Here's Tuesday's COVID-19 update from Saline County:

The Saline County Health Department does not have any additional cases of COVID-19 to report today.

Saline County has had 28 cases. Out of the total number of cases, four citizens continue to be actively monitored and isolated and there have been two deaths. The rest have met the criteria necessary to be considered recovered and have been released from daily monitoring and isolation.

Governor Kelly released her plans to move to Phase 2 of the Ad Astra Reopening Plan starting on Friday, May 22nd. All of the updated information has been uploaded to our website: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>.

Here are the highlights in Phase 2:

•Mass gatherings of 15 or fewer individuals.

•All businesses/activities allowed in Phase 1 and 1.5 may continue to operate with outlined social distancing, mass gathering, and public health restrictions.

•Nail salons, barbershops, hair salons, tanning salons, tattoo parlors, and other personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided may continue to operate, but only for prescheduled appointments.

•Fitness centers and health clubs may continue to operate. In-person group classes will be allowed to begin with groups of no more than 15 individuals at a time. Locker rooms remain closed except for restroom facilities.

•Community Centers may open as long as they follow the mass gatherings and social distancing restrictions. Due to the high-risk population concerns, the Saline County Senior Center will remain closed; but meals on wheels will continue.

•Indoor leisure paces such as movie theaters, trampoline parks, theaters, museums, and bowling allies may open as long as they follow the mass gathering and social distancing restrictions.

•State-owned and operated casinos will be allowed to operate as long as they follow social distancing and mass gathering restrictions.

•Organized sports facilities, games, and sports practice may operate as long as they follow outlined mass gatherings and social distancing guidelines AND follow guidelines established by the Kansas Recreation and Park Association.

•In-person commencement or graduation ceremonies may continue to occur with no more than 15 individuals in a room, gymnasium, or facility at one time so long as 6-foot social distancing is maintained.

Under Phase 2 these are the things that are NOT allowed to take place:

•Opening of bars and night clubs.

•Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with a capacity of 2,000 or more.

•Fairs, festivals, carnivals, and parades.

•Swimming pools (other than backyard pools and those used for physical therapy or first-responder training).

•Summer camps unless they are a licensed child care facility.

Reopening Kansas comes by milestones, not on a timetable. Progress will be measured by monitoring our testing rates, COVID-19 hospitalizations, ability to contact trace, and the availability of personal protective equipment. Here’s what you can do to help reach reopening milestones:

•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.

•Check-in (via phone/letter/text/email) with friends and family who are isolated.

Help our community in slowing the spread of this virus. 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>. Stay Safe &amp; Stay Healthy.

Here's Tuesday's COVID-19 update from Saline County:The Saline County Health Department does not have any additional cases of COVID-19 to report today.Saline County has had 28 cases. Out of the total number of cases, four citizens continue to be actively monitored and isolated and there have been two deaths. The rest have met the criteria necessary to be considered recovered and have been released from daily monitoring and isolation.Governor Kelly released her plans to move to Phase 2 of the Ad Astra Reopening Plan starting on Friday, May 22nd. All of the updated information has been uploaded to our website: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>.Here are the highlights in Phase 2:•Mass gatherings of 15 or fewer individuals.•All businesses/activities allowed in Phase 1 and 1.5 may continue to operate with outlined social distancing, mass gathering, and public health restrictions.•Nail salons, barbershops, hair salons, tanning salons, tattoo parlors, and other personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided may continue to operate, but only for prescheduled appointments.•Fitness centers and health clubs may continue to operate. In-person group classes will be allowed to begin with groups of no more than 15 individuals at a time. Locker rooms remain closed except for restroom facilities.•Community Centers may open as long as they follow the mass gatherings and social distancing restrictions. Due to the high-risk population concerns, the Saline County Senior Center will remain closed; but meals on wheels will continue.•Indoor leisure paces such as movie theaters, trampoline parks, theaters, museums, and bowling allies may open as long as they follow the mass gathering and social distancing restrictions.•State-owned and operated casinos will be allowed to operate as long as they follow social distancing and mass gathering restrictions.•Organized sports facilities, games, and sports practice may operate as long as they follow outlined mass gatherings and social distancing guidelines AND follow guidelines established by the Kansas Recreation and Park Association.•In-person commencement or graduation ceremonies may continue to occur with no more than 15 individuals in a room, gymnasium, or facility at one time so long as 6-foot social distancing is maintained.Under Phase 2 these are the things that are NOT allowed to take place:•Opening of bars and night clubs.•Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with a capacity of 2,000 or more.•Fairs, festivals, carnivals, and parades.•Swimming pools (other than backyard pools and those used for physical therapy or first-responder training).•Summer camps unless they are a licensed child care facility.Reopening Kansas comes by milestones, not on a timetable. Progress will be measured by monitoring our testing rates, COVID-19 hospitalizations, ability to contact trace, and the availability of personal protective equipment. Here’s what you can do to help reach reopening milestones:•Stay home if you’re sick.•Wear masks in public settings.•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.•Minimize nonessential travel.•Check-in (via phone/letter/text/email) with friends and family who are isolated.•Wash your hands frequently.Help our community in slowing the spread of this virus. 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>. Stay Safe &amp; Stay Healthy.

Saline County: No new cases of COVID-19

CLAY CENTER -- The Clay County Health Department on Monday reported an additional confirmed case of COVID-19.

According to a news release from the health department, the case involves a Clay County resident "that is hospitalized in another Kansas County. The Clay County Health Department has identified all close contacts of this indvidual and those who were exposed have been contacted. The patient has not been back in Clay County since contracting the disease. There is no risk of spread in the community because of this case."

The county's other confirmed cases of COVID-19 include one fatality and three others who have fully recovered and were released from isolation restrictions, the health department noted. Additionally, all of the close contacts of the confirmed cses in Clay County have completed the required quarantine and none developed COVID-19 symptoms, the health department reported.

CLAY CENTER -- The Clay County Health Department on Monday reported an additional confirmed case of COVID-19.According to a news release from the health department, the case involves a Clay County resident "that is hospitalized in another Kansas County. The Clay County Health Department has identified all close contacts of this indvidual and those who were exposed have been contacted. The patient has not been back in Clay County since contracting the disease. There is no risk of spread in the community because of this case."The county's other confirmed cases of COVID-19 include one fatality and three others who have fully recovered and were released from isolation restrictions, the health department noted. Additionally, all of the close contacts of the confirmed cses in Clay County have completed the required quarantine and none developed COVID-19 symptoms, the health department reported.

Clay County reports another COVID-19 case

Saline County has announced the upcoming closure of a portion of West Water Well Road.

West Water Well Road between South Burma Road and South Lightville Road will be closed to through traffic beginning Tuesday and will remain closed for a few months, according to information from the Saline County Road and Bridge Department. 

The road closure is needed for the construction of a road improvement project. A detour route will be signed for the project.  The detour route will run north of West Water Well Road for two miles on South Burma Road, then one mile west on West Magnolia Road to South Lightville Road, then two miles south on South Lightville Road to West Water Well Road.    

Access to homes will be maintained at all times, however, depending on the phase of construction, access may only be obtained from the west end or the east end of the project at a time. Motorist are advised to allow a few extra minutes of travel time to reach their destination.

On Friday of last week, Saline County installed signs on either end of the project informing traffic that the road will be closed on May 20. These signs will be adjusted to show May 26, the information noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589923152118.png" alt="Map courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Saline County has announced the upcoming closure of a portion of West Water Well Road.West Water Well Road between South Burma Road and South Lightville Road will be closed to through traffic beginning Tuesday and will remain closed for a few months, according to information from the Saline County Road and Bridge Department. The road closure is needed for the construction of a road improvement project. A detour route will be signed for the project. The detour route will run north of West Water Well Road for two miles on South Burma Road, then one mile west on West Magnolia Road to South Lightville Road, then two miles south on South Lightville Road to West Water Well Road. Access to homes will be maintained at all times, however, depending on the phase of construction, access may only be obtained from the west end or the east end of the project at a time. Motorist are advised to allow a few extra minutes of travel time to reach their destination.On Friday of last week, Saline County installed signs on either end of the project informing traffic that the road will be closed on May 20. These signs will be adjusted to show May 26, the information noted.

County to close part of West Water Well Road

CHAPMAN -- The City of Chapman wants to know what its citizens think about having chickens within the city limits. Chapman residents are asked to vote on the City of Chapman Facebook page. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CityofChapman/">City of Chapman</a> Facebook page:

CHAPMAN -- The City of Chapman wants to know what its citizens think about having chickens within the city limits. Chapman residents are asked to vote on the City of Chapman Facebook page. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CityofChapman/">City of Chapman</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCityofChapman%2Fposts%2F3468063556556388&width=500" width="500" height="520" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Chapman: Chickens within the city limits?

UPDATE: Police have cited the driver of the pickup. Read: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ec6a29deb7f170536057f5f">Roxbury teen cited in Monday hit-and-run incident</a>

UPDATE: The Salina Police Department has reported that the driver of the pickup has been identified. Salina Post will have more information when it becomes available.

Police are looking for the driver of a pickup involved in a hit and run accident early Monday afternoon in south Salina.

According to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester, a 2004 Peterbilt cement truck owned by Concrete Supply of Topeka was eastbound on Magnolia Road at 1:10 p.m. Monday and had the green light at the South Ninth Street intersection. A silver or light colored Chevrolet Silverado pickup was westbound at the intersection and had a flashing yellow left turn signal. The pickup failed to yield the right-of-way to the cement truck and turned in front of it, Forrester explained.

The cement truck struck the pickup, causing damage to the rear passenger side of the bed, bumper and light fixture area, he reported. The pickup fled the scene without making a report, Forrester added.

The pickup appears to be a late 1980s early 1990s full size Chevrolet pickup with a low profile tool box in the bed, Forrester explained. The pickup has no hubcaps and is missing the black molding on the passenger side door, he added. 

No injuries were reported, Forrester noted.

UPDATE: Police have cited the driver of the pickup. Read: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ec6a29deb7f170536057f5f">Roxbury teen cited in Monday hit-and-run incident</a>UPDATE: The Salina Police Department has reported that the driver of the pickup has been identified. Salina Post will have more information when it becomes available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589896858031.png" alt="An image of the suspect pickup&nbsp;that was captured by a camera mounted in the cab of the cement truck.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Salina Police Department&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>An image of the suspect pickup&nbsp;that was captured by a camera mounted in the cab of the cement truck.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Salina Police Department&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Police are looking for the driver of a pickup involved in a hit and run accident early Monday afternoon in south Salina.According to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester, a 2004 Peterbilt cement truck owned by Concrete Supply of Topeka was eastbound on Magnolia Road at 1:10 p.m. Monday and had the green light at the South Ninth Street intersection. A silver or light colored Chevrolet Silverado pickup was westbound at the intersection and had a flashing yellow left turn signal. The pickup failed to yield the right-of-way to the cement truck and turned in front of it, Forrester explained.The cement truck struck the pickup, causing damage to the rear passenger side of the bed, bumper and light fixture area, he reported. The pickup fled the scene without making a report, Forrester added.The pickup appears to be a late 1980s early 1990s full size Chevrolet pickup with a low profile tool box in the bed, Forrester explained. The pickup has no hubcaps and is missing the black molding on the passenger side door, he added. No injuries were reported, Forrester noted.

UPDATE: Police looking for driver involved in hit-and-run accident Monday

CONCORDIA -- Effective Immediately Cloud County Health Center will be adopting the following guidelines:

As Kansas continues to progress towards a new sense of normalcy, we at Cloud County Health Center have been closely monitoring both the state and county cases of COVID-19 and discussing ways we can best serve our patients while keeping everyone safe. We understand that limiting the entrance into the

Health Center to only patients these past several weeks has been stressful for those involved. While we still encourage only patients to attend appointments and are limiting visitors, we are reducing restrictions to help accommodate those who are served best by having another person with them.

Inpatient: Visiting Hours from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Only one visitor at a time for each patient will be allowed.

Emergency Room: only one visitor per patient. Visitor must stay in the patient’s room unless directed otherwise by staff.

Lab, Radiology, Outpatient Services, Cardiopulmonary, Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy: one person may accompany the patient if needed. Additional person must remain with the patient or in the appropriate waiting room.

Dialysis: one person may assist the patient to dialysis and then return to assist the patient after their dialysis appointment.

Family Care Center: one person may accompany the patient if necessary, and must stay in the room with the patient. As a reminder you are asked to call ahead to be pre-screened and given a time prior to accessing the walk in clinic. Clinic Hours will remain 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday for the time being.

All persons entering Cloud County Health Center will be screened for travel history and symptoms as well as have their temperature assessed. All visitors/those accompanying patients will be strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in the building. We ask that you please bring a mask from home if you can. 

All visitors/those accompanying patients must be free from fever (less than 100.0, not in quarantine, and an adult.

We will also be asking that there is no loitering in the Health Center. Please attend your scheduled appointment and leave. You will also be asked to social distance yourselves if you need to wait in a waiting room.

Unfortunately, at this time our dining room will remain closed to the public. 

CONCORDIA -- Effective Immediately Cloud County Health Center will be adopting the following guidelines:As Kansas continues to progress towards a new sense of normalcy, we at Cloud County Health Center have been closely monitoring both the state and county cases of COVID-19 and discussing ways we can best serve our patients while keeping everyone safe. We understand that limiting the entrance into theHealth Center to only patients these past several weeks has been stressful for those involved. While we still encourage only patients to attend appointments and are limiting visitors, we are reducing restrictions to help accommodate those who are served best by having another person with them.Inpatient: Visiting Hours from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Only one visitor at a time for each patient will be allowed.Emergency Room: only one visitor per patient. Visitor must stay in the patient’s room unless directed otherwise by staff.Lab, Radiology, Outpatient Services, Cardiopulmonary, Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy: one person may accompany the patient if needed. Additional person must remain with the patient or in the appropriate waiting room.Dialysis: one person may assist the patient to dialysis and then return to assist the patient after their dialysis appointment.Family Care Center: one person may accompany the patient if necessary, and must stay in the room with the patient. As a reminder you are asked to call ahead to be pre-screened and given a time prior to accessing the walk in clinic. Clinic Hours will remain 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday for the time being.All persons entering Cloud County Health Center will be screened for travel history and symptoms as well as have their temperature assessed. All visitors/those accompanying patients will be strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in the building. We ask that you please bring a mask from home if you can. All visitors/those accompanying patients must be free from fever (less than 100.0, not in quarantine, and an adult.We will also be asking that there is no loitering in the Health Center. Please attend your scheduled appointment and leave. You will also be asked to social distance yourselves if you need to wait in a waiting room.Unfortunately, at this time our dining room will remain closed to the public.

CCHC updates visitor restrictions

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; &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; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Recent obituaries

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/2019/12/1576544829259.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>.

📹Willmott, Lee receiving Oscar buzz for latest project

Gov. Laura Kelly last week probably gave the Kansas Legislature -- which will meet for a one-day wrap-up session Thursday -- the best news it’s gotten so far this session.

She told them that she’s not going to push for changes in spending to speed&nbsp; through the Legislature in one day for the upcoming fiscal year which starts July 1.

Kelly says she’s confident that there’s going to be another recovery bill passed by Congress, though she and the rest of the nation’s governors aren’t certain just how it is going to impact their states and their budgets…and their citizens.

COVID-19 has already cost the state and cities and counties millions of dollars, and we’re still trying to figure how much of that lost revenue will be paid for or at least pared by federal assistance…or whether those costs wind up being paid for by Kansans’ tax dollars.

There’s overtime for first responders, there is testing and hospitalization of the poor who don’t have their own or their employers’ health insurance to cover them, plus a wide range of other costs. There’s also the effect on revenues. Less sales tax, less individual income tax and Kansans stretching to pay their property taxes.

Lots of costs: Just where they are going to fall isn’t clear yet. And six or seven months of monitoring of revenues and needs probably will give Kelly and the Legislature enough time to see just what needs to be fixed, what is essential spending, what is not so essential and what can be reassessed in January to reassemble the budget halfway through Fiscal Year 2021.

It’s a little like waiting to see whether the tornado veers away from your house. You don’t know until it happens. We’re all cowering in the basement, and by this fall leaders should have a better idea of just what’s it going to look like when they leave the basement to see what damage the tornado has caused…and start arranging for repairs.

Many lawmakers aren’t likely to ignore that it was Kelly who essentially sent Kansas to the basement with executive orders that closed thousands of nonessential businesses, restricted travel, caused layoffs, closed in-person attendance at schools…oh, and shut down bars and restaurants.

But then, most legislators who are talking about their concerns for the health and safety of Kansans -- that probably were enhanced by the governor’s shut-down and stay-home executive orders -- are ready for things to open up, for their neighbors to go back to work earning a living, eating in restaurants and paying taxes.

Oh, there’ll be bills this Thursday at the one-day session, and attempts to restrict, or at least let lawmakers regulate just what Kelly can do through executive orders through the remainder of the year, but at least those will come down to mostly fights in the basement about who gets the best spot to cower.

The best news is that besides some of those issues related to the pandemic are fairly technical, and not blazingly political. Look for a delay in when you have to pay your second-half property taxes if you haven’t already sent in the check. That’ll help some Kansans who have been put on furlough or who are living on unemployment benefits.

Oh, and there will be some consideration of the amazingly complicated determination of just what responsibility owners of stores and restaurants and such – and their insurance companies -- have for customers or employees who wind up with coronavirus that they may or may not have picked up at the business.

Best part of the session is that there’s no new budget activity when the state really doesn’t know what it needs to spend and on what as a result of the pandemic.

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 HAWVERGov. Laura Kelly last week probably gave the Kansas Legislature -- which will meet for a one-day wrap-up session Thursday -- the best news it’s gotten so far this session.She told them that she’s not going to push for changes in spending to speed&nbsp; through the Legislature in one day for the upcoming fiscal year which starts July 1.Kelly says she’s confident that there’s going to be another recovery bill passed by Congress, though she and the rest of the nation’s governors aren’t certain just how it is going to impact their states and their budgets…and their citizens.COVID-19 has already cost the state and cities and counties millions of dollars, and we’re still trying to figure how much of that lost revenue will be paid for or at least pared by federal assistance…or whether those costs wind up being paid for by Kansans’ tax dollars.There’s overtime for first responders, there is testing and hospitalization of the poor who don’t have their own or their employers’ health insurance to cover them, plus a wide range of other costs. There’s also the effect on revenues. Less sales tax, less individual income tax and Kansans stretching to pay their property taxes.Lots of costs: Just where they are going to fall isn’t clear yet. And six or seven months of monitoring of revenues and needs probably will give Kelly and the Legislature enough time to see just what needs to be fixed, what is essential spending, what is not so essential and what can be reassessed in January to reassemble the budget halfway through Fiscal Year 2021.It’s a little like waiting to see whether the tornado veers away from your house. You don’t know until it happens. We’re all cowering in the basement, and by this fall leaders should have a better idea of just what’s it going to look like when they leave the basement to see what damage the tornado has caused…and start arranging for repairs.Many lawmakers aren’t likely to ignore that it was Kelly who essentially sent Kansas to the basement with executive orders that closed thousands of nonessential businesses, restricted travel, caused layoffs, closed in-person attendance at schools…oh, and shut down bars and restaurants.But then, most legislators who are talking about their concerns for the health and safety of Kansans -- that probably were enhanced by the governor’s shut-down and stay-home executive orders -- are ready for things to open up, for their neighbors to go back to work earning a living, eating in restaurants and paying taxes.Oh, there’ll be bills this Thursday at the one-day session, and attempts to restrict, or at least let lawmakers regulate just what Kelly can do through executive orders through the remainder of the year, but at least those will come down to mostly fights in the basement about who gets the best spot to cower.The best news is that besides some of those issues related to the pandemic are fairly technical, and not blazingly political. Look for a delay in when you have to pay your second-half property taxes if you haven’t already sent in the check. That’ll help some Kansans who have been put on furlough or who are living on unemployment benefits.Oh, and there will be some consideration of the amazingly complicated determination of just what responsibility owners of stores and restaurants and such – and their insurance companies -- have for customers or employees who wind up with coronavirus that they may or may not have picked up at the business.Best part of the session is that there’s no new budget activity when the state really doesn’t know what it needs to spend and on what as a result of the pandemic.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: Best part -- no new budget activity

Salina Public Library is ready to celebrate and support reading in the community this summer.
 Summer at the Library will continue this year, but with limits on gatherings, it will be a little different from years past. 

Access to the library is crucial for children’s literacy and education. After carefully reviewing its policies and accounts, the library
 is pleased to announce that youth books will be fine free beginning immediately.&nbsp;

“Youth who accrue fines
 are restricted by guardians responsible to help them bring back books on time. Adults busy raising children in our community, who check out youth books on their card, should also have the freedom to read materials to their children without the stress of fines
 when turning in a book a few days late,” Lisa Newman, head of youth services, said. “By eliminating fines, youth can enjoy reading and easily be a part of our events such as the highly successful Summer at the Library program.”

The library will encourage
 everyone in Salina to read this summer and then log the number of books they read each week on the library’s website —
<a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">
salinapubliclibrary.org</a>. The entry form will be available beginning Friday and the last drawing will occur on July 24.

“Reading over the summer
 is an important way to decrease learning loss while students are on break from school,” Newman said. “And it’s fun! We encourage children to pick out books that they enjoy. Grownups, take time to read with the children in your life. Talk about what you are
 reading. Lead by example.”

Each week, the library
 will draw 20 winners, varying in ages, from those who logged books the week before. Prizes will include gift certificates to local stores, restaurants and hot spots, as well as some popular national retailers.

The library’s website
 and social media pages will be highlighting education and entertainment resources throughout the summer, as well as featuring virtual programs created by library staff. Find the library on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.

SPL has removed all pending
 overdue fines on youth books. While youth books will no longer incur fines for late returns, patrons or children’s guardians will still be responsible for replacement costs for books lost or damaged.

Patrons with questions
 about their accounts should contact the library’s Circulation Department at (785) 825-4624, ext. 220, or by emailing
<a href="mailto:circ@salpublib.org" target="_blank">
circ@salpublib.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589847726117.jpeg" alt="Sheila Kjellberg, right, and her daughters Marin, left, and Greer visited the Salina Public Library prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy Salina Public Library" />
 <figcaption>Sheila Kjellberg, right, and her daughters Marin, left, and Greer visited the Salina Public Library prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy Salina Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Public Library is ready to celebrate and support reading in the community this summer.
 Summer at the Library will continue this year, but with limits on gatherings, it will be a little different from years past. Access to the library is crucial for children’s literacy and education. After carefully reviewing its policies and accounts, the library
 is pleased to announce that youth books will be fine free beginning immediately.&nbsp;“Youth who accrue fines
 are restricted by guardians responsible to help them bring back books on time. Adults busy raising children in our community, who check out youth books on their card, should also have the freedom to read materials to their children without the stress of fines
 when turning in a book a few days late,” Lisa Newman, head of youth services, said. “By eliminating fines, youth can enjoy reading and easily be a part of our events such as the highly successful Summer at the Library program.”The library will encourage
 everyone in Salina to read this summer and then log the number of books they read each week on the library’s website —
<a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">
salinapubliclibrary.org</a>. The entry form will be available beginning Friday and the last drawing will occur on July 24.“Reading over the summer
 is an important way to decrease learning loss while students are on break from school,” Newman said. “And it’s fun! We encourage children to pick out books that they enjoy. Grownups, take time to read with the children in your life. Talk about what you are
 reading. Lead by example.”Each week, the library
 will draw 20 winners, varying in ages, from those who logged books the week before. Prizes will include gift certificates to local stores, restaurants and hot spots, as well as some popular national retailers.The library’s website
 and social media pages will be highlighting education and entertainment resources throughout the summer, as well as featuring virtual programs created by library staff. Find the library on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.SPL has removed all pending
 overdue fines on youth books. While youth books will no longer incur fines for late returns, patrons or children’s guardians will still be responsible for replacement costs for books lost or damaged.Patrons with questions
 about their accounts should contact the library’s Circulation Department at (785) 825-4624, ext. 220, or by emailing
<a href="mailto:circ@salpublib.org" target="_blank">
circ@salpublib.org</a>.

Library stresses importance of youth reading, drops fines to zero

Today is Tuesday, May 19, the 140th day of 2020. There are 226 days left in the year.

On May 19, 1943, in his second wartime address to the U.S. Congress, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill pledged his country's full support in the fight against Japan; that evening, Churchill met with President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House, where the two leaders agreed on May 1, 1944 as the date for the D-Day invasion of France (the operation ended up being launched more than a month later).

In 1536, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of England's King Henry VIII, was beheaded after being convicted of adultery.

In 1649, England was declared a republic by Parliament following the execution of King Charles I. (The monarchy was restored in 1660.)

In 1913, California Gov. Hiram Johnson signed the Webb-Hartley Law prohibiting "aliens ineligible to citizenship" from owning farm land, a measure targeting Asian immigrants, particularly Japanese.

In 1921, Congress passed, and President Warren G. Harding signed, the Emergency Quota Act, which established national quotas for immigrants.

In 1924, the Marx Brothers made their Broadway debut in the revue "I'll Say She Is."

In 1935, T.E. Lawrence, also known as "Lawrence of Arabia," died in Dorset, England, six days after being injured in a motorcycle crash.

In 1967, the Soviet Union ratified a treaty with the United States and Britain, banning nuclear and other weapons from outer space as well as celestial bodies such as the moon. (The treaty entered into force in October 1967.)

In 1981, five British soldiers were killed by an Irish Republican Army land mine in County Armagh, Northern Ireland.

In 1992, in a case that drew much notoriety, Mary Jo Buttafuoco of Massapequa, New York, was shot and seriously wounded by her husband Joey's teenage lover, Amy Fisher.

In 1993, the Clinton White House set off a political storm by abruptly firing the entire staff of its travel office; five of the seven staffers were later reinstated and assigned to other duties.

In 1994, former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died in New York at age 64.

In 2003, WorldCom Inc. agreed to pay investors $500 million to settle civil fraud charges.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama condemned Arizona's crackdown on illegal immigration and pushed instead for a federal fix he said the nation could embrace, showing solidarity with his guest of honor, Mexican President Felipe Calderon, who called Arizona's law discriminatory. Rioters in Bangkok torched the stock exchange and other landmark buildings after a deadly army assault on an anti-government encampment ended a two-month siege.

Five years ago: On a visit to Ireland, Prince Charles shook hands with Sinn Fein party president Gerry Adams in a significant moment for Anglo-Irish relations. NFL owners meeting in San Francisco agreed to move back extra-point kicks and allow defenses to score on conversion turnovers. Margaretta "Happy" Rockefeller, 88, the widow of former U.S. Vice President and New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, died in Tarrytown, New York.

One year ago: Billionaire technology investor Robert F. Smith stunned the graduating class at Morehouse College, an all-male, historically-black college in Atlanta, when he announced in his commencement speech that he would pay off the student loans of the entire class, estimated at $40 million. "Game of Thrones" aired its 73rd and final episode on HBO, with a record-setting number of viewers. After giving up nearly all of his seven-shot lead in the final round, Brooks Koepka won his second straight PGA Championship, joining Tiger Woods as the only back-to-back winners since the tournament went to stroke play in 1958.

Today's Birthdays: TV personality David Hartman is 85. Actor James Fox is 81. Actress Nancy Kwan is 81. Rock singer-composer Pete Townshend (The Who) is 75. Concert pianist David Helfgott is 73. Rock singer-musician Dusty Hill (ZZ Top) is 71. College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL player Archie Manning is 71. Singer-actress Grace Jones is 69. Rock musician Phil Rudd is 66. Actor Steven Ford is 64. Actress Toni Lewis is 60. Rock musician Iain Harvie (Del Amitri) is 58. Actress Polly Walker is 54. Actor Jason Gray-Stanford is 50. Gospel singer Israel Houghton is 49. Rock singer Jenny Berggren (Ace of Base) is 48. Former race car driver Dario Franchitti is 47. TV personality Kim Zolciak Biermann (TV: "Real Housewives of Atlanta") is 42. Country/rock singer Shooter Jennings is 41. Actor Drew Fuller is 40. Actor-comedian Michael Che (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 37. Christian rock musician Tim McTague (Underoath) is 37. Rock musician James Richardson (MGMT) is 37. Actor Eric Lloyd is 34. Pop singer Sam Smith is 28. Actor Nolan Lyons is 19.

Thought for Today: "Every moment one lives is different from the other. The good, the bad, hardship, the joy, the tragedy, love, and happiness are all interwoven into one single, indescribable whole that is called life. You cannot separate the good from the bad. And perhaps there is no need to do so, either." — Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1929-1994).

<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>Today is Tuesday, May 19, the 140th day of 2020. There are 226 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On May 19, 1943, in his second wartime address to the U.S. Congress, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill pledged his country's full support in the fight against Japan; that evening, Churchill met with President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House, where the two leaders agreed on May 1, 1944 as the date for the D-Day invasion of France (the operation ended up being launched more than a month later).On this date:In 1536, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of England's King Henry VIII, was beheaded after being convicted of adultery.In 1649, England was declared a republic by Parliament following the execution of King Charles I. (The monarchy was restored in 1660.)In 1913, California Gov. Hiram Johnson signed the Webb-Hartley Law prohibiting "aliens ineligible to citizenship" from owning farm land, a measure targeting Asian immigrants, particularly Japanese.In 1921, Congress passed, and President Warren G. Harding signed, the Emergency Quota Act, which established national quotas for immigrants.In 1924, the Marx Brothers made their Broadway debut in the revue "I'll Say She Is."In 1935, T.E. Lawrence, also known as "Lawrence of Arabia," died in Dorset, England, six days after being injured in a motorcycle crash.In 1967, the Soviet Union ratified a treaty with the United States and Britain, banning nuclear and other weapons from outer space as well as celestial bodies such as the moon. (The treaty entered into force in October 1967.)In 1981, five British soldiers were killed by an Irish Republican Army land mine in County Armagh, Northern Ireland.In 1992, in a case that drew much notoriety, Mary Jo Buttafuoco of Massapequa, New York, was shot and seriously wounded by her husband Joey's teenage lover, Amy Fisher.In 1993, the Clinton White House set off a political storm by abruptly firing the entire staff of its travel office; five of the seven staffers were later reinstated and assigned to other duties.In 1994, former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died in New York at age 64.In 2003, WorldCom Inc. agreed to pay investors $500 million to settle civil fraud charges.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama condemned Arizona's crackdown on illegal immigration and pushed instead for a federal fix he said the nation could embrace, showing solidarity with his guest of honor, Mexican President Felipe Calderon, who called Arizona's law discriminatory. Rioters in Bangkok torched the stock exchange and other landmark buildings after a deadly army assault on an anti-government encampment ended a two-month siege.Five years ago: On a visit to Ireland, Prince Charles shook hands with Sinn Fein party president Gerry Adams in a significant moment for Anglo-Irish relations. NFL owners meeting in San Francisco agreed to move back extra-point kicks and allow defenses to score on conversion turnovers. Margaretta "Happy" Rockefeller, 88, the widow of former U.S. Vice President and New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, died in Tarrytown, New York.One year ago: Billionaire technology investor Robert F. Smith stunned the graduating class at Morehouse College, an all-male, historically-black college in Atlanta, when he announced in his commencement speech that he would pay off the student loans of the entire class, estimated at $40 million. "Game of Thrones" aired its 73rd and final episode on HBO, with a record-setting number of viewers. After giving up nearly all of his seven-shot lead in the final round, Brooks Koepka won his second straight PGA Championship, joining Tiger Woods as the only back-to-back winners since the tournament went to stroke play in 1958.Today's Birthdays: TV personality David Hartman is 85. Actor James Fox is 81. Actress Nancy Kwan is 81. Rock singer-composer Pete Townshend (The Who) is 75. Concert pianist David Helfgott is 73. Rock singer-musician Dusty Hill (ZZ Top) is 71. College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL player Archie Manning is 71. Singer-actress Grace Jones is 69. Rock musician Phil Rudd is 66. Actor Steven Ford is 64. Actress Toni Lewis is 60. Rock musician Iain Harvie (Del Amitri) is 58. Actress Polly Walker is 54. Actor Jason Gray-Stanford is 50. Gospel singer Israel Houghton is 49. Rock singer Jenny Berggren (Ace of Base) is 48. Former race car driver Dario Franchitti is 47. TV personality Kim Zolciak Biermann (TV: "Real Housewives of Atlanta") is 42. Country/rock singer Shooter Jennings is 41. Actor Drew Fuller is 40. Actor-comedian Michael Che (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 37. Christian rock musician Tim McTague (Underoath) is 37. Rock musician James Richardson (MGMT) is 37. Actor Eric Lloyd is 34. Pop singer Sam Smith is 28. Actor Nolan Lyons is 19.Thought for Today: "Every moment one lives is different from the other. The good, the bad, hardship, the joy, the tragedy, love, and happiness are all interwoven into one single, indescribable whole that is called life. You cannot separate the good from the bad. And perhaps there is no need to do so, either." — Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1929-1994).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- May 19

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Kaitlin Larson, a junior elementary education major from Solomon, was among approximately 800 Bob Jones University students named to the spring 2020 President's List.

The President's List recognizes students who earn a 3.75 or higher grade point average for the semester.

Located in Greenville, South Carolina,&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/_QA/cXo/t.31v/4eCdl6R9Rdy4uieMS3913A/h0/2T7-2BC14O-2BlLr9rB8nlHRwX20L1O30vCPGO-2BvEoLpGi4-3D/SN-1" target="_blank">Bob Jones University</a>&nbsp;provides an outstanding regionally accredited Christian liberal arts education purposely designed to inspire a lifelong pursuit of learning, loving and leading.

BJU offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in religion, education, fine arts and communication, arts and science, health sciences, and business.

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Kaitlin Larson, a junior elementary education major from Solomon, was among approximately 800 Bob Jones University students named to the spring 2020 President's List.The President's List recognizes students who earn a 3.75 or higher grade point average for the semester.Located in Greenville, South Carolina,&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/_QA/cXo/t.31v/4eCdl6R9Rdy4uieMS3913A/h0/2T7-2BC14O-2BlLr9rB8nlHRwX20L1O30vCPGO-2BvEoLpGi4-3D/SN-1" target="_blank">Bob Jones University</a>&nbsp;provides an outstanding regionally accredited Christian liberal arts education purposely designed to inspire a lifelong pursuit of learning, loving and leading.BJU offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in religion, education, fine arts and communication, arts and science, health sciences, and business.

Larson named to President's List at Bob Jones University

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/dentist-and-hygienest-describe-how-covid-19-disrupts-even-routine-teeth-cleanings">Kansas News Service</a>

Dental offices across Kansas closed for more than a month to make 
sure they weren’t using up critical personal protective equipment needed
 at hospitals.

Now many are beginning to clean molars and bicuspids again.

Brian
 Grimmett of the Kansas News Service spoke with David Lawlor, a dentist,
 and Julie Martin, the president of the Kansas Dental Hygienists’ 
Association, to find out what you can expect when you go and how they’re
 trying to keep patients and employees safe.

The interviews were performed separately. The questions and answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Kansas News Service: What are the expectations for getting back up and running?

David
 Lawlor: We’ve been pushing patients back for six weeks. I think at 
first people originally we’re trying to do their best to deal with it. 
If it’s something I can put off for a while I will. But the last couple 
weeks it’s kind of been like we reached our limit and people got to get 
in.

We’re having people stay out in their car and we’re taking 
the temperature of staff and patients. We’re wearing masks, we have face
 shields, we have gowns, and for our cleanings we’re not using the 
Cavitron (a machine that uses ultrasonic sound waves to remove plaque 
from teeth) which is a thing that can aerosolize the virus. We’re doing 
mostly hand scaling.

KNS: You mentioned the precautions 
you’re taking, but is there some extra hesitancy from you or your staff,
 saying, you know I'm working with spit all day?

Lawlor:
 Yes and No. It’s what we do all the time. We’ve always been at higher 
risk for getting sicknesses because we’re working in people’s mouths. 
So, that’s been the main thing, trying to limit the amount of high air 
flow into the mouth that causes things to get into the air. And you know
 what? I think it’s all going to work out and be just fine.

KNS: Have you heard from any people that are afraid to go back to work?

Julie
 Martin: It wouldn’t be normal to not be afraid to go back to work. 
Because if our vigilance isn’t high, then complacency comes into play.

I
 mean our procedures, the nature of our job is removing the bacterial 
load that’s in our oral cavities. And a lot of our equipment does 
produce those aerosols. That includes your polishing. That involves 
splatter. Some of your ultrasonic equipment which has, like the water 
spray and the vibration. That also creates an aerosol. So I mean, pretty
 much everything that we do can exasperate that potential for spread.

KNS: Financially, what has it been like taking six weeks off?

Martin:
 This is a tough choice. If we don’t go back to work we can’t pay our 
bills. So, the economic issue of all of this is devastating. Having to 
go back to work is great, but is it worth risking your health and the 
rest of the public’s health that you care for, is it worth it? That’s (a
 decision) each individual, each oral health care provider needs to 
make.

KNS: Should you go to the dentist right now?

Martin:
 You know, if you have an infection and you are in pain, then absolutely
 go in and see the dentist. Get that taken care of. Because if you do 
have infection and do have pain it has a tendency to spread into the 
rest of the system.

Brian Grimmett reports on the 
environment, energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the 
Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a>
 or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org. The Kansas News Service 
is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains 
Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and 
their connection to public policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589809290522.png" alt=" A rinsing sink at the dentist office of David Lawlor in Wichita. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> A rinsing sink at the dentist office of David Lawlor in Wichita. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/dentist-and-hygienest-describe-how-covid-19-disrupts-even-routine-teeth-cleanings">Kansas News Service</a>Dental offices across Kansas closed for more than a month to make 
sure they weren’t using up critical personal protective equipment needed
 at hospitals.Now many are beginning to clean molars and bicuspids again.Brian
 Grimmett of the Kansas News Service spoke with David Lawlor, a dentist,
 and Julie Martin, the president of the Kansas Dental Hygienists’ 
Association, to find out what you can expect when you go and how they’re
 trying to keep patients and employees safe.The interviews were performed separately. The questions and answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.Kansas News Service: What are the expectations for getting back up and running?David
 Lawlor: We’ve been pushing patients back for six weeks. I think at 
first people originally we’re trying to do their best to deal with it. 
If it’s something I can put off for a while I will. But the last couple 
weeks it’s kind of been like we reached our limit and people got to get 
in.We’re having people stay out in their car and we’re taking 
the temperature of staff and patients. We’re wearing masks, we have face
 shields, we have gowns, and for our cleanings we’re not using the 
Cavitron (a machine that uses ultrasonic sound waves to remove plaque 
from teeth) which is a thing that can aerosolize the virus. We’re doing 
mostly hand scaling.KNS: You mentioned the precautions 
you’re taking, but is there some extra hesitancy from you or your staff,
 saying, you know I'm working with spit all day?Lawlor:
 Yes and No. It’s what we do all the time. We’ve always been at higher 
risk for getting sicknesses because we’re working in people’s mouths. 
So, that’s been the main thing, trying to limit the amount of high air 
flow into the mouth that causes things to get into the air. And you know
 what? I think it’s all going to work out and be just fine.KNS: Have you heard from any people that are afraid to go back to work?Julie
 Martin: It wouldn’t be normal to not be afraid to go back to work. 
Because if our vigilance isn’t high, then complacency comes into play.I
 mean our procedures, the nature of our job is removing the bacterial 
load that’s in our oral cavities. And a lot of our equipment does 
produce those aerosols. That includes your polishing. That involves 
splatter. Some of your ultrasonic equipment which has, like the water 
spray and the vibration. That also creates an aerosol. So I mean, pretty
 much everything that we do can exasperate that potential for spread.KNS: Financially, what has it been like taking six weeks off?Martin:
 This is a tough choice. If we don’t go back to work we can’t pay our 
bills. So, the economic issue of all of this is devastating. Having to 
go back to work is great, but is it worth risking your health and the 
rest of the public’s health that you care for, is it worth it? That’s (a
 decision) each individual, each oral health care provider needs to 
make.KNS: Should you go to the dentist right now?Martin:
 You know, if you have an infection and you are in pain, then absolutely
 go in and see the dentist. Get that taken care of. Because if you do 
have infection and do have pain it has a tendency to spread into the 
rest of the system.Brian Grimmett reports on the 
environment, energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the 
Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a>
 or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org. The Kansas News Service 
is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains 
Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and 
their connection to public policy.

Dentist, hygienist: COVID-19 disrupts even routine cleanings 

Saline County Commissioners have a busy agenda for Tuesday morning, including a KDOT agreement, a rural fire district board appointment, a warning siren, and executive session, and multiple updates and budget requests.

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

Saline County noted on the agenda for the meeting that as it transitions back to regular operations while maintaining  social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, there will be limited public seating for the meeting. Up to 10 members of the public will be accommodated on a first-come, first-seated basis in overflow seating adjacent to the commission meeting room and up to two members of the public at a time will be permitted to line up to provide public comment. 

You also can view county commission meetings on Salina Media Connection, either via Cox Cable Channel 20 or online at <a href="http://www.salinatv.org">www.salinatv.org</a>.

In addition, interested persons can provide public comment by dialing (785) 621-0800, entering participant code 782956 followed by #, and then dialing *9 to alert the moderator that they wish to comment. Although commissioners will be able to hear comments, the public may have difficulty hearing commission business through the telephone bridge.

Items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.

•Consider a Kansas Department of Transportation agreement for a local road safety plan -- Justin Mader, county engineer

•Consider a resolution to appoint Casey Morgan to the Rural Fire District No. 2 board -- Michelle Barkley, emergency management director

•Consider a request from Rural Fire District No. 1 to submit a grant proposal to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for funding for an outdoor warning siren to be placed in Kipp. The district also is requesting that if the grant is awarded, it be allowed to accept it -- Barkley

•Hear a human resources update from Marilyn Leamer, human resource director

•Hear a livestock and expo update from Rick Lamer, livestock and expo director

•Hear the Tri Rivers Fair Board 2021 budget request -- Kim Norwood, board member

•Hear the OCCK 2021 budget request -- Sheila Nelson-Stout, president and Susan Sprague, vice president of expansion and communication

•Hear the North Central Regional Planning Commission 2021 budget request -- Emily Benedick, executive director

•Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes' weekly update

•Meet in executive session to discuss non-elected personnel

To see the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet (43-page pdf, <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20200519.pdf?ver=2020-05-15-141759-570">click here</a>.

Saline County Commissioners have a busy agenda for Tuesday morning, including a KDOT agreement, a rural fire district board appointment, a warning siren, and executive session, and multiple updates and budget requests.The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting. Saline County noted on the agenda for the meeting that as it transitions back to regular operations while maintaining social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, there will be limited public seating for the meeting. Up to 10 members of the public will be accommodated on a first-come, first-seated basis in overflow seating adjacent to the commission meeting room and up to two members of the public at a time will be permitted to line up to provide public comment. You also can view county commission meetings on Salina Media Connection, either via Cox Cable Channel 20 or online at <a href="http://www.salinatv.org">www.salinatv.org</a>.In addition, interested persons can provide public comment by dialing (785) 621-0800, entering participant code 782956 followed by #, and then dialing *9 to alert the moderator that they wish to comment. Although commissioners will be able to hear comments, the public may have difficulty hearing commission business through the telephone bridge.Items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.•Consider a Kansas Department of Transportation agreement for a local road safety plan -- Justin Mader, county engineer•Consider a resolution to appoint Casey Morgan to the Rural Fire District No. 2 board -- Michelle Barkley, emergency management director•Consider a request from Rural Fire District No. 1 to submit a grant proposal to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation for funding for an outdoor warning siren to be placed in Kipp. The district also is requesting that if the grant is awarded, it be allowed to accept it -- Barkley•Hear a human resources update from Marilyn Leamer, human resource director•Hear a livestock and expo update from Rick Lamer, livestock and expo director•Hear the Tri Rivers Fair Board 2021 budget request -- Kim Norwood, board member•Hear the OCCK 2021 budget request -- Sheila Nelson-Stout, president and Susan Sprague, vice president of expansion and communication•Hear the North Central Regional Planning Commission 2021 budget request -- Emily Benedick, executive director•Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes' weekly update•Meet in executive session to discuss non-elected personnelTo see the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet (43-page pdf, <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20200519.pdf?ver=2020-05-15-141759-570">click here</a>.

Saline County Commission faces busy agenda for Tuesday

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department shared more good news today.

Of the 26 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county, 22 people have met recovery guidelines set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Additionally, one of the confirmed cases remains in the hospital, the health department noted in a news release issued this afternoon.

The health department also reminded McPherson County residents that "symptoms for COVID-19 appear 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, shortness of breath, malaise, sore throat, chills, and diarrhea. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider. You must stay home for at least 10 days after symptoms started or for 72 hours after fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and with significant improvement in symptoms, whichever is longer."

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department shared more good news today.Of the 26 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county, 22 people have met recovery guidelines set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Additionally, one of the confirmed cases remains in the hospital, the health department noted in a news release issued this afternoon.The health department also reminded McPherson County residents that "symptoms for COVID-19 appear 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, shortness of breath, malaise, sore throat, chills, and diarrhea. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider. You must stay home for at least 10 days after symptoms started or for 72 hours after fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and with significant improvement in symptoms, whichever is longer."

McPherson County: 22 of 26 COVID-19 cases recovered

Here's Monday's COVID-19 update from Saline County:

KDHE reported the following in their release and can be found at <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>:

•A total of 8,340 cases with 173 deaths reported.

•There have been 58,650 negative tests conducted at KDHE and private labs.

•The age range is 0 years to 100 years (median 42 years).

•Governor Kelly will hold her briefing on Tuesday, May 19th at 1 pm and Thursday, May 21st at 2 pm this week. Briefings are broadcasted live on Governor Kelly’s Facebook page, WIBW and KSNT news stations, and on KCUR radio.

Help our community in slowing the spread of this virus. 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>. Stay Safe &amp; Stay Healthy.

Here's Monday's COVID-19 update from Saline County:The Saline County Health Department does not have any additional cases of COVID-19 to report today.Saline County has had 28 cases. Out of the total number of cases, four citizens continue to be actively monitored and isolated and there have been two deaths. The rest have met the criteria necessary to be considered recovered and have been released from daily monitoring and isolation.KDHE reported the following in their release and can be found at <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>:•A total of 8,340 cases with 173 deaths reported.•There have been 58,650 negative tests conducted at KDHE and private labs.•The age range is 0 years to 100 years (median 42 years).Announcements:•Governor Kelly will hold her briefing on Tuesday, May 19th at 1 pm and Thursday, May 21st at 2 pm this week. Briefings are broadcasted live on Governor Kelly’s Facebook page, WIBW and KSNT news stations, and on KCUR radio.Reopening Kansas comes by milestones, not on a timetable. Progress will be measured by monitoring our testing rates, COVID-19 hospitalizations, ability to contact trace, and the availability of personal protective equipment. Here’s what you can do to help reach reopening milestones:•Stay home if you’re sick.•Wear masks in public settings.•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.•Minimize nonessential travel.•Check-in (via phone/letter/text/email) with friends and family who are isolated.•Wash your hands frequently.Help our community in slowing the spread of this virus. 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>. Stay Safe &amp; Stay Healthy.

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