A 34-year-old Salina woman was transported to the hospital after the pickup she was driving was broadsided and rolled into a ditch.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that first responders were dispatched to the intersection of Marymount Road and Old Highway 40 shortly before 3 p.m. Monday for the report of a rollover accident. 

According to Soldan, Roger Mattison, 67, of Salina, was northbound on North Marymount Road in a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee when he failed to yield at Old Highway 40 and broadsided a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Myra Mares, 34, of Salina, causing the pickup to roll into the north ditch.

Mares complained of minor injuries and was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center, he said.

Mattison was cited for failing to yield, Soldan said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587570059309.jpeg" alt="The Silverado. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The Silverado. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A 34-year-old Salina woman was transported to the hospital after the pickup she was driving was broadsided and rolled into a ditch.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that first responders were dispatched to the intersection of Marymount Road and Old Highway 40 shortly before 3 p.m. Monday for the report of a rollover accident. According to Soldan, Roger Mattison, 67, of Salina, was northbound on North Marymount Road in a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee when he failed to yield at Old Highway 40 and broadsided a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Myra Mares, 34, of Salina, causing the pickup to roll into the north ditch.Mares complained of minor injuries and was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center, he said.Mattison was cited for failing to yield, Soldan said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587570234381.jpeg" alt="The Jeep involved in the wreck." />
 <figcaption>The Jeep involved in the wreck.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Salina woman injured in rollover accident

A Salina woman was seriously injured in a single-vehicle accident northwest of Salina Tuesday evening.

Emergency responders were dispatched just before 7:30 p.m. to the 4400 block of West Watkins Road, approximately a half mile east of Lightville Road for the report of a vehicle that had struck a guardrail, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning.

Callie Gustus, 30, of Salina, was eastbound on Watkins Road when she lost control of the 2007 Buick Lucerne she was driving, went off the right edge of the road, and struck the guardrail, Soldan said.

Gustus suffered a fractured ankle and internal injuries and was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center to be stabilized before she was transported to Via Christi in Wichita, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587569184004.jpeg" alt="A Salina woman was seriously injured when this Buick Lucerne struck a guardrail on Watkins Road. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>A Salina woman was seriously injured when this Buick Lucerne struck a guardrail on Watkins Road. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A Salina woman was seriously injured in a single-vehicle accident northwest of Salina Tuesday evening.Emergency responders were dispatched just before 7:30 p.m. to the 4400 block of West Watkins Road, approximately a half mile east of Lightville Road for the report of a vehicle that had struck a guardrail, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning.Callie Gustus, 30, of Salina, was eastbound on Watkins Road when she lost control of the 2007 Buick Lucerne she was driving, went off the right edge of the road, and struck the guardrail, Soldan said.Gustus suffered a fractured ankle and internal injuries and was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center to be stabilized before she was transported to Via Christi in Wichita, he said.

Salina woman seriously injured when car strikes guardrail

Police are investigating the theft of two scooters from a south Salina business Tuesday.

Officers were dispatched to Sam's Club, 2919 Market Place, at approximately 2:30 p.m. Tuesday for the report of theft, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. While the officers were enroute, they were advised that the suspects had left in a gray Ford Focus with Kansas dealer tag D2710D, he explained. The tag was reported stolen from a dealership in Wichita on Jan. 17, Forrester added.

When the officers arrived at Sam's Club, an employee told them that a white male in his 20s had come into the store and asked where the restroom was, and then began looking at items in the electronics section, Forrester reported. 

According to Forrester, the employee heard the south exit doors alarm go off, indicating the doors had been opened. The employee went to the doors and observed the white male putting two scooters that were still in their boxes into the Ford Focus, he explained. The scooters were Bird Electric Scooters No. ES1-300, valued at $320 each, Forrester noted.

While officers were at Sam's Club, dispatch advised that two subjects in a gray Ford Focus were at South High School, 730 East Magnolia Road, and were un-packaging two scooters, Forrester reported. A witness observed two males unboxing items in the parking lot, he added.   

According to Forrester, the two were described as follows.

•A white male, early 20s, approximately 6’03” tall, thin build, wearing a multi colored shirt

•A white male, early 20s, 5’10” tall, thin build, wearing a tan colored hat.

The subjects left prior to officers arriving at the school, however, the boxes for the scooters were located at the school. 

Police are investigating the theft of two scooters from a south Salina business Tuesday.Officers were dispatched to Sam's Club, 2919 Market Place, at approximately 2:30 p.m. Tuesday for the report of theft, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. While the officers were enroute, they were advised that the suspects had left in a gray Ford Focus with Kansas dealer tag D2710D, he explained. The tag was reported stolen from a dealership in Wichita on Jan. 17, Forrester added.When the officers arrived at Sam's Club, an employee told them that a white male in his 20s had come into the store and asked where the restroom was, and then began looking at items in the electronics section, Forrester reported. According to Forrester, the employee heard the south exit doors alarm go off, indicating the doors had been opened. The employee went to the doors and observed the white male putting two scooters that were still in their boxes into the Ford Focus, he explained. The scooters were Bird Electric Scooters No. ES1-300, valued at $320 each, Forrester noted.While officers were at Sam's Club, dispatch advised that two subjects in a gray Ford Focus were at South High School, 730 East Magnolia Road, and were un-packaging two scooters, Forrester reported. A witness observed two males unboxing items in the parking lot, he added. According to Forrester, the two were described as follows.•A white male, early 20s, approximately 6’03” tall, thin build, wearing a multi colored shirt•A white male, early 20s, 5’10” tall, thin build, wearing a tan colored hat.The subjects left prior to officers arriving at the school, however, the boxes for the scooters were located at the school.

Police investigating theft of scooters from Sam's

As the end of the 2019-2020 school year approaches, Salina USD 305 has recognized retiring faculty and staff members.

 Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, district events including the annual retirement recognition have been cancelled. Regardless of social limitations, it is important to publicly acknowledge their service to Salina students and community, the district noted.

Retiring staff members include Sharon Barber, Yong Baumgartner, Penny Birdsong, Dan Cerny, Beverly Cleveland, Barbara Custer, Duane Custer, Deborah Ebbert, Ione Gargis, Maryglyn Garwood, Carl Hensley, Sheila Holt, Christy Homelvig, Joe Jones, Vickie Kling, Karen Kramer, Jerry Merry, Kathryn Minneman, Shirley Patrick, Michelle Reed, Teree Rohleder, Michael Rutz, Melinda Salisbury, Diane Shandy, Karen Thompson, Kenny VanAuken and Marcia Wilson.

The district also recognized these individuals who have completed 25 years of service: Tina Akers, administrator; Debra Robertson, Dawne Darling, Darcee Redden, Sue Watson, Marcy Boyer, Shannon Peters, Michelle Brown, Kathy Schmidtberger, Brenda Blocker, Rebecca Patrick, Christy Fritz, Curtis Exline, Jean Krajicek, Sandi Renz, Ashley Gilpin, Cathleen Cash, Bradley Dix, Thresia Weber and Jill Hodson, certified staff; and Linda Carl, Diana Dusin, Elizabeth Schrader, Kathy Zuker, John Charles, Helen Halpain, Tammy Main, Deborah Hedge, Mechelle Thomson and Cynthia Holecek, classified staff.

As the end of the 2019-2020 school year approaches, Salina USD 305 has recognized retiring faculty and staff members. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, district events including the annual retirement recognition have been cancelled. Regardless of social limitations, it is important to publicly acknowledge their service to Salina students and community, the district noted.Retiring staff members include Sharon Barber, Yong Baumgartner, Penny Birdsong, Dan Cerny, Beverly Cleveland, Barbara Custer, Duane Custer, Deborah Ebbert, Ione Gargis, Maryglyn Garwood, Carl Hensley, Sheila Holt, Christy Homelvig, Joe Jones, Vickie Kling, Karen Kramer, Jerry Merry, Kathryn Minneman, Shirley Patrick, Michelle Reed, Teree Rohleder, Michael Rutz, Melinda Salisbury, Diane Shandy, Karen Thompson, Kenny VanAuken and Marcia Wilson.The district also recognized these individuals who have completed 25 years of service: Tina Akers, administrator; Debra Robertson, Dawne Darling, Darcee Redden, Sue Watson, Marcy Boyer, Shannon Peters, Michelle Brown, Kathy Schmidtberger, Brenda Blocker, Rebecca Patrick, Christy Fritz, Curtis Exline, Jean Krajicek, Sandi Renz, Ashley Gilpin, Cathleen Cash, Bradley Dix, Thresia Weber and Jill Hodson, certified staff; and Linda Carl, Diana Dusin, Elizabeth Schrader, Kathy Zuker, John Charles, Helen Halpain, Tammy Main, Deborah Hedge, Mechelle Thomson and Cynthia Holecek, classified staff.

USD 305 recognizes a number of employees

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

"Alone together." I believe that is the mantra for staying at home and trying to flatten the curve of COVID-19. If we stay separated from others, together we can combat this virus.

As a farmer, staying "alone" may be easier than those who live and work in the city. For the most part, our professional lives have gone on unchanged.

Unchanged unless you have crops or livestock to sell. We all know what has happened to our markets and the fallout is far reaching and painful. Agriculture is certainly taking its lumps as we are all acutely aware. It is just another blow to all of us who have suffered through hard times even before this.

In times like this, it is easy to feel alone--like no one is looking out for you. Many days we get up, do our work, hear the bad news on the radio, through the internet or TV and never talk to another person outside of our immediate family. It is easy to think that no one has your back.

Let me just assure you, we are in this together. Maybe not physically, but we are in this together.

Kansas Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau Federation have been fighting for our farmers and ranchers and their best interests. We have been fighting in different ways than we are used to, but we are out there on the front lines even if they are virtual instead of physical. Life as we know it may have changed, but it has gone on and your Farm Bureau has been advocating for you and your neighbors. We have maintained constant contact with the decision makers and let them know about our concerns and challenges.

VOTE FBF, KFB's political action committee, has continued its work to find which candidates best represent the views and beliefs of our members at the county level. They continue to prepare for the upcoming election, and Farm Bureau members can get involved by contacting their county associations. Your voice is needed.

It isn’t easy to do, but we have found ways to get our important work done and maintain social distancing. Many hours have been spent in virtual meetings with elected officials and in committee work. Contacts have been maintained, and each day our staff works tirelessly on behalf of each of us. They might not be as visible, but work continues to get done. Yes, this is an unprecedented series of events we live in, but rest assured that Farm Bureau is continuing to advocate for each and every one of us in all facets of agriculture in unprecedented ways.

I'm sure you're just like me -- ready for us to move forward from the time we are in now. And we can do that, together.

"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. Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau. All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574091484634.jpeg" alt="Glenn Brunkow. Photo courtesy KFB" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow. Photo courtesy KFB</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher"Alone together." I believe that is the mantra for staying at home and trying to flatten the curve of COVID-19. If we stay separated from others, together we can combat this virus.As a farmer, staying "alone" may be easier than those who live and work in the city. For the most part, our professional lives have gone on unchanged.Unchanged unless you have crops or livestock to sell. We all know what has happened to our markets and the fallout is far reaching and painful. Agriculture is certainly taking its lumps as we are all acutely aware. It is just another blow to all of us who have suffered through hard times even before this.In times like this, it is easy to feel alone--like no one is looking out for you. Many days we get up, do our work, hear the bad news on the radio, through the internet or TV and never talk to another person outside of our immediate family. It is easy to think that no one has your back.Let me just assure you, we are in this together. Maybe not physically, but we are in this together.Kansas Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau Federation have been fighting for our farmers and ranchers and their best interests. We have been fighting in different ways than we are used to, but we are out there on the front lines even if they are virtual instead of physical. Life as we know it may have changed, but it has gone on and your Farm Bureau has been advocating for you and your neighbors. We have maintained constant contact with the decision makers and let them know about our concerns and challenges.VOTE FBF, KFB's political action committee, has continued its work to find which candidates best represent the views and beliefs of our members at the county level. They continue to prepare for the upcoming election, and Farm Bureau members can get involved by contacting their county associations. Your voice is needed.It isn’t easy to do, but we have found ways to get our important work done and maintain social distancing. Many hours have been spent in virtual meetings with elected officials and in committee work. Contacts have been maintained, and each day our staff works tirelessly on behalf of each of us. They might not be as visible, but work continues to get done. Yes, this is an unprecedented series of events we live in, but rest assured that Farm Bureau is continuing to advocate for each and every one of us in all facets of agriculture in unprecedented ways.I'm sure you're just like me -- ready for us to move forward from the time we are in now. And we can do that, together."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. Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau. All rights reserved.

Insight: The work goes on

Today is Wednesday, April 22, the 113th day of 2020. There are 253 days left in the year.

On April 22, 1915, the first full-scale use of deadly chemicals in warfare took place as German forces unleashed chlorine gas against Allied troops at the start of the Second Battle of Ypres in Belgium during World War I; thousands of soldiers are believed to have died.

In 1616, Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes, author of "Don Quixote," died in Madrid. (The date is according to the New Style Gregorian calendar that was adopted by Spain in 1582.)

In 1864, Congress authorized the use of the phrase "In God We Trust" on U.S. coins.

In 1898, with the United States and Spain on the verge of war, the U.S. Navy began blockading Cuban ports. Congress authorized creation of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, also known as the "Rough Riders."

In 1954, the publicly televised sessions of the Senate Army-McCarthy hearings began.

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson opened the New York World's Fair.

In 1970, millions of Americans concerned about the environment observed the first "Earth Day."

In 1994, Richard M. Nixon, the 37th president of the United States, died at a New York hospital four days after suffering a stroke; he was 81.

In 2000, in a dramatic pre-dawn raid, armed immigration agents seized Elian Gonzalez, the Cuban boy at the center of a custody dispute, from his relatives' home in Miami; Elian was reunited with his father at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington.

In 2003, President George W. Bush announced he would nominate Alan Greenspan for a fifth term as Federal Reserve chairman.

In 2004, Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who'd traded in a multi-million-dollar NFL contract to serve in Afghanistan, was killed by friendly fire; he was 27.

In 2005, Zacarias Moussaoui pleaded guilty in a federal courtroom outside Washington, D.C. to conspiring with the Sept. 11 hijackers to kill Americans. (Moussaoui is serving a life prison sentence.)

In 2013, a seriously wounded Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was charged in his hospital room with bombing the Boston Marathon in a plot with his older brother, Tamerlan, who died after a fierce gunbattle with police. Richie Havens, 72, the folk singer and guitarist who was the first performer at the 1969 Woodstock festival, died in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Ten years ago: The Deepwater Horizon oil platform, operated by BP, sank into the Gulf of Mexico two days after a massive explosion that killed 11 workers. The NCAA announced a 14-year, $10.8 billion deal with CBS and Turner Broadcasting under which every game during an expanded March Madness schedule would be broadcast live nationally for the first time in the tournament's 73-year history.

Five years ago: A federal judge in Philadelphia approved a settlement agreement expected to cost the NFL $1 billion over 65 years to resolve thousands of concussion lawsuits. A federal appeals court in San Francisco overturned home run leader Barry Bonds' obstruction of justice conviction, ruling 10-1 that his meandering answer before a grand jury in 2003 was not material to the government's investigation into illegal steroids distribution.

One year ago: Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren proposed the elimination of existing student loan debt for millions of Americans as part of a sweeping set of education funding proposals. The Trump administration said it would no longer exempt any countries from U.S. sanctions if they continued to buy Iranian oil. A federal court in Detroit declared it unconstitutional for police to mark a car's tires with chalk in order to enforce parking rules; the court said the practice was like entering property without a search warrant. (The ruling applied to Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee.)

Today's Birthdays: Actress Estelle Harris is 92. Actor Jack Nicholson is 83. Singer Mel Carter is 81. Author Janet Evanovich is 77. Country singer Cleve Francis is 75. Movie director John Waters is 74. Singer Peter Frampton is 70. Rock singer-musician Paul Carrack (Mike and the Mechanics; Squeeze) is 69. Actor Joseph Bottoms is 66. Actor Ryan Stiles is 61. Baseball manager Terry Francona is 61. Comedian Byron Allen is 59. Actor Chris Makepeace is 56. Rock musician Fletcher Dragge is 54. Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan is 54. Actress Sheryl Lee is 53. Actress-talk show host Sherri Shepherd is 53. Country singer-musician Heath Wright (Ricochet) is 53. Country singer Kellie Coffey is 49. Actor Eric Mabius is 49. Actor Ingo Rademacher is 49. Rock musician Shavo Odadjian (System of a Down) is 46. Rock singer-musician Daniel Johns (Silverchair) is 41. Actor Malcolm Barrett is 40. Actress Cassidy Freeman is 38. Actress Michelle Ryan is 36. Actor Zack Gottsagen is 35. Actress Amber Heard is 34. Singer-songwriter BC Jean (Alexander Jean) is 33. Drummer Tripp Howell (LANCO) is 31. Rapper/singer Machine Gun Kelly is 30.

Thought for Today: "Demasiada cordura puede ser la peor de las locuras, ver la vida como es y no como debería de ser." (Too much sanity may be the worst folly, see life as it is and not as it should be.) — Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616).

<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, April 22, the 113th day of 2020. There are 253 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On April 22, 1915, the first full-scale use of deadly chemicals in warfare took place as German forces unleashed chlorine gas against Allied troops at the start of the Second Battle of Ypres in Belgium during World War I; thousands of soldiers are believed to have died.On this date:In 1616, Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes, author of "Don Quixote," died in Madrid. (The date is according to the New Style Gregorian calendar that was adopted by Spain in 1582.)In 1864, Congress authorized the use of the phrase "In God We Trust" on U.S. coins.In 1898, with the United States and Spain on the verge of war, the U.S. Navy began blockading Cuban ports. Congress authorized creation of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, also known as the "Rough Riders."In 1954, the publicly televised sessions of the Senate Army-McCarthy hearings began.In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson opened the New York World's Fair.In 1970, millions of Americans concerned about the environment observed the first "Earth Day."In 1994, Richard M. Nixon, the 37th president of the United States, died at a New York hospital four days after suffering a stroke; he was 81.In 2000, in a dramatic pre-dawn raid, armed immigration agents seized Elian Gonzalez, the Cuban boy at the center of a custody dispute, from his relatives' home in Miami; Elian was reunited with his father at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington.In 2003, President George W. Bush announced he would nominate Alan Greenspan for a fifth term as Federal Reserve chairman.In 2004, Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who'd traded in a multi-million-dollar NFL contract to serve in Afghanistan, was killed by friendly fire; he was 27.In 2005, Zacarias Moussaoui pleaded guilty in a federal courtroom outside Washington, D.C. to conspiring with the Sept. 11 hijackers to kill Americans. (Moussaoui is serving a life prison sentence.)In 2013, a seriously wounded Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was charged in his hospital room with bombing the Boston Marathon in a plot with his older brother, Tamerlan, who died after a fierce gunbattle with police. Richie Havens, 72, the folk singer and guitarist who was the first performer at the 1969 Woodstock festival, died in Jersey City, New Jersey.Ten years ago: The Deepwater Horizon oil platform, operated by BP, sank into the Gulf of Mexico two days after a massive explosion that killed 11 workers. The NCAA announced a 14-year, $10.8 billion deal with CBS and Turner Broadcasting under which every game during an expanded March Madness schedule would be broadcast live nationally for the first time in the tournament's 73-year history.Five years ago: A federal judge in Philadelphia approved a settlement agreement expected to cost the NFL $1 billion over 65 years to resolve thousands of concussion lawsuits. A federal appeals court in San Francisco overturned home run leader Barry Bonds' obstruction of justice conviction, ruling 10-1 that his meandering answer before a grand jury in 2003 was not material to the government's investigation into illegal steroids distribution.One year ago: Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren proposed the elimination of existing student loan debt for millions of Americans as part of a sweeping set of education funding proposals. The Trump administration said it would no longer exempt any countries from U.S. sanctions if they continued to buy Iranian oil. A federal court in Detroit declared it unconstitutional for police to mark a car's tires with chalk in order to enforce parking rules; the court said the practice was like entering property without a search warrant. (The ruling applied to Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee.)Today's Birthdays: Actress Estelle Harris is 92. Actor Jack Nicholson is 83. Singer Mel Carter is 81. Author Janet Evanovich is 77. Country singer Cleve Francis is 75. Movie director John Waters is 74. Singer Peter Frampton is 70. Rock singer-musician Paul Carrack (Mike and the Mechanics; Squeeze) is 69. Actor Joseph Bottoms is 66. Actor Ryan Stiles is 61. Baseball manager Terry Francona is 61. Comedian Byron Allen is 59. Actor Chris Makepeace is 56. Rock musician Fletcher Dragge is 54. Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan is 54. Actress Sheryl Lee is 53. Actress-talk show host Sherri Shepherd is 53. Country singer-musician Heath Wright (Ricochet) is 53. Country singer Kellie Coffey is 49. Actor Eric Mabius is 49. Actor Ingo Rademacher is 49. Rock musician Shavo Odadjian (System of a Down) is 46. Rock singer-musician Daniel Johns (Silverchair) is 41. Actor Malcolm Barrett is 40. Actress Cassidy Freeman is 38. Actress Michelle Ryan is 36. Actor Zack Gottsagen is 35. Actress Amber Heard is 34. Singer-songwriter BC Jean (Alexander Jean) is 33. Drummer Tripp Howell (LANCO) is 31. Rapper/singer Machine Gun Kelly is 30.Thought for Today: "Demasiada cordura puede ser la peor de las locuras, ver la vida como es y no como debería de ser." (Too much sanity may be the worst folly, see life as it is and not as it should be.) — Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- April 22

Saline County is closing part of Hohneck Road for drainage structure work.

According to the Road and Bridge Department, Hohneck Road between Cloud Street and Crawford Street will be closed to through traffic beginning Wednesday for replacement of an existing drainage structure. 

Weather permitting the roadway will be opened by the end of June 2020. 

 Motorists are advised to allow a few extra minutes of travel time to reach their destinations.  Local and emergency traffic will be provided access to private property within the sections of closed road at all times but only from the side upon which the property lies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587515534239.png" alt="Map courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Saline County is closing part of Hohneck Road for drainage structure work.According to the Road and Bridge Department, Hohneck Road between Cloud Street and Crawford Street will be closed to through traffic beginning Wednesday for replacement of an existing drainage structure. Weather permitting the roadway will be opened by the end of June 2020. Motorists are advised to allow a few extra minutes of travel time to reach their destinations. Local and emergency traffic will be provided access to private property within the sections of closed road at all times but only from the side upon which the property lies.

County closes part of Hohneck Road for drainage structure work

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on City of Salina finances and ways for the city to counter those impacts will be addressed during a special city commission meeting on Wednesday.

The meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street.

In order to observe guidance restricting gatherings to 10 or less, the meeting will take place via telephone conference which can be viewed on Salina Media Connection via Cox Cable Channel 20 or online at <a href="http://www.salinatv.org">www.salinatv.org</a>. The meeting will also be broadcasted live on the City of Salina YouTube channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.

Citizens who wish to address the city commission may provide public comments by dialing (785) 621-0800 and entering participant code 782956 followed by #.

If citizens wish to speak either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens must dial *9 from their phones to alert the moderator, who will open the line.

Per commissioners' direction, city staff have put together a 50-page <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=443333&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">COVID-19 Staffing Plan</a> that will be at the center of the Wednesday meeting.

At their April 13 meeting, commissioners unanimously voted to direct staff to prepare a specific proposal for moving forward with staff adjustments including furloughs and shared work programs for the commissioners' further consideration. The possibility of voluntary or mandatory pay reductions had also been previously discussed, the plan noted.

According to the plan, individual consideration was given for each of the more than 485 city employees by department heads, the city manager, the financial director, and the human resources director. Every effort was made to minimize financial impacts on employees, the plan noted.

The report indicates that city staff believe the financial impacts will last beyond the duration of the governor's stay-at-home order. According to the report, expense and service reductions will be needed well beyond the stay-at-home order to attempt to balance the city’s 2020 budget.

To see the Salina City Commission meeting packet for Wednesday, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=439392&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587507961959.jpeg" alt="From the city's COVID-19 Staffing Plan presentation" />
 <figcaption>From the city's COVID-19 Staffing Plan presentation</figcaption>
 </figure>The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on City of Salina finances and ways for the city to counter those impacts will be addressed during a special city commission meeting on Wednesday.The meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street.In order to observe guidance restricting gatherings to 10 or less, the meeting will take place via telephone conference which can be viewed on Salina Media Connection via Cox Cable Channel 20 or online at <a href="http://www.salinatv.org">www.salinatv.org</a>. The meeting will also be broadcasted live on the City of Salina YouTube channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.Citizens who wish to address the city commission may provide public comments by dialing (785) 621-0800 and entering participant code 782956 followed by #.If citizens wish to speak either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens must dial *9 from their phones to alert the moderator, who will open the line.Per commissioners' direction, city staff have put together a 50-page <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=443333&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">COVID-19 Staffing Plan</a> that will be at the center of the Wednesday meeting.At their April 13 meeting, commissioners unanimously voted to direct staff to prepare a specific proposal for moving forward with staff adjustments including furloughs and shared work programs for the commissioners' further consideration. The possibility of voluntary or mandatory pay reductions had also been previously discussed, the plan noted.According to the plan, individual consideration was given for each of the more than 485 city employees by department heads, the city manager, the financial director, and the human resources director. Every effort was made to minimize financial impacts on employees, the plan noted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587508079773.jpeg" alt="From the city's COVID-19 Staffing Plan presentation" />
 <figcaption>From the city's COVID-19 Staffing Plan presentation</figcaption>
 </figure>The report indicates that city staff believe the financial impacts will last beyond the duration of the governor's stay-at-home order. According to the report, expense and service reductions will be needed well beyond the stay-at-home order to attempt to balance the city’s 2020 budget.To see the Salina City Commission meeting packet for Wednesday, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=439392&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

City to consider furloughs during special meeting Wednesday

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

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

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

• A total of 2,025 positive cases and 107 deaths.

• There have been 419 of 1,684 cases that have been hospitalized (24.9%).

• 17,076 negative tests have been received through the KDHE and private labs.

• The age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 51 years of age).

Governor Kelly’s Statewide Stay-at-Home order is still in effect. Social distancing is imperative. It cannot be stressed enough the importance of staying home and only going out for essential tasks.

• KDHE has updated its criteria for priority testing as of today:

Persons with a close contact of a laboratory confirmed case – AND – has developed at least two of the following symptoms: fever of 100.4 or higher, chills, headache, sore throat, lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, new olfactory and taste disorders, or diarrhea without an alternate diagnosis.

Persons with a history of travel within 14 days of symptom onset or no source of exposure has been identified – AND – at least two of the following symptoms: fever of 100.4 or higher, chills, headache, sore throat, lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, new olfactory and taste disorders, or diarrhea without an alternate diagnosis.

Please contact your medical provider to discuss testing.

• Due to the cancellation of the Spring-Spruce-Up, which was scheduled for April 25th; the City of Salina Parks and Forestry Department will not be giving away tree/wood chip mulch to Salina residents.

Help our community in stopping 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 update from Saline County:The Saline County Health Department does not have any additional positive cases of COVID-19 to report today.At 11 am, KDHE reported the following in their daily release:• A total of 2,025 positive cases and 107 deaths.• There have been 419 of 1,684 cases that have been hospitalized (24.9%).• 17,076 negative tests have been received through the KDHE and private labs.• The age range is 0 years to 99 years (median 51 years of age).Governor Kelly’s Statewide Stay-at-Home order is still in effect. Social distancing is imperative. It cannot be stressed enough the importance of staying home and only going out for essential tasks.Announcements:• KDHE has updated its criteria for priority testing as of today:Persons with a close contact of a laboratory confirmed case – AND – has developed at least two of the following symptoms: fever of 100.4 or higher, chills, headache, sore throat, lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, new olfactory and taste disorders, or diarrhea without an alternate diagnosis.Persons with a history of travel within 14 days of symptom onset or no source of exposure has been identified – AND – at least two of the following symptoms: fever of 100.4 or higher, chills, headache, sore throat, lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, new olfactory and taste disorders, or diarrhea without an alternate diagnosis.Please contact your medical provider to discuss testing.• Due to the cancellation of the Spring-Spruce-Up, which was scheduled for April 25th; the City of Salina Parks and Forestry Department will not be giving away tree/wood chip mulch to Salina residents.Help our community in stopping 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.

Saline County reports no new COVID-19 cases

Due to the cancellation of Spring Spruce-Up, which was scheduled for Saturday, the City of Salina Parks and Forestry Department will no longer give away wood chip mulch to Salina residents.

This decision was made to align with the governor’s stay-at-home order, which is effective through midnight May 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587498989003.jpeg" alt="Wood chip image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/Olichel-529835/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=979668">Olya Adamovich</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=979668">Pixabay</a>" />
 <figcaption>Wood chip image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/Olichel-529835/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=979668">Olya Adamovich</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=979668">Pixabay</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Due to the cancellation of Spring Spruce-Up, which was scheduled for Saturday, the City of Salina Parks and Forestry Department will no longer give away wood chip mulch to Salina residents.This decision was made to align with the governor’s stay-at-home order, which is effective through midnight May 3.

Free mulch giveaway canceled

Saline County's financial report for the first quarter of 2020 looks good overall. That's the message County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes gave commissioners during their Tuesday morning meeting.

Smith-Hanes, however, was quick to point out that the COVID-19 pandemic had hardly begun to impact the county's finances in the first quarter of 2020, according to information provided by the county. Smith-Hanes said that he expects the second quarter to look quite different. He told commissioners that "all departments are taking prudent actions as it relates to their budget expenditures," the county information noted.

Additionally, Smith-Hanes provided commissioners with a congressional update. He discussed with commissioners the negotiations for a fourth COVID-19 relief package from the federal government. He told commissioners that letters were sent to Senator Jerry Moran, Senator Pat Roberts, and Representative Roger Marshall on behalf of Saline County to inform them of what the county had determined would be helpful. The Kansas Association of Counties, League of Municipalities, and National Association of Counties have all been very active in engaging conversations with local units of government to identify priorities and requests for legislative actions, the county information noted.

Other commission business from today's meeting includes the following items from the county.

• Commissioners updated the purchasing policy 40.32 to include the correct spending authorizations for department heads, the county administrator, and the commission.

• Commissioners continued their discussion on the purchase of a power broom for the Road and Bridge Department. This purchase request had been tabled a few weeks ago. Today, commissioners approved the department's request for the purchase in the amount of $55,675 with a two-year warranty.

• Commissioners also approved the Road and Bridge Department's request to have an engine rebuilt and a new transmission installed in a 2005 International. Department personnel looked at several alternatives and found this to be the best option and most effective use of tax dollars for what the department needed. The truck is in overall great condition and necessary for the department’s use.

• There will be no county commission meeting April 28. That meeting was canceled when commissioners adopted their meeting schedule after the charter resolution went into effect. May 5 is the next date that commissioners are scheduled to meet.

Saline County's financial report for the first quarter of 2020 looks good overall. That's the message County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes gave commissioners during their Tuesday morning meeting.Smith-Hanes, however, was quick to point out that the COVID-19 pandemic had hardly begun to impact the county's finances in the first quarter of 2020, according to information provided by the county. Smith-Hanes said that he expects the second quarter to look quite different. He told commissioners that "all departments are taking prudent actions as it relates to their budget expenditures," the county information noted.Additionally, Smith-Hanes provided commissioners with a congressional update. He discussed with commissioners the negotiations for a fourth COVID-19 relief package from the federal government. He told commissioners that letters were sent to Senator Jerry Moran, Senator Pat Roberts, and Representative Roger Marshall on behalf of Saline County to inform them of what the county had determined would be helpful. The Kansas Association of Counties, League of Municipalities, and National Association of Counties have all been very active in engaging conversations with local units of government to identify priorities and requests for legislative actions, the county information noted.Other commission business from today's meeting includes the following items from the county.• Commissioners updated the purchasing policy 40.32 to include the correct spending authorizations for department heads, the county administrator, and the commission.• Commissioners continued their discussion on the purchase of a power broom for the Road and Bridge Department. This purchase request had been tabled a few weeks ago. Today, commissioners approved the department's request for the purchase in the amount of $55,675 with a two-year warranty.• Commissioners also approved the Road and Bridge Department's request to have an engine rebuilt and a new transmission installed in a 2005 International. Department personnel looked at several alternatives and found this to be the best option and most effective use of tax dollars for what the department needed. The truck is in overall great condition and necessary for the department’s use.• There will be no county commission meeting April 28. That meeting was canceled when commissioners adopted their meeting schedule after the charter resolution went into effect. May 5 is the next date that commissioners are scheduled to meet.

Commissioners hear of 1st quarter finances, OK requests

The Saline County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of $12,000 worth of hand tools and construction equipment from a storage trailer west of Salina earlier this week.

Saline County Sheriff's Captain Jim Hughes said this morning that sometime between 2 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday, someone cut the locks off of a construction storage trailer belonging to Stevenson Construction, of Falun, that was parked in the 800 block of North Fairchilds Road. The construction company was doing some work at the site where a house had burned, Hughes said. Sheriff Roger Soldan later confirmed that the house was the one owned by Daniel D'Albini that was destroyed by fire on Jan. 28, 2018.

Hughes said $12,000 in hand tools and construction equipment, including numerous power tools were stolen. Additionally, damage to the trailer latch was estimated at $200, Hughes said.

The Saline County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of $12,000 worth of hand tools and construction equipment from a storage trailer west of Salina earlier this week.Saline County Sheriff's Captain Jim Hughes said this morning that sometime between 2 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday, someone cut the locks off of a construction storage trailer belonging to Stevenson Construction, of Falun, that was parked in the 800 block of North Fairchilds Road. The construction company was doing some work at the site where a house had burned, Hughes said. Sheriff Roger Soldan later confirmed that the house was the one owned by Daniel D'Albini that was destroyed by fire on Jan. 28, 2018.Hughes said $12,000 in hand tools and construction equipment, including numerous power tools were stolen. Additionally, damage to the trailer latch was estimated at $200, Hughes said.

$12,000 worth of construction equipment, tools stolen

A Topeka man's vehicle was damaged while he was staying in south Salina overnight last night.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported that a 46-year-old Topeka man and his employee were staying at the Roadway Inn, 3932 South Ninth Street last night. The employee heard banging and thumping noises around 1:45 a.m. this morning. He looked out the window and observed a blue pickup truck parked next to his boss’s vehicle, Forrester noted. The pickup then was observed leaving the parking lot and heading north on South Ninth Street, he added.

The 46-year-old Topeka man went out and discovered that his 2013 Nissan Rogue had damage to the rear bumper with a dent on the right side, Forrester reported. The bumper had shifted approximately an inch. The damage did not appear to have been caused by a vehicle, he added.

Total damage was estimated at $1,000, according to Forrester.

A Topeka man's vehicle was damaged while he was staying in south Salina overnight last night.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported that a 46-year-old Topeka man and his employee were staying at the Roadway Inn, 3932 South Ninth Street last night. The employee heard banging and thumping noises around 1:45 a.m. this morning. He looked out the window and observed a blue pickup truck parked next to his boss’s vehicle, Forrester noted. The pickup then was observed leaving the parking lot and heading north on South Ninth Street, he added.The 46-year-old Topeka man went out and discovered that his 2013 Nissan Rogue had damage to the rear bumper with a dent on the right side, Forrester reported. The bumper had shifted approximately an inch. The damage did not appear to have been caused by a vehicle, he added.Total damage was estimated at $1,000, according to Forrester.

Vehicle damaged in south Salina overnight

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department has reported two additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 19.

The two latest are a female in her 20s and a female in her 50s, according to a news release from the health department late Monday night. Both women are recovering at home.

"One of the positive cases is an employee at Dillons, 1320 North Main Street, McPherson. This individual attended work on April 16, 17, 18, and 19, from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you were a customer at Dillons during the listed dates and times, you may have been exposed to COVID-19," the health department noted.

Symptoms for COVID-19 appear two-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, according to information from the health department. Other rarer symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat, and diarrhea. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider and inform them you that you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and now have symptoms. You must stay home for at least seven 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.

"If you were at the above Dillons store during these specific dates and develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 between two and 14 days later, please call your local health care provider. If you do not have a provider, please call your local hospital or the McPherson County Health Department at 620-241-1753 or email <a href="mailto:machd@mcphersoncountyks.us">machd@mcphersoncountyks.us</a>," the health department requested.

“We have received word from an associate at our McPherson store, who has tested positive for COVID-19,” said Sheila Lowrie, Dillon Stores spokeswoman. “We are supporting our associate with an emergency paid leave and share our best for quick recovery. At the present time, we are working directly to support our store team and are continuing to follow all sanitation and cleaning procedures as recommended by the CDC. We are also committed to following guidance from local, state and federal agencies, including the CDC and other health organizations.”

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department has reported two additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 19.The two latest are a female in her 20s and a female in her 50s, according to a news release from the health department late Monday night. Both women are recovering at home."One of the positive cases is an employee at Dillons, 1320 North Main Street, McPherson. This individual attended work on April 16, 17, 18, and 19, from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you were a customer at Dillons during the listed dates and times, you may have been exposed to COVID-19," the health department noted.Symptoms for COVID-19 appear two-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, according to information from the health department. Other rarer symptoms that may develop include malaise, sore throat, and diarrhea. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider and inform them you that you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and now have symptoms. You must stay home for at least seven 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."If you were at the above Dillons store during these specific dates and develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 between two and 14 days later, please call your local health care provider. If you do not have a provider, please call your local hospital or the McPherson County Health Department at 620-241-1753 or email <a href="mailto:machd@mcphersoncountyks.us">machd@mcphersoncountyks.us</a>," the health department requested.“We have received word from an associate at our McPherson store, who has tested positive for COVID-19,” said Sheila Lowrie, Dillon Stores spokeswoman. “We are supporting our associate with an emergency paid leave and share our best for quick recovery. At the present time, we are working directly to support our store team and are continuing to follow all sanitation and cleaning procedures as recommended by the CDC. We are also committed to following guidance from local, state and federal agencies, including the CDC and other health organizations.”

McPherson County reports 2 additional cases of COVID-19

A 37-year-old Salina man was killed in a one-vehicle accident Saturday night.

According to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester, Jahdiel Mercado, 37, of Salina, was riding a 2001 Suzuki motorcycle northbound on Centennial Road at a high rate of speed at approximately 9:30 p.m. Saturday when he failed to navigate the curves in the 2600 block of Centennial Road and struck the curb and a left turn sign at Derussy Road.

Mercado, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected from the motorcycle, Forrester reported. Mercado was transported to a Wichita hospital, where he later died, according to Forrester.

Alcohol and speed were contributing factors in the accident, Forrester explained.

A 37-year-old Salina man was killed in a one-vehicle accident Saturday night.According to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester, Jahdiel Mercado, 37, of Salina, was riding a 2001 Suzuki motorcycle northbound on Centennial Road at a high rate of speed at approximately 9:30 p.m. Saturday when he failed to navigate the curves in the 2600 block of Centennial Road and struck the curb and a left turn sign at Derussy Road.Mercado, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected from the motorcycle, Forrester reported. Mercado was transported to a Wichita hospital, where he later died, according to Forrester.The motorcycle was destroyed, he noted. Alcohol and speed were contributing factors in the accident, Forrester explained.

Salina man dies in motorcycle accident

Well, a month into the state coronavirus stay-at-home order, we’re only sure that there’s not much sure under the Dome at the Kansas Statehouse.

Probably the only thing you can bet on is that the Legislature isn’t going to convene for a short wrapup session as scheduled next Monday, when hopes were that a short maybe day or two session would end lawmakers’ work this election year.

And probably the No. 2 thing that we can be sure about is that all those bills promising tax cuts for Kansans aren’t going anywhere this session. No income tax cuts, no sales tax cut on groceries, no actual property tax cuts are likely to be approved. That’s tough because if there is anything that can distract Kansans from the rising numbers of cases of COVID-19, or the stay home order or the still up-in-the-air decision on whether Gov. Laura Kelly can order churches to meet with no more than 10 congregants, it’s a tax cut.

This week, the Legislature will get (after this column is written and sent to newspapers around the state) its Consensus Revenue Estimate (CRE) of just how much in tax money Kansas is likely to receive in the remaining months of this fiscal year and the new fiscal year that starts July 1.

And most of the discussion about what has been a solid base for figuring out just how much money the state will have to spend or save is just how big the asterisk is going to be on that final estimate. Because that handful of economists will have to make the estimate based on extraordinarily little information about what the pandemic, the shutdown of schools and of many businesses, and the general throttling of activities that yield the state tax dollars will produce.

More money next fiscal year? Doubt it. More income tax revenue next year? Doubt it. But the CRE experts have the background to make their estimate with a broader view of the pressure points on the state’s economy. So, look for an asterisk.

Practically, those estimators won’t even have a good grasp on what the first month of the massive school and business shutdowns have done to the state yet. That first-month information won’t be available until May 1. And it, of course, while being actual hard-dollar information, also will be less than conclusive because it will demonstrate spending—and tax collection—patterns before most Kansans had really figured out how to live with less cash in their pockets, and fewer places to spend it and determined just how to alter their lifestyles to deal with the pandemic.

Lots of hard facts on just what the state will take in and when – remember, income tax payment deadlines have been stretched to July 15 – just aren’t going to be available for at least several weeks.

So, what does the Legislature do whenever it returns? Do legislators stay at home until sometime in May when the money estimates are better? Do legislators just set a course for how to run the state and then hope it works out well and the taxes they pay to the state will cover it?

Lots of talk, of course, about the Republican-dominated Legislature, not the Democrat governor, setting the course for Kansans until the pandemic runs out.

Want to get out of Topeka quickly and get into the re-election campaign season early? Might it take more time to campaign if you can’t hold rallies and chat with voters on the front porch through the screen door?

Yes, it may be a month before legislators wrap up the session. And we’ll see how that works out, won’t we?

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 HAWVER Well, a month into the state coronavirus stay-at-home order, we’re only sure that there’s not much sure under the Dome at the Kansas Statehouse.Probably the only thing you can bet on is that the Legislature isn’t going to convene for a short wrapup session as scheduled next Monday, when hopes were that a short maybe day or two session would end lawmakers’ work this election year.And probably the No. 2 thing that we can be sure about is that all those bills promising tax cuts for Kansans aren’t going anywhere this session. No income tax cuts, no sales tax cut on groceries, no actual property tax cuts are likely to be approved. That’s tough because if there is anything that can distract Kansans from the rising numbers of cases of COVID-19, or the stay home order or the still up-in-the-air decision on whether Gov. Laura Kelly can order churches to meet with no more than 10 congregants, it’s a tax cut.This week, the Legislature will get (after this column is written and sent to newspapers around the state) its Consensus Revenue Estimate (CRE) of just how much in tax money Kansas is likely to receive in the remaining months of this fiscal year and the new fiscal year that starts July 1.And most of the discussion about what has been a solid base for figuring out just how much money the state will have to spend or save is just how big the asterisk is going to be on that final estimate. Because that handful of economists will have to make the estimate based on extraordinarily little information about what the pandemic, the shutdown of schools and of many businesses, and the general throttling of activities that yield the state tax dollars will produce.More money next fiscal year? Doubt it. More income tax revenue next year? Doubt it. But the CRE experts have the background to make their estimate with a broader view of the pressure points on the state’s economy. So, look for an asterisk.Practically, those estimators won’t even have a good grasp on what the first month of the massive school and business shutdowns have done to the state yet. That first-month information won’t be available until May 1. And it, of course, while being actual hard-dollar information, also will be less than conclusive because it will demonstrate spending—and tax collection—patterns before most Kansans had really figured out how to live with less cash in their pockets, and fewer places to spend it and determined just how to alter their lifestyles to deal with the pandemic.Lots of hard facts on just what the state will take in and when – remember, income tax payment deadlines have been stretched to July 15 – just aren’t going to be available for at least several weeks.So, what does the Legislature do whenever it returns? Do legislators stay at home until sometime in May when the money estimates are better? Do legislators just set a course for how to run the state and then hope it works out well and the taxes they pay to the state will cover it?Lots of talk, of course, about the Republican-dominated Legislature, not the Democrat governor, setting the course for Kansans until the pandemic runs out.Want to get out of Topeka quickly and get into the re-election campaign season early? Might it take more time to campaign if you can’t hold rallies and chat with voters on the front porch through the screen door?Yes, it may be a month before legislators wrap up the session. And we’ll see how that works out, won’t we?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: We'll see how that works out

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

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Recent obituaries

Highway construction projects are continuing across the state with modified work practices. 

As always, work zone safety is a top priority for the Kansas Department of Transportation(KDOT, Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA, and partner organizations, according to information from KDOT. Unfortunately, there are oftentimes close calls in work zones.

KDOT Equipment Operator Specialist Kent Portenier, from the Phillipsburg office, realized a vehicle traveling through a work zone did not see him.

“I took off towards the ditch just as the driver hit the corner of the stopped pickup,” Portenier said. “The driver also swerved into the ditch and fortunately missed hitting me as I was running to safety.”

KTA Structures Worker Caleb Provo, from the Wichita office, was in a dump truck during a striping operation when he saw a semi traveling in the wrong lane.

“There was no way the driver could stop in time, and he tried to – unsuccessfully - squeeze between me and the barrier wall to avoid a collision,” Provo said. “Ultimately, the semi driver ended up crashing into the back end of my attenuator.”

Portenier, Provo and others are sharing their stories this week as part of a blog series to help illustrate the importance of work zone safety. Read all the blogs here -<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansastransportation.blogspot.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAshley.Perez%40ks.gov%7C654f7c3d79124400899208d7e53bdbcd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637229917596982573&amp;sdata=d%2BwFC3%2F8PBDcpWQJXU48XFb6GmWDlHJe18KVNL2hA9M%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kansastransportation.blogspot.com</a>.

“Close calls are all too common for highway workers, law enforcement and emergency responders who are serving the public,” said KDOT State Transportation Engineer Burt Morey. “It’s imperative that all drivers make paying attention and focusing on the road their main priorities every time they get in a vehicle.”

National Work Zone Awareness Week, which is April 20-24, raises awareness of the dangers highway workers and motorists face in work zones. Last year in Kansas, 1,420 work zone crashes occurred in which 437 people were injured and seven people were killed. A few locations around the state will be lit in orange to highway work zone safety, such as the Amelia Earhart Memorial bridge in Atchison.

For more information about work zone safety in Kansas, go to KDOT’s website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAshley.Perez%40ks.gov%7C654f7c3d79124400899208d7e53bdbcd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637229917596982573&amp;sdata=0miOTQw2ca5pcX3w4Q9Xk8aWi26TJnS0Y6VjVvvAz%2Fc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.ksdot.org</a>, and click on the work zone safety slide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587433346104.jpeg" alt="The Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge in Atchinson lit in orange during a past National Work Zone Awareness Week safety campaign. Photo courtesy KDOT" />
 <figcaption>The Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge in Atchinson lit in orange during a past National Work Zone Awareness Week safety campaign. Photo courtesy KDOT</figcaption>
 </figure>Highway construction projects are continuing across the state with modified work practices. As always, work zone safety is a top priority for the Kansas Department of Transportation(KDOT, Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA, and partner organizations, according to information from KDOT. Unfortunately, there are oftentimes close calls in work zones.KDOT Equipment Operator Specialist Kent Portenier, from the Phillipsburg office, realized a vehicle traveling through a work zone did not see him.“I took off towards the ditch just as the driver hit the corner of the stopped pickup,” Portenier said. “The driver also swerved into the ditch and fortunately missed hitting me as I was running to safety.”KTA Structures Worker Caleb Provo, from the Wichita office, was in a dump truck during a striping operation when he saw a semi traveling in the wrong lane.“There was no way the driver could stop in time, and he tried to – unsuccessfully - squeeze between me and the barrier wall to avoid a collision,” Provo said. “Ultimately, the semi driver ended up crashing into the back end of my attenuator.”Portenier, Provo and others are sharing their stories this week as part of a blog series to help illustrate the importance of work zone safety. Read all the blogs here -<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansastransportation.blogspot.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAshley.Perez%40ks.gov%7C654f7c3d79124400899208d7e53bdbcd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637229917596982573&amp;sdata=d%2BwFC3%2F8PBDcpWQJXU48XFb6GmWDlHJe18KVNL2hA9M%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kansastransportation.blogspot.com</a>.“Close calls are all too common for highway workers, law enforcement and emergency responders who are serving the public,” said KDOT State Transportation Engineer Burt Morey. “It’s imperative that all drivers make paying attention and focusing on the road their main priorities every time they get in a vehicle.”National Work Zone Awareness Week, which is April 20-24, raises awareness of the dangers highway workers and motorists face in work zones. Last year in Kansas, 1,420 work zone crashes occurred in which 437 people were injured and seven people were killed. A few locations around the state will be lit in orange to highway work zone safety, such as the Amelia Earhart Memorial bridge in Atchison.For more information about work zone safety in Kansas, go to KDOT’s website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAshley.Perez%40ks.gov%7C654f7c3d79124400899208d7e53bdbcd%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637229917596982573&amp;sdata=0miOTQw2ca5pcX3w4Q9Xk8aWi26TJnS0Y6VjVvvAz%2Fc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.ksdot.org</a>, and click on the work zone safety slide.

Close calls in highway work zones occur all too often

Today is Tuesday, April 21, the 112th day of 2020. There are 254 days left in the year.

On April 21, 1976, clinical trials of the swine flu vaccine began in Washington, D.C.

In 1509, England's King Henry VII died; he was succeeded by his 17-year-old son, Henry VIII.

In 1789, John Adams was sworn in as the first vice president of the United States.

In 1816, Charlotte Bronte, author of "Jane Eyre," was born in Thornton, England.

In 1836, an army of Texans led by Sam Houston defeated the Mexicans at San Jacinto, assuring Texas independence.

In 1910, author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, died in Redding, Connecticut, at age 74.

In 1918, Manfred von Richthofen, 25, the German ace known as the "Red Baron" who was believed to have downed 80 enemy aircraft during World War I, was himself shot down and killed while in action over France.

In 1926, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II was born in Mayfair, London; she was the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and the Queen Mother.

In 1930, fire broke out inside the overcrowded Ohio Penitentiary in Columbus, killing 332 inmates.

In 1975, with Communist forces closing in, South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu resigned after nearly 10 years in office and fled the country.

In 1989, the baseball fantasy "Field of Dreams," starring Kevin Costner, was released by Universal Pictures.

In 2009, the sole survivor of a pirate attack on an American cargo ship off the Somali coast, on which Captain Richard Phillips was held for ransom, was charged as an adult with piracy in federal court in New York. (A prosecutor said Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse had given wildly varying ages for himself before finally admitting he was 18. Muse later pleaded guilty to hijacking, kidnapping and hostage-taking and was sentenced to more than 33 years in prison.)

In 2016, Prince, one of the most inventive and influential musicians of modern times, was found dead at his home in suburban Minneapolis; he was 57.

Ten years ago: Pope Benedict XVI promised "church action" to confront the clerical abuse scandal. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. (Commissioner Roger Goodell handed down the punishment after prosecutors decided not to bring charges in a case involving a 20-year-old college student who'd accused Roethlisberger of sexually assaulting her.) Juan Antonio Samaranch, 89, who'd served as president of the International Olympic Committee for 21 years, died in Barcelona, Spain.

Five years ago: An Egyptian criminal court sentenced ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi to 20 years in prison over the killing of protesters in 2012. The head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Michele Leonhart, announced her retirement in the wake of allegations that DEA agents had attended sex parties with prostitutes. Pope Francis accepted the resignation of U.S. Bishop Robert Finn, who'd pleaded guilty to failing to report a suspected child abuser. Mary Doyle Keefe, 92, the model for Norman Rockwell's iconic 1943 Rosie the Riveter painting, died in Simsbury, Connecticut.

One year ago: President Donald Trump spoke with the newly-elected Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, to congratulate him on his landslide election victory. (A second phone call in July, in which Trump solicited Zelenskiy's help in gathering potentially damaging information about his principal Democratic rival, Joe Biden, would lead to Trump's impeachment by the House.) Suicide bombings at three churches and three luxury hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday killed more than 250 people; the attackers were homegrown militants who had pledged loyalty to the Islamic State group.

Today's Birthdays: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is 94. Actress-comedian-writer Elaine May is 88. Actor Charles Grodin is 85. Actor Reni Santoni is 82. Anti-death penalty activist Sister Helen Prejean is 81. Singer-musician Iggy Pop is 73. Actress Patti LuPone is 71. Actor Tony Danza is 69. Actor James Morrison is 66. Actress Andie MacDowell is 62. Rock singer Robert Smith (The Cure) is 61. Rock musician Michael Timmins (Cowboy Junkies) is 61. Actor-director John Cameron Mitchell is 57. Rapper Michael Franti (Spearhead) is 54. Actress Leslie Silva is 52. Actor Toby Stephens is 51. Rock singer-musician Glen Hansard (The Frames) is 50. Actor Rob Riggle is 50. Comedian Nicole Sullivan is 50. Football player-turned-actor Brian White is 47. Olympic gold medal pairs figure skater Jamie Sale is 43. Rock musician David Brenner (Theory of a Deadman) is 42. Actor James McAvoy is 41. Former NFL quarterback Tony Romo is 40. Actor Terrence J is 38. Actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw is 37. Actor Christoph (cq) Sanders is 32. Actor Frank Dillane is 29. Rock singer Sydney Sierota (Echosmith) is 23.

Thought for Today: "I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward." — Charlotte Bronte (1816-1855).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Tuesday, April 21, the 112th day of 2020. There are 254 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On April 21, 1976, clinical trials of the swine flu vaccine began in Washington, D.C.On this date:In 1509, England's King Henry VII died; he was succeeded by his 17-year-old son, Henry VIII.In 1789, John Adams was sworn in as the first vice president of the United States.In 1816, Charlotte Bronte, author of "Jane Eyre," was born in Thornton, England.In 1836, an army of Texans led by Sam Houston defeated the Mexicans at San Jacinto, assuring Texas independence.In 1910, author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, died in Redding, Connecticut, at age 74.In 1918, Manfred von Richthofen, 25, the German ace known as the "Red Baron" who was believed to have downed 80 enemy aircraft during World War I, was himself shot down and killed while in action over France.In 1926, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II was born in Mayfair, London; she was the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and the Queen Mother.In 1930, fire broke out inside the overcrowded Ohio Penitentiary in Columbus, killing 332 inmates.In 1975, with Communist forces closing in, South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu resigned after nearly 10 years in office and fled the country.In 1989, the baseball fantasy "Field of Dreams," starring Kevin Costner, was released by Universal Pictures.In 2009, the sole survivor of a pirate attack on an American cargo ship off the Somali coast, on which Captain Richard Phillips was held for ransom, was charged as an adult with piracy in federal court in New York. (A prosecutor said Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse had given wildly varying ages for himself before finally admitting he was 18. Muse later pleaded guilty to hijacking, kidnapping and hostage-taking and was sentenced to more than 33 years in prison.)In 2016, Prince, one of the most inventive and influential musicians of modern times, was found dead at his home in suburban Minneapolis; he was 57.Ten years ago: Pope Benedict XVI promised "church action" to confront the clerical abuse scandal. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. (Commissioner Roger Goodell handed down the punishment after prosecutors decided not to bring charges in a case involving a 20-year-old college student who'd accused Roethlisberger of sexually assaulting her.) Juan Antonio Samaranch, 89, who'd served as president of the International Olympic Committee for 21 years, died in Barcelona, Spain.Five years ago: An Egyptian criminal court sentenced ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi to 20 years in prison over the killing of protesters in 2012. The head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Michele Leonhart, announced her retirement in the wake of allegations that DEA agents had attended sex parties with prostitutes. Pope Francis accepted the resignation of U.S. Bishop Robert Finn, who'd pleaded guilty to failing to report a suspected child abuser. Mary Doyle Keefe, 92, the model for Norman Rockwell's iconic 1943 Rosie the Riveter painting, died in Simsbury, Connecticut.One year ago: President Donald Trump spoke with the newly-elected Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, to congratulate him on his landslide election victory. (A second phone call in July, in which Trump solicited Zelenskiy's help in gathering potentially damaging information about his principal Democratic rival, Joe Biden, would lead to Trump's impeachment by the House.) Suicide bombings at three churches and three luxury hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday killed more than 250 people; the attackers were homegrown militants who had pledged loyalty to the Islamic State group.Today's Birthdays: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is 94. Actress-comedian-writer Elaine May is 88. Actor Charles Grodin is 85. Actor Reni Santoni is 82. Anti-death penalty activist Sister Helen Prejean is 81. Singer-musician Iggy Pop is 73. Actress Patti LuPone is 71. Actor Tony Danza is 69. Actor James Morrison is 66. Actress Andie MacDowell is 62. Rock singer Robert Smith (The Cure) is 61. Rock musician Michael Timmins (Cowboy Junkies) is 61. Actor-director John Cameron Mitchell is 57. Rapper Michael Franti (Spearhead) is 54. Actress Leslie Silva is 52. Actor Toby Stephens is 51. Rock singer-musician Glen Hansard (The Frames) is 50. Actor Rob Riggle is 50. Comedian Nicole Sullivan is 50. Football player-turned-actor Brian White is 47. Olympic gold medal pairs figure skater Jamie Sale is 43. Rock musician David Brenner (Theory of a Deadman) is 42. Actor James McAvoy is 41. Former NFL quarterback Tony Romo is 40. Actor Terrence J is 38. Actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw is 37. Actor Christoph (cq) Sanders is 32. Actor Frank Dillane is 29. Rock singer Sydney Sierota (Echosmith) is 23.Thought for Today: "I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward." — Charlotte Bronte (1816-1855).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- April 21

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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