Enel North America, Kansas’s leading wind energy operator, announced this week that it will provide $69,000 to eight organizations in the state to support COVID-19 preparedness and response. The support is a part of a $1.3 million community-based relief effort the company is initiating with over 75 local agencies across the US and Canada in response to the pandemic. 

“At Enel North America we have always felt a deep responsibility to support the health and well-being of the communities where we live and work, and even more so during this crisis,” said Enrico Viale, Head of Enel North America. “COVID-19 has caused unprecedented economic challenges for critical service organizations in many communities and we hope our support can provide some sense of relief. From rural hospitals to first responders, local schools and foodbanks, these organizations and their workers are on the frontlines and we thank essential workers everywhere for their extraordinary and unwavering response to this crisis.”  

Enel North America is committed to a multi-phase, community-based response to address both immediate health and social services needs, plus long-term socioeconomic impacts from this crisis. In Kansas, the company’s commitment to its host communities includes $20,000 to food security organizations in Tampa, Elk County and Ellsworth County along with $49,000 to first responders in Minneola, Englewood, Ashland and Marion County. To support the communities around its Lenexa regional office, the company will also provide $30,000 to metropolitan Kansas City-area social services organizations: Harvesters, Operation Breakthrough and City Union Mission. 

In addition to supporting these local organizations, as an essential power generator, Enel North America has implemented enhanced safety measures and restructured its workforce plan to maintain physical distancing and teams separation across its portfolio of more than 80 renewable energy power plants. This restructuring will help to ensure a continued, reliable electricity supply to homes, businesses and critical services in the communities where it operates. Enel North America also plans to support the economy by moving forward with its 2020 hiring plan. 

In Kansas, Enel operates six wind farms across the state through its renewables arm Enel Green Power, including Smoky Hills I &amp; II (250 MW, Caney River (200 MW, Buffalo Dunes (250 MW, Cimarron Bend (400 MW) and Diamond Vista (300 MW). The company’s overall investment in Kansas amounts to more than 2.1 billion US dollars and 210 full-time employees working in the state. Since 2006, Enel’s growth in Kansas and throughout the U.S. has been supported by Tradewind Energy, a strategic partner and leading renewables developer based in Lenexa. With its acquisition of Tradewind in 2019, Enel has expanded its presence in Kansas where the company is the largest wind operator with more than 1.4 GW of operational wind capacity. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587179615114.jpeg" alt="Part of the Enel wind farm in Marion County. Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>Part of the Enel wind farm in Marion County. Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Enel North America, Kansas’s leading wind energy operator, announced this week that it will provide $69,000 to eight organizations in the state to support COVID-19 preparedness and response. The support is a part of a $1.3 million community-based relief effort the company is initiating with over 75 local agencies across the US and Canada in response to the pandemic. “At Enel North America we have always felt a deep responsibility to support the health and well-being of the communities where we live and work, and even more so during this crisis,” said Enrico Viale, Head of Enel North America. “COVID-19 has caused unprecedented economic challenges for critical service organizations in many communities and we hope our support can provide some sense of relief. From rural hospitals to first responders, local schools and foodbanks, these organizations and their workers are on the frontlines and we thank essential workers everywhere for their extraordinary and unwavering response to this crisis.” Enel North America is committed to a multi-phase, community-based response to address both immediate health and social services needs, plus long-term socioeconomic impacts from this crisis. In Kansas, the company’s commitment to its host communities includes $20,000 to food security organizations in Tampa, Elk County and Ellsworth County along with $49,000 to first responders in Minneola, Englewood, Ashland and Marion County. To support the communities around its Lenexa regional office, the company will also provide $30,000 to metropolitan Kansas City-area social services organizations: Harvesters, Operation Breakthrough and City Union Mission. In addition to supporting these local organizations, as an essential power generator, Enel North America has implemented enhanced safety measures and restructured its workforce plan to maintain physical distancing and teams separation across its portfolio of more than 80 renewable energy power plants. This restructuring will help to ensure a continued, reliable electricity supply to homes, businesses and critical services in the communities where it operates. Enel North America also plans to support the economy by moving forward with its 2020 hiring plan. In Kansas, Enel operates six wind farms across the state through its renewables arm Enel Green Power, including Smoky Hills I &amp; II (250 MW, Caney River (200 MW, Buffalo Dunes (250 MW, Cimarron Bend (400 MW) and Diamond Vista (300 MW). The company’s overall investment in Kansas amounts to more than 2.1 billion US dollars and 210 full-time employees working in the state. Since 2006, Enel’s growth in Kansas and throughout the U.S. has been supported by Tradewind Energy, a strategic partner and leading renewables developer based in Lenexa. With its acquisition of Tradewind in 2019, Enel has expanded its presence in Kansas where the company is the largest wind operator with more than 1.4 GW of operational wind capacity.

Enel commits $69,000 toward COVID-19 relief efforts in Kansas

ABILENE --&nbsp;Memorial Health System employees are benefiting from the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP, which is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll during the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Approximately&nbsp;323&nbsp;full and part-time employees are still working and receiving their normal pay, thanks to the PPP.

As the COVID-19 pandemic brought the economy to a screeching halt, many small businesses either closed their doors or saw an enormous decrease in activity. Memorial Health System was not immune. MHS entities experienced a drastic decrease in patient activity as elective procedures and non-emergent appointments were cancelled or postponed.

The PPP loan is a Small Business Administration loan administered by local banks. MHS worked with Pinnacle Bank, an SBA 7(a) lender, in Abilene, to apply for and receive approval for the funds.

The $3.52 million loan should be forgiven if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks, and as long as 75% of the money is used for payroll (MHS’s eligible payroll for eight weeks amounts to $2.64 million, and 25% is spent on rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

“We are very thankful we were able to obtain this loan,” Harold Courtois, MHS CEO said. “It has allowed us to delay any major changes to employment.” Before receiving the loan, MHS had begun the process of furloughing and decreasing hours for a number of employees due to low census. “We were able to bring back anyone who was furloughed and restore anyone’s hours that we had to reduce due to low volumes throughout the health system.”

Although census is low, MHS employees are staying busy. “Health system nursing staff, where census has slowed down, have been working in other areas like the emergency department, inpatient unit, or at Village Manor where additional help is needed,” Andrea Taylor, MHS Chief Operating Officer said. “We also now have clinical staff screening everyone who comes through the front door. As we work through this challenging time, employees are learning new tasks and helping out where they are needed.”

Looking ahead, after the eight weeks have passed, things may be drastically different, but no one really knows what is going to happen. “MHS will continue to look for ways to keep moving forward with as little disruption to staff as possible,” Taylor said. “We cannot thank our employees enough for the grace and compassion they have shown to each other.”

ABILENE --&nbsp;Memorial Health System employees are benefiting from the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP, which is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll during the Coronavirus pandemic. Approximately&nbsp;323&nbsp;full and part-time employees are still working and receiving their normal pay, thanks to the PPP.As the COVID-19 pandemic brought the economy to a screeching halt, many small businesses either closed their doors or saw an enormous decrease in activity. Memorial Health System was not immune. MHS entities experienced a drastic decrease in patient activity as elective procedures and non-emergent appointments were cancelled or postponed.The PPP loan is a Small Business Administration loan administered by local banks. MHS worked with Pinnacle Bank, an SBA 7(a) lender, in Abilene, to apply for and receive approval for the funds.The $3.52 million loan should be forgiven if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks, and as long as 75% of the money is used for payroll (MHS’s eligible payroll for eight weeks amounts to $2.64 million, and 25% is spent on rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.“We are very thankful we were able to obtain this loan,” Harold Courtois, MHS CEO said. “It has allowed us to delay any major changes to employment.” Before receiving the loan, MHS had begun the process of furloughing and decreasing hours for a number of employees due to low census. “We were able to bring back anyone who was furloughed and restore anyone’s hours that we had to reduce due to low volumes throughout the health system.”Although census is low, MHS employees are staying busy. “Health system nursing staff, where census has slowed down, have been working in other areas like the emergency department, inpatient unit, or at Village Manor where additional help is needed,” Andrea Taylor, MHS Chief Operating Officer said. “We also now have clinical staff screening everyone who comes through the front door. As we work through this challenging time, employees are learning new tasks and helping out where they are needed.”Looking ahead, after the eight weeks have passed, things may be drastically different, but no one really knows what is going to happen. “MHS will continue to look for ways to keep moving forward with as little disruption to staff as possible,” Taylor said. “We cannot thank our employees enough for the grace and compassion they have shown to each other.”

MHS keeps employees working thanks to PPP

Today is Saturday, April 18, the 109th day of 2020. There are 257 days left in the year.

On April 18, 1978, the Senate approved the Panama Canal Treaty, providing for the complete turnover of control of the waterway to Panama on the last day of 1999.

In 1775, Paul Revere began his famous ride from Charlestown to Lexington, Massachusetts, warning colonists that British Regular troops were approaching.

In 1831, the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa was officially opened.

In 1906, a devastating earthquake struck San Francisco, followed by raging fires; estimates of the final death toll range between 3,000 and 6,000.

In 1910, suffragists showed up at the U.S. Capitol with half a million signatures demanding that women be given the right to vote.

In 1934, the first laundromat (called a "washateria") opened in Fort Worth, Texas.

In 1938, Superman, AKA "The Man of Steel," made his debut as the first issue of Action Comics (bearing a cover date of June) went on sale for 10 cents a copy. (In 2014, a nearly flawless original copy was sold on eBay for $3.2 million.)

In 1945, famed American war correspondent Ernie Pyle, 44, was killed by Japanese gunfire on the Pacific island of Ie Shima, off Okinawa.

In 1954, Gamal Abdel Nasser seized power as he became prime minister of Egypt.

In 1956, American actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier of Monaco in a civil ceremony. (A church wedding took place the next day.)

In 1983, 63 people, including 17 Americans, were killed at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, by a suicide bomber.

In 1988, an Israeli court convicted John Demjanjuk, a retired auto worker from Cleveland, of committing war crimes at the Treblinka death camp in Nazi-occupied Poland. (However, Israel's Supreme Court later overturned Demjanjuk's conviction.)

In 1995, quarterback Joe Montana retired from professional football. The Houston Post closed after more than a century.

Ten years ago: Tens of thousands of Poles bade farewell to President Lech Kaczynski at a state funeral in Krakow. Brian Davis called a two-stroke penalty on himself on the first playoff hole to give Jim Furyk a victory at the Verizon Heritage. Rafael Nadal defeated Fernando Verdasco 6-0, 6-1 in an all-Spanish final to win the Monte Carlo Masters for the sixth straight year. Carrie Underwood became the first woman to win entertainer of the year twice at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Five years ago: A ship believed to be carrying more than 800 migrants from Africa sank in the Mediterranean off Libya; only about 30 people were rescued. A motorcycle-riding suicide bomber attacked a line of people waiting outside a bank in eastern Afghanistan, killing at least 35. Ringo Starr, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, pop punks Green Day, soul singer-songwriter Bill Withers, underground-rock icon Lou Reed, bluesy guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band and The "5" Royales were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

One year ago: The final report from special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation was made public; it outlined Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election but did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government. Mueller offered no conclusion on the question of whether the president obstructed justice. As France paid a daylong tribute to the firefighters who saved Notre Dame Cathedral, a police official said investigators believed that the fire at the landmark was most likely caused by an electrical short-circuit.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Clive Revill is 90. Actor Robert Hooks is 83. Actress Hayley Mills is 74. Actor James Woods is 73. Actress-director Dorothy Lyman is 73. Actress Cindy Pickett is 73. Country musician Walt Richmond (The Tractors) is 73. Country musician Jim Scholten (Sawyer Brown) is 68. Actor Rick Moranis is 67. Actress Melody Thomas Scott is 64. Actor Eric Roberts is 64. Actor John James is 64. Rock musician Les Pattinson (Echo and the Bunnymen) is 62. Author-journalist Susan Faludi is 61. Actress Jane Leeves is 59. Ventriloquist-comedian Jeff Dunham is 58. Talk show host Conan O'Brien is 57. Bluegrass singer-musician Terry Eldredge is 57. Actor Eric McCormack is 57. Actress Maria Bello is 53. Actress Mary Birdsong is 52. Actor David Hewlett is 52. Rock musician Greg Eklund (The Oolahs) is 50. Actress Lisa Locicero is 50. Actress Tamara Braun is 49. TV chef Ludovic Lefebvre is 49. Actor Fedro Starr is 49. Actor David Tennant is 49. Country musician Marvin Evatt is 46. Rock musician Mark Tremonti is 46. Rhythm-and-blues singer Trina (Trina and Tamara) is 46. Actress Melissa Joan Hart is 44. Actor Sean Maguire is 44. Actor Kevin Rankin is 44. Actor Bryce Johnson is 43. Reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian is 41. Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera is 37. Actress America Ferrera is 36. Actor Tom Hughes is 35. Actress Ellen Woglom (TV: "Marvel's Inhumans") is 33. Actress Vanessa Kirby is 32. Actress Alia Shawkat is 31. Actress Britt Robertson is 30. Actress Chloe Bennet is 28. Rock singer Nathan Sykes (The Wanted) is 27. Actor Moises Arias is 26.

Thought for Today: "There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out." — Russian proverb.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Saturday, April 18, the 109th day of 2020. There are 257 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On April 18, 1978, the Senate approved the Panama Canal Treaty, providing for the complete turnover of control of the waterway to Panama on the last day of 1999.On this date:In 1775, Paul Revere began his famous ride from Charlestown to Lexington, Massachusetts, warning colonists that British Regular troops were approaching.In 1831, the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa was officially opened.In 1906, a devastating earthquake struck San Francisco, followed by raging fires; estimates of the final death toll range between 3,000 and 6,000.In 1910, suffragists showed up at the U.S. Capitol with half a million signatures demanding that women be given the right to vote.In 1934, the first laundromat (called a "washateria") opened in Fort Worth, Texas.In 1938, Superman, AKA "The Man of Steel," made his debut as the first issue of Action Comics (bearing a cover date of June) went on sale for 10 cents a copy. (In 2014, a nearly flawless original copy was sold on eBay for $3.2 million.)In 1945, famed American war correspondent Ernie Pyle, 44, was killed by Japanese gunfire on the Pacific island of Ie Shima, off Okinawa.In 1954, Gamal Abdel Nasser seized power as he became prime minister of Egypt.In 1956, American actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier of Monaco in a civil ceremony. (A church wedding took place the next day.)In 1983, 63 people, including 17 Americans, were killed at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, by a suicide bomber.In 1988, an Israeli court convicted John Demjanjuk, a retired auto worker from Cleveland, of committing war crimes at the Treblinka death camp in Nazi-occupied Poland. (However, Israel's Supreme Court later overturned Demjanjuk's conviction.)In 1995, quarterback Joe Montana retired from professional football. The Houston Post closed after more than a century.Ten years ago: Tens of thousands of Poles bade farewell to President Lech Kaczynski at a state funeral in Krakow. Brian Davis called a two-stroke penalty on himself on the first playoff hole to give Jim Furyk a victory at the Verizon Heritage. Rafael Nadal defeated Fernando Verdasco 6-0, 6-1 in an all-Spanish final to win the Monte Carlo Masters for the sixth straight year. Carrie Underwood became the first woman to win entertainer of the year twice at the Academy of Country Music Awards.Five years ago: A ship believed to be carrying more than 800 migrants from Africa sank in the Mediterranean off Libya; only about 30 people were rescued. A motorcycle-riding suicide bomber attacked a line of people waiting outside a bank in eastern Afghanistan, killing at least 35. Ringo Starr, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, pop punks Green Day, soul singer-songwriter Bill Withers, underground-rock icon Lou Reed, bluesy guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band and The "5" Royales were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.One year ago: The final report from special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation was made public; it outlined Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election but did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government. Mueller offered no conclusion on the question of whether the president obstructed justice. As France paid a daylong tribute to the firefighters who saved Notre Dame Cathedral, a police official said investigators believed that the fire at the landmark was most likely caused by an electrical short-circuit.Today's Birthdays: Actor Clive Revill is 90. Actor Robert Hooks is 83. Actress Hayley Mills is 74. Actor James Woods is 73. Actress-director Dorothy Lyman is 73. Actress Cindy Pickett is 73. Country musician Walt Richmond (The Tractors) is 73. Country musician Jim Scholten (Sawyer Brown) is 68. Actor Rick Moranis is 67. Actress Melody Thomas Scott is 64. Actor Eric Roberts is 64. Actor John James is 64. Rock musician Les Pattinson (Echo and the Bunnymen) is 62. Author-journalist Susan Faludi is 61. Actress Jane Leeves is 59. Ventriloquist-comedian Jeff Dunham is 58. Talk show host Conan O'Brien is 57. Bluegrass singer-musician Terry Eldredge is 57. Actor Eric McCormack is 57. Actress Maria Bello is 53. Actress Mary Birdsong is 52. Actor David Hewlett is 52. Rock musician Greg Eklund (The Oolahs) is 50. Actress Lisa Locicero is 50. Actress Tamara Braun is 49. TV chef Ludovic Lefebvre is 49. Actor Fedro Starr is 49. Actor David Tennant is 49. Country musician Marvin Evatt is 46. Rock musician Mark Tremonti is 46. Rhythm-and-blues singer Trina (Trina and Tamara) is 46. Actress Melissa Joan Hart is 44. Actor Sean Maguire is 44. Actor Kevin Rankin is 44. Actor Bryce Johnson is 43. Reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian is 41. Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera is 37. Actress America Ferrera is 36. Actor Tom Hughes is 35. Actress Ellen Woglom (TV: "Marvel's Inhumans") is 33. Actress Vanessa Kirby is 32. Actress Alia Shawkat is 31. Actress Britt Robertson is 30. Actress Chloe Bennet is 28. Rock singer Nathan Sykes (The Wanted) is 27. Actor Moises Arias is 26.Thought for Today: "There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out." — Russian proverb.Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- April 18

Freeze warnings have been issued for a number of the counties in our area. 

Once the warnings expire, however, the area is in for seasonable temperatures this weekend, with afternoon highs in the 60s for much of the state, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.

NWS in Topeka has issued a freeze warning in effect through 9 a.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.

Freezing temperatures between 32 and 30 degrees are  expected. Freezing temperatures will likely damage or kill tender vegetation.

Additionally, NWS in Wichita has issued a freeze warning in effect from 1-9 a.m. Saturday for Marion County.

Low temperatures from 29 to 32 degrees are expected. Sensitive plants may be damaged or killed if left  unprotected. Unprotected outdoor plumbing and hoses may be damaged.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587181117862.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Freeze warnings have been issued for a number of the counties in our area. Once the warnings expire, however, the area is in for seasonable temperatures this weekend, with afternoon highs in the 60s for much of the state, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.NWS in Topeka has issued a freeze warning in effect through 9 a.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyDickinson CountyFreezing temperatures between 32 and 30 degrees are expected. Freezing temperatures will likely damage or kill tender vegetation.Additionally, NWS in Wichita has issued a freeze warning in effect from 1-9 a.m. Saturday for Marion County.Low temperatures from 29 to 32 degrees are expected. Sensitive plants may be damaged or killed if left unprotected. Unprotected outdoor plumbing and hoses may be damaged.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587181154620.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Freeze warnings, then seasonable temperatures

Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Friday.

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

At 11 am, KDHE reported a total of 1,705 confirmed cases in Kansas and 84 deaths. A further breakdown of statewide numbers:

•This is an increase of 117 cases from yesterday.

•375 of 1,377 (27.2%) cases have been hospitalized.

•There have been 15,196 negative test results received.

•The median age for a positive case is 52.

KDHE has launched a new website with detailed information: <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>.

Governor Kelly’s Statewide Stay-at-Home order is in effect until May 3rd, 2020. Social distancing is imperative. It cannot be stressed enough the importance of staying home and only going out for essential tasks. Saline County continues to receive reports of alleged non-compliance with the Statewide Stay-atHome order. Alleged violations can be reported through our online submission form at <a href="http://www.saline.org">www.saline.org</a>. If you have a question about a business being essential or not, please visit the Governor’s website at <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/keff">https://governor.kansas.gov/keff</a> to see the order, list of essential functions, and frequently asked questions.

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="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a> Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and Stay at Home.

Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Friday.The Saline County Health Department does not have any additional cases of COVID-19 to report today.At 11 am, KDHE reported a total of 1,705 confirmed cases in Kansas and 84 deaths. A further breakdown of statewide numbers:•This is an increase of 117 cases from yesterday.•375 of 1,377 (27.2%) cases have been hospitalized.•There have been 15,196 negative test results received.•The median age for a positive case is 52.KDHE has launched a new website with detailed information: <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>.Governor Kelly’s Statewide Stay-at-Home order is in effect until May 3rd, 2020. Social distancing is imperative. It cannot be stressed enough the importance of staying home and only going out for essential tasks. Saline County continues to receive reports of alleged non-compliance with the Statewide Stay-atHome order. Alleged violations can be reported through our online submission form at <a href="http://www.saline.org">www.saline.org</a>. If you have a question about a business being essential or not, please visit the Governor’s website at <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/keff">https://governor.kansas.gov/keff</a> to see the order, list of essential functions, and frequently asked questions.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="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a> Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and Stay at Home.

Saline County: No new COVID-19 cases

A 25-bed hospital is selling blood tests it says will tell people if they have COVID-19 immunity, but public health officials say that's not what the tests do.

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-17/a-small-kansas-hospital-bought-its-own-coronavirus-tests-but-state-officials-say-it-only-detects-colds">Kansas News Service</a>

LAWRENCE — Herington Municipal Hospital got fed up with long waits for lab results that would tell its patients with respiratory symptoms whether they have the novel coronavirus.

So when a sales representative called the 25-bed hospital in rural central Kansas offering tests that produce results in less than half an hour, Herington ordered 500.

“We answered the phone on the right day,” CEO Isabel Schmedemann said in an interview this week. “I wish we had ordered more.”

One hundred people in her community have already come in for the test.

“They want answers,” she said. “They want to know. And they’re scared.”

Amid a pandemic that has hospitalized hundreds of Kansans and killed more than 80, supply shortages have slowed typical COVID-19 nose swab tests and health providers have scrambled to find solutions.

But public health officials around the world worry that desperation to access testing could open the way for unproven products that give patients a false sense of safety — putting them in greater danger.

Herington Hospital’s rollout of new blood-based tests triggered swift action from state and local health officials.

On its website, the hospital advertises the technology as approved by the state. “It tells you if you have immunity,” the hospital claims.

Wrong on both counts, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment says. Attempts to convince the hospital of the test’s problems over the phone weren’t successful, the agency says.

State health secretary Lee Norman said he would alert other hospitals and labs around the state to concerns about the tests. He warned the public in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GovLauraKelly/videos/214325436538782/" target="_blank">a press conference</a>&nbsp;viewed by tens of thousands of people on Facebook that many antibody tests — meant to show a patient’s exposure to a virus — don’t necessarily tell people what they want to know.

People who test positive with the Herington tests aren’t being counted toward the state’s COVID-19 tally. The state has about 1,500 known cases, including one in Dickinson County.

“You could get a positive if you had nothing other than a common cold,” county public health director John Hultgren said.

Dickinson County began calling Herington’s patients to inform them directly.

“I’m livid about this,” Schmedemann said. “We’re serious about providing quality health care.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587149517051.png" alt="Kansas Health Secretary Lee Norman displays a swab used for COVID-19 testing. The hospital in Herington has deployed blood tests that state health officials say can produce false positives among people with common colds.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Celia Llopis-Jepsen, Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Health Secretary Lee Norman displays a swab used for COVID-19 testing. The hospital in Herington has deployed blood tests that state health officials say can produce false positives among people with common colds.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Celia Llopis-Jepsen, Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A 25-bed hospital is selling blood tests it says will tell people if they have COVID-19 immunity, but public health officials say that's not what the tests do.</h2>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-17/a-small-kansas-hospital-bought-its-own-coronavirus-tests-but-state-officials-say-it-only-detects-colds">Kansas News Service</a>LAWRENCE — Herington Municipal Hospital got fed up with long waits for lab results that would tell its patients with respiratory symptoms whether they have the novel coronavirus.So when a sales representative called the 25-bed hospital in rural central Kansas offering tests that produce results in less than half an hour, Herington ordered 500.“We answered the phone on the right day,” CEO Isabel Schmedemann said in an interview this week. “I wish we had ordered more.”One hundred people in her community have already come in for the test.“They want answers,” she said. “They want to know. And they’re scared.”Amid a pandemic that has hospitalized hundreds of Kansans and killed more than 80, supply shortages have slowed typical COVID-19 nose swab tests and health providers have scrambled to find solutions.But public health officials around the world worry that desperation to access testing could open the way for unproven products that give patients a false sense of safety — putting them in greater danger.Herington Hospital’s rollout of new blood-based tests triggered swift action from state and local health officials.On its website, the hospital advertises the technology as approved by the state. “It tells you if you have immunity,” the hospital claims.Wrong on both counts, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment says. Attempts to convince the hospital of the test’s problems over the phone weren’t successful, the agency says.State health secretary Lee Norman said he would alert other hospitals and labs around the state to concerns about the tests. He warned the public in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GovLauraKelly/videos/214325436538782/" target="_blank">a press conference</a>&nbsp;viewed by tens of thousands of people on Facebook that many antibody tests — meant to show a patient’s exposure to a virus — don’t necessarily tell people what they want to know.People who test positive with the Herington tests aren’t being counted toward the state’s COVID-19 tally. The state has about 1,500 known cases, including one in Dickinson County.“You could get a positive if you had nothing other than a common cold,” county public health director John Hultgren said.Dickinson County began calling Herington’s patients to inform them directly.“I’m livid about this,” Schmedemann said. “We’re serious about providing quality health care.”

Area hospital's virus test may only show you've had a cold

TOPEKA
— Kansas’ students will receive supplemental education content via television
thanks to an alliance between the Kansas State Department of Education, the
Continuous Learning Task Force and the Kansas Public Broadcasting Service
(PBS).

The
new partnership is called Continuous Learning-Kansas Public Broadcasting
Alliance and will give students of all ages another avenue for learning. Each
30-minute segment of the “Learning Across Kansas” television show will feature
educational content and will be aired on PBS stations across Kansas.

“This
PBS alliance is the perfect partnership to reach every learner in Kansas – from
our most rural communities to our most populated neighborhoods – easily and
effectively,” said Dyane Smokorowski, one of three chairs of the Continuous
Learning Task Force. “For the first time in Kansas history, teachers will be
able to reach all learners through broadcasting and online access while
bringing them inspiration, creativity and fun – all centered around current
classroom content. That’s the magic of public access – it benefits everyone.
Thank you to PBS for this opportunity.”

The
Continuous Learning Task Force was created by Kansas Commissioner of Education
Dr. Randy Watson to offer guidance after Gov. Laura Kelly closed school
buildings for the remainder of the school year because of COVID-19.

The
Task Force is chaired by Smokorowski, an innovation and technology leader for
Andover Unified School District 386 and the 2013 Kansas Teacher of the Year;
Cindy Couchman, assistant superintendent at Buhler USD 313 and the 2009 Kansas
Teacher of the Year; and Tabatha Rosproy, an early childhood teacher at
Winfield USD 465, 2020 Kansas Teacher of the Year and a 2020 National Teacher
of the Year finalist.

“This
partnership with PBS comes at a time when working together is more important
than ever,” Rosproy said. “Through this alliance, we will be able to help bring
learning from school into the homes of our students through mediums we
previously did not have access to. Together, we are reaching families and
students in a way we hope continues to build on this incredible learning that
takes place every day in our classrooms.”

Couchman
shared in Rosproy’s excitement about the alliance.

“The
partnership between Kansas educators and PBS provides an avenue to continue
educating, inspiring and connecting Kansans,” she said. “Public access to
educational content has never been more needed or more valued.”

After the governor’s
announcement, Eugene Williams, executive director and general manager of KTWU
Public Television in Topeka, began to meet with KTWU’s senior management team
to formulate an idea of how KTWU might be able to assist the public schools.
Williams also met with the Kansas Public Broadcasting Council members and the
Continuous Learning Task Force.

The group will share a series
of programs and promotions on the air to assist students, parents and teachers,
according to Williams.

“Education and information are the hallmarks of public media,”
Williams said. “A number of children, parents, grandparents and teachers
recognize public television as America's largest classroom. And they also
recognize public radio as a primary source of information. In the state of
Kansas, we (KTWU in Topeka; Smoky Hills Public TV in Bunker Hill; KPTS in
Wichita; and KCPT in Kansas City) provide news, information, education and
entertainment content 24 hours on various platforms for the citizens of Kansas.
It is only natural that public media in Kansas is interested in developing an
alliance with KSDE to assist the state in educating its citizens during this
time of crisis and uncertainty.”

The supplemental education content will be geared toward all grade
levels and will be taught by Kansas teachers across the state. The content will
be shared through PBS stations.

Michael Quade, director of broadcasting for Smoky Hills PBS, and
Victor Hogstrom, president and CEO of KPTS, said they are happy to play a role
in the partnership.

“Two of Smoky Hill PBS’ objectives are local productions/programs
and education, and we believe that the Kansas Public Broadcast Alliance with
educators is important for children, educators and parents in Kansas during
this time of the Coronavirus,” Quade said. “We are happy to bring both a local
program and education together for a very good cause.”

Despite the challenges the educational system faces
today, the value of education in Kansas must be maintained and carried out in
the interest of Kansas students, Hogstrom said.

“Kansas public broadcasting has an important role to
play by helping to improve children’s learning and to always help prepare
children for success,” he said. “This is a part of our mission.&nbsp;It is also
a part of the local impact that Kansas public broadcasting has on communities
throughout the state. Every community in Kansas deserves a great public media
outlet - one that is capable of delivering community-building programs and
services that will also help educate.&nbsp;Kansas Public Broadcasting continues
to play that role, such as with the alliance between the Kansas State
Department of Education and the Kansas Public Broadcasting Council.”

Kent Cornish, president of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters,
said the alliance spotlights two industries that serve their local communities
– teachers and broadcasters. This partnership will allow “public broadcasters
to serve as another conduit to families, while at the same time commercial
broadcasters are airing their own produced material for students and parents,”
Cornish said.

Public broadcasters take their public service obligation and
responsibilities very serious, Williams said.

“This is another
opportunity for us to go beyond the conventional program and to show how our
outreach efforts can impact the communities we live in in a positive way,” he
said. “Public radio and public television have great reach throughout Kansas.
We are happy to put our expertise, skill and talent to work with the alliance
to assist Kansas residents.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587145006466.jpeg" alt="Dyane Smokorowski, an innovation and technology leader for Andover Unified School District 386, 2013 Kansas Teacher of the Year and member of the Continuous Learning Task Force, taped her intros and outros in a studio. Photo courtesy Kansas State Department of Education" />
 <figcaption>Dyane Smokorowski, an innovation and technology leader for Andover Unified School District 386, 2013 Kansas Teacher of the Year and member of the Continuous Learning Task Force, taped her intros and outros in a studio. Photo courtesy Kansas State Department of Education</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA
— Kansas’ students will receive supplemental education content via television
thanks to an alliance between the Kansas State Department of Education, the
Continuous Learning Task Force and the Kansas Public Broadcasting Service
(PBS).The
new partnership is called Continuous Learning-Kansas Public Broadcasting
Alliance and will give students of all ages another avenue for learning. Each
30-minute segment of the “Learning Across Kansas” television show will feature
educational content and will be aired on PBS stations across Kansas.“This
PBS alliance is the perfect partnership to reach every learner in Kansas – from
our most rural communities to our most populated neighborhoods – easily and
effectively,” said Dyane Smokorowski, one of three chairs of the Continuous
Learning Task Force. “For the first time in Kansas history, teachers will be
able to reach all learners through broadcasting and online access while
bringing them inspiration, creativity and fun – all centered around current
classroom content. That’s the magic of public access – it benefits everyone.
Thank you to PBS for this opportunity.”The
Continuous Learning Task Force was created by Kansas Commissioner of Education
Dr. Randy Watson to offer guidance after Gov. Laura Kelly closed school
buildings for the remainder of the school year because of COVID-19.The
Task Force is chaired by Smokorowski, an innovation and technology leader for
Andover Unified School District 386 and the 2013 Kansas Teacher of the Year;
Cindy Couchman, assistant superintendent at Buhler USD 313 and the 2009 Kansas
Teacher of the Year; and Tabatha Rosproy, an early childhood teacher at
Winfield USD 465, 2020 Kansas Teacher of the Year and a 2020 National Teacher
of the Year finalist.“This
partnership with PBS comes at a time when working together is more important
than ever,” Rosproy said. “Through this alliance, we will be able to help bring
learning from school into the homes of our students through mediums we
previously did not have access to. Together, we are reaching families and
students in a way we hope continues to build on this incredible learning that
takes place every day in our classrooms.”Couchman
shared in Rosproy’s excitement about the alliance.“The
partnership between Kansas educators and PBS provides an avenue to continue
educating, inspiring and connecting Kansans,” she said. “Public access to
educational content has never been more needed or more valued.”After the governor’s
announcement, Eugene Williams, executive director and general manager of KTWU
Public Television in Topeka, began to meet with KTWU’s senior management team
to formulate an idea of how KTWU might be able to assist the public schools.
Williams also met with the Kansas Public Broadcasting Council members and the
Continuous Learning Task Force.The group will share a series
of programs and promotions on the air to assist students, parents and teachers,
according to Williams.“Education and information are the hallmarks of public media,”
Williams said. “A number of children, parents, grandparents and teachers
recognize public television as America's largest classroom. And they also
recognize public radio as a primary source of information. In the state of
Kansas, we (KTWU in Topeka; Smoky Hills Public TV in Bunker Hill; KPTS in
Wichita; and KCPT in Kansas City) provide news, information, education and
entertainment content 24 hours on various platforms for the citizens of Kansas.
It is only natural that public media in Kansas is interested in developing an
alliance with KSDE to assist the state in educating its citizens during this
time of crisis and uncertainty.”The supplemental education content will be geared toward all grade
levels and will be taught by Kansas teachers across the state. The content will
be shared through PBS stations.Michael Quade, director of broadcasting for Smoky Hills PBS, and
Victor Hogstrom, president and CEO of KPTS, said they are happy to play a role
in the partnership.“Two of Smoky Hill PBS’ objectives are local productions/programs
and education, and we believe that the Kansas Public Broadcast Alliance with
educators is important for children, educators and parents in Kansas during
this time of the Coronavirus,” Quade said. “We are happy to bring both a local
program and education together for a very good cause.”Despite the challenges the educational system faces
today, the value of education in Kansas must be maintained and carried out in
the interest of Kansas students, Hogstrom said.“Kansas public broadcasting has an important role to
play by helping to improve children’s learning and to always help prepare
children for success,” he said. “This is a part of our mission.&nbsp;It is also
a part of the local impact that Kansas public broadcasting has on communities
throughout the state. Every community in Kansas deserves a great public media
outlet - one that is capable of delivering community-building programs and
services that will also help educate.&nbsp;Kansas Public Broadcasting continues
to play that role, such as with the alliance between the Kansas State
Department of Education and the Kansas Public Broadcasting Council.”Kent Cornish, president of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters,
said the alliance spotlights two industries that serve their local communities
– teachers and broadcasters. This partnership will allow “public broadcasters
to serve as another conduit to families, while at the same time commercial
broadcasters are airing their own produced material for students and parents,”
Cornish said.Public broadcasters take their public service obligation and
responsibilities very serious, Williams said.“This is another
opportunity for us to go beyond the conventional program and to show how our
outreach efforts can impact the communities we live in in a positive way,” he
said. “Public radio and public television have great reach throughout Kansas.
We are happy to put our expertise, skill and talent to work with the alliance
to assist Kansas residents.”

Alliance to bring supplemental education content to families’ TVs

TOPEKA -- In a decision published today, the Kansas Supreme Court affirmed a ruling by the Saline County District Court in the case of Nicholas Corbin.

"In 2014, Corbin pleaded no contest to murder of his two-month old son. The district court rejected his argument he was intellectually disabled. In a 2016 appeal, the Supreme Court remanded the case to district court to reconsider its ruling because the applicable law had changed. On remand, the district court complied with the Supreme Court's direction and again denied the intellectual disability claim. In a unanimous opinion written by Justice Dan Biles, the Supreme Court affirmed the district court's ruling and held its decision was reasonable and supported by the evidence."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587142514410.png" alt="Corbin photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Corbin photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA -- In a decision published today, the Kansas Supreme Court affirmed a ruling by the Saline County District Court in the case of Nicholas Corbin.According to a summary of the decision:"In 2014, Corbin pleaded no contest to murder of his two-month old son. The district court rejected his argument he was intellectually disabled. In a 2016 appeal, the Supreme Court remanded the case to district court to reconsider its ruling because the applicable law had changed. On remand, the district court complied with the Supreme Court's direction and again denied the intellectual disability claim. In a unanimous opinion written by Justice Dan Biles, the Supreme Court affirmed the district court's ruling and held its decision was reasonable and supported by the evidence."

Supreme court affirms district court ruling in Corbin case

An investigation into the theft of a Volvo led police to a Salina man who was a suspect in a medication theft case.

Sometime between 6 p.m. Wednesday and 1:40 p.m. Thursday a silver 2007 Volvo valued at $4,000 was stolen from the driveway of a residence in the 600 block of Highland, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. The owner of the Volvo, a 58-year-old Salina man, told police that he was unloading groceries and dropped some of the items on the ground. In his haste, he said he believed he left the keys in or around the vehicle, Forrester explained.

According to Forrester, the man said he heard a vehicle start at approximately 3 a.m. Thursday, but thought it was the neighbor's vehicle.  Because of the stay-at-home order, the did not check on the vehicles until around 1:40 p.m. Thursday and discovered the car missing, Forrester noted.

At approximately 3:05 p.m., an officer who was patrolling in the 900 block of North 13th Street saw the Volvo in front of lot No. 15, 917 North 13th Street, and observed two males and a female walk away from the vehicle and into the trailer, Forrester explained. According to Forrester, narcotics were found when the vehicle was searched. Additionally, the vehicle had sustained damage to the right front tire, which was valued at $65, he noted.

Officers made contact with the three subjects who were seen walking away from the car: Kalub Rowson, 19, of Salina, Kaden Mattison, 18, of Salina, and an unidentified female who was released at the scene, Forrester reported. 

Rowson was arrested on suspicion of the following, according to Forrester.

Unlawful possession of a controlled substance

As it turned out, Mattison was a suspect in the theft of medication from a 60-year-old female relative, according to Forrester. On Thursday, the relative reported that several of her medications were stolen from her residence in the 100 block of East Crawford Street overnight Wednesday-Thursday, Forrester explained. The stolen pills were valued at more than $170, he added. 

The relative suspected that Mattison was responsible for the theft, and during the car theft investigation he was found to be in possession of several pills matching those stolen from the relative, Forrester explained.

Mattison was arrested on suspicion of the following, according to Forrester.

Unlawful possession of controlled substances

Distribute opiate/narcotic/stimulant 10&gt;100 doses

An investigation into the theft of a Volvo led police to a Salina man who was a suspect in a medication theft case.Sometime between 6 p.m. Wednesday and 1:40 p.m. Thursday a silver 2007 Volvo valued at $4,000 was stolen from the driveway of a residence in the 600 block of Highland, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. The owner of the Volvo, a 58-year-old Salina man, told police that he was unloading groceries and dropped some of the items on the ground. In his haste, he said he believed he left the keys in or around the vehicle, Forrester explained.According to Forrester, the man said he heard a vehicle start at approximately 3 a.m. Thursday, but thought it was the neighbor's vehicle. Because of the stay-at-home order, the did not check on the vehicles until around 1:40 p.m. Thursday and discovered the car missing, Forrester noted.At approximately 3:05 p.m., an officer who was patrolling in the 900 block of North 13th Street saw the Volvo in front of lot No. 15, 917 North 13th Street, and observed two males and a female walk away from the vehicle and into the trailer, Forrester explained. According to Forrester, narcotics were found when the vehicle was searched. Additionally, the vehicle had sustained damage to the right front tire, which was valued at $65, he noted.Officers made contact with the three subjects who were seen walking away from the car: Kalub Rowson, 19, of Salina, Kaden Mattison, 18, of Salina, and an unidentified female who was released at the scene, Forrester reported. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587130435275.jpeg" alt="Kalub Rowson. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Kalub Rowson. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Rowson was arrested on suspicion of the following, according to Forrester.Possession of stolen propertyUnlawful possession of a controlled substancePossession of drug parphernalia<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587130237344.jpeg" alt="Kaden Mattison. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Kaden Mattison. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>As it turned out, Mattison was a suspect in the theft of medication from a 60-year-old female relative, according to Forrester. On Thursday, the relative reported that several of her medications were stolen from her residence in the 100 block of East Crawford Street overnight Wednesday-Thursday, Forrester explained. The stolen pills were valued at more than $170, he added. The relative suspected that Mattison was responsible for the theft, and during the car theft investigation he was found to be in possession of several pills matching those stolen from the relative, Forrester explained.Mattison was arrested on suspicion of the following, according to Forrester.Unlawful possession of controlled substancesDistribute opiate/narcotic/stimulant 10&gt;100 dosesPossession of drug paraphernaliaTheft

Stolen vehicle leads to arrests in two cases

A Junction City woman was injured in a one-vehicle accident on Interstate 70 (I-70) northeast of Salina Thursday evening.

Ashley Kochick, 28, of Junction City, was westbound on I-70 at milepost 257 shortly before 7 p.m. when she lost control and the silver 2011 Kia Sorento she was driving left the roadway and entered the north ditch, causing undercarriage damage, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning. Deputies and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel were dispatched to the scene at approximately 6:51 p.m. Thursday, he said.

Kochick complained of neck pain and was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center, Soldan said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587136285423.jpeg" alt="The Kia Sorento ended up next to the fence in the north ditch. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The Kia Sorento ended up next to the fence in the north ditch. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A Junction City woman was injured in a one-vehicle accident on Interstate 70 (I-70) northeast of Salina Thursday evening.Ashley Kochick, 28, of Junction City, was westbound on I-70 at milepost 257 shortly before 7 p.m. when she lost control and the silver 2011 Kia Sorento she was driving left the roadway and entered the north ditch, causing undercarriage damage, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning. Deputies and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel were dispatched to the scene at approximately 6:51 p.m. Thursday, he said.Kochick complained of neck pain and was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center, Soldan said.

Junction City woman injured in one-vehicle accident

On April 14, 2020, the Salina Police Department received a report that multiple banking cards were misplaced. The report indicated the banking cards were used at three different locations on April 13, 2020.

The banking cards were used at Walmart, 2900 South Ninth Street; Office Max, 2620 Planet Avenue; and Walgreens, 700 South Broadway in Salina. Video surveillance at the three locations was recovered.

The white male subject is approximately 40-50 years old, 5'10", 275 lbs. and has a dark complexion. He was wearing a blue/grey jacket, black pants, and a black ball cap. The person was associated with a silver SUV outside of one of the locations. Police are seeking to identify the person shown in the photograph. 

If you have any information concerning this event, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637, or visit <a href="http://www.pd.salina.org">www.pd.salina.org</a> and follow the Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000, and you are not required to give your name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587127349430.jpeg" alt="Police are trying to ID this man. Photo courtesy Crimestoppers" />
 <figcaption>Police are trying to ID this man. Photo courtesy Crimestoppers</figcaption>
 </figure>On April 14, 2020, the Salina Police Department received a report that multiple banking cards were misplaced. The report indicated the banking cards were used at three different locations on April 13, 2020.The banking cards were used at Walmart, 2900 South Ninth Street; Office Max, 2620 Planet Avenue; and Walgreens, 700 South Broadway in Salina. Video surveillance at the three locations was recovered.The white male subject is approximately 40-50 years old, 5'10", 275 lbs. and has a dark complexion. He was wearing a blue/grey jacket, black pants, and a black ball cap. The person was associated with a silver SUV outside of one of the locations. Police are seeking to identify the person shown in the photograph. If you have any information concerning this event, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637, or visit <a href="http://www.pd.salina.org">www.pd.salina.org</a> and follow the Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000, and you are not required to give your name.

Crimestoppers seeks to ID man in misplaced bank cards case

The Art Center Cinema plans to begin streaming first release films today.&nbsp;

Thanks
 to exciting new partnerships with film makers and distributors, the Art Center Cinema, 150 South Santa Fe Avenue, can now bring exciting films for viewers to enjoy in the comfort of their own homes!&nbsp;

Distributors
 like Oscilloscope, Kino Marquee, and others are teaming with independent theaters across the globe in efforts to support great film. The distributors set the ticket price to stream the movie and split the proceeds with the Art Center Cinema.&nbsp;

“Film is the fastest growing
 contemporary art form and the cinema is an exciting part of our mission. We are excited to bring movies that matter to our community,” Misty Serene, interim executive director at Salina Art Center. “I love that so many people are turning to the arts to help
 combat their isolation. They are looking to art exhibitions, history museums, science and nature centers, and film to fill the void. We are enjoying movies and lectures we were too busy for before. My greatest hope is that when things get “back to normal,”
 we will remember that we turned to the arts to help us engage our minds and souls through difficult times.”

The cinema will begin offering
 two movies per week on Friday. The first films include “Saint Francis” and “Sorry We Missed You.” Visit Salina Art Center for details and links to stream films.

Salina Art Center has been creative
 in identifying ways to engage audiences with contemporary art online. Their current exhibition, “Salina Biennial | Contemporary Art from the Mountain Plains Region” can be viewed online complete with artist interviews, images, and art projects inspired by
 Biennial artists.

“It’s a challenging time for
 all of us,” said Serene “but we are inspired by the creative spirit of artists and engagement from visitors to our YouTube channel, Facebook, and Instagram.”

Visit
<a href="http://www.salinaartcenter.org/" target="_blank">www.salinaartcenter.org</a>
 for details on all the virtual programs and resources being offered by Salina Art Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587089268018.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy Salina Art Center" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Salina Art Center</figcaption>
 </figure>The Art Center Cinema plans to begin streaming first release films today.&nbsp;Thanks
 to exciting new partnerships with film makers and distributors, the Art Center Cinema, 150 South Santa Fe Avenue, can now bring exciting films for viewers to enjoy in the comfort of their own homes!&nbsp;Distributors
 like Oscilloscope, Kino Marquee, and others are teaming with independent theaters across the globe in efforts to support great film. The distributors set the ticket price to stream the movie and split the proceeds with the Art Center Cinema.&nbsp;“Film is the fastest growing
 contemporary art form and the cinema is an exciting part of our mission. We are excited to bring movies that matter to our community,” Misty Serene, interim executive director at Salina Art Center. “I love that so many people are turning to the arts to help
 combat their isolation. They are looking to art exhibitions, history museums, science and nature centers, and film to fill the void. We are enjoying movies and lectures we were too busy for before. My greatest hope is that when things get “back to normal,”
 we will remember that we turned to the arts to help us engage our minds and souls through difficult times.”The cinema will begin offering
 two movies per week on Friday. The first films include “Saint Francis” and “Sorry We Missed You.” Visit Salina Art Center for details and links to stream films.Salina Art Center has been creative
 in identifying ways to engage audiences with contemporary art online. Their current exhibition, “Salina Biennial | Contemporary Art from the Mountain Plains Region” can be viewed online complete with artist interviews, images, and art projects inspired by
 Biennial artists.“It’s a challenging time for
 all of us,” said Serene “but we are inspired by the creative spirit of artists and engagement from visitors to our YouTube channel, Facebook, and Instagram.”Visit
<a href="http://www.salinaartcenter.org/" target="_blank">www.salinaartcenter.org</a>
 for details on all the virtual programs and resources being offered by Salina Art Center.

Art Center Cinema to begin streaming

The City of Salina has announced that the city commissioners will convene in a special session on Wednesday to discuss budget-related personnel matters.

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 www.salinatv.org. 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. 

To view the Salina City Commission agenda and meeting packet, visit salina-ks.gov and select Salina City Commission Agenda and Packet within the Featured Items feed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584487791224.jpeg" alt="Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The City of Salina has announced that the city commissioners will convene in a special session on Wednesday to discuss budget-related personnel matters.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 www.salinatv.org. 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. To view the Salina City Commission agenda and meeting packet, visit salina-ks.gov and select Salina City Commission Agenda and Packet within the Featured Items feed.

City schedules special commission meeting

Today is Friday, April 17, the 108th day of 2020. There are 258 days left in the year.

On April 17, 1961, some 1,500 CIA-trained Cuban exiles launched the disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in an attempt to topple Fidel Castro, whose forces crushed the incursion by the third day.

In 1492, a contract was signed by Christopher Columbus and a representative of Spain's King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, giving Columbus a commission to seek a westward ocean passage to Asia.

In 1521, Martin Luther went before the Diet of Worms (vohrms) to face charges stemming from his religious writings. (Luther was later declared an outlaw by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.)

In 1524, Giovanni da Verrazano reached present-day New York Harbor.

In 1969, a jury in Los Angeles convicted Sirhan Sirhan of assassinating Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.

In 1970, Apollo 13 astronauts James A. Lovell, Fred W. Haise and Jack Swigert splashed down safely in the Pacific, four days after a ruptured oxygen tank crippled their spacecraft while en route to the moon.

In 1972, the Boston Marathon allowed women to compete for the first time; Nina Kuscsik was the first officially recognized women's champion, with a time of 3:10:26.

In 1973, Federal Express (later FedEx) began operations as 14 planes carrying 186 packages took off from Memphis International Airport, bound for 25 U.S. cities.

In 1975, Cambodia's five-year war ended as the capital Phnom Penh fell to the Khmer Rouge, which instituted brutal, radical policies that claimed an estimated 1.7 million lives until the regime was overthrown in 1979.

In 1986, at London's Heathrow Airport, a bomb was discovered in the bag of Anne-Marie Murphy, a pregnant Irishwoman about to board an El Al jetliner to Israel; she'd been tricked into carrying the bomb by her Jordanian fiance, Nezar Hindawi. The bodies of kidnapped American Peter Kilburn and Britons Philip Padfield and Leigh Douglas were found near Beirut; they had been slain in apparent retaliation for the U.S. raid on Libya.

In 1991, the Dow Jones industrial average closed above 3,000 for the first time, ending the day at 3,004.46, up 17.58.

In 1993, a federal jury in Los Angeles convicted two former police officers of violating the civil rights of beaten motorist Rodney King; two other officers were acquitted. Turkish President Turgut Ozal died at age 66.

In 2007, a day after the Virginia Tech massacre, President George W. Bush visited the campus, where he told students and teachers at a somber convocation that the nation was praying for them and "there's a power in these prayers."

Ten years ago: Some 100,000 Poles filled Warsaw's biggest public square, joining together for a memorial and funeral Mass for the 96 people killed in a plane crash a week earlier. (A thickening cloud of volcanic ash over Europe caused some world leaders — including President Barack Obama — to cancel plans to attend a state funeral the next day.) Pope Benedict XVI began a pilgrimage in Malta, a Catholic nation buffeted by the worldwide clerical sex abuse scandal.

Five years ago: President Barack Obama left open the door to "creative negotiations" in response to Iran's demand that punishing sanctions be immediately lifted as part of a nuclear deal (the president spoke at a White House news conference with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi). Financial officials from the world's major economies, meeting in Washington, issued a communique welcoming modest improvements in the global economy while side-stepping fears rattling global financial markets that Greece would default on its bailout loans. Cardinal Francis George, the retired archbishop of Chicago, died at age 78.

One year ago: Just days after Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was ravaged by a fire, police in New York said they had arrested a college philosophy teacher who they said had entered St. Patrick's Cathedral carrying two cans of gasoline, lighter fluid and butane lighters; they said he had also booked a flight to Rome the following day. (A judge later decided to commit the man to a mental health facility.) The Trump administration intensified its crackdown on Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, rolling back Obama administration policy and announcing new restrictions and sanctions against the three countries. A Florida 18-year-old who authorities said was obsessed with the Columbine school shooting and may have been planning her own attack in Colorado ahead of the 20th anniversary of that shooting was found dead in the mountains outside Denver after a nearly 24-hour manhunt; authorities said Sol Pais had apparently taken her own life.

Today's Birthdays: Actor David Bradley is 78. Composer-musician Jan Hammer is 72. Actress Olivia Hussey is 69. Actor Clarke Peters is 68. Rapper Afrika Bambaataa is 63. Actor Sean Bean is 61. Former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason is 59. Actor Joel Murray is 58. Rock singer Maynard James Keenan is 56. Actress Lela Rochon is 56. Actor William Mapother is 55. Actress Leslie Bega is 53. Actor Henry Ian Cusick is 53. Actress Kimberly Elise is 53. Singer Liz Phair is 53. Director/producer Adam McKay is 52. Rapper-actor Redman is 50. Actress Jennifer Garner is 48. Country musician Craig Anderson is 47. Singer Victoria Adams Beckham is 46. Actress-singer Lindsay Korman is 42. Actor Tate Ellington is 41. Actor Nicholas D'Agosto is 40. Actor Charlie Hofheimer is 39. Actress Rooney Mara is 35. Actress Jacqueline MacInnes Wood is 33. Actor Paulie Litt is 25. Actress Dee Dee Davis is 24.

Thought for Today: "A cynic is not merely one who reads bitter lessons from the past; he is one who is prematurely disappointed in the future." — Sydney J. Harris, American journalist (1917-1986).

<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 Friday, April 17, the 108th day of 2020. There are 258 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On April 17, 1961, some 1,500 CIA-trained Cuban exiles launched the disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in an attempt to topple Fidel Castro, whose forces crushed the incursion by the third day.On this date:In 1492, a contract was signed by Christopher Columbus and a representative of Spain's King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, giving Columbus a commission to seek a westward ocean passage to Asia.In 1521, Martin Luther went before the Diet of Worms (vohrms) to face charges stemming from his religious writings. (Luther was later declared an outlaw by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.)In 1524, Giovanni da Verrazano reached present-day New York Harbor.In 1969, a jury in Los Angeles convicted Sirhan Sirhan of assassinating Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.In 1970, Apollo 13 astronauts James A. Lovell, Fred W. Haise and Jack Swigert splashed down safely in the Pacific, four days after a ruptured oxygen tank crippled their spacecraft while en route to the moon.In 1972, the Boston Marathon allowed women to compete for the first time; Nina Kuscsik was the first officially recognized women's champion, with a time of 3:10:26.In 1973, Federal Express (later FedEx) began operations as 14 planes carrying 186 packages took off from Memphis International Airport, bound for 25 U.S. cities.In 1975, Cambodia's five-year war ended as the capital Phnom Penh fell to the Khmer Rouge, which instituted brutal, radical policies that claimed an estimated 1.7 million lives until the regime was overthrown in 1979.In 1986, at London's Heathrow Airport, a bomb was discovered in the bag of Anne-Marie Murphy, a pregnant Irishwoman about to board an El Al jetliner to Israel; she'd been tricked into carrying the bomb by her Jordanian fiance, Nezar Hindawi. The bodies of kidnapped American Peter Kilburn and Britons Philip Padfield and Leigh Douglas were found near Beirut; they had been slain in apparent retaliation for the U.S. raid on Libya.In 1991, the Dow Jones industrial average closed above 3,000 for the first time, ending the day at 3,004.46, up 17.58.In 1993, a federal jury in Los Angeles convicted two former police officers of violating the civil rights of beaten motorist Rodney King; two other officers were acquitted. Turkish President Turgut Ozal died at age 66.In 2007, a day after the Virginia Tech massacre, President George W. Bush visited the campus, where he told students and teachers at a somber convocation that the nation was praying for them and "there's a power in these prayers."Ten years ago: Some 100,000 Poles filled Warsaw's biggest public square, joining together for a memorial and funeral Mass for the 96 people killed in a plane crash a week earlier. (A thickening cloud of volcanic ash over Europe caused some world leaders — including President Barack Obama — to cancel plans to attend a state funeral the next day.) Pope Benedict XVI began a pilgrimage in Malta, a Catholic nation buffeted by the worldwide clerical sex abuse scandal.Five years ago: President Barack Obama left open the door to "creative negotiations" in response to Iran's demand that punishing sanctions be immediately lifted as part of a nuclear deal (the president spoke at a White House news conference with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi). Financial officials from the world's major economies, meeting in Washington, issued a communique welcoming modest improvements in the global economy while side-stepping fears rattling global financial markets that Greece would default on its bailout loans. Cardinal Francis George, the retired archbishop of Chicago, died at age 78.One year ago: Just days after Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was ravaged by a fire, police in New York said they had arrested a college philosophy teacher who they said had entered St. Patrick's Cathedral carrying two cans of gasoline, lighter fluid and butane lighters; they said he had also booked a flight to Rome the following day. (A judge later decided to commit the man to a mental health facility.) The Trump administration intensified its crackdown on Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, rolling back Obama administration policy and announcing new restrictions and sanctions against the three countries. A Florida 18-year-old who authorities said was obsessed with the Columbine school shooting and may have been planning her own attack in Colorado ahead of the 20th anniversary of that shooting was found dead in the mountains outside Denver after a nearly 24-hour manhunt; authorities said Sol Pais had apparently taken her own life.Today's Birthdays: Actor David Bradley is 78. Composer-musician Jan Hammer is 72. Actress Olivia Hussey is 69. Actor Clarke Peters is 68. Rapper Afrika Bambaataa is 63. Actor Sean Bean is 61. Former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason is 59. Actor Joel Murray is 58. Rock singer Maynard James Keenan is 56. Actress Lela Rochon is 56. Actor William Mapother is 55. Actress Leslie Bega is 53. Actor Henry Ian Cusick is 53. Actress Kimberly Elise is 53. Singer Liz Phair is 53. Director/producer Adam McKay is 52. Rapper-actor Redman is 50. Actress Jennifer Garner is 48. Country musician Craig Anderson is 47. Singer Victoria Adams Beckham is 46. Actress-singer Lindsay Korman is 42. Actor Tate Ellington is 41. Actor Nicholas D'Agosto is 40. Actor Charlie Hofheimer is 39. Actress Rooney Mara is 35. Actress Jacqueline MacInnes Wood is 33. Actor Paulie Litt is 25. Actress Dee Dee Davis is 24.Thought for Today: "A cynic is not merely one who reads bitter lessons from the past; he is one who is prematurely disappointed in the future." — Sydney J. Harris, American journalist (1917-1986).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- April 17

WILSON LAKE -- Flood repairs are are being made at Lucas Park. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WilsonLakeUSACE/">Wilson Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers</a> Facebook page:

WILSON LAKE -- Flood repairs are are being made at Lucas Park. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WilsonLakeUSACE/">Wilson Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWilsonLakeUSACE%2Fposts%2F1385297821673561&width=500" width="500" height="706" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Flood repairs being made at Wilson Lake

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; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Recent obituaries

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

The Saline County Health Department has been notified of two additional positive case of COVID-19:

• A female in her 30’s associated with a known close contact who is isolated at home.

• A male in his 60’s associated with a known close contact who is isolated at home.

At 11 a.m., KDHE reported a total of 1,588 confirmed cases in Kansas and 80 deaths. Saline County has a total of 15 positive cases, with two of those resulting in death. KDHE has launched a new website with detailed information: <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>.

Further information and detailed demographics can be seen at:

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData</a>

Governor Kelly’s Statewide Stay-at-Home order is in effect until May 3rd, 2020. Social distancing is imperative. It cannot be stressed enough the importance of staying home and only going out for essential tasks. Saline County continues to receive reports of alleged non-compliance with the Statewide Stay-at Home order. Alleged violations can be reported through our online submission form at <a href="http://www.saline.org">www.saline.org</a>. If you have a question about a business being essential or not, please visit the Governor’s website at <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/keff">https://governor.kansas.gov/keff</a> to see the order, list of essential functions, and frequently asked questions.

Here's Thursday's COVID-19 update from Saline County:The Saline County Health Department has been notified of two additional positive case of COVID-19:• A female in her 30’s associated with a known close contact who is isolated at home.• A male in his 60’s associated with a known close contact who is isolated at home.At 11 a.m., KDHE reported a total of 1,588 confirmed cases in Kansas and 80 deaths. Saline County has a total of 15 positive cases, with two of those resulting in death. KDHE has launched a new website with detailed information: <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>.Further information and detailed demographics can be seen at:<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData</a> Governor Kelly’s Statewide Stay-at-Home order is in effect until May 3rd, 2020. Social distancing is imperative. It cannot be stressed enough the importance of staying home and only going out for essential tasks. Saline County continues to receive reports of alleged non-compliance with the Statewide Stay-at Home order. Alleged violations can be reported through our online submission form at <a href="http://www.saline.org">www.saline.org</a>. If you have a question about a business being essential or not, please visit the Governor’s website at <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/keff">https://governor.kansas.gov/keff</a> to see the order, list of essential functions, and frequently asked questions.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="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a> Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and Stay at Home.

Saline County: 2 more COVID-19 cases

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department has reported a 15th confirmed case of COVID-19.

"The latest identified positive case is a female in her 40s who is recovering at home. This case has known exposure at the facility cluster," the department reported in a news release today.

No further information about the new confirmed case will be release, the information from the department noted.

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department has reported a 15th confirmed case of COVID-19."The latest identified positive case is a female in her 40s who is recovering at home. This case has known exposure at the facility cluster," the department reported in a news release today.No further information about the new confirmed case will be release, the information from the department noted.

McPherson County reports 15th COVID-19 case

Guess what? Freeze warnings have been issued for counties in our area once again, but before the warnings take effect, the area is in for some wet weather.

Widespread precipitation will impact the region Thursday evening and night, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. Liquid equivalent precipitation amounts will range from 0.25 inches to 0.75 inches, NWS noted.

NWS in Wichita has issued a freeze warning in effect from 10 p.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday for the following counties in our area.

Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 are expected. Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

Additionally, light snow across central Kansas early   Friday morning, may lead to a few slick spots on elevated   surfaces as temperatures fall below freezing.

NWS in Topeka has issued a freeze warning in effect from 10 p.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Friday for the following counties in our area.

Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 26 are expected. Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587061244638.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Guess what? Freeze warnings have been issued for counties in our area once again, but before the warnings take effect, the area is in for some wet weather.Widespread precipitation will impact the region Thursday evening and night, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. Liquid equivalent precipitation amounts will range from 0.25 inches to 0.75 inches, NWS noted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587061300417.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NWS in Wichita has issued a freeze warning in effect from 10 p.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday for the following counties in our area.Ellsworth CountyLincoln CountyMarion CountyMcPherson CountySaline CountySub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 are expected. Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.Additionally, light snow across central Kansas early Friday morning, may lead to a few slick spots on elevated surfaces as temperatures fall below freezing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587061345571.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NWS in Topeka has issued a freeze warning in effect from 10 p.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Friday for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyDickinson CountyOttawa CountyRepublic CountySub-freezing temperatures as low as 26 are expected. Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

We're in for more wet weather, freeze warnings

CONCORDIA -- Cloud County Health Center (CCHC) is now providing telehealth services to its patients. 

Telehealth provides patients’ healthcare services from the comfort of their own home, however, not all visits are suitable for telehealth.

Please contact your medical provider to determine whether telehealth is appropriate for your medical care.

A: Telehealth is a way to deliver healthcare services using telecommunications technology (phone, computer, tablet, etc.).

CONCORDIA -- Cloud County Health Center (CCHC) is now providing telehealth services to its patients. Telehealth provides patients’ healthcare services from the comfort of their own home, however, not all visits are suitable for telehealth.Please contact your medical provider to determine whether telehealth is appropriate for your medical care.CCHC telehealth Q &amp; AQ: What is telehealth?A: Telehealth is a way to deliver healthcare services using telecommunications technology (phone, computer, tablet, etc.).Q: What equipment do I need for a telehealth visit?A: Most patients will need a computer, tablet, or mobile device with an integrated camera and microphone. If your device doesn't have a built-in microphone or webcam, you'll need to get those. If you are unable to obtain one of these, you may need to be seen in the provider’s officeQ: Will it work with Wi-Fi?A: Yes, as long as your wireless connection is strong enough.Q: I'm not very tech-savvy. Is telehealth right for me?A: Patients of all ages can use our telehealth platform successfully.Q: What conditions could be treated via telehealth?A: Telehealth is currently being used to treat conditions across many different specialties. Here are just a few examples: Rashes, sinus infections, migraines, acne, mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, post-op check-ins, lab result reviews, contraceptive counseling, prescription refills, and much more.Q: How can the doctor diagnose me without actually doing a physical exam?A: Your doctor actually doesn’t need to do a in-person physical exam to diagnose and treat many conditions. That’s because knowing your medical history is considered “90 percent of the evaluation” when combined with the doctor-patient interaction. How you’re feeling can be just as important to your doctor as the results of a physical exam. Plus, being able to see you gives your medical provider the additional visual information needed to make a diagnosis.Q: Can I get a prescription filled from the visit?A: Yes! As long as your diagnosis doesn't require further in-person examination, your medical provider can simply electronically prescribe your medication and send it directly to the nearest pharmacy of your choice.

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