SALINA – Salina USD 305 has issued a statement in response to the order issued by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to close all Kansas schools for the remainder of the school year. The full statement is as follows: “Today Governor Kelly announced the closure of Kansas Schools as we know them. When USD 305 reopens, instruction won’t look the same. District staff will use guidelines provided by a statewide committee of Kansas teachers to develop a new learning model for Salina students. This means: Students who attend Salina Public Schools will not have class March 23 – March 27. During … Read More

SALINA – The Saline County Health Department on Tuesday morning issued another coronavirus update. “As of 9:00 this morning, Saline County does not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the community,” the Health Department said in the update. “We will keep you up to date as this changes. Currently, you must see your primary care provider in order to get tested as it must be approved by KDHE lab. Once that changes, we will let you know.” The Health Department has set up an FAQ page at www.saline.org to try and questions regarding the virus and ongoing pandemic.

SALINA – A Salina restaurant has announced that it will close until further notice due to coronavirus concerns. Hong Kong Buffet, 2515 Market Place, made the announcement via social media Monday evening. “With the health and safety of our employees and customers, and as a precautionary measure to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Hong Kong Buffet is temporarily closed beginning March 17th,” restaurant management said in a social media statement. “We will remain closed to customers until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience. We everyone is safe and healthy.”

SALINA – Officials with Tony’s Pizza Events Center announced on Monday the postponement of all upcoming events through May 10th. A full statement regarding these postponements is below: “Today, the Saline County Health Department urged that gatherings of 50 people or more be canceled or postponed to help slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, the City of Salina has directed Tony’s Pizza Events Center to postpone all gatherings through May 11, 2020. We are currently working to reschedule all performances March 17th to May 10th and will provide updates as quickly as possible. Please note fans are … Read More

SALINA – Salina Public Schools has been monitoring the rapidly changing 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Based upon current guidance about limiting the size of groups all activities are canceled through May 9, 2020. At this time, school is canceled for the week of March 16-20 and students are encouraged to stay at home during this time. Everyone is asked to continue to work together, practice social distancing and good hygiene habits: WASH hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer. AVOID touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. AVOID contact with people who … Read More

SALINA – To help protect our patients and staff from exposure during the coronavirus outbreak, Salina Regional Health Center will screen all visitors entering the hospital starting Tuesday, March 17. Visitors need to enter through the main entrance lobby doors off Santa Fe to be screened. For those coming to Veridian Behavioral Health, Wound Care Clinic or Outpatient Rehab you may enter through the North Entrance off South Street where you will be screened before entering. For those that are coming for Infusion Therapy, please continue to enter through the Infusion Therapy entrance as usual where you will also be screened. … Read More

SALINA – Salina Public Library continues to actively monitor information regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). Based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, the library will be closed until further notice. All materials can be returned after the library reopens. All fines incurred during the time that the library is closed will be removed from patron accounts. Please do not return items to library bookdrops during this time. Those who have registered and paid for events through the library’s CLASS program will receive refunds. Library staff will be in contact with … Read More

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission has issued an order suspending utility disconnects for nonpayment until April 15. The action, taken in a special meeting Monday morning, will offer relief to those experiencing potential hardship from the COVID-19 virus. The directive covers all electrical, natural gas, water and telecommunications utilities under the KCC’s jurisdiction, several of which have already voluntarily suspended disconnects. The Commission also encourages those utilities not under its jurisdiction to enact similar practices. “COVID-19 is an unprecedented challenge, and Kansans may face unexpected or unusual financial difficulties,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “No one should have to worry … Read More

SALINA – The Saline County Health Department has issued a pair of statements Monday morning regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “As of 9:30 this morning, Saline County does not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the community. We will keep you up to date as this changes,” the statement said. “Currently, you must see your primary care provider in order to get tested as it must be approved by KDHE lab.” In additional statement issued just before 11 a.m., county officials also stated the following: “We have heard there are rumors about COVID-19 in the Saline County community. Rest … Read More

SALINA – Salina Public Library continues to actively monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19). Out of an abundance of caution, and to provide a healthy and safe environment to library patrons, volunteers, and staff, the library is implementing specific measures to encourage social distancing. Beginning Monday, March 16, all library events and meeting room reservations will be canceled. Those who have registered and paid for events through the library’s CLASS program will receive refunds. Library staff will be in contact with CLASS students. No new meeting room reservations will be allowed at this time. The library will reevaluate these actions no later … Read More

GYPSUM – USD 306 Southeast of Schools has issued a statement regarding their decision to close for the week of March 16-20. The full statement is below: “Late this afternoon the recommendation coming from the State regarding closure has changed. The commissioner is now “strongly recommending” that all schools in Kansas be closed this coming week for the entire week. Southeast of Saline will follow this recommendation. I apologize for any inconvenience this closure may cause parents for child care. It is important to recognize that closing schools only helps control exposure if the students are not gathering outside of … Read More

SALINA – Salina USD 305 released a statement Sunday evening regarding to the decision to close schools from March 16-20. The full statement is below: “Parents were notified this evening that Salina Public Schools will be closed March 16-20, 2020. This decision was made based upon a recommendation from the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) that all schools in the state of Kansas close for the week of March 16-20. This recommendation came as a result of joint discussions between state health and education leaders, school district leaders, and educational organization leaders. School closure guidance did not change, but … Read More