Salina Kansas Information Portal – Growing Collection of Public Information and Interests in and around Salina Kansas

Salina City Commission Approves Mask Ordinance

SALINA – The Salina City Commission passed an ordinance Monday evening that requires masks to be worn inside businesses, and at outdoor public places where social distance cannot be maintained. Under the new ordinance, masks will be required inside businesses and organizations within the city of Salina. Masks will also be required at public outdoor spaces where six feet of social distance cannot be maintained. The mask ordinance will go into effect once it is published in The Salina Journal. Commissioners approved the ordinance by a vote of 4-1. More information, including the full ordinance, will be released at a … Read More

Pilot Hospitalized After Jewell County Plane Crash

JEWELL COUNTY – A pilot from Jewell County was hospitalized after the aircraft he was flying crashed near the airport in Mankato early Monday morning. According to the Jewell County Sheriff’s Office, the pilot, a resident of Mankato, was flying an experimental aircraft just before 8 a.m., when he experienced mechanical difficulties just after takeoff. The pilot attempted to turn the plane around, but lost control, and crashed onto the east side of the runway. The pilot was taken by EMS to the Jewell County Hospital and then airlifted to a Wichita hospital with critical, but non-life threatening, injuries. The … Read More

84th Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in McPherson County

MCPHERSON – The McPherson County Health Department on Monday confirmed the 84th case of COVID-19 in that county. According to a media release, the new case is that of a symptomatic male in his 30’s, with unknown exposure, but is recovering at home. Of the 84 cases in McPherson County, 76 have now met recovery guidelines set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. There are zero current hospitalizations and zero deaths. McPherson is currently in Phase 3 of Reopening Kansas. Updated documents can be found at the McPherson County website by clicking here, and under “COVID-19: Reopening … Read More

Walk-The-Stage Ceremonies for 2020 Graduates of Both Salina High Schools Officially Set

SALINA – On August 1, both USD 305 high schools will host a Walk-The-Stage ceremony for their 2020 graduates at Salina Stadium. According to a Monday media release, the ceremonies will take place at the following times: Central High School: 8 a.m. South High School: 10 a.m. With safety precautions in place, 2020 graduates will wear their cap and gown, have their name read, walk across the stage and be photographed. Students will receive a letter with information about where and when to report, social distancing and hand sanitizing. Guests and families are asked to wear facemasks and social distance, … Read More

Second Staffer at Heartland Early Education Center Tests Positive for COVID-19

SALINA – Heartland Early Education Center received confirmation on Monday that a second staff person, who has not been working with students, tested positive for COVID-19, according to a media release. This individual was directly connected to the case announced last week. The Saline County Health Department is in the process of contacting anyone who needs to be notified. Ensuring the health and safety of children at Heartland Early Education Programs is foremost. The building has enhanced measures including deep cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Masks and social distancing are a part of how the district staff operate. Employees and families … Read More

29 New Cases of COVID-19 Identified in Saline County

SALINA – There are 29 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County that have been identified since the Friday, July 3 report, according to a media release. The total for the county is now 173, with 101 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department and 70 that have recovered. *KDHE is reporting 151 positives for Saline County, which is incorrect. The total for Saline County is 173. According to the Kansas Department of Health & Environment, there are now 16,901 cases and 280 deaths statewide. This information can be found by clicking here. The Saline County Board … Read More

17 New Cases of COVID-19 Identified in Saline County

SALINA – There are 17 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County that have been identified since the Wednesday, July 1 report, according to a media release. The total for the county is now 145, with 73 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department and 70 that have recovered. *KDHE is reporting 130 positives for Saline County, which is incorrect. The total for Saline County is 145. With the holiday weekend, Saline County Health Officer Jason Tiller stated, “Celebrate your freedoms by making the right choice and wear a mask, practice social distancing, as well as continued … Read More

UPDATE: Saline County Will Not Order Public to Wear Masks

UPDATE: More information has been released regarding the Saline County Board of Commissioner’s decision to not require the usage of masks in Saline County. The Saline County Board of County Commissioners met this evening in a special session with Saline County Health Officer, Jason Tiller to discuss Governor Kelly’s Executive Order 20-52 relating to the mandate of wearing of masks statewide. Full statement from Saline County: “After much review, discussion, and hearing public comment, the Saline County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 to exempt Saline County from Executive Order 20-52 due to the concern of enforcement of the order … Read More

Sheriff’s Office, Crime Stoppers Seeking Tips Regarding Recent Theft

SALINE COUNTY – The Saline County Sheriff’s Office and Crime Stoppers is seeking tips from the public regarding a recent theft. According to a media release, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1421 N. Solomon Road in Rural Saline County on Monday, June 22, on a report of a stolen John Deere Gator. Deputies say unknown suspect(s) entered a large metal outbuilding on the property, sometime between June 21 and June 22, and stole a green, 2010 John Deere Gator that was stored in the building. Total loss and damage has been estimated to be in excess of $12,000. … Read More

Kansas Governor Signs Statewide Face Mask Executive Order

TOPEKA – Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday released an executive order that requires Kansans to wear face coverings in most public spaces beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday. Kelly first introduced the order on Monday, and the language of the order shows it would impact the day-to-day lives of almost every single Kansas resident. “The last few months have presented many new challenges for Kansans, and all of us want to return to our normal lives and routines,” Kelly said. “Unfortunately, we have seen a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across our state and our country. … Read More

Recent Visitor to Salina YMCA Tests Positive for COVID-19

SALINA – The Salina Family YMCA confirmed Wednesday that a recent visitor to the facility has tested positive for COVID-19. A statement from Salina Family YMCA President & CEO Angie Lassley is below: “The Y was notified today, July 1, by the health department that an individual had utilized the family (warm water) pool between the hours of 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, June 22 through Thursday, June 25. Since then, she has tested positive for the coronavirus. Based on the contact investigation there seems to be no contact with others during her time here and we are not required … Read More

18 New Cases of COVID-19 Identified in Saline County

SALINA – There are 18 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County that have been identified since the Monday, June 29 report, according to a media release. The total for the county is now 128, with 56 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department and 70 that have recovered. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is reporting 106 positives for Saline County, which is incorrect. The total for Saline County is 128. The Saline County Health Department has received information about an outbreak where all close contacts have not yet been identified. If you attended any … Read More

USD 305 and NEA-Salina Reach Agreement for the 2020-2021 Teacher Contracts

SALINA – Salina USD 305 and NEA-Salina reached an agreement today, July 1, on the teacher contracts of employment for the 2020-2021 school year, according to a media release. Items agreed to include: Salary schedule modifications and increase to the base resulting in a new base salary of $40,385; Step and movement on the modified salary schedule for all teachers; An increase of $5 per month to the to the Employer Paid Health Benefit; The addition of five days of paid parental leave for employees upon the birth or adoption of a child; An increase of middle school plan time … Read More

2020 Tri-Rivers Fair and Rodeo Cancelled

SALINE COUNTY – The Tri-Rivers Fair board has decided to cancel the 2020 Tri-Rivers Fair and Rodeo, with the exception of the 4-H events. “Due to the unpredictability of COVID-19, the Tri-Rivers Fair Board has decided to cancel 2020 fair events,” Fair officials said in a statement Wednesday. “We will be supporting the needs of 4-H portions that will still be taking place. This decision was a difficult one, but it is important for us to keep the best interest of our community in mind.” Any food vendors, commercial vendors, or parade entries that have already submitted payment may call … Read More

Ellsworth County Confirms Fourth Case of COVID-19

ELLSWORTH – Health officials in Ellsworth County on Tuesday confirmed a fourth case of COVID-19 in that county. According to a media release, this case involves a male over the age of 40, who is currently isolated at home and is stable. The Ellsworth County Health Department is working diligently to identify any close contacts of the individual and those who were exposed will be contacted as soon as possible. Close contacts will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms. No further information will be given on the patient. Health officials encourage anyone that develops symptoms such as, but not … Read More

Wichita Man Killed in Dickinson County Crash

DICKINSON COUNTY – A Wichita man was killed early Tuesday morning in a single vehicle rollover crash in Dickinson County. According to a Kansas Highway Patrol accident report, a 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by Luis A. Salazar, 38, was traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 56, two miles south of Herington, when he failed to negotiate a curve. The pickup entered the west ditch and overturned. Salazar was ejected from the pickup. He was pronounced dead at the scene and taken to a Herington funeral home. The crash occurred at about 1:23 a.m., according to the KHP report.

OCCK Transportation Now Requiring Masks for All Bus Passengers

SALINA – Amid COVID-19 concerns, OCCK, Inc. Transportation will be requiring face masks for all passengers on all transportation services including CityGo, 81 Connection, Regional Paratransit, City of Abilene, and KanConnect public transportation beginning at start of business on Friday, July 3, and continuing until further notice, according to a media release. A small number of masks will be available upon request for passengers each day starting on Friday July 3. However, all passengers must have their own masks starting Monday, July 13, in order to board transportation vehicles. Social distancing guidelines will still be followed. Extensive cleaning of vehicles … Read More

Coronavirus Relief Fund Advisory Committee Approved

SALINA – Saline County Commissioners signed a resolution today to receive $11,026,434 in Coronavirus Relief Funding as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economy Security Act (CARES Act) signed by the President back in March, according to a media release. With the best interests of Saline County residents, businesses, and organizations in mind, the Board of County Commissioners approved to form a committee to advise the Commission on fund disbursements. This committee will be composed of three County staff members and four citizens. The committee will provide recommendations on how funds will be used to cover expenses that are … Read More

Heartland Early Education Center Staffer Tests Positive for COVID-19

SALINA – A staff member at Heartland Early Education Center has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a media release. A statement issued by USD 305 is below: “Heartland Early Education Center received confirmation on June 30, 2020, that a staff person who has not been working with students tested positive for COVID-19. The Saline County Health Department is in the process of contacting anyone who needs to be notified. Safety protocols remain in use including sanitizing equipment and classrooms, and taking precautions against COVID-19 such as handwashing and social distancing. All USD 305 staff continue to self-screen prior to … Read More

McPherson Police Asking the Public’s Help to Locate a Stolen Dog

MCPHERSON – The McPherson Police Department is asking the public’s assistance in locating a stolen dog. According to a social media statement, someone stole a 5-month-old yellow lab sometime between Sunday, June 28 and Monday, June 29, from the 1100 block of N. Wheeler. The suspect(s) also took a dog crate for the dog. If you have any information, please contact McPherson County Crime Stoppers at 800-241-8118 or click the “Contact Us” button on the McPherson County Crime Stoppers Facebook page to submit a tip anonymously.

Both Salina High Schools to Have “Walk-The-Stage” Ceremonies

SALINA – Both USD 305 high schools will soon have a “Walk-The-Stage” ceremony for their 2020 graduates. According to a social media statement from the district, the ceremonies will be held Saturday, August 1 at Salina Stadium at the following times: Central High School: 8 a.m. South High School: 10 a.m. The district says precautions will be in place for the ceremonies. Graduates and their families will receive details in an email sometime this week.

12 New Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Saline County

SALINA – There are 12 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County that have been identified since the Friday, June 26 report, according to a media release from the Saline County Health Department. The total for the county is now 110, with 78 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department. All of the new cases are associated with prior positive cases and all of these individuals are isolated. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is reporting 94 positives for Saline County but that total does not include the most recent cases received since their last … Read More

AMC Pushes Back Planned Reopening of Theaters

SALINA – Movie theater giant AMC has announced that the planning reopening of its venues in the U.S. has been pushed back until July 30. This includes the AMC Theater at the Salina Central Mall. The company said general managers at all their locations have returned to work in preparation for the reopening in a month’s time. AMC Theatres, which is based in Leawood, Kansas, originally planned to reopen most of its U.S. theaters in mid-July in time for the blockbuster releases of Disney’s “Mulan” and Warner Brothers’ “Tenet.” The new date aligns with the updated release schedule for “Mulan,” … Read More

Kansas Governor Implements Statewide Mask Policy Beginning Friday

TOPEKA – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday she is implementing a statewide mask policy. The policy is set to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 3. Kelly says that as of that time, every Kansan in a public space will need to wear a mask. In support of her decision, Kelly said that places where masks are being worn, such as dentist offices or hair salons, have not reported any COVID-19 clusters. It’s places where they aren’t being worn, Kelly said, where the clusters have been reported. “We have enough data to prove masks work,” Kelly … Read More

Two Earthquakes Reported in Saline County Early Monday Morning

SALINA – Two earthquakes were reported in rural Saline County early Monday morning. According to the Kansas Geological Survey, the first quake, a magnitude 2.1, was centered northeast of the intersection of S. Holmes and E. Salemsborg Roads. It occurred at about 1:40 a.m. The second quake, a 2.6 magnitude, was centered just north of K-4 Highway on the west side of S. Simpson Road. It occurred at about 4:44 a.m. There have been no reports of injuries or damage associated with these two quakes, which both occurred southeast of Salina.