The Memorial Day holiday brings with it local government office closings.

City offices will be closed Monday for the Memorial Day holiday. Staff will return to the regular schedule Tuesday.

Additionally, there will not be a Salina City Commission meeting on Monday.

City sanitation crews will be providing regularly scheduled collection on Monday, however, the landfill will close at 2 p.m. and the general services facilities will be closed. Standard hours of operation will resume Tuesday.

Additionally, the Salina Drive-thru Recycling Center and Household Hazardous Waste facilities remain closed.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ec54c28eb7f1705360565bf">City announces temporary hours for Drive-thru Recycling Center</a>

Additionally, Saline County offices will be closed Monday. Staff will return to regular schedule on Tuesday, however, the senior center will remain closed.

The Memorial Day holiday brings with it local government office closings.City offices will be closed Monday for the Memorial Day holiday. Staff will return to the regular schedule Tuesday.Additionally, there will not be a Salina City Commission meeting on Monday.City sanitation crews will be providing regularly scheduled collection on Monday, however, the landfill will close at 2 p.m. and the general services facilities will be closed. Standard hours of operation will resume Tuesday.Additionally, the Salina Drive-thru Recycling Center and Household Hazardous Waste facilities remain closed.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ec54c28eb7f1705360565bf">City announces temporary hours for Drive-thru Recycling Center</a>Additionally, Saline County offices will be closed Monday. Staff will return to regular schedule on Tuesday, however, the senior center will remain closed.

City, county offices closed for Memorial Day

Weather History for Sunday, May 24, 2020, from the National Weather Service:

In 1990, four tornadoes struck central Kansas, of which two were strong F3s. One F3 tornado, with a track 26 miles long and three fourths of a mile wide, barreled through Barton, Rice and Ellsworth counties. Six were injured. Eighty-eight cars of a 125-car freight train were derailed. In some cases, the freight cars were stacked three to four cars high. It caused around $500,000 damage. 

The second F3 tornado, believed to have touched down multiple times, raced 60 miles across Rice, McPherson, and Marion counties and was around 450 yards wide. This tornado also got on the 'wrong track' as it too, hit a freight train, derailing 87 of 103 cars. There was nearly $3 million damage in McPherson and Marion counties alone.

In 1962, severe thunderstorms hit Reno and Harvey counties with a barrage of hail that reached four inches in diameter. The giant hail caused around $1 million damage just southwest of Hutchinson alone. Both counties were also hit by an F3 tornado. The Reno County twister injured six&nbsp; between Nickerson and Hutchinson. The Harvey County tornado moved very erratically along a 10-mile track. The width is unknown, but the twister destroyed two gas stations and several trailers, then lifted at the southwest edge of Newton.



Weather History for Sunday, May 24, 2020, from the National Weather Service:In 1990, four tornadoes struck central Kansas, of which two were strong F3s. One F3 tornado, with a track 26 miles long and three fourths of a mile wide, barreled through Barton, Rice and Ellsworth counties. Six were injured. Eighty-eight cars of a 125-car freight train were derailed. In some cases, the freight cars were stacked three to four cars high. It caused around $500,000 damage. The second F3 tornado, believed to have touched down multiple times, raced 60 miles across Rice, McPherson, and Marion counties and was around 450 yards wide. This tornado also got on the 'wrong track' as it too, hit a freight train, derailing 87 of 103 cars. There was nearly $3 million damage in McPherson and Marion counties alone.In 1962, severe thunderstorms hit Reno and Harvey counties with a barrage of hail that reached four inches in diameter. The giant hail caused around $1 million damage just southwest of Hutchinson alone. Both counties were also hit by an F3 tornado. The Reno County twister injured six&nbsp; between Nickerson and Hutchinson. The Harvey County tornado moved very erratically along a 10-mile track. The width is unknown, but the twister destroyed two gas stations and several trailers, then lifted at the southwest edge of Newton.

This Day in Weather History: Tornadoes in central Kansas in 1962, 1990

On Tuesday the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is scheduled to begin a mill and overlay project on Kansas Highway 18 (K-18) in Dickinson and Geary counties. 

Work on K-18 will begin at the Kansas Highway 15 junction and continue east approximately 14 miles to the U.S. Highway 77 junction.

Drivers should expect a delay of up to 15 minutes and plan extra time in their travel schedules. Construction will occur during daylight hours and traffic will be reduced to one 11-foot lane following a pilot car through the work zone.

Shilling Construction Co. Inc. of Manhattan is the prime contractor and has scheduled this $2 million project to be completed in August, weather permitting.

KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approach and driving through a highway work zone.&nbsp; To stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.org</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1.

On Tuesday the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is scheduled to begin a mill and overlay project on Kansas Highway 18 (K-18) in Dickinson and Geary counties. Work on K-18 will begin at the Kansas Highway 15 junction and continue east approximately 14 miles to the U.S. Highway 77 junction.Drivers should expect a delay of up to 15 minutes and plan extra time in their travel schedules. Construction will occur during daylight hours and traffic will be reduced to one 11-foot lane following a pilot car through the work zone.Shilling Construction Co. Inc. of Manhattan is the prime contractor and has scheduled this $2 million project to be completed in August, weather permitting.KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approach and driving through a highway work zone.&nbsp; To stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.org</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1.

K-18 work to begin Tuesday in Dickinson and Geary counties

MANHATTAN – Home cooks often hail Memorial Day as the beginning of grilling season, which leads Kansas State University food safety specialist Karen Blakeslee to suggest they buddy up with a familiar kitchen utensil.

“A food thermometer should be your best friend,” said Blakeslee, coordinator of the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Rapid Response Center</a>. “You should never determine meat doneness based on color. Use a food thermometer and make sure meat is cooked to the recommended minimum internal temperature.”

For the three most common types of grilled meats, those recommendations include:

Steaks, chops and roasts – 145 degrees Fahrenheit

Blakeslee said a food thermometer should be inserted into the center of the thickest part of the meat, away from bone, fat and gristle. For ground meat – such as hamburger patties – insert into the side so that the thermometer is positioned through the center of the food.

“There are many types of thermometers to choose from when cooking,” Blakeslee said. “For checking food temperature, a digital or dial food thermometer is best. Digital temperatures can sense temperature at the tip of the probe and give a quick temperature response.”

She cautioned that digital thermometers cannot be left in the food during cooking.

“Other food thermometers have a temperature probe connected to a separate digital display. If grilling, use one designated for the high heat of grilling. For large cuts of meat – such as roasts – a meat thermometer can be inserted into the roast and left in during cooking.”

Blakeslee lists several other food safety tips as folks gear up for outdoor grilling:

•Use separate plates and utensils for raw meats and cooked meats.

•Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Hot foods should be maintained at a temperature above 140 F, while cold foods should be kept below 40 F.

•Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling raw foods, before and during meal preparation, and before eating.

•Prepare several ice chests to keep food cold and to separate items. Keep beverages in one chest, ready-to-eat foods in another, and raw meats in a third.

•Do not wash meat or poultry before cooking. “This increases the chance for cross-contamination and is not necessary,” Blakeslee said. “Cooking meat to the proper internal temperature is your best defense.”

Some non-food safety tips include positioning the grill away from flammable areas, checking the charcoal or gas supply so you don’t run out while preparing meals, and keeping children and pets away from a hot grill.

Blakeslee said K-State Research and Extension has published a comprehensive guide to safe food handling, title ‘<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2465.pdf" target="_blank">At-Home Safe Food Handling: It’s in Your Hands</a>.’ The publication is available for free through the&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension bookstore</a>.

Blakeslee and other K-State food safety specialists also maintain a website with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/outdoor.html" target="_blank">food safety tips for grilling, tailgating and picnics</a>.

“Plan ahead to keep the party simple,” Blakeslee said. “If you are having guests over, ask them to bring other menu items or supplies such as utensils, plates and beverages. The main goal is to have fun.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590349177163.jpeg" alt="Hamburgers on the grill photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Hamburgers on the grill photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – Home cooks often hail Memorial Day as the beginning of grilling season, which leads Kansas State University food safety specialist Karen Blakeslee to suggest they buddy up with a familiar kitchen utensil.“A food thermometer should be your best friend,” said Blakeslee, coordinator of the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Rapid Response Center</a>. “You should never determine meat doneness based on color. Use a food thermometer and make sure meat is cooked to the recommended minimum internal temperature.”For the three most common types of grilled meats, those recommendations include:Steaks, chops and roasts – 145 degrees FahrenheitGround meat – 160 FAll poultry – 165 F.Blakeslee said a food thermometer should be inserted into the center of the thickest part of the meat, away from bone, fat and gristle. For ground meat – such as hamburger patties – insert into the side so that the thermometer is positioned through the center of the food.“There are many types of thermometers to choose from when cooking,” Blakeslee said. “For checking food temperature, a digital or dial food thermometer is best. Digital temperatures can sense temperature at the tip of the probe and give a quick temperature response.”She cautioned that digital thermometers cannot be left in the food during cooking.“Other food thermometers have a temperature probe connected to a separate digital display. If grilling, use one designated for the high heat of grilling. For large cuts of meat – such as roasts – a meat thermometer can be inserted into the roast and left in during cooking.”Blakeslee lists several other food safety tips as folks gear up for outdoor grilling:•Use separate plates and utensils for raw meats and cooked meats.•Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Hot foods should be maintained at a temperature above 140 F, while cold foods should be kept below 40 F.•Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling raw foods, before and during meal preparation, and before eating.•Prepare several ice chests to keep food cold and to separate items. Keep beverages in one chest, ready-to-eat foods in another, and raw meats in a third.•Do not wash meat or poultry before cooking. “This increases the chance for cross-contamination and is not necessary,” Blakeslee said. “Cooking meat to the proper internal temperature is your best defense.”Some non-food safety tips include positioning the grill away from flammable areas, checking the charcoal or gas supply so you don’t run out while preparing meals, and keeping children and pets away from a hot grill.Blakeslee said K-State Research and Extension has published a comprehensive guide to safe food handling, title ‘<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2465.pdf" target="_blank">At-Home Safe Food Handling: It’s in Your Hands</a>.’ The publication is available for free through the&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension bookstore</a>.Blakeslee and other K-State food safety specialists also maintain a website with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/outdoor.html" target="_blank">food safety tips for grilling, tailgating and picnics</a>.“Plan ahead to keep the party simple,” Blakeslee said. “If you are having guests over, ask them to bring other menu items or supplies such as utensils, plates and beverages. The main goal is to have fun.”

Time to Grill? Think food safety first

UPDATE: The flash flood warning has been allowed to expire.

A flash flood warning has been issued for counties in our area.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a flash flood warning effective until 2:45 a.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.

At 10:49 p.m. CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Up to two inches of rain have already fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.

Additionally, a&nbsp;flash flood warning remains in effect for southwestern Ottawa County until 1:30 a.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Topeka.

At 9:51 p.m. CDT, trained weather spotters reported thunderstorms producing heavy rain in Culver where the streets are under water. Up to three inches of rain have already fallen.

UPDATE: The flash flood warning has been allowed to expire.A flash flood warning has been issued for counties in our area.The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a flash flood warning effective until 2:45 a.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.Southern Lincoln CountyNorthern Ellsworth CountyNorthern Saline CountyAt 10:49 p.m. CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Up to two inches of rain have already fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.Multiple streets in Salina are flooding.Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.Additionally, a&nbsp;flash flood warning remains in effect for southwestern Ottawa County until 1:30 a.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Topeka.At 9:51 p.m. CDT, trained weather spotters reported thunderstorms producing heavy rain in Culver where the streets are under water. Up to three inches of rain have already fallen.

EXPIRED: NWS issues flash flood warning for parts of Saline, Ellsworth, Lincoln counties

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Saline County, Lincoln County, and northern Ellsworth County in effect until 9:45 a.m. Monday.

At 9:50 p.m. CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain which will cause flooding. One to two inches of rain have already fallen.

Please report flooding to your local law enforcement agency when you can do so safely.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Saline County, Lincoln County, and northern Ellsworth County in effect until 9:45 a.m. Monday.At 9:50 p.m. CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain which will cause flooding. One to two inches of rain have already fallen.Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.Please report flooding to your local law enforcement agency when you can do so safely.

NWS: Flood warning includes Saline, Ellsworth, Lincoln counties

UPDATE: The severe thunderstorm warning has been allowed to expire.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northern Saline County, northern Ellsworth County, and Lincoln County until 10:30 p.m. Sunday.

Locations impacted include Salina, Ellsworth, Wilson, Kanopolis, Lincoln, Sylvan Grove, Brookville, Smolan, Beverly, New Cambria, Barnard, Glendale, Ash Grove, Westfall, Salina Airport, and Ellsworth Airport.

At 9:24 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Brookville, or 10 miles west of Salina, moving northwest at 40 mph. Additional clusters of storms were located throughout the warned area.

HAZARD: 60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.

IMPACT: Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of Dickinson and Ottawa counties are set to expire at 9:45 p.m. Sunday.

UPDATE: The severe thunderstorm warning has been allowed to expire.The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northern Saline County, northern Ellsworth County, and Lincoln County until 10:30 p.m. Sunday.Locations impacted include Salina, Ellsworth, Wilson, Kanopolis, Lincoln, Sylvan Grove, Brookville, Smolan, Beverly, New Cambria, Barnard, Glendale, Ash Grove, Westfall, Salina Airport, and Ellsworth Airport.At 9:24 p.m. CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Brookville, or 10 miles west of Salina, moving northwest at 40 mph. Additional clusters of storms were located throughout the warned area.HAZARD: 60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.IMPACT: Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.Severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of Dickinson and Ottawa counties are set to expire at 9:45 p.m. Sunday.

EXPIRED: Thunderstorm warning for parts of Saline, Ellsworth, Lincoln counties

Several counties in our area are now under a severe thunderstorm watch.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until midnight for the following counties in our area.

Several counties in our area are now under a severe thunderstorm watch.According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until midnight for the following counties in our area.Ellsworth CountyJewell CountyLincoln CountyMitchell County

NWS: Severe thunderstorm watch for counties in area

UPDATE Sunday 4:30 p.m.: Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected this evening northwest of the Kansas Turnpike, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.

The strongest activity will be capable of large hail, damaging winds, an isolated tornado or two, and very heavy rainfall. Localized flash flooding is possible.

READ:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5eca71e1ebfb13423b260f4b">Flash flood watches issued for counties in our area</a>

Additionally, scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are likely Monday, especially during the afternoon and evening. Pockets of heavy rainfall are likely, which may lead to localized flash flooding.

UPDATE as of Sunday morning: The National Weather Service (NWS) has once again update our Memorial Day weekend forecast.

Areas of showers and thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and continue into the overnight. Severe thunderstorms with very heavy rain are likely with this activity, NWS noted.

Ping Pong ball sized hail is possible with the strongest storms early this afternoon. The hail threat will transition to a mainly wind and very heavy threat during the evening and overnight period. 

Localized flooding is to be expected where the heavier rain falls which could produce flash flooding as well. Use caution on roadways as have rain will make driving dangerous at times.

Monday night and into Tuesday will have occasional thunderstorms with very heavy rain likely, according to NWS. Severe weather is not expected Monday night and Tuesday, NWS noted.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, severe storms will be possible Sunday afternoon and evening. The strongest storms will be capable of hail up to the size of ping pong balls and wind gusts up to 60 mph.

Heavy rainfall is forecast late Sunday night through late Monday night. Localized flooding and rises to rivers and creeks will be possible. The heaviest rainfall is expected across portions of south-central and southeast Kansas.

Numerous chances for thunderstorms remain in the forecast Monday through Friday, however the risk for severe storms is low, NWS noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590356638342.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE Sunday 4:30 p.m.: Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected this evening northwest of the Kansas Turnpike, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. The strongest activity will be capable of large hail, damaging winds, an isolated tornado or two, and very heavy rainfall. Localized flash flooding is possible.READ:<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5eca71e1ebfb13423b260f4b">Flash flood watches issued for counties in our area</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590356696625.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Additionally, scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are likely Monday, especially during the afternoon and evening. Pockets of heavy rainfall are likely, which may lead to localized flash flooding.UPDATE as of Sunday morning: The National Weather Service (NWS) has once again update our Memorial Day weekend forecast.Areas of showers and thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and continue into the overnight. Severe thunderstorms with very heavy rain are likely with this activity, NWS noted.Ping Pong ball sized hail is possible with the strongest storms early this afternoon. The hail threat will transition to a mainly wind and very heavy threat during the evening and overnight period. Localized flooding is to be expected where the heavier rain falls which could produce flash flooding as well. Use caution on roadways as have rain will make driving dangerous at times.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590324739725.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Monday night and into Tuesday will have occasional thunderstorms with very heavy rain likely, according to NWS. Severe weather is not expected Monday night and Tuesday, NWS noted.According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, severe storms will be possible Sunday afternoon and evening. The strongest storms will be capable of hail up to the size of ping pong balls and wind gusts up to 60 mph.Heavy rainfall is forecast late Sunday night through late Monday night. Localized flooding and rises to rivers and creeks will be possible. The heaviest rainfall is expected across portions of south-central and southeast Kansas.Numerous chances for thunderstorms remain in the forecast Monday through Friday, however the risk for severe storms is low, NWS noted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590279707094.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

UPDATE: Hail, winds, flooding rains, NWS says

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The following students are among over 850 Bob Jones University students named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2020 semester.

The Dean's List recognizes students who earn a 3.00-3.74 grade point average during the semester.

Dahlia Dean, a sophomore business major from Clay Center, was named to the spring 2020 Dean's List.

Dana Dean, a sophomore nursing major from Clay Center, was named to the spring 2020 Dean's List.

Kirsten Larson, a freshman health sciences major from Solomon, was named to the spring 2020 Dean's List.

Located in Greenville, South Carolina,&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/HAE/cXo/t.31y/UhjX_aOFQO-ubanEuHk3vA/h0/2T7-2BC14O-2BlLr9rB8nlHRwX20L1O30vCPGO-2BvEoLpGi4-3D/WUIR" target="_blank">Bob Jones University</a>&nbsp;provides an outstanding regionally accredited Christian liberal arts education purposely designed to inspire a lifelong pursuit of learning, loving and leading.&nbsp;BJU offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in religion, education, fine arts and communication, arts and science, health sciences, and business.

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The following students are among over 850 Bob Jones University students named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2020 semester.The Dean's List recognizes students who earn a 3.00-3.74 grade point average during the semester.Dahlia Dean, a sophomore business major from Clay Center, was named to the spring 2020 Dean's List.Dana Dean, a sophomore nursing major from Clay Center, was named to the spring 2020 Dean's List.Kirsten Larson, a freshman health sciences major from Solomon, was named to the spring 2020 Dean's List.Located in Greenville, South Carolina,&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/HAE/cXo/t.31y/UhjX_aOFQO-ubanEuHk3vA/h0/2T7-2BC14O-2BlLr9rB8nlHRwX20L1O30vCPGO-2BvEoLpGi4-3D/WUIR" target="_blank">Bob Jones University</a>&nbsp;provides an outstanding regionally accredited Christian liberal arts education purposely designed to inspire a lifelong pursuit of learning, loving and leading.&nbsp;BJU offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in religion, education, fine arts and communication, arts and science, health sciences, and business.

Area students named to BJU Dean's List

Flash flood watches have been issued for a large part of the state.

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Remember to turn around, don`t drown. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a flash flood watch in effect from Sunday afternoon to Monday evening for the following counties in our area.

Multiple rounds of thunderstorms with heavy rain are expected to move through the warned area this afternoon and into Monday, NWS noted.

Low lying areas, low water crossings and other areas that   typically flood are expected to have flood issues during this   time frame. Additionally, heavy rain in areas that received   significant rain this past week are unlikely to be able to   handle the additional heavy rainfall. These areas are likely to create rapidly rising water producing the potential fast moving runoff causing potentially deadly conditions in unexpected   areas.

NWS in Topeka has issued a flash flood watch in effect Sunday afternoon through Monday evening for the following counties in our area.

Several rounds of thunderstorms, slow moving at times, will   bring locally heavy rainfall from Sunday afternoon through   Monday evening. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches with locally  higher amounts are possible, NWS noted.

Rapid rises of rivers, streams, and low water crossings could   occur. Urbanized and poor drainage areas could be particularly  impacted by floodwaters. Roadways could become flooded.

NWS in Hastings, Neb., has issued a flash flood watch effective from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening for the following counties in our area.

"Antecedent conditions of widespread 2 to 5 inches of rainfall  across portions of south central Nebraska and expected  additional rounds of heavy rainfall tonight into Monday could   lead to flash flooding," NWS reported.

Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are possible, with locally   higher amounts possible.

Flash flood watches have been issued for a large part of the state.A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Remember to turn around, don`t drown. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a flash flood watch in effect from Sunday afternoon to Monday evening for the following counties in our area.Ellsworth CountyLincoln CountyMarion CountyMcPherson CountySaline CountyMultiple rounds of thunderstorms with heavy rain are expected to move through the warned area this afternoon and into Monday, NWS noted.Low lying areas, low water crossings and other areas that typically flood are expected to have flood issues during this time frame. Additionally, heavy rain in areas that received significant rain this past week are unlikely to be able to handle the additional heavy rainfall. These areas are likely to create rapidly rising water producing the potential fast moving runoff causing potentially deadly conditions in unexpected areas.NWS in Topeka has issued a flash flood watch in effect Sunday afternoon through Monday evening for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyDickinson CountyOttawa CountyRepublic CountySeveral rounds of thunderstorms, slow moving at times, will bring locally heavy rainfall from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches with locally higher amounts are possible, NWS noted.Rapid rises of rivers, streams, and low water crossings could occur. Urbanized and poor drainage areas could be particularly impacted by floodwaters. Roadways could become flooded.NWS in Hastings, Neb., has issued a flash flood watch effective from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening for the following counties in our area.Jewell CountyMitchell County"Antecedent conditions of widespread 2 to 5 inches of rainfall across portions of south central Nebraska and expected additional rounds of heavy rainfall tonight into Monday could lead to flash flooding," NWS reported.Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are possible, with locally higher amounts possible.

Flash flood watches issued for counties in our area

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

From pitches to plants. From hardballs to hibiscus. From the strike zone to the root zone. Those phrases are a way of describing the transition made by a Major League Baseball player who, with his daughter, has developed one of the leading plant nurseries in the nation.&nbsp;

Lyndsi Oestman is vice president of Loma Vista Nursery in Ottawa, Kan. She shared this remarkable story.

Lyndsi’s dad, Mark Clear, grew up in California where he worked at his best friend’s family’s avocado ranch. Mark enjoyed tree pruning and avocado picking. He also enjoyed baseball. In fact, he was such a good player that he was drafted into Major League Baseball as a pitcher.

While being developed in the minor leagues, he was playing in Des Moines when he met the young woman who would become his wife. He went on to a 17-year major-league career, serving as a two-time all-star relief pitcher for the California Angels, Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers.

One year, Mark bought a tree nursery in California with his childhood friend from the avocado ranch. He played baseball during the season and worked at the nursery during the offseason.

One of his buddies on the Red Sox was traded to the Kansas City Royals. When Mark came for a visit, he found he loved the hunting and fishing in the KC area. In fact, he liked it so well that he moved his family to Olathe after retiring from baseball. He also sold his share of the partnership in California and bought a home with a tree nursery in Olathe. He called it Loma Vista Nursery.

“That was the place I grew up in,” Lyndsi said. “My brother and I drove tractors and planted trees.” The company became one of the first wholesale suppliers in the Kansas City area.

Lyndsi went to Kansas State University and studied marketing and business. She met and married her husband and entered corporate work after graduation, but found it wasn’t the same as a family business.

As Loma Vista Nursery continued to grow and evolve, Lyndsi came back to work at the nursery. She worked in every department and became vice president of the company, which is now headquartered in Ottawa, Kansas.

Today, Loma Vista Nursery is one of the nation’s leading wholesale suppliers of plants, trees and shrubs for independent garden centers, landscape contractors, and wholesale distributors in the Midwest. The operation consists of 300 acres of containerized production at Ottawa plus a 600-acre tree farm in the Willow Springs area of Douglas County. Willow Springs is a rural township with a population of 1,409 people. Now, that’s rural.

Loma Vista Nursery offers various varieties of pot-in-pot trees, shrubs, roses, grasses, perennials and groundcovers. The tree farm produces field-grown shade and ornamental trees, upright junipers and spruce, as well as many other deciduous and evergreen varieties. Loma Vista serves customers from Denver to Indianapolis.&nbsp;

“We’re focused on being the best grower we can be,” Lyndsi said. Loma Vista was a pioneer in the adoption of what is called SANC: Systems Approach to Nursery Certification, developed in partnership with regulatory agencies and the industry. In simplest terms, SANC takes a holistic approach to the processes and protocols necessary to assure plant health. “We are super proud of that,” Lyndsi said. “Our SANC handbook has become one of the national models.”

In 2019, Loma Vista Nursery won the national sustainability award from Greenhouse Grower magazine. “We want to do the right thing for our plants, our people, and our customers,” Lyndsi said.

Loma Vista employs 100 people and is home to more than 1 million propagated plants and more than 2 million containerized plants. “The team we have right now is awesome, and we’re very proud to be part of the Ottawa community,” Lyndsi said.

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

From baseball fields to fields of plants, Mark Clear successfully made the adjustment.&nbsp;&nbsp;We commend Mark Clear, Lyndsi Oestman, and all the people of Loma Vista Nursery for making a difference with commitment, horticultural knowledge, and entrepreneurship. They’ve gone from major league to major landscape.

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590287341975.jpeg" alt="Mark Clear and Lyndsi Oestman. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Mark Clear and Lyndsi Oestman. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State UniversityFrom pitches to plants. From hardballs to hibiscus. From the strike zone to the root zone. Those phrases are a way of describing the transition made by a Major League Baseball player who, with his daughter, has developed one of the leading plant nurseries in the nation.&nbsp;Lyndsi Oestman is vice president of Loma Vista Nursery in Ottawa, Kan. She shared this remarkable story.Lyndsi’s dad, Mark Clear, grew up in California where he worked at his best friend’s family’s avocado ranch. Mark enjoyed tree pruning and avocado picking. He also enjoyed baseball. In fact, he was such a good player that he was drafted into Major League Baseball as a pitcher.While being developed in the minor leagues, he was playing in Des Moines when he met the young woman who would become his wife. He went on to a 17-year major-league career, serving as a two-time all-star relief pitcher for the California Angels, Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers.One year, Mark bought a tree nursery in California with his childhood friend from the avocado ranch. He played baseball during the season and worked at the nursery during the offseason.One of his buddies on the Red Sox was traded to the Kansas City Royals. When Mark came for a visit, he found he loved the hunting and fishing in the KC area. In fact, he liked it so well that he moved his family to Olathe after retiring from baseball. He also sold his share of the partnership in California and bought a home with a tree nursery in Olathe. He called it Loma Vista Nursery.“That was the place I grew up in,” Lyndsi said. “My brother and I drove tractors and planted trees.” The company became one of the first wholesale suppliers in the Kansas City area.Lyndsi went to Kansas State University and studied marketing and business. She met and married her husband and entered corporate work after graduation, but found it wasn’t the same as a family business.As Loma Vista Nursery continued to grow and evolve, Lyndsi came back to work at the nursery. She worked in every department and became vice president of the company, which is now headquartered in Ottawa, Kansas.Today, Loma Vista Nursery is one of the nation’s leading wholesale suppliers of plants, trees and shrubs for independent garden centers, landscape contractors, and wholesale distributors in the Midwest. The operation consists of 300 acres of containerized production at Ottawa plus a 600-acre tree farm in the Willow Springs area of Douglas County. Willow Springs is a rural township with a population of 1,409 people. Now, that’s rural.Loma Vista Nursery offers various varieties of pot-in-pot trees, shrubs, roses, grasses, perennials and groundcovers. The tree farm produces field-grown shade and ornamental trees, upright junipers and spruce, as well as many other deciduous and evergreen varieties. Loma Vista serves customers from Denver to Indianapolis.&nbsp;“We’re focused on being the best grower we can be,” Lyndsi said. Loma Vista was a pioneer in the adoption of what is called SANC: Systems Approach to Nursery Certification, developed in partnership with regulatory agencies and the industry. In simplest terms, SANC takes a holistic approach to the processes and protocols necessary to assure plant health. “We are super proud of that,” Lyndsi said. “Our SANC handbook has become one of the national models.”In 2019, Loma Vista Nursery won the national sustainability award from Greenhouse Grower magazine. “We want to do the right thing for our plants, our people, and our customers,” Lyndsi said.Loma Vista employs 100 people and is home to more than 1 million propagated plants and more than 2 million containerized plants. “The team we have right now is awesome, and we’re very proud to be part of the Ottawa community,” Lyndsi said.For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lomavistanursery.com/" target="_blank">www.lomavistanursery.com</a>.From baseball fields to fields of plants, Mark Clear successfully made the adjustment.&nbsp;&nbsp;We commend Mark Clear, Lyndsi Oestman, and all the people of Loma Vista Nursery for making a difference with commitment, horticultural knowledge, and entrepreneurship. They’ve gone from major league to major landscape.Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

Now That’s Rural: Lyndsi Oestman, Loma Vista Nursery

Today is Sunday, May 24, the 145th day of 2020. There are 221 days left in the year.

On May 24, 1844, Samuel F.B. Morse transmitted the message "What hath God wrought" from Washington to Baltimore as he formally opened America's first telegraph line.

In 1775, John Hancock was unanimously elected President of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, succeeding Peyton Randolph.

In 1935, the first major league baseball game to be played at night took place at Cincinnati's Crosley Field as the Reds beat the Philadelphia Phillies, 2-1.

In 1941, the German battleship Bismarck sank the British battle cruiser HMS Hood in the North Atlantic, killing all but three of the 1,418 men on board.

In 1961, a group of Freedom Riders was arrested after arriving at a bus terminal in Jackson, Miss., charged with breaching the peace for entering white-designated areas. (They ended up serving 60 days in jail.)

In 1962, astronaut Scott Carpenter became the second American to orbit the Earth as he flew aboard Aurora 7.

In 1974, American jazz composer and bandleader Duke Ellington, 75, died in New York.

In 1976, Britain and France opened trans-Atlantic Concorde supersonic transport service to Washington.

In 1991, the feminist film drama "Thelma &amp; Louise," starring Susan Sarandon (as Louise) and Geena Davis (as Thelma, was released by MGM.

In 1994, four Islamic fundamentalists convicted of bombing New York's World Trade Center in 1993 were each sentenced to 240 years in prison.

In 1995, former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson died in London at age 79.

In 2001, 23 people were killed when the floor of a Jerusalem wedding hall collapsed beneath dancing guests, sending them plunging several stories into the basement.

In 2018, a gunman was shot and killed by two bystanders after opening fire at an Oklahoma City restaurant and wounding three patrons.

Ten years ago: Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen, the Obama administration's point man on the BP oil spill, rejected the idea of taking over the crisis, saying the government had neither BP's expertise nor its deep-sea equipment. The Supreme Court rejected the NFL's request for broad antitrust law protection, saying that it had to be considered 32 separate teams — not one big business — when selling branded items like jerseys and caps. Lukas Lacko of Slovakia beat American Michael Yani in a 71-game match that tied for the most games in a French Open singles match since tiebreakers were instituted in 1973. (Lacko won 4-6, 7-6 (5, 7-6 (4, 6-7 (5, 12-10 in a first-round match that began on a Sunday and finished after midnight.)

Five years ago: Conservative challenger Andrzej Duda won Poland's presidential election, ousting the incumbent, Bronislaw Komorowski, in a runoff vote. Juan Pablo Montoya sliced his way from the back to the front twice to win his second Indianapolis 500.

One year ago: A Wisconsin man, Jake Patterson, was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs and killing her parents; the sentencing came after the girl told the judge that she wanted him "locked up forever." (Patterson, who had held the girl under a bed in his remote cabin for 88 days before she made a daring escape, had pleaded guilty to intentional homicide and kidnapping.) Theresa May ended her failed three-year quest to lead Britain out of the European Union, announcing that she would step down as Conservative Party leader. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed a bill banning abortions on or beyond the eighth week of pregnancy without exceptions for cases of rape or incest, making it among the most restrictive abortion policies in the nation. (The law was blocked from taking effect after a court challenge.) Amanda Eller, a Hawaii woman, was found injured but alive in a forest on Maui after being missing for more than two weeks.

Today's Birthdays: Actor-comedian-impressionist Stanley Baxter is 94. Jazz musician Archie Shepp is 83. Comedian Tommy Chong is 82. Singer Bob Dylan is 79. Actor Gary Burghoff is 77. Singer Patti LaBelle is 76. Actress Priscilla Presley is 75. Country singer Mike Reid is 73. Actor Jim Broadbent is 71. Actor Alfred Molina is 67. Singer Rosanne Cash is 65. Actor Cliff Parisi is 60. Actress Kristin Scott Thomas is 60. Rock musician Jimmy Ashhurst (Buckcherry) is 57. Rock musician Vivian Trimble is 57. Actor John C. Reilly is 55. Actor Dana Ashbrook is 53. Actor Eric Close is 53. Actor Carl Payne is 51. Rock musician Rich Robinson is 51. Former MLB pitcher Bartolo Colon is 47. Actor Dash Mihok is 46. Actor Bryan Greenburg is 42. Actor Owen Benjamin is 40. Actor Billy L. Sullivan is 40. Actor-rapper Jerod Mixon (aka Big Tyme) is 39. Rock musician Cody Hanson (Hinder) is 38. Dancer-choreographer-singer Mark Ballas is 34. Country singer Billy Gilman is 32. Rapper/producer G-Eazy is 31. Actress Brianne Howey is 31. Actor Cayden Boyd is 26.

Thought for Today: "Responsibility educates." — Wendell Phillips, American abolitionist (1811-1884).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Sunday, May 24, the 145th day of 2020. There are 221 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On May 24, 1844, Samuel F.B. Morse transmitted the message "What hath God wrought" from Washington to Baltimore as he formally opened America's first telegraph line.On this date:In 1775, John Hancock was unanimously elected President of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, succeeding Peyton Randolph.In 1935, the first major league baseball game to be played at night took place at Cincinnati's Crosley Field as the Reds beat the Philadelphia Phillies, 2-1.In 1941, the German battleship Bismarck sank the British battle cruiser HMS Hood in the North Atlantic, killing all but three of the 1,418 men on board.In 1961, a group of Freedom Riders was arrested after arriving at a bus terminal in Jackson, Miss., charged with breaching the peace for entering white-designated areas. (They ended up serving 60 days in jail.)In 1962, astronaut Scott Carpenter became the second American to orbit the Earth as he flew aboard Aurora 7.In 1974, American jazz composer and bandleader Duke Ellington, 75, died in New York.In 1976, Britain and France opened trans-Atlantic Concorde supersonic transport service to Washington.In 1991, the feminist film drama "Thelma &amp; Louise," starring Susan Sarandon (as Louise) and Geena Davis (as Thelma, was released by MGM.In 1994, four Islamic fundamentalists convicted of bombing New York's World Trade Center in 1993 were each sentenced to 240 years in prison.In 1995, former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson died in London at age 79.In 2001, 23 people were killed when the floor of a Jerusalem wedding hall collapsed beneath dancing guests, sending them plunging several stories into the basement.In 2018, a gunman was shot and killed by two bystanders after opening fire at an Oklahoma City restaurant and wounding three patrons.Ten years ago: Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen, the Obama administration's point man on the BP oil spill, rejected the idea of taking over the crisis, saying the government had neither BP's expertise nor its deep-sea equipment. The Supreme Court rejected the NFL's request for broad antitrust law protection, saying that it had to be considered 32 separate teams — not one big business — when selling branded items like jerseys and caps. Lukas Lacko of Slovakia beat American Michael Yani in a 71-game match that tied for the most games in a French Open singles match since tiebreakers were instituted in 1973. (Lacko won 4-6, 7-6 (5, 7-6 (4, 6-7 (5, 12-10 in a first-round match that began on a Sunday and finished after midnight.)Five years ago: Conservative challenger Andrzej Duda won Poland's presidential election, ousting the incumbent, Bronislaw Komorowski, in a runoff vote. Juan Pablo Montoya sliced his way from the back to the front twice to win his second Indianapolis 500.One year ago: A Wisconsin man, Jake Patterson, was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs and killing her parents; the sentencing came after the girl told the judge that she wanted him "locked up forever." (Patterson, who had held the girl under a bed in his remote cabin for 88 days before she made a daring escape, had pleaded guilty to intentional homicide and kidnapping.) Theresa May ended her failed three-year quest to lead Britain out of the European Union, announcing that she would step down as Conservative Party leader. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed a bill banning abortions on or beyond the eighth week of pregnancy without exceptions for cases of rape or incest, making it among the most restrictive abortion policies in the nation. (The law was blocked from taking effect after a court challenge.) Amanda Eller, a Hawaii woman, was found injured but alive in a forest on Maui after being missing for more than two weeks.Today's Birthdays: Actor-comedian-impressionist Stanley Baxter is 94. Jazz musician Archie Shepp is 83. Comedian Tommy Chong is 82. Singer Bob Dylan is 79. Actor Gary Burghoff is 77. Singer Patti LaBelle is 76. Actress Priscilla Presley is 75. Country singer Mike Reid is 73. Actor Jim Broadbent is 71. Actor Alfred Molina is 67. Singer Rosanne Cash is 65. Actor Cliff Parisi is 60. Actress Kristin Scott Thomas is 60. Rock musician Jimmy Ashhurst (Buckcherry) is 57. Rock musician Vivian Trimble is 57. Actor John C. Reilly is 55. Actor Dana Ashbrook is 53. Actor Eric Close is 53. Actor Carl Payne is 51. Rock musician Rich Robinson is 51. Former MLB pitcher Bartolo Colon is 47. Actor Dash Mihok is 46. Actor Bryan Greenburg is 42. Actor Owen Benjamin is 40. Actor Billy L. Sullivan is 40. Actor-rapper Jerod Mixon (aka Big Tyme) is 39. Rock musician Cody Hanson (Hinder) is 38. Dancer-choreographer-singer Mark Ballas is 34. Country singer Billy Gilman is 32. Rapper/producer G-Eazy is 31. Actress Brianne Howey is 31. Actor Cayden Boyd is 26.Thought for Today: "Responsibility educates." — Wendell Phillips, American abolitionist (1811-1884).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- May 24

Here are the 48-hour rainfall totals as of 7 a.m. Saturday from the National Weather Service:

Here are the 48-hour rainfall totals as of 7 a.m. Saturday from the National Weather Service:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590267712417.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NWS: 48-hour rainfall totals as of Saturday morning

The biggest decision the Supreme Court makes this year may turn out to be its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/05/01/c-span-and-the-supreme-courts-big-step-toward-live-broadcast-of-arguments/" target="_blank">pivot to allow real-time audio broadcasts of its arguments&nbsp;</a>for the first time in its history.

Typically, the audio recordings of the court’s oral arguments are only released on a delayed basis, so the arguments are only “live” for the limited&nbsp;number of people who can attend in person.

But since the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the court to shift to a remote teleconferencing format,&nbsp;the live broadcast opens up the court’s inner workings to a considerably larger audience. While it might seem like a small change, it’s a huge step towards greater transparency and openness, values enshrined by the First Amendment.

It’s fitting that several of these&nbsp;recent oral arguments have revolved around First Amendment issues. The First Amendment cases this term have attracted somewhat less attention than those in previous years, perhaps because they involve things like robocalls and the electoral college, but they&nbsp;may still have far-reaching implications.

On May 6, the court heard oral arguments in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/barr-v-american-association-of-political-consultants-inc/" target="_blank">Barr v. American Association of Political Consultants</a>, Inc.,&nbsp;a case that challenges a federal law&nbsp;that bans automated “robocalls” to cell phones. The law in question is the 1991 Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which was amended in 2015 to include an exception for robocalls&nbsp;“made solely to collect a debt owed to or guaranteed by the United States.”

The political consultants who brought the case&nbsp;argue that the law violates the First Amendment by&nbsp;discriminating against&nbsp;speech based on its content, since it permits calls about government-backed student loans and mortgages but not political fundraising calls.

During the oral arguments,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/2020/05/argument-analysis-justices-skeptical-of-robocall-law-but-appear-to-want-to-keep-it/" target="_blank">most of the justices seemed convinced that the law was content-based</a>&nbsp;and therefore unconstitutional. Their real focus was on&nbsp;whether the remedy here is to strike down the 2015 exception for debt collection calls and leave the rest of the robocall ban intact or get rid of the ban altogether and declare open season on our cell phones. As&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/05/does-first-amendment-protect-robocalls/611224/" target="_blank">Garrett Epps wrote in&nbsp;The Atlantic</a>, if the&nbsp;justices&nbsp;decide on the latter, it’ll be “a good way for the court to become the least popular institution in America.”

On May 11, the court heard arguments on two cases involving religious freedom:&nbsp;Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru&nbsp;and&nbsp;St. James School v. Biel.&nbsp;Both cases involve&nbsp;fifth-grade teachers who lost their jobs at the Catholic schools where they worked and subsequently sued for wrongful termination — Morrisey-Berru alleged that she was fired because of her age, Biel because she contracted breast cancer.

While employment laws usually prohibit these kinds of discrimination, there’s an exception rooted in the First Amendment’s freedom of religion that bars the government from&nbsp;“interfering with the decision of a religious group to fire one of its ministers.” The rationale behind this is that while most employers&nbsp;shouldn’t be able to require their employees to adhere to a certain faith, a synagogue ought to be able to opt for a Jewish rabbi.

But as my Freedom Forum Fellow colleague&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/supreme-court-has-new-chance-stand-strong-religious-liberty-opinion-1502865" target="_blank">Asma Uddin wrote in&nbsp;Newsweek</a>, “This constitutional right — known as the ‘ministerial exception’ — is reserved for roles that qualify as ‘ministers.’ And that raises the question: Who qualifies as a minister?” At argument, the&nbsp;lawyer for the Catholic schools argued that the teachers counted because they were “primary agents” for teaching the Catholic faith to students “for hours on end over the course of a week.”

While some justices expressed concern that&nbsp;accepting a religious organization’s&nbsp;broad definition of a minister could create a much larger loophole in employment law than the ministerial exception intended, others worried that having&nbsp;the court to determine which employees serve a significant religious function would excessively entangle them in&nbsp;the affairs of religious institutions.

The very next day, the court heard arguments on another pair of First Amendment cases, these involving “faithless electors.” In case&nbsp;you’ve blocked out memories of high school civics (or never had the chance to take that class at all, U.S. presidents are not actually elected by the American people. Instead, they’re elected by 538 electors who are selected by political parties in each state.

The electors are expected to cast their ballots for the candidate who won their state; almost all states have laws that require this. What made the electors in&nbsp;Chiafalo v. Washington&nbsp;and&nbsp;Colorado Department of State v. Baca&nbsp;faithless is that they voted in accordance with their own consciences — they argued that the state laws that penalize them for this action violate their First Amendment rights. Meanwhile, the states countered&nbsp;that ruling in favor of the electors would lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/2020/05/argument-preview-justices-to-weigh-constitutionality-of-faithless-elector-laws/" target="_blank">“bizarre and dangerous consequences,”</a>&nbsp;pointing out that if all electors simply voted according to their personal preferences, it would be the end of representative democracy.

The court’s decision will be out some time this summer — it&nbsp;took the case in part to resolve this issue before this fall’s presidential election — and will&nbsp;answer&nbsp;whether&nbsp;or not electors can be controlled by their states. It will not answer why anyone thought the electoral college was a good idea.

While none of these cases may be at the top of the headlines, each has the potential to create significant changes. A decision to allow electors to vote for any candidate they like could fundamentally transform how our democracy works. Depending on how the court decides Guadalupe, religious organizations&nbsp;<a href="https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/05/religious-employers-supreme-court-argument-discrimination.html" target="_blank">might be exempted from all discrimination laws</a>, or government officials&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/supreme-court-has-new-chance-stand-strong-religious-liberty-opinion-1502865" target="_blank">might be empowered to define who holds a significant religious role and who doesn’t in a wide variety of faiths</a>. And if the court strikes down the prohibition on robocalls, it could call into question the constitutionality of other laws that regulate commercial advertising (not to mention render your cell phone completely useless). How the justices decide these issues is just as important as figuring out which justice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/05/07/851826555/toilet-flush-heard-during-supreme-courts-conference-call" target="_blank">flushed a toilet during oral arguments</a>.

Lata Nott is a Freedom Forum Fellow. Contact her via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lnott@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">lnott@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow her on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/latanott" target="_blank">@LataNott</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1572283561997.png" alt="Lata Nott. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Lata Nott. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By LATA NOTTThe biggest decision the Supreme Court makes this year may turn out to be its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/05/01/c-span-and-the-supreme-courts-big-step-toward-live-broadcast-of-arguments/" target="_blank">pivot to allow real-time audio broadcasts of its arguments&nbsp;</a>for the first time in its history.Typically, the audio recordings of the court’s oral arguments are only released on a delayed basis, so the arguments are only “live” for the limited&nbsp;number of people who can attend in person.But since the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the court to shift to a remote teleconferencing format,&nbsp;the live broadcast opens up the court’s inner workings to a considerably larger audience. While it might seem like a small change, it’s a huge step towards greater transparency and openness, values enshrined by the First Amendment.It’s fitting that several of these&nbsp;recent oral arguments have revolved around First Amendment issues. The First Amendment cases this term have attracted somewhat less attention than those in previous years, perhaps because they involve things like robocalls and the electoral college, but they&nbsp;may still have far-reaching implications.On May 6, the court heard oral arguments in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/barr-v-american-association-of-political-consultants-inc/" target="_blank">Barr v. American Association of Political Consultants</a>, Inc.,&nbsp;a case that challenges a federal law&nbsp;that bans automated “robocalls” to cell phones. The law in question is the 1991 Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which was amended in 2015 to include an exception for robocalls&nbsp;“made solely to collect a debt owed to or guaranteed by the United States.”The political consultants who brought the case&nbsp;argue that the law violates the First Amendment by&nbsp;discriminating against&nbsp;speech based on its content, since it permits calls about government-backed student loans and mortgages but not political fundraising calls.During the oral arguments,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/2020/05/argument-analysis-justices-skeptical-of-robocall-law-but-appear-to-want-to-keep-it/" target="_blank">most of the justices seemed convinced that the law was content-based</a>&nbsp;and therefore unconstitutional. Their real focus was on&nbsp;whether the remedy here is to strike down the 2015 exception for debt collection calls and leave the rest of the robocall ban intact or get rid of the ban altogether and declare open season on our cell phones. As&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/05/does-first-amendment-protect-robocalls/611224/" target="_blank">Garrett Epps wrote in&nbsp;The Atlantic</a>, if the&nbsp;justices&nbsp;decide on the latter, it’ll be “a good way for the court to become the least popular institution in America.”On May 11, the court heard arguments on two cases involving religious freedom:&nbsp;Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru&nbsp;and&nbsp;St. James School v. Biel.&nbsp;Both cases involve&nbsp;fifth-grade teachers who lost their jobs at the Catholic schools where they worked and subsequently sued for wrongful termination — Morrisey-Berru alleged that she was fired because of her age, Biel because she contracted breast cancer.While employment laws usually prohibit these kinds of discrimination, there’s an exception rooted in the First Amendment’s freedom of religion that bars the government from&nbsp;“interfering with the decision of a religious group to fire one of its ministers.” The rationale behind this is that while most employers&nbsp;shouldn’t be able to require their employees to adhere to a certain faith, a synagogue ought to be able to opt for a Jewish rabbi.But as my Freedom Forum Fellow colleague&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/supreme-court-has-new-chance-stand-strong-religious-liberty-opinion-1502865" target="_blank">Asma Uddin wrote in&nbsp;Newsweek</a>, “This constitutional right — known as the ‘ministerial exception’ — is reserved for roles that qualify as ‘ministers.’ And that raises the question: Who qualifies as a minister?” At argument, the&nbsp;lawyer for the Catholic schools argued that the teachers counted because they were “primary agents” for teaching the Catholic faith to students “for hours on end over the course of a week.”While some justices expressed concern that&nbsp;accepting a religious organization’s&nbsp;broad definition of a minister could create a much larger loophole in employment law than the ministerial exception intended, others worried that having&nbsp;the court to determine which employees serve a significant religious function would excessively entangle them in&nbsp;the affairs of religious institutions.The very next day, the court heard arguments on another pair of First Amendment cases, these involving “faithless electors.” In case&nbsp;you’ve blocked out memories of high school civics (or never had the chance to take that class at all, U.S. presidents are not actually elected by the American people. Instead, they’re elected by 538 electors who are selected by political parties in each state.The electors are expected to cast their ballots for the candidate who won their state; almost all states have laws that require this. What made the electors in&nbsp;Chiafalo v. Washington&nbsp;and&nbsp;Colorado Department of State v. Baca&nbsp;faithless is that they voted in accordance with their own consciences — they argued that the state laws that penalize them for this action violate their First Amendment rights. Meanwhile, the states countered&nbsp;that ruling in favor of the electors would lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/2020/05/argument-preview-justices-to-weigh-constitutionality-of-faithless-elector-laws/" target="_blank">“bizarre and dangerous consequences,”</a>&nbsp;pointing out that if all electors simply voted according to their personal preferences, it would be the end of representative democracy.The court’s decision will be out some time this summer — it&nbsp;took the case in part to resolve this issue before this fall’s presidential election — and will&nbsp;answer&nbsp;whether&nbsp;or not electors can be controlled by their states. It will not answer why anyone thought the electoral college was a good idea.While none of these cases may be at the top of the headlines, each has the potential to create significant changes. A decision to allow electors to vote for any candidate they like could fundamentally transform how our democracy works. Depending on how the court decides Guadalupe, religious organizations&nbsp;<a href="https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/05/religious-employers-supreme-court-argument-discrimination.html" target="_blank">might be exempted from all discrimination laws</a>, or government officials&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/supreme-court-has-new-chance-stand-strong-religious-liberty-opinion-1502865" target="_blank">might be empowered to define who holds a significant religious role and who doesn’t in a wide variety of faiths</a>. And if the court strikes down the prohibition on robocalls, it could call into question the constitutionality of other laws that regulate commercial advertising (not to mention render your cell phone completely useless). How the justices decide these issues is just as important as figuring out which justice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/05/07/851826555/toilet-flush-heard-during-supreme-courts-conference-call" target="_blank">flushed a toilet during oral arguments</a>.Lata Nott is a Freedom Forum Fellow. Contact her via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lnott@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">lnott@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow her on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/latanott" target="_blank">@LataNott</a>.

First Five: High court's decision to allow live audio a huge step

Need a good introduction to Medicare? K-State Research and Extension has you covered!

K-State Research and Extension is offering a free, educational, Medicare Basics: New to Medicare workshop online via Zoom on June 4 at 6:30pm. 

Learn the basics of Medicare, including eligibility, how and when to apply, costs, what is covered by the various parts, and how to fill the gaps. Programs available to assist low-income individuals will also be discussed. 

Anyone interested in learning more about the Medicare maze would benefit from the program, particularly those who are nearing age 65 or who help aging parents with insurance and financial matters.

The program is presented by extension educators Deb Wood, CFP®, Central Kansas District, and Susie Latta, Marshall County, who are SHICK counselors.&nbsp;

Registration is required to obtain the Zoom link to participate in the program. Register online at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/MedicareBasics62020" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/MedicareBasics62020</a>.

A flyer with more information is located on Central Kansas District website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.centralkansas.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">www.centralkansas.ksu.edu</a>, or call 785-309-5850.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590243606018.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Need a good introduction to Medicare? K-State Research and Extension has you covered!K-State Research and Extension is offering a free, educational, Medicare Basics: New to Medicare workshop online via Zoom on June 4 at 6:30pm. Learn the basics of Medicare, including eligibility, how and when to apply, costs, what is covered by the various parts, and how to fill the gaps. Programs available to assist low-income individuals will also be discussed. Anyone interested in learning more about the Medicare maze would benefit from the program, particularly those who are nearing age 65 or who help aging parents with insurance and financial matters.The program is presented by extension educators Deb Wood, CFP®, Central Kansas District, and Susie Latta, Marshall County, who are SHICK counselors.&nbsp;Registration is required to obtain the Zoom link to participate in the program. Register online at&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/MedicareBasics62020" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/MedicareBasics62020</a>. A flyer with more information is located on Central Kansas District website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.centralkansas.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">www.centralkansas.ksu.edu</a>, or call 785-309-5850.

Medicare Basics workshop offered

Remembering Our Fallen memorializes more than 5,000 who have lost their lives since 9-11.

HUTCHINSON — A traveling memorial dedicated to the thousands of men and women who died while fighting the War on Terror is coming to the Kansas State Fair Sept. 11-20.&nbsp;

Dish Network is the presenting sponsor of the photographic war exhibit, which honors more than 5,000 of the nation’s military personnel who have lost their lives since Sept. 11, 2001. Several other Kansas businesses have also partnered to help bring the tribute to the Fair.

The 32 towers include both military and personal photos and will be displayed at Lake Talbott. About 80 Kansans who died in Iraq and Afghanistan are memorialized on the 10-foot towers.

With all four sons volunteering to serve their country, Bill and Evonne Williams of Omaha, Nebraska, created Remembering our Fallen in 2010 as homage to Nebraska’s service men and women. In 2017, the couple unveiled a nationally focused traveling exhibit at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.&nbsp;

With the Fair kicking off on Sept. 11, officials wanted a way to pay tribute to the innumerable sacrifices made by the nation’s military and their families, said Fair General Manager Robin Jennison.

“Remembering Our Fallen will provide us a place at this year’s Fair to reflect on those losses,” said Jennison. “Also, we think it’s very important for Kansans of all ages to honor those who protect our freedoms and our way of life on a daily basis.”

"DISH honors our heroes today and every day with offers exclusively for active-duty military&nbsp;and veterans," according to DISH. "Never forget that we are the land of the free, because of the brave."

Other partners helping to bring the memorial to the Fair are: Allen Samuels, Elliott Mortuary and Traeger/Home Lumber.&nbsp;

The Kansas State Fair&nbsp;has featured the best of all things Kansas – including its culture, its economy, its people and its communities – since 1913. Located in Hutchinson, it is the state’s single largest event, drawing an average 340,000 people from all 105 counties and several states for 10 days each September. This year’s fair is Sept. 11-20.

<h2>Remembering Our Fallen memorializes more than 5,000 who have lost their lives since 9-11.</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590242253091.jpeg" alt="Remembering Our Fallen. Photo courtesy Kansas State Fair" />
 <figcaption>Remembering Our Fallen. Photo courtesy Kansas State Fair</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — A traveling memorial dedicated to the thousands of men and women who died while fighting the War on Terror is coming to the Kansas State Fair Sept. 11-20.&nbsp;Dish Network is the presenting sponsor of the photographic war exhibit, which honors more than 5,000 of the nation’s military personnel who have lost their lives since Sept. 11, 2001. Several other Kansas businesses have also partnered to help bring the tribute to the Fair.The 32 towers include both military and personal photos and will be displayed at Lake Talbott. About 80 Kansans who died in Iraq and Afghanistan are memorialized on the 10-foot towers.With all four sons volunteering to serve their country, Bill and Evonne Williams of Omaha, Nebraska, created Remembering our Fallen in 2010 as homage to Nebraska’s service men and women. In 2017, the couple unveiled a nationally focused traveling exhibit at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.&nbsp;With the Fair kicking off on Sept. 11, officials wanted a way to pay tribute to the innumerable sacrifices made by the nation’s military and their families, said Fair General Manager Robin Jennison.“Remembering Our Fallen will provide us a place at this year’s Fair to reflect on those losses,” said Jennison. “Also, we think it’s very important for Kansans of all ages to honor those who protect our freedoms and our way of life on a daily basis.”"DISH honors our heroes today and every day with offers exclusively for active-duty military&nbsp;and veterans," according to DISH. "Never forget that we are the land of the free, because of the brave."Other partners helping to bring the memorial to the Fair are: Allen Samuels, Elliott Mortuary and Traeger/Home Lumber.&nbsp;About the FairThe Kansas State Fair&nbsp;has featured the best of all things Kansas – including its culture, its economy, its people and its communities – since 1913. Located in Hutchinson, it is the state’s single largest event, drawing an average 340,000 people from all 105 counties and several states for 10 days each September. This year’s fair is Sept. 11-20.

Traveling tribute coming to 2020 Kansas State Fair

UPDATE: The forecast has been updated. Read: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ec9bd96ebfb13423b260cbf">NWS updates stormy weather forecast</a>

We're off to a warm start to the Memorial Day Weekend holiday, but showers and thunderstorms are expected to dominate Sunday through Tuesday.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, mostly sunny skies and above normal temperatures are expected today as highs top out in the mid to upper 80s.

While there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday night, it is a a slow moving front expected to come  through Sunday through Tuesday that will greatly impact stormy weather in our area, NWS noted. 

Sunday night and Monday night look to have the best chances for flooding rains, according to NWS. Some severe weather will be possible Sunday afternoon and evening, the weather service reported.

UPDATE: The forecast has been updated. Read: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ec9bd96ebfb13423b260cbf">NWS updates stormy weather forecast</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590241088319.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We're off to a warm start to the Memorial Day Weekend holiday, but showers and thunderstorms are expected to dominate Sunday through Tuesday.According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, mostly sunny skies and above normal temperatures are expected today as highs top out in the mid to upper 80s.While there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday night, it is a a slow moving front expected to come through Sunday through Tuesday that will greatly impact stormy weather in our area, NWS noted. Sunday night and Monday night look to have the best chances for flooding rains, according to NWS. Some severe weather will be possible Sunday afternoon and evening, the weather service reported.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590241126308.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

UPDATE: NWS: Above normal highs Saturday then stormy weather

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers tips for safely enjoying the lakes in the time of COVID-19. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/usace.kcd/">Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers</a> Facebook page:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers tips for safely enjoying the lakes in the time of COVID-19. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/usace.kcd/">Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fusace.kcd%2Fposts%2F4075498489128803&width=500" width="500" height="565" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

US Army Corps of Engineers offers tips for safely utilizing lakes

ABILENE -- Understanding Icons of Liberation: Bergen-Belsen and Dachau is the topic of the upcoming Eisenhower Presidential Library Lunch &amp; Learn program.

ABILENE -- Understanding Icons of Liberation: Bergen-Belsen and Dachau is the topic of the upcoming Eisenhower Presidential Library Lunch &amp; Learn program.The virtual program is scheduled to begin at noon on Thursday.Understanding Icons of Liberation: Bergen-Belsen and Dachau will be presented by Dr. Shelly Cline, director of education and historian with the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education. The scenes captured at Dachau and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps by liberating armies have become iconic representations of the Holocaust in the west. However, these camps did not always exist in the form in which they were found. This session will look at the creation, evolution, and liberation of these sites as well as compare them to places visited by Eisenhower.JOIN THE PROGRAM ONLINEGoogle Meet URL: <a href="http://meet.google.com/nfb-yjkm-sun">meet.google.com/nfb-yjkm-sun</a>Telephone: 617-675-4444‬ (PIN: ‪511 045 556 7306#)Please join 10 minutes early so the program may begin on time.The&nbsp;Lunch &amp; Learn&nbsp;series is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation and the Union Pacific Foundation.