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

The department reported Tuesday night that 16 of the 20 confirmed cases in the county have met recovery guidelines set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Of the remaining four, three are hospitalized, the department noted.

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department shared more good news this evening.The department reported Tuesday night that 16 of the 20 confirmed cases in the county have met recovery guidelines set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Of the remaining four, three are hospitalized, the department noted.

McPherson County: 16 of 20 COVID-19 cases now recovered

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

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

Symptoms for COVID-19 appear 2 - 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other rarer symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat, and diarrhea. If you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 between 2 and 14 days later, please call your medical provider.

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

• A total of 3,491 positive cases and 124 deaths. That is an increase of 163 positive cases from yesterday’s release.

• 24,599 negative tests have been received through the KDHE and private labs.

• The age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 46 years of age).

• The Saline County Mounted Patrol in partnership with the United Way is offering citizens who are at high risk the ability for the Mounted Patrol to deliver essential items to those households.

• KDHE has made updates to their statistical data that is being reported. Please visit their website at: <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas</a>

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 the Tuesday COVID-19 update from Saline County:The Saline County Health Department does not have any additional cases of COVID-19 to report today.Symptoms for COVID-19 appear 2 - 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other rarer symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat, and diarrhea. If you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 between 2 and 14 days later, please call your medical provider.At 11 am, KDHE reported the following in their daily release:• A total of 3,491 positive cases and 124 deaths. That is an increase of 163 positive cases from yesterday’s release.• 24,599 negative tests have been received through the KDHE and private labs.• The age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 46 years of age).Announcements:• The Saline County Mounted Patrol in partnership with the United Way is offering citizens who are at high risk the ability for the Mounted Patrol to deliver essential items to those households.• KDHE has made updates to their statistical data that is being reported. Please visit their website at: <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas</a>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: Holding at 20 COVID-19 cases

Dealerships normally compete with each other in order to sell their vehicles. On Monday, however, three Salina dealerships joined forces for the good of the community.

Representatives from the
three locally owned car dealerships, Larry Marshall, North McArthur, and Mike
Money teamed up&nbsp; to make a $15,000 donation to the
Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank. 

The trio noted that they are stronger together
and wanted to make a gift to assist the food bank in purchasing food during the
COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Although we are competitors, at this
time of tremendous need, we have come together to help those who have lost
their jobs and face very difficult circumstances,”&nbsp;Marshall said. “We feel it is important to support
all the people we have grown up with and consider to be our friends.” 

This trio of local
dealerships has served the Salina community for a combined 192 years. 

“We all live in Salina and believe it is important to help
whenever we can,”&nbsp; Money said.

“This
is our home town. We all want to thank our customers for making this donation
possible. It is an honor to help in this way,”&nbsp;McArthur added. 

Salina Emergency Aid Food
Bank, located at 255 S. Chicago, provides assistance to those experiencing
hunger and food insecurity. 

“We
are supported 100 percent through the donation of food and money. People like Mr.
Marshall, Mr. McArthur, and Mr. Money make all the difference in the world to
those in our community experiencing difficult times!&nbsp; We can’t thank them enough,” said&nbsp;Michael Chambers, food bank executive director. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588110314567.jpeg" alt="Three locally owned&nbsp; dealerships teamed up to provide a $15,000 donation to the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank. Those pictured are, from left,&nbsp;Larry Marshall, owner Marshall Automotive Group; North McArthur, president, Long McArthur. Inc.; Mike Money, owner Money Automotive Center; and Michael Chambers, executive director, Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank. Photo courtesy the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank" />
 <figcaption>Three locally owned&nbsp; dealerships teamed up to provide a $15,000 donation to the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank. Those pictured are, from left,&nbsp;Larry Marshall, owner Marshall Automotive Group; North McArthur, president, Long McArthur. Inc.; Mike Money, owner Money Automotive Center; and Michael Chambers, executive director, Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank. Photo courtesy the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank</figcaption>
 </figure>Dealerships normally compete with each other in order to sell their vehicles. On Monday, however, three Salina dealerships joined forces for the good of the community.Representatives from the
three locally owned car dealerships, Larry Marshall, North McArthur, and Mike
Money teamed up&nbsp; to make a $15,000 donation to the
Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank. The trio noted that they are stronger together
and wanted to make a gift to assist the food bank in purchasing food during the
COVID-19 pandemic. “Although we are competitors, at this
time of tremendous need, we have come together to help those who have lost
their jobs and face very difficult circumstances,”&nbsp;Marshall said. “We feel it is important to support
all the people we have grown up with and consider to be our friends.” This trio of local
dealerships has served the Salina community for a combined 192 years. “We all live in Salina and believe it is important to help
whenever we can,”&nbsp; Money said.“This
is our home town. We all want to thank our customers for making this donation
possible. It is an honor to help in this way,”&nbsp;McArthur added. Salina Emergency Aid Food
Bank, located at 255 S. Chicago, provides assistance to those experiencing
hunger and food insecurity. “We
are supported 100 percent through the donation of food and money. People like Mr.
Marshall, Mr. McArthur, and Mr. Money make all the difference in the world to
those in our community experiencing difficult times!&nbsp; We can’t thank them enough,” said&nbsp;Michael Chambers, food bank executive director.

Competitors team up to benefit Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank

Some of these are immense! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasGeologicalSurvey/">Kansas Geological Survey</a> Facebook page:

Some of these are immense! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasGeologicalSurvey/">Kansas Geological Survey</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasGeologicalSurvey%2Fposts%2F2857183304335717&width=500" width="500" height="774" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

KGS offers information about sinkholes

On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman speaks with Executive Director of High Plains Mental Health Center Walt Hill about mental health during the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588095398643.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Walt Hill" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/4gavr-dab947?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever; Leading in Challenging Times, Gary Shorman speaks with Executive Director of High Plains Mental Health Center Walt Hill about mental health during the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;

🎤Forward Ever: Walt Hill

A warming trend is expected to end the work week as the forecast remains mostly dry. 

By Friday, some locations may reach 90 degrees, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.

A slight chance of showers before 8 p.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 52. North northwest wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Sunny, with a high near 71. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 20 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

Clear, with a low around 44. North wind 6 to 11 mph becoming light north northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.

Sunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.

A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.

A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.

A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.

A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 76.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588093107267.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A warming trend is expected to end the work week as the forecast remains mostly dry. By Friday, some locations may reach 90 degrees, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.Here's the forecast from NWS:TonightA slight chance of showers before 8 p.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 52. North northwest wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.WednesdaySunny, with a high near 71. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 20 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.Wednesday NightClear, with a low around 44. North wind 6 to 11 mph becoming light north northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.ThursdaySunny, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.Thursday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 55.FridayMostly sunny, with a high near 88.Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 57.SaturdayPartly sunny, with a high near 84.Saturday NightA 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.SundayA 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.Sunday NightA 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.MondayA 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 76.

NWS: Warm-up through Friday; mostly dry

A Salina man is among those recently appointed to the&nbsp;Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Board of Directors.

Governor Laura Kelly has appointed Delvin Strecker, Salina; Linda Wiley, Topeka; Catherine Smith, Olathe; and David Abel, Wichita; to the&nbsp;

The board provides statewide regulation, supervision, promotion and development of school activities and contests in the fields of athletics, music, forensics, dramatics and any other interschool extracurricular activities by students enrolled in any of the grade from seven to 12.

Strecker was a teacher in western Kansas for more than 30 years. He attended seminary and was ordained following his retirement.

Wiley has over 30 years of public education experience, including her time as principal of Topeka High School. She is currently in an adjunct position at Washburn University.

Smith was a public school teacher in the Lansing and Olathe school districts for over 30 years, and has coached multiple activities and sports over the years.

Abel has over 30 years as a public school teacher and a debate coach in Wichita area school districts. He is a member of the National Speech and Debate Association.

“This board is essential to our Kansas public schools and the activities in which so many of our kids participate,” Kelly said. “These appointments will critical to the continued success of these programs.”

All members serve two-year terms, and limited to six consecutive years. The governor’s appointees will rotate service on the Executive Council provided they have served at least one year on the Board of Directors.

A Salina man is among those recently appointed to the&nbsp;Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Board of Directors.Governor Laura Kelly has appointed Delvin Strecker, Salina; Linda Wiley, Topeka; Catherine Smith, Olathe; and David Abel, Wichita; to the&nbsp;The board provides statewide regulation, supervision, promotion and development of school activities and contests in the fields of athletics, music, forensics, dramatics and any other interschool extracurricular activities by students enrolled in any of the grade from seven to 12.Strecker was a teacher in western Kansas for more than 30 years. He attended seminary and was ordained following his retirement.Wiley has over 30 years of public education experience, including her time as principal of Topeka High School. She is currently in an adjunct position at Washburn University.Smith was a public school teacher in the Lansing and Olathe school districts for over 30 years, and has coached multiple activities and sports over the years.Abel has over 30 years as a public school teacher and a debate coach in Wichita area school districts. He is a member of the National Speech and Debate Association.“This board is essential to our Kansas public schools and the activities in which so many of our kids participate,” Kelly said. “These appointments will critical to the continued success of these programs.”All members serve two-year terms, and limited to six consecutive years. The governor’s appointees will rotate service on the Executive Council provided they have served at least one year on the Board of Directors.

Salina's Strecker appointed to KSHSAA board

The Saline County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of multiple items from a storage shed at the Interstate 70 (I-70) rest area near Solomon.

Sometime between 6 p.m. Sunday and 8:08 a.m. Monday, someone broke into a storage shed at the westbound rest area on I-70 and stole the following items, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning.

The items, owned by Southwest Janitorial in Garden City, were valued at $400, Soldan said. Southwest Janitorial has the contract with the state to maintain the rest area, he explained.

Soldan said the shed, which is owned by the Kansas Department of Transportation, is located behind the rest area building. Entry was gained by peeling back the siding on the shed, he noted. Damage was estimated at $100, Soldan added.

Anyone who has information about the incident is encouraged to call the Saline County Sheriff's Office at (785) 826-6500.

The Saline County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of multiple items from a storage shed at the Interstate 70 (I-70) rest area near Solomon.Sometime between 6 p.m. Sunday and 8:08 a.m. Monday, someone broke into a storage shed at the westbound rest area on I-70 and stole the following items, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning.Mower bladesA couple of mower batteriesA battery chargerAn ECHO weed eaterThe items, owned by Southwest Janitorial in Garden City, were valued at $400, Soldan said. Southwest Janitorial has the contract with the state to maintain the rest area, he explained.Soldan said the shed, which is owned by the Kansas Department of Transportation, is located behind the rest area building. Entry was gained by peeling back the siding on the shed, he noted. Damage was estimated at $100, Soldan added.Anyone who has information about the incident is encouraged to call the Saline County Sheriff's Office at (785) 826-6500.

Items stolen from storage shed at rest area on I-70

EMPORIA, -- The generosity of Augusta Shepherd (BSB '44 Business Administration) and her late husband, R. Hershel Shepherd, continues with Emporia State's newest Shepherd Scholars.

With annual and major gifts from Augusta, son Jim Shepherd, daughter Joyce and Craig French, daughter Judy and David Hawkins, and the family businesses, the initial $150,000 gift in 1994 has grown.

Each year since 1995, the Shepherd Scholars Program has honored Emporia State's most outstanding students, as determined through a robust and competitive application process. Normally, the new Scholars meet the Shepherd family during a luncheon at the Sauder Alumni Center. This year, with campus closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting came via Zoom.

Kirstan DeVore, a Mathematics Education major from Inman

Bobbi Rookstool, an English Education and Journalism major from Clay Center

Eligible students have maintained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, meet, at a minimum, the traditional definition of "junior" classification by having completed at least 60 credit hours at the time of application, and have at least two semesters' worth of coursework remaining before graduation.

EMPORIA, -- The generosity of Augusta Shepherd (BSB '44 Business Administration) and her late husband, R. Hershel Shepherd, continues with Emporia State's newest Shepherd Scholars.With annual and major gifts from Augusta, son Jim Shepherd, daughter Joyce and Craig French, daughter Judy and David Hawkins, and the family businesses, the initial $150,000 gift in 1994 has grown.Each year since 1995, the Shepherd Scholars Program has honored Emporia State's most outstanding students, as determined through a robust and competitive application process. Normally, the new Scholars meet the Shepherd family during a luncheon at the Sauder Alumni Center. This year, with campus closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting came via Zoom.Shepherd Scholars from this area are:Kirstan DeVore, a Mathematics Education major from InmanBobbi Rookstool, an English Education and Journalism major from Clay CenterEligible students have maintained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, meet, at a minimum, the traditional definition of "junior" classification by having completed at least 60 credit hours at the time of application, and have at least two semesters' worth of coursework remaining before graduation.

Area students named Shepherd Scholars at ESU

Gotta wonder how this little scrap between Gov. Laura Kelly and the leadership of the Kansas Legislature is going to work out…politically, that is.

Who gets credit, or who gets the blame, for whatever happens in Kansas for the next few months, while the coronavirus pandemic fades out this summer or strengthens for the fall and winter?

Now, it was a good move by the Legislature to pass a budget for the state before taking off for the coronavirus/Spring Break first adjournment in March. The money for the basic operations of the state are taken care of, or at least were taken care of when lawmakers broke up. Practically, lawmakers did the one vital thing they are tasked to do each year, pass a budget.

But now that it has passed, many parts of that budget which were scheduled for some fine-tuning this spring are still waiting for that fine-tuning. You know, those programs – especially for social services for kids – are law, but the funding is not officially dedicated to those programs. It can probably be taken care of with some inside-the-agency funding juggling, but in some cases, those outlines of programs that sound good to all of us aren’t specifically financed. So, they might or might not be done. It’s one thing to set up an advisory board to take care of children and those in need of social services, it’s another to actually put the money there.

And while legislative leadership last week at the Legislative Coordinating Council meeting didn’t pinpoint when, or whether, to restart the session for a few days to put the budget on more sound footing and to actually appropriate money for some programs, it’s looking almost like a scrap between those leaders and the leaders of House and Senate budget committees who want to fine-tune the budget and make sure that in the midst of a $1.2 billion shortfall sparked by the coronavirus life is changed as little as possible in Kansas.

Leaders? They want everyone safe, of course, and with about 60 percent of the state’s legislators at particular risk from COVID-19, that makes some sense, even if those legislators stand for election this fall.

And the budget folks? Well, they tend to be a little…how to say this nicely…fussy about every dollar sign and decimal point.

The alternative, if lawmakers don’t return to toughen up that budget that now includes necessary spending nobody really considered when they were headed for their cars figuring that their office plants would still be green, if a little limp, on their now-postponed return this month, well, the governor essentially juggles the budget.

Oh, the governor is coming up with a budget amendment, but if there aren’t any legislators in Topeka, she won’t need to print many copies of it, will she?

Much shifting of money caused by that shortfall because folks aren’t out spending money and paying taxes may be done by Kelly. She can, depending on the presumed ending balance for the upcoming fiscal year, make across-the-board cuts and shuffles – called allotments -- in her executive branch agencies.

Or, she can say that the deficit is going to be so severe that she can take advantage of her authority that in the face of an unconstitutional below-zero dollars ending balance to make allotments in every corner of the state’s spending. That spreads her potential cuts and reappropriations beyond just the agencies her Cabinet secretaries run, but into the Judiciary and Legislative budgets. That makes everything really serious if you happen to be a legislator…

What gets cut, who gets the responsibility for those cuts to programs nearly everyone wants…oh yes, and who tells the Legislature how much money it can&nbsp; spend on itself?

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141234707.png" alt="Martin Hawver" />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARTIN HAWVERWho’s the winner here?Gotta wonder how this little scrap between Gov. Laura Kelly and the leadership of the Kansas Legislature is going to work out…politically, that is.Who gets credit, or who gets the blame, for whatever happens in Kansas for the next few months, while the coronavirus pandemic fades out this summer or strengthens for the fall and winter?Now, it was a good move by the Legislature to pass a budget for the state before taking off for the coronavirus/Spring Break first adjournment in March. The money for the basic operations of the state are taken care of, or at least were taken care of when lawmakers broke up. Practically, lawmakers did the one vital thing they are tasked to do each year, pass a budget.But now that it has passed, many parts of that budget which were scheduled for some fine-tuning this spring are still waiting for that fine-tuning. You know, those programs – especially for social services for kids – are law, but the funding is not officially dedicated to those programs. It can probably be taken care of with some inside-the-agency funding juggling, but in some cases, those outlines of programs that sound good to all of us aren’t specifically financed. So, they might or might not be done. It’s one thing to set up an advisory board to take care of children and those in need of social services, it’s another to actually put the money there.And while legislative leadership last week at the Legislative Coordinating Council meeting didn’t pinpoint when, or whether, to restart the session for a few days to put the budget on more sound footing and to actually appropriate money for some programs, it’s looking almost like a scrap between those leaders and the leaders of House and Senate budget committees who want to fine-tune the budget and make sure that in the midst of a $1.2 billion shortfall sparked by the coronavirus life is changed as little as possible in Kansas.Leaders? They want everyone safe, of course, and with about 60 percent of the state’s legislators at particular risk from COVID-19, that makes some sense, even if those legislators stand for election this fall.And the budget folks? Well, they tend to be a little…how to say this nicely…fussy about every dollar sign and decimal point.The alternative, if lawmakers don’t return to toughen up that budget that now includes necessary spending nobody really considered when they were headed for their cars figuring that their office plants would still be green, if a little limp, on their now-postponed return this month, well, the governor essentially juggles the budget.Oh, the governor is coming up with a budget amendment, but if there aren’t any legislators in Topeka, she won’t need to print many copies of it, will she?Much shifting of money caused by that shortfall because folks aren’t out spending money and paying taxes may be done by Kelly. She can, depending on the presumed ending balance for the upcoming fiscal year, make across-the-board cuts and shuffles – called allotments -- in her executive branch agencies.Or, she can say that the deficit is going to be so severe that she can take advantage of her authority that in the face of an unconstitutional below-zero dollars ending balance to make allotments in every corner of the state’s spending. That spreads her potential cuts and reappropriations beyond just the agencies her Cabinet secretaries run, but into the Judiciary and Legislative budgets. That makes everything really serious if you happen to be a legislator…What gets cut, who gets the responsibility for those cuts to programs nearly everyone wants…oh yes, and who tells the Legislature how much money it can&nbsp; spend on itself?Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>.

At the Rail: Who gets the credit or the blame?

Salina Fire Department inspection and prevention activities are credited with greatly reducing the instances of large-loss commercial structure fires in recent years.

That's what Fire Chief Kevin Royse told Salina City Commissioners in an administrative brief that was included in this week's <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=443378&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">commission meeting packet</a>.

"Salina is not any different than other communities except, that in the past 10-12 years our fire inspection and prevention activities have driven down large loss (greater than $50,000) commercial structure fires to exeptional lows," Royse wrote.

He noted that the last large-loss commercial structure fire to which the department responded was the fire at Huddle House/Flying J Travel Center, 2250 North Ohio Street, on April 17, 2015.

Prior to that was the fire downtown at Anderson Leather Shop, 118 North Santa Fe Avenue, on May 21, 2008, Royse wrote.

"These are exceptional achievements for any community to have only 2 major commercial structure fires in the past 12 years. It has not been done without a major emphasis on our prevention and inspection efforts which has paid off significantly," he wrote in the brief.

Royse explained that commercial building fires "can bring a multitude of concerns and problems that residential fires do not have. First and foremost is the safety of the firefighters involved with the actual fire operations. Most commercial buildings are larger than an average residence and depending upon the type of occupancy have a higher fire load and sometimes hazards that are not present in a residence. The risk of injury or death to firefighters is much higher during an actual commercial building fire."

Afterward, commercial fires can have lasting effect on the community, he noted.

"First is the displacement of the employees. Employees may not be willing or able to wait for the business to reopen and resume operations especially if the damage is extensive or complete. Next the owners may not wish to reopen or rebuild depending upon various factors such as insurance, loss of business and the time it takes to reopen. The longer the downtime, the greater the financial, personal and community loss especially if it is a larger employer for the community. Lastly there is the lost revenue to the city in the form of sales taxes while the building is closed. Some businesses do not ever reopen," Royse wrote.

The chief also informed commissioners of two programs the department has recently implemented to "ensure and improve the safety of the citizens of Salina."

He explained that in October 2019, the department began using Compliance Engine for its testing and system inspection program for commercial properties that are required to have fire protection systems. Additionally, the department "requested a city ordinance change requiring any contractor doing inspection and testing of fire protection systems to be licensed by the city to perform inspections and to use Compliance Engine's program."

Royse noted that in only six months, using Compliance Engine has resulted in the following.

Identified 18 contractors who were not licensed to do the required work in Salina.

The 18 identified contractors have paid a total of $4,230 to the city to become properly licensed to do inspections and tests on commercial fire alarms per city ordinance.

The department has seen a 36-percent decrease year-to-date of false alarm calls due to fire protection system maintenance issues. By April 2019, there were 89 false alarm calls, while during the same period in 2020, there have been only 56 such calls. Royse attributed that decline to "systems being regularly and properly tested and maintained per city ordinance by qualified contractors."

Royse said the second program began on Jan. 1, 2020, when the Salina Fire Department began administering internally commercial fire alarm registration. Prior to Jan. 1, the Salina Fire Department, along with the Salina Police Department, had used a private company since 2016 to register and bill commercial businesses that were required by code to have fire alarm systems. Royse explained that the department found that the company's "record keeping and administration of these false fire alarms to be substandard and made the move to do all registration and false alarm billing in house by our Fire Prevention Division."

He noted that while the department had so far collected approximately the same amount of registration fees thus far in 2020, it also has discovered 12 commercial properties that were never registered by the previous company. Royse explained that by having the operation in-house, the department "can now cross reference all fire false alarms and make sure they are properly evaluated and billed according to the ordinance in place."

Royse also made commissioners aware of Fire Prevention Division personnel. Members of the division include the following.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588046796557.jpeg" alt="The Huddle House/Flying J Travel Center fire in 2015. Photo courtesy the Salina Fire Department&nbsp; brief" />
 <figcaption>The Huddle House/Flying J Travel Center fire in 2015. Photo courtesy the Salina Fire Department&nbsp; brief</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Fire Department inspection and prevention activities are credited with greatly reducing the instances of large-loss commercial structure fires in recent years.That's what Fire Chief Kevin Royse told Salina City Commissioners in an administrative brief that was included in this week's <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=443378&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">commission meeting packet</a>."Salina is not any different than other communities except, that in the past 10-12 years our fire inspection and prevention activities have driven down large loss (greater than $50,000) commercial structure fires to exeptional lows," Royse wrote.He noted that the last large-loss commercial structure fire to which the department responded was the fire at Huddle House/Flying J Travel Center, 2250 North Ohio Street, on April 17, 2015.Prior to that was the fire downtown at Anderson Leather Shop, 118 North Santa Fe Avenue, on May 21, 2008, Royse wrote.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588046906702.jpeg" alt="The Anderson Leather Shop Fire in 2008.&nbsp;Photo courtesy the Salina Fire Department brief" />
 <figcaption>The Anderson Leather Shop Fire in 2008.&nbsp;Photo courtesy the Salina Fire Department brief</figcaption>
 </figure>"These are exceptional achievements for any community to have only 2 major commercial structure fires in the past 12 years. It has not been done without a major emphasis on our prevention and inspection efforts which has paid off significantly," he wrote in the brief.Royse explained that commercial building fires "can bring a multitude of concerns and problems that residential fires do not have. First and foremost is the safety of the firefighters involved with the actual fire operations. Most commercial buildings are larger than an average residence and depending upon the type of occupancy have a higher fire load and sometimes hazards that are not present in a residence. The risk of injury or death to firefighters is much higher during an actual commercial building fire."Afterward, commercial fires can have lasting effect on the community, he noted."First is the displacement of the employees. Employees may not be willing or able to wait for the business to reopen and resume operations especially if the damage is extensive or complete. Next the owners may not wish to reopen or rebuild depending upon various factors such as insurance, loss of business and the time it takes to reopen. The longer the downtime, the greater the financial, personal and community loss especially if it is a larger employer for the community. Lastly there is the lost revenue to the city in the form of sales taxes while the building is closed. Some businesses do not ever reopen," Royse wrote.The chief also informed commissioners of two programs the department has recently implemented to "ensure and improve the safety of the citizens of Salina."He explained that in October 2019, the department began using Compliance Engine for its testing and system inspection program for commercial properties that are required to have fire protection systems. Additionally, the department "requested a city ordinance change requiring any contractor doing inspection and testing of fire protection systems to be licensed by the city to perform inspections and to use Compliance Engine's program."Royse noted that in only six months, using Compliance Engine has resulted in the following.Identified 18 contractors who were not licensed to do the required work in Salina.The 18 identified contractors have paid a total of $4,230 to the city to become properly licensed to do inspections and tests on commercial fire alarms per city ordinance.The department has seen a 36-percent decrease year-to-date of false alarm calls due to fire protection system maintenance issues. By April 2019, there were 89 false alarm calls, while during the same period in 2020, there have been only 56 such calls. Royse attributed that decline to "systems being regularly and properly tested and maintained per city ordinance by qualified contractors."Royse said the second program began on Jan. 1, 2020, when the Salina Fire Department began administering internally commercial fire alarm registration. Prior to Jan. 1, the Salina Fire Department, along with the Salina Police Department, had used a private company since 2016 to register and bill commercial businesses that were required by code to have fire alarm systems. Royse explained that the department found that the company's "record keeping and administration of these false fire alarms to be substandard and made the move to do all registration and false alarm billing in house by our Fire Prevention Division."He noted that while the department had so far collected approximately the same amount of registration fees thus far in 2020, it also has discovered 12 commercial properties that were never registered by the previous company. Royse explained that by having the operation in-house, the department "can now cross reference all fire false alarms and make sure they are properly evaluated and billed according to the ordinance in place."Royse also made commissioners aware of Fire Prevention Division personnel. Members of the division include the following.Fire Marshal Troy LongFire Inspector Joe KvacikFire Inspector Jeff DailyFire Inspector Roger NewellFire K9 Hoke

Chief: Large-loss commercial structure fires at exceptional lows

Today is Tuesday, April 28, the 119th day of 2020. There are 247 days left in the year.

On April 28, 1967, heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title after he refused to be inducted into the armed forces.

In 1788, Maryland became the seventh state to ratify the Constitution of the United States.

In 1789, there was a mutiny on the HMS Bounty as rebelling crew members of the British ship, led by Fletcher Christian, set the captain, William Bligh, and 18 others adrift in a launch in the South Pacific. (Bligh and most of the men with him reached Timor in 47 days.)

In 1918, Gavrilo Princip, 23, the assassin of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and the archduke's wife, Sophie, died in prison of tuberculosis.

In 1945, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and his mistress, Clara Petacci, were executed by Italian partisans as they attempted to flee the country.

In 1958, the United States conducted the first of 35 nuclear test explosions in the Pacific Proving Ground as part of Operation Hardtack I. Vice President Richard Nixon and his wife, Pat, began a goodwill tour of Latin America that was marred by hostile mobs in Lima, Peru, and Caracas, Venezuela.

In 1963, at Broadway's Tony Awards, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" was named best play while "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" won best musical.

In 1967, U.S. Army Gen. William C. Westmoreland told Congress that "backed at home by resolve, confidence, patience, determination and continued support, we will prevail in Vietnam over communist aggression."

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter accepted the resignation of Secretary of State Cyrus R. Vance, who had opposed the failed rescue mission aimed at freeing American hostages in Iran. (Vance was succeeded by Edmund Muskie.)

In 1986, the Soviet Union informed the world of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl.

In 1988, a flight attendant was killed and more than 60 persons injured when part of the roof of an Aloha Airlines Boeing 737 tore off during a flight from Hilo to Honolulu.

In 1994, former CIA official Aldrich Ames, who had passed U.S. secrets to the Soviet Union and then Russia, pleaded guilty to espionage and tax evasion, and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

In 1998, In a breakthrough for the government's tobacco investigation, cigarette maker Liggett and Myers agreed to tell prosecutors whether the industry had hidden evidence of health damage from smoking.

Ten years ago: Coast Guard Rear Adm. Mary Landry said a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was worse than officials had believed, and that the federal government was offering to help industry giant BP contain the slick threatening the U.S. shoreline.

Five years ago: Urging Americans to "do some soul-searching," President Barack Obama expressed deep frustration over recurring black deaths at the hands of police, rioters who responded with senseless violence and a society that would only "feign concern" without addressing the root causes. Nigerian troops rescued nearly 300 girls and women during an offensive against Boko Haram militants in the northeast Sambia forest; those rescued did not include any of the schoolgirls kidnapped a year earlier from Chibok. Jack Ely, the singer known for "Louie Louie," the low-budget recording that became one the most famous songs of the 20th century, died in Redmond, Oregon, at age 71.

One year ago: Former Republican Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana, a leading voice on foreign policy during his 36 years in the Senate, died at a hospital in Virginia at the age of 87. A shooting in Topeka, Kansas, killed a Washburn University football player, Dwayne Simmons, and wounded a former team member, Corey Ballentine, who had been drafted just hours earlier by the New York Giants; authorities said they were "in the wrong place at the wrong time" when they were shot outside an off-campus house party. (Francisco Alejandro Mendez has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder.) "Avengers: Endgame" shattered the record for biggest opening weekend with an estimated $350 million in ticket sales domestically and $1.2 billion globally, on its way to becoming the highest-grossing film ever.

Today's Birthdays: Former Secretary of State James A. Baker III is 90. Actress-singer Ann-Margret is 79. Actor Paul Guilfoyle is 71. Former "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno is 70. Rock musician Chuck Leavell is 68. Actress Mary McDonnell is 68. Rock singer-musician Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth) is 67. Actress Nancy Lee Grahn is 64. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan is 60. Rapper Too Short is 54. Actress Bridget Moynahan is 49. Actor Chris Young is 49. Rapper Big Gipp is 48. Actor Jorge Garcia is 47. Actress Elisabeth Rohm is 47. Actress Penelope Cruz is 46. Actor Nate Richert is 42. TV personalities Drew and Jonathan Scott are 42. Actress Jessica Alba is 39. Actor Harry Shum Jr. is 38. Actress Jenna Ushkowitz is 34. Actress Aleisha Allen is 29.

Thought for Today: "We have two lives... the one we learn with and the life we live with after that." — Bernard Malamud, American author (1914-1986).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Tuesday, April 28, the 119th day of 2020. There are 247 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On April 28, 1967, heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title after he refused to be inducted into the armed forces.On this date:In 1788, Maryland became the seventh state to ratify the Constitution of the United States.In 1789, there was a mutiny on the HMS Bounty as rebelling crew members of the British ship, led by Fletcher Christian, set the captain, William Bligh, and 18 others adrift in a launch in the South Pacific. (Bligh and most of the men with him reached Timor in 47 days.)In 1918, Gavrilo Princip, 23, the assassin of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and the archduke's wife, Sophie, died in prison of tuberculosis.In 1945, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and his mistress, Clara Petacci, were executed by Italian partisans as they attempted to flee the country.In 1958, the United States conducted the first of 35 nuclear test explosions in the Pacific Proving Ground as part of Operation Hardtack I. Vice President Richard Nixon and his wife, Pat, began a goodwill tour of Latin America that was marred by hostile mobs in Lima, Peru, and Caracas, Venezuela.In 1963, at Broadway's Tony Awards, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" was named best play while "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" won best musical.In 1967, U.S. Army Gen. William C. Westmoreland told Congress that "backed at home by resolve, confidence, patience, determination and continued support, we will prevail in Vietnam over communist aggression."In 1980, President Jimmy Carter accepted the resignation of Secretary of State Cyrus R. Vance, who had opposed the failed rescue mission aimed at freeing American hostages in Iran. (Vance was succeeded by Edmund Muskie.)In 1986, the Soviet Union informed the world of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl.In 1988, a flight attendant was killed and more than 60 persons injured when part of the roof of an Aloha Airlines Boeing 737 tore off during a flight from Hilo to Honolulu.In 1994, former CIA official Aldrich Ames, who had passed U.S. secrets to the Soviet Union and then Russia, pleaded guilty to espionage and tax evasion, and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.In 1998, In a breakthrough for the government's tobacco investigation, cigarette maker Liggett and Myers agreed to tell prosecutors whether the industry had hidden evidence of health damage from smoking.Ten years ago: Coast Guard Rear Adm. Mary Landry said a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was worse than officials had believed, and that the federal government was offering to help industry giant BP contain the slick threatening the U.S. shoreline.Five years ago: Urging Americans to "do some soul-searching," President Barack Obama expressed deep frustration over recurring black deaths at the hands of police, rioters who responded with senseless violence and a society that would only "feign concern" without addressing the root causes. Nigerian troops rescued nearly 300 girls and women during an offensive against Boko Haram militants in the northeast Sambia forest; those rescued did not include any of the schoolgirls kidnapped a year earlier from Chibok. Jack Ely, the singer known for "Louie Louie," the low-budget recording that became one the most famous songs of the 20th century, died in Redmond, Oregon, at age 71.One year ago: Former Republican Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana, a leading voice on foreign policy during his 36 years in the Senate, died at a hospital in Virginia at the age of 87. A shooting in Topeka, Kansas, killed a Washburn University football player, Dwayne Simmons, and wounded a former team member, Corey Ballentine, who had been drafted just hours earlier by the New York Giants; authorities said they were "in the wrong place at the wrong time" when they were shot outside an off-campus house party. (Francisco Alejandro Mendez has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder.) "Avengers: Endgame" shattered the record for biggest opening weekend with an estimated $350 million in ticket sales domestically and $1.2 billion globally, on its way to becoming the highest-grossing film ever.Today's Birthdays: Former Secretary of State James A. Baker III is 90. Actress-singer Ann-Margret is 79. Actor Paul Guilfoyle is 71. Former "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno is 70. Rock musician Chuck Leavell is 68. Actress Mary McDonnell is 68. Rock singer-musician Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth) is 67. Actress Nancy Lee Grahn is 64. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan is 60. Rapper Too Short is 54. Actress Bridget Moynahan is 49. Actor Chris Young is 49. Rapper Big Gipp is 48. Actor Jorge Garcia is 47. Actress Elisabeth Rohm is 47. Actress Penelope Cruz is 46. Actor Nate Richert is 42. TV personalities Drew and Jonathan Scott are 42. Actress Jessica Alba is 39. Actor Harry Shum Jr. is 38. Actress Jenna Ushkowitz is 34. Actress Aleisha Allen is 29.Thought for Today: "We have two lives... the one we learn with and the life we live with after that." — Bernard Malamud, American author (1914-1986).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- April 28

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

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

Recent obituaries

As our business grows, so does our need for great employees who believe in creating a great customer experience. If you are a motivated individual who enjoys interacting with people, Eagle Broadband has a job for you! 

From technology-focused positions to customer service and positions that allow you to work with your hands outside and in customers’ homes. Positions include competitive wages, great benefits, cutting edge technology, community involvement and bonus structures.

Click <a href="https://eaglecom.net/careers">HERE</a> for a complete list of job postings and to apply online:&nbsp;<a href="https://eaglecom.net/careers">https://eaglecom.net/careers</a>

• Customer Care Representative – Call Center, Hays

• Customer Care Retail Representative – Hays

• Technical Support Representative - Hays

• Business Solution Account Executive – Hays/Western KS

Eagle, Vyve and Northland are leading broadband Internet providers serving largely non-urban communities in 16 states. A technology leader in the cable and&nbsp;broadband sectors, Vyve Broadband offers an extensive range of broadband, fiber connectivity, cable television and voice services for commercial and residential customers. Residential services include high-speed Internet with speeds up to Vyve Gig, all-digital, high-definition video and fully featured digital voice. Vyve Business Services provides optical Ethernet, PRI and hosted voice services to the business community. Together, Eagle, Vyve and Northland serve areas of Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588082933705.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As our business grows, so does our need for great employees who believe in creating a great customer experience. If you are a motivated individual who enjoys interacting with people, Eagle Broadband has a job for you! From technology-focused positions to customer service and positions that allow you to work with your hands outside and in customers’ homes. Positions include competitive wages, great benefits, cutting edge technology, community involvement and bonus structures.Click <a href="https://eaglecom.net/careers">HERE</a> for a complete list of job postings and to apply online:&nbsp;<a href="https://eaglecom.net/careers">https://eaglecom.net/careers</a>Open positions include:• Customer Care Representative – Call Center, Hays• Customer Care Retail Representative – Hays• Technical Support Representative - Hays• Broadband Technician – Hays• Broadband Technician – Abilene• Business Solution Account Executive – Hays/Western KS• System Administrator - HaysEagle, Vyve and Northland are leading broadband Internet providers serving largely non-urban communities in 16 states. A technology leader in the cable and&nbsp;broadband sectors, Vyve Broadband offers an extensive range of broadband, fiber connectivity, cable television and voice services for commercial and residential customers. Residential services include high-speed Internet with speeds up to Vyve Gig, all-digital, high-definition video and fully featured digital voice. Vyve Business Services provides optical Ethernet, PRI and hosted voice services to the business community. Together, Eagle, Vyve and Northland serve areas of Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.

Cloud County health worker tests positive for COVID-19

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

Fourteen people in McPherson County who were confirmed to have COVID-19 have met recovery guidelines established by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE, the health department noted. 

Of the six remaining cases in the county, four are hospitalized, according to a news release from the health department.

"Guidance documents and recommendations regarding the reopening of McPherson County will be released once communication with state officials takes place," the health department noted in the news release.

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department shared more good news today.Fourteen people in McPherson County who were confirmed to have COVID-19 have met recovery guidelines established by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE, the health department noted. Of the six remaining cases in the county, four are hospitalized, according to a news release from the health department."Guidance documents and recommendations regarding the reopening of McPherson County will be released once communication with state officials takes place," the health department noted in the news release.

McPherson County: 14 meet recovery guidelines

CLAY CENTER -- The Clay County Health Department today announced the first confirmed death in the county from COVID-19.

The person who died was a 70-year-old female who was known to have contracted the virus out of state, the health department reported. The woman's death from COVID-19 was confirmed on Saturday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, according to a news release from the Clay County Health Department.

"Contact investigations were conducted by Clay County Health Department staff and one Clay County contact was identified. That person will remain in quarantine at home until April 28, 2020," the health department noted in the news release.

CLAY CENTER -- The Clay County Health Department today announced the first confirmed death in the county from COVID-19.The person who died was a 70-year-old female who was known to have contracted the virus out of state, the health department reported. The woman's death from COVID-19 was confirmed on Saturday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, according to a news release from the Clay County Health Department."Contact investigations were conducted by Clay County Health Department staff and one Clay County contact was identified. That person will remain in quarantine at home until April 28, 2020," the health department noted in the news release.

Clay County reports 1st COVID-19 death

Here is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday:

The Saline County Health Department has an additional case of COVID-19 to report today.

• This case is a male in his 50’s with no known contacts and no known travel.

“We have fielded several questions regarding what things will look like after the Governor’s Statewide Stay-at-Home order ends on May 3rd,” said Jason Tiller, Saline County Health Officer. “We anticipate guidance coming from Governor Kelly later this week and we are assembling a task force to look at that guidance and what that means for Saline County.” Mr. Tiller further emphasized that “while the Governor may start to loosen guidelines, it still will need to be a well thought out plan, step-by-step, and not all at once. We know that social distancing has tremendously aided in our ability to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”

“Now, more than ever, we need to stay at home and be even more diligent in doing so. It is crucial for each one of us to do this, to maintain social distancing and wear masks for face coverings when going out into public for essential services. We will have greater economic recovery and a quicker return to normalcy when we stay the course. I know it’s tempting with the beautiful weather we have been having to go out into the world for non-essential tasks and not wearing masks. If we don’t stay the course, we threaten the health and life of ourselves, our loved ones, neighbors and all those in Saline County that is at the highest risk. We can’t let COVID-19 win,” Jason Tiller concluded.

• A total of 3,328 positive cases and 120 deaths. That is an increase of 154 positive cases from yesterday’s release.

• 23,839 negative tests have been received through the KDHE and private labs.

Here is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday:The Saline County Health Department has an additional case of COVID-19 to report today.• This case is a male in his 50’s with no known contacts and no known travel.“We have fielded several questions regarding what things will look like after the Governor’s Statewide Stay-at-Home order ends on May 3rd,” said Jason Tiller, Saline County Health Officer. “We anticipate guidance coming from Governor Kelly later this week and we are assembling a task force to look at that guidance and what that means for Saline County.” Mr. Tiller further emphasized that “while the Governor may start to loosen guidelines, it still will need to be a well thought out plan, step-by-step, and not all at once. We know that social distancing has tremendously aided in our ability to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”“Now, more than ever, we need to stay at home and be even more diligent in doing so. It is crucial for each one of us to do this, to maintain social distancing and wear masks for face coverings when going out into public for essential services. We will have greater economic recovery and a quicker return to normalcy when we stay the course. I know it’s tempting with the beautiful weather we have been having to go out into the world for non-essential tasks and not wearing masks. If we don’t stay the course, we threaten the health and life of ourselves, our loved ones, neighbors and all those in Saline County that is at the highest risk. We can’t let COVID-19 win,” Jason Tiller concluded.Symptoms for COVID-19 appear 2 - 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other rarer symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat, and diarrhea. If you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 between 2 and 14 days later, please call your medical provider.At 11 am, KDHE reported the following in their daily release:• A total of 3,328 positive cases and 120 deaths. That is an increase of 154 positive cases from yesterday’s release.• 23,839 negative tests have been received through the KDHE and private labs.• The age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 46 years of age).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 reports new COVID-19 case

TOPEKA — The last weeks of a senior’s high school journey should be filled with solidifying plans for the future, donning formalwear for prom and celebrating graduation with friends and family. Instead, the Class of 2020 is navigating uncharted territory.

A group of 64 seniors from across Kansas have been selected to share their own stories and give guidance to their peers on how to transition from high school to postsecondary plans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson asked Kansas principals and superintendents for recommendations for the Senior Leaders Conversation group. From that group, 64 seniors were selected, and the first conversation with Kansas State Department of Education staff members took place Tuesday, April 21, via Zoom.

“You’re going to give advice on how to navigate through all of this,” Deputy Commissioner Brad Neuenswander told the group. “We are so proud you are here and joining us. You are serving as the voices of our seniors. We need you to help guide us and help seniors.”

After an initial welcoming, students were broken into small groups with KSDE staff members facilitating each group.

Seniors introduced themselves and shared their future plans and then were asked to share their opinions on various topics, including who is helping them through this difficult time, what barriers they’ve faced and how they’re dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. They also were asked what they’d like to share with their peers.

“Expect anything,” said Alyvia Zeigler, a senior at Paradise Unified School District 399. “Two months ago, I had no idea I’d basically be homeschooled.”

There are about 30 students in Zeigler’s entire school, so being away from them is really hard, she said. Zeigler lives on a farm and plans to attend Fort Hays State University to study premedicine. She received her CNA while attending high school.

While the pandemic has altered senior plans, there are positive things to consider, too, Zeigler said.

“Seniors are in a bad situation,” she said. “But people with the virus have it worse.”

Drew Starbuck, a senior at Colby USD 315, said he is using his time to give back to his community. Starbuck’s parents are teachers, and he plans to attend Kansas State University or Seton Hall University to study international relations.

“We can’t change the fact that this has drastically changed our senior year,” he said. “When we think about this, it will be a moment in time we’ll always remember.”

Many students said they are learning from the experience, and it is preparing them for adulthood and their futures.

Conversations with members of the Class of 2020 will continue. A smaller group of students selected from the original group of 64 will be asked to share further conversation with KSDE staff members.

The 64 seniors, listed alphabetically by last name, along with their school district, are:

Taryn Fleckenstein, Golden Plains USD 316

Boyd Tweed, Jefferson County North USD 339

TOPEKA — The last weeks of a senior’s high school journey should be filled with solidifying plans for the future, donning formalwear for prom and celebrating graduation with friends and family. Instead, the Class of 2020 is navigating uncharted territory.A group of 64 seniors from across Kansas have been selected to share their own stories and give guidance to their peers on how to transition from high school to postsecondary plans during the COVID-19 pandemic.Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson asked Kansas principals and superintendents for recommendations for the Senior Leaders Conversation group. From that group, 64 seniors were selected, and the first conversation with Kansas State Department of Education staff members took place Tuesday, April 21, via Zoom.“You’re going to give advice on how to navigate through all of this,” Deputy Commissioner Brad Neuenswander told the group. “We are so proud you are here and joining us. You are serving as the voices of our seniors. We need you to help guide us and help seniors.”After an initial welcoming, students were broken into small groups with KSDE staff members facilitating each group.Seniors introduced themselves and shared their future plans and then were asked to share their opinions on various topics, including who is helping them through this difficult time, what barriers they’ve faced and how they’re dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. They also were asked what they’d like to share with their peers.“Expect anything,” said Alyvia Zeigler, a senior at Paradise Unified School District 399. “Two months ago, I had no idea I’d basically be homeschooled.”There are about 30 students in Zeigler’s entire school, so being away from them is really hard, she said. Zeigler lives on a farm and plans to attend Fort Hays State University to study premedicine. She received her CNA while attending high school.While the pandemic has altered senior plans, there are positive things to consider, too, Zeigler said.“Seniors are in a bad situation,” she said. “But people with the virus have it worse.”Drew Starbuck, a senior at Colby USD 315, said he is using his time to give back to his community. Starbuck’s parents are teachers, and he plans to attend Kansas State University or Seton Hall University to study international relations.“We can’t change the fact that this has drastically changed our senior year,” he said. “When we think about this, it will be a moment in time we’ll always remember.”Many students said they are learning from the experience, and it is preparing them for adulthood and their futures.Conversations with members of the Class of 2020 will continue. A smaller group of students selected from the original group of 64 will be asked to share further conversation with KSDE staff members.The 64 seniors, listed alphabetically by last name, along with their school district, are:Michael Abieta, Hiawatha USD 415Dan Archer, Derby USD 260Avery Marie Berkley, Waconda USD 272Annie Bogart, De Soto USD 232Rhyann Brown, Osborne County USD 392Kaitlyn Burris, Goddard USD 265Ashley Chandler, Neodesha USD 461Madelynn Collins, Woodson USD 366 Alec Damrell, Columbus USD 493Donna Duong, Winfield USD 465Ethan Fisher, Garden City USD 457Taryn Fleckenstein, Golden Plains USD 316 Andrew Foote, Hoxie USD 412Haley Forge, Easton USD 449Abby Good, Council Grove USD 417Alexis Hansen, Republic County USD 109Gene Hanson, Herington USD 487Kaylee Harbour, Skyline USD 438Dalton Helbing, Clearwater USD 264Dylan Helbing, Central USD 462Ronald Heminway, Hutchinson USD 308Hallie Herkelman, Coffeyville USD 445Kallie Hutchinson, El Dorado USD 490Pooja Jain, Blue Valley USD 229Micah Jacques, Wichita USD 259Aubrey Kuhlman, Wallace County USD 241Edma Landa, Liberal USD 480Emma Lett, Kaw Valley USD 321Deshon Lewis, Lawrence USD 497Kelly Lonker, Wamego USD 320Alexa Alba-Martinez, Dodge City USD 443Valeria Martinez, Kansas City USD 500Aaran McAlister, Holton USD 336Morgan McIntire, Gardner USD 231Sloane McKinney, Spring Hill USD 230Alia Michaelis, Andover USD 385Tristan Mikesell, Concordia USD 333Elizabeth Ngatia, Fort Scott USD 234Eva Dushyant Noble, Seaman USD 345Mason Perez, Fort Larned USD 495Amanda Phanivong, Haysville USD 261Katie Reinert, Rock Hills USD 107Ella Roberts, Dighton USD 482Riley Robinson, Pretty Prairie USD 311Neva Roenne, Jefferson West USD 340Hayden Rogers, Ellsworth USD 327Yamilet Rojo, Moscow USD 209Emily Ryan, Central Plains USD 112Cody Savage, Leavenworth USD 453Lucy Schneider, Caldwell USD 360Kameron Schneweis, Hoisington USD 431Annika Senn, Newton USD 373Bailey Sipes, Stanton County USD 452Braxton Smith, Centre USD 397Robbie Stansbury, Lyons USD 405Drew Starbuck, Colby USD 315Kahrie Stegman, Pratt USD 382Cooper Thompson, North Ottawa USD 239Boyd Tweed, Jefferson County North USD 339Santiago Vasquez, Salina USD 305Sabrina Veith, Cheney USD 268Brigid Wentz, Shawnee Mission USD 512Taylor Wise, Kansas School for the DeafAlyvia Zeigler, Paradise USD 399

Local, area students selected for peer advisory group

UPDATE: The last day was changed to Thursday (April 30).

Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas announced today that its Grab &amp; Go lunch program with St. John's Missionary Baptist Church will end Thursday. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/catholiccharitiesofnorthernks/">Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas</a> Facebook page:

UPDATE: The last day was changed to Thursday (April 30).Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas announced today that its Grab &amp; Go lunch program with St. John's Missionary Baptist Church will end Thursday. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/catholiccharitiesofnorthernks/">Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcatholiccharitiesofnorthernks%2Fposts%2F2777589899003509&width=500" width="500" height="501" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

UPDATE: Grab & Go lunch program ends Thursday

MANHATTAN – In rural towns across Kansas, residents are often pressed – even during normal times – to find a reliable and safe source of food nearby.

The current outbreak of the novel coronavirus which causes the disease COVID-19 has made that challenge even greater in some parts of the state.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588000869402.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – In rural towns across Kansas, residents are often pressed – even during normal times – to find a reliable and safe source of food nearby.The current outbreak of the novel coronavirus which causes the disease COVID-19 has made that challenge even greater in some parts of the state.“Many small town grocery stores are adjusting their operations during this pandemic,” said David Procter, director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/cecd" target="_blank">Center for Engagement and Community Development</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University, who has studied the importance of grocery stores to rural communities.Procter spoke recently on the K-State podcast,&nbsp;<a href="http://extensionfiles.libsyn.com/rural-grocery-stores-and-sheltering-in-small-towns-david-procter" target="_blank">The Extension Files</a>, produced by K-State Research and Extension.Procter notes that the grocery store in rural communities is often a barometer of the economy in small towns.“As the grocery store goes, so goes the local economy,” he said. “If you have small-town grocery stores that at this point in time are struggling, it has to have a ripple economic effect on other small businesses in that community.”Procter said many rural communities are going to almost “heroic” lengths to keep their stores open, many now offering delivery or curbside pickup services that they had not offered prior to the pandemic.“And some grocery stores are spearheading food giveaways,” Procter said. “There are these things called ‘Blessing Boxes’ where people provide food – not only the grocery store – and residents can provide extra food or products that people need, and others can come and pick those up for free.”Some small grocery stores, he added, are now exploring online ordering, which has long been a challenge in rural communities because of the lower reliability of broadband service in those areas.“One good thing that could come out of the other side of this is we have a grocery store infrastructure that is going to be more conducive to folks who maybe can’t physically get to the store,” Procter said. “That may include elderly people, or people with low income that don’t have reliable transportation. I think there are going to be more options for people to access groceries in a variety of ways that maybe they didn’t have before all of this happened.”It’s an opportunity, perhaps, to close the digital divide, or disparity, that exists in access to the Internet between urban and rural areas across the country.“I really hope so,” Procter said. “This is the time when we are realizing across the country, but certainly in rural areas, where Internet service is spotty, and just how important it is to have this service available. I would certainly hope that something would come out of this that would improve broadband access.“I also think that folks are increasingly recognizing the importance of having some kind of food access in their community. I would not be surprised once this situation has improved that there is an increased push among some rural communities to establish local access to groceries and healthy food.”Procter said the Center for Engagement and Community Development is available to help grocery store owners work toward improving infrastructure, including moving point-of-sale systems to an online process.The Center is part of a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ruralgrocery.org/" target="_blank">Rural Grocery Initiative</a>&nbsp;that includes the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansashealth.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Health Foundation</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.networkkansas.com/" target="_blank">Network Kansas</a>&nbsp;to help grocery stores purchase point-of-sale systems. More information is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ruralgrocery.org/" target="_blank">www.ruralgrocery.org</a>.Other rural issues that Procter spoke about during the recent podcast include how the pandemic is affecting youth and public education; the inter-dependence of farm families during times of crisis; and how the COVID-19 pandemic is different from other natural disasters.The full podcast is&nbsp;<a href="http://extensionfiles.libsyn.com/rural-grocery-stores-and-sheltering-in-small-towns-david-procter" target="_blank">available online</a>.