The City of Salina has been monitoring the rapidly changing Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. 

Currently, City staff are working to make adjustments based upon guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Saline County Health Department.

In response to previous and emerging COVID-19 guidelines, this year’s E-Waste Recycling Event, scheduled for May 2, has been canceled.

These efforts are being made to align with the following: 

• the president’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 days to slow the spread, which began on March 16 and involves avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people for a 15-day period;

 • the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for the next eight weeks, which recommends that organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States; 

• Governor Kelly’s Executive Order NO. 20-04, effective through May 1 on social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Kansas.

If you have any questions or for more information please call General Services at (785) 309-5750.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585104682538.jpeg" alt="A previous electronic waste recycling event along Markley Road. Photo courtesy the City of Salina" />
 <figcaption>A previous electronic waste recycling event along Markley Road. Photo courtesy the City of Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>The City of Salina has been monitoring the rapidly changing Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Currently, City staff are working to make adjustments based upon guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Saline County Health Department.In response to previous and emerging COVID-19 guidelines, this year’s E-Waste Recycling Event, scheduled for May 2, has been canceled.These efforts are being made to align with the following: • the president’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 days to slow the spread, which began on March 16 and involves avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people for a 15-day period; • the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for the next eight weeks, which recommends that organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States; • Governor Kelly’s Executive Order NO. 20-04, effective through May 1 on social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Kansas.If you have any questions or for more information please call General Services at (785) 309-5750.

City cancels e-waste recycling event on May 2

Today is Wednesday, March 25, the 85th day of 2020. There are 281 days left in the year.

On March 25, 1931, in the so-called "Scottsboro Boys" case, nine young black men were taken off a train in Alabama, accused of raping two white women; after years of convictions, death sentences and imprisonment, the nine were eventually vindicated.

In 1634, English colonists sent by Lord Baltimore arrived in present-day Maryland.

In 1894, Jacob S. Coxey began leading an "army" of unemployed from Massillon, Ohio, to Washington, D.C., to demand help from the federal government.

In 1911, 146 people, mostly young female immigrants, were killed when fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Co. in New York.

In 1915, the U.S. Navy lost its first commissioned submarine as the USS F-4 sank off Hawaii, claiming the lives of all 21 crew members.

In 1947, a coal-dust explosion inside the Centralia Coal Co. Mine No. 5 in Washington County, Illinois, claimed 111 lives; 31 men survived.

In 1960, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in New York, ruled that the D.H. Lawrence novel "Lady Chatterley's Lover" was not obscene and could be sent through the mails. Ray Charles recorded "Georgia on My Mind" as part of his "The Genius Hits the Road" album in New York.

In 1963, private pilot Ralph Flores and his 21-year-old passenger, Helen Klaben, were rescued after being stranded for seven weeks in brutally cold conditions in the Yukon after their plane crashed.

In 1965, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. led 25,000 people to the Alabama state capitol in Montgomery after a five-day march from Selma to protest the denial of voting rights to blacks. Later that day, civil rights activist Viola Liuzzo, a white Detroit homemaker, was shot and killed by Ku Klux Klansmen.

In 1985, "Amadeus" won eight Academy Awards, including best picture, best director for Milos Forman and best actor for F. Murray Abraham.

In 1988, in New York City's so-called "Preppie Killer" case, Robert Chambers Jr. pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the death of 18-year-old Jennifer Levin. (Chambers received 5 to 15 years in prison; he was released in 2003 after serving the full sentence.)

In 1990, 87 people, most of them Honduran and Dominican immigrants, were killed when fire raced through an illegal social club in New York City.

In 2018, in an interview with "60 Minutes," adult film star Stormy Daniels said she had been threatened and warned to keep silent about an alleged sexual encounter with Donald Trump in 2006. A fire at a shopping mall in a Siberian city in Russia killed more than 60 people, including 41 children.

Ten years ago: Osama bin Laden threatened in a new message to kill any Americans al-Qaida captured if the U.S. executed Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the self-professed mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks, or other al-Qaida suspects. Defense Secretary Robert Gates approved new rules easing enforcement of the "don't ask, don't tell" ban on gays serving openly in the military. Daisuke Takahashi gave Japan its first men's title at the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy.

Five years ago: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani thanked the U.S. Congress for billions of American tax dollars and vowed his war-wracked country would be self-reliant within the decade. British singer Zayn Malik shocked his fans by announcing he was quitting the chart-topping band One Direction.

One year ago: UFC superstar Conor McGregor announced his retirement on social media. Apple announced the launch of a video streaming service, Apple TV Plus, that could compete with Netflix and Amazon with ad-free original series and films.

Today's Birthdays: Movie reviewer Gene Shalit is 94. Former astronaut James Lovell is 92. Feminist activist and author Gloria Steinem is 86. Singer Anita Bryant is 80. Actor Paul Michael Glaser is 77. Singer Sir Elton John is 73. Actress Bonnie Bedelia is 72. Actress-comedian Mary Gross is 67. Actor James McDaniel is 62. Former Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., is 62. Movie producer Amy Pascal is 62. Rock musician Steve Norman (Spandau Ballet) is 60. Actress Brenda Strong is 60. Actor Fred Goss is 59. Actor-writer-director John Stockwell is 59. Actress Marcia Cross is 58. Author Kate DiCamillo is 56. Actress Lisa Gay Hamilton is 56. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker is 55. Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Glavine is 54. TV personality Ben Mankiewicz is 53. Olympic bronze medal figure skater Debi Thomas is 53. Actor Laz Alonso is 49. Singer Melanie Blatt (All Saints) is 45. Actor Domenick Lombardozzi is 44. Actor Lee Pace is 41. Actor Sean Faris is 38. Comedian-actor Alex Moffat (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 38. Former auto racer Danica Patrick is 38. Actress-singer Katharine McPhee is 36. Comedian-actor Chris Redd (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 35. Singer Jason Castro is 33. Rapper Big Sean is 32. Rap DJ-producer Ryan Lewis is 32. Actor Matthew Beard is 31. Actress-singer Aly (AKA Alyson) Michalka is 31. Actor Kiowa Gordon is 30. Actress Seychelle Gabriel is 29.

Thought for Today: "The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it emotionally." — Flannery O'Connor, American author (1925-1964).

<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, March 25, the 85th day of 2020. There are 281 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 25, 1931, in the so-called "Scottsboro Boys" case, nine young black men were taken off a train in Alabama, accused of raping two white women; after years of convictions, death sentences and imprisonment, the nine were eventually vindicated.On this date:In 1634, English colonists sent by Lord Baltimore arrived in present-day Maryland.In 1894, Jacob S. Coxey began leading an "army" of unemployed from Massillon, Ohio, to Washington, D.C., to demand help from the federal government.In 1911, 146 people, mostly young female immigrants, were killed when fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Co. in New York.In 1915, the U.S. Navy lost its first commissioned submarine as the USS F-4 sank off Hawaii, claiming the lives of all 21 crew members.In 1947, a coal-dust explosion inside the Centralia Coal Co. Mine No. 5 in Washington County, Illinois, claimed 111 lives; 31 men survived.In 1960, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in New York, ruled that the D.H. Lawrence novel "Lady Chatterley's Lover" was not obscene and could be sent through the mails. Ray Charles recorded "Georgia on My Mind" as part of his "The Genius Hits the Road" album in New York.In 1963, private pilot Ralph Flores and his 21-year-old passenger, Helen Klaben, were rescued after being stranded for seven weeks in brutally cold conditions in the Yukon after their plane crashed.In 1965, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. led 25,000 people to the Alabama state capitol in Montgomery after a five-day march from Selma to protest the denial of voting rights to blacks. Later that day, civil rights activist Viola Liuzzo, a white Detroit homemaker, was shot and killed by Ku Klux Klansmen.In 1985, "Amadeus" won eight Academy Awards, including best picture, best director for Milos Forman and best actor for F. Murray Abraham.In 1988, in New York City's so-called "Preppie Killer" case, Robert Chambers Jr. pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the death of 18-year-old Jennifer Levin. (Chambers received 5 to 15 years in prison; he was released in 2003 after serving the full sentence.)In 1990, 87 people, most of them Honduran and Dominican immigrants, were killed when fire raced through an illegal social club in New York City.In 2018, in an interview with "60 Minutes," adult film star Stormy Daniels said she had been threatened and warned to keep silent about an alleged sexual encounter with Donald Trump in 2006. A fire at a shopping mall in a Siberian city in Russia killed more than 60 people, including 41 children.Ten years ago: Osama bin Laden threatened in a new message to kill any Americans al-Qaida captured if the U.S. executed Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the self-professed mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks, or other al-Qaida suspects. Defense Secretary Robert Gates approved new rules easing enforcement of the "don't ask, don't tell" ban on gays serving openly in the military. Daisuke Takahashi gave Japan its first men's title at the World Figure Skating Championships in Turin, Italy.Five years ago: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani thanked the U.S. Congress for billions of American tax dollars and vowed his war-wracked country would be self-reliant within the decade. British singer Zayn Malik shocked his fans by announcing he was quitting the chart-topping band One Direction.One year ago: UFC superstar Conor McGregor announced his retirement on social media. Apple announced the launch of a video streaming service, Apple TV Plus, that could compete with Netflix and Amazon with ad-free original series and films.Today's Birthdays: Movie reviewer Gene Shalit is 94. Former astronaut James Lovell is 92. Feminist activist and author Gloria Steinem is 86. Singer Anita Bryant is 80. Actor Paul Michael Glaser is 77. Singer Sir Elton John is 73. Actress Bonnie Bedelia is 72. Actress-comedian Mary Gross is 67. Actor James McDaniel is 62. Former Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., is 62. Movie producer Amy Pascal is 62. Rock musician Steve Norman (Spandau Ballet) is 60. Actress Brenda Strong is 60. Actor Fred Goss is 59. Actor-writer-director John Stockwell is 59. Actress Marcia Cross is 58. Author Kate DiCamillo is 56. Actress Lisa Gay Hamilton is 56. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker is 55. Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Glavine is 54. TV personality Ben Mankiewicz is 53. Olympic bronze medal figure skater Debi Thomas is 53. Actor Laz Alonso is 49. Singer Melanie Blatt (All Saints) is 45. Actor Domenick Lombardozzi is 44. Actor Lee Pace is 41. Actor Sean Faris is 38. Comedian-actor Alex Moffat (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 38. Former auto racer Danica Patrick is 38. Actress-singer Katharine McPhee is 36. Comedian-actor Chris Redd (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 35. Singer Jason Castro is 33. Rapper Big Sean is 32. Rap DJ-producer Ryan Lewis is 32. Actor Matthew Beard is 31. Actress-singer Aly (AKA Alyson) Michalka is 31. Actor Kiowa Gordon is 30. Actress Seychelle Gabriel is 29.Thought for Today: "The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it emotionally." — Flannery O'Connor, American author (1925-1964).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- March 25

Crack sealing work on City of Salina streets continues.

According to information from the city, Wednesday through Friday, Circle C Construction of Goddard will continue sealing cracks on the following City of Salina streets, weather permitting:

Residents will be asked to remove their cars from streets to facilitate the work, which will take place generally between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Access to properties within work zones will be maintained at all times. “Road Work Ahead” signs will be placed in advance of work zones, and temporary single-lane closures are to be expected. Motorists are asked to proceed with caution when approaching work zones for the safety of the crews performing the work.

The annual crack and joint sealing program is an important and cost-effective preventive maintenance component of the City of Salina’s annual street repair program. Crack sealing the pavement helps prevent water from penetrating into the pavement structure or sub-base material and aids in reducing a number of pavement problems which include: crack spreading; formation of voids under pavement; swelling and shrinking of sub-base materials; freeze-thaw action; alligator cracking; potholing; and complete failure. Because of its importance and cost- effectiveness, the Department of Public Works strives to seal each asphalt street in Salina no less often than every seven years. Approximately 20 centerline miles of streets will be sealed in 2020.

The $259,000 project is a major component of the City of Salina’s $5.4 million 2020 maintenance capital improvement program.

Crack sealing work on City of Salina streets continues.According to information from the city, Wednesday through Friday, Circle C Construction of Goddard will continue sealing cracks on the following City of Salina streets, weather permitting:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585105394899.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Residents will be asked to remove their cars from streets to facilitate the work, which will take place generally between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Access to properties within work zones will be maintained at all times. “Road Work Ahead” signs will be placed in advance of work zones, and temporary single-lane closures are to be expected. Motorists are asked to proceed with caution when approaching work zones for the safety of the crews performing the work.The annual crack and joint sealing program is an important and cost-effective preventive maintenance component of the City of Salina’s annual street repair program. Crack sealing the pavement helps prevent water from penetrating into the pavement structure or sub-base material and aids in reducing a number of pavement problems which include: crack spreading; formation of voids under pavement; swelling and shrinking of sub-base materials; freeze-thaw action; alligator cracking; potholing; and complete failure. Because of its importance and cost- effectiveness, the Department of Public Works strives to seal each asphalt street in Salina no less often than every seven years. Approximately 20 centerline miles of streets will be sealed in 2020.The $259,000 project is a major component of the City of Salina’s $5.4 million 2020 maintenance capital improvement program.

City street crack sealing continues Wednesday

DICKINSON COUNTY -- Two earthquakes shook parts of Dickinson County Tuesday afternoon.

The first quake, a magnitude 2.5, temblor, struck at 1:56 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS). The earthquake was centered approximately one mile east of Solomon.

Second earthquake, a stronger 3.6 magnitude temblor, struck at 4:31 p.m. Tuesday, KGS noted. The second quake was centered northeast of Hope, just northwest of the intersection of 1000 Avenue and Rain Road.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e7978ddafae0f4d5f5df82e">KGS: Several quakes rattle area counties</a>

DICKINSON COUNTY -- Two earthquakes shook parts of Dickinson County Tuesday afternoon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585103551549.jpeg" alt="The location of the first Dickinson County earthquake on Tuesday. Maps courtesy KGS" />
 <figcaption>The location of the first Dickinson County earthquake on Tuesday. Maps courtesy KGS</figcaption>
 </figure>The first quake, a magnitude 2.5, temblor, struck at 1:56 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS). The earthquake was centered approximately one mile east of Solomon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585103687862.jpeg" alt="The location of the second Dickinson County quake on Tuesday." />
 <figcaption>The location of the second Dickinson County quake on Tuesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>Second earthquake, a stronger 3.6 magnitude temblor, struck at 4:31 p.m. Tuesday, KGS noted. The second quake was centered northeast of Hope, just northwest of the intersection of 1000 Avenue and Rain Road.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e7978ddafae0f4d5f5df82e">KGS: Several quakes rattle area counties</a>

Two quakes rattle parts of Dickinson County on Tuesday

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

The Salvation Army of Saline County has announced that it will continue to offer meals to those needing assistance at this time and they've added an extra day of food service!

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, meals will now be handed out at the south door of The Salvation Army, 1137 North Santa Fe Avenue, according to information provided by the organization. Serving times will continue on the following schedule as needed, the organization noted.

"With so many children out of schools and parents' budgets stretched, as well as the early shopper hoarding, we are trying to reach the most vulnerable families and homeless populations out there," Captain Lynn Lopez told Salina Post. "We just began to offer Saturday meals because of the instant message requests for meals on our Facebook page."

Lopez said The Salvation Army is taking extra precautions to protect both those it serves and its own personnel.

"I am a certified emergency disaster person. So as soon as I knew this was going to get worse, I began planning for how we could help the community in the best ways," she said. 

Lopez said the local organization ordered deep sanitizers, Clorox wipes, and blue gloves. Sleeves of to-go plates and other items necessary for the current operation also were purchased. 

"I implemented the drive thru/walk thru to-go meals at the door and simply ask how many they need to feed their family," she said.

Lopez noted that in addition prepping for deep cleaning, the COVID-19 outbreak has had another impact on the organization.

"The main change is the number of meals we are serving. We have an excellent cook who works diligently to provide nutritious, stick-to-your-ribs-meals," Lopez said.

Prior to the pandemic outbreak, the local Salvation Army fed 45-75 meals per day, with some suppers seeing more than 100, Lopez explained. Those were prepared by the organization's cook and served by local church volunteers, she said.

Now the organization is serving 185 to 200 meals per day, Lopez noted. Staff from the temporarily closed Salvation Army thrift store now assist the organization's cook, she said. Additionally, the officer staff is helping prepare and serve the meals at the door, Lopez said.

The morning meal consists of a continental breakfast with a cup of coffee and milk if it is available, while the noontime meal is a hot lunch or soup and sandwich, and supper is a hot meal, Lopez explained.

Lopez said that the local organization is also providing other services to help others.

"We continue having emergency services available such as our food pantry and the showers. We basically do phone interviews so we can look the client up in our database for approval. Then we meet them at the door with a food box. All carts are then cloroxed-down for next use," she said.

"We are praying for relief from this virus and have taken to posting church services online in Facebook. On Sundays I call people and visit with them to make sure everyone is doing OK mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually," said Lopez, who is working toward her chaplaincy certification.

Lopez noted that soon, The Salvation Army will have an 800 number for people "who are stressing out from staying home all the time and whatever various emotions they are experiencing."

"If there is more The Saline County Salvation Army can do I would like to hear from other leaders in the community in order to plan for changes," Lopez said. "God bless and keep each one in His perfect care. He is our shelter and refuge!"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585100786952.jpeg" alt="Captain Lynn Lopez, commanding officer, and Elizabeth Stang, cook, prepare a meal in the Saline County Salvation Army kitchen. Photo courtesy The Saline County Salvation Army" />
 <figcaption>Captain Lynn Lopez, commanding officer, and Elizabeth Stang, cook, prepare a meal in the Saline County Salvation Army kitchen. Photo courtesy The Saline County Salvation Army</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThe Salvation Army of Saline County has announced that it will continue to offer meals to those needing assistance at this time and they've added an extra day of food service!Saturday meals will now be included.Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, meals will now be handed out at the south door of The Salvation Army, 1137 North Santa Fe Avenue, according to information provided by the organization. Serving times will continue on the following schedule as needed, the organization noted.Breakfast -- 8:15-9:15 a.m.Lunch -- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Supper -- 4-5:30 p.m."With so many children out of schools and parents' budgets stretched, as well as the early shopper hoarding, we are trying to reach the most vulnerable families and homeless populations out there," Captain Lynn Lopez told Salina Post. "We just began to offer Saturday meals because of the instant message requests for meals on our Facebook page."Lopez said The Salvation Army is taking extra precautions to protect both those it serves and its own personnel."I am a certified emergency disaster person. So as soon as I knew this was going to get worse, I began planning for how we could help the community in the best ways," she said. Lopez said the local organization ordered deep sanitizers, Clorox wipes, and blue gloves. Sleeves of to-go plates and other items necessary for the current operation also were purchased. "I implemented the drive thru/walk thru to-go meals at the door and simply ask how many they need to feed their family," she said.Lopez noted that in addition prepping for deep cleaning, the COVID-19 outbreak has had another impact on the organization."The main change is the number of meals we are serving. We have an excellent cook who works diligently to provide nutritious, stick-to-your-ribs-meals," Lopez said.Prior to the pandemic outbreak, the local Salvation Army fed 45-75 meals per day, with some suppers seeing more than 100, Lopez explained. Those were prepared by the organization's cook and served by local church volunteers, she said.Now the organization is serving 185 to 200 meals per day, Lopez noted. Staff from the temporarily closed Salvation Army thrift store now assist the organization's cook, she said. Additionally, the officer staff is helping prepare and serve the meals at the door, Lopez said.The morning meal consists of a continental breakfast with a cup of coffee and milk if it is available, while the noontime meal is a hot lunch or soup and sandwich, and supper is a hot meal, Lopez explained.The well-being of othersLopez said that the local organization is also providing other services to help others."We continue having emergency services available such as our food pantry and the showers. We basically do phone interviews so we can look the client up in our database for approval. Then we meet them at the door with a food box. All carts are then cloroxed-down for next use," she said."We are praying for relief from this virus and have taken to posting church services online in Facebook. On Sundays I call people and visit with them to make sure everyone is doing OK mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually," said Lopez, who is working toward her chaplaincy certification.Lopez noted that soon, The Salvation Army will have an 800 number for people "who are stressing out from staying home all the time and whatever various emotions they are experiencing.""If there is more The Saline County Salvation Army can do I would like to hear from other leaders in the community in order to plan for changes," Lopez said. "God bless and keep each one in His perfect care. He is our shelter and refuge!"

Feeding those who need it the most

UPDATE: The link to the challenge has been updated. Good luck!

Missing your favorite college basketball bracket challenge?

The COVID-19 pandemic has done away with the annual rite of spring, but thanks to Salina Wholesale Liquor, you can still play a bracket challenge!

<a href="http://salinapost.secondstreetapp.com/Salina-Wholesale-Liquor-Beer-Bracket-Challenge/#/referrals/0a1653ae-0663-4f58-af01-6c2f62f133fb">Click here</a> to go to the Salina Wholesale Liquor Beer Bracket Challenge. You also can find a link to the challenge by going to the More drop-down menu on <a href="http://SalinaPost.com">SalinaPost.com</a> and clicking on the Contests link.

UPDATE: The link to the challenge has been updated. Good luck!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584740179376.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Missing your favorite college basketball bracket challenge?The COVID-19 pandemic has done away with the annual rite of spring, but thanks to Salina Wholesale Liquor, you can still play a bracket challenge!<a href="http://salinapost.secondstreetapp.com/Salina-Wholesale-Liquor-Beer-Bracket-Challenge/#/referrals/0a1653ae-0663-4f58-af01-6c2f62f133fb">Click here</a> to go to the Salina Wholesale Liquor Beer Bracket Challenge. You also can find a link to the challenge by going to the More drop-down menu on <a href="http://SalinaPost.com">SalinaPost.com</a> and clicking on the Contests link.

UPDATE: Missing your bracket challenge? Got you covered!

Have a question or opinion about COVID-19 testing in Saline County?

The county has a webpage with links to COVID-19 facts and information about testing. Go to <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">saline.org/coronavirus</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585090860687.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Have a question or opinion about COVID-19 testing in Saline County?The county has a webpage with links to COVID-19 facts and information about testing. Go to <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">saline.org/coronavirus</a>.

Check out Saline County's webpage for COVID-19 info

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e7a90d4afae0f4d5f5e109b">Check out Saline County's webpage for COVID-19 info</a>

Here is the Tuesday update from Saline County concerning the COVID-19 pandemic:

As of 5 pm, March 24th, 2020, Saline County has not had a confirmed positive case of COVID19. Just because no positive cases have been reported through our official channels, doesn’t mean that there isn’t a potential for a positive case to exist within our community. It is possible that a person hasn’t met the requirements for the testing set by KDHE and have been advised by their medical provider to self-quarantine. When a positive case is identified in Saline County, the Saline County Health Department will be the only official source to release that information.

Our agencies are aware of the other Counties that have instituted shelter-in-place orders. That decision is one that is made by the local Health Officer in collaboration with the County Commission, and one that Saline County’s Health Officer is not considering at this point.

Additionally, the Saline County Health Officer has already determined that should a local order be issued, that no paperwork would be required from employers identifying essential or even non-essential employees.

Governor Laura Kelly’s Executive Order that prohibits mass gatherings of 10 or more people will go into effect on Wednesday, March 25th. The Kansas Department of Agriculture issued new guidance for Drive-Thru Food Safety and Grocery Store Food Safety.

Several common questions and their answers directly related to symptoms, testing for the virus, and requirements for testing have been posted on our website <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>.

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

•Staying at home if you are sick.

•Covering your sneezes and coughs.

•If you have concerns about your health condition, please call your healthcare provider.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e7a90d4afae0f4d5f5e109b">Check out Saline County's webpage for COVID-19 info</a>Here is the Tuesday update from Saline County concerning the COVID-19 pandemic:As of 5 pm, March 24th, 2020, Saline County has not had a confirmed positive case of COVID19. Just because no positive cases have been reported through our official channels, doesn’t mean that there isn’t a potential for a positive case to exist within our community. It is possible that a person hasn’t met the requirements for the testing set by KDHE and have been advised by their medical provider to self-quarantine. When a positive case is identified in Saline County, the Saline County Health Department will be the only official source to release that information.Our agencies are aware of the other Counties that have instituted shelter-in-place orders. That decision is one that is made by the local Health Officer in collaboration with the County Commission, and one that Saline County’s Health Officer is not considering at this point.Additionally, the Saline County Health Officer has already determined that should a local order be issued, that no paperwork would be required from employers identifying essential or even non-essential employees.Governor Laura Kelly’s Executive Order that prohibits mass gatherings of 10 or more people will go into effect on Wednesday, March 25th. The Kansas Department of Agriculture issued new guidance for Drive-Thru Food Safety and Grocery Store Food Safety.Several common questions and their answers directly related to symptoms, testing for the virus, and requirements for testing have been posted on our website <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>.We cannot stress enough the importance of preventing the spread of diseases by:•Staying at home if you are sick.•Washing your hands.•Covering your sneezes and coughs.•If you have concerns about your health condition, please call your healthcare provider.

COVID-19 update from Saline County 

CONCORDIA -- Cloud County Health Center has received its initial designation as a Level IV Trauma Center by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). 

The designation is good for three years, until 2023, at which time the hospital will be required to recertify to continue as a Level IV Trauma Center. Designated trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and institutional performance as outlined by the American College of Surgeons and endorsed by the Kansas Advisory Committee on Trauma.

“We know injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in Kansas. KDHE’s Trauma Program works to ensure those who are injured in Kansas have access to an organized system of trauma care that offers them the best chance of recovery,” said KDHE Secretary Lee A. Norman, M.D. “On behalf of families and visitors in our state, we acknowledge Cloud County Health Center for its commitment to provide care to trauma patients in Kansas.”

Level IV Trauma Centers are hospitals that have a primary role of stabilizing seriously injured patients and, if necessary, transferring them to a higher-level trauma center. Hospitals that have achieved Level IV trauma center designation have demonstrated a commitment to providing optimal care for those who have been seriously injured.

There are four separate categories of designation by the Kansas Trauma Program. Each category has specific criteria that must be met by a facility seeking that level of designation. A trauma care system includes a network of hospitals providing a spectrum of care for injured patients. Trauma center designations are based on the hospital’s care capability, from the highest, Level I, to hospitals designated Level IV.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585079543713.jpeg" alt="Cloud County Health Center has been designated a Level IV Trauma Center. Those pictured with the KDHE certificate are, from left, Della Strait, director of nursing; Mayra Brooks, trauma coordinator; Dr. Daniel Garlow, trauma medical director; and David Garnas, administrator. Photo courtesy Cloud County Health Center" />
 <figcaption>Cloud County Health Center has been designated a Level IV Trauma Center. Those pictured with the KDHE certificate are, from left, Della Strait, director of nursing; Mayra Brooks, trauma coordinator; Dr. Daniel Garlow, trauma medical director; and David Garnas, administrator. Photo courtesy Cloud County Health Center</figcaption>
 </figure>CONCORDIA -- Cloud County Health Center has received its initial designation as a Level IV Trauma Center by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The designation is good for three years, until 2023, at which time the hospital will be required to recertify to continue as a Level IV Trauma Center. Designated trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and institutional performance as outlined by the American College of Surgeons and endorsed by the Kansas Advisory Committee on Trauma.“We know injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in Kansas. KDHE’s Trauma Program works to ensure those who are injured in Kansas have access to an organized system of trauma care that offers them the best chance of recovery,” said KDHE Secretary Lee A. Norman, M.D. “On behalf of families and visitors in our state, we acknowledge Cloud County Health Center for its commitment to provide care to trauma patients in Kansas.”Level IV Trauma Centers are hospitals that have a primary role of stabilizing seriously injured patients and, if necessary, transferring them to a higher-level trauma center. Hospitals that have achieved Level IV trauma center designation have demonstrated a commitment to providing optimal care for those who have been seriously injured.There are four separate categories of designation by the Kansas Trauma Program. Each category has specific criteria that must be met by a facility seeking that level of designation. A trauma care system includes a network of hospitals providing a spectrum of care for injured patients. Trauma center designations are based on the hospital’s care capability, from the highest, Level I, to hospitals designated Level IV.

Cloud County Health Center receives trauma designation

Technical
difficulties experienced at the Monday's Salina City Commission meeting
have been resolved and the meeting has been rescheduled. 

The Salina City Commission meeting has been rescheduled
for Wednesday at 4 p.m. 

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 phone to alert the moderator, who
will open the line.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

To view the Salina
City Commission agenda and packet, visit <a href="http://salina-ks.gov">salina-ks.gov</a> and select Salina City
Commission Agenda and Packet within the Featured Items feed.

Technical
difficulties experienced at the Monday's Salina City Commission meeting
have been resolved and the meeting has been rescheduled. The Salina City Commission meeting has been rescheduled
for Wednesday at 4 p.m. 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 phone to alert the moderator, who
will open the line.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To view the Salina
City Commission agenda and packet, visit <a href="http://salina-ks.gov">salina-ks.gov</a> and select Salina City
Commission Agenda and Packet within the Featured Items feed.

Technical issues thwart city meeting; rescheduled

DICKINSON COUNTY —In an effort to deal with COVID-19 a Stay at Home order has been issued for Dickinson County residents, effective at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, according to local Health Officer, Dr. Brian Holmes, and remains in effect until further notice.

Dickinson County Emergency Management Director Chancy Smith said, "Just stay away from gatherings. It doesn't mean that you can't get in the car and go drive around the countryside for a little while, you can't go to the pond and go fishing with your family. It just means stay in that group that you're with and just keep everybody else away from it."

If you are not an essential person for your job to get completed and you are not at work avoid gatherings.

According to the order, essential businesses range from healthcare operations, essential infrastructure and essential government functions to grocery stores, food banks, convenience stores, farming, livestock, businesses providing food and shelter and auto repair and servicing businesses to plumbers, electricians, businesses providing mailing and shipping services, laundromats and dry cleaners, restaurants providing food for carry out only, and home based care for seniors, adults or children.

DICKINSON COUNTY —In an effort to deal with COVID-19 a Stay at Home order has been issued for Dickinson County residents, effective at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, according to local Health Officer, Dr. Brian Holmes, and remains in effect until further notice.Dickinson County Emergency Management Director Chancy Smith said, "Just stay away from gatherings. It doesn't mean that you can't get in the car and go drive around the countryside for a little while, you can't go to the pond and go fishing with your family. It just means stay in that group that you're with and just keep everybody else away from it."If you are not an essential person for your job to get completed and you are not at work avoid gatherings.According to the order, essential businesses range from healthcare operations, essential infrastructure and essential government functions to grocery stores, food banks, convenience stores, farming, livestock, businesses providing food and shelter and auto repair and servicing businesses to plumbers, electricians, businesses providing mailing and shipping services, laundromats and dry cleaners, restaurants providing food for carry out only, and home based care for seniors, adults or children.

Dickinson County issue stay-at-home order

Here's your happy tiger cub distraction for today. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rollinghillszoo/">Rolling Hills Zoo</a> Facebook page:

Here's your happy tiger cub distraction for today. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rollinghillszoo/">Rolling Hills Zoo</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frollinghillszoo%2Fposts%2F10158074194459383&width=500" width="500" height="749" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Tiger Tuesday fun from Rolling Hills Zoo

Police are looking for a white male who allegedly stole a number of earbuds and Juuls from a west Salina convenience store.

Officers were called to Rods No. 8, 2140 West Crawford Street, at 5:20 a.m. Monday for a theft report, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. A clerk at the store told police that a bit earlier, three juveniles were in the store and making a scene, Forrester said.

The three left the store, but one waited outside the door until the night clerk went into the store's office, Forrester noted. Then the white male allegedly re-entered the store with a hoodie pulled up around his head and stole a four-pack of earbuds valued at just under $50 and an entire container of Juuls valued at just under $750, Forrester said. 

The male allegedly left the parking lot driving a white pickup, according to Forrester.

Since the incident, police have developed a possible suspect and are following up on that, Forrester said.

Police are looking for a white male who allegedly stole a number of earbuds and Juuls from a west Salina convenience store.Officers were called to Rods No. 8, 2140 West Crawford Street, at 5:20 a.m. Monday for a theft report, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. A clerk at the store told police that a bit earlier, three juveniles were in the store and making a scene, Forrester said.The three left the store, but one waited outside the door until the night clerk went into the store's office, Forrester noted. Then the white male allegedly re-entered the store with a hoodie pulled up around his head and stole a four-pack of earbuds valued at just under $50 and an entire container of Juuls valued at just under $750, Forrester said. The male allegedly left the parking lot driving a white pickup, according to Forrester.Since the incident, police have developed a possible suspect and are following up on that, Forrester said.

Police looking for suspect in west Salina store theft

KIPP -- The Saline County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of a plasma cutter and supplies from the Great Plains Manufacturing site in Kipp.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that sometime between 3:30 p.m. on Thursday and 4 a.m. Friday someone removed from the business a silver Hypertherm Powermax plasma cutter valued at $2,500 and a blue box containing supplies for the plasma cutter valued at $200.

Soldan said the plasma cutter was targeted as there were a number of other tools in the immediate vicinity that were not disturbed. Additional, he said there were no signs of forced entry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585071480673.png" alt="Map courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>KIPP -- The Saline County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of a plasma cutter and supplies from the Great Plains Manufacturing site in Kipp.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that sometime between 3:30 p.m. on Thursday and 4 a.m. Friday someone removed from the business a silver Hypertherm Powermax plasma cutter valued at $2,500 and a blue box containing supplies for the plasma cutter valued at $200.Soldan said the plasma cutter was targeted as there were a number of other tools in the immediate vicinity that were not disturbed. Additional, he said there were no signs of forced entry.

Plasma cutter, supplies stolen from business in Kipp

A 24-year-old Salina man was arrested early this morning after a chase that began at New Cambria and ended in central Salina.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that a deputy on patrol at 12:52 a.m. noticed a vehicle parked in a field in the 1700 block of North Cunningham Road. When the deputy went to check on the vehicle, it fled south on North Cunningham Road, he said.

The vehicle, a 2005 Dodge Durango, made its way south and west toward Salina, at times reaching speeds up to 100 mph, Soldan said. The Durango entered Salina on Stimmel Road and went south on North Ninth Street, he said. After a number of turns, the Durango ended up on South 11th Street, south of West Iron Avenue, where the driver, Tanner Wheeler, 24, of Salina, exited the vehicle and fled on foot, Soldan said. 

Wheeler was found a short time later hiding in a back yard on South 11th Street and surrendered when a deputy drew his taser, Soldan said.  He was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, Soldan said.

According to Soldan, a female passenger also fled on foot and deputies are working to positively identify and find her.

Soldan said that a large number of tools that were believed to be stolen were found in the Durango, and that additional requested charges concerning the tools were likely.

Soldan said that Wheeler was arrested on an active warrant from Saline County District Court and on suspicion of the following.

Numerous stop sign and turn signal violations

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585056532019.jpeg" alt="Tanner Wheeler. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Tanner Wheeler. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A 24-year-old Salina man was arrested early this morning after a chase that began at New Cambria and ended in central Salina.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that a deputy on patrol at 12:52 a.m. noticed a vehicle parked in a field in the 1700 block of North Cunningham Road. When the deputy went to check on the vehicle, it fled south on North Cunningham Road, he said.The vehicle, a 2005 Dodge Durango, made its way south and west toward Salina, at times reaching speeds up to 100 mph, Soldan said. The Durango entered Salina on Stimmel Road and went south on North Ninth Street, he said. After a number of turns, the Durango ended up on South 11th Street, south of West Iron Avenue, where the driver, Tanner Wheeler, 24, of Salina, exited the vehicle and fled on foot, Soldan said. Wheeler was found a short time later hiding in a back yard on South 11th Street and surrendered when a deputy drew his taser, Soldan said. He was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, Soldan said.According to Soldan, a female passenger also fled on foot and deputies are working to positively identify and find her.Soldan said that a large number of tools that were believed to be stolen were found in the Durango, and that additional requested charges concerning the tools were likely.Soldan said that Wheeler was arrested on an active warrant from Saline County District Court and on suspicion of the following.Flee and eludePossession of methamphetaminePossession of drug paraphernaliaDriving while suspendedNumerous stop sign and turn signal violationsImproper driving on landed roadwaysDriving without headlights on

Salina man arrested after chase from New Cambria

Yes, it sounds a little odd to call it a Spring Break/coronavirus first adjournment of the Legislature, but that’s where we are, and lawmakers before heading out two weeks early for that annual break prepared the state as best they could for whatever that pandemic is likely to bring within the next month…or maybe two….

That early first adjournment saw lawmakers pass an initial budget for the remainder of this fiscal year and next fiscal year…waiting and hoping to learn what the epidemic is going to do to the state.

This isn’t just – now doesn’t this sound heartless -- a local flood or a drought that reduces crops or threatens the livestock industry. It’s a border-to-border health/ economic emergency. Can’t fix things nearly as easily as those localized disasters were dealt with. It’s bigger, much bigger in the problems that it will spark. It’s a stirring redirection of legislative authority.

The focus on Medicaid expansion and a proposed constitutional amendment dealing with regulation of abortion paralyzed much of the session so far, but those issues were put aside while a bare-bones budget and several bills to respond to the pandemic and its effect on Kansas were passed, some already signed into law.

Before leaving town, lawmakers created a $50 million fund from which the state budget director can ask legislative leadership for cash to deal with emergencies…if they sign off on the expenditures...

The Legislature does allow Gov. Laura Kelly to lead the pandemic response efforts, making the sometimes-jarring public policy decisions (closing school buildings) that are already shaking the state from border to border. But it also put a leash on her authority for some relatively strange-sounding reasons. For example, lawmakers won’t allow the governor to restrict movement of people or their animals in the state, which might limit the spread of the disease but which some conservatives find heavy-handed. A breach of the constitutional issue of freedom of association, they assert.

And the gun-rights legislators also limited the governor from any restriction on traveling with guns, ammunition or explosives – and liquor – within the state. That’s the good old 2nd Amendment issue that always goes better with a drink or two…

Kelly’s closing of schools, or at least attending classes in schoolhouses for the rest of the school year, was seen as an over-reach by some lawmakers, who being elected from districts want their local school and public health leaders to make that decision.

Well, Kelly closed down those schools – not learning by Internet or such, but school buildings. That means the whole educational process for children and the near-grownup high school students is shaken. And those kids stay home and their parents have to watch them. Probably the most notable upside – besides reducing transmission of diseases – is that the schools are now leading in efforts to make sure those students who relied on breakfast and lunches at the schoolhouse are getting them delivered to their homes, a vital public health service.

But…and being practical about it, the governor’s wide-sweeping executive orders during this state emergency come down to politics for some. Like the Legislature where all 40 Senate seats and all 125 House seats are up for election this August and November.

Just how much authority are legislators going to give the governor for health-necessary, economic-stability orders? Well, virtually every order which the governor issues to deal with the outbreak is going to get a review by legislative leadership, which has authorized itself to scrutinize or delay, or even overturn, those orders.

That doesn’t quite put your local legislators in charge of battling the epidemic but might leave their fingerprints on restrictions on Kansans’ way of life…for reasons that they may or may not have to justify when they are campaigning.

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 HAWVERYes, it sounds a little odd to call it a Spring Break/coronavirus first adjournment of the Legislature, but that’s where we are, and lawmakers before heading out two weeks early for that annual break prepared the state as best they could for whatever that pandemic is likely to bring within the next month…or maybe two….That early first adjournment saw lawmakers pass an initial budget for the remainder of this fiscal year and next fiscal year…waiting and hoping to learn what the epidemic is going to do to the state.This isn’t just – now doesn’t this sound heartless -- a local flood or a drought that reduces crops or threatens the livestock industry. It’s a border-to-border health/ economic emergency. Can’t fix things nearly as easily as those localized disasters were dealt with. It’s bigger, much bigger in the problems that it will spark. It’s a stirring redirection of legislative authority.The focus on Medicaid expansion and a proposed constitutional amendment dealing with regulation of abortion paralyzed much of the session so far, but those issues were put aside while a bare-bones budget and several bills to respond to the pandemic and its effect on Kansas were passed, some already signed into law.Before leaving town, lawmakers created a $50 million fund from which the state budget director can ask legislative leadership for cash to deal with emergencies…if they sign off on the expenditures...The Legislature does allow Gov. Laura Kelly to lead the pandemic response efforts, making the sometimes-jarring public policy decisions (closing school buildings) that are already shaking the state from border to border. But it also put a leash on her authority for some relatively strange-sounding reasons. For example, lawmakers won’t allow the governor to restrict movement of people or their animals in the state, which might limit the spread of the disease but which some conservatives find heavy-handed. A breach of the constitutional issue of freedom of association, they assert.And the gun-rights legislators also limited the governor from any restriction on traveling with guns, ammunition or explosives – and liquor – within the state. That’s the good old 2nd Amendment issue that always goes better with a drink or two…Kelly’s closing of schools, or at least attending classes in schoolhouses for the rest of the school year, was seen as an over-reach by some lawmakers, who being elected from districts want their local school and public health leaders to make that decision.Well, Kelly closed down those schools – not learning by Internet or such, but school buildings. That means the whole educational process for children and the near-grownup high school students is shaken. And those kids stay home and their parents have to watch them. Probably the most notable upside – besides reducing transmission of diseases – is that the schools are now leading in efforts to make sure those students who relied on breakfast and lunches at the schoolhouse are getting them delivered to their homes, a vital public health service.But…and being practical about it, the governor’s wide-sweeping executive orders during this state emergency come down to politics for some. Like the Legislature where all 40 Senate seats and all 125 House seats are up for election this August and November.Just how much authority are legislators going to give the governor for health-necessary, economic-stability orders? Well, virtually every order which the governor issues to deal with the outbreak is going to get a review by legislative leadership, which has authorized itself to scrutinize or delay, or even overturn, those orders.That doesn’t quite put your local legislators in charge of battling the epidemic but might leave their fingerprints on restrictions on Kansans’ way of life…for reasons that they may or may not have to justify when they are campaigning.We’ll see how this works out…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: Pandemic and politics

Today is Tuesday, March 24, the 84th day of 2020. There are 282 days left in the year.

On March 24, 1989, the supertanker Exxon Valdez ran aground on a reef in Alaska's Prince William Sound and began leaking an estimated 11 million gallons of crude oil.

In 1765, Britain enacted the Quartering Act, requiring American colonists to provide temporary housing to British soldiers.

In 1882, German scientist Robert Koch announced in Berlin that he had discovered the bacillus responsible for tuberculosis.

In 1955, the Tennessee Williams play "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" opened on Broadway.

In 1958, Elvis Presley was inducted into the U.S. Army at the draft board in Memphis, Tennessee, before boarding a bus for Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. (Presley underwent basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, before being shipped off to Germany.)

In 1975, Muhammad Ali defeated Chuck Wepner with a technical knockout in the 15th round of a fight in Richfield, Ohio. (Wepner, a journeyman known as the "Bayonne Bleeder," inspired Sylvester Stallone to make his "Rocky" films.)

In 1976, the president of Argentina, Isabel Peron, was deposed by her country's military. British war hero Field Marshal Viscount Montgomery, 88, died in Alton, Hampshire, England.

In 1980, one of El Salvador's most respected Roman Catholic Church leaders, Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, was shot to death by a sniper as he celebrated Mass in San Salvador.

In 1988, former national security aides Oliver L. North and John M. Poindexter and businessmen Richard V. Secord and Albert Hakim pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the Iran-Contra affair. (North and Poindexter were convicted, but had their verdicts thrown out; Secord and Hakim received probation after each pleaded guilty to a single count under a plea bargain.)

In 1995, after 20 years, British soldiers stopped routine patrols in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

In 1998, two students, ages 13 and 11, opened fire outside Jonesboro Westside Middle School in Arkansas, killing four classmates and a teacher. (The gunmen were imprisoned by Arkansas until age 18, then by federal authorities until age 21.)

In 1999, NATO launched airstrikes against Yugoslavia, marking the first time in its 50-year existence that it had ever attacked a sovereign country. Thirty-nine people were killed when fire erupted in the Mont Blanc tunnel in France and burned for two days.

In 2001, U.S. skater Michelle Kwan won her fourth World Figure Skating title in Vancouver, British Columbia; Irina Slutskaya of Russia got the silver, and American Sarah Hughes earned the bronze.

Ten years ago: Keeping a promise he'd made to anti-abortion Democratic lawmakers to assure passage of his historic health care legislation, President Barack Obama signed an executive order against using federal funds to pay for elective abortions covered by private insurance. Actor Robert Culp died in Los Angeles at age 79. Singer Johnny Maestro died in Florida at age 70.

Five years ago: Germanwings Flight 9525, an Airbus A320, crashed into the French Alps, killing all 150 people on board; investigators said the jetliner was deliberately downed by the 27-year-old co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz. President Barack Obama received Afghan President Ashraf Ghani at the White House, where Obama agreed to slow the U.S military pullout from Afghanistan at the request of its new government but insisted the delay would not jeopardize his commitment to end America's longest war before leaving office.

One year ago: Attorney General William Barr reported that special counsel Robert Mueller did not find evidence that President Donald Trump's campaign "conspired or coordinated" with Russia to influence the 2016 presidential election, but reached no conclusion on whether Trump obstructed justice; Democrats pointed out that Mueller had found evidence for and against obstruction, and they demanded to see his full report. (The report would be released in April.) New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski announced that he was retiring from the NFL after nine seasons, which had included three Super Bowl victories.

Today's Birthdays: Poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti is 101. Actor William Smith is 87. Fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie is 81. Former Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire is 73. Rock musician Lee Oskar is 72. Singer Nick Lowe is 71. Rock musician Dougie Thomson (Supertramp) is 69. Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger is 69. Comedian Louie Anderson is 67. Actress Donna Pescow is 66. Actor Robert Carradine is 66. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Indiana, is 66. Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is 64. Actress Kelly LeBrock is 60. Rhythm-and-blues DJ Rodney "Kool Kollie" Terry (Ghostown DJs) is 59. TV personality Star Jones is 58. Country-rock musician Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers) is 56. Actor Peter Jacobson is 55. Rock singer-musician Sharon Corr (The Corrs) is 50. Actress Lauren Bowles is 50. Actress Lara Flynn Boyle is 50. Rapper Maceo (AKA P.A. Pasemaster Mase) is 50. Actress Megyn Price is 49. Actor Jim Parsons is 47. Christian rock musician Chad Butler (Switchfoot) is 46. Actress Alyson Hannigan is 46. Former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning is 44. Actress Amanda Brugel (TV: "The Handmaid's Tale") is 43. Actress Olivia Burnette is 43. Actress Jessica Chastain is 43. Actor Amir Arison is 42. Actress Lake Bell is 41. Rock musician Benj Gershman (O.A.R.) is 40. Neo-soul musician Jesse Phillips (St. Paul &amp; the Broken Bones) is 40. Actor Philip Winchester (TV: "Strike Back") is 39. Dancer Val Chmerkovskiy is 34. Actress Keisha Castle-Hughes is 30.

Thought for Today: "Either you think, or else others have to think for you and take power from you, pervert and discipline your natural tastes, civilize and sterilize you." — F. Scott Fitzgerald, American author (1896-1940).

<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, March 24, the 84th day of 2020. There are 282 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 24, 1989, the supertanker Exxon Valdez ran aground on a reef in Alaska's Prince William Sound and began leaking an estimated 11 million gallons of crude oil.On this date:In 1765, Britain enacted the Quartering Act, requiring American colonists to provide temporary housing to British soldiers.In 1882, German scientist Robert Koch announced in Berlin that he had discovered the bacillus responsible for tuberculosis.In 1955, the Tennessee Williams play "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" opened on Broadway.In 1958, Elvis Presley was inducted into the U.S. Army at the draft board in Memphis, Tennessee, before boarding a bus for Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. (Presley underwent basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, before being shipped off to Germany.)In 1975, Muhammad Ali defeated Chuck Wepner with a technical knockout in the 15th round of a fight in Richfield, Ohio. (Wepner, a journeyman known as the "Bayonne Bleeder," inspired Sylvester Stallone to make his "Rocky" films.)In 1976, the president of Argentina, Isabel Peron, was deposed by her country's military. British war hero Field Marshal Viscount Montgomery, 88, died in Alton, Hampshire, England.In 1980, one of El Salvador's most respected Roman Catholic Church leaders, Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, was shot to death by a sniper as he celebrated Mass in San Salvador.In 1988, former national security aides Oliver L. North and John M. Poindexter and businessmen Richard V. Secord and Albert Hakim pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the Iran-Contra affair. (North and Poindexter were convicted, but had their verdicts thrown out; Secord and Hakim received probation after each pleaded guilty to a single count under a plea bargain.)In 1995, after 20 years, British soldiers stopped routine patrols in Belfast, Northern Ireland.In 1998, two students, ages 13 and 11, opened fire outside Jonesboro Westside Middle School in Arkansas, killing four classmates and a teacher. (The gunmen were imprisoned by Arkansas until age 18, then by federal authorities until age 21.)In 1999, NATO launched airstrikes against Yugoslavia, marking the first time in its 50-year existence that it had ever attacked a sovereign country. Thirty-nine people were killed when fire erupted in the Mont Blanc tunnel in France and burned for two days.In 2001, U.S. skater Michelle Kwan won her fourth World Figure Skating title in Vancouver, British Columbia; Irina Slutskaya of Russia got the silver, and American Sarah Hughes earned the bronze.Ten years ago: Keeping a promise he'd made to anti-abortion Democratic lawmakers to assure passage of his historic health care legislation, President Barack Obama signed an executive order against using federal funds to pay for elective abortions covered by private insurance. Actor Robert Culp died in Los Angeles at age 79. Singer Johnny Maestro died in Florida at age 70.Five years ago: Germanwings Flight 9525, an Airbus A320, crashed into the French Alps, killing all 150 people on board; investigators said the jetliner was deliberately downed by the 27-year-old co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz. President Barack Obama received Afghan President Ashraf Ghani at the White House, where Obama agreed to slow the U.S military pullout from Afghanistan at the request of its new government but insisted the delay would not jeopardize his commitment to end America's longest war before leaving office.One year ago: Attorney General William Barr reported that special counsel Robert Mueller did not find evidence that President Donald Trump's campaign "conspired or coordinated" with Russia to influence the 2016 presidential election, but reached no conclusion on whether Trump obstructed justice; Democrats pointed out that Mueller had found evidence for and against obstruction, and they demanded to see his full report. (The report would be released in April.) New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski announced that he was retiring from the NFL after nine seasons, which had included three Super Bowl victories.Today's Birthdays: Poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti is 101. Actor William Smith is 87. Fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie is 81. Former Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire is 73. Rock musician Lee Oskar is 72. Singer Nick Lowe is 71. Rock musician Dougie Thomson (Supertramp) is 69. Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger is 69. Comedian Louie Anderson is 67. Actress Donna Pescow is 66. Actor Robert Carradine is 66. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Indiana, is 66. Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is 64. Actress Kelly LeBrock is 60. Rhythm-and-blues DJ Rodney "Kool Kollie" Terry (Ghostown DJs) is 59. TV personality Star Jones is 58. Country-rock musician Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers) is 56. Actor Peter Jacobson is 55. Rock singer-musician Sharon Corr (The Corrs) is 50. Actress Lauren Bowles is 50. Actress Lara Flynn Boyle is 50. Rapper Maceo (AKA P.A. Pasemaster Mase) is 50. Actress Megyn Price is 49. Actor Jim Parsons is 47. Christian rock musician Chad Butler (Switchfoot) is 46. Actress Alyson Hannigan is 46. Former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning is 44. Actress Amanda Brugel (TV: "The Handmaid's Tale") is 43. Actress Olivia Burnette is 43. Actress Jessica Chastain is 43. Actor Amir Arison is 42. Actress Lake Bell is 41. Rock musician Benj Gershman (O.A.R.) is 40. Neo-soul musician Jesse Phillips (St. Paul &amp; the Broken Bones) is 40. Actor Philip Winchester (TV: "Strike Back") is 39. Dancer Val Chmerkovskiy is 34. Actress Keisha Castle-Hughes is 30.Thought for Today: "Either you think, or else others have to think for you and take power from you, pervert and discipline your natural tastes, civilize and sterilize you." — F. Scott Fitzgerald, American author (1896-1940).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- March 24

<a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>


HUTCHINSON — 
A tax law professor from Washburn University says it's important to 
watch Congress for changes after the filing and payment deadline has 
been moved back to July 15 for this year.

"We may see more 
developments concerning that," said Roger McEowen, the Kansas Farm 
Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University
 School of Law. "There was a provision put in some late 2019 
legislation, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, that had a 
provision in it that puts an automatic trigger on the tax code provision
 anytime that the President declares an emergency or a disaster area, 
then there's an automatic shut off of the tax provisions for that 
particular area until 60 days after the emergency or disaster is 
declared over. There is no geographic limitation on that."

Since the President has declared a nationwide disaster, that could present some issues.

"The
 Treasury secretary and the IRS have not fully accepted that yet," 
McEowen said. "They missed the provision in the disaster legislation. 
That's why you saw initially the payment deadline move, but not the 
filing deadline. It was pointed out to them that, look, you can't do 
that. They both automatically move. It's until 60 days after the 
declaration's over. Well, they haven't accepted that fact yet, so that 
could still move."

Also, the CARES legislation, which is the 
latest response from Congress to the COVID-19 crisis is still alive and 
working and changes could come through that.

"The question is, how
 long is it going to take?" McEowen said. "That's the problem I woke up 
to this morning. The other side of the aisle now wants to propose their 
own bill. Once you do that, that really grinds things down pretty slowly
 in the Congress. We'll see. This may take some time. However, they 
really don't have time to get this done. They need to put the politics 
aside and get things done."

There are also discussions about 
everything up to a full on tax holiday that remain on the table as long 
as the legislation isn't in its final form, according to McEowen, but 
what comes out in the end remains to be seen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977157818.jpeg" alt="Roger McEowen" />
 <figcaption>Roger McEowen</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
<a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>
HUTCHINSON — 
A tax law professor from Washburn University says it's important to 
watch Congress for changes after the filing and payment deadline has 
been moved back to July 15 for this year."We may see more 
developments concerning that," said Roger McEowen, the Kansas Farm 
Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University
 School of Law. "There was a provision put in some late 2019 
legislation, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, that had a 
provision in it that puts an automatic trigger on the tax code provision
 anytime that the President declares an emergency or a disaster area, 
then there's an automatic shut off of the tax provisions for that 
particular area until 60 days after the emergency or disaster is 
declared over. There is no geographic limitation on that."Since the President has declared a nationwide disaster, that could present some issues."The
 Treasury secretary and the IRS have not fully accepted that yet," 
McEowen said. "They missed the provision in the disaster legislation. 
That's why you saw initially the payment deadline move, but not the 
filing deadline. It was pointed out to them that, look, you can't do 
that. They both automatically move. It's until 60 days after the 
declaration's over. Well, they haven't accepted that fact yet, so that 
could still move."Also, the CARES legislation, which is the 
latest response from Congress to the COVID-19 crisis is still alive and 
working and changes could come through that."The question is, how
 long is it going to take?" McEowen said. "That's the problem I woke up 
to this morning. The other side of the aisle now wants to propose their 
own bill. Once you do that, that really grinds things down pretty slowly
 in the Congress. We'll see. This may take some time. However, they 
really don't have time to get this done. They need to put the politics 
aside and get things done."There are also discussions about 
everything up to a full on tax holiday that remain on the table as long 
as the legislation isn't in its final form, according to McEowen, but 
what comes out in the end remains to be seen.

Professor: Emergency will have impact on tax law, but it's still fuzzy

Several small earthquakes rattled parts of Saline, Dickinson, and Marion counties Sunday, according to the Kansas Geological Survey.

The first, a magnitude 2 quake shook part of southeast Saline County at 8:26 a.m. Sunday. The quake was centered southeast of the intersection of East Farrelly Road and South Niles Road.

At 12:34 p.m., a 2.1 magnitude quake shook part of Marion County. The earthquake was centered just north of 270th Street and west of Pawnee Road, northeast of Marion Reservoir.

The third, a 3.3 magnitude quake, rattled part of Dickinson County near Hope at 12:50 p.m. Sunday. That quake was centered north of 800 Avenue and between Rain Road on the west and Sage Road on the east.

At 1:34 p.m., a 2.5 magnitude quake also shook part of Dickinson County a little bit south and east of the first. The quake was centered north of Kansas Highway 4 and just a bit west of Sage Road.

Several small earthquakes rattled parts of Saline, Dickinson, and Marion counties Sunday, according to the Kansas Geological Survey.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585019266304.jpeg" alt="The location of the Saline County earthquake. Maps courtesy KGS" />
 <figcaption>The location of the Saline County earthquake. Maps courtesy KGS</figcaption>
 </figure>The first, a magnitude 2 quake shook part of southeast Saline County at 8:26 a.m. Sunday. The quake was centered southeast of the intersection of East Farrelly Road and South Niles Road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585019323493.jpeg" alt="The location of the Marion County quake." />
 <figcaption>The location of the Marion County quake.</figcaption>
 </figure>At 12:34 p.m., a 2.1 magnitude quake shook part of Marion County. The earthquake was centered just north of 270th Street and west of Pawnee Road, northeast of Marion Reservoir.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585019377341.jpeg" alt="The location of the first Dickinson County quake on Sunday." />
 <figcaption>The location of the first Dickinson County quake on Sunday.</figcaption>
 </figure>The third, a 3.3 magnitude quake, rattled part of Dickinson County near Hope at 12:50 p.m. Sunday. That quake was centered north of 800 Avenue and between Rain Road on the west and Sage Road on the east.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585019450699.jpeg" alt="The location of the second Dickinson County quake on Sunday." />
 <figcaption>The location of the second Dickinson County quake on Sunday.</figcaption>
 </figure>At 1:34 p.m., a 2.5 magnitude quake also shook part of Dickinson County a little bit south and east of the first. The quake was centered north of Kansas Highway 4 and just a bit west of Sage Road.

KGS: Several quakes rattle area counties

Saline County Commission meetings will take place via telephone conference until further notice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interested persons can view the meetings on Salina Media Connection, either via Cox Cable Channel 20 or online at <a href="http://www.salinatv.org">www.salinatv.org</a>.

To participate in the meetings, persons will need to dial (785) 621-0800 and enter Participant Code 782956 followed by #. Those who wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the chairman requests public comment on an item, MUST dial *9. This will alert the moderator, who will open your line.

The county commission agenda for Tuesday includes the following items.

•Copier agreement -- Sherry Krous, grant budget specialist, community corrections

•2022 High Risk Rural Road program -- Justin Mader, county engineer

•Railroad crossing projects -- Mader

•Bid award for traffic paint and beads -- Mader

•Construction manager at risk contract -- Hannah Stambaugh, deputy county administrator

•Temporary COVID-1 advanced paid leave directive -- Marilyn Leamer, human resources director

Policy 40.32 Procurement, Purchasing and Contracts

Policy 40.41 Responsibility to Report To Work in Adverse Situations

Policy xx.xx Law Enforcement Field Training Officers and Road and Bridge/Expo Center Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Certified Commercial Driver's License Trainer's Requirements and pay

Policy xx.xx Employee Years of Recognition

Saline County Commission meetings will take place via telephone conference until further notice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Interested persons can view the meetings on Salina Media Connection, either via Cox Cable Channel 20 or online at <a href="http://www.salinatv.org">www.salinatv.org</a>.To participate in the meetings, persons will need to dial (785) 621-0800 and enter Participant Code 782956 followed by #. Those who wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the chairman requests public comment on an item, MUST dial *9. This will alert the moderator, who will open your line.The county commission agenda for Tuesday includes the following items.•Copier agreement -- Sherry Krous, grant budget specialist, community corrections•2022 High Risk Rural Road program -- Justin Mader, county engineer•Railroad crossing projects -- Mader•Bid award for traffic paint and beads -- Mader•Construction manager at risk contract -- Hannah Stambaugh, deputy county administrator•Temporary COVID-1 advanced paid leave directive -- Marilyn Leamer, human resources director•Employee Policies -- LeamerPolicy 30.12 Funeral LeavePolicy 30.13 Health and Dental InsurancePolicy 40.32 Procurement, Purchasing and ContractsPolicy 40.35 Employee lD CardsPolicy 40.41 Responsibility to Report To Work in Adverse SituationsPolicy xx.xx County Credit CardsPolicy xx.xx Law Enforcement Field Training Officers and Road and Bridge/Expo Center Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Certified Commercial Driver's License Trainer's Requirements and payPolicy xx.xx Employee Years of RecognitionTo see the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet (172 page pdf, <a href="https://www.saline.org/Government/County/Commission-Documents">click here</a>.

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