Bethany College has announced the appointment of Karissa Hoffman as the director of planned giving and the Endowed Scholarship Program. 

Hoffman has previously worked as the associate director of development for the College of Engineering at Wichita State University and as the director of advancement and alumni relations at Central Christian College of Kansas.

“We are excited to have Karissa join Bethany’s Advancement team as the Director of Planned Giving and the Endowed Scholarship Program. She brings experience to our team from her previous advancement positions at Wichita State University and Central Christian College of Kansas,” said Clair Oleen, interim vice president for institutional advancement.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to help the alumni, friends, and donors of Bethany advance our wonderful college and community that we love,” Hoffman said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599612529770.jpeg" alt="Karissa Hoffman. Photo by Turner Photography courtesy Bethany College" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Hoffman. Photo by Turner Photography courtesy Bethany College</figcaption>
 </figure>Bethany College has announced the appointment of Karissa Hoffman as the director of planned giving and the Endowed Scholarship Program. Hoffman has previously worked as the associate director of development for the College of Engineering at Wichita State University and as the director of advancement and alumni relations at Central Christian College of Kansas.“We are excited to have Karissa join Bethany’s Advancement team as the Director of Planned Giving and the Endowed Scholarship Program. She brings experience to our team from her previous advancement positions at Wichita State University and Central Christian College of Kansas,” said Clair Oleen, interim vice president for institutional advancement.“I am excited to have the opportunity to help the alumni, friends, and donors of Bethany advance our wonderful college and community that we love,” Hoffman said.

Bethany hires Hoffman as planned giving director

Today is Wednesday, Sept. 9, the 253rd day of 2020. There are 113 days left in the year. 

On Sept. 9, 1776, the second Continental Congress made the term "United States" official, replacing "United Colonies." 

In 1543, Mary Stuart was crowned Queen of Scots at Stirling Castle, nine months after she was born.

In 1850, California became the 31st state of the union. 

In 1942, during World War II, a Japanese plane launched from a submarine off the Oregon coast dropped a pair of incendiary bombs in a failed attempt at igniting a massive forest fire; it was the first aerial bombing of the U.S. mainland by a foreign power. 

In 1948, the People's Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea) was declared. 

In 1956, Elvis Presley made the first of three appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show." 

In 1971, prisoners seized control of the maximum-security Attica Correctional Facility near Buffalo, New York, beginning a siege that ended up claiming 43 lives.

In 1986, Frank Reed, director of a private school in Lebanon, was taken hostage; he was released 44 months later. 

In 1991, boxer Mike Tyson was indicted in Indianapolis on a charge of raping Desiree Washington, a beauty pageant contestant. (Tyson was convicted and ended up serving three years of a six-year prison sentence.) 

In 2005, Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Brown, the principal target of harsh criticism of the Bush administration's response to Hurricane Katrina, was relieved of his onsite command. 

In 2013, four days of vehicular gridlock began near the George Washington Bridge when two of three approach lanes from Fort Lee, New Jersey, were blocked off; the traffic jam was later blamed on loyalists to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie over the refusal of Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich to endorse Christie for re-election. (Two political insiders were convicted for their roles in the closure; a unanimous Supreme Court later threw out the convictions. Christie denied any prior knowledge of the lane closures, but the episode helped derail his 2016 presidential bid.) 

In 2014, Apple unveiled its long-anticipated smartwatch as well as the next generation of its iPhone.

In 2016, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, speaking at an LGBT fundraiser in New York City, described half of Republican Donald Trump's supporters as "a basket of deplorables," a characterization for which she would end up expressing regret.

Ten years ago: A natural gas pipeline explosion killed eight people and destroyed dozens of homes in the San Francisco suburb of San Bruno, California. Iran said it would free Sarah Shourd, one of three American hikers held for more than 13 months on spying accusations, as an act of clemency to mark the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. (Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal were sentenced in August 2011 to eight years in prison, but were released the following month.)

Five years ago: Queen Elizabeth II became the longest reigning monarch in British history, serving as sovereign for 23,226 days (about 63 years and 7 months), according to Buckingham Palace, surpassing Queen Victoria, her great-great-grandmother. New York became the first U.S. city to require salt warnings on chain-restaurant menus.

One year ago: Coast Guard rescuers pulled four trapped South Korean crew members alive from a cargo ship, more than a day after the ship overturned as it left a port in Brunswick, Georgia. President Donald Trump said peace talks with the Taliban were now "dead," two days after he abruptly canceled a secret meeting he had arranged with Taliban and Afghan leaders. The acting chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the agency had likely violated its scientific integrity rules by publicly chastising a weather office that had contradicted Trump concerning a hurricane threat to Alabama.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Topol is 85. Singer Inez Foxx is 78. Singer Dee Dee Sharp is 75. College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL player Joe Theismann is 71. Rock musician John McFee (The Doobie Brothers) is 70. Actor Tom Wopat is 69. Actor Angela Cartwright is 68. Musician-producer Dave Stewart is 68. Actor Hugh Grant is 60. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., is 57. Actor-comedian Charles Esten (formerly Chip) is 55. Actor Constance Marie is 55. Actor David Bennent is 54. Actor Adam Sandler is 54. Rock singer Paul Durham (Black Lab) is 52. Actor Julia Sawalha is 52. Model Rachel Hunter is 51. Actor Eric Stonestreet is 49. Actor Henry Thomas is 49. Actor Goran Visnjic is 48. Pop-jazz singer Michael Buble' is 45. Latin singer Maria Rita is 43. Actor Michelle Williams is 40. Actor Julie Gonzalo is 39. Neo-soul singer Paul Janeway (St. Paul &amp; the Broken Bones) is 37. Actor Zoe Kazan is 37. Author-motivational speaker-businessman Farrah Gray is 36. Actor Kelsey Asbille is 29. Contemporary Christian singer Lauren Daigle is 29. Country singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes is 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, Sept. 9, the 253rd day of 2020. There are 113 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Sept. 9, 1776, the second Continental Congress made the term "United States" official, replacing "United Colonies." On this date: In 1543, Mary Stuart was crowned Queen of Scots at Stirling Castle, nine months after she was born.In 1850, California became the 31st state of the union. In 1942, during World War II, a Japanese plane launched from a submarine off the Oregon coast dropped a pair of incendiary bombs in a failed attempt at igniting a massive forest fire; it was the first aerial bombing of the U.S. mainland by a foreign power. In 1948, the People's Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea) was declared. In 1956, Elvis Presley made the first of three appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show." In 1971, prisoners seized control of the maximum-security Attica Correctional Facility near Buffalo, New York, beginning a siege that ended up claiming 43 lives.In 1986, Frank Reed, director of a private school in Lebanon, was taken hostage; he was released 44 months later. In 1991, boxer Mike Tyson was indicted in Indianapolis on a charge of raping Desiree Washington, a beauty pageant contestant. (Tyson was convicted and ended up serving three years of a six-year prison sentence.) In 2005, Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Brown, the principal target of harsh criticism of the Bush administration's response to Hurricane Katrina, was relieved of his onsite command. In 2013, four days of vehicular gridlock began near the George Washington Bridge when two of three approach lanes from Fort Lee, New Jersey, were blocked off; the traffic jam was later blamed on loyalists to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie over the refusal of Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich to endorse Christie for re-election. (Two political insiders were convicted for their roles in the closure; a unanimous Supreme Court later threw out the convictions. Christie denied any prior knowledge of the lane closures, but the episode helped derail his 2016 presidential bid.) In 2014, Apple unveiled its long-anticipated smartwatch as well as the next generation of its iPhone.In 2016, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, speaking at an LGBT fundraiser in New York City, described half of Republican Donald Trump's supporters as "a basket of deplorables," a characterization for which she would end up expressing regret.Ten years ago: A natural gas pipeline explosion killed eight people and destroyed dozens of homes in the San Francisco suburb of San Bruno, California. Iran said it would free Sarah Shourd, one of three American hikers held for more than 13 months on spying accusations, as an act of clemency to mark the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. (Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal were sentenced in August 2011 to eight years in prison, but were released the following month.)Five years ago: Queen Elizabeth II became the longest reigning monarch in British history, serving as sovereign for 23,226 days (about 63 years and 7 months), according to Buckingham Palace, surpassing Queen Victoria, her great-great-grandmother. New York became the first U.S. city to require salt warnings on chain-restaurant menus.One year ago: Coast Guard rescuers pulled four trapped South Korean crew members alive from a cargo ship, more than a day after the ship overturned as it left a port in Brunswick, Georgia. President Donald Trump said peace talks with the Taliban were now "dead," two days after he abruptly canceled a secret meeting he had arranged with Taliban and Afghan leaders. The acting chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the agency had likely violated its scientific integrity rules by publicly chastising a weather office that had contradicted Trump concerning a hurricane threat to Alabama. Today's Birthdays: Actor Topol is 85. Singer Inez Foxx is 78. Singer Dee Dee Sharp is 75. College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL player Joe Theismann is 71. Rock musician John McFee (The Doobie Brothers) is 70. Actor Tom Wopat is 69. Actor Angela Cartwright is 68. Musician-producer Dave Stewart is 68. Actor Hugh Grant is 60. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., is 57. Actor-comedian Charles Esten (formerly Chip) is 55. Actor Constance Marie is 55. Actor David Bennent is 54. Actor Adam Sandler is 54. Rock singer Paul Durham (Black Lab) is 52. Actor Julia Sawalha is 52. Model Rachel Hunter is 51. Actor Eric Stonestreet is 49. Actor Henry Thomas is 49. Actor Goran Visnjic is 48. Pop-jazz singer Michael Buble' is 45. Latin singer Maria Rita is 43. Actor Michelle Williams is 40. Actor Julie Gonzalo is 39. Neo-soul singer Paul Janeway (St. Paul &amp; the Broken Bones) is 37. Actor Zoe Kazan is 37. Author-motivational speaker-businessman Farrah Gray is 36. Actor Kelsey Asbille is 29. Contemporary Christian singer Lauren Daigle is 29. Country singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes is 29.

Today in History -- Sept. 9

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Recent obituaries

Beginning Monday, Salina Public Library patrons will notice some visible differences. 

The library is implementing changes to its catalog that will improve patrons’ ability to find what they need and a new brand identity that better reflects the modern library.

The library’s role in the community has evolved over the 120 years since its founding. It has added computer and internet access, meeting rooms, programming for all ages, digital materials and outreach services.

“Our new logo represents how the library can provide a different service for each of our patrons,” library director Melanie Hedgespeth explained. “For some people, access to free reading and research materials is still the most important service we offer. For others, it is having space for meetings or work, and for still others, it’s our programs that provide, not only cultural and educational opportunities but a chance to build community. Similarly, each person may see something slightly different in our new logo.”

To celebrate the new look, the library will be giving out tote bags featuring the new logo while supplies last. Beginning Monday, use the library’s Pickup Service or stop by the circulation desk to receive a bag.

The launch of the new catalog will allow patrons to more easily access both the library’s physical collection and all of its digital content in one place. The site will also feature reading recommendation lists that draw on popular resources such as the New York Times Bestseller List and award winners.

Library staff will begin the process of moving data to the new catalog system on Friday. The catalog will be temporarily unavailable until Monday. Patrons will still be able to check out items at the library but must have their library card with them. Pickup Service and the ability to place holds will be unavailable.&nbsp;

“For the past year, we’ve been looking closely at the patron experience at the library,” Hedgespeth said. “We recognize that technology and the ways the public wants to access services are always changing. Our redesigned website and transitioning all youth books to be fines-free earlier this year were a part of that effort. Now, with an updated library catalog system, we will have a tool that prioritizes the patron's needs in finding physical and digital materials.”

●The ability to pay fines using credit cards via PayPal.

●Limiting access to the digital content service Hoopla to Saline County residents.. Limiting account balances to $5 before checkout privileges are suspended.

●The use of Unique Management Services to recover fees on accounts with balances over $25.

●Use of a new text message service provider. Patrons who used the previous system will need to verify their contact information is correct before messages can be sent after Sept. 14.

●Checked out library items, except for hotspots, will be automatically renewed the first time they become due if no other patron has a hold on the item. This will prevent the patron from accruing overdue fines.

Library staff will be available to answer patron questions about navigating the new system. Call (785) 825-4624, email <a href="mailto:help@salpublib.org" target="_blank">help@salpublib.org</a> or use the chat tool on the library’s website — <a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">salinapubliclibrary.org</a>.&nbsp;

Salina Public Library has been serving Saline County since 1900 by providing access to information, learning and culture. The library is a community space that provides free internet access, computer, gaming, meeting rooms, events and programs. It features a diverse and expansive collection of materials for patrons to borrow. To learn more about the library, visit the library at 301 West Elm Street, go online to <a href="http://www.salinapubliclibray.org/" target="_blank">www.salinapubliclibray.org</a> or call (785) 825-4624.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599589614708.jpeg" alt="To celebrate the new look, the library will be giving out tote bags featuring the new logo while supplies last. Photo courtesy SPL" />
 <figcaption>To celebrate the new look, the library will be giving out tote bags featuring the new logo while supplies last. Photo courtesy SPL</figcaption>
 </figure>Beginning Monday, Salina Public Library patrons will notice some visible differences. The library is implementing changes to its catalog that will improve patrons’ ability to find what they need and a new brand identity that better reflects the modern library.The library’s role in the community has evolved over the 120 years since its founding. It has added computer and internet access, meeting rooms, programming for all ages, digital materials and outreach services.“Our new logo represents how the library can provide a different service for each of our patrons,” library director Melanie Hedgespeth explained. “For some people, access to free reading and research materials is still the most important service we offer. For others, it is having space for meetings or work, and for still others, it’s our programs that provide, not only cultural and educational opportunities but a chance to build community. Similarly, each person may see something slightly different in our new logo.”To celebrate the new look, the library will be giving out tote bags featuring the new logo while supplies last. Beginning Monday, use the library’s Pickup Service or stop by the circulation desk to receive a bag.The launch of the new catalog will allow patrons to more easily access both the library’s physical collection and all of its digital content in one place. The site will also feature reading recommendation lists that draw on popular resources such as the New York Times Bestseller List and award winners.Library staff will begin the process of moving data to the new catalog system on Friday. The catalog will be temporarily unavailable until Monday. Patrons will still be able to check out items at the library but must have their library card with them. Pickup Service and the ability to place holds will be unavailable.&nbsp;“For the past year, we’ve been looking closely at the patron experience at the library,” Hedgespeth said. “We recognize that technology and the ways the public wants to access services are always changing. Our redesigned website and transitioning all youth books to be fines-free earlier this year were a part of that effort. Now, with an updated library catalog system, we will have a tool that prioritizes the patron's needs in finding physical and digital materials.”Additional changes include:●The ability to pay fines using credit cards via PayPal.●Limiting access to the digital content service Hoopla to Saline County residents.. Limiting account balances to $5 before checkout privileges are suspended.●The use of Unique Management Services to recover fees on accounts with balances over $25.●Use of a new text message service provider. Patrons who used the previous system will need to verify their contact information is correct before messages can be sent after Sept. 14.●Checked out library items, except for hotspots, will be automatically renewed the first time they become due if no other patron has a hold on the item. This will prevent the patron from accruing overdue fines.Library staff will be available to answer patron questions about navigating the new system. Call (785) 825-4624, email <a href="mailto:help@salpublib.org" target="_blank">help@salpublib.org</a> or use the chat tool on the library’s website — <a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">salinapubliclibrary.org</a>.&nbsp;About Salina Public LibrarySalina Public Library has been serving Saline County since 1900 by providing access to information, learning and culture. The library is a community space that provides free internet access, computer, gaming, meeting rooms, events and programs. It features a diverse and expansive collection of materials for patrons to borrow. To learn more about the library, visit the library at 301 West Elm Street, go online to <a href="http://www.salinapubliclibray.org/" target="_blank">www.salinapubliclibray.org</a> or call (785) 825-4624.

Salina Public Library launches updated look and experience

RENO COUNTY—A Salina man was injured in an industrial accident Tuesday in Reno County.

Just before 2p.m. deputies along with fire and EMS were dispatched to the bridge at 69th Avenue and Nickerson Road for a report of an injury that occurred at the construction site, according to a media release from the Reno County Sheriff's Department.

 Upon arrival Deputies made contact with Gonzalo Chavez, 42, Salina. He lying on his back, in the sand near the river. Deputies were told that a crane loaded with 4,000 pounds of sheet pile was approximately 6 feet off the ground. 

The crane operator accidentally took his foot off the crane brake which caused the load to fall on top of Chavez.

The crane operator then lifted the sheet pile off of Chavez while other employees rendered aid. EMS and fire arrived and treated Chavez. EMS&nbsp; transported him to Hutchinson Airport and he was flown to an area hospital for additional treatment. 

RENO COUNTY—A Salina man was injured in an industrial accident Tuesday in Reno County.Just before 2p.m. deputies along with fire and EMS were dispatched to the bridge at 69th Avenue and Nickerson Road for a report of an injury that occurred at the construction site, according to a media release from the Reno County Sheriff's Department. Upon arrival Deputies made contact with Gonzalo Chavez, 42, Salina. He lying on his back, in the sand near the river. Deputies were told that a crane loaded with 4,000 pounds of sheet pile was approximately 6 feet off the ground. The crane operator accidentally took his foot off the crane brake which caused the load to fall on top of Chavez.The crane operator then lifted the sheet pile off of Chavez while other employees rendered aid. EMS and fire arrived and treated Chavez. EMS&nbsp; transported him to Hutchinson Airport and he was flown to an area hospital for additional treatment.

Salina man airlifted to hospital after construction accident

The Salina Fire Department welcomes home one of its own! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafire/">Salina Fire</a> Facebook page:

The Salina Fire Department welcomes home one of its own! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafire/">Salina Fire</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinafire%2Fphotos%2Fa.634668966630633%2F3071383169625855%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="652" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

SFD welcomes home one of its own from deployment

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

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

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

OCCK, Inc. is a not-for-profit, mission-based organization that has been providing services to people with disabilities since 1970. With regional offices throughout North Central Kansas. Help others and getting paid to do so. Apply at&nbsp;<a href="http://jobs.occk.com/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2019-2000-017&amp;type=JOBDESCR">http://jobs.occk.com/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2019-2000-017&amp;type=JOBDESCR</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592535783410.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OCCK, Inc. is seeking Direct Support Professionals. These individuals are residential in their supported Living Department in the Salina, Beloit, and Concordia locations. Full time with benefits, EOE, drug testing.This person will be coordinating services and provide Independent living skills. Training will be provided as needed. Need to be a compassionate and a problem solver.Must be at least 18 years old with strong oral and written communication skills, math skills and valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Must have the ability to work with a diverse group of people in a team setting. Various shifts available.OCCK, Inc. is a not-for-profit, mission-based organization that has been providing services to people with disabilities since 1970. With regional offices throughout North Central Kansas. Help others and getting paid to do so. Apply at&nbsp;<a href="http://jobs.occk.com/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2019-2000-017&amp;type=JOBDESCR">http://jobs.occk.com/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2019-2000-017&amp;type=JOBDESCR</a>.

Smoky Hill Museum to open to public Sept. 29

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported nine new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 223.

Following is the information about the new cases, as provided by the health department.

●Positive case No. 215 is a symptomatic female in her 20s with unknown exposure.

●Positive case No. 216 is a symptomatic male in his 20s with known family exposure.

●Positive case No. 217 is an asymptomatic male in his 60s with unknown exposure.

●Positive case No. 218 is an asymptomatic female in her 80s with unknown exposure.

●Positive case No. 219 is a symptomatic female in her 20s with known family exposure.

●Positive case No. 220 is a symptomatic female in her 60s with known family exposure.

●Positive case No. 221 is a symptomatic male in his 80s with unknown exposure and is hospitalized.

●Positive case No. 222 is a symptomatic 17-year-old male with unknown exposure.

●Positive case No. 223 is an asymptomatic female in her 70s with known exposure.

Of the 223 confirmed cases, 198 have met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines and three active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted. Additionally, the county has one COVID-19 related death, the health department reported.

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported nine new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 223.Following is the information about the new cases, as provided by the health department.Cases identified Saturday●Positive case No. 215 is a symptomatic female in her 20s with unknown exposure.●Positive case No. 216 is a symptomatic male in his 20s with known family exposure.●Positive case No. 217 is an asymptomatic male in his 60s with unknown exposure.Cases identified Monday●Positive case No. 218 is an asymptomatic female in her 80s with unknown exposure.●Positive case No. 219 is a symptomatic female in her 20s with known family exposure.Cases identified Tuesday●Positive case No. 220 is a symptomatic female in her 60s with known family exposure.●Positive case No. 221 is a symptomatic male in his 80s with unknown exposure and is hospitalized.●Positive case No. 222 is a symptomatic 17-year-old male with unknown exposure.●Positive case No. 223 is an asymptomatic female in her 70s with known exposure.Of the 223 confirmed cases, 198 have met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines and three active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted. Additionally, the county has one COVID-19 related death, the health department reported.

McPherson County reports 9 new cases of COVID-19

The incident in which a motorcycle was allegedly stolen from a downtown parking lot Thursday night has turned out to be a prank.

On Friday, Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus reported that late Thursday night, a 37-year-old Salina man reported that his black 2000 Suzuki VZ800Y Marauder motorcycle had been stolen from a parking lot in the 100 block of North Seventh Street. A bit later, the man and a police officer located the motorcycle a half block to the west in the alley between the 100 block of North Eighth Street and the 100 block of North Seventh Street.

This afternoon, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester confirmed to Salina Post that the incident was nothing more than a prank.

"Victim reported later he was pranked by a friend and it was not stolen," Forrester noted.

The incident in which a motorcycle was allegedly stolen from a downtown parking lot Thursday night has turned out to be a prank.On Friday, Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus reported that late Thursday night, a 37-year-old Salina man reported that his black 2000 Suzuki VZ800Y Marauder motorcycle had been stolen from a parking lot in the 100 block of North Seventh Street. A bit later, the man and a police officer located the motorcycle a half block to the west in the alley between the 100 block of North Eighth Street and the 100 block of North Seventh Street.This afternoon, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester confirmed to Salina Post that the incident was nothing more than a prank."Victim reported later he was pranked by a friend and it was not stolen," Forrester noted.

Stolen motorcycle incident last week turns out to be prank

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599588144033.png" alt="Forecast rainfall amounts for today through Thursday across the region, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Forecast rainfall amounts for today through Thursday across the region, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>

NWS: 1.75 to 2 inches of rain possible through Thursday

Salina Regional Health Center has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus and Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus quality achievement awards. 

The awards recognize the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines using the latest scientific evidence.

Salina Regional earned the awards by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at set levels for the past year. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-todate, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients also should receive education on managing their health, get follow-up visits scheduled as well as other care transition interventions.

Salina Regional additionally received Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus Award for its efforts to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke.

“Salina Regional is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients by implementing the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke initiative,” said Rachelle Giroux, director of Trauma, Stroke and Chest Pain Accreditation at Salina Regional. “The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidence-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.”

In 2019 Salina Regional treated 191 stroke patients – 86 percent of whom had suffered an ischemic stroke.

“We are pleased to recognize Salina Regional Health Center for their commitment to stroke care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national chairperson of the Quality Oversight Committee and Executive Vice Chair of Neurology, Director of Acute Stroke Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get With The Guidelines quality improvement initiatives can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599583306541.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Salina Regional Health Center" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Salina Regional Health Center</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Regional Health Center has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus and Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus quality achievement awards. The awards recognize the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines using the latest scientific evidence.Salina Regional earned the awards by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at set levels for the past year. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-todate, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients also should receive education on managing their health, get follow-up visits scheduled as well as other care transition interventions.Salina Regional additionally received Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus Award for its efforts to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke.“Salina Regional is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients by implementing the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke initiative,” said Rachelle Giroux, director of Trauma, Stroke and Chest Pain Accreditation at Salina Regional. “The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidence-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.”In 2019 Salina Regional treated 191 stroke patients – 86 percent of whom had suffered an ischemic stroke.“We are pleased to recognize Salina Regional Health Center for their commitment to stroke care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national chairperson of the Quality Oversight Committee and Executive Vice Chair of Neurology, Director of Acute Stroke Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get With The Guidelines quality improvement initiatives can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

Salina Regional receives awards for stroke patient care

Police are investigating the theft of motorcycles from two location in Salina.

The first theft occurred sometime between 9 p.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. Friday in the 200 block of North Chicago Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. 

A 26-year-old Salina man told police that his 2020 X-Pro VADER, JIANGSU BAODIAO BD125-8 motorcycle was stolen during that time period, Forrester noted. 

The motorcycle is white with red bars and has a license plate of KS 32EXC, he explained. The motorcycle is valued at $1,000, Forrester added.

The second incident occurred between 3 p.m. on Saturday and 7:30 a.m. on Sunday. According to Forrester, a 64-year-old Salina man reported that during that time period his 1981 Honda CX500 motorcycle was stolen from the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 600 block of South Second Street.

The motorcycle, which had been covered by a cloth, is black and has a Kansas Antique license plate of 52133, Forrester reported. The motorcycle is valued at $3,000, he added. 

Police are investigating the theft of motorcycles from two location in Salina.The first theft occurred sometime between 9 p.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. Friday in the 200 block of North Chicago Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. A 26-year-old Salina man told police that his 2020 X-Pro VADER, JIANGSU BAODIAO BD125-8 motorcycle was stolen during that time period, Forrester noted. The motorcycle is white with red bars and has a license plate of KS 32EXC, he explained. The motorcycle is valued at $1,000, Forrester added.The second incident occurred between 3 p.m. on Saturday and 7:30 a.m. on Sunday. According to Forrester, a 64-year-old Salina man reported that during that time period his 1981 Honda CX500 motorcycle was stolen from the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 600 block of South Second Street.The motorcycle, which had been covered by a cloth, is black and has a Kansas Antique license plate of 52133, Forrester reported. The motorcycle is valued at $3,000, he added.

Police investigating motorcycle thefts

A pickup being jump-started caught fire on South Simpson Road Sunday morning.

Jacob Thelander, 28, of rural Saline County, was attempting to jump-start a 2001 Dodge Dakota pickup for James Miller when a fire started in the engine compartment, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning. The fire occurred shortly before 11 a.m. Sunday on Thelander's property in the 2900 block of South Simpson Road, he added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599580920396.jpeg" alt="A Rural Fire District No. 5 firefighter extinguishes a fire in the Dodge Dakota Sunday. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>A Rural Fire District No. 5 firefighter extinguishes a fire in the Dodge Dakota Sunday. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A pickup being jump-started caught fire on South Simpson Road Sunday morning.Jacob Thelander, 28, of rural Saline County, was attempting to jump-start a 2001 Dodge Dakota pickup for James Miller when a fire started in the engine compartment, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning. The fire occurred shortly before 11 a.m. Sunday on Thelander's property in the 2900 block of South Simpson Road, he added.The pickup was destroyed, Soldan said.

Jump-start leads to vehicle fire Sunday morning

A Salina man was injured early Saturday morning in a vehicle-pedestrian accident just west of Salina.

Alberto Garcia, 23, of Salina, was standing in the middle of the eastbound lane in the 1500 block of State Street when he was struck by a gray 2007 Nissan Xterra driven by Tyler Elmore, 32, of Salina, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning. The accident occurred shortly after 5:30 a.m. Saturday, he said.

Garcia suffered an injury to his leg and some scrapes, and was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center, Soldan explained. Elmore was not injured, he added.

The Xterra had to be towed from the scene due to damage from the accident, Soldan said. 

A Salina man was injured early Saturday morning in a vehicle-pedestrian accident just west of Salina.Alberto Garcia, 23, of Salina, was standing in the middle of the eastbound lane in the 1500 block of State Street when he was struck by a gray 2007 Nissan Xterra driven by Tyler Elmore, 32, of Salina, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning. The accident occurred shortly after 5:30 a.m. Saturday, he said.Garcia suffered an injury to his leg and some scrapes, and was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center, Soldan explained. Elmore was not injured, he added.The Xterra had to be towed from the scene due to damage from the accident, Soldan said.

Salina man injured in accident Saturday

A 1982 Chevrolet El Camino was destroyed after it caught fire early Friday afternoon northeast of Salina.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that Michael Monroe, 64, was tuning up the El Camino in the 1600 block of East Stimmel Road when the fire started. Soldan explained that the electric fuel pump kept pumping fuel when vehicle backfired, causing the fire. 

Monroe and a friend were able to push the vehicle from the garage before much fire damage was done to the garage, Soldan said. The El Camino, however, was a total loss, he said.

Total damage to the garage and the vehicle was estimated at $15,000, Soldan said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599578496150.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy the Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy the Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A 1982 Chevrolet El Camino was destroyed after it caught fire early Friday afternoon northeast of Salina.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that Michael Monroe, 64, was tuning up the El Camino in the 1600 block of East Stimmel Road when the fire started. Soldan explained that the electric fuel pump kept pumping fuel when vehicle backfired, causing the fire. Monroe and a friend were able to push the vehicle from the garage before much fire damage was done to the garage, Soldan said. The El Camino, however, was a total loss, he said.Total damage to the garage and the vehicle was estimated at $15,000, Soldan said.

1982 El Camino destroyed in Friday fire

The best ways to use UAS in fire and emergency response activities will be taught in a new four-day&nbsp;<a href="https://ksu-uas.com/fire/" target="_blank">UAS training course for firefighters and HAZMAT</a>&nbsp;response personnel offered by&nbsp;<a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus</a>. The flight training course will utilize K-State's industry-leading UAS technology. The first course will be Oct. 5-8 at Crisis City Training Center southwest of Salina. Qualified individuals can view details and register online at&nbsp;<a href="https://ksu.uas.com/fire/" target="_blank">ksu-uas.com/fire</a>. "Working with Salina area firefighters and our partners at Crisis City Training Center, we have created a course that offers a one-of-a-kind UAS training in which we can train students on fire, hazmat, and search and research scenarios," said Kenton Dreiling, assistant UAS flight operations manager at K-State Polytechnic. "Students who take this course will understand how to best use an unmanned aircraft in a fire or hazmat situation with the overall mission to protect and save lives." Training will focus on search and rescue scenarios, night operations and structure fire reconnaissance. A highway accident scenario will be used to identify hazardous materials and practice coordination between multiple aircraft and crew. Also, a train derailment will demonstrate how to locate primary and secondary hazards while providing overwatch. The new course offering allows Kansas State Polytechnic to contribute to communities in meaningful ways and develop greater partnerships with fire departments, said Kurt Carraway, K-State Polytechnic UAS department head. Since 2016, K-State's Polytechnic Campus has trained nearly 1,000 UAS students through noncredit courses, with 35% of those students from the public safety sector. The initial first responder-specific program was launched in 2018 with a UAS Law Enforcement Training course. Additionally, first responder scholarships were introduced in 2019 to support students enrolled in the sUAS Commercial Remote Pilot Training course. For more information about UAS Fire and HAZMAT response training, contact K-State Polytechnic Professional Education and Outreach at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:profed@k-state.edu" target="_blank">profed@k-state.edu</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599568975271.jpeg" alt="K-State Polytechnic is launching a new four-day UAS training course for firefighters and HAZMAT response personnel. Photo courtesy K-State Polytechnic" />
 <figcaption>K-State Polytechnic is launching a new four-day UAS training course for firefighters and HAZMAT response personnel. Photo courtesy K-State Polytechnic</figcaption>
 </figure>The best ways to use UAS in fire and emergency response activities will be taught in a new four-day&nbsp;<a href="https://ksu-uas.com/fire/" target="_blank">UAS training course for firefighters and HAZMAT</a>&nbsp;response personnel offered by&nbsp;<a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus</a>. The flight training course will utilize K-State's industry-leading UAS technology. The first course will be Oct. 5-8 at Crisis City Training Center southwest of Salina. Qualified individuals can view details and register online at&nbsp;<a href="https://ksu.uas.com/fire/" target="_blank">ksu-uas.com/fire</a>. "Working with Salina area firefighters and our partners at Crisis City Training Center, we have created a course that offers a one-of-a-kind UAS training in which we can train students on fire, hazmat, and search and research scenarios," said Kenton Dreiling, assistant UAS flight operations manager at K-State Polytechnic. "Students who take this course will understand how to best use an unmanned aircraft in a fire or hazmat situation with the overall mission to protect and save lives." Training will focus on search and rescue scenarios, night operations and structure fire reconnaissance. A highway accident scenario will be used to identify hazardous materials and practice coordination between multiple aircraft and crew. Also, a train derailment will demonstrate how to locate primary and secondary hazards while providing overwatch. The new course offering allows Kansas State Polytechnic to contribute to communities in meaningful ways and develop greater partnerships with fire departments, said Kurt Carraway, K-State Polytechnic UAS department head. Since 2016, K-State's Polytechnic Campus has trained nearly 1,000 UAS students through noncredit courses, with 35% of those students from the public safety sector. The initial first responder-specific program was launched in 2018 with a UAS Law Enforcement Training course. Additionally, first responder scholarships were introduced in 2019 to support students enrolled in the sUAS Commercial Remote Pilot Training course. For more information about UAS Fire and HAZMAT response training, contact K-State Polytechnic Professional Education and Outreach at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:profed@k-state.edu" target="_blank">profed@k-state.edu</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

K-State Polytechnic launches UAS Fire, HAZMAT response training

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Looking for a fun place to work, with a flexible schedule and competitive pay? Then come live the Merry Maids life!

Merry Maids is seeking residential home cleaners in Salina and Abilene. Professionally clean customer homes using Merry Maids’ unique cleaning procedures and products, giving the home a fresh start that our customers can see and feel.

As a member of our team, you’ll enjoy a flexible schedule, competitive pay, and no night, weekend or holiday hours. Merry Maids offers paid training, excellent work/life balance, and opportunities for advancement.

Call 785-825-8636 or apply in person at 750 Duvall Ave., Salina, KS or 419 NE 14th St., Abilene, KS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597940863797.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>in Salina and Abilene!Looking for a fun place to work, with a flexible schedule and competitive pay? Then come live the Merry Maids life!Merry Maids is seeking residential home cleaners in Salina and Abilene. Professionally clean customer homes using Merry Maids’ unique cleaning procedures and products, giving the home a fresh start that our customers can see and feel.As a member of our team, you’ll enjoy a flexible schedule, competitive pay, and no night, weekend or holiday hours. Merry Maids offers paid training, excellent work/life balance, and opportunities for advancement.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rHsFpt55x8g" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Bright Futures Begin at Merry Maids!Call 785-825-8636 or apply in person at 750 Duvall Ave., Salina, KS or 419 NE 14th St., Abilene, KS.

📹SPONSORED: Merry Maids hiring in Salina and Abilene

While most Kansans were looking forward to the three-day Labor Day weekend, a small group of legislators last week in a quiet committee room on the 5th&nbsp;floor of the Statehouse moved forward with a plan to spend $5 million to bring nearly 2,500 new jobs to Kansas.

Those new jobs, and new buildings and such – and the taxes that will be paid by those businesses and their workers – are what fuel the Kansas economy that makes us all more prosperous.

That meeting? It was the Legislative Budget Committee, and it approved and will now urge the Legislative Coordinating Council to send $5 million in coronavirus recovery funds to the Kansas Department of Commerce to close deals that will bring $243 million of investment and construction and those jobs which are expected to pay an average of $48,000 a year to the state.

Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Toland told the panel that his agency is about out of money in its Job Creation Fund, which it uses to lure businesses and their positive effect on the Kansas economy to the state.

Most of us don’t think about the Department of Commerce much, and there are no support groups or GoFundMe accounts that provide the agency with the last few bucks, the little incidental costs to locating a business in Kansas, that close deals for new development and jobs.

That $5 million will help the state close those deals and provide jobs across the state. Mostly in central and eastern Kansas, though one deal that is in the air is in western Kansas. Nope, Toland isn’t naming those close-to-done deals for fear of competition from other states which also want new jobs and businesses, but they are getting close.

And, Toland said, Commerce access to that closing-the-deal money adds to the near sudden increase in interest by many companies to move facilities to Kansas, partly for its center-of-the-nation location and highway system which make the state a convenient and economic place to put down a plant or warehouse for national marketing.

Oh, and there are also those smart, reliable, and dedicated workers – that would be Kansans – who populate the state.

Now, the Legislature has been a little protective of the money it has appropriated to itself for response to wide ranges of COVID-19 effects, such as assistance to existing businesses struck by the pandemic, job losses, and the need to generate more jobs for Kansans.

Seem like a good use for the legislature’s rebuild-the-economy and protect Kansans money, doesn’t it?

Toland said that Kansas now has eco-devo prospectors on both coasts to urge businesses to relocate here. The nature of American commerce has changed through the pandemic with more on-line shopping that can be served from relatively low-cost mid-continent facilities. It’s the change from being a “fly over” state to one that has economic advantages for a wide range of companies for which Kansas can be a money-saver and profit-boosting place to put a business.

It’s just that little Job Creation Fund that can provide the services or few additional bucks to close those deals, which is where Toland and most Kansans want us to be.

Look for the Legislature to OK the money, and&nbsp; then we’ll see just what new businesses are coming to the state…and whether it means the kids can find work close to home instead of moving to the coast…

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141234707.png" alt="Martin Hawver" />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARTIN HAWVERWhile most Kansans were looking forward to the three-day Labor Day weekend, a small group of legislators last week in a quiet committee room on the 5th&nbsp;floor of the Statehouse moved forward with a plan to spend $5 million to bring nearly 2,500 new jobs to Kansas.Those new jobs, and new buildings and such – and the taxes that will be paid by those businesses and their workers – are what fuel the Kansas economy that makes us all more prosperous.That meeting? It was the Legislative Budget Committee, and it approved and will now urge the Legislative Coordinating Council to send $5 million in coronavirus recovery funds to the Kansas Department of Commerce to close deals that will bring $243 million of investment and construction and those jobs which are expected to pay an average of $48,000 a year to the state.Not a bad investment, is it?Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Toland told the panel that his agency is about out of money in its Job Creation Fund, which it uses to lure businesses and their positive effect on the Kansas economy to the state.Most of us don’t think about the Department of Commerce much, and there are no support groups or GoFundMe accounts that provide the agency with the last few bucks, the little incidental costs to locating a business in Kansas, that close deals for new development and jobs.That $5 million will help the state close those deals and provide jobs across the state. Mostly in central and eastern Kansas, though one deal that is in the air is in western Kansas. Nope, Toland isn’t naming those close-to-done deals for fear of competition from other states which also want new jobs and businesses, but they are getting close.And, Toland said, Commerce access to that closing-the-deal money adds to the near sudden increase in interest by many companies to move facilities to Kansas, partly for its center-of-the-nation location and highway system which make the state a convenient and economic place to put down a plant or warehouse for national marketing.Oh, and there are also those smart, reliable, and dedicated workers – that would be Kansans – who populate the state.Now, the Legislature has been a little protective of the money it has appropriated to itself for response to wide ranges of COVID-19 effects, such as assistance to existing businesses struck by the pandemic, job losses, and the need to generate more jobs for Kansans.Seem like a good use for the legislature’s rebuild-the-economy and protect Kansans money, doesn’t it?Toland said that Kansas now has eco-devo prospectors on both coasts to urge businesses to relocate here. The nature of American commerce has changed through the pandemic with more on-line shopping that can be served from relatively low-cost mid-continent facilities. It’s the change from being a “fly over” state to one that has economic advantages for a wide range of companies for which Kansas can be a money-saver and profit-boosting place to put a business.It’s just that little Job Creation Fund that can provide the services or few additional bucks to close those deals, which is where Toland and most Kansans want us to be.Look for the Legislature to OK the money, and&nbsp; then we’ll see just what new businesses are coming to the state…and whether it means the kids can find work close to home instead of moving to the coast…Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>

AT THE RAIL: Bringing new jobs to Kansas

The September Emergency Food Assistance Program distribution is set for next week.

The drive-thru event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon on Sept. 16 at Kenwood Hall in Kenwood Park. 

Persons picking up food will need to have a Saline County photo ID and proof of income. Additionally, all persons participating in the event must wear face masks. 

Items to be distributed include spaghetti sauce, canned pork, fresh apples, tomato sauce, fresh oranges, split peas, frozen pork loin, cheddar cheese, instant milk, orange juice, whole frozen eggs, chicken strips, potato wedges frozen, and fish fillets, according to information from Sunrise Presbyterian Church, which is hosting the event.

Following are the monthly income guidelines for persons eligible to receive the food.

For each additional family member add $479. For more information, call the commodities phone line at 785-714-0918.

The September Emergency Food Assistance Program distribution is set for next week.The drive-thru event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon on Sept. 16 at Kenwood Hall in Kenwood Park. Persons picking up food will need to have a Saline County photo ID and proof of income. Additionally, all persons participating in the event must wear face masks. Items to be distributed include spaghetti sauce, canned pork, fresh apples, tomato sauce, fresh oranges, split peas, frozen pork loin, cheddar cheese, instant milk, orange juice, whole frozen eggs, chicken strips, potato wedges frozen, and fish fillets, according to information from Sunrise Presbyterian Church, which is hosting the event.Following are the monthly income guidelines for persons eligible to receive the food.HH size/Income1 $1,3542 $1,8323 $2,3114 $2,7905 $3,2696 $3,7487 $4,2278 $4,705For each additional family member add $479. For more information, call the commodities phone line at 785-714-0918.

Emergency Food Assistance Program distribution next week

By&nbsp;TIM CARPENTER <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas City Chiefs fan Rob Olson raised his voice during a Kansas Senate debate to let colleagues know how frustrated he was with inability of politicians, lobbyists and gambling executives to hammer out deal that would have allowed him to legally place a bet on the 2020 Super Bowl.

Absent such reform, Olson could have driven 170 miles from his home in Olathe to Lakeside Hotel and Casino in Iowa, which is among the few Midwest states to legitimize sports gambling since the U.S. Supreme Court cast aside a federal statute forbidding sports books in most places. That would have enabled him to join the estimated nine million Americans who legally put down money on Super Bowl LIV pitting the Chiefs against the San Francisco 49ers.

Olson’s favorite team won that game, but the Republican senator’s sense of jubilation soon faded as the 2020 Legislature proved itself unable to nail down a compromise bill to bring sports-book action to Kansas. Political and financial issues — not coronavirus — derailed attempts to deliver regulated and taxed sports gambling to Kansas.

Each Statehouse failure is cause for celebration among black-market bookies.

“I’m tired of people going to Iowa to gamble, to wager on the Super Bowl,” said Olson, who has urged political foes and allies to end bickering and make a deal. “We’re going to mess around here until we mess this bill up and then we won’t have another year’s opportunity of revenue.”

Indeed, the Legislature’s attempts to infiltrate the cash-saturated world of betting on professional and college sports have been a bust.

The Kansas Senate approved a bill granting new authority to operate sports books at the four state-owned casinos managed by private companies through contracts with the Kansas Lottery. That bill also would enable the Kansas Lottery to market lottery tickets online.

The Senate’s strategy was ignored by the contrarian House, which envisioned up to 1,200 lottery retailers dominating sports wagering in the state. The House’s alternative didn’t get out of committee before COVID-19 interrupted the legislative session. The threat of infection kept lawmakers away from Topeka and left no time to forge a deal among the state’s lottery and casino brass, the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly.

Unlike a Super Bowl that cannot by rule end in a tie, competition between elected officials and special interests frequently ends without a clear victor.

The gap between the House and Senate was significant enough for Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine, an Emporia Republican, to conclude a deal would have been unlikely even if the pandemic hadn’t slammed brakes on the session in March. There was a core disagreement on who would be the dominant force in the legal sports&nbsp;betting industry in Kansas. It was sort of&nbsp;an in-house feud between the four state-owned and privately operated casinos and the state-owned and state-operated Kansas Lottery.

“There were significant policy differences in the two bills,” Longbine said. “My guess is we were too far apart on major sticking points.”

There wasn’t consensus on how popular sports wagering could be in Kansas or on what the state’s cut of revenue should be. The Senate settled on a tax of 5.5% of revenue from in-person wagers and 8% for online bets, plus an extra 2% dedicated to a fund to care for gambling addicts. The House wanted the state to claim 14% of in-person and 20% of online revenue.

The Senate bill would ban sports betting at greyhound and horse racetracks, which would spike an economic development opportunity sought by the House. The Senate didn’t want to pay professional leagues for access to “official” statistics, but the House remained in favor of that giveaway.

Of philosophical significance was the Senate’s preference for a firewall between the state government and the kind of financial risk accepted by&nbsp;sports&nbsp;bookies. The House plan would place state taxpayers on the hook for losses.

The Senate was loathe to place the Kansas Lottery in the role of regulator and operator in competition with state-authorized casinos in Dodge City, Pittsburg, Mulvane and Kansas City, Kansas.

House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Wichita, said despite obvious challenges the tenor of Statehouse discussions on sports betting would have borne fruit.

“I think it would have gotten done if there hadn’t been a truncated session. Next year, I hope it does,” Hawkins said.

A Senate bill authorizing sports betting that surfaced in January followed extensive confidential negotiations that emphasized the economic interests of operators at the four state casinos — Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City and Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel in Pittsburg.

Under the blueprint, each casino would be able to run two sports books each. Folks could place in-person or online bets through the casino apps. An authorized business could play host to customers placing bets by cellular telephone through the casinos. Their idea was to forbid the Kansas Lottery from moving ahead with a sports betting platform accessible 24/7 with a cellphone or a computer.

The Kansas Lottery would be allowed to sell lottery tickets online for the&nbsp;first time. The bill would be tweaked so that if&nbsp;fewer than two casinos engaged in&nbsp;sports&nbsp;book betting by July 2022, the Kansas Lottery would get a shot at offering internet&nbsp;gambling&nbsp;on&nbsp;sports.

The four state licensed casinos deserve first crack at sports gaming after investing $1 billion in gambling facilities in Kansas and producing $110 million in annual revenue for the state, said Matthew Bergmann, who represented the Boot Hill Casino and Resort and Kansas Crossing Casino.

“Sports betting has become an effective new customer acquisition tool, particularly when we are able to offer mobile wagering,” said Jeff Morris, an executive with Penn National Gaming, which operates the Hollywood Casino.

Fans of the so-called casino model, with the blessing of some members of Senate and House GOP leadership, concluded their best shot was to secure Senate passage of a sports betting bill early in the 2020 session. After the Senate staked out a position, their objective was to undermine any House alternative offered by Rep. John Barker, an Abilene Republican who chairs the House Federal and State Affairs Committee.

Barker’s strategy was to put the Kansas Lottery in the lead on&nbsp;sports&nbsp;wagering and let casinos and racetracks compete for these new&nbsp;gambling&nbsp;dollars in the same manner as retailers. In addition, his House bill was structured to allow internet-based lottery games.

“You could be able to go down and buy a lottery ticket and bet on the K-State-KU game, hopefully buy a loaf of bread and 10 gallons of gas or whatever,” Barker said.

Advocates of sports gaming planned for the two bills to be placed in a House-Senate conference committee for wheeling and dealing necessary to place an agreement on the governor’s desk. That debate was expected to be complicated by the governor’s preference for a robust iLottery operated by the Kansas Lottery.

Sen. Tom Holland, a Democrat from Baldwin City, said he was supportive of legal sports&nbsp;gambling in Kansas, but was convinced casino lobbyists led the Senate to a proposal too financially generous to those brick-and-mortar businesses. He said the state was “leaving money on the table.”

In addition, Holland said, the legislation included obligations of casino operators that should be negotiated by contract rather than embedded in state law. It’s impossible to operate an effective private-public partnership without opportunity to respond nimbly to shifting market conditions, he said.

“This is not a static environment,” Holland said. “We’re not going to know everything at the beginning of this journey into&nbsp;sports&nbsp;wagering. We’re not going to think of everything up front.”

Rancher Jeff Rutland, of Independence, used the words “irony” and “oddity” to refer to what could better be described as hypocrisy of companies hired by the state of Kansas to operate the four casinos. He watched for a decade at rejection of proposals to revise the 2007 law that set the foundation for development of casinos and granted dog or horse racetracks to install slot machines. All of the tracks closed and Rutland believes the 40% tax on revenue at the racetracks should be lowered. The casinos pay a 22% tax on revenue.

“The only opposition you will have to this amendment will be the state-owned casino groups because they simply don’t want the competition,” Rutland said.

The Kansas League of Municipalities complained the sports wagering bills floated in Kansas earmarked revenue for the state government, but none for cities and counties. The Humane Society Legislative Fund of Kansas recommended the legislation ban wagering on greyhound races if tracks opened in Kansas or if races in other states were broadcast in Kansas venues. The National Council on Problem Gambling urged lawmakers to direct at least 1% of revenue to addiction prevention and treatment services.

Senate President Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, said the bill should require 2% of sports&nbsp;betting revenue to be devoted to treatment of individuals with&nbsp;gambling&nbsp;addiction. She got that measure added to the Senate bill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599527771608.jpeg" alt="Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine, left, says differences of opinion about legalizing sports gambling in Kansas would have likely blocked completion of a bill in the 2020 session. Here the Emporia Republican chats during a special legislative session in June. Photo by Nick Krug courtesy Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine, left, says differences of opinion about legalizing sports gambling in Kansas would have likely blocked completion of a bill in the 2020 session. Here the Emporia Republican chats during a special legislative session in June. Photo by Nick Krug courtesy Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;TIM CARPENTER <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas City Chiefs fan Rob Olson raised his voice during a Kansas Senate debate to let colleagues know how frustrated he was with inability of politicians, lobbyists and gambling executives to hammer out deal that would have allowed him to legally place a bet on the 2020 Super Bowl.Absent such reform, Olson could have driven 170 miles from his home in Olathe to Lakeside Hotel and Casino in Iowa, which is among the few Midwest states to legitimize sports gambling since the U.S. Supreme Court cast aside a federal statute forbidding sports books in most places. That would have enabled him to join the estimated nine million Americans who legally put down money on Super Bowl LIV pitting the Chiefs against the San Francisco 49ers.Olson’s favorite team won that game, but the Republican senator’s sense of jubilation soon faded as the 2020 Legislature proved itself unable to nail down a compromise bill to bring sports-book action to Kansas. Political and financial issues — not coronavirus — derailed attempts to deliver regulated and taxed sports gambling to Kansas.Each Statehouse failure is cause for celebration among black-market bookies.“I’m tired of people going to Iowa to gamble, to wager on the Super Bowl,” said Olson, who has urged political foes and allies to end bickering and make a deal. “We’re going to mess around here until we mess this bill up and then we won’t have another year’s opportunity of revenue.”Indeed, the Legislature’s attempts to infiltrate the cash-saturated world of betting on professional and college sports have been a bust.The Kansas Senate approved a bill granting new authority to operate sports books at the four state-owned casinos managed by private companies through contracts with the Kansas Lottery. That bill also would enable the Kansas Lottery to market lottery tickets online.The Senate’s strategy was ignored by the contrarian House, which envisioned up to 1,200 lottery retailers dominating sports wagering in the state. The House’s alternative didn’t get out of committee before COVID-19 interrupted the legislative session. The threat of infection kept lawmakers away from Topeka and left no time to forge a deal among the state’s lottery and casino brass, the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly.Rich rivalryUnlike a Super Bowl that cannot by rule end in a tie, competition between elected officials and special interests frequently ends without a clear victor.The gap between the House and Senate was significant enough for Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine, an Emporia Republican, to conclude a deal would have been unlikely even if the pandemic hadn’t slammed brakes on the session in March. There was a core disagreement on who would be the dominant force in the legal sports&nbsp;betting industry in Kansas. It was sort of&nbsp;an in-house feud between the four state-owned and privately operated casinos and the state-owned and state-operated Kansas Lottery.“There were significant policy differences in the two bills,” Longbine said. “My guess is we were too far apart on major sticking points.”There wasn’t consensus on how popular sports wagering could be in Kansas or on what the state’s cut of revenue should be. The Senate settled on a tax of 5.5% of revenue from in-person wagers and 8% for online bets, plus an extra 2% dedicated to a fund to care for gambling addicts. The House wanted the state to claim 14% of in-person and 20% of online revenue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599526784759.jpeg" alt="Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, says any law allowing legal sports betting in Kansas should set aside 2% of revenue to help treat gambling addicts. Photo by Nick Krug courtesy Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, says any law allowing legal sports betting in Kansas should set aside 2% of revenue to help treat gambling addicts. Photo by Nick Krug courtesy Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>The Senate bill would ban sports betting at greyhound and horse racetracks, which would spike an economic development opportunity sought by the House. The Senate didn’t want to pay professional leagues for access to “official” statistics, but the House remained in favor of that giveaway.Of philosophical significance was the Senate’s preference for a firewall between the state government and the kind of financial risk accepted by&nbsp;sports&nbsp;bookies. The House plan would place state taxpayers on the hook for losses.The Senate was loathe to place the Kansas Lottery in the role of regulator and operator in competition with state-authorized casinos in Dodge City, Pittsburg, Mulvane and Kansas City, Kansas.House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Wichita, said despite obvious challenges the tenor of Statehouse discussions on sports betting would have borne fruit.“I think it would have gotten done if there hadn’t been a truncated session. Next year, I hope it does,” Hawkins said.Casino planA Senate bill authorizing sports betting that surfaced in January followed extensive confidential negotiations that emphasized the economic interests of operators at the four state casinos — Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City and Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel in Pittsburg.Under the blueprint, each casino would be able to run two sports books each. Folks could place in-person or online bets through the casino apps. An authorized business could play host to customers placing bets by cellular telephone through the casinos. Their idea was to forbid the Kansas Lottery from moving ahead with a sports betting platform accessible 24/7 with a cellphone or a computer.The Kansas Lottery would be allowed to sell lottery tickets online for the&nbsp;first time. The bill would be tweaked so that if&nbsp;fewer than two casinos engaged in&nbsp;sports&nbsp;book betting by July 2022, the Kansas Lottery would get a shot at offering internet&nbsp;gambling&nbsp;on&nbsp;sports.The four state licensed casinos deserve first crack at sports gaming after investing $1 billion in gambling facilities in Kansas and producing $110 million in annual revenue for the state, said Matthew Bergmann, who represented the Boot Hill Casino and Resort and Kansas Crossing Casino.“Sports betting has become an effective new customer acquisition tool, particularly when we are able to offer mobile wagering,” said Jeff Morris, an executive with Penn National Gaming, which operates the Hollywood Casino.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599526970466.jpeg" alt="While other states move ahead with legal sports gambling, the House and Senate in Kansas have fought for two sessions without striking a deal on who controls and profits from cutting into black market bookmaking.&nbsp; Photo by Sherman Smith courtesy Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>While other states move ahead with legal sports gambling, the House and Senate in Kansas have fought for two sessions without striking a deal on who controls and profits from cutting into black market bookmaking.&nbsp; Photo by Sherman Smith courtesy Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>Fans of the so-called casino model, with the blessing of some members of Senate and House GOP leadership, concluded their best shot was to secure Senate passage of a sports betting bill early in the 2020 session. After the Senate staked out a position, their objective was to undermine any House alternative offered by Rep. John Barker, an Abilene Republican who chairs the House Federal and State Affairs Committee.Barker’s strategy was to put the Kansas Lottery in the lead on&nbsp;sports&nbsp;wagering and let casinos and racetracks compete for these new&nbsp;gambling&nbsp;dollars in the same manner as retailers. In addition, his House bill was structured to allow internet-based lottery games.“You could be able to go down and buy a lottery ticket and bet on the K-State-KU game, hopefully buy a loaf of bread and 10 gallons of gas or whatever,” Barker said.Advocates of sports gaming planned for the two bills to be placed in a House-Senate conference committee for wheeling and dealing necessary to place an agreement on the governor’s desk. That debate was expected to be complicated by the governor’s preference for a robust iLottery operated by the Kansas Lottery.The rebukesSen. Tom Holland, a Democrat from Baldwin City, said he was supportive of legal sports&nbsp;gambling in Kansas, but was convinced casino lobbyists led the Senate to a proposal too financially generous to those brick-and-mortar businesses. He said the state was “leaving money on the table.”In addition, Holland said, the legislation included obligations of casino operators that should be negotiated by contract rather than embedded in state law. It’s impossible to operate an effective private-public partnership without opportunity to respond nimbly to shifting market conditions, he said.“This is not a static environment,” Holland said. “We’re not going to know everything at the beginning of this journey into&nbsp;sports&nbsp;wagering. We’re not going to think of everything up front.”Rancher Jeff Rutland, of Independence, used the words “irony” and “oddity” to refer to what could better be described as hypocrisy of companies hired by the state of Kansas to operate the four casinos. He watched for a decade at rejection of proposals to revise the 2007 law that set the foundation for development of casinos and granted dog or horse racetracks to install slot machines. All of the tracks closed and Rutland believes the 40% tax on revenue at the racetracks should be lowered. The casinos pay a 22% tax on revenue.“The only opposition you will have to this amendment will be the state-owned casino groups because they simply don’t want the competition,” Rutland said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599527133524.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly says she prefers Kansas adopt a sports gambling bill that grants the Kansas Lottery the authority to operate for the first time internet lottery gaming. Photo by Sherman Smith courtesy Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly says she prefers Kansas adopt a sports gambling bill that grants the Kansas Lottery the authority to operate for the first time internet lottery gaming. Photo by Sherman Smith courtesy Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas League of Municipalities complained the sports wagering bills floated in Kansas earmarked revenue for the state government, but none for cities and counties. The Humane Society Legislative Fund of Kansas recommended the legislation ban wagering on greyhound races if tracks opened in Kansas or if races in other states were broadcast in Kansas venues. The National Council on Problem Gambling urged lawmakers to direct at least 1% of revenue to addiction prevention and treatment services.Senate President Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, said the bill should require 2% of sports&nbsp;betting revenue to be devoted to treatment of individuals with&nbsp;gambling&nbsp;addiction. She got that measure added to the Senate bill.“When you increase availability of gaming, you’ll have increased addicts,” Wagle said.Horizon lineSports&nbsp;betting has been legalized in the District of Columbia and 21 states, including Iowa, Colorado and Illinois,&nbsp;and that number might have grown had the pandemic not wiped out opportunity in Kansas to work through bill-writing conflicts during the 2020 session.While COVID-19 damaged the economy by igniting unemployment and weakening city, county and state tax collections, including lottery revenue,&nbsp;a projected&nbsp;state treasury shortfall of more than $1 billion in Kansas could serve as incentive for the 2021 Legislature to move factions toward compromise.“We’re going to need more revenue,” said House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, D-Wichita. “It’s unfortunate we couldn’t get it done. I’d like to see it move.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599527256879.jpeg" alt="House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, a Wichita Democrat, says the 2021 Legislature needs to work hard on a bill to legalize sports gambling because the state government needs the new revenue. Photo by Nick Krug courtesy Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, a Wichita Democrat, says the 2021 Legislature needs to work hard on a bill to legalize sports gambling because the state government needs the new revenue. Photo by Nick Krug courtesy Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>While the Legislature took center stage on sports betting, the Kansas attorney general&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/10/kansas-attorney-general-files-federal-lawsuit-to-thwart-proposed-tribal-casino/">filed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;to reverse a U.S. Department of Interior decision clearing obstacles for the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma to build a casino on tribal land near Wichita.Bill Friend, the tribe’s chief, said the suit brought by Attorney General Derek Schmidt was a waste of time. He said Kansas’ state-operated casinos and the tribal gaming facilities would soon have a competitor.“They fought us for 14 years in Washington, D.C., to try to break what was our legal right,” Friend said. “We fought through the politics of it and all the money they spent on lobbying.”The pressure for reform mounted just as Kansas fumbled the ball.“This is a watershed moment for&nbsp;sports&nbsp;betting in the United States,” said Bill Miller, president of the American Gaming Association. “Roughly 100 million Americans will be able to legally wager on&nbsp;sports&nbsp;in their state by the end of the year.”Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International. He has been recognized for investigative reporting on Kansas government and politics. He won the Kansas Press Association's Victor Murdock Award six times. The William Allen White Foundation honored him four times with its Burton Marvin News Enterprise Award. The Kansas City Press Club twice presented him its Journalist of the Year Award and more recently its Lifetime Achievement Award. He earned an agriculture degree at Kansas State University and grew up on a small dairy and beef cattle farm in Missouri.Republished courtesy Kansas Reflector.

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