UPDATE 3:45 p.m. Tuesday: The Emergency Food Assistance Program distribution is still on for Wednesday, but it will be on a drive-through basis at the 4-H Building. The time is still noon-1:30 p.m.

The next Emergency Food Assistance Program is scheduled for next week.

The program, hosted by Sunrise Presbyterian Church, is scheduled for noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Kenwood Hall, 900 Greeley Avenue.

Food items to be distributed include black beans, canned pears, long grain rice, fresh apples, pistachio in shells, fresh oranges, dried split peas, frozen pork loin, raisins in box, brown rice, frozen pork chops, mac and cheese box, frozen slice pork ham, and fresh potatoes.

Participants are required to bring proof of income, photo I.D. or proof of a Saline County address, and a signed note if picking commodities up for someone else.   

1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$1,354                

2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $1,832 

3&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $2,311            

4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$2,790 

5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$3,269                

6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$3,748

7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$4,227

8&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $4,705

For each additional family member add $479. 

Contact commodities phone 785-714-0918 with questions.

UPDATE 3:45 p.m. Tuesday: The Emergency Food Assistance Program distribution is still on for Wednesday, but it will be on a drive-through basis at the 4-H Building. The time is still noon-1:30 p.m.The next Emergency Food Assistance Program is scheduled for next week.The program, hosted by Sunrise Presbyterian Church, is scheduled for noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Kenwood Hall, 900 Greeley Avenue.Food items to be distributed include black beans, canned pears, long grain rice, fresh apples, pistachio in shells, fresh oranges, dried split peas, frozen pork loin, raisins in box, brown rice, frozen pork chops, mac and cheese box, frozen slice pork ham, and fresh potatoes.Participants are required to bring proof of income, photo I.D. or proof of a Saline County address, and a signed note if picking commodities up for someone else. Income Guidelines (monthly)HH size&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Income1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$1,354 2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $1,832 3&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $2,311 4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$2,790 5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$3,269 6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$3,7487&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$4,2278&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $4,705For each additional family member add $479. Contact commodities phone 785-714-0918 with questions.

UPDATE: Emergency Food distribution changes

TOPEKA – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to ensure the health and safety of players and employees, the Kansas Lottery will temporarily suspend accepting claims in-person at the Kansas Lottery Headquarters in Topeka as of 8 a.m. on Wednesday through 5 p.m. March 30. 

The claim center is scheduled to re-open March 31, unless additional closures are deemed warranted at that time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Any prize won of $599 or less can still be claimed in-person at many Kansas Lottery retailers around the state. If a player wins $600 or more, they are asked to mail in their ticket or to wait until the in-person claims process resumes.

To claim a ticket by mail, players must completely fill out the back of the ticket, sign it, and also include a printed and completely filled out claim form. Players can print a claim form from the Kansas Lottery <a href="https://kslottery.com/downloads/WinnerClaimForm.pdf">website</a>&nbsp;or a retailer can print one off from a Kansas Lottery terminal. A completed claim form is required for each individual prize claimed.

The Kansas Lottery recommends players take a photo of their tickets or make a scanned copy of the front and the back of the tickets for their records before mailing. The Lottery also recommends sending claimed tickets by certified mail, registered mail, or some other service that allows players to track a package or letter’s progress. Tickets are accepted via standard mail or certified. Please address tickets to: Kansas Lottery Claims,&nbsp;128 N. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.

For information or assistance, players may call the Kansas Lottery office at 785-296-5700 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or reach out via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lottery.info@kslottery.net" target="_blank">lottery.info@kslottery.net</a>.

TOPEKA – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to ensure the health and safety of players and employees, the Kansas Lottery will temporarily suspend accepting claims in-person at the Kansas Lottery Headquarters in Topeka as of 8 a.m. on Wednesday through 5 p.m. March 30. The claim center is scheduled to re-open March 31, unless additional closures are deemed warranted at that time.&nbsp;&nbsp;Any prize won of $599 or less can still be claimed in-person at many Kansas Lottery retailers around the state. If a player wins $600 or more, they are asked to mail in their ticket or to wait until the in-person claims process resumes.To claim a ticket by mail, players must completely fill out the back of the ticket, sign it, and also include a printed and completely filled out claim form. Players can print a claim form from the Kansas Lottery <a href="https://kslottery.com/downloads/WinnerClaimForm.pdf">website</a>&nbsp;or a retailer can print one off from a Kansas Lottery terminal. A completed claim form is required for each individual prize claimed.The Kansas Lottery recommends players take a photo of their tickets or make a scanned copy of the front and the back of the tickets for their records before mailing. The Lottery also recommends sending claimed tickets by certified mail, registered mail, or some other service that allows players to track a package or letter’s progress. Tickets are accepted via standard mail or certified. Please address tickets to: Kansas Lottery Claims,&nbsp;128 N. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.For information or assistance, players may call the Kansas Lottery office at 785-296-5700 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or reach out via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lottery.info@kslottery.net" target="_blank">lottery.info@kslottery.net</a>.

Kansas Lottery announces temporary prize claim protocol

Despite no cases, Lincoln County declares a COVID 19 Public Health Emergency Resolution. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lincoln-County-Health-Department-215507435152396/">Lincoln County Health Department </a>Facebook page:

Despite no cases, Lincoln County declares a COVID 19 Public Health Emergency Resolution. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lincoln-County-Health-Department-215507435152396/">Lincoln County Health Department </a>Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D2178434038859716%26id%3D215507435152396&width=500" width="500" height="266" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

COVID-19: Lincoln County declares emergency resolution

CLAY CENTER -- Clay County Medical Center (CCMC) is implementing "complete visitor restrictions" in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Clay County Medical Center (CCMC) is taking an active approach to the COVID-19 outbreak. Starting on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, we will be implementing complete visitor restrictions to protect the health of our patients and team members. This does not mean we will be discontinuing outpatient services such as lab, radiology, therapy, surgery, pain management, specialty clinic, etc.

What this means for you and your loved ones:

· Patients scheduled for lab, radiology, surgery, pain management, therapy, specialty clinic, and other services will be screened and given a sticker indicating the screening process has been completed.

· No visitors will be allowed to visit our inpatients. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Examples of exceptions: one (1) person for pediatric patients, ER patients, and laboring mothers.

· Entrance into CCMC will be limited to the Front Entrance and ER Entrance, Monday-Friday. On weekends, the ER Entrance will be the only open entrance. All other entrances are closed.

· The public will be asked appropriate screening questions by a member of CCMC prior to entering the CCMC main lobby. After screening, anyone that may need further evaluation for COVID-19 will be escorted by CCMC personnel to a pre-designated location.

· If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please call ahead to Clay Center Family Physicians (785) 632-2181 or our Emergency Department (785) 632-2144 so we can direct you to the proper location for evaluation.

· The Cafeteria will be closed to the public

· The Mark A. Chapman Wellness Center will be closed to the public

“By restricting visitors, we can help protect our patients and others who are most susceptible to contracting viral or infectious diseases.” said Austin Gillard, CEO of CCMC. “We realize this may cause an inconvenience, but we are taking this step in the best interest of our patients and team members. Please help us limit the spread so we can continue to care for the communities we serve.”

In addition to enforcing these restrictions, each of us can make a difference to help reduce the spread of illnesses by taking a few simple steps, including staying home if you are sick, regularly washing your hands, covering your cough, and limiting social interactions, when possible.

CLAY CENTER -- Clay County Medical Center (CCMC) is implementing "complete visitor restrictions" in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.Following is a statement from CCMC.Clay County Medical Center (CCMC) is taking an active approach to the COVID-19 outbreak. Starting on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, we will be implementing complete visitor restrictions to protect the health of our patients and team members. This does not mean we will be discontinuing outpatient services such as lab, radiology, therapy, surgery, pain management, specialty clinic, etc.What this means for you and your loved ones:· Patients scheduled for lab, radiology, surgery, pain management, therapy, specialty clinic, and other services will be screened and given a sticker indicating the screening process has been completed.· No visitors will be allowed to visit our inpatients. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Examples of exceptions: one (1) person for pediatric patients, ER patients, and laboring mothers.· Entrance into CCMC will be limited to the Front Entrance and ER Entrance, Monday-Friday. On weekends, the ER Entrance will be the only open entrance. All other entrances are closed.· The public will be asked appropriate screening questions by a member of CCMC prior to entering the CCMC main lobby. After screening, anyone that may need further evaluation for COVID-19 will be escorted by CCMC personnel to a pre-designated location.· If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please call ahead to Clay Center Family Physicians (785) 632-2181 or our Emergency Department (785) 632-2144 so we can direct you to the proper location for evaluation.· The Cafeteria will be closed to the public· The Mark A. Chapman Wellness Center will be closed to the public“By restricting visitors, we can help protect our patients and others who are most susceptible to contracting viral or infectious diseases.” said Austin Gillard, CEO of CCMC. “We realize this may cause an inconvenience, but we are taking this step in the best interest of our patients and team members. Please help us limit the spread so we can continue to care for the communities we serve.”In addition to enforcing these restrictions, each of us can make a difference to help reduce the spread of illnesses by taking a few simple steps, including staying home if you are sick, regularly washing your hands, covering your cough, and limiting social interactions, when possible.

CCMC releases new visitor restriction information

Bogey's is closing its dining room to the public. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bogeys-250383960006/">Bogey's</a> Facebook page:

Bogey's is closing its dining room to the public. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bogeys-250383960006/">Bogey's</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D10163016942945007%26id%3D250383960006&width=500" width="500" height="502" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Bogey's closes dining room in response to COVID-19

A Salina man sought in connection to a reported aggravated assault March 9 was taken into custody Monday night after a brief chase through the central part of the city.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that at 6:20 p.m. March 9, a black four-door passenger car was reported to have almost struck a female in the 300 block of Oakdale Drive. The car was believed to be a Chevrolet Malibu with custom rims, he said.

During the reported incident, the car allegedly chased the woman across a grass area in the 300 block of Oakdale Drive, Forrester said. The woman ran toward a residence in that block and the male driver got out of the car and allegedly started throwing objects at the woman, he said. Additionally, a witness heard the male threaten the female, Forrester said.

Through studying area surveillance video, officers were able to identify the male as Deric Bell, 29, of Salina, who had an active warrant from Salina Municipal Court for failure to appear, Forrester said.

At approximately 7 p.m. Monday, an officer observed a black 2008 Chevrolet Malibu turn onto North Oakdale Avenue without using a turn signal, Forrester said. When the officer attempted to stop the car in the 200 block of North Oakdale Avenue, the car accelerated and, at times drove at approximately 60 mph through the area, he said.

During the chase, the Malibu was westbound on Gypsum Avenue when it attempted, and failed, to turn south onto South Front Street, instead driving into a yard in the 100 block of South Front Street, Forrester explained. The car became disabled and the driver, Bell, was arrested on the active warrant, and on suspicion of the following, Forrester said.

Seven counts of failure to stop at a stopsign

Forrester said that a passenger in the vehicle, Alexandria Moreno, 28, of Salina, told police that she was the woman involved the March 9 incident. Moreno also had an active warrant and was arrested, he said. According to the Saline County Jail booking log, Moreno was booked into jail for probation violation and failure to appear.

A Salina man sought in connection to a reported aggravated assault March 9 was taken into custody Monday night after a brief chase through the central part of the city.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that at 6:20 p.m. March 9, a black four-door passenger car was reported to have almost struck a female in the 300 block of Oakdale Drive. The car was believed to be a Chevrolet Malibu with custom rims, he said.During the reported incident, the car allegedly chased the woman across a grass area in the 300 block of Oakdale Drive, Forrester said. The woman ran toward a residence in that block and the male driver got out of the car and allegedly started throwing objects at the woman, he said. Additionally, a witness heard the male threaten the female, Forrester said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584452250917.jpeg" alt="Deric Bell. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Deric Bell. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Through studying area surveillance video, officers were able to identify the male as Deric Bell, 29, of Salina, who had an active warrant from Salina Municipal Court for failure to appear, Forrester said.At approximately 7 p.m. Monday, an officer observed a black 2008 Chevrolet Malibu turn onto North Oakdale Avenue without using a turn signal, Forrester said. When the officer attempted to stop the car in the 200 block of North Oakdale Avenue, the car accelerated and, at times drove at approximately 60 mph through the area, he said.During the chase, the Malibu was westbound on Gypsum Avenue when it attempted, and failed, to turn south onto South Front Street, instead driving into a yard in the 100 block of South Front Street, Forrester explained. The car became disabled and the driver, Bell, was arrested on the active warrant, and on suspicion of the following, Forrester said.For the March 9 incident:Aggravated assaultCriminal threatDomestic violence assaultDriving while revokedReckless drivingFor the Monday night incident:Felony flee and eludeDriving while revokedNo proof of insuranceImproper driving on laned roadwaysSeven counts of failure to stop at a stopsignFour counts of not using a turn signalSpeedingReckless driving<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584452505496.jpeg" alt="Alexandria Moreno. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Alexandria Moreno. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Forrester said that a passenger in the vehicle, Alexandria Moreno, 28, of Salina, told police that she was the woman involved the March 9 incident. Moreno also had an active warrant and was arrested, he said. According to the Saline County Jail booking log, Moreno was booked into jail for probation violation and failure to appear.

Wanted Salina man arrested after Monday chase

The Salina Housing Authority is closing to the public in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Following is a statement issued this morning by the housing authority.

Salina Housing Authority will be closing its office to the public starting Wednesday, March 18th. All transactions will be handled by phone, mail, other communication or scheduled appointments until further notice.

The Salina Housing Authority is closing to the public in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.Following is a statement issued this morning by the housing authority.Salina Housing Authority will be closing its office to the public starting Wednesday, March 18th. All transactions will be handled by phone, mail, other communication or scheduled appointments until further notice.

Salina Housing Authority closing to public

The Smoky Hill Museum has closed in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.

Following is a statement from the museum.

In an effort to comply with the federal government recommendations announced Monday and reduce public exposure to COVID-19, it’s with a heavy heart that we announce the Smoky Hill Museum will be closed to the public starting today, March 17, 2020. We will continue to monitor the region’s response to COVID-19 and will announce when we reopen to the public. Administrative offices will remain open at this time.

The Smoky Hill Museum has always been committed to the well-being of our community. We believe this decision is the right one in order to do our part in protecting public health and shortening the duration of COVID-19.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time. We wish you and your family good health.

The Smoky Hill Museum has closed in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.Following is a statement from the museum.In an effort to comply with the federal government recommendations announced Monday and reduce public exposure to COVID-19, it’s with a heavy heart that we announce the Smoky Hill Museum will be closed to the public starting today, March 17, 2020. We will continue to monitor the region’s response to COVID-19 and will announce when we reopen to the public. Administrative offices will remain open at this time.The Smoky Hill Museum has always been committed to the well-being of our community. We believe this decision is the right one in order to do our part in protecting public health and shortening the duration of COVID-19.Thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time. We wish you and your family good health.

Smoky Hill Museum closes in response to COVID-19

CONCORDIA -- Concordia USD 333 has announced its teachers of the year. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD-333-Concordia-Schools-125974267470852/">USD 333 Concordia Schools</a> Facebook page:

CONCORDIA -- Concordia USD 333 has announced its teachers of the year. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD-333-Concordia-Schools-125974267470852/">USD 333 Concordia Schools</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D2731680970233489%26id%3D125974267470852&width=500" width="500" height="762" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Concordia USD 333 announces teachers of the year

Everything got different last week under the Dome.

After legislators spent weeks reading and listening to news about the coronavirus, or&nbsp; COVID-19 as it’s called by heath experts, they quietly and with whispers learned that a member of the Legislature who had been sneezing was tested for the sometimes-fatal disease. The lawmaker tested negative over the weekend–doesn’t have it.

The news doesn’t get much better than that in the culture that lives under the Dome and chats elbow-to-elbow at the third-floor Rail, and crowds into elevators and, well, generally lives in a building only slightly less crowded than a prison yard.

No COVID-19 here, that they know of…for now...

Look for legislators to want to quickly pass at least a preliminary budget bill for the rest of this fiscal year and next year that starts July 1 for state finance purposes. Then, if the Legislature should have to adjourn or take weeks off while the coronavirus hopefully wanes, there’s enough money to run the state and care for and test Kansans due to this health issue. That budget could, of course, be beefed up at the veto session which starts in late April for a final product.

But…that first budget which is very important becomes a vehicle for spending that lawmakers want for other reasons. If they get their amendments, they’ll vote for the bill, if enough don’t, well, their bargaining power increases dramatically. Everyone knows how that works, don’t we…?

The budget is, of course, No. 1. But what about, say, sports gambling, or a new highway plan, or job protection and equal rights for LGBTQ Kansans? Everything becomes a bargaining lever.

Fear that COVID-19 could shut down the Legislature, starving state government and the services the budget&nbsp;provides to Kansans, probably became more real last week.

The House last week passed a resolution recognizing the governor’s declaration of an emergency in the state. The Senate hasn’t considered it yet, but it would grant the governor unprecedented authority to act against the disease—and authority to move money within the budget as necessary for that protection of Kansans. That’s a lot of power for a Republican-heavy Legislature to hand to a Democrat governor.

The effect of COVID-19 on the economy of the state is also largely unknown. Will more people lose their jobs, will they need state-financed health care? Would expanding Medicaid, which is 90 percent federal/10 percent state-financed, provide more health care to ill Kansans and therefore make Kansas safer for all of us?

Lawmakers get their best look at the fiscal effect of the disease on April 20, when the state’s Consensus Revenue Estimate of just how much tax money the state is going to receive this year and next is released.

Until lawmakers get the best estimate available of the state’s tax receipts should lawmakers cut taxes? An election year is the politically best time to cut taxes because, well, who doesn’t want their taxes cut? But if the pandemic disease cuts state revenues, can the state afford politically attractive tax cuts? And for whom?

Just what lawmakers do in the next week or so may tell us a lot. They need to be confident that the state will operate and keep us safe from disease before they adjourn the session.

But remember, this is an election year and they’ll have to guess (or maybe poll) to find what concerns voters most.

Oh, and legislators also can’t accept most campaign contributions until sine die adjournment of the Legislature, which closes the session for the year.&nbsp; And yes, some are thinking about that, too…

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141234707.png" alt="Martin Hawver" />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARTIN HAWVEREverything got different last week under the Dome.After legislators spent weeks reading and listening to news about the coronavirus, or&nbsp; COVID-19 as it’s called by heath experts, they quietly and with whispers learned that a member of the Legislature who had been sneezing was tested for the sometimes-fatal disease. The lawmaker tested negative over the weekend–doesn’t have it.The news doesn’t get much better than that in the culture that lives under the Dome and chats elbow-to-elbow at the third-floor Rail, and crowds into elevators and, well, generally lives in a building only slightly less crowded than a prison yard.No COVID-19 here, that they know of…for now...So, what changes?Look for legislators to want to quickly pass at least a preliminary budget bill for the rest of this fiscal year and next year that starts July 1 for state finance purposes. Then, if the Legislature should have to adjourn or take weeks off while the coronavirus hopefully wanes, there’s enough money to run the state and care for and test Kansans due to this health issue. That budget could, of course, be beefed up at the veto session which starts in late April for a final product.But…that first budget which is very important becomes a vehicle for spending that lawmakers want for other reasons. If they get their amendments, they’ll vote for the bill, if enough don’t, well, their bargaining power increases dramatically. Everyone knows how that works, don’t we…?The budget is, of course, No. 1. But what about, say, sports gambling, or a new highway plan, or job protection and equal rights for LGBTQ Kansans? Everything becomes a bargaining lever.Fear that COVID-19 could shut down the Legislature, starving state government and the services the budget&nbsp;provides to Kansans, probably became more real last week.The House last week passed a resolution recognizing the governor’s declaration of an emergency in the state. The Senate hasn’t considered it yet, but it would grant the governor unprecedented authority to act against the disease—and authority to move money within the budget as necessary for that protection of Kansans. That’s a lot of power for a Republican-heavy Legislature to hand to a Democrat governor.The effect of COVID-19 on the economy of the state is also largely unknown. Will more people lose their jobs, will they need state-financed health care? Would expanding Medicaid, which is 90 percent federal/10 percent state-financed, provide more health care to ill Kansans and therefore make Kansas safer for all of us?Lawmakers get their best look at the fiscal effect of the disease on April 20, when the state’s Consensus Revenue Estimate of just how much tax money the state is going to receive this year and next is released.Until lawmakers get the best estimate available of the state’s tax receipts should lawmakers cut taxes? An election year is the politically best time to cut taxes because, well, who doesn’t want their taxes cut? But if the pandemic disease cuts state revenues, can the state afford politically attractive tax cuts? And for whom?***Just what lawmakers do in the next week or so may tell us a lot. They need to be confident that the state will operate and keep us safe from disease before they adjourn the session.But remember, this is an election year and they’ll have to guess (or maybe poll) to find what concerns voters most.Oh, and legislators also can’t accept most campaign contributions until sine die adjournment of the Legislature, which closes the session for the year.&nbsp; And yes, some are thinking about that, too…Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>

At the Rail: COVID-19 concerns have impact on legislature



HAYS – Fort Hays State University and the Kansas Army National Guard have embarked on a new partnership to assist new and current service members in completing the process to become commissioned officers.

The partnership, the only one of its kind in the state of Kansas, is scheduled to start in the fall 2020 semester. To enroll in this Officer Candidate School program, service members attending Fort Hays State will take two classes, one in the fall and one in the spring of their senior year. To enroll, students must be current National Guard members who have completed basic training and OCS Phase 1, and who have completed 90 credit hours of college course work.

Upon graduating from FHSU, they will report to Fort Lewis, Washington, to complete Phase 3 of the OCS program and be commissioned as second lieutenants in the Kansas Army National Guard.

Another innovation to this program is the creation of four classes open to all FHSU students. These on-campus classes will allow students to test out military life and the idea of becoming a military officer. They will also build community among FHSU students by giving them the opportunity to participate in the OCS process earlier than their senior year. &nbsp;

The OCS courses are also part of a future military leadership minor program that will be available at Fort Hays State.

“This program is just one of several examples of FHSU pursuing new and innovative ways to engage the military and better serve current and former members of our nation’s armed forces,” said Dr. Seth Kastle, assistant professor of leadership studies and director of military program innovation at FHSU and co-creator of the program.

In recognition of this innovative partnership, the memorandum of understanding between Fort Hays State and the Kansas Guard will be signed at a ceremony at 1 p.m. Thursday in room 212A-N in the state Capitol, Topeka.

For more information on the OCS Program, please contact Capt. Craig McIntyre at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lonnie.c.mcintyre.mil@mail.mil" target="_blank">lonnie.c.mcintyre.mil@mail.mil</a>. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584416379316.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Picken Hall. Photo courtesy <a href="http://fhsu.edu">FHSU</a>" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Picken Hall. Photo courtesy <a href="http://fhsu.edu">FHSU</a></figcaption>
 </figure>

HAYS – Fort Hays State University and the Kansas Army National Guard have embarked on a new partnership to assist new and current service members in completing the process to become commissioned officers.The partnership, the only one of its kind in the state of Kansas, is scheduled to start in the fall 2020 semester. To enroll in this Officer Candidate School program, service members attending Fort Hays State will take two classes, one in the fall and one in the spring of their senior year. To enroll, students must be current National Guard members who have completed basic training and OCS Phase 1, and who have completed 90 credit hours of college course work.Upon graduating from FHSU, they will report to Fort Lewis, Washington, to complete Phase 3 of the OCS program and be commissioned as second lieutenants in the Kansas Army National Guard.Another innovation to this program is the creation of four classes open to all FHSU students. These on-campus classes will allow students to test out military life and the idea of becoming a military officer. They will also build community among FHSU students by giving them the opportunity to participate in the OCS process earlier than their senior year. &nbsp;The OCS courses are also part of a future military leadership minor program that will be available at Fort Hays State.“This program is just one of several examples of FHSU pursuing new and innovative ways to engage the military and better serve current and former members of our nation’s armed forces,” said Dr. Seth Kastle, assistant professor of leadership studies and director of military program innovation at FHSU and co-creator of the program.In recognition of this innovative partnership, the memorandum of understanding between Fort Hays State and the Kansas Guard will be signed at a ceremony at 1 p.m. Thursday in room 212A-N in the state Capitol, Topeka.For more information on the OCS Program, please contact Capt. Craig McIntyre at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lonnie.c.mcintyre.mil@mail.mil" target="_blank">lonnie.c.mcintyre.mil@mail.mil</a>. &nbsp;

Kansas National Guard, FHSU to create new OCS path

Today is Tuesday, March 17, the 77th day of 2020. There are 289 days left in the year. This is St. Patrick's Day.

On March 17, 1988, Avianca Flight 410, a Boeing 727, crashed after takeoff into a mountain in Colombia, killing all 143 people on board.

In 1762, New York held its first St. Patrick's Day parade.

In 1776, the Revolutionary War Siege of Boston ended as British forces evacuated the city.

In 1912, the Camp Fire Girls organization was incorporated in Washington, D.C., two years to the day after it was founded in Thetford, Vermont. (The group is now known as Camp Fire.)

In 1936, Pittsburgh's Great St. Patrick's Day Flood began as the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers and their tributaries, swollen by rain and melted snow, started exceeding flood stage; the high water was blamed for more than 60 deaths.

In 1958, the U.S. Navy launched the Vanguard 1 satellite.

In 1959, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet for India in the wake of a failed uprising by Tibetans against Chinese rule.

In 1969, Golda Meir became prime minister of Israel.

In 1970, the United States cast its first veto in the U.N. Security Council, killing a resolution that would have condemned Britain for failing to use force to overthrow the white-ruled government of Rhodesia.

In 1973, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Robert L. Stirm, a freed prisoner of the Vietnam War, was joyously greeted by his family at Travis Air Force Base in California in a scene captured in a Pulitzer Prize-winning AP photograph.

In 1992, 29 people were killed in the truck bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In Illinois, Sen. Alan Dixon was defeated in his primary reelection bid by Carol Moseley-Braun, who went on to become the first black woman in the U.S. Senate.

In 2005, baseball players told Congress that steroids were a problem in the sport; stars Rafael Palmeiro and Sammy Sosa testified they hadn't used them while Mark McGwire refused to say whether he had. (McGwire owned up to steroid use in January 2010.)

In 2009, U.S. journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee were detained by North Korea while reporting on North Korean refugees living across the border in China. (Both were convicted of entering North Korea illegally and were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor; both were freed in August 2009 after former President Bill Clinton met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.) The Seattle Post-Intelligencer published its final print edition.

Ten years ago: Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter became the first state chief executive to sign a measure requiring his attorney general to sue Congress if it passed health reforms requiring residents to buy insurance (a mostly symbolic action on Idaho's part, since federal laws supersede those of the states). Michael Jordan became the first ex-player to become a majority owner in the league as the NBA's Board of Governors unanimously approved Jordan's $275 million bid to buy the Charlotte Bobcats from Bob Johnson. Singer-guitarist Alex Chilton, 59, died in New Orleans.

Five years ago: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party won a resounding victory in parliamentary elections after an acrimonious campaign, giving him a mandate to form the next government. U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Ill., abruptly resigned following a cascade of revelations about his business deals and lavish spending on everything from overseas travel to office decor in the style of "Downton Abbey."

One year ago: New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand formally joined the 2020 Democratic presidential race. (She would leave the race in August amid low polling and major fundraising struggles.) Thousands of people paid tribute at makeshift memorials to the victims of a gunman who killed 51 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Today's Birthdays: The former national chairwoman of the NAACP, Myrlie Evers-Williams, is 87. Former astronaut Ken Mattingly is 84. Singer-songwriter Jim Weatherly is 77. Singer-songwriter John Sebastian (The Lovin' Spoonful) is 76. Former NSA Director and former CIA Director Michael Hayden is 75. Rock musician Harold Brown (War; Lowrider Band) is 74. Actor Patrick Duffy is 71. Actor Kurt Russell is 69. Country singer Susie Allanson is 68. Actress Lesley-Anne Down is 66. Actor Mark Boone Jr. is 65. Country singer Paul Overstreet is 65. Actor Gary Sinise is 65. Actor Christian Clemenson is 62. Former basketball and baseball player Danny Ainge is 61. Actor Arye Gross is 60. Actress Vicki Lewis is 60. Actor Casey Siemaszko is 59. Writer-director Rob Sitch is 58. Actor Rob Lowe is 56. Rock singer Billy Corgan is 53. Rock musician Van Conner (Screaming Trees) is 53. Actor Mathew St. Patrick is 52. Actor Yanic Truesdale is 51. Rock musician Melissa Auf der Maur is 48. Olympic gold medal soccer player Mia Hamm is 48. Rock musician Caroline Corr (The Corrs) is 47. Actress Amelia Heinle is 47. Country singer Keifer Thompson (Thompson Square) is 47. Actress Marisa Coughlan is 46. Rapper Swifty (D12) is 45. Actress Natalie Zea is 45. Sports reporter Tracy Wolfson is 45. Actress Brittany Daniel is 44. Singer and TV personality Tamar Braxton is 43. Country musician Geoff Sprung (Old Dominion) is 42. Reggaeton singer Nicky Jam is 39. TV personality Rob Kardashian (TV: "Keeping Up With the Kardashians") is 33. Pop/rock singer-songwriter Hozier is 30. Actress Eliza Hope Bennett is 28. Actor John Boyega is 28. Olympic gold medal swimmer Katie Ledecky is 23. Actor Flynn Morrison is 15.

Thought for Today: "May your neighbors respect you, trouble neglect you, the angels protect you, and heaven accept you." — Irish saying.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Tuesday, March 17, the 77th day of 2020. There are 289 days left in the year. This is St. Patrick's Day.Today's Highlight in History:On March 17, 1988, Avianca Flight 410, a Boeing 727, crashed after takeoff into a mountain in Colombia, killing all 143 people on board.On this date:In 1762, New York held its first St. Patrick's Day parade.In 1776, the Revolutionary War Siege of Boston ended as British forces evacuated the city.In 1912, the Camp Fire Girls organization was incorporated in Washington, D.C., two years to the day after it was founded in Thetford, Vermont. (The group is now known as Camp Fire.)In 1936, Pittsburgh's Great St. Patrick's Day Flood began as the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers and their tributaries, swollen by rain and melted snow, started exceeding flood stage; the high water was blamed for more than 60 deaths.In 1958, the U.S. Navy launched the Vanguard 1 satellite.In 1959, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet for India in the wake of a failed uprising by Tibetans against Chinese rule.In 1969, Golda Meir became prime minister of Israel.In 1970, the United States cast its first veto in the U.N. Security Council, killing a resolution that would have condemned Britain for failing to use force to overthrow the white-ruled government of Rhodesia.In 1973, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Robert L. Stirm, a freed prisoner of the Vietnam War, was joyously greeted by his family at Travis Air Force Base in California in a scene captured in a Pulitzer Prize-winning AP photograph.In 1992, 29 people were killed in the truck bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In Illinois, Sen. Alan Dixon was defeated in his primary reelection bid by Carol Moseley-Braun, who went on to become the first black woman in the U.S. Senate.In 2005, baseball players told Congress that steroids were a problem in the sport; stars Rafael Palmeiro and Sammy Sosa testified they hadn't used them while Mark McGwire refused to say whether he had. (McGwire owned up to steroid use in January 2010.)In 2009, U.S. journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee were detained by North Korea while reporting on North Korean refugees living across the border in China. (Both were convicted of entering North Korea illegally and were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor; both were freed in August 2009 after former President Bill Clinton met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.) The Seattle Post-Intelligencer published its final print edition.Ten years ago: Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter became the first state chief executive to sign a measure requiring his attorney general to sue Congress if it passed health reforms requiring residents to buy insurance (a mostly symbolic action on Idaho's part, since federal laws supersede those of the states). Michael Jordan became the first ex-player to become a majority owner in the league as the NBA's Board of Governors unanimously approved Jordan's $275 million bid to buy the Charlotte Bobcats from Bob Johnson. Singer-guitarist Alex Chilton, 59, died in New Orleans.Five years ago: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party won a resounding victory in parliamentary elections after an acrimonious campaign, giving him a mandate to form the next government. U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Ill., abruptly resigned following a cascade of revelations about his business deals and lavish spending on everything from overseas travel to office decor in the style of "Downton Abbey."One year ago: New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand formally joined the 2020 Democratic presidential race. (She would leave the race in August amid low polling and major fundraising struggles.) Thousands of people paid tribute at makeshift memorials to the victims of a gunman who killed 51 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.Today's Birthdays: The former national chairwoman of the NAACP, Myrlie Evers-Williams, is 87. Former astronaut Ken Mattingly is 84. Singer-songwriter Jim Weatherly is 77. Singer-songwriter John Sebastian (The Lovin' Spoonful) is 76. Former NSA Director and former CIA Director Michael Hayden is 75. Rock musician Harold Brown (War; Lowrider Band) is 74. Actor Patrick Duffy is 71. Actor Kurt Russell is 69. Country singer Susie Allanson is 68. Actress Lesley-Anne Down is 66. Actor Mark Boone Jr. is 65. Country singer Paul Overstreet is 65. Actor Gary Sinise is 65. Actor Christian Clemenson is 62. Former basketball and baseball player Danny Ainge is 61. Actor Arye Gross is 60. Actress Vicki Lewis is 60. Actor Casey Siemaszko is 59. Writer-director Rob Sitch is 58. Actor Rob Lowe is 56. Rock singer Billy Corgan is 53. Rock musician Van Conner (Screaming Trees) is 53. Actor Mathew St. Patrick is 52. Actor Yanic Truesdale is 51. Rock musician Melissa Auf der Maur is 48. Olympic gold medal soccer player Mia Hamm is 48. Rock musician Caroline Corr (The Corrs) is 47. Actress Amelia Heinle is 47. Country singer Keifer Thompson (Thompson Square) is 47. Actress Marisa Coughlan is 46. Rapper Swifty (D12) is 45. Actress Natalie Zea is 45. Sports reporter Tracy Wolfson is 45. Actress Brittany Daniel is 44. Singer and TV personality Tamar Braxton is 43. Country musician Geoff Sprung (Old Dominion) is 42. Reggaeton singer Nicky Jam is 39. TV personality Rob Kardashian (TV: "Keeping Up With the Kardashians") is 33. Pop/rock singer-songwriter Hozier is 30. Actress Eliza Hope Bennett is 28. Actor John Boyega is 28. Olympic gold medal swimmer Katie Ledecky is 23. Actor Flynn Morrison is 15.Thought for Today: "May your neighbors respect you, trouble neglect you, the angels protect you, and heaven accept you." — Irish saying.Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- March 17

CONCORDIA -- The Cloud County Health Center has issued a statement concerning the COVID-19 outbreak. It is as follows.

With the ever evolving concern surrounding COVID-19, Cloud County Health Center is asking members of our community to help us as we do our part to make sure our healthcare campus is safe for our patients, our staff and anyone who seeks our care. Beginning 7am Tuesday March 17, 2020 Cloud County Health Center will have restricted access.

Restricted access does not mean that we will be discontinuing services, but rather having a restricted and controlled access to the facility for your safety.

•Call ahead if you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 so that we can prepare to meet you upon arrival

•Entrance to the facility will be through the main doors only

•Ambulance entrance is for ambulances only. All others need to enter through the main entrance

•Required screening of all patients and visitors. Screening is different from testing for the virus

•Public will be asked appropriate screening questions by a member of our staff prior to entering the building

•After screening, anyone that may need testing for COVID-19 will be escorted by clinical personnel to a pre-designated location within the facility

•No non-essential vendors allowed in the facility

•No patient visitors from 6pm – 7am Mon-Fri , 4pm – 10am Sat/Sun

•Cafeteria will be closed to the public

•We will be restricting patient visitors to one healthy adult visitor per patient whether it be inpatient, outpatient or emergency room

CONCORDIA -- The Cloud County Health Center has issued a statement concerning the COVID-19 outbreak. It is as follows.With the ever evolving concern surrounding COVID-19, Cloud County Health Center is asking members of our community to help us as we do our part to make sure our healthcare campus is safe for our patients, our staff and anyone who seeks our care. Beginning 7am Tuesday March 17, 2020 Cloud County Health Center will have restricted access. Restricted access does not mean that we will be discontinuing services, but rather having a restricted and controlled access to the facility for your safety.What this means is:•Call ahead if you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 so that we can prepare to meet you upon arrival•Entrance to the facility will be through the main doors only•Ambulance entrance is for ambulances only. All others need to enter through the main entrance•Required screening of all patients and visitors. Screening is different from testing for the virus•Public will be asked appropriate screening questions by a member of our staff prior to entering the building•After screening, anyone that may need testing for COVID-19 will be escorted by clinical personnel to a pre-designated location within the facility•No non-essential vendors allowed in the facility•No patient visitors from 6pm – 7am Mon-Fri , 4pm – 10am Sat/Sun•Cafeteria will be closed to the public•We will be restricting patient visitors to one healthy adult visitor per patient whether it be inpatient, outpatient or emergency room

Cloud County Health Center issues COVID-19 statement

CLAY CENTER -- Clay County Medical Center is expanding its precautionary measures to protect patients, team members, and the communities we serve by taking the following measures effective Monday.

•All support groups and outside programs will be postponed until further notice. This includes our Stroke, Better Breathers, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Caregiver Support Groups.

•Our Lunch Bunch program, which is held the third Wednesday of every month, will be postponed until further notice.

•The Groundbreaking Ceremony and Open House for Riley Family Physicians on Thursday, March 19, 2020 has been cancelled.

“We are making the best decisions we can to protect our patients, team members, and the communities we serve.” said Austin Gillard, CEO of CCMC. “We are taking the virus seriously, and are working on plans to activate should Clay County, or one of our neighboring counties be affected,”

CLAY CENTER -- Clay County Medical Center is expanding its precautionary measures to protect patients, team members, and the communities we serve by taking the following measures effective Monday.•All support groups and outside programs will be postponed until further notice. This includes our Stroke, Better Breathers, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Caregiver Support Groups.•Our Lunch Bunch program, which is held the third Wednesday of every month, will be postponed until further notice.•The Groundbreaking Ceremony and Open House for Riley Family Physicians on Thursday, March 19, 2020 has been cancelled.“We are making the best decisions we can to protect our patients, team members, and the communities we serve.” said Austin Gillard, CEO of CCMC. “We are taking the virus seriously, and are working on plans to activate should Clay County, or one of our neighboring counties be affected,”

Clay County Medical Center enhances precautions

As of today, March 16th, 2020, Saline County has not had any positive cases of COVID-19. Tests have been performed and sent to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, but all tests that have been received have been negative at this time.

President Trump issued an address today urging citizens to slow the spread of COVID-19 recommending “15 Days to Slow the Spread.” In his address, recommendations are as follows which is supported by the Saline County Health Department:

• If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.

• If you children are sick, keep them at home.

• Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.

• If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.

• If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system) stay home from other people.

Saline County has cancelled the public meeting scheduled for March 17th, 2020. The City of Salina has also cancelled all public meetings. Additional information regarding various County and City boards and commission meetings will be provided in the near future once there has been an opportunity to review the most recent guidance in further detail and consider alternate meeting formats.

The Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment (KDHE) issued new recommendations for quarantine and isolation of travelers, close contacts of confirmed cases and those being tested yesterday. KDHE is now recommending 14-day home quarantine for Kansans who have:

• Traveled to a state with known widespread community transmission (currently California, New York, and Washington state) on or after March 15th.

• Visited Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties in Colorado with in the past week. This includes many of the popular skiing destinations such as Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen.

• Traveled on a cruise ship on or after March 15th.

• Traveled internationally on or after March 15th.

• Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.

• See more of the recommendations from KDHE at:

<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/3-15-20%20Quarantine%20recommendations%20FINAL.pdf">https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/3-15-20%20Quarantine%20recommendations%20FINAL.pdf</a>

The Kansas Corporation Commission has issued an emergency order suspending all utility disconnects until April 15th to offer relief to those experiencing potential hardship from the COVID-19 virus. For more information visit: <a href="https://kcc.ks.gov/">https://kcc.ks.gov/</a>

The Health Department and Public Safety Agencies are following all of the guidance that has been issued by Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment and the Centers for Disease Control.

These agencies have excellent information that is constantly being updated:

<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/</a> or <a href="http://www.cdc.gov">www.cdc.gov</a> .

We cannot stress enough the importance of preventing the spread of diseases by:

• If you have concerns of your health condition, please call your healthcare provider.

As of today, March 16th, 2020, Saline County has not had any positive cases of COVID-19. Tests have been performed and sent to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, but all tests that have been received have been negative at this time.President Trump issued an address today urging citizens to slow the spread of COVID-19 recommending “15 Days to Slow the Spread.” In his address, recommendations are as follows which is supported by the Saline County Health Department:• If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.• If you children are sick, keep them at home.• Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.• Avoiding discretionary travel.• If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.• If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system) stay home from other people.Saline County has cancelled the public meeting scheduled for March 17th, 2020. The City of Salina has also cancelled all public meetings. Additional information regarding various County and City boards and commission meetings will be provided in the near future once there has been an opportunity to review the most recent guidance in further detail and consider alternate meeting formats.The Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment (KDHE) issued new recommendations for quarantine and isolation of travelers, close contacts of confirmed cases and those being tested yesterday. KDHE is now recommending 14-day home quarantine for Kansans who have:• Traveled to a state with known widespread community transmission (currently California, New York, and Washington state) on or after March 15th.• Visited Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties in Colorado with in the past week. This includes many of the popular skiing destinations such as Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen.• Traveled on a cruise ship on or after March 15th.• Traveled internationally on or after March 15th.• Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.• See more of the recommendations from KDHE at:<a href="https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/3-15-20%20Quarantine%20recommendations%20FINAL.pdf">https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/3-15-20%20Quarantine%20recommendations%20FINAL.pdf</a>The Kansas Corporation Commission has issued an emergency order suspending all utility disconnects until April 15th to offer relief to those experiencing potential hardship from the COVID-19 virus. For more information visit: <a href="https://kcc.ks.gov/">https://kcc.ks.gov/</a>The Health Department and Public Safety Agencies are following all of the guidance that has been issued by Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment and the Centers for Disease Control.These agencies have excellent information that is constantly being updated:<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/</a> or <a href="http://www.cdc.gov">www.cdc.gov</a> .We cannot stress enough the importance of preventing the spread of diseases by:• Staying at home if you are sick.• Washing your hands.• Covering your sneezes and coughs.• If you have concerns of your health condition, please call your healthcare provider.

Saline County COVID-19 update -- March 16

Salina USD 305 had canceled all activities through May 9.

Following is a statement just released from USD 305.

Salina Public Schools has been monitoring the rapidly changing 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Based upon current guidance about limiting the size of groups all activities are canceled through May 9, 2020.

At this time, school is canceled for the week of March 16-20 and students are encouraged to stay at home during this time. Everyone is asked to continue to work together, practice social distancing and good hygiene habits:

•WASH hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.

•AVOID touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

•AVOID contact with people who are sick.

•STAY home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.

•COVER your mouth-nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

The health, safety and well-being of our community is the priority. District administrators remain in close contact with public health and education officials (KDHE, KSDE, Saline County Health Department, collaborating and complying with their guidance.

Salina Public Schools will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Check the district website @USD305.com for additional resources, updates and communications to families.

Salina USD 305 had canceled all activities through May 9.Following is a statement just released from USD 305.Salina Public Schools has been monitoring the rapidly changing 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Based upon current guidance about limiting the size of groups all activities are canceled through May 9, 2020.At this time, school is canceled for the week of March 16-20 and students are encouraged to stay at home during this time. Everyone is asked to continue to work together, practice social distancing and good hygiene habits:•WASH hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.•AVOID touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.•AVOID contact with people who are sick.•STAY home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.•COVER your mouth-nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.The health, safety and well-being of our community is the priority. District administrators remain in close contact with public health and education officials (KDHE, KSDE, Saline County Health Department, collaborating and complying with their guidance.Salina Public Schools will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Check the district website @USD305.com for additional resources, updates and communications to families.

Salina USD 305 cancels all activities through May 9

Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC) has announced that it will begin screening visitors in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Following is a statement released this afternoon by SRHC.

To help protect our patients and staff from exposure during the coronavirus outbreak, Salina Regional Health Center will screen all visitors entering the hospital starting Tuesday, March 17th. Visitors need to enter through the main entrance lobby doors off Santa Fe to be screened. For those coming to Veridian Behavioral Health, Wound Care Clinic or Outpatient Rehab you may enter through the North Entrance off South Street where you will be screened before entering. For those that are coming for Infusion Therapy, please continue to enter through the Infusion Therapy entrance as usual where you will also be screened. Persons requiring emergency treatment should continue to present to the Emergency Department entrance. All other entrances will be locked to the public.

Lindsborg Community Hospital and Cloud County Health Center are also implementing screenings at the main doors of their facilities.

Screening is different from testing for the virus. Hospital staff screeners will ask visitors a series of questions related to whether the visitor is experiencing any respiratory symptoms that include fever, cough or shortness of breath. They will also be asked questions related to previous travel and previous exposure to anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

In addition, all three hospitals will be strictly enforcing visitor restrictions during this time. All patients will be limited to one visitor who is a non-sick immediate family member.

Protecting the health of our community is our first priority. As we work to slow the spread of COVID-19 everyone can play a role in taking preventive actions as part of their everyday lives.

Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC) has announced that it will begin screening visitors in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.Following is a statement released this afternoon by SRHC.To help protect our patients and staff from exposure during the coronavirus outbreak, Salina Regional Health Center will screen all visitors entering the hospital starting Tuesday, March 17th. Visitors need to enter through the main entrance lobby doors off Santa Fe to be screened. For those coming to Veridian Behavioral Health, Wound Care Clinic or Outpatient Rehab you may enter through the North Entrance off South Street where you will be screened before entering. For those that are coming for Infusion Therapy, please continue to enter through the Infusion Therapy entrance as usual where you will also be screened. Persons requiring emergency treatment should continue to present to the Emergency Department entrance. All other entrances will be locked to the public.Lindsborg Community Hospital and Cloud County Health Center are also implementing screenings at the main doors of their facilities.Screening is different from testing for the virus. Hospital staff screeners will ask visitors a series of questions related to whether the visitor is experiencing any respiratory symptoms that include fever, cough or shortness of breath. They will also be asked questions related to previous travel and previous exposure to anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.In addition, all three hospitals will be strictly enforcing visitor restrictions during this time. All patients will be limited to one visitor who is a non-sick immediate family member.Protecting the health of our community is our first priority. As we work to slow the spread of COVID-19 everyone can play a role in taking preventive actions as part of their everyday lives.

SRHC to begin screening visitors on Tuesday

Tony's Pizza Events Center has postponed events through May 11.

Following is a statement issued this afternoon by Tony's Pizza Events Center.

Today, the Saline County Health Department urged that gatherings of 50 people or more be canceled or postponed to help slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, the City of Salina has directed Tony’s Pizza Events Center to postpone all gatherings through May 11, 2020.

We are currently working to reschedule all performances March 17th to May 10th and will provide updates as quickly as possible.

Please note fans are encouraged to retain their tickets until the new date is announced.

The following events have been postponed:

• March 21st, Salina Liberty Indoor Football

• March 24th-26th, MidAmerica Farm Expo

• March 28th, Salina Liberty Indoor Football

• April 4th, Salina Liberty Indoor Football

• April 17th-19th, Salina Shrine Circus

• April 24th, The Charlie Daniels Band &amp; Marshall Tucker Band

• April 30th, Salina Women’s Fair

Tony's Pizza Events Center has postponed events through May 11.Following is a statement issued this afternoon by Tony's Pizza Events Center.Today, the Saline County Health Department urged that gatherings of 50 people or more be canceled or postponed to help slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, the City of Salina has directed Tony’s Pizza Events Center to postpone all gatherings through May 11, 2020.We are currently working to reschedule all performances March 17th to May 10th and will provide updates as quickly as possible.Please note fans are encouraged to retain their tickets until the new date is announced.The following events have been postponed:• March 21st, Salina Liberty Indoor Football• March 24th-26th, MidAmerica Farm Expo• March 28th, Salina Liberty Indoor Football• April 4th, Salina Liberty Indoor Football• April 17th-19th, Salina Shrine Circus• April 24th, The Charlie Daniels Band &amp; Marshall Tucker Band• April 30th, Salina Women’s Fair• May 10th, Salina Liberty Indoor FootballAt this time, all events after May 11, 2020, are still scheduled as planned.The safety and well-being of our employees, partners, performers, athletes and guests is our top priority. We will continue to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local authorities as the situation develops.Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated. We will email patrons directly regarding the status of each performance as details are confirmed, and the most up-to-date status for each event will be available on our website and social media channels.

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