A 32-year-old man was cited after a two-vehicle accident late Tuesday morning in central Salina.

Devin Buchenau, 32, of Salina, was eastbound on West Crawford Street at Montrose Street on a 2012 Dong Fang D150TKB motorcycle when he looked away from the street and rear-ended a 2019 Ford Expedition that was stopped in traffic, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.

The Expedition was driven by Maegan Lee, 42, of Lindsborg, he noted.

According to Forrester, Buchenau had road rash and injuries to his right elbow and arm, but refused medical treatment.

The motorcycle had disabling damage to the front, but was removed by Buchenau, and the Expedition had minor damage to the passenger side rear end and was removed by Lee, Forrester explained.

Buchenau was cited for inattentive driving, Forrester noted.

A 32-year-old man was cited after a two-vehicle accident late Tuesday morning in central Salina.Devin Buchenau, 32, of Salina, was eastbound on West Crawford Street at Montrose Street on a 2012 Dong Fang D150TKB motorcycle when he looked away from the street and rear-ended a 2019 Ford Expedition that was stopped in traffic, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.The Expedition was driven by Maegan Lee, 42, of Lindsborg, he noted.According to Forrester, Buchenau had road rash and injuries to his right elbow and arm, but refused medical treatment.The motorcycle had disabling damage to the front, but was removed by Buchenau, and the Expedition had minor damage to the passenger side rear end and was removed by Lee, Forrester explained.Buchenau was cited for inattentive driving, Forrester noted.

Salina man cited after motorcycle rear-ends Expedition

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher

I’ve received a number of calls lately to reschedule appointments because of COVID-19. Aside from the monthly hair appointments, my kids and I will not be visiting our dentist or eye doctor at our originally scheduled times this spring.

In the past, I have generally made these appointments around the end of school when the kids have a more flexible schedule. As I was on one particular call looking at calendar options for later this summer, I began to notice all of the events and functions that didn’t happen.

After penciling in a new appointment, I continued to look at all of the things I had not deleted on my calendar. Things like the pre-K Mom’s Day Tea Party, a music program, our elementary school’s field day and our county’s All Schools Day parade.

These were all days I had planned to take off to spend some special time with my kiddos. This realization brought some tears to my eyes as I realized my kids and I wouldn’t be able to experience some established traditions this year. 

As I was wiping my eyes, my son and daughter came tromping into the farm office with Rosie our farm dog not far behind. The office has not only served as my remote workspace for nearly two months but has also served as the kids’ remote schoolhouse. Evidence of learning and life is scattered throughout the room.

My two young children, covered in a thick layer of dust, were looking for a snack break. They made a beeline to my desk drawer where I keep some goodies in the event of an all-to-often emergency snack. 

I handed them each a packet of peanut butter crackers and asked what they were up to. They began naming off all of the shenanigans they and Rosie were doing that afternoon. From riding their bikes around the farmyard, gathering materials for a tree fort, setting up the water slide and gathering sticks for the fire pit. They had a busy afternoon planned. After gobbling down their snacks, they took off for another round of fun outside.

As I hollered at them to “be careful” and “shut the office door,” it was then that I realized I have been witness to all of the scheduled traditional spring events I was so sad to miss — only in a modified form.

I have been able to eat lunch with both kiddos nearly every day. And while I haven’t donned any special hats, we do eat finger foods on occasion and have even enjoyed some cream puffs I had originally purchased for the actual Mom’s Day Tea Party school event. While it might not be as fancy, and we generally have an unrefined hairy, stinky farm dog plotting to steal our food, we are still able to enjoy lovely conversations while also sipping on peach tea or lemonade. Modified Tea Party — check.

My daughter Isannah wakes up every morning singing a song and proceeds to go about her day singing while making multiple wardrobe changes and adding to the laundry pile. Modified school music program — check.

My son Banks has been throwing balls, lifting bags of seed, climbing everything and racing Rosie all around the farm. Modified school field day — check.

Both kids ride their bikes all over the farm. Banks generally puts cards in his spokes to make noise when his wheels turn while Isannah generally fills the basket on her handlebars with flowers and grass that she throws to her crowd consisting of Rosie the dog and Sunflower the cow. Modified All School’s Day Parade — check.

While the traditional events that held space on the calendar might not be happening this year, I’ve realized sometimes you have to open your eyes a little more to recognize the essence of those special events are still present.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy KFB" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy KFB</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancherI’ve received a number of calls lately to reschedule appointments because of COVID-19. Aside from the monthly hair appointments, my kids and I will not be visiting our dentist or eye doctor at our originally scheduled times this spring.In the past, I have generally made these appointments around the end of school when the kids have a more flexible schedule. As I was on one particular call looking at calendar options for later this summer, I began to notice all of the events and functions that didn’t happen.After penciling in a new appointment, I continued to look at all of the things I had not deleted on my calendar. Things like the pre-K Mom’s Day Tea Party, a music program, our elementary school’s field day and our county’s All Schools Day parade.These were all days I had planned to take off to spend some special time with my kiddos. This realization brought some tears to my eyes as I realized my kids and I wouldn’t be able to experience some established traditions this year. As I was wiping my eyes, my son and daughter came tromping into the farm office with Rosie our farm dog not far behind. The office has not only served as my remote workspace for nearly two months but has also served as the kids’ remote schoolhouse. Evidence of learning and life is scattered throughout the room.My two young children, covered in a thick layer of dust, were looking for a snack break. They made a beeline to my desk drawer where I keep some goodies in the event of an all-to-often emergency snack. I handed them each a packet of peanut butter crackers and asked what they were up to. They began naming off all of the shenanigans they and Rosie were doing that afternoon. From riding their bikes around the farmyard, gathering materials for a tree fort, setting up the water slide and gathering sticks for the fire pit. They had a busy afternoon planned. After gobbling down their snacks, they took off for another round of fun outside.As I hollered at them to “be careful” and “shut the office door,” it was then that I realized I have been witness to all of the scheduled traditional spring events I was so sad to miss — only in a modified form.I have been able to eat lunch with both kiddos nearly every day. And while I haven’t donned any special hats, we do eat finger foods on occasion and have even enjoyed some cream puffs I had originally purchased for the actual Mom’s Day Tea Party school event. While it might not be as fancy, and we generally have an unrefined hairy, stinky farm dog plotting to steal our food, we are still able to enjoy lovely conversations while also sipping on peach tea or lemonade. Modified Tea Party — check.My daughter Isannah wakes up every morning singing a song and proceeds to go about her day singing while making multiple wardrobe changes and adding to the laundry pile. Modified school music program — check.My son Banks has been throwing balls, lifting bags of seed, climbing everything and racing Rosie all around the farm. Modified school field day — check.Both kids ride their bikes all over the farm. Banks generally puts cards in his spokes to make noise when his wheels turn while Isannah generally fills the basket on her handlebars with flowers and grass that she throws to her crowd consisting of Rosie the dog and Sunflower the cow. Modified All School’s Day Parade — check.While the traditional events that held space on the calendar might not be happening this year, I’ve realized sometimes you have to open your eyes a little more to recognize the essence of those special events are still present."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp; Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Modified calendar events

Today is Wednesday, May 6, the 127th day of 2020. There are 239 days left in the year.

On May 6, 1915, Babe Ruth hit his first major-league home run as a player for the Boston Red Sox.

In 1863, the Civil War Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia ended with a Confederate victory over Union forces.

In 1882, President Chester Alan Arthur signed the Chinese Exclusion Act, which barred Chinese immigrants from the U.S. for 10 years (Arthur had opposed an earlier version with a 20-year ban).

In 1910, Britain's Edwardian era ended with the death of King Edward VII; he was succeeded by George V.

In 1935, the Works Progress Administration began operating under an executive order signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

In 1937, the hydrogen-filled German airship Hindenburg caught fire and crashed while attempting to dock at Lakehurst, New Jersey; 35 of the 97 people on board were killed along with a crewman on the ground.

In 1941, Josef Stalin assumed the Soviet premiership, replacing Vyacheslav M. Molotov. Comedian Bob Hope did his first USO show before an audience of servicemen as he broadcast his radio program from March Field in Riverside, California.

In 1942, during World War II, some 15,000 American and Filipino troops on Corregidor island surrendered to Japanese forces.

In 1954, medical student Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile during a track meet in Oxford, England, in 3:59.4.

In 1960, Britain's Princess Margaret married Antony Armstrong-Jones, a commoner, at Westminster Abbey. (They divorced in 1978.)

In 1994, former Arkansas state worker Paula Jones filed suit against President Bill Clinton, alleging he had sexually harassed her in 1991. (Jones reached a settlement with Clinton in November 1998.) Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and French President Francois Mitterrand formally opened the Channel Tunnel between their countries.

In 2004, President George W. Bush apologized for the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by American soldiers, calling it "a stain on our country's honor"; he rejected calls for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's resignation.

In 2013, kidnap-rape victims Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight, who went missing separately about a decade earlier while in their teens or early 20s, were rescued from a house just south of downtown Cleveland. (Their captor, Ariel Castro, hanged himself in prison in September 2013 at the beginning of a life sentence plus 1,000 years.)

Ten years ago: A computerized sell order triggered a "flash crash" on Wall Street, sending the Dow Jones industrials to a loss of nearly 1,000 points in less than half an hour. Conservatives captured the largest number of seats in Britain's national election but fell short of a majority. (Conservative leader David Cameron ended up heading a coalition government.) A court in India sentenced to death the only surviving Pakistani gunman in the bloody 2008 Mumbai attacks. (Mohammed Ajmal Kasab was hanged on Nov. 21, 2012.)

Five years ago: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu completed formation of a new governing coalition. The NFL released a 243-report on "Deflategate" that stopped short of calling Patriots quarterback Tom Brady a cheater, but did call some of his claims "implausible" and left little doubt that he'd had a role in having footballs deflated before New England's AFC title game against Indianapolis and probably in previous games. Former U.S. House Speaker Jim Wright, 92, died in Fort Worth, Texas.

One year ago: Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, reported to a federal prison northwest of New York City for crimes including tax evasion and campaign finance violations related to hush-money payments made to protect Trump. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin notified the Democratic chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee that the administration would not turn over the president's tax returns to the House, saying the request "lacks a legitimate legislative purpose." The co-owner of Maximum Security, disqualified from first place in the Kentucky Derby, said the horse would not run in the Preakness, the middle jewel of the Triple Crown; the announcement came hours before the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission denied an appeal of the disqualification. In a Rose Garden ceremony, President Donald Trump awarded golfer Tiger Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. CBS News announced that Norah O'Donnell would become anchor and managing editor of the "CBS Evening News" and that Gayle King would get two new morning show co-hosts. Britain's Prince Harry and wife Megan Markle became parents as Markle gave birth to a boy who would be named Archie.

Today's Birthdays: Baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays is 89. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., is 86. Rock singer Bob Seger is 75. Singer Jimmie Dale Gilmore is 75. Gospel singer-comedian Lulu Roman is 74. Actor Alan Dale is 73. Actor Ben Masters is 73. Actor Richard Cox is 72. Actor Gregg Henry is 68. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is 67. TV personality Tom Bergeron is 65. Actress Roma Downey is 60. Rock singer John Flansburgh (They Might Be Giants) is 60. Actress Julianne Phillips is 60. Actor-director George Clooney is 59. Actor Clay O'Brien is 59. Rock singer-musician Tony Scalzo (Fastball) is 56. Actress Leslie Hope is 55. Actress Geneva Carr (TV: "Bull") is 54. Rock musician Mark Bryan (Hootie and the Blowfish) is 53. Rock musician Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters) is 49. Actress Stacey Oristano is 41. Model/TV personality Tiffany Coyne is 38. Actress Adrianne Palicki is 37. Actress Gabourey Sidibe is 37. Actress-comedian Sasheer Zamata is 34. Rapper Meek Mill is 33. Houston Astros infielder Jose Altuve is 30. Actress-singer Naomi Scott is 27. Actor Noah Galvin is 26.

Thought for Today: "To know your ruling passion, examine your castles in the air." — Richard Whately, English clergyman (1787-1863).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Wednesday, May 6, the 127th day of 2020. There are 239 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On May 6, 1915, Babe Ruth hit his first major-league home run as a player for the Boston Red Sox.On this date:In 1863, the Civil War Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia ended with a Confederate victory over Union forces.In 1882, President Chester Alan Arthur signed the Chinese Exclusion Act, which barred Chinese immigrants from the U.S. for 10 years (Arthur had opposed an earlier version with a 20-year ban).In 1910, Britain's Edwardian era ended with the death of King Edward VII; he was succeeded by George V.In 1935, the Works Progress Administration began operating under an executive order signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.In 1937, the hydrogen-filled German airship Hindenburg caught fire and crashed while attempting to dock at Lakehurst, New Jersey; 35 of the 97 people on board were killed along with a crewman on the ground.In 1941, Josef Stalin assumed the Soviet premiership, replacing Vyacheslav M. Molotov. Comedian Bob Hope did his first USO show before an audience of servicemen as he broadcast his radio program from March Field in Riverside, California.In 1942, during World War II, some 15,000 American and Filipino troops on Corregidor island surrendered to Japanese forces.In 1954, medical student Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile during a track meet in Oxford, England, in 3:59.4.In 1960, Britain's Princess Margaret married Antony Armstrong-Jones, a commoner, at Westminster Abbey. (They divorced in 1978.)In 1994, former Arkansas state worker Paula Jones filed suit against President Bill Clinton, alleging he had sexually harassed her in 1991. (Jones reached a settlement with Clinton in November 1998.) Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and French President Francois Mitterrand formally opened the Channel Tunnel between their countries.In 2004, President George W. Bush apologized for the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by American soldiers, calling it "a stain on our country's honor"; he rejected calls for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's resignation.In 2013, kidnap-rape victims Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight, who went missing separately about a decade earlier while in their teens or early 20s, were rescued from a house just south of downtown Cleveland. (Their captor, Ariel Castro, hanged himself in prison in September 2013 at the beginning of a life sentence plus 1,000 years.)Ten years ago: A computerized sell order triggered a "flash crash" on Wall Street, sending the Dow Jones industrials to a loss of nearly 1,000 points in less than half an hour. Conservatives captured the largest number of seats in Britain's national election but fell short of a majority. (Conservative leader David Cameron ended up heading a coalition government.) A court in India sentenced to death the only surviving Pakistani gunman in the bloody 2008 Mumbai attacks. (Mohammed Ajmal Kasab was hanged on Nov. 21, 2012.)Five years ago: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu completed formation of a new governing coalition. The NFL released a 243-report on "Deflategate" that stopped short of calling Patriots quarterback Tom Brady a cheater, but did call some of his claims "implausible" and left little doubt that he'd had a role in having footballs deflated before New England's AFC title game against Indianapolis and probably in previous games. Former U.S. House Speaker Jim Wright, 92, died in Fort Worth, Texas.One year ago: Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, reported to a federal prison northwest of New York City for crimes including tax evasion and campaign finance violations related to hush-money payments made to protect Trump. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin notified the Democratic chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee that the administration would not turn over the president's tax returns to the House, saying the request "lacks a legitimate legislative purpose." The co-owner of Maximum Security, disqualified from first place in the Kentucky Derby, said the horse would not run in the Preakness, the middle jewel of the Triple Crown; the announcement came hours before the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission denied an appeal of the disqualification. In a Rose Garden ceremony, President Donald Trump awarded golfer Tiger Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. CBS News announced that Norah O'Donnell would become anchor and managing editor of the "CBS Evening News" and that Gayle King would get two new morning show co-hosts. Britain's Prince Harry and wife Megan Markle became parents as Markle gave birth to a boy who would be named Archie.Today's Birthdays: Baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays is 89. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., is 86. Rock singer Bob Seger is 75. Singer Jimmie Dale Gilmore is 75. Gospel singer-comedian Lulu Roman is 74. Actor Alan Dale is 73. Actor Ben Masters is 73. Actor Richard Cox is 72. Actor Gregg Henry is 68. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is 67. TV personality Tom Bergeron is 65. Actress Roma Downey is 60. Rock singer John Flansburgh (They Might Be Giants) is 60. Actress Julianne Phillips is 60. Actor-director George Clooney is 59. Actor Clay O'Brien is 59. Rock singer-musician Tony Scalzo (Fastball) is 56. Actress Leslie Hope is 55. Actress Geneva Carr (TV: "Bull") is 54. Rock musician Mark Bryan (Hootie and the Blowfish) is 53. Rock musician Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters) is 49. Actress Stacey Oristano is 41. Model/TV personality Tiffany Coyne is 38. Actress Adrianne Palicki is 37. Actress Gabourey Sidibe is 37. Actress-comedian Sasheer Zamata is 34. Rapper Meek Mill is 33. Houston Astros infielder Jose Altuve is 30. Actress-singer Naomi Scott is 27. Actor Noah Galvin is 26.Thought for Today: "To know your ruling passion, examine your castles in the air." — Richard Whately, English clergyman (1787-1863).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- May 6

Saline County is closer to an agreement with the City of Salina concerning an expo center lease.

During Tuesday's county commission meeting, County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes notified commissioners that the city had forwarded to the county Monday night a draft lease agreement for the expo center property in Kenwood Park. 

According to information from Saline County, the document was sent to the county counselor. Smith-Hanes told commissioners that they should expect an executive session next week concerning the draft lease agreement, the county information noted.

Other business covered during the Tuesday commission meeting, according to information from the county, includes the following.

Commissioners approved for the purchase of a new patrol vehicle for the sheriff’s office for $43,999. This will replace a unit that was totaled in an accident earlier this year. Insurance reimbursement will be used to help with covering the cost, but remaining equipment improvement funds will be used to make up the difference.

Commissioners approved a service agreement for the decontamination of N-95 respirators with the use of a Battelle system. This system was acquired by the State of Kansas through a resource request to FEMA. This system can decontaminate thousands of respirators at a time and each respirator can be decontaminated up to 20 times. There is no cost for the use of this system, but it was required that the county approve the service agreement to be able to cover all of the agencies in Saline County for the use of this system. Michelle Barkley, emergency management director, told commissioners that this system can decontaminate several different brands of respirators.

Justin Mader, county engineer, presented a Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) agreement to receive emergency relief funds for two projects that needed extensive repairs from the 2019 flood. Originally, these projects were not going to be covered by any funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, however, KDOT was able to provide emergency relief funds for projects that met certain criteria. $114,269.84 will be coming back to Saline County for two projects that met that criteria and have already been completed. Commissioners voted to sign the agreement and accept the funds. 

Commissioners approved for the purchase of a new mower deck for the Road and Bridge Department at a cost of $16,070. This replaces a 2002 mower deck.

Darren Fishel, road and bridge administrator, provided a department update for March and April. He noted several things that the department has worked on, including the following.

•Response to two minor snow and ice events.

•Completion of the rebuilding of Wasserman Way and Frisbee Way.

•Pothole repairs on county asphalt roads.

•Hauling of 16,226 ton of rock, 1,865 ton of AB-2, 6,120 ton of sand, and 26 ton of road salt.

•Completion of the seasonal tree trimming and tree removal.

•Completion of the “No Passing Zone” warning sign replacement.

•Replacement of 564 traffic control signs.

During his weekly update, Smith-Hanes told commissioners that County Health Officer Jason Tiller does not plan on adding additional restrictions at this time to the guidance issued by Governor Laura Kelly. The health department is continually monitoring the COVID-19 situation, he said. Smith-Hanes told commissioners that there will be a stakeholder meeting later this week, provided a brief on procedures at some of the other county buildings, and then reminded citizens that if they need to conduct business with a county office to be sure to call beforehand.

Smith-Hanes also updated commissioners on the 2021 budget process. He said that during the next three commission meetings, the commissioners will hear from the different allocation agencies. A special commission meeting with department heads concerning budget requests is scheduled for May 27, he noted.

Additionally, Smith-Hanes told commissioners that the sheriff's office received word that it had been awarded $58,008 from the U.S. Department of Justice through the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program. A request for formal acceptance of the funding will come before the commission next week, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576863610889.jpeg" alt="The expo center includes Agriculture Hall, left, and the 4H Building, among other buildings and spaces. Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>The expo center includes Agriculture Hall, left, and the 4H Building, among other buildings and spaces. Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Saline County is closer to an agreement with the City of Salina concerning an expo center lease.During Tuesday's county commission meeting, County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes notified commissioners that the city had forwarded to the county Monday night a draft lease agreement for the expo center property in Kenwood Park. According to information from Saline County, the document was sent to the county counselor. Smith-Hanes told commissioners that they should expect an executive session next week concerning the draft lease agreement, the county information noted.Other business covered during the Tuesday commission meeting, according to information from the county, includes the following.Commissioners approved for the purchase of a new patrol vehicle for the sheriff’s office for $43,999. This will replace a unit that was totaled in an accident earlier this year. Insurance reimbursement will be used to help with covering the cost, but remaining equipment improvement funds will be used to make up the difference.Commissioners approved a service agreement for the decontamination of N-95 respirators with the use of a Battelle system. This system was acquired by the State of Kansas through a resource request to FEMA. This system can decontaminate thousands of respirators at a time and each respirator can be decontaminated up to 20 times. There is no cost for the use of this system, but it was required that the county approve the service agreement to be able to cover all of the agencies in Saline County for the use of this system. Michelle Barkley, emergency management director, told commissioners that this system can decontaminate several different brands of respirators.Justin Mader, county engineer, presented a Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) agreement to receive emergency relief funds for two projects that needed extensive repairs from the 2019 flood. Originally, these projects were not going to be covered by any funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, however, KDOT was able to provide emergency relief funds for projects that met certain criteria. $114,269.84 will be coming back to Saline County for two projects that met that criteria and have already been completed. Commissioners voted to sign the agreement and accept the funds. Commissioners approved for the purchase of a new mower deck for the Road and Bridge Department at a cost of $16,070. This replaces a 2002 mower deck.Darren Fishel, road and bridge administrator, provided a department update for March and April. He noted several things that the department has worked on, including the following.•Response to two minor snow and ice events.•Completion of the rebuilding of Wasserman Way and Frisbee Way.•Pothole repairs on county asphalt roads.•Hauling of 16,226 ton of rock, 1,865 ton of AB-2, 6,120 ton of sand, and 26 ton of road salt.•Completion of the seasonal tree trimming and tree removal.•Completion of the “No Passing Zone” warning sign replacement.•Replacement of 564 traffic control signs.During his weekly update, Smith-Hanes told commissioners that County Health Officer Jason Tiller does not plan on adding additional restrictions at this time to the guidance issued by Governor Laura Kelly. The health department is continually monitoring the COVID-19 situation, he said. Smith-Hanes told commissioners that there will be a stakeholder meeting later this week, provided a brief on procedures at some of the other county buildings, and then reminded citizens that if they need to conduct business with a county office to be sure to call beforehand.Smith-Hanes also updated commissioners on the 2021 budget process. He said that during the next three commission meetings, the commissioners will hear from the different allocation agencies. A special commission meeting with department heads concerning budget requests is scheduled for May 27, he noted.Additionally, Smith-Hanes told commissioners that the sheriff's office received word that it had been awarded $58,008 from the U.S. Department of Justice through the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program. A request for formal acceptance of the funding will come before the commission next week, he said.

County hears of lease draft, OKs patrol vehicle, talks funding

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department this evening reported two additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county.

The first newly identified case is a female in her 20s who is recovering at home and has unknown exposure. The second newly identified case is a female in her 20s who is recovering at home and has unknown exposure.

According to the health department, symptoms for COVID-19 appear 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, shortness of breath, malaise, sore throat, chills, and diarrhea. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider. You must stay home for at least 10 days after symptoms started or for 72 hours after fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and with significant improvement in symptoms, whichever is longer, the health department noted.

On a more positive note, 17 of the total confirmed cases have now met recovery guidelines set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, however, two of the total confirmed cases are currently hospitalized.

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department this evening reported two additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county.The first newly identified case is a female in her 20s who is recovering at home and has unknown exposure. The second newly identified case is a female in her 20s who is recovering at home and has unknown exposure.According to the health department, symptoms for COVID-19 appear 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, shortness of breath, malaise, sore throat, chills, and diarrhea. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider. You must stay home for at least 10 days after symptoms started or for 72 hours after fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and with significant improvement in symptoms, whichever is longer, the health department noted.On a more positive note, 17 of the total confirmed cases have now met recovery guidelines set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, however, two of the total confirmed cases are currently hospitalized.

McPherson County reports 2 new cases of COVID-19

Salina Downtown's second gift card promotion has successfully concluded. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinadowntowninc/">Salina Downtown, Inc.</a>, Facebook page:

Salina Downtown's second gift card promotion has successfully concluded. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinadowntowninc/">Salina Downtown, Inc.</a>, Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinadowntowninc%2Fposts%2F3279296168755965&width=500" width="500" height="755" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Salina Downtown's 2nd gift card promo concludes

Here's Tuesday's COVID-19 report from Saline County:

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

At 11 am, KDHE reported the following in their daily release:

•A total of 5,458 positive cases and 137 deaths. That is an increase of 210 positive cases from yesterday’s release.

•34,634 negative tests have been received through the KDHE and private labs.

•The age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 43 years of age).

We will continue to do all that we can to avoid any setbacks during this reopening process. Here are some things that you can do to help:

•Maximize physical distances (6 ft. or more) in public settings.

•Utilize online or mail in services to conduct business.

•Avoid socializing with large groups.

•High-risk individuals should only leave the house for essential needs.

•The Kansas Corporation Commission approved extending its emergency order suspending utility disconnects for nonpayment until May 31st. Their press release can be found at:

<a href="https://kcc.ks.gov/news-5-5-20">https://kcc.ks.gov/news-5-5-20</a>

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, Stay Healthy and Stay at Home.

Here's Tuesday's COVID-19 report from Saline County:The Saline County Health Department does not have any additional cases of COVID-19 to report today.At 11 am, KDHE reported the following in their daily release:•A total of 5,458 positive cases and 137 deaths. That is an increase of 210 positive cases from yesterday’s release.•34,634 negative tests have been received through the KDHE and private labs.•The age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 43 years of age).We will continue to do all that we can to avoid any setbacks during this reopening process. Here are some things that you can do to help:•Stay home if you’re sick.•Wear masks in public settings.•Maximize physical distances (6 ft. or more) in public settings.•Utilize online or mail in services to conduct business.•Avoid socializing with large groups.•High-risk individuals should only leave the house for essential needs.•Minimize nonessential travel.•Wash your hands frequently.Announcements:•The Kansas Corporation Commission approved extending its emergency order suspending utility disconnects for nonpayment until May 31st. Their press release can be found at:<a href="https://kcc.ks.gov/news-5-5-20">https://kcc.ks.gov/news-5-5-20</a>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, Stay Healthy and Stay at Home.

No new COVID-19 cases, Saline County reports

KANOPOLIS LAKE -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has halted vehicle access to Venango Park due to a variety of issues.

Vehicle access to the park was halted "due to a rise in vandalism, theft, littering, and disregard for the CDC's recommended social distancing practices during the COVID-19 facility closure," according to a post on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kanopolislakeusace/">Kanopolis Reservoir - US Army Corps of Engineers</a> Facebook page.

The Venango boat ramp, however, remains accessible by vehicle.

The post noted that "numerous issues over the last few weeks have prompted this change."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588713855721.jpeg" alt="Vandalism, littering, and other issues has forced the closing of Venango Park to vehicle access. Photo courtesy the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kanopolislakeusace/">Kanopolis Reservoir - US Army Corps of Engineers</a>&nbsp;Facebook page&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Vandalism, littering, and other issues has forced the closing of Venango Park to vehicle access. Photo courtesy the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kanopolislakeusace/">Kanopolis Reservoir - US Army Corps of Engineers</a>&nbsp;Facebook page&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KANOPOLIS LAKE -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has halted vehicle access to Venango Park due to a variety of issues.Vehicle access to the park was halted "due to a rise in vandalism, theft, littering, and disregard for the CDC's recommended social distancing practices during the COVID-19 facility closure," according to a post on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kanopolislakeusace/">Kanopolis Reservoir - US Army Corps of Engineers</a> Facebook page.The Venango boat ramp, however, remains accessible by vehicle.The post noted that "numerous issues over the last few weeks have prompted this change."

Venango Park at Kanopolis closed to vehicle access

There's a bit of a chance for rain overnight.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, scattered showers and a few thunderstorms are expected to develop in central Kansas around midnight and then spread southeast overnight. 

The rain should exit southeast Kansas around 9 a.m. Wednesday. While severe storms are not expected, there is a chance of a strong thunderstorm with small hail, especially across the Flint Hills. 

Rainfall amounts will range from a trace to around a quarter inch at most locations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588715795825.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>There's a bit of a chance for rain overnight.According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, scattered showers and a few thunderstorms are expected to develop in central Kansas around midnight and then spread southeast overnight. The rain should exit southeast Kansas around 9 a.m. Wednesday. While severe storms are not expected, there is a chance of a strong thunderstorm with small hail, especially across the Flint Hills. Rainfall amounts will range from a trace to around a quarter inch at most locations.

NWS: Chance for rain overnight

This story has been updated per information provided Wednesday by the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

Part of a rural residence northeast of Salina was destroyed by a fire late Friday night.

According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, first responders were called to the residence at 3488 North Crystal Springs Road at 10:58 p.m. Friday. A cabin attached to the single-story residence was on fire and was destroyed, he explained.

Two occupants in the residence discovered the fire and exited safely, Soldan noted. There were no injuries, Soldan added.

An electric bed is believed to have been the source of the fire, Soldan noted.

Deputies and firefighters from rural fire districts 5 and 7 responded to the incident, Soldan reported.

This story has been updated per information provided Wednesday by the Saline County Sheriff's Office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588699589429.jpeg" alt="Part of the residence was ablaze when first responders arrived.&nbsp;Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Part of the residence was ablaze when first responders arrived.&nbsp;Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Part of a rural residence northeast of Salina was destroyed by a fire late Friday night.According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, first responders were called to the residence at 3488 North Crystal Springs Road at 10:58 p.m. Friday. A cabin attached to the single-story residence was on fire and was destroyed, he explained.Two occupants in the residence discovered the fire and exited safely, Soldan noted. There were no injuries, Soldan added.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588699732281.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>An electric bed is believed to have been the source of the fire, Soldan noted.Deputies and firefighters from rural fire districts 5 and 7 responded to the incident, Soldan reported.

UPDATE: Fire destroys part of rural Saline County residence

NEW YORK— A Salina South High School graduate has been awarded a Pulitzer Prize.

Anne Boyer's "elegant and unforgettable narrative about the brutality of illness and the capitalism of cancer care in America,"The Undying: Pain, Vulnerability, Mortality, Medicine, Art, Time, Dreams, Data, Exhaustion, Cancer, and Care," won the award for General Nonfiction.

A widely-published poet and essayist, Boyer has been teaching at the Kansas City Art Institute since 2007.&nbsp;

Boyer earned an M.F.A. with distinction in creative writing in 1997 from Wichita State University and a B.A. degree in English literature in 1996 from Kansas State University, according to the KCAI website. She is a graduate of Salina South High School.

The award comes with a cash prize of fifteen thousand dollars.

&nbsp;Winners in fifteen journalism and seven book, drama and music categories were announced on Monday afternoon by the Pulitzer committee. It's the organization's 104th year honoring excellence in journalism and the arts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588691920159.png" alt="The Undying photo courtesy Farrar, Straus and Giroux" />
 <figcaption>The Undying photo courtesy Farrar, Straus and Giroux</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK— A Salina South High School graduate has been awarded a Pulitzer Prize.Anne Boyer's "elegant and unforgettable narrative about the brutality of illness and the capitalism of cancer care in America,"The Undying: Pain, Vulnerability, Mortality, Medicine, Art, Time, Dreams, Data, Exhaustion, Cancer, and Care," won the award for General Nonfiction.A widely-published poet and essayist, Boyer has been teaching at the Kansas City Art Institute since 2007.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588690367706.png" alt="Boyer photo courtesy KCAI" />
 <figcaption>Boyer photo courtesy KCAI</figcaption>
 </figure>Boyer earned an M.F.A. with distinction in creative writing in 1997 from Wichita State University and a B.A. degree in English literature in 1996 from Kansas State University, according to the KCAI website. She is a graduate of Salina South High School.The award comes with a cash prize of fifteen thousand dollars.&nbsp;Winners in fifteen journalism and seven book, drama and music categories were announced on Monday afternoon by the Pulitzer committee. It's the organization's 104th year honoring excellence in journalism and the arts.

Salina South graduate wins Pulitzer Prize

The Salina Airport Authority Board of Directors will utilize audio and video links for its special meeting Wednesday.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. The board is scheduled to discuss CARES Act funding and consider approving a three-year food and beverage concessionaire lease agreement with MAHASKA Snack Salina.

Due to the declared COVID-19 national and state emergency the meeting will be held via a GoToMeeting video and audio link. Public access to the Salina Airport Authority’s administrative offices is restricted during the COVID-19 national emergency. Restricted public access to the SAA’s administrative offices is the reason that the meeting will be held solely by means of interactive communications. All board meeting documents (agenda, agenda memo, financial statements, etc.) and written information to be discussed at the meeting can be viewed at the following board meeting packet link:

<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QPHwYUzSH8hE07EnTpHXMCJvOiMjmM_J_KGMj0KG8RvMD1U3wbYU3P6AFGDQVlp93bOMDyuJztxlDZF_HbsCOfXxMj1cMC6U2Pzpf1Ip8fDVeoE4dUu2FBKY7NpDRT8kbdqdarmBRmZzM821yvCvRIeGtwKEw9aYaNv_nBuTuU5VxtQ-kB6NqiyxHApjgLkllP37LElMT6AyqI4OuV1st7ieM1zUOT2O&amp;c=RxkpBOdChvthHf6Dtk-lyOTwUgPSyMH3DUBJ4PDVdq7POZLy1dse2A==&amp;ch=e9zEIkKL5InYzLpuTReJjGVASJrbcWXsipYIFzDzI93mz8xU_HNS_A==" target="_blank">https://www.salinaairport.com/public-information/board-meeting-documents.aspx</a>

To aid in transparency, the Airport Authority will take the following steps:

Members of the public may login to the meeting to listen, observe and/or participate in the board meeting. The login can be accomplished by telephone, smartphone, tablet or computer. Meeting login instructions are:

Join meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QPHwYUzSH8hE07EnTpHXMCJvOiMjmM_J_KGMj0KG8RvMD1U3wbYU3K4O9Iv7tvk3fLhZn2PNxIFnM3JH3ZKCmq3T1rZ51BRe97ywQIgPio99CRgnls0UAVcpQlQP5tqO6rLm9nAlTSvG4xOmE7rzjIvcjCOa69f6-7eJGbdXUnjpumjlgbht1g==&amp;c=RxkpBOdChvthHf6Dtk-lyOTwUgPSyMH3DUBJ4PDVdq7POZLy1dse2A==&amp;ch=e9zEIkKL5InYzLpuTReJjGVASJrbcWXsipYIFzDzI93mz8xU_HNS_A==" target="_blank">https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/298121685</a>You can also dial in using your phone. (For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)

United States: +1 (571) 317-3122&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- One-touch:tel:+15713173122,,298121685#&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Access Code: 298-121-685

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:&nbsp;

&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QPHwYUzSH8hE07EnTpHXMCJvOiMjmM_J_KGMj0KG8RvMD1U3wbYU3K4O9Iv7tvk3DXKBl7mlRudiqC1owOh8Cu4Bbabr8BGypFWIExp9NdjzS2FSGfS_Yr3xbVmoElQXs23WerTY_fgk4KFLkhSt71DcGYpY-67Duew6hU8BFyVjhT_De1y3VQ==&amp;c=RxkpBOdChvthHf6Dtk-lyOTwUgPSyMH3DUBJ4PDVdq7POZLy1dse2A==&amp;ch=e9zEIkKL5InYzLpuTReJjGVASJrbcWXsipYIFzDzI93mz8xU_HNS_A==" target="_blank">https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/298121685</a>

The Salina Airport Authority Board of Directors will utilize audio and video links for its special meeting Wednesday.The meeting is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. The board is scheduled to discuss CARES Act funding and consider approving a three-year food and beverage concessionaire lease agreement with MAHASKA Snack Salina.Due to the declared COVID-19 national and state emergency the meeting will be held via a GoToMeeting video and audio link. Public access to the Salina Airport Authority’s administrative offices is restricted during the COVID-19 national emergency. Restricted public access to the SAA’s administrative offices is the reason that the meeting will be held solely by means of interactive communications. All board meeting documents (agenda, agenda memo, financial statements, etc.) and written information to be discussed at the meeting can be viewed at the following board meeting packet link:<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QPHwYUzSH8hE07EnTpHXMCJvOiMjmM_J_KGMj0KG8RvMD1U3wbYU3P6AFGDQVlp93bOMDyuJztxlDZF_HbsCOfXxMj1cMC6U2Pzpf1Ip8fDVeoE4dUu2FBKY7NpDRT8kbdqdarmBRmZzM821yvCvRIeGtwKEw9aYaNv_nBuTuU5VxtQ-kB6NqiyxHApjgLkllP37LElMT6AyqI4OuV1st7ieM1zUOT2O&amp;c=RxkpBOdChvthHf6Dtk-lyOTwUgPSyMH3DUBJ4PDVdq7POZLy1dse2A==&amp;ch=e9zEIkKL5InYzLpuTReJjGVASJrbcWXsipYIFzDzI93mz8xU_HNS_A==" target="_blank">https://www.salinaairport.com/public-information/board-meeting-documents.aspx</a>To aid in transparency, the Airport Authority will take the following steps:<ol>
 <li>The meeting’s video and audio will be recorded and be posted on the Airport Authority’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QPHwYUzSH8hE07EnTpHXMCJvOiMjmM_J_KGMj0KG8RvMD1U3wbYU3K4O9Iv7tvk3LpjDK4eFcrIWwB9Po_mPVDuMtsfJTF3REGZ6b6r1NVKOQ1ja8_bxsJmtC-RfTea6faaRsBi4yFtg_vV7btR3eZR8Bgc8oMdGK_Ao-ueULSBtaAvdv_Atm-7kcjy-y5UZFXwhC-J6Cv_gLneyvfvpf8bEiEGye1xl&amp;c=RxkpBOdChvthHf6Dtk-lyOTwUgPSyMH3DUBJ4PDVdq7POZLy1dse2A==&amp;ch=e9zEIkKL5InYzLpuTReJjGVASJrbcWXsipYIFzDzI93mz8xU_HNS_A==" target="_blank">https://www.salinaairport.com/public-information/board-meeting-recordings.aspx</a></li><li>Post the Airport Authority’s meeting notice, agenda, agenda packet and other meeting documents on the Airport Authority’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QPHwYUzSH8hE07EnTpHXMCJvOiMjmM_J_KGMj0KG8RvMD1U3wbYU3K4O9Iv7tvk3GVRQQWxVWx8egCdHnvRDoQHkaL5aThKIP_hInbEOSLXPjGIjCsp7G2arN3irg4k709PRvtJH0zdBZ8MqfDZ91EKhVJd8_vOgZ6UEa9ey4S5_5xx63XdiZQ==&amp;c=RxkpBOdChvthHf6Dtk-lyOTwUgPSyMH3DUBJ4PDVdq7POZLy1dse2A==&amp;ch=e9zEIkKL5InYzLpuTReJjGVASJrbcWXsipYIFzDzI93mz8xU_HNS_A==" target="_blank">https://www.salinaairport.com/public-information.aspx</a></li><li>Post the May 6, 2020 meeting minutes to the Airport Authority’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QPHwYUzSH8hE07EnTpHXMCJvOiMjmM_J_KGMj0KG8RvMD1U3wbYU3K4O9Iv7tvk3jIlKS86d21vsWQH46wbuQPfdBvw9KQz_glhUpaDp_bCZliNDNpEz7b5a9jJLJmxX1Vxt5TyY7jHZm3ErY4thgNvPVJ3PXiasMFbxcAlBtNceoQVTMD-K_zV_nNcuynbUKEOgSZq875ocea0Gpb0f6Q==&amp;c=RxkpBOdChvthHf6Dtk-lyOTwUgPSyMH3DUBJ4PDVdq7POZLy1dse2A==&amp;ch=e9zEIkKL5InYzLpuTReJjGVASJrbcWXsipYIFzDzI93mz8xU_HNS_A==" target="_blank">https://www.salinaairport.com/public-information/board-meeting-minutes.aspx</a>&nbsp;as soon as possible after the meeting.</li>
 </ol>Members of the public may login to the meeting to listen, observe and/or participate in the board meeting. The login can be accomplished by telephone, smartphone, tablet or computer. Meeting login instructions are:Join meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QPHwYUzSH8hE07EnTpHXMCJvOiMjmM_J_KGMj0KG8RvMD1U3wbYU3K4O9Iv7tvk3fLhZn2PNxIFnM3JH3ZKCmq3T1rZ51BRe97ywQIgPio99CRgnls0UAVcpQlQP5tqO6rLm9nAlTSvG4xOmE7rzjIvcjCOa69f6-7eJGbdXUnjpumjlgbht1g==&amp;c=RxkpBOdChvthHf6Dtk-lyOTwUgPSyMH3DUBJ4PDVdq7POZLy1dse2A==&amp;ch=e9zEIkKL5InYzLpuTReJjGVASJrbcWXsipYIFzDzI93mz8xU_HNS_A==" target="_blank">https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/298121685</a>You can also dial in using your phone. (For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)United States: +1 (571) 317-3122&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;- One-touch:tel:+15713173122,,298121685#&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Access Code: 298-121-685New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QPHwYUzSH8hE07EnTpHXMCJvOiMjmM_J_KGMj0KG8RvMD1U3wbYU3K4O9Iv7tvk3DXKBl7mlRudiqC1owOh8Cu4Bbabr8BGypFWIExp9NdjzS2FSGfS_Yr3xbVmoElQXs23WerTY_fgk4KFLkhSt71DcGYpY-67Duew6hU8BFyVjhT_De1y3VQ==&amp;c=RxkpBOdChvthHf6Dtk-lyOTwUgPSyMH3DUBJ4PDVdq7POZLy1dse2A==&amp;ch=e9zEIkKL5InYzLpuTReJjGVASJrbcWXsipYIFzDzI93mz8xU_HNS_A==" target="_blank">https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/298121685</a>

Special meeting for Salina Airport Authority Board Wednesday

Polling places in Kansas are 
required by law to be open, but this year's primary and general 
elections might see fewer in-person votes and more by mail. The latter 
is a safe and convenient option in the time of coronavirus, but comes 
with its own costs and challenges.

By DANIEL CAUDILL, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-03/protecting-voters-from-covid-19-will-cost-kansas-counties-extra">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — Thousands of Reno County voters usually cast
 their ballots at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, a central 
location with a high capacity.

Deputy Election Officer Jenna Fager
 said it’ll look different for this year’s August primary and November 
general election to avoid spreading the coronavirus. How different, 
though, she’s not sure.

“We’d have to consult emergency management and our health department and just, kind of, do the best we can,” she said.

Fager
 is one of dozens of county election officials in Kansas preparing for 
two possibly unusual elections — and an expected surge in voting by 
mail. Kansas law requires polling places to be open on election days, so
 counties are looking to stock up on disinfectants and protective gear. 
And unlike neighboring Missouri, voters in Kansas don’t have to have a 
specific excuse to request a mail-in ballot.

Though mail-in voting might be a safe and convenient option for voters, it also comes with its own costs and challenges.

“The
 cost of envelopes, paper ballots, and postage will likely be 
significantly more than we budgeted for those purposes,” said Marion 
County Clerk Tina Spencer, who oversees elections for the county’s more 
than 7,500 voters and eight polling places.

Spencer said the 
county election board will also likely have to meet once or twice per 
week in the weeks leading up to election day to process the additional 
advance ballots.

Johnson County officials are shipping 
vote-by-mail applications directly to all registered voters. Election 
Commissioner Connie Schmidt said she hopes that will help prevent 
overcrowding or long lines at polling places.

“We won’t be able to have as many voting machines in some of the locations as we’ve had in the past,” she <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article242261896.html" target="_blank">told The Kansas City Star</a>. “They will have to be spread out. That’s another reason why we’re encouraging people to vote by mail this time.”

It’s difficult to estimate what it would take for the entire state to run elections by mail.

“Elections
 in Kansas are conducted at the county level, and depending on the 
election, the ballot length, ballot weight and a number of other 
factors,” said Joanna Dolan, principal research analyst at the Kansas 
Legislative Research Department, “costs could vary from county to county
 and election to election.”

Sending applications to its more than 
400,000 registered voters will cost Johnson County an estimated 
$120,000. They’re hoping they’ll be reimbursed with federal funds, which
 were made available through the CARES Act. Of the $400 million 
nationally, Kansas will receive just under $4 million, Kansas Secretary 
of State Scott Schwab said.

That money will help cover safety 
measures for polling places, like hand sanitizer, disinfectants and 
protective gear, as well as the additional postage and processing that’s
 expected with extra mail-in ballots.

The funds will also reimburse counties who have already incurred some of those expenses. Fager said Reno County secured protective gear and other materials for its polling places through local resources.

“We’re just kind of doing that on our own right now,” she said, “instead of depending on the state.”

With
 only two polling places and about 10,000 registered voters, 
preparations in western Kansas’ Seward County won’t be quite as 
cumbersome as others. The county is also fortunate that a 2002 
resolution allows county employees to work polls, all but guaranteeing 
ample workers.

“We have several county employees who volunteer to 
assist during elections, which makes recruiting experienced workers much
 easier,” Seward County Clerk Stacia Long said.

For counties needing help, Kansas is launching a statewide campaign to recruit poll workers, especially young ones.

“You
 can be 16, 17 years old and still volunteer as a poll board worker,” 
Schwab said. “My son doesn’t know it yet, but my 16-year-olds will be 
working at the poll in the primary this year.”

Sedgwick County 
Election Commissioner Tabitha Lehman said that after multiple asks, only
 228 of nearly 2,000 current and former poll workers have agreed to work
 the elections.

Sedgwick and Johnson counties are the state’s two most populous, representing nearly 40% of <a href="https://www.kssos.org/elections/elections_registration_voterreg.asp" target="_blank">registered voters</a>.
 Lehman said they’re forming similar contingency plans, like moving 
election-worker training online. And Sedgwick County will follow Johnson
 County’s lead in sending applications to active registered voters.

“We believe it is crucial that we work together to provide the best options to our voters moving forward,” she said.

Ahead
 of Georgia’s presidential primary in June, state election officials 
mailed almost 7 million mail-in voting applications to registered 
voters. Like what’s currently expected to happen in Kansas, polls will 
still be open, but officials want to limit how many people vote in 
person.

Schwab said his office is not currently planning to mail 
anything to voters statewide, and would rather leave the decision up to 
each county.

“If the state did one and the county did one, you’re 
going to have some duplication and you’re going to increase confusion,” 
he said.

He said it’s unclear at this point how many Kansans will 
vote by mail in the upcoming elections, but that will become apparent as
 applications start to come in this summer.

Schwab said the state is also looking at drive-thru voting, which <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article241912941.html" target="_blank">Missouri</a> hopes to implement for its municipal elections in June.

“I’m
 a believer of (having) every opportunity and every way possible to vote
 that you can,” he said, “as opposed to a unilateral — you can only vote
 this way and no other way.”

Daniel Caudill is a Statehouse intern for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/bydanielcaudill" target="_blank"> @byDanielCaudill</a>.
 The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public 
Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on the health and 
well-being of Kansans, their communities and civic life.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588600227252.png" alt="A Kansas polling place in November 2018. Kansas News Service file photo" />
 <figcaption>A Kansas polling place in November 2018. Kansas News Service file photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Polling places in Kansas are 
required by law to be open, but this year's primary and general 
elections might see fewer in-person votes and more by mail. The latter 
is a safe and convenient option in the time of coronavirus, but comes 
with its own costs and challenges.</h2>By DANIEL CAUDILL, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-03/protecting-voters-from-covid-19-will-cost-kansas-counties-extra">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — Thousands of Reno County voters usually cast
 their ballots at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, a central 
location with a high capacity.Deputy Election Officer Jenna Fager
 said it’ll look different for this year’s August primary and November 
general election to avoid spreading the coronavirus. How different, 
though, she’s not sure.“We’d have to consult emergency management and our health department and just, kind of, do the best we can,” she said.Fager
 is one of dozens of county election officials in Kansas preparing for 
two possibly unusual elections — and an expected surge in voting by 
mail. Kansas law requires polling places to be open on election days, so
 counties are looking to stock up on disinfectants and protective gear. 
And unlike neighboring Missouri, voters in Kansas don’t have to have a 
specific excuse to request a mail-in ballot.Though mail-in voting might be a safe and convenient option for voters, it also comes with its own costs and challenges.“The
 cost of envelopes, paper ballots, and postage will likely be 
significantly more than we budgeted for those purposes,” said Marion 
County Clerk Tina Spencer, who oversees elections for the county’s more 
than 7,500 voters and eight polling places.Spencer said the 
county election board will also likely have to meet once or twice per 
week in the weeks leading up to election day to process the additional 
advance ballots.Johnson County officials are shipping 
vote-by-mail applications directly to all registered voters. Election 
Commissioner Connie Schmidt said she hopes that will help prevent 
overcrowding or long lines at polling places.“We won’t be able to have as many voting machines in some of the locations as we’ve had in the past,” she <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article242261896.html" target="_blank">told The Kansas City Star</a>. “They will have to be spread out. That’s another reason why we’re encouraging people to vote by mail this time.”It’s difficult to estimate what it would take for the entire state to run elections by mail.“Elections
 in Kansas are conducted at the county level, and depending on the 
election, the ballot length, ballot weight and a number of other 
factors,” said Joanna Dolan, principal research analyst at the Kansas 
Legislative Research Department, “costs could vary from county to county
 and election to election.”Sending applications to its more than 
400,000 registered voters will cost Johnson County an estimated 
$120,000. They’re hoping they’ll be reimbursed with federal funds, which
 were made available through the CARES Act. Of the $400 million 
nationally, Kansas will receive just under $4 million, Kansas Secretary 
of State Scott Schwab said.That money will help cover safety 
measures for polling places, like hand sanitizer, disinfectants and 
protective gear, as well as the additional postage and processing that’s
 expected with extra mail-in ballots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588600298363.png" alt="Kansas News Service file photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas News Service file photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Costs, approaches vary by county</h2>The funds will also reimburse counties who have already incurred some of those expenses. Fager said Reno County secured protective gear and other materials for its polling places through local resources.“We’re just kind of doing that on our own right now,” she said, “instead of depending on the state.”With
 only two polling places and about 10,000 registered voters, 
preparations in western Kansas’ Seward County won’t be quite as 
cumbersome as others. The county is also fortunate that a 2002 
resolution allows county employees to work polls, all but guaranteeing 
ample workers.“We have several county employees who volunteer to 
assist during elections, which makes recruiting experienced workers much
 easier,” Seward County Clerk Stacia Long said.For counties needing help, Kansas is launching a statewide campaign to recruit poll workers, especially young ones.“You
 can be 16, 17 years old and still volunteer as a poll board worker,” 
Schwab said. “My son doesn’t know it yet, but my 16-year-olds will be 
working at the poll in the primary this year.”Sedgwick County 
Election Commissioner Tabitha Lehman said that after multiple asks, only
 228 of nearly 2,000 current and former poll workers have agreed to work
 the elections.Sedgwick and Johnson counties are the state’s two most populous, representing nearly 40% of <a href="https://www.kssos.org/elections/elections_registration_voterreg.asp" target="_blank">registered voters</a>.
 Lehman said they’re forming similar contingency plans, like moving 
election-worker training online. And Sedgwick County will follow Johnson
 County’s lead in sending applications to active registered voters.“We believe it is crucial that we work together to provide the best options to our voters moving forward,” she said.Ahead
 of Georgia’s presidential primary in June, state election officials 
mailed almost 7 million mail-in voting applications to registered 
voters. Like what’s currently expected to happen in Kansas, polls will 
still be open, but officials want to limit how many people vote in 
person.Schwab said his office is not currently planning to mail 
anything to voters statewide, and would rather leave the decision up to 
each county.“If the state did one and the county did one, you’re 
going to have some duplication and you’re going to increase confusion,” 
he said.He said it’s unclear at this point how many Kansans will 
vote by mail in the upcoming elections, but that will become apparent as
 applications start to come in this summer.Schwab said the state is also looking at drive-thru voting, which <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article241912941.html" target="_blank">Missouri</a> hopes to implement for its municipal elections in June.“I’m
 a believer of (having) every opportunity and every way possible to vote
 that you can,” he said, “as opposed to a unilateral — you can only vote
 this way and no other way.”Daniel Caudill is a Statehouse intern for the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/bydanielcaudill" target="_blank"> @byDanielCaudill</a>.
 The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public 
Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on the health and 
well-being of Kansans, their communities and civic life.

Protecting Kan. voters from COVID-19 will be costly for counties

Yes, government and us folks who hang out under the Dome had heard the group of university economists called the Consensus Revenue Estimate Group (CRE) estimate just what the state’s revenues are going to be for the next 14 months, the end of this fiscal year and the year that starts July 1.

And when those CRE estimates predict millions of dollars of revenue shortfalls they are usually due to tax cuts, but not often a change in the entire landscape of the state, businesses shutting down, Kansans ordered to stay at their homes unless they had to grocery shop or pick up prescriptions or something “essential.”

Those CRE estimates were just that – estimates.

Well, Friday at about noon the Kansas Department of Revenue released its report on just how much in taxes the state received in April – first month of the real social and economic thunderstorm caused by the coronavirus pandemic – and those economists were right with their April 20, semi-annual estimate. Chillingly right.

Nearly every tax source that the state depends on to provide the services we all want from our state, ranging from highways to law enforcement to prisons to education for our children and the relatively grown-up university students, and social services so the poor have the food and housing and health-care that we want them to have, was shaken.

That Friday shockwave showed that the state took in $574.8 million in taxes in April. Last year in April, before all the economic effects of the pandemic, Kansas took in $1.18 billion. Yes, billion. That’s $612 million less this April than last. That shook the building. It meant that the economists, who we suppose spend most of their time reading the small type in the Wall Street Journal and economic newsletters, actually had the clear view of just what Kansans staying at home, closing nonessential businesses, seeing thousands of layoffs, having their tax payments delayed, would cause.

That put a whole new dollars-and-cents face on the coronavirus, and its effect on the economy and the state budget that is now law that is likely to be about $1.2 billion short of what it was based on when it was passed by lawmakers and signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly in March. Again, before the fiscal effects of the virus had been translated into dollars and cents.

Now, it’s waiting to see just how the Legislature responds to that shockwave, which has both fiscal and political fallout for Kansas where every member of the Legislature stands for re-election this year.

The GOP-controlled Legislative Coordinating Council will meet this week to decide whether to reconvene lawmakers – with a myriad of social-distancing issues that will probably make it as uncomfortable as a bad prom date – to deal with the real dollars and cents of the budget.

And you gotta wonder how many Kansas voters are going to see the real numbers and decide if the people who don’t want to fix it now will be going back to the&nbsp; Legislature next session.

Will legislative leaders decide in the wake of those hard-dollar April revenue losses that they can’t delay until next January the fiscal problems that will lead to an unconstitutional budget deficit? Or will they decide it is still too dangerous to convene a mass of legislators from across the state? Or will voters want this budget fire controlled now, before a possible second-round of economic damage to the state if the pandemic spikes this fall?

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141234707.png" alt="Martin Hawver" />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARTIN HAWVERFriday was shocking in the Statehouse.Yes, government and us folks who hang out under the Dome had heard the group of university economists called the Consensus Revenue Estimate Group (CRE) estimate just what the state’s revenues are going to be for the next 14 months, the end of this fiscal year and the year that starts July 1.And when those CRE estimates predict millions of dollars of revenue shortfalls they are usually due to tax cuts, but not often a change in the entire landscape of the state, businesses shutting down, Kansans ordered to stay at their homes unless they had to grocery shop or pick up prescriptions or something “essential.”Those CRE estimates were just that – estimates.Well, Friday at about noon the Kansas Department of Revenue released its report on just how much in taxes the state received in April – first month of the real social and economic thunderstorm caused by the coronavirus pandemic – and those economists were right with their April 20, semi-annual estimate. Chillingly right.Nearly every tax source that the state depends on to provide the services we all want from our state, ranging from highways to law enforcement to prisons to education for our children and the relatively grown-up university students, and social services so the poor have the food and housing and health-care that we want them to have, was shaken.That Friday shockwave showed that the state took in $574.8 million in taxes in April. Last year in April, before all the economic effects of the pandemic, Kansas took in $1.18 billion. Yes, billion. That’s $612 million less this April than last. That shook the building. It meant that the economists, who we suppose spend most of their time reading the small type in the Wall Street Journal and economic newsletters, actually had the clear view of just what Kansans staying at home, closing nonessential businesses, seeing thousands of layoffs, having their tax payments delayed, would cause.That put a whole new dollars-and-cents face on the coronavirus, and its effect on the economy and the state budget that is now law that is likely to be about $1.2 billion short of what it was based on when it was passed by lawmakers and signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly in March. Again, before the fiscal effects of the virus had been translated into dollars and cents.Now, it’s waiting to see just how the Legislature responds to that shockwave, which has both fiscal and political fallout for Kansas where every member of the Legislature stands for re-election this year.The GOP-controlled Legislative Coordinating Council will meet this week to decide whether to reconvene lawmakers – with a myriad of social-distancing issues that will probably make it as uncomfortable as a bad prom date – to deal with the real dollars and cents of the budget.And you gotta wonder how many Kansas voters are going to see the real numbers and decide if the people who don’t want to fix it now will be going back to the&nbsp; Legislature next session.Will legislative leaders decide in the wake of those hard-dollar April revenue losses that they can’t delay until next January the fiscal problems that will lead to an unconstitutional budget deficit? Or will they decide it is still too dangerous to convene a mass of legislators from across the state? Or will voters want this budget fire controlled now, before a possible second-round of economic damage to the state if the pandemic spikes this fall?Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>.

At the Rail: The real dollars and cents of the state budget

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576544829259.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OCCK, Inc. is currently seeking a dedicated, compassionate, conscientious, self-motivated individual to work with adults who have disabilities. Direct Support Professional support customers in home environments and the community to establish positive routines, and for the enhancement of daily living skills. This educator/instructor will provide support and guidance in a mentor-style relationship for the achievement of individual goals. On the job training and certifications are provided.Apply online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.occk.com/" target="_blank">www.occk.com</a>&nbsp;and learn more about our mission and great benefitsEOEDrug testing required

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