The Smoky Hill Museum remains open to the public, but reservations are now strongly recommended to guarantee entrance times. 

In light of the Saline County Public Health Order, there will be a limit to the number of people entering the museum. As an exhibit hall, the museum does fall under an exemption to allow more than 15 people in the galleries at one time. The museum has set that limit at 50 people.

Reservations, made through the museum website, <a href="http://smokyhillmuseum.org">smokyhillmuseum.org</a>, or via phone, 785-309-5776, are highly recommended to guarantee entrance times. Reservations can also be made on-site at the museum, but there may be a waiting period. Visitors may reserve up to 15 slots every 20 minutes to assure that no more than 50 people are in the museum’s galleries at any one time.

“City Staff is working hard to maintain a safe environment for visitors. With these new limits along with people wearing masks, we hope to give our visitors as full an experience as possible,” said Museum Director Susan Hawksworth.

In addition to the limited capacity, the museum will not be holding its annual Holiday Open House. Holiday craft kits will be available to pick up and take home Dec. 5-19 during regular museum hours – Tuesdays through Friday’s 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

The museum is also suspending guided tours while this order is in place. Groups may still visit, but are limited to 15 people.

●Masks are required&nbsp;while you are in the museum. If you don’t bring a mask, you may have one from Smoky Hill Museum.

●Follow&nbsp;social distancing&nbsp;rules and keep 6 feet between your group and other visitors, staff and volunteers.

●Please keep your children with you at all times.

●Use your elbow or a tissue when you sneeze or cough.

●Wash and/or sanitize your hands frequently.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574873241936.jpeg" alt="Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Smoky Hill Museum remains open to the public, but reservations are now strongly recommended to guarantee entrance times. In light of the Saline County Public Health Order, there will be a limit to the number of people entering the museum. As an exhibit hall, the museum does fall under an exemption to allow more than 15 people in the galleries at one time. The museum has set that limit at 50 people.Reservations, made through the museum website, <a href="http://smokyhillmuseum.org">smokyhillmuseum.org</a>, or via phone, 785-309-5776, are highly recommended to guarantee entrance times. Reservations can also be made on-site at the museum, but there may be a waiting period. Visitors may reserve up to 15 slots every 20 minutes to assure that no more than 50 people are in the museum’s galleries at any one time.“City Staff is working hard to maintain a safe environment for visitors. With these new limits along with people wearing masks, we hope to give our visitors as full an experience as possible,” said Museum Director Susan Hawksworth.In addition to the limited capacity, the museum will not be holding its annual Holiday Open House. Holiday craft kits will be available to pick up and take home Dec. 5-19 during regular museum hours – Tuesdays through Friday’s 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m.The museum is also suspending guided tours while this order is in place. Groups may still visit, but are limited to 15 people.Other protocols for visitors include:●Masks are required&nbsp;while you are in the museum. If you don’t bring a mask, you may have one from Smoky Hill Museum.●Follow&nbsp;social distancing&nbsp;rules and keep 6 feet between your group and other visitors, staff and volunteers.●Please keep your children with you at all times.●Use your elbow or a tissue when you sneeze or cough.●Don’t touch your face.●Touch as few surfaces as possible.●Wash and/or sanitize your hands frequently.

Reservations are encouraged to visit Smoky Hill Museum

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management is recognizing 13 winners of the 2021 Keep It Clean Kansas Calendar competition.

This is the 22nd anniversary of the Keep It Clean Kansas (KICK) calendar. Each year, students from across Kansas (grades K-12) are encouraged to submit their artwork for a chance to be featured in the annual calendar.

“These pieces of art promote a healthy and clean Kansas through environmentally friendly practices such as reducing, reusing, recycling and composting,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary.

The KICK Calendar project was created to encourage students to be engaged in environmental issues in their communities. Thirteen winners, one from each grade, are selected to be featured in the calendar.

Kindergarten – Layna Keith, Wilson Schools, Wilson

1st&nbsp;Grade – Ella Wang, Amanda Arnold Elementary, Manhattan

2nd&nbsp;Grade – Haylee Hollingshead, Central Plains, Claflin

3rd&nbsp;Grade – Ishaan Vinod, Marlatt Elementary, Manhattan

4th&nbsp;Grade – Isabelle Kaufman, St. Patrick Catholic School, Kingman

5th&nbsp;Grade – Celia Courtright, Marlatt Elementary, Manhattan

6th&nbsp;Grade – Abigail Wondra, Amanda Arnold Elementary, Manhattan

7th&nbsp;Grade – Belle Hancock, Riley County Middle School, Riley

8th&nbsp;Grade – Tessa Williams, Riley County Middle School, Riley

9th&nbsp;Grade – Kena Leonard, Paola High School, Paola

10th&nbsp;Grade – Eleanor Rieck, St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic High School, Pittsburg – Cover Winner!

11th&nbsp;Grade – Abigail Vanjar, Cheney High School, Cheney

12th&nbsp;Grade – Zoey Lee, Wichita High School East, Wichita

Those interested in ordering a copy of the free calendar may contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keepitcleankansas@ks.gov" target="_blank">keepitcleankansas@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606254313450.jpeg" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly with the winning kindergarten artwork by Layna Keith of Wilson. Photo courtesy KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly with the winning kindergarten artwork by Layna Keith of Wilson. Photo courtesy KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management is recognizing 13 winners of the 2021 Keep It Clean Kansas Calendar competition.This is the 22nd anniversary of the Keep It Clean Kansas (KICK) calendar. Each year, students from across Kansas (grades K-12) are encouraged to submit their artwork for a chance to be featured in the annual calendar.“These pieces of art promote a healthy and clean Kansas through environmentally friendly practices such as reducing, reusing, recycling and composting,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary.The KICK Calendar project was created to encourage students to be engaged in environmental issues in their communities. Thirteen winners, one from each grade, are selected to be featured in the calendar.Kindergarten – Layna Keith, Wilson Schools, Wilson1st&nbsp;Grade – Ella Wang, Amanda Arnold Elementary, Manhattan2nd&nbsp;Grade – Haylee Hollingshead, Central Plains, Claflin3rd&nbsp;Grade – Ishaan Vinod, Marlatt Elementary, Manhattan4th&nbsp;Grade – Isabelle Kaufman, St. Patrick Catholic School, Kingman5th&nbsp;Grade – Celia Courtright, Marlatt Elementary, Manhattan6th&nbsp;Grade – Abigail Wondra, Amanda Arnold Elementary, Manhattan7th&nbsp;Grade – Belle Hancock, Riley County Middle School, Riley8th&nbsp;Grade – Tessa Williams, Riley County Middle School, Riley9th&nbsp;Grade – Kena Leonard, Paola High School, Paola10th&nbsp;Grade – Eleanor Rieck, St. Mary’s Colgan Catholic High School, Pittsburg – Cover Winner!11th&nbsp;Grade – Abigail Vanjar, Cheney High School, Cheney12th&nbsp;Grade – Zoey Lee, Wichita High School East, WichitaThose interested in ordering a copy of the free calendar may contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keepitcleankansas@ks.gov" target="_blank">keepitcleankansas@ks.gov</a>.

Wilson kindergartener among KDHE calendar art contest winners

Financial gifts from 20&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=mdcuHDXcw7dQQZiR6C9sgoQaJ-2B4yrtXlp2WAtogWaA8-3DLnsa_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFly3pMOhpINivEvyInDGU7k8jJQdCa58fc5Kwr5dAMgQzOYPvEApUx1Xewz6KbJHcXg-2BSruJqXxmk1DpHRqONOgRZRa4rQfLVuqOjOP3M8BzwVKuKTm0434mzd0B9I4FM5yJb9-2Fm7sc2jq8VmycCkPcRCeBuWKJ-2FM2GQqxMdSsXygyZ6jstR8t59p3Uv5U5iRNwFOgrvTLPHYMKchgCINHP6vsHgDXlaSsglyC4VZu54lLbVkEl6ih4WLStajqtSq5711MT668I7dPv6jPckg4y9yWq-2FV3v04rwFpXfoV3gBwKlc300IDufjMDG15pIdGSSkKBjSMPLwE27YcykcXUSpJFoXkqE75EDarCNpEjoyp0-3D" target="_blank">United Church of Christ</a>&nbsp;congregations in the denomination’s&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=mdcuHDXcw7dQQZiR6C9sgnP5uqKM-2FZp8nO-2FY3-2FWDDuE-3DXSEg_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFly3pMOhpINivEvyInDGU7k8jJQdCa58fc5Kwr5dAMgQzOYPvEApUx1Xewz6KbJHcXg-2BSruJqXxmk1DpHRqONOgRZRa4rQfLVuqOjOP3M8BzwVKuKTm0434mzd0B9I4FM5yJb9-2Fm7sc2jq8VmycCkPcRCeBuWKJ-2FM2GQqxMdSsXygz1rp4P2PFGQwLY59i-2FOlTBl9mhYiCuLElRpwY86a-2FVKdNCzGnJCs1lnDcO-2F3i0tSEhdiNjL2jtozOndfkdLJQpzKd-2BDCQ8WRFqiNzJxtsrRags-2FHQ2pXgTLMy7xhRH3hUbzRaVUYVOKo8Iv8GaHQQfCsoKa7JaRsEFtz8xHtZ9DQfJ0Rx5o1zLyIkPrw65kGY-3D" target="_blank">Kansas-Oklahoma Conference</a>, plus several individuals and church bodies, have abolished $5.2 million in medical debt in those two states.

Those churches include Rolling Hills in Salina and&nbsp;St Peter’s UCC in Inman, according to a news release from the conference.

More than 3,200 households across 76 counties in Kansas and 60 counties in Oklahoma will soon be receiving letters telling them that their medical debt has been forgiven.

At an online news conference today, local, regional and national UCC leaders announced that a conference-wide fundraising campaign, birthed before the coronavirus pandemic, along with a contribution from a national ministry of the UCC, raised $40,000. The gifts were sent to the New York-based nonprofit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=mdcuHDXcw7dQQZiR6C9sghcapEyxmxwt-2FzBTMNIera9yE02lSPz3a-2B9SMJjW09s6iSjv_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFly3pMOhpINivEvyInDGU7k8jJQdCa58fc5Kwr5dAMgQzOYPvEApUx1Xewz6KbJHcXg-2BSruJqXxmk1DpHRqONOgRZRa4rQfLVuqOjOP3M8BzwVKuKTm0434mzd0B9I4FM5yJb9-2Fm7sc2jq8VmycCkPcRCeBuWKJ-2FM2GQqxMdSsXygyNL3eW1LqHVz2tFguKIolPSVZNTJzfN4gAWyxfXa7-2FTcG0OcpVXRIajeLzpleAJpqeADYDJVvi-2FLmN5vytB9UdWo-2F9-2BcFseTGvjZWlf-2BRElG-2FPI27svDkYMIYW0rKm-2BYJ4HF4QNXRq26OZJW4b5nAEw6v5U4iwpneTqYplou-2BUkDbkpDqf21We4-2BEOjB4TSk0-3D" target="_blank">RIP Medical Debt</a>, which bought up debt for pennies on the dollar in October.

The purchase wiped out $5,211,729 in medical debt for 3,234 households. The average amount forgiven per household was $1,612.54.&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=mdcuHDXcw7dQQZiR6C9sgjAazwXzVoEHsPskuWrYnUki8OsX2VfviOC-2F5Gi7-2Fez60nj2K-2FinCFNhTd4yI-2FfNp0e9SuBeKgkQsI93dQo4qTM-3D20I7_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFly3pMOhpINivEvyInDGU7k8jJQdCa58fc5Kwr5dAMgQzOYPvEApUx1Xewz6KbJHcXg-2BSruJqXxmk1DpHRqONOgRZRa4rQfLVuqOjOP3M8BzwVKuKTm0434mzd0B9I4FM5yJb9-2Fm7sc2jq8VmycCkPcRCeBuWKJ-2FM2GQqxMdSsXygyfTPkaPXgTlfv5IcBpAxTwowPUmCkP8-2BAkjMuOcb2csN6PZqZJgGqYvrD45AodibUNfN4-2FBAs9dNRJqvCJEjnlGu9P3r1qZMMS4gMF-2B6t-2FfVAr-2BSk2JI3fJ5w4ABKG7rwI9iNT0vB8EkUAUgW0EsIbBVzE91eJDOBiANPjjCpmiPlu9j3yWImIO5g-2FS-2BuwMrA-3D" target="_blank">Contributors to the campaign are listed here</a>.

“Medical debt is something you don’t think will affect you personally,” said Lori Herpich, a member of&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=mdcuHDXcw7dQQZiR6C9sghzPLS7Zmur86y8uBHYrS0-2F-2B9RwOTjMMwEiLQ2tb7y-2Bp3RsN_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFly3pMOhpINivEvyInDGU7k8jJQdCa58fc5Kwr5dAMgQzOYPvEApUx1Xewz6KbJHcXg-2BSruJqXxmk1DpHRqONOgRZRa4rQfLVuqOjOP3M8BzwVKuKTm0434mzd0B9I4FM5yJb9-2Fm7sc2jq8VmycCkPcRCeBuWKJ-2FM2GQqxMdSsXygzUBfPRSPwiCaC7gnNfOhUaNvcpTA6q2pbDP2lTdXXr1ibVI98aDo5HjDeKZhFw3bGU12ZgVB4IYbfe1goYQA-2B2atXjJ2S7nCxmgljK3YTNgC7UW4f8FMjakpi-2FdlMFYDxZlNKLT-2BLLxvvBFUBm7YXGuM0r6qkWzPA-2FlSGxfzMk54MtZRTrLVEFc-2BBOBWtyUgY-3D" target="_blank">Plymouth Congregational UCC</a>, Lawrence, one of the contributing congregations. Though not herself a recipient of debt relief from this project, she said she was “excited to hear that UCC was helping families with their medical debt” because “I definitely know what it’s like to have medical debt.”

“A few years ago I had to have multiple surgeries, and the bills that came from them were just huge,” Herpich said. “It caused stress, it was overwhelming, and it seemed like it was never going to end. … Just knowing that there are families that are going to get contacted, that their debt has been eliminated, that it has been resolved — this is going to be huge, believe me.”

“Medical Debt is just another expression of the unjust systems that are so deeply entrenched in our country,” said Edith Guffey, Kansas-Oklahoma conference minister. “We are&nbsp;a small Conference; 53 churches. We have a handful of larger congregations, but we are comprised primarily of small churches, a mixture of urban and rural, located in mask wearing and mask resisting communities. We did this important ministry together, across two states, because medical debt doesn’t care who you are or how you vote, or where you live. The only thing that matters is if you can pay. Love of neighbor is easy to say, but it doesn’t pay the bills. ... What a gift to our members to have the opportunity to be a part of making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of families throughout Kansas and Oklahoma.”

“One of the roles of the church is charity, but another equally important and different role is that of justice,” said the Rev. Chris Moore, pastor of&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=mdcuHDXcw7dQQZiR6C9sgk77Von9Boa2ANP2ToPp9lg-3D4c7D_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFly3pMOhpINivEvyInDGU7k8jJQdCa58fc5Kwr5dAMgQzOYPvEApUx1Xewz6KbJHcXg-2BSruJqXxmk1DpHRqONOgRZRa4rQfLVuqOjOP3M8BzwVKuKTm0434mzd0B9I4FM5yJb9-2Fm7sc2jq8VmycCkPcRCeBuWKJ-2FM2GQqxMdSsXygz-2F9YT9g01hl5kLH-2Fyuv-2BX1zkgl0dCrgnUhvZ27BNEgMLwvE1yJY4NSUVAM-2FaWexGj2tk9Imn22RjDa0q-2FCw2xXldeodQVDS9h4Bz-2BBbAF26vfziRYwrAR2-2FbJv-2Bc6q-2FNOcRFXvjfcr3uTVdnMKDL-2F9jaEeTKy1N44UMPdYMosSTPj7TVJIecejqjnNW-2F7CISs-3D" target="_blank">Fellowship&nbsp;Congregational UCC</a>, Tulsa. “During a pandemic it becomes even more important for the church to step in, disrupting unjust systems like ones that subject people to financial ruin simply because they have become sick or injured. If marshaling our resources for medical debt relief isn’t ‘being the church,’ I don’t know what is.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Specific criteria were used in the buy. Qualifying debtors were those earning less than two times the federal poverty level; in financial hardship, with out-of-pocket expenses that are 5 percent or more of their annual income; or facing insolvency, with debts greater than assets.&nbsp;

The debt buy was made anonymously; the UCC does not know who specifically benefited from it. Through RIP Medical Debt, a yellow envelope bearing a UCC logo is on the way to each benefiting family, with a letter naming contributing congregations and organizations. It reads:&nbsp;“You may never enter the doors of one of our churches, but we are the United Church of Christ and we love you.&nbsp;…&nbsp;Most importantly, you are beloved by God and your debt has been forgiven.”

To date, $57 million in medical debt has been abolished by United Church of Christ.

The UCC’s medical debt project began with a 2019 buy in&nbsp;Chicago, where church donations abolished $5.3 million in debt for 5,888 families on the city’s South Side.

In January 2020, the effort&nbsp;moved&nbsp;to St. Louis, where $12.9 million in medical debt&nbsp;was eliminated&nbsp;for 11,108 households&nbsp;in that city and St. Louis County.

In the summer of 2020, nine California congregations in the East Bay Area wiped out $7.4 million in medical debt for 3,539 households across the state.

In October, a collaborative effort by 122 United Church of Christ congregations, four Associations, and more than 100 households in the Southern New England Conference abolished $26.2 million in medical debt in two separate buys. Recipients were families in seven states in and around New England and first responders across the country who benefit from RIP’s&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=mdcuHDXcw7dQQZiR6C9sghcapEyxmxwt-2FzBTMNIera-2BeW7Hj8NOD-2F8JIeZwmG7wl3PdZqV1vtyYfLw-2BEGGg9UA-3D-3Dj-8v_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFly3pMOhpINivEvyInDGU7k8jJQdCa58fc5Kwr5dAMgQzOYPvEApUx1Xewz6KbJHcXg-2BSruJqXxmk1DpHRqONOgRZRa4rQfLVuqOjOP3M8BzwVKuKTm0434mzd0B9I4FM5yJb9-2Fm7sc2jq8VmycCkPcRCeBuWKJ-2FM2GQqxMdSsXygy6rE-2FNmVW14Eo6Z-2F9TlO7zqbT-2BOhfBDFSuM4ECZNJauiwg0UdaDXqTcM8jGmOYnVMG6ych15coVlwOSTEJ1Z0JSZQBwupzruBm3kCqxGSP3vQxx2XOryKVgh34tg7t-2FPOFIVFiy43-2F-2BqOKLsQHhuO2M6ZVquE1dzh-2FDN-2BNEnkwp5A8NCW40WicS8iLQjYikMw-3D" target="_blank">Helping COVID Heroes Fund</a>.

The campaign&nbsp;will continue through the summer of 2021, reaching low-income Americans in each of the UCC’s geographic regions. A sixth buy is in progress in the UCC’s Central Atlantic Conference, covering Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Financial gifts from 20&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=mdcuHDXcw7dQQZiR6C9sgoQaJ-2B4yrtXlp2WAtogWaA8-3DLnsa_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFly3pMOhpINivEvyInDGU7k8jJQdCa58fc5Kwr5dAMgQzOYPvEApUx1Xewz6KbJHcXg-2BSruJqXxmk1DpHRqONOgRZRa4rQfLVuqOjOP3M8BzwVKuKTm0434mzd0B9I4FM5yJb9-2Fm7sc2jq8VmycCkPcRCeBuWKJ-2FM2GQqxMdSsXygyZ6jstR8t59p3Uv5U5iRNwFOgrvTLPHYMKchgCINHP6vsHgDXlaSsglyC4VZu54lLbVkEl6ih4WLStajqtSq5711MT668I7dPv6jPckg4y9yWq-2FV3v04rwFpXfoV3gBwKlc300IDufjMDG15pIdGSSkKBjSMPLwE27YcykcXUSpJFoXkqE75EDarCNpEjoyp0-3D" target="_blank">United Church of Christ</a>&nbsp;congregations in the denomination’s&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=mdcuHDXcw7dQQZiR6C9sgnP5uqKM-2FZp8nO-2FY3-2FWDDuE-3DXSEg_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFly3pMOhpINivEvyInDGU7k8jJQdCa58fc5Kwr5dAMgQzOYPvEApUx1Xewz6KbJHcXg-2BSruJqXxmk1DpHRqONOgRZRa4rQfLVuqOjOP3M8BzwVKuKTm0434mzd0B9I4FM5yJb9-2Fm7sc2jq8VmycCkPcRCeBuWKJ-2FM2GQqxMdSsXygz1rp4P2PFGQwLY59i-2FOlTBl9mhYiCuLElRpwY86a-2FVKdNCzGnJCs1lnDcO-2F3i0tSEhdiNjL2jtozOndfkdLJQpzKd-2BDCQ8WRFqiNzJxtsrRags-2FHQ2pXgTLMy7xhRH3hUbzRaVUYVOKo8Iv8GaHQQfCsoKa7JaRsEFtz8xHtZ9DQfJ0Rx5o1zLyIkPrw65kGY-3D" target="_blank">Kansas-Oklahoma Conference</a>, plus several individuals and church bodies, have abolished $5.2 million in medical debt in those two states. Those churches include Rolling Hills in Salina and&nbsp;St Peter’s UCC in Inman, according to a news release from the conference.More than 3,200 households across 76 counties in Kansas and 60 counties in Oklahoma will soon be receiving letters telling them that their medical debt has been forgiven.At an online news conference today, local, regional and national UCC leaders announced that a conference-wide fundraising campaign, birthed before the coronavirus pandemic, along with a contribution from a national ministry of the UCC, raised $40,000. The gifts were sent to the New York-based nonprofit&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=mdcuHDXcw7dQQZiR6C9sghcapEyxmxwt-2FzBTMNIera9yE02lSPz3a-2B9SMJjW09s6iSjv_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFly3pMOhpINivEvyInDGU7k8jJQdCa58fc5Kwr5dAMgQzOYPvEApUx1Xewz6KbJHcXg-2BSruJqXxmk1DpHRqONOgRZRa4rQfLVuqOjOP3M8BzwVKuKTm0434mzd0B9I4FM5yJb9-2Fm7sc2jq8VmycCkPcRCeBuWKJ-2FM2GQqxMdSsXygyNL3eW1LqHVz2tFguKIolPSVZNTJzfN4gAWyxfXa7-2FTcG0OcpVXRIajeLzpleAJpqeADYDJVvi-2FLmN5vytB9UdWo-2F9-2BcFseTGvjZWlf-2BRElG-2FPI27svDkYMIYW0rKm-2BYJ4HF4QNXRq26OZJW4b5nAEw6v5U4iwpneTqYplou-2BUkDbkpDqf21We4-2BEOjB4TSk0-3D" target="_blank">RIP Medical Debt</a>, which bought up debt for pennies on the dollar in October.The purchase wiped out $5,211,729 in medical debt for 3,234 households. The average amount forgiven per household was $1,612.54.&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=mdcuHDXcw7dQQZiR6C9sgjAazwXzVoEHsPskuWrYnUki8OsX2VfviOC-2F5Gi7-2Fez60nj2K-2FinCFNhTd4yI-2FfNp0e9SuBeKgkQsI93dQo4qTM-3D20I7_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFly3pMOhpINivEvyInDGU7k8jJQdCa58fc5Kwr5dAMgQzOYPvEApUx1Xewz6KbJHcXg-2BSruJqXxmk1DpHRqONOgRZRa4rQfLVuqOjOP3M8BzwVKuKTm0434mzd0B9I4FM5yJb9-2Fm7sc2jq8VmycCkPcRCeBuWKJ-2FM2GQqxMdSsXygyfTPkaPXgTlfv5IcBpAxTwowPUmCkP8-2BAkjMuOcb2csN6PZqZJgGqYvrD45AodibUNfN4-2FBAs9dNRJqvCJEjnlGu9P3r1qZMMS4gMF-2B6t-2FfVAr-2BSk2JI3fJ5w4ABKG7rwI9iNT0vB8EkUAUgW0EsIbBVzE91eJDOBiANPjjCpmiPlu9j3yWImIO5g-2FS-2BuwMrA-3D" target="_blank">Contributors to the campaign are listed here</a>.“Medical debt is something you don’t think will affect you personally,” said Lori Herpich, a member of&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=mdcuHDXcw7dQQZiR6C9sghzPLS7Zmur86y8uBHYrS0-2F-2B9RwOTjMMwEiLQ2tb7y-2Bp3RsN_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFly3pMOhpINivEvyInDGU7k8jJQdCa58fc5Kwr5dAMgQzOYPvEApUx1Xewz6KbJHcXg-2BSruJqXxmk1DpHRqONOgRZRa4rQfLVuqOjOP3M8BzwVKuKTm0434mzd0B9I4FM5yJb9-2Fm7sc2jq8VmycCkPcRCeBuWKJ-2FM2GQqxMdSsXygzUBfPRSPwiCaC7gnNfOhUaNvcpTA6q2pbDP2lTdXXr1ibVI98aDo5HjDeKZhFw3bGU12ZgVB4IYbfe1goYQA-2B2atXjJ2S7nCxmgljK3YTNgC7UW4f8FMjakpi-2FdlMFYDxZlNKLT-2BLLxvvBFUBm7YXGuM0r6qkWzPA-2FlSGxfzMk54MtZRTrLVEFc-2BBOBWtyUgY-3D" target="_blank">Plymouth Congregational UCC</a>, Lawrence, one of the contributing congregations. Though not herself a recipient of debt relief from this project, she said she was “excited to hear that UCC was helping families with their medical debt” because “I definitely know what it’s like to have medical debt.”“A few years ago I had to have multiple surgeries, and the bills that came from them were just huge,” Herpich said. “It caused stress, it was overwhelming, and it seemed like it was never going to end. … Just knowing that there are families that are going to get contacted, that their debt has been eliminated, that it has been resolved — this is going to be huge, believe me.”“Medical Debt is just another expression of the unjust systems that are so deeply entrenched in our country,” said Edith Guffey, Kansas-Oklahoma conference minister. “We are&nbsp;a small Conference; 53 churches. We have a handful of larger congregations, but we are comprised primarily of small churches, a mixture of urban and rural, located in mask wearing and mask resisting communities. We did this important ministry together, across two states, because medical debt doesn’t care who you are or how you vote, or where you live. The only thing that matters is if you can pay. Love of neighbor is easy to say, but it doesn’t pay the bills. ... What a gift to our members to have the opportunity to be a part of making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of families throughout Kansas and Oklahoma.”“One of the roles of the church is charity, but another equally important and different role is that of justice,” said the Rev. Chris Moore, pastor of&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=mdcuHDXcw7dQQZiR6C9sgk77Von9Boa2ANP2ToPp9lg-3D4c7D_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFly3pMOhpINivEvyInDGU7k8jJQdCa58fc5Kwr5dAMgQzOYPvEApUx1Xewz6KbJHcXg-2BSruJqXxmk1DpHRqONOgRZRa4rQfLVuqOjOP3M8BzwVKuKTm0434mzd0B9I4FM5yJb9-2Fm7sc2jq8VmycCkPcRCeBuWKJ-2FM2GQqxMdSsXygz-2F9YT9g01hl5kLH-2Fyuv-2BX1zkgl0dCrgnUhvZ27BNEgMLwvE1yJY4NSUVAM-2FaWexGj2tk9Imn22RjDa0q-2FCw2xXldeodQVDS9h4Bz-2BBbAF26vfziRYwrAR2-2FbJv-2Bc6q-2FNOcRFXvjfcr3uTVdnMKDL-2F9jaEeTKy1N44UMPdYMosSTPj7TVJIecejqjnNW-2F7CISs-3D" target="_blank">Fellowship&nbsp;Congregational UCC</a>, Tulsa. “During a pandemic it becomes even more important for the church to step in, disrupting unjust systems like ones that subject people to financial ruin simply because they have become sick or injured. If marshaling our resources for medical debt relief isn’t ‘being the church,’ I don’t know what is.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Specific criteria were used in the buy. Qualifying debtors were those earning less than two times the federal poverty level; in financial hardship, with out-of-pocket expenses that are 5 percent or more of their annual income; or facing insolvency, with debts greater than assets.&nbsp;The debt buy was made anonymously; the UCC does not know who specifically benefited from it. Through RIP Medical Debt, a yellow envelope bearing a UCC logo is on the way to each benefiting family, with a letter naming contributing congregations and organizations. It reads:&nbsp;“You may never enter the doors of one of our churches, but we are the United Church of Christ and we love you.&nbsp;…&nbsp;Most importantly, you are beloved by God and your debt has been forgiven.”To date, $57 million in medical debt has been abolished by United Church of Christ.The UCC’s medical debt project began with a 2019 buy in&nbsp;Chicago, where church donations abolished $5.3 million in debt for 5,888 families on the city’s South Side.In January 2020, the effort&nbsp;moved&nbsp;to St. Louis, where $12.9 million in medical debt&nbsp;was eliminated&nbsp;for 11,108 households&nbsp;in that city and St. Louis County.In the summer of 2020, nine California congregations in the East Bay Area wiped out $7.4 million in medical debt for 3,539 households across the state.In October, a collaborative effort by 122 United Church of Christ congregations, four Associations, and more than 100 households in the Southern New England Conference abolished $26.2 million in medical debt in two separate buys. Recipients were families in seven states in and around New England and first responders across the country who benefit from RIP’s&nbsp;<a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=mdcuHDXcw7dQQZiR6C9sghcapEyxmxwt-2FzBTMNIera-2BeW7Hj8NOD-2F8JIeZwmG7wl3PdZqV1vtyYfLw-2BEGGg9UA-3D-3Dj-8v_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFly3pMOhpINivEvyInDGU7k8jJQdCa58fc5Kwr5dAMgQzOYPvEApUx1Xewz6KbJHcXg-2BSruJqXxmk1DpHRqONOgRZRa4rQfLVuqOjOP3M8BzwVKuKTm0434mzd0B9I4FM5yJb9-2Fm7sc2jq8VmycCkPcRCeBuWKJ-2FM2GQqxMdSsXygy6rE-2FNmVW14Eo6Z-2F9TlO7zqbT-2BOhfBDFSuM4ECZNJauiwg0UdaDXqTcM8jGmOYnVMG6ych15coVlwOSTEJ1Z0JSZQBwupzruBm3kCqxGSP3vQxx2XOryKVgh34tg7t-2FPOFIVFiy43-2F-2BqOKLsQHhuO2M6ZVquE1dzh-2FDN-2BNEnkwp5A8NCW40WicS8iLQjYikMw-3D" target="_blank">Helping COVID Heroes Fund</a>.The campaign&nbsp;will continue through the summer of 2021, reaching low-income Americans in each of the UCC’s geographic regions. A sixth buy is in progress in the UCC’s Central Atlantic Conference, covering Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

UCC members, congregations abolish $5.2M in medical debt

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

With more than 6,000 anxious athletes, coaches and fans tuning in, the Kansas High School Athletics Association met today to determine the fate of winter sports for the month of December.

The verdict: basketball, wrestling and other winter sports will be greenlit across the state to begin next month.

The motion passed by a final count of 53-22.

This will allow all local schools in the Saline County area, including Salina South, Salina Central, Abilene, Southeast of Saline, Ell-Saline, Sacred Heart, Solomon and Bennington to begin their seasons on time.

All of the schools listed above will begin basketball season on December 4th, and all other winter sports according to their schedules.

Also included in the motion was the stipulation that all competition stop from December 23rd to January 7th, and resume safely after that.

As always, schools, coaches, players and fans will need to adhere to state and local Covid-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of all in their communities.

For more information, stay tuned to the KSHAA website for a full press release and more information as it becomes available.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="This KSHAA update is brought to you by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>This KSHAA update is brought to you by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>With more than 6,000 anxious athletes, coaches and fans tuning in, the Kansas High School Athletics Association met today to determine the fate of winter sports for the month of December.The verdict: basketball, wrestling and other winter sports will be greenlit across the state to begin next month.The motion passed by a final count of 53-22.This will allow all local schools in the Saline County area, including Salina South, Salina Central, Abilene, Southeast of Saline, Ell-Saline, Sacred Heart, Solomon and Bennington to begin their seasons on time.All of the schools listed above will begin basketball season on December 4th, and all other winter sports according to their schedules.Also included in the motion was the stipulation that all competition stop from December 23rd to January 7th, and resume safely after that.As always, schools, coaches, players and fans will need to adhere to state and local Covid-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of all in their communities.For more information, stay tuned to the KSHAA website for a full press release and more information as it becomes available.

KSHAA approves winter sports to begin this December

The governing boards for the City of Salina, the Salina Airport Authority, USD 305, and Kansas State University (the Salina Public Entities) have received U.S. District Court approval of a consent decree negotiated with the United States of America for the cleanup of environmental contamination at the former Schilling Air Force Base. 

On Monday, the Honorable John W. Lungstrum, senior judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, approved the Oct. 20, 2020, consent decree between the Salina Public Entities and the United States A news release issued by the Salina Airport Authority noted. The Court subsequently entered an entry of final judgement in accordance with the terms of the consent decree.

Under terms of the Consent Decree the Salina Public Entities will assume the responsibility for the cleanup of environmental contamination at the former Schilling AFB site. In exchange, the United States agreed to pay the Salina Public Entities a sum of $67.7 million toward the cost of funding the multi-year cleanup.

“The Salina community has waited more than a decade to reach an agreement that will finally allow for the cleanup of Schilling Air Force Base,” said Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). “I want to congratulate the Salina Public Entities on this agreement and look forward to seeing these funds be put into action to help remove harmful substances at Schilling Air Force base and keep the community safe for future generations.”

The cleanup work will be completed with regulatory oversight provide by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) as detailed in a Consent Agreement and Final Order.

The Salina Public Entities executive group will immediately start work on final design of the cleanup. Following KDHE approvals, contractor bids will be solicited and received. Cleanup work will start early 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The governing boards for the City of Salina, the Salina Airport Authority, USD 305, and Kansas State University (the Salina Public Entities) have received U.S. District Court approval of a consent decree negotiated with the United States of America for the cleanup of environmental contamination at the former Schilling Air Force Base. On Monday, the Honorable John W. Lungstrum, senior judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, approved the Oct. 20, 2020, consent decree between the Salina Public Entities and the United States A news release issued by the Salina Airport Authority noted. The Court subsequently entered an entry of final judgement in accordance with the terms of the consent decree. Under terms of the Consent Decree the Salina Public Entities will assume the responsibility for the cleanup of environmental contamination at the former Schilling AFB site. In exchange, the United States agreed to pay the Salina Public Entities a sum of $67.7 million toward the cost of funding the multi-year cleanup. “The Salina community has waited more than a decade to reach an agreement that will finally allow for the cleanup of Schilling Air Force Base,” said Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). “I want to congratulate the Salina Public Entities on this agreement and look forward to seeing these funds be put into action to help remove harmful substances at Schilling Air Force base and keep the community safe for future generations.” The cleanup work will be completed with regulatory oversight provide by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) as detailed in a Consent Agreement and Final Order. The Salina Public Entities executive group will immediately start work on final design of the cleanup. Following KDHE approvals, contractor bids will be solicited and received. Cleanup work will start early 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former Schilling AFB consent decree approved

Congratulations to Bret Shank of Salina, the Week 11 winner in the Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bret, who scored 12 out of 14, wins $100!

The season has started, but with our great weekly prizes, 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 Bret Shank of Salina, the Week 11 winner in the Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Bret, who scored 12 out of 14, wins $100!The season has started, but with our great weekly prizes, 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 Bret Shank!

An ATV found south of the Salina Regional Airport early Monday morning has been reunited with its owner.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that a 2009 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 ATV with a sprayer tank mounted on it was stolen from a residence on Fairchilds Road. It was found, along with a broken tie-down strap, at the intersection of Fairchilds Road and West Water Well Road.

An ATV found south of the Salina Regional Airport early Monday morning has been reunited with its owner.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that a 2009 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 ATV with a sprayer tank mounted on it was stolen from a residence on Fairchilds Road. It was found, along with a broken tie-down strap, at the intersection of Fairchilds Road and West Water Well Road.

Sheriff: Found ATV had been stolen; back with its owner now

UPDATE: This story has been updated by KWU to correct that Mr. Olson died in September 2019.

Kansas Wesleyan University has received a more than $4 million gift from the estate of Salina native Dale Olson.

Olson, a longtime supporter of KWU, died in September 2019. The gift is the largest single gift in KWU history, the university noted in a news release.

“Dale and his family meant a great deal to our university,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of advancement, admissions and marketing. “Although he graduated from another institution, he always maintained his ties to Salina and, more specifically, to KWU. He went on to accomplish great things and, because of his generosity, more students will be able to follow in his footsteps. We thank the Olson family for this incredible gift.”

Olson, a Salina native whose father’s concrete company laid the original Pioneer Hall steps, attended KWU from 1945–47 following a stint in the Naval Reserves. He noted that the head of the KWU Mathematics Department played a key role in his academic success. 

Olson would complete two years of pre-engineering courses at KWU before transferring to Kansas State, where he graduated in 1951 as a mechanical engineering major with a petroleum option. Olson rose to become one of four senior engineers with Conoco – now Conoco Phillips – before retiring in 1988, but maintained his ties to Salina and to KWU.

He would later endow one of the largest scholarship funds at Kansas Wesleyan, one that would average $5,800 per student annually for 33 students. He and his late wife, Marceline, also gave half a million dollars for the construction of the track that bears their family name at the Graves Family Sports Complex.

The Olson estate giving has been split between KWU and Kansas State.

UPDATE: This story has been updated by KWU to correct that Mr. Olson died in September 2019.Kansas Wesleyan University has received a more than $4 million gift from the estate of Salina native Dale Olson.Olson, a longtime supporter of KWU, died in September 2019. The gift is the largest single gift in KWU history, the university noted in a news release.“Dale and his family meant a great deal to our university,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of advancement, admissions and marketing. “Although he graduated from another institution, he always maintained his ties to Salina and, more specifically, to KWU. He went on to accomplish great things and, because of his generosity, more students will be able to follow in his footsteps. We thank the Olson family for this incredible gift.”Olson, a Salina native whose father’s concrete company laid the original Pioneer Hall steps, attended KWU from 1945–47 following a stint in the Naval Reserves. He noted that the head of the KWU Mathematics Department played a key role in his academic success. Olson would complete two years of pre-engineering courses at KWU before transferring to Kansas State, where he graduated in 1951 as a mechanical engineering major with a petroleum option. Olson rose to become one of four senior engineers with Conoco – now Conoco Phillips – before retiring in 1988, but maintained his ties to Salina and to KWU.He would later endow one of the largest scholarship funds at Kansas Wesleyan, one that would average $5,800 per student annually for 33 students. He and his late wife, Marceline, also gave half a million dollars for the construction of the track that bears their family name at the Graves Family Sports Complex.The Olson estate giving has been split between KWU and Kansas State.--<a href="http://kwu.edu">KWU</a>--

KWU receives a more than $4M estate gift, largest in university history

We didn't receive downpours, but much of the area received at least a bit of rain.

A mere 0.14 of an inch was recorded at the Salina Regional Airport for the 24-hour period that ended at 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Following are 24-hour rainfall totals as of 7 a.m. Tuesday from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">Community Collaborative Rain, Hail &amp; Snow Network</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

READ:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ee4ce44ebfb13423b27a8f4">Volunteers needed to help collect weather data</a>

We didn't receive downpours, but much of the area received at least a bit of rain.A mere 0.14 of an inch was recorded at the Salina Regional Airport for the 24-hour period that ended at 7 a.m. Tuesday.Following are 24-hour rainfall totals as of 7 a.m. Tuesday from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">Community Collaborative Rain, Hail &amp; Snow Network</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;READ:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ee4ce44ebfb13423b27a8f4">Volunteers needed to help collect weather data</a>CLAY COUNTYClay Center 12.4 NNE, 0.15 of an inchClay Center 6.7 WNW, 0.11 of an inchCLOUD COUNTYJamestown 2.4 NW, 0.11 of an inchConcordia 1.8 S, 0.21 of an inchDICKINSON COUNTYEnterprise 0.3 NW, 0.22 of an inchChapman 6.0 NNE, 0.19 of an inchHope 0.3 S, 0.12 of an inchAbilene 5.4 E, 0.27 of an inchCarlton 2.1 NNW, 0.14 of an inchHope 7.5 NNW, 0.16 of an inchAbilene 10.3 S, 0.14 of an inchAbilene 0.7 W, 0.26 of an inchAbilene 1.1 NNE, 0.24 of an inchAbilene 9.4 S, 0.17 of an inchELLSWORTH COUNTYKanopolis 0.8 SW, 0.08 of an inchEllsworth 0.3 E, 0.23 of an inchLorraine 1.4 S, 0.23 of an inchHolyrood 6.2 NNW, 0.08 of an inch JEWELL COUNTYWebber 2.6 ENE, 0.05 of an inchLINCOLN COUNTYBeverly 4.6 S, 0.23 of an inchMARION COUNTYNewton 12.6 N, 0.04 of an inchMCPHERSON COUNTYMcPherson 6.6 WSW, 0.03 of an inchGalva 1.5 NE, 0.03 of an inchCanton 3.2 N, 0.03 of an inchMoundridge 1.0 N, 0.02 of an inchGalva 1.4 N, 0.06 of an inchGalva 9.5 N, 0.08 of an inchMarquette 2.3 NNE, 0.14 of an inchMarquette 3.2 NNE, 0.13 of an inchMcPherson 1.1 NW, 0.08 of an inchMITCHELL COUNTYScottsville 4.6 SSW, 0.18 of an inchBeloit 9.9 SSW, 0.08 of an inchOTTAWA COUNTYAda 7.0 NNW, 0.07 of an inchMinneapolis 0.4 NE, 0.09 of an inchREPUBLIC COUNTYBelleville 4.2 N, 0.14 of an inchRepublic 1.0 NNW, 0.04 of an inchScandia 1.1 N, 0.11 of an inchBelleville 0.6 ESE, 0.21 of an inchSALINE COUNTYSalina 0.7 SSW, 0.20 of an inchBrookville 5.9 NNW, 0.27 of an inchSalina 5.7 NNW, 0.25 of an inchGypsum 1.1 NE, 0.13 of an inchCulver 1.8 SE, 0.23 of an inchSalina 2.9 ENE, 0.18 of an inchNew Cambria 2.1 NW, 0.19 of an inch

Much of the area receives at least some rain

Police are investigating the theft of a vehicle from a city parking lot.

Police were called to the 100 block of South Ninth Street Monday for the report of a stolen vehicle, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester noted this morning. A 44-year-old Salina man told police that his light blue 2004 Chrysler Concorde had been stolen from the city parking lot while he had been out of town for a couple of weeks. According to Forrester, both sets of keys were still with the owner.

The vehicle had a Kansas license plate of 177MPE and was valued at $1,500, he added.

Police are investigating the theft of a vehicle from a city parking lot.Police were called to the 100 block of South Ninth Street Monday for the report of a stolen vehicle, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester noted this morning. A 44-year-old Salina man told police that his light blue 2004 Chrysler Concorde had been stolen from the city parking lot while he had been out of town for a couple of weeks. According to Forrester, both sets of keys were still with the owner.The vehicle had a Kansas license plate of 177MPE and was valued at $1,500, he added.

Police investigating theft of car from city parking lot

A Topeka man was booked into the Saline County Jail early this morning on multiple requested drug charges after a traffic stop late last night.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that a patrol officer stopped a 2002 GMC Yukon just before midnight in the 500 block of North Ninth Street for having an obstructed license plate, which was behind the rear tinted window out of view.

When the officer made contact with the driver, Jonathan Brehon, 33, of Topeka, he noticed the odor of burnt marijuana and conducted a DUI investigation, Forrester explained. A search of the vehicle produced 31 packages of marijuana, two baggies of methamphetamine, with no drug tax stamp affixed to any of the narcotics, Forrester noted.

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

One count of possession of drug paraphernalia

One count of possession of illegal transaction proceeds

A Topeka man was booked into the Saline County Jail early this morning on multiple requested drug charges after a traffic stop late last night.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that a patrol officer stopped a 2002 GMC Yukon just before midnight in the 500 block of North Ninth Street for having an obstructed license plate, which was behind the rear tinted window out of view.When the officer made contact with the driver, Jonathan Brehon, 33, of Topeka, he noticed the odor of burnt marijuana and conducted a DUI investigation, Forrester explained. A search of the vehicle produced 31 packages of marijuana, two baggies of methamphetamine, with no drug tax stamp affixed to any of the narcotics, Forrester noted.Brehon was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Forrester.One count of distribution of a stimulantOne count of distribution of marijuanaOne count of possession of drug paraphernaliaOne count of no drug tax stampOne count of possession of illegal transaction proceedsOne count of driving under the influenceOne count of obstructed license plateOne count of driving while suspendedOne count of no proof of insurance

Topeka man arrested on multiple requested drug charges

MINNEAPOLIS -- During a meeting Monday, the Ottawa County Commission adopted a resolution establishing an ordinance requiring the wearing of face coverings and social distancing in public spaces.

The ordinance took effect at 12:01 a.m. today.

The resolution indicates when face coverings are to be worn. Additionally, the ordinance establishes that people, businesses, organizations, and non-profits violating the ordinance are guilty of a misdemeanor and sets fines of $25 for a first violation to $100 for third and subsequent violations.

Following is a copy of the approved resolution, as provided on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCountyHealth">Ottawa County Health Department</a> Facebook page.

MINNEAPOLIS -- During a meeting Monday, the Ottawa County Commission adopted a resolution establishing an ordinance requiring the wearing of face coverings and social distancing in public spaces.The ordinance took effect at 12:01 a.m. today.The resolution indicates when face coverings are to be worn. Additionally, the ordinance establishes that people, businesses, organizations, and non-profits violating the ordinance are guilty of a misdemeanor and sets fines of $25 for a first violation to $100 for third and subsequent violations.Following is a copy of the approved resolution, as provided on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OttawaCountyHealth">Ottawa County Health Department</a> Facebook page.<figure>
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Ottawa County adopts face covering ordinance

Much of our area has a chance for thunderstorms and, in some cases, snow later today.

We have a chance for isolated thunderstorms, though the stronger storm are expected to stay to our south, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. 

Strong storms are possible over much of south central and southeast Kansas, with severe storms are possible along and south of the Oklahoma border, NWS noted. The storms are expected to develop late this afternoon and persist into the evening. The primary threats are 50 to 60 mph and nickel to quarter sized hail.

Snow is forecast to develop in western Kansas this afternoon and spread into central Kansas this evening. Amounts from a trace to half inch are expected around Great Bend and Russell,  with very isolated amounts of around an inch possible. The higher totals are expected from north of Concordia to around Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606225829004.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Much of our area has a chance for thunderstorms and, in some cases, snow later today.We have a chance for isolated thunderstorms, though the stronger storm are expected to stay to our south, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. Strong storms are possible over much of south central and southeast Kansas, with severe storms are possible along and south of the Oklahoma border, NWS noted. The storms are expected to develop late this afternoon and persist into the evening. The primary threats are 50 to 60 mph and nickel to quarter sized hail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606225859645.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Snow is forecast to develop in western Kansas this afternoon and spread into central Kansas this evening. Amounts from a trace to half inch are expected around Great Bend and Russell, with very isolated amounts of around an inch possible. The higher totals are expected from north of Concordia to around Hays.

NWS: Isolated thunderstorms, chance for snow Tuesday

Today is Tuesday, Nov. 24, the 329th day of 2020. There are 37 days left in the year. 

On Nov. 24, 1859, British naturalist Charles Darwin published "On the Origin of Species," which explained his theory of evolution by means of natural selection. 

In 1865, Mississippi became the first Southern state to enact laws which came to be known as "Black Codes" aimed at limiting the rights of newly freed Blacks; other states of the former Confederacy soon followed.

In 1947, a group of writers, producers and directors that became known as the "Hollywood Ten" was cited for contempt of Congress for refusing to answer questions about alleged Communist influence in the movie industry. John Steinbeck's novel "The Pearl" was first published. 

In 1963, Jack Ruby shot and mortally wounded Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy, in a scene captured on live television. 

In 1971, a hijacker calling himself "Dan Cooper" (but who became popularly known as "D.B. Cooper") parachuted from a Northwest Orient Airlines 727 over the Pacific Northwest after receiving $200,000 in ransom; his fate remains unknown. 

In 1974, the bone fragments of a 3.2 million-year-old hominid were discovered by scientists in Ethiopia; the skeletal remains were nicknamed "Lucy."

In 1985, the hijacking of an Egyptair jetliner parked on the ground in Malta ended violently as Egyptian commandos stormed the plane. Fifty-eight people died in the raid, in addition to two others killed by the hijackers. 

In 1987, the United States and the Soviet Union agreed on terms to scrap shorter- and medium-range missiles. (The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was signed by President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev the following month.) 

In 1991, rock singer Freddie Mercury died in London at age 45 of AIDS-related pneumonia. 

In 1995, voters in Ireland narrowly approved a constitutional amendment legalizing divorce. 

In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court stepped into the bitter, overtime struggle for the White House, agreeing to consider George W. Bush's appeal against the hand recounting of ballots in Florida. 

In 2014, it was announced that a grand jury in St. Louis County, Missouri, had decided against indicting Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown; the decision enraged protesters who set fire to buildings and cars and looted businesses in the area where Brown had been fatally shot. 

In 2017, militants attacked a crowded mosque in Egypt with gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades, killing more than 300 people in the deadliest-ever attack by Islamic extremists in the country. 

Ten years ago: A jury in Austin convicted former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, on charges he'd illegally funneled corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002. (DeLay's convictions were overturned on appeal.)

Five years ago: In a show of Western solidarity, President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande met at the White House, where they vowed to escalate airstrikes against the Islamic State and bolster intelligence sharing following the deadly attacks in Paris. A suicide bomber struck a bus carrying members of Tunisia's presidential guard in the country's capital, killing 12 victims. Turkey shot down a Russian warplane that it said ignored repeated warnings after crossing into its airspace from Syria, killing one of the two pilots. (Turkey later formally apologized for the shootdown.)

One year ago: Billionaire and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg formally launched a Democratic bid for president. (Bloomberg would end his campaign in early March.) With multiple wins at the American Music Awards, Taylor Swift surged past Michael Jackson's record of 24 wins at the awards show, based on fan votes. Defense Secretary Mark Esper fired the Navy's top official, Richard Spencer, ending a clash between President Donald Trump and top military leadership over the fate of a SEAL accused of war crimes in Iraq. Disney's "Frozen" sequel took in $127 million domestically and $350 million worldwide in its opening weekend, breaking several records.

Today's Birthdays: Basketball Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson is 82. Country singer Johnny Carver is 80. Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue is 80. Rock drummer Pete Best is 79. Actor-comedian Billy Connolly is 78. Former White House press secretary Marlin Fitzwater is 78. Former Kansas congressman and Motion Picture Association of America Chairman Dan Glickman is 76. Singer Lee Michaels is 75. Actor Dwight Schultz is 73. Actor Stanley Livingston is 70. Rock musician Clem Burke (Blondie; The Romantics) is 66. Actor/director Ruben Santiago-Hudson is 64. Actor Denise Crosby is 63. Actor Shae D'Lyn is 58. Rock musician John Squire (The Stone Roses) is 58. Rock musician Gary Stonadge (Big Audio) is 58. Actor Conleth Hill is 56. Actor-comedian Brad Sherwood is 56. Actor Garret Dillahunt is 56. Actor-comedian Scott Krinsky is 52. Rock musician Chad Taylor (Live) is 50. Actor Lola Glaudini is 49. Actor Danielle Nicolet is 47. Actor-writer-director-producer Stephen Merchant is 46. Olympic bronze medal figure skater Chen Lu is 44. Actor Colin Hanks is 43. Actor Katherine Heigl is 42. Actor Sarah Hyland is 30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Tuesday, Nov. 24, the 329th day of 2020. There are 37 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Nov. 24, 1859, British naturalist Charles Darwin published "On the Origin of Species," which explained his theory of evolution by means of natural selection. On this date: In 1865, Mississippi became the first Southern state to enact laws which came to be known as "Black Codes" aimed at limiting the rights of newly freed Blacks; other states of the former Confederacy soon followed.In 1947, a group of writers, producers and directors that became known as the "Hollywood Ten" was cited for contempt of Congress for refusing to answer questions about alleged Communist influence in the movie industry. John Steinbeck's novel "The Pearl" was first published. In 1963, Jack Ruby shot and mortally wounded Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy, in a scene captured on live television. In 1971, a hijacker calling himself "Dan Cooper" (but who became popularly known as "D.B. Cooper") parachuted from a Northwest Orient Airlines 727 over the Pacific Northwest after receiving $200,000 in ransom; his fate remains unknown. In 1974, the bone fragments of a 3.2 million-year-old hominid were discovered by scientists in Ethiopia; the skeletal remains were nicknamed "Lucy."In 1985, the hijacking of an Egyptair jetliner parked on the ground in Malta ended violently as Egyptian commandos stormed the plane. Fifty-eight people died in the raid, in addition to two others killed by the hijackers. In 1987, the United States and the Soviet Union agreed on terms to scrap shorter- and medium-range missiles. (The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was signed by President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev the following month.) In 1991, rock singer Freddie Mercury died in London at age 45 of AIDS-related pneumonia. In 1995, voters in Ireland narrowly approved a constitutional amendment legalizing divorce. In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court stepped into the bitter, overtime struggle for the White House, agreeing to consider George W. Bush's appeal against the hand recounting of ballots in Florida. In 2014, it was announced that a grand jury in St. Louis County, Missouri, had decided against indicting Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown; the decision enraged protesters who set fire to buildings and cars and looted businesses in the area where Brown had been fatally shot. In 2017, militants attacked a crowded mosque in Egypt with gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades, killing more than 300 people in the deadliest-ever attack by Islamic extremists in the country. Ten years ago: A jury in Austin convicted former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, on charges he'd illegally funneled corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002. (DeLay's convictions were overturned on appeal.)Five years ago: In a show of Western solidarity, President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande met at the White House, where they vowed to escalate airstrikes against the Islamic State and bolster intelligence sharing following the deadly attacks in Paris. A suicide bomber struck a bus carrying members of Tunisia's presidential guard in the country's capital, killing 12 victims. Turkey shot down a Russian warplane that it said ignored repeated warnings after crossing into its airspace from Syria, killing one of the two pilots. (Turkey later formally apologized for the shootdown.)One year ago: Billionaire and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg formally launched a Democratic bid for president. (Bloomberg would end his campaign in early March.) With multiple wins at the American Music Awards, Taylor Swift surged past Michael Jackson's record of 24 wins at the awards show, based on fan votes. Defense Secretary Mark Esper fired the Navy's top official, Richard Spencer, ending a clash between President Donald Trump and top military leadership over the fate of a SEAL accused of war crimes in Iraq. Disney's "Frozen" sequel took in $127 million domestically and $350 million worldwide in its opening weekend, breaking several records.Today's Birthdays: Basketball Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson is 82. Country singer Johnny Carver is 80. Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue is 80. Rock drummer Pete Best is 79. Actor-comedian Billy Connolly is 78. Former White House press secretary Marlin Fitzwater is 78. Former Kansas congressman and Motion Picture Association of America Chairman Dan Glickman is 76. Singer Lee Michaels is 75. Actor Dwight Schultz is 73. Actor Stanley Livingston is 70. Rock musician Clem Burke (Blondie; The Romantics) is 66. Actor/director Ruben Santiago-Hudson is 64. Actor Denise Crosby is 63. Actor Shae D'Lyn is 58. Rock musician John Squire (The Stone Roses) is 58. Rock musician Gary Stonadge (Big Audio) is 58. Actor Conleth Hill is 56. Actor-comedian Brad Sherwood is 56. Actor Garret Dillahunt is 56. Actor-comedian Scott Krinsky is 52. Rock musician Chad Taylor (Live) is 50. Actor Lola Glaudini is 49. Actor Danielle Nicolet is 47. Actor-writer-director-producer Stephen Merchant is 46. Olympic bronze medal figure skater Chen Lu is 44. Actor Colin Hanks is 43. Actor Katherine Heigl is 42. Actor Sarah Hyland is 30.

Today in History -- Nov. 24

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

Mahaska is looking for a dependable, hard-working and reliable full-time loader. Typical schedule is Monday-Thursday from 2:00pm until finish and Friday 1:00pm until finish. The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to; effectively read build sheets, maintain the ability to build loads in a timely manner, and utilize a pallet jack and physical labor. Applicants must possess the ability to work independently and with a team, have the ability to life up to 50 lbs. repeatedly, and build load sheets.

Apply at&nbsp;<a href="http://mahaska.com/careers">Mahaska.com/careers</a>

Mahaska is an Equal Opportunity Employer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579746866145.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mahaska is looking for a dependable, hard-working and reliable full-time loader. Typical schedule is Monday-Thursday from 2:00pm until finish and Friday 1:00pm until finish. The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to; effectively read build sheets, maintain the ability to build loads in a timely manner, and utilize a pallet jack and physical labor. Applicants must possess the ability to work independently and with a team, have the ability to life up to 50 lbs. repeatedly, and build load sheets.Apply at&nbsp;<a href="http://mahaska.com/careers">Mahaska.com/careers</a>Mahaska is an Equal Opportunity Employer

City updates face coverings ordinance, closes fieldhouse

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 68 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 1,316.

Of that total, 770 cases have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died, and seven 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: 68

• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 44

• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 5

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 68 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 1,316.Of that total, 770 cases have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died, and seven 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: 68• Asymptomatic: 39• Cases with unknown exposure: 610• Cases 60 years old and above: 393• Cases 50-59 years old: 185• Cases 40-49 years old: 172• Cases 30-39 years old: 163• Cases 18-29 years old: 274• Cases under 18 years old: 129• Female cases: 702• Male cases: 614• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 44• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 5• Deaths: 9

McPherson County reports 68 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday

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

We have received notification of 144 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since our last update on Friday, November 20th.&nbsp; The total for the County is now 2,146 with 505 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 1,621 that have recovered, and a total of 17 deaths. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they have 31 hospitalized COVID-19 patients.&nbsp; Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:

●Mobile Device Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a>

●Desktop Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</a>

The Saline County Board of County Commissioners met in a special public meeting today and voted to adopt a Public Health Order.&nbsp; This order went into effect at 12:01 am on Sunday, November 22nd.&nbsp; The Public Health Order limits gatherings within indoor spaces to 15 individuals or less, with exceptions for certain establishments and activities.&nbsp; The order can be found on the County website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>.

Cases continue to rise rapidly and the Health Department is experiencing delays in the ability to quickly contact new positive cases to begin investigations and contact tracing.&nbsp; We have enlisted assistance from KDHE to assist with contact tracing as well as hired additional staff.&nbsp; Please be aware that if you or someone you know has been tested, they may receive a call from KDHE Epidemiologists as they help us manage our case load.&nbsp; If you are not sure if it is a real call, ask for their callback number and then please call the Saline County Health Department and we can confirm that it is a legitimate investigator.

If you have been tested for COVID-19, you need to isolate at home until your test results are back.&nbsp; Those that are notified of a positive COVID-19 test you should:

●Isolate for at minimum 10 days from symptom onset and be 72 hours fever free and have a significant improvement in symptoms.

●Close Contacts are defined as those persons within 6 feet or less for 10 minutes or more, two days before the positive cases’ symptom onset date.

●Close Contacts need to quarantine for two weeks from their last contact date unless living in the same household, and then it would be two weeks past the positive case’s isolation release date.

●If after several days, the Health Department has not reached out to a close contact, the Health Department may not have been notified of the contact exposure and you will need to notify the Health Department; but please be patient and continue to quarantine until then.

●Stay home if you are sick.&nbsp; Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse.

According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 142,059 cases and 1,456 deaths statewide. This information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>.&nbsp;

●A shelter site, at no cost to an individual, is available for those who cannot isolate or quarantine in their homes and who have tested positive for COVID-19, those individuals who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive, and those living and working in at-risk congregate settings.&nbsp; This shelter does provide for housing, meals, laundry, and cleaning service so individuals are provided a safe shelter to avoid exposing their household to the COVID-19 virus and help stop the spread of the virus.&nbsp; For more information or to request this service, please contact your local Emergency Management Department at 785-714-0389 or 785-819-0263 if you need shelter outside of your home.

Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do.&nbsp; Please:

Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606172925320.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.We have received notification of 144 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since our last update on Friday, November 20th.&nbsp; The total for the County is now 2,146 with 505 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 1,621 that have recovered, and a total of 17 deaths. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they have 31 hospitalized COVID-19 patients.&nbsp; Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:●Mobile Device Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a>●Desktop Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</a>The Saline County Board of County Commissioners met in a special public meeting today and voted to adopt a Public Health Order.&nbsp; This order went into effect at 12:01 am on Sunday, November 22nd.&nbsp; The Public Health Order limits gatherings within indoor spaces to 15 individuals or less, with exceptions for certain establishments and activities.&nbsp; The order can be found on the County website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>.Cases continue to rise rapidly and the Health Department is experiencing delays in the ability to quickly contact new positive cases to begin investigations and contact tracing.&nbsp; We have enlisted assistance from KDHE to assist with contact tracing as well as hired additional staff.&nbsp; Please be aware that if you or someone you know has been tested, they may receive a call from KDHE Epidemiologists as they help us manage our case load.&nbsp; If you are not sure if it is a real call, ask for their callback number and then please call the Saline County Health Department and we can confirm that it is a legitimate investigator.If you have been tested for COVID-19, you need to isolate at home until your test results are back.&nbsp; Those that are notified of a positive COVID-19 test you should:●Isolate for at minimum 10 days from symptom onset and be 72 hours fever free and have a significant improvement in symptoms.●Close Contacts are defined as those persons within 6 feet or less for 10 minutes or more, two days before the positive cases’ symptom onset date.●Close Contacts need to quarantine for two weeks from their last contact date unless living in the same household, and then it would be two weeks past the positive case’s isolation release date.●If after several days, the Health Department has not reached out to a close contact, the Health Department may not have been notified of the contact exposure and you will need to notify the Health Department; but please be patient and continue to quarantine until then.●Stay home if you are sick.&nbsp; Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse.According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 142,059 cases and 1,456 deaths statewide. This information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>.&nbsp;Announcements:●A shelter site, at no cost to an individual, is available for those who cannot isolate or quarantine in their homes and who have tested positive for COVID-19, those individuals who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive, and those living and working in at-risk congregate settings.&nbsp; This shelter does provide for housing, meals, laundry, and cleaning service so individuals are provided a safe shelter to avoid exposing their household to the COVID-19 virus and help stop the spread of the virus.&nbsp; For more information or to request this service, please contact your local Emergency Management Department at 785-714-0389 or 785-819-0263 if you need shelter outside of your home.Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do.&nbsp; Please:<ol>
 <li>Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water.&nbsp; Use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water.</li><li>Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more.</li><li>Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution.&nbsp; You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective.</li><li>By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments).&nbsp;</li><li>Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc.</li><li>Stay home if you are sick.&nbsp; Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse.</li>
 </ol>Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

Saline County reports 144 new COVID-19 cases; 1,621 of 2,146 recovered

An incentive plan for filling corrections officer positions and consideration of changes to the county's facemask mandate are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.

The regular county commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. A time for public comment is scheduled near the start of the meeting.

Beginning Tuesday, county commission meetings will take place via Zoom until

further notice. This decision to revise the meeting format was made to align with the mass gathering limitations imposed by the recent county public health order.

Meetings can be viewed on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">Saline County's YouTube channel</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:

An incentive plan for filling corrections officer positions and consideration of changes to the county's facemask mandate are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.Updated meeting informationThe regular county commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. A time for public comment is scheduled near the start of the meeting.Beginning Tuesday, county commission meetings will take place via Zoom untilfurther notice. This decision to revise the meeting format was made to align with the mass gathering limitations imposed by the recent county public health order.Meetings can be viewed on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">Saline County's YouTube channel</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" target="_blank">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>Meeting ID: 968 3581 9901 Passcode: 144636Citizens who wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the chairman requests public comment on an item, must raise their hands so that the meeting host can allow them to speak.Agenda itemsCommissioners are being asked to to consider a request to establish a temporary referral incentive to help efforts to recruit corrections officers for the Saline County Sheriff's Office. According to commission meeting packet information, currently utilized recruitment efforts have not yielded results, and the sheriff's office has had the same seven vacancies since July. The request is to use funds for a temporary recruitment program that uses referals from current employees. Under the proposal, referring employees whose candidates are hired and have satisfactory performance reviews at six months and one year would receive incentive payments at those intervals. The payments would be $500 at six months and $1,000 at one year, according to information from the commission meeting packet.Other items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Consideration of revisions to the county's facemask mandate based on potential changes made by the Salina City Commission on Monday afternoon.●Consideration of a request for a media specialist service contract for the health department.●A Title VI plan reviewAdditionally, commissioners are scheduled to meet in executive session concerning non-elected personnel.To see the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet (a 44-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20201124.pdf?ver=L6bJfL7JzHLOL1LdxAKOFw%3d%3d">click here</a>.

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