MANHATTAN – A Kansas State University farm analyst says his phone has been ringing frequently as the state’s farmers and ranchers flood him with questions about the recent drop in commodity markets.

“People are seeing the value of the commodities they’re holding drop – livestock, grains, feed. Everything is pounding them right now,” said Duane Hund, director of the Farm Analyst Program in K-State’s Department of Agricultural Economics. “As those values go down, those people are wondering what effect this is going to have on their cash flow analysis as we move forward.”

As one example, Hund said producers who have been feeding cattle this past winter are looking for opportunities to figure out if they should sell or retain ownership.

“There are just a lot of questions and as we see these markets continue to dive, there just doesn’t seem to be a bottom now,” Hund said. “It’s causing a lot of anxiety, to put it mildly, among producers and I’m hearing anxiety coming from the lending community also.”

Some farmers and ranchers are even considering whether to get out of the business.

“As people talk to me, they wonder if they’re going to survive this (drop in the markets,” Hund said.

“My first order of business is to tell them to follow their plan. Let’s not make knee-jerk, drastic decisions. Let’s stick with the plan in place and develop alternative decisions that are made in combination with the facts and what your business advisers will tell you.”

Hund said it’s important for producers to surround themselves with as many people as possible who can help them make the best decisions for their operation.

“When I talk to people about talking with their business partners, that’s usually family,” he said. “They need to share the facts, look at the opportunities, talk about their concerns openly. Now is not the time to be the strong, silent type. We need to be able to open up and say, ‘Gosh, this thing is beyond what I’m comfortable with. Let’s talk this over, let’s share the issues, maybe we can be okay, but maybe we need to look at some alternatives, if there are some that we need to be considering.’”

Hund added that a business plan should be the producer’s road map through the tough times.

“Like going down any road, if we’re going to enter in some muddy areas, areas we’re not comfortable traveling through, we need to stop,” he said. “Maybe we need to think through some things, maybe we need to look for some alternative routes and ask if I did do this differently than I originally planned, what would that look like.”

One strategy for recovery, Hund said, is to remember the tasks that producers do every day in normal times.

“In stressful situations, our ordinary tasks fall to the wayside because our mind is so bombarded with all this information,” he said. “We may be losing ground with our ordinary tasks, such as keeping our cows fed and our lists of ordering supplies for spring planting, which is just around the corner.”

Hund adds: “There is a rhythm to what we do everyday. We need to keep that rhythm going. We need to make sure we are on the same path; the cadence we normally handle as we get into spring planting. Getting the planter ready, getting the right hybrids ordered, getting the right mineral needs for the livestock that are coming up and will soon be on grass, getting together with our neighbors for scheduled prescribed burning in the Flint Hills.

“By doing those ordinary things that are part of our cadence…we can have some control in a chaotic environment if we just keep things steady and going forward.”

The Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services offers free, confidential support for farmers and ranchers. The program can connect producers with K-State’s Farm Analyst program and other resources to help through the down market.

The toll free number is 1-800-321-FARM (3276).

“Sometimes,” Hund said, “the best decision for your farm right now is no decision. Sometimes the best decision is staying the course and keeping your eye on the ball, doing what you had planned on doing, and not jumping off to a direction that is not the best thing to do.

“A crisis is a crisis, and the problem eventually will be remedied. We don’t know how soon, but now is not the time to be making drastic decisions. It’s a time to be reflective, to be careful of what we do, and to think things over. Let’s make sure we’re doing the right things at the right time.”

MANHATTAN – A Kansas State University farm analyst says his phone has been ringing frequently as the state’s farmers and ranchers flood him with questions about the recent drop in commodity markets.“People are seeing the value of the commodities they’re holding drop – livestock, grains, feed. Everything is pounding them right now,” said Duane Hund, director of the Farm Analyst Program in K-State’s Department of Agricultural Economics. “As those values go down, those people are wondering what effect this is going to have on their cash flow analysis as we move forward.”As one example, Hund said producers who have been feeding cattle this past winter are looking for opportunities to figure out if they should sell or retain ownership.“There are just a lot of questions and as we see these markets continue to dive, there just doesn’t seem to be a bottom now,” Hund said. “It’s causing a lot of anxiety, to put it mildly, among producers and I’m hearing anxiety coming from the lending community also.”Some farmers and ranchers are even considering whether to get out of the business.“As people talk to me, they wonder if they’re going to survive this (drop in the markets,” Hund said.“My first order of business is to tell them to follow their plan. Let’s not make knee-jerk, drastic decisions. Let’s stick with the plan in place and develop alternative decisions that are made in combination with the facts and what your business advisers will tell you.”Hund said it’s important for producers to surround themselves with as many people as possible who can help them make the best decisions for their operation.“When I talk to people about talking with their business partners, that’s usually family,” he said. “They need to share the facts, look at the opportunities, talk about their concerns openly. Now is not the time to be the strong, silent type. We need to be able to open up and say, ‘Gosh, this thing is beyond what I’m comfortable with. Let’s talk this over, let’s share the issues, maybe we can be okay, but maybe we need to look at some alternatives, if there are some that we need to be considering.’”Hund added that a business plan should be the producer’s road map through the tough times.“Like going down any road, if we’re going to enter in some muddy areas, areas we’re not comfortable traveling through, we need to stop,” he said. “Maybe we need to think through some things, maybe we need to look for some alternative routes and ask if I did do this differently than I originally planned, what would that look like.”One strategy for recovery, Hund said, is to remember the tasks that producers do every day in normal times.“In stressful situations, our ordinary tasks fall to the wayside because our mind is so bombarded with all this information,” he said. “We may be losing ground with our ordinary tasks, such as keeping our cows fed and our lists of ordering supplies for spring planting, which is just around the corner.”Hund adds: “There is a rhythm to what we do everyday. We need to keep that rhythm going. We need to make sure we are on the same path; the cadence we normally handle as we get into spring planting. Getting the planter ready, getting the right hybrids ordered, getting the right mineral needs for the livestock that are coming up and will soon be on grass, getting together with our neighbors for scheduled prescribed burning in the Flint Hills.“By doing those ordinary things that are part of our cadence…we can have some control in a chaotic environment if we just keep things steady and going forward.”The Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services offers free, confidential support for farmers and ranchers. The program can connect producers with K-State’s Farm Analyst program and other resources to help through the down market.The toll free number is 1-800-321-FARM (3276).“Sometimes,” Hund said, “the best decision for your farm right now is no decision. Sometimes the best decision is staying the course and keeping your eye on the ball, doing what you had planned on doing, and not jumping off to a direction that is not the best thing to do.“A crisis is a crisis, and the problem eventually will be remedied. We don’t know how soon, but now is not the time to be making drastic decisions. It’s a time to be reflective, to be careful of what we do, and to think things over. Let’s make sure we’re doing the right things at the right time.”

Commodity markets drop causing anxiety for KS farmers

In light of the global pandemic of COVID-19, the Salina Symphony has extended the postponement of the Sunday Salina Symphony Concert to May 31. 

The concert will be held at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre. The Rodgers &amp; Hammerstein program will take the place of the original May 3 season finale program. 

There will be no Salina Symphony concert on Sunday or May 3.

The Youth Symphony Concert, Youth Choir Concert and Preludio Strings recital originally scheduled in April have been cancelled.

Symphony leadership will be closely monitoring the situation in the weeks to come and will be following the guidelines of state and local health officials regarding the May 31 performance.

Patrons are welcome to call the Symphony Office at 785-823-8309 with questions or concerns.

In light of the global pandemic of COVID-19, the Salina Symphony has extended the postponement of the Sunday Salina Symphony Concert to May 31. The concert will be held at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre. The Rodgers &amp; Hammerstein program will take the place of the original May 3 season finale program. There will be no Salina Symphony concert on Sunday or May 3.The Youth Symphony Concert, Youth Choir Concert and Preludio Strings recital originally scheduled in April have been cancelled.Symphony leadership will be closely monitoring the situation in the weeks to come and will be following the guidelines of state and local health officials regarding the May 31 performance.Patrons are welcome to call the Symphony Office at 785-823-8309 with questions or concerns.

Salina Symphony extends concert postponement to May 31

Today is Thursday, March 19, the 79th day of 2020. There are 287 days left in the year. Spring arrives at 11:50 p.m. EDT, the earliest the vernal equinox has occurred in 124 years.

On March 19, 1966, the Texas Western Miners defeated the heavily favored Kentucky Wildcats, 72-65, to win the NCAA Championship played in College Park, Maryland; making the contest especially noteworthy was that Texas Western became the first basketball team to start five black players in a national title game as it faced an all-white Kentucky squad.

In 1687, French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, the first European to navigate the length of the Mississippi River, was murdered by mutineers in present-day Texas.

In 1917, a divided U.S. Supreme Court, in Wilson v. New, upheld, 5-4, the eight-hour work day for interstate railroad workers.

In 1931, Nevada Gov. Fred B. Balzar signed a measure legalizing casino gambling.

In 1945, during World War II, 724 people were killed when a Japanese dive bomber attacked the carrier USS Franklin off Japan (the ship was saved). Adolf Hitler ordered the destruction of German facilities that could fall into Allied hands in his so-called "Nero Decree," which was largely disregarded.

In 1953, the Academy Awards ceremony was televised for the first time; "The Greatest Show on Earth" was named best picture of 1952.

In 1977, the series finale of "Mary Tyler Moore" aired on CBS-TV, ending the situation comedy's seven-season run.

In 1979, the U.S. House of Representatives began televising its floor proceedings; the live feed was carried by C-SPAN (Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network, which was making its debut.

In 1987, televangelist Jim Bakker resigned as chairman of his PTL ministry organization amid a sex and money scandal involving Jessica Hahn, a former church secretary.

In 1993, Supreme Court Justice Byron R. White announced plans to retire. (White's departure paved the way for Ruth Bader Ginsburg to become the court's second female justice.)

In 2003, President George W. Bush ordered the start of war against Iraq. (Because of the time difference, it was early March 20 in Iraq.)

In 2013, Pope Francis officially began his ministry as the 266th pope, receiving the ring symbolizing the papacy and a wool stole exemplifying his role as shepherd of his 1.2-billion strong flock during a Mass at the Vatican.

In 2014, Toyota agreed to pay $1.2 billion to settle an investigation by the U.S. government, admitting that it had hidden information about defects that caused Toyota and Lexus vehicles to accelerate unexpectedly, resulting in injuries and deaths.

Ten years ago: The White House released an online video of President Barack Obama making a fresh appeal directly to the people of Iran, saying a U.S. offer of diplomatic dialogue still stood, but that the Tehran government had chosen isolation.

Five years ago: President Barack Obama ordered the federal government to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by nearly half over the next decade, driving his climate change agenda forward despite percolating challenges from Republican-led states. Days after winning reelection, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backtracked from hardline campaign statements against the establishment of a Palestinian state in the face of a diplomatic backlash. Lindsey Vonn won the final super-G of the season and with it her 19th crystal globe trophy at the World Cup finals in Meribel, France. Songwriter Michael Brown, 65, who co-wrote the 1966 hit "Walk Away Renee," died in Englewood, New Jersey.

One year ago: President Donald Trump escalated his attacks on the late Sen. John McCain, who had died in 2018 of brain cancer; Trump told reporters, "I was never a fan of John McCain and I never will be." Aid workers rushed to rescue victims clinging to trees and crammed on rooftops after a cyclone unleashed devastating floods in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi; more than 350 people were confirmed dead with hundreds missing. In a major advance against the Islamic State group, U.S.-backed Syrian forces seized control of an encampment held by the group in eastern Syria after hundreds of militants surrendered overnight.

Today's Birthdays: Former White House national security adviser Brent Scowcroft is 95. Actress Renee Taylor is 87. Actress Ursula Andress is 84. Singer Clarence "Frogman" Henry is 83. Singer Ruth Pointer (The Pointer Sisters) is 74. Actress Glenn Close is 73. Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein is 68. Actor Bruce Willis is 65. Actress-comedian Mary Scheer is 57. Playwright Neil LaBute is 57. Actor Connor Trinneer is 51. Rock musician Gert Bettens (K's Choice) is 50. Rapper Bun B is 47. Rock musician Zach Lind (Jimmy Eat World) is 44. Actress Virginia Williams is 42. Actress Abby Brammell is 41. MLB pitcher Clayton Kershaw is 32. Actor Craig Lamar Traylor is 31. Actor Philip Bolden is 25.

Thought for Today: "The heaviest baggage for a traveler is an empty purse." — German proverb.

<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 Thursday, March 19, the 79th day of 2020. There are 287 days left in the year. Spring arrives at 11:50 p.m. EDT, the earliest the vernal equinox has occurred in 124 years.Today's Highlight in History:On March 19, 1966, the Texas Western Miners defeated the heavily favored Kentucky Wildcats, 72-65, to win the NCAA Championship played in College Park, Maryland; making the contest especially noteworthy was that Texas Western became the first basketball team to start five black players in a national title game as it faced an all-white Kentucky squad.On this date:In 1687, French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, the first European to navigate the length of the Mississippi River, was murdered by mutineers in present-day Texas.In 1917, a divided U.S. Supreme Court, in Wilson v. New, upheld, 5-4, the eight-hour work day for interstate railroad workers.In 1931, Nevada Gov. Fred B. Balzar signed a measure legalizing casino gambling.In 1945, during World War II, 724 people were killed when a Japanese dive bomber attacked the carrier USS Franklin off Japan (the ship was saved). Adolf Hitler ordered the destruction of German facilities that could fall into Allied hands in his so-called "Nero Decree," which was largely disregarded.In 1953, the Academy Awards ceremony was televised for the first time; "The Greatest Show on Earth" was named best picture of 1952.In 1977, the series finale of "Mary Tyler Moore" aired on CBS-TV, ending the situation comedy's seven-season run.In 1979, the U.S. House of Representatives began televising its floor proceedings; the live feed was carried by C-SPAN (Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network, which was making its debut.In 1987, televangelist Jim Bakker resigned as chairman of his PTL ministry organization amid a sex and money scandal involving Jessica Hahn, a former church secretary.In 1993, Supreme Court Justice Byron R. White announced plans to retire. (White's departure paved the way for Ruth Bader Ginsburg to become the court's second female justice.)In 2003, President George W. Bush ordered the start of war against Iraq. (Because of the time difference, it was early March 20 in Iraq.)In 2013, Pope Francis officially began his ministry as the 266th pope, receiving the ring symbolizing the papacy and a wool stole exemplifying his role as shepherd of his 1.2-billion strong flock during a Mass at the Vatican.In 2014, Toyota agreed to pay $1.2 billion to settle an investigation by the U.S. government, admitting that it had hidden information about defects that caused Toyota and Lexus vehicles to accelerate unexpectedly, resulting in injuries and deaths.Ten years ago: The White House released an online video of President Barack Obama making a fresh appeal directly to the people of Iran, saying a U.S. offer of diplomatic dialogue still stood, but that the Tehran government had chosen isolation.Five years ago: President Barack Obama ordered the federal government to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by nearly half over the next decade, driving his climate change agenda forward despite percolating challenges from Republican-led states. Days after winning reelection, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backtracked from hardline campaign statements against the establishment of a Palestinian state in the face of a diplomatic backlash. Lindsey Vonn won the final super-G of the season and with it her 19th crystal globe trophy at the World Cup finals in Meribel, France. Songwriter Michael Brown, 65, who co-wrote the 1966 hit "Walk Away Renee," died in Englewood, New Jersey.One year ago: President Donald Trump escalated his attacks on the late Sen. John McCain, who had died in 2018 of brain cancer; Trump told reporters, "I was never a fan of John McCain and I never will be." Aid workers rushed to rescue victims clinging to trees and crammed on rooftops after a cyclone unleashed devastating floods in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi; more than 350 people were confirmed dead with hundreds missing. In a major advance against the Islamic State group, U.S.-backed Syrian forces seized control of an encampment held by the group in eastern Syria after hundreds of militants surrendered overnight.Today's Birthdays: Former White House national security adviser Brent Scowcroft is 95. Actress Renee Taylor is 87. Actress Ursula Andress is 84. Singer Clarence "Frogman" Henry is 83. Singer Ruth Pointer (The Pointer Sisters) is 74. Actress Glenn Close is 73. Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein is 68. Actor Bruce Willis is 65. Actress-comedian Mary Scheer is 57. Playwright Neil LaBute is 57. Actor Connor Trinneer is 51. Rock musician Gert Bettens (K's Choice) is 50. Rapper Bun B is 47. Rock musician Zach Lind (Jimmy Eat World) is 44. Actress Virginia Williams is 42. Actress Abby Brammell is 41. MLB pitcher Clayton Kershaw is 32. Actor Craig Lamar Traylor is 31. Actor Philip Bolden is 25.Thought for Today: "The heaviest baggage for a traveler is an empty purse." — German proverb.Copyright 2010, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- March 19

For the first time in its 37 year history, the Sacred Heart Junior / Senior High School Charity Auction will be held exclusively online, and will be open to the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We had already decided to offer some of the auction items in an online format knowing that virtual auctions are becoming a trend, the situation at hand just forced us to go all in, so we are hoping for a successful event,” said Renee Thompson, events coordinator.&nbsp;

The Sacred Heart Charity Auction is the largest annual fundraiser for the school.&nbsp;&nbsp;Last year’s auction brought in $128,000 for the school’s operating budget.&nbsp;&nbsp;The “Itemless Item” donations this year will be used primarily for classroom technology and equipment.&nbsp;&nbsp;This will include new smartboard technology, updated science equipment and materials for science and woodworking classes, and additional Chromebooks so that the entire student body can be 1:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;The auction website will feature a donation button for the “Itemless Item.”

The items up for auction will be available to view online starting today, with the auction going live at noon on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;The public can participate in the bidding by going to:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://irishknight2020.ggo.bid/" target="_blank">https://IrishKnight2020.ggo.bid</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;You will be asked to create an account and enter your credit card information, then you will be set up to start bidding!&nbsp;

Development Office staff will be hosting a Facebook Live feed from the school from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;They will be highlighting auction items, hosting the raffle drawing for the Grand Cash Giveaway, answering phone calls, and just virtually bringing the Sacred Heart Community together.

If you have any questions, you may call the Sacred Heart Development Office at 785-825-4011 and the staff will be happy to help you!

For the first time in its 37 year history, the Sacred Heart Junior / Senior High School Charity Auction will be held exclusively online, and will be open to the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We had already decided to offer some of the auction items in an online format knowing that virtual auctions are becoming a trend, the situation at hand just forced us to go all in, so we are hoping for a successful event,” said Renee Thompson, events coordinator.&nbsp;The Sacred Heart Charity Auction is the largest annual fundraiser for the school.&nbsp;&nbsp;Last year’s auction brought in $128,000 for the school’s operating budget.&nbsp;&nbsp;The “Itemless Item” donations this year will be used primarily for classroom technology and equipment.&nbsp;&nbsp;This will include new smartboard technology, updated science equipment and materials for science and woodworking classes, and additional Chromebooks so that the entire student body can be 1:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;The auction website will feature a donation button for the “Itemless Item.”The items up for auction will be available to view online starting today, with the auction going live at noon on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;The public can participate in the bidding by going to:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://irishknight2020.ggo.bid/" target="_blank">https://IrishKnight2020.ggo.bid</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;You will be asked to create an account and enter your credit card information, then you will be set up to start bidding!&nbsp;Development Office staff will be hosting a Facebook Live feed from the school from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;They will be highlighting auction items, hosting the raffle drawing for the Grand Cash Giveaway, answering phone calls, and just virtually bringing the Sacred Heart Community together.If you have any questions, you may call the Sacred Heart Development Office at 785-825-4011 and the staff will be happy to help you!

Sacred Heart charity auction moves to online format

Landmark Apostolic Church has announced that its services will be virtual until further notice.&nbsp;

Links to the online services can be found on the church's <a href="http://www.apostolicsofsalina.com">website</a>.

Landmark Apostolic Church has announced that its services will be virtual until further notice.&nbsp;Links to the online services can be found on the church's <a href="http://www.apostolicsofsalina.com">website</a>.

Landmark Apostolic Church moves to online services

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

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

Recent obituaries

Tony’s Pizza Events Center announced today a new date for the Fire on the Mountain Tour featuring The Charlie Daniels Band and the Marshall Tucker Band with special guest the Scooter Brown Band, Nov. 19.

“While the COVID-19/Coronoavirus has brought many challenges to the entertainment industry, we are committed to bringing quality entertainment to the Salina community now more than ever,” said Susan Trafton, general manager of Tony’s Pizza Events Center. “We are so glad that these artists will still be coming to Salina and will be ready to put on a great show!”

Best known for its Grammy winning hit, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” The Charlie Daniels Band has been performing on stage &amp; screen for over 50 years.

The Marshall Tucker Band has been in tune and tearing it up on live stages both big and small across the globe since 1972. The band’s mighty music catalog, consisting of more than 20 studio albums and a score of live releases, has racked up multi-platinum album sales many times over in its wake.

Providing support for The Charlie Daniels Band and the Marshall Tucker Band will be the Scooter Brown Band. With their newest release, “American Son,” the Scooter Brown Band is defining modern Southern rock.

Tickets for the Fire on the Mountain Tour are $89, $69, $49 and $35 and are available now at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center Box Office, online at <a href="http://tonyspizzaeventscenter.com">tonyspizzaeventscenter.com</a> or by phone at 888-826-SHOW. Tickets that were previously purchased are good for the new date. Anyone not able to attend the new date is eligible for a refund at the point of purchase.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578947130444.jpeg" alt="The Charlie Daniels Band.&nbsp;Photos courtesy Tony's Pizza Events Center&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The Charlie Daniels Band.&nbsp;Photos courtesy Tony's Pizza Events Center&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>As they say, “The show must go on!” Tony’s Pizza Events Center announced today a new date for the Fire on the Mountain Tour featuring The Charlie Daniels Band and the Marshall Tucker Band with special guest the Scooter Brown Band, Nov. 19.“While the COVID-19/Coronoavirus has brought many challenges to the entertainment industry, we are committed to bringing quality entertainment to the Salina community now more than ever,” said Susan Trafton, general manager of Tony’s Pizza Events Center. “We are so glad that these artists will still be coming to Salina and will be ready to put on a great show!”Best known for its Grammy winning hit, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” The Charlie Daniels Band has been performing on stage &amp; screen for over 50 years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578947207444.jpeg" alt="The Marshall Tucker Band." />
 <figcaption>The Marshall Tucker Band.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Marshall Tucker Band has been in tune and tearing it up on live stages both big and small across the globe since 1972. The band’s mighty music catalog, consisting of more than 20 studio albums and a score of live releases, has racked up multi-platinum album sales many times over in its wake.Providing support for The Charlie Daniels Band and the Marshall Tucker Band will be the Scooter Brown Band. With their newest release, “American Son,” the Scooter Brown Band is defining modern Southern rock.Tickets for the Fire on the Mountain Tour are $89, $69, $49 and $35 and are available now at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center Box Office, online at <a href="http://tonyspizzaeventscenter.com">tonyspizzaeventscenter.com</a> or by phone at 888-826-SHOW. Tickets that were previously purchased are good for the new date. Anyone not able to attend the new date is eligible for a refund at the point of purchase.

Fire on the Mountain Tour reschedules

As of 5 p.m. today, Saline County has not had any confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, according to today's update from the county. 

When a positive case is identified in Saline County, the Saline County Health Department will be the only official source to release that information.

The information from the county noted that the COVID-19 pandemic 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," the county noted.

As of 5 p.m. today, Saline County has not had any confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, according to today's update from the county. When a positive case is identified in Saline County, the Saline County Health Department will be the only official source to release that information.The information from the county noted that the COVID-19 pandemic 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," the county noted.

Saline County: No confirmed COVID-19 cases yet

While we've had a bit of moisture in our area, it has been a wet few days in southeast Kansas.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, the three day total for southeast Kansas is up to approximately 1.5 inches in some places. Much less rainfall has fallen in central and western Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584557981807.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While we've had a bit of moisture in our area, it has been a wet few days in southeast Kansas.According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, the three day total for southeast Kansas is up to approximately 1.5 inches in some places. Much less rainfall has fallen in central and western Kansas.

While it is damp here, it's soggy in southeast Kansas

Until further notice, Salina Animal Services will suspend the public spay/neuter program on Thursday to align with the following:

• The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 days to slow the spread, which began on March 16 and involves avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people for a 15-day period.

• Governor Kelly’s Executive Order NO. 20-04, effective through May 1 on social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Kansas.

If you have questions or concerns, call Salina Animal Services at 785-826-6535.

Until further notice, Salina Animal Services will suspend the public spay/neuter program on Thursday to align with the following:• The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 days to slow the spread, which began on March 16 and involves avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people for a 15-day period.• Governor Kelly’s Executive Order NO. 20-04, effective through May 1 on social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Kansas.If you have questions or concerns, call Salina Animal Services at 785-826-6535.

Salina Animal Services suspends spay and neuter program 

Kansas Wesleyan has announced that it will conduct classes entirely online for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. The university will, however, remain open with all student services available.

KWU had previously announced a shift to online courses March 12, with the intent of evaluating on a week to week basis. The rapidly changing climate surrounding COVID-19 prompted the additional decision, in order to provide clarity to students.

In an effort to promote engagement and fellowship among KWU students, who are now located throughout the country, the university announced several initiatives. The school’s first esports intramural program is scheduled to begin the week of March 23, campus ministry has new, virtual opportunities in the works, and the university’s social media has promoted a hashtag, #KWUHappenings, to allow students to hold discussions on various platforms.

“Our top priority has always been our students,” said Dr. Matt Thompson, President of KWU. “By announcing that we are moving online for the rest of the semester, we give them clarity in the midst of this uncertain time. By keeping our student services available, including the residence halls, we take care of our students who are in Salina as well. The comradery between students is a critical part of the collegiate experience, and while we cannot replicate that virtually, we hope our initiatives provide a small portion of that experience.”

All student events have been cancelled for the remainder of the semester. April’s Spring Alumni, Family &amp; Community Weekend—and all the events surrounding it—has been cancelled as well.

The university has established a web site providing the latest information on KWU’s response to the coronavirus at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.kwu.edu/coronavirus</a>. A 24-hour hotline has also been created for those seeking additional information. The hotline is staffed 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and a voicemail can be left after hours. The hotline number is 785-833-4515.

Kansas Wesleyan has announced that it will conduct classes entirely online for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. The university will, however, remain open with all student services available.KWU had previously announced a shift to online courses March 12, with the intent of evaluating on a week to week basis. The rapidly changing climate surrounding COVID-19 prompted the additional decision, in order to provide clarity to students.In an effort to promote engagement and fellowship among KWU students, who are now located throughout the country, the university announced several initiatives. The school’s first esports intramural program is scheduled to begin the week of March 23, campus ministry has new, virtual opportunities in the works, and the university’s social media has promoted a hashtag, #KWUHappenings, to allow students to hold discussions on various platforms.“Our top priority has always been our students,” said Dr. Matt Thompson, President of KWU. “By announcing that we are moving online for the rest of the semester, we give them clarity in the midst of this uncertain time. By keeping our student services available, including the residence halls, we take care of our students who are in Salina as well. The comradery between students is a critical part of the collegiate experience, and while we cannot replicate that virtually, we hope our initiatives provide a small portion of that experience.”All student events have been cancelled for the remainder of the semester. April’s Spring Alumni, Family &amp; Community Weekend—and all the events surrounding it—has been cancelled as well.The university has established a web site providing the latest information on KWU’s response to the coronavirus at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.kwu.edu/coronavirus</a>. A 24-hour hotline has also been created for those seeking additional information. The hotline is staffed 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and a voicemail can be left after hours. The hotline number is 785-833-4515.

KWU: Online only classes for rest of semester

Following all of the guidance that has been set forth
regarding social gatherings, Saline County has moved the scheduled town hall meeting concerning the Saline County Jail project to a virtual webinar.&nbsp; 

On Thursday at 6 p.m., those interested can
join the town hall by webinar or by phone to participate and continue the conversation on
this project.

<a href="https://webinar.ringcentral.com/j/1498572506">https://webinar.ringcentral.com/j/1498572506</a>

During the webinar the county plans to continue the conversation on the Saline County Jail
project and discuss in more detail the options and costs.&nbsp; Those participating will be able to interact virtually
by asking questions and hearing from members of the jail project team and county staff.

For questions, please contact the Saline County
Administrative Resource Center at 309-5810.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584553268286.jpeg" alt="The Saline County Jail. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>The Saline County Jail. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Following all of the guidance that has been set forth
regarding social gatherings, Saline County has moved the scheduled town hall meeting concerning the Saline County Jail project to a virtual webinar.&nbsp; On Thursday at 6 p.m., those interested can
join the town hall by webinar or by phone to participate and continue the conversation on
this project.Webinar information<a href="https://webinar.ringcentral.com/j/1498572506">https://webinar.ringcentral.com/j/1498572506</a>
Call in information(646) 357-3644 – or – (650) 242-4929Webinar ID number:&nbsp;
149-857-2506During the webinar the county plans to continue the conversation on the Saline County Jail
project and discuss in more detail the options and costs.&nbsp; Those participating will be able to interact virtually
by asking questions and hearing from members of the jail project team and county staff.For questions, please contact the Saline County
Administrative Resource Center at 309-5810.

Jail town hall moved to virtual webinar

Visitor restrictions for minors have been heightened at Salina Regional Health Center. 

No one under the age of 18 will be allowed into the hospital unless they are the patient or have a scheduled appointment or procedure.

Visitor access to the hospital’s main entrance has also changed to operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. All visitors should continue to use the hospital’s main lobby entrance off Santa Fe Avenue. All visitors will continue to be screened at the door prior to entrance.

Visit <a href="http://www.srhc.com">www.srhc.com</a>, or follow the hospital on Facebook to find out all the latest information.

Visitor restrictions for minors have been heightened at Salina Regional Health Center. No one under the age of 18 will be allowed into the hospital unless they are the patient or have a scheduled appointment or procedure.Visitor access to the hospital’s main entrance has also changed to operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. All visitors should continue to use the hospital’s main lobby entrance off Santa Fe Avenue. All visitors will continue to be screened at the door prior to entrance.Visit <a href="http://www.srhc.com">www.srhc.com</a>, or follow the hospital on Facebook to find out all the latest information.

SRHC: Visitor restrictions heightened

UPDATE 7 a.m. Thursday: The National Weather Service in Wichita has moved several counties in our area into a red flag warning. READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e7360b7afae0f4d5f5d8417">Red flag warning issued for counties in our area</a>

A fire weather watch and wind advisories have been issued for counties in our area for Thursday.

A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a fire weather watch for extreme grassland fire danger effective Thursday morning through evening for the following counties in our area.

Winds: Southwest 30 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

Impacts: Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Additionally, NWS in Wichita has issued a wind advisory in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.

Southwest winds of 30 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected.

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

NWS in Topeka has issued a wind advisory in effect from 1-6 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.

Southwest winds of 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected. Winds will steadily increase through the mid- to late-morning hours on Thursday, with the strongest winds during the mid-afternoon. Winds will decrease in the evening.

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The combination of the strong winds and relative humidity values around 30 to 35 percent will create a very high fire danger in the afternoon. Outdoor burning during this time is strongly discouraged.

Strong winds are also expected Thursday night into Friday. After a brief lull late Thursday afternoon or early evening, winds will switch to the northwest and increase to 20 to 30 mph with gusts over 40 mph. These winds will last through mid to late morning on Friday.

UPDATE 7 a.m. Thursday: The National Weather Service in Wichita has moved several counties in our area into a red flag warning. READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e7360b7afae0f4d5f5d8417">Red flag warning issued for counties in our area</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584568230352.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A fire weather watch and wind advisories have been issued for counties in our area for Thursday.A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur.The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a fire weather watch for extreme grassland fire danger effective Thursday morning through evening for the following counties in our area.Ellsworth CountyLincoln CountyMcPherson CountySaline CountyWinds: Southwest 30 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.Relative Humidity: As low as 27 percent.Impacts: Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.Additionally, NWS in Wichita has issued a wind advisory in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.Ellsworth CountyLincoln CountyMarion CountyMcPherson CountySaline CountySouthwest winds of 30 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected.Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.NWS in Topeka has issued a wind advisory in effect from 1-6 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.Dickinson CountyOttawa CountySouthwest winds of 25 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected. Winds will steadily increase through the mid- to late-morning hours on Thursday, with the strongest winds during the mid-afternoon. Winds will decrease in the evening.Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The combination of the strong winds and relative humidity values around 30 to 35 percent will create a very high fire danger in the afternoon. Outdoor burning during this time is strongly discouraged.Strong winds are also expected Thursday night into Friday. After a brief lull late Thursday afternoon or early evening, winds will switch to the northwest and increase to 20 to 30 mph with gusts over 40 mph. These winds will last through mid to late morning on Friday.

UPDATE: NWS issues fire weather warning

In accordance with Governor Laura Kelly’s Executive Order No. 20-05 which temporarily prohibits utility disconnects, the City of Salina suspended disconnection of water services for non-payment at 12:01 p.m. on March 17, 2020.

Customers are encouraged to continue to pay their water bills using any of the following options:

•Online: www.salina-ks.gov (e-checks or credit cards are accepted)

•Mail: City of Salina Water Dept., PO Box 1307, Salina, KS 67402-1307)

•Drop-box: located on the southwest side of the circle drive of the City County Building, 300 W. Ash St.

If you have questions or concerns, contact Water Customer Accounting at (785) 309-5740.

In accordance with Governor Laura Kelly’s Executive Order No. 20-05 which temporarily prohibits utility disconnects, the City of Salina suspended disconnection of water services for non-payment at 12:01 p.m. on March 17, 2020.Customers are encouraged to continue to pay their water bills using any of the following options:•Online: www.salina-ks.gov (e-checks or credit cards are accepted)•Phone: (785) 309-5740•Mail: City of Salina Water Dept., PO Box 1307, Salina, KS 67402-1307)•Drop-box: located on the southwest side of the circle drive of the City County Building, 300 W. Ash St.If you have questions or concerns, contact Water Customer Accounting at (785) 309-5740.

City suspends water service disconnects

The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce&nbsp; wants Salina to be strong.

This afternoon, the chamber announced that it has launched a website&nbsp; -- titled “Salina Strong” -- to keep the chamber membership and business community up to date on business resources, workforce information, restaurant and retail businesses offering delivery, take-out, and curbside options, health and safety updates, and remote working tools.

The site is located at <a href="http://www.salinakansas.org/salina-strong.html">www.salinakansas.org/salina-strong.html</a>. It can be used as a one stop shop for information and assistance and will continuously be updated with information.

The full effect of COVID-19 remains to be fully realized but the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce is doing everything in its power to provide relevant and pertinent information and support to the business community, the chamber noted in a news release.

The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce&nbsp; wants Salina to be strong.This afternoon, the chamber announced that it has launched a website&nbsp; -- titled “Salina Strong” -- to keep the chamber membership and business community up to date on business resources, workforce information, restaurant and retail businesses offering delivery, take-out, and curbside options, health and safety updates, and remote working tools.The site is located at <a href="http://www.salinakansas.org/salina-strong.html">www.salinakansas.org/salina-strong.html</a>. It can be used as a one stop shop for information and assistance and will continuously be updated with information. The full effect of COVID-19 remains to be fully realized but the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce is doing everything in its power to provide relevant and pertinent information and support to the business community, the chamber noted in a news release.

Chamber launches Salina Strong business support site

The City of Salina Drive-thru Recycling Center (SDRC) and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility will be closed Thursday until further notice to align with the following.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for the next eight weeks, which recommends that organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.

• Governor Kelly’s Executive Order NO. 20-04, effective through May 1 on social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Kansas.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584558499966.jpeg" alt="Salina Drive-thru Recycling Center. Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>Salina Drive-thru Recycling Center. Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The City of Salina Drive-thru Recycling Center (SDRC) and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility will be closed Thursday until further notice to align with the following.• The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 days to slow the spread, which began on March 16 and involves avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people for a 15-day period.• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for the next eight weeks, which recommends that organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.• Governor Kelly’s Executive Order NO. 20-04, effective through May 1 on social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Kansas.

City closes recycling, hazardous waste facilities

Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the economic impact felt by many, OCCK Transportation will offer free fares for all public transit services, including CityGo, 81 Connection, Paratransit and City of Abilene, starting Thursday and continuing indefinitely.

Additionally, OCCK is restricting access to its Transportation office at 340 North Santa Fe Avenue to employees only until further notice.&nbsp;

"We are charged with making difficult decisions about how to move forward while keeping the health and safety of everyone involved as a top priority.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional information about possibly reducing services will be announced when decisions are made.&nbsp;&nbsp;We must adapt and continue to evaluate the situation as it evolves.&nbsp;&nbsp;We are working with federal, state and local officials as we move forward in this unknown territory," OCCK Transportation noted in a news release this morning.

You can follow OCCK Transportation on Facebook (OCCK Transportation)&nbsp;or via its website at <a href="http://www.salinacitygo.com">www.salinacitygo.com</a> for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573762731467.jpeg" alt="Salina CityGo bus. Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>Salina CityGo bus. Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the economic impact felt by many, OCCK Transportation will offer free fares for all public transit services, including CityGo, 81 Connection, Paratransit and City of Abilene, starting Thursday and continuing indefinitely.Additionally, OCCK is restricting access to its Transportation office at 340 North Santa Fe Avenue to employees only until further notice.&nbsp;"We are charged with making difficult decisions about how to move forward while keeping the health and safety of everyone involved as a top priority.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional information about possibly reducing services will be announced when decisions are made.&nbsp;&nbsp;We must adapt and continue to evaluate the situation as it evolves.&nbsp;&nbsp;We are working with federal, state and local officials as we move forward in this unknown territory," OCCK Transportation noted in a news release this morning.You can follow OCCK Transportation on Facebook (OCCK Transportation)&nbsp;or via its website at <a href="http://www.salinacitygo.com">www.salinacitygo.com</a> for more information as it becomes available.

OCCK Transportation offers free fares

Part of our area looks to be in for some rain overnight.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, showers and storms are expected to overspread the area late tonight and continue into early Thursday morning. The stronger storms will be capable of quarter size hail and 60 mph winds. 

Flooding will also be possible, with southeast Kansas having the higher chances to see some minor flooding, NWS noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584546177155.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Part of our area looks to be in for some rain overnight.According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, showers and storms are expected to overspread the area late tonight and continue into early Thursday morning. The stronger storms will be capable of quarter size hail and 60 mph winds. Flooding will also be possible, with southeast Kansas having the higher chances to see some minor flooding, NWS noted.

NWS: Rain, storms possible overnight

By GLEN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

This week I am in Washington, D.C., on Kansas Farm Bureau’s Leaders Engaged and Acting in D.C. (LEADs) trip. I must admit that I always enjoy coming to our nation’s capital. Coming here involves many surreal moments for me. This past week I sat down on a bench in the mall and looked around. In one direction was the Capitol itself, how many times is it the backdrop for news stories we watch on our TV. Today, not only will I see the Capitol, I will be inside on business for our Kansas Farm Bureau. Heady stuff for a simple farm kid from Kansas.

When Jennifer and I served on Young Farmers and Ranchers we often said, “The world is ruled by those who show up.” Over the years I have come have a better understanding of what that means and just how true it is. I truly wish that everyone would have the opportunity to come to Washington, D.C. and get involved with the governance of our great nation. It is important that everyday citizens get involved and make their issues and ideas known.

This is especially true for those of us in agriculture. We are less than 2 percent of the population, and I suspect that number is dropping each year. &nbsp;We also run businesses that are highly technical, are not very well understood and operate on razor thin margins. It is of the utmost importance that we make sure we have a good relationship with our elected officials, and we meet them on their own turf. That is why events like LEADs are so important and why it is so important that as many members as possible make regular trips to Washington D.C. and Topeka.

Farm Bureau has become one of the leading voices for agriculture because of our members making trips like this. Whether it is Day at the Statehouse in Topeka or LEADs, it is important for our legislators to see farmers and ranchers and not just KFB staff. It is critical we tell our stories to them about how legislation or regulations affect our operations. It never hurts to remind our elected officials they represent real people.

I also think it is good to come to Washington, D.C., and see the sights, understand a little bit of how government works and have a greater feel of just how to get things done. I know there are a lot of jokes to be made about those things, but I promise you it helps to see it in person. I have always said that the hardest part of any trip is when you can still see your mailbox in the rearview mirror. Getting away is tough and there are sacrifices but I hope each of you will make the time to get involved and travel to our capitals to take an active part in our governance and make your voices heard.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574091484634.jpeg" alt="Glenn Brunkow. Photo courtesy KFB" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow. Photo courtesy KFB</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLEN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancherThis week I am in Washington, D.C., on Kansas Farm Bureau’s Leaders Engaged and Acting in D.C. (LEADs) trip. I must admit that I always enjoy coming to our nation’s capital. Coming here involves many surreal moments for me. This past week I sat down on a bench in the mall and looked around. In one direction was the Capitol itself, how many times is it the backdrop for news stories we watch on our TV. Today, not only will I see the Capitol, I will be inside on business for our Kansas Farm Bureau. Heady stuff for a simple farm kid from Kansas.When Jennifer and I served on Young Farmers and Ranchers we often said, “The world is ruled by those who show up.” Over the years I have come have a better understanding of what that means and just how true it is. I truly wish that everyone would have the opportunity to come to Washington, D.C. and get involved with the governance of our great nation. It is important that everyday citizens get involved and make their issues and ideas known.This is especially true for those of us in agriculture. We are less than 2 percent of the population, and I suspect that number is dropping each year. &nbsp;We also run businesses that are highly technical, are not very well understood and operate on razor thin margins. It is of the utmost importance that we make sure we have a good relationship with our elected officials, and we meet them on their own turf. That is why events like LEADs are so important and why it is so important that as many members as possible make regular trips to Washington D.C. and Topeka.Farm Bureau has become one of the leading voices for agriculture because of our members making trips like this. Whether it is Day at the Statehouse in Topeka or LEADs, it is important for our legislators to see farmers and ranchers and not just KFB staff. It is critical we tell our stories to them about how legislation or regulations affect our operations. It never hurts to remind our elected officials they represent real people.I also think it is good to come to Washington, D.C., and see the sights, understand a little bit of how government works and have a greater feel of just how to get things done. I know there are a lot of jokes to be made about those things, but I promise you it helps to see it in person. I have always said that the hardest part of any trip is when you can still see your mailbox in the rearview mirror. Getting away is tough and there are sacrifices but I hope each of you will make the time to get involved and travel to our capitals to take an active part in our governance and make your voices heard."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Engaging in DC

The Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank continues helping those in need. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafoodbank/">Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank </a>Facebook page:

The Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank continues helping those in need. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafoodbank/">Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank </a>Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinafoodbank%2Fposts%2F3934191719931931&width=500" width="500" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Food bank continues help, lists most needed items

Today is Wednesday, March 18, the 78th day of 2020. There are 288 days left in the year.

On March 18, 1940, Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini met at the Brenner Pass, where the Italian dictator agreed to join Germany's war against France and Britain.

In 1766, Britain repealed the Stamp Act of 1765.

In 1922, Mohandas K. Gandhi was sentenced in India to six years' imprisonment for civil disobedience. (He was released after serving two years.)

In 1925, the Tri-State Tornado struck southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois and southwestern Indiana, resulting in some 700 deaths.

In 1937, in America's worst school disaster, nearly 300 people, most of them children, were killed in a natural gas explosion at the New London Consolidated School in Rusk County, Texas.

In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order authorizing the War Relocation Authority, which was put in charge of interning Japanese-Americans, with Milton S. Eisenhower (the younger brother of Dwight D. Eisenhower) as its director.

In 1963, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Gideon v. Wainwright, ruled unanimously that state courts were required to provide legal counsel to criminal defendants who could not afford to hire an attorney on their own.

In 1965, the first spacewalk took place as Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov went outside his Voskhod 2 capsule, secured by a tether.

In 1980, Frank Gotti, the 12-year-old youngest son of mobster John Gotti, was struck and killed by a car driven by John Favara, a neighbor in Queens, New York. (The following July, Favara vanished, the apparent victim of a gang hit.)

In 1996, rejecting an insanity defense, a jury in Dedham, Massachusetts, convicted John C. Salvi III of murdering two women in attacks at two Boston-area abortion clinics in December 1994. (Salvi later committed suicide in his prison cell.)

In 2002, Brittanie Cecil died two days short of her 14th birthday after being hit in the head by a puck at a game between the host Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames; it was apparently the first such fan fatality in NHL history.

In 2005, doctors in Florida, acting on orders of a state judge, removed Terri Schiavo's feeding tube. (Despite the efforts of congressional Republicans to intervene and repeated court appeals by Schiavo's parents, the brain-damaged woman died on March 31, 2005, at age 41.)

In 2018, Vladimir Putin rolled to a crushing reelection victory for six more years as Russia's president.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama signed into law a $38 billion jobs bill containing a modest mix of tax breaks and spending designed to encourage the private sector to start hiring again. Actor Fess Parker, 85, died in Santa Ynez, California. Jerome York, an Apple Inc. board member and a financial wizard credited with turning around Chrysler and IBM, died in Pontiac, Michigan, at age 71.

Five years ago: Militants opened fire at a museum in Tunisia's capital, killing 22 people, most of them foreign tourists. Serbia arrested eight men accused of taking part in the massacre of some 1,300 people at a warehouse on the outskirts of Srebrenica in 1995. Lindsey Vonn won the World Cup downhill title for the seventh time, winning the last race in the discipline at the World Cup finals in Meribel, France.

One year ago: Warner Bros. chief Kevin Tsujihara stepped down from the studio following claims that he had promised roles to an actress with whom he was having an affair; he was one of the highest-ranking Hollywood executives to be felled by sexual misconduct allegations. Brooks &amp; Dunn, Ray Stevens and record label head Jerry Bradley were announced as inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Today's Birthdays: Composer John Kander is 93. Country singer Charley Pride is 86. Nobel peace laureate and former South African president F.W. de Klerk is 84. Country singer Margie Bowes is 79. Actor Kevin Dobson is 77. Actor Brad Dourif is 70. Jazz musician Bill Frisell is 69. Singer Irene Cara is 61. Alt-country musician Karen Grotberg (The Jayhawks) is 61. Movie writer-director Luc Besson is 61. Actor Geoffrey Owens is 59. Actor Thomas Ian Griffith is 58. Singer-songwriter James McMurtry is 58. TV personality Mike Rowe is 58. Singer-actress Vanessa L. Williams is 57. Olympic gold medal speedskater Bonnie Blair is 56. Country musician Scott Saunders (Sons of the Desert) is 56. Actor David Cubitt is 55. Rock musician Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains) is 54. Rock singer-musician Miki Berenyi is 53. Actor Michael Bergin is 51. Rapper-actress-talk show host Queen Latifah is 50. Former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus is 48. Actor-comedian Dane Cook is 48. Country singer Philip Sweet (Little Big Town) is 46. Rock musician Stuart Zender is 46. Singers Evan and Jaron Lowenstein are 46. Actress-singer-dancer Sutton Foster is 45. Rock singer Adam Levine (Maroon 5) is 41. Rock musician Daren Taylor (Airborne Toxic Event) is 40. Olympic gold medal figure skater Alexei Yagudin is 40. Actor Adam Pally is 38. Actor Cornelius Smith Jr. is 38. Actor Duane Henry (TV: "NCIS") is 35. Actress Lily Collins is 31. Actress-dancer Julia Goldani Telles is 25. Actress Ciara Bravo is 23. Actor Blake Garrett Rosenthal is 16.

Thought for Today: "No man has a right in America to treat any other man tolerantly, for tolerance is the assumption of superiority." — Wendell Willkie, American politician (1892-1944).

<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 Wednesday, March 18, the 78th day of 2020. There are 288 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 18, 1940, Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini met at the Brenner Pass, where the Italian dictator agreed to join Germany's war against France and Britain.On this date:In 1766, Britain repealed the Stamp Act of 1765.In 1922, Mohandas K. Gandhi was sentenced in India to six years' imprisonment for civil disobedience. (He was released after serving two years.)In 1925, the Tri-State Tornado struck southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois and southwestern Indiana, resulting in some 700 deaths.In 1937, in America's worst school disaster, nearly 300 people, most of them children, were killed in a natural gas explosion at the New London Consolidated School in Rusk County, Texas.In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order authorizing the War Relocation Authority, which was put in charge of interning Japanese-Americans, with Milton S. Eisenhower (the younger brother of Dwight D. Eisenhower) as its director.In 1963, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Gideon v. Wainwright, ruled unanimously that state courts were required to provide legal counsel to criminal defendants who could not afford to hire an attorney on their own.In 1965, the first spacewalk took place as Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov went outside his Voskhod 2 capsule, secured by a tether.In 1980, Frank Gotti, the 12-year-old youngest son of mobster John Gotti, was struck and killed by a car driven by John Favara, a neighbor in Queens, New York. (The following July, Favara vanished, the apparent victim of a gang hit.)In 1996, rejecting an insanity defense, a jury in Dedham, Massachusetts, convicted John C. Salvi III of murdering two women in attacks at two Boston-area abortion clinics in December 1994. (Salvi later committed suicide in his prison cell.)In 2002, Brittanie Cecil died two days short of her 14th birthday after being hit in the head by a puck at a game between the host Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames; it was apparently the first such fan fatality in NHL history.In 2005, doctors in Florida, acting on orders of a state judge, removed Terri Schiavo's feeding tube. (Despite the efforts of congressional Republicans to intervene and repeated court appeals by Schiavo's parents, the brain-damaged woman died on March 31, 2005, at age 41.)In 2018, Vladimir Putin rolled to a crushing reelection victory for six more years as Russia's president.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama signed into law a $38 billion jobs bill containing a modest mix of tax breaks and spending designed to encourage the private sector to start hiring again. Actor Fess Parker, 85, died in Santa Ynez, California. Jerome York, an Apple Inc. board member and a financial wizard credited with turning around Chrysler and IBM, died in Pontiac, Michigan, at age 71.Five years ago: Militants opened fire at a museum in Tunisia's capital, killing 22 people, most of them foreign tourists. Serbia arrested eight men accused of taking part in the massacre of some 1,300 people at a warehouse on the outskirts of Srebrenica in 1995. Lindsey Vonn won the World Cup downhill title for the seventh time, winning the last race in the discipline at the World Cup finals in Meribel, France.One year ago: Warner Bros. chief Kevin Tsujihara stepped down from the studio following claims that he had promised roles to an actress with whom he was having an affair; he was one of the highest-ranking Hollywood executives to be felled by sexual misconduct allegations. Brooks &amp; Dunn, Ray Stevens and record label head Jerry Bradley were announced as inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame.Today's Birthdays: Composer John Kander is 93. Country singer Charley Pride is 86. Nobel peace laureate and former South African president F.W. de Klerk is 84. Country singer Margie Bowes is 79. Actor Kevin Dobson is 77. Actor Brad Dourif is 70. Jazz musician Bill Frisell is 69. Singer Irene Cara is 61. Alt-country musician Karen Grotberg (The Jayhawks) is 61. Movie writer-director Luc Besson is 61. Actor Geoffrey Owens is 59. Actor Thomas Ian Griffith is 58. Singer-songwriter James McMurtry is 58. TV personality Mike Rowe is 58. Singer-actress Vanessa L. Williams is 57. Olympic gold medal speedskater Bonnie Blair is 56. Country musician Scott Saunders (Sons of the Desert) is 56. Actor David Cubitt is 55. Rock musician Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains) is 54. Rock singer-musician Miki Berenyi is 53. Actor Michael Bergin is 51. Rapper-actress-talk show host Queen Latifah is 50. Former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus is 48. Actor-comedian Dane Cook is 48. Country singer Philip Sweet (Little Big Town) is 46. Rock musician Stuart Zender is 46. Singers Evan and Jaron Lowenstein are 46. Actress-singer-dancer Sutton Foster is 45. Rock singer Adam Levine (Maroon 5) is 41. Rock musician Daren Taylor (Airborne Toxic Event) is 40. Olympic gold medal figure skater Alexei Yagudin is 40. Actor Adam Pally is 38. Actor Cornelius Smith Jr. is 38. Actor Duane Henry (TV: "NCIS") is 35. Actress Lily Collins is 31. Actress-dancer Julia Goldani Telles is 25. Actress Ciara Bravo is 23. Actor Blake Garrett Rosenthal is 16.Thought for Today: "No man has a right in America to treat any other man tolerantly, for tolerance is the assumption of superiority." — Wendell Willkie, American politician (1892-1944).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- March 18

Late this afternoon
Rolling Hills Zoo (RHZ) announced that effective immediately they would be
closing their doors to guests until further notice due to the situation
surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19).&nbsp;&nbsp;
All scheduled events and programs have also been cancelled or will be
rescheduled at a later date.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

“Our primary
obligation is to provide the very best care for our animals,” shared Bob
Jenkins, RHZ Executive Director.&nbsp;&nbsp; “That
requires a professional staff who are healthy and able to work.&nbsp;&nbsp; By closing to the public we are reducing the
risk of exposure to our staff members.” 

“While we will see a
significant reduction in revenues, when you weigh the financial loss against
the risk of being open, we know that this is the right thing to do for our
community,” stated Jenkins.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

While gates will be
closed to the public the staff will continue to work onsite to provide care to
the nearly 300 animals that call Rolling Hills Zoo home, as well as maintaining
Zoo’s infrastructure and work on areas and projects that are harder to
accomplish with guests in the park.&nbsp; They
will also be performing a very deep cleaning of the zoo to get ready to welcome
guests when the zoo re-opens.&nbsp; 

In summary Jenkins
added, “As the one of the largest tourist attractions in the region, we are
sending a very strong signal that as leaders in the care of wildlife species
and public education, we are doing what is best for them, for our employees and
volunteers, and for our community which we serve.”

--<a href="http://rollinghillszoo.org">Rolling Hills Zoo</a>--

Late this afternoon
Rolling Hills Zoo (RHZ) announced that effective immediately they would be
closing their doors to guests until further notice due to the situation
surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19).&nbsp;&nbsp;
All scheduled events and programs have also been cancelled or will be
rescheduled at a later date.&nbsp;&nbsp; “Our primary
obligation is to provide the very best care for our animals,” shared Bob
Jenkins, RHZ Executive Director.&nbsp;&nbsp; “That
requires a professional staff who are healthy and able to work.&nbsp;&nbsp; By closing to the public we are reducing the
risk of exposure to our staff members.” “While we will see a
significant reduction in revenues, when you weigh the financial loss against
the risk of being open, we know that this is the right thing to do for our
community,” stated Jenkins.&nbsp;&nbsp; While gates will be
closed to the public the staff will continue to work onsite to provide care to
the nearly 300 animals that call Rolling Hills Zoo home, as well as maintaining
Zoo’s infrastructure and work on areas and projects that are harder to
accomplish with guests in the park.&nbsp; They
will also be performing a very deep cleaning of the zoo to get ready to welcome
guests when the zoo re-opens.&nbsp; In summary Jenkins
added, “As the one of the largest tourist attractions in the region, we are
sending a very strong signal that as leaders in the care of wildlife species
and public education, we are doing what is best for them, for our employees and
volunteers, and for our community which we serve.”--<a href="http://rollinghillszoo.org">Rolling Hills Zoo</a>--

Rolling Hills Zoo closed until further notice

The City of Salina has canceled or postponed meetings, programming and events to align with the following:

• The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 Days to Slow the Spread, which began on March 16 and involves avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people for a 15 day period.

• Governor Kelly’s Executive Order NO. 20-04 effective through May 1 on social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Kansas.

The City of Salina has canceled or postponed meetings, programming and events to align with the following:• The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 Days to Slow the Spread, which began on March 16 and involves avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people for a 15 day period.• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for the next eight weeks, which recommends that organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.• Governor Kelly’s Executive Order NO. 20-04 effective through May 1 on social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Kansas.<h2>Meeting/Event Cancellations</h2>Wednesday -- Salina Parks and Recreation Advisory Board MeetingWednesday -- Complete Count CommitteeThursday and Friday -- Smoky Hill Museum 1950s Film Series screening of Picnic in the Art Center Cinema (postponed until mid-May, unless circumstances change)Thursday -- Board of Zoning Appeals (regular meeting)Friday -- Accessibility Advisory Board (special meeting)<h2>Parks &amp; Recreation Programming Cancellations (until further notice)</h2>Golden Year Spring FestivalTherapeutic Recreation ProgramsToddler TimeYouth 3 v 3 BasketballAdult dance classesAdult Volleyball LeagueAdult Drop-In Program at the Salina FieldhouseSenior Aquatic Exercise ProgramSenior Land Exercise ProgramBaseball practices at the Salina FieldhouseBaton classesTai Chi classes<h2>Closures (until further notice)</h2>Barkley Dog Park &amp; the dog park behind Salina Animal ServicesCarver CenterFriendship CenterLakewood Discovery CenterSalina Field HouseSmoky Hill MuseumPublic restrooms in City of Salina parksFor online information, visit <a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov">www.salina-ks.gov</a>, and select Cancellations &amp; Closures within the Featured Items feed or call any of the following departments: Parks and Recreation, (785) 309-5765; Smoky Hill Museum, (785) 309-5776; Community &amp; Development Services, (785) 309-5715.

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