UPDATE: We have been notified that this event has been canceled.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2020 Saline County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol &amp; Rescue Squad Rodeo.

The rodeo is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 3-4 in Kenwood Park's Agriculture Hall.

Advanced-sale tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for children, with children under age 5 admitted at no charge. Advanced tickets are available at Vanderbilt's, Cowboy Cleaners, and Orscheln Farm &amp; Home, according to information from the Saline County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol &amp; Rescue Squad.

Tickets at the gate will be $8 for adults and $4 for children, with children under age 5 admitted at no charge. 

The Saline County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol &amp; Rescue Squad is an all-volunteer organization, that dates back to 1952. Originally the Sheriff’s Posse, the organization has now become the search and rescue unit for Saline County and surrounding areas. 

For more than 50 years, the rodeo has been the organization's only means of fundraising to purchase rescue equipment and cover expenses incurred in its operation. While the organization is a stand-alone, non-profit division of the sheriff’s office, it does not receive funding or financial support from the county.

UPDATE: We have been notified that this event has been canceled.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583344297612.jpeg" alt="Saline County Mounted Patrol &amp; Rescue Squad Offical Logo smaller.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Saline County Mounted Patrol &amp; Rescue Squad Offical Logo smaller.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Tickets are now on sale for the 2020 Saline County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol &amp; Rescue Squad Rodeo.The rodeo is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 3-4 in Kenwood Park's Agriculture Hall.Advanced-sale tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for children, with children under age 5 admitted at no charge. Advanced tickets are available at Vanderbilt's, Cowboy Cleaners, and Orscheln Farm &amp; Home, according to information from the Saline County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol &amp; Rescue Squad.Tickets at the gate will be $8 for adults and $4 for children, with children under age 5 admitted at no charge. The Saline County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol &amp; Rescue Squad is an all-volunteer organization, that dates back to 1952. Originally the Sheriff’s Posse, the organization has now become the search and rescue unit for Saline County and surrounding areas. For more than 50 years, the rodeo has been the organization's only means of fundraising to purchase rescue equipment and cover expenses incurred in its operation. While the organization is a stand-alone, non-profit division of the sheriff’s office, it does not receive funding or financial support from the county.

UPDATE: Mounted Patrol & Rescue Squad rodeo canceled

Saline County has announced another road closure for drainage work.

North Reese Road between West Stimmel Road and Watkins Road will be closed to through traffic beginning Saturday for replacement of a crossroad drainage structure over Eff Creek, according to information from the Saline County Road and Bridge Department. 

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583341313022.png" alt="Map courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Saline County has announced another road closure for drainage work.North Reese Road between West Stimmel Road and Watkins Road will be closed to through traffic beginning Saturday for replacement of a crossroad drainage structure over Eff Creek, according to information from the Saline County Road and Bridge Department. Weather permitting, the roadway will be opened by the end of May 2020. Motorists are advised to allow a few extra minutes of travel time to reach their destinations. Local and emergency traffic will be provided access to private property within the sections of closed road at all times but only from the side upon which the property lies.

County closes part of North Reese Road for drainage work

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Police are looking for a suspect in connection to an alleged attempted kidnapping late Tuesday afternoon in central Salina.

According to Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus, a 22-year-old Salina woman was at her mailbox along the street in the 600 block of South Front Street when an older light blue or turquois pickup pulled up. The driver opened the passenger door, showed a small black handgun to the woman, and told her to get in the pickup, Hanus said.

The woman fled back to her residence, he said.

The driver was described as having a dark complexion and short brown or black hair, and was thought to be taller and in his late 40s, Hanus said. The driver was wearing a black t-shirt and a blue bandana across his face, he added.

There are no suspects at this time and police are actively looking for surveillance video from the area, Hanus said. 

Persons with information about this case are asked to contact the Salina Police Department Detective Division at 785-826-7210 or contact Crimstoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637, or visit www.pd.salina.org and follow Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip. 

Police are looking for a suspect in connection to an alleged attempted kidnapping late Tuesday afternoon in central Salina.According to Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus, a 22-year-old Salina woman was at her mailbox along the street in the 600 block of South Front Street when an older light blue or turquois pickup pulled up. The driver opened the passenger door, showed a small black handgun to the woman, and told her to get in the pickup, Hanus said.The woman fled back to her residence, he said.The driver was described as having a dark complexion and short brown or black hair, and was thought to be taller and in his late 40s, Hanus said. The driver was wearing a black t-shirt and a blue bandana across his face, he added.There are no suspects at this time and police are actively looking for surveillance video from the area, Hanus said. Persons with information about this case are asked to contact the Salina Police Department Detective Division at 785-826-7210 or contact Crimstoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637, or visit www.pd.salina.org and follow Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip.

Police seek suspect in alleged attempted kidnapping Tuesday

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher

I was recently out of town for a week traveling to multiple locations in the country. My family stayed home to continue the day-to-day routines.

While I was gone, our community’s Daddy Daughter Date Night took place. The event had been added onto our family calendar the day the flyer was sent home from school. It was the important topic of conversation during many breakfasts and dinners in our kitchen for weeks leading up to the event.

My 4-year-old daughter, Isannah, obsessed over the idea of a Daddy Daughter Date Night and all of the glamour associated with it. Her voice would instantly rise to an excitedly high-pitched squeak every time she’d mention the words “Daddy Daughter Date Night.”

She’d straighten her posture, walk on her tiptoes and prance around the house exclaiming she was going on a fancy date. She also made sure to routinely remind my husband that he, in fact, would be available to take her, and it was going to be fabulous.

Both of my children have benefitted from hand-me-downs over the years. With multiple older cousins who grow fast, we’ve been able to add many outfits into the kids’ closets for a new lease on life. Isannah has especially benefited from having an older, stylish girl cousin who routinely sends beautiful clothes to be worn again by my girl. We have established quite a collection of holiday dresses, party dresses and princess dresses thanks to this wardrobe sharing agreement.

When my daughter first presented the handout detailing the Daddy Daughter Date Night event, I knew we wouldn’t need to go dress shopping because we have plenty of options at home.

As the special night approached, I was out of town. I worried I wouldn’t be home to do my daughter’s hair, let alone help her pick out her dress for this clearly momentous event in my little girl’s life. Nonetheless, my girl proved she didn’t necessarily need me to be there to help when I received a text message from my mother-in-law with an attached picture.

The image showed my little girl sitting on her daddy’s lap with a bright smile before leaving for their date night. She had selected her dress and all of the accessories, and you could tell she was proud to have personally selected her date night outfit all by herself. You could tell she knew that she was going to be the fanciest little girl at the dance.

The dress she chose to wear was not one of her cousin’s fancy, princess-like dresses I had anticipated she’d choose. Instead, it was a beautiful black dress with red ruffles and polka dots I had purchased for her while I was in Madrid, Spain, last year. The “flamingo dress,” as she refers to it, was accessorized with a beautiful red flower hair clip, grey yoga pants and athletic shoes. It was the exact same outfit she excitingly wore in October ... for Halloween!

While I’m sure this will not be the mindset my daughter will have when it comes to prom dresses many years from now, I can’t help but smile whenever I think of how Isannah approached this special night by embracing her own style — obviously without the help of her parents — and totally and fabulously nailing it while enjoying a special evening out with her daddy! 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575904358712.png" alt="Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy KFB" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy KFB</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancherI was recently out of town for a week traveling to multiple locations in the country. My family stayed home to continue the day-to-day routines.While I was gone, our community’s Daddy Daughter Date Night took place. The event had been added onto our family calendar the day the flyer was sent home from school. It was the important topic of conversation during many breakfasts and dinners in our kitchen for weeks leading up to the event.My 4-year-old daughter, Isannah, obsessed over the idea of a Daddy Daughter Date Night and all of the glamour associated with it. Her voice would instantly rise to an excitedly high-pitched squeak every time she’d mention the words “Daddy Daughter Date Night.”She’d straighten her posture, walk on her tiptoes and prance around the house exclaiming she was going on a fancy date. She also made sure to routinely remind my husband that he, in fact, would be available to take her, and it was going to be fabulous.Both of my children have benefitted from hand-me-downs over the years. With multiple older cousins who grow fast, we’ve been able to add many outfits into the kids’ closets for a new lease on life. Isannah has especially benefited from having an older, stylish girl cousin who routinely sends beautiful clothes to be worn again by my girl. We have established quite a collection of holiday dresses, party dresses and princess dresses thanks to this wardrobe sharing agreement.When my daughter first presented the handout detailing the Daddy Daughter Date Night event, I knew we wouldn’t need to go dress shopping because we have plenty of options at home.As the special night approached, I was out of town. I worried I wouldn’t be home to do my daughter’s hair, let alone help her pick out her dress for this clearly momentous event in my little girl’s life. Nonetheless, my girl proved she didn’t necessarily need me to be there to help when I received a text message from my mother-in-law with an attached picture.The image showed my little girl sitting on her daddy’s lap with a bright smile before leaving for their date night. She had selected her dress and all of the accessories, and you could tell she was proud to have personally selected her date night outfit all by herself. You could tell she knew that she was going to be the fanciest little girl at the dance.The dress she chose to wear was not one of her cousin’s fancy, princess-like dresses I had anticipated she’d choose. Instead, it was a beautiful black dress with red ruffles and polka dots I had purchased for her while I was in Madrid, Spain, last year. The “flamingo dress,” as she refers to it, was accessorized with a beautiful red flower hair clip, grey yoga pants and athletic shoes. It was the exact same outfit she excitingly wore in October ... for Halloween!While I’m sure this will not be the mindset my daughter will have when it comes to prom dresses many years from now, I can’t help but smile whenever I think of how Isannah approached this special night by embracing her own style — obviously without the help of her parents — and totally and fabulously nailing it while enjoying a special evening out with her daddy! "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Embrace your own style

"Pandemic Planning for Faith-Based Organizations" is the the topic of an upcoming workshop at Kansas Wesleyan University.

The event is scheduled for 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesday in room 113 of Peters Science Hall, and will be led by&nbsp;Dr. Lonnie Booker, KWU’s director of emergency management, and&nbsp; John Burchill, associate professor of criminal justice.

“The Center for Disease Control has called for organizations to ‘dust off’ their pandemic plans due to the spread of coronavirus,” Booker said. “Too often, however, faith-based organizations and groups continue on as usual and do not understand the role they can play in a pandemic situation. We hope this workshop encourages faith-based groups to create a plan for these situations.”

The event will cover numerous topics including mitigation, response and recovery. There will be discussions on how to continue operations in the event of a pandemic. Attendees will also learn how to make plan templates that can help their organizations move forward should a pandemic occur.

There is a $30 per person cost to attend Tuesday’s event, and the fee includes a boxed lunch. For more information or to RSVP, please call 785-833-4360 or email Booker at <a href="mailto:lonnie.booker@kwu.edu">lonnie.booker@kwu.edu</a>. RSVPs are requested by Sunday.

--<a href="http://kwu.edu">KWU</a>--

"Pandemic Planning for Faith-Based Organizations" is the the topic of an upcoming workshop at Kansas Wesleyan University.The event is scheduled for 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesday in room 113 of Peters Science Hall, and will be led by&nbsp;Dr. Lonnie Booker, KWU’s director of emergency management, and&nbsp; John Burchill, associate professor of criminal justice.“The Center for Disease Control has called for organizations to ‘dust off’ their pandemic plans due to the spread of coronavirus,” Booker said. “Too often, however, faith-based organizations and groups continue on as usual and do not understand the role they can play in a pandemic situation. We hope this workshop encourages faith-based groups to create a plan for these situations.”The event will cover numerous topics including mitigation, response and recovery. There will be discussions on how to continue operations in the event of a pandemic. Attendees will also learn how to make plan templates that can help their organizations move forward should a pandemic occur.There is a $30 per person cost to attend Tuesday’s event, and the fee includes a boxed lunch. For more information or to RSVP, please call 785-833-4360 or email Booker at <a href="mailto:lonnie.booker@kwu.edu">lonnie.booker@kwu.edu</a>. RSVPs are requested by Sunday.--<a href="http://kwu.edu">KWU</a>--

KWU announces pandemic planning workshop

Today is Wednesday, March 4, the 64th day of 2020. There are 302 days left in the year.

On March 4, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated for a second term of office; with the end of the Civil War in sight, Lincoln declared: "With malice toward none, with charity for all."

In 1789, the Constitution of the United States went into effect as the first Federal Congress met in New York. (The lawmakers then adjourned for lack of a quorum.)

In 1793, George Washington was sworn in for a second term as president of the United States during a ceremony in Philadelphia.

In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge's inauguration was broadcast live on 21 radio stations coast-to-coast.

In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt took office as America's 32nd president.

In 1964, Teamsters president James Hoffa and three co-defendants were found guilty by a federal court in Chattanooga, Tennessee, of jury tampering.

In 1966, John Lennon of The Beatles was quoted in the London Evening Standard as saying, "We're more popular than Jesus now." (After his comments caused an angry backlash in the United States, Lennon sought to clarify his remarks, telling reporters, "If I had said television was more popular than Jesus, I might have got away with it.")

In 1974, the first issue of People magazine, then called People Weekly, was published by Time-Life Inc.; on the cover was actress Mia Farrow.

In 1977, some 1,500 people were killed in an earthquake that shook southern and eastern Europe.

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan addressed the nation on the Iran-Contra affair, acknowledging that his overtures to Iran had "deteriorated" into an arms-for-hostages deal.

In 1994, in New York, four extremists were convicted of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing that killed six people and injured more than a thousand. Actor-comedian John Candy died in Durango, Mexico, at age 43.

In 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that sexual harassment at work can be illegal even when the offender and victim are of the same gender.

Ten years ago: A Hollister, California, man with a history of severe psychiatric problems opened fire at a Pentagon security checkpoint; John Patrick Bedell, 36, wounded two police officers before being killed by police. Two Germans and two Turkish men were convicted in Duesseldorf over a foiled 2007 plot to attack U.S. targets in Germany and given prison sentences ranging up to 12 years. Turkey, a key Muslim ally of the United States, angrily withdrew its ambassador after a congressional committee approved a resolution branding the World War I killing of Armenians a genocide. (The measure, however, was never taken up by the 111th Congress.)

Five years ago: The trial of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, charged in the Boston Marathon bombing, began with a statement from his attorney that the 21-year-old former college student committed the crime but did not deserve to die due to the malevolent influence of his dead older brother, Tamerlan ; prosecutors called to the witness stand three women who suffered severe injuries in the blasts. (Tsarnaev was convicted and sentenced to death.) The Justice Department cleared Darren Wilson, a white former Ferguson, Missouri, police officer, in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18-year-old, but also issued a scathing report calling for sweeping changes in city law enforcement practices. A House committee investigating the Benghazi, Libya, attacks issued subpoenas for the emails of Hillary Rodham Clinton; the subpoenas from the Republican-led Select Committee on Benghazi came the same day The Associated Press reported the existence of a personal email server traced back to the Chappaqua, New York, home of Clinton.

One year ago: Lottery officials announced that a South Carolina resident had come forward to claim the $1.5 billion Mega Millions jackpot from the previous October but chose to remain anonymous; the jackpot was the largest payout to a single winner in U.S. history. Actor Luke Perry, who'd gained instant heartthrob status on the TV show "Beverly Hills, 90210," died in Los Angeles after suffering a massive stroke; he was 52. Juan Corona, who'd gained the nickname "The Machete Murderer" for hacking to death dozens of migrant farm laborers in California in the early 1970s, died at the age of 85; he'd been serving a life sentence in state prison.

Today's Birthdays: Actress Paula Prentiss is 82. Movie director Adrian Lyne is 79. Singer Shakin' Stevens is 72. Author James Ellroy is 72. Former Energy Secretary Rick Perry is 70. Singer Chris Rea is 69. Actor/rock singer-musician Ronn Moss is 68. Actress Kay Lenz is 67. Musician Emilio Estefan is 67. Movie director Scott Hicks is 67. Actress Catherine O'Hara is 66. Actor Mykelti Williamson is 63. Actress Patricia Heaton is 62. Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., is 62. Actor Steven Weber is 59. Rock musician Jason Newsted is 57. Actress Stacy Edwards is 55. Rapper Grand Puba is 54. Rock musician Patrick Hannan (The Sundays) is 54. Rock singer Evan Dando (Lemonheads) is 53. Actress Patsy Kensit is 52. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., is 52. Gay rights activist Chaz Bono is 51. Actress Andrea Bendewald is 50. Actor Nick Stabile is 50. Rock musician Fergal Lawler (The Cranberries) is 49. Country singer Jason Sellers is 49. Jazz musician Jason Marsalis is 43. Actress Jessica Heap is 37. Actor Scott Michael Foster is 35. TV personality Whitney Port is 35. Actress Audrey Esparza is 34. Actress Margo Harshman is 34. Actor Josh Bowman is 32. Actress Andrea Bowen is 30. Actress Jenna Boyd is 27.

Thought for Today: "I want to live my life so that my nights are not full of regrets." — D.H. Lawrence, English author (1885-1930).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Wednesday, March 4, the 64th day of 2020. There are 302 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 4, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated for a second term of office; with the end of the Civil War in sight, Lincoln declared: "With malice toward none, with charity for all."On this date:In 1789, the Constitution of the United States went into effect as the first Federal Congress met in New York. (The lawmakers then adjourned for lack of a quorum.)In 1791, Vermont became the 14th state.In 1793, George Washington was sworn in for a second term as president of the United States during a ceremony in Philadelphia.In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge's inauguration was broadcast live on 21 radio stations coast-to-coast.In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt took office as America's 32nd president.In 1964, Teamsters president James Hoffa and three co-defendants were found guilty by a federal court in Chattanooga, Tennessee, of jury tampering.In 1966, John Lennon of The Beatles was quoted in the London Evening Standard as saying, "We're more popular than Jesus now." (After his comments caused an angry backlash in the United States, Lennon sought to clarify his remarks, telling reporters, "If I had said television was more popular than Jesus, I might have got away with it.")In 1974, the first issue of People magazine, then called People Weekly, was published by Time-Life Inc.; on the cover was actress Mia Farrow.In 1977, some 1,500 people were killed in an earthquake that shook southern and eastern Europe.In 1987, President Ronald Reagan addressed the nation on the Iran-Contra affair, acknowledging that his overtures to Iran had "deteriorated" into an arms-for-hostages deal.In 1994, in New York, four extremists were convicted of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing that killed six people and injured more than a thousand. Actor-comedian John Candy died in Durango, Mexico, at age 43.In 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that sexual harassment at work can be illegal even when the offender and victim are of the same gender.Ten years ago: A Hollister, California, man with a history of severe psychiatric problems opened fire at a Pentagon security checkpoint; John Patrick Bedell, 36, wounded two police officers before being killed by police. Two Germans and two Turkish men were convicted in Duesseldorf over a foiled 2007 plot to attack U.S. targets in Germany and given prison sentences ranging up to 12 years. Turkey, a key Muslim ally of the United States, angrily withdrew its ambassador after a congressional committee approved a resolution branding the World War I killing of Armenians a genocide. (The measure, however, was never taken up by the 111th Congress.)Five years ago: The trial of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, charged in the Boston Marathon bombing, began with a statement from his attorney that the 21-year-old former college student committed the crime but did not deserve to die due to the malevolent influence of his dead older brother, Tamerlan ; prosecutors called to the witness stand three women who suffered severe injuries in the blasts. (Tsarnaev was convicted and sentenced to death.) The Justice Department cleared Darren Wilson, a white former Ferguson, Missouri, police officer, in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18-year-old, but also issued a scathing report calling for sweeping changes in city law enforcement practices. A House committee investigating the Benghazi, Libya, attacks issued subpoenas for the emails of Hillary Rodham Clinton; the subpoenas from the Republican-led Select Committee on Benghazi came the same day The Associated Press reported the existence of a personal email server traced back to the Chappaqua, New York, home of Clinton.One year ago: Lottery officials announced that a South Carolina resident had come forward to claim the $1.5 billion Mega Millions jackpot from the previous October but chose to remain anonymous; the jackpot was the largest payout to a single winner in U.S. history. Actor Luke Perry, who'd gained instant heartthrob status on the TV show "Beverly Hills, 90210," died in Los Angeles after suffering a massive stroke; he was 52. Juan Corona, who'd gained the nickname "The Machete Murderer" for hacking to death dozens of migrant farm laborers in California in the early 1970s, died at the age of 85; he'd been serving a life sentence in state prison.Today's Birthdays: Actress Paula Prentiss is 82. Movie director Adrian Lyne is 79. Singer Shakin' Stevens is 72. Author James Ellroy is 72. Former Energy Secretary Rick Perry is 70. Singer Chris Rea is 69. Actor/rock singer-musician Ronn Moss is 68. Actress Kay Lenz is 67. Musician Emilio Estefan is 67. Movie director Scott Hicks is 67. Actress Catherine O'Hara is 66. Actor Mykelti Williamson is 63. Actress Patricia Heaton is 62. Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., is 62. Actor Steven Weber is 59. Rock musician Jason Newsted is 57. Actress Stacy Edwards is 55. Rapper Grand Puba is 54. Rock musician Patrick Hannan (The Sundays) is 54. Rock singer Evan Dando (Lemonheads) is 53. Actress Patsy Kensit is 52. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., is 52. Gay rights activist Chaz Bono is 51. Actress Andrea Bendewald is 50. Actor Nick Stabile is 50. Rock musician Fergal Lawler (The Cranberries) is 49. Country singer Jason Sellers is 49. Jazz musician Jason Marsalis is 43. Actress Jessica Heap is 37. Actor Scott Michael Foster is 35. TV personality Whitney Port is 35. Actress Audrey Esparza is 34. Actress Margo Harshman is 34. Actor Josh Bowman is 32. Actress Andrea Bowen is 30. Actress Jenna Boyd is 27.Thought for Today: "I want to live my life so that my nights are not full of regrets." — D.H. Lawrence, English author (1885-1930).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- March 4

Responsible for operating a fixed route bus to transport passengers in a safe and courteous manner according to the assigned route. The driver is responsible for driving defensively and reacting to emergency situations to ensure the safety of the passengers and the safety of the general public. Responsible for following established company policies and procedures regarding the transportation of passengers, vehicle safety and appearance and the reporting of mechanical, traffic, or behavioral problems encountered; to assist passengers, if needed, to maintain positive public relations with the passengers in the provision of ongoing transportation services.

Must have a safe driving record. Must have two years driving experience. Must be at least 18 years old.

Must have Kansas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger endorsement or ability to obtain it within 30 days of employment. Must have a proven work history. Must have strong oral and written communication skills.

Ability to follow oral directions. Ability to read a road map. Experience in driving a school bus or public transportation bus preferred. Must meet the eligibility requirements of the auto insurance company providing coverage for OCCK vehicles.

OCCK, Inc. is a not-for-profit, mission-based organization that has been providing services to people with disabilities since 1970.

With regional offices throughout North Central Kansas.

Apply at <a href="http://jobs.occk.com/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2020-9700-005&amp;type=JOBDESCR">http://jobs.occk.com/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2020-9700-005&amp;type=JOBDESCR</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576544829259.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Job ResponsibilitiesResponsible for operating a fixed route bus to transport passengers in a safe and courteous manner according to the assigned route. The driver is responsible for driving defensively and reacting to emergency situations to ensure the safety of the passengers and the safety of the general public. Responsible for following established company policies and procedures regarding the transportation of passengers, vehicle safety and appearance and the reporting of mechanical, traffic, or behavioral problems encountered; to assist passengers, if needed, to maintain positive public relations with the passengers in the provision of ongoing transportation services.Job QualificationsMust have a safe driving record. Must have two years driving experience. Must be at least 18 years old.Must have Kansas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger endorsement or ability to obtain it within 30 days of employment. Must have a proven work history. Must have strong oral and written communication skills.Ability to follow oral directions. Ability to read a road map. Experience in driving a school bus or public transportation bus preferred. Must meet the eligibility requirements of the auto insurance company providing coverage for OCCK vehicles.OCCK, Inc. is a not-for-profit, mission-based organization that has been providing services to people with disabilities since 1970.With regional offices throughout North Central Kansas.Help others and getting paid to do so.Apply at <a href="http://jobs.occk.com/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2020-9700-005&amp;type=JOBDESCR">http://jobs.occk.com/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2020-9700-005&amp;type=JOBDESCR</a>

City crack sealing work set to begin Wednesday

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

“Who changes one person, changes the world whole.” That quote from the Jewish Talmud was posted in a Kansas classroom where an idea took shape among an inspirational teacher and three high school girls. The idea would develop into a project which would have impact, literally, around the world. It began in rural Kansas.

Norm Conard was a social studies teacher at Uniontown High School. One of his teaching methods was to involve his students in the National History Day competition.&nbsp;&nbsp;Through the years, nearly 200 of his students received state history awards and more than 60 received national awards. One project in particular had global impact. It was chronicled in a 2011 book titled “Life in a Jar.”

Liz Cambers, Megan Stewart, and Sabrina Coons were students of Mr. Conard’s at Uniontown High School in 1999. He told his students to be thinking about a project on which they could do research for National History Day. Liz Cambers picked up a folder of news clippings to leaf through for ideas. She came across a small story from U.S. News and World Report.

In a few paragraphs, the article told about a Polish social worker named Irena Sendler who smuggled almost 2,500 Jewish children to safety during the Nazi occupation of Warsaw. Liz had never heard of Irena Sendler and neither had Mr. Conard. They figured that perhaps the article had a typo. Maybe she saved 250 children, not 2,500.

Liz decided to look into the history of Irena Sendler. She was joined in the project by two classmates, Megan Stewart and Sabrina Coons. The more they looked into the history, the more amazed they were.

As mentioned, Irena Sendler was a social worker in Warsaw. After the Nazi occupation in 1939, Sendler – who was Catholic, not Jewish herself – observed the plight of Jewish families who were herded into ghettos and ultimately into death camps. She decided to establish a clandestine network to rescue Jewish children.

As conditions worsened, the rescues became even more heart-breaking. Often Irena would have to ask a mother and father to give up their child on the spot, so as to avoid certain death. In later years, Sendler would say, “In my dreams, I still hear the cries when they left their parents.”

The children would be smuggled out of the ghetto and hidden in orphanages, convents, and Polish homes with new non-Jewish identities. Irena kept a private list of their actual names and families and buried the lists in jars in her yard. Nearly 2,500 children were rescued by Sendler and her network before she was captured and severely beaten. The Polish underground arranged for her escape and she survived the war.&nbsp;&nbsp;When communists occupied Poland, they suppressed her story for another 45 years.

The three Kansas girls were captivated by this story. For National History Day, they wrote a play about Irena Sendler’s life titled Life in a Jar. It won multiple awards. More importantly, it had a lifelong impact on these girls.

They continued their research and made an amazing find: Irena Sendler still lived. With support of Jewish relief organizations and others, Mr. Conard and the girls were able to go to Poland and meet her in person several times.

Since that time, other students have stepped in to perform the Life in a Jar play. It has been performed in locations from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. and in Europe.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hallmark produced an Irena Sendler movie. The students have appeared on C-SPAN, National Public Radio, CNN, the Today show, and more.

It’s an impressive record for students from a rural community like Uniontown, population 272 people. Now, that’s rural.

It began as an idea in Norm Conard’s classroom. It became part of a globally recognized effort to honor this one Polish woman who risked her life to save thousands of children.&nbsp;&nbsp;We salute Norm Conard and his students for making a difference in this way. “Who changes one person, changes the world whole.”

And there’s more. Norm Conard would go on to direct a nationally known center. We’ll learn about that next week.

Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.

Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583272969043.jpeg" alt="Irene Sendler. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Irene Sendler. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State University“Who changes one person, changes the world whole.” That quote from the Jewish Talmud was posted in a Kansas classroom where an idea took shape among an inspirational teacher and three high school girls. The idea would develop into a project which would have impact, literally, around the world. It began in rural Kansas.Norm Conard was a social studies teacher at Uniontown High School. One of his teaching methods was to involve his students in the National History Day competition.&nbsp;&nbsp;Through the years, nearly 200 of his students received state history awards and more than 60 received national awards. One project in particular had global impact. It was chronicled in a 2011 book titled “Life in a Jar.”Liz Cambers, Megan Stewart, and Sabrina Coons were students of Mr. Conard’s at Uniontown High School in 1999. He told his students to be thinking about a project on which they could do research for National History Day. Liz Cambers picked up a folder of news clippings to leaf through for ideas. She came across a small story from U.S. News and World Report.In a few paragraphs, the article told about a Polish social worker named Irena Sendler who smuggled almost 2,500 Jewish children to safety during the Nazi occupation of Warsaw. Liz had never heard of Irena Sendler and neither had Mr. Conard. They figured that perhaps the article had a typo. Maybe she saved 250 children, not 2,500.Liz decided to look into the history of Irena Sendler. She was joined in the project by two classmates, Megan Stewart and Sabrina Coons. The more they looked into the history, the more amazed they were.As mentioned, Irena Sendler was a social worker in Warsaw. After the Nazi occupation in 1939, Sendler – who was Catholic, not Jewish herself – observed the plight of Jewish families who were herded into ghettos and ultimately into death camps. She decided to establish a clandestine network to rescue Jewish children.As conditions worsened, the rescues became even more heart-breaking. Often Irena would have to ask a mother and father to give up their child on the spot, so as to avoid certain death. In later years, Sendler would say, “In my dreams, I still hear the cries when they left their parents.”The children would be smuggled out of the ghetto and hidden in orphanages, convents, and Polish homes with new non-Jewish identities. Irena kept a private list of their actual names and families and buried the lists in jars in her yard. Nearly 2,500 children were rescued by Sendler and her network before she was captured and severely beaten. The Polish underground arranged for her escape and she survived the war.&nbsp;&nbsp;When communists occupied Poland, they suppressed her story for another 45 years.The three Kansas girls were captivated by this story. For National History Day, they wrote a play about Irena Sendler’s life titled Life in a Jar. It won multiple awards. More importantly, it had a lifelong impact on these girls.They continued their research and made an amazing find: Irena Sendler still lived. With support of Jewish relief organizations and others, Mr. Conard and the girls were able to go to Poland and meet her in person several times.Since that time, other students have stepped in to perform the Life in a Jar play. It has been performed in locations from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. and in Europe.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hallmark produced an Irena Sendler movie. The students have appeared on C-SPAN, National Public Radio, CNN, the Today show, and more.It’s an impressive record for students from a rural community like Uniontown, population 272 people. Now, that’s rural.It began as an idea in Norm Conard’s classroom. It became part of a globally recognized effort to honor this one Polish woman who risked her life to save thousands of children.&nbsp;&nbsp;We salute Norm Conard and his students for making a difference in this way. “Who changes one person, changes the world whole.”And there’s more. Norm Conard would go on to direct a nationally known center. We’ll learn about that next week.Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

Kansas Profile – Now That’s Rural: Norm Conard, Part 1 – Irena Sendler



TOPEKA -- Two people from our area are among the 2020 Leadership Kansas class, the Kansas Chamber announced Monday. 

Leadership Kansas is a nationally recognized program focused on developing and motivating Kansas leaders from all four corners of the state.

Anthony Hopkins of Kanopolis, a State Farm agent and mayor of Kanopolis

Craig Lofton of Lindsborg, principal and architect with Alloy Architecture

"The Kansas Chamber is excited to welcome the newest Leadership Kansas class. As one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country, Leadership Kansas has a long history of fostering greater awareness and understanding of statewide economic, business, and political issues. The program helps develop our state leaders to make Kansas a stronger and more vibrant business engine." said Kansas Chamber President &amp; CEO Alan Cobb.

This year, Leadership Kansas received more than 600 nominations for the program. After a thorough&nbsp;and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee chose 40 individuals for the 2020 class.&nbsp;The committee and the Leadership Kansas Board of Advisors make every effort to ensure the class reflects the state in regards to geographic, ethnic, occupational, and gender diversity.&nbsp;

The 2020 program begins in late April with an orientation session in Lawrence and ends with graduation in October after the completion of six sessions. The cities the 2020 class will visit for this year's program include Garden City, Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Kansas City, Kan., Leavenworth, Hays, Pittsburg, Hutchinson, Wichita, El Dorado, Manhattan, and Topeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Throughout the six-month program, the class interacts with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government. &nbsp;

To see the full class list, click <a href="http://leadershipkansas.org/alumni/class-of-2020">here</a>.

TOPEKA -- Two people from our area are among the 2020 Leadership Kansas class, the Kansas Chamber announced Monday. Leadership Kansas is a nationally recognized program focused on developing and motivating Kansas leaders from all four corners of the state.Members of the 2020 class include:Anthony Hopkins of Kanopolis, a State Farm agent and mayor of KanopolisCraig Lofton of Lindsborg, principal and architect with Alloy Architecture"The Kansas Chamber is excited to welcome the newest Leadership Kansas class. As one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country, Leadership Kansas has a long history of fostering greater awareness and understanding of statewide economic, business, and political issues. The program helps develop our state leaders to make Kansas a stronger and more vibrant business engine." said Kansas Chamber President &amp; CEO Alan Cobb.This year, Leadership Kansas received more than 600 nominations for the program. After a thorough&nbsp;and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee chose 40 individuals for the 2020 class.&nbsp;The committee and the Leadership Kansas Board of Advisors make every effort to ensure the class reflects the state in regards to geographic, ethnic, occupational, and gender diversity.&nbsp;The 2020 program begins in late April with an orientation session in Lawrence and ends with graduation in October after the completion of six sessions. The cities the 2020 class will visit for this year's program include Garden City, Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Kansas City, Kan., Leavenworth, Hays, Pittsburg, Hutchinson, Wichita, El Dorado, Manhattan, and Topeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout the six-month program, the class interacts with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government. &nbsp;To see the full class list, click <a href="http://leadershipkansas.org/alumni/class-of-2020">here</a>.

Area residents part of 2020 Leadership Kansas class

The Saline County Commission will have much to consider when beginning work on the 2021 budget later this year.

That is the sentiment that came out of the commission's second meeting this morning after a five-year financial projection briefing by County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes.

"Commissioners will have to take a lot into consideration when preparing the 2021 budget with several competing projects such as the emergency radio system, employee benefits, potential Jail project, and Road &amp; Bridge needs," the county's report of the meeting noted.

During the briefing, Commissioner Jim Weese said, "This projection isn’t so much about the numbers, it’s about the message that we’ll have some choices to face."

Other business from this morning's two county commission meetings includes the following, according to the county's meeting report.

Commission Chair Robert Vidricksen announced that the county is seeking expression of interest forms from citizens who have an interest in serving on the Saline County Crime Victims’ Fund Board. The board assists with fiscally aiding victims of crimes and assists in the review of applications of victims applying to receive funds that are derived from diversion fees and reimbursements or restitution collected from offenders. Interested citizens can fill out the form online at:  http://www.saline.org/Government/County/Expression-of-Interest.

Commissioners also received information about the history and financials of the county owned property located at the southeast corner of South Ohio Street and East Schilling Road.  According to the county information, there is just a little more than 300 acres that is leased for farming currently and a small portion leased to a flying club; but the revenues generated from those leases go into two separate funds. Commissioners also learned of additional stipulations on 200 acres of the property should the county decide to sell it or no longer use it for farming purposes, based on an interlocal agreement that was entered into with the City of Salina around 1994, the meeting information noted.

Smith-Hanes also provided an update to commissioners about the current renovations at the senior center, which are now in their fourth week. Smith-Hanes told the commissioners that good progress had been made on the kitchen and bathroom renovations.

Additionally, commissioners met in executive session for attorney/client privilege related to the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of property.

The Saline County Commission will have much to consider when beginning work on the 2021 budget later this year.That is the sentiment that came out of the commission's second meeting this morning after a five-year financial projection briefing by County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes."Commissioners will have to take a lot into consideration when preparing the 2021 budget with several competing projects such as the emergency radio system, employee benefits, potential Jail project, and Road &amp; Bridge needs," the county's report of the meeting noted.During the briefing, Commissioner Jim Weese said, "This projection isn’t so much about the numbers, it’s about the message that we’ll have some choices to face."Other business from this morning's two county commission meetings includes the following, according to the county's meeting report.Commission Chair Robert Vidricksen announced that the county is seeking expression of interest forms from citizens who have an interest in serving on the Saline County Crime Victims’ Fund Board. The board assists with fiscally aiding victims of crimes and assists in the review of applications of victims applying to receive funds that are derived from diversion fees and reimbursements or restitution collected from offenders. Interested citizens can fill out the form online at: http://www.saline.org/Government/County/Expression-of-Interest.Commissioners also received information about the history and financials of the county owned property located at the southeast corner of South Ohio Street and East Schilling Road. According to the county information, there is just a little more than 300 acres that is leased for farming currently and a small portion leased to a flying club; but the revenues generated from those leases go into two separate funds. Commissioners also learned of additional stipulations on 200 acres of the property should the county decide to sell it or no longer use it for farming purposes, based on an interlocal agreement that was entered into with the City of Salina around 1994, the meeting information noted.Smith-Hanes also provided an update to commissioners about the current renovations at the senior center, which are now in their fourth week. Smith-Hanes told the commissioners that good progress had been made on the kitchen and bathroom renovations.Additionally, commissioners met in executive session for attorney/client privilege related to the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of property.

County commissioners discuss five-year financial projection

Last year was a prolific one for tornadoes in Kansas, with the 2019 total nearly double that of the previous year.

Over a 163-day period, a total of 89 tornadoes occurred in Kansas in 2019, while only 45 struck the Sunflower State in 2018, according to the 2020 Kansas Severe Weather Awareness (KSWA) information packet from the National Weather Service (NWS, the state Division of Emergency Management, and the Kansas Emergency Management Association.

No one died in 2019 as a result of the tornadoes, but 16 people were injured, double the number of those injured in 2018, according to the packet.

Following are some additional 2019 tornado statistics as provided in the KSWA packet.

Longest track -- 29.62 miles through Meade, Clark, and Ford counties on May 17. This twister was classified an EF3.

Strongest -- An EF4 tornado in Douglas and Leavenworth counties on May 28.

Most tornadoes in a county -- Six tornadoes were reported in Ford and Meade counties.

Tornado days -- There were 26 days with one or more tornadoes in Kansas.

Most tornadoes in one day -- May 5 and May 28 each saw 13 tornadoes.

Most tornadoes in one month -- May wins this category with 56.

First tornado of the year -- An EFU tornado that was 30 yards wide touched down in Sumner County at 5:38 p.m. on April 17 and traveled 1.11 miles.

Last tornado of the year -- An EF0 tornado that was 50-yard wide touched down in Osage County at 6:56 p.m. and traveled 0.19 of a mile.

While two days in May each had 13 tornadoes, that number is far below the highest total during the modern record-keeping era (1950-present). The top three days are as follows, according to the KSWA packet.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e5bc949b0e367176322793b">Severe Weather Awareness Week begins Monday</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583266985131.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy&nbsp; KSWA packet" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy&nbsp; KSWA packet</figcaption>
 </figure>Last year was a prolific one for tornadoes in Kansas, with the 2019 total nearly double that of the previous year.Over a 163-day period, a total of 89 tornadoes occurred in Kansas in 2019, while only 45 struck the Sunflower State in 2018, according to the 2020 Kansas Severe Weather Awareness (KSWA) information packet from the National Weather Service (NWS, the state Division of Emergency Management, and the Kansas Emergency Management Association.No one died in 2019 as a result of the tornadoes, but 16 people were injured, double the number of those injured in 2018, according to the packet.Following are some additional 2019 tornado statistics as provided in the KSWA packet.Longest track -- 29.62 miles through Meade, Clark, and Ford counties on May 17. This twister was classified an EF3.Strongest -- An EF4 tornado in Douglas and Leavenworth counties on May 28.Most tornadoes in a county -- Six tornadoes were reported in Ford and Meade counties.Tornado days -- There were 26 days with one or more tornadoes in Kansas.Most tornadoes in one day -- May 5 and May 28 each saw 13 tornadoes.Most tornadoes in one month -- May wins this category with 56.First tornado of the year -- An EFU tornado that was 30 yards wide touched down in Sumner County at 5:38 p.m. on April 17 and traveled 1.11 miles.Last tornado of the year -- An EF0 tornado that was 50-yard wide touched down in Osage County at 6:56 p.m. and traveled 0.19 of a mile.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583267133681.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy KSWA packet" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KSWA packet</figcaption>
 </figure>While two days in May each had 13 tornadoes, that number is far below the highest total during the modern record-keeping era (1950-present). The top three days are as follows, according to the KSWA packet.May 23, 2008, 70 tornadoesApril 14, 2012, 43 tornadoesJune 15, 1992, 39 tornadoesREAD: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e5bc949b0e367176322793b">Severe Weather Awareness Week begins Monday</a>

2019 tornado total nearly doubles that of 2018

KANOPOLIS LAKE -- And now you know! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasGeologicalSurvey/">Kansas Geological Survey</a> Facebook page:

KANOPOLIS LAKE -- And now you know! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasGeologicalSurvey/">Kansas Geological Survey</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasGeologicalSurvey%2Fposts%2F2733315250055857&width=500" width="500" height="636" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

KGS: Cone-in-cone has been around for a while

CONCORDIA -- Cloud County Community College will be offering adult education and GED classes in March in Concordia, Junction City, and Clay Center.

The Adult Education program at CCCC offers an adult learning atmosphere to gain skills necessary for success at home and in the workplace. The classes are open to individuals 16 and older who are not enrolled in school. Basic skills and diploma preparation classes are offered afternoons and evenings in Concordia; mornings, afternoons, and evenings in Junction City; and afternoons in Clay Center to accommodate working adults’ schedules. Classes are small with both classroom and computer instruction.

Those who attend can also improve on basic skills in everyday reading, math, and English, as well as learn employability skills while earning WorkReady Credentials. Computer skills are also a part of the courses, where students can gain basic Microsoft Word and Internet skills, and also earn technology certificates.

GED test preparation instruction is also available at all three locations. The centers are located at CCCC’s Concordia campus, at the Geary County campus in Junction City and at Dreams Unlimited in Clay Center.

All students must attend orientation before enrolling in classes. Orientation for new students at Concordia is March 18 and 19, and participants must register by March 17. For students at Junction City, orientation is March 17 and 18, with a registration deadline of March 16. In Clay Center, orientation is March 11 and 12, and students must register by March 10. The first day classes at all three locations is March 23.

All classes are limited in size. For more information or to register for orientation in Concordia or Junction City, contact Debbie Kearn, ABE/GED Director, Cloud County Community College at (785) 243-1435, ext. 335 or (800) 729-5101, ext. 335. For information in the Clay Center area, call Kathy Dawson, Dreams Unlimited coordinator at (785) 632-2588.

CONCORDIA -- Cloud County Community College will be offering adult education and GED classes in March in Concordia, Junction City, and Clay Center.The Adult Education program at CCCC offers an adult learning atmosphere to gain skills necessary for success at home and in the workplace. The classes are open to individuals 16 and older who are not enrolled in school. Basic skills and diploma preparation classes are offered afternoons and evenings in Concordia; mornings, afternoons, and evenings in Junction City; and afternoons in Clay Center to accommodate working adults’ schedules. Classes are small with both classroom and computer instruction.Those who attend can also improve on basic skills in everyday reading, math, and English, as well as learn employability skills while earning WorkReady Credentials. Computer skills are also a part of the courses, where students can gain basic Microsoft Word and Internet skills, and also earn technology certificates.GED test preparation instruction is also available at all three locations. The centers are located at CCCC’s Concordia campus, at the Geary County campus in Junction City and at Dreams Unlimited in Clay Center.All students must attend orientation before enrolling in classes. Orientation for new students at Concordia is March 18 and 19, and participants must register by March 17. For students at Junction City, orientation is March 17 and 18, with a registration deadline of March 16. In Clay Center, orientation is March 11 and 12, and students must register by March 10. The first day classes at all three locations is March 23.All classes are limited in size. For more information or to register for orientation in Concordia or Junction City, contact Debbie Kearn, ABE/GED Director, Cloud County Community College at (785) 243-1435, ext. 335 or (800) 729-5101, ext. 335. For information in the Clay Center area, call Kathy Dawson, Dreams Unlimited coordinator at (785) 632-2588.

CCCC offering adult education, GED classes in multiple locations

An early morning flight beginning Thursday from Salina nonstop to Denver, marks another major improvement in air service for the airport of choice for north-central Kansas.

The United Airlines service, Flight 5147, flown by SkyWest Airlines, departs at 6:10 a.m. from Salina Regional Airport, taking passengers to Denver International — arriving at 6:50 a.m. mountain time, where they can connect to other flights or enjoy a Rocky Mountain weekend.

The difference is that this flight, and future ones, will no longer require stops in Hays, either coming or going.

Then over lunch hour, 12:35 p.m, Flight 5194 will depart nonstop to Chicago O’Hare Airport, landing at 2:39.&nbsp;A mid-afternoon arrival offers better connecting flight times or an afternoon exploring Chicago.

Together, the two hubs (Denver and Chicago) offer connections to 99 cities across the country and the world, said Gary Foss, managing partner of the ArkStar Group, air service consultant to Salina.

The new schedule helps to meld the two flights, allowing travelers the option of using both hubs for the same fare; providing the option of flying out through one and returning through another.

“The nonstop flight to the west (Denver) makes flying east easier, as a customer can fly out using the Chicago O’Hare departure and can return to Salina connecting from Denver without stopping in Hays,” Foss said.

Thursday’s other significant change signals the beginning of daily flights (7 days per week) to Denver and Chicago, eliminating a Saturday gap in the previous schedule.

The flying public is already responding to the changes as more than 43 passengers are booked to board the CRJ-200 regional jets Thursday. More than double that are booked on Friday and Saturday flights.

“The bookings are very strong under the new schedule,” Foss said, “and they’re increasing sharply. Bookings are up significantly every day of the week. That’s very encouraging.” As projected months ago by ArkStar advisers, the market is responding.

“Advance bookings validate the fact that the schedule change will result in continued double passenger growth,” said Tim Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority.“The new schedule enables Salina and area travelers to take full advantage of nonstop flights to Chicago and Denver to make connections for travel throughout the United States and beyond,” he said.

Adding to the time and driving distance advantage for folks in north-central Kansas are competitive air fares.

“There is little reason to drive to another airport,” Foss said. “Air fares from Salina are very competitive with those out of Wichita and Kansas City.”

As always, parking at the Salina Airport is free.

--<a href="https://www.salinaairport.com/">Salina Airport Authority</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576535579375.jpeg" alt="The Salina Regional Airport terminal. Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>The Salina Regional Airport terminal. Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>An early morning flight beginning Thursday from Salina nonstop to Denver, marks another major improvement in air service for the airport of choice for north-central Kansas.The United Airlines service, Flight 5147, flown by SkyWest Airlines, departs at 6:10 a.m. from Salina Regional Airport, taking passengers to Denver International — arriving at 6:50 a.m. mountain time, where they can connect to other flights or enjoy a Rocky Mountain weekend.The difference is that this flight, and future ones, will no longer require stops in Hays, either coming or going.Then over lunch hour, 12:35 p.m, Flight 5194 will depart nonstop to Chicago O’Hare Airport, landing at 2:39.&nbsp;A mid-afternoon arrival offers better connecting flight times or an afternoon exploring Chicago.Together, the two hubs (Denver and Chicago) offer connections to 99 cities across the country and the world, said Gary Foss, managing partner of the ArkStar Group, air service consultant to Salina.The new schedule helps to meld the two flights, allowing travelers the option of using both hubs for the same fare; providing the option of flying out through one and returning through another.“The nonstop flight to the west (Denver) makes flying east easier, as a customer can fly out using the Chicago O’Hare departure and can return to Salina connecting from Denver without stopping in Hays,” Foss said.Thursday’s other significant change signals the beginning of daily flights (7 days per week) to Denver and Chicago, eliminating a Saturday gap in the previous schedule.The flying public is already responding to the changes as more than 43 passengers are booked to board the CRJ-200 regional jets Thursday. More than double that are booked on Friday and Saturday flights.“The bookings are very strong under the new schedule,” Foss said, “and they’re increasing sharply. Bookings are up significantly every day of the week. That’s very encouraging.” As projected months ago by ArkStar advisers, the market is responding.“Advance bookings validate the fact that the schedule change will result in continued double passenger growth,” said Tim Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority.“The new schedule enables Salina and area travelers to take full advantage of nonstop flights to Chicago and Denver to make connections for travel throughout the United States and beyond,” he said.Adding to the time and driving distance advantage for folks in north-central Kansas are competitive air fares.“There is little reason to drive to another airport,” Foss said. “Air fares from Salina are very competitive with those out of Wichita and Kansas City.”As always, parking at the Salina Airport is free.--<a href="https://www.salinaairport.com/">Salina Airport Authority</a>--

Nonstop to Denver enhances air travel out of Salina airport

Saline County has announced the closing of part of Rose Hill Road for drainage work.

Rose Hill Road between Muir Road and Hohneck Road will be closed to through traffic beginning Wednesday for replacement of a crossroad drainage structure, according to information provided by the Saline County Road and Bridge Department. Weather permitting the roadway is expected to be opened by the end of May 2020. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583251911441.png" alt="Map courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Saline County has announced the closing of part of Rose Hill Road for drainage work.Rose Hill Road between Muir Road and Hohneck Road will be closed to through traffic beginning Wednesday for replacement of a crossroad drainage structure, according to information provided by the Saline County Road and Bridge Department. Weather permitting the roadway is expected to be opened by the end of May 2020. Motorists are advised to allow a few extra minutes of travel time to reach their destinations. Local and emergency traffic will be provided access to private property within the sections of closed road at all times but only from the side upon which the property lies, the department noted.

Saline County closing part of Rose Hill Road for drainage work

What kind of weather will Kansas see this spring? Regardless of the answer, we know that now is the time to prepare. 

In addition to multiple safety drills practiced throughout the school year, every school conducts a tornado drill during March. Many of them will participate in the statewide tornado drill scheduled for Tuesday at 10 a.m.

At Salina Public Schools, if a tornado warning begins during the school day, students and staff will take refuge in their building’s storm shelter. Once they relocate to the storm shelters, exterior doors of the school building may be locked and entry into the building is not guaranteed.

When a tornado warning has been announced, the district encourages parents to seek shelter and to wait until after the warning has been lifted before coming to the school. The district will use the School Messenger notification system to update parents by text, email, and phone.

During tornado warnings, school buses will arrive at the nearest school where students will take shelter in that building's storm shelter. Once emergency officials have issued an “all clear,” bus routes will resume and students will be returned safely home. These procedures and information about spring weather safety are on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/for_parents/spring_weather_safety" target="_blank">district website</a>.

What kind of weather will Kansas see this spring? Regardless of the answer, we know that now is the time to prepare. In addition to multiple safety drills practiced throughout the school year, every school conducts a tornado drill during March. Many of them will participate in the statewide tornado drill scheduled for Tuesday at 10 a.m.At Salina Public Schools, if a tornado warning begins during the school day, students and staff will take refuge in their building’s storm shelter. Once they relocate to the storm shelters, exterior doors of the school building may be locked and entry into the building is not guaranteed.When a tornado warning has been announced, the district encourages parents to seek shelter and to wait until after the warning has been lifted before coming to the school. The district will use the School Messenger notification system to update parents by text, email, and phone.During tornado warnings, school buses will arrive at the nearest school where students will take shelter in that building's storm shelter. Once emergency officials have issued an “all clear,” bus routes will resume and students will be returned safely home. These procedures and information about spring weather safety are on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/for_parents/spring_weather_safety" target="_blank">district website</a>.

USD 305 plans for safety during Severe Weather Month

Salina Public Library will offer several programs for youth and teens during spring break,
 March 9-13. 

Along with the library’s spaces for play, reading, and gaming, students will have plenty of options for getting out of the house during the break.

On March 10, youth ages
 10-17 can try their hand at racing robots. Sphero Robot Races will be at 9:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;

Spring Break-out offers
 a chance to work with a team to solve a puzzle before time runs out. Sessions will be March 11 at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. for ages 9-16. Also on March 11, youth ages 5-10 can paint their own piece of unique art during Painted Garden Flowers at 2 p.m.

Ages 8-12 can lift their
 imaginations off the page with 3D Pens at 10:15 or 2 p.m. March 12.&nbsp;

Rounding out the week,
 youth ages 5-11 can create their own tie-dye bookmarks at 2 p.m. March 13. Those ages 10-17 can enjoy three hours of gaming, both video and tabletop, with Spring Break Stay ‘n’ Play starting at 2 p.m. in the Technology Center.

All events are free,
 but do require registration. Visit the events calendar at <a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">
salinapubliclibrary.org</a>, call (785) 825-4624 or stop by the library, 301 W. Elm. Registration opens a week before each event.

Salina Public Library will offer several programs for youth and teens during spring break,
 March 9-13. Along with the library’s spaces for play, reading, and gaming, students will have plenty of options for getting out of the house during the break.On March 10, youth ages
 10-17 can try their hand at racing robots. Sphero Robot Races will be at 9:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;Spring Break-out offers
 a chance to work with a team to solve a puzzle before time runs out. Sessions will be March 11 at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. for ages 9-16. Also on March 11, youth ages 5-10 can paint their own piece of unique art during Painted Garden Flowers at 2 p.m.Ages 8-12 can lift their
 imaginations off the page with 3D Pens at 10:15 or 2 p.m. March 12.&nbsp;Rounding out the week,
 youth ages 5-11 can create their own tie-dye bookmarks at 2 p.m. March 13. Those ages 10-17 can enjoy three hours of gaming, both video and tabletop, with Spring Break Stay ‘n’ Play starting at 2 p.m. in the Technology Center.All events are free,
 but do require registration. Visit the events calendar at <a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">
salinapubliclibrary.org</a>, call (785) 825-4624 or stop by the library, 301 W. Elm. Registration opens a week before each event.

Salina Public Library to offer spring break lineup

Sometimes it is the little amendments offered up by a House or Senate member that don’t get adopted that have you thinking, well, why not?&nbsp;

Both the House and Senate have rules committees that, if asked, consider whether an amendment proposed by a member&nbsp;really relates to the subject of a bill being debated. It’s called being “germane” to the topic of the bill which is being debated.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We guess the idea is that most of those amendments offered during debate have been considered and rejected by the committees which pass the bills to the House or Senate for debate and rejected by those committees. Or…maybe they just weren’t thought-up until the bill is ready for full debate. Or…maybe it is to bring to the full House or Senate an idea that leaders in each chamber would prefer&nbsp;go&nbsp;nowhere.&nbsp;

Last week, those rules committees grew&nbsp;pretty powerful.&nbsp;

In the House, the rules committee said that an amendment to expand Medicaid to thousands of Kansans didn’t really relate to the insurance bill being debated. That bill dealt with health insurance and&nbsp;health care, but not specifically Medicaid.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;the amendment was ruled not germane, and the House adopted its committee’s ruling. Medicaid wasn’t debated or added to the insurance bill. It’ll be tried&nbsp;again but&nbsp;didn’t work last week.&nbsp;

And by not letting those amendments to go a full vote, legislators don’t have to leave footprints on issues raised, just the procedure. Might look better on a campaign flyer to have voted to sustain the decision of a rules committee than to have voted against…say…Medicaid expansion.&nbsp;

In the Senate, there were a couple amendments that sounded pretty good when their authors explained them…before they were ruled not germane and discarded.&nbsp;

One of them that sounded&nbsp;pretty logical, and heart-warming, didn’t get added into a bill that related to a simple change of terminology referring to forced prostitution. It simply changed the term from “sexual relation” to “sex act.”&nbsp;

Pretty simple, and women and young girls forced into prostitution really don’t have a relationship with those who abuse them…just performing a sex act.&nbsp;

The amendment by Sen. David Haley, D-Kansas City, proposed to add to that&nbsp;pretty logical&nbsp;bill to make sure that women, often victims of forcible sex trafficking,&nbsp;do&nbsp;not wind up with their names on court records.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141234707.png" alt="Martin Hawver" />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARTIN HAWVERSometimes it is the little amendments offered up by a House or Senate member that don’t get adopted that have you thinking, well, why not?&nbsp;Both the House and Senate have rules committees that, if asked, consider whether an amendment proposed by a member&nbsp;really relates to the subject of a bill being debated. It’s called being “germane” to the topic of the bill which is being debated.&nbsp;&nbsp;We guess the idea is that most of those amendments offered during debate have been considered and rejected by the committees which pass the bills to the House or Senate for debate and rejected by those committees. Or…maybe they just weren’t thought-up until the bill is ready for full debate. Or…maybe it is to bring to the full House or Senate an idea that leaders in each chamber would prefer&nbsp;go&nbsp;nowhere.&nbsp;Last week, those rules committees grew&nbsp;pretty powerful.&nbsp;In the House, the rules committee said that an amendment to expand Medicaid to thousands of Kansans didn’t really relate to the insurance bill being debated. That bill dealt with health insurance and&nbsp;health care, but not specifically Medicaid.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;the amendment was ruled not germane, and the House adopted its committee’s ruling. Medicaid wasn’t debated or added to the insurance bill. It’ll be tried&nbsp;again but&nbsp;didn’t work last week.&nbsp;And by not letting those amendments to go a full vote, legislators don’t have to leave footprints on issues raised, just the procedure. Might look better on a campaign flyer to have voted to sustain the decision of a rules committee than to have voted against…say…Medicaid expansion.&nbsp;In the Senate, there were a couple amendments that sounded pretty good when their authors explained them…before they were ruled not germane and discarded.&nbsp;One of them that sounded&nbsp;pretty logical, and heart-warming, didn’t get added into a bill that related to a simple change of terminology referring to forced prostitution. It simply changed the term from “sexual relation” to “sex act.”&nbsp;Pretty simple, and women and young girls forced into prostitution really don’t have a relationship with those who abuse them…just performing a sex act.&nbsp;The amendment by Sen. David Haley, D-Kansas City, proposed to add to that&nbsp;pretty logical&nbsp;bill to make sure that women, often victims of forcible sex trafficking,&nbsp;do&nbsp;not wind up with their names on court records.&nbsp;It’s called “vacation,” that erasing the name of the victims so that it doesn’t follow them for the rest of their lives and damage their chances of getting regular jobs and living the lives everyone wants.&nbsp;Sounded like a good idea, a reasonable way to protect those abused women.&nbsp;Or…would have been if it hadn’t been ruled not germane to the base bill.&nbsp;Might be another way to get that “vacation” into law, but an apparently simple one was rejected last week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes, this legislative procedure can be tricky, and the rules are&nbsp;pretty solid&nbsp;so that nobody sneaks into a bill something that isn’t good public policy. You need&nbsp;clear&nbsp;rules so that legislators aren’t tricked into passing a bill that does things they&nbsp;don’t want.&nbsp; That probably over the years has prevented some bad laws from being innocently passed.&nbsp;But every now and again you see something relatively little, with no major effect on the operation of state government, or on most Kansans, get derailed by those rules.&nbsp;Practically, we’ll see whether some of those amendments get on bills in the opposite chamber during committee hearings in the House on Senate-passed and&nbsp;in the Senate on House-passed bills where there’s a chance to have full committee hearings on those amendments.&nbsp;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>.