PRATT – Looking to catch a fish, and don’t care whether it’s a crappie, bass or “whatever?” There’s a list for that. 

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) “Whatever’s Biting” list ranks waters that provide good fishing for a variety of species. The idea for this list came about from KDWPT fisheries biologists who noted that when creel survey clerks asked anglers what they were fishing for, many had replied, “Whatever’s biting.”

Here’s how it works. Kansas’ top “Whatever’s Biting” waters are each assigned a total score based off of the water’s “Density Ratings” for select species, as seen in the&nbsp;2020 Kansas Fishing Forecast&nbsp;(<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Fishing-Forecast">ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Fishing-Forecast</a>). Density Ratings identify how many high-quality sized fish a water contains. For example, a lake may have a lot of crappie, but few fish over 8 inches; therefore, Density Ratings are a good way to determine which lakes to fish for the greatest opportunity of catching quality fish.

Top 10 lakes in the 2020 “Whatever’s Biting” list received scores based on the lake’s combined Density Ratings for bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish and crappie. For reservoirs, the scores are a composite of Density Ratings for black bass (smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass, channel catfish, crappie, percids (walleye and saugeye) and temperate basses (white bass, striped bass and wipers). &nbsp;

Cast a line into one of Kansas’ top “Whatever’s Biting” waters for 2020; chances are, you’ll catch whatever’s out there. &nbsp;

For species specific information, view the&nbsp;2020 Kansas Fishing Forecast&nbsp;here:&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Fishing-Forecast">https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Fishing-Forecast</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584213719865.jpeg" alt="Fish photo courtesy KDWPT" />
 <figcaption>Fish photo courtesy KDWPT</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT – Looking to catch a fish, and don’t care whether it’s a crappie, bass or “whatever?” There’s a list for that. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) “Whatever’s Biting” list ranks waters that provide good fishing for a variety of species. The idea for this list came about from KDWPT fisheries biologists who noted that when creel survey clerks asked anglers what they were fishing for, many had replied, “Whatever’s biting.”Here’s how it works. Kansas’ top “Whatever’s Biting” waters are each assigned a total score based off of the water’s “Density Ratings” for select species, as seen in the&nbsp;2020 Kansas Fishing Forecast&nbsp;(<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Fishing-Forecast">ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Fishing-Forecast</a>). Density Ratings identify how many high-quality sized fish a water contains. For example, a lake may have a lot of crappie, but few fish over 8 inches; therefore, Density Ratings are a good way to determine which lakes to fish for the greatest opportunity of catching quality fish.Top 10 lakes in the 2020 “Whatever’s Biting” list received scores based on the lake’s combined Density Ratings for bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish and crappie. For reservoirs, the scores are a composite of Density Ratings for black bass (smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass, channel catfish, crappie, percids (walleye and saugeye) and temperate basses (white bass, striped bass and wipers). &nbsp;Cast a line into one of Kansas’ top “Whatever’s Biting” waters for 2020; chances are, you’ll catch whatever’s out there. &nbsp;Top 10 Lakes<ol>
 <li>Plainville Lake, Rooks County</li><li>Rooks County State Lake</li><li>Cowley County State Fishing Lake</li><li>Eureka City Lake, Greenwood County</li><li>Howard-Polk Daniels Lake, Elk County</li><li>Butler County State Fishing Lake</li><li>Chanute City Lake, Neosho County</li><li>Osawatomie City Lake, Miami County</li><li>Wilson County State Fishing Lake</li><li>Antelope Lake, Graham County</li>
 </ol>Top 10 Reservoirs<ol>
 <li>Glen Elder Reservoir, Mitchell and Osborne counties</li><li>Kanopolis Reservoir, Ellsworth County</li><li>Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County</li><li>Lovewell Reservoir, Jewell County</li><li>Kirwin Reservoir, Phillips County</li><li>Webster Reservoir, Rooks County</li><li>Marion Reservoir, Marion County</li><li>Wilson Reservoir, Russell and Lincoln counties</li><li>Big Hill Reservoir, Labette County</li><li>Melvern Reservoir, Osage County</li>
 </ol>For species specific information, view the&nbsp;2020 Kansas Fishing Forecast&nbsp;here:&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Fishing-Forecast">https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Fishing-Forecast</a>.

Catch rates high at state's top 'whatever’s biting' waters

Today is Sunday, March 15, the 75th day of 2020. There are 291 days left in the year.

On March 15, 1913, President Woodrow Wilson met with about 100 reporters for the first formal presidential press conference.

In 44 B.C., Roman dictator Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of nobles that included Brutus and Cassius.

In 1493, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus arrived back in the Spanish harbor of Palos de la Frontera, two months after concluding his first voyage to the Western Hemisphere.

In 1919, members of the American Expeditionary Force from World War I convened in Paris for a three-day meeting to found the American Legion.

In 1941, Richard C. Hottelet, a correspondent for the United Press, was arrested in Berlin by the German secret police on suspicion of espionage. (Hottelet was released four months later in a prisoner exchange.)

In 1944, during World War II, Allied bombers again raided German-held Monte Cassino.

In 1956, the Lerner and Loewe musical play "My Fair Lady," based on Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion," opened on Broadway.

In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson, addressing a joint session of Congress, called for new legislation to guarantee every American's right to vote. The result was passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

In 1985, the first internet domain name, symbolics.com, was registered by the Symbolics Computer Corp. of Massachusetts.

In 1998, CBS' "60 Minutes" aired an interview with former White House employee Kathleen Willey, who said President Bill Clinton had made unwelcome sexual advances toward her in the Oval Office in 1993, a charge denied by the president. Dr. Benjamin Spock, whose child care guidance spanned half a century, died in San Diego at 94.

In 1999, an Amtrak train slammed into a steel-filled truck at a crossing in Bourbonnais, Illinois, killing 11 people.

In 2005, former WorldCom chief Bernard Ebbers was convicted in New York of engineering the largest corporate fraud in U.S. history. (He was later sentenced to 25 years in prison.)

Ten years ago: Michael David Barrett, an insurance executive who'd shot surreptitious hotel videos of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews, was sentenced in federal court in Los Angeles to 2 1/2 years in prison. (He was released in July 2012.) The United States demanded that Israel call off a contentious building project in east Jerusalem.

Five years ago: The United States and Iran plunged back into negotiations in Lausanne, Switzerland, hoping to end a decades-long standoff on Iran's nuclear program. A pair of suicide bombers attacked two churches in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, killing at least 15 people. Mike Porcaro, 59, who'd carved out a long, successful career as the bass player for the award-winning pop group Toto, died in Los Angeles. Actress-dancer Sally Forrest, 86, died in Beverly Hills, California.

One year ago: A gunman killed 51 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, streaming the massacre live on Facebook; Brenton Tarrant, an Australian white supremacist, is awaiting trial on charges including 51 counts of murder. President Donald Trump issued the first veto of his presidency, rejecting an effort by Congress to block the emergency declaration he had used to try to shake loose funding for his border wall; lawmakers failed to override the veto.

Today's Birthdays: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 87. Actor Judd Hirsch is 85. Jazz musician Charles Lloyd is 82. Rock musician Phil Lesh is 80. Singer Mike Love (The Beach Boys) is 79. Rock singer-musician Sly Stone is 77. Rock singer-musician Howard Scott (War; Lowrider Band) is 74. Rock singer Ry Cooder is 73. Actress Frances Conroy is 67. Actor Craig Wasson is 66. Rock singer Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) is 65. Actor Joaquim de Almeida is 63. Actress Park Overall is 63. Movie director Renny Harlin is 61. Model Fabio is 59. Singer Terence Trent D'Arby (AKA Sananda Maitreya) is 58. Rock singer Bret Michaels (Poison) is 57. Rhythm-and-blues singer Rockwell is 56. Actor Chris Bruno is 54. Actress Kim Raver is 53. Rock singer Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray) is 52. Rock musician Mark Hoppus is 48. Country singer-musician Matt Thomas (Parmalee) is 46. Actress Eva Longoria is 45. Rapper-musician will.i.am (Black Eyed Peas) is 45. Rock DJ Joseph Hahn (Linkin Park) is 43. Rapper Young Buck is 39. Rock musician Ethan Mentzer is 38. Actor Sean Biggerstaff is 37. Actor Kellan Lutz is 35. Actress Caitlin Wachs is 31.

Thought for Today: "There are no hopeless situations; there are only men who have grown helpless about them." — Clare Boothe Luce, American author, diplomat, member of Congress (1903-1987).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Sunday, March 15, the 75th day of 2020. There are 291 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 15, 1913, President Woodrow Wilson met with about 100 reporters for the first formal presidential press conference.On this date:In 44 B.C., Roman dictator Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of nobles that included Brutus and Cassius.In 1493, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus arrived back in the Spanish harbor of Palos de la Frontera, two months after concluding his first voyage to the Western Hemisphere.In 1820, Maine became the 23rd state.In 1919, members of the American Expeditionary Force from World War I convened in Paris for a three-day meeting to found the American Legion.In 1941, Richard C. Hottelet, a correspondent for the United Press, was arrested in Berlin by the German secret police on suspicion of espionage. (Hottelet was released four months later in a prisoner exchange.)In 1944, during World War II, Allied bombers again raided German-held Monte Cassino.In 1956, the Lerner and Loewe musical play "My Fair Lady," based on Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion," opened on Broadway.In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson, addressing a joint session of Congress, called for new legislation to guarantee every American's right to vote. The result was passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.In 1985, the first internet domain name, symbolics.com, was registered by the Symbolics Computer Corp. of Massachusetts.In 1998, CBS' "60 Minutes" aired an interview with former White House employee Kathleen Willey, who said President Bill Clinton had made unwelcome sexual advances toward her in the Oval Office in 1993, a charge denied by the president. Dr. Benjamin Spock, whose child care guidance spanned half a century, died in San Diego at 94.In 1999, an Amtrak train slammed into a steel-filled truck at a crossing in Bourbonnais, Illinois, killing 11 people.In 2005, former WorldCom chief Bernard Ebbers was convicted in New York of engineering the largest corporate fraud in U.S. history. (He was later sentenced to 25 years in prison.)Ten years ago: Michael David Barrett, an insurance executive who'd shot surreptitious hotel videos of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews, was sentenced in federal court in Los Angeles to 2 1/2 years in prison. (He was released in July 2012.) The United States demanded that Israel call off a contentious building project in east Jerusalem.Five years ago: The United States and Iran plunged back into negotiations in Lausanne, Switzerland, hoping to end a decades-long standoff on Iran's nuclear program. A pair of suicide bombers attacked two churches in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, killing at least 15 people. Mike Porcaro, 59, who'd carved out a long, successful career as the bass player for the award-winning pop group Toto, died in Los Angeles. Actress-dancer Sally Forrest, 86, died in Beverly Hills, California.One year ago: A gunman killed 51 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, streaming the massacre live on Facebook; Brenton Tarrant, an Australian white supremacist, is awaiting trial on charges including 51 counts of murder. President Donald Trump issued the first veto of his presidency, rejecting an effort by Congress to block the emergency declaration he had used to try to shake loose funding for his border wall; lawmakers failed to override the veto.Today's Birthdays: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 87. Actor Judd Hirsch is 85. Jazz musician Charles Lloyd is 82. Rock musician Phil Lesh is 80. Singer Mike Love (The Beach Boys) is 79. Rock singer-musician Sly Stone is 77. Rock singer-musician Howard Scott (War; Lowrider Band) is 74. Rock singer Ry Cooder is 73. Actress Frances Conroy is 67. Actor Craig Wasson is 66. Rock singer Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) is 65. Actor Joaquim de Almeida is 63. Actress Park Overall is 63. Movie director Renny Harlin is 61. Model Fabio is 59. Singer Terence Trent D'Arby (AKA Sananda Maitreya) is 58. Rock singer Bret Michaels (Poison) is 57. Rhythm-and-blues singer Rockwell is 56. Actor Chris Bruno is 54. Actress Kim Raver is 53. Rock singer Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray) is 52. Rock musician Mark Hoppus is 48. Country singer-musician Matt Thomas (Parmalee) is 46. Actress Eva Longoria is 45. Rapper-musician will.i.am (Black Eyed Peas) is 45. Rock DJ Joseph Hahn (Linkin Park) is 43. Rapper Young Buck is 39. Rock musician Ethan Mentzer is 38. Actor Sean Biggerstaff is 37. Actor Kellan Lutz is 35. Actress Caitlin Wachs is 31.Thought for Today: "There are no hopeless situations; there are only men who have grown helpless about them." — Clare Boothe Luce, American author, diplomat, member of Congress (1903-1987).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- March 15

Ell-Saline USD 307 is giving its student an extra day of spring break, according to a letter from Superintendent Brian Rowley.

Following is the letter as posted on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllSalineElementaryCpta/">Ell-Saline Elementary CPTA</a> Facebook page.

In response to the Corona Virus / Covid-19 Situation:

I spent this Saturday afternoon in a virtual meeting with the Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. As I stated in my email yesterday, this is an ever-changing situation and what we decide one day may change soon afterward. We will always make decisions based on the safety of our students and staff and under the expert guidance of the Kansas State Department of Education, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Saline County Health Department.

In the meeting today we were told that nothing had changed overnight but recommendations were clarified. Some of the recommendations are as follows:

Limit classes to 30 students and practice “social-distancing” with a recommendation of keeping students six feet away from each other in the classrooms and cafeterias.

Limit gatherings of longer than 10 minutes to 100 persons or less.

Encourage students and staff to practice good hygiene / wash hands often throughout the day.

Anyone with an active cough should be sent home.

If a student or staff member is sick, they should not come to school.

Spring Break this past week has made it difficult to prepare our schools for this situation.

In order to better prepare, only staff will report on Monday, March 16th. There will be no school for students on Monday, March 16th.

We will re-evaluate the situation each day as new information and guidance is provided us. Please read the sections below as they may answer some of your questions.

Our job is to provide our students with a quality education in a safe environment. I know that many people have varying opinions about the Corona Virus. We will probably never know if we over-react to this situation but if we are going to err, we want to err on the side of safety for our students and staff.

Brian Rowley, Superintendent USD 307 Ell-Saline

WHY ARE SOME DISTRICTS CANCELLING SCHOOL AND OTHERS ARE NOT?

County Health Departments have the ability to close schools due to a health concern. Each county works independently from the others. KDHE recommendations are that a school will not close without a positively identified case of Covid-19 in the school. The school will then be closed for at least 14 days. Currently we do not have a positive Covid-19 case in Saline County.

CAN I KEEP MY STUDENT HOME FROM SCHOOL?

It is always the parent’s responsibility to make decisions in regards to their child’s safety. We are advised to follow policy in regards to absences but to also work with families while we go through this crisis. While currently the high risk groups are people with existing health issues and those over the age of 60, we will try to work with families that decide to keep their children at home.

If your child has symptoms of any sickness, please keep them at home.

CAN MY CHILD ATTEND SCHOOL IF WE TRAVELED DURING SPRING BREAK?

If you traveled to another country or out-of-state to an area that has Corona Virus outbreaks, you should contact the health department before returning to school. For more information see the CDC website on travel: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/corona.../2019-ncov/travelers/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/corona.../2019-ncov/travelers/index.html</a>

Ell-Saline USD 307 is giving its student an extra day of spring break, according to a letter from Superintendent Brian Rowley.Following is the letter as posted on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EllSalineElementaryCpta/">Ell-Saline Elementary CPTA</a> Facebook page.Dear Parents, Students and StaffIn response to the Corona Virus / Covid-19 Situation:I spent this Saturday afternoon in a virtual meeting with the Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. As I stated in my email yesterday, this is an ever-changing situation and what we decide one day may change soon afterward. We will always make decisions based on the safety of our students and staff and under the expert guidance of the Kansas State Department of Education, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Saline County Health Department.In the meeting today we were told that nothing had changed overnight but recommendations were clarified. Some of the recommendations are as follows:Limit classes to 30 students and practice “social-distancing” with a recommendation of keeping students six feet away from each other in the classrooms and cafeterias.Limit gatherings of longer than 10 minutes to 100 persons or less.Encourage students and staff to practice good hygiene / wash hands often throughout the day.Anyone with an active cough should be sent home.If a student or staff member is sick, they should not come to school.Spring Break this past week has made it difficult to prepare our schools for this situation.In order to better prepare, only staff will report on Monday, March 16th. There will be no school for students on Monday, March 16th.We will re-evaluate the situation each day as new information and guidance is provided us. Please read the sections below as they may answer some of your questions.Our job is to provide our students with a quality education in a safe environment. I know that many people have varying opinions about the Corona Virus. We will probably never know if we over-react to this situation but if we are going to err, we want to err on the side of safety for our students and staff.Brian Rowley, Superintendent USD 307 Ell-SalineWHY ARE SOME DISTRICTS CANCELLING SCHOOL AND OTHERS ARE NOT?County Health Departments have the ability to close schools due to a health concern. Each county works independently from the others. KDHE recommendations are that a school will not close without a positively identified case of Covid-19 in the school. The school will then be closed for at least 14 days. Currently we do not have a positive Covid-19 case in Saline County.CAN I KEEP MY STUDENT HOME FROM SCHOOL?It is always the parent’s responsibility to make decisions in regards to their child’s safety. We are advised to follow policy in regards to absences but to also work with families while we go through this crisis. While currently the high risk groups are people with existing health issues and those over the age of 60, we will try to work with families that decide to keep their children at home.If your child has symptoms of any sickness, please keep them at home.CAN MY CHILD ATTEND SCHOOL IF WE TRAVELED DURING SPRING BREAK?If you traveled to another country or out-of-state to an area that has Corona Virus outbreaks, you should contact the health department before returning to school. For more information see the CDC website on travel: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/corona.../2019-ncov/travelers/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/corona.../2019-ncov/travelers/index.html</a>

No school Monday for Ell-Saline USD 307 students

READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e6ea117afae0f4d5f5d19fc">Latest: USD 305 closing schools Monday-Friday</a>

USD 305 has issued a statement to the media concerning the COVID-19 outbreak. Following is the statement in its entirety.

Salina Public Schools has been monitoring the rapidly changing 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Currently, district staff are working to make adjustments in the schools&nbsp;based upon the guidance from Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE, Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and the Saline County Health Department.

According to the guidance, the size of groups will be limited. “We want to be proactive and implement the recommended steps we have received to date,” explained Linn Exline, superintendent. To plan and organize necessary changes, only staff will attend school on Monday, March 16. Students will get an extra day of spring break and not return until Tuesday, March 17.&nbsp; Exline added, “The spring break extension is not a health department requirement. Having Monday with no students will ensure our staff is ready for students on Tuesday.” Students will return on Tuesday to regular start and dismissal times.

Guidance from KDHE explained how schools differ from large events. In a school, the public health department can identify who had direct contact with an infected individual. Most large gatherings have no record of who attended the event. In addition, schools can put in recommended precautions such as increased handwashing and surface cleaning.

The district is cancelling large events, involving more than 100 individuals, through April 1.&nbsp;Buildings will have information about specific events affected. Events in April and May will be evaluated as more information becomes available. If parents or guardians have questions, they are asked to contact their school directly.

Staff and students returning from travel outside the United States during spring break have to stay home for 14 calendar days from their date of return. Families affected by this requirement are asked to call the school attendance office to notify them.

Parents are asked to remain vigilant. If a student is sick, they must stay home from school. Parents and community members are encouraged to stay informed by turning to credible sources such as&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/0DqCRbFK4WkdN8yhNT-R7w~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgTW6QP0QiaHR0cDovL3d3dy5rZGhla3MuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzL1cHc2Nob29sbUIKAAAQO2xeRVhJj1IiamVubmlmZXIuYnJhZGZvcmR2ZXJub25AdXNkMzA1LmNvbVgEAAAAAQ~~" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/OixsI6BBWl26GEj8U78yDg~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgTW6QP0Q2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5Db1Yvc3VtbWFyeS5odG1sVwdzY2hvb2xtQgoAABA7bF5FWEmPUiJqZW5uaWZlci5icmFkZm9yZHZlcm5vbkB1c2QzMDUuY29tWAQAAAAB" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control (CDC).</a>

Focus in schools continues to be on prevention and preparation. Frequency of student hand washing will be increased. Custodial schedules have been adjusted to provide additional cleaning support when students are in the buildings. School nurses continue to serve as a resource for staff, students, and parents.

Everyone is asked to continue to work together to teach and model good hygiene practices:

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 students is our priority. District administrators remain in close contact with public health and education officials (KDHE, KSDE, Saline County Health Department) and comply with their guidance.&nbsp;

Salina Public Schools will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Parent questions should be directed to the school principal. Check the district website&nbsp;<a href="http://USD305.com">USD305.com</a>&nbsp;for additional resources, updates and communications to families.&nbsp;

READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e6ea117afae0f4d5f5d19fc">Latest: USD 305 closing schools Monday-Friday</a>USD 305 has issued a statement to the media concerning the COVID-19 outbreak. Following is the statement in its entirety.Salina Public Schools has been monitoring the rapidly changing 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Currently, district staff are working to make adjustments in the schools&nbsp;based upon the guidance from Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE, Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and the Saline County Health Department.According to the guidance, the size of groups will be limited. “We want to be proactive and implement the recommended steps we have received to date,” explained Linn Exline, superintendent. To plan and organize necessary changes, only staff will attend school on Monday, March 16. Students will get an extra day of spring break and not return until Tuesday, March 17.&nbsp; Exline added, “The spring break extension is not a health department requirement. Having Monday with no students will ensure our staff is ready for students on Tuesday.” Students will return on Tuesday to regular start and dismissal times.Guidance from KDHE explained how schools differ from large events. In a school, the public health department can identify who had direct contact with an infected individual. Most large gatherings have no record of who attended the event. In addition, schools can put in recommended precautions such as increased handwashing and surface cleaning.The district is cancelling large events, involving more than 100 individuals, through April 1.&nbsp;Buildings will have information about specific events affected. Events in April and May will be evaluated as more information becomes available. If parents or guardians have questions, they are asked to contact their school directly.Staff and students returning from travel outside the United States during spring break have to stay home for 14 calendar days from their date of return. Families affected by this requirement are asked to call the school attendance office to notify them.Parents are asked to remain vigilant. If a student is sick, they must stay home from school. Parents and community members are encouraged to stay informed by turning to credible sources such as&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/0DqCRbFK4WkdN8yhNT-R7w~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgTW6QP0QiaHR0cDovL3d3dy5rZGhla3MuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzL1cHc2Nob29sbUIKAAAQO2xeRVhJj1IiamVubmlmZXIuYnJhZGZvcmR2ZXJub25AdXNkMzA1LmNvbVgEAAAAAQ~~" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/OixsI6BBWl26GEj8U78yDg~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgTW6QP0Q2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy8yMDE5LW5Db1Yvc3VtbWFyeS5odG1sVwdzY2hvb2xtQgoAABA7bF5FWEmPUiJqZW5uaWZlci5icmFkZm9yZHZlcm5vbkB1c2QzMDUuY29tWAQAAAAB" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control (CDC).</a>Focus in schools continues to be on prevention and preparation. Frequency of student hand washing will be increased. Custodial schedules have been adjusted to provide additional cleaning support when students are in the buildings. School nurses continue to serve as a resource for staff, students, and parents.Everyone is asked to continue to work together to teach and model good hygiene practices: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 students is our priority. District administrators remain in close contact with public health and education officials (KDHE, KSDE, Saline County Health Department) and comply with their guidance.&nbsp;Salina Public Schools will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Parent questions should be directed to the school principal. Check the district website&nbsp;<a href="http://USD305.com">USD305.com</a>&nbsp;for additional resources, updates and communications to families.&nbsp;

USD 305 releases info concerning COVID-19 related efforts

UPDATED 4:50 p.m. Sunday: USD is canceling school this week. READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e6ea117afae0f4d5f5d19fc">Latest: USD 305 closing schools Monday-Friday</a>.

News about COVID-19 related issues is fluid, as was demonstrated earlier this evening. USD 305 sent out an update concerning classes next week at the same time we posted our original story. We have removed that story from the website.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e6d80a3afae0f4d5f5d118f">USD 305 releases info concerning COVID-19 related efforts</a>

According to an email sent to parents and guardians at 7:18 p.m. Saturday from Superintendent Linn Exline, USD 305 is giving students an extra day of spring break. 

"To plan and organize necessary changes, we would like only staff to attend school on Monday, March 16. Students will get an extra day of spring break and not return until Tuesday, March 17," the email noted.

We apologize for any confusion our earlier story may have caused. We were using the only information available to us...information from the USD 305 website.

Following is the most recent email from USD 305 to parents and guardians. (To the best of our knowledge!)

We want to reassure you that Salina Public Schools is monitoring the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation. There are currently no known cases of the virus in our area. We continue to base decisions upon the guidance we have received from KDHE, KSDE and the Saline County Health Department.

We want to be proactive and implement the recommended steps we have received to date. To plan and organize necessary changes, we would like only staff to attend school on Monday, March 16. Students will get an extra day of spring break and not return until Tuesday, March 17. The spring break extension is not a health department requirement. Having Monday with no students will ensure our staff is ready for your student on Tuesday.

Why is USD 305 closing only on Monday, March 16? At this time, the guidance provided to us is to remain open. “Closing schools early in the spread of disease for a short time (e.g., 2 weeks) will be unlikely to stem the spread of disease or prevent impact on the health care system, while causing significant disruption for families, schools, and those who may be responding to COVID-19 outbreaks in health care settings. It may also increase impact on older adults who care for grandchildren.” Source: Considerations for School Closure CDC

Why are large events cancelled, but school is not? KDHE says schools are different from large events. In a school, the public health department can identify who had direct contact with an infected individual. Most large gatherings have no record of who attended the event. In addition, schools can put in recommended precautions such as increased handwashing and surface cleaning.

Can I decide to keep my student home because of COVID-19? As always, the final decision about your child attending school is yours. Please notify the school if your student will be absent. Your student’s school will be your resource for missed schoolwork. During this time, we are adjusting attendance policies to hold families harmless regarding truancy.

What if staff or students traveled during spring break? We are asking that all staff and students who traveled outside of the United States stay home for 14 calendar days from the date of return to the United States. If this applies to your family, please call the school attendance office to notify them.

Are school start and dismissal times affected? No. School start and dismissal times are unchanged.

We are committed to communicating with you as soon as new information or facts are available. These letters – and other helpful resources – are archived on our COVID-19 webpage found at <a href="http://usd305.com">usd305.com</a>.

You play an important role. Focusing on facts and remaining calm will help our students, schools, and community. Please help prevent misinformation from spreading – especially on social media – so that fear and speculation do not gain power in this stressful situation.

UPDATED 4:50 p.m. Sunday: USD is canceling school this week. READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e6ea117afae0f4d5f5d19fc">Latest: USD 305 closing schools Monday-Friday</a>.News about COVID-19 related issues is fluid, as was demonstrated earlier this evening. USD 305 sent out an update concerning classes next week at the same time we posted our original story. We have removed that story from the website.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e6d80a3afae0f4d5f5d118f">USD 305 releases info concerning COVID-19 related efforts</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584235149525.jpeg" alt="USD 305 Superintendent Linn Exline. Photo courtesy USD 305" />
 <figcaption>USD 305 Superintendent Linn Exline. Photo courtesy USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure>According to an email sent to parents and guardians at 7:18 p.m. Saturday from Superintendent Linn Exline, USD 305 is giving students an extra day of spring break. "To plan and organize necessary changes, we would like only staff to attend school on Monday, March 16. Students will get an extra day of spring break and not return until Tuesday, March 17," the email noted.We apologize for any confusion our earlier story may have caused. We were using the only information available to us...information from the USD 305 website.Following is the most recent email from USD 305 to parents and guardians. (To the best of our knowledge!)Dear Parents and Guardians,We want to reassure you that Salina Public Schools is monitoring the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation. There are currently no known cases of the virus in our area. We continue to base decisions upon the guidance we have received from KDHE, KSDE and the Saline County Health Department.We want to be proactive and implement the recommended steps we have received to date. To plan and organize necessary changes, we would like only staff to attend school on Monday, March 16. Students will get an extra day of spring break and not return until Tuesday, March 17. The spring break extension is not a health department requirement. Having Monday with no students will ensure our staff is ready for your student on Tuesday.Why is USD 305 closing only on Monday, March 16? At this time, the guidance provided to us is to remain open. “Closing schools early in the spread of disease for a short time (e.g., 2 weeks) will be unlikely to stem the spread of disease or prevent impact on the health care system, while causing significant disruption for families, schools, and those who may be responding to COVID-19 outbreaks in health care settings. It may also increase impact on older adults who care for grandchildren.” Source: Considerations for School Closure CDCWhy are large events cancelled, but school is not? KDHE says schools are different from large events. In a school, the public health department can identify who had direct contact with an infected individual. Most large gatherings have no record of who attended the event. In addition, schools can put in recommended precautions such as increased handwashing and surface cleaning.Can I decide to keep my student home because of COVID-19? As always, the final decision about your child attending school is yours. Please notify the school if your student will be absent. Your student’s school will be your resource for missed schoolwork. During this time, we are adjusting attendance policies to hold families harmless regarding truancy.What if staff or students traveled during spring break? We are asking that all staff and students who traveled outside of the United States stay home for 14 calendar days from the date of return to the United States. If this applies to your family, please call the school attendance office to notify them.Are school start and dismissal times affected? No. School start and dismissal times are unchanged.We are committed to communicating with you as soon as new information or facts are available. These letters – and other helpful resources – are archived on our COVID-19 webpage found at <a href="http://usd305.com">usd305.com</a>.You play an important role. Focusing on facts and remaining calm will help our students, schools, and community. Please help prevent misinformation from spreading – especially on social media – so that fear and speculation do not gain power in this stressful situation.Sincerely,Linn Exline, Superintendent

UPDATED: USD 305 says no school Monday-Friday

Salina Area Technical College has announced that it is canceling some classes next week in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to information from the college, all face-to-face classes have been canceled for Monday through Friday (March 16-20, however, online classes will continue as scheduled.

In-classroom classes are schedule to begin again on March 23, however the college noted that could change.

In a message to the Salina Tech community, President Gregory Nichols wrote:

The situation at Salina Tech has not changed. We have not encountered any case of the virus from any reported source associated with the college. At the current time, advise from public health officials has not changed. However, many of our students are involved in learning situations that involve healthcare facilities that might have higher risk than the college.

The safety of our students and staff is paramount. While I am unsure how we can continue to teach many of our technical classes in a distance format, I am certain that we have exceptional faculty who can work on a strategy to provide the best education possible in this unprecedented situation.

It is important for students and staff to understand that any change in regularly schedule courses may come with unintended consequences for traditional, non-traditional, veteran, and other students. We are weighing the decision with multiple factors in mind. The decision to close for a while or remain open has negative consequences either way.

Therefore, for the health safety of our staff and students I am cancelling face-to-face classes for March 16 - 20. Students that are currently in online classes will continue as scheduled. Students in other classes will resume beginning March 23 until further notice. Please understand that there will likely be some changes in the pace of the material delivered in your remaining classes. We will work together with faculty to make the best decision for shop, clinical, and lab classes. Those decisions will be disseminated as soon as possible.

Gregory A. Nichols&nbsp; President SATC

Salina Area Technical College has announced that it is canceling some classes next week in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.According to information from the college, all face-to-face classes have been canceled for Monday through Friday (March 16-20, however, online classes will continue as scheduled.In-classroom classes are schedule to begin again on March 23, however the college noted that could change.In a message to the Salina Tech community, President Gregory Nichols wrote:The situation at Salina Tech has not changed. We have not encountered any case of the virus from any reported source associated with the college. At the current time, advise from public health officials has not changed. However, many of our students are involved in learning situations that involve healthcare facilities that might have higher risk than the college.The safety of our students and staff is paramount. While I am unsure how we can continue to teach many of our technical classes in a distance format, I am certain that we have exceptional faculty who can work on a strategy to provide the best education possible in this unprecedented situation.It is important for students and staff to understand that any change in regularly schedule courses may come with unintended consequences for traditional, non-traditional, veteran, and other students. We are weighing the decision with multiple factors in mind. The decision to close for a while or remain open has negative consequences either way.Therefore, for the health safety of our staff and students I am cancelling face-to-face classes for March 16 - 20. Students that are currently in online classes will continue as scheduled. Students in other classes will resume beginning March 23 until further notice. Please understand that there will likely be some changes in the pace of the material delivered in your remaining classes. We will work together with faculty to make the best decision for shop, clinical, and lab classes. Those decisions will be disseminated as soon as possible.Be safe and healthy,Gregory A. Nichols&nbsp; President SATC

Salina Tech cancels some classes next week 

The Saline County Health Department continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation at the national, state and local levels. 

The department is in contact with our public safety agencies, schools, and Salina Regional Health Center coordinating plans and procedures.

As of today (March 14, 2020, Saline County has not had any reported cases of COVID-19. Tests have been performed and sent to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, but all have been negative at this time.

The health department and public safety agencies are following all of the guidance that has been issued by Kansas Department of Health and 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>.

School districts are following the guidance from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas State Department of Education. There is no directive that has been issued by either agency to close schools that do not meet the criteria that they have set. This is an evolving situation and their guidance is constantly being updated and being followed by our school districts in cooperation with the Saline County Health Department.

Several questions have been received regarding large gatherings and events. The recommendations are for event organizers to take precautions and if you expect attendees that are most vulnerable to this virus (those that are 60 years of age or older and those that have existing underlying health conditions) to consider delaying or cancelling those events. Promoting proper hygiene practices and keeping those who are sick away from those events is extremely important.

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

· If you have concerns of your health condition, please call your primary care physician first!

The Saline County Health Department continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation at the national, state and local levels. The department is in contact with our public safety agencies, schools, and Salina Regional Health Center coordinating plans and procedures.As of today (March 14, 2020, Saline County has not had any reported cases of COVID-19. Tests have been performed and sent to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, but all have been negative at this time.The health department and public safety agencies are following all of the guidance that has been issued by Kansas Department of Health and 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>.School districts are following the guidance from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas State Department of Education. There is no directive that has been issued by either agency to close schools that do not meet the criteria that they have set. This is an evolving situation and their guidance is constantly being updated and being followed by our school districts in cooperation with the Saline County Health Department.Several questions have been received regarding large gatherings and events. The recommendations are for event organizers to take precautions and if you expect attendees that are most vulnerable to this virus (those that are 60 years of age or older and those that have existing underlying health conditions) to consider delaying or cancelling those events. Promoting proper hygiene practices and keeping those who are sick away from those events is extremely important.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 primary care physician first!

Health dept.: No COVID-19 cases in county yet

UPDATE 6 p.m. Saturday: First Presbyterian Church has notified Salina Post that while its doors will be closed Sunday, its 10 a.m. Sunday service will be broadcast on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM). Additionally, the church's&nbsp; Wednesday services are being canceled.

Salina's First Presbyterian Church has canceled it's Sunday service in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fpcsalinaks/">First Presbyterian Church Salina</a> Facebook page:

UPDATE 6 p.m. Saturday: First Presbyterian Church has notified Salina Post that while its doors will be closed Sunday, its 10 a.m. Sunday service will be broadcast on KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM). Additionally, the church's&nbsp; Wednesday services are being canceled.Salina's First Presbyterian Church has canceled it's Sunday service in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fpcsalinaks/">First Presbyterian Church Salina</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffpcsalinaks%2Fposts%2F10157393275884545&width=500" width="500" height="467" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

UPDATE: First Presbyterian Church to air service on KINA

UPDATE March 16: The Salina Area United Way has closed its VITA tax prep office due to COVID-19 concerns.

Free tax preparation assistance will help you keep more of your hard-earned cash. 

The Salina Area United Way (SAUW) is offering free tax assistance services to individuals and families through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is an IRS-sponsored program. VITA is for moderate and low-income individuals and families, generally with an income of $56,000 and below. It’s providing income tax preparation assistance by trained and certified volunteers.&nbsp;

There are no hidden fees with the VITA Program, which has played an important role in Salina for over 19 years. Free means free.&nbsp; 

“Last year, more than 1,600 had tax assistance through the program. Volunteers will provide the same high level of assistance again this year,” said Brenda Gutierrez, SAUW program director. 

In 2018, E-filed total refunds were $1,505,462 for the area. 

“Tell your friends to take advantage of this valuable program,” Gutierrez added.

The program is at 145B South Santa Fe Avenue. Tax assistance is available from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays; 1 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays through April 16. Services are on a first-come-first-served basis by IRS certified volunteers. There is plenty of parking in the City of Salina lots.

Taxpayers must bring a government-issued photo ID, Social Security card, or Social Security number verification letter for all persons named on the tax return, as well as each of their birthdates. They must also bring all income statements including W-2 and 1099 forms for all incomes. Those with health insurance purchased on the marketplace should bring 1095 forms (Affordable Health Care Statements). Taxpayers hoping to claim a Kansas Homestead refund should bring their property tax bills. Those claiming child-care tax credits should bring the total they paid as well as the provider’s tax ID number. Those who wish to receive their refund via direct deposit, or pay their taxes via bank draft should bring a blank check or bank card indicating the account’s routing number and account number. Finally, copies of last year’s state and federal returns are helpful to speed the process of completing this year’s form.

UPDATE March 16: The Salina Area United Way has closed its VITA tax prep office due to COVID-19 concerns.Free tax preparation assistance will help you keep more of your hard-earned cash. The Salina Area United Way (SAUW) is offering free tax assistance services to individuals and families through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is an IRS-sponsored program. VITA is for moderate and low-income individuals and families, generally with an income of $56,000 and below. It’s providing income tax preparation assistance by trained and certified volunteers.&nbsp;There are no hidden fees with the VITA Program, which has played an important role in Salina for over 19 years. Free means free.&nbsp; “Last year, more than 1,600 had tax assistance through the program. Volunteers will provide the same high level of assistance again this year,” said Brenda Gutierrez, SAUW program director. In 2018, E-filed total refunds were $1,505,462 for the area. “Tell your friends to take advantage of this valuable program,” Gutierrez added.The program is at 145B South Santa Fe Avenue. Tax assistance is available from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays; 1 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays through April 16. Services are on a first-come-first-served basis by IRS certified volunteers. There is plenty of parking in the City of Salina lots.Taxpayers must bring a government-issued photo ID, Social Security card, or Social Security number verification letter for all persons named on the tax return, as well as each of their birthdates. They must also bring all income statements including W-2 and 1099 forms for all incomes. Those with health insurance purchased on the marketplace should bring 1095 forms (Affordable Health Care Statements). Taxpayers hoping to claim a Kansas Homestead refund should bring their property tax bills. Those claiming child-care tax credits should bring the total they paid as well as the provider’s tax ID number. Those who wish to receive their refund via direct deposit, or pay their taxes via bank draft should bring a blank check or bank card indicating the account’s routing number and account number. Finally, copies of last year’s state and federal returns are helpful to speed the process of completing this year’s form.

UPDATE: Free tax help canceled due to COVID-19 outbreak

Here's what's new at the Salina Public Library. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary/">Salina Public Library</a> Facebook page:

Here's what's new at the Salina Public Library. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary/">Salina Public Library</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinapubliclibrary%2Fposts%2F10158290100638140%3A0&width=500" width="500" height="681" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

See what's new at the Salina Public Library

MCPHERSON COUNTY -- A small earthquake shook part of north-central McPherson County early this morning.

According to the Kansas Geological Survey, a 2.3 magnitude quake struck at 4:28 a.m. Saturday. It was located just south of the McPherson County-Saline County line, a little more than five miles east of Interstate 135.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584210530943.jpeg" alt="The location of this morning's quake. Map courtesy KGS" />
 <figcaption>The location of this morning's quake. Map courtesy KGS</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY -- A small earthquake shook part of north-central McPherson County early this morning.According to the Kansas Geological Survey, a 2.3 magnitude quake struck at 4:28 a.m. Saturday. It was located just south of the McPherson County-Saline County line, a little more than five miles east of Interstate 135.

Small quake centered in McPherson County

Unsettled weather is expected over the next three days.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will remain near or a little below normal through Sunday. 

Monday will be warmer with showers and thunderstorms possible in the afternoon and evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584197209681.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Unsettled weather is expected over the next three days.According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will remain near or a little below normal through Sunday. Monday will be warmer with showers and thunderstorms possible in the afternoon and evening.

NWS: Unsettled weather; warmer Monday

Evergy is stepping up in the wake of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EvergyPower/">Evergy</a> Facebook page:

Evergy is stepping up in the wake of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EvergyPower/">Evergy</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEvergyPower%2Fposts%2F10158325870310680%3A0&width=500" width="500" height="595" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Evergy suspends disconnections for nonpayment

The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) has canceled all regional musical festivals.

Given the escalating concerns regarding COVID-19 and the closures of schools and school host sites, all Regional Music Festivals scheduled for March 28 and April 4 have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled. The KSHSAA deeply regrets these lost opportunities, but it is the best decision for the safety of our students, directors, adjudicators and spectators. Note: All other 2020 KSHSAA music festival or KSHSAA speech tournament dates have not been cancelled at this time including State Music Festivals for solos and small ensembles. More information will be given as it becomes available.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) has canceled all regional musical festivals.A notice from the KSHSAA website:Given the escalating concerns regarding COVID-19 and the closures of schools and school host sites, all Regional Music Festivals scheduled for March 28 and April 4 have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled. The KSHSAA deeply regrets these lost opportunities, but it is the best decision for the safety of our students, directors, adjudicators and spectators. Note: All other 2020 KSHSAA music festival or KSHSAA speech tournament dates have not been cancelled at this time including State Music Festivals for solos and small ensembles. More information will be given as it becomes available.

KSHSAA cancels regional musical festivals

LINDSBORG -- Bethany Oratorio Society chorus and orchestra rehearsals for the Messiah Festival of the Arts have been suspended.

Following is an announcement from Bethany College:

In the abundance of caution, the Bethany Oratorio Society chorus and orchestra rehearsals will be suspended for two weeks, meaning there is NO REHEARSAL, March 15, nor March 22. Rehearsal will resume March 29 at 3pm. Women are requested to arrive at 2pm on March 29 (location TBD) to rehearse for Palm Sunday. Thank you in advance for flexibility and understanding.

LINDSBORG -- Bethany Oratorio Society chorus and orchestra rehearsals for the Messiah Festival of the Arts have been suspended.Following is an announcement from Bethany College:In the abundance of caution, the Bethany Oratorio Society chorus and orchestra rehearsals will be suspended for two weeks, meaning there is NO REHEARSAL, March 15, nor March 22. Rehearsal will resume March 29 at 3pm. Women are requested to arrive at 2pm on March 29 (location TBD) to rehearse for Palm Sunday. Thank you in advance for flexibility and understanding.

Bethany Oratorio Society rehearsals suspended

KANSAS CITY, MO.&nbsp; - Due to health precautions regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19, all Kansas City District Visitor Centers are closed. Safety is our number one priority. Nothing is more important than the safety of our visitors, customers, contractors and our people.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide timely updates regarding other potential facility closures at our lakes on our websites and/or social sites.

American the Beautiful passes can still be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm" target="_blank">https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm</a>; USACE pass purchases will not be sold until our Visitor Centers reopen.

Kansas City District Visitor Center locations: Blue Springs, Clinton, Harlan County, Harry S. Truman, Hillsdale,&nbsp;Kanopolis, Long Branch, Longview, Melvern, Milford, Perry, Pomme de Terre, Pomona, Rathbun, Smithville, Stockton, Tuttle Creek,&nbsp;Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584137214558.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, MO.&nbsp; - Due to health precautions regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19, all Kansas City District Visitor Centers are closed. Safety is our number one priority. Nothing is more important than the safety of our visitors, customers, contractors and our people.We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide timely updates regarding other potential facility closures at our lakes on our websites and/or social sites.American the Beautiful passes can still be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm" target="_blank">https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm</a>; USACE pass purchases will not be sold until our Visitor Centers reopen.Kansas City District Visitor Center locations: Blue Springs, Clinton, Harlan County, Harry S. Truman, Hillsdale,&nbsp;Kanopolis, Long Branch, Longview, Melvern, Milford, Perry, Pomme de Terre, Pomona, Rathbun, Smithville, Stockton, Tuttle Creek,&nbsp;Wilson.

Visitors centers at area lakes closed

MANHATTAN – Kansas State University is hoping to give a boost to growing canola in the southern Great Plains as it embarks on developing hybrid varieties that are specific for the region.

“We’ve traditionally developed open pollinated varieties,” said K-State Research and Extension canola breeder Mike Stamm. “Those varieties are developed similarly to how we’ve developed wheat varieties in the sense that you’re selecting lines over many years until you get to what is called a pure line.”

Open pollination relies on varieties that self-seed or receive pollen from nearby plants. 

“A hybrid takes two distinct parents, crosses them together and takes the best traits of both,” Stamm said.

Regardless of the crop grown, hybrids are known to be more vigorous with traits desired for specific growing conditions. K-State’s breeding program, Stamm said, has routinely developed varieties that survive harsh winter conditions well.

Recent K-State trials also indicate that new canola hybrids will have greater lodging tolerance, or able to stand upright in saturated soils.

“Developing hybrids for the southern plains is the next step for our breeding program,” Stamm said. “Hybrids are not new to growers, but developing ones that are adapted to our environmental conditions is something that is new.”

Canola is an alternative winter crop in Kansas and other areas of the southern Great Plains. It is most commonly grown in rotation with wheat, though some growers also rotate the crop with soybean, corn or sorghum.

“Growers know the benefits of crop rotation, especially those who have rotated continuously,” Stamm said. “Wheat growers, in particular, have seen an immediate impact in their yields and quality following canola. The subsequent wheat was 10% to 40% better following canola their first year, especially if that farm had been in continuous wheat for decades.”

As a cooking oil, canola has a good reputation, including a qualified health claim to helping reduce cardiovascular disease. It is the second-most consumed cooking oil in the United States, behind soybean. Canola also has a variety of non-edible uses, such as biodiesel, cosmetics and lubricants.

The majority of U.S. canola is grown in the northern Great Plains, including North Dakota and Minnesota. In 2014, about 400,000 acres in the southern Great Plains – Kansas and Oklahoma, especially – were dedicated to canola.

But inconsistent weather conditions and lower commodity prices for canola have contributed to farmers in the southern Great Plains moving away from growing the crop.

“We’re hoping that our transition to developing more advanced hybrids will produce a step change in the consistency of the crop in the plains,” Stamm said. “Farmers are always clamoring for canola to be as consistent as wheat. By developing hybrids that are adapted to our conditions, we think we can make that next step for the industry.”

Stamm estimated a five to 10-year timeframe for new hybrids to be available publicly from the K-State program, though he and others will be growing and testing new hybrids this fall.

“This is probably the most exciting thing that I’ve worked on in 15 years working with canola,” he said. “This is the thing I hope gets us over the hump.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584146321951.jpeg" alt="A canola field. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>A canola field. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – Kansas State University is hoping to give a boost to growing canola in the southern Great Plains as it embarks on developing hybrid varieties that are specific for the region.“We’ve traditionally developed open pollinated varieties,” said K-State Research and Extension canola breeder Mike Stamm. “Those varieties are developed similarly to how we’ve developed wheat varieties in the sense that you’re selecting lines over many years until you get to what is called a pure line.”Open pollination relies on varieties that self-seed or receive pollen from nearby plants. “A hybrid takes two distinct parents, crosses them together and takes the best traits of both,” Stamm said.Regardless of the crop grown, hybrids are known to be more vigorous with traits desired for specific growing conditions. K-State’s breeding program, Stamm said, has routinely developed varieties that survive harsh winter conditions well.Recent K-State trials also indicate that new canola hybrids will have greater lodging tolerance, or able to stand upright in saturated soils.“Developing hybrids for the southern plains is the next step for our breeding program,” Stamm said. “Hybrids are not new to growers, but developing ones that are adapted to our environmental conditions is something that is new.”Canola is an alternative winter crop in Kansas and other areas of the southern Great Plains. It is most commonly grown in rotation with wheat, though some growers also rotate the crop with soybean, corn or sorghum.“Growers know the benefits of crop rotation, especially those who have rotated continuously,” Stamm said. “Wheat growers, in particular, have seen an immediate impact in their yields and quality following canola. The subsequent wheat was 10% to 40% better following canola their first year, especially if that farm had been in continuous wheat for decades.”As a cooking oil, canola has a good reputation, including a qualified health claim to helping reduce cardiovascular disease. It is the second-most consumed cooking oil in the United States, behind soybean. Canola also has a variety of non-edible uses, such as biodiesel, cosmetics and lubricants.The majority of U.S. canola is grown in the northern Great Plains, including North Dakota and Minnesota. In 2014, about 400,000 acres in the southern Great Plains – Kansas and Oklahoma, especially – were dedicated to canola.But inconsistent weather conditions and lower commodity prices for canola have contributed to farmers in the southern Great Plains moving away from growing the crop.“We’re hoping that our transition to developing more advanced hybrids will produce a step change in the consistency of the crop in the plains,” Stamm said. “Farmers are always clamoring for canola to be as consistent as wheat. By developing hybrids that are adapted to our conditions, we think we can make that next step for the industry.”Stamm estimated a five to 10-year timeframe for new hybrids to be available publicly from the K-State program, though he and others will be growing and testing new hybrids this fall.“This is probably the most exciting thing that I’ve worked on in 15 years working with canola,” he said. “This is the thing I hope gets us over the hump.”

K-State makes move to developing canola hybrids

Today is Saturday, March 14, the 74th day of 2020. There are 292 days left in the year.

On March 14, 1794, Eli Whitney received a patent for his cotton gin, an invention that revolutionized America's cotton industry.

In 1883, German political philosopher Karl Marx died in London at age 64.

In 1885, the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera "The Mikado" premiered at the Savoy Theatre in London.

In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt signed an executive order designed to prevent Japanese laborers from immigrating to the United States as part of a "gentlemen's agreement" with Japan.

In 1962, Democrat Edward M. Kennedy officially launched in Boston his successful candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat from Massachusetts once held by his brother, President John F. Kennedy. (Edward Kennedy served in the Senate for nearly 47 years.)

In 1964, a jury in Dallas found Jack Ruby guilty of murdering Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy, and sentenced him to death. (Both the conviction and death sentence were overturned, but Ruby died before he could be retried.)

In 1965, Israel's cabinet formally approved establishment of diplomatic relations with West Germany.

In 1967, the body of President John F. Kennedy was moved from a temporary grave to a permanent memorial site at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

In 1976, movie musical director and choreographer Busby Berkeley, 80, died in Palm Springs, California.

In 1980, a LOT Polish Airlines jet crashed while attempting to land in Warsaw, killing all 87 people aboard, including 22 members of a U.S. amateur boxing team.

In 1990, the Soviet Congress of People's Deputies held a secret ballot that elected Mikhail S. Gorbachev to a new, powerful presidency.

In 2001, inspectors tightened U.S. defenses against foot-and-mouth disease a day after a case was confirmed in France.

In 2002, the government charged the Arthur Andersen accounting firm with obstruction of justice, securing its first indictment in the collapse of Enron. (Although Arthur Andersen was later found guilty, its conviction was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court; however, the damage to the firm's reputation was enough to put it out of business.)

Ten years ago: French voters, scarred by their country's economic crisis, dealt President Nicolas Sarkozy (sahr-koh-ZEE') and his conservative leadership a stern blow by strongly favoring leftist candidates in regional elections. Actor Peter Graves died in Los Angeles at age 83, four days short of his birthday.

Five years ago: Robert Durst, a wealthy eccentric linked to two killings and his wife's disappearance, was arrested by the FBI in New Orleans on a murder warrant a day before HBO aired the final episode of a serial documentary about his life. (Durst is now on trial for murder in Los Angeles.) Math enthusiasts observed "Pi Day," in which the date — 3-14-15 — lined up with the first five digits of the mathematical constant pi: 3.1415.

One year ago: Former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke jumped into the 2020 Democratic presidential race. (His candidacy would fail to recapture the enthusiasm and interest generated by his 2018 Senate bid, and he would drop out of the race in November.) The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled that gun-maker Remington could be sued over how it marketed the rifle that was used to kill 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. (The U.S. Supreme Court later rejected an appeal from Remington Arms and allowed the lawsuit to go forward.) Former Sen. Birch Bayh, a liberal Democrat who championed the Title IX federal law banning discrimination against women in college sports, died at his Indiana home at the age of 91.

Today's Birthdays: Singer Phil Phillips (Song: "Sea of Love") is 94. Former astronaut Frank Borman is 92. Actor Michael Caine is 87. Composer-conductor Quincy Jones is 87. Actor Raymond J. Barry is 81. Movie director Wolfgang Petersen is 79. Country singer Michael Martin Murphey is 75. Rock musician Walt Parazaider (formerly with Chicago) is 75. Actor Steve Kanaly is 74. Comedian Billy Crystal is 72. Former Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., is 72. Actor-writer-comedian-radio personality Rick Dees is 69. Country singer Jann Browne is 66. Actor Adrian Zmed is 66. Prince Albert II, the ruler of Monaco, is 62. Actress Laila Robins is 61. Actress Tamara Tunie is 61. Actress Penny Johnson Jerald is 60. Producer-director-writer Kevin Williamson is 55. Actress Elise Neal is 54. Actor Gary Anthony Williams is 54. Actress Megan Follows is 52. Rock musician Michael Bland is 51. Country singer Kristian Bush is 50. Rock musician Derrick is 48. Actress Betsy Brandt is 47. Actress Grace Park is 46. Actor Daniel Gillies is 44. Actor Corey Stoll is 44. Actor Jake Fogelnest is 41. Actor Chris Klein is 41. Actor Ryan Cartwright (TV: "Kevin Can Wait") is 39. Actress Kate Maberly is 38. Singer-musician Taylor Hanson (Hanson) is 37. Cong. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, is 36. Actor Jamie Bell is 34. Rock musician Este Haim (Haim) is 34. NBA star Stephen Curry is 32. Actor Ansel Elgort is 26. Olympic gold medal gymnast Simone Biles is 23. Actor James Freedson-Jackson (Film: "The Strange Ones") is 18.

Thought for Today: "Any fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius — and a lot of courage — to move in the opposite direction." — Albert Einstein, German-born American physicist (born this date in 1879, died 1955).

<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 Saturday, March 14, the 74th day of 2020. There are 292 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 14, 1794, Eli Whitney received a patent for his cotton gin, an invention that revolutionized America's cotton industry.On this date:In 1883, German political philosopher Karl Marx died in London at age 64.In 1885, the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera "The Mikado" premiered at the Savoy Theatre in London.In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt signed an executive order designed to prevent Japanese laborers from immigrating to the United States as part of a "gentlemen's agreement" with Japan.In 1962, Democrat Edward M. Kennedy officially launched in Boston his successful candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat from Massachusetts once held by his brother, President John F. Kennedy. (Edward Kennedy served in the Senate for nearly 47 years.)In 1964, a jury in Dallas found Jack Ruby guilty of murdering Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy, and sentenced him to death. (Both the conviction and death sentence were overturned, but Ruby died before he could be retried.)In 1965, Israel's cabinet formally approved establishment of diplomatic relations with West Germany.In 1967, the body of President John F. Kennedy was moved from a temporary grave to a permanent memorial site at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.In 1976, movie musical director and choreographer Busby Berkeley, 80, died in Palm Springs, California.In 1980, a LOT Polish Airlines jet crashed while attempting to land in Warsaw, killing all 87 people aboard, including 22 members of a U.S. amateur boxing team.In 1990, the Soviet Congress of People's Deputies held a secret ballot that elected Mikhail S. Gorbachev to a new, powerful presidency.In 2001, inspectors tightened U.S. defenses against foot-and-mouth disease a day after a case was confirmed in France.In 2002, the government charged the Arthur Andersen accounting firm with obstruction of justice, securing its first indictment in the collapse of Enron. (Although Arthur Andersen was later found guilty, its conviction was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court; however, the damage to the firm's reputation was enough to put it out of business.)Ten years ago: French voters, scarred by their country's economic crisis, dealt President Nicolas Sarkozy (sahr-koh-ZEE') and his conservative leadership a stern blow by strongly favoring leftist candidates in regional elections. Actor Peter Graves died in Los Angeles at age 83, four days short of his birthday.Five years ago: Robert Durst, a wealthy eccentric linked to two killings and his wife's disappearance, was arrested by the FBI in New Orleans on a murder warrant a day before HBO aired the final episode of a serial documentary about his life. (Durst is now on trial for murder in Los Angeles.) Math enthusiasts observed "Pi Day," in which the date — 3-14-15 — lined up with the first five digits of the mathematical constant pi: 3.1415.One year ago: Former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke jumped into the 2020 Democratic presidential race. (His candidacy would fail to recapture the enthusiasm and interest generated by his 2018 Senate bid, and he would drop out of the race in November.) The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled that gun-maker Remington could be sued over how it marketed the rifle that was used to kill 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. (The U.S. Supreme Court later rejected an appeal from Remington Arms and allowed the lawsuit to go forward.) Former Sen. Birch Bayh, a liberal Democrat who championed the Title IX federal law banning discrimination against women in college sports, died at his Indiana home at the age of 91.Today's Birthdays: Singer Phil Phillips (Song: "Sea of Love") is 94. Former astronaut Frank Borman is 92. Actor Michael Caine is 87. Composer-conductor Quincy Jones is 87. Actor Raymond J. Barry is 81. Movie director Wolfgang Petersen is 79. Country singer Michael Martin Murphey is 75. Rock musician Walt Parazaider (formerly with Chicago) is 75. Actor Steve Kanaly is 74. Comedian Billy Crystal is 72. Former Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., is 72. Actor-writer-comedian-radio personality Rick Dees is 69. Country singer Jann Browne is 66. Actor Adrian Zmed is 66. Prince Albert II, the ruler of Monaco, is 62. Actress Laila Robins is 61. Actress Tamara Tunie is 61. Actress Penny Johnson Jerald is 60. Producer-director-writer Kevin Williamson is 55. Actress Elise Neal is 54. Actor Gary Anthony Williams is 54. Actress Megan Follows is 52. Rock musician Michael Bland is 51. Country singer Kristian Bush is 50. Rock musician Derrick is 48. Actress Betsy Brandt is 47. Actress Grace Park is 46. Actor Daniel Gillies is 44. Actor Corey Stoll is 44. Actor Jake Fogelnest is 41. Actor Chris Klein is 41. Actor Ryan Cartwright (TV: "Kevin Can Wait") is 39. Actress Kate Maberly is 38. Singer-musician Taylor Hanson (Hanson) is 37. Cong. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, is 36. Actor Jamie Bell is 34. Rock musician Este Haim (Haim) is 34. NBA star Stephen Curry is 32. Actor Ansel Elgort is 26. Olympic gold medal gymnast Simone Biles is 23. Actor James Freedson-Jackson (Film: "The Strange Ones") is 18.Thought for Today: "Any fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius — and a lot of courage — to move in the opposite direction." — Albert Einstein, German-born American physicist (born this date in 1879, died 1955).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- March 14

LINDSBORG -- Bethany College Interim President Elizabeth Mauch informed the campus community today that the college will start spring break early in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.

The following is a letter to the campus community from Mauch that is on the Bethany <a href="https://www.bethanylb.edu/coronavirus/">website</a>.

We are learning information continuously. We will continue to provide updates as necessary by email, and/or or through the website.

As such, we have decided to start Spring Break early, at the conclusion of classes, today, Friday March 13 and ending on March 29. During this time, students are welcome to stay in the residence halls. Meals will be provided as carry out as of tonight at dinner. The following week, March 21-28 Sodexo food services will not be available, but if you need meals or help with meals, please let Student Development know.

We will have an update on March 25 about campus reopening after Spring Break. Updates will come via email and through updates to this page.

In our campus planning, we have learned that in any situation if symptoms warrant investigation, the county and state health departments dictate procedure. The McPherson County Health Department will be notified of a test result by the Kansas Department of Health and it will be up to McPherson County Health Department to release any information and/or results as they deem appropriate.

Please be sure to take care of yourself. Each of us plays an important role in maintaining our personal health, which in turn helps protect our broader community. Please continue to follow CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 shared earlier. Taking actions that limit exposure to the virus will help ensure our collective health and safety.

LINDSBORG -- Bethany College Interim President Elizabeth Mauch informed the campus community today that the college will start spring break early in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.The following is a letter to the campus community from Mauch that is on the Bethany <a href="https://www.bethanylb.edu/coronavirus/">website</a>.Dear Campus Community,We are learning information continuously. We will continue to provide updates as necessary by email, and/or or through the website.As such, we have decided to start Spring Break early, at the conclusion of classes, today, Friday March 13 and ending on March 29. During this time, students are welcome to stay in the residence halls. Meals will be provided as carry out as of tonight at dinner. The following week, March 21-28 Sodexo food services will not be available, but if you need meals or help with meals, please let Student Development know.We will have an update on March 25 about campus reopening after Spring Break. Updates will come via email and through updates to this page.In our campus planning, we have learned that in any situation if symptoms warrant investigation, the county and state health departments dictate procedure. The McPherson County Health Department will be notified of a test result by the Kansas Department of Health and it will be up to McPherson County Health Department to release any information and/or results as they deem appropriate.Please be sure to take care of yourself. Each of us plays an important role in maintaining our personal health, which in turn helps protect our broader community. Please continue to follow CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 shared earlier. Taking actions that limit exposure to the virus will help ensure our collective health and safety.Sincerely,Dr. Mauch

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