MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 18 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 373.

Of that total, 320 have met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died, the health department noted. Four of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department added.

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

• New cases since last public release: 18

• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 31

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

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 18 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 373.Of that total, 320 have met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died, the health department noted. Four of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department added.Following is the updated case data as provided by the health department.• New cases since last public release: 18• Asymptomatic: 29• Cases with unknown exposure: 160• Cases 60 years old and above: 104• Cases 50-59 years old: 42• Cases 40-49 years old: 53• Cases 30-39 years old: 44• Cases 18-29 years old: 94• Cases under 18 years old: 36• Female cases: 202• Male cases: 171• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 31• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 5• Deaths: 6

McPherson County reports 18 new cases of COVID-19; 320 of 373 recovered

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

There are 38 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County to report since the last update on Wednesday, October 21. The total for the county is now 1,063, with 181 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 869 that have recovered, and a total of 13 deaths. Salina Regional Health Center reports that they have nine hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Salina Regional is a regional hospital; the COVID-19 patient total is not specific to the number of Saline County residents who may be hospitalized.

Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:

●Mobile Device Users: https://arcg.is/yjPT1

●Desktop Users: https://arcg.is/1qHnb0

According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 76,230 cases and 975 deaths statewide. This information can be found at <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>.

Here is what you can do to help us to stop the spread:

●Stay home if you have any symptoms or are ill

●Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution

●Maximize physical distance (6 feet or more) in public settings

●Avoid socializing with large groups

●High-risk individuals should only leave the house for essential needs

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

Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Friday.There are 38 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County to report since the last update on Wednesday, October 21. The total for the county is now 1,063, with 181 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 869 that have recovered, and a total of 13 deaths. Salina Regional Health Center reports that they have nine hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Salina Regional is a regional hospital; the COVID-19 patient total is not specific to the number of Saline County residents who may be hospitalized.Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:●Mobile Device Users: https://arcg.is/yjPT1●Desktop Users: https://arcg.is/1qHnb0According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 76,230 cases and 975 deaths statewide. This information can be found at <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>.Here is what you can do to help us to stop the spread:●Stay home if you have any symptoms or are ill●Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution●Maximize physical distance (6 feet or more) in public settings●Avoid socializing with large groups●High-risk individuals should only leave the house for essential needs●Wash your hands frequentlyOnly follow official sources to obtain information: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

Saline County reports 38 new COVID-19 cases; 869 of 1,063 recovered

The Salina Police Department (SPD) and Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) announced today that they will join the Saline County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies across the state in an enforcement effort targeted on seatbelt usage.

The sheriff's office announced earlier this week that it would join in the special emphasis on seatbelt enforcement Monday through Oct. 30. READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/36864ee9-6531-49a0-b263-ea2aaf3cada3">Sheriff's office announces special seatbelt enforcement effort</a>

Both the KHP and SPD noted that they would focus on drivers and passengers near schools.

“The KHP will be working with local law enforcement partners in an aggressive education and enforcement campaign focused on the importance of seatbelt usage,” said Colonel Herman T. Jones, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol. “Seatbelts have been proven to save lives and prevent injuries. It is our goal to make sure all citizens of Kansas, even the youngest citizens, buckle up in all seating positions.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603483955612.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@samrudkinmillichamp?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Sam Rudkin-Millichamp</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/seat-belt?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@samrudkinmillichamp?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Sam Rudkin-Millichamp</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/seat-belt?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Police Department (SPD) and Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) announced today that they will join the Saline County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies across the state in an enforcement effort targeted on seatbelt usage.The sheriff's office announced earlier this week that it would join in the special emphasis on seatbelt enforcement Monday through Oct. 30. READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/36864ee9-6531-49a0-b263-ea2aaf3cada3">Sheriff's office announces special seatbelt enforcement effort</a>Both the KHP and SPD noted that they would focus on drivers and passengers near schools.“The KHP will be working with local law enforcement partners in an aggressive education and enforcement campaign focused on the importance of seatbelt usage,” said Colonel Herman T. Jones, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol. “Seatbelts have been proven to save lives and prevent injuries. It is our goal to make sure all citizens of Kansas, even the youngest citizens, buckle up in all seating positions.”

SPD, KHP participating in special seatbelt enforcement effort

Halloween is fast approaching, and you and your kids may be celebrating it a bit differently this year. 

Whatever form your celebration takes, make sure it includes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/help-stop-spread-coronavirus-and-protect-your-family">safe hygiene practices&nbsp;</a>such as covering your mouth and nose with a&nbsp;cloth face covering or mask when around others, maintaining social distance and frequent hand washing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Centers for Disease Control also have tips for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html">protecting yourself and others.</a>

Whether you’re a ghost or zombie, vampire or witch, poor costume choices—including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/halloween-safety-tips-costumes-candy-and-colored-contact-lenses?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery#Eye_Safety">decorative (colored) contact lenses</a>&nbsp;and flammable costumes—and face paint allergies can cause injuries that haunt you long after Halloween.

Enjoy a safe and happy Halloween by following these guidelines from FDA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

●Wear costumes that say “flame resistant” on the label. If you make your costume, use flame-resistant fabrics such as polyester or nylon.

●Wear bright, reflective costumes or add strips of reflective tape so you’ll be more visible; make sure the costumes aren’t so long that you’re in danger of tripping.

●Wear makeup and hats rather than masks that can obscure your vision.

●Test the makeup you plan to use in advance. Put a small amount on the arm of the person who will be wearing it. If a rash, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation develop where the makeup was applied, that's a sign of a possible allergy.

●Vibrantly colored makeup is popular at Halloween. Check FDA’s list of&nbsp;color additives&nbsp;to see if the colors are FDA approved. If they aren’t approved for their intended use, don’t use them. This is especially important for colored makeup around the eyes.

●Don’t wear&nbsp;decorative (colored) contact lenses&nbsp;unless you have seen&nbsp;an eye care professional&nbsp;for a proper fitting and been given instructions for how to use the lenses.

Eating sweet treats is also a big part of Halloween fun. If you're concerned about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/food-safety-and-availability-during-coronavirus-pandemic">food safety,</a>&nbsp;there are some things you should know.

Before you or your children go trick-or-treating, remember these tips:

●Don’t eat candy until it has been inspected at home.

●Eat a snack before heading out to avoid the temptation of nibbling on a treat before it has been inspected.

●In case of a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen isn’t present. Tell children not to accept—or eat—anything that isn’t commercially wrapped.

●Parents of very young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys from the Halloween bags.

●Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers.&nbsp;Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

FDA joins eye care professionals in discouraging consumers from using illegal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/colored-and-decorative-contact-lenses-prescription-must">decorative (colored) contact lenses</a>. These are contact lenses that have not been approved by FDA for safety and effectiveness. Consumers should only use brand name contact lenses from well-known contact lens companies.

If you have never worn contact lenses before, Halloween should not be the first time you wear them. Experts warn that buying any kind of contact lenses—which are medical devices and regulated as such—without an examination and a prescription from an eye care professional can cause serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss. Despite the fact that it’s illegal to sell decorative contact lenses without a valid prescription, FDA says, these lenses are still&nbsp;sold without a prescription&nbsp;on the Internet and in retail shops and salons—particularly around Halloween.

Although unauthorized use of decorative contact lenses is a concern year-round, Halloween is the time when people may be more inclined to use them, perhaps as costume accessories, which make the wearer’s eyes appear to glow in the dark, create the illusion of vertical “cat eyes,” or change the wearer’s eye color.

When they are bought and used without a valid prescription, without the involvement of a qualified eye care professional, or without appropriate follow-up care, it can lead to significant risks of eye injuries, including blindness.

The above information is from consumer updates by the <a href="http://fda.gov">U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603460018103.png" alt="Photo courtesy FDA" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy FDA</figcaption>
 </figure>Halloween is fast approaching, and you and your kids may be celebrating it a bit differently this year. Whatever form your celebration takes, make sure it includes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/help-stop-spread-coronavirus-and-protect-your-family">safe hygiene practices&nbsp;</a>such as covering your mouth and nose with a&nbsp;cloth face covering or mask when around others, maintaining social distance and frequent hand washing.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Centers for Disease Control also have tips for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html">protecting yourself and others.</a>Whether you’re a ghost or zombie, vampire or witch, poor costume choices—including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/halloween-safety-tips-costumes-candy-and-colored-contact-lenses?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery#Eye_Safety">decorative (colored) contact lenses</a>&nbsp;and flammable costumes—and face paint allergies can cause injuries that haunt you long after Halloween.Enjoy a safe and happy Halloween by following these guidelines from FDA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:●Wear costumes that say “flame resistant” on the label. If you make your costume, use flame-resistant fabrics such as polyester or nylon.●Wear bright, reflective costumes or add strips of reflective tape so you’ll be more visible; make sure the costumes aren’t so long that you’re in danger of tripping.●Wear makeup and hats rather than masks that can obscure your vision.●Test the makeup you plan to use in advance. Put a small amount on the arm of the person who will be wearing it. If a rash, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation develop where the makeup was applied, that's a sign of a possible allergy.●Vibrantly colored makeup is popular at Halloween. Check FDA’s list of&nbsp;color additives&nbsp;to see if the colors are FDA approved. If they aren’t approved for their intended use, don’t use them. This is especially important for colored makeup around the eyes.●Don’t wear&nbsp;decorative (colored) contact lenses&nbsp;unless you have seen&nbsp;an eye care professional&nbsp;for a proper fitting and been given instructions for how to use the lenses.Safe treatsEating sweet treats is also a big part of Halloween fun. If you're concerned about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/food-safety-and-availability-during-coronavirus-pandemic">food safety,</a>&nbsp;there are some things you should know.Before you or your children go trick-or-treating, remember these tips:●Don’t eat candy until it has been inspected at home.●Eat a snack before heading out to avoid the temptation of nibbling on a treat before it has been inspected.●In case of a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen isn’t present. Tell children not to accept—or eat—anything that isn’t commercially wrapped.●Parents of very young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys from the Halloween bags.●Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers.&nbsp;Throw away anything that looks suspicious.Eye safetyFDA joins eye care professionals in discouraging consumers from using illegal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/colored-and-decorative-contact-lenses-prescription-must">decorative (colored) contact lenses</a>. These are contact lenses that have not been approved by FDA for safety and effectiveness. Consumers should only use brand name contact lenses from well-known contact lens companies.If you have never worn contact lenses before, Halloween should not be the first time you wear them. Experts warn that buying any kind of contact lenses—which are medical devices and regulated as such—without an examination and a prescription from an eye care professional can cause serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss. Despite the fact that it’s illegal to sell decorative contact lenses without a valid prescription, FDA says, these lenses are still&nbsp;sold without a prescription&nbsp;on the Internet and in retail shops and salons—particularly around Halloween.Although unauthorized use of decorative contact lenses is a concern year-round, Halloween is the time when people may be more inclined to use them, perhaps as costume accessories, which make the wearer’s eyes appear to glow in the dark, create the illusion of vertical “cat eyes,” or change the wearer’s eye color.When they are bought and used without a valid prescription, without the involvement of a qualified eye care professional, or without appropriate follow-up care, it can lead to significant risks of eye injuries, including blindness.The above information is from consumer updates by the <a href="http://fda.gov">U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a>.

Halloween safety tips: Costumes, candy, and colored contact lenses

ABILENE -- The Abilene Police Department is warning about someone posing as an Abilene officer calling to request personal information and claiming the person being called has an active warrant. It is a scam. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Abilene-Police-Dept-343366589094415/">Abilene Police Dept </a>Facebook page:

ABILENE -- The Abilene Police Department is warning about someone posing as an Abilene officer calling to request personal information and claiming the person being called has an active warrant. It is a scam. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Abilene-Police-Dept-343366589094415/">Abilene Police Dept </a>Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D3260677250696653%26id%3D343366589094415&show_text=true&width=552&height=244&appId" width="552" height="244" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Abilene Police Department warns of phone scam

The deadline for letters related to the Nov. 3 general election is 5 p.m. Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603469417439.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; Image by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/clker-free-vector-images-3736/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=309554">Clker-Free-Vector-Images</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=309554">Pixabay</a>" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Image by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/clker-free-vector-images-3736/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=309554">Clker-Free-Vector-Images</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=309554">Pixabay</a></figcaption>
 </figure>The deadline for letters related to the Nov. 3 general election is 5 p.m. Monday.

Election letter deadline is Oct. 26

As the next major step in a 10-year process of accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a peer reviewer will be on the Salina Tech campus Monday and Tuesday.

The college was first accredited by the HLC in 2016, and placed on the commission’s “Standard Pathway” at that time. The pathway includes annual monitoring to ensure continued quality and improvement, a deeper comprehensive evaluation in the fourth year and 10th year.

While the attention is focused on the upcoming site visit, President Nichols said accreditation is an ongoing process rather than a singular event, and the college has been engaged in continuous improvement since seeking initial accreditation from HLC and obtaining it in 2016.

“Earning and maintaining accreditation is important to a college for a number of reasons,” Nichols said, “because it’s an outside indicator that we’re providing our students with a quality education.”

Accreditation also helps ensure credits earned at Salina Tech will transfer to other colleges and universities across Kansas and the country. Accreditation is also required for colleges to qualify for some federal funds, and for students to qualify for some financial aid and scholarships.

Site visits are normally conducted by a team of four or five reviewers from colleges around the country, but because of the Covid pandemic, that has been scaled back to one reviewer on the ground at Salina Tech, while the rest of the review team holds virtual meetings with faculty, staff and students.

As the next major step in a 10-year process of accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a peer reviewer will be on the Salina Tech campus Monday and Tuesday.The college was first accredited by the HLC in 2016, and placed on the commission’s “Standard Pathway” at that time. The pathway includes annual monitoring to ensure continued quality and improvement, a deeper comprehensive evaluation in the fourth year and 10th year.While the attention is focused on the upcoming site visit, President Nichols said accreditation is an ongoing process rather than a singular event, and the college has been engaged in continuous improvement since seeking initial accreditation from HLC and obtaining it in 2016.“Earning and maintaining accreditation is important to a college for a number of reasons,” Nichols said, “because it’s an outside indicator that we’re providing our students with a quality education.”Accreditation also helps ensure credits earned at Salina Tech will transfer to other colleges and universities across Kansas and the country. Accreditation is also required for colleges to qualify for some federal funds, and for students to qualify for some financial aid and scholarships.Site visits are normally conducted by a team of four or five reviewers from colleges around the country, but because of the Covid pandemic, that has been scaled back to one reviewer on the ground at Salina Tech, while the rest of the review team holds virtual meetings with faculty, staff and students.

Accreditation team visiting Salina Tech next week

Freeze warnings have been issued for much of the state for overnight tonight.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a freeze warning in effect from 1-10 a.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.

Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 25 are expected.

Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

NWS in Hastings, Neb., has issued a freeze warning in effect from 9 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.

Widespread sub-freezing temperatures as low as 20 to 26 degrees are likely.

NWS in Topeka has issued a freeze warning in effect from 11 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603457985117.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Freeze warnings have been issued for much of the state for overnight tonight.The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a freeze warning in effect from 1-10 a.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.Ellsworth County Lincoln CountyMarion CountyMcPherson CountySaline CountySub-freezing temperatures as low as 25 are expected.Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.NWS in Hastings, Neb., has issued a freeze warning in effect from 9 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.Jewell CountyMitchell CountyWidespread sub-freezing temperatures as low as 20 to 26 degrees are likely.Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.NWS in Topeka has issued a freeze warning in effect from 11 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyDickinson CountyOttawa CountyRepublic CountyFrost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

NWS issues freeze warnings for much of Kansas

On Oct. 21,2020, between 3 p.m. and 3:39 p.m., a man was in the Shoe Carnival, located at 2584 South Ninth Street, Salina. While there, the male subject stole three pair of sports shoes valued at $215.

He was described as a white male, wearing a yellow beanie, black eye glasses, white mask, black jacket, grey sweat pants, black socks, and white Nike “slide” shoes.

The man was observed entering into an older green Ford Explorer with a black front driver’s-side fender and possibly a Missouri tag. The operator of the vehicle drove to Interstate 135 and proceeded south from Magnolia.

If you have any information concerning this event or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/createreport/anonymous/salina.org to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000, and you are not required to give your name. 2020-30030.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603457038760.jpeg" alt="Photo of the subject courtesy Crimestoppers" />
 <figcaption>Photo of the subject courtesy Crimestoppers</figcaption>
 </figure>On Oct. 21,2020, between 3 p.m. and 3:39 p.m., a man was in the Shoe Carnival, located at 2584 South Ninth Street, Salina. While there, the male subject stole three pair of sports shoes valued at $215.He was described as a white male, wearing a yellow beanie, black eye glasses, white mask, black jacket, grey sweat pants, black socks, and white Nike “slide” shoes.The man was observed entering into an older green Ford Explorer with a black front driver’s-side fender and possibly a Missouri tag. The operator of the vehicle drove to Interstate 135 and proceeded south from Magnolia.If you have any information concerning this event or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/createreport/anonymous/salina.org to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000, and you are not required to give your name. 2020-30030.&nbsp;

Crimestoppers seeks tips about theft of Nike shoes earlier in week

Several blood drives in Saline County are scheduled for next week.

Following are the drives, as provided by the American Red Cross.

Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 825 East Beloit Avenue Oct. 26 and 27, noon–7 p.m. Oct. 28, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

Assaria Lutheran Church Oct. 27, noon–5:30 p.m.

Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, 845 South Ohio Street Oct. 26 noon–6 p.m.

The Temple, 336 South Santa Fe Avenue (Red Door) Oct. 29 noon–6 p.m.

Schedule a blood donation appointment today:

Several blood drives in Saline County are scheduled for next week.Following are the drives, as provided by the American Red Cross.Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 825 East Beloit Avenue Oct. 26 and 27, noon–7 p.m. Oct. 28, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Assaria Lutheran Church Oct. 27, noon–5:30 p.m. Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, 845 South Ohio Street Oct. 26 noon–6 p.m.The Temple, 336 South Santa Fe Avenue (Red Door) Oct. 29 noon–6 p.m.Schedule a blood donation appointment today:●Download the Blood Donor app●RedCrossBlood.org●800-733-2767

American Red Cross announces blood drives in county for next week

A federal grant of nearly $5 million will help to strengthen relationships between children and their fathers in Kansas,&nbsp;Nebraska and Texas.

Saint Francis Ministries, a nonprofit child and family well-being organization headquartered in Salina, has received a grant of $988,062 each year for five years from the Administration for Children and Families. The grant funds the Saint Francis Fatherhood FIRE program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The Fatherhood FIRE initiative builds on a fatherhood program that was ongoing at Saint Francis for five years in Kansas,” said The Very Rev. Robert N. Smith, dean, president and CEO. “This grant allows expansion of that successful program to&nbsp;Nebraska and Texas, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to impact generational patterns in families and support fathers who want to be better and do better for their children.”

Todd Hadnot, project director for the Fatherhood FIRE program, said the expanded program will include services such as:

●Working to establish economic stability for the families. 

●Increased focus on serving the mothers who are connected to the fathers, even if they are no longer together as a couple. 

●Increased education and support for fathers who have been involved in domestic violence. 

●Serving fathers from the communities who need the support, and not just through referrals from the child welfare system

Hadnot, who led Saint Francis’ Kansas fatherhood program, said he’s seen amazing changes happen during work with fathers.

“When we first start with them, we have them go back and look at how they were raised, how their fathers raised them,” he said. “Twenty or 30 years ago, we were raised totally different than the way children need to be raised today. One of the main things is being able to show feelings and emotions, letting our kids know it was okay to cry. They were often taught big boys don’t cry. We remove a lot of those stereotypes and let the dads know it’s okay to be emotional around their kids in a healthy way.”

It is, Hadnot added, critical to identify generational patterns and begin to offer a way for the men to change and become the fathers they would like to be.

The Kansas fatherhood program produced excellent results from the one-on-one and group work that was done with fathers, said Cheryl Rathbun, Saint Francis corporate vice president of Clinical. But the program funding through Kansas Department for Children and Families had ended, which was why the Saint Francis Ministries grant team applied for federal funding.

Rathbun said tradition has focused on the importance of mothers in their relationships with children, but practitioners have always known – and now research supports – that a father’s role is critical. Today, that role involves much more than the traditional concept of being a breadwinner.

“Dads are so important. Saint Francis knows that fathers have an invaluable impact on their children’s physical, social, emotional, spiritual and financial well-being,” she said. “We engage the fathers and help them understand the importance of their role because they often think they’re not important too. Sons grow up learning how to treat women from their fathers, not their mothers. And daughters grow up learning how to be treated by men from their fathers, not their mothers.”

A voluntary program, FIRE engages fathers and supports them in multiple ways, from learning how to parent and co-parent to building relationship skills, offering behavioral health support as needed, and even prepping them to find jobs.

Many fathers in the Kansas program did not have good role models in their birth families, Rathbun said. Saint Francis researched father absence, poverty and domestic violence within our geographic service areas, as well as on the demographic data of families who are involved in the child welfare system, to develop a model that responds to the needs of fathers in our service areas.

Saint Francis is partnering with the University of Kansas, which will act as a third-party, independent evaluator.

--<a href="http://saintfrancisministries.org">Saint Francis Ministries</a>--

A federal grant of nearly $5 million will help to strengthen relationships between children and their fathers in Kansas,&nbsp;Nebraska and Texas.Saint Francis Ministries, a nonprofit child and family well-being organization headquartered in Salina, has received a grant of $988,062 each year for five years from the Administration for Children and Families. The grant funds the Saint Francis Fatherhood FIRE program.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The Fatherhood FIRE initiative builds on a fatherhood program that was ongoing at Saint Francis for five years in Kansas,” said The Very Rev. Robert N. Smith, dean, president and CEO. “This grant allows expansion of that successful program to&nbsp;Nebraska and Texas, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to impact generational patterns in families and support fathers who want to be better and do better for their children.”Todd Hadnot, project director for the Fatherhood FIRE program, said the expanded program will include services such as:●Education about parenting. ●Working to establish economic stability for the families. ●Increased focus on serving the mothers who are connected to the fathers, even if they are no longer together as a couple. ●Increased education and support for fathers who have been involved in domestic violence. ●Serving fathers from the communities who need the support, and not just through referrals from the child welfare systemHadnot, who led Saint Francis’ Kansas fatherhood program, said he’s seen amazing changes happen during work with fathers.“When we first start with them, we have them go back and look at how they were raised, how their fathers raised them,” he said. “Twenty or 30 years ago, we were raised totally different than the way children need to be raised today. One of the main things is being able to show feelings and emotions, letting our kids know it was okay to cry. They were often taught big boys don’t cry. We remove a lot of those stereotypes and let the dads know it’s okay to be emotional around their kids in a healthy way.”It is, Hadnot added, critical to identify generational patterns and begin to offer a way for the men to change and become the fathers they would like to be.The Kansas fatherhood program produced excellent results from the one-on-one and group work that was done with fathers, said Cheryl Rathbun, Saint Francis corporate vice president of Clinical. But the program funding through Kansas Department for Children and Families had ended, which was why the Saint Francis Ministries grant team applied for federal funding.Rathbun said tradition has focused on the importance of mothers in their relationships with children, but practitioners have always known – and now research supports – that a father’s role is critical. Today, that role involves much more than the traditional concept of being a breadwinner.“Dads are so important. Saint Francis knows that fathers have an invaluable impact on their children’s physical, social, emotional, spiritual and financial well-being,” she said. “We engage the fathers and help them understand the importance of their role because they often think they’re not important too. Sons grow up learning how to treat women from their fathers, not their mothers. And daughters grow up learning how to be treated by men from their fathers, not their mothers.”A voluntary program, FIRE engages fathers and supports them in multiple ways, from learning how to parent and co-parent to building relationship skills, offering behavioral health support as needed, and even prepping them to find jobs.Many fathers in the Kansas program did not have good role models in their birth families, Rathbun said. Saint Francis researched father absence, poverty and domestic violence within our geographic service areas, as well as on the demographic data of families who are involved in the child welfare system, to develop a model that responds to the needs of fathers in our service areas.Saint Francis is partnering with the University of Kansas, which will act as a third-party, independent evaluator.--<a href="http://saintfrancisministries.org">Saint Francis Ministries</a>--

$5M federal grant supports Saint Francis Ministries’ Fatherhood FIRE initiative

I’ve been trying to get my sister and her husband on your plan, but they’re hesitant to try living on a budget. They make good money, and both of them think doing a budget every month would be too difficult and take too much time. Do you have any suggestions I could pass along that might make them realize that making a budget isn’t so hard or time consuming?

Believe me, I hear those excuses all the time. In most cases, the people who say these kinds of things&nbsp;don’t really understand&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/the-truth-about-budgeting" target="_blank">what a budget is</a>,&nbsp;or how to efficiently put one together. If you’ve followed my advice, you learned first-hand that budgeting isn’t scary once you get the hang of it. Household budgets don’t need to be about hours of tedious math and complicated formulas. Like most things in life, simple is usually best.

A good way to simplify budgeting, especially for couples, is by making it a team effort. It’s important to make sure your spouse is on board, and knows what’s up with the budget, because you’re just asking for problems when one spouse is doing all the planning and the other is doing all the spending.

Sit down together for a few minutes, once a month, and have a budget meeting where you look at your income, your outgo, and you both give every dollar a name and a job to do. It’s really that simple. Share your ideas, your hopes, and your dreams for the future, as well as the fears you have. The important thing is that you’re both in agreement and working together. That alone will make your lives, your budget, and your money easier to handle.

Also, make sure you have cut up all your credit cards and closed the accounts. No more credit cards means fewer bills to add to the budget, fewer complications, and zero worries about fees and interest rates. Stick to using a debit card and cash. After all, they’re both part of the plan!

Making a schedule for budget meetings and bill payments is a good idea, too. You can even make your budget meetings a fun time by including your favorite snacks. Set up auto drafts out of your checking account to pay bills, and buy your groceries on a set day every week or twice a month. When you know what to expect and when, it takes a lot of stress and potential pitfalls out of the budgeting picture.

There’s always some work and discipline that goes along with gaining control of your money. But a budget doesn’t need to be torture. A little planning, communication, and some basic math will go a long way—and it won’t be nearly as time consuming, or as difficult, as you think!

Dave Ramsey&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Dave Ramsey Show, heard by more than 16 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Dave,I’ve been trying to get my sister and her husband on your plan, but they’re hesitant to try living on a budget. They make good money, and both of them think doing a budget every month would be too difficult and take too much time. Do you have any suggestions I could pass along that might make them realize that making a budget isn’t so hard or time consuming?KelseyDear Kelsey,Believe me, I hear those excuses all the time. In most cases, the people who say these kinds of things&nbsp;don’t really understand&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/the-truth-about-budgeting" target="_blank">what a budget is</a>,&nbsp;or how to efficiently put one together. If you’ve followed my advice, you learned first-hand that budgeting isn’t scary once you get the hang of it. Household budgets don’t need to be about hours of tedious math and complicated formulas. Like most things in life, simple is usually best.A good way to simplify budgeting, especially for couples, is by making it a team effort. It’s important to make sure your spouse is on board, and knows what’s up with the budget, because you’re just asking for problems when one spouse is doing all the planning and the other is doing all the spending.Sit down together for a few minutes, once a month, and have a budget meeting where you look at your income, your outgo, and you both give every dollar a name and a job to do. It’s really that simple. Share your ideas, your hopes, and your dreams for the future, as well as the fears you have. The important thing is that you’re both in agreement and working together. That alone will make your lives, your budget, and your money easier to handle.Also, make sure you have cut up all your credit cards and closed the accounts. No more credit cards means fewer bills to add to the budget, fewer complications, and zero worries about fees and interest rates. Stick to using a debit card and cash. After all, they’re both part of the plan!Making a schedule for budget meetings and bill payments is a good idea, too. You can even make your budget meetings a fun time by including your favorite snacks. Set up auto drafts out of your checking account to pay bills, and buy your groceries on a set day every week or twice a month. When you know what to expect and when, it takes a lot of stress and potential pitfalls out of the budgeting picture.There’s always some work and discipline that goes along with gaining control of your money. But a budget doesn’t need to be torture. A little planning, communication, and some basic math will go a long way—and it won’t be nearly as time consuming, or as difficult, as you think!Dave Ramsey&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Dave Ramsey Show, heard by more than 16 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

DAVE SAYS: Taking the dread out of budgeting

Today is Friday, Oct. 23, the 297th day of 2020. There are 69 days left in the year. 

On Oct. 23, 1983, 241 U.S. service members, most of them Marines, were killed in a suicide truck-bombing at Beirut International Airport in Lebanon; a near-simultaneous attack on French forces killed 58 paratroopers. 

In 1864, forces led by Union Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis repelled Confederate Maj. Gen. Sterling Price's army in the Civil War Battle of Westport in Missouri.

In 1910, Blanche S. Scott became the first woman to make a public solo airplane flight, reaching an altitude of 12 feet at a park in Fort Wayne, Ind. 

In 1915, tens of thousands of women paraded up Fifth Avenue in New York City, demanding the right to vote. 

In 1941, the Walt Disney animated feature "Dumbo," about a young circus elephant who learns how to fly, premiered in New York.

In 1944, the World War II Battle of Leyte Gulf began, resulting in a major Allied victory against Japanese forces. 

In 1956, a student-sparked revolt against Hungary's Communist rule began; as the revolution spread, Soviet forces started entering the country, and the uprising was put down within weeks. 

In 1973, President Richard Nixon agreed to turn over White House tape recordings subpoenaed by the Watergate special prosecutor to Judge John J. Sirica. 

In 1987, the U.S. Senate rejected, 58-42, the Supreme Court nomination of Robert H. Bork. 

In 1995, a jury in Houston convicted Yolanda Saldivar of murdering Tejano singing star Selena. (Saldivar is serving a life prison sentence.) 

In 2001, the nation's anthrax scare hit the White House with the discovery of a small concentration of spores at an offsite mail processing center. 

In 2009, President Barack Obama declared the swine flu outbreak a national emergency, giving his health chief the power to let hospitals move emergency rooms offsite to speed treatment and protect non-infected patients.

In 2014, officials announced that an emergency room doctor who'd recently returned to New York City after treating Ebola patients in West Africa tested positive for the virus, becoming the first case in the city and the fourth in the nation. (Dr. Craig Spencer later recovered.)

Ten years ago: The world's leading advanced and emerging countries vowed during a meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, to avoid potentially debilitating currency devaluations, aiming to quell trade tensions that could threaten the global recovery. San Francisco's Juan Uribe hit a tiebreaking homer off Ryan Madson with two outs in the eighth inning and the Giants held off Philadelphia 3-2 to win the NL pennant in six games.

Five years ago: Hurricane Patricia roared ashore in a sparsely populated area of southwestern Mexico as a Category 5 storm, then quickly abated to a tropical storm. A bus carrying retirees on a day trip through southwest France's wine region hit a truck and went up in flames, killing 43 people. The Justice Department announced that neither Lois Lerner nor any other IRS official would face criminal charges in the political controversy over the processing of applications for tax-exempt status. The Kansas City Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 in Game 6 of the AL championship, earning their second straight trip to the World Series.

One year ago: Republicans briefly brought the Democratic-led impeachment investigation to a halt when around two dozen GOP House members stormed into a closed-door deposition with a Defense Department official. Two business associates of Rudy Giuliani -- Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman -- pleaded not guilty in a campaign finance case; prosecutors said they had wanted to use illegal contributions to lobby U.S. politicians to oust the country's ambassador to Ukraine. The bodies of 39 Vietnamese migrants were found inside a refrigerated container that had been hauled by truck to England on a ferry from Belgium. (The truck driver later pleaded guilty to manslaughter.)

Today's Birthdays: Movie director Philip Kaufman is 84. Soccer great Pele is 80. Rhythm-and-blues singer Barbara Ann Hawkins (The Dixie Cups) is 77. Former ABC News investigative reporter Brian Ross is 72. Actor Michael Rupert is 69. Movie director Ang Lee is 66. Jazz singer Dianne Reeves is 64. Country singer Dwight Yoakam is 64. Community activist Martin Luther King III is 63. Movie director Sam Raimi is 61. Parodist "Weird Al" Yankovic is 61. Rock musician Robert Trujillo (Metallica) is 56. Christian/jazz singer David Thomas (Take 6) is 54. Rock musician Brian Nevin (Big Head Todd and the Monsters) is 54. Country singer-musician Junior Bryant is 52. Actor Jon Huertas is 51. Movie director Chris Weitz is 51. CNN medical reporter Dr. Sanjay Gupta is 51. Bluegrass musician Eric Gibson (The Gibson Brothers) is 50. Country singer Jimmy Wayne is 48. Actor Vivian Bang is 47. Rock musician Eric Bass (Shinedown) is 46. TV personality and host Cat Deeley is 44. Actor Ryan Reynolds is 44. Actor Saycon Sengbloh is 43. Rock singer Matthew Shultz (Cage the Elephant) is 37. TV personality Meghan McCain ("The View") is 36. Rhythm-and-blues singer Miguel is 35. Actor Masiela Lusha is 35. Actor Emilia Clarke is 34. Actor Briana Evigan is 34. Actor Inbar Lavi is 34. Actor Jessica Stroup is 34. Neo-soul musician Allen Branstetter (St. Paul &amp; the Broken Bones) is 30. Actor Taylor Spreitler is 27. Actor Margaret Qualley is 26. Actor Amandla Stenberg is 22.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Friday, Oct. 23, the 297th day of 2020. There are 69 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Oct. 23, 1983, 241 U.S. service members, most of them Marines, were killed in a suicide truck-bombing at Beirut International Airport in Lebanon; a near-simultaneous attack on French forces killed 58 paratroopers. On this date: In 1864, forces led by Union Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis repelled Confederate Maj. Gen. Sterling Price's army in the Civil War Battle of Westport in Missouri.In 1910, Blanche S. Scott became the first woman to make a public solo airplane flight, reaching an altitude of 12 feet at a park in Fort Wayne, Ind. In 1915, tens of thousands of women paraded up Fifth Avenue in New York City, demanding the right to vote. In 1941, the Walt Disney animated feature "Dumbo," about a young circus elephant who learns how to fly, premiered in New York.In 1944, the World War II Battle of Leyte Gulf began, resulting in a major Allied victory against Japanese forces. In 1956, a student-sparked revolt against Hungary's Communist rule began; as the revolution spread, Soviet forces started entering the country, and the uprising was put down within weeks. In 1973, President Richard Nixon agreed to turn over White House tape recordings subpoenaed by the Watergate special prosecutor to Judge John J. Sirica. In 1987, the U.S. Senate rejected, 58-42, the Supreme Court nomination of Robert H. Bork. In 1995, a jury in Houston convicted Yolanda Saldivar of murdering Tejano singing star Selena. (Saldivar is serving a life prison sentence.) In 2001, the nation's anthrax scare hit the White House with the discovery of a small concentration of spores at an offsite mail processing center. In 2009, President Barack Obama declared the swine flu outbreak a national emergency, giving his health chief the power to let hospitals move emergency rooms offsite to speed treatment and protect non-infected patients.In 2014, officials announced that an emergency room doctor who'd recently returned to New York City after treating Ebola patients in West Africa tested positive for the virus, becoming the first case in the city and the fourth in the nation. (Dr. Craig Spencer later recovered.)Ten years ago: The world's leading advanced and emerging countries vowed during a meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, to avoid potentially debilitating currency devaluations, aiming to quell trade tensions that could threaten the global recovery. San Francisco's Juan Uribe hit a tiebreaking homer off Ryan Madson with two outs in the eighth inning and the Giants held off Philadelphia 3-2 to win the NL pennant in six games.Five years ago: Hurricane Patricia roared ashore in a sparsely populated area of southwestern Mexico as a Category 5 storm, then quickly abated to a tropical storm. A bus carrying retirees on a day trip through southwest France's wine region hit a truck and went up in flames, killing 43 people. The Justice Department announced that neither Lois Lerner nor any other IRS official would face criminal charges in the political controversy over the processing of applications for tax-exempt status. The Kansas City Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 in Game 6 of the AL championship, earning their second straight trip to the World Series.One year ago: Republicans briefly brought the Democratic-led impeachment investigation to a halt when around two dozen GOP House members stormed into a closed-door deposition with a Defense Department official. Two business associates of Rudy Giuliani -- Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman -- pleaded not guilty in a campaign finance case; prosecutors said they had wanted to use illegal contributions to lobby U.S. politicians to oust the country's ambassador to Ukraine. The bodies of 39 Vietnamese migrants were found inside a refrigerated container that had been hauled by truck to England on a ferry from Belgium. (The truck driver later pleaded guilty to manslaughter.)Today's Birthdays: Movie director Philip Kaufman is 84. Soccer great Pele is 80. Rhythm-and-blues singer Barbara Ann Hawkins (The Dixie Cups) is 77. Former ABC News investigative reporter Brian Ross is 72. Actor Michael Rupert is 69. Movie director Ang Lee is 66. Jazz singer Dianne Reeves is 64. Country singer Dwight Yoakam is 64. Community activist Martin Luther King III is 63. Movie director Sam Raimi is 61. Parodist "Weird Al" Yankovic is 61. Rock musician Robert Trujillo (Metallica) is 56. Christian/jazz singer David Thomas (Take 6) is 54. Rock musician Brian Nevin (Big Head Todd and the Monsters) is 54. Country singer-musician Junior Bryant is 52. Actor Jon Huertas is 51. Movie director Chris Weitz is 51. CNN medical reporter Dr. Sanjay Gupta is 51. Bluegrass musician Eric Gibson (The Gibson Brothers) is 50. Country singer Jimmy Wayne is 48. Actor Vivian Bang is 47. Rock musician Eric Bass (Shinedown) is 46. TV personality and host Cat Deeley is 44. Actor Ryan Reynolds is 44. Actor Saycon Sengbloh is 43. Rock singer Matthew Shultz (Cage the Elephant) is 37. TV personality Meghan McCain ("The View") is 36. Rhythm-and-blues singer Miguel is 35. Actor Masiela Lusha is 35. Actor Emilia Clarke is 34. Actor Briana Evigan is 34. Actor Inbar Lavi is 34. Actor Jessica Stroup is 34. Neo-soul musician Allen Branstetter (St. Paul &amp; the Broken Bones) is 30. Actor Taylor Spreitler is 27. Actor Margaret Qualley is 26. Actor Amandla Stenberg is 22.

Today in History -- Oct. 23

PRATT – Nov. 14&nbsp;marks the opening day for Kansas’ regular quail and pheasant seasons, and Nov. 21 marks the opening day of Kansas’ regular greater prairie chicken season. 

This year, the outlook looks promising, as both popular upland game bird populations appear to be faring well. But when opportunities exist statewide, it can sometimes be difficult for upland bird hunters to narrow down the best locations to hunt. That’s where the&nbsp;2020 Kansas Upland Bird Forecast&nbsp;comes in handy.

The forecast – produced annually by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) – is compiled from data collected during spring calling surveys for pheasants (crow counts), quail (whistle counts), and prairie chickens (lek counts), as well as late-summer roadside surveys for pheasants and quail.

The&nbsp;2020 Kansas Upland Bird Forecast, available online at <a href="http://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Upland-Birds">ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Upland-Birds</a>, includes the following highlights:

Data suggests Kansas might again have one of the nation’s best bobwhite quail harvests this season, with dense populations of quail in central Kansas.

“Our quail did amazing things again, especially in north-central Kansas,” said Jeff Prendergast, KDWPT small game specialist. “Some landowners have told me they’ve never seen it like this and some have been farming 40 or 50 years. People need to get out and enjoy this while it’s this good.”

Numbers look especially promising in much of south-central Kansas, too. Southwest Kansas could have some good pockets of birds, and while northeast Kansas saw a significant population increase, it will likely not compete with locations further west.

Northwest and north-central Kansas should have the state’s best pheasant numbers this season. There, populations are similar to last season when Kansas ranked second in the nation for quality pheasant hunting. Though, hunters should note: Great hunting spots may be more fragmented than usual because of summer rains.

“Hunters could have an exceptional day in one spot, then move a couple of miles and hardly find any birds,” said Prendergast. “Where we had those rains, the birds should have done fairly well.”

Pheasant populations in south-central Kansas may be slightly down from last season, but good pockets of birds are still to be expected. Like north-central Kansas, the region should produce good mixed bag hunting.

“Hunters who’d like to focus on quail and take pheasants as they come, should be pretty happy this year,” said Prendergast. “Southwest Kansas will also have some good localized populations.”

While greater prairie chickens have declined in eastern regions, the population appears to have expanded in numbers and range in the northwestern portion of the state. This fall, hunting opportunities for greater prairie chickens will be best in the Northern High Plains and Smoky Hills Regions, where populations have either increased or remain stable, and where public access is more abundant. Note, all prairie chicken hunters are required to purchase a $2.50 Prairie Chicken Permit, available at kshuntfishcamp.com. The Southwest Prairie Chicken Unit, where lesser prairie chickens are found, will again remain closed to hunting this year.

Regardless of preferred upland bird species, hunters can be as mobile as needed when utilizing Kansas’ 1.7 million acres of scattered public hunting lands. Much of the state’s one million-plus acres are tracts enrolled in KDWPT’s Walk-In Hunting Access program – commonly referred to as WIHA – and sit as a patchwork throughout the state’s main pheasant range. Hunters may also find quality bird hunting opportunities through the department’s newest public access program, iWIHA. Through iWIHA, hunters can reserve hunting access on private lands with limited access. For more information on WIHA and iWIHA, or to view maps of lands open to public hunting, visit <a href="http://ksoutdoors.com">ksoutdoors.com</a>.

Pheasant and quail seasons run through Jan. 31 in Kansas, so there’s plenty of time to plan. In the meantime, grab a license at kshuntfishcamp.com or through KDWPT’s mobile app, HuntFish KS, and prepare to enjoy a fall season unlike any other.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603419304121.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy KDWPT" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KDWPT</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT – Nov. 14&nbsp;marks the opening day for Kansas’ regular quail and pheasant seasons, and Nov. 21 marks the opening day of Kansas’ regular greater prairie chicken season. This year, the outlook looks promising, as both popular upland game bird populations appear to be faring well. But when opportunities exist statewide, it can sometimes be difficult for upland bird hunters to narrow down the best locations to hunt. That’s where the&nbsp;2020 Kansas Upland Bird Forecast&nbsp;comes in handy.The forecast – produced annually by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) – is compiled from data collected during spring calling surveys for pheasants (crow counts), quail (whistle counts), and prairie chickens (lek counts), as well as late-summer roadside surveys for pheasants and quail.The&nbsp;2020 Kansas Upland Bird Forecast, available online at <a href="http://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Upland-Birds">ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Upland-Birds</a>, includes the following highlights:QuailData suggests Kansas might again have one of the nation’s best bobwhite quail harvests this season, with dense populations of quail in central Kansas.“Our quail did amazing things again, especially in north-central Kansas,” said Jeff Prendergast, KDWPT small game specialist. “Some landowners have told me they’ve never seen it like this and some have been farming 40 or 50 years. People need to get out and enjoy this while it’s this good.”Numbers look especially promising in much of south-central Kansas, too. Southwest Kansas could have some good pockets of birds, and while northeast Kansas saw a significant population increase, it will likely not compete with locations further west.PheasantsNorthwest and north-central Kansas should have the state’s best pheasant numbers this season. There, populations are similar to last season when Kansas ranked second in the nation for quality pheasant hunting. Though, hunters should note: Great hunting spots may be more fragmented than usual because of summer rains.“Hunters could have an exceptional day in one spot, then move a couple of miles and hardly find any birds,” said Prendergast. “Where we had those rains, the birds should have done fairly well.”Pheasant populations in south-central Kansas may be slightly down from last season, but good pockets of birds are still to be expected. Like north-central Kansas, the region should produce good mixed bag hunting.“Hunters who’d like to focus on quail and take pheasants as they come, should be pretty happy this year,” said Prendergast. “Southwest Kansas will also have some good localized populations.”Prairie ChickensWhile greater prairie chickens have declined in eastern regions, the population appears to have expanded in numbers and range in the northwestern portion of the state. This fall, hunting opportunities for greater prairie chickens will be best in the Northern High Plains and Smoky Hills Regions, where populations have either increased or remain stable, and where public access is more abundant. Note, all prairie chicken hunters are required to purchase a $2.50 Prairie Chicken Permit, available at kshuntfishcamp.com. The Southwest Prairie Chicken Unit, where lesser prairie chickens are found, will again remain closed to hunting this year.Regardless of preferred upland bird species, hunters can be as mobile as needed when utilizing Kansas’ 1.7 million acres of scattered public hunting lands. Much of the state’s one million-plus acres are tracts enrolled in KDWPT’s Walk-In Hunting Access program – commonly referred to as WIHA – and sit as a patchwork throughout the state’s main pheasant range. Hunters may also find quality bird hunting opportunities through the department’s newest public access program, iWIHA. Through iWIHA, hunters can reserve hunting access on private lands with limited access. For more information on WIHA and iWIHA, or to view maps of lands open to public hunting, visit <a href="http://ksoutdoors.com">ksoutdoors.com</a>.Pheasant and quail seasons run through Jan. 31 in Kansas, so there’s plenty of time to plan. In the meantime, grab a license at kshuntfishcamp.com or through KDWPT’s mobile app, HuntFish KS, and prepare to enjoy a fall season unlike any other.

 Kansas’ 2020 upland game bird seasons look promising

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has revised its list of public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7Cb7743df9057242c3a41a08d876d07e49%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637389985120099544%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=Y5Lv9eVuoScG5jn4kWV1J1fPaAp1n1hAx4G7u2NHqBI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone A</a>,&nbsp;Clay/Geary Counties&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7Cb7743df9057242c3a41a08d876d07e49%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637389985120109498%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=3l2vrc3m%2FGlAEnIwkHWigGaQXltN3bsCJFuBTusqL9w%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone B</a>,&nbsp;Clay/Geary Counties&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7Cb7743df9057242c3a41a08d876d07e49%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637389985120109498%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=3l2vrc3m%2FGlAEnIwkHWigGaQXltN3bsCJFuBTusqL9w%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone C</a>,&nbsp;Clay/Geary Counties&nbsp;

Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County &nbsp;

Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prairie Center Park Pond, Johnson County &nbsp;

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

●Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.. Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.

●Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.

●If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.

●Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water. During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

●Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.

●Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.

●Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.

●Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.

●Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm">www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm</a>.

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has revised its list of public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.Watch &nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7Cb7743df9057242c3a41a08d876d07e49%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637389985120099544%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=Y5Lv9eVuoScG5jn4kWV1J1fPaAp1n1hAx4G7u2NHqBI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone A</a>,&nbsp;Clay/Geary Counties&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7Cb7743df9057242c3a41a08d876d07e49%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637389985120109498%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=3l2vrc3m%2FGlAEnIwkHWigGaQXltN3bsCJFuBTusqL9w%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone B</a>,&nbsp;Clay/Geary Counties&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7Cb7743df9057242c3a41a08d876d07e49%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637389985120109498%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=3l2vrc3m%2FGlAEnIwkHWigGaQXltN3bsCJFuBTusqL9w%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone C</a>,&nbsp;Clay/Geary Counties&nbsp;Hain State Fishing Lake, Ford CountyHorsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County &nbsp;Rose’s Pond, Johnson County &nbsp;Advisories Lifted as of Oct. 22Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County&nbsp;&nbsp;Camp Hawk Lake, Harvey CountyPrairie Center Park Pond, Johnson County &nbsp;Warning ProtocolsWhen a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:●Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.. Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.●Water contact should be avoided.●Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.●Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.●If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.●Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.Watch ProtocolsA watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water. During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:●Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.●Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.●Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.●Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.●Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm">www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm</a>.

Milford continues under blue-green algae watch

UPDATE:&nbsp;Due to the cancellation of the Oct. 31 Nebraska-Wisconsin football game, the royalty coronation has been moved to halftime of the Nov. 14 Nebraska-Penn State game.

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Jared Long of Beloit has been selected as a homecoming royalty finalist at the University of&nbsp;Nebraska-Lincoln.

Long is a senior political science and journalism major. Parents are Ed and Lisa Long.

The homecoming royalty will be elected by the student body in an online vote Oct. 27 and 28. They will be crowned Oct. 31 during halftime of the&nbsp;Nebraska-Wisconsin football game.

The full list of homecoming royalty can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ls/click?upn=S4NQLfi3DR8K-2FNFkwRdFDh1qHbGxaB2t7JXIQWrXu1c0lhPOXqBl-2FtK62kEOtkq2n2jl_t63W6VOpNaQzFln0mRpIPwKWfC8tUIiPKNeIQzfdtycbwkjIh8pFgLtGGdDrUXdLeLjopu1OoGjczk-2Bhm68TRbqQrgheTpLHLkMfFEVbpFY-2BiA0quIbrVDehb9hiisbxwG5Yu8nhj-2F5OohGJiCmxbD5cifpOCx48i-2BiE13L5I9XX3PKbUIWD1piaRx8E-2F36WexOZphBQNHPQKdYw5iSxD23ZRMG-2FvALR235OIV9PCMy0Wz6la8YVAp6TgGHuBKEP7KoJncVA-2Bt22XMA-2FZIPToUB3tcn2Xi8l5nFsEFkzDb78bFoPmm8hc-2F4vnDXFZbgJwZiYDEy-2BSA2t-2Bb4vHFW455g6wJWOZwtl9wLiV0LYAm8-3D" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/royalty20</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603401512724.jpeg" alt="Jared Long. Photo courtesy University of Nebraska-Lincoln" />
 <figcaption>Jared Long. Photo courtesy University of Nebraska-Lincoln</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE:&nbsp;Due to the cancellation of the Oct. 31 Nebraska-Wisconsin football game, the royalty coronation has been moved to halftime of the Nov. 14 Nebraska-Penn State game.LINCOLN, Neb. -- Jared Long of Beloit has been selected as a homecoming royalty finalist at the University of&nbsp;Nebraska-Lincoln.Long is a senior political science and journalism major. Parents are Ed and Lisa Long.The homecoming royalty will be elected by the student body in an online vote Oct. 27 and 28. They will be crowned Oct. 31 during halftime of the&nbsp;Nebraska-Wisconsin football game.The full list of homecoming royalty can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ls/click?upn=S4NQLfi3DR8K-2FNFkwRdFDh1qHbGxaB2t7JXIQWrXu1c0lhPOXqBl-2FtK62kEOtkq2n2jl_t63W6VOpNaQzFln0mRpIPwKWfC8tUIiPKNeIQzfdtycbwkjIh8pFgLtGGdDrUXdLeLjopu1OoGjczk-2Bhm68TRbqQrgheTpLHLkMfFEVbpFY-2BiA0quIbrVDehb9hiisbxwG5Yu8nhj-2F5OohGJiCmxbD5cifpOCx48i-2BiE13L5I9XX3PKbUIWD1piaRx8E-2F36WexOZphBQNHPQKdYw5iSxD23ZRMG-2FvALR235OIV9PCMy0Wz6la8YVAp6TgGHuBKEP7KoJncVA-2Bt22XMA-2FZIPToUB3tcn2Xi8l5nFsEFkzDb78bFoPmm8hc-2F4vnDXFZbgJwZiYDEy-2BSA2t-2Bb4vHFW455g6wJWOZwtl9wLiV0LYAm8-3D" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/royalty20</a>.

UPDATE: Beloit's Jared Long a homecoming royalty finalist at Nebraska

Comfort's Salute to Service honors Patrick Hill

A small earthquake shook part of Dickinson County near Herington this afternoon. 

According to the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS), a 2.7 magnitude quake occurred at 2:10 p.m. Thursday. It was centered just north of Kansas Highway 4 between Sage Road and Trail Road.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603403793293.jpeg" alt="Map courtesy KGS" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy KGS</figcaption>
 </figure>A small earthquake shook part of Dickinson County near Herington this afternoon. According to the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS), a 2.7 magnitude quake occurred at 2:10 p.m. Thursday. It was centered just north of Kansas Highway 4 between Sage Road and Trail Road.

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