WICHITA–&nbsp;Each year&nbsp;<a href="http://click.email.girlscouts.org/?qs=ac0536bdb1910fb74e6b90c4883c0df56cc2a76e6bcecc7d84b9caabbe17a114f8f548f1522841722d303a495736c5c3" target="_blank">Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland</a>&nbsp;learn valuable leadership and life skills through the Girl Scout Cookie Program®.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Kansas girls will kick-off another year of entrepreneurship from Feb. 13 to March 22 to power their own leadership opportunities and the next big adventure. This season, cookie customers have a new milestone to help girls reach their personal goals as well as helping community members all at the same time.

The&nbsp;<a href="http://click.email.girlscouts.org/?qs=ac0536bdb1910fb7c7b1871ecd0caf013fdd5b26f7bb2e3010779e2e983f84c48f43b0e2f189765006c5bc7aa2af1b1a" target="_blank">Girl Scout Cookie Program</a>&nbsp;teaches girls about entrepreneurship as they have fun learning essential skills like money management, public speaking, and decision making, which set them up for a lifetime of success. Nine in ten&nbsp;<a href="http://click.email.girlscouts.org/?qs=ac0536bdb1910fb7f58c504634cf0c3e429fee04127692c93e13323713425d3dbc0436735f62fcc463efd0af161044dd" target="_blank">Girl Scouts say</a>&nbsp;the cookie program has built their entrepreneurship skills and their interest in pursuing entrepreneurship as a career path—so every cookie purchase is an investment in the world-changing business leaders of tomorrow. What’s more, each and every purchase stays local to power amazing experiences and leadership opportunities for girls in communities across Kansas.

The cookie program powers amazing Girl Scout experiences that might not have been possible otherwise. Girl Scouts from various troops in northwest Kansas spent a week traveling through New Mexico and Arizona, culminating in a day-long expedition at the Grand Canyon. Troop 40633 ventured east instead and elected to visit New York City, even paying a visit to Girl Scout Central. Other girls chose to fuel outdoor adventures at Girl Scout summer camp right here in Kansas. They participated in everything from archery to zip lining. And while each girl made a unique decision, one thing was true for each of them. Funds from their cookie business powered these experiences for Kansas Girl Scouts.

This year, Girl Scouts’ commitment to giving back within the community reaches a milestone year. The Cookie Share Program turns 10 years old in 2020, and to celebrate this year, our goal is to reach a total of 200,000 cookie shares donated to local organizations since the program’s inception. Girl Scouts across Kansas give cookie customers the option of sharing cookies with service men and women, their families, and local charities like the Kansas Food Bank. It’s simple. Supporters can purchase a package of cookies and donate it. Since the program began in 2010, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland has distributed more than 175,000 packages of cookies to members of the military and local charities, including 16,000 cookie shares in 2019 alone.

With one of two lemon cookies available nationwide this year, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland is celebrating the Lemonades®&nbsp;cookie, a tasty way to support young female entrepreneurs. These savory slices of shortbread with lemon-flavored icing are joined by Thin Mints®, Caramel deLites®, Peanut Butter Patties®, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Shortbreads, Thanks-A-Lots®, Girl Scout S’mores®, and the gluten-free Caramel Chocolate Chip varieties priced at $5 per package. This year also marks the final Cookie Season for the Thanks-A-Lot. Those supporting Girl Scout entrepreneurs are encouraged to stock up and thank this delicious chocolate-dipped cookie for 15 years of enjoyment.

Make plans today to invest in local girls and your community by supporting the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Looking for a local Girl Scout Cookie Entrepreneur? Enter your zip code at&nbsp;<a href="http://click.email.girlscouts.org/?qs=ac0536bdb1910fb7f3a0bafdd50dbc78ea942b1e64e9e517ec4b493ffe0292b21234b50e717ebe9503dbcc589a5837dd" target="_blank">kansasgirlscouts.org</a>, call the Cookie Hotline at 888-686-MINT, or download the free, official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app for&nbsp;<a href="http://click.email.girlscouts.org/?qs=ac0536bdb1910fb7ad794113b19f0aa1f5b85c60059db6d84effcfd4eb67b47d1c9fdc297a1b1137c4c752f8545d3d5a" target="_blank">iOS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://click.email.girlscouts.org/?qs=ac0536bdb1910fb76e0a57acbf198b4a34262a4bb02c74eae5fd780dbd179807babaed45920ee5751dbb3ecfc8fdb3ca" target="_blank">Android</a>&nbsp;mobile devices. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://click.email.girlscouts.org/?qs=ac0536bdb1910fb7f3a0bafdd50dbc78ea942b1e64e9e517ec4b493ffe0292b21234b50e717ebe9503dbcc589a5837dd" target="_blank">kansasgirlscouts.org</a>&nbsp;to find more sweet details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579805317207.jpeg" alt="A Girl Scout ascends the 55-foot climbing wall at Starwoods Outdoor Center in Clearwater, an experience powered by Girl Scout Cookies. Photo courtesy Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland" />
 <figcaption>A Girl Scout ascends the 55-foot climbing wall at Starwoods Outdoor Center in Clearwater, an experience powered by Girl Scout Cookies. Photo courtesy Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA–&nbsp;Each year&nbsp;<a href="http://click.email.girlscouts.org/?qs=ac0536bdb1910fb74e6b90c4883c0df56cc2a76e6bcecc7d84b9caabbe17a114f8f548f1522841722d303a495736c5c3" target="_blank">Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland</a>&nbsp;learn valuable leadership and life skills through the Girl Scout Cookie Program®. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Kansas girls will kick-off another year of entrepreneurship from Feb. 13 to March 22 to power their own leadership opportunities and the next big adventure. This season, cookie customers have a new milestone to help girls reach their personal goals as well as helping community members all at the same time.The&nbsp;<a href="http://click.email.girlscouts.org/?qs=ac0536bdb1910fb7c7b1871ecd0caf013fdd5b26f7bb2e3010779e2e983f84c48f43b0e2f189765006c5bc7aa2af1b1a" target="_blank">Girl Scout Cookie Program</a>&nbsp;teaches girls about entrepreneurship as they have fun learning essential skills like money management, public speaking, and decision making, which set them up for a lifetime of success. Nine in ten&nbsp;<a href="http://click.email.girlscouts.org/?qs=ac0536bdb1910fb7f58c504634cf0c3e429fee04127692c93e13323713425d3dbc0436735f62fcc463efd0af161044dd" target="_blank">Girl Scouts say</a>&nbsp;the cookie program has built their entrepreneurship skills and their interest in pursuing entrepreneurship as a career path—so every cookie purchase is an investment in the world-changing business leaders of tomorrow. What’s more, each and every purchase stays local to power amazing experiences and leadership opportunities for girls in communities across Kansas.The cookie program powers amazing Girl Scout experiences that might not have been possible otherwise. Girl Scouts from various troops in northwest Kansas spent a week traveling through New Mexico and Arizona, culminating in a day-long expedition at the Grand Canyon. Troop 40633 ventured east instead and elected to visit New York City, even paying a visit to Girl Scout Central. Other girls chose to fuel outdoor adventures at Girl Scout summer camp right here in Kansas. They participated in everything from archery to zip lining. And while each girl made a unique decision, one thing was true for each of them. Funds from their cookie business powered these experiences for Kansas Girl Scouts.This year, Girl Scouts’ commitment to giving back within the community reaches a milestone year. The Cookie Share Program turns 10 years old in 2020, and to celebrate this year, our goal is to reach a total of 200,000 cookie shares donated to local organizations since the program’s inception. Girl Scouts across Kansas give cookie customers the option of sharing cookies with service men and women, their families, and local charities like the Kansas Food Bank. It’s simple. Supporters can purchase a package of cookies and donate it. Since the program began in 2010, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland has distributed more than 175,000 packages of cookies to members of the military and local charities, including 16,000 cookie shares in 2019 alone.With one of two lemon cookies available nationwide this year, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland is celebrating the Lemonades®&nbsp;cookie, a tasty way to support young female entrepreneurs. These savory slices of shortbread with lemon-flavored icing are joined by Thin Mints®, Caramel deLites®, Peanut Butter Patties®, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Shortbreads, Thanks-A-Lots®, Girl Scout S’mores®, and the gluten-free Caramel Chocolate Chip varieties priced at $5 per package. This year also marks the final Cookie Season for the Thanks-A-Lot. Those supporting Girl Scout entrepreneurs are encouraged to stock up and thank this delicious chocolate-dipped cookie for 15 years of enjoyment.Make plans today to invest in local girls and your community by supporting the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Looking for a local Girl Scout Cookie Entrepreneur? Enter your zip code at&nbsp;<a href="http://click.email.girlscouts.org/?qs=ac0536bdb1910fb7f3a0bafdd50dbc78ea942b1e64e9e517ec4b493ffe0292b21234b50e717ebe9503dbcc589a5837dd" target="_blank">kansasgirlscouts.org</a>, call the Cookie Hotline at 888-686-MINT, or download the free, official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app for&nbsp;<a href="http://click.email.girlscouts.org/?qs=ac0536bdb1910fb7ad794113b19f0aa1f5b85c60059db6d84effcfd4eb67b47d1c9fdc297a1b1137c4c752f8545d3d5a" target="_blank">iOS</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://click.email.girlscouts.org/?qs=ac0536bdb1910fb76e0a57acbf198b4a34262a4bb02c74eae5fd780dbd179807babaed45920ee5751dbb3ecfc8fdb3ca" target="_blank">Android</a>&nbsp;mobile devices. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://click.email.girlscouts.org/?qs=ac0536bdb1910fb7f3a0bafdd50dbc78ea942b1e64e9e517ec4b493ffe0292b21234b50e717ebe9503dbcc589a5837dd" target="_blank">kansasgirlscouts.org</a>&nbsp;to find more sweet details.

Girl Scout Cookie Program begins Feb. 13

Kansas Wesleyan University has announced its fall honor rolls, a listing of 235 students across two separate honor rolls.

Full-time students who accumulated a 3.75 grade point average or better during the fall semester were named to the President’s Honor Roll, while those who posted a GPA between 3.25–3.74 this past semester were selected to the Dean’s Honor Roll.

A full listing of those honored follows. 

Tam (Ivy) Nguyen (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

Sarah Scarbrough-Walker (San Antonio, Texas)

Zofia Selwesiuk (Katy Wroclawskie, Poland)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573788745364.jpeg" alt="Pioneer Hall. Photo courtesy KWU" />
 <figcaption>Pioneer Hall. Photo courtesy KWU</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Wesleyan University has announced its fall honor rolls, a listing of 235 students across two separate honor rolls.Full-time students who accumulated a 3.75 grade point average or better during the fall semester were named to the President’s Honor Roll, while those who posted a GPA between 3.25–3.74 this past semester were selected to the Dean’s Honor Roll.A full listing of those honored follows. President’s Honor RollPaige Anderson (Lakeville, Minn.)Meredith Angelotti (Shawnee, Kan.)Makenzie Archer (McPherson, Kan.)Kelcie Bailey (Fort Scott, Kan.)Jessyka Barten (Woodbine, Kan.)Cameron Becker (Coffeyville, Kan.)Tifanie Becker (Salina, Kan.)Madyson Beckett (Halstead, Kan.)Pedro Beltran (Salina, Kan.)Karley Benson (Salina, Kan.)Landon Berquist (Lawrence, Kan.)Daisy Bingham (Huntington Beach, Calif.)Lauren Blue (Arlington, Texas)Micah Bolton (Ellsworth, Kan.)Cheyenne Bosley (Haysville, Kan.)Alexander Botz (Salina, Kan.)Bryce Boyd (Oklahoma City, Okla.)Courtney Brockhoff (Hiawatha, Kan.)James Brooks (Cherokee, Kan.)Griffin Bryant (Goodard, Kan.)Ryan Buresh (Plainville, Kan.)Amanda Cheney (Rexford, Kan.)Samantha Chesser (Wichita, Kan.)Kennedy Cleveland (Bartlesville, Okla.)Autumn Colgin (Canton, Kan.)Aubrey Cook (Salina, Kan.)Collin Crader (St. Louis, Mo.)Tabetha Deines (Salina, Kan.)Hailey Delisle (Herington, Kan.)Caleb Demel (Salina, Kan.)Tyler Doherty (Salina, Kan.)Trey Duffey (Topeka, Kan.)Noah Eichelberger (Moundridge, Kan.)Lauren Flowers (Overland Park, Kan.)Emily Gardner (Berryton, Kan.)Trey Gilbert (Holcomb, Kan.)Ronald Griffin III (Stinnett, Texas)Zachary Griffith (Salina, Kan.)Ashlyn Guerrero (Laguna Niguel, Calif.)McKenzee Hall (Salina, Kan.)Dillon Harriger (Kearney, Mo.)Phillip Hauser (Salina, Kan.)Anilese Hayes (Payson, Ariz.)Kristin Heck (Salina, Kan.)Courtney Heinen (Axtell, Kan.)Jeffrey Hendrixson (Haven, Kan.)Clay Hickey (Virginia Beach, Va.)Isabel Hinkeldey (Charlotte, N.C.)Holly Holt (Shawnee Mission, Kan.)Bradyn Houltberg (Salina, Kan.)Nolan Jones (Plainville, Kan.)Ryann Kats (Prairie View, Kan.)Ethan Kickhaefer (Salina, Kan.)Ryan Lalicker (Goodland, Kan.)Taylor Lang (Hutchinson, Kan.)Ryan Lawrence (Iola, Texas)Taylor Lenggenhager (Austin, Texas)Stephen Loader (Salina, Kan.)Brandon Lowe (Collinsville, Okla.)Derian Mastin (Broken Arrow, Okla.)Allisan McGowan (Pratt, Kan.)Ivy Miller (Cawker City, Kan.)Evin Miller (Cawker City, Kan.)Emily Monson (Cheney, Kan.)Cassity Morlan (Kechi, Kan.)Rebekah Morris (Coffeyville, Kan.)Christopher Nam (Honolulu, Hawaii)Delaney Nash (Salina, Kan.)Skylar Nelson (Bennington, Kan.)Tam (Ivy) Nguyen (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)John Olivier (Castle Rock, Colo.)Jordan Ott (Austin, Texas)Samuel Overbey (Leavenworth, Kan.)Anabel Packard (Castle Rock, Colo.)Morgan Parker (Salina, Kan.)Hilda Pena (Oxnard, Calif.)Trenton Poe-Evans (Needles, Calif.)Kirsten Redfern (Keller, Texas)Regan Rhodes (Mullinville, Kan.)Kyle Rice (Topeka, Kan.)Aidan Richmond (Keller, Texas)Kelsey Ripperger (Hastings, Neb.)Paula Rolph (Delphos, Kan.)Jana Rosich (Paola, Kan.)Sarah Scarbrough-Walker (San Antonio, Texas)Elizabeth Schaefer (Lyons, Kan.)Madeline Schmidt (Salina, Kan.)Claire Schmidt (Salina, Kan.)Amber Schreiber (Las Vegas, Nev.)Megan Schutz (Salina, Kan.)Zofia Selwesiuk (Katy Wroclawskie, Poland)Jessica Smith (Salina, Kan.)Natalie Soukup (Ellsworth, Kan.)Christian Stevens (Abilene, Kan.)Tara Stubits (Topeka, Kan.)Emma Turner (Topeka, Kan.)Logan Vacca (Coffeyville, Kan.)Kayla Vallin (Aurora, Kan.)Hailey Vandevanter (Georgetown, Ky.)Brianna Wallace (Riverside, Calif.)Thomas Waltz (Niceville, Fla.)Trevor Watson (Coffeyville, Kan.)Troy Watson (Coffeyville, Kan.)Matthew Whitsitt (Newton, Kan.)Austin Wiley (San Antonio, Texas)Karlie Will (Wichita, Kan.)Abby Wray (Wichita, Kan.)Dean’s Honor RollSamuel Adams (Livermore, Calif.)Stephen Alexander (Inglewood, Calif.)Brianna Anderson (Colorado Springs, Colo.)Ethan Badders (Salina, Kan.)Justin Bailey (Yorba Linda, Calif.)Anthony Bargas Jr. (Pittsburg, Calif.)Sydney Barrett (Beloit, Kan.)Austin Becker (Garland, Texas)Carlee Becker (Henderson, Nev.)Madison Born (Wichita, Kan.)Morgan Bowles (Lindsborg, Kan.)Fraser Boyd (Diamond Creek, Melbourne, Australia)Nicholas Breneman (Salina, Kan.)Sydney Brown (Tucson, Ariz.)Mayra Camacho Toucet (San Antonio, Texas)Zachary Cepure (Lincoln, Neb.)Kylee Cheatum (Brewster, Kan.)Katie Comley (Sterling, Kan.)Nelson Cook (Salina, Kan.)Byron Cox (Allen, Texas)Nigel Davis (Playa Vista, Calif.)Tyler Davis (Spring, Texas)Dalayna Demarte (Rocklin, Calif.)Dalana Dutton (Lindsborg, Kan.)Cort Elliott (Lindsborg, Kan.)Madison Elskamp (Topeka, Kan.)Peyton Farrington (Sachse, Texas)Jordan Fossett (Frisco, Texas)Autumn Freidhof (Salina, Kan.)Grace Gallagher (Arvada, Colo.)John GassettStephanie Gomez (Lyons, Kan.)Kacin Granzella (Salina, Kan.)Billy Granzow (Herington, Kan.)Izaiah Grogan (Concordia, Kan.)Kaleb Hagans (Hays, Kan.)Cortney Hanna (Lawrence, Kan.)Nolan Harris (Lexington, Mo.)Truman Harris (Lexington, Mo.)Peyton Hatter (Andover, Kan.)Dylan Heck (Cheney, Kan.)Marisela Hernandez-Castro (Olivehurst, Calif.)Jarren Hightower (Oklahoma City, Okla.)Caila Hill (Rossville, Kan.)Cajun Holland (Agoura Hills, Calif.)Tad Holm (Brewster, Kan.)Christian T Honorio Franco Lima (Sao Paulo, Brazil)Demi Imbriani (San Bernadino, Calif.)Kenny Jaramillo (Dallas, Texas)Eren Jenkins (Chicago, Ill.)Spencer Keane (Palm Springs, Calif.)Tyler Kepple (Halstead, Kan.)Aaron King (Yates Center, Kan.)Anne Knipe (Salina, Kan.)Miles Koehler (Athens, Texas)Nathaniel Leach (Houston, Texas)Kedric Liggins (Salina, Kan.)Chloe Lovell (Junction City, Kan.)Jacob Lovell (Junction City, Kan.)Sebastian Luna (Edinburg, Texas)Benjamin Lykes (Oklahoma City, Okla.)Alison Magni (Santa Maria, Calif.)Jacob Marcotte (Salina, Kan.)Richard McCauley (Edmond, Okla.)James McNutt (Sterling, Kan.)Anna Menhusen (Mankato, Kan.)Patrick Mercer (Denton, Texas)Della Mettlen (Salina, Kan.)Madison Mitchell (Mulvane, Kan.)Alicia Mora (Hutchinson, Kan.)Aaron Nitka (Waurika, Okla.)Parker Norton (Salina, Kan.)Adreah Novotny (Clay Center, Kan.)Valerie Ochoa (Monrovia, Calif.)Isabella Olson (Salina, Kan.)Brittany Pappada (Salina, Kan.)Elijah Parmenter (Wichita, Kan.)Joshua Patterson (Chandler, Ariz.)Lane Peters (Scandia, Kan.)Thamara Peterson (Monrovia, Calif.)Ethan Resh (Birdsboro, Penn.)Alexander Reynolds (Olathe, Kan.)Brenna Rich (Mission Viejo, Calif.)Shelby Riggins (Topeka, Kan.)Paige Robinson (Orange, Calif.)Haylie Rodriguez (Salina, Kan.)Carlos Rodriguez Pedrosa (Toa Baja, Puerto Rico)Joseph Salvatierra (Salina, Kan.)Jonathan Samayoa (Columbus, Neb.)Quincy Sandoval (South Jordan, Utah)Dalton Schuette (Colby, Kan.)Jordyn Scott (Miltonvale, Kan.)Jameson Shaughnessy (Salina, Kan.)Jacob Shaw (Baytown, Texas)Lora Shinn (Topeka, Kan.)Trent Short (Imperial, Mo.)Warren Singletary (Hawkinsville, Ga.)Jayme Sloan (Asbury, Mo.)Sydnee Smith (Hutchinson, Kan.)Carolina Snowden (Spanaway, Wash.)Steven Solis (League City, Texas)Ethan Speer (Salina, Kan.)Taylor Spencer (Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada)Alyssa Stachura (Glendale, Ariz.)Haley Staroscik (Beatrice, Neb.)Bryce Stephenson (Garland, Texas)Kristiana Streuber (Las Vegas, Nev.)Michelle Sugimura (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada)Sara Taylor (Mabank, Texas)Bailie Troll (Peck, Kan.)Eli Truhe (Salina, Kan.)Caleb Ubel (Wheaton, Kan.)Madeline Valdes (Livermore, Calif.)Cole Van Wey (Elk Run Heights, Iowa)Michela Van Wey (Lake Park, Iowa)Albert Vasquez III (Dallas, Texas)Jessica Vegely (Mariposa, Calif.)Joshua Walker (Mukwonago, Wisc.)Hannah Walter (Lawrence, Kan.)Justin Weber (Bucyrus, Kan.)Curtis Wedel (Garden City, Kan.)Celine Wetiba (Wichita, Kan.)Payton Whaler (Sublette, Kan.)Anna Williams (Crandall, Texas)Landon Wilson (Minneapolis, Kan.)Stefany Wilson (Salina, Kan.)Chu Yu (Joseph) Wu (Taichung, Taiwan)Preston Yurt (Fort Collins, Colo.)--<a href="http://kwu.edu">kwu.edu</a>--

Kansas Wesleyan announces fall honor rolls

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy is now taking registrations for its 2020 session. 

The event, which will be in its 83rd year, is scheduled for May 31 through June 5 at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

The ALBSKLA is for individuals who will enter their senior year of high school in the fall of 2020. It provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility.

Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

Those wishing to attend the program should visit <a href="http://ksbstate.org">ksbstate.org </a>to register. In addition, anyone can nominate individuals to attend Kansas Boys State by going to <a href="http://ksbstate.org">ksbstate.org</a> and submitting the person’s name, mailing address, e-mail address, high school and phone number. You can also submit nominees for future years as well.

The deadline to register to guarantee a spot in the program is&nbsp; April 15. The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $325; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50.

Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals, or those with questions, should contact Troy Fowler, ALBSKLA director of operations, at <a href="mailto:troy.fowler@ksbstate.org">troy.fowler@ksbstate.org</a>.

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy, visit <a href="http://ksbstate.org">ksbstate.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579975630063.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy is now taking registrations for its 2020 session. The event, which will be in its 83rd year, is scheduled for May 31 through June 5 at Kansas State University in Manhattan.The ALBSKLA is for individuals who will enter their senior year of high school in the fall of 2020. It provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility.Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.Those wishing to attend the program should visit <a href="http://ksbstate.org">ksbstate.org </a>to register. In addition, anyone can nominate individuals to attend Kansas Boys State by going to <a href="http://ksbstate.org">ksbstate.org</a> and submitting the person’s name, mailing address, e-mail address, high school and phone number. You can also submit nominees for future years as well.The deadline to register to guarantee a spot in the program is&nbsp; April 15. The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $325; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50.Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals, or those with questions, should contact Troy Fowler, ALBSKLA director of operations, at <a href="mailto:troy.fowler@ksbstate.org">troy.fowler@ksbstate.org</a>.The American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy, visit <a href="http://ksbstate.org">ksbstate.org</a>.

Registration open for Boy State Leadership Academy

After a mild weekend, a cold front will usher in more seasonable air on Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. 

There remains a slight chance for a light wintry mix Monday night into early Tuesday, but confidence in the details remains fairly low at this time, NWS noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579973835887.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After a mild weekend, a cold front will usher in more seasonable air on Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. There remains a slight chance for a light wintry mix Monday night into early Tuesday, but confidence in the details remains fairly low at this time, NWS noted.

NWS: Weekend mild, cooler on Monday

Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption	

Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant	

Theft of property lost or mislaid; Value less than $1,000	

Charges:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

Charges:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

Charges:&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown	

Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance	

Charges:&nbsp;Distribute marijuana; 25 - &lt; 450 grams	

Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance	

Charges:&nbsp;Criminal damage to property; Felony	

Recent Booking Activity for the Saline County Jail. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. Courtesy Photos

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579961283565.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Basgall,Tina LouiseCharges:&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579961372625.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Moreno,Larry GomezCharges:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hitPoss of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579961464505.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Huntington,John RussellCharges:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579961557720.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Smith,Kelly JeanCharges:&nbsp;Battery	Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant	Robbery	Theft of property lost or mislaid; Value less than $1,000	Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579961642367.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Johnson,Jerimie AlanCharges:&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579961721269.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Boyer,Shane AllenCharges:&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579961817309.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Fitch,Jonathan BartonCharges:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579961896740.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Dority,Douglas BryanCharges:&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579962003626.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Headlough,Ethan TheronCharges:&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579962121146.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Tunis,Michelle LynnCharges:&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579962197256.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Navarro,Tiffany LeAnnCharges:&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579962285176.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Crowder,Lane AnthanyCharges:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579962364479.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Allen,Marc StevenCharges:&nbsp;Probation ViolationProbation ViolationProbation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579964559492.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Begnoche,Patric JosephCharges:&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown	Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance	Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579964639075.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Disney,Timothy ScottCharges:&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579964715554.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Patidar,Vipul DilipCharges:&nbsp;Distribute marijuana; 25 - &lt; 450 grams	Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance	Traffic Control Signals	Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579964807128.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Girard,Jason ChristianCharges:&nbsp;Criminal damage to property; Felony	Probation Violation	Probation ViolationRecent Booking Activity for the Saline County Jail. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. Courtesy Photos

Saline County Jail Booking Activity – Saturday

MANHATTAN – Once the calves are born into a beef cattle herd, there is no better sight than watching them get up and begin to nurse their mamas.

However, experts in Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute (BCI) say that difficult deliveries, inexperienced dams and calves born without vigor sometimes keep that connection from happening. It is at those times when a beef producer may have to intervene.

Trying to determine when to offer assistance to the cow/calf pair was a discussion topic among BCI experts&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2020/01/17/mud-control-listener-question-colostrum-management-top-tips-for-managing-colostrum-recruitment-retention-electronic-id-tags/" target="_blank">during a recent podcast</a>, available online. The chief concern is getting the colostrum into the calf within the first few hours after it is born.

“Colostrum is the first milk that the calf gets from its mother that contains a lot of immunity to set it up for the first four to five months of life,” said Brad White, veterinarian and BCI director. “As soon as the calf starts drinking, it has 12-24 hours to absorb the colostrum before his gut closes.”

As to when to intervene, the experts had a difference of opinion. “If I don’t observe a first calf heifer allowing her calf to nurse in the first two to four hours, I will get involved by helping,” said Bob Weaber, beef cattle extension specialist and BCI expert.

He added: “My goal is to get at least one quart of colostrum into the calf. After milking out the cow, I offer it to the calf through a bottle and if that doesn’t work, I use an esophageal tube feeder to deliver it.”

White prefers to follow a less aggressive approach by observing calf behavior over the course of 24-48 hours. “I am not going to intervene until the calf tells me it is not thriving, by walking with its head down or trying to nurse off of other cows,” he said.

He added that if he does intervene, his goal is to gather the milk from the calf’s dam rather than using colostrum supplementation. White said the immunity in the colostrum comes from the proteins in the dam’s milk and that milk from beef cows is more nutrient dense than that of dairy cows (which is what most colostrum supplements consist of). So, with supplementation of dairy colostrum, White said the supplementation goal is to provide two quarts.

Both experts agree that the quantity and quality of the colostrum produced by the cow has a direct correlation to the dam’s body condition score.

“A cow in good body condition will have the nutrition she needs to make the proteins to pass on the immunity to her calf,” White said.

He also stressed the importance of calving in a dry, clean environment.

“The immunity is only as effective as the challenges we put it under, so if the calf is born in a mud lot, the cow’s udder may be covered in mud and that will give the calf a high pathogen challenge when it tries to nurse,” White said.

If supplementation is ultimately necessary, White and Weaber agreed that getting the milk delivered to the calf at the correct temperature is critical.

The goal is feeding it at a temperature of 100 degrees, Weaber said. White adds: “It is best to warm up the milk in a hot water bath. If you microwave it, you will destroy a lot of those proteins.”

Maintain cows in good body condition to maximize the quality and quantity of the colostrum they produce. 

Develop herd immunity by following a vaccination schedule. 

Ensure cows have a dry location in which to calve. 

Have an intervention plan in place for colostrum supplementation. 

Keep intervention equipment such as a bottle or esophageal tube feeder on hand

More information on this topic is available on a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2020/01/17/mud-control-listener-question-colostrum-management-top-tips-for-managing-colostrum-recruitment-retention-electronic-id-tags/" target="_blank">podcast</a>&nbsp;produced by the Beef Cattle Institute.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579916938070.jpeg" alt="Calves need to nurse their mothers soon after they are born to maximize the immunity passed along in that first milk. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Calves need to nurse their mothers soon after they are born to maximize the immunity passed along in that first milk. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – Once the calves are born into a beef cattle herd, there is no better sight than watching them get up and begin to nurse their mamas.However, experts in Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute (BCI) say that difficult deliveries, inexperienced dams and calves born without vigor sometimes keep that connection from happening. It is at those times when a beef producer may have to intervene.Trying to determine when to offer assistance to the cow/calf pair was a discussion topic among BCI experts&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2020/01/17/mud-control-listener-question-colostrum-management-top-tips-for-managing-colostrum-recruitment-retention-electronic-id-tags/" target="_blank">during a recent podcast</a>, available online. The chief concern is getting the colostrum into the calf within the first few hours after it is born.“Colostrum is the first milk that the calf gets from its mother that contains a lot of immunity to set it up for the first four to five months of life,” said Brad White, veterinarian and BCI director. “As soon as the calf starts drinking, it has 12-24 hours to absorb the colostrum before his gut closes.”As to when to intervene, the experts had a difference of opinion. “If I don’t observe a first calf heifer allowing her calf to nurse in the first two to four hours, I will get involved by helping,” said Bob Weaber, beef cattle extension specialist and BCI expert.He added: “My goal is to get at least one quart of colostrum into the calf. After milking out the cow, I offer it to the calf through a bottle and if that doesn’t work, I use an esophageal tube feeder to deliver it.”White prefers to follow a less aggressive approach by observing calf behavior over the course of 24-48 hours. “I am not going to intervene until the calf tells me it is not thriving, by walking with its head down or trying to nurse off of other cows,” he said.He added that if he does intervene, his goal is to gather the milk from the calf’s dam rather than using colostrum supplementation. White said the immunity in the colostrum comes from the proteins in the dam’s milk and that milk from beef cows is more nutrient dense than that of dairy cows (which is what most colostrum supplements consist of). So, with supplementation of dairy colostrum, White said the supplementation goal is to provide two quarts.Both experts agree that the quantity and quality of the colostrum produced by the cow has a direct correlation to the dam’s body condition score.“A cow in good body condition will have the nutrition she needs to make the proteins to pass on the immunity to her calf,” White said.He also stressed the importance of calving in a dry, clean environment.“The immunity is only as effective as the challenges we put it under, so if the calf is born in a mud lot, the cow’s udder may be covered in mud and that will give the calf a high pathogen challenge when it tries to nurse,” White said.If supplementation is ultimately necessary, White and Weaber agreed that getting the milk delivered to the calf at the correct temperature is critical.The goal is feeding it at a temperature of 100 degrees, Weaber said. White adds: “It is best to warm up the milk in a hot water bath. If you microwave it, you will destroy a lot of those proteins.”White and Weaber offer these five tips:Maintain cows in good body condition to maximize the quality and quantity of the colostrum they produce. Develop herd immunity by following a vaccination schedule. Ensure cows have a dry location in which to calve. Have an intervention plan in place for colostrum supplementation. Keep intervention equipment such as a bottle or esophageal tube feeder on handMore information on this topic is available on a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2020/01/17/mud-control-listener-question-colostrum-management-top-tips-for-managing-colostrum-recruitment-retention-electronic-id-tags/" target="_blank">podcast</a>&nbsp;produced by the Beef Cattle Institute.

K-State: First milk important to successful calving experience

TOPEKA – Kansas&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed Feb. 3-7, 2020, as Wildfire Awareness Week in partnership with the Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and multiple state agencies.

“Each year, wildfires endanger our firefighters, neighbors, and landscapes,” said Mick McGuire, the current chair of the Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and lead meteorologist of the National Weather Service in Wichita. “Wildfire Awareness Week reminds us that we all have a part to play in preventing wildfires and protecting our communities.”

Preliminary data from the Office of the State Fire Marshall indicates that reported vegetation fires were down to 2,502 fires burning 27,907 acres in 2019 as compared to 6,316 fires that burned 185,610 acres in 2018.

While reported wildfires were lower in 2019 due to above normal precipitation amounts, cooperating agencies within KIWC caution Kansans to not become complacent when it comes to doing their part to reduce the risk of and prepare for wildfires. Nearly 95% of all wildfires result from the activity of people, indicating there is still room for improvement.

"While some wildland fires can't be prevented because they spring from lightning strikes or other natural causes, many are avoidable by carefully observing basic precautions when using fires outdoors," Gov. Kelly said.

McGuire said that every Kansan can implement the tips and best practices highlighted during Wildfire Awareness Week to prevent dangerous wildfires.

“I urge everyone to take simple, precautionary steps like pruning trees and shrubs around homes and removing old debris from yards. Kansas experiences it's heaviest wildfire activity during the early spring months, but fires occur during all seasons of the year, including winter,” he said.

The Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and partner agencies suggest the following to mitigate the risk of wildfire and reduce potential impacts if a wildfire does occur:

Create defensible space around homes by removing leaves and other plant debris and flammable material that could catch embers. Replace or repair loose or missing shingles. Provide adequate space between the home and trees or other landscaping.

Establish a community or neighborhood group to participate in or be a part of creating a wildfire mitigation and response plan.

Prevent wildfires from starting by avoiding activities that can spark fires near buildings and potential fuel sources.

Write and follow your burn plan for prescribed fire including checking the weather forecast, and continue to monitor the burn area to make sure it hasn’t reignited.

Consider volunteering with your local fire department. Quick responses by local fire departments prevent what could become a devasting wildfire.

Throughout the 2020 Wildfire Awareness Week, the Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and partner agencies including the National Weather Service Office, Kansas Division of Emergency Management, Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Kansas Forest Service, and others will remind Kansans of the dangers posed by wildfires and easy to implement practices to prevent and mitigate the risk of wildfires.

Follow the hashtag&nbsp;#WildfireKS&nbsp;on social media during Wildfire Awareness Week to engage in the conservation. Be sure to like and follow&nbsp;@WildfireKS&nbsp;on Twitter and&nbsp;@KSKIWC&nbsp;on Facebook to see the latest information on wildfires in Kansas year-round.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579914794555.jpeg" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly (sitting) signed a proclamation Friday recognizing Feb. 3-7 as Wildfire Awareness Week in the state. Photo Kansas Forest Service" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly (sitting) signed a proclamation Friday recognizing Feb. 3-7 as Wildfire Awareness Week in the state. Photo Kansas Forest Service</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – Kansas&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed Feb. 3-7, 2020, as Wildfire Awareness Week in partnership with the Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and multiple state agencies.“Each year, wildfires endanger our firefighters, neighbors, and landscapes,” said Mick McGuire, the current chair of the Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and lead meteorologist of the National Weather Service in Wichita. “Wildfire Awareness Week reminds us that we all have a part to play in preventing wildfires and protecting our communities.”Preliminary data from the Office of the State Fire Marshall indicates that reported vegetation fires were down to 2,502 fires burning 27,907 acres in 2019 as compared to 6,316 fires that burned 185,610 acres in 2018.While reported wildfires were lower in 2019 due to above normal precipitation amounts, cooperating agencies within KIWC caution Kansans to not become complacent when it comes to doing their part to reduce the risk of and prepare for wildfires. Nearly 95% of all wildfires result from the activity of people, indicating there is still room for improvement."While some wildland fires can't be prevented because they spring from lightning strikes or other natural causes, many are avoidable by carefully observing basic precautions when using fires outdoors," Gov. Kelly said.McGuire said that every Kansan can implement the tips and best practices highlighted during Wildfire Awareness Week to prevent dangerous wildfires.“I urge everyone to take simple, precautionary steps like pruning trees and shrubs around homes and removing old debris from yards. Kansas experiences it's heaviest wildfire activity during the early spring months, but fires occur during all seasons of the year, including winter,” he said.The Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and partner agencies suggest the following to mitigate the risk of wildfire and reduce potential impacts if a wildfire does occur:Create defensible space around homes by removing leaves and other plant debris and flammable material that could catch embers. Replace or repair loose or missing shingles. Provide adequate space between the home and trees or other landscaping.Establish a community or neighborhood group to participate in or be a part of creating a wildfire mitigation and response plan.Prevent wildfires from starting by avoiding activities that can spark fires near buildings and potential fuel sources.Write and follow your burn plan for prescribed fire including checking the weather forecast, and continue to monitor the burn area to make sure it hasn’t reignited.Consider volunteering with your local fire department. Quick responses by local fire departments prevent what could become a devasting wildfire.Throughout the 2020 Wildfire Awareness Week, the Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and partner agencies including the National Weather Service Office, Kansas Division of Emergency Management, Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Kansas Forest Service, and others will remind Kansans of the dangers posed by wildfires and easy to implement practices to prevent and mitigate the risk of wildfires.Follow the hashtag&nbsp;#WildfireKS&nbsp;on social media during Wildfire Awareness Week to engage in the conservation. Be sure to like and follow&nbsp;@WildfireKS&nbsp;on Twitter and&nbsp;@KSKIWC&nbsp;on Facebook to see the latest information on wildfires in Kansas year-round.

Wildfire Awareness Week reminds Kansans to remain vigilant 

The U.S. Department of Education&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-secretary-education-betsy-devos-announces-proposed-rule-regarding-equal-treatment-faith-based-education-institutions-provides-updated-school-prayer-guidance" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;a number of proposed rules and guidance related to religion and public schools last week on National Religious Freedom Day. Predictably, headlines focused on what the&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/religionandschools/prayer_guidance.html" target="_blank">guidance</a>&nbsp;means for students’ right to pray.

It’s time we stop reducing complex questions of religion and education to political debates about prayer.

To be fair to news outlets, a press release by the Department of Education framed its guidance as a defense of prayer — despite the fact that longstanding federal guidance already protected all of the rights mentioned in the Trump administration’s new document.

Politicians’ focus on prayer is not new and it is at least partially a partisan ploy. Speaking at a Florida megachurch on Jan. 3, President Trump teased the new Department of Education announcement by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-16/trump-targets-prayer-in-school-to-firm-up-evangelical-support" target="_blank">saying</a>&nbsp;his administration would “not allow faithful Americans to be bullied by the hard left” and that he was preparing to “safeguard students’ and teachers’ First Amendment rights.”

But there are Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/party-affiliation/" target="_blank">in both major political parties</a>&nbsp;who are deeply religious and politicians in both parties care about religious freedom. In 1995, officials in the U.S. education and justice departments of the Clinton administration sent a brief memo to every superintendent offering&nbsp;<a href="https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/1995/08/02/41relig.h14.html" target="_blank">basic guidance</a>&nbsp;about religious expression in public schools. Five years later, the U.S. Department of Education under the same administration decided to address a more extensive set of issues related to religion and education; members&nbsp;<a href="http://rsnonline.org/index660e.html?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=688&amp;Itemid=785" target="_blank">distributed</a>&nbsp;five publications — including consensus statements affirmed by institutions across the religious, political and ideological spectrum — to every public school in the country. Then, in 2003, Secretary of Education Rod Paige, appointed by President George W. Bush, published a&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/religionandschools/letter_20030207.html" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;with updated guidance about religion in schools — which, notably, was framed as a prayer issue.

The guidance document released by the Trump administration last week does not protect rights for students or teachers that have not already been affirmed with bipartisan consensus for decades. Little has changed aside from a promise that this administration will enforce an old but oft-overlooked mandate, put in place by the 2003 No Child Left Behind Act, that requires superintendents to certify each year that their districts do not have policies that violate the Department of Education’s guidance.

So let’s not fixate on prayer in public education. Focusing on that single issue can mislead the public into thinking that students still do not have the right to pray in schools (they do), or that schools are religion-free zones (they are not). It often feeds a polarizing narrative that only one party cares about the rights of religious Americans. And such myopia stunts important conversations about the full range of issues regarding religion in schools.

In fact, last week’s announcement by the Department of Education included a number of other proposed rules, including some that deal with religious organizations’ access to education grants and the rights of religious student organizations on higher education campuses.

The guidance document on K-12 education alone did not just cover prayer. For example, the document affirmed students’ ability to form and publicize religious clubs on an equal basis with other types of clubs, rights protected by the 1984&nbsp;<a href="https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/RFC_Pamphlet_2017_Equal_Access_Act_Public_Schools.pdf" target="_blank">Equal Access Act</a>&nbsp;— which passed with bipartisan support in the Senate (88-11) and House (337-77). And the guidance document also affirmed that educators may teach about religion in a non-proselytizing manner per the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1963&nbsp;<a href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/374/203/" target="_blank">ruling</a>&nbsp;in School District of Abington Township, Pennsylvania v. Schempp.

If anything, Americans who care about religion and education should pay far more attention to this last point: the way teachers are trained — or not — to teach about religion academically and constitutionally. Poor instruction about religion can easily turn into government-led indoctrination, which would directly violate the First Amendment.

Ironically, a set of eight major policy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Publications_Edu_WhitePaper.pdf" target="_blank">recommendations</a>&nbsp;related to K-12 religious studies education were published in a white paper less than two weeks before the Department of Education guidance. Recommendations include: expanding and strengthening teacher training in the academic study of religion; creating and distributing relevant curricular resources; and conducting research about the impact of religious studies education on student attitudes and behaviors. Despite a lack of media attention, the white paper has the potential to affect significantly the way scholars and educators prioritize efforts to improve constitutionally appropriate religious studies education in the United States.

The white paper came out of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d2H9EloZEk&amp;list=PLncglHqQIdkaHy-9Aht3KxFjNjrFiIAD7&amp;index=3&amp;t=4s" target="_blank">national summit</a>&nbsp;on religion and education co-hosted in September 2019 by four preeminent education and religious studies organizations. Leaders with different religious and ideological perspectives signed on to the document’s recommendations, laying out a roadmap for priority tasks that would affect the way K-12 students study religion around the country.

Yes, it is absolutely vital to help students whose right to pray has been violated by schools — though there is no evidence that these types of violations are widespread. But responding constructively to the recommendations outlined in the white paper published by my colleagues would do more to protect students’ religious freedom rights in public schools than reporting on or re-issuing guidance on student prayer first published more than 20 years ago.

Benjamin P. Marcus is religious literacy specialist at the Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum Institute. His email address is:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmarcus@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">bmarcus@freedomforum.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576172304708.png" alt="Benjamin Marcus. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum Institute" />
 <figcaption>Benjamin Marcus. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum Institute</figcaption>
 </figure>By BENJAMIN MARCUSThe U.S. Department of Education&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-secretary-education-betsy-devos-announces-proposed-rule-regarding-equal-treatment-faith-based-education-institutions-provides-updated-school-prayer-guidance" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;a number of proposed rules and guidance related to religion and public schools last week on National Religious Freedom Day. Predictably, headlines focused on what the&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/religionandschools/prayer_guidance.html" target="_blank">guidance</a>&nbsp;means for students’ right to pray.It’s time we stop reducing complex questions of religion and education to political debates about prayer.To be fair to news outlets, a press release by the Department of Education framed its guidance as a defense of prayer — despite the fact that longstanding federal guidance already protected all of the rights mentioned in the Trump administration’s new document.Politicians’ focus on prayer is not new and it is at least partially a partisan ploy. Speaking at a Florida megachurch on Jan. 3, President Trump teased the new Department of Education announcement by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-16/trump-targets-prayer-in-school-to-firm-up-evangelical-support" target="_blank">saying</a>&nbsp;his administration would “not allow faithful Americans to be bullied by the hard left” and that he was preparing to “safeguard students’ and teachers’ First Amendment rights.”But there are Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/party-affiliation/" target="_blank">in both major political parties</a>&nbsp;who are deeply religious and politicians in both parties care about religious freedom. In 1995, officials in the U.S. education and justice departments of the Clinton administration sent a brief memo to every superintendent offering&nbsp;<a href="https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/1995/08/02/41relig.h14.html" target="_blank">basic guidance</a>&nbsp;about religious expression in public schools. Five years later, the U.S. Department of Education under the same administration decided to address a more extensive set of issues related to religion and education; members&nbsp;<a href="http://rsnonline.org/index660e.html?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=688&amp;Itemid=785" target="_blank">distributed</a>&nbsp;five publications — including consensus statements affirmed by institutions across the religious, political and ideological spectrum — to every public school in the country. Then, in 2003, Secretary of Education Rod Paige, appointed by President George W. Bush, published a&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/religionandschools/letter_20030207.html" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;with updated guidance about religion in schools — which, notably, was framed as a prayer issue.The guidance document released by the Trump administration last week does not protect rights for students or teachers that have not already been affirmed with bipartisan consensus for decades. Little has changed aside from a promise that this administration will enforce an old but oft-overlooked mandate, put in place by the 2003 No Child Left Behind Act, that requires superintendents to certify each year that their districts do not have policies that violate the Department of Education’s guidance.So let’s not fixate on prayer in public education. Focusing on that single issue can mislead the public into thinking that students still do not have the right to pray in schools (they do), or that schools are religion-free zones (they are not). It often feeds a polarizing narrative that only one party cares about the rights of religious Americans. And such myopia stunts important conversations about the full range of issues regarding religion in schools.In fact, last week’s announcement by the Department of Education included a number of other proposed rules, including some that deal with religious organizations’ access to education grants and the rights of religious student organizations on higher education campuses.The guidance document on K-12 education alone did not just cover prayer. For example, the document affirmed students’ ability to form and publicize religious clubs on an equal basis with other types of clubs, rights protected by the 1984&nbsp;<a href="https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/RFC_Pamphlet_2017_Equal_Access_Act_Public_Schools.pdf" target="_blank">Equal Access Act</a>&nbsp;— which passed with bipartisan support in the Senate (88-11) and House (337-77). And the guidance document also affirmed that educators may teach about religion in a non-proselytizing manner per the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1963&nbsp;<a href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/374/203/" target="_blank">ruling</a>&nbsp;in School District of Abington Township, Pennsylvania v. Schempp.If anything, Americans who care about religion and education should pay far more attention to this last point: the way teachers are trained — or not — to teach about religion academically and constitutionally. Poor instruction about religion can easily turn into government-led indoctrination, which would directly violate the First Amendment.Ironically, a set of eight major policy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Publications_Edu_WhitePaper.pdf" target="_blank">recommendations</a>&nbsp;related to K-12 religious studies education were published in a white paper less than two weeks before the Department of Education guidance. Recommendations include: expanding and strengthening teacher training in the academic study of religion; creating and distributing relevant curricular resources; and conducting research about the impact of religious studies education on student attitudes and behaviors. Despite a lack of media attention, the white paper has the potential to affect significantly the way scholars and educators prioritize efforts to improve constitutionally appropriate religious studies education in the United States.The white paper came out of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d2H9EloZEk&amp;list=PLncglHqQIdkaHy-9Aht3KxFjNjrFiIAD7&amp;index=3&amp;t=4s" target="_blank">national summit</a>&nbsp;on religion and education co-hosted in September 2019 by four preeminent education and religious studies organizations. Leaders with different religious and ideological perspectives signed on to the document’s recommendations, laying out a roadmap for priority tasks that would affect the way K-12 students study religion around the country.Yes, it is absolutely vital to help students whose right to pray has been violated by schools — though there is no evidence that these types of violations are widespread. But responding constructively to the recommendations outlined in the white paper published by my colleagues would do more to protect students’ religious freedom rights in public schools than reporting on or re-issuing guidance on student prayer first published more than 20 years ago.Benjamin P. Marcus is religious literacy specialist at the Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum Institute. His email address is:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bmarcus@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">bmarcus@freedomforum.org</a>.

First Five: Don't get stuck on prayers in public schools

Today is Saturday, Jan. 25, the 25th day of 2020. There are 341 days left in the year.

On Jan. 25, 1915, America's first official transcontinental telephone call took place as Alexander Graham Bell, who was in New York, spoke to his former assistant, Thomas Watson, who was in San Francisco, over a line set up by American Telephone &amp; Telegraph.

In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln accepted Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside's resignation as commander of the Army of the Potomac and replaced him with Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker.

In 1924, the first Winter Olympic Games opened in Chamonix, France.

In 1945, the World War II Battle of the Bulge ended as German forces were pushed back to their original positions. Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first community to add fluoride to its public water supply.

In 1947, gangster Al Capone died in Miami Beach, Florida, at age 48.

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy held the first presidential news conference to be carried live on radio and television.

In 1971, Charles Manson and three women followers were convicted in Los Angeles of murder and conspiracy in the 1969 slayings of seven people, including actress Sharon Tate.

In 1981, the 52 Americans held hostage by Iran for 444 days arrived in the United States.

In 1990, an Avianca Boeing 707 ran out of fuel and crashed in Cove Neck, Long Island, New York; 73 of the 158 people aboard were killed. Actress Ava Gardner died in London at age 67.

In 1993, a gunman shot and killed two CIA employees outside agency headquarters in Virginia (Pakistani national Mir Aimal Kansi was later tried and convicted of the shootings, and executed). Sears announced that it would no longer publish its famous century-old catalog.

In 1994, maintaining his innocence, singer Michael Jackson settled a child molestation lawsuit against him; terms were confidential, although the monetary figure was reportedly $22 million.

In 1998, Pope John Paul II ended his historic journey to Cuba.

In 2017, President Donald Trump moved aggressively to tighten the nation's immigration controls, signing executive actions to jumpstart construction of his promised U.S.-Mexico border wall and cut federal grants for immigrant-protecting "sanctuary cities." Death claimed actress Mary Tyler Moore at age 80 and actor John Hurt at age 77.

Ten years ago: Iraq hanged Ali Hassan al-Majid, known as "Chemical Ali" for his role in gassing 5,000 people in a Kurdish village. An Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 crashed into the Mediterranean after taking off from Beirut in a fierce thunderstorm; all 90 people aboard were killed. Director James Cameron's sci-fi spectacle "Avatar" overtook his shipwreck saga "Titanic" to become the world's highest-grossing film.

Five years ago: The radical left-wing Syriza party rode an anti-austerity platform to victory in Greece's parliamentary elections, setting the stage for a showdown with international creditors. Party leader Alexis Tsipras promised to end the "five years of humiliation and pain" that Greece had endured since an international bailout saved it from bankruptcy in 2010. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe offered condolences to the family and friends of Haruna Yukawa, a 42-year-old adventurer taken hostage in Syria, and said a video purporting to show that he had been killed was likely authentic. "Birdman" won best ensemble from the Screen Actors Guild, a day after winning the top honor at the Producer Guild Awards.

One year ago: President Donald Trump signed a bill to reopen the government for three weeks, backing down from his demand that Congress first give him money for his border wall. President Trump's confidant Roger Stone was arrested by the FBI in a pre-dawn raid at his Florida home and charged with lying about his pursuit of Russian-hacked emails damaging to Hillary Clinton's 2016 election bid. (Stone was convicted in November 2019, on charges including lying to Congress and witness tampering; he is awaiting sentencing in February.) A dam owned by a mining company collapsed in Brazil, unleashing a wave of toxic mud; more than 200 people were killed with dozens of others missing.

Today's Birthdays: Country singer Claude Gray is 88. Actress Leigh Taylor-Young is 76. Actress Jenifer Lewis is 63. Country musician Mike Burch (River Road) is 54. Rhythm-and-blues singer Kina is 51. Actress China Kantner is 49. Actress Ana Ortiz is 49. Drummer Joe Sirois (Mighty Mighty Bosstones) is 48. Musician Matt Odmark (Jars of Clay) is 46. Actress Mia Kirshner is 45. Actress Christine Lakin is 41. Rhythm-and-blues singer Alicia Keys is 40. Actor Michael Trevino is 35. Pop musician Calum Hood (5 Seconds to Summer) is 24. Actress Olivia Edward is 13.

Thought for Today: "A first-rate organizer is never in a hurry. He is never late. He always keeps up his sleeve a margin for the unexpected." — Arnold Bennett, English poet, author and critic (1867-1931).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://shutterstock.com/">shutterstock.com</a>." />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://shutterstock.com/">shutterstock.com</a>.</figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Saturday, Jan. 25, the 25th day of 2020. There are 341 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Jan. 25, 1915, America's first official transcontinental telephone call took place as Alexander Graham Bell, who was in New York, spoke to his former assistant, Thomas Watson, who was in San Francisco, over a line set up by American Telephone &amp; Telegraph.On this date:In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln accepted Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside's resignation as commander of the Army of the Potomac and replaced him with Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker.In 1924, the first Winter Olympic Games opened in Chamonix, France.In 1945, the World War II Battle of the Bulge ended as German forces were pushed back to their original positions. Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first community to add fluoride to its public water supply.In 1947, gangster Al Capone died in Miami Beach, Florida, at age 48.In 1961, President John F. Kennedy held the first presidential news conference to be carried live on radio and television.In 1971, Charles Manson and three women followers were convicted in Los Angeles of murder and conspiracy in the 1969 slayings of seven people, including actress Sharon Tate.In 1981, the 52 Americans held hostage by Iran for 444 days arrived in the United States.In 1990, an Avianca Boeing 707 ran out of fuel and crashed in Cove Neck, Long Island, New York; 73 of the 158 people aboard were killed. Actress Ava Gardner died in London at age 67.In 1993, a gunman shot and killed two CIA employees outside agency headquarters in Virginia (Pakistani national Mir Aimal Kansi was later tried and convicted of the shootings, and executed). Sears announced that it would no longer publish its famous century-old catalog.In 1994, maintaining his innocence, singer Michael Jackson settled a child molestation lawsuit against him; terms were confidential, although the monetary figure was reportedly $22 million.In 1998, Pope John Paul II ended his historic journey to Cuba.In 2017, President Donald Trump moved aggressively to tighten the nation's immigration controls, signing executive actions to jumpstart construction of his promised U.S.-Mexico border wall and cut federal grants for immigrant-protecting "sanctuary cities." Death claimed actress Mary Tyler Moore at age 80 and actor John Hurt at age 77.Ten years ago: Iraq hanged Ali Hassan al-Majid, known as "Chemical Ali" for his role in gassing 5,000 people in a Kurdish village. An Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 crashed into the Mediterranean after taking off from Beirut in a fierce thunderstorm; all 90 people aboard were killed. Director James Cameron's sci-fi spectacle "Avatar" overtook his shipwreck saga "Titanic" to become the world's highest-grossing film.Five years ago: The radical left-wing Syriza party rode an anti-austerity platform to victory in Greece's parliamentary elections, setting the stage for a showdown with international creditors. Party leader Alexis Tsipras promised to end the "five years of humiliation and pain" that Greece had endured since an international bailout saved it from bankruptcy in 2010. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe offered condolences to the family and friends of Haruna Yukawa, a 42-year-old adventurer taken hostage in Syria, and said a video purporting to show that he had been killed was likely authentic. "Birdman" won best ensemble from the Screen Actors Guild, a day after winning the top honor at the Producer Guild Awards.One year ago: President Donald Trump signed a bill to reopen the government for three weeks, backing down from his demand that Congress first give him money for his border wall. President Trump's confidant Roger Stone was arrested by the FBI in a pre-dawn raid at his Florida home and charged with lying about his pursuit of Russian-hacked emails damaging to Hillary Clinton's 2016 election bid. (Stone was convicted in November 2019, on charges including lying to Congress and witness tampering; he is awaiting sentencing in February.) A dam owned by a mining company collapsed in Brazil, unleashing a wave of toxic mud; more than 200 people were killed with dozens of others missing.Today's Birthdays: Country singer Claude Gray is 88. Actress Leigh Taylor-Young is 76. Actress Jenifer Lewis is 63. Country musician Mike Burch (River Road) is 54. Rhythm-and-blues singer Kina is 51. Actress China Kantner is 49. Actress Ana Ortiz is 49. Drummer Joe Sirois (Mighty Mighty Bosstones) is 48. Musician Matt Odmark (Jars of Clay) is 46. Actress Mia Kirshner is 45. Actress Christine Lakin is 41. Rhythm-and-blues singer Alicia Keys is 40. Actor Michael Trevino is 35. Pop musician Calum Hood (5 Seconds to Summer) is 24. Actress Olivia Edward is 13.Thought for Today: "A first-rate organizer is never in a hurry. He is never late. He always keeps up his sleeve a margin for the unexpected." — Arnold Bennett, English poet, author and critic (1867-1931).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- Jan. 25

Lakewood Discovery Center is having an open house Saturday in honor of Kansas Day. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lakewooddiscoverycenter/">Lakewood Discovery Center </a>Facebook page:

Lakewood Discovery Center is having an open house Saturday in honor of Kansas Day. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lakewooddiscoverycenter/">Lakewood Discovery Center </a>Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flakewooddiscoverycenter%2Fposts%2F2856378874384061&width=500" width="500" height="749" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Lakewood Discovery Center open house Saturday

Want to work for a family owned local company? Comfort Heating &amp; Air is a continually growing business. We are looking for experienced HVAC installers &amp; technicians interested in furthering their career in the Salina area. We pride ourselves in offering top pay, the best benefits in the industry, and treating our employees with respect. We are hiring long term employees to help us grow and continue to be the best residential and commercial service provider in Salina and&nbsp;the surrounding area.

-Thoroughly checking the entire HVAC system for the customer

-Listening to the customer and providing suggestions and feedback to improve their existing system

-Have experience troubleshooting HVAC systems

-Have no DUI convictions or license suspensions within 5 years

-Can pass a drug test and a background check

-Fully Stocked trucks, uniforms and field support

Apply in person by submitting a resume or filling out an application at 720 N Broadway in Salina or call 785-822-7550 fore more info.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579916329610.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Want to work for a family owned local company? Comfort Heating &amp; Air is a continually growing business. We are looking for experienced HVAC installers &amp; technicians interested in furthering their career in the Salina area. We pride ourselves in offering top pay, the best benefits in the industry, and treating our employees with respect. We are hiring long term employees to help us grow and continue to be the best residential and commercial service provider in Salina and&nbsp;the surrounding area.The Responsibilities:-Addressing customers' HVAC concerns-Thoroughly checking the entire HVAC system for the customer-Listening to the customer and providing suggestions and feedback to improve their existing system-Completing all necessary repairs-Completing all necessary paperworkThe Qualifications:-Have experience troubleshooting HVAC systems-Have a EPA Refrigerant Certification-Enjoy working with people-Have excellent communication skills-Have a valid driver's license-Have no DUI convictions or license suspensions within 5 years-Can pass a drug test and a background checkThe Perks:-We pay TOP dollar for experience-401K Plan with company match-Health insurance benefits-Paid holidays and vacations-Excellent earnings potential!-Fully Stocked trucks, uniforms and field support****PLUS up to $5,000 Signing Bonus!****The Next Step:Apply in person by submitting a resume or filling out an application at 720 N Broadway in Salina or call 785-822-7550 fore more info.&nbsp;

No. 10 Tiger women rally in second half to best Bearcats

By MADDY TANNAHILL Associated Press

Devon Dotson scored 22 points, Udoka Azubuike added 18 and No. 3 Kansas beat Tennessee 74-68 in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. 

Azubuike was the lone big man for the Jayhawks after Silvio De Sousa was suspended 12 games and David McCormack banned five for their roles in a brawl Tuesday against Kansas State. Azubuike overcame early foul trouble to finish with 11 rebounds and four blocks. 

Yves Pons led the Volunteers with 24 points

By MADDY TANNAHILL Associated PressDevon Dotson scored 22 points, Udoka Azubuike added 18 and No. 3 Kansas beat Tennessee 74-68 in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. Azubuike was the lone big man for the Jayhawks after Silvio De Sousa was suspended 12 games and David McCormack banned five for their roles in a brawl Tuesday against Kansas State. Azubuike overcame early foul trouble to finish with 11 rebounds and four blocks. Yves Pons led the Volunteers with 24 points

Dotson, Azubuike lift No. 3 Kansas over Tennessee 74-68

MARYSVILLE, M0. – Led by a school-record performance from sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/kenyi_santino_akrn" target="_blank">Santino Kenyi</a>&nbsp;in the 1,000 meters, the Cloud County Community College men's and women's track and field teams would kick off the weekend by competing on day one of the Northwest Missouri State Bearcat Open in Marysville, Mo., on Friday.

Kenyi's school-record would come in at a time of 2:26.18 which also represents the best time ran in the NJCAA this season and a national qualifying mark to win the 34-runner event.

It would be a pair of near misses on the women's side as the Cloud County 4x800 meter relay team consisting of&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wtrack/2019-20/bios/harcum_tanya_8ynb" target="_blank">Tanya Harcum</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wtrack/2019-20/bios/johnson_kya_68j1" target="_blank">Kya Johnson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wtrack/2019-20/bios/samuels_shackera_j2p3" target="_blank">Shackera Samuels</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wtrack/2019-20/bios/mbenoun_maryse_jzdo" target="_blank">Maryse Mbenoun</a>&nbsp;ran a time of 10:04.75, just missing out on a national qualifying time of 10:04.27. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wtrack/2019-20/bios/jebose_sophie_oyf6" target="_blank">Sophie Jebose</a>&nbsp;would also just fall shy of a national qualifying mark in the pole vault, putting up a mark of 3.07 meters (10 ft. – 0.75 in.) which fell just 0.75 inches shy of the needed mark to qualify for the national meet (3.09 meters).

Other results on Friday for the T-Bird men saw&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/cade_marcquiece_u05q" target="_blank">Marcquiece Cade</a>&nbsp;lead a group of five CCCC runners in the 200 meters to take third with a time of 23.23 while&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/hernandez_andres_k88i" target="_blank">Andres Hernandez</a>&nbsp;took fourth with a time of 23.30. Other results in the 200 meters saw&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/lukava_davit_9jf6" target="_blank">Davit Lukava</a>&nbsp;(23.76),&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/macklin_samuel_d6sh" target="_blank">Samuel Macklin</a>&nbsp;(24.11), and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/taylor_chanler_nzwl" target="_blank">Chanler Taylor</a>&nbsp;(24.21) all put up season-best times in the event. Cloud County would also get a top-eight finish from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/geta_habtamu_2p8j" target="_blank">Habtamu Geta</a>&nbsp;in the 5,000 meters as the freshman took sixth with a time of 15:47.07.

--<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a>--

MARYSVILLE, M0. – Led by a school-record performance from sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/kenyi_santino_akrn" target="_blank">Santino Kenyi</a>&nbsp;in the 1,000 meters, the Cloud County Community College men's and women's track and field teams would kick off the weekend by competing on day one of the Northwest Missouri State Bearcat Open in Marysville, Mo., on Friday.Kenyi's school-record would come in at a time of 2:26.18 which also represents the best time ran in the NJCAA this season and a national qualifying mark to win the 34-runner event.It would be a pair of near misses on the women's side as the Cloud County 4x800 meter relay team consisting of&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wtrack/2019-20/bios/harcum_tanya_8ynb" target="_blank">Tanya Harcum</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wtrack/2019-20/bios/johnson_kya_68j1" target="_blank">Kya Johnson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wtrack/2019-20/bios/samuels_shackera_j2p3" target="_blank">Shackera Samuels</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wtrack/2019-20/bios/mbenoun_maryse_jzdo" target="_blank">Maryse Mbenoun</a>&nbsp;ran a time of 10:04.75, just missing out on a national qualifying time of 10:04.27. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wtrack/2019-20/bios/jebose_sophie_oyf6" target="_blank">Sophie Jebose</a>&nbsp;would also just fall shy of a national qualifying mark in the pole vault, putting up a mark of 3.07 meters (10 ft. – 0.75 in.) which fell just 0.75 inches shy of the needed mark to qualify for the national meet (3.09 meters).Other results on Friday for the T-Bird men saw&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/cade_marcquiece_u05q" target="_blank">Marcquiece Cade</a>&nbsp;lead a group of five CCCC runners in the 200 meters to take third with a time of 23.23 while&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/hernandez_andres_k88i" target="_blank">Andres Hernandez</a>&nbsp;took fourth with a time of 23.30. Other results in the 200 meters saw&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/lukava_davit_9jf6" target="_blank">Davit Lukava</a>&nbsp;(23.76),&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/macklin_samuel_d6sh" target="_blank">Samuel Macklin</a>&nbsp;(24.11), and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/taylor_chanler_nzwl" target="_blank">Chanler Taylor</a>&nbsp;(24.21) all put up season-best times in the event. Cloud County would also get a top-eight finish from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/mtrack/2019-20/bios/geta_habtamu_2p8j" target="_blank">Habtamu Geta</a>&nbsp;in the 5,000 meters as the freshman took sixth with a time of 15:47.07.--<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a>--

Cloud's Kenyi sets school-record in 1,000 meters



HAYS -- After icy conditions prevented Kansas Wesleyan from making the trip to play the Fort Hays State men's basketball team last month, the Tigers and Coyotes set a make-up date of Monday. First tip in the non-conference clash is set for 7 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Printed tickets for the game dated Dec. 15, 2019, are still valid and will be accepted at the door on Monday.

Fans that no longer have their tickets from last month can call the athletics office at (785) 628-4050 to have their tickets reprinted. Reissued tickets can be picked up in the athletics office, Cunningham 138, or can be left at will call.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579994729019.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Nyjee Wright. Photo by Allie Schweizer courtesy fhsuathletic.com" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Nyjee Wright. Photo by Allie Schweizer courtesy fhsuathletic.com</figcaption>
 </figure>

HAYS -- After icy conditions prevented Kansas Wesleyan from making the trip to play the Fort Hays State men's basketball team last month, the Tigers and Coyotes set a make-up date of Monday. First tip in the non-conference clash is set for 7 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.Printed tickets for the game dated Dec. 15, 2019, are still valid and will be accepted at the door on Monday.Fans that no longer have their tickets from last month can call the athletics office at (785) 628-4050 to have their tickets reprinted. Reissued tickets can be picked up in the athletics office, Cunningham 138, or can be left at will call.

FHSU men's basketball hosts KWU Monday

KEARNEY, Neb. – Picking up two wins in three duals, the number 25-ranked Cloud County Community College wrestling team would finish the week on a high note at the University of Nebraska Kearney Midwest Duals at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney, Neb., on Friday.

The T-Birds would drop their opening dual of the day to number six nationally-ranked Northeast Oklahoma A&amp;M by a score of 52-3, but bounce back with a 28-18 win over York College and a 31-22 showing against Otero Junior College.

CCCC's opening dual of the day would prove to be an uphill battle from the start as the Golden Norsemen would send out six ranked wrestlers in the eight contested matches as the T-Birds would have open weight classes at 125 pounds and 285 pounds. Northeast Oklahoma A&amp;M would manage to win seven of the eight matches that took place, while Cloud County would get a win at 165 pounds from sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/bios/jiner_quentin_2c0r" target="_blank">Quentin Jiner</a>. Jiner would earn an 11-7 decision over Nolan Saale in what would wind up being the only points of the dual scored by CCCC.

Cloud County would have to dig themselves out of an early hole as the Panthers would get six points from an open weight class at 125 pounds and add a 14-10 decision at 133 pounds to go along with a 9-4 decision at 141 pounds to go up 12-0 after three matches.&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/bios/normandin_nate_kcjy" target="_blank">Nate Normandin</a>&nbsp;would get the T-Birds on the board in relatively quick fashion by earning a 34 second pin over Corey Parsons at 149 pounds, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/bios/hauck_tristin_xcxg" target="_blank">Tristin Hauck</a>&nbsp;would bounce back from a loss in the first dual to earn a 7-0 decision at 157 pounds. CCCC would tie the dual with a 7-2 decision from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/bios/mann_kobryn_pmka" target="_blank">Kobryn Mann</a>&nbsp;at 165 pounds and take lead thanks to a pin in 2:33 from Jiner at 174 pounds. A pin from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/bios/sterling_micah_oweu" target="_blank">Micah Sterling</a>&nbsp;at 184 pounds would put Cloud County up 24-12 with one contested match remaining against York College, with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/bios/murry_kevin_bi11" target="_blank">Kevin Murry</a>&nbsp;taking a 14-4 major decision to finish off a 28-18 victory as the Panthers would take 285 pounds via open weight.

The Rattlers would have three open weight classes (141 pounds, 174 pounds, 197 pounds) that Cloud County would be able to fill while the T-Birds would see Otero fill each of their two open weights (125 pounds, 285 pounds), putting the score at 18-12 in favor of CCCC with the five contested matches remaining. Otero would get an 11-2 major decision at 133 pounds, but Normandin would get the T-Birds a victory at 149 pounds with a 9-5 decision. Hauck would follow with a pin at 157 pounds in 1:21 and Jiner added a major decision by score of 8-0 at 165 pounds to seal the dual for CCCC. Otero would win the only other contested match with Nick Ponce defeating Sterling by way of pin at 184 pounds as Cloud County earned the 31-22 victory.

Cloud County hits the road and heads the west to Goodland to take on Northwest Kansas Technical College in Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference action at 6 p.m. (MST) on Wednesday. The dual will be the only action of the week for the T-Birds next week as CCCC will begin preparations for the final month of the season.

KEARNEY, Neb. – Picking up two wins in three duals, the number 25-ranked Cloud County Community College wrestling team would finish the week on a high note at the University of Nebraska Kearney Midwest Duals at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney, Neb., on Friday.The T-Birds would drop their opening dual of the day to number six nationally-ranked Northeast Oklahoma A&amp;M by a score of 52-3, but bounce back with a 28-18 win over York College and a 31-22 showing against Otero Junior College.Against NEOCCCC's opening dual of the day would prove to be an uphill battle from the start as the Golden Norsemen would send out six ranked wrestlers in the eight contested matches as the T-Birds would have open weight classes at 125 pounds and 285 pounds. Northeast Oklahoma A&amp;M would manage to win seven of the eight matches that took place, while Cloud County would get a win at 165 pounds from sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/bios/jiner_quentin_2c0r" target="_blank">Quentin Jiner</a>. Jiner would earn an 11-7 decision over Nolan Saale in what would wind up being the only points of the dual scored by CCCC.Against York CollegeCloud County would have to dig themselves out of an early hole as the Panthers would get six points from an open weight class at 125 pounds and add a 14-10 decision at 133 pounds to go along with a 9-4 decision at 141 pounds to go up 12-0 after three matches.&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/bios/normandin_nate_kcjy" target="_blank">Nate Normandin</a>&nbsp;would get the T-Birds on the board in relatively quick fashion by earning a 34 second pin over Corey Parsons at 149 pounds, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/bios/hauck_tristin_xcxg" target="_blank">Tristin Hauck</a>&nbsp;would bounce back from a loss in the first dual to earn a 7-0 decision at 157 pounds. CCCC would tie the dual with a 7-2 decision from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/bios/mann_kobryn_pmka" target="_blank">Kobryn Mann</a>&nbsp;at 165 pounds and take lead thanks to a pin in 2:33 from Jiner at 174 pounds. A pin from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/bios/sterling_micah_oweu" target="_blank">Micah Sterling</a>&nbsp;at 184 pounds would put Cloud County up 24-12 with one contested match remaining against York College, with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/sports/wrest/2019-20/bios/murry_kevin_bi11" target="_blank">Kevin Murry</a>&nbsp;taking a 14-4 major decision to finish off a 28-18 victory as the Panthers would take 285 pounds via open weight.Against Otero Junior CollegeThe Rattlers would have three open weight classes (141 pounds, 174 pounds, 197 pounds) that Cloud County would be able to fill while the T-Birds would see Otero fill each of their two open weights (125 pounds, 285 pounds), putting the score at 18-12 in favor of CCCC with the five contested matches remaining. Otero would get an 11-2 major decision at 133 pounds, but Normandin would get the T-Birds a victory at 149 pounds with a 9-5 decision. Hauck would follow with a pin at 157 pounds in 1:21 and Jiner added a major decision by score of 8-0 at 165 pounds to seal the dual for CCCC. Otero would win the only other contested match with Nick Ponce defeating Sterling by way of pin at 184 pounds as Cloud County earned the 31-22 victory.What's next?Cloud County hits the road and heads the west to Goodland to take on Northwest Kansas Technical College in Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference action at 6 p.m. (MST) on Wednesday. The dual will be the only action of the week for the T-Birds next week as CCCC will begin preparations for the final month of the season.--<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a>--

Cloud County wrestling goes 2-1 at Midwest Duals

East (Kansas City), Mo. 55, Leavenworth 54

Green Country Homeschool, Okla. 80, Chetopa 40

SM South 61, Soldan International, Mo. 36

DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Colo. 82, Hutchinson 69

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575439474721.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; Photo courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://shutterstock.com/">shutterstock.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Photo courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://shutterstock.com/">shutterstock.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL</h2>Central Plains 48, KC Christian 18Clearwater 48, Chaparral 34Deerfield 69, Rolla 14East (Kansas City), Mo. 55, Leavenworth 54Green Country Homeschool, Okla. 80, Chetopa 40Lansing 63, SM West 54Larned 75, Ness City 42Logan 80, Palco 15Weskan 50, Golden Plains 39Baldwin TournamentConsolation SemifinalWellsville 63, KC Bishop Ward 45SemifinalAugusta 60, Bishop Seabury Academy 47Burlington TournamentConsolation SemifinalCaney Valley 52, Paola 49SemifinalRock Creek 41, Independence 40Sabetha 69, Burlington 55Canton-Galva TournamentFifth PlaceWichita Classical 51, Canton-Galva 40Seventh PlaceBennington 63, Ell-Saline 32Third PlaceSedgwick 54, Moundridge 39Centre TournamentConsolation SemifinalHerington 43, Marion 34Rural Vista 35, Wakefield 30SemifinalElyria Christian 62, Peabody-Burns 48Solomon 38, Centre 33Chanute TournamentConsolation SemifinalOlathe North 72, Chanute 66Wichita Defenders 49, Goddard 34SemifinalAndover Central 52, Emporia 50SM South 61, Soldan International, Mo. 36Chaparral TournamentConsolation SemifinalMulvane 71, Wellington 53SemifinalBelle Plaine 77, Arkansas City 66Clearwater, Mo. 48, Chaparral 34Colby TournamentConsolation SemifinalDSST: Green Valley Ranch, Colo. 82, Hutchinson 69Scott City 56, Goodland 49SemifinalHays 51, Beloit 42Pine Creek, Colo. 42, Colby 39El Dorado TournamentConsolation SemifinalEl Dorado 55, Circle 45Manhattan CHIEF 69, Wichita Trinity 61SemifinalGreat Bend 60, Kapaun Mount Carmel 52Wichita Collegiate 76, Newton 67FHL TournamentSemifinalLyndon 47, Council Grove 46Mission Valley 42, Northern Heights 41Fredonia TournamentChampionshipCherryvale 68, Iola 52Third PlaceGirard 69, Bluestem 26Halstead TournamentSemifinalCheney 62, Andale 55Haven 51, Garden Plain 45Hillsboro TournamentConsolation SemifinalEureka 57, Remington 31Republic County 33, Clay Center 30SemifinalHesston 63, Riley County 46Holcomb 45, Hillsboro 40Hoisington TournamentSemifinalHoisington 55, Ellsworth 24La Crosse 46, Ellinwood 40HPL TournamentConsolation SemifinalElkhart 66, Stanton County 58Southwestern Hts. 49, Sublette 35SemifinalLakin 68, Syracuse 50Meade 70, Cimarron 61MCL TournamentSemifinalHays-TMP-Marian 49, Hill City 45Phillipsburg 45, Ellis 41McLouth TournamentConsolation SemifinalJefferson West 50, Silver Lake 44McPherson TournamentConsolation SemifinalJunction City 67, Topeka Seaman 62McPherson 67, Wichita North 48SemifinalLawrence 67, Derby 51Wichita Bishop Carroll 75, Blue Valley 46NPL TournamentConsolationRock Hills 58, Tescott 31Seventh PlaceNatoma 52, Thunder Ridge 50ChampionshipOsborne 60, Sylvan-Lucas 43Fifth PlacePike Valley 53, Lincoln 27Third PlaceSt. John's Beloit-Tipton 47, Lakeside 33NWKL TournamentConsolation SemifinalRawlins County 39, Oberlin-Decatur 19SemifinalGreeley County 44, Quinter 33Royal Valley TournamentChapman 53, Santa Fe Trail 46Royal Valley 60, Wabaunsee 30Salina Invitational TournamentConsolation SemifinalBuhler 65, Concordia 20Salina Central 74, Liberal 61SemifinalAndover 63, Abilene 50Salina South 57, Wichita South 52SCBL TournamentConsolation SemifinalOxford 68, Flinthills 43Udall 62, South Haven 41SemifinalCaldwell 51, West Elk 35Shawnee Mission West TournamentChampionshipBV North 67, Grandview, Mo. 43Third PlaceBlue Springs South, Mo. 67, SM Northwest 63Southeast Lancer ClassicErie 49, Jayhawk Linn 36St. Paul 59, Southeast 52Spring Hill TournamentChampionshipGoddard-Eisenhower 56, Olathe South 46St Thomas Aquinas TournamentConsolationLee's Summit West, Mo. 75, Olathe East 64SemifinalLiberty North, Mo. 58, St. Thomas Aquinas 55Parsons 79, Lee's Summit Community Christian, Mo. 48St. John TournamentSemifinalNickerson 58, St. John 46Sterling TournamentChampionshipSterling 84, Hutchinson Trinity 77, 3OTFifth PlaceSoutheast Saline 63, Smoky Valley 60, OTSeventh PlaceKingman 66, Russell 46Third PlaceLyons 73, Hugoton 56Tonganoxie TournamentSemifinalMetro Academy 59, Olathe West 45Topeka TournamentConsolation SemifinalTopeka 70, St. Mary's 50SemifinalLawrence 74, Highland Park 56Topeka West 56, Wichita Northwest 50Tournament of ChampionsConsolation SemifinalWichita East 46, Dodge City 39Wichita Heights 58, Maize 40SemifinalBishop Miege 58, Manhattan 45Wichita Campus 71, Shawnee Heights 45Valley Center TournamentConsolation SemifinalMaize South 86, Coffeyville 46Valley Center 79, Ulysses 46SemifinalSM East 83, Garden City 59Wichita Southeast 68, BV West 66<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL</h2>Bennington 61, Veritas Christian 11Blue Springs, Mo. 65, Frontenac 33Cheylin 51, Western Plains 31Golden Plains 54, Weskan 24Hutchinson Central Christian 57, Fairfield 29Lansing 49, Gardner-Edgerton 48Logan 46, Palco 33Maize South 67, Wichita Campus 46Manhattan 45, Topeka West 15McPherson 45, Circle 34Moundridge 46, Goessel 30Nemaha Central 62, Marysville 33Rolla 35, Deerfield 2Sedgwick 34, Ell-Saline 29Topeka 76, Topeka Seaman 67Washburn Rural 59, Junction City 34Wheatland-Grinnell 70, Northern Valley 21Burlington TournamentConsolation SemifinalIndependence 52, Prairie View 28Centre TournamentConsolation SemifinalElyria Christian 26, Peabody-Burns 11Herington 39, Solomon 23SemifinalMarion 40, Wakefield 38, OTRural Vista 66, Centre 40Colby TournamentSemifinalColby 52, Beloit 37Scott City 51, Goodland 37Consolation SemifinalHays 50, Highland Park 42Valley Center 73, DSST: Green Valley Ranch, Colo. 8FHL TournamentSemifinalChase County 45, Mission Valley 42Fredonia TournamentChampionshipGirard 56, Cherryvale 47Third PlaceIola 30, Fredonia 23Hillsboro TournamentConsolation SemifinalClay Center 54, Remington 27Eureka 38, Republic County 35SemifinalRiley County 33, Hesston 31Hoisington TournamentSemifinalOtis-Bison 41, Victoria 26Pratt 51, Ellinwood 46MCL TournamentSemifinalPhillipsburg 51, Hoxie 45Trego 47, Smith Center 18McLouth TournamentConsolation SemifinalRiverside 55, McLouth 50NPL TournamentChampionshipThunder Ridge 71, Osborne 44ConsolationLakeside 31, Wilson 29Fifth PlaceSylvan-Lucas 41, Rock Hills 26Seventh PlaceSouthern Cloud 35, Lincoln 23Third PlaceSt. John's Beloit-Tipton 48, Pike Valley 22NWKL TournamentSemifinalRawlins County 63, Dighton 47Royal Valley TournamentChapman 54, Santa Fe Trail 37Wabaunsee 62, Royal Valley 29Salina Invitational TournamentConsolation SemifinalAndover 53, Abilene 33ConsolationSemifinalWichita West 36, Concordia 28SemifinalLiberal 51, Salina South 26Salina Central 36, Buhler 33SPIAA TournamentAshland 35, Pawnee Heights 12Sterling Invitational TournamentChampionshipHugoton 48, Lyons 34Fifth PlaceSoutheast Saline 42, Smoky Valley 36Seventh PlaceRussell 52, Kingman 47, OTThird PlaceSterling 84, Hutchinson Trinity 29TVL TournamentConsolation SemifinalClifton-Clyde 52, Doniphan West 50ConsolationLinn 54, Onaga 31SemifinalCentralia 35, Frankfort 33Valley Heights 48, Washington County 35___Some high school basketball scores provided by <a href="http://Scorestream.com">Scorestream.com</a>.

Friday prep basketball scores

VERMILLION, KAN. (AP) — Kansas fire officials are investigating a house explosion and fire in northeastern Kansas were a body was later discovered.

The explosion was reported just after 7 a.m. Friday at a house in Vermillion, television station WIBW reported. When firefighters arrived, they found the home fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control about three hours later. A search of the burned-out home then led to discovery of the body.

Authorities have not released the identity of the victim and say they do not yet know what caused the explosion and fire. An autopsy has been ordered, the Marshall County Sheriff Office said.

The Kansas Fire Marshal is investigating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579986470320.png" alt="The scene of the fatal house fire and explosion photo <a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/One-found-dead-after-explosion-fire-at-Vermillion-home-567275481.html">courtesy WIBW TV</a>" />
 <figcaption>The scene of the fatal house fire and explosion photo <a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/One-found-dead-after-explosion-fire-at-Vermillion-home-567275481.html">courtesy WIBW TV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>VERMILLION, KAN. (AP) — Kansas fire officials are investigating a house explosion and fire in northeastern Kansas were a body was later discovered.The explosion was reported just after 7 a.m. Friday at a house in Vermillion, television station WIBW reported. When firefighters arrived, they found the home fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control about three hours later. A search of the burned-out home then led to discovery of the body.Authorities have not released the identity of the victim and say they do not yet know what caused the explosion and fire. An autopsy has been ordered, the Marshall County Sheriff Office said.The Kansas Fire Marshal is investigating.

Officials: Body found after explosion at Kansas home

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lashed out in anger Saturday at an NPR reporter who accused him of shouting expletives at her after she asked him in an interview about Ukraine. In a direct and personal attack, America’s chief diplomat said the journalist had “lied” to him and he called her conduct “shameful.”

NPR said it stood by Mary Louise Kelly’s reporting.

Pompeo claimed in a statement that the incident was “another example of how unhinged the media has become in its quest to hurt” President Donald Trump and his administration. Pompeo, a former CIA director and Republican congressman from Kansas who is one of Trump’s closest allies in the Cabinet, asserted, “It is no wonder that the American people distrust many in the media when they so consistently demonstrate their agenda and their absence of integrity.”

It is extraordinary for a secretary of state to make such a personal attack on a journalist, but he is following the lead of Trump, who has repeatedly derided what he calls “fake news” and ridiculed individual reporters. In one of the more memorable instances, Trump mocked a New York Times reporter with a physical disability.

In Friday’s interview, Pompeo responded testily when Kelly asked him about Ukraine and specifically whether he defended or should have defended Marie Yovanovitch, the U.S. ambassador in Kyiv whose ouster figured in Trump’s impeachment.

“I have defended every State Department official,” he said. “We’ve built a great team. The team that works here is doing amazing work around the world ... I’ve defended every single person on this team. I’ve done what’s right for every single person on this team.”

This has been a sensitive point for Pompeo. As a Trump loyalist, he has been publicly silent as the president and his allies have disparaged the nonpartisan career diplomats, including Yovanovitch, who have testified in the impeachment hearings. Those diplomats told Congress that Trump risked undermining Ukraine, a critical U.S. ally, by pressuring for an investigation of Democrat Joe Biden, a Trump political rival.

Yovanovitch, who was seen by Trump allies as a roadblock to those efforts, was told in May to leave Ukraine and return to Washington immediately for her own safety. After documents released this month from an associate of Trump’s personal attorney suggested she was being watched and possibly under threat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c46e171bf48e11c4b251458fed9007f6">Pompeo took three days</a>&nbsp;to address the matter and did so only after coming under harsh criticism from lawmakers and current and former diplomats.

Pompeo was rebuked Sunday by four Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who said his “insulting and contemptuous comments” were beneath the office of the secretary of state.

“Instead of calling journalists ‘liars’ and insulting their intelligence when they ask you hard questions you would rather not answer, your oath of office places on you a duty and obligation to engage respectfully and transparently,” the letter to Pompeo said. It was signed by Sens. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, the top Democrat on the committee, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Cory Booker of New Jersey.

After the NPR interview, Kelly said she was taken to Pompeo’s private living room, where he shouted at her “for about the same amount of time as the interview itself,” using the “F-word” repeatedly. She said he was not happy to have been questioned about Ukraine.

Pompeo, in his statement, did not deny shouting at Kelly and did not apologize. Instead, he accused her of lying to him when setting up the interview, which he apparently expected would be limited to questions about Iran, and for supposedly agreeing not to discuss the post-interview meeting.

Kelly said Pompeo asked whether she thought Americans cared about Ukraine and if she could find the country on a map.

“I said yes, and he called out for aides to bring us a map of the world with no writing,” she said in discussing the encounter on “All Things Considered.” “I pointed to Ukraine. He put the map away. He said, ‘people will hear about this.’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579992047082.png" alt="Sec. of State Mike Pompeo- image U.S. State Dept." />
 <figcaption>Sec. of State Mike Pompeo- image U.S. State Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lashed out in anger Saturday at an NPR reporter who accused him of shouting expletives at her after she asked him in an interview about Ukraine. In a direct and personal attack, America’s chief diplomat said the journalist had “lied” to him and he called her conduct “shameful.”NPR said it stood by Mary Louise Kelly’s reporting.Pompeo claimed in a statement that the incident was “another example of how unhinged the media has become in its quest to hurt” President Donald Trump and his administration. Pompeo, a former CIA director and Republican congressman from Kansas who is one of Trump’s closest allies in the Cabinet, asserted, “It is no wonder that the American people distrust many in the media when they so consistently demonstrate their agenda and their absence of integrity.”It is extraordinary for a secretary of state to make such a personal attack on a journalist, but he is following the lead of Trump, who has repeatedly derided what he calls “fake news” and ridiculed individual reporters. In one of the more memorable instances, Trump mocked a New York Times reporter with a physical disability.In Friday’s interview, Pompeo responded testily when Kelly asked him about Ukraine and specifically whether he defended or should have defended Marie Yovanovitch, the U.S. ambassador in Kyiv whose ouster figured in Trump’s impeachment.“I have defended every State Department official,” he said. “We’ve built a great team. The team that works here is doing amazing work around the world ... I’ve defended every single person on this team. I’ve done what’s right for every single person on this team.”This has been a sensitive point for Pompeo. As a Trump loyalist, he has been publicly silent as the president and his allies have disparaged the nonpartisan career diplomats, including Yovanovitch, who have testified in the impeachment hearings. Those diplomats told Congress that Trump risked undermining Ukraine, a critical U.S. ally, by pressuring for an investigation of Democrat Joe Biden, a Trump political rival.Yovanovitch, who was seen by Trump allies as a roadblock to those efforts, was told in May to leave Ukraine and return to Washington immediately for her own safety. After documents released this month from an associate of Trump’s personal attorney suggested she was being watched and possibly under threat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c46e171bf48e11c4b251458fed9007f6">Pompeo took three days</a>&nbsp;to address the matter and did so only after coming under harsh criticism from lawmakers and current and former diplomats.Pompeo was rebuked Sunday by four Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who said his “insulting and contemptuous comments” were beneath the office of the secretary of state.“Instead of calling journalists ‘liars’ and insulting their intelligence when they ask you hard questions you would rather not answer, your oath of office places on you a duty and obligation to engage respectfully and transparently,” the letter to Pompeo said. It was signed by Sens. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, the top Democrat on the committee, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Cory Booker of New Jersey.After the NPR interview, Kelly said she was taken to Pompeo’s private living room, where he shouted at her “for about the same amount of time as the interview itself,” using the “F-word” repeatedly. She said he was not happy to have been questioned about Ukraine.Pompeo, in his statement, did not deny shouting at Kelly and did not apologize. Instead, he accused her of lying to him when setting up the interview, which he apparently expected would be limited to questions about Iran, and for supposedly agreeing not to discuss the post-interview meeting.Kelly said Pompeo asked whether she thought Americans cared about Ukraine and if she could find the country on a map.“I said yes, and he called out for aides to bring us a map of the world with no writing,” she said in discussing the encounter on “All Things Considered.” “I pointed to Ukraine. He put the map away. He said, ‘people will hear about this.’”Pompeo ended Saturday’s statement by saying, “It is worth nothing that Bangladesh is NOT Ukraine.”Nancy Barnes, NPR’s senior vice president of news, said in a statement that “Kelly has always conducted herself with the utmost integrity, and we stand behind this report.″

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