MANHATTAN — The&nbsp;<a href="https://coe.k-state.edu/rec/index.html" target="_blank">Rural Education Center</a>, housed in the Kansas State University&nbsp;<a href="https://coe.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Education</a>, has established a Rural Professional Development School network to help address rural schools' most pressing needs, provide a forum to share best practices, explore grant opportunities and highlight accomplishments.

Eight districts have joined the initial effort to date and all are part of the Kansas State Department of Education's school redesign project:&nbsp;Ashland&nbsp;USD 220;&nbsp;Clay County&nbsp;USD 379;&nbsp;Dighton USD 482;&nbsp;Haviland&nbsp;USD 474;&nbsp;Lakin&nbsp;USD 215;&nbsp;Liberal USD 480;&nbsp;Pratt&nbsp;Skyline USD 438; and Twin Valley USD 240, which serves Bennington and Tescott.

Drawing on its award-winning Professional Development School model with school districts in the Manhattan area, the rural network provides a collaborative forum designed specifically for rural schools.

"Our faculty has taken the greatest strengths of our existing model, reimagined it for rural schools and attracted partnering districts with education leaders who have an uncompromising commitment to their communities and students," said Debbie Mercer, dean of the College of Education. "This is innovation at its finest."

Todd Goodson, professor and chair of the department of curriculum and instruction, believes it affirms K-State's mission.

"As a land-grant institution, our job is to reach as many Kansans as possible," Goodson said. "With the use of technology and a real-time understanding of the needs in rural schools, we can be more effective at enhancing learning opportunities for teachers and students in ways that are both practical and meaningful."

The seeds for the Rural Professional Development School network were sewn when representatives from the partnering rural districts met following the center's inaugural Rural Education Summit last summer on the K-State campus.

J. Spencer Clark, Rural Education Center director and associate professor of curriculum and instruction, said communication plays a key factor in the new network.

"The Rural Professional School Development network provides a two-way system to keep both the center and the districts informed about ways we can help each other meet the needs of our students," he said. "We're excited to have a strong group of districts in this partnership to help us identify issues and challenges and collectively create solutions tailormade for each district and community."

Kelly Arnberger,&nbsp;Dighton&nbsp;USD 482 superintendent and Dighton Elementary School principal, said he's looking to broaden educational opportunities and experiences for his students.

"Our work to transform learning for the students at Dighton USD 482 is catalyzed with our partnership with Kansas State University," Arnberger said. "At the end of the day, it is about options, and we look forward to providing more options for our students through our work with K-State."

Districts in the Rural Professional School Development network are already benefiting from the Rural Education Center's recent grant. Thanks to the&nbsp;Teaching Rural Students STEM through Tele-Presence&nbsp;national grant, robots will bring more learning opportunities to rural schools. The center received a $146,031 award to create a distance learning network to serve rural schools with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math.

Entering its fifth decade, the Rural Education Center was previously known as the Center for Rural Education and Small Schools. It is led by Clark and Lori Goodson, assistant director and an assistant professor of curriculum and instruction.

Approved by the Kansas Board of Regents in 1978, the center focuses on meeting the needs of rural schools in Kansas. It emphasizes advocacy for rural schools and their communities by pursuing grant opportunities and other sources of funding to support various rural educational projects. Clark and Goodson also plan to conduct research and coordinate various educational activities to support learning opportunities for rural students and teachers. The center is focused on supporting current curriculum initiatives and goals associated with the Kansas State Department of Education school redesign, STEAM education, place-based education, and civic engagement in rural schools.

For more information about Rural Professional School Development and other services of the center, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ruraled@k-state.edu" target="_blank">ruraled@k-state.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583182019374.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

MANHATTAN — The&nbsp;<a href="https://coe.k-state.edu/rec/index.html" target="_blank">Rural Education Center</a>, housed in the Kansas State University&nbsp;<a href="https://coe.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Education</a>, has established a Rural Professional Development School network to help address rural schools' most pressing needs, provide a forum to share best practices, explore grant opportunities and highlight accomplishments.Eight districts have joined the initial effort to date and all are part of the Kansas State Department of Education's school redesign project:&nbsp;Ashland&nbsp;USD 220;&nbsp;Clay County&nbsp;USD 379;&nbsp;Dighton USD 482;&nbsp;Haviland&nbsp;USD 474;&nbsp;Lakin&nbsp;USD 215;&nbsp;Liberal USD 480;&nbsp;Pratt&nbsp;Skyline USD 438; and Twin Valley USD 240, which serves Bennington and Tescott.Drawing on its award-winning Professional Development School model with school districts in the Manhattan area, the rural network provides a collaborative forum designed specifically for rural schools."Our faculty has taken the greatest strengths of our existing model, reimagined it for rural schools and attracted partnering districts with education leaders who have an uncompromising commitment to their communities and students," said Debbie Mercer, dean of the College of Education. "This is innovation at its finest."Todd Goodson, professor and chair of the department of curriculum and instruction, believes it affirms K-State's mission."As a land-grant institution, our job is to reach as many Kansans as possible," Goodson said. "With the use of technology and a real-time understanding of the needs in rural schools, we can be more effective at enhancing learning opportunities for teachers and students in ways that are both practical and meaningful."The seeds for the Rural Professional Development School network were sewn when representatives from the partnering rural districts met following the center's inaugural Rural Education Summit last summer on the K-State campus.J. Spencer Clark, Rural Education Center director and associate professor of curriculum and instruction, said communication plays a key factor in the new network."The Rural Professional School Development network provides a two-way system to keep both the center and the districts informed about ways we can help each other meet the needs of our students," he said. "We're excited to have a strong group of districts in this partnership to help us identify issues and challenges and collectively create solutions tailormade for each district and community."Kelly Arnberger,&nbsp;Dighton&nbsp;USD 482 superintendent and Dighton Elementary School principal, said he's looking to broaden educational opportunities and experiences for his students."Our work to transform learning for the students at Dighton USD 482 is catalyzed with our partnership with Kansas State University," Arnberger said. "At the end of the day, it is about options, and we look forward to providing more options for our students through our work with K-State."Districts in the Rural Professional School Development network are already benefiting from the Rural Education Center's recent grant. Thanks to the&nbsp;Teaching Rural Students STEM through Tele-Presence&nbsp;national grant, robots will bring more learning opportunities to rural schools. The center received a $146,031 award to create a distance learning network to serve rural schools with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math.Entering its fifth decade, the Rural Education Center was previously known as the Center for Rural Education and Small Schools. It is led by Clark and Lori Goodson, assistant director and an assistant professor of curriculum and instruction.Approved by the Kansas Board of Regents in 1978, the center focuses on meeting the needs of rural schools in Kansas. It emphasizes advocacy for rural schools and their communities by pursuing grant opportunities and other sources of funding to support various rural educational projects. Clark and Goodson also plan to conduct research and coordinate various educational activities to support learning opportunities for rural students and teachers. The center is focused on supporting current curriculum initiatives and goals associated with the Kansas State Department of Education school redesign, STEAM education, place-based education, and civic engagement in rural schools.For more information about Rural Professional School Development and other services of the center, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ruraled@k-state.edu" target="_blank">ruraled@k-state.edu</a>.

Area districts part of K-State's rural schools network

Firefighters in Salina and McPherson received promotions today and a new firefighter with ties to Salina joined the McPherson Fire Department. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafire/">Salina Fire</a> Facebook page:

From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/McphersonFireDepartment/">McPherson Fire Department</a> Facebook page:

Firefighters in Salina and McPherson received promotions today and a new firefighter with ties to Salina joined the McPherson Fire Department. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafire/">Salina Fire</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinafire%2Fposts%2F2602056206558556&width=500" width="500" height="755" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/McphersonFireDepartment/">McPherson Fire Department</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMcphersonFireDepartment%2Fposts%2F1979373848876061&width=500" width="500" height="743" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMcphersonFireDepartment%2Fposts%2F1979379142208865&width=500" width="500" height="743" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Local, area firefighters promoted; one joins

Statistics say colorectal cancer is the third-most-common cancer found in both men and women. But fortunately, colorectal cancer found early is often highly curable.

In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, 800 free colorectal cancer screening kits are being made available to anyone age 45 to 75. The screening is recommended for those who have not had a recent colonoscopy. The kits can be picked up at all Salina and Lindsborg pharmacies, the Tammy Walker Cancer Center and Salina Family Healthcare Center while supplies last. A grant from the Salina Charities League is helping to underwrite the screening.

The screening uses an advanced fecal blood test that requires only one sample and has no food or drug restrictions. The samples can then be mailed to Tammy Walker Cancer Center for lab analysis via a pre-paid postage envelope provided. To save money on postage, participants also are welcome to return the tests in person to the Tammy Walker Cancer Center, 511 S. Santa Fe Ave. Results of the test will be mailed to both the patient and their primary care physician. Participants in the screening should return their samples for analysis by May 15.

Health officials recommend all men and women have a colonoscopy at age 50 to screen for colorectal cancer. Between colonoscopies patients can screen with a fecal blood test. Other tests may also be recommended by your physician. Those with a family history of the disease should consider screening at a younger age. African Americans are also known to be at an increased risk for colorectal cancer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583180348456.png" alt="Colon cancer screening kit. Photo courtesy SRHC" />
 <figcaption>Colon cancer screening kit. Photo courtesy SRHC</figcaption>
 </figure>Statistics say colorectal cancer is the third-most-common cancer found in both men and women. But fortunately, colorectal cancer found early is often highly curable.In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, 800 free colorectal cancer screening kits are being made available to anyone age 45 to 75. The screening is recommended for those who have not had a recent colonoscopy. The kits can be picked up at all Salina and Lindsborg pharmacies, the Tammy Walker Cancer Center and Salina Family Healthcare Center while supplies last. A grant from the Salina Charities League is helping to underwrite the screening.The screening uses an advanced fecal blood test that requires only one sample and has no food or drug restrictions. The samples can then be mailed to Tammy Walker Cancer Center for lab analysis via a pre-paid postage envelope provided. To save money on postage, participants also are welcome to return the tests in person to the Tammy Walker Cancer Center, 511 S. Santa Fe Ave. Results of the test will be mailed to both the patient and their primary care physician. Participants in the screening should return their samples for analysis by May 15.Health officials recommend all men and women have a colonoscopy at age 50 to screen for colorectal cancer. Between colonoscopies patients can screen with a fecal blood test. Other tests may also be recommended by your physician. Those with a family history of the disease should consider screening at a younger age. African Americans are also known to be at an increased risk for colorectal cancer.

Free colorectal cancer screening kits available in March

LINDSBORG -- Prison reform will be the topic of a panel forum at Bethany College on Tuesday.

Hosted by Bethany's criminal justice program, the event is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Tuesday in Nelson Lecture Hall. The forum is open to the public at no charge.

According to Rande Repp, coordinator of Bethany's criminal justice program, the panel will include representatives from the Kansas Department of Corrections, the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office, various other law enforcement officials, academia, and private attorneys. 

LINDSBORG -- Prison reform will be the topic of a panel forum at Bethany College on Tuesday.Hosted by Bethany's criminal justice program, the event is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Tuesday in Nelson Lecture Hall. The forum is open to the public at no charge.According to Rande Repp, coordinator of Bethany's criminal justice program, the panel will include representatives from the Kansas Department of Corrections, the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office, various other law enforcement officials, academia, and private attorneys.

Bethany panel to discuss prison reform Tuesday

Police are investigating a Friday afternoon burglary in central Salina in which multiple katanas and air pistols were stolen.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that sometime between 1-2 p.m. Friday, someone broke into an apartment in the 300 block of East Crawford Street and stole 14 katanas and two air pistols. A katana is a curved, single-edged-blade Japanese sword. 

The owner of the items, a 64-year-old Salina man, returned home to find that his back door had been forced open and the items stolen, Forrester said. Total loss was estimated at $4,050, he said.

There are no suspects at this time, Forrester added.

Police are investigating a Friday afternoon burglary in central Salina in which multiple katanas and air pistols were stolen.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that sometime between 1-2 p.m. Friday, someone broke into an apartment in the 300 block of East Crawford Street and stole 14 katanas and two air pistols. A katana is a curved, single-edged-blade Japanese sword. The owner of the items, a 64-year-old Salina man, returned home to find that his back door had been forced open and the items stolen, Forrester said. Total loss was estimated at $4,050, he said.There are no suspects at this time, Forrester added.

More than $4,000 worth of katanas, air pistols stolen

A Hays woman was arrested after a single-vehicle accident early Saturday morning.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that Abagail Eklund, 20, of Hays, was eastbound in the 100 block of Charlotte Avenue in a 2005 Accura ATL when she drove left of center, struck the curb, and hit a tree, causing the vehicle to roll on its top. When police arrived, Eklund was still in the vehicle and having trouble getting the doors unlocked, however, she managed to get out, he said. The accident occurred at approximately 4 a.m. Saturday, he added.

According to Forrester, open containers of alcohol were found in the vehicle and Eklund displayed signs of impairment. While waiting for EMS to arrive, she attempted to walk away and was arrested, he said. Eklund was transported to Salina Regional Health Center with minor injuries, Forrester added.

Eklund was arrested on suspicion of the following, Forrester said.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583071804913.jpeg" alt="Abagail Eklund. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Abagail Eklund. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A Hays woman was arrested after a single-vehicle accident early Saturday morning.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that Abagail Eklund, 20, of Hays, was eastbound in the 100 block of Charlotte Avenue in a 2005 Accura ATL when she drove left of center, struck the curb, and hit a tree, causing the vehicle to roll on its top. When police arrived, Eklund was still in the vehicle and having trouble getting the doors unlocked, however, she managed to get out, he said. The accident occurred at approximately 4 a.m. Saturday, he added.According to Forrester, open containers of alcohol were found in the vehicle and Eklund displayed signs of impairment. While waiting for EMS to arrive, she attempted to walk away and was arrested, he said. Eklund was transported to Salina Regional Health Center with minor injuries, Forrester added.Eklund was arrested on suspicion of the following, Forrester said.Driving under the influence of drugs or alcoholTransporting open containersLicense carried/exhibitedNo proof of insuranceImproper driving on laned roadways

Hays woman arrested after one-vehicle accident Saturday

A 32-year-old Salina man in a pickup stolen from Russell County led local law enforcement personnel on a chase through north Salina and part of Saline County before being apprehended in the west part of town.

The incident began about 1 p.m. Friday when a patrol officer in the 700 block of North Ninth Street observed Joshua Quested, 32, of Salina, driving a 2001 Ford F150 pickup, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. The officer knew that Quested had an active warrant for a probation violation, so he began pursuit of the pickup, Forrester said.

During the pursuit, the pickup traveled on multiple streets in north Salina, sometimes at speeds in excess of the posted limits, and almost hit two other motorists, Forrester said. Additionally, items began falling out of the bed of the pickup, he said. The pickup drove through multiple stop signs and multiple properties, eventually heading west on West North Street and catching southbound Interstate 135 (I-135) at the State Street exit, he said. 

Just before reaching the West Crawford Street exit, Quested turned east through the median and the northbound I-135 lanes, went into the east ditch and through a Kansas Department of Transportation fence, coming out onto Westport Boulevard, where he drove through a fence at Romm Chiropractic, 660 Westport Boulevard, Forrester said. Quested then went east on West Crawford Street and turned south on Willow Drive, abandoning the pickup in the 1600 block of Redwood Drive, Forrester explained. Quested was found nearby running through some yards on Redwood Drive and was taken into custody, Forrester added.

According to Forrester, Quested was arrested on suspicion of the following.

Felony possession of stolen property (for the pickup -- valued at $3,500 -- reported stolen from Russell County a week earlier)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583173477175.jpeg" alt="Joshua Quested. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Joshua Quested. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>A 32-year-old Salina man in a pickup stolen from Russell County led local law enforcement personnel on a chase through north Salina and part of Saline County before being apprehended in the west part of town.The incident began about 1 p.m. Friday when a patrol officer in the 700 block of North Ninth Street observed Joshua Quested, 32, of Salina, driving a 2001 Ford F150 pickup, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. The officer knew that Quested had an active warrant for a probation violation, so he began pursuit of the pickup, Forrester said.During the pursuit, the pickup traveled on multiple streets in north Salina, sometimes at speeds in excess of the posted limits, and almost hit two other motorists, Forrester said. Additionally, items began falling out of the bed of the pickup, he said. The pickup drove through multiple stop signs and multiple properties, eventually heading west on West North Street and catching southbound Interstate 135 (I-135) at the State Street exit, he said. Just before reaching the West Crawford Street exit, Quested turned east through the median and the northbound I-135 lanes, went into the east ditch and through a Kansas Department of Transportation fence, coming out onto Westport Boulevard, where he drove through a fence at Romm Chiropractic, 660 Westport Boulevard, Forrester said. Quested then went east on West Crawford Street and turned south on Willow Drive, abandoning the pickup in the 1600 block of Redwood Drive, Forrester explained. Quested was found nearby running through some yards on Redwood Drive and was taken into custody, Forrester added.According to Forrester, Quested was arrested on suspicion of the following.Felony flee and eludeSpilling loads on a highwayLitteringDriving while suspendedNo proof of insuranceCriminal damage to propertyTrespassingFelony possession of stolen property (for the pickup -- valued at $3,500 -- reported stolen from Russell County a week earlier)

Salina man leads law enforcement on chase in stolen pickup

Strong south winds fanned two grassland fires in far eastern Saline County Saturday.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that the first call came in at 2:15 p.m. Saturday about a fire in the north ditch in the 10000 block of Country Club Road that had spread to idle grassland under the federal Crop Reduction Program (CRP). Rural Fire District (RFD) No. 1 and No. 5 personnel responded to the fire, which burned 400 acres of CRP land and 80 round bales of hay owned by David Wood, he said. 

Soldan said that his office was working with the Dickinson County Sheriff's office, as there were several other fires in the area that were located in Dickinson County. He said it was not known at this time whether the fires were intentionally set or were sparked by a vehicle driving by.

Emergency responders, including RFD No. 1 and No. 5, also were called out at 4 p.m. Saturday for the report of a grassfire in the 10000 block of East Farrelly Road, approximately six miles south of the other fire, Soldan said. Soldan estimated that 80 acres of CRP land and some fencing owned by Douglas Mortimer were burned. Damage to the fence was estimated at $500, he said.

According to Soldan, just before the second fire call came in, the National Weather Service had contacted Saline County Emergency Management about a possible fire, as they had picked up the heat signature on one of their radars.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583170273421.jpeg" alt="Round bales continue to burn in the fire along Country Club Road. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Round bales continue to burn in the fire along Country Club Road. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Strong south winds fanned two grassland fires in far eastern Saline County Saturday.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that the first call came in at 2:15 p.m. Saturday about a fire in the north ditch in the 10000 block of Country Club Road that had spread to idle grassland under the federal Crop Reduction Program (CRP). Rural Fire District (RFD) No. 1 and No. 5 personnel responded to the fire, which burned 400 acres of CRP land and 80 round bales of hay owned by David Wood, he said. Soldan said that his office was working with the Dickinson County Sheriff's office, as there were several other fires in the area that were located in Dickinson County. He said it was not known at this time whether the fires were intentionally set or were sparked by a vehicle driving by.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583170377522.jpeg" alt="CRP land along East Farrelly Road also burned Saturday. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>CRP land along East Farrelly Road also burned Saturday. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Emergency responders, including RFD No. 1 and No. 5, also were called out at 4 p.m. Saturday for the report of a grassfire in the 10000 block of East Farrelly Road, approximately six miles south of the other fire, Soldan said. Soldan estimated that 80 acres of CRP land and some fencing owned by Douglas Mortimer were burned. Damage to the fence was estimated at $500, he said.According to Soldan, just before the second fire call came in, the National Weather Service had contacted Saline County Emergency Management about a possible fire, as they had picked up the heat signature on one of their radars.

Rural Fire District personnel battle two blazes on Saturday

Riverview Estates in Marquette is now hiring for career-minded people who care about their jobs. We are now hiring for a full-time LPN flex shift day/evening, $3,000 sign-on bonus, and 2 full-time evening shift CNAs.

Please apply in person at&nbsp;202 S. Washington in Marquette, or&nbsp;download an application at&nbsp;<a href="http://riverviewestatesks.com/" target="_blank">riverviewestatesks.com</a>. Call 785-546-2211 to inquire!

Riverview Estates in Marquette, Where we care for your family like one of our family. Join our team today!&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580934025735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Riverview Estates in Marquette is now hiring for career-minded people who care about their jobs. We are now hiring for a full-time LPN flex shift day/evening, $3,000 sign-on bonus, and 2 full-time evening shift CNAs.Please apply in person at&nbsp;202 S. Washington in Marquette, or&nbsp;download an application at&nbsp;<a href="http://riverviewestatesks.com/" target="_blank">riverviewestatesks.com</a>. Call 785-546-2211 to inquire!Riverview Estates in Marquette, Where we care for your family like one of our family. Join our team today!&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Joe Diffie, Logan Mize team up for State Fair show

Today is Monday, March 2, the 62nd day of 2020. There are 304 days left in the year.

On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a game against the New York Knicks, an NBA record that still stands. (Philadelphia won, 169-147.)

In 1877, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes was declared the winner of the 1876 presidential election over Democrat Samuel J. Tilden, even though Tilden had won the popular vote.

In 1917, Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship as President Woodrow Wilson signed the Jones-Shafroth Act.

In 1932, the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, which moved the date of the presidential inauguration from March 4 to January 20, was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification.

In 1933, the motion picture "King Kong" had its world premiere at New York's Radio City Music Hall and the Roxy.

In 1939, Roman Catholic Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli was elected pope on his 63rd birthday; he took the name Pius XII. The Massachusetts legislature voted to ratify the Bill of Rights, 147 years after the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution had gone into effect. (Georgia and Connecticut soon followed.)

In 1940, the cartoon character Elmer Fudd made his debut in the Warner Bros. animated short "Elmer's Candid Camera," in which the title character finds himself pitted against a rascally rabbit that was a precursor to Bugs Bunny.

In 1943, the three-day Battle of the Bismarck Sea began in the southwest Pacific during World War II; U.S. and Australian warplanes were able to inflict heavy damage on an Imperial Japanese convoy.

In 1972, the United States launched the Pioneer 10 space probe, which flew past Jupiter in late 1973, sending back images and scientific data.

In 1985, the government approved a screening test for AIDS that detected antibodies to the virus, allowing possibly contaminated blood to be excluded from the blood supply.

In 1989, representatives from the 12 European Community nations agreed to ban all production of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons, the synthetic compounds blamed for destroying the Earth's ozone layer, by the end of the 20th century.

In 1990, more than 6,000 drivers went on strike against Greyhound Lines Inc. (The company, later declaring an impasse in negotiations, fired the strikers.)

In 1995, the Internet search engine website Yahoo! was incorporated by founders Jerry Yang and David Filo.

Ten years ago: Authorities in San Diego County found the body of 17-year-old Chelsea King, who'd been missing since Feb. 25, 2010. (John Albert Gardner III later pleaded guilty to raping and murdering King and another victim, 14-year-old Amber Dubois; he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.)

Five years ago: Iraqi forces launched a large-scale offensive to take Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit from the Islamic State group, the first step in a campaign to reclaim parts of northern Iraq from the Sunni extremists. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., who rose to become the longest-serving woman in the history of Congress, announced she would not seek re-election when her fifth term ended.

One year ago: Bernie Sanders kicked off his 2020 presidential campaign, proclaiming himself the Democrat best prepared to beat Donald Trump. Speaking at a conservative conference in Washington, President Donald Trump railed against the policies of "socialism" in a continued attempt to portray Democrats as out of touch with ordinary Americans.

Today's Birthdays: Actor John Cullum is 90. Former Soviet President and Nobel peace laureate Mikhail S. Gorbachev is 89. Actress Barbara Luna is 81. Author John Irving is 78. Actress Cassie Yates is 69. Actress Laraine Newman is 68. Former Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., is 67. Former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is 65. Singer Jay Osmond is 65. Pop musician John Cowsill (The Cowsills) is 64. Former tennis player Kevin Curren is 62. Country singer Larry Stewart (Restless Heart) is 61. Rock singer Jon Bon Jovi is 58. Blues singer-musician Alvin Youngblood Hart is 57. Actor Daniel Craig is 52. Actor Richard Ruccolo is 48. Rock musician Casey (formerly w/Jimmie's Chicken Shack) is 44. Rock singer Chris Martin (Coldplay) is 43. Actress Heather McComb is 43. Actress Rebel Wilson is 40. Actress Bryce Dallas Howard is 39. NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is 38. NHL goalie Henrik Lundqvist is 38. Musician Mike "McDuck" Olson (Lake Street Dive) is 37. Actor Robert Iler is 35. Actress Nathalie Emmanuel is 31. Country singer Luke Combs is 30. Singer-rapper-actress Becky G is 23.

Thought for Today: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." — Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka "Dr. Seuss", American children's author (born this day, 1904; died 1991).

<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 Monday, March 2, the 62nd day of 2020. There are 304 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a game against the New York Knicks, an NBA record that still stands. (Philadelphia won, 169-147.)On this date:In 1877, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes was declared the winner of the 1876 presidential election over Democrat Samuel J. Tilden, even though Tilden had won the popular vote.In 1917, Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship as President Woodrow Wilson signed the Jones-Shafroth Act.In 1932, the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, which moved the date of the presidential inauguration from March 4 to January 20, was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification.In 1933, the motion picture "King Kong" had its world premiere at New York's Radio City Music Hall and the Roxy.In 1939, Roman Catholic Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli was elected pope on his 63rd birthday; he took the name Pius XII. The Massachusetts legislature voted to ratify the Bill of Rights, 147 years after the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution had gone into effect. (Georgia and Connecticut soon followed.)In 1940, the cartoon character Elmer Fudd made his debut in the Warner Bros. animated short "Elmer's Candid Camera," in which the title character finds himself pitted against a rascally rabbit that was a precursor to Bugs Bunny.In 1943, the three-day Battle of the Bismarck Sea began in the southwest Pacific during World War II; U.S. and Australian warplanes were able to inflict heavy damage on an Imperial Japanese convoy.In 1972, the United States launched the Pioneer 10 space probe, which flew past Jupiter in late 1973, sending back images and scientific data.In 1985, the government approved a screening test for AIDS that detected antibodies to the virus, allowing possibly contaminated blood to be excluded from the blood supply.In 1989, representatives from the 12 European Community nations agreed to ban all production of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons, the synthetic compounds blamed for destroying the Earth's ozone layer, by the end of the 20th century.In 1990, more than 6,000 drivers went on strike against Greyhound Lines Inc. (The company, later declaring an impasse in negotiations, fired the strikers.)In 1995, the Internet search engine website Yahoo! was incorporated by founders Jerry Yang and David Filo.Ten years ago: Authorities in San Diego County found the body of 17-year-old Chelsea King, who'd been missing since Feb. 25, 2010. (John Albert Gardner III later pleaded guilty to raping and murdering King and another victim, 14-year-old Amber Dubois; he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.)Five years ago: Iraqi forces launched a large-scale offensive to take Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit from the Islamic State group, the first step in a campaign to reclaim parts of northern Iraq from the Sunni extremists. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., who rose to become the longest-serving woman in the history of Congress, announced she would not seek re-election when her fifth term ended.One year ago: Bernie Sanders kicked off his 2020 presidential campaign, proclaiming himself the Democrat best prepared to beat Donald Trump. Speaking at a conservative conference in Washington, President Donald Trump railed against the policies of "socialism" in a continued attempt to portray Democrats as out of touch with ordinary Americans.Today's Birthdays: Actor John Cullum is 90. Former Soviet President and Nobel peace laureate Mikhail S. Gorbachev is 89. Actress Barbara Luna is 81. Author John Irving is 78. Actress Cassie Yates is 69. Actress Laraine Newman is 68. Former Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., is 67. Former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is 65. Singer Jay Osmond is 65. Pop musician John Cowsill (The Cowsills) is 64. Former tennis player Kevin Curren is 62. Country singer Larry Stewart (Restless Heart) is 61. Rock singer Jon Bon Jovi is 58. Blues singer-musician Alvin Youngblood Hart is 57. Actor Daniel Craig is 52. Actor Richard Ruccolo is 48. Rock musician Casey (formerly w/Jimmie's Chicken Shack) is 44. Rock singer Chris Martin (Coldplay) is 43. Actress Heather McComb is 43. Actress Rebel Wilson is 40. Actress Bryce Dallas Howard is 39. NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is 38. NHL goalie Henrik Lundqvist is 38. Musician Mike "McDuck" Olson (Lake Street Dive) is 37. Actor Robert Iler is 35. Actress Nathalie Emmanuel is 31. Country singer Luke Combs is 30. Singer-rapper-actress Becky G is 23.Thought for Today: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." — Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka "Dr. Seuss", American children's author (born this day, 1904; died 1991).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- March 2

You still have time to share your views with Salina USD 305.

The next listening session about what the community wants for Salina USD 305 students and what will be emphasized is scheduled for 5:30-6:45 p.m. Tuesday in the Oakdale Elementary Multipurpose Room. Free, on-site childcare is available.

The final listening session is scheduled for 10-11:15 a.m. March 21 in the Salina South High School Commons. Free, on-site childcare is available.

For those unable to attend a meeting, an online survey is available at usd305.com.

By the end of January, more than 450 people, including students, parents, community members, and staff members, had shared their opinions, according to information from the district. 

Feedback provided by participants is to be posted on the district's website by late spring, according to the district. The information will be used by the board of education to set the district's long-range goals, the district information noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578755070487.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You still have time to share your views with Salina USD 305.The next listening session about what the community wants for Salina USD 305 students and what will be emphasized is scheduled for 5:30-6:45 p.m. Tuesday in the Oakdale Elementary Multipurpose Room. Free, on-site childcare is available.The final listening session is scheduled for 10-11:15 a.m. March 21 in the Salina South High School Commons. Free, on-site childcare is available.For those unable to attend a meeting, an online survey is available at usd305.com.By the end of January, more than 450 people, including students, parents, community members, and staff members, had shared their opinions, according to information from the district. Feedback provided by participants is to be posted on the district's website by late spring, according to the district. The information will be used by the board of education to set the district's long-range goals, the district information noted.

Next USD 305 listening session set for Tuesday

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/there-are-millions-fossils-kansas-heres-how-you-can-find-one">Kansas News Service</a>

LAWRENCE — A couple hundred million years 
ago, an ocean covering Kansas teemed with prehistoric life. Yet for 
millennia, Kansas has been a dry, sometimes even dusty, place.

The
 ocean is long gone, but traces of that long-ago aquatic life lie right 
below your feet captured for the ages in fossil form. Now, 
paleontologists from the University of Kansas have an app that they hope
 will help motivate people to go out and find it.

The Digital 
Atlas of Ancient Life app was created by a group of paleontologists and 
researchers led by KU ecology and evolutionary biology professor Bruce 
Lieberman.

“One of the goals of our project was to try and make it easier for 
citizens who might like fossils or maybe could like fossils to maybe go 
out into the field identify what they found and learn more about the 
natural world around them,” he said.

The <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.aleros.digitalatlasancientlife&amp;hl=en_US" target="_blank">app</a> boasts an extensive database with detailed pictures of fossils common to Kansas.

KU owns<a href="https://biodiversity.ku.edu/" target="_blank"> thousands of fossil specimens, especially trilobites, cephalopods and ancient clams</a>. The app is one way to share all of that information to smartphones around the world.

If it motivates people to go out and find some of their own, Lieberman said, all the better.

“We
 really are blessed in the state of Kansas to have lots of fossil 
resources that can very easily be found by the general public,” he said.

Lieberman offered a few tips for the novice fossil hunter.

Fossils
 from various geologic time periods can be found throughout Kansas. But 
Lieberman recommends beginners start their searches in the eastern part 
of the state. It’s home to rocks from the Pennsylvanian era — about 260 
million years ago.

Fossils exist almost anywhere in Kansas where rock peeks out of the soil. Start with a place where a road cuts through a hill.

“Start
 out looking around near the rocks to see if you find any fossils lying 
about,” Lieberman said, “Because they’ll just naturally weather out of 
the cliff.”

Once you’ve done that, begin working your way up. Mike Everhart of&nbsp;<a href="http://oceansofkansas.com/" target="_blank">Oceans of Kansas Paleontology</a>&nbsp;described the method while out looking for fossils in a road cut east of Wichita on U.S. 400.

“In
 a hillside like this, where the rocks are eroding out and tumbling 
down,” he said, “one of the things you do is keep working your way up 
there when you find the actual layer where the rocks are coming out.”

People also need to be sure they have permission to look for fossils 
before venturing on to private land. In Kansas, fossils found on private
 property belong to the landowner.

While
 some more experienced fossil hunters bring a rock hammer or a chisel, 
they aren’t necessary. Many fossils can be found in chunks of rock 
nature has already broken away.

That’s where the app comes in. It’s packed with detailed pictures of many of the fossils that can be found in eastern Kansas.

Lieberman
 said if you’re looking for fossils in eastern Kansas, you’ll want to 
select the Pennsylvanian time period on the app for the best chance to 
identify what you’ve found. If you’re farther west, you’re more likely 
to find a fossil from the Cretaceous period.

Once you’ve selected a time period, compare what you’ve found to one 
of the pictures on the screen. And after you’ve selected the species you
 think it is, there’s a map to show you where it’s been found in the 
past.

Lieberman said there are millions of fossils in Kansas. All you have to do is find some exposed rocks and look.

“It’s really what catches your eye and you find the most exciting,” he said. “There’s no right or wrong way to collect fossils.”

Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a>&nbsp;or
 email him at grimmett@kmuw.org. The Kansas News Service is a
 collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public
 Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582914122016.jpeg" alt=" Fossils taken from rocks west of Wichita. Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Fossils taken from rocks west of Wichita. Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/there-are-millions-fossils-kansas-heres-how-you-can-find-one">Kansas News Service</a>LAWRENCE — A couple hundred million years 
ago, an ocean covering Kansas teemed with prehistoric life. Yet for 
millennia, Kansas has been a dry, sometimes even dusty, place.The
 ocean is long gone, but traces of that long-ago aquatic life lie right 
below your feet captured for the ages in fossil form. Now, 
paleontologists from the University of Kansas have an app that they hope
 will help motivate people to go out and find it.The Digital 
Atlas of Ancient Life app was created by a group of paleontologists and 
researchers led by KU ecology and evolutionary biology professor Bruce 
Lieberman.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582914172832.jpeg" alt=" KU professor Bruce Lieberman hunts for fossil specimens in a drawer. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> KU professor Bruce Lieberman hunts for fossil specimens in a drawer. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>“One of the goals of our project was to try and make it easier for 
citizens who might like fossils or maybe could like fossils to maybe go 
out into the field identify what they found and learn more about the 
natural world around them,” he said.The <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.aleros.digitalatlasancientlife&amp;hl=en_US" target="_blank">app</a> boasts an extensive database with detailed pictures of fossils common to Kansas.KU owns<a href="https://biodiversity.ku.edu/" target="_blank"> thousands of fossil specimens, especially trilobites, cephalopods and ancient clams</a>. The app is one way to share all of that information to smartphones around the world.If it motivates people to go out and find some of their own, Lieberman said, all the better.“We
 really are blessed in the state of Kansas to have lots of fossil 
resources that can very easily be found by the general public,” he said.Lieberman offered a few tips for the novice fossil hunter.<h2>Where to find them</h2>Fossils
 from various geologic time periods can be found throughout Kansas. But 
Lieberman recommends beginners start their searches in the eastern part 
of the state. It’s home to rocks from the Pennsylvanian era — about 260 
million years ago.Fossils exist almost anywhere in Kansas where rock peeks out of the soil. Start with a place where a road cuts through a hill.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582914197548.jpeg" alt=" A fossil that's 250 million years old is encased in rock in a road cut near U.S. 400, a mile west of Augusta. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> A fossil that's 250 million years old is encased in rock in a road cut near U.S. 400, a mile west of Augusta. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>How to look</h2>First, open your eyes.“Start
 out looking around near the rocks to see if you find any fossils lying 
about,” Lieberman said, “Because they’ll just naturally weather out of 
the cliff.”Once you’ve done that, begin working your way up. Mike Everhart of&nbsp;<a href="http://oceansofkansas.com/" target="_blank">Oceans of Kansas Paleontology</a>&nbsp;described the method while out looking for fossils in a road cut east of Wichita on U.S. 400.“In
 a hillside like this, where the rocks are eroding out and tumbling 
down,” he said, “one of the things you do is keep working your way up 
there when you find the actual layer where the rocks are coming out.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582914229049.jpeg" alt=" Paleontologist Mike Everhart scans the cliff face for fossils. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Paleontologist Mike Everhart scans the cliff face for fossils. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>People also need to be sure they have permission to look for fossils 
before venturing on to private land. In Kansas, fossils found on private
 property belong to the landowner.<h2>Do I need tools?</h2>No.While
 some more experienced fossil hunters bring a rock hammer or a chisel, 
they aren’t necessary. Many fossils can be found in chunks of rock 
nature has already broken away.<h2>How to identify fossils</h2>That’s where the app comes in. It’s packed with detailed pictures of many of the fossils that can be found in eastern Kansas.Lieberman
 said if you’re looking for fossils in eastern Kansas, you’ll want to 
select the Pennsylvanian time period on the app for the best chance to 
identify what you’ve found. If you’re farther west, you’re more likely 
to find a fossil from the Cretaceous period.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582914264869.jpeg" alt=" A fossil peeks out of a rock face in a road cut on U.S. 400 about a mile west of Augusta. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> A fossil peeks out of a rock face in a road cut on U.S. 400 about a mile west of Augusta. Credit Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Once you’ve selected a time period, compare what you’ve found to one 
of the pictures on the screen. And after you’ve selected the species you
 think it is, there’s a map to show you where it’s been found in the 
past.Lieberman said there are millions of fossils in Kansas. All you have to do is find some exposed rocks and look.“It’s really what catches your eye and you find the most exciting,” he said. “There’s no right or wrong way to collect fossils.”Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a>&nbsp;or
 email him at grimmett@kmuw.org. The Kansas News Service is a
 collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public
 Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy.

There are millions of fossils in Kan. — here's how to find them

Street work, a portable sports court, handguns and holsters, and an executive session are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.

Commissioners are scheduled to begin with a study session at 2 p.m. in room 107B of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. Following is the agenda for the study session.

2 p.m.&nbsp;-- EPA Supplemental Project at Jerry Ivey Pond

2:30 p.m.&nbsp;-– Downtown Arts &amp; Entertainment Ordinance Overview (Special Events &amp; Alcohol)

3:45 p.m.&nbsp;– Time for public comment

The regular commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. in room 107 of the City-County Building. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.

Commissioners are scheduled to consider awarding the following two street work contracts.

~2020 Chip Seal Project No. 20013 to Circle C Paving and Construction, LLC of Goddard, in the amount of $210,623.13 with a $14,376.87 (6.8%) construction contingency ($225,000 authorization).

~2020 Ultrathin Bonded Asphalt Surface (UBAS, Project No. 20015, to APAC-Kansas, Inc. of Salina, in the amount of $632,872.00 with a $17,128.00 (2.7%) construction contingency ($650,000 authorization).

Commissioners also are being asked to consider authorizing the purchase of a replacement portable sports court for the Tony’s Pizza Events Center (TPEC). According to commission meeting packet information, the 2020 capital improvement budget includes $110,000 for the replacement of the main portable basketball/volleyball court used by TPEC.

Such a purchase would replace the floor purchased in 1999. According to the meeting packet information, the court purchased in 1999 was designed to be taken up and down two to three times a year. "There have been operating years where the court has been taken up and put down as many as fifteen times," the meeting packet information noted.

The current economic impact of tournaments that use the court is more than $1 million per year, the information noted.

Consideration of the purchase of duty handguns and holsters also is on the city commission agenda for Monday. Since 1992, Salina Police personnel have carried semi-automatic pistols, according to the information in the commission meeting packet.

"When the decision is made to transition to a new duty sidearm, all former sidearms are replaced so officers carry and are trained on the same weapons platform. In addition, the weapons that are being phased out of service are either sold back to the officer, or traded-in to the distributor that is providing the new weapon, thus greatly reducing the overall cost of the transition," the meeting packet information noted.

After testing several 9mm handguns, Salina Police evaluators selected the Glock 17 Gen5 as the weapon believed to be best suited for use by the department, according to the request from the department.

In anticipation of the need to transition to new weapons, the department requested that $29,300 be included in the 2020 budget. That request was approved.

Commissioners also are scheduled to move into executive session to discuss potential legal action by the city with legal counsel.

To view the full Salina City Commission meeting packet (68 pages,&nbsp;<a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?startid=177362&amp;&amp;dbid=0&amp;cr=1">click here</a>.

Street work, a portable sports court, handguns and holsters, and an executive session are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.Commissioners are scheduled to begin with a study session at 2 p.m. in room 107B of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. Following is the agenda for the study session.2 p.m.&nbsp;-- EPA Supplemental Project at Jerry Ivey Pond2:30 p.m.&nbsp;-– Downtown Arts &amp; Entertainment Ordinance Overview (Special Events &amp; Alcohol)3:45 p.m.&nbsp;– Time for public commentThe regular commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. in room 107 of the City-County Building. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.Commissioners are scheduled to consider awarding the following two street work contracts.~2020 Chip Seal Project No. 20013 to Circle C Paving and Construction, LLC of Goddard, in the amount of $210,623.13 with a $14,376.87 (6.8%) construction contingency ($225,000 authorization).~2020 Ultrathin Bonded Asphalt Surface (UBAS, Project No. 20015, to APAC-Kansas, Inc. of Salina, in the amount of $632,872.00 with a $17,128.00 (2.7%) construction contingency ($650,000 authorization).Commissioners also are being asked to consider authorizing the purchase of a replacement portable sports court for the Tony’s Pizza Events Center (TPEC). According to commission meeting packet information, the 2020 capital improvement budget includes $110,000 for the replacement of the main portable basketball/volleyball court used by TPEC.Such a purchase would replace the floor purchased in 1999. According to the meeting packet information, the court purchased in 1999 was designed to be taken up and down two to three times a year. "There have been operating years where the court has been taken up and put down as many as fifteen times," the meeting packet information noted.The current economic impact of tournaments that use the court is more than $1 million per year, the information noted.Consideration of the purchase of duty handguns and holsters also is on the city commission agenda for Monday. Since 1992, Salina Police personnel have carried semi-automatic pistols, according to the information in the commission meeting packet."When the decision is made to transition to a new duty sidearm, all former sidearms are replaced so officers carry and are trained on the same weapons platform. In addition, the weapons that are being phased out of service are either sold back to the officer, or traded-in to the distributor that is providing the new weapon, thus greatly reducing the overall cost of the transition," the meeting packet information noted.After testing several 9mm handguns, Salina Police evaluators selected the Glock 17 Gen5 as the weapon believed to be best suited for use by the department, according to the request from the department.In anticipation of the need to transition to new weapons, the department requested that $29,300 be included in the 2020 budget. That request was approved.Commissioners also are scheduled to move into executive session to discuss potential legal action by the city with legal counsel.To view the full Salina City Commission meeting packet (68 pages,&nbsp;<a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?startid=177362&amp;&amp;dbid=0&amp;cr=1">click here</a>.

Street work, sports and handguns on Salina city agenda

LINCOLN -- Lincoln Fire and Rescue recognized several during its annual department banquet Saturday. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lincoln-Fire-and-Rescue-335899626619561/">Lincoln Fire and Rescue</a> Facebook page:

LINCOLN -- Lincoln Fire and Rescue recognized several during its annual department banquet Saturday. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lincoln-Fire-and-Rescue-335899626619561/">Lincoln Fire and Rescue</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D1270563233153191%26id%3D335899626619561&width=500" width="500" height="762" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Several honored at Lincoln Fire and Rescue banquet

It is time to gear up for the 16th Annual Prom-A-Rama!

This community event helps make it possible for girls to attend prom who might not otherwise be able to. The event involves the collection and give away of donated prom dresses and accessories to any high school girl in Saline County and the surrounding area.

The collection of donated prom dresses began on Feb. 21 and will continue until Friday.  

People can drop off their dresses at the following locations.

Any Sunflower Bank location: 176 North Santa Fe Avenue, 2450 South Ninth Street, and 2070 South Ohio Street

Salina South High School, 730 East Magnolia Road

Persons wanting to donate to the event also may call 785 452-5706 and someone will pick up the dresses.

The giveaway is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 111 West Magnolia Road.

To receive a dress, the girl needs to attend the give away and provide proof of being a high school student. Once the girl has shown her identification, she will be admitted to the give away and there will be volunteers to help her find the perfect dress.

There will also be seamstresses to make on site alterations or minor repairs.

The dresses will be hung on racks by size and any donated accessories will be on tables.  

Any dresses not given away at the end of the event will be donated to a non-profit such as the Bargain Basket, Salvation Army Thrift Store, DAV, or Goodwill Industries.

Members of the community minded group that has organized the event are Hank Corcoran Boyer, Beth Parry, Sarah Repp, and Kelly Leonard.

It is time to gear up for the 16th Annual Prom-A-Rama!This community event helps make it possible for girls to attend prom who might not otherwise be able to. The event involves the collection and give away of donated prom dresses and accessories to any high school girl in Saline County and the surrounding area.The collection of donated prom dresses began on Feb. 21 and will continue until Friday. People can drop off their dresses at the following locations.Any Sunflower Bank location: 176 North Santa Fe Avenue, 2450 South Ninth Street, and 2070 South Ohio StreetSalina South High School, 730 East Magnolia RoadPersons wanting to donate to the event also may call 785 452-5706 and someone will pick up the dresses.The giveaway is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 111 West Magnolia Road.To receive a dress, the girl needs to attend the give away and provide proof of being a high school student. Once the girl has shown her identification, she will be admitted to the give away and there will be volunteers to help her find the perfect dress.There will also be seamstresses to make on site alterations or minor repairs.The dresses will be hung on racks by size and any donated accessories will be on tables. Any dresses not given away at the end of the event will be donated to a non-profit such as the Bargain Basket, Salvation Army Thrift Store, DAV, or Goodwill Industries.Members of the community minded group that has organized the event are Hank Corcoran Boyer, Beth Parry, Sarah Repp, and Kelly Leonard.

Prom-A-Rama dress giveaway Saturday

Podcasts of various local KINA shows are now available.

You can listen at your leisure to Saturday's with Bill and Dave, the Dr. Kempton Show, and Coffee Talk. Here's what you need to do:

Click on the KINA logo at the top of <a href="http://SalinaPost.com">SalinaPost.com</a>.

When the new page opens, click on the arrow in the upper left and select podcasts.

Podcasts of various local KINA shows are now available.You can listen at your leisure to Saturday's with Bill and Dave, the Dr. Kempton Show, and Coffee Talk. Here's what you need to do:Click on the KINA logo at the top of <a href="http://SalinaPost.com">SalinaPost.com</a>.When the new page opens, click on the arrow in the upper left and select podcasts.Select the podcast you want to hear.

Podcasts of local KINA shows available

The Salina Fire Department has a new ambulance in service. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafire/">Salina Fire</a> Facebook page:

The Salina Fire Department has a new ambulance in service. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafire/">Salina Fire</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinafire%2Fposts%2F2599858873444956&width=500" width="500" height="793" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Salina Fire introduces new ambulance

As we work or way through the end of winter, now is the time to start thinking about and planning for spring and summer severe weather in Kansas.

Monday marks the beginning of the state's 2020 Severe Weather Awareness Week.  

“The National Weather Service, county emergency management agencies, and local media do a great job of keeping the public informed when severe weather is headed our way. They also help educate the public on steps that should be taken with regard to severe weather watches and warnings. But just knowing what to do isn’t enough,” said Angee Morgan, deputy director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management.

“You have to actively carry out the steps necessary to make sure you’re prepared: assemble a home disaster kit, formulate a disaster plan and then practice your plan," Morgan said. "It doesn’t take much time or a lot of money to make a home disaster kit, and it’s a great investment in your family’s safety.”

As part of the week’s activities, Kansans are urged to take part in the statewide tornado safety drill 10 a.m. on Tuesday. If severe weather is expected on or around the test time on Tuesday, the test will be postponed.

Additionally, throughout the week, the National Weather Service (NWS) plans to focus on severe weather safety topics, including the following. 

Kansas counties are covered by seven different NWS offices in the following locations.

Each office is staffed by a team of highly trained meteorologists, technicians, electronics technicians, information technology specialists, hydrologists, and administrative assistants. The NWS offices are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The weather information provided on SalinaPost.com comes from the Wichita, Topeka, and Hastings, Neb., offices.

Following is severe weather terminology that may appear in weather information, as provided by NWS.

The National Weather Service issues severe thunderstorm warnings for storms that are currently or are capable of producing winds of 58 mph or stronger and/or hail one

inch in diameter or larger. Severe thunderstorms are often much stronger than this minimum criteria, so it is a good idea to take severe thunderstorm warnings seriously.

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground either as a pendant from a cumuliform cloud or underneath a cumuliform cloud, and it is often (but not always) visible as a funnel cloud. A funnel cloud is a condensation cloud typically funnel-shaped and extending outward from a cumuliform cloud and is associated with a rotating column of air.

A flash flood is flooding that occurs very rapidly and usually within 6 hours of heavy rainfall. Flash flooding may occur along creeks, rivers or streams. It can also occur in low lying or urban areas where drainage is poor. Water levels can rise very quickly during flash flooding including locations that did not receive the heavy rainfall but are located downstream from areas that received an extreme amount of rainfall. Flash flooding can occur in the winter months when rain falls on existing snowpack and causes it to melt rapidly. Flooding is the number one severe weather killer in the United State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583074189782.jpeg" alt="A tornado north of Solomon on May 25, 2016.&nbsp; Photo courtesy&nbsp;Ks0stm/Wikimedia Commons/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0">CC</a>" />
 <figcaption>A tornado north of Solomon on May 25, 2016.&nbsp; Photo courtesy&nbsp;Ks0stm/Wikimedia Commons/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0">CC</a></figcaption>
 </figure>As we work or way through the end of winter, now is the time to start thinking about and planning for spring and summer severe weather in Kansas.Monday marks the beginning of the state's 2020 Severe Weather Awareness Week. “The National Weather Service, county emergency management agencies, and local media do a great job of keeping the public informed when severe weather is headed our way. They also help educate the public on steps that should be taken with regard to severe weather watches and warnings. But just knowing what to do isn’t enough,” said Angee Morgan, deputy director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management.“You have to actively carry out the steps necessary to make sure you’re prepared: assemble a home disaster kit, formulate a disaster plan and then practice your plan," Morgan said. "It doesn’t take much time or a lot of money to make a home disaster kit, and it’s a great investment in your family’s safety.”As part of the week’s activities, Kansans are urged to take part in the statewide tornado safety drill 10 a.m. on Tuesday. If severe weather is expected on or around the test time on Tuesday, the test will be postponed.Additionally, throughout the week, the National Weather Service (NWS) plans to focus on severe weather safety topics, including the following. PreparednessTornado safetyLightning safetyHail and wind safetyFlood safety<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583074141766.jpeg" alt="Map courtesy NWS" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas counties are covered by seven different NWS offices in the following locations.GoodlandDodge CityTopekaWichitaHastings, Neb.Pleasant Hill (Kansas City, Mo.Springfield, Mo.Each office is staffed by a team of highly trained meteorologists, technicians, electronics technicians, information technology specialists, hydrologists, and administrative assistants. The NWS offices are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.The weather information provided on SalinaPost.com comes from the Wichita, Topeka, and Hastings, Neb., offices.Following is severe weather terminology that may appear in weather information, as provided by NWS.Severe ThunderstormThe National Weather Service issues severe thunderstorm warnings for storms that are currently or are capable of producing winds of 58 mph or stronger and/or hail oneinch in diameter or larger. Severe thunderstorms are often much stronger than this minimum criteria, so it is a good idea to take severe thunderstorm warnings seriously.TornadoA tornado is a violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground either as a pendant from a cumuliform cloud or underneath a cumuliform cloud, and it is often (but not always) visible as a funnel cloud. A funnel cloud is a condensation cloud typically funnel-shaped and extending outward from a cumuliform cloud and is associated with a rotating column of air.Flash FloodA flash flood is flooding that occurs very rapidly and usually within 6 hours of heavy rainfall. Flash flooding may occur along creeks, rivers or streams. It can also occur in low lying or urban areas where drainage is poor. Water levels can rise very quickly during flash flooding including locations that did not receive the heavy rainfall but are located downstream from areas that received an extreme amount of rainfall. Flash flooding can occur in the winter months when rain falls on existing snowpack and causes it to melt rapidly. Flooding is the number one severe weather killer in the United State.As we finish up winter, began formulating a plan for what to do should severe weather strike.