Today is Tuesday, Nov. 17, the 322nd day of 2020. There are 44 days left in the year. 

On Nov. 17, 1800, Congress held its first session in the partially completed U.S. Capitol building. 

In 1558, Elizabeth I acceded to the English throne upon the death of her half-sister, Queen Mary, beginning a 44-year reign. 

In 1869, the Suez Canal opened in Egypt. 

In 1889, the Union Pacific Railroad Co. began direct, daily railroad service between Chicago and Portland, Oregon, as well as Chicago and San Francisco. 

In 1911, the historically African-American fraternity Omega Psi Phi was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C. 

In 1917, French sculptor Auguste Rodin died in Meudon at age 77.

In 1969, the first round of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks between the United States and the Soviet Union opened in Helsinki, Finland.

In 1970, the Soviet Union landed an unmanned, remote-controlled vehicle on the moon, the Lunokhod 1. 

In 1973, President Richard Nixon told Associated Press managing editors in Orlando, Florida: "People have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I'm not a crook." 

In 1979, Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini ordered the release of 13 Black and/or female American hostages being held at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. 

In 1997, 62 people, most of them foreign tourists, were killed when militants opened fire at the Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor, Egypt; the attackers, who also hacked their victims, were killed by police. 

In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger was sworn in as the 38th governor of California. 

In 2018, tribesman on the isolated island of North Sentinel, between India and Southeast Asia, were seen dragging and burying the body of American missionary John Allen Chau, who had reached the island the previous day despite a ban imposed by India's government. 

Ten years ago: House Democrats elected Nancy Pelosi to remain as their leader despite massive party losses in midterm elections. Republicans voted to keep John Boehner as their top House leader, making him speaker in the new Congress. A hand-count of votes affirmed the re-election of U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, the first Senate candidate in over 50 years to win a write-in campaign. The first Guantanamo detainee to face civilian trial, Ahmed Ghailani, was convicted by federal jury in New York on one charge of conspiracy, among over 280 counts related to 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Ghailani's native Tanzania. (He was later sentenced to life in prison.)

Five years ago: Republicans urged an immediate closure of America's borders to Syrian refugees, drawing angry denunciations from President Barack Obama and other Democrats and igniting an emotional debate about U.S. values in the wake of the deadly Paris terror attacks. Actor Charlie Sheen issued a statement in which he said he was HIV positive, but that thanks to a rigorous drug regimen, he was in good health. Joe Maddon won his third Manager of the Year award and Jeff Banister his first after each guided his team on a surprising run to the playoffs.

One year ago: Pushing back against accusations from President Donald Trump that the impeachment process had been stacked against him, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told CBS that Trump was welcome to testify or answer questions in writing. Ahead of a Democratic presidential run, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg apologized at a Black church for his longstanding support of the controversial "stop and frisk" police strategy, which he had continued to defend despite its disproportionate impact on people of color.

Today's Birthdays: Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., is 86. Singer Gordon Lightfoot is 82. Singer-songwriter Bob Gaudiois 79. Movie director Martin Scorsese is 78. Actor Lauren Hutton is 77. Actor-director Danny DeVito is 76. "Saturday Night Live" producer Lorne Michaels is 76. Movie director Roland Joffe is 75. Former Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean is 72. Former House Speaker John Boehner is 71. Actor Stephen Root is 69. Rock musician Jim Babjak (The Smithereens) is 63. Actor Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is 62. Actor William Moses is 61. Entertainer RuPaul is 60. Actor Dylan Walsh is 57. Former National Security Adviser Susan Rice is 56. Actor Sophie Marceau is 54. Actor-model Daisy Fuentes is 54. Blues singer/musician Tab Benoit is 53. Rhythm-and-blues singer Ronnie DeVoe (New Edition; Bell Biv DeVoe) is 53 Rock musician Ben Wilson (Blues Traveler) is 53. Actor David Ramsey is 49. Actor Leonard Roberts is 48. Actor Leslie Bibb is 47. Actor Brandon Call is 44. Country singer Aaron Lines is 43. Actor Rachel McAdams is 42. Rock musician Isaac Hanson (Hanson) is 40. MLB outfielder Ryan Braun is 37. Actor Justin Cooper is 32. Musician Reid Perry (The Band Perry) is 32. Actor Raquel Castro is 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Tuesday, Nov. 17, the 322nd day of 2020. There are 44 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Nov. 17, 1800, Congress held its first session in the partially completed U.S. Capitol building. On this date: In 1558, Elizabeth I acceded to the English throne upon the death of her half-sister, Queen Mary, beginning a 44-year reign. In 1869, the Suez Canal opened in Egypt. In 1889, the Union Pacific Railroad Co. began direct, daily railroad service between Chicago and Portland, Oregon, as well as Chicago and San Francisco. In 1911, the historically African-American fraternity Omega Psi Phi was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C. In 1917, French sculptor Auguste Rodin died in Meudon at age 77.In 1969, the first round of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks between the United States and the Soviet Union opened in Helsinki, Finland.In 1970, the Soviet Union landed an unmanned, remote-controlled vehicle on the moon, the Lunokhod 1. In 1973, President Richard Nixon told Associated Press managing editors in Orlando, Florida: "People have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I'm not a crook." In 1979, Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini ordered the release of 13 Black and/or female American hostages being held at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. In 1997, 62 people, most of them foreign tourists, were killed when militants opened fire at the Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor, Egypt; the attackers, who also hacked their victims, were killed by police. In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger was sworn in as the 38th governor of California. In 2018, tribesman on the isolated island of North Sentinel, between India and Southeast Asia, were seen dragging and burying the body of American missionary John Allen Chau, who had reached the island the previous day despite a ban imposed by India's government. Ten years ago: House Democrats elected Nancy Pelosi to remain as their leader despite massive party losses in midterm elections. Republicans voted to keep John Boehner as their top House leader, making him speaker in the new Congress. A hand-count of votes affirmed the re-election of U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, the first Senate candidate in over 50 years to win a write-in campaign. The first Guantanamo detainee to face civilian trial, Ahmed Ghailani, was convicted by federal jury in New York on one charge of conspiracy, among over 280 counts related to 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Ghailani's native Tanzania. (He was later sentenced to life in prison.)Five years ago: Republicans urged an immediate closure of America's borders to Syrian refugees, drawing angry denunciations from President Barack Obama and other Democrats and igniting an emotional debate about U.S. values in the wake of the deadly Paris terror attacks. Actor Charlie Sheen issued a statement in which he said he was HIV positive, but that thanks to a rigorous drug regimen, he was in good health. Joe Maddon won his third Manager of the Year award and Jeff Banister his first after each guided his team on a surprising run to the playoffs. One year ago: Pushing back against accusations from President Donald Trump that the impeachment process had been stacked against him, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told CBS that Trump was welcome to testify or answer questions in writing. Ahead of a Democratic presidential run, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg apologized at a Black church for his longstanding support of the controversial "stop and frisk" police strategy, which he had continued to defend despite its disproportionate impact on people of color. Today's Birthdays: Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., is 86. Singer Gordon Lightfoot is 82. Singer-songwriter Bob Gaudiois 79. Movie director Martin Scorsese is 78. Actor Lauren Hutton is 77. Actor-director Danny DeVito is 76. "Saturday Night Live" producer Lorne Michaels is 76. Movie director Roland Joffe is 75. Former Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean is 72. Former House Speaker John Boehner is 71. Actor Stephen Root is 69. Rock musician Jim Babjak (The Smithereens) is 63. Actor Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is 62. Actor William Moses is 61. Entertainer RuPaul is 60. Actor Dylan Walsh is 57. Former National Security Adviser Susan Rice is 56. Actor Sophie Marceau is 54. Actor-model Daisy Fuentes is 54. Blues singer/musician Tab Benoit is 53. Rhythm-and-blues singer Ronnie DeVoe (New Edition; Bell Biv DeVoe) is 53 Rock musician Ben Wilson (Blues Traveler) is 53. Actor David Ramsey is 49. Actor Leonard Roberts is 48. Actor Leslie Bibb is 47. Actor Brandon Call is 44. Country singer Aaron Lines is 43. Actor Rachel McAdams is 42. Rock musician Isaac Hanson (Hanson) is 40. MLB outfielder Ryan Braun is 37. Actor Justin Cooper is 32. Musician Reid Perry (The Band Perry) is 32. Actor Raquel Castro is 26.

Today in History -- Nov. 17

The City of Salina has announced the temporary closing of a portion of East Schilling Road.

On Tuesday, East Schilling Road between Caywood Drive and Melanie Lane will be closed to thru traffic for installation of a water main.

A detour route will be identified by signage. Motorists should be prepared to find an alternate route. The project is expected to be completed by Saturday evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605581811496.jpeg" alt="Map courtesy Google Maps" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy Google Maps</figcaption>
 </figure>The City of Salina has announced the temporary closing of a portion of East Schilling Road.On Tuesday, East Schilling Road between Caywood Drive and Melanie Lane will be closed to thru traffic for installation of a water main.A detour route will be identified by signage. Motorists should be prepared to find an alternate route. The project is expected to be completed by Saturday evening.

City closing part of East Schilling Road for water main work

The bi-weekly review of the county's COVID-19 situation and items related to the new jail project are on the agenda for the Saline County Commission meeting Tuesday.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.

During the meeting, commissioners are scheduled to review with Jason Tiller, health department director, the COVID-19 situation in Saline County in an effort to determine whether to keep in place the county's face mask mandate.

Commissioners also are scheduled to consider a resolution for the imposition of sales tax for the new jail project and the authorization for design and construction services for the project.

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

●Consider a UMR administrative services agreement renewal -- Marilyn Leamer, human resources director

●Consider a telemedicine amendment to the health plan -- Leamer

●Consider formal approval of medical and dental plan documents -- Leamer

●Hear the human resources update -- Leamer

●Hear the livestock and expo update -- Rick Lamer, director

●Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes weekly update

Immediately following the meeting, commissioners are scheduled to canvass county votes from the general election.

The bi-weekly review of the county's COVID-19 situation and items related to the new jail project are on the agenda for the Saline County Commission meeting Tuesday.The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.During the meeting, commissioners are scheduled to review with Jason Tiller, health department director, the COVID-19 situation in Saline County in an effort to determine whether to keep in place the county's face mask mandate.Commissioners also are scheduled to consider a resolution for the imposition of sales tax for the new jail project and the authorization for design and construction services for the project.Other items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Consider a UMR administrative services agreement renewal -- Marilyn Leamer, human resources director●Consider a telemedicine amendment to the health plan -- Leamer●Consider formal approval of medical and dental plan documents -- Leamer●Hear the human resources update -- Leamer●Hear the livestock and expo update -- Rick Lamer, director●Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes weekly updateImmediately following the meeting, commissioners are scheduled to canvass county votes from the general election.

Mask mandate, jail project, vote canvassing on county agenda

One of Salina's most beloved Christmas traditions will continue, in spite of COVID-19. Kansas Wesleyan's "Christmas by Candlelight" will be held in a virtual format on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.&nbsp;

"Christmas by Candlelight," as always, will feature choral and instrumental students from the KWU Department of Music—including various orchestras and choirs—under the direction of several talented faculty members, teaming with area high school choirs to help celebrate the season.&nbsp;This year, Fili Creative, a local video company owned by Gus Applequist '14, will record and produce the efforts into a television-like special that will be streamed free of charge.&nbsp;

The tradition of a Christmas concert at KWU dates back, at minimum, to the 1950s, when the philharmonic choir would put on its annual&nbsp;Yule Program. While there were periodic mentions of candlelight being involved in the program during the ensuing decades, the&nbsp;Christmas by Candlelight&nbsp;title came into being, for good, in 1982.&nbsp;

The precise link to the stream will be announced on KWU social media outlets and via the performance's official web site,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwu.edu/news/2020/11/16/KWU.edu/CBCL20" target="_blank">KWU.edu/CBCL20</a>.&nbsp;

One of Salina's most beloved Christmas traditions will continue, in spite of COVID-19. Kansas Wesleyan's "Christmas by Candlelight" will be held in a virtual format on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.&nbsp;"Christmas by Candlelight," as always, will feature choral and instrumental students from the KWU Department of Music—including various orchestras and choirs—under the direction of several talented faculty members, teaming with area high school choirs to help celebrate the season.&nbsp;This year, Fili Creative, a local video company owned by Gus Applequist '14, will record and produce the efforts into a television-like special that will be streamed free of charge.&nbsp;The tradition of a Christmas concert at KWU dates back, at minimum, to the 1950s, when the philharmonic choir would put on its annual&nbsp;Yule Program. While there were periodic mentions of candlelight being involved in the program during the ensuing decades, the&nbsp;Christmas by Candlelight&nbsp;title came into being, for good, in 1982.&nbsp;The precise link to the stream will be announced on KWU social media outlets and via the performance's official web site,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwu.edu/news/2020/11/16/KWU.edu/CBCL20" target="_blank">KWU.edu/CBCL20</a>.&nbsp;

KWU: Christmas by Candlelight to take place virtually

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today announced 158 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 1,063.

Of that total, 541 have met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died, and six active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted.

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

• New cases since last public release: 158

• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 38

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

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today announced 158 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 1,063.Of that total, 541 have met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died, and six active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted.Following is the updated case data, as supplied by the health department.• New cases since last public release: 158• Asymptomatic: 33• Cases with unknown exposure: 501• Cases 60 years old and above: 304• Cases 50-59 years old: 149• Cases 40-49 years old: 135• Cases 30-39 years old: 135• Cases 18-29 years old: 232• Cases under 18 years old: 107• Female cases: 561• Male cases: 501• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 38• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 5• Deaths: 8

McPherson County reports 158 new cases of COVID-19

District says&nbsp;schools’ safety precautions working

USD 305 has been working closely with the Saline County Health Department to contact trace every confirmed COVID test of a student or staff member.

The vast majority of cases are traced back to community contact – not transmission in the schools.

Both the case numbers and the contact tracing reveal that our schools’ safety precautions work. The masking, hourly hand hygiene, temperature checkpoints, cleaning protocols and social distancing as possible are suppressing COVID spread within USD 305 schools.

Contact between people outside the school environment is the reason behind the positive cases.

Due to the current community health conditions, and effective immediately, additional limits for spectators will be in place at USD 305 athletic events. Specifics include:

●Each USD 305 participant will have the opportunity to purchase two tickets (for immediate family only) for any home events.

●No tickets will be sold at the door. (No extra tickets will be available.)

●Ticket holders should be on-site only during the time of their student’s competition. Parents/guardians are asked to

-Arrive just in time for their student’s event/game

-Leave the facility after their student is finished participating

USD 305 will continue to work with the Saline County Health Department to monitor community status. Please help us protect education and opportunities for our students by remaining vigilant in practicing safety precautions such as

●Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.

●Maintain social distancing of six feet.

●Cover cough or sneeze with a tissue (and throw the tissue in the trash) or upper sleeve.

●Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

●Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

●Stay home while you are sick and avoid contact with others.

--<a href="http://usd305.com">USD 305</a>--

<h2>District says&nbsp;schools’ safety precautions working</h2>USD 305 has been working closely with the Saline County Health Department to contact trace every confirmed COVID test of a student or staff member.The vast majority of cases are traced back to community contact – not transmission in the schools.Both the case numbers and the contact tracing reveal that our schools’ safety precautions work. The masking, hourly hand hygiene, temperature checkpoints, cleaning protocols and social distancing as possible are suppressing COVID spread within USD 305 schools.Contact between people outside the school environment is the reason behind the positive cases.Due to the current community health conditions, and effective immediately, additional limits for spectators will be in place at USD 305 athletic events. Specifics include:●Visiting fans are not allowed.●Each USD 305 participant will have the opportunity to purchase two tickets (for immediate family only) for any home events.●No tickets will be sold at the door. (No extra tickets will be available.)●Ticket holders should be on-site only during the time of their student’s competition. Parents/guardians are asked to-Arrive just in time for their student’s event/game-Leave the facility after their student is finished participatingUSD 305 will continue to work with the Saline County Health Department to monitor community status. Please help us protect education and opportunities for our students by remaining vigilant in practicing safety precautions such as●Wear a mask properly.●Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.●Maintain social distancing of six feet.●Cover cough or sneeze with a tissue (and throw the tissue in the trash) or upper sleeve.●Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.●Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.●Stay home while you are sick and avoid contact with others.--<a href="http://usd305.com">USD 305</a>--

Community numbers drive change to USD 305 athletic fans’ attendance

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

Since our last update on Friday, November 13th we have received notification of 126 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County.&nbsp; The total for the County is now 1,729 with 383 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 1,329 that have recovered, and a total of 17 deaths. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they have 26 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>

Health Department Staff is working through several clusters of positive cases related to a multitude of different events and locations.&nbsp; As we have seen over the past two weeks, a single case can take an entire day to investigate properly and notify close contacts.&nbsp; With so many new cases each day, our staff is extremely behind in case investigation.&nbsp; Please continue to be patient with us, we are working as quickly as we can.&nbsp;

Anyone who has visited Buffalo Wild Wings located at 2580 S. 9th&nbsp;Street in Salina within the last week and a half is asked to monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19.&nbsp; This outbreak has several complicated cases that the Health Department staff has not been unable to trace back to a single contact, thus not having specific dates and times of when exposure could have occurred.&nbsp; If you do develop symptoms, please contact your primary care physician about testing.&nbsp;

If you have been tested for COVID-19, you need to isolate in your 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 of 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.

According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 122,741 cases and 1,266 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:

●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.

●Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more.

●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.

●Avoid gatherings.&nbsp; If you must go, wear a mask, physical distance from others, wash hands or use hand sanitizer.

●Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc.

●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.

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/2020/11/1605568337704.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.Since our last update on Friday, November 13th we have received notification of 126 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County.&nbsp; The total for the County is now 1,729 with 383 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 1,329 that have recovered, and a total of 17 deaths. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they have 26 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>Health Department Staff is working through several clusters of positive cases related to a multitude of different events and locations.&nbsp; As we have seen over the past two weeks, a single case can take an entire day to investigate properly and notify close contacts.&nbsp; With so many new cases each day, our staff is extremely behind in case investigation.&nbsp; Please continue to be patient with us, we are working as quickly as we can.&nbsp;Anyone who has visited Buffalo Wild Wings located at 2580 S. 9th&nbsp;Street in Salina within the last week and a half is asked to monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19.&nbsp; This outbreak has several complicated cases that the Health Department staff has not been unable to trace back to a single contact, thus not having specific dates and times of when exposure could have occurred.&nbsp; If you do develop symptoms, please contact your primary care physician about testing.&nbsp;If you have been tested for COVID-19, you need to isolate in your 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 of 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.According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 122,741 cases and 1,266 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:●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.●Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more.●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.●Avoid gatherings.&nbsp; If you must go, wear a mask, physical distance from others, wash hands or use hand sanitizer.●Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc.●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.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 126 new COVID-19 cases; 1,329 of 1,729 recovered

Today, the ISIS Shrine Temple of Salina announced the cancellation of The Texas Tenors benefit concert.

The concert had been scheduled for Dec. 13 at Tony’s Pizza Events Center.

“The rise in COVID-19 cases is very concerning. The safety of our patrons, staff and performers are of the utmost importance, therefore we made the hard decision to cancel The Texas Tenors show,” Casey Flinn, Shrine Recorder said.

All tickets purchasers will receive a full refund. Those who paid by credit or debit will have their tickets refunded automatically in the next three-five business days. For those that purchased with cash, refunds are available as of today. Cash purchasers must take their tickets to the Tony’s Pizza Events Center box office to receive their refund. The box office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. Those who purchased their tickets from the Shriners will need to contact them directly.

Today, the ISIS Shrine Temple of Salina announced the cancellation of The Texas Tenors benefit concert.The concert had been scheduled for Dec. 13 at Tony’s Pizza Events Center.“The rise in COVID-19 cases is very concerning. The safety of our patrons, staff and performers are of the utmost importance, therefore we made the hard decision to cancel The Texas Tenors show,” Casey Flinn, Shrine Recorder said.All tickets purchasers will receive a full refund. Those who paid by credit or debit will have their tickets refunded automatically in the next three-five business days. For those that purchased with cash, refunds are available as of today. Cash purchasers must take their tickets to the Tony’s Pizza Events Center box office to receive their refund. The box office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. Those who purchased their tickets from the Shriners will need to contact them directly.

ISIS Shrine Temple cancels The Texas Tenors concert

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly today announced that nearly 2,000 Kansas small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will receive a share of $37.5 million in Small Business Working Capital (SBWC) grants.

“Throughout the pandemic, my administration has prioritized the efficient distribution of CARES Act funding to protect Kansas’ economy and ensure our businesses and schools can stay open,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“While I’m proud to announce that we have been able to provide relief to almost 2,000 small businesses, there are many more that still need help. Washington has been sitting on a second stimulus bill for months, it’s time to put aside the partisanship and pass this long-overdue aid for the states.”

Kansas businesses with fewer than 500 employees were eligible to apply for SBWC grant funding, made available by Governor Kelly’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce through the federal CARES Act.

Grant funds can be used to pay working capital expenses such as payroll, insurance, rent, mortgage payments, utilities, inventory, and more.

“Through the CARES Act funding, we’ve enhanced our public health response, upgraded our technology infrastructure, made sure children could keep learning, helped businesses stay open and created jobs,”&nbsp;Julie Lorenz, Executive Director of the Office of Recovery, said.&nbsp;“There are still many unmet needs and with additional federal funding and flexibility, we could deliver more investments to serve Kansans and industries that continue to suffer from the pandemic.”&nbsp;

The SPARK Taskforce and the Kansas Department of Commerce will maintain the Small Business Working Capital grant program, as well as PPE Procurement and Connectivity Emergency Response Grant programs, should more federal CARES Act funding become available.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the Kansas economy, and they keep our communities strong and vibrant,”&nbsp;Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “We’re glad to have been able to provide critically-needed working capital to nearly 2,000 businesses, but the need for liquidity doesn’t end there. We need to have their backs. The Department of Commerce will always stand ready to assist businesses across Kansas, pandemic or not.”

The online application process for several other SPARK grant programs remain active. Details are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.RJxK4H8nmqFksbxn477qz6ocrYDfgXGgywgpqkb_8BM/s/1303167436/br/89857232384-l" target="_blank">www.kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief</a>.

Following are the businesses in our area who have received grants, as provided by the governor's office.

Clay Center Family Dental Care LLC $20,000

Concordia Chamber of Commerce Inc. $9,600

National Orphan Train Complex, Inc. $8,382

Abilene's Victorian Inn, LLC DBA Abilene's Victorian Inn Bed &amp; Breakfast, Gift Shop &amp; Tea Room $15,000

Central Kansas Free Fair Association $20,000

Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation$9,600

Super Maids Cleaning And contractor services $20,000

Midland Railroad Hotel Property, LLC $20,000

Skynet Unmanned Aerial Services LLC. $20,000

Terry P Bandy dba Te-Pe Oil &amp; Gas $20,000

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly today announced that nearly 2,000 Kansas small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will receive a share of $37.5 million in Small Business Working Capital (SBWC) grants.“Throughout the pandemic, my administration has prioritized the efficient distribution of CARES Act funding to protect Kansas’ economy and ensure our businesses and schools can stay open,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“While I’m proud to announce that we have been able to provide relief to almost 2,000 small businesses, there are many more that still need help. Washington has been sitting on a second stimulus bill for months, it’s time to put aside the partisanship and pass this long-overdue aid for the states.”Kansas businesses with fewer than 500 employees were eligible to apply for SBWC grant funding, made available by Governor Kelly’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce through the federal CARES Act.Grant funds can be used to pay working capital expenses such as payroll, insurance, rent, mortgage payments, utilities, inventory, and more.“Through the CARES Act funding, we’ve enhanced our public health response, upgraded our technology infrastructure, made sure children could keep learning, helped businesses stay open and created jobs,”&nbsp;Julie Lorenz, Executive Director of the Office of Recovery, said.&nbsp;“There are still many unmet needs and with additional federal funding and flexibility, we could deliver more investments to serve Kansans and industries that continue to suffer from the pandemic.”&nbsp;The SPARK Taskforce and the Kansas Department of Commerce will maintain the Small Business Working Capital grant program, as well as PPE Procurement and Connectivity Emergency Response Grant programs, should more federal CARES Act funding become available.“Small businesses are the backbone of the Kansas economy, and they keep our communities strong and vibrant,”&nbsp;Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “We’re glad to have been able to provide critically-needed working capital to nearly 2,000 businesses, but the need for liquidity doesn’t end there. We need to have their backs. The Department of Commerce will always stand ready to assist businesses across Kansas, pandemic or not.”The online application process for several other SPARK grant programs remain active. Details are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.RJxK4H8nmqFksbxn477qz6ocrYDfgXGgywgpqkb_8BM/s/1303167436/br/89857232384-l" target="_blank">www.kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief</a>.Following are the businesses in our area who have received grants, as provided by the governor's office.<h2>CLAY COUNTY</h2>Clay Center Family Dental Care LLC $20,000Cutting Edge and Massage $10,000DS Glass Shop LLC $15,000J&amp;M Pipeline Surveyors Inc. $20,000Micro Air, Inc. $15,000O.M.G. Pizza $20,000The Rex Theatre, LLC $25,000Vathauer Catering $20,000<h2>CLOUD COUNTY</h2>Clyde Hotel $20,000Concordia Chamber of Commerce Inc. $9,600Concordia Spine &amp; Sport $15,000National Orphan Train Complex, Inc. $8,382PRP LLC $20,000<h2>DICKINSON COUNTY</h2>Abilene's Victorian Inn, LLC DBA Abilene's Victorian Inn Bed &amp; Breakfast, Gift Shop &amp; Tea Room $15,000Brierton Engineering, Inc. $20,000Central Kansas Free Fair Association $20,000Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation$9,600Great Plains Theatre $50,000Hirsch Real Estate $20,000Historic Abilene Inc. $14,500K Diamond Towing &amp; Transport $20,000Neko Lock Service LLC $20,000Norman Contruction $20,000Ostermann Ventures LLC $5,000R&amp;R Kennel,Inc $20,000Sudip Inc $20,000Super Maids Cleaning And contractor services $20,000Tavern Boutique and Tanning $10,000Travis Bartley $18,700<h2>ELLSWORTH COUNTY</h2>Blessing Childcare $6,000Jerry and Angies LLC $10,000Kevin F. Schultz $20,000Manestream Salon $20,000Midland Railroad Hotel Property, LLC $20,000Sitaram Hospitality LLC $20,000Wayne's Ag Aviation $20,000<h2>JEWELL COUNTY</h2>Jewell County Justified LLC $10,000<h2>LINCOLN COUNTY</h2>NCK AG SERVICES $5,000Seirer's Clothing $10,000Sixteen 60 Publishing Co. $2,500Spearpoint Ranch. LLC $20,000<h2>MARION COUNTY</h2>Affordable Street Rods $20,000CiboTech Laboratories, LLC $20,000DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH $10,000Glanzer Group, LLC $20,000Historic Elgin Hotel LLC $20,000Kansas Publishing Ventures $10,000Robert L Unruh $20,000Signatures salon $10,000<h2>MCPHERSON COUNTY</h2>AHT Transport LLC $20,000All In One Safety $20,000Atelier Design and Print LLC $20,000BDL, LLC $20,000BTTW, LLC $20,000Eickbush Production Company LLC $20,000Fire &amp; Safety LLC $20,000Henry Construction $20,000Lindsborg Organ Service, LLC $5,000Lonny Bruce $20,000McPherson Main Street, Inc $4,800McPherson Travel Center, Inc. $20,000National Compliance Group LLC $20,000Rendezvous Adventure Outfitters $10,000Ristorante Italiano Di Famiglia $20,000Skynet Unmanned Aerial Services LLC. $20,000SouthWind Global Aviation, Inc. $20,000Swisher Hydro Excavating $20,000Terry P Bandy dba Te-Pe Oil &amp; Gas $20,000The Stone Chimney $15,000TNK Autos $10,000troy b wiens dds $20,000<h2>MITCHELL COUNTY</h2>Cole W Eberle Photography $14,700Plum Creek Restaurant, LLC $20,000Raderlodge inc $20,000Total image $12,500TRUEMANHOOD $12,500<h2>OTTAWA COUNTY</h2>Family Barbershop and Hairstyling $4,000Profab Mfg Inc, $20,000<h2>REPUBLIC COUNTY</h2>Bel-Con Sanitation, Inc. $20,000Free Day Popcorn Company, LLC $20,000High Banks Hall of Fame, Inc. $20,000MTD Iron $20,000NCK Feed &amp; Ag Services LLC $20,000Relax Therapeutic Massage and Bodyworks, LLC $5,000Xtreme Concepts LLC $10,000<h2>SALINE COUNTY</h2>Action Travel, Inc. $14,000Bieberly Architects PA $20,000Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina $20,000BLUE SKYE BREWERY AND EATS, LLC $17,726Exit 14 llc $10,000Hays Academy of Hair Design - Salina Campus $20,000Hearing Specialists, Inc $10,000JEB Partners, LLC $15,000Kansas Beach Hospitality &amp; Events LLC $20,000Kimberly Collier $10,000KZR, Inc. $20,000Nikita Inc. $20,000PALI H&amp;S, LLC $20,000Salina Area Chamber of Commerce $8,400Salina Investments LLC $20,000Salina Liberty Inc $1,000Shift Your Perspective $10,000Short 1 LLC $20,000Short Inc. $20,000Shree Jay Ganesh LLC $20,000Synergy Chiropractic &amp; Sports Therapy $20,000The Tangled Thread $20,000Tom Egan, Inc. $20,000Tulip Corporation $20,000Young building $2,000<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDExMTYuMzA1Nzk5MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjAvMTEvU0JXQy1HcmFudC1Bd2FyZGVlcy5wZGYifQ.jIdlTiCdRKMkielb_z3aF7Q_XYI8lKi6pY6W7U1-r98/s/1303167436/br/89857232384-l" target="_blank">View all SBWC grant recipients here.</a>

Gov.: Local, area small businesses among those receiving grants

The City of Salina is closing part of West Iron Avenue to through traffic beginning Tuesday for manhole adjustment work.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Lancaster Construction of Salina will close Iron Avenue between 10th Street and Eighth Street to through traffic. Local traffic will still be allowed.

The closures are required to adjust the manholes in the middle of the Ninth Street and Iron Avenue intersection to match the adjacent pavement elevation, according to information from the city. Ninth Street traffic will be allowed to proceed through the intersection. All work should be complete and all lanes open to traffic on Thursday.

The $175,000 manhole adjustment project is part of the City of Salina's $4.7 million annual maintenance capital improvement program

The City of Salina is closing part of West Iron Avenue to through traffic beginning Tuesday for manhole adjustment work.On Tuesday and Wednesday, Lancaster Construction of Salina will close Iron Avenue between 10th Street and Eighth Street to through traffic. Local traffic will still be allowed.The closures are required to adjust the manholes in the middle of the Ninth Street and Iron Avenue intersection to match the adjacent pavement elevation, according to information from the city. Ninth Street traffic will be allowed to proceed through the intersection. All work should be complete and all lanes open to traffic on Thursday.The $175,000 manhole adjustment project is part of the City of Salina's $4.7 million annual maintenance capital improvement program

City closing part of Iron Avenue for manhole adjustment work

TOPEKA – An Ellsworth Correctional Facility (ECF) resident who died Sunday had tested positive for COVID-19. This is third resident death from ECF, and the tenth resident death related to COVID-19 for the department, according to a media release from the KDOC.

The resident was moved Oct. 26 to the Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) COVID-19 Management Unit (CMU) after testing positive for the virus, and then transported from LCF to the hospital.

The resident was a 68-year-old white male with underlying medical concerns that contributed to his condition. He was serving a life sentence for first degree murder

The Ellsworth Correctional Facility opened in 1988. Serving only males, the Central Unit provides housing for 820 multi-custody residents and the East Unit provides housing for 95 minimum-custody residents.

TOPEKA – An Ellsworth Correctional Facility (ECF) resident who died Sunday had tested positive for COVID-19. This is third resident death from ECF, and the tenth resident death related to COVID-19 for the department, according to a media release from the KDOC.The resident was moved Oct. 26 to the Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) COVID-19 Management Unit (CMU) after testing positive for the virus, and then transported from LCF to the hospital.The resident was a 68-year-old white male with underlying medical concerns that contributed to his condition. He was serving a life sentence for first degree murderThe Ellsworth Correctional Facility opened in 1988. Serving only males, the Central Unit provides housing for 820 multi-custody residents and the East Unit provides housing for 95 minimum-custody residents.

10th Kansas inmate dies after positive COVID-19 test

ASSARIA -- The Saline County Sheriff's Office is investigating multiple vehicle burglaries in and near Assaria.

According to Sheriff Roger Soldan, two vehicles in the 9700 block of South Simpson Road were burglarized sometime between Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Five COVID-19 masks were stolen from one vehicle and a car charger valued at $25 and an Uberti 1858 New Army Conversion revolver valued at $600 were stolen from the other.

On Sunday morning, deputies were called to two residences in Assaria for the reports of vehicle burglaries, Soldan said. A vehicle in the 400 block of East First Street had $5 worth of change missing and a vehicle in the 300 block of East First Street had $85 in cash missing, he said.

On Sunday afternoon, deputies were called to the 100 block of East Fourth Street where the following items were taken from a vehicle, Soldan said.

Sunday evening, deputies were called to the 300 block of East First Street for the report of a fixed blade pocket knife being stolen from a vehicle, Soldan noted.

Soldan said he was not sure whether the recent burglaries were connected to a rash of burglaries in the county earlier in the month.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/685d0a0e-829d-4d63-8818-7c874bba32ad">Four arrested in connection to multiple burglaries investigation</a>

ASSARIA -- The Saline County Sheriff's Office is investigating multiple vehicle burglaries in and near Assaria.According to Sheriff Roger Soldan, two vehicles in the 9700 block of South Simpson Road were burglarized sometime between Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Five COVID-19 masks were stolen from one vehicle and a car charger valued at $25 and an Uberti 1858 New Army Conversion revolver valued at $600 were stolen from the other.On Sunday morning, deputies were called to two residences in Assaria for the reports of vehicle burglaries, Soldan said. A vehicle in the 400 block of East First Street had $5 worth of change missing and a vehicle in the 300 block of East First Street had $85 in cash missing, he said.On Sunday afternoon, deputies were called to the 100 block of East Fourth Street where the following items were taken from a vehicle, Soldan said.A power inverter valued at $20$20 in gold dollarsTwo padlocks valued at $20Sunday evening, deputies were called to the 300 block of East First Street for the report of a fixed blade pocket knife being stolen from a vehicle, Soldan noted.Soldan said he was not sure whether the recent burglaries were connected to a rash of burglaries in the county earlier in the month.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/685d0a0e-829d-4d63-8818-7c874bba32ad">Four arrested in connection to multiple burglaries investigation</a>

Multiple vehicle burglaries reported in and around Assaria

HEDVILLE -- Two people from Minnesota were arrested Sunday after they allegedly attempted to steal car ramps from a residence in Hedville.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that officers were sent to the 100 block of West Pennsylvania Street in Hedville for the report of attempted theft. A witness reported that two people in a gray pickup had attempted to steal car ramps, but left the area before taking the ramps, he said.

The pickup was located on North Hedville Road near Interstate 70 with two occupants, Dennis Murray, 38, Mankato, Minn., and Amber Jacobsen, 35, Eagle Park, Minn.

As it turns out, the pickup, a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado valued at $10,000, was taken for a test drive several days prior and never returned to HG Auto in South Sioux City, Neb., Soldan said. Additionally, methamphetamine was found in the pickup, he noted.

Murray was arrested on the following requested charges, Soldan said.

Jacobsen was arrested on the following requested charges, Soldan said.

HEDVILLE -- Two people from Minnesota were arrested Sunday after they allegedly attempted to steal car ramps from a residence in Hedville.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that officers were sent to the 100 block of West Pennsylvania Street in Hedville for the report of attempted theft. A witness reported that two people in a gray pickup had attempted to steal car ramps, but left the area before taking the ramps, he said.The pickup was located on North Hedville Road near Interstate 70 with two occupants, Dennis Murray, 38, Mankato, Minn., and Amber Jacobsen, 35, Eagle Park, Minn.As it turns out, the pickup, a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado valued at $10,000, was taken for a test drive several days prior and never returned to HG Auto in South Sioux City, Neb., Soldan said. Additionally, methamphetamine was found in the pickup, he noted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605538294843.jpeg" alt="Dennis Murray. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Dennis Murray. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Murray was arrested on the following requested charges, Soldan said.Possession of stolen propertyPossession of methamphetamineDriving while suspendedAttempted theft<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605537939019.jpeg" alt="Amber Jacobsen. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Amber Jacobsen. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Jacobsen was arrested on the following requested charges, Soldan said.Possession of stolen propertyPossession of methamphetamineDriving while suspended

Two people from Minnesota arrested after attempted theft

Police are investigating a burglary at a west Salina business over the weekend.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that sometime between 6 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. Sunday someone cut a hole in the chain link fence at Kanza Organics, 1500 South Broadway Boulevard, to enter the property. The fence was cut on the north side of a garage/storage building, which then was entered, he added. 

Forrester noted that this is the second time in two weeks that the building has been burglarized. 

A pond pump that was stolen was found by the railroad tracks near South Broadway Boulevard, he explained. Additionally two green Army duffle bags full of miscellaneous tools were taken, he reported. The pump was valued at $700 and the tools were estimated to be approximately $2,500, he added. 

Police are investigating a burglary at a west Salina business over the weekend.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that sometime between 6 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. Sunday someone cut a hole in the chain link fence at Kanza Organics, 1500 South Broadway Boulevard, to enter the property. The fence was cut on the north side of a garage/storage building, which then was entered, he added. Forrester noted that this is the second time in two weeks that the building has been burglarized. A pond pump that was stolen was found by the railroad tracks near South Broadway Boulevard, he explained. Additionally two green Army duffle bags full of miscellaneous tools were taken, he reported. The pump was valued at $700 and the tools were estimated to be approximately $2,500, he added.

Police investigating second burglary at west Salina business

A motorcycle rider was injured Saturday afternoon when a pickup turned in front of him west of Salina.

According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, Jordan Livingston, 17, of Salina, was eastbound in the 3000 block of State Street on a black 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle when a westbound white 2000 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Melvin Cross, 86, of Salina, attempted to make a left turn, striking the motorcycle, Soldan said.

Livingston was transported to Salina Regional Health Center, Soldan said. He was not wearing a helmet, Soldan added.

Cross was cited for failure to yield and Livingston was cited for no motorcycle license and no helmet, Soldan said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605548947659.jpeg" alt="The motorcycle ridden by Jordan Livingston. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The motorcycle ridden by Jordan Livingston. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A motorcycle rider was injured Saturday afternoon when a pickup turned in front of him west of Salina.According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, Jordan Livingston, 17, of Salina, was eastbound in the 3000 block of State Street on a black 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle when a westbound white 2000 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Melvin Cross, 86, of Salina, attempted to make a left turn, striking the motorcycle, Soldan said.Livingston was transported to Salina Regional Health Center, Soldan said. He was not wearing a helmet, Soldan added.Cross was cited for failure to yield and Livingston was cited for no motorcycle license and no helmet, Soldan said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605549137744.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Motorcycle rider injured in collision with pickup on Saturday

TOPEKA -- The United States Capitol Christmas tree is getting an escort from Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Ben Gardner! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHPTroopC/">Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C</a> Facebook page:

TOPEKA -- The United States Capitol Christmas tree is getting an escort from Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Ben Gardner! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHPTroopC/">Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKHPTroopC%2Fvideos%2F753109078636267%2F&show_text=true&width=560" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

📹Trooper Ben giving escort to US Capitol Christmas tree 

A vehicle burglary early in the weekend resulted in the loss of multiple items for the American Red Cross.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that sometime between 5 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday, someone entered a 2018 Dodge Ram van belonging to the Red Cross that was parked in the organization's parking lot at 120 West Prescott Avenue. There were no signs of forced entry and it is believed the vehicle was accidently left unlocked, he noted.

A Red Cross employee reported that the following items were taken, according to Forrester.

Total loss is estimated at $1,350, he noted.

A vehicle burglary early in the weekend resulted in the loss of multiple items for the American Red Cross.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that sometime between 5 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday, someone entered a 2018 Dodge Ram van belonging to the Red Cross that was parked in the organization's parking lot at 120 West Prescott Avenue. There were no signs of forced entry and it is believed the vehicle was accidently left unlocked, he noted.A Red Cross employee reported that the following items were taken, according to Forrester.A donor bedTwo hemocue machinesTwo thermometersTwo blood pressure gaugesA stethoscopeTwo extension cordsA charging cordTotal loss is estimated at $1,350, he noted.

Multiple items stolen from American Red Cross van

A 20-year-old man was injured by a passing pickup while walking along Old Highway 81 north of Salina Sunday morning.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that Dylan Hindley, 20, was walking southbound in the 4400 block of Old Highway 81 at 6:40 a.m. Sunday on his way to work when he was struck on the right shoulder by the passenger side mirror of a northbound pickup. The pickup did not stop, Soldan said. 

The only descriptive information Hindley could give deputies was that the pickup had amber cab lights on it, Soldan explained. 

Hindley continued on to work, but was later taken by his boss to Salina Regional Health Center, where he was contacted by deputies, Soldan said.

A 20-year-old man was injured by a passing pickup while walking along Old Highway 81 north of Salina Sunday morning.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that Dylan Hindley, 20, was walking southbound in the 4400 block of Old Highway 81 at 6:40 a.m. Sunday on his way to work when he was struck on the right shoulder by the passenger side mirror of a northbound pickup. The pickup did not stop, Soldan said. The only descriptive information Hindley could give deputies was that the pickup had amber cab lights on it, Soldan explained. Hindley continued on to work, but was later taken by his boss to Salina Regional Health Center, where he was contacted by deputies, Soldan said.

Pedestrian injured by pickup mirror along Old Highway 81

A change in venue provided a hint that effects of the novel coronavirus would dominate discussion at the 31st annual Legislative Forum.

As a precaution to prevent the rising spread of COVID-19 in the area, Smoky Hill Education Service Center moved the forum – which is usually an in-person luncheon for educators and state legislators – to an online event on Thursday.

Chris Moddelmog, SHESC Executive Director, said this was the first time SHESC held the forum as a virtual event.

“I think it’s safe to say 2020 is unlike any year we’ve ever experienced before; probably it’s outside anything we could have imagined,” Moddelmog said, “But even with the upheaval we’ve seen, I think we can safely say a couple of things – first of all, the people who are participating today value education and, second, that education plays a critical role in the future of Kansas.”

More than 50 participants joined the forum on Thursday, including state legislators, SHESC staff, district administrators, and state and locals board members from across the region. An annual tradition since SHESC’s founding, the forum gives educators an opportunity to communicate directly with government leaders and for those leaders to learn more about current concerns in the realm of education.

Nine current and newly elected state officials participated, as follows: Sen. Tom Hawk, D-District 22; Rep. Sydney Carlin, D-District 66; Rep. Elect Clarke Sanders, R-District 69; Rep. Stephen Owens, R-District 74; Rep. Elect Lisa Moser, R-District 106; Rep. Steven Johnson, R-District 108; Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-District 110; Rep. Barbara Wasinger, R-District 111; and Rep. Elect Jim Minnix, R-District 118.

At the start of the forum, legislators acknowledged the difficulties of choosing the right actions to address COVID-19, as well as the pressure schools and districts are facing from conflicting viewpoints.

Sen. Tom Hawk said that as a baseline, educators should model the precautions and behavior that health experts recommend, particularly wearing face masks.

“I want to keep in mind what’s best for kids,” Sen. Hawk said, “But that’s hard to know because if we don’t take care of the adults, we won’t have adults to teach the kids and take care of them.”

Both legislators and educators at the forum said that the main struggle is between having students learn remotely from home or adapting to safely hold in-person classes.

While learning from home reduces the overall risk of COVID-19 spread, educators mentioned problems, including a lack of broadband internet in rural areas, a notable increase in cases of child abuse, both educators and students struggling with their mental health, and students falling behind in their educational progress.

In-person classes, meanwhile, tend to have better educational outcomes, improve students’ social and emotional health, and allow adults to return to work and start reopening the economy.

However, educators at the forum expressed concern that schools could become a vector for spread of the virus – even though anecdotally the virus seems to spread more often from exposure outside of school. They also communicated the struggles they were having in finding substitutes and in meeting minimum hour requirements for class time.

Chris Vignery, USD 239 North Ottawa County Superintendent, mentioned in the forum’s chat window that COVID-19 has revealed and intensified problems that schools were already dealing with before the pandemic.

“North Ottawa County Schools are also using administration, counselors, and – yes – the superintendent to substitute,” he said. “There is a shortage and has been a shortage before COVID.”

Roger Stumpf, USD 306 Southeast of Saline Superintendent, also chimed in via the chat window, saying that he supports local control and decision making but that many school districts are frustrated by the expectations placed on them.

“In many ways it feels like schools are bearing the majority of the load for controlling spread,” he said. “We are masking and limiting access, but too few people in the general population are sharing this responsibility. Our school is doing great, but our county is blowing up.”

Rep. Ken Rahjes encouraged patience during such a difficult time.

“I know we’re looking for easy answers, and there haven’t been easy answers,” he said. “I think the biggest thing is we need to keep a positive attitude and deal with the facts, but don’t try to create such a frenzy.”

In the forum, educators also called on the legislators to prioritize education funding, even as the state is projecting an overall 2020 budget shortfall, albeit a much smaller one than the more than $1 billion originally anticipated in March and April as shutdowns closed off large segments of the state economy.

In particular, educators mentioned that school mental health services were in desperate need of additional support, as do special education programs. Under state statute, school districts should only pay about 8% of excess special education costs locally, but some districts are covering more than 20% of the excess cost.

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 </figure>A change in venue provided a hint that effects of the novel coronavirus would dominate discussion at the 31st annual Legislative Forum.As a precaution to prevent the rising spread of COVID-19 in the area, Smoky Hill Education Service Center moved the forum – which is usually an in-person luncheon for educators and state legislators – to an online event on Thursday.Chris Moddelmog, SHESC Executive Director, said this was the first time SHESC held the forum as a virtual event.“I think it’s safe to say 2020 is unlike any year we’ve ever experienced before; probably it’s outside anything we could have imagined,” Moddelmog said, “But even with the upheaval we’ve seen, I think we can safely say a couple of things – first of all, the people who are participating today value education and, second, that education plays a critical role in the future of Kansas.”More than 50 participants joined the forum on Thursday, including state legislators, SHESC staff, district administrators, and state and locals board members from across the region. An annual tradition since SHESC’s founding, the forum gives educators an opportunity to communicate directly with government leaders and for those leaders to learn more about current concerns in the realm of education.Nine current and newly elected state officials participated, as follows: Sen. Tom Hawk, D-District 22; Rep. Sydney Carlin, D-District 66; Rep. Elect Clarke Sanders, R-District 69; Rep. Stephen Owens, R-District 74; Rep. Elect Lisa Moser, R-District 106; Rep. Steven Johnson, R-District 108; Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-District 110; Rep. Barbara Wasinger, R-District 111; and Rep. Elect Jim Minnix, R-District 118.At the start of the forum, legislators acknowledged the difficulties of choosing the right actions to address COVID-19, as well as the pressure schools and districts are facing from conflicting viewpoints.Sen. Tom Hawk said that as a baseline, educators should model the precautions and behavior that health experts recommend, particularly wearing face masks.“I want to keep in mind what’s best for kids,” Sen. Hawk said, “But that’s hard to know because if we don’t take care of the adults, we won’t have adults to teach the kids and take care of them.”Both legislators and educators at the forum said that the main struggle is between having students learn remotely from home or adapting to safely hold in-person classes.While learning from home reduces the overall risk of COVID-19 spread, educators mentioned problems, including a lack of broadband internet in rural areas, a notable increase in cases of child abuse, both educators and students struggling with their mental health, and students falling behind in their educational progress.In-person classes, meanwhile, tend to have better educational outcomes, improve students’ social and emotional health, and allow adults to return to work and start reopening the economy.However, educators at the forum expressed concern that schools could become a vector for spread of the virus – even though anecdotally the virus seems to spread more often from exposure outside of school. They also communicated the struggles they were having in finding substitutes and in meeting minimum hour requirements for class time.Chris Vignery, USD 239 North Ottawa County Superintendent, mentioned in the forum’s chat window that COVID-19 has revealed and intensified problems that schools were already dealing with before the pandemic.“North Ottawa County Schools are also using administration, counselors, and – yes – the superintendent to substitute,” he said. “There is a shortage and has been a shortage before COVID.”Roger Stumpf, USD 306 Southeast of Saline Superintendent, also chimed in via the chat window, saying that he supports local control and decision making but that many school districts are frustrated by the expectations placed on them.“In many ways it feels like schools are bearing the majority of the load for controlling spread,” he said. “We are masking and limiting access, but too few people in the general population are sharing this responsibility. Our school is doing great, but our county is blowing up.”Rep. Ken Rahjes encouraged patience during such a difficult time.“I know we’re looking for easy answers, and there haven’t been easy answers,” he said. “I think the biggest thing is we need to keep a positive attitude and deal with the facts, but don’t try to create such a frenzy.”In the forum, educators also called on the legislators to prioritize education funding, even as the state is projecting an overall 2020 budget shortfall, albeit a much smaller one than the more than $1 billion originally anticipated in March and April as shutdowns closed off large segments of the state economy.In particular, educators mentioned that school mental health services were in desperate need of additional support, as do special education programs. Under state statute, school districts should only pay about 8% of excess special education costs locally, but some districts are covering more than 20% of the excess cost.One of the more divisive issues discussed at the forum was whether any public funding should go to school vouchers, which could be used by families to offset the cost of private school tuition. The two Democrats on the forum were essentially against the idea.“In my opinion,” said Rep. Sydney Carlin, “Vouchers should not be allowed to take kids out of the public school into the private.”The Republicans who spoke on the question, however, were generally open to considering the idea of some form of voucher program. Rep. Stephen Owens said it came down to what was best for particular students.“I think that we always have to have an open mind to making sure that our children get the best education that is available to them,” he said. “I leave all options on the table for consideration and for contemplation. That doesn’t mean that action will ever occur on them, but I am always open and willing to learn on this.”The final question of the day was on the subject of political cooperation and reaching across party divides in the Kansas Congress, even as nationally Democrats and Republicans remain deeply split. Politicians on both sides struck an optimistic note about the situation in the state.Sen. Tom Hawk invited all the politicians in attendance to join the bipartisan Civility Caucus in Topeka. He said some of his best friends in the legislature are completely opposite him on certain policy positions.“It’s easy to get kind of hopeless when you look at the national scene and wonder: Will human beings in our country ever be able to get along again?” he said. “It’s not that we come together to agree on things; we come together to see how well we can work together.”Rep. Steven Johnson, who is already on the Civility Caucus, thanked Sen. Hawk for the mention.“I want Kansas to grow, and that means I need more of everybody,” he said. “I need more great teachers. I need more great businesspeople. I think working together, we can get there. Kansas traditionally has been pragmatic in working together.”Rep. Sydney Carlin added that even as she was concerned about national divisions, she was also thrilled to see the historically record-breaking voting turnout and heartened by civility at the state level.“If you don’t disagree, then you can’t get to the middle,” she said. “That’s how good policy is made – agreeably disagreeing.”Moddelmog closed out the forum by thanking all the participants.“Without question, we’ve got challenges – COVID-19 is only one of those,” he said, “But I’m confident – as people have demonstrated here – that we have the right people working together who can lead us through these challenges. Education has always been one of Kansas’s greatest strengths, and our educators, students, and community leaders are showing us every day right now during this pandemic just how strong and resilient they are.”For those who want to hear the full discussion during the forum, the audio is posted on YouTube and available at <a href="http://go.smokyhill.org/legislative-forum">go.smokyhill.org/legislative-forum</a>.--<a href="http://www.smokyhill.org">SHESC</a>--