It looks like we are in for multiple days of showers and thunderstorms.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, showers with some embedded thunderstorms may linger into the morning hours on Tuesday. Strong or severe storms are not expected.

Another round of storms will be possible for late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Some of these storms could become strong to severe with large hail being the main hazard.

An increased risk of severe weather, including all hazards, is expected Wednesday through Saturday. With multiple rounds of thunderstorms possible, the risk of flooding may increase later in the week.

Dry weather expected for Sunday into Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589246285549.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It looks like we are in for multiple days of showers and thunderstorms.According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, showers with some embedded thunderstorms may linger into the morning hours on Tuesday. Strong or severe storms are not expected.Another round of storms will be possible for late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Some of these storms could become strong to severe with large hail being the main hazard.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589246350852.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>An increased risk of severe weather, including all hazards, is expected Wednesday through Saturday. With multiple rounds of thunderstorms possible, the risk of flooding may increase later in the week.Dry weather expected for Sunday into Monday.

NWS: Wet, stormy weather for much of the rest of the week

Sheriff's Office vehicles, mosquito surveillance, a grant, a budget request, and an executive session are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.

The commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. Access to the building is through the north and south doors only.

There will be limited public seating for the meeting. Up to 10 members of the public will be accommodated on a first-come, first-seated basis in overflow seating adjacent to the commission meeting room and up to two members of the public at a time will be permitted to line up to provide public comment. Interested persons also can view the meeting via Salina Media Connection, either on Cox Cable Channel 20 or online at <a href="http://www.salinatv.org">www.salinatv.org</a>.

In addition, interested persons can provide public comment by dialing (785) 621-0800, entering participant code 782955 followed by #, and then dialing *9 to alert the moderator that they wish to comment. Please note that although commissioners will be able to hear comments, people may have difficulty hearing commission business through the telephone bridge.

The Saline County Sheriff's Office is seeking permission to accept a $58,008 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Grant from the Department of Justice. The grant was awareded on May 4 and is to be used to purchase personal protection equipment, medical supplies, and medical equipment for the sheriff's office.

Additionally, commissioners are being asked to approve a request for the health department to participate in a Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) mosquito surveillance pilot project from May 31 to Sept. 19. During that period, the health department would "collect, package and ship mosquitoes from the mosquito trap located at Rollings Hills Zoo on a bi-weekly basis and ship to Kansas Biological Survey at the University of Kansas," according to commission meeting packet information. 

The health department would "be paid $1,000 to cover expenses related to this program execept for shipping which will be covered by KDHE," the information noted. KDHE would then provide back to the health department the surveillance information about the types of mosquitoes and any diseases of importance.

Other items on the county agenda include the following.

•Consider a request to award a bid for a 2020 inmate transport van with wheelchair lift.

•Consider a request to award a bid for a 2020 patrol SUV for the sheriff's office.

•Jason Tiller, health department director, is scheduled to provide a COVID-19 update.

•Kathy Mosher, executive director of Central Kansas Mental Health, is scheduled to present the organization's 2021 budget request.

•County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes is scheduled to present his weekly update.

Additionally, the following items are listed under the executive session heading on the county commission agenda.

To view the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet (61-page pdf, <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20200512.pdf?ver=2020-05-07-152841-303">click here</a>.

Sheriff's Office vehicles, mosquito surveillance, a grant, a budget request, and an executive session are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.The commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. Access to the building is through the north and south doors only.There will be limited public seating for the meeting. Up to 10 members of the public will be accommodated on a first-come, first-seated basis in overflow seating adjacent to the commission meeting room and up to two members of the public at a time will be permitted to line up to provide public comment. Interested persons also can view the meeting via Salina Media Connection, either on Cox Cable Channel 20 or online at <a href="http://www.salinatv.org">www.salinatv.org</a>.In addition, interested persons can provide public comment by dialing (785) 621-0800, entering participant code 782955 followed by #, and then dialing *9 to alert the moderator that they wish to comment. Please note that although commissioners will be able to hear comments, people may have difficulty hearing commission business through the telephone bridge.The Saline County Sheriff's Office is seeking permission to accept a $58,008 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Grant from the Department of Justice. The grant was awareded on May 4 and is to be used to purchase personal protection equipment, medical supplies, and medical equipment for the sheriff's office.Additionally, commissioners are being asked to approve a request for the health department to participate in a Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) mosquito surveillance pilot project from May 31 to Sept. 19. During that period, the health department would "collect, package and ship mosquitoes from the mosquito trap located at Rollings Hills Zoo on a bi-weekly basis and ship to Kansas Biological Survey at the University of Kansas," according to commission meeting packet information. The health department would "be paid $1,000 to cover expenses related to this program execept for shipping which will be covered by KDHE," the information noted. KDHE would then provide back to the health department the surveillance information about the types of mosquitoes and any diseases of importance.Other items on the county agenda include the following.•Consider a request to award a bid for a 2020 inmate transport van with wheelchair lift.•Consider a request to award a bid for a 2020 patrol SUV for the sheriff's office.•Jason Tiller, health department director, is scheduled to provide a COVID-19 update.•Kathy Mosher, executive director of Central Kansas Mental Health, is scheduled to present the organization's 2021 budget request.•County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes is scheduled to present his weekly update.Additionally, the following items are listed under the executive session heading on the county commission agenda.•Attorney-client privilege•Employer/employee negotiationsTo view the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet (61-page pdf, <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20200512.pdf?ver=2020-05-07-152841-303">click here</a>.

County to consider mosquito surveillance

Here's the Monday COVID-19 update for Saline County:

The Saline County Health Department does not have any additional cases of COVID-19 to report today.

KDHE added two probable cases to Saline County’s numbers today. A reminder, a probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (serology test) and has COVID-19 symptoms or directly linked to a confirmed case, or b) no lab testing but has COVID-19 symptoms and is also linked to a confirmed case.

Saline County has 21 confirmed cases and 4 probable cases. Out of the total number of cases, two citizens continue to be actively monitored and isolated and there have been two deaths. The majority of cases have met the criteria necessary to be considered recovered and have been released from daily monitoring and isolation.

KDHE reported the following in their release which moving forward will be released on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Fridays and can be found at <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>:

•A total of 7,116 cases with 158 deaths reported.

•There have been 46,993 negative tests conducted at KDHE and private labs.

•The age range is 0 years to 100 years (median 42 years).

As we attempt to reopen Saline County, the entire community is counting on each person to follow the below recommendations to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

•It is highly encouraged to continue to wear cloth masks and maintain social distancing.

•It is highly encouraged for people to only leave their homes for essentials.

•It is highly recommended those employees in any service industry wear PPE (especially cloth masks).

•It is highly encouraged to continue telework.

•Avoid socializing in person with groups of 10 or more individuals in both indoor and outdoor settings.

•Any employees exhibiting symptoms should be required to stay at home and asked to call their health care provider.

•It will take the effort to follow the above recommendations from everyone in our community to continue our reopening.

•Governor Kelly announced the creation of the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement, which allocates $9 million in CDBG funds for COVID-related economic development and meal program activities.

Help our community in slowing the spread of this virus. Only follow official sources to obtain information: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>. Stay Safe &amp; Stay Healthy.

Here's the Monday COVID-19 update for Saline County:The Saline County Health Department does not have any additional cases of COVID-19 to report today.KDHE added two probable cases to Saline County’s numbers today. A reminder, a probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (serology test) and has COVID-19 symptoms or directly linked to a confirmed case, or b) no lab testing but has COVID-19 symptoms and is also linked to a confirmed case.Saline County has 21 confirmed cases and 4 probable cases. Out of the total number of cases, two citizens continue to be actively monitored and isolated and there have been two deaths. The majority of cases have met the criteria necessary to be considered recovered and have been released from daily monitoring and isolation.KDHE reported the following in their release which moving forward will be released on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Fridays and can be found at <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>:•A total of 7,116 cases with 158 deaths reported.•There have been 46,993 negative tests conducted at KDHE and private labs.•The age range is 0 years to 100 years (median 42 years).As we attempt to reopen Saline County, the entire community is counting on each person to follow the below recommendations to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.•It is highly encouraged to continue to wear cloth masks and maintain social distancing.•It is highly encouraged for people to only leave their homes for essentials.•It is highly recommended those employees in any service industry wear PPE (especially cloth masks).•It is highly encouraged to continue telework.•Avoid socializing in person with groups of 10 or more individuals in both indoor and outdoor settings.•Any employees exhibiting symptoms should be required to stay at home and asked to call their health care provider.•It will take the effort to follow the above recommendations from everyone in our community to continue our reopening.Announcements:•Governor Kelly announced the creation of the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement, which allocates $9 million in CDBG funds for COVID-related economic development and meal program activities.Help our community in slowing the spread of this virus. Only follow official sources to obtain information: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>. Stay Safe &amp; Stay Healthy.

Saline County continues to have no new COVID-19 cases to report

The annual ceremony in Jerry Ivey Park during Police Week has been canceled for this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Nonetheless, the Salina Police Department found a way to remember law enforcement personnel who lost their lives in service to the community. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaKSPD/">Salina Police Department</a> Facebook page:

The annual ceremony in Jerry Ivey Park during Police Week has been canceled for this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the Salina Police Department found a way to remember law enforcement personnel who lost their lives in service to the community. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaKSPD/">Salina Police Department</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSalinaKSPD%2Fvideos%2F166948608060793%2F&show_text=1&width=560" width="560" height="469" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

SPD: Jerry Ivey Park ceremony canceled due to COVID-19

Salina Community Theatre costume shop staff and volunteers have kept sewing machines humming. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Salina-Community-Theatre-35647163273/">Salina Community Theatre</a> Facebook page:

Salina Community Theatre costume shop staff and volunteers have kept sewing machines humming. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Salina-Community-Theatre-35647163273/">Salina Community Theatre</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D10159075420168274%26id%3D35647163273&width=500" width="500" height="464" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

SCT staff, volunteers sewing up a storm during pandemic

As part of a phased reopening following the lifting of stay-at-home orders, Salina Public
 Library will offer limited physical checkout services again. 

Pickup service will launch on May 18, and patrons with materials currently checked out are asked to return them by May 31. The library’s building remains closed.

The library functions
 as a community center, greeting 400-600 patrons a day and operating with the help of 30 full-time staff and another 20 part-time staff when fully open. In order to ensure the safety of both patrons and staff, the library must offer only limited services, at
 this time; that includes closing the building to visitors. Additional reopening phases will see services slowly added back until the library is at full service again. No dates are currently set, but the library will release information each week on progress
 toward full service.

Pickup service will allow
 library cardholders to place holds on items they wish to check out by logging into their online accounts or by calling the library at (785) 825-4624. The ability to place online holds, which was suspended during the library’s closure, will resume May 12. Once
 library staff have collected the requested items, they will contact patrons to arrange a pickup time between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. To reduce contact, items will be left on a table in the north entrance of the library labeled with the patron’s last
 name and first initial. Patrons who have mobility issues can request that items be brought to their car.

With the return of the
 physical circulation of items, patrons who currently have items checked out are asked to return them to one of the library book drops. These are located on the west side of the library building and Dillons stores. Those with hotspots are asked to return them
 to the book drop at the library. Patrons should not try to return items inside the library building or leave items at the door. Late fines have been suspended since March 16 but will begin accruing on items not returned by May 31 on June 1.

Out of an abundance of
 caution, all items returned to the library will be sprayed with disinfectant and quarantined for three days. Patrons may notice that items haven’t been marked as checked in during this time. However, they will not be charged fines for the days that items are
 quarantined.

If patrons have questions
 about services or their accounts, they can contact staff at (785) 825-4624, through chat on the library’s website or by emailing
<a href="mailto:help@salpublib.org" target="_blank">help@salpublib.org</a>.
 More information on the Pickup Service and the library’s phased approach to reopening can be found on the library’s website —
<a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">
salinapubliclibrary.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589225169511.jpeg" alt="Salina Public Library reopening plan.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Salina Public Library reopening plan.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>As part of a phased reopening following the lifting of stay-at-home orders, Salina Public
 Library will offer limited physical checkout services again. Pickup service will launch on May 18, and patrons with materials currently checked out are asked to return them by May 31. The library’s building remains closed.The library functions
 as a community center, greeting 400-600 patrons a day and operating with the help of 30 full-time staff and another 20 part-time staff when fully open. In order to ensure the safety of both patrons and staff, the library must offer only limited services, at
 this time; that includes closing the building to visitors. Additional reopening phases will see services slowly added back until the library is at full service again. No dates are currently set, but the library will release information each week on progress
 toward full service.Pickup service will allow
 library cardholders to place holds on items they wish to check out by logging into their online accounts or by calling the library at (785) 825-4624. The ability to place online holds, which was suspended during the library’s closure, will resume May 12. Once
 library staff have collected the requested items, they will contact patrons to arrange a pickup time between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. To reduce contact, items will be left on a table in the north entrance of the library labeled with the patron’s last
 name and first initial. Patrons who have mobility issues can request that items be brought to their car.With the return of the
 physical circulation of items, patrons who currently have items checked out are asked to return them to one of the library book drops. These are located on the west side of the library building and Dillons stores. Those with hotspots are asked to return them
 to the book drop at the library. Patrons should not try to return items inside the library building or leave items at the door. Late fines have been suspended since March 16 but will begin accruing on items not returned by May 31 on June 1.Out of an abundance of
 caution, all items returned to the library will be sprayed with disinfectant and quarantined for three days. Patrons may notice that items haven’t been marked as checked in during this time. However, they will not be charged fines for the days that items are
 quarantined.If patrons have questions
 about services or their accounts, they can contact staff at (785) 825-4624, through chat on the library’s website or by emailing
<a href="mailto:help@salpublib.org" target="_blank">help@salpublib.org</a>.
 More information on the Pickup Service and the library’s phased approach to reopening can be found on the library’s website —
<a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">
salinapubliclibrary.org</a>.

Library beginning reopening plan, pickup service begins next week

After being closed since March 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rolling Hills Zoo is planning to reopen to the public under the current guidelines set by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. 

“The zoo will open with a three phase plan that adheres to the guidelines of the Governor’s AD ASTRA plan while also ensuring that the safety of our guests, staff and animals is our top priority,” said Bob Jenkins, executive director of Rolling Hills Zoo.

During Phase One of the zoo’s reopening plan, zoo hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning on May 22nd. Admission for all zoo guests will be at the zoo entrance. In consideration of the modifications to the guest’s experiences during Phase One, admission prices have changed during this phase: adults - $10; seniors (65+) - $9; children ages 12 – 3 years old - $5; and children 2 &amp; younger are free.

Guests will be encouraged to wear masks. All zoo staff will be wearing masks and other personal protective equipment as appropriate. Restrooms, outdoor restaurant tables and seating, and all high touch areas throughout the zoo will be cleaned and disinfected on a continuous basis during the day.

Social distancing inside the zoo will be encouraged with signage and 6-foot spacing markers in high-traffic areas, along with frequent hand washing signage.

To ensure the safety of everyone at the zoo, animal feedings and keeper encounters will not take place during Phase One. The following buildings will be closed: wildlife museum, great apes building, reptile building and the giraffe’s indoor viewing area, along with the Green Playhouse and the Coati’s pop-up tunnel. Additionally, the following buildings will be closed on an as needed basis: Kids Country barn, rhino barn, and the anteater/aardvark building. While the buildings may be closed, most of the animals can be viewed in their outdoor habitats.

The Overlook Restaurant will remain open, operating through the outdoor service window only. Outdoor restaurant seating will be available as well as seating in the picnic area.

Trams will not be running during Phase One, but stroller, wheelchair and electronic scooter rentals will be available. All zoo special events planned for May and June have been cancelled with plans to resume events in July. Plans for educational experiences, including summer camps, are still in development to adhere to the current guidelines and will be announced at a later date.

These restrictions will begin to be lifted in the final phases of the reopening plan. Final phases will be determined based on the guidance of the state and local government.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589222815552.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy Rolling Hills Zoo" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Rolling Hills Zoo</figcaption>
 </figure>After being closed since March 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rolling Hills Zoo is planning to reopen to the public under the current guidelines set by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. “The zoo will open with a three phase plan that adheres to the guidelines of the Governor’s AD ASTRA plan while also ensuring that the safety of our guests, staff and animals is our top priority,” said Bob Jenkins, executive director of Rolling Hills Zoo.During Phase One of the zoo’s reopening plan, zoo hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning on May 22nd. Admission for all zoo guests will be at the zoo entrance. In consideration of the modifications to the guest’s experiences during Phase One, admission prices have changed during this phase: adults - $10; seniors (65+) - $9; children ages 12 – 3 years old - $5; and children 2 &amp; younger are free.Guests will be encouraged to wear masks. All zoo staff will be wearing masks and other personal protective equipment as appropriate. Restrooms, outdoor restaurant tables and seating, and all high touch areas throughout the zoo will be cleaned and disinfected on a continuous basis during the day.Social distancing inside the zoo will be encouraged with signage and 6-foot spacing markers in high-traffic areas, along with frequent hand washing signage.Changes to the zoo experienceTo ensure the safety of everyone at the zoo, animal feedings and keeper encounters will not take place during Phase One. The following buildings will be closed: wildlife museum, great apes building, reptile building and the giraffe’s indoor viewing area, along with the Green Playhouse and the Coati’s pop-up tunnel. Additionally, the following buildings will be closed on an as needed basis: Kids Country barn, rhino barn, and the anteater/aardvark building. While the buildings may be closed, most of the animals can be viewed in their outdoor habitats.The Overlook Restaurant will remain open, operating through the outdoor service window only. Outdoor restaurant seating will be available as well as seating in the picnic area.Trams will not be running during Phase One, but stroller, wheelchair and electronic scooter rentals will be available. All zoo special events planned for May and June have been cancelled with plans to resume events in July. Plans for educational experiences, including summer camps, are still in development to adhere to the current guidelines and will be announced at a later date.These restrictions will begin to be lifted in the final phases of the reopening plan. Final phases will be determined based on the guidance of the state and local government.

Rolling Hills Zoo announces reopening plan

Police are investigating the theft of a vehicle from central Salina Friday morning.

According to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester, officers were sent to the 600 block of Gypsum where a 39-year-old woman reported that her silver 2007 Nissan Quest had been stolen. 

The vehicle was still equipped with a GPS tracking device from the dealership, and the GPS showed the vehicle was at 2102 Gypsum Valley Road, New Cambria, Forrester explained. 

A Saline County deputy went to that location and found the vehicle parked alongside a tree line, he reported. The ignition had been damaged, Forrester added.

The investigation into the theft is ongoing, he noted. 

Police are investigating the theft of a vehicle from central Salina Friday morning.According to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester, officers were sent to the 600 block of Gypsum where a 39-year-old woman reported that her silver 2007 Nissan Quest had been stolen. The vehicle was still equipped with a GPS tracking device from the dealership, and the GPS showed the vehicle was at 2102 Gypsum Valley Road, New Cambria, Forrester explained. A Saline County deputy went to that location and found the vehicle parked alongside a tree line, he reported. The ignition had been damaged, Forrester added.The investigation into the theft is ongoing, he noted.

Vehicle stolen in Salina found in northeastern part of county

The Saline County Sheriff's Office is warning of a Social Security scam.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that his office was notified of a letter being sent claiming to be from the Benefit Suppression Unit for Saline County. The letter stated that the recipient's Social Security benefits would be in jeopardy if $18,000 was not paid by May 15, he said. 

The letter instructed the recipient to call an 800 number to make arrangements to settle the alleged debt, he added.

The Saline County Sheriff's Office is warning of a Social Security scam.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that his office was notified of a letter being sent claiming to be from the Benefit Suppression Unit for Saline County. The letter stated that the recipient's Social Security benefits would be in jeopardy if $18,000 was not paid by May 15, he said. The letter instructed the recipient to call an 800 number to make arrangements to settle the alleged debt, he added.

Sheriff warns of Social Security scam letter

A 22-year-old Salina man was arrested after a chase through the southern part of the city Saturday afternoon. 

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that a 20-year-old Salina woman reported arguing on the phone with her brother, Damarqus Harden, 22, about money he owed her. Later she, her husband, and two young children were in a 2013 KIA Sportage in the 1900 block of Glendale Road at the stop sign when Harden allegedly threw a brick at the car, shattering the rear window and landing on the trunk area, Forrester explained. 

A bit later, the woman was parked on Glendale Road facing south and Harden came driving up from the south and drove toward the vehicle. The woman backed up, but Harden's truck struck the side rearview mirror of her vehicle causing damage, Forrester noted. The two children were in the car at the time, he added. No injuries were sustained at any time during the incidents, according to Forrester.

He reported that a Saline County deputy spotted Harden's vehicle at Kwik Shop, 2003 South Ohio Street, and attempted to stop the vehicle. Harden left and drove south on South Ohio Street and a pursuit ensued at speeds of 35-40 mph, Forrester noted. The vehicle went south on South Ohio Street, east on East Wayne Avenue, and then south on Huntington Road, he added. Harden stopped on Huntington Road just prior to Magnolia Road and was taken into custody, Forrester noted. 

Requested charges for Harden include the following, Forrester reported.

Two counts of aggravated endangerment of a child

Two counts of criminal damage to property

Damage to the KIA was estimated at $300, he added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589116165496.jpeg" alt="Damarqus Harden. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Damarqus Harden. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A 22-year-old Salina man was arrested after a chase through the southern part of the city Saturday afternoon. Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning that a 20-year-old Salina woman reported arguing on the phone with her brother, Damarqus Harden, 22, about money he owed her. Later she, her husband, and two young children were in a 2013 KIA Sportage in the 1900 block of Glendale Road at the stop sign when Harden allegedly threw a brick at the car, shattering the rear window and landing on the trunk area, Forrester explained. A bit later, the woman was parked on Glendale Road facing south and Harden came driving up from the south and drove toward the vehicle. The woman backed up, but Harden's truck struck the side rearview mirror of her vehicle causing damage, Forrester noted. The two children were in the car at the time, he added. No injuries were sustained at any time during the incidents, according to Forrester.He reported that a Saline County deputy spotted Harden's vehicle at Kwik Shop, 2003 South Ohio Street, and attempted to stop the vehicle. Harden left and drove south on South Ohio Street and a pursuit ensued at speeds of 35-40 mph, Forrester noted. The vehicle went south on South Ohio Street, east on East Wayne Avenue, and then south on Huntington Road, he added. Harden stopped on Huntington Road just prior to Magnolia Road and was taken into custody, Forrester noted. Requested charges for Harden include the following, Forrester reported.Two counts of aggravated assaultOne count of aggravated batteryOne count of felony flee and eludeTwo counts of aggravated endangerment of a childTwo counts of criminal damage to propertySpeedingNine counts of failure to signalDamage to the KIA was estimated at $300, he added.

Man arrested after chase through south Salina

A Case tractor was destroyed in a fire Friday evening in northern Saline County.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that deputies and Rural Fire District No. 5 personnel were called to the 3600 block of McQuary Road at 7:30 p.m. Friday for the report of a tractor on fire.

Duane Wuthnow, of New Cambria, was driving a 1980 Case 3294 tractor that was pulling a farm implement when he noticed smoke coming from the tractor, Soldan said. Wuthnow was able to escape the tractor before it became engulfed in flames, Soldan said.

The tractor, valued at $25,000, was a total loss and the implement had $3,000 worth of damage, he said. The tractor and implement are owned by Roger Mattison of Salina, Soldan added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589214576199.jpeg" alt="Fire destroyed this tractor in northern Saline County Friday evening. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Fire destroyed this tractor in northern Saline County Friday evening. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A Case tractor was destroyed in a fire Friday evening in northern Saline County.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that deputies and Rural Fire District No. 5 personnel were called to the 3600 block of McQuary Road at 7:30 p.m. Friday for the report of a tractor on fire.Duane Wuthnow, of New Cambria, was driving a 1980 Case 3294 tractor that was pulling a farm implement when he noticed smoke coming from the tractor, Soldan said. Wuthnow was able to escape the tractor before it became engulfed in flames, Soldan said.The tractor, valued at $25,000, was a total loss and the implement had $3,000 worth of damage, he said. The tractor and implement are owned by Roger Mattison of Salina, Soldan added.

Fire destroys tractor in northern Saline County

A fire that destroyed a shed in north Salina late Saturday night has been declared an arson.

According to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester, officers and Salina Fire Department personnel were sent to 1015 North Ninth Street at approximately 10:50 p.m. Saturday for the report of a fire. A shed in back of the residence had been completely destoyed by fire, he noted.

Forrester explained that it appeared that someone had broken the lock off the shed. The back door of the residence also was damaged and it appeared that someone had been staying inside the vacant residence, he noted. Officers located other damage inside the residence, Forrester added.   

The shed was valued at $5,000, damage to several windows in the residence was estimated at $350, damage to the rear door was estimated at $100, and damage to the lock on the shed was estimated at $25, Forrester reported.

The Salina Fire Department ruled the fire an arson, he noted. 

The property is owned by Prime Property of Salina, according to Forrester.  

The case is still under investigation, he added. 

A fire that destroyed a shed in north Salina late Saturday night has been declared an arson.According to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester, officers and Salina Fire Department personnel were sent to 1015 North Ninth Street at approximately 10:50 p.m. Saturday for the report of a fire. A shed in back of the residence had been completely destoyed by fire, he noted.Forrester explained that it appeared that someone had broken the lock off the shed. The back door of the residence also was damaged and it appeared that someone had been staying inside the vacant residence, he noted. Officers located other damage inside the residence, Forrester added. The shed was valued at $5,000, damage to several windows in the residence was estimated at $350, damage to the rear door was estimated at $100, and damage to the lock on the shed was estimated at $25, Forrester reported.The Salina Fire Department ruled the fire an arson, he noted. The property is owned by Prime Property of Salina, according to Forrester. The case is still under investigation, he added.

Authorities investigating arson case after shed destroyed

A house in south Salina was damaged late Saturday night when a Jeep Grand Cherokee fleeing a Saline County Sheriff's deputy slammed into it.

A deputy was eastbound on East Crawford Street shortly before midnight when he clocked the black 2005 Jeep going westbound on East Crawford Street at 60 mph, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning. The deputy attempted to stop the Jeep, which turned south onto Roach Street and was traveling at speeds in excess of 90 mph, Soldan said.

In the 2100 block of Roach, where the street curves near Stewart Elementary School, the Jeep went off the roadway, traveling through three yards and taking out shrubbery and a rock display, he said. The Jeep then crossed Belmont Boulevard and struck a wooden fence and house at 2202 Roach belonging to Bronson Michaud, 33, Soldan explained. No one in the house was injured, he said.

The driver, Nathan Rogers, 27, of Overland Park, fled on foot but was located Sunday and arrested, Soldan said. Requested charges include the following, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589211771385.jpeg" alt="The Jeep at the conclusion of the chase. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The Jeep at the conclusion of the chase. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A house in south Salina was damaged late Saturday night when a Jeep Grand Cherokee fleeing a Saline County Sheriff's deputy slammed into it.A deputy was eastbound on East Crawford Street shortly before midnight when he clocked the black 2005 Jeep going westbound on East Crawford Street at 60 mph, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning. The deputy attempted to stop the Jeep, which turned south onto Roach Street and was traveling at speeds in excess of 90 mph, Soldan said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589211890738.jpeg" alt="Looking south across Belmont Boulevard at the wreck. Shrubbery destroyed by the Jeep can be seen strewn about." />
 <figcaption>Looking south across Belmont Boulevard at the wreck. Shrubbery destroyed by the Jeep can be seen strewn about.</figcaption>
 </figure>In the 2100 block of Roach, where the street curves near Stewart Elementary School, the Jeep went off the roadway, traveling through three yards and taking out shrubbery and a rock display, he said. The Jeep then crossed Belmont Boulevard and struck a wooden fence and house at 2202 Roach belonging to Bronson Michaud, 33, Soldan explained. No one in the house was injured, he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589199149943.jpeg" alt="Nathan Rogers" />
 <figcaption>Nathan Rogers</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver, Nathan Rogers, 27, of Overland Park, fled on foot but was located Sunday and arrested, Soldan said. Requested charges include the following, he said.Felony flee and eludeFelony damage to propertyFelony interferenceReckless drivingDuty to report an accidentTransporting an open containerRogers had minor cuts, Soldan added.

Overland Park man arrested after crashing Jeep into house

Some state governors working toward “opening up” their state from various levels of quarantine are basing their actions on contact tracing to isolate the newly infected and slow the rate of transmission. However, a study just released in the May 8 issue of the journal&nbsp;Science&nbsp;indicates that using contact tracers to interview new patients and track down their recent contacts will be inadequate and only the use of cell phone apps can slow the epidemic.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

In “Quantifying SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Suggests Epidemic Control with Digital Contact Tracing,” nine researchers at Oxford University in England calculated the rates of transmission.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The prior SARS epidemic had a much higher fatality rate, but did not have asymptomatic carriers. That made it easy to identify individuals who were infectious and isolate them. The COVID-19 virus is different. There are asymptomatic carriers. And those who become sick may not present any symptoms of infection until after Day 5, but be infectious in Days 3 and 4. And these earlier contacts will still feel healthy and lack symptoms, but are already spreading the infection to others. This time lag makes the manual process of classical contact tracing—as well as a patient’s uncertainty of all the people who came near them—an impossible task.

The Oxford team used precise data published from the epidemic in China that found the incubation time averaged 5.2 days and the epidemic doubling time was 5.0 days.

The important calculation is the rate of contagion, or R0 which indicates how many persons get the infection from a carrier. In the earliest stages of the epidemic in China, R0 was approximately 2.0 or one infected person infected two more. They found that “The contributions to R0 included 46% from presymptomatic individuals (before showing symptoms, 38% from symptomatic individuals, 10% from asymptomatic individuals (who will never show symptoms, and 6% from environmentally mediated transmission via contamination.” They estimated that “...presymptomatic transmissions alone are almost sufficient to sustain epidemic growth.”

To reduce the epidemic, R0 would have to be brought below 1.0, a level where one infected person would infect less than one other person. However, manual contact tracing takes time and results in an average of a 3-day delay in notification. That does not bring the rate of contagion down. However, their study also showed that “Immediate notification through a contact-tracing mobile phone app could, however, be sufficient to stop the epidemic if used by a sufficiently high proportion of the population.”

They conclude that “The use of a contact-tracing app that builds a memory of proximity contacts and immediately notifies contacts of positive cases would be sufficient to stop the epidemic if used by enough people, in particular when combined with other measures such as physical distancing.”

While the Oxford team’s calculations were mathematical, they correspond closely with the successful actions taken by China, South Korea and Taiwan. Their cell phones are less expensive and nearly everyone has one.&nbsp; Their citizens have rapidly downloaded apps that were promptly developed to provide contact-tracing and enforced by a variety of social controls that might or might not be accepted in Western countries.

Today, if I landed in Beijing, my cell phone would be loaded with an app that designates my status: red places me in quarantine, yellow limits my movement and green allows me to travel widely. Similar apps have been the key to the successes in South Korea and Taiwan.&nbsp; But the West is a different culture.

The Oxford team’s proposal for instant digital contact tracing works as follows: “Proximity events between two phones running the app are recorded. Upon an individual’s COVID-19 diagnosis, contacts are instantly, automatically, and anonymously notified of their risk and asked to self-isolate.” &nbsp;

But we will all need cell phones, and we will all need to use the app.

However, the Oxford team’s model, as well as the Asian evidence that this concept works, indicate that manual contact tracing alone will not slow the further spread of this epidemic.

John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="John Richard Schrock" />
 <figcaption>John Richard Schrock</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCKSome state governors working toward “opening up” their state from various levels of quarantine are basing their actions on contact tracing to isolate the newly infected and slow the rate of transmission. However, a study just released in the May 8 issue of the journal&nbsp;Science&nbsp;indicates that using contact tracers to interview new patients and track down their recent contacts will be inadequate and only the use of cell phone apps can slow the epidemic.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;In “Quantifying SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Suggests Epidemic Control with Digital Contact Tracing,” nine researchers at Oxford University in England calculated the rates of transmission.&nbsp; &nbsp;The prior SARS epidemic had a much higher fatality rate, but did not have asymptomatic carriers. That made it easy to identify individuals who were infectious and isolate them. The COVID-19 virus is different. There are asymptomatic carriers. And those who become sick may not present any symptoms of infection until after Day 5, but be infectious in Days 3 and 4. And these earlier contacts will still feel healthy and lack symptoms, but are already spreading the infection to others. This time lag makes the manual process of classical contact tracing—as well as a patient’s uncertainty of all the people who came near them—an impossible task.The Oxford team used precise data published from the epidemic in China that found the incubation time averaged 5.2 days and the epidemic doubling time was 5.0 days.The important calculation is the rate of contagion, or R0 which indicates how many persons get the infection from a carrier. In the earliest stages of the epidemic in China, R0 was approximately 2.0 or one infected person infected two more. They found that “The contributions to R0 included 46% from presymptomatic individuals (before showing symptoms, 38% from symptomatic individuals, 10% from asymptomatic individuals (who will never show symptoms, and 6% from environmentally mediated transmission via contamination.” They estimated that “...presymptomatic transmissions alone are almost sufficient to sustain epidemic growth.”To reduce the epidemic, R0 would have to be brought below 1.0, a level where one infected person would infect less than one other person. However, manual contact tracing takes time and results in an average of a 3-day delay in notification. That does not bring the rate of contagion down. However, their study also showed that “Immediate notification through a contact-tracing mobile phone app could, however, be sufficient to stop the epidemic if used by a sufficiently high proportion of the population.”They conclude that “The use of a contact-tracing app that builds a memory of proximity contacts and immediately notifies contacts of positive cases would be sufficient to stop the epidemic if used by enough people, in particular when combined with other measures such as physical distancing.”While the Oxford team’s calculations were mathematical, they correspond closely with the successful actions taken by China, South Korea and Taiwan. Their cell phones are less expensive and nearly everyone has one.&nbsp; Their citizens have rapidly downloaded apps that were promptly developed to provide contact-tracing and enforced by a variety of social controls that might or might not be accepted in Western countries.Today, if I landed in Beijing, my cell phone would be loaded with an app that designates my status: red places me in quarantine, yellow limits my movement and green allows me to travel widely. Similar apps have been the key to the successes in South Korea and Taiwan.&nbsp; But the West is a different culture.The Oxford team’s proposal for instant digital contact tracing works as follows: “Proximity events between two phones running the app are recorded. Upon an individual’s COVID-19 diagnosis, contacts are instantly, automatically, and anonymously notified of their risk and asked to self-isolate.” &nbsp;But we will all need cell phones, and we will all need to use the app.However, the Oxford team’s model, as well as the Asian evidence that this concept works, indicate that manual contact tracing alone will not slow the further spread of this epidemic.John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

Ed. Frontlines: Classical contact tracing is not fast enough

Today is Monday, May 11, the 132nd day of 2020. There are 234 days left in the year.

On May 11, 1502, Christopher Columbus left Cadiz, Spain, on his fourth and final trip to the Western Hemisphere.

In 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state of the Union.

In 1935, the Rural Electrification Administration was created as one of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs.

In 1943, during World War II, U.S. forces landed on the Aleutian island of Attu, which was held by the Japanese; the Americans took the island 19 days later.

In 1947, the B.F. Goodrich Company of Akron, Ohio, announced the development of a tubeless tire.

In 1950, President Harry S. Truman formally dedicated the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington state.

In 1953, a tornado devastated Waco, Texas, claiming 114 lives.

In 1960, Israeli agents captured Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

In 1973, the espionage trial of Daniel Ellsberg and Anthony Russo in the "Pentagon Papers" case came to an end as Judge William M. Byrne dismissed all charges, citing government misconduct.

In 1981, legendary reggae artist Bob Marley died in a Miami hospital at age 36.

In 1996, an Atlanta-bound ValuJet DC-9 caught fire shortly after takeoff from Miami and crashed into the Florida Everglades, killing all 110 people on board.

In 1998, India set off three underground atomic blasts, its first nuclear tests in 24 years. A French mint produced the first coins of Europe's single currency, the euro.

In 2006, lawmakers demanded answers after a USA Today report that the National Security Agency was secretly collecting records of millions of ordinary Americans' phone calls; President George W. Bush sought to assure Americans their civil liberties were being "fiercely protected."

Ten years ago: Conservative leader David Cameron, at age 43, became Britain's youngest prime minister in almost 200 years after Gordon Brown stepped down and ended 13 years of Labour government.

Five years ago: Joyce Hardin Garrard, the Alabama woman convicted of running her 9-year-old granddaughter, Savannah Hardin, to death as punishment for lying about candy, was sentenced by a judge in Gadsden to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The NFL came down hard on its biggest star and its championship team, suspending Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady for the first four games of the season, fining the New England Patriots $1 million and taking away two draft picks as punishment for deflating footballs used in the AFC title game.

One year ago: Gay rights activists organizing on social media held an unauthorized march down eight blocks of one of the main streets in Cuba's capital before being stopped by police. Election officials in South Africa announced that the ruling African National Congress had achieved its weakest victory in national elections in a quarter-century, with 57.5% of the vote.

Today's Birthdays: Comedian Mort Sahl is 93. Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan is 87. Jazz keyboardist Carla Bley is 84. Rock singer Eric Burdon (The Animals; War) is 79. Actress Pam Ferris is 72. Former White House chief of staff John F. Kelly is 70. Actress Shohreh Aghdashloo is 68. Actress Frances Fisher is 68. Sports columnist Mike Lupica is 68. Actor Boyd Gaines is 67. Country musician Mark Herndon (formerly with Alabama) is 65. Actress Martha Quinn is 61. Country singer-musician Tim Raybon (The Raybon Brothers) is 57. Actor Tim Blake Nelson is 56. Actor Jeffrey Donovan is 52. Country musician Keith West (Heartland) is 52. Actor Nicky Katt is 50. Actor Coby Bell is 45. Cellist Perttu Kivilaakso is 42. Actor Austin O'Brien is 39. Actor-singer Jonathan Jackson is 38. Rapper Ace Hood is 32. Latin singer Prince Royce is 31. Actress Annabelle Attanasio (TV: "Bull") is 27. Musician Howard Lawrence (Disclosure) is 26.

Thought for Today: "Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it." — Irving Berlin, American songwriter (born this date in 1888, died 1989).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Monday, May 11, the 132nd day of 2020. There are 234 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On May 11, 1502, Christopher Columbus left Cadiz, Spain, on his fourth and final trip to the Western Hemisphere.On this date:In 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state of the Union.In 1935, the Rural Electrification Administration was created as one of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs.In 1943, during World War II, U.S. forces landed on the Aleutian island of Attu, which was held by the Japanese; the Americans took the island 19 days later.In 1947, the B.F. Goodrich Company of Akron, Ohio, announced the development of a tubeless tire.In 1950, President Harry S. Truman formally dedicated the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington state.In 1953, a tornado devastated Waco, Texas, claiming 114 lives.In 1960, Israeli agents captured Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in Buenos Aires, Argentina.In 1973, the espionage trial of Daniel Ellsberg and Anthony Russo in the "Pentagon Papers" case came to an end as Judge William M. Byrne dismissed all charges, citing government misconduct.In 1981, legendary reggae artist Bob Marley died in a Miami hospital at age 36.In 1996, an Atlanta-bound ValuJet DC-9 caught fire shortly after takeoff from Miami and crashed into the Florida Everglades, killing all 110 people on board.In 1998, India set off three underground atomic blasts, its first nuclear tests in 24 years. A French mint produced the first coins of Europe's single currency, the euro.In 2006, lawmakers demanded answers after a USA Today report that the National Security Agency was secretly collecting records of millions of ordinary Americans' phone calls; President George W. Bush sought to assure Americans their civil liberties were being "fiercely protected."Ten years ago: Conservative leader David Cameron, at age 43, became Britain's youngest prime minister in almost 200 years after Gordon Brown stepped down and ended 13 years of Labour government.Five years ago: Joyce Hardin Garrard, the Alabama woman convicted of running her 9-year-old granddaughter, Savannah Hardin, to death as punishment for lying about candy, was sentenced by a judge in Gadsden to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The NFL came down hard on its biggest star and its championship team, suspending Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady for the first four games of the season, fining the New England Patriots $1 million and taking away two draft picks as punishment for deflating footballs used in the AFC title game.One year ago: Gay rights activists organizing on social media held an unauthorized march down eight blocks of one of the main streets in Cuba's capital before being stopped by police. Election officials in South Africa announced that the ruling African National Congress had achieved its weakest victory in national elections in a quarter-century, with 57.5% of the vote.Today's Birthdays: Comedian Mort Sahl is 93. Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan is 87. Jazz keyboardist Carla Bley is 84. Rock singer Eric Burdon (The Animals; War) is 79. Actress Pam Ferris is 72. Former White House chief of staff John F. Kelly is 70. Actress Shohreh Aghdashloo is 68. Actress Frances Fisher is 68. Sports columnist Mike Lupica is 68. Actor Boyd Gaines is 67. Country musician Mark Herndon (formerly with Alabama) is 65. Actress Martha Quinn is 61. Country singer-musician Tim Raybon (The Raybon Brothers) is 57. Actor Tim Blake Nelson is 56. Actor Jeffrey Donovan is 52. Country musician Keith West (Heartland) is 52. Actor Nicky Katt is 50. Actor Coby Bell is 45. Cellist Perttu Kivilaakso is 42. Actor Austin O'Brien is 39. Actor-singer Jonathan Jackson is 38. Rapper Ace Hood is 32. Latin singer Prince Royce is 31. Actress Annabelle Attanasio (TV: "Bull") is 27. Musician Howard Lawrence (Disclosure) is 26.Thought for Today: "Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it." — Irving Berlin, American songwriter (born this date in 1888, died 1989).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- May 11

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Doralynn Mellinger of McPherson was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. 

Mellinger was initiated at Fort Hays State University.

Mellinger is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Doralynn Mellinger of McPherson was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Mellinger was initiated at Fort Hays State University.Mellinger is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

Mellinger inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

DICKINSON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Sunday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Hyundai Tucson driven by Jordan Taylor Wood, 28, Denver, Co., was eastbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Kansas 15.

The SUV left the roadway to the left, entered the median, crossed west bound lanes and overturned.&nbsp;

EMS transported Wood and a passenger Amy Sara Coppola, 41, Conifer, CO., to the hospital in Salina. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

DICKINSON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Sunday in Dickinson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Hyundai Tucson driven by Jordan Taylor Wood, 28, Denver, Co., was eastbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Kansas 15.The SUV left the roadway to the left, entered the median, crossed west bound lanes and overturned.&nbsp;EMS transported Wood and a passenger Amy Sara Coppola, 41, Conifer, CO., to the hospital in Salina. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized in Salina after SUV overturns

PRATT – Each spring, many Kansans find young wildlife that appear to be abandoned or injured. While it may be human nature to want to “save” the animal, the most beneficial course of action is to simply let the animal be.

Not only does Kansas law prohibit the possession of most wildlife, but many wildlife are not abandoned at all. Many adult animal species leave their young during the day to seek out food and/or to avoid drawing the attention of predators to their nest and/or young. When a young animal is taken away from its natural habitat, its chances of survival diminish greatly, with most perishing shortly after capture. For the animals that do survive being “rescued,” their lack of learned survival skills that can only come from a life in the wild mean they can never again return to their intended home.

Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators (see a list of Kansas wildlife rehabilitators here:&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Rehabilitation" target="_blank">https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Rehabilitation</a>) can possess wild animals in Kansas because each animal requires specialized care, not to mention specialized knowledge of potential diseases the animal may carry. Wild animals also commonly carry fleas and ticks – which can transmit blood-borne diseases to humans – and also may carry bacteria, roundworms, tapeworms, mites and other protozoans that could infect humans and their pets. Kansans can keep themselves and their pets safe by simply not touching wildlife.

This time of year, it’s not uncommon for storms to blow young birds out of their nests. For those who feel compelled to assist, consider the following guidance:

If you’ve found a young bird that has feathers and can perch: Place them back in the nearest tree or shrub, away from cats or other pets. The parents will still care for them, even if you’ve touched them.

If you’ve found a nest with nestlings: Place the nest in a plastic bowl and back in the tree, or as close to the nearest tree or shrub as possible. Remaining in their nest in or near a tree is the nestlings’ best chance of survival. Do not remove the birds from the wild.

Enjoy watching wildlife this spring, especially if you see young ones. But make a pact to leave them alone. Let nature take its course and know that wild animals have the best chance of survival in the wild.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589155864549.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy KDWPT" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KDWPT</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT – Each spring, many Kansans find young wildlife that appear to be abandoned or injured. While it may be human nature to want to “save” the animal, the most beneficial course of action is to simply let the animal be.Not only does Kansas law prohibit the possession of most wildlife, but many wildlife are not abandoned at all. Many adult animal species leave their young during the day to seek out food and/or to avoid drawing the attention of predators to their nest and/or young. When a young animal is taken away from its natural habitat, its chances of survival diminish greatly, with most perishing shortly after capture. For the animals that do survive being “rescued,” their lack of learned survival skills that can only come from a life in the wild mean they can never again return to their intended home.Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators (see a list of Kansas wildlife rehabilitators here:&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Rehabilitation" target="_blank">https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Rehabilitation</a>) can possess wild animals in Kansas because each animal requires specialized care, not to mention specialized knowledge of potential diseases the animal may carry. Wild animals also commonly carry fleas and ticks – which can transmit blood-borne diseases to humans – and also may carry bacteria, roundworms, tapeworms, mites and other protozoans that could infect humans and their pets. Kansans can keep themselves and their pets safe by simply not touching wildlife.Young BirdsThis time of year, it’s not uncommon for storms to blow young birds out of their nests. For those who feel compelled to assist, consider the following guidance:If you’ve found a young bird that has feathers and can perch: Place them back in the nearest tree or shrub, away from cats or other pets. The parents will still care for them, even if you’ve touched them.If you’ve found a nest with nestlings: Place the nest in a plastic bowl and back in the tree, or as close to the nearest tree or shrub as possible. Remaining in their nest in or near a tree is the nestlings’ best chance of survival. Do not remove the birds from the wild.Enjoy watching wildlife this spring, especially if you see young ones. But make a pact to leave them alone. Let nature take its course and know that wild animals have the best chance of survival in the wild.

KDWPT encourages Kansans to leave wildlife wild

Here's the Saline County COVID-19 update for Sunday:

•KDHE announced that beginning Monday, May 11th, the Daily Case Summary will only be released on Monday’s, Wednesday’s, and Friday’s.

Help our community in slowing the spread of this virus. Only follow official sources to obtain information: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>. Stay Safe &amp; Stay Healthy.

Here's the Saline County COVID-19 update for Sunday:The Saline County Health Department does not have any additional cases of COVID-19 to report today.Reminder:•KDHE announced that beginning Monday, May 11th, the Daily Case Summary will only be released on Monday’s, Wednesday’s, and Friday’s.As we attempt to reopen Saline County, the entire community is counting on each person to follow the below recommendations to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.•It is highly encouraged to continue to wear cloth masks and maintain social distancing.•It is highly encouraged for people to only leave their homes for essentials.•It is highly recommended those employees in any service industry wear PPE (especially cloth masks).•It is highly encouraged to continue telework.•Avoid socializing in person with groups of 10 or more individuals in both indoor and outdoor settings.•Any employees exhibiting symptoms should be required to stay at home and asked to call their health care provider.•It will take the effort to follow the above recommendations from everyone in our community to continue our reopening.Help our community in slowing the spread of this virus. Only follow official sources to obtain information: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>. Stay Safe &amp; Stay Healthy.

No new cases of COVID-19, Saline County reports

As businesses reopen, new opportunities may be available

MANHATTAN — As stay-at-home orders end and stores begin to reopen, the leader of one of the state’s leading rural development organizations says it is a time for business owners to reconsider their strategy as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I call it the three Rs: Re-orientation, re-energizing, and resilience,” said Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development with K-State Research and Extension.

“Customer expectations and worker expectations have changed. As businesses reopen, owners need to re-orient their business plans and facilities to assure a higher level of disease protection. This means providing physical barriers, arranging for adequate spacing, providing masks to employees, and emphasizing constant sanitation, as many ongoing businesses have done.”

Business owners should be sure to carefully comply with local health department directives, he said.

“The second ‘R’ is re-energizing,” Wilson said. “It will be important to rebuild the local economy as quickly as possible, while following the phased guidelines for reopening.”

Many supply chains have been disrupted in the short-term, but markets are adjusting. “We believe there will be pent-up demand for certain products, and we encourage businesses to advertise, hire staff, and continue to emphasize customer service,” he said.

“Resilience has to do with planning for the long-term,” Wilson said, noting that the challenges posed by the pandemic and the resulting policy response have demonstrated the importance of communication between a business and its suppliers and lenders.

In the future, businesses might also wish to pursue improving their online presence and ordering systems, for example. “Business owners should always be thinking about building relationships and positioning themselves for the future,” Wilson said.

He added that businesses should take direction on local policies from each county and its health department.&nbsp;Information on best practices for reopening can also be accessed from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/doc/KSRE-best-practices-reopen.pdf">K-State Research and Extension</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf">Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>, and&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/covid-19-response">Kansas Department of Commerce</a>.

“Main street businesses face a lot of challenges,” Wilson said. “The economy will benefit if consumers support those businesses as they move carefully to reopen.”

<h2>As businesses reopen, new opportunities may be available</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN — As stay-at-home orders end and stores begin to reopen, the leader of one of the state’s leading rural development organizations says it is a time for business owners to reconsider their strategy as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.“I call it the three Rs: Re-orientation, re-energizing, and resilience,” said Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development with K-State Research and Extension.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141281633.png" alt="Wilson" />
 <figcaption>Wilson</figcaption>
 </figure>“Customer expectations and worker expectations have changed. As businesses reopen, owners need to re-orient their business plans and facilities to assure a higher level of disease protection. This means providing physical barriers, arranging for adequate spacing, providing masks to employees, and emphasizing constant sanitation, as many ongoing businesses have done.”Business owners should be sure to carefully comply with local health department directives, he said.“The second ‘R’ is re-energizing,” Wilson said. “It will be important to rebuild the local economy as quickly as possible, while following the phased guidelines for reopening.”Many supply chains have been disrupted in the short-term, but markets are adjusting. “We believe there will be pent-up demand for certain products, and we encourage businesses to advertise, hire staff, and continue to emphasize customer service,” he said.“Resilience has to do with planning for the long-term,” Wilson said, noting that the challenges posed by the pandemic and the resulting policy response have demonstrated the importance of communication between a business and its suppliers and lenders.In the future, businesses might also wish to pursue improving their online presence and ordering systems, for example. “Business owners should always be thinking about building relationships and positioning themselves for the future,” Wilson said.He added that businesses should take direction on local policies from each county and its health department.&nbsp;Information on best practices for reopening can also be accessed from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/doc/KSRE-best-practices-reopen.pdf">K-State Research and Extension</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf">Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>, and&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/covid-19-response">Kansas Department of Commerce</a>.“Main street businesses face a lot of challenges,” Wilson said. “The economy will benefit if consumers support those businesses as they move carefully to reopen.”

Rural businesses should consider post-COVID-19 strategies

Proclamations, a simulator purchase, and a financial review and programming discussion are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Monday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street.&nbsp;Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will take place via telephone conference. Interested persons can watch the meeting via Salina Media Connection, either on Cox Cable channel 20 or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinatv.org/">www.salinatv.org</a>&nbsp;or at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">City of Salina YouTube channel</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Persons wishing to participate in the meeting will need to dial (785) 621-0800 and enter participant code 782956 followed by #. Persons who wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, must dial *9 on their phones. This will alert the moderator, who will open the line.

Commissioners are scheduled to consider requests from Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson to proclaim May 15, 2020, as Peace Officers' Memorial Day and the week of May 10-16, 2020, as Police Week in the City of Salina.

Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to consider a request to approve the purchase of a VirTra-300 LE virtual judgment simulator to be installed in the Salina Police Department Regional Training Center. Since the construction of the training center was approved, Salina Police Department Excellence Fund board members have been soliciting funds to cover the cost of the simulator. According to information in the commission meeting packet, money has been collected to fully fund the simulator at a cost of $206,685.90.

Other items on the city commission agenda for Monday include the following.

•Consider a resolution to appoint members of the Salina Field House Qualified Active Low-Income Community Business, Inc.

•Consider a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a second amendment to the transferee agreement with Salina Educational Automotive Museum of America, Inc.

•A financial review and programming discussion.

To view the entire meeting packet for Monday, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=445247&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

Proclamations, a simulator purchase, and a financial review and programming discussion are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.The meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Monday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street.&nbsp;Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will take place via telephone conference. Interested persons can watch the meeting via Salina Media Connection, either on Cox Cable channel 20 or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinatv.org/">www.salinatv.org</a>&nbsp;or at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">City of Salina YouTube channel</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Persons wishing to participate in the meeting will need to dial (785) 621-0800 and enter participant code 782956 followed by #. Persons who wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, must dial *9 on their phones. This will alert the moderator, who will open the line.Commissioners are scheduled to consider requests from Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson to proclaim May 15, 2020, as Peace Officers' Memorial Day and the week of May 10-16, 2020, as Police Week in the City of Salina.Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to consider a request to approve the purchase of a VirTra-300 LE virtual judgment simulator to be installed in the Salina Police Department Regional Training Center. Since the construction of the training center was approved, Salina Police Department Excellence Fund board members have been soliciting funds to cover the cost of the simulator. According to information in the commission meeting packet, money has been collected to fully fund the simulator at a cost of $206,685.90.Other items on the city commission agenda for Monday include the following.•Consider a resolution to appoint members of the Salina Field House Qualified Active Low-Income Community Business, Inc.•Consider a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a second amendment to the transferee agreement with Salina Educational Automotive Museum of America, Inc.•A financial review and programming discussion.To view the entire meeting packet for Monday, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=445247&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

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