SALINE COUNTY – A section of a Saline County has been closed to allow for a road work project. According to a media release from the Saline County Road and Bridge Department, Holmes Road, between Schilling Road and Water Well Road, will be closed for an indeterminate amount of time to through traffic for replacement of a cross road drainage structure. 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 … Read More

SALINE COUNTY – There are 17 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County that have been identified since the Monday, July 6 report, according to a media release. The total for the county is now 190, with 118 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department and 70 that have recovered. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is reporting 169 positives for Saline County, which is incorrect. The total for Saline County is 190. According to the Kansas Department of Health & Environment, there are now 17,618 cases and 282 deaths statewide. This information can be found … Read More

SALINA – The City of Salina has temporarily reduced the schedule of its workforce in an effort to prepare for expected budget shortfalls due to the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a media release. Summer staffing for the Parks and Recreation Department was cut by 80 percent, which has resulted in noticeable changes within City parks, facilities and programs. In an effort to assist with beautification efforts, numerous citizens have inquired about volunteer opportunities. The scope of opportunities includes picking up trash, weeding, maintaining flower beds and pots, and emptying and removing trash cans. Additionally, mowing and trimming of parks will … Read More

SALINA – Salina City Commissioners voted at the July 6 City Commission meeting to enact an ordinance to require the wearing of masks or other face coverings due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The local order is nearly identical to Governor Laura Kelly’s state executive order. The ordinance (No. 20-11034) mandates that face coverings are worn when individuals are in any public space where social distancing of six feet at all times is not possible. It also requires that all businesses, organizations and non-profit associations in the City of Salina must require employees, customers, visitors, members, or members of the public … Read More

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

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

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

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

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: 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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