An executive session regarding expo center negotiations with Saline County is among the items on a light agenda for Monday's Salina City Commission meeting. 

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>.

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 are scheduled to meet in executive session to discuss with legal counsel "certain yet-to-be negotiated details regarding negotiations with Saline County arising from previously negotiated general terms of the anticipated long term leasing of the Expo Center by Saline County."

Other items on the city agenda for Monday include the following.

•Consider a request to authorize the city manager to sign a request from the Kansas Department of Transportation to exchange 2020 federal funds.

•Consider Resolution No. 20-7831 addressing city participation in the Kansas N95 respirator decontamination program, coordinating with Saline County regarding the Kansas N95 respirator decontamination program, and indemnification of Saline County relating to liabilities arising from city participation in the Kansas N95 respirator decontamination program.

To see the Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=443851&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

An executive session regarding expo center negotiations with Saline County is among the items on a light agenda for Monday's Salina City Commission meeting. 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>.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 are scheduled to meet in executive session to discuss with legal counsel "certain yet-to-be negotiated details regarding negotiations with Saline County arising from previously negotiated general terms of the anticipated long term leasing of the Expo Center by Saline County."Other items on the city agenda for Monday include the following.•Consider a request to authorize the city manager to sign a request from the Kansas Department of Transportation to exchange 2020 federal funds.•Consider Resolution No. 20-7831 addressing city participation in the Kansas N95 respirator decontamination program, coordinating with Saline County regarding the Kansas N95 respirator decontamination program, and indemnification of Saline County relating to liabilities arising from city participation in the Kansas N95 respirator decontamination program.To see the Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=443851&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

Executive session concerning expo center on city agenda

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

“That tastes so good, you should sell it!” Perhaps you’ve heard that phrase when someone shares a delicious treat. Today we’ll learn about a family which took that statement seriously, and their product became the basis of a remarkable business. 

Last week we met <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ea4e3dfeb7f170536037931">Phyllis Cheney</a>, whose flower shop in Chapman sells various products including Tonja’s Toffee. The toffee is delicious, but the backstory is bittersweet. It involves a remarkable product made by a remarkable woman who battled cancer for many years. Now her family is continuing her legacy.

Tonja, the founder of this business, grew up in Scott County. She met Alan Williams at a church barbecue and the two married. She became a farm wife and teacher, raising four children.

As a little girl, Tonja had enjoyed making toffee with her mother Carrie Marion. Tonja continued making toffee as she grew older and tweaked the family recipe to make it her own.

After Tonja married and became a teacher, she would bring her homemade toffee in to school during the holidays. Her friends raved about it. “That tastes so good, you should sell it,” they would say. Tonja would modestly decline.

Then two things happened. First, her son needed to raise money for a mission trip to Ukraine, so they decided to sell her toffee as a fundraiser for the project. Secondly, Tonja was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and she knew she wanted to move forward with this project while she could.

The toffee sales for the mission trip were a rousing success, and the money was raised in a matter of weeks. It was also a market test which demonstrated that there was a demand for the product.

“We were bombarded with orders,” said Haley, Tonja’s youngest daughter. “The business took off after that.” It was named Tonja’s Toffee. Haley remembers one craft show in particular where they sold 200 pounds of toffee in a single day.

“Mom was an excellent baker and cook,” Haley said. “She was creative and professional and very particular about how the toffee was made.” Those high standards of excellence led to good results as the business grew.

Tonja’s Toffee joined the From the Land of Kansas program offered by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. “The From the Land of Kansas program has been a huge help,” Haley said. “They’ve helped with tools for marketing, packaging, labels and finding suppliers.” Tonja’s Toffee was among the products promoted by the From the Land of Kansas program at national fancy food shows.

Daughter Haley and some neighbor girls would pitch in to help make the toffee whenever they could. Haley got married in 2015 and is now raising two children of her own. Meanwhile, Tonja was operating the business while continuing her treatment for cancer. On November 24, 2017, eight years after the original diagnosis, Tonja passed away. The family decided to close the business.

Then Tonja’s parents retired in Scott City and found they could convert one room in their house into a commercial kitchen. Haley’s husband took a job at a local feed yard and they moved back to the home place where Tonja’s Toffee had begun. The farmhouse is in western Scott County near the tiny, unincorporated rural community of Modoc.

“There’s probably less than 20 people in Modoc,” Haley said. Now, that’s rural.

From these roots, Haley Stratmeier and her grandmother Carrie Marion, Tonja’s mom, have reopened Tonja’s Toffee. The company offers almond toffee with the choice of four toppings:&nbsp;&nbsp;milk, dark, or white chocolate, or butterscotch, as well as offering peanut brittle. The product is not just for Christmas. People order the products year-round as customer appreciation gifts or for special occasions.

“We’ve sold toffee from New Jersey to California,” Haley said. “People have been so great.”

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tonjastoffee.com/" target="_blank">www.tonjastoffee.com</a>.

“That tastes so good, you should sell it!” Perhaps that phrase helped launch this business. We commend Haley Stratmeier, Carrie Marion, and the late Tonja Williams for making a difference by building a business from a family product. It tastes so good, I’m glad they’re selling it.

Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.

Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588531540012.jpeg" alt="Tonja's Toffee. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Tonja's Toffee. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State University“That tastes so good, you should sell it!” Perhaps you’ve heard that phrase when someone shares a delicious treat. Today we’ll learn about a family which took that statement seriously, and their product became the basis of a remarkable business. Last week we met <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ea4e3dfeb7f170536037931">Phyllis Cheney</a>, whose flower shop in Chapman sells various products including Tonja’s Toffee. The toffee is delicious, but the backstory is bittersweet. It involves a remarkable product made by a remarkable woman who battled cancer for many years. Now her family is continuing her legacy.Tonja, the founder of this business, grew up in Scott County. She met Alan Williams at a church barbecue and the two married. She became a farm wife and teacher, raising four children.As a little girl, Tonja had enjoyed making toffee with her mother Carrie Marion. Tonja continued making toffee as she grew older and tweaked the family recipe to make it her own.After Tonja married and became a teacher, she would bring her homemade toffee in to school during the holidays. Her friends raved about it. “That tastes so good, you should sell it,” they would say. Tonja would modestly decline.Then two things happened. First, her son needed to raise money for a mission trip to Ukraine, so they decided to sell her toffee as a fundraiser for the project. Secondly, Tonja was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and she knew she wanted to move forward with this project while she could.The toffee sales for the mission trip were a rousing success, and the money was raised in a matter of weeks. It was also a market test which demonstrated that there was a demand for the product.“We were bombarded with orders,” said Haley, Tonja’s youngest daughter. “The business took off after that.” It was named Tonja’s Toffee. Haley remembers one craft show in particular where they sold 200 pounds of toffee in a single day.“Mom was an excellent baker and cook,” Haley said. “She was creative and professional and very particular about how the toffee was made.” Those high standards of excellence led to good results as the business grew.Tonja’s Toffee joined the From the Land of Kansas program offered by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. “The From the Land of Kansas program has been a huge help,” Haley said. “They’ve helped with tools for marketing, packaging, labels and finding suppliers.” Tonja’s Toffee was among the products promoted by the From the Land of Kansas program at national fancy food shows.Daughter Haley and some neighbor girls would pitch in to help make the toffee whenever they could. Haley got married in 2015 and is now raising two children of her own. Meanwhile, Tonja was operating the business while continuing her treatment for cancer. On November 24, 2017, eight years after the original diagnosis, Tonja passed away. The family decided to close the business.Then Tonja’s parents retired in Scott City and found they could convert one room in their house into a commercial kitchen. Haley’s husband took a job at a local feed yard and they moved back to the home place where Tonja’s Toffee had begun. The farmhouse is in western Scott County near the tiny, unincorporated rural community of Modoc.“There’s probably less than 20 people in Modoc,” Haley said. Now, that’s rural.From these roots, Haley Stratmeier and her grandmother Carrie Marion, Tonja’s mom, have reopened Tonja’s Toffee. The company offers almond toffee with the choice of four toppings:&nbsp;&nbsp;milk, dark, or white chocolate, or butterscotch, as well as offering peanut brittle. The product is not just for Christmas. People order the products year-round as customer appreciation gifts or for special occasions.“We’ve sold toffee from New Jersey to California,” Haley said. “People have been so great.”For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tonjastoffee.com/" target="_blank">www.tonjastoffee.com</a>.“That tastes so good, you should sell it!” Perhaps that phrase helped launch this business. We commend Haley Stratmeier, Carrie Marion, and the late Tonja Williams for making a difference by building a business from a family product. It tastes so good, I’m glad they’re selling it.Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

Now That’s Rural: Haley Stratmeier, Tonja’s Toffee

Saline County has announced the closing of part of Old Highway 40 beginning Monday.

Old Highway 40 between Donmyer Road and Field Road in Solomon will be closed to through traffic beginning Monday and will remain closed through Wednesday morning for the replacement of two railroad crossings on Old Highway 40 at Amos Road, according to information from the Salina County Road and Bridge Department. Advanced road closure signs will be placed at Old 40/ North Niles Road., and Old 40/Poplar Street in Solomon in order to provide traffic the option of using Interstate 70. 

Also beginning Monday, APAC-Kansas will begin construction on an asphalt overlay on Old 40 Highway beginning at North Niles Road and ending at Field Road in Solomon. The traffic control for this operation will utilize a pilot car. The purpose of the pilot car traffic control is for those vehicles that need to access the county roads between Niles Road and Donmyer Road. The pilot car operation will not provide access through the road closed area of Donmyer Road to Field Road. 

Motorists are advised to allow a few extra minutes of travel time to reach their destinations. Local and emergency traffic will be provided access to private property within the sections of closed road at all times but only from the side upon which the property lies.

Saline County has announced the closing of part of Old Highway 40 beginning Monday.Old Highway 40 between Donmyer Road and Field Road in Solomon will be closed to through traffic beginning Monday and will remain closed through Wednesday morning for the replacement of two railroad crossings on Old Highway 40 at Amos Road, according to information from the Salina County Road and Bridge Department. Advanced road closure signs will be placed at Old 40/ North Niles Road., and Old 40/Poplar Street in Solomon in order to provide traffic the option of using Interstate 70. Also beginning Monday, APAC-Kansas will begin construction on an asphalt overlay on Old 40 Highway beginning at North Niles Road and ending at Field Road in Solomon. The traffic control for this operation will utilize a pilot car. The purpose of the pilot car traffic control is for those vehicles that need to access the county roads between Niles Road and Donmyer Road. The pilot car operation will not provide access through the road closed area of Donmyer Road to Field Road. Motorists are advised to allow a few extra minutes of travel time to reach their destinations. Local and emergency traffic will be provided access to private property within the sections of closed road at all times but only from the side upon which the property lies.

County closing part of Old 40 at Solomon for two projects

Weather History for Sunday, May 3, 2020, from the National Weather Service:

In 1999, the Southern Plains Tornado Outbreak produced an afternoon and evening of incredible devastation from north Texas, through central and eastern Oklahoma, to south-central Kansas. A staggering 74 tornadoes were reported that day, of which 58 occurred in Oklahoma.

In Oklahoma, the most infamous, no doubt, was the immense F5 that tore through Moore, a south Oklahoma City suburb. The hideous vortex had a track 38 miles long and three fourths to 1 mile wide. The most powerful tornado on record killed 36, injured 583, and caused nearly $1.1 billion damage. It moved northeast and tracked nearly parallel to Interstate 44. 

When it roared into Moore, a portable Doppler measured rotational velocities that may have reached 318 mph just off the ground, the most violent winds ever recorded on Earth. This placed the tornado on the threshold of becoming the first F6 tornado in history. Obviously, the destruction was mind-boggling. The most stupefying occurred when around 10 homes, of which four were adjacent to each other, vanished.

The most violent tornado in Kansas was the F4 variant that barreled through Haysville and South Wichita. The tornado's track was 14 miles long and around one half mile wide. It killed six, injured 150, and caused approximately $140 million damage.

In all, the outbreak killed 46, injured 895, and caused $1.4 billion damage.



Weather History for Sunday, May 3, 2020, from the National Weather Service:In 1999, the Southern Plains Tornado Outbreak produced an afternoon and evening of incredible devastation from north Texas, through central and eastern Oklahoma, to south-central Kansas. A staggering 74 tornadoes were reported that day, of which 58 occurred in Oklahoma.In Oklahoma, the most infamous, no doubt, was the immense F5 that tore through Moore, a south Oklahoma City suburb. The hideous vortex had a track 38 miles long and three fourths to 1 mile wide. The most powerful tornado on record killed 36, injured 583, and caused nearly $1.1 billion damage. It moved northeast and tracked nearly parallel to Interstate 44. When it roared into Moore, a portable Doppler measured rotational velocities that may have reached 318 mph just off the ground, the most violent winds ever recorded on Earth. This placed the tornado on the threshold of becoming the first F6 tornado in history. Obviously, the destruction was mind-boggling. The most stupefying occurred when around 10 homes, of which four were adjacent to each other, vanished.The most violent tornado in Kansas was the F4 variant that barreled through Haysville and South Wichita. The tornado's track was 14 miles long and around one half mile wide. It killed six, injured 150, and caused approximately $140 million damage.In all, the outbreak killed 46, injured 895, and caused $1.4 billion damage.

This day in weather history: Tornado outbreak

It looks to be a beautiful spring day across much of the area Sunday.

Skies will become partly to mostly sunny this afternoon across central and eastern Kansas, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. While not as warm, it will still be seasonably mild with high temperatures in the 70s, NWS noted.

Here's the NWS forecast for the Salina area from NWS:

A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. North wind 10 to 15 mph becoming east northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.

A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 54. East southeast wind 8 to 11 mph.

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 68. East wind 9 to 11 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

A 30-percent chance of showers before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. North wind 6 to 13 mph.

Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. North northwest wind 3 to 7 mph.

A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 50.

A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 73.

A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.

A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 64.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588508499330.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It looks to be a beautiful spring day across much of the area Sunday.Skies will become partly to mostly sunny this afternoon across central and eastern Kansas, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. While not as warm, it will still be seasonably mild with high temperatures in the 70s, NWS noted.Here's the NWS forecast for the Salina area from NWS:TodayA 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. North wind 10 to 15 mph becoming east northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.TonightA 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 54. East southeast wind 8 to 11 mph.MondayA chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 68. East wind 9 to 11 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.Monday NightA 30-percent chance of showers before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. North wind 6 to 13 mph.TuesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 74. North northwest wind 3 to 7 mph.Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 48.WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 74.Wednesday NightA 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 50.ThursdayA 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 73.Thursday NightA 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.FridayA 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 64.Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 39.SaturdaySunny, with a high near 68.

NWS: Sunshine and mid-70s Sunday

Even with the Stay at Home Executive Order being lifted, it remains a difficult time. That is undeniable. It is in these difficult times that the ingenuity of Saline County business owners and public officials must be harnessed to arrive at a solution that balances the health and safety of individuals and the general social and economic welfare of Salina and our region.

The federal government took unprecedented steps to support employers and individuals during the current shutdown. The Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Families First, and stimulus monies were a good and swift first step, but with all legislation passed quickly, there will be additional rulings and modifications of the programs during implementation. However, there are still businesses and individuals that will remain under distress during any phased or gradual reopening.

Under the Paycheck Protection Program, Congress authorized forgivable loans equal to 2 ½ times monthly payroll for businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The SBA is using thousands of banks to process applications and distribute the money Congress appropriated. The local lender community that services the SBA loan programs helped Kansas rank 3rd out of the 50 states with 26,245 loans that equaled $4.3B. Our local financial institutions should be commended for the long hours and hard work they put in to help local businesses with a much-needed funding opportunity. CARES Act 3.5 was passed late last week and included additional funding for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and the Paycheck Protection Program, and it is forecasted to run out quickly based on the backlog in funding applications. It would be no surprise if some of those applications are from local businesses that could desperately need it.

Given early indications of the way the CARES Act is being implemented across the country and the staggering unemployment figures continue to underscore the need for bridge funding to keep more Americans on the job and more businesses afloat during the coronavirus economic crisis.

Without businesses and their employees, the ability of our federal, state, and local governments to weather this economic storm will be debilitating. Understanding that the overall public health and maintaining safety is paramount but this is truly a double-edged sword scenario because without tax creating projects, jobs, services, and properties then there are significantly less funds for all of the basic needs of local government including public safety, infrastructure, and the oversight of regulations and ordinances.

The billion-dollar question that has not been answered is: What will a return to work look like under the phased reopening? That is the question weighing heavily on the minds of government leaders, public health officials, employers, and their employees, and those striving for the delicate balance of staying safe and making ends meet. Opening our economy is a question that begs more questions. The gradual, phased-in, reopening will vary by factors such as location, sector, business type or size, and the health status of workers. It also will require continued social distancing, expanded use of personal protective equipment, and other counter measures all of which may be a strain on businesses that are still reeling from the past month.

A return to work and our economic re-opening boils down to the ‘Four C’s’ of cash, customers, communication, and confidence. Public officials need to understand the importance of the Four C’s to our business community; and our business community needs to understand the importance of maintaining social distancing and following public health guidelines. Communication is paramount as well because there are no two like business owners. All have different needs, fears, employees, and what is good for the goose isn’t always good for the gander. Together, confidence can be built and all involved can continue to follow the data to thoughtfully guide decisions to ensure a resurgence in cases doesn’t happen.

From Blue Skye Brewery producing sanitizer, to Vortex Valves and Kansas Wesleyan University producing face shields for the medical community, to KSAL hosting a Cruise on Santa Fe to raise funds and food donations, to Bravo Sliders and Bites providing meals to the elderly, this list could go on and on but it is just a short snippet of how our businesses and organizations that have always made Salina a great community continue to go above and beyond in a time of great need. As consumers, I’d like to challenge everyone to think locally and Think Salina First when you decide to make your next purchase and go above and beyond for the small businesses right now! Go to their websites, social media pages, or&nbsp; better yet send them a message or pick up the phone. These businesses have sponsored hundreds of thousands of your shows, teams, drives, fundraising auctions, projects, sculptures, soup suppers, meals, poker runs, and so much more and now, more than ever, local businesses need our support!

Close the Amazon tab and Think Salina First!

Eric L. Brown President/CEO Salina Area Chamber of Commerce

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584662045134.jpeg" alt="Eric Brown Salina Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. Photo courtesy the chamber" />
 <figcaption>Eric Brown Salina Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. Photo courtesy the chamber</figcaption>
 </figure>Even with the Stay at Home Executive Order being lifted, it remains a difficult time. That is undeniable. It is in these difficult times that the ingenuity of Saline County business owners and public officials must be harnessed to arrive at a solution that balances the health and safety of individuals and the general social and economic welfare of Salina and our region.The federal government took unprecedented steps to support employers and individuals during the current shutdown. The Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Families First, and stimulus monies were a good and swift first step, but with all legislation passed quickly, there will be additional rulings and modifications of the programs during implementation. However, there are still businesses and individuals that will remain under distress during any phased or gradual reopening.Under the Paycheck Protection Program, Congress authorized forgivable loans equal to 2 ½ times monthly payroll for businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The SBA is using thousands of banks to process applications and distribute the money Congress appropriated. The local lender community that services the SBA loan programs helped Kansas rank 3rd out of the 50 states with 26,245 loans that equaled $4.3B. Our local financial institutions should be commended for the long hours and hard work they put in to help local businesses with a much-needed funding opportunity. CARES Act 3.5 was passed late last week and included additional funding for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and the Paycheck Protection Program, and it is forecasted to run out quickly based on the backlog in funding applications. It would be no surprise if some of those applications are from local businesses that could desperately need it.Given early indications of the way the CARES Act is being implemented across the country and the staggering unemployment figures continue to underscore the need for bridge funding to keep more Americans on the job and more businesses afloat during the coronavirus economic crisis.Without businesses and their employees, the ability of our federal, state, and local governments to weather this economic storm will be debilitating. Understanding that the overall public health and maintaining safety is paramount but this is truly a double-edged sword scenario because without tax creating projects, jobs, services, and properties then there are significantly less funds for all of the basic needs of local government including public safety, infrastructure, and the oversight of regulations and ordinances.The billion-dollar question that has not been answered is: What will a return to work look like under the phased reopening? That is the question weighing heavily on the minds of government leaders, public health officials, employers, and their employees, and those striving for the delicate balance of staying safe and making ends meet. Opening our economy is a question that begs more questions. The gradual, phased-in, reopening will vary by factors such as location, sector, business type or size, and the health status of workers. It also will require continued social distancing, expanded use of personal protective equipment, and other counter measures all of which may be a strain on businesses that are still reeling from the past month.A return to work and our economic re-opening boils down to the ‘Four C’s’ of cash, customers, communication, and confidence. Public officials need to understand the importance of the Four C’s to our business community; and our business community needs to understand the importance of maintaining social distancing and following public health guidelines. Communication is paramount as well because there are no two like business owners. All have different needs, fears, employees, and what is good for the goose isn’t always good for the gander. Together, confidence can be built and all involved can continue to follow the data to thoughtfully guide decisions to ensure a resurgence in cases doesn’t happen.From Blue Skye Brewery producing sanitizer, to Vortex Valves and Kansas Wesleyan University producing face shields for the medical community, to KSAL hosting a Cruise on Santa Fe to raise funds and food donations, to Bravo Sliders and Bites providing meals to the elderly, this list could go on and on but it is just a short snippet of how our businesses and organizations that have always made Salina a great community continue to go above and beyond in a time of great need. As consumers, I’d like to challenge everyone to think locally and Think Salina First when you decide to make your next purchase and go above and beyond for the small businesses right now! Go to their websites, social media pages, or&nbsp; better yet send them a message or pick up the phone. These businesses have sponsored hundreds of thousands of your shows, teams, drives, fundraising auctions, projects, sculptures, soup suppers, meals, poker runs, and so much more and now, more than ever, local businesses need our support!Close the Amazon tab and Think Salina First!Eric L. Brown President/CEO Salina Area Chamber of Commerce

OPINION: Think Salina first

The Salina Fire Department is once again teaming up with the Salina Family YMCA for another hands-only CPR webinar.

The free webinar is scheduled for 1:30-2 p.m. Friday. Persons wishing to participate will need to have access to a computer with a webcam that has a microphone.

During the webinar, participants are scheduled to learn the following.

•To Save a Life in Less than 15 minutes

•The When, Why, and How for Hands-Only CPR

•How to save a choking adult, child, or infant

The webinar is not a class that will provide participants with certification. Practice sessions and a full-course will be offered at a later day/time for certification.

Allen Grant Fire Captain/EMT Salina Fire Department AHA CPR/First Aid Instructor

Brandon Doubrava Firefighter/Paramedic III Critical Care Paramedic Salina Fire Department AHA CPR/First Aid Instructor

The number of participants in the webinar is limited, so register soon. <a href="https://www.salinaymca.org/form/hands-only-cpr-registration-form">Click here to register.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586286477161.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy YMCA" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy YMCA</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Fire Department is once again teaming up with the Salina Family YMCA for another hands-only CPR webinar.The free webinar is scheduled for 1:30-2 p.m. Friday. Persons wishing to participate will need to have access to a computer with a webcam that has a microphone.During the webinar, participants are scheduled to learn the following.•To Save a Life in Less than 15 minutes•The When, Why, and How for Hands-Only CPR•How to save a choking adult, child, or infantThe webinar is not a class that will provide participants with certification. Practice sessions and a full-course will be offered at a later day/time for certification.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-Y4oAyPALc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>InstructorsAllen Grant Fire Captain/EMT Salina Fire Department AHA CPR/First Aid InstructorBrandon Doubrava Firefighter/Paramedic III Critical Care Paramedic Salina Fire Department AHA CPR/First Aid InstructorThe number of participants in the webinar is limited, so register soon. <a href="https://www.salinaymca.org/form/hands-only-cpr-registration-form">Click here to register.</a>

📹 SFD, YMCA offering another hands-only CPR webinar

Today is Sunday, May 3, the 124th day of 2020. There are 242 days left in the year.

On May 3, 1802, Washington, D.C. was incorporated as a city.

In 1913, Clorox had its beginnings as five entrepreneurs agreed to set up a liquid bleach factory in Oakland, Calif.

In 1916, Irish nationalists Padraic Pearse, Thomas Clarke and Thomas MacDonagh were executed by a British firing squad; they were among 16 people put to death for their roles in the Easter Rising.

In 1937, Margaret Mitchell won the Pulitzer Prize for her novel, "Gone with the Wind."

In 1948, the Supreme Court, in Shelley v. Kraemer, ruled that covenants prohibiting the sale of real estate to blacks or members of other racial groups were legally unenforceable.

In 1978, spam email was born as Gary Thuerk, a marketing executive for the Digital Equipment Corp. of Maynard, Massachusetts, transmitted an unsolicited sales pitch for a new line of computers to 400 prospective customers on ARPANET, a precursor to the internet; the stunt generated some business, as well as complaints. "Sun Day" took place on a Wednesday as thousands of people extolling the virtues of solar energy held events across the country.

In 1979, Conservative Party leader Margaret Thatcher was chosen to become Britain's first female prime minister as the Tories ousted the incumbent Labour government in parliamentary elections.

In 1984, Michael Dell founded Dell Computer Corp. while a student at the University of Texas in Austin.

In 1987, The Miami Herald said its reporters had observed a young woman spending "Friday night and most of Saturday" at a Washington townhouse belonging to Democratic presidential candidate Gary Hart. (The woman was later identified as Donna Rice; the resulting controversy torpedoed Hart's presidential bid.)

In 1999, some 70 tornadoes roared across Oklahoma and Kansas, killing 46 people and injuring hundreds.

In 2006, a federal jury in Alexandria, Virginia, rejected the death penalty for al-Qaida conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui, deciding he should spend life in prison for his role in 9/11; as he was led from the courtroom, Moussaoui taunted, "America, you lost."

In 2007, British girl Madeleine McCann vanished during a family vacation in Portugal nine days before her fourth birthday; her disappearance remains unsolved.

In 2009, Mexican President Felipe Calderon told state television that a nationwide shutdown and an aggressive informational campaign appeared to have helped curtail an outbreak of swine flu in Mexico.

Ten years ago: BP declared it would pay all "legitimate and objectively verifiable" claims related to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Faisal Shahzad, who later admitted to an attempted car bombing in Times Square, was apprehended aboard a flight preparing to depart New York for Dubai. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton exchanged heated words at the United Nations, the site of a monthlong debate over nuclear weapons. An Indian court convicted a Pakistani man (Mohammed Ajmal Kasab) of murder and other charges for his role in the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai that left 166 people dead.

Five years ago: Two gunmen were shot and killed by a police officer in Garland, Texas, after they opened fire outside a purposely provocative contest for cartoon depictions of the Prophet Muhammad. Aboard the International Space Station, Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti fired up the first espresso machine in orbit, then posted a photo of herself on Twitter sipping from a cup designed for use in zero-gravity.

One year ago: In their first known phone call since the release of special counsel Robert Mueller's report, President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin discussed what Trump again dismissed as the "Russian Hoax." A chartered jet ran off a runway and into a river at a military base in Jacksonville, Florida; none of the 143 people onboard had serious injuries, but a dog and two cats died in the cargo hold.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Alex Cord is 87. Singer Frankie Valli is 86. Former Idaho Gov. Butch Otter is 78. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, is 77. Sports announcer Greg Gumbel is 74. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., is 71. Pop singer Mary Hopkin is 70. Singer Christopher Cross is 69. Country musician Cactus Moser (Highway 101) is 63. Rock musician David Ball (Soft Cell) is 61. Former Sen. David Vitter, R-La., is 59. Country singer Shane Minor is 52. Actress Amy Ryan is 52. Actor Bobby Cannavale is 50. Music and film producer-actor Damon Dash is 49. Country musician John Driskell Hopkins (Zac Brown Band) is 49. Country-rock musician John Neff is 49. Country singer Brad Martin is 47. Actress Marsha Stephanie-Blake is 45. TV personality Willie Geist (TV: "Today") is 45. Actress Christina Hendricks is 45. Actor Dule Hill is 45. Country singer Eric Church is 43. Actress Tanya Wright is 42. Dancer Cheryl Burke is 36. Soul singer Michael Kiwanuka is 33. Actress Jill Berard is 30. Actress Zoe De Grand Maison is 25. Rapper Desiigner is 23.

Thought for Today: "Each day, and the living of it, has to be a conscious creation in which discipline and order are relieved with some play and pure foolishness." — May Sarton, American poet (born this date in 1912, died in 1995).

<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 3, the 124th day of 2020. There are 242 days left in the year.Today's Highlights in History:On May 3, 1802, Washington, D.C. was incorporated as a city.On this date:In 1913, Clorox had its beginnings as five entrepreneurs agreed to set up a liquid bleach factory in Oakland, Calif.In 1916, Irish nationalists Padraic Pearse, Thomas Clarke and Thomas MacDonagh were executed by a British firing squad; they were among 16 people put to death for their roles in the Easter Rising.In 1937, Margaret Mitchell won the Pulitzer Prize for her novel, "Gone with the Wind."In 1948, the Supreme Court, in Shelley v. Kraemer, ruled that covenants prohibiting the sale of real estate to blacks or members of other racial groups were legally unenforceable.In 1978, spam email was born as Gary Thuerk, a marketing executive for the Digital Equipment Corp. of Maynard, Massachusetts, transmitted an unsolicited sales pitch for a new line of computers to 400 prospective customers on ARPANET, a precursor to the internet; the stunt generated some business, as well as complaints. "Sun Day" took place on a Wednesday as thousands of people extolling the virtues of solar energy held events across the country.In 1979, Conservative Party leader Margaret Thatcher was chosen to become Britain's first female prime minister as the Tories ousted the incumbent Labour government in parliamentary elections.In 1984, Michael Dell founded Dell Computer Corp. while a student at the University of Texas in Austin.In 1987, The Miami Herald said its reporters had observed a young woman spending "Friday night and most of Saturday" at a Washington townhouse belonging to Democratic presidential candidate Gary Hart. (The woman was later identified as Donna Rice; the resulting controversy torpedoed Hart's presidential bid.)In 1999, some 70 tornadoes roared across Oklahoma and Kansas, killing 46 people and injuring hundreds.In 2006, a federal jury in Alexandria, Virginia, rejected the death penalty for al-Qaida conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui, deciding he should spend life in prison for his role in 9/11; as he was led from the courtroom, Moussaoui taunted, "America, you lost."In 2007, British girl Madeleine McCann vanished during a family vacation in Portugal nine days before her fourth birthday; her disappearance remains unsolved.In 2009, Mexican President Felipe Calderon told state television that a nationwide shutdown and an aggressive informational campaign appeared to have helped curtail an outbreak of swine flu in Mexico.Ten years ago: BP declared it would pay all "legitimate and objectively verifiable" claims related to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Faisal Shahzad, who later admitted to an attempted car bombing in Times Square, was apprehended aboard a flight preparing to depart New York for Dubai. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton exchanged heated words at the United Nations, the site of a monthlong debate over nuclear weapons. An Indian court convicted a Pakistani man (Mohammed Ajmal Kasab) of murder and other charges for his role in the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai that left 166 people dead.Five years ago: Two gunmen were shot and killed by a police officer in Garland, Texas, after they opened fire outside a purposely provocative contest for cartoon depictions of the Prophet Muhammad. Aboard the International Space Station, Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti fired up the first espresso machine in orbit, then posted a photo of herself on Twitter sipping from a cup designed for use in zero-gravity.One year ago: In their first known phone call since the release of special counsel Robert Mueller's report, President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin discussed what Trump again dismissed as the "Russian Hoax." A chartered jet ran off a runway and into a river at a military base in Jacksonville, Florida; none of the 143 people onboard had serious injuries, but a dog and two cats died in the cargo hold.Today's Birthdays: Actor Alex Cord is 87. Singer Frankie Valli is 86. Former Idaho Gov. Butch Otter is 78. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, is 77. Sports announcer Greg Gumbel is 74. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., is 71. Pop singer Mary Hopkin is 70. Singer Christopher Cross is 69. Country musician Cactus Moser (Highway 101) is 63. Rock musician David Ball (Soft Cell) is 61. Former Sen. David Vitter, R-La., is 59. Country singer Shane Minor is 52. Actress Amy Ryan is 52. Actor Bobby Cannavale is 50. Music and film producer-actor Damon Dash is 49. Country musician John Driskell Hopkins (Zac Brown Band) is 49. Country-rock musician John Neff is 49. Country singer Brad Martin is 47. Actress Marsha Stephanie-Blake is 45. TV personality Willie Geist (TV: "Today") is 45. Actress Christina Hendricks is 45. Actor Dule Hill is 45. Country singer Eric Church is 43. Actress Tanya Wright is 42. Dancer Cheryl Burke is 36. Soul singer Michael Kiwanuka is 33. Actress Jill Berard is 30. Actress Zoe De Grand Maison is 25. Rapper Desiigner is 23.Thought for Today: "Each day, and the living of it, has to be a conscious creation in which discipline and order are relieved with some play and pure foolishness." — May Sarton, American poet (born this date in 1912, died in 1995).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- May 3

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department has reported another confirmed case of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 23.

"The newly identified positive case is a female in her 50s with unknown exposure at this time and is hospitalized. Investigation is still underway. Additional information will be released as it becomes available," the health department noted in a news release issued this evening.

So far, 16 of the total confirmed cases have now met recovery guidelines set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and three of the total confirmed cases are currently hospitalized, the health department reported.

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department has reported another confirmed case of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 23."The newly identified positive case is a female in her 50s with unknown exposure at this time and is hospitalized. Investigation is still underway. Additional information will be released as it becomes available," the health department noted in a news release issued this evening.So far, 16 of the total confirmed cases have now met recovery guidelines set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and three of the total confirmed cases are currently hospitalized, the health department reported.

McPherson County reports 23rd COVID-19 case

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

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

At this time, the Saline County Health Officer does not plan on adding additional restrictions above and beyond the recommendations set forth by the Governor. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. We will continue to support increased testing capabilities and robust contact tracing. Visit <a href="http://www.covid.ks.gov">www.covid.ks.gov</a> to see the Governor’s framework.

At 11 am, KDHE reported the following in their daily release:

• A total of 4,746 positive cases and 131 deaths. That is an increase of 297 positive cases from yesterday’s release.

• 30,196 negative tests have been received through the KDHE and private labs.

• The age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 44 years of age).

• The Kansas Department of Agriculture released guidance for food service establishments for reopening during Phase One of the Plan to re-open Kansas. This guidance can be found at <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/covid-19/guidance-for-re-opening-foodservice-establishments.pdf?sfvrsn=37218cc1_0">https://agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/covid-19/guidance-for-re-opening-foodservice-establishments.pdf?sfvrsn=37218cc1_0</a>.

• The City/County Building at 300 W. Ash will continue modified entry into the building. The North (ramp) entrance will be the only access point into the building. All Departments continue to strongly encourage citizens to utilize online or mail in options to conduct business with City and County departments.

Saline County residents are encouraged to help the community and our health care system flatten the curve and slow the spread of coronavirus. You can do this by:

• Following the Statewide Stay-at-Home Order which remains in effect until May 3rd.

• Covering all coughs and sneezes.

• Washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.

• Wearing cloth face coverings or homemade masks when in public.

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, Stay Healthy and Stay at Home.

Here's Saline County's COVID-19 update for Saturday:The Saline County Health Department does not have any additional cases of COVID-19 to report today.At this time, the Saline County Health Officer does not plan on adding additional restrictions above and beyond the recommendations set forth by the Governor. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. We will continue to support increased testing capabilities and robust contact tracing. Visit <a href="http://www.covid.ks.gov">www.covid.ks.gov</a> to see the Governor’s framework.At 11 am, KDHE reported the following in their daily release:• A total of 4,746 positive cases and 131 deaths. That is an increase of 297 positive cases from yesterday’s release.• 30,196 negative tests have been received through the KDHE and private labs.• The age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 44 years of age).Announcements:• The Kansas Department of Agriculture released guidance for food service establishments for reopening during Phase One of the Plan to re-open Kansas. This guidance can be found at <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/covid-19/guidance-for-re-opening-foodservice-establishments.pdf?sfvrsn=37218cc1_0">https://agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/covid-19/guidance-for-re-opening-foodservice-establishments.pdf?sfvrsn=37218cc1_0</a>.• The City/County Building at 300 W. Ash will continue modified entry into the building. The North (ramp) entrance will be the only access point into the building. All Departments continue to strongly encourage citizens to utilize online or mail in options to conduct business with City and County departments.Saline County residents are encouraged to help the community and our health care system flatten the curve and slow the spread of coronavirus. You can do this by:• Following the Statewide Stay-at-Home Order which remains in effect until May 3rd.• Covering all coughs and sneezes.• Washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.• Wearing cloth face coverings or homemade masks when in public.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, Stay Healthy and Stay at Home.

Saline County holds steady at 21 COVID-19 cases

CONCORDIA -- With Kansas stay-at-home order set to end Sunday, protecting the health and safety of patients, staff and community is still a top priority for the Cloud County Health Center. 

We will continue to ensure measures are in place for your safety.

•The hospital’s “no visitor policy” will remain in effect. Exceptions to this include:

•One caregiver for patients younger than 18.

•One support person for patients with disabilities needing assistance.

•Comfort Care visitor exceptions will be made for patients nearing end of life (case by case basis).

•We will continue to only allow patients to attend clinic appointments or other Outpatient Services such as Lab, X-ray, Therapy or Dialysis

•We will continue to screen those entering the hospital with a series of questions related to symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, as well as previous travel and previous exposure.

•Temperatures will be taken of all individuals entering the hospital.

•All persons entering the hospital are asked to wear a mask. Please bring your mask or face covering from home to help preserve valuable resources for our healthcare providers. However, if you do not have access to your own mask, a mask will be provided to you.

Patients and families are encouraged to utilize electronic means to communicate with on another such as Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and other social media sites. Guest Wi-Fi is available throughout the hospital.

It is requested that anyone experiencing a fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or other flu-like symptoms contact their primary care physician before seeking care, including offering a virtual visit. The Family Care Center will continue to offer same day appointments only so a staff member can be prepared for your arrival.

Please call 785-243-4272 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Do not delay your health! It is important to address all of your health care needs with your provider. Medical issues and treatments, from preventative care like well-child visits, vaccinations, cancer screenings and routine annual physical exams to management of chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, do not go away during these times.

Please do not hesitate to obtain needed healthcare. We are doing everything in our power to ensure our hospital spaces are safe and our providers are prepared to care for you and your family.

CONCORDIA -- With Kansas stay-at-home order set to end Sunday, protecting the health and safety of patients, staff and community is still a top priority for the Cloud County Health Center. We will continue to ensure measures are in place for your safety.•The hospital’s “no visitor policy” will remain in effect. Exceptions to this include:•One caregiver for patients younger than 18.•One support person for patients with disabilities needing assistance.•Comfort Care visitor exceptions will be made for patients nearing end of life (case by case basis).•We will continue to only allow patients to attend clinic appointments or other Outpatient Services such as Lab, X-ray, Therapy or Dialysis•We will continue to screen those entering the hospital with a series of questions related to symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, as well as previous travel and previous exposure.•Temperatures will be taken of all individuals entering the hospital.•All persons entering the hospital are asked to wear a mask. Please bring your mask or face covering from home to help preserve valuable resources for our healthcare providers. However, if you do not have access to your own mask, a mask will be provided to you.Patients and families are encouraged to utilize electronic means to communicate with on another such as Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and other social media sites. Guest Wi-Fi is available throughout the hospital.It is requested that anyone experiencing a fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or other flu-like symptoms contact their primary care physician before seeking care, including offering a virtual visit. The Family Care Center will continue to offer same day appointments only so a staff member can be prepared for your arrival.Please call 785-243-4272 for more information or to schedule an appointment.Do not delay your health! It is important to address all of your health care needs with your provider. Medical issues and treatments, from preventative care like well-child visits, vaccinations, cancer screenings and routine annual physical exams to management of chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, do not go away during these times.Please do not hesitate to obtain needed healthcare. We are doing everything in our power to ensure our hospital spaces are safe and our providers are prepared to care for you and your family.

CCHC announces plans as stay-at-home order ends

Following Gov. Laura Kelly's announcement of a phased loosening of restrictions to mitigate
 the spread of COVID-19, Salina Public Library will work to establish a pick-up service. 

While gatherings continue
 to be limited to 10 people, the library building will remain closed.

Pick-up service is tentatively
 scheduled to begin May 18. Announcements about how to utilize this service will be made through media outlets, on the library’s Facebook page and on
<a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">
salinapubliclibrary.org</a>. Patrons may begin returning library items to book drops on May 12. These are located on the west side of the library building and Dillons stores. Late fines will not begin accruing until June 1. If additional restrictions are put
 in place, these dates may be extended.

The library offers a
 variety of digital services including Sunflower eLibrary, Hoopla and RBDigital. New library cards can be obtained through the library's website. Interactive activities and Tuesday Talks, Q&amp;A sessions on specific topics, are available on the library's Facebook
 page. Library staff are on hand to answer questions via website chat or by email at
<a href="mailto:help@salpublib.org" target="_blank">help@salpublib.org</a>.&nbsp;

Following Gov. Laura Kelly's announcement of a phased loosening of restrictions to mitigate
 the spread of COVID-19, Salina Public Library will work to establish a pick-up service. While gatherings continue
 to be limited to 10 people, the library building will remain closed.Pick-up service is tentatively
 scheduled to begin May 18. Announcements about how to utilize this service will be made through media outlets, on the library’s Facebook page and on
<a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">
salinapubliclibrary.org</a>. Patrons may begin returning library items to book drops on May 12. These are located on the west side of the library building and Dillons stores. Late fines will not begin accruing until June 1. If additional restrictions are put
 in place, these dates may be extended.The library offers a
 variety of digital services including Sunflower eLibrary, Hoopla and RBDigital. New library cards can be obtained through the library's website. Interactive activities and Tuesday Talks, Q&amp;A sessions on specific topics, are available on the library's Facebook
 page. Library staff are on hand to answer questions via website chat or by email at
<a href="mailto:help@salpublib.org" target="_blank">help@salpublib.org</a>.&nbsp;

Library working to establish pick-up service

The following is an update on City-County Building office operations as provided by Saline County.

The City of Salina and Saline County offices located at the City/County Building at 300 W. Ash Street is implementing procedures for some operations to re-open on May 4th to safeguard our staff and citizens conducting business in the building.

All Departments continue to strongly encourage citizens to utilize online or mail in options to conduct business with City and County departments.

The City/County building will continue to only allow public access through the North (ramp) doors. All other doors will remain locked. We have taken the following steps to support and safeguard our staff and customers:

• Floor markings and signage to promote safe physical distancing.

• Limits to the number of citizens entering certain offices at one time.

• Enhanced daily sanitation practices, including increased frequency of cleaning commonly used areas.

• Installation of plexiglass partitions in certain departments.

• Drop off boxes located at the entrance for certain departments.

• We encourage citizens and staff to wear cloth face masks while inside the building.

• Some departments in the building may not be open fully, we encourage citizens to call beforehand.

Please see the following information regarding any specific operations to departments:

Saline County Treasurer 309-5860 – Second half of property taxes are due May 10th. Mailing in of payments or online payments are highly encouraged <a href="https://www.saline.org/Departments/Treasurer">https://www.saline.org/Departments/Treasurer</a>. Payments can also be dropped off with security at the north building entrance and will be retrieved by Treasury staff.

Vehicle Registration 309-5860 – normal operations however; there will be limits to the number of citizens allowed inside the office at one time. Online renewals are highly encouraged.

Saline County Appraiser 309-5800 – normal operations will resume, appointments are highly encouraged.

Saline County Planning &amp; Zoning 309-5813 – appointments are highly encouraged.

County Attorney’s Office 309-5815 – offices will remain closed to the public. If you have questions regarding a pending case, please contact the County Attorney’s office. Saline County District Court 309-5843 – Traffic Court will resume on Wednesday, May 6th.

There will be limits to the number of citizens allowed inside the court room at one time. If you have questions regarding a pending court case, please contact the District Court office.

Register of Deeds 309-5855 – A drop box located at the North entrance will remain available for abstractors. No passports are being processed at this time. All other business will be conducted by appointment only.

Saline County Clerk/Elections 309-5820 – normal operations will resume.

Saline County Board of County Commissioners 309-5825 – in-person meetings will resume Tuesday, May 5th with implemented measures to maintain proper physical distancing.

Water Customer Accounting 309-5740: In order to avoid future shut-off or rising balances, please continue to make whatever payment is possible by any of the following options:

• Visit <a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov">www.salina-ks.gov</a>

• Use the drop box located in the circle drive of the City/County Building or only as a last resort by coming to the Water Customer Accounting office at the City/County Building.

Community &amp; Development Services: 309-5720

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584487791224.jpeg" alt="Some offices in the City-County Building will begin to re-open Monday. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Some offices in the City-County Building will begin to re-open Monday. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The following is an update on City-County Building office operations as provided by Saline County.The City of Salina and Saline County offices located at the City/County Building at 300 W. Ash Street is implementing procedures for some operations to re-open on May 4th to safeguard our staff and citizens conducting business in the building.All Departments continue to strongly encourage citizens to utilize online or mail in options to conduct business with City and County departments.The City/County building will continue to only allow public access through the North (ramp) doors. All other doors will remain locked. We have taken the following steps to support and safeguard our staff and customers:• Floor markings and signage to promote safe physical distancing.• Limits to the number of citizens entering certain offices at one time.• Enhanced daily sanitation practices, including increased frequency of cleaning commonly used areas.• Installation of plexiglass partitions in certain departments.• Drop off boxes located at the entrance for certain departments.• We encourage citizens and staff to wear cloth face masks while inside the building.• Some departments in the building may not be open fully, we encourage citizens to call beforehand.Please see the following information regarding any specific operations to departments:Saline County Departments:Saline County Treasurer 309-5860 – Second half of property taxes are due May 10th. Mailing in of payments or online payments are highly encouraged <a href="https://www.saline.org/Departments/Treasurer">https://www.saline.org/Departments/Treasurer</a>. Payments can also be dropped off with security at the north building entrance and will be retrieved by Treasury staff.Vehicle Registration 309-5860 – normal operations however; there will be limits to the number of citizens allowed inside the office at one time. Online renewals are highly encouraged.Saline County Appraiser 309-5800 – normal operations will resume, appointments are highly encouraged.Saline County Planning &amp; Zoning 309-5813 – appointments are highly encouraged.County Attorney’s Office 309-5815 – offices will remain closed to the public. If you have questions regarding a pending case, please contact the County Attorney’s office. Saline County District Court 309-5843 – Traffic Court will resume on Wednesday, May 6th.There will be limits to the number of citizens allowed inside the court room at one time. If you have questions regarding a pending court case, please contact the District Court office.Register of Deeds 309-5855 – A drop box located at the North entrance will remain available for abstractors. No passports are being processed at this time. All other business will be conducted by appointment only.Saline County Clerk/Elections 309-5820 – normal operations will resume.Saline County Board of County Commissioners 309-5825 – in-person meetings will resume Tuesday, May 5th with implemented measures to maintain proper physical distancing.City of Salina Departments:Water Customer Accounting 309-5740: In order to avoid future shut-off or rising balances, please continue to make whatever payment is possible by any of the following options:• Call 309-5740 (option 1)• Visit <a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov">www.salina-ks.gov</a>• Mail your payment• Use the drop box located in the circle drive of the City/County Building or only as a last resort by coming to the Water Customer Accounting office at the City/County Building.City Manager’s Office: 309-5700Human Resources Office: 309-5710Finance Department: 309-5735Community &amp; Development Services: 309-5720Parks &amp; Recreation: 309-5765Public Works: 309-5725Utilities: 309-5725

County: Update on City-County Building offices re-opening

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

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

Recent obituaries

MANHATTAN– Kansas State University has awarded Kassebaum Scholarships to five high school seniors.

The scholarship competition was held earlier this semester. K-State received a significant number of applications, and a selection committee chose seven student finalists to interview for the Kassebaum Scholarship. Of those interviewed, William Bannister, a senior from Manhattan High School,&nbsp;Manhattan; Ethan Brown, a senior from Salina Central High School,&nbsp;Salina; Nicholas Saia, a senior from Olathe Northwest,&nbsp;Olathe; Bryce Smith, a senior from Lawrence High School,&nbsp;Lawrence&nbsp;and Jade Valdez-Gomez, a senior from Garden City High School,&nbsp;Garden City&nbsp;were chosen to receive a $5,000 scholarship.

Named in honor of former Kansas Sen. Nancy Kassebaum-Baker, the Kassebaum Scholarship recognizes students, whose academic and extracurricular achievements reflect the potential for and desire to make a difference through energetic leadership in the public service arena.

The Kassebaum Scholarship has been awarded to 125 students since its inception in 2001. K-State leads all public universities in Truman, Rhodes, Goldwater and Udall scholars. Often recipients of these prestigious scholarships come from the Kassebaum Scholarship program.

Finalists for Kansas State University's Kassebaum Scholarship include the following high school seniors:

Peyton Froome, a senior from Salina South High School,&nbsp;Salina

Colleen Fulton, a senior from Loup City High School,&nbsp;Loup City, Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588423896983.jpeg" alt="Front row from left: Peyton Froome, Ethan Brown, William Bannister, Colleen Fulton, Interim Director Bryon Williams.&nbsp;Back row from left: Jade Valdez-Gomez, Bryce Smith, Nicholas Saia. Photo courtesy USD 305" />
 <figcaption>Front row from left: Peyton Froome, Ethan Brown, William Bannister, Colleen Fulton, Interim Director Bryon Williams.&nbsp;Back row from left: Jade Valdez-Gomez, Bryce Smith, Nicholas Saia. Photo courtesy USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure> MANHATTAN– Kansas State University has awarded Kassebaum Scholarships to five high school seniors.The scholarship competition was held earlier this semester. K-State received a significant number of applications, and a selection committee chose seven student finalists to interview for the Kassebaum Scholarship. Of those interviewed, William Bannister, a senior from Manhattan High School,&nbsp;Manhattan; Ethan Brown, a senior from Salina Central High School,&nbsp;Salina; Nicholas Saia, a senior from Olathe Northwest,&nbsp;Olathe; Bryce Smith, a senior from Lawrence High School,&nbsp;Lawrence&nbsp;and Jade Valdez-Gomez, a senior from Garden City High School,&nbsp;Garden City&nbsp;were chosen to receive a $5,000 scholarship.Named in honor of former Kansas Sen. Nancy Kassebaum-Baker, the Kassebaum Scholarship recognizes students, whose academic and extracurricular achievements reflect the potential for and desire to make a difference through energetic leadership in the public service arena.The Kassebaum Scholarship has been awarded to 125 students since its inception in 2001. K-State leads all public universities in Truman, Rhodes, Goldwater and Udall scholars. Often recipients of these prestigious scholarships come from the Kassebaum Scholarship program.Finalists for Kansas State University's Kassebaum Scholarship include the following high school seniors:Peyton Froome, a senior from Salina South High School,&nbsp;SalinaColleen Fulton, a senior from Loup City High School,&nbsp;Loup City, Nebraska.

Central's Brown receives KSU's Kassebaum Scholarship

EMPORIA -- Mitchell DeWalt was announced the winner of the Emporia Entrepreneur Challenge on April 15, the first time the competition used a virtual format.

The Emporia Entrepreneur Challenge is a venture idea competition that is open to all students from Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College, with $4,500 in cash prizes: $2,500 for first, $1,500 for second, and $500 for third.

The competition started with a Meet &amp; Greet event on Jan. 28 to help students find partners for the competition. Three judges graded 42 executive summaries to arrive at the top 21 that would go on to the final round of competition - their oral pitches. Teams were judged on Business Model/Product, Feasibility, Justification, Specificity, and Originality.

Because of classes moving to online after spring break, the challenge took a virtual turn with the teams submitting their oral pitches electronically.

DeWalt, a junior business administration student from Overland Park, took first place and $2,500 for Overland Camping Equipment, the company he started three years ago.

"At OCE, we offer a variety of innovative camping supplies aimed to make your weekend getaway more enjoyable," says DeWalt. "For this challenge, I focused on one specific product called the Sleep Anywhere Bag. The Entrepreneurship Challenge allowed me to truly test my innovative abilities and challenge myself on bringing a product from an idea to reality. I appreciate the opportunity to not only compete but learn from the mentorship in the program."

Second place and $1,500 went to Aren Trost, a sophomore business administration student from McPherson, with Falls Craft Furniture, a company that offers custom welded furniture designs for the modern homeowner with the ability to make completely new custom pieces based on the needs and desires of the customer.

"The Entrepreneurial Challenge was such an exciting project to stir the imagination on what could be," said Trost. "It helped me get a better idea through research and learning of what my business is going to look like in the future."

He continues, "So many thank-yous go out to the individuals that were willing to share their knowledge of business with me in order to help me succeed. This has been a great opportunity to spark the fire of excitement for the future, and I have loved every second of it."

Students Hayden Schaeffer, senior management student from Thornton, Colorado, and Brigham Mooney, senior business administration student from Lees Summit, Missouri, took third place and $500 with Bioplastic Solutions, a single use biodegradable plastic product.

Said Schaeffer, "The entrepreneur challenge gave me the opportunity to apply my business education in a real-world situation, and I couldn't have had more fun doing it."

EMPORIA -- Mitchell DeWalt was announced the winner of the Emporia Entrepreneur Challenge on April 15, the first time the competition used a virtual format.The Emporia Entrepreneur Challenge is a venture idea competition that is open to all students from Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College, with $4,500 in cash prizes: $2,500 for first, $1,500 for second, and $500 for third.The competition started with a Meet &amp; Greet event on Jan. 28 to help students find partners for the competition. Three judges graded 42 executive summaries to arrive at the top 21 that would go on to the final round of competition - their oral pitches. Teams were judged on Business Model/Product, Feasibility, Justification, Specificity, and Originality.Because of classes moving to online after spring break, the challenge took a virtual turn with the teams submitting their oral pitches electronically.DeWalt, a junior business administration student from Overland Park, took first place and $2,500 for Overland Camping Equipment, the company he started three years ago."At OCE, we offer a variety of innovative camping supplies aimed to make your weekend getaway more enjoyable," says DeWalt. "For this challenge, I focused on one specific product called the Sleep Anywhere Bag. The Entrepreneurship Challenge allowed me to truly test my innovative abilities and challenge myself on bringing a product from an idea to reality. I appreciate the opportunity to not only compete but learn from the mentorship in the program."Second place and $1,500 went to Aren Trost, a sophomore business administration student from McPherson, with Falls Craft Furniture, a company that offers custom welded furniture designs for the modern homeowner with the ability to make completely new custom pieces based on the needs and desires of the customer."The Entrepreneurial Challenge was such an exciting project to stir the imagination on what could be," said Trost. "It helped me get a better idea through research and learning of what my business is going to look like in the future."He continues, "So many thank-yous go out to the individuals that were willing to share their knowledge of business with me in order to help me succeed. This has been a great opportunity to spark the fire of excitement for the future, and I have loved every second of it."Students Hayden Schaeffer, senior management student from Thornton, Colorado, and Brigham Mooney, senior business administration student from Lees Summit, Missouri, took third place and $500 with Bioplastic Solutions, a single use biodegradable plastic product.Said Schaeffer, "The entrepreneur challenge gave me the opportunity to apply my business education in a real-world situation, and I couldn't have had more fun doing it."Normally, the top two finishers would have competed at the State Entrepreneur Challenge at Kansas State University on April 28. That competition was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.Dr. Douglass Smith chaired the Entrepreneur Challenge committee. "We are incredibly grateful to have dedicated students that continued to participate during this unprecedented time," said Smith. "We are proud of these students and their commitment to finish what they started and encourage them to continue their entrepreneurial dreams!"Click&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/GwE/cXo/t.31e/IGsrnr2MQSuXJra5nltjHA/h0/KmSwdmspjzgZvWBOGuKtq5jgdCniiNegQKq5xT0UbhTfvB5GC01OGC2FPeOEOx6CV2bAeL19hlaRxxw1HKtp-2BQ-3D-3D/8NQJ" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to watch the announcement video produced by Smith.The EEC Committee included Dr. Douglass Smith, ESU, EEC Director; Dr. Jeff Muldoon, ESU; Dr. Sheryl Lidzy, ESU; Dr. Carol Lucy, ESU; Beth Ginter, ESU; and Kim Dhority, FHTC.Judges for the first round of the competition (grading the executive summaries) included Dr. Marian Riedy, Dr. Michael Dennis, and Lisa Kirmer.Judges for the second round of the competition (virtual oral pitches) included Kandace Wakeman, Jeanine McKenna, Lisa Brumbaugh, and Blaine Warkentine.