee's prior support of President Donald Trump. LSU quarterback Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy in a record landslide vote.Today's Birthdays: Singer-actor Abbe Lane is 89. Actor Hal Williams is 86. Actor-singer Jane Birkin is 74. Pop singer Joyce Vincent-Wilson (Tony Orlando and Dawn) is 74. Entertainment executive Michael Ovitz is 74. Actor Dee Wallace is 72. Rhythm-and-blues singer Ronnie McNeir (The Four Tops) is 71. Rock musician Cliff Williams is 71. Actor-comedian T.K. Carter is 64. Rock singer-musician Mike Scott (The Waterboys) is 62. Singer-musician Peter "Spider" Stacy (The Pogues) is 62. Actor Cynthia Gibb is 57. Actor Nancy Valen is 55. Actor Archie Kao is 51. Actor Natascha McElhone is 51. Actor-comedian Michaela Watkins is 49. Actor-comedian Miranda Hart is 48. Rhythm-and-blues singer Brian Dalyrimple (Soul For Real) is 45. Actor KaDee Strickland is 45. Actor Tammy Blanchard is 44. Actor Sophie Monk is 41. Actor-singer-musician Jackson Rathbone is 36. Actor Vanessa Hudgens is 32. Rock/R&amp;B singer Tori Kelly is 28.

Today in History -- Dec. 14

The second reading of a proposed ordinance concerning the establishment of a Citizen Review Board, wastewater treatment items, and an executive session are among those on a busy Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.

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

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

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

Citizens can also send written comments or questions to commissioners via email at citycommission@salina.org. The city requests that in order for commissioners to have an opportunity to review comments in advance of the meeting, citizens should email their comments or questions by 5 p.m. the Sunday prior to the Monday meeting.

Commissioners will begin with study session at 2:30 p.m. Monday. The topic of the study session is 2021 – 2025 Water and Wastewater Rate Analysis.

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

Commissioners are scheduled to conduct a public hearing of the Kansas Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund for  improvements  to  the  Wastewater  Treatment Plant. Consideration of a resolution authorizing the filing of an application with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for a loan under the Kansas Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Act is scheduled immediately following the public hearing.

Other items on the city agenda for Monday include the following.

The second reading of a proposed ordinance concerning the establishment of a Citizen Review Board, wastewater treatment items, and an executive session are among those on a busy Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.About city meetingsBecause of the COVID-19 pandemic, city study sessions and commission meetings will take place via Zoom until further notice. You can view the meetings at the City of Salina YouTube channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link: <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens must raise their hand so that the meeting host can allow them to speak.Citizens can also send written comments or questions to commissioners via email at citycommission@salina.org. The city requests that in order for commissioners to have an opportunity to review comments in advance of the meeting, citizens should email their comments or questions by 5 p.m. the Sunday prior to the Monday meeting.Study sessionCommissioners will begin with study session at 2:30 p.m. Monday. The topic of the study session is 2021 – 2025 Water and Wastewater Rate Analysis.Regular meetingThe regular commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.Commissioners are scheduled to conduct a public hearing of the Kansas Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund for improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Consideration of a resolution authorizing the filing of an application with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for a loan under the Kansas Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Act is scheduled immediately following the public hearing.Other items on the city agenda for Monday include the following.●Consider approving Resolution No. 20-7923 accepting the 2020 Salina Land Bank Conveyance Report.●Consider approving Resolution No. 20-7920 authorizing the city manager to renew an agreement for life insurance benefits with MetLife.●Consider approving Resolution No. 20-7914 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement with Overland Contracting Inc. for Phase 1A of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project, Project No. 20028. ●Consider approving Resolution No. 20-7922 approving a support letter for the Salina Housing Authority’s participation in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Section 18 and RAD Conversion Programs.●Consider authorizing the purchase of several items to be maintained, stored and utilized by the Salina Police Department.●Hear the second reading Ordinance No. 20-11046 adopting new Article IV, Chapter 30 of the Salina Code pertaining to the establishment and operation of the Citizen Review Board.●Consider approving Resolution No. 20-7911 amending fees in the 2021 Comprehensive Fee Schedule related to Ambulance Fees.●Consider approving Resolution No. 20-7906 authorizing the City Manager to execute renewals of Agreement to Provide Administrative Services for a Self-Funded Health Benefit Plan and Individual and Aggregate Stop-loss with BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas.●Consider approving Resolution No. 20-7919 amending the City of Salina personnel manual.●Consider approving Resolution No. 20-7918 authorizing the mayor to execute an amended and restated Small Cell Master License Agreement with USCOC Nebraska/Kansas, LLC. Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to go into executive session "to discuss the subject of legal considerations related to the City’s obligation to fund the 2020 transportation services grant under the City’s agreement with OCCK for funding public transportation services with legal counsel." Commissioners may take action in public at the conclusion of the executive session.To see the entire Salina City Commission meeting packet (268 pages), <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?startid=177362&amp;&amp;dbid=0&amp;cr=1">click here</a>.

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