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

The COVID-19 virus outbreak is an evolving situation across Saline County, Kansas, the United States, and the World. Our local government leaders continue to work hard and make difficult decisions as it relates to the best interests of the health and safety of our citizens and employees.

Saline County has no additional positive cases of COVID-19 to report as of 5 pm March 30th, 2020.

Governor Kelly issued a Statewide Stay-at-Home Order that went into effect at 12:01 am today.

This order outlines essential businesses and activities. Businesses that have questions regarding the determination of essential need to email: <a href="mailto:keff@ks.gov">keff@ks.gov</a> or submit an online inquiry at:&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/keff/">https://governor.kansas.gov/keff/</a> . The State of Kansas is working closely with our local entities to communicate and best determine essential business functions under the Governor’s orders.

• The Saline County Sheriff’s Office has closed the public lobby. VIN inspections, Fingerprinting, Drug take-back, sharps collections and applications for concealed carry permits are suspended at this time. The lobby at the Saline County Jail remains open for bonding and video visitation.

• Registered offenders who are required to register at the Saline County Sheriff’s Office must call to schedule an appointment 785-826-6500 (option 2). No face-to-face appointments will be made.

• The Salina Municipal Golf Course is closed for the duration of Governor Kelly’s Stay-atHome Order.

Stay-at-Home simply means Stay At Home. If you are not performing essential tasks, then you need to be at home. 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>.

Here's today's COVID-19 update from Saline County:The COVID-19 virus outbreak is an evolving situation across Saline County, Kansas, the United States, and the World. Our local government leaders continue to work hard and make difficult decisions as it relates to the best interests of the health and safety of our citizens and employees.Saline County has no additional positive cases of COVID-19 to report as of 5 pm March 30th, 2020.Governor Kelly issued a Statewide Stay-at-Home Order that went into effect at 12:01 am today.This order outlines essential businesses and activities. Businesses that have questions regarding the determination of essential need to email: <a href="mailto:keff@ks.gov">keff@ks.gov</a> or submit an online inquiry at:&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/keff/">https://governor.kansas.gov/keff/</a> . The State of Kansas is working closely with our local entities to communicate and best determine essential business functions under the Governor’s orders.Announcements:• The Saline County Sheriff’s Office has closed the public lobby. VIN inspections, Fingerprinting, Drug take-back, sharps collections and applications for concealed carry permits are suspended at this time. The lobby at the Saline County Jail remains open for bonding and video visitation.• Registered offenders who are required to register at the Saline County Sheriff’s Office must call to schedule an appointment 785-826-6500 (option 2). No face-to-face appointments will be made.• The Salina Municipal Golf Course is closed for the duration of Governor Kelly’s Stay-atHome Order.Stay-at-Home simply means Stay At Home. If you are not performing essential tasks, then you need to be at home. 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>.

Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday

Effective
today, the City of Salina has temporarily closed the Salina Municipal
Golf Course in conjunction with the statewide Stay in Place Order now in place
until amended or rescinded. 

“This is a regrettable, but necessary decision,”
said City Manager Mike Schrage. “Many important factors went in to this
decision.”

The
decision to temporarily close the golf course included the following reasons:

The
City of Salina has placed a high priority on two areas when making management
decisions: 1) the safety and security of its employees, and, 2) delivering the
highest level of service to citizens in its core services that include police,
fire/ems, water, sewage, and waste collection along with basic care and
maintenance of facilities and grounds open to the general public. 

Many
surfaces at the golf course are plastic, vinyl, or metal including golf cart
surfaces, benches and ball washers, which are believed to harbor the virus
longer than some other surfaces.

Lower
staffing levels in response to the stay-at-home order required prioritization of
services and facilities to be supported, and the golf course provides service
to a limited segment of our community in comparison to functions that have been
given higher priority.

“This
was a difficult decision to make,” said Schrage, “but under
these unprecedented times we are choosing to keep our community and employees
as safe as possible and be responsible with the limited financial resources in
which we are entrusted.” 

He said his limited parks staff will be focused on
publicly accessible parks and trails that do not require a fee to participate.
Virtually all recreational programs for the city have been suspended during the
stay in place order. 

The
City of Salina will continually monitor the local and state guidelines for
gatherings and will reopen the course when health safety concerns are relaxed
and there are adequate staff to fully provide the highest level of service golfers
expect.&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585599711340.jpeg" alt="The Salina Municipal Golf Course. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>The Salina Municipal Golf Course. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Effective
today, the City of Salina has temporarily closed the Salina Municipal
Golf Course in conjunction with the statewide Stay in Place Order now in place
until amended or rescinded. “This is a regrettable, but necessary decision,”
said City Manager Mike Schrage. “Many important factors went in to this
decision.”The
decision to temporarily close the golf course included the following reasons:The
City of Salina has placed a high priority on two areas when making management
decisions: 1) the safety and security of its employees, and, 2) delivering the
highest level of service to citizens in its core services that include police,
fire/ems, water, sewage, and waste collection along with basic care and
maintenance of facilities and grounds open to the general public. Many
surfaces at the golf course are plastic, vinyl, or metal including golf cart
surfaces, benches and ball washers, which are believed to harbor the virus
longer than some other surfaces.Lower
staffing levels in response to the stay-at-home order required prioritization of
services and facilities to be supported, and the golf course provides service
to a limited segment of our community in comparison to functions that have been
given higher priority.“This
was a difficult decision to make,” said Schrage, “but under
these unprecedented times we are choosing to keep our community and employees
as safe as possible and be responsible with the limited financial resources in
which we are entrusted.” He said his limited parks staff will be focused on
publicly accessible parks and trails that do not require a fee to participate.
Virtually all recreational programs for the city have been suspended during the
stay in place order. The
City of Salina will continually monitor the local and state guidelines for
gatherings and will reopen the course when health safety concerns are relaxed
and there are adequate staff to fully provide the highest level of service golfers
expect.&nbsp;

City temporarily closes Salina Municipal Golf Course

A 42-year-old Salina man wanted on multiple warrants attempted to flee on a bicycle from an officer who spotted him in the central part of town Friday morning.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that an officer driving in the 100 block of East Jewell Avenue at approximately 9:45 a.m. Friday spotted three people riding BMX style bicycles. The officer recognized one of the three as Justin Rose, 42, of Salina, who he knew had an active warrant from Saline County District Court, Forrester explained.

The officer attempted to stop Rose, but Rose fled on the bicycle, he said. The officer followed Rose to the 300 block of West Jewell Avenue, where Rose rode up into a driveway, ditched the bicycle, and fled on foot, Forrester said.

Rose ran through the backyard of the residence on West Jewell Avenue and onto West Ellsworth Avenue, at which point the officer lost sight of him, Forrester explained. A witness, however, pointed out where Rose was hiding behind some bushes at a resident in the 300 block of West Ellsworth Avenue, he said.

Another short chase ensued before Rose fell down in the backyard of the residence and was apprehended, Forrester said. When Rose was apprehended, he was found to have a methamphetamine pipe in his possession, Forrester added.

According to Forrester, Rose was arrested on a felony probation violation warrant from Saline County District Court, a warrant from the California Department of Corrections for a felony no bail parole violation, and a Salina Municipal Court warrant for misdemeanor theft. Additionally, Rose was arrested on suspicion of the following, Forrester said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585400854892.jpeg" alt="Justin Rose. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Justin Rose. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A 42-year-old Salina man wanted on multiple warrants attempted to flee on a bicycle from an officer who spotted him in the central part of town Friday morning.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that an officer driving in the 100 block of East Jewell Avenue at approximately 9:45 a.m. Friday spotted three people riding BMX style bicycles. The officer recognized one of the three as Justin Rose, 42, of Salina, who he knew had an active warrant from Saline County District Court, Forrester explained.The officer attempted to stop Rose, but Rose fled on the bicycle, he said. The officer followed Rose to the 300 block of West Jewell Avenue, where Rose rode up into a driveway, ditched the bicycle, and fled on foot, Forrester said.Rose ran through the backyard of the residence on West Jewell Avenue and onto West Ellsworth Avenue, at which point the officer lost sight of him, Forrester explained. A witness, however, pointed out where Rose was hiding behind some bushes at a resident in the 300 block of West Ellsworth Avenue, he said.Another short chase ensued before Rose fell down in the backyard of the residence and was apprehended, Forrester said. When Rose was apprehended, he was found to have a methamphetamine pipe in his possession, Forrester added.According to Forrester, Rose was arrested on a felony probation violation warrant from Saline County District Court, a warrant from the California Department of Corrections for a felony no bail parole violation, and a Salina Municipal Court warrant for misdemeanor theft. Additionally, Rose was arrested on suspicion of the following, Forrester said.Felony interferencePossession of a stimulantPossession of drug paraphernaliaCriminal trespassDuty to stop at a stop signFugitive from justice

Salina man arrested after attempting to flee on bicycle

In accordance with the county and state stay-at-home orders, the public lobby at the Saline County Sheriff’s Office is closed to the
public.&nbsp; 

A minimum staffing of records
employees are on duty to take calls and process the required paperwork from the
courts and attorneys, according to a news release issued this morning by the sheriff's office. 

For the current time, the sheriff's office is suspending VIN inspections,
fingerprinting, drug take-back, sharps collection and applications for
concealed carry permits, the news release noted. 

Registered
Offenders who are required to register at the Saline County Sheriff’s
Office must now call to schedule an appointment&nbsp;at (785) 826-6500 (Option 2) (Option 2). No face-to-face appointments
will be made. If you have already scheduled an appointment, please call in at
your scheduled time and your appointment will be honored via phone.

The lobby at the Saline County Jail remains open for bonding
and video visitation.

In accordance with the county and state stay-at-home orders, the public lobby at the Saline County Sheriff’s Office is closed to the
public.&nbsp; A minimum staffing of records
employees are on duty to take calls and process the required paperwork from the
courts and attorneys, according to a news release issued this morning by the sheriff's office. For the current time, the sheriff's office is suspending VIN inspections,
fingerprinting, drug take-back, sharps collection and applications for
concealed carry permits, the news release noted. Registered
Offenders who are required to register at the Saline County Sheriff’s
Office must now call to schedule an appointment&nbsp;at (785) 826-6500 (Option 2) (Option 2). No face-to-face appointments
will be made. If you have already scheduled an appointment, please call in at
your scheduled time and your appointment will be honored via phone.The lobby at the Saline County Jail remains open for bonding
and video visitation.

Saline Co. Sheriff’s Office lobby closed to public

At Western Cooperative Electric, our goal is to keep our members, the public, and our employees safe. To help contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Western Cooperative Electric is closing the WaKeeney business office at 635 S. 13th Street to walk-in traffic through May 1, 2020, or until the threat of the virus is diminished.

Western Cooperative Electric also provides electricity to Ellsworth and Lincoln counties.

During this period, we are still available by phone at 785-743-5561 during regular business hours to make payments or payment arrangements, start/stop service, report outages, request service, and answer questions.

Payments can be made by phone 24/7, mailed, placed in our drop box (no cash, or paid online with eBiz at www.westerncoop.com. Cash may be converted to a money order at the Post Office and mailed or placed in our drop box.

COVID-19 is not expected to have a significant effect on Western’s operations or the reliability of power.

Updates are available online at <a href="http://www.westerncoop.com">www.westerncoop.com</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/westerncoopelectric">www.facebook.com/westerncoopelectric</a>.

At Western Cooperative Electric, our goal is to keep our members, the public, and our employees safe. To help contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Western Cooperative Electric is closing the WaKeeney business office at 635 S. 13th Street to walk-in traffic through May 1, 2020, or until the threat of the virus is diminished.Western Cooperative Electric also provides electricity to Ellsworth and Lincoln counties.During this period, we are still available by phone at 785-743-5561 during regular business hours to make payments or payment arrangements, start/stop service, report outages, request service, and answer questions.Payments can be made by phone 24/7, mailed, placed in our drop box (no cash, or paid online with eBiz at www.westerncoop.com. Cash may be converted to a money order at the Post Office and mailed or placed in our drop box.COVID-19 is not expected to have a significant effect on Western’s operations or the reliability of power.Updates are available online at <a href="http://www.westerncoop.com">www.westerncoop.com</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/westerncoopelectric">www.facebook.com/westerncoopelectric</a>.

Western Co-op Electric temporarily closing office

Police are trying to identify a driver who led an officer on a high-speed chase through parts of central and east Salina late Friday.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. Friday, an officer was following a dark green Lincoln Mark VII south on South Ninth Street and then east on Crawford Street. Near the intersection of South Fifth Street and East Crawford Street, the officer pulled in behind the Lincoln as it was traveling at 45 mph in a 35 mph zone, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. 

When the officer attempted to make a traffic stop, the Lincoln accelerated, reaching 70 mph as it traveled east on East Crawford Street, Forrester said. By the time the car reached South Marymount Road, it was traveling at 100 mph, he said. At that point, the pursuit was terminated and the Lincoln continued outside the city limits, Forrester added.

The Lincoln had a temporary tag that the officer could not read because it was fogged over, he said.

Police are trying to identify a driver who led an officer on a high-speed chase through parts of central and east Salina late Friday.At approximately 11:30 p.m. Friday, an officer was following a dark green Lincoln Mark VII south on South Ninth Street and then east on Crawford Street. Near the intersection of South Fifth Street and East Crawford Street, the officer pulled in behind the Lincoln as it was traveling at 45 mph in a 35 mph zone, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. When the officer attempted to make a traffic stop, the Lincoln accelerated, reaching 70 mph as it traveled east on East Crawford Street, Forrester said. By the time the car reached South Marymount Road, it was traveling at 100 mph, he said. At that point, the pursuit was terminated and the Lincoln continued outside the city limits, Forrester added.The Lincoln had a temporary tag that the officer could not read because it was fogged over, he said.

Lincoln leads patrol officer on high-speed chase

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Salvation Army has established a new spiritual care hotline to provide those in need with someone to listen, talk to, or pray with in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anyone who calls will be connected to one of nine chaplains trained through The Salvation Army's Emergency Response Chaplaincy Certification Program. The chaplains will provide a word of encouragement and prayer for anyone needing support, according to a news release from the organization. If a chaplain is unavailable, callers can leave messages with their contact information and a chaplain will reach out to the caller.

Interested persons may call the hotline at 816-968-0497 or email <a href="http://wepray@usc.salvationarmy.org">wepray@usc.salvationarmy.org</a> 24 hours a day, seven days a week

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Salvation Army has established a new spiritual care hotline to provide those in need with someone to listen, talk to, or pray with in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.Anyone who calls will be connected to one of nine chaplains trained through The Salvation Army's Emergency Response Chaplaincy Certification Program. The chaplains will provide a word of encouragement and prayer for anyone needing support, according to a news release from the organization. If a chaplain is unavailable, callers can leave messages with their contact information and a chaplain will reach out to the caller.Interested persons may call the hotline at 816-968-0497 or email <a href="http://wepray@usc.salvationarmy.org">wepray@usc.salvationarmy.org</a> 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Salvation Army now has spiritual care hotline

MANHATTAN – Health officials across the country are urging Americans to stay home while they deal with the emerging threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

But that advice doesn’t include a mandate to become sedentary.

A publication from K-State Research and Extension, titled&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3376.pdf" target="_blank">Move More, Sit Less</a>,&nbsp;outlines activities that can be done at home, including:

•Ditch the remote. Get up to change the channel on the television.

•During commercials, get up and walk around. Or, do stretches or lift hand weights.

•Stand while folding clothes, washing the dog or talking on the phone. Hand wash dishes instead of using the dishwasher.

•Watch one less TV program a week and do something active instead.

•Plant a garden. Weeding, planting, digging and lawn care all are good workouts. Use a push mower instead of a riding mower.

•Hang clothes on a line, instead of using the dryer.

•Stand while reading articles online. If possible, go to a different floor of the room to use the restroom.

•Schedule a 10-minute morning and afternoon walking break every day. Outdoor exercise is allowed under most stay-at-home orders.

Low-energy, sedentary activities – such as sitting – worsen anxiety and depression in those who are already susceptible. The sedentary lifestyle has contributed greatly to an increase in obesity rates for the last 10 years in Kansas; officials say the state ranks in the upper one-third of heaviest states in the United States.

Sitting also is linked to reduced mental clarity and focus, and feelings of increased stress. The brain is a muscle, too, and it suffers from a lack of movement. Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen and glucose metabolism for the brain.

More tips for being active around the home can be found in another publication from K-State Research and Extension, titled&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3090.pdf" target="_blank">Let’s Live a Little: Physical Activity for Fun and Fitness.</a>

That publication lists simple activities for people of all ages, including flexibility, strengthening and endurance exercises.

K-State Research and Extension has compiled numerous publications and other information to help people take care of themselves and others during times of crisis. See the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/about-us/covid-19-extension.html" target="_blank">complete list of resources online.</a>

Local K-State Research and Extension agents are still on the job during this time of closures and confinement. They, too, are practicing social distancing. Email is the best way to reach them, but call forwarding and voicemail allow for closed local offices to be reached by phone as well (some responses could be delayed).&nbsp;To find out how to reach your local agents, visit the K-State Research and Extension&nbsp;county and district directory.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585441682375.jpeg" alt="Simple exercises with light weights can help you stay physically fit while staying at home. Photo taken in the Salina Senior Center courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Simple exercises with light weights can help you stay physically fit while staying at home. Photo taken in the Salina Senior Center courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – Health officials across the country are urging Americans to stay home while they deal with the emerging threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19).But that advice doesn’t include a mandate to become sedentary.A publication from K-State Research and Extension, titled&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3376.pdf" target="_blank">Move More, Sit Less</a>,&nbsp;outlines activities that can be done at home, including:•Ditch the remote. Get up to change the channel on the television.•During commercials, get up and walk around. Or, do stretches or lift hand weights.•Stand while folding clothes, washing the dog or talking on the phone. Hand wash dishes instead of using the dishwasher.•Watch one less TV program a week and do something active instead.•Plant a garden. Weeding, planting, digging and lawn care all are good workouts. Use a push mower instead of a riding mower.•Hang clothes on a line, instead of using the dryer.•Stand while reading articles online. If possible, go to a different floor of the room to use the restroom.•Schedule a 10-minute morning and afternoon walking break every day. Outdoor exercise is allowed under most stay-at-home orders.Low-energy, sedentary activities – such as sitting – worsen anxiety and depression in those who are already susceptible. The sedentary lifestyle has contributed greatly to an increase in obesity rates for the last 10 years in Kansas; officials say the state ranks in the upper one-third of heaviest states in the United States.Sitting also is linked to reduced mental clarity and focus, and feelings of increased stress. The brain is a muscle, too, and it suffers from a lack of movement. Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen and glucose metabolism for the brain.More tips for being active around the home can be found in another publication from K-State Research and Extension, titled&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3090.pdf" target="_blank">Let’s Live a Little: Physical Activity for Fun and Fitness.</a>That publication lists simple activities for people of all ages, including flexibility, strengthening and endurance exercises.K-State Research and Extension has compiled numerous publications and other information to help people take care of themselves and others during times of crisis. See the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/about-us/covid-19-extension.html" target="_blank">complete list of resources online.</a>Local K-State Research and Extension agents are still on the job during this time of closures and confinement. They, too, are practicing social distancing. Email is the best way to reach them, but call forwarding and voicemail allow for closed local offices to be reached by phone as well (some responses could be delayed).&nbsp;To find out how to reach your local agents, visit the K-State Research and Extension&nbsp;county and district directory.

Move more, sit less: Tips for staying active while home

Today is Monday, March 30, the 90th day of 2020. There are 276 days left in the year.

On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot and seriously injured outside a Washington, D.C. hotel by John W. Hinckley, Jr.; also wounded were White House press secretary James Brady, Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy and a District of Columbia police officer, Thomas Delahanty.

In 1822, Florida became a United States territory.

In 1867, U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward reached agreement with Russia to purchase the territory of Alaska for $7.2 million, a deal ridiculed by critics as "Seward's Folly."

In 1909, the Queensboro Bridge, linking the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Queens, opened.

In 1923, the Cunard liner RMS Laconia became the first passenger ship to circle the globe as it arrived in New York.

In 1964, John Glenn withdrew from the Ohio race for the U.S. Senate because of injuries suffered in a fall. The original version of the TV game show "Jeopardy!," hosted by Art Fleming, premiered on NBC.

In 1975, as the Vietnam War neared its end, Communist forces occupied the city of Da Nang.

In 1986, actor James Cagney died at his farm in Stanfordville, New York, at age 86.

In 1991, Patricia Bowman of Jupiter, Florida, told authorities she'd been raped hours earlier by William Kennedy Smith, the nephew of Sen. Edward Kennedy, at the family's Palm Beach estate. (Smith was acquitted at trial.)

In 1999, Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic insisted that NATO attacks stop before he moved toward peace, declaring his forces ready to fight "to the very end." NATO answered with new resolve to wreck his military with a relentless air assault.

In 2004, in a reversal, President George W. Bush agreed to let National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice testify publicly and under oath before an independent panel investigating the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

In 2006, American reporter Jill Carroll, a freelancer for The Christian Science Monitor, was released after 82 days as a hostage in Iraq.

In 2009, President Barack Obama asserted unprecedented government control over the auto industry, rejecting turnaround plans from General Motors and Chrysler and raising the prospect of controlled bankruptcy for either ailing auto giant.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama signed a single measure sealing his health care overhaul and making the government the primary lender to students by cutting banks out of the process. The world's largest atom smasher, the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, threw together minuscule particles racing at unheard of speeds in conditions simulating those just after the Big Bang. Math teacher Jaime Escalante, who inspired the movie "Stand and Deliver," died in Roseville, California, at age 79. Morris Jeppson, a weapons test officer aboard the Enola Gay who helped arm the atomic bomb dropped over Hiroshima, died in a Las Vegas hospital at age 87.

Five years ago: German officials confirmed that Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz was once diagnosed with suicidal tendencies and received lengthy psychotherapy before receiving his pilot's license; they believed Lubitz deliberately smashed his Airbus A320 into the French Alps, killing 150 people. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was convicted of unlawfully accepting money from a U.S. supporter in his retrial on corruption charges. Two men dressed as women and driving a stolen SUV ignored officers' orders at the gate to the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Maryland; police fired on the SUV, which then rammed into a police vehicle. One man was killed. Comedy Central announced that Trevor Noah, a 31-year-old comedian from South Africa, would succeed Jon Stewart as host of "The Daily Show."

One year ago: The Rolling Stones announced that they would be postponing their latest tour so that Mick Jagger could receive medical treatment. Texas Tech reached the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament for the first time in the school's history, defeating Gonzaga 75-69 in the West Regional final; Virginia advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 1984 by beating Purdue 80-75 in overtime.

Today's Birthdays: Game show host Peter Marshall is 94. Actor John Astin is 90. Actor-director Warren Beatty is 83. Rock musician Graeme Edge (The Moody Blues) is 79. Rock musician Eric Clapton is 75. Actor Justin Deas is 72. Actor Paul Reiser is 64. Rap artist MC Hammer is 58. Singer Tracy Chapman is 56. Actor Ian Ziering is 56. TV personality Piers Morgan is 55. Rock musician Joey Castillo is 54. Actress Donna D'Errico is 52. Singer Celine Dion is 52. TV personality/producer Richard Rawlings is 51. Actor Mark Consuelos is 49. Actress Bahar Soomekh is 45. Actress Jessica Cauffiel is 44. Singer Norah Jones is 41. Actress Fiona Gubelmann is 40. Actress Katy Mixon is 39. Actor Jason Dohring is 38. Country singer Justin Moore is 36. Actress Tessa Ferrer is 34. Country singer Thomas Rhett is 30. Rapper NF is 29.

Thought for Today: "We lie loudest when we lie to ourselves." — Eric Hoffer, American philosopher (1898-1983).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Monday, March 30, the 90th day of 2020. There are 276 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot and seriously injured outside a Washington, D.C. hotel by John W. Hinckley, Jr.; also wounded were White House press secretary James Brady, Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy and a District of Columbia police officer, Thomas Delahanty.On this date:In 1822, Florida became a United States territory.In 1867, U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward reached agreement with Russia to purchase the territory of Alaska for $7.2 million, a deal ridiculed by critics as "Seward's Folly."In 1909, the Queensboro Bridge, linking the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Queens, opened.In 1923, the Cunard liner RMS Laconia became the first passenger ship to circle the globe as it arrived in New York.In 1964, John Glenn withdrew from the Ohio race for the U.S. Senate because of injuries suffered in a fall. The original version of the TV game show "Jeopardy!," hosted by Art Fleming, premiered on NBC.In 1975, as the Vietnam War neared its end, Communist forces occupied the city of Da Nang.In 1986, actor James Cagney died at his farm in Stanfordville, New York, at age 86.In 1991, Patricia Bowman of Jupiter, Florida, told authorities she'd been raped hours earlier by William Kennedy Smith, the nephew of Sen. Edward Kennedy, at the family's Palm Beach estate. (Smith was acquitted at trial.)In 1999, Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic insisted that NATO attacks stop before he moved toward peace, declaring his forces ready to fight "to the very end." NATO answered with new resolve to wreck his military with a relentless air assault.In 2004, in a reversal, President George W. Bush agreed to let National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice testify publicly and under oath before an independent panel investigating the 9/11 terrorist attacks.In 2006, American reporter Jill Carroll, a freelancer for The Christian Science Monitor, was released after 82 days as a hostage in Iraq.In 2009, President Barack Obama asserted unprecedented government control over the auto industry, rejecting turnaround plans from General Motors and Chrysler and raising the prospect of controlled bankruptcy for either ailing auto giant.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama signed a single measure sealing his health care overhaul and making the government the primary lender to students by cutting banks out of the process. The world's largest atom smasher, the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, threw together minuscule particles racing at unheard of speeds in conditions simulating those just after the Big Bang. Math teacher Jaime Escalante, who inspired the movie "Stand and Deliver," died in Roseville, California, at age 79. Morris Jeppson, a weapons test officer aboard the Enola Gay who helped arm the atomic bomb dropped over Hiroshima, died in a Las Vegas hospital at age 87.Five years ago: German officials confirmed that Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz was once diagnosed with suicidal tendencies and received lengthy psychotherapy before receiving his pilot's license; they believed Lubitz deliberately smashed his Airbus A320 into the French Alps, killing 150 people. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was convicted of unlawfully accepting money from a U.S. supporter in his retrial on corruption charges. Two men dressed as women and driving a stolen SUV ignored officers' orders at the gate to the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Maryland; police fired on the SUV, which then rammed into a police vehicle. One man was killed. Comedy Central announced that Trevor Noah, a 31-year-old comedian from South Africa, would succeed Jon Stewart as host of "The Daily Show."One year ago: The Rolling Stones announced that they would be postponing their latest tour so that Mick Jagger could receive medical treatment. Texas Tech reached the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament for the first time in the school's history, defeating Gonzaga 75-69 in the West Regional final; Virginia advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 1984 by beating Purdue 80-75 in overtime.Today's Birthdays: Game show host Peter Marshall is 94. Actor John Astin is 90. Actor-director Warren Beatty is 83. Rock musician Graeme Edge (The Moody Blues) is 79. Rock musician Eric Clapton is 75. Actor Justin Deas is 72. Actor Paul Reiser is 64. Rap artist MC Hammer is 58. Singer Tracy Chapman is 56. Actor Ian Ziering is 56. TV personality Piers Morgan is 55. Rock musician Joey Castillo is 54. Actress Donna D'Errico is 52. Singer Celine Dion is 52. TV personality/producer Richard Rawlings is 51. Actor Mark Consuelos is 49. Actress Bahar Soomekh is 45. Actress Jessica Cauffiel is 44. Singer Norah Jones is 41. Actress Fiona Gubelmann is 40. Actress Katy Mixon is 39. Actor Jason Dohring is 38. Country singer Justin Moore is 36. Actress Tessa Ferrer is 34. Country singer Thomas Rhett is 30. Rapper NF is 29.Thought for Today: "We lie loudest when we lie to ourselves." — Eric Hoffer, American philosopher (1898-1983).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- March 30

Anita K. Miller, CFP®, APMA®, CRPC®, has qualified for the Ameriprise Circle of Success annual recognition program and will be honored for this achievement in 2020. 

Miller is a private wealth advisor with Ironstone Wealth Advisors, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc, in Salina.

To earn this achievement, Miller and her team have established themselves amongst company’s top advisors. Only a select number of high-performing advisors earn this distinction.

Miller has 22 years of experience Ameriprise Financial. She works together with financial advisors Angela Holt, CFP®, BFA™, APMA®, Hannah Hahn and Emily Page.

As a private wealth advisory practice, Ironstone Wealth Advisors provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and is delivered in one-on-one relationships with their clients. For more information, please contact Emily Page at (785) 263-0700 or visit the Ameriprise office at 645 E. Crawford E-6 in Salina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585533691502.jpeg" alt="The Ameriprise Ironstone Wealth Advisors, from left, Hannah Hahn, Anita Miller, Angela Holt, and Emily Page. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Ameriprise Ironstone Wealth Advisors, from left, Hannah Hahn, Anita Miller, Angela Holt, and Emily Page. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Anita K. Miller, CFP®, APMA®, CRPC®, has qualified for the Ameriprise Circle of Success annual recognition program and will be honored for this achievement in 2020. Miller is a private wealth advisor with Ironstone Wealth Advisors, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc, in Salina.To earn this achievement, Miller and her team have established themselves amongst company’s top advisors. Only a select number of high-performing advisors earn this distinction.Miller has 22 years of experience Ameriprise Financial. She works together with financial advisors Angela Holt, CFP®, BFA™, APMA®, Hannah Hahn and Emily Page.As a private wealth advisory practice, Ironstone Wealth Advisors provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and is delivered in one-on-one relationships with their clients. For more information, please contact Emily Page at (785) 263-0700 or visit the Ameriprise office at 645 E. Crawford E-6 in Salina.

Miller achieves Circle of Success at Ameriprise Financial

The deadline to submit project applications for the second round of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Cost Share Program has been postponed to May 18.

“Given the impacts of COVID-19 on communities across Kansas, we want to give our partners more time to develop and submit their Cost Share applications,” said Secretary Julie Lorenz. “Getting infrastructure investments into the Kansas economy and putting people back to work will be a top priority of COVID-19 recovery.”

The Cost Share Program is designed to provide financial assistance that leverages state funding with local and private funding for projects related to economic development as well as job growth and retention. It will provide funding to local entities for construction projects that improve safety, increase the total transportation investment and help both rural and urban areas of the state improve their transportation system.

A minimum of 15% non-state cash match is required. Additional consideration will be given to project applications that commit more than the minimum required match amount. A portion of this funding is part of the remaining one-time $50 million approved this fiscal year by the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly.

All transportation projects are eligible, including roadway (on and off the state system, rail, airport, bicycle/pedestrian and public transit. They must be construction projects that address an important transportation need such as promoting safety, improving access or mobility, improving condition or relieving congestion. Selection criteria will include consideration of projects that meet program objectives, eligibility categories and requirements. Geographic distribution will also be considered during project selection.

An application form and a fact sheet on the Cost Share Program can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAshley.Perez%40ks.gov%7C58b6c08e7248458e438f08d7d0c7a407%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637207428203598219&amp;sdata=4R%2FtBP851RJHRDy%2BUpVafPuQtz17mPpHu7KoELBSooI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.KSDot.org</a>&nbsp;or with the links below:

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.org%2FAssets%2Fwwwksdotorg%2FHeadquarters%2FPDF_Files%2FCost_Share_Program_Application_Protected.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAshley.Perez%40ks.gov%7C58b6c08e7248458e438f08d7d0c7a407%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637207428203598219&amp;sdata=zRn7GEYTeaZ%2BktY5tySmGhYUn6AueHEvoBHItvnxSrE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Application</a>

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.org%2FAssets%2Fwwwksdotorg%2FHeadquarters%2FPDF_Files%2FFINAL_Cost_Share_Summary(002).pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAshley.Perez%40ks.gov%7C58b6c08e7248458e438f08d7d0c7a407%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637207428203608213&amp;sdata=%2FGzUJ9EBI3m62Te00%2Bw8%2B8J3TDpqCpkrmegtp8lBjDk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Fact Sheet</a>

The deadline to submit project applications for the second round of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Cost Share Program has been postponed to May 18.“Given the impacts of COVID-19 on communities across Kansas, we want to give our partners more time to develop and submit their Cost Share applications,” said Secretary Julie Lorenz. “Getting infrastructure investments into the Kansas economy and putting people back to work will be a top priority of COVID-19 recovery.”The Cost Share Program is designed to provide financial assistance that leverages state funding with local and private funding for projects related to economic development as well as job growth and retention. It will provide funding to local entities for construction projects that improve safety, increase the total transportation investment and help both rural and urban areas of the state improve their transportation system.A minimum of 15% non-state cash match is required. Additional consideration will be given to project applications that commit more than the minimum required match amount. A portion of this funding is part of the remaining one-time $50 million approved this fiscal year by the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly.All transportation projects are eligible, including roadway (on and off the state system, rail, airport, bicycle/pedestrian and public transit. They must be construction projects that address an important transportation need such as promoting safety, improving access or mobility, improving condition or relieving congestion. Selection criteria will include consideration of projects that meet program objectives, eligibility categories and requirements. Geographic distribution will also be considered during project selection.An application form and a fact sheet on the Cost Share Program can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAshley.Perez%40ks.gov%7C58b6c08e7248458e438f08d7d0c7a407%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637207428203598219&amp;sdata=4R%2FtBP851RJHRDy%2BUpVafPuQtz17mPpHu7KoELBSooI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.KSDot.org</a>&nbsp;or with the links below:<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.org%2FAssets%2Fwwwksdotorg%2FHeadquarters%2FPDF_Files%2FCost_Share_Program_Application_Protected.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAshley.Perez%40ks.gov%7C58b6c08e7248458e438f08d7d0c7a407%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637207428203598219&amp;sdata=zRn7GEYTeaZ%2BktY5tySmGhYUn6AueHEvoBHItvnxSrE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Application</a><a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.org%2FAssets%2Fwwwksdotorg%2FHeadquarters%2FPDF_Files%2FFINAL_Cost_Share_Summary(002).pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAshley.Perez%40ks.gov%7C58b6c08e7248458e438f08d7d0c7a407%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637207428203608213&amp;sdata=%2FGzUJ9EBI3m62Te00%2Bw8%2B8J3TDpqCpkrmegtp8lBjDk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Fact Sheet</a>

KDOT’s Cost Share Program deadline postponed

By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansans-turn-each-other-help-during-coronavirus-outbreak#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

LAWRENCE, Kansas — It’s hard for Meg Heriford to tell people they’re no longer allowed to walk into her restaurant. She runs the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ladybirdlawrence" target="_blank">Ladybird Diner</a> in downtown Lawrence, one of the first restaurants in town to close when coronavirus cases spiked in the U.S.

After
 one crowded lunch service, Heriford said, she could no longer justify 
the risk to her staff or customers. The restaurant closed March 14, 
though she and a small number of staff haven’t stopped working. The 
Ladybird is offering free bagged lunches for anyone who needs them. 
Heriford buys the food from her usual distributor, prepares it and 
leaves it on carts in front of the restaurant.

“My heart soars 
and breaks, and soars and breaks a thousand times a day,” she said. 
“It’s been really taxing, but also really very clear that this is a 
thing that we should keep doing. Because the need has increased every 
day.”

As local businesses close, companies lay off workers and <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/these-kansas-counties-are-ordering-residents-stay-home" target="_blank">counties order most people to stay at home</a>,
 some Kansans are taking it into their own hands to help their 
communities. The aid comes in various forms: free meals, providing child
 care for essential workers, delivering groceries to the homebound.

On Facebook, residents in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lfkmutual/" target="_blank">Lawrence</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ICTResponse" target="_blank">Wichita</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/283129396002492" target="_blank">Shawnee Mission</a>
 have created pages and groups for people looking for assistance — and 
looking to help others. On Reddit and Nextdoor, people seeking supplies 
get responses offering rolls of toilet paper and bottles of hand 
sanitizer, or tips on where to buy them.

Chandra Di Piazza, a 
teacher in Wichita, said one of those Facebook efforts sprang up for her
 tight-knit neighborhood, Riverside. Since her school closed, she’s been
 working part time from home. So she decided to volunteer to babysit for
 first responders and make deliveries for people who can’t go out.

“I
 was a young single mom, and if I had been in that situation where I had
 to go to work and everything was closed, it would have really hurt me,”
 Di Piazza said. “I have that time to do whatever needs to be done for 
my neighbors.”

Di Piazza is one of about a dozen other people offering help on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ictresponse.com/" target="_blank">ICT Response</a>, a website started to help Wichita residents through the COVID-19 breakout.

Others are joining groups that existed before the pandemic, like the nonprofit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BallardCommunityServices" target="_blank">Ballard Center</a> in Lawrence, which distributes groceries to families in need.

On
 a rainy Tuesday morning at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, Rachael 
Shankland, a legal assistant in Lawrence, was one of about 30 
volunteers. She saw on Facebook that the center needed volunteers, and 
she needed something to do, now that her office is closed and Douglas 
County is under a “stay at home” order.

“Seeing how scared 
everybody is just makes you want to make sure everyone doesn’t have to 
worry about little things like food,” she said. “I feel like this is one
 of the essential things that … we’re allowed to be out and doing.”

Usually,
 only about 15 volunteers help with each event, said Marion Belcher, who
 has volunteered to distribute food for the Ballard Center for more than
 12 years. But twice as many people as usual helped unpack food from 
crates and sorted them into bags to give to a line of cars snaking 
through the parking lot.

The number of people in line was 
atypical, too, Belcher said. Usually about 100 families come to the 
bimonthly distribution. He estimated the total number of families 
approached 300 on Tuesday.

“I think it’s the coronavirus: the 
fallout from it, the unemployment, stores closing,” he said. “Things 
that people normally do, they can’t do anymore.”

Kansas saw more than 23,000 people <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/amid-stay-home-orders-more-68000-people-kansas-and-missouri-file-unemployment#stream/0" target="_blank">file for unemployment last week</a> — more than a 1,000% percent jump. So for families out of work, extra help from their community can make a big difference.

Kristen
 Maxon was one of several people who stopped by the Ladybird Diner at 
lunchtime. She and her partner, who live in Lawrence, have done this a 
few times in the past two weeks.

Maxon’s six children typically 
eat lunch at school, and they can still get free meals even though the 
buildings are closed. But the diner is more convenient.

“I’m so glad that they’re doing this,” Maxon said. “This place is closer, so it’s great.”

Both
 Maxon and her partner have been mostly out of work due to COVID-19. She
 balances a little working from home with homeschooling her kids and 
taking them on walks, all while social distancing.

“I’m glad that
 we’re not at work spreading the virus, but it’s really hard,” Maxon 
said. “My house is in full chaos. It’s hectic.”

Nomin 
Ujiyediin reports on criminal justice and social welfare for KCUR and 
the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585421945185.jpeg" alt=" Meg Heriford puts free bagged lunches outside of the Ladybird Diner in downtown Lawrence. Her restaurant has been closed since March 15, but Heriford and staff are preparing meals for those who need them. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Meg Heriford puts free bagged lunches outside of the Ladybird Diner in downtown Lawrence. Her restaurant has been closed since March 15, but Heriford and staff are preparing meals for those who need them. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansans-turn-each-other-help-during-coronavirus-outbreak#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>LAWRENCE, Kansas — It’s hard for Meg Heriford to tell people they’re no longer allowed to walk into her restaurant. She runs the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ladybirdlawrence" target="_blank">Ladybird Diner</a> in downtown Lawrence, one of the first restaurants in town to close when coronavirus cases spiked in the U.S.After
 one crowded lunch service, Heriford said, she could no longer justify 
the risk to her staff or customers. The restaurant closed March 14, 
though she and a small number of staff haven’t stopped working. The 
Ladybird is offering free bagged lunches for anyone who needs them. 
Heriford buys the food from her usual distributor, prepares it and 
leaves it on carts in front of the restaurant.“My heart soars 
and breaks, and soars and breaks a thousand times a day,” she said. 
“It’s been really taxing, but also really very clear that this is a 
thing that we should keep doing. Because the need has increased every 
day.”As local businesses close, companies lay off workers and <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/these-kansas-counties-are-ordering-residents-stay-home" target="_blank">counties order most people to stay at home</a>,
 some Kansans are taking it into their own hands to help their 
communities. The aid comes in various forms: free meals, providing child
 care for essential workers, delivering groceries to the homebound.On Facebook, residents in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lfkmutual/" target="_blank">Lawrence</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ICTResponse" target="_blank">Wichita</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/283129396002492" target="_blank">Shawnee Mission</a>
 have created pages and groups for people looking for assistance — and 
looking to help others. On Reddit and Nextdoor, people seeking supplies 
get responses offering rolls of toilet paper and bottles of hand 
sanitizer, or tips on where to buy them.Chandra Di Piazza, a 
teacher in Wichita, said one of those Facebook efforts sprang up for her
 tight-knit neighborhood, Riverside. Since her school closed, she’s been
 working part time from home. So she decided to volunteer to babysit for
 first responders and make deliveries for people who can’t go out.“I
 was a young single mom, and if I had been in that situation where I had
 to go to work and everything was closed, it would have really hurt me,”
 Di Piazza said. “I have that time to do whatever needs to be done for 
my neighbors.”Di Piazza is one of about a dozen other people offering help on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ictresponse.com/" target="_blank">ICT Response</a>, a website started to help Wichita residents through the COVID-19 breakout.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585421999196.jpeg" alt=" Free bagged lunches and milk sit outside the Ladybird Diner in downtown Lawrence. Credit Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Free bagged lunches and milk sit outside the Ladybird Diner in downtown Lawrence. Credit Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Others are joining groups that existed before the pandemic, like the nonprofit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BallardCommunityServices" target="_blank">Ballard Center</a> in Lawrence, which distributes groceries to families in need.On
 a rainy Tuesday morning at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, Rachael 
Shankland, a legal assistant in Lawrence, was one of about 30 
volunteers. She saw on Facebook that the center needed volunteers, and 
she needed something to do, now that her office is closed and Douglas 
County is under a “stay at home” order.“Seeing how scared 
everybody is just makes you want to make sure everyone doesn’t have to 
worry about little things like food,” she said. “I feel like this is one
 of the essential things that … we’re allowed to be out and doing.”Usually,
 only about 15 volunteers help with each event, said Marion Belcher, who
 has volunteered to distribute food for the Ballard Center for more than
 12 years. But twice as many people as usual helped unpack food from 
crates and sorted them into bags to give to a line of cars snaking 
through the parking lot.The number of people in line was 
atypical, too, Belcher said. Usually about 100 families come to the 
bimonthly distribution. He estimated the total number of families 
approached 300 on Tuesday.“I think it’s the coronavirus: the 
fallout from it, the unemployment, stores closing,” he said. “Things 
that people normally do, they can’t do anymore.”Kansas saw more than 23,000 people <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/amid-stay-home-orders-more-68000-people-kansas-and-missouri-file-unemployment#stream/0" target="_blank">file for unemployment last week</a> — more than a 1,000% percent jump. So for families out of work, extra help from their community can make a big difference.Kristen
 Maxon was one of several people who stopped by the Ladybird Diner at 
lunchtime. She and her partner, who live in Lawrence, have done this a 
few times in the past two weeks.Maxon’s six children typically 
eat lunch at school, and they can still get free meals even though the 
buildings are closed. But the diner is more convenient.“I’m so glad that they’re doing this,” Maxon said. “This place is closer, so it’s great.”Both
 Maxon and her partner have been mostly out of work due to COVID-19. She
 balances a little working from home with homeschooling her kids and 
taking them on walks, all while social distancing.“I’m glad that
 we’re not at work spreading the virus, but it’s really hard,” Maxon 
said. “My house is in full chaos. It’s hectic.”Nomin 
Ujiyediin reports on criminal justice and social welfare for KCUR and 
the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.

Kansans turn to each other for help during coronavirus outbreak 

Salina USD 305 issues statement concerning students in grades 9-12 who do not have internet access. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD305/">USD 305</a> Facebook page:

Salina USD 305 issues statement concerning students in grades 9-12 who do not have internet access. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD305/">USD 305</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FUSD305%2Fposts%2F2841222282592911%3A0&width=500" width="500" height="631" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

USD 305: Info for grade 9-12 families without internet

Saline County now has one confirmed positive case of COVID-19. Here's today's report from Saline County:

The Saline County Health Department has been notified of a positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Saline County. The positive case was identified through testing sent to a private lab.

The case is a female in their 50’s associated with recent travel to the Kansas City area. This case is the first known case in Saline County. Due to HIPAA, no other patient information will be released.

The Saline County Health Department is working to identify any close contacts of the individual.

Those that were exposed will be contacted by the Saline County Health Department as soon as possible. The individual is in isolation at home.

Governor Kelly’s Stay-at-Home order goes into effect at 12:01 am on Monday, March 30th.

Those with questions about essential businesses or functions are directed to email <a href="mailto:keff@ks.gov">keff@ks.gov</a> or visit their website https://governor.kansas.gov/keff/

As stated many times before, this is a rapidly changing situation. Our local government leaders are working hard and are making difficult decisions as it relates to the best interests of the health and safety of our citizens and employees. Please ensure that you are only following official sources: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/">http://www.kdheks.gov/</a>.

Saline County now has one confirmed positive case of COVID-19. Here's today's report from Saline County:The Saline County Health Department has been notified of a positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Saline County. The positive case was identified through testing sent to a private lab.The case is a female in their 50’s associated with recent travel to the Kansas City area. This case is the first known case in Saline County. Due to HIPAA, no other patient information will be released.The Saline County Health Department is working to identify any close contacts of the individual.Those that were exposed will be contacted by the Saline County Health Department as soon as possible. The individual is in isolation at home.Governor Kelly’s Stay-at-Home order goes into effect at 12:01 am on Monday, March 30th.Those with questions about essential businesses or functions are directed to email <a href="mailto:keff@ks.gov">keff@ks.gov</a> or visit their website https://governor.kansas.gov/keff/As stated many times before, this is a rapidly changing situation. Our local government leaders are working hard and are making difficult decisions as it relates to the best interests of the health and safety of our citizens and employees. Please ensure that you are only following official sources: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/">http://www.kdheks.gov/</a>.

Saline County reports first positive case of COVID-19

Rain showers, and perhaps a few thunderstorms, late Monday afternoon will give way to widespread rain Monday night, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. 

Most of the rain should be out of the area by Tuesday morning. Severe weather is not expected at this time, NWS noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585520319612.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rain showers, and perhaps a few thunderstorms, late Monday afternoon will give way to widespread rain Monday night, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. Most of the rain should be out of the area by Tuesday morning. Severe weather is not expected at this time, NWS noted.

NWS: Rain likely across the area Monday

Here's another food option for children. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/catholiccharitiesofnorthernks/">Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas</a> Facebook page:

Here's another food option for children. 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%2F2714072472021919&width=500" width="500" height="502" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Catholic Charities providing meals for children

BELOIT -- The Beloit Police Department got tagged. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/beloitkspd/">Beloit KS Police Department</a> Facebook page:

BELOIT -- The Beloit Police Department got tagged. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/beloitkspd/">Beloit KS Police Department</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbeloitkspd%2Fposts%2F1968152699976366&width=500" width="500" height="631" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Beloit PD gets tagged, thanks tag artist

Salina USD 305 has closed all of its playgrounds in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD305/">USD 305</a> Facebook page:

Salina USD 305 has closed all of its playgrounds in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD305/">USD 305</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FUSD305%2Fposts%2F2839420219439784%3A0&width=500" width="500" height="594" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Salina USD 305 closes its playgrounds

Two small earthquakes rattled parts of Saline and Dickinson counties Saturday.

The first was a 2.4 magnitude quake that was centered just southeast of the intersection of 800 Avenue and Sage Road in Dickinson County, according to the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS). The quake was recorded at 4:32 a.m. Saturday.

The second was a 2.7 magnitude quake that was centered southeast of Salina between South Holmes Road and South Simpson Road on the west and east and East Water Well Road and East Farrelly Road on the north and south. The quake was recorded just a few seconds before 5:06 p.m. Saturday

Two small earthquakes rattled parts of Saline and Dickinson counties Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585500971105.jpeg" alt="The location of the earthquake in Dickinson County. Maps courtesy KGS" />
 <figcaption>The location of the earthquake in Dickinson County. Maps courtesy KGS</figcaption>
 </figure>The first was a 2.4 magnitude quake that was centered just southeast of the intersection of 800 Avenue and Sage Road in Dickinson County, according to the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS). The quake was recorded at 4:32 a.m. Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585501084661.jpeg" alt="The location of the Saline County earthquake." />
 <figcaption>The location of the Saline County earthquake.</figcaption>
 </figure>The second was a 2.7 magnitude quake that was centered southeast of Salina between South Holmes Road and South Simpson Road on the west and east and East Water Well Road and East Farrelly Road on the north and south. The quake was recorded just a few seconds before 5:06 p.m. Saturday

Two small quakes shake parts of Saline, Dickinson counties

UPDATE: SM Hanson Music has canceled this year's Heartland Bluegrass festival because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Rick Hanson, CEO and president of SM Hanson Music.

SM Hanson Music is bringing back bluegrass! A bluegrass festival, that is.

The SM Hanson Heartland Bluegrass Festival 2020 is scheduled for April 26. The event is scheduled at The Temple, 336 South Santa Fe Avenue, with doors opening at 10:30 a.m. This venue is handicap accessible.

"The SM Hanson Heartland Bluegrass Festival 2020 will include several bluegrass bands from around the state, some general playing and picking sessions, an Instrument Petting Zoo (for kids and adults, open mic stage time, a few instrument vendors, and local food trucks," said Rick Hanson, CEO and president of SM Hanson Music, Inc. "Attendees are encouraged to bring their instrument to join in the music community during the day."

Admission to the event will be by a suggested cash donation or canned food donation for the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank, Hanson said. 

"This will be our first bluegrass festival since the mid 1970s. We held several events in the '70s at Memorial Hall with bluegrass bands coming from Oklahoma and Arkansas," Hanson explained.

This year, however, the festival will be at The Temple.

"We will use the Grand Entrance on Santa Fe (big bronze doors," Hanson noted. "The steps can be a place to begin picking if the weather is nice. The foyer and second floor space will provide adequate room for performances, picking areas, petting zoo and vendors."

The schedule of performers will be released closer to the date of the event, Hanson said.

The Kansas Bluegrass Association also plans to participate in the festival, he said.

Additionally, The Temple will have volunteers on hand to discuss the  beautiful and historic facility that is being used for so many events. 

"This will be a great opportunity for the public to see The Temple and listen/participate in the bluegrass music event," Hanson said. 

According to Hanson, the festival is sponsored in part by Salina Arts &amp; Humanities.

UPDATE: SM Hanson Music has canceled this year's Heartland Bluegrass festival because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Rick Hanson, CEO and president of SM Hanson Music.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583291607418.jpeg" alt="The Temple in Salina. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>The Temple in Salina. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SM Hanson Music is bringing back bluegrass! A bluegrass festival, that is.The SM Hanson Heartland Bluegrass Festival 2020 is scheduled for April 26. The event is scheduled at The Temple, 336 South Santa Fe Avenue, with doors opening at 10:30 a.m. This venue is handicap accessible."The SM Hanson Heartland Bluegrass Festival 2020 will include several bluegrass bands from around the state, some general playing and picking sessions, an Instrument Petting Zoo (for kids and adults, open mic stage time, a few instrument vendors, and local food trucks," said Rick Hanson, CEO and president of SM Hanson Music, Inc. "Attendees are encouraged to bring their instrument to join in the music community during the day."Admission to the event will be by a suggested cash donation or canned food donation for the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank, Hanson said. "This will be our first bluegrass festival since the mid 1970s. We held several events in the '70s at Memorial Hall with bluegrass bands coming from Oklahoma and Arkansas," Hanson explained.This year, however, the festival will be at The Temple."We will use the Grand Entrance on Santa Fe (big bronze doors," Hanson noted. "The steps can be a place to begin picking if the weather is nice. The foyer and second floor space will provide adequate room for performances, picking areas, petting zoo and vendors."The schedule of performers will be released closer to the date of the event, Hanson said.The Kansas Bluegrass Association also plans to participate in the festival, he said.Additionally, The Temple will have volunteers on hand to discuss the beautiful and historic facility that is being used for so many events. "This will be a great opportunity for the public to see The Temple and listen/participate in the bluegrass music event," Hanson said. According to Hanson, the festival is sponsored in part by Salina Arts &amp; Humanities.

UPDATE: SM Hanson cancels Heartland Bluegrass Festival

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

Do you like raspberry pie? I do. Today we’ll learn about a different kind of raspberry pie – the kind spelled P-I, as in the mathematical symbol. In this case, Raspberry Pi is the name of a type of computer used by students who are learning to do computer coding.&nbsp;&nbsp;This high-tech project is an initiative of an innovative economic development director in rural Kansas.

Nick Poels is executive director of economic development in Phillips County. He works to build partnerships in various ways to benefit the county as a whole. Phillips County includes the rural communities of Phillipsburg, Logan, Agra, Kirwin, Long Island, Prairie View, Glade, population 86, and Speed, population 35 people. Now, that’s rural.

Nick uses various programs to benefit the county, such as rural opportunity zones, Network Kansas, a commercial revitalization program, and more. In 2018, Nick was in a site council meeting with the Phillipsburg school district when there was discussion about the need to integrate more computer science into education. Forward-looking educators recognized the need for students to have high-tech skills for future careers.

Thanks to Nex-Tech, the local rural telephone company, the community has access to high capacity fiber-optic cable. “Phillipsburg had the benefit of fiber-to-the-premise infrastructure before it reached places like Topeka and Olathe,” Nick said.

He recognized an opportunity to use this capacity and to help students learn high-tech skills. He proposed to his county economic development board that Phillips County Economic Development would partner with the school in a student initiative on computer coding. With the board’s support, PCED bought equipment and online curricula for this project.

At the Fischer Building in downtown Phillipsburg, PCED set up a facility called TechSpace with 25 computer work stations. Nick worked with the school to offer one curriculum for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade and another, more advanced, curriculum for kids in sixth grade through high school.

Among other things, the younger kids were to work with introductory equipment such as Sphero robots and Lego Mindstorm kits. The older kids were to use training computer modules called Raspberry Pi and Arduino, an&nbsp;open-source electronic prototyping software with which users can create interactive electronic devices such as robots.

The program started with the 2019 academic year. “I expected 25 or 30 students,” Nick said. “Now we have 351 students using TechSpace each week.” The school provides busses to take the kids to and from the Fischer Building.

The younger kids are exposed to the basics of computer coding, which is essentially creating digital instructions to direct a computer to carry out a specific task. The older kids’ class time alternates between online classes and hands-on robotics work.

Some kids practice by writing lines of code to direct robots through a maze. Others are building computer games.

Nick’s ultimate goal is to enhance the students’ skills and benefit the workforce and the families of Philips County. He has reached out to people such as Scott DeLoach, head of K-State’s Computer Science department, who has encouraged the project.

“Research from K-State suggests that last year, 600,000 computer science jobs were available in the U.S., with 1 million projected in 2020,” Nick said. “However, the U.S. is only graduating 49,000 computer science graduates a year.”

“This is something totally new for (the students, and they love the challenge,” one teacher said.

“This project has worked so much better than we could have ever expected,” Nick said.&nbsp;

Other communities have expressed interest in this initiative also. “It is with small steps such as this, that we could collectively work toward positioning the state of Kansas as the most computer-literate state in the union,” Nick said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585442713516.jpeg" alt="Phillips County TechSpace. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Phillips County TechSpace. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State UniversityDo you like raspberry pie? I do. Today we’ll learn about a different kind of raspberry pie – the kind spelled P-I, as in the mathematical symbol. In this case, Raspberry Pi is the name of a type of computer used by students who are learning to do computer coding.&nbsp;&nbsp;This high-tech project is an initiative of an innovative economic development director in rural Kansas.Nick Poels is executive director of economic development in Phillips County. He works to build partnerships in various ways to benefit the county as a whole. Phillips County includes the rural communities of Phillipsburg, Logan, Agra, Kirwin, Long Island, Prairie View, Glade, population 86, and Speed, population 35 people. Now, that’s rural.Nick uses various programs to benefit the county, such as rural opportunity zones, Network Kansas, a commercial revitalization program, and more. In 2018, Nick was in a site council meeting with the Phillipsburg school district when there was discussion about the need to integrate more computer science into education. Forward-looking educators recognized the need for students to have high-tech skills for future careers.Thanks to Nex-Tech, the local rural telephone company, the community has access to high capacity fiber-optic cable. “Phillipsburg had the benefit of fiber-to-the-premise infrastructure before it reached places like Topeka and Olathe,” Nick said.He recognized an opportunity to use this capacity and to help students learn high-tech skills. He proposed to his county economic development board that Phillips County Economic Development would partner with the school in a student initiative on computer coding. With the board’s support, PCED bought equipment and online curricula for this project.At the Fischer Building in downtown Phillipsburg, PCED set up a facility called TechSpace with 25 computer work stations. Nick worked with the school to offer one curriculum for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade and another, more advanced, curriculum for kids in sixth grade through high school.Among other things, the younger kids were to work with introductory equipment such as Sphero robots and Lego Mindstorm kits. The older kids were to use training computer modules called Raspberry Pi and Arduino, an&nbsp;open-source electronic prototyping software with which users can create interactive electronic devices such as robots.The program started with the 2019 academic year. “I expected 25 or 30 students,” Nick said. “Now we have 351 students using TechSpace each week.” The school provides busses to take the kids to and from the Fischer Building.The younger kids are exposed to the basics of computer coding, which is essentially creating digital instructions to direct a computer to carry out a specific task. The older kids’ class time alternates between online classes and hands-on robotics work.Some kids practice by writing lines of code to direct robots through a maze. Others are building computer games.Nick’s ultimate goal is to enhance the students’ skills and benefit the workforce and the families of Philips County. He has reached out to people such as Scott DeLoach, head of K-State’s Computer Science department, who has encouraged the project.“Research from K-State suggests that last year, 600,000 computer science jobs were available in the U.S., with 1 million projected in 2020,” Nick said. “However, the U.S. is only graduating 49,000 computer science graduates a year.”“This is something totally new for (the students, and they love the challenge,” one teacher said.“This project has worked so much better than we could have ever expected,” Nick said.&nbsp;Other communities have expressed interest in this initiative also. “It is with small steps such as this, that we could collectively work toward positioning the state of Kansas as the most computer-literate state in the union,” Nick said.For more information on Phillips County, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.phillipscountyks.org/" target="_blank">www.phillipscountyks.org</a>.Do you like raspberry pie? I like the kind from the kitchen. I’m also glad that these students in rural Kansas are using the electronic version. We commend Nick Poels and all those involved with Phillips County Economic Development for making a difference with this futuristic initiative to build high-tech skills. I think the results are delicious.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.