The Kansas Health Foundation, Wichita, announced recently that Saint Francis Ministries is one of the recipients of its annual Impact and Capacity Grant Initiative. 

This year, the Wichita-based organization is funding nonprofits across Kansas that work daily to improve health in the state as they respond to emergent needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are grateful that the Kansas Health Foundation saw the benefit of supporting expansion of Saint Francis’ tele-video capabilities to meet needs in Kansas,” said The Very Rev. Robert N. Smith, dean, president and CEO. “In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saint Francis has continued to provide essential care to more than 7,000 children in the state. Our work with children and families ensures the safety and wellbeing of those in our care and cannot stop for even one day without putting lives at risk.”

The $25,000 grant awarded to Saint Francis Ministries will be used to make sure that face-to-face counseling, therapy and treatment can be done through teleconferencing, which minimizes the risk of exposure to illness.

“It is imperative we continue building this telehealth and telecommunications infrastructure now in order to continue to provide effective services that will keep clients and employees safe,” said

Tom Blythe, president and COO. “We anticipate that COVID-19 distancing measures will be utilized far into the future. It’s important to prevent treatment and progress disruptions while maintaining safety and stability in the home.”

The KHF funds will be used to purchase HIPAA-compliant software and equipment. This allows Saint Francis Ministries to continue to provide critical services, including substance abuse treatment, therapy, counseling and anger management support, through the Saint Francis Ministries’ Outpatient Behavioral Health program. That program is open not just to the clients and families Saint Francis Ministries serves through foster care, family preservation, reintegration and adoption, but to anyone in Kansas.

“The KHF board embraced the opportunity to repurpose these funds to quickly react to the impact COVID-19 is having on our state,” said Matt Allen, chair of the KHF Board of Directors, in the organization’s press release. “These funds will assist organizations as they respond to Kansans in need and provide core operations support to sustain their organizations during these uniquely difficult financial times.”

“The Kansas Health Foundation is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans. For more information about KHF, visit <a href="http://www.kansashealth.org">www.kansashealth.org</a>.”

The Kansas Health Foundation, Wichita, announced recently that Saint Francis Ministries is one of the recipients of its annual Impact and Capacity Grant Initiative. This year, the Wichita-based organization is funding nonprofits across Kansas that work daily to improve health in the state as they respond to emergent needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.“We are grateful that the Kansas Health Foundation saw the benefit of supporting expansion of Saint Francis’ tele-video capabilities to meet needs in Kansas,” said The Very Rev. Robert N. Smith, dean, president and CEO. “In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saint Francis has continued to provide essential care to more than 7,000 children in the state. Our work with children and families ensures the safety and wellbeing of those in our care and cannot stop for even one day without putting lives at risk.”The $25,000 grant awarded to Saint Francis Ministries will be used to make sure that face-to-face counseling, therapy and treatment can be done through teleconferencing, which minimizes the risk of exposure to illness.“It is imperative we continue building this telehealth and telecommunications infrastructure now in order to continue to provide effective services that will keep clients and employees safe,” saidTom Blythe, president and COO. “We anticipate that COVID-19 distancing measures will be utilized far into the future. It’s important to prevent treatment and progress disruptions while maintaining safety and stability in the home.”The KHF funds will be used to purchase HIPAA-compliant software and equipment. This allows Saint Francis Ministries to continue to provide critical services, including substance abuse treatment, therapy, counseling and anger management support, through the Saint Francis Ministries’ Outpatient Behavioral Health program. That program is open not just to the clients and families Saint Francis Ministries serves through foster care, family preservation, reintegration and adoption, but to anyone in Kansas.“The KHF board embraced the opportunity to repurpose these funds to quickly react to the impact COVID-19 is having on our state,” said Matt Allen, chair of the KHF Board of Directors, in the organization’s press release. “These funds will assist organizations as they respond to Kansans in need and provide core operations support to sustain their organizations during these uniquely difficult financial times.”“The Kansas Health Foundation is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans. For more information about KHF, visit <a href="http://www.kansashealth.org">www.kansashealth.org</a>.”

KHF awards $25,000 grant to Saint Francis

If you missed today's graduation ceremonies for the classes of 2020 from Salina Central and Salina South, we've got you covered!

Earlier today, Shane McClintock and 99KG hosted on-air versions of the 2020 graduation ceremonies for Salina Central and Salina South. You can listen to them here:

<a href="https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/digitalads/SalinaPost/Central2020Grad.mp3">Salina Central 2020 Graduation on 99KG</a>

<a href="https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/digitalads/SalinaPost/South2020Grad.mp3">Salina South 2020 Graduation on 99KG</a>

If you missed today's graduation ceremonies for the classes of 2020 from Salina Central and Salina South, we've got you covered!Earlier today, Shane McClintock and 99KG hosted on-air versions of the 2020 graduation ceremonies for Salina Central and Salina South. You can listen to them here:<a href="https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/digitalads/SalinaPost/Central2020Grad.mp3">Salina Central 2020 Graduation on 99KG</a><a href="https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/digitalads/SalinaPost/South2020Grad.mp3">Salina South 2020 Graduation on 99KG</a>

Listen to Salina Central and Salina South graduation ceremonies here

Here is Sunday'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 signed Executive Order 20-32, which establishes a new phase to the “Ad Astra: Plan to Reopen Kansas.” The new “1.5” Phase, that goes into effect on May 18th, 2020, continues reopening efforts while still preserving some restrictions. The updated plan and frequently asked questions have been updated on our website <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>.

As we attempt to reopen Saline County, the entire community is counting on each person to follow the below recommendations to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

• It is highly encouraged to continue to wear cloth masks and maintain social distancing.

• It is highly encouraged for people to only leave their homes for essentials.

• It is highly recommended those employees in any service industry wear PPE (especially cloth masks).

• It is highly encouraged to continue telework.

• Avoid socializing in person with groups of 10 or more individuals in both indoor and outdoor settings.

• Any employees exhibiting symptoms should be required to stay at home and asked to call their health care provider.

• It will take the effort to follow the above recommendations from everyone in our community to continue our reopening.

Help our community in slowing the spread of this virus. Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<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 is Sunday'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 signed Executive Order 20-32, which establishes a new phase to the “Ad Astra: Plan to Reopen Kansas.” The new “1.5” Phase, that goes into effect on May 18th, 2020, continues reopening efforts while still preserving some restrictions. The updated plan and frequently asked questions have been updated on our website <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>.As we attempt to reopen Saline County, the entire community is counting on each person to follow the below recommendations to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.• It is highly encouraged to continue to wear cloth masks and maintain social distancing.• It is highly encouraged for people to only leave their homes for essentials.• It is highly recommended those employees in any service industry wear PPE (especially cloth masks).• It is highly encouraged to continue telework.• Avoid socializing in person with groups of 10 or more individuals in both indoor and outdoor settings.• Any employees exhibiting symptoms should be required to stay at home and asked to call their health care provider.• It will take the effort to follow the above recommendations from everyone in our community to continue our reopening.Help our community in slowing the spread of this virus. Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<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 COVID-19 cases to report

The Salina City Commission is scheduled to consider an ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on future building permits in the Grand Prairie Addition during its meeting Monday.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Monday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street.&nbsp;Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will take place via telephone conference. Interested persons can watch the meeting via Salina Media Connection, either on Cox Cable channel 20 or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinatv.org/">www.salinatv.org</a>&nbsp;or at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">City of Salina YouTube channel</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Persons wishing to participate in the meeting will need to dial (785) 621-0800 and enter participant code 782956 followed by #. Persons who wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, must dial *9 on their phones. This will alert the moderator, who will open the line.

Commissioners on Jan. 27 established a 60-day temporary moratorium on future building permits in excess of 35 total building permits in the first and second phases of the Grand Prairie Addition. When that moratorium expired on March 30, the commission established a second 60-day moratorium, which is scheduled to expire on June 2.

At issue is whether the Grand Prairie Addition as platted has appropriate emergency apparatus access as provided for in the city's fire code.

"Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 directives from the Saline County Health Department and the Governor of Kansas, many public meetings were cancelled with very short notice. Of those meetings cancelled was the March 17, 2020 Planning Commission where the Grand Prairie replat was to be next acted upon. On March 25, 2020 the City Commission passed Resolution No. 20-7824 cancelling meetings of certain City of Salina boards, commissions, and committees in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and the Governor's Executive Order No. 20-14," city commission meeting packet information noted.

City staff "is prepared to bring forward the Grand Prairie replat on June 2nd in a revised meeting format identical to that of the City Commission. June 2nd is the soonest this item can be brought forward in order to allow for proper meeting notification," the city commission background information noted.

Staff is proposing a 45-day moratorium that would begin June 3. The moratorium would allow time for the replat to be presented to the planning commission and to the city commission should the matter be forwarded.

Other items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday include the following.

•Consider a request to proclaim May 17-23, 2020, as National Public Works Week in the City of Salina. Jim Kowach, director of public works, is scheduled to read the proclamation.

•Consider a resolution resuming and rescheduling meeting of specific City of Salina subordinate boards and commissions administered by the Community and Development Services Department.

•A fieldhouse and camp Salina discussion.

To see the entire Salina City Commission agenda packet (53 pages) <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=445689&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

The Salina City Commission is scheduled to consider an ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on future building permits in the Grand Prairie Addition during its meeting Monday.The meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Monday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street.&nbsp;Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will take place via telephone conference. Interested persons can watch the meeting via Salina Media Connection, either on Cox Cable channel 20 or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinatv.org/">www.salinatv.org</a>&nbsp;or at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">City of Salina YouTube channel</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Persons wishing to participate in the meeting will need to dial (785) 621-0800 and enter participant code 782956 followed by #. Persons who wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, must dial *9 on their phones. This will alert the moderator, who will open the line.Commissioners on Jan. 27 established a 60-day temporary moratorium on future building permits in excess of 35 total building permits in the first and second phases of the Grand Prairie Addition. When that moratorium expired on March 30, the commission established a second 60-day moratorium, which is scheduled to expire on June 2.At issue is whether the Grand Prairie Addition as platted has appropriate emergency apparatus access as provided for in the city's fire code."Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 directives from the Saline County Health Department and the Governor of Kansas, many public meetings were cancelled with very short notice. Of those meetings cancelled was the March 17, 2020 Planning Commission where the Grand Prairie replat was to be next acted upon. On March 25, 2020 the City Commission passed Resolution No. 20-7824 cancelling meetings of certain City of Salina boards, commissions, and committees in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and the Governor's Executive Order No. 20-14," city commission meeting packet information noted.City staff "is prepared to bring forward the Grand Prairie replat on June 2nd in a revised meeting format identical to that of the City Commission. June 2nd is the soonest this item can be brought forward in order to allow for proper meeting notification," the city commission background information noted.Staff is proposing a 45-day moratorium that would begin June 3. The moratorium would allow time for the replat to be presented to the planning commission and to the city commission should the matter be forwarded.Other items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday include the following.•Consider a request to proclaim May 17-23, 2020, as National Public Works Week in the City of Salina. Jim Kowach, director of public works, is scheduled to read the proclamation.•Consider a resolution resuming and rescheduling meeting of specific City of Salina subordinate boards and commissions administered by the Community and Development Services Department.•A fieldhouse and camp Salina discussion.To see the entire Salina City Commission agenda packet (53 pages) <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=445689&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

City to consider 3rd Grand Prairie moratorium

Weather History for Sunday, May 17, 2020, from the National Weather Service:

In 1896, an F5 tornado roared across 4 counties of extreme Northeast Kansas. 

The massive vortex ran a 100-mile marathon that averaged around three fourths of a mile wide. The tornado began in extreme south-central Washington County and tore northeast through Marshall, Nemaha, and Brown counties. 

When it barreled through Brown County, the monstrous vortex reached almost TWO AND A HALF MILES WIDE, and was visible for about half an hour as it passed 1 mile south of Frankfort in central Marshall County. 

It no doubt caused incredible devastation in Nemaha County, where Seneca and Sabetha took direct hits. In Seneca, the courthouse and a new school were totally destroyed and the opera house was leveled and swept from its foundation. Many farms vanished. 

In Northeast Kansas, 21 were killed and 200 were injured. The twister finally lifted near Falls City, Neb., where four more were killed. This brought the final death toll to 25 people.



Weather History for Sunday, May 17, 2020, from the National Weather Service:In 1896, an F5 tornado roared across 4 counties of extreme Northeast Kansas. The massive vortex ran a 100-mile marathon that averaged around three fourths of a mile wide. The tornado began in extreme south-central Washington County and tore northeast through Marshall, Nemaha, and Brown counties. When it barreled through Brown County, the monstrous vortex reached almost TWO AND A HALF MILES WIDE, and was visible for about half an hour as it passed 1 mile south of Frankfort in central Marshall County. It no doubt caused incredible devastation in Nemaha County, where Seneca and Sabetha took direct hits. In Seneca, the courthouse and a new school were totally destroyed and the opera house was leveled and swept from its foundation. Many farms vanished. In Northeast Kansas, 21 were killed and 200 were injured. The twister finally lifted near Falls City, Neb., where four more were killed. This brought the final death toll to 25 people.

This Day in Weather History: Massive F5 tornado in 1896

Salina Area Technical College has inducted 13 students into its chapter of the National Technical Honor Society.

To qualify for membership in the National Technical Honor Society, students must have at least a 3.5 GPA, be nominated by a faculty member and submit an essay about their community service activities and why they should be inducted.

• Ross Gasper, of Salina, Electrical Technology

• Grace Pfannenstiel, of Salina, Computer Aided Drafting

• Christopher Leger, of Salina, Computer Aided Drafting

• Peyton Harp, of Salina, Business Administrative Technology

• Fei Chen, of Salina, Business Administrative Technology

• Jessica Perez, of Salina, Business Administrative Technology

• Ryley Burkhart, of Salina, Welding Technology

• Zachery Ferris, of Chapman, Construction Technology

• Wesley Apostoloff, of Solomon, Construction Technology

• Sarah Sexton, of Salina, Medical Assistant

• Chantel Schuster, of Salina, Dental Assistant

• Shelby Horner, of Wichita, Dental Assistant

• Stephen Hughes, of Vilseck, Germany, Technical Studies

“Reading the nominations from the faculty, and the application essays from the students was especially inspiring this year,” said Jennifer Callis, vice president of student services. “These students were leaders in their classes, but when we had to close the campus, many took on additional responsibilities, such as regularly calling their fellow students to make sure they were doing OK.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589741911386.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Area Technical College has inducted 13 students into its chapter of the National Technical Honor Society.To qualify for membership in the National Technical Honor Society, students must have at least a 3.5 GPA, be nominated by a faculty member and submit an essay about their community service activities and why they should be inducted.The students inducted are:• Ross Gasper, of Salina, Electrical Technology• Grace Pfannenstiel, of Salina, Computer Aided Drafting• Christopher Leger, of Salina, Computer Aided Drafting• Peyton Harp, of Salina, Business Administrative Technology• Fei Chen, of Salina, Business Administrative Technology• Jessica Perez, of Salina, Business Administrative Technology• Ryley Burkhart, of Salina, Welding Technology• Zachery Ferris, of Chapman, Construction Technology• Wesley Apostoloff, of Solomon, Construction Technology• Sarah Sexton, of Salina, Medical Assistant• Chantel Schuster, of Salina, Dental Assistant• Shelby Horner, of Wichita, Dental Assistant• Stephen Hughes, of Vilseck, Germany, Technical Studies“Reading the nominations from the faculty, and the application essays from the students was especially inspiring this year,” said Jennifer Callis, vice president of student services. “These students were leaders in their classes, but when we had to close the campus, many took on additional responsibilities, such as regularly calling their fellow students to make sure they were doing OK.”

Salina Tech inducts 13 into National Technical Honor Society

These positions are full time with benefits. The positions available are:

Check out these jobs! To apply for these positions, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.russellstover.com/careers">www.russellstover.com/careers</a>.

Russell Stover Chocolates factory and store is located right of I-70 at exit 270 on the west side of Abilene, Kansas, and has been in business nationally since 1923.

Russell Stover Chocolates is an equal opportunity employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588967511121.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>These positions are full time with benefits. The positions available are:· 1st Shift Candy Makers· 2nd Shift Candy Makers· 1st Shift Kitchen Lead· 2nd Shift Service· 2nd Shift Packers· 2nd Shift Wrapping Lead· 2nd Shift Machine OperatorsCheck out these jobs! To apply for these positions, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.russellstover.com/careers">www.russellstover.com/careers</a>.Russell Stover Chocolates factory and store is located right of I-70 at exit 270 on the west side of Abilene, Kansas, and has been in business nationally since 1923.Russell Stover Chocolates is an equal opportunity employer.

Now That’s Rural: Lea Ann Seiler, Hodgeman County makerspace

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Lindsey Wood of Salina was among 3,417 graduates who received degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during a virtual graduation celebration May 9.

Wood earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Sciences with distinction from the College of Education and Human Sciences.

The May graduates are from 54 countries, 45 states and Puerto Rico, and 250 Nebraska communities.

Go Big Grad: A Husker Graduation Celebration featured a "Dream Big" address from John Cook, head coach of Nebraska volleyball, and appearances by special guests. At the end of the event, Chancellor Ronnie Green officially conferred degrees to students. The celebration can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/EAE/cXo/t.31o/E2ulk5DLQJiccliRk0P7jw/h0/aRUadLHLET-2FT6xeqh3DL6K7SQYRgpN4EqLI9me7jZGA-3D/mBSA" target="_blank">https://commencement.unl.edu</a>.

Diplomas will be mailed to graduates. New this year, May 2020 graduates will be able to download and share their digital diploma. Details will be available soon at&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/EAE/cXo/t.31o/E2ulk5DLQJiccliRk0P7jw/h1/uBY5PAXi0-2FQdUuDPHiQJgZ8ZSAabrYLz4ZZu8OziU9Hrulxuv10bPkH7pPiEUt49/O0nn" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/digitaldiploma</a>.

All May 2020 graduates are invited to participate in a future commencement ceremony, and those plans are in the works.

For a complete list of graduates, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/EAE/cXo/t.31o/E2ulk5DLQJiccliRk0P7jw/h2/uBY5PAXi0-2FQdUuDPHiQJgZ8ZSAabrYLz4ZZu8OziU9Hrulxuv10bPkH7pPiEUt49/xgmG" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/grads-may20</a>.

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Lindsey Wood of Salina was among 3,417 graduates who received degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during a virtual graduation celebration May 9.Wood earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Sciences with distinction from the College of Education and Human Sciences.The May graduates are from 54 countries, 45 states and Puerto Rico, and 250 Nebraska communities.Go Big Grad: A Husker Graduation Celebration featured a "Dream Big" address from John Cook, head coach of Nebraska volleyball, and appearances by special guests. At the end of the event, Chancellor Ronnie Green officially conferred degrees to students. The celebration can be viewed at&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/EAE/cXo/t.31o/E2ulk5DLQJiccliRk0P7jw/h0/aRUadLHLET-2FT6xeqh3DL6K7SQYRgpN4EqLI9me7jZGA-3D/mBSA" target="_blank">https://commencement.unl.edu</a>.Diplomas will be mailed to graduates. New this year, May 2020 graduates will be able to download and share their digital diploma. Details will be available soon at&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/EAE/cXo/t.31o/E2ulk5DLQJiccliRk0P7jw/h1/uBY5PAXi0-2FQdUuDPHiQJgZ8ZSAabrYLz4ZZu8OziU9Hrulxuv10bPkH7pPiEUt49/O0nn" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/digitaldiploma</a>.All May 2020 graduates are invited to participate in a future commencement ceremony, and those plans are in the works.For a complete list of graduates, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/EAE/cXo/t.31o/E2ulk5DLQJiccliRk0P7jw/h2/uBY5PAXi0-2FQdUuDPHiQJgZ8ZSAabrYLz4ZZu8OziU9Hrulxuv10bPkH7pPiEUt49/xgmG" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/grads-may20</a>.

Salina's Wood graduates from University of Nebraska-Lincoln

WICHITA – When Rebecca McMahon saw a newspaper article in March indicating that garden stores in Wichita were already selling out of supplies, she had an idea what was going on.

The state’s stay-at-home order as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic was inspiring many homeowners to plant their own garden, she thought.

So McMahon, the horticultural food crops agent for K-State Research and Extension’s Sedgwick County office, quickly made plans to help out. In April, she launched an eight-week online gardening course, titled Victory Garden 101, to set up aspiring gardeners for success.

“The topics are geared toward first-time gardeners, or those who have dabbled in the past without a whole of success, and at the time were taking advantage of the stay-at-home order to jump back into vegetable gardening,” McMahon said. “But anyone who gardens knows that there is always something more to learn.”

The live class is being held on Tuesday evenings through the end of May, but all of the lessons are available for free, seven days a week on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sedgwick.k-state.edu/gardening-lawn-care/fruits-vegetables-nuts/victorygarden101.html" target="_blank">Sedgwick County extension office’s website</a>.

As of early May, people from across the United States were still signing up for the course, using the online videos to catch up to current course content. McMahon said there were 820 participants in the class as of May 5.

“Everyone can access the materials on the website, but they need to register if they want email updates and the chance to join the live class,” McMahon said.

The concept of a Victory Garden dates back to World War II when Americans were encouraged to plant a home garden to provide a certain amount of their food during a time when many of the country’s agricultural products were being used to support the military.

“I saw a statistic that indicated about 40 percent of fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans at that time were provided by Victory Gardens during World War II,” McMahon said. “That’s a huge number.”

Similarly, the basis for McMahon’s class is to encourage consumers to grow some of their own food, adding to their community’s food security, while also saving a little money on their grocery bill.

“Gardening is a great thing anytime, pandemic or not,” McMahon said. “I encourage folks to pick up vegetable gardening as a great opportunity for learning for their kids, activity for themselves and a great way to add vegetables and healthy foods to your diet.”

McMahon noted that it doesn’t take a lot of room to grow a few vegetables or other garden crop. People who live in apartments can grow vegetables or other crops in small containers on a balcony or patio, for example.

“Even in a small yard, you can grow a few things,” she said. “You don’t have to till up a rectangular section of your yard in order to have a garden.”

McMahon added that the weekly lessons provide a nifty template for getting started. Starting with week one, Victory Garden 101 is leading gardeners through preparing a site, planning the garden, growing your own salad, tips for great tomatoes, using vertical space, watering, and dealing with insect of disease problems.

It’s also not too late to get some of Kansans’ favorites into the ground.

“Right now is a great time to plant tomatoes and green beans,” McMahon said. “And over the next couple weeks, other warm season vegetables like cucumbers, squash, melons, peppers and eggplant can be planted.”

For ideas on what can be planted in Kansas – and the best time to do so – interested persons should read the&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf315.pdf" target="_blank">Vegetable Garden Planting Guide</a>, published through K-State Research and Extension. McMahon notes that the third page of that guide has a planting calendar that serves as an easy-to-use reference for planting fruits and vegetables.

“I really encourage people to start with some leafy greens because they grow to maturity a lot faster than other crops,” McMahon said. “Plus, they’re a short project. If you grow some lettuce and after harvesting it in 50 to 60 days you decide this gardening thing is not for you, then you haven’t invested too much time and you still got something out of it.

“Tomatoes, potatoes and squash…they’re flashy vegetables, but they are an investment of time, and you have a lot of gardening work to do to get to your harvest endpoint.”

For more information regarding gardening, interested persons are also encouraged to join the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/victorygarden101/" target="_blank">Victory Garden 101 Facebook page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589680350296.jpeg" alt="A screen shot of one of the free Victory Garden 101 online classes. Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>A screen shot of one of the free Victory Garden 101 online classes. Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA – When Rebecca McMahon saw a newspaper article in March indicating that garden stores in Wichita were already selling out of supplies, she had an idea what was going on.The state’s stay-at-home order as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic was inspiring many homeowners to plant their own garden, she thought.So McMahon, the horticultural food crops agent for K-State Research and Extension’s Sedgwick County office, quickly made plans to help out. In April, she launched an eight-week online gardening course, titled Victory Garden 101, to set up aspiring gardeners for success.“The topics are geared toward first-time gardeners, or those who have dabbled in the past without a whole of success, and at the time were taking advantage of the stay-at-home order to jump back into vegetable gardening,” McMahon said. “But anyone who gardens knows that there is always something more to learn.”The live class is being held on Tuesday evenings through the end of May, but all of the lessons are available for free, seven days a week on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sedgwick.k-state.edu/gardening-lawn-care/fruits-vegetables-nuts/victorygarden101.html" target="_blank">Sedgwick County extension office’s website</a>.As of early May, people from across the United States were still signing up for the course, using the online videos to catch up to current course content. McMahon said there were 820 participants in the class as of May 5.“Everyone can access the materials on the website, but they need to register if they want email updates and the chance to join the live class,” McMahon said.The concept of a Victory Garden dates back to World War II when Americans were encouraged to plant a home garden to provide a certain amount of their food during a time when many of the country’s agricultural products were being used to support the military.“I saw a statistic that indicated about 40 percent of fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans at that time were provided by Victory Gardens during World War II,” McMahon said. “That’s a huge number.”Similarly, the basis for McMahon’s class is to encourage consumers to grow some of their own food, adding to their community’s food security, while also saving a little money on their grocery bill.“Gardening is a great thing anytime, pandemic or not,” McMahon said. “I encourage folks to pick up vegetable gardening as a great opportunity for learning for their kids, activity for themselves and a great way to add vegetables and healthy foods to your diet.”McMahon noted that it doesn’t take a lot of room to grow a few vegetables or other garden crop. People who live in apartments can grow vegetables or other crops in small containers on a balcony or patio, for example.“Even in a small yard, you can grow a few things,” she said. “You don’t have to till up a rectangular section of your yard in order to have a garden.”McMahon added that the weekly lessons provide a nifty template for getting started. Starting with week one, Victory Garden 101 is leading gardeners through preparing a site, planning the garden, growing your own salad, tips for great tomatoes, using vertical space, watering, and dealing with insect of disease problems.It’s also not too late to get some of Kansans’ favorites into the ground.“Right now is a great time to plant tomatoes and green beans,” McMahon said. “And over the next couple weeks, other warm season vegetables like cucumbers, squash, melons, peppers and eggplant can be planted.”For ideas on what can be planted in Kansas – and the best time to do so – interested persons should read the&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/mf315.pdf" target="_blank">Vegetable Garden Planting Guide</a>, published through K-State Research and Extension. McMahon notes that the third page of that guide has a planting calendar that serves as an easy-to-use reference for planting fruits and vegetables.“I really encourage people to start with some leafy greens because they grow to maturity a lot faster than other crops,” McMahon said. “Plus, they’re a short project. If you grow some lettuce and after harvesting it in 50 to 60 days you decide this gardening thing is not for you, then you haven’t invested too much time and you still got something out of it.“Tomatoes, potatoes and squash…they’re flashy vegetables, but they are an investment of time, and you have a lot of gardening work to do to get to your harvest endpoint.”For more information regarding gardening, interested persons are also encouraged to join the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/victorygarden101/" target="_blank">Victory Garden 101 Facebook page</a>.

Free online Victory Garden 101 course popular

Today is Sunday, May 17, the 138th day of 2020. There are 228 days left in the year.

On May 17, 1792, the New York Stock Exchange had its beginnings as a group of brokers met under a tree on Wall Street and signed the Buttonwood Agreement.

In 1510, early Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli died in Florence, Italy; he was probably in his mid 60s.

In 1536, Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer declared the marriage of England's King Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn invalid after she failed to produce a male heir; Boleyn, already condemned for high treason, was executed two days later.

In 1946, President Harry S. Truman seized control of the nation's railroads, delaying — but not preventing — a threatened strike by engineers and trainmen.

In 1954, a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court handed down its Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka decision which held that racially segregated public schools were inherently unequal, and therefore unconstitutional.

In 1973, a special committee convened by the U.S. Senate began its televised hearings into the Watergate scandal.

In 1980, rioting that claimed 18 lives erupted in Miami's Liberty City after an all-white jury in Tampa acquitted four former Miami police officers of fatally beating black insurance executive Arthur McDuffie.

In 1987, 37 American sailors were killed when an Iraqi warplane attacked the U.S. Navy frigate Stark in the Persian Gulf. (Iraq apologized for the attack, calling it a mistake, and paid more than $27 million in compensation.)

In 1992, orchestra leader Lawrence Welk died in Santa Monica, Calif., at age 89.

In 1995, Jacques Chirac was sworn in as president of France, ending the 14-year tenure of Socialist Francois Mitterrand .

In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed a measure requiring neighborhood notification when sex offenders move in. ("Megan's Law," as it's known, was named for Megan Kanka, a 7-year-old New Jersey girl who was raped and murdered in 1994.)

In 2002, former President Jimmy Carter ended a historic visit to Cuba sharply at odds with the Bush administration over how to deal with Fidel Castro, saying limits on tourism and trade often hurt Americans more than Cubans.

In 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to allow same-sex marriages.

Ten years ago: The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that young people serving life prison terms should have "a meaningful opportunity to obtain release" provided they didn't kill their victims. Laura Silsby, the last of 10 Americans detained while trying to take 33 children out of Haiti after the Jan. 2010 earthquake, was freed after a judge sentenced her to time already served.

Five years ago: A shootout erupted between bikers and police outside a restaurant in Waco, Texas, leaving nine of the bikers dead and 20 people injured. The contested city of Ramadi, capital of Iraq's largest province, fell to the Islamic State group in a major loss despite intensified U.S.-led airstrikes. Pope Francis canonized Sisters Mariam Bawardy and Marie Alphonsine Ghattas, two nuns from what was 19th-century Palestine, in hopes of encouraging Christians across the Middle East who were facing a wave of persecution from Islamic extremists.

One year ago: Herman Wouk, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of "The Caine Mutiny" and "The Winds of War," died at his California home; he was 103. With a score of 128 after the second round of the PGA Championship, Brooks Koepka achieved the lowest 36-hole score in major championship history, and the largest lead (seven shots) of anyone at the halfway point of a Grand Slam event in 85 years. (Koepka would win the event for a second straight year.) Taiwan's legislature voted to legalize same-sex marriage, making Taiwan the first place in Asia with a law that allowed and spelled out the terms of same-sex marriage. The owners of the pet known as Grumpy Cat, an internet sensation because of her sourpuss expression, announced on social media that the feline had died at her Arizona home at the age of seven.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Peter Gerety is 80. Singer Taj Mahal is 78. Rock musician Bill Bruford is 71. Singer-musician George Johnson (The Brothers Johnson) is 67. TV personality Kathleen Sullivan is 67. Boxing Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard is 64. Actor-comedian Bob Saget is 64. Sports announcer Jim Nantz is 61. Producer Simon Fuller (TV: "American Idol") is 60. Singer Enya is 59. Actor-comedian Craig Ferguson is 58. Rock singer-musician Page McConnell is 57. Actor David Eigenberg is 56. Singer-musician Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) is 55. Actress Paige Turco is 55. Rhythm-and-blues musician O'Dell (Mint Condition) is 55. Actor Hill Harper is 54. TV personality/interior designer Thom Filicia is 51. Singer Jordan Knight is 50. Rhythm-and-blues singer Darnell Van Rensalier (Shai) is 50. Actress Sasha Alexander is 47. Rock singer-musician Josh Homme is 47. Rock singer Andrea Corr (The Corrs) is 46. Actor Sendhil Ramamurthy is 46. Actress Rochelle Aytes is 44. Singer Kandi Burruss is 44. Actress Kat Foster is 42. Actress Ayda Field is 41. Actress Ginger Gonzaga is 37. Folk-rock singer/songwriter Passenger is 36. Dancer-choreographer Derek Hough is 35. Actor Tahj Mowry is 34. Actress Nikki Reed is 32. Singer Kree Harrison (TV: "American Idol") is 30. Actress Leven Rambin is 30. Actress Samantha Browne-Walters is 29. Actor Justin Martin is 26.

Thought for Today: "If an article is attractive, or useful, or inexpensive, they'll stop making it tomorrow; if it's all three, they stopped making it yesterday." — Mignon McLaughlin, American journalist (1913-1983).

<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 Sunday, May 17, the 138th day of 2020. There are 228 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On May 17, 1792, the New York Stock Exchange had its beginnings as a group of brokers met under a tree on Wall Street and signed the Buttonwood Agreement.On this date:In 1510, early Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli died in Florence, Italy; he was probably in his mid 60s.In 1536, Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer declared the marriage of England's King Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn invalid after she failed to produce a male heir; Boleyn, already condemned for high treason, was executed two days later.In 1946, President Harry S. Truman seized control of the nation's railroads, delaying — but not preventing — a threatened strike by engineers and trainmen.In 1954, a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court handed down its Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka decision which held that racially segregated public schools were inherently unequal, and therefore unconstitutional.In 1973, a special committee convened by the U.S. Senate began its televised hearings into the Watergate scandal.In 1980, rioting that claimed 18 lives erupted in Miami's Liberty City after an all-white jury in Tampa acquitted four former Miami police officers of fatally beating black insurance executive Arthur McDuffie.In 1987, 37 American sailors were killed when an Iraqi warplane attacked the U.S. Navy frigate Stark in the Persian Gulf. (Iraq apologized for the attack, calling it a mistake, and paid more than $27 million in compensation.)In 1992, orchestra leader Lawrence Welk died in Santa Monica, Calif., at age 89.In 1995, Jacques Chirac was sworn in as president of France, ending the 14-year tenure of Socialist Francois Mitterrand .In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed a measure requiring neighborhood notification when sex offenders move in. ("Megan's Law," as it's known, was named for Megan Kanka, a 7-year-old New Jersey girl who was raped and murdered in 1994.)In 2002, former President Jimmy Carter ended a historic visit to Cuba sharply at odds with the Bush administration over how to deal with Fidel Castro, saying limits on tourism and trade often hurt Americans more than Cubans.In 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to allow same-sex marriages.Ten years ago: The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that young people serving life prison terms should have "a meaningful opportunity to obtain release" provided they didn't kill their victims. Laura Silsby, the last of 10 Americans detained while trying to take 33 children out of Haiti after the Jan. 2010 earthquake, was freed after a judge sentenced her to time already served.Five years ago: A shootout erupted between bikers and police outside a restaurant in Waco, Texas, leaving nine of the bikers dead and 20 people injured. The contested city of Ramadi, capital of Iraq's largest province, fell to the Islamic State group in a major loss despite intensified U.S.-led airstrikes. Pope Francis canonized Sisters Mariam Bawardy and Marie Alphonsine Ghattas, two nuns from what was 19th-century Palestine, in hopes of encouraging Christians across the Middle East who were facing a wave of persecution from Islamic extremists.One year ago: Herman Wouk, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of "The Caine Mutiny" and "The Winds of War," died at his California home; he was 103. With a score of 128 after the second round of the PGA Championship, Brooks Koepka achieved the lowest 36-hole score in major championship history, and the largest lead (seven shots) of anyone at the halfway point of a Grand Slam event in 85 years. (Koepka would win the event for a second straight year.) Taiwan's legislature voted to legalize same-sex marriage, making Taiwan the first place in Asia with a law that allowed and spelled out the terms of same-sex marriage. The owners of the pet known as Grumpy Cat, an internet sensation because of her sourpuss expression, announced on social media that the feline had died at her Arizona home at the age of seven.Today's Birthdays: Actor Peter Gerety is 80. Singer Taj Mahal is 78. Rock musician Bill Bruford is 71. Singer-musician George Johnson (The Brothers Johnson) is 67. TV personality Kathleen Sullivan is 67. Boxing Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard is 64. Actor-comedian Bob Saget is 64. Sports announcer Jim Nantz is 61. Producer Simon Fuller (TV: "American Idol") is 60. Singer Enya is 59. Actor-comedian Craig Ferguson is 58. Rock singer-musician Page McConnell is 57. Actor David Eigenberg is 56. Singer-musician Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) is 55. Actress Paige Turco is 55. Rhythm-and-blues musician O'Dell (Mint Condition) is 55. Actor Hill Harper is 54. TV personality/interior designer Thom Filicia is 51. Singer Jordan Knight is 50. Rhythm-and-blues singer Darnell Van Rensalier (Shai) is 50. Actress Sasha Alexander is 47. Rock singer-musician Josh Homme is 47. Rock singer Andrea Corr (The Corrs) is 46. Actor Sendhil Ramamurthy is 46. Actress Rochelle Aytes is 44. Singer Kandi Burruss is 44. Actress Kat Foster is 42. Actress Ayda Field is 41. Actress Ginger Gonzaga is 37. Folk-rock singer/songwriter Passenger is 36. Dancer-choreographer Derek Hough is 35. Actor Tahj Mowry is 34. Actress Nikki Reed is 32. Singer Kree Harrison (TV: "American Idol") is 30. Actress Leven Rambin is 30. Actress Samantha Browne-Walters is 29. Actor Justin Martin is 26.Thought for Today: "If an article is attractive, or useful, or inexpensive, they'll stop making it tomorrow; if it's all three, they stopped making it yesterday." — Mignon McLaughlin, American journalist (1913-1983).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- May 17

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

We recognize that graduation ceremonies were planned to occur today for many of our High Schools. While in-person ceremonies have been postponed, we want to extend our congratulatory wishes to all graduates.

Governor Kelly signed Executive Order 20-32, which establishes a new phase to the “Ad Astra: Plan to Reopen Kansas.” The new “1.5” Phase, effective May 18th, 2020, continues reopening efforts while still preserving some restrictions. The updated plan and frequently asked questions have been updated on our website <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>.

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 Saturday'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.We recognize that graduation ceremonies were planned to occur today for many of our High Schools. While in-person ceremonies have been postponed, we want to extend our congratulatory wishes to all graduates.Governor Kelly signed Executive Order 20-32, which establishes a new phase to the “Ad Astra: Plan to Reopen Kansas.” The new “1.5” Phase, effective May 18th, 2020, continues reopening efforts while still preserving some restrictions. The updated plan and frequently asked questions have been updated on our website <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>.As we attempt to reopen Saline County, the entire community is counting on each person to follow the below recommendations to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.• It is highly encouraged to continue to wear cloth masks and maintain social distancing.• It is highly encouraged for people to only leave their homes for essentials.• It is highly recommended those employees in any service industry wear PPE (especially cloth masks).• It is highly encouraged to continue telework.• Avoid socializing in person with groups of 10 or more individuals in both indoor and outdoor settings.• Any employees exhibiting symptoms should be required to stay at home and asked to call their health care provider.• It will take the effort to follow the above recommendations from everyone in our community to continue our reopening.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; 22 have recovered

Despite cancellations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Eagle Radio in Salina is creating a special event for seniors at Salina Central and Salina South high schools, and it's getting some national attention. 

Shane McClintock and 99KG are hosting the 2020 graduation ceremonies for Salina Central and Salina South on Sunday. 

Salina Central's ceremony is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. followed by the Salina South ceremony at 5 p.m. Speakers for each graduation ceremony will include the school principal, the class president, four graduating students reading the names of their classmates, and a commencement speaker who will address each class.&nbsp;

The 2020 graduation ceremony for Salina Central and Salina South has seen national attention. The Bobby Bones Show hosted out of WSIX-FM studios in Nashville, Tenn., applauded the idea to host the ceremony over the air on 99KG. 

Bobby Bones said, "I think every radio station should steal that idea...I give this an A+ and I applaud you for it!" 

Sponsors of the graduation event include the following.

•Anesthesia Associates of Central Kansas

•Travis Godfrey at Long McArthur #ASKFORTRAVIS

Despite cancellations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Eagle Radio in Salina is creating a special event for seniors at Salina Central and Salina South high schools, and it's getting some national attention. Shane McClintock and 99KG are hosting the 2020 graduation ceremonies for Salina Central and Salina South on Sunday. Salina Central's ceremony is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. followed by the Salina South ceremony at 5 p.m. Speakers for each graduation ceremony will include the school principal, the class president, four graduating students reading the names of their classmates, and a commencement speaker who will address each class.&nbsp;The 2020 graduation ceremony for Salina Central and Salina South has seen national attention. The Bobby Bones Show hosted out of WSIX-FM studios in Nashville, Tenn., applauded the idea to host the ceremony over the air on 99KG. Bobby Bones said, "I think every radio station should steal that idea...I give this an A+ and I applaud you for it!" You can listen to the clip here:<div><iframe width="100%" height="20" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/818551588&color=%23ff5500&inverse=false&auto_play=false&show_user=true"></iframe></div>Sponsors of the graduation event include the following.•Tony's Pizza Event Center&nbsp;•Bennington State Bank•Long McArthur Ford•Comfort Heating and Air•Salina Area Technical College•Anesthesia Associates of Central Kansas•Stardust Trophy•Hassman Termite and Pest Control•Salina Regional Health Center•Travis Godfrey at Long McArthur #ASKFORTRAVIS•Roselawn Mortuary and Memorial Park•Jeff Wells American Family Insurance•Mahaska Bottling•Bobcat of Salina•Bank VI•La Curva Mexican Restaurant•The Appliance Center•First Bank Kansas &nbsp;•Precision Electric of Salina

Salina Central and Salina South Graduation 2020 on 99KG

Our weekend looks to include the possibility of rain mixed with sunny skies and seasonal temperatures.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, widely scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon into this evening. A few strong storms with small hail and wind gusts to 50 mph are possible, but widespread severe storms are not expected. High temperatures are expected in the mid- to upper-70s.

On Sunday, we're expected to see sunny skies and seasonal temperatures with highs in the lower 70s.

That trend is expected to continue through much of next week, with sunny skies and highs in the 70s to lower 80s. A few thunderstorms may move across central Kansas Thursday night, NWS noted, but strong to severe storms are not anticipated at this time.

Today A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 78. East wind 6 to 8 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. North wind around 9 mph.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 48. North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming east northeast around 6 mph in the morning.

Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 50.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 79.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 55.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

Thursday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589635384573.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Our weekend looks to include the possibility of rain mixed with sunny skies and seasonal temperatures.According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, widely scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon into this evening. A few strong storms with small hail and wind gusts to 50 mph are possible, but widespread severe storms are not expected. High temperatures are expected in the mid- to upper-70s.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589635423939.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Sunday, we're expected to see sunny skies and seasonal temperatures with highs in the lower 70s.That trend is expected to continue through much of next week, with sunny skies and highs in the 70s to lower 80s. A few thunderstorms may move across central Kansas Thursday night, NWS noted, but strong to severe storms are not anticipated at this time.Here's the forecast from NWS:Today A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 78. East wind 6 to 8 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. North wind around 9 mph.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 48. North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm in the evening.Monday Sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming east northeast around 6 mph in the morning.Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 50.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 79.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 55.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.Thursday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Storm chance Saturday, sunny and seasonal Sunday

As the state of Kansas continues to reopen, OCCK Transportation is adjusting service levels for CityGo beginning Monday and continuing until further notice.

Beginning Monday, CityGo buses will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with no peak routes running, Monday through Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Saturday CityGo service will run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;Passengers will be required to observe social distancing requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wearing face masks is recommended for all passengers as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional buses may be dispatched if needed.

Regional paratransit services will continue as they have been.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rides should be booked 24-48 hours in advance and will be scheduled accordingly.&nbsp;&nbsp;City of Abilene services will continue operating 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Passengers will be scheduled to meet social distancing recommendations and masks are recommended.

81 Connection will continue to run only the regular morning route (SB Link 1 &amp; NB Link 1, and only the Salina-Belleville-Salina (NB Link 3 &amp; SB Link 3) route in the afternoon, each day Monday through Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Passengers will be required to observe social distancing requirements and masks are recommended.

OCCK Transportation asks that all passengers continue to limit travel, as much as possible, to essentials such as work, nutrition, and medical needs.

Vehicles are cleaned throughout the day to protect drivers and passengers.&nbsp; Every vehicle is cleaned before it leaves for daily service. This includes wiping down seats, grab handles and other surfaces with disinfectant. 

Additionally, deep cleaning of vehicles is done after each day of service. The crew cleans, disinfects, and deodorizes all surfaces in the vehicle. This includes and is not limited to: grab bars, wall surfaces, windows, floors, seats, stop request pull cords.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Drivers also disinfect the high-touch surfaces of buses and vans after they finish a run and before they start another trip or round.

Services levels will continue to be adjusted as the situation warrants.&nbsp;&nbsp;Information will be submitted to the media, posted on Facebook and the OCCK Transportation website.

For more information about OCCK, Inc., visit <a href="http://www.occk.com">www.occk.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information about CityGo and OCCK Transportation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinacitygo.com/" target="_blank">www.salinacitygo.com</a>. Or, contact the OCCK Transportation Center at 785-826-1583.

As the state of Kansas continues to reopen, OCCK Transportation is adjusting service levels for CityGo beginning Monday and continuing until further notice.Beginning Monday, CityGo buses will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with no peak routes running, Monday through Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Saturday CityGo service will run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;Passengers will be required to observe social distancing requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wearing face masks is recommended for all passengers as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional buses may be dispatched if needed.Regional paratransit services will continue as they have been.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rides should be booked 24-48 hours in advance and will be scheduled accordingly.&nbsp;&nbsp;City of Abilene services will continue operating 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Passengers will be scheduled to meet social distancing recommendations and masks are recommended.81 Connection will continue to run only the regular morning route (SB Link 1 &amp; NB Link 1, and only the Salina-Belleville-Salina (NB Link 3 &amp; SB Link 3) route in the afternoon, each day Monday through Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Passengers will be required to observe social distancing requirements and masks are recommended.OCCK Transportation asks that all passengers continue to limit travel, as much as possible, to essentials such as work, nutrition, and medical needs.Vehicles are cleaned throughout the day to protect drivers and passengers.&nbsp; Every vehicle is cleaned before it leaves for daily service. This includes wiping down seats, grab handles and other surfaces with disinfectant. Additionally, deep cleaning of vehicles is done after each day of service. The crew cleans, disinfects, and deodorizes all surfaces in the vehicle. This includes and is not limited to: grab bars, wall surfaces, windows, floors, seats, stop request pull cords.&nbsp;&nbsp;Drivers also disinfect the high-touch surfaces of buses and vans after they finish a run and before they start another trip or round.Services levels will continue to be adjusted as the situation warrants.&nbsp;&nbsp;Information will be submitted to the media, posted on Facebook and the OCCK Transportation website.For more information about OCCK, Inc., visit <a href="http://www.occk.com">www.occk.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information about CityGo and OCCK Transportation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinacitygo.com/" target="_blank">www.salinacitygo.com</a>. Or, contact the OCCK Transportation Center at 785-826-1583.

OCCK Transportation adjusts service levels

Note: This column contains&nbsp;language that may offend, quoted as part of musical lyrics.

As the COVID-19 crisis stretches on, we’re seeing more conflict, more protests and particularly more online rancor in the debate over how — and if — public officials should “open up” society or government restraints on gatherings, from bowling leagues and bars to religious services and retail stores.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573872297806.png" alt="Gene Policinski. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By GENE POLICINSKINote: This column contains&nbsp;language that may offend, quoted as part of musical lyrics.As the COVID-19 crisis stretches on, we’re seeing more conflict, more protests and particularly more online rancor in the debate over how — and if — public officials should “open up” society or government restraints on gatherings, from bowling leagues and bars to religious services and retail stores.The First Amendment’s protection for free speech covers most of what we may say, whether it’s impolite, insulting, biased or uplifting, even commentary or forcefully expressed opinions that most of us would find repulsive or repugnant.But one area not protected as free speech is called a “true threat,” words that cause a person to fear for their safety or life. In a crisis, we may find things we say are taken in a different context by police, prosecutors and juries than at other, less stressful times.Unfortunately for those trying to measure their own remarks, setting out a precise definition for what constitutes a true threat has flummoxed even the U.S. Supreme Court. The result is a division of opinion in federal and state courts across the country.Toss in the new machinations of social media, which remove the element of face-to-face confrontation, but also provide a degree of anonymity — and lack of restraints — and the lines dividing protected and unprotected speech blur even more.Speech threatening bodily harm made to a specific person standing in front of you while you have a weapon — for example, holding a knife and saying “I have a knife and I’m going to cut your throat” — leaves little doubt that it’s a true threat.But what if the person at whom those same words are directed isn’t nearby when the remark is made, but sees it hours or days later on social media? What if the speaker sets the words to music, posts the statement as part of a YouTube video and later claims it was just a form of anger control therapy — even if the intended “target” (think you or me) took the threat seriously?For many years, evidence that a statement could be judged as putting any “reasonable person” in fear was enough to support a conviction in many courts. But in 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Elonis v. United States,&nbsp;focused on the intent of the person making the statement, effectively saying that consideration was important — and perhaps essential — when deciding if the speaker was indeed issuing a “true threat.”But the high court didn’t set out any means of measuring intent, leaving things hanging. Two years later,&nbsp;Justice Sonia Sotomayor&nbsp;wrote, in Perez v. Florida,&nbsp;where the court refused to reconsider the conviction of a man who threatened to blow up a liquor store, that while “states must prove more than mere utterance of threatening words, some level of intent is required —(and) the Court should also decide precisely what level of intent suffices under the First Amendment,” noting that did not happen in Elonis.All of that leaves many of us subject to state laws that don’t include a requirement to consider what we might mean when we say it, just how a “reasonable person” would feel about our words. Got enough money or time to get to the Supreme Court? Such a conviction would seem likely to be thrown out.Not the “bright line” between right and wrong that we should expect to see when it comes to criminal prosecutions.Case in point: According to Kentucky’s&nbsp;Lexington&nbsp;Herald Leader,&nbsp;Louisville lawyer&nbsp;James Gregory Troutman, 53, was charged April 22 with “terroristic threatening” for two Facebook posts directed at&nbsp;Gov. Andy Beshear.“Maybe some should ask Beshear in a press conference about his thoughts on&nbsp;William Goebel,” Troutman was reported by police to have said in a post, “For those of you who don’t know the history … it’s a good read.” Goebel, shot to death in 1900, in is the only serving U.S. governor ever assassinated.Police said Troutman also later posted, in a Facebook exchange about Beshear ordering photos to be taken of license plates of churchgoers flouting social distancing orders, “With any luck the gov will be the one at whom the shooting will be directed.”Police said Troutman was “threatening to commit a crime likely to result in death or serious physical injury to the Kentucky governor.” But Troutman’s lawyer said the man “didn’t say he was going to kill him.”If you were sitting on a jury considering the charges against Troutman, a 1969 Supreme Court decision in Watts v. United States might help you decide. In that Vietnam War-era case, a protester was charged with threatening&nbsp;President Lyndon Johnson&nbsp;for telling a rally that “if they ever make me carry a rifle, the first man I want to get in my sights is LBJ.”The court later decided that Watts “had engaged in a crude form of political hyperbole rather than utter a true threat.” The justices identified what later came to be known as the Watts factors: The context in which the words were spoken, the reaction of those who heard the remarks and the certainty of the remarks.They noted that Watts made his statements during a political rally, that those who overheard his remarks laughed and his statement was conditional rather than definitive.Still today, some lower courts use the Watts factors to determine whether speech crosses the line into the realm of&nbsp;<a href="https://mtsu.edu/first-amendment/article/1025/true-threats" target="_blank">true threats</a>, Freedom Forum First Amendment Fellow David Hudson notes.Another kind of hyperbole: Wishing that a meteor will fall from the sky and injure or kill a certain person may well be what most of us would find hateful and morally wrong, but it’s safely protected under the First Amendment.On the other hand, the Supreme Court found in 2003, in Virginia v. Black — perhaps its most direct ruling about “true threat” —&nbsp; that the state of Virginia could prosecute people for cross burning intended to intimidate or instill fear in others. Dissenting voices said cross burning is always unprotected speech since it can have no effect other than intimidating others, but the court’s majority did not agree. Again, the intent of the speaker, as in Elonis, rather than the meaning to those receiving the message, was held most significant.The justices did offer this definition: True threats are “those statements where the speaker means to communicate a serious expression of an intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group.”Adding to the conflicted legal views over true threats was the 2019 refusal by the justices to consider an appeal by&nbsp;Jamal Knox, a Pittsburgh rap music artist convicted over lyrics in a song “Fuck the Police,” recorded in 2012 while facing weapon and drug charges. The song named arresting officers and included lyrics saying, “Let’s kill these cops cuz they don’t do us no good / pullin’ out your Glock out ’cause I live in the ‘hood” and “I’ma jam this rusty knife all in his guts and chop his feet … your shift over at 3 and I’m gonna fuck up where you sleep.”Critics of Knox’s conviction note that other more widely recognized artists have used similar statements in their music without prosecution and that local courts generally don’t understand the role of rap music in urban culture.Officials cited Knox’s specific identification of the officers and in 2018 the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said his lyrics were threats, not “political, social or academic commentary, nor are they facially satirical or ironic.”From armed protestors confronting state police officers in the Michigan capitol building to armed revelers at a Texas bar arrested in a SWAT raid, from angry crowds outside a number of gubernatorial residences to violent words on social media, the potential for threating actions and actual violence today is higher than ever.So how to judge whether your words, expressive conduct (such as marching with signs or weapons) or violent social media posts are protected speech?Colleagues at the Freedom Forum’s education unit provide a lesson plan — for free — to help you navigate those First Amendment “true threat” waters: In “You Can’t Say That?!” you will learn about restrictions to freedom of speech in public life and the court cases that determined when and why those limits&nbsp;apply.Bottom line: In the U.S., the First Amendment certainly protects your right to speak. But there’s no absolute protection from the effects of what you say — particularly when those words may put a specific person in fear of injury or death.Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

Local