The former Schilling Air Force Base site environmental project, the placement of the 2019 People's Choice sculpture, and board-committee appointments are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.

Commissioners are scheduled to begin with a study session at 2:30 p.m. Monday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. The topic of the study session is "Health Insurance Fund and Plan Review."

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

Commissioners are scheduled to consider a resolution that would authorize the mayor to execute the Former Schilling Air Force Base site environment project management agreement concerning contamination at the site from when the area was the air force base. According to the city meeting packet, the proposed agreement, which includes the city, Kansas State University, USD 305, and the Salina Airport Authority, collectively known as Salina Public Entities (SPEs) "provides the financial and administrative structure necessary to enable the SPEs to collectively complete the environmental response actions at the Schilling Air Force Base Site in compliance with the following.

●The consent decree entered into between the SPEs and the United States.

●The consent and final order to be entered into between the SPEs and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as the regulatory oversight agency.

The proposed agreement already has been approved by the other three entities, according to information in the city meeting packet.

Commissioners also are being asked to consider appointing the following persons to various city boards, commissions, etc.

Arts and Humanities Commission Appoint Reagan Goetz as youth member until Aug. 31, 2021

Board of Zoning Appeals Appoint Benjamin Kraft as youth member until Aug. 31, 2021

Business Improvement District No. 1 (Lee District) Board of Advisors Appoint Jennifer Reitz until Aug. 31, 2023

Community Art &amp; Design Advisory Committee Appoint Darren Morawitz to fill the unexpired term of Christopher Garrison until Aug. 31, 2022

Disciplinary Advisory Board Appoint Richard Smith until Aug. 31, 2023

Housing Authority Reappoint Kimberly Trigg until Aug. 31, 2024

Human Relations Commission Appoint Lorene Scuitte to fill the unexpired term of Sheila Kjellberg until Aug. 31, 2021

Parks &amp; Recreation Advisory Board Appoint Dennis Wahlgren until Aug. 31, 2024

Other items on the city agenda for Monday include the following.

●Consider approving  Resolution  No.  20-7890  authorizing  the  city  manager  to  permit  the  Salina  VFW  Post  No. 1432  Auxiliary  volunteers  to  solicit  within  the  city’s  rights-of-way.

●Consider Resolution  No.  20-7891  authorizing  the  placement  of  the  2019  People’s  Choice  sculpture on public property. A site on the lawn outside the southern entrance of the City-County Building is the current recommendation.

●Consider   a request from   Brad   and   Krystle   Blochlinger to   terminate   the   protective covenants in the Holiday Resort Addition, a residential subdivision located at the southwest corner of East Country Club Road and Holmes Road.

To view the entire Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday (211 pages), <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?startid=177362&amp;&amp;dbid=0&amp;cr=1">click here</a>.

The former Schilling Air Force Base site environmental project, the placement of the 2019 People's Choice sculpture, and board-committee appointments are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.Commissioners are scheduled to begin with a study session at 2:30 p.m. Monday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. The topic of the study session is "Health Insurance Fund and Plan Review."The main commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. in room 107 of the City-County Building. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.Commissioners are scheduled to consider a resolution that would authorize the mayor to execute the Former Schilling Air Force Base site environment project management agreement concerning contamination at the site from when the area was the air force base. According to the city meeting packet, the proposed agreement, which includes the city, Kansas State University, USD 305, and the Salina Airport Authority, collectively known as Salina Public Entities (SPEs) "provides the financial and administrative structure necessary to enable the SPEs to collectively complete the environmental response actions at the Schilling Air Force Base Site in compliance with the following.●The consent decree entered into between the SPEs and the United States.●The consent and final order to be entered into between the SPEs and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as the regulatory oversight agency.The proposed agreement already has been approved by the other three entities, according to information in the city meeting packet.Commissioners also are being asked to consider appointing the following persons to various city boards, commissions, etc.Arts and Humanities Commission Appoint Reagan Goetz as youth member until Aug. 31, 2021Board of Zoning Appeals Appoint Benjamin Kraft as youth member until Aug. 31, 2021Business Improvement District No. 1 (Lee District) Board of Advisors Appoint Jennifer Reitz until Aug. 31, 2023Community Art &amp; Design Advisory Committee Appoint Darren Morawitz to fill the unexpired term of Christopher Garrison until Aug. 31, 2022Disciplinary Advisory Board Appoint Richard Smith until Aug. 31, 2023Housing Authority Reappoint Kimberly Trigg until Aug. 31, 2024Human Relations Commission Appoint Lorene Scuitte to fill the unexpired term of Sheila Kjellberg until Aug. 31, 2021Parks &amp; Recreation Advisory Board Appoint Dennis Wahlgren until Aug. 31, 2024Other items on the city agenda for Monday include the following.●Consider approving Resolution No. 20-7890 authorizing the city manager to permit the Salina VFW Post No. 1432 Auxiliary volunteers to solicit within the city’s rights-of-way.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603675430707.png" alt="Mock-up of the proposed location for the 2019 People's Choice sculpture courtesy City of Salina" />
 <figcaption>Mock-up of the proposed location for the 2019 People's Choice sculpture courtesy City of Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>●Consider Resolution No. 20-7891 authorizing the placement of the 2019 People’s Choice sculpture on public property. A site on the lawn outside the southern entrance of the City-County Building is the current recommendation.●Consider a request from Brad and Krystle Blochlinger to terminate the protective covenants in the Holiday Resort Addition, a residential subdivision located at the southwest corner of East Country Club Road and Holmes Road.To view the entire Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday (211 pages), <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?startid=177362&amp;&amp;dbid=0&amp;cr=1">click here</a>.

Schilling project, appointments, art placement on city agenda

UPDATE: THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES HAVE BEEN UPDATED. PLEASE SEE BELOW.

Winter weather advisories have been issued for counties in our area.

For road conditions, go to <a href="http://kandrive.org">kandrive.org</a> or call 5-1-1 or 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 7 p.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.

According to NWS, freezing rain will transition to a wintry mix and then   transition to all snow by around midnight. Total snow accumulations of two to five inches and ice accumulations of a  light glaze.

Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.

Falling temperatures will lead to a hard&nbsp;freeze for most locations by Monday night. Persons with cold  sensitive plants should take precautions now.

NWS in Wichita has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 7 p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Tuesday for McPherson County.

Freezing rain will transition to a wintry mix and then transition to all snow by around midnight. Total snow accumulations of two to four inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.

Falling temperatures will lead to a hard freeze for most locations by Monday night. Persons with cold sensitive plants should take precautions now.

NWS in Wichita also has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 1 a.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday for Marion County.

A mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations of up to two inches and ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch are forecast, according to NWS.

A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 7 a.m. Monday for the following counties in our area, according to NWS in Hastings, Neb.

Snow, possibly mixed with freezing drizzle before midnight. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. A light glaze of ice ice possible. Winds gusting up to 30 mph from the north, causing reduced visibility in falling snow, and possibly some drifting.

Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. In addition, wind chills Sunday night into Monday morning will tumble to around zero degrees for the first time this season.

Additionally, NWS notes to expect at least minor forecast adjustments and that it is possible that especially southern parts of the area could see a little snow linger beyond 7 a.m. Monday.

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

NWS in Topeka has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 7 p.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.

Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of  1 to 4 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.

A hard freeze is expected with low  temperatures Monday night into Tuesday morning in the lower to  middle 20s.

UPDATE: THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES HAVE BEEN UPDATED. PLEASE SEE BELOW.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603661110850.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603632200553.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Winter weather advisories have been issued for counties in our area.For road conditions, go to <a href="http://kandrive.org">kandrive.org</a> or call 5-1-1 or 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 7 p.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.Ellsworth CountyLincoln CountySaline CountyAccording to NWS, freezing rain will transition to a wintry mix and then transition to all snow by around midnight. Total snow accumulations of two to five inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.Falling temperatures will lead to a hard&nbsp;freeze for most locations by Monday night. Persons with cold sensitive plants should take precautions now.NWS in Wichita has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 7 p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Tuesday for McPherson County.Freezing rain will transition to a wintry mix and then transition to all snow by around midnight. Total snow accumulations of two to four inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.Falling temperatures will lead to a hard freeze for most locations by Monday night. Persons with cold sensitive plants should take precautions now.NWS in Wichita also has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 1 a.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday for Marion County.A mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations of up to two inches and ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch are forecast, according to NWS.Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.Falling temperatures will lead to a hard freeze for most locations by Monday night. Persons with cold sensitive plants should take precautions now.A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 7 a.m. Monday for the following counties in our area, according to NWS in Hastings, Neb.Jewell CountyMitchell CountySnow, possibly mixed with freezing drizzle before midnight. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. A light glaze of ice ice possible. Winds gusting up to 30 mph from the north, causing reduced visibility in falling snow, and possibly some drifting.Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. In addition, wind chills Sunday night into Monday morning will tumble to around zero degrees for the first time this season.Additionally, NWS notes to expect at least minor forecast adjustments and that it is possible that especially southern parts of the area could see a little snow linger beyond 7 a.m. Monday.Slow down and use caution while traveling.NWS in Topeka has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 7 p.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyDickinson CountyOttawa CountyRepublic CountyMixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.A hard freeze is expected with low temperatures Monday night into Tuesday morning in the lower to middle 20s.

UPDATE: Snow, ice on way; NWS issues winter weather advisories for our area

MITCHELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8 a.m. Sunday in Mitchell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Pontiac G6 driven by. Trevor Matthew Doyle, 18, Beloit, was northbound on 290th at K Road.

The car's passenger side tires left the roadway and the driver overcorrected. The car entered the west ditch, continued northbound in the west ditch, crossed K road, struck the ditch on the north side of K road and over turned onto its top.

EMS transported Doyle to the hospital in Beloit. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

MITCHELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8 a.m. Sunday in Mitchell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Pontiac G6 driven by. Trevor Matthew Doyle, 18, Beloit, was northbound on 290th at K Road.The car's passenger side tires left the roadway and the driver overcorrected. The car entered the west ditch, continued northbound in the west ditch, crossed K road, struck the ditch on the north side of K road and over turned onto its top.EMS transported Doyle to the hospital in Beloit. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Beloit teen hospitalized after car overturns

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Recent obituaries

MANHATTAN – A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasforests.org/" target="_blank">Kansas&nbsp;Forest&nbsp;Service</a>&nbsp;official advises homeowners and landowners to exercise caution when using chainsaws for fall timber projects or gathering firewood for winter.&nbsp;

“First, anyone operating a chainsaw, like any powerful equipment, needs to be sure they are familiar with the specific model they operate, including safety features and suggestions in the owners’ manual for safe operation,” said Eric Ward, assistant fire management officer.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<a href="http://cdc.gov">cdc.gov</a>), 36,000 people suffer chainsaw injuries requiring hospital treatment each year.&nbsp;

“At the speed chainsaws run, something as simple as kick-back from the tip of the bar striking an object can occur too quickly for even the quickest individual to evade,” Ward said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ward suggests a few safety tips to keep in mind: &nbsp;

●Chainsaws should be started with the chain brake engaged, either on the ground or with a firm grasp.

●The thumb of the hand holding the saw should always be wrapped fully around the handle to reduce the chance of kick-back occurring.

●Always wear sturdy boots, long pants, and long sleeves to protect against limbs and debris that may be thrown by the saw. Do not wear loose or baggy clothing that could get caught up in equipment or limbs. &nbsp;

Ward encourages wearing chaps and a hard hat when operating a chainsaw.&nbsp;

Chaps are made with multiple layers of loosely woven Kevlar or similar material, that cover the lower legs. The Kevlar offers limited cut protection, but more importantly, an accidental strike to the chaps will pull out wads of Kevlar fibers that will stop the chainsaw before it has time to cause serious injury. Many potentially life-threatening injuries have been prevented by chaps, Ward said. &nbsp;

A hard hat protects against flying limbs or debris and offers limited protection in case of a violent kick-back of the saw bar towards the head.&nbsp;

When operating the saw, Ward advises:&nbsp;

●Make sure no one is within reach of the tip of the saw bar when cutting.

●Always know where the tip of the bar is, as a common cause of kickback is when the tip is hidden behind the object being cut, and strikes another object, throwing it up and backward violently.

●Estimate where the tree or limb you are cutting is going to fall, and if felling a tree, make sure no one, and nothing of value (such as a vehicle) is within a distance twice the height of the tree.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Chainsaws are valuable tools, and save a huge amount of physical labor,” Ward said. “They also have real potential to cause harm. Following these basic chainsaw safety practices will help keep your saw work safe and efficient.”&nbsp;

More information is available online in a&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2103.pdf" target="_blank">publication from the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Forest&nbsp;Service</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603598071831.jpeg" alt="A Kansas Forest Service official recommends wearing a hard hat and chaps anytime you're using a chainsaw. Photo courtesy Kansas Forest Service" />
 <figcaption>A Kansas Forest Service official recommends wearing a hard hat and chaps anytime you're using a chainsaw. Photo courtesy Kansas Forest Service</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasforests.org/" target="_blank">Kansas&nbsp;Forest&nbsp;Service</a>&nbsp;official advises homeowners and landowners to exercise caution when using chainsaws for fall timber projects or gathering firewood for winter.&nbsp;“First, anyone operating a chainsaw, like any powerful equipment, needs to be sure they are familiar with the specific model they operate, including safety features and suggestions in the owners’ manual for safe operation,” said Eric Ward, assistant fire management officer.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<a href="http://cdc.gov">cdc.gov</a>), 36,000 people suffer chainsaw injuries requiring hospital treatment each year.&nbsp;“At the speed chainsaws run, something as simple as kick-back from the tip of the bar striking an object can occur too quickly for even the quickest individual to evade,” Ward said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ward suggests a few safety tips to keep in mind: &nbsp;●Chainsaws should be started with the chain brake engaged, either on the ground or with a firm grasp.●The thumb of the hand holding the saw should always be wrapped fully around the handle to reduce the chance of kick-back occurring.●Always wear eye and ear protection.●Always wear sturdy boots, long pants, and long sleeves to protect against limbs and debris that may be thrown by the saw. Do not wear loose or baggy clothing that could get caught up in equipment or limbs. &nbsp;Ward encourages wearing chaps and a hard hat when operating a chainsaw.&nbsp;Chaps are made with multiple layers of loosely woven Kevlar or similar material, that cover the lower legs. The Kevlar offers limited cut protection, but more importantly, an accidental strike to the chaps will pull out wads of Kevlar fibers that will stop the chainsaw before it has time to cause serious injury. Many potentially life-threatening injuries have been prevented by chaps, Ward said. &nbsp;A hard hat protects against flying limbs or debris and offers limited protection in case of a violent kick-back of the saw bar towards the head.&nbsp;When operating the saw, Ward advises:&nbsp;●Make sure no one is within reach of the tip of the saw bar when cutting.●Always know where the tip of the bar is, as a common cause of kickback is when the tip is hidden behind the object being cut, and strikes another object, throwing it up and backward violently.●Estimate where the tree or limb you are cutting is going to fall, and if felling a tree, make sure no one, and nothing of value (such as a vehicle) is within a distance twice the height of the tree.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Chainsaws are valuable tools, and save a huge amount of physical labor,” Ward said. “They also have real potential to cause harm. Following these basic chainsaw safety practices will help keep your saw work safe and efficient.”&nbsp;More information is available online in a&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2103.pdf" target="_blank">publication from the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Forest&nbsp;Service</a>.&nbsp;

Think safety first when operating chainsaw, says forest official

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

Flour power! No, I’m not having a flashback to the 1960s. I’m referring to the kind of flour that comes from wheat and is used for baking bread. &nbsp;

When the pandemic hit in Spring 2020, and people were stuck at home, such flour was less available in stores. Then Kansas Wheat and the K-State Department of Grain Science and Industry mobilized to provide a free flour distribution to Kansas families. Such generosity led to these entities being recognized as Ag Heroes by the Kansas Department of Agriculture during the 2020 Ag Growth Summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Justin Gilpin is the chief executive officer of Kansas Wheat. Gordon Smith is head of K-State’s Grain Science and Industry Department. That department includes several facilities, including the Hal Ross Flour Mill. These entities came together to provide this flour distribution in June 2020.&nbsp;

Kansas Wheat is the product of a cooperative agreement between two organizations:&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Wheat Commission and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. &nbsp;

The Kansas Wheat Commission is a grower-funded, grower-governed organization working to secure the future of Kansas wheat in the global market through international trade, research, export system studies and continually improved varieties of wheat. Its mission is wheat-related research, education and market development. The KWC is funded by a voluntary, two-cent assessment on each bushel of wheat produced in Kansas.&nbsp;

The Kansas Association of Wheat Growers is a dues-based, member-governed organization representing wheat growers in planning legislation, advising government and international agencies on matters affecting wheat, and providing grass-roots leadership to the United States’ wheat industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The two entities jointly support an integrated office with shared staff, located in the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center which is owned by Kansas wheat farmers and is located on the campus of K-State. Nearby is the Hal Ross Flour Mill, a teaching facility for the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department. K-State is the only higher education institution in the world with degree programs in milling, baking, and feed science.&nbsp;

Both the wheat commission and wheat growers organizations are led by farmers who are elected to those positions. These are wheat producers from around Kansas, including rural communities such as Gypsum, population 405; Lebanon, population 218; and Muscotah, population 176 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

After the pandemic hit, there was a run on flour in the stores. College campuses closed, meaning that K-State’s flour mill also shut down. As the exceptional need for flour continued, Kansas Wheat and the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department responded. The Kansas Wheat Commission donated 20,000 pounds of wheat, all of which was locally grown. The Hal Ross Flour Mill was brought back online.&nbsp;&nbsp;The wheat was milled into flour and packaged into 10-pound bags. K-State President Richard Myers even assisted with the flour milling.&nbsp;

A drive-through flour distribution was scheduled for June 18. All the bags of flour were given away, free of charge. Any extra were to be donated to the Flint Hills Breadbasket and Harvesters, a community food network.&nbsp;

“Kansas wheat farmers were glad to help support this project,” said Kansas Wheat CEO Gilpin. “Wheat is a staple food for many Americans and this project by K-State will help put it in the hands of people in need.”&nbsp;

Smith said his department at K-State “has a long and distinguished record of domestic and international service. We greatly value being a part of the Kansas agricultural community and embrace any opportunity to help Kansans. &nbsp;

“This summer’s flour production and distribution efforts were accomplished through the unselfish actions of faculty and staff, who look forward to the next occasion to serve,” he said.&nbsp;

As the Ag Hero nomination said: “This project was a truly collaborative effort of the wheat farming community to meet the needs of Kansans.”&nbsp;

Flour power. No, it’s not the 1960s. In this case, I’m referring to flour from Kansas-grown and milled wheat. We salute the people of the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department and of Kansas Wheat for making a difference with their initiative and generosity. They came together to provide flour to the people. Right on.

Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.

Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600566316666.jpeg" alt="Ron Wilson" />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State UniversityFlour power! No, I’m not having a flashback to the 1960s. I’m referring to the kind of flour that comes from wheat and is used for baking bread. &nbsp;When the pandemic hit in Spring 2020, and people were stuck at home, such flour was less available in stores. Then Kansas Wheat and the K-State Department of Grain Science and Industry mobilized to provide a free flour distribution to Kansas families. Such generosity led to these entities being recognized as Ag Heroes by the Kansas Department of Agriculture during the 2020 Ag Growth Summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Justin Gilpin is the chief executive officer of Kansas Wheat. Gordon Smith is head of K-State’s Grain Science and Industry Department. That department includes several facilities, including the Hal Ross Flour Mill. These entities came together to provide this flour distribution in June 2020.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603597307429.jpeg" alt="The flour distribution. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>The flour distribution. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Wheat is the product of a cooperative agreement between two organizations:&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Wheat Commission and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. &nbsp;The Kansas Wheat Commission is a grower-funded, grower-governed organization working to secure the future of Kansas wheat in the global market through international trade, research, export system studies and continually improved varieties of wheat. Its mission is wheat-related research, education and market development. The KWC is funded by a voluntary, two-cent assessment on each bushel of wheat produced in Kansas.&nbsp;The Kansas Association of Wheat Growers is a dues-based, member-governed organization representing wheat growers in planning legislation, advising government and international agencies on matters affecting wheat, and providing grass-roots leadership to the United States’ wheat industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The two entities jointly support an integrated office with shared staff, located in the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center which is owned by Kansas wheat farmers and is located on the campus of K-State. Nearby is the Hal Ross Flour Mill, a teaching facility for the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department. K-State is the only higher education institution in the world with degree programs in milling, baking, and feed science.&nbsp;Both the wheat commission and wheat growers organizations are led by farmers who are elected to those positions. These are wheat producers from around Kansas, including rural communities such as Gypsum, population 405; Lebanon, population 218; and Muscotah, population 176 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;After the pandemic hit, there was a run on flour in the stores. College campuses closed, meaning that K-State’s flour mill also shut down. As the exceptional need for flour continued, Kansas Wheat and the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department responded. The Kansas Wheat Commission donated 20,000 pounds of wheat, all of which was locally grown. The Hal Ross Flour Mill was brought back online.&nbsp;&nbsp;The wheat was milled into flour and packaged into 10-pound bags. K-State President Richard Myers even assisted with the flour milling.&nbsp;A drive-through flour distribution was scheduled for June 18. All the bags of flour were given away, free of charge. Any extra were to be donated to the Flint Hills Breadbasket and Harvesters, a community food network.&nbsp;“Kansas wheat farmers were glad to help support this project,” said Kansas Wheat CEO Gilpin. “Wheat is a staple food for many Americans and this project by K-State will help put it in the hands of people in need.”&nbsp;Smith said his department at K-State “has a long and distinguished record of domestic and international service. We greatly value being a part of the Kansas agricultural community and embrace any opportunity to help Kansans. &nbsp;“This summer’s flour production and distribution efforts were accomplished through the unselfish actions of faculty and staff, who look forward to the next occasion to serve,” he said.&nbsp;As the Ag Hero nomination said: “This project was a truly collaborative effort of the wheat farming community to meet the needs of Kansans.”&nbsp;Flour power. No, it’s not the 1960s. In this case, I’m referring to flour from Kansas-grown and milled wheat. We salute the people of the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department and of Kansas Wheat for making a difference with their initiative and generosity. They came together to provide flour to the people. Right on.Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

NOW THAT'S RURAL: KS wheat, K-State grain science flour distribution

McPHERSON – Students at&nbsp;McPherson&nbsp;College&nbsp;have the opportunity to set out on their own adventures and explore all Kansas has to offer through a new program on campus called Build Your Own Adventure. 

Offered through the&nbsp;college’s Bulldog Adventures organization, it provides gear and planning information to assist students in taking advantage of the great outdoor spaces in Kansas on their own time.

Bulldog Adventures, a program introduced by&nbsp;McPherson&nbsp;College&nbsp;last year, provides opportunities for students to participate in monthly adventures and on-campus outdoor activities. Offering ventures like hiking, float trips, a fishing derby, and lawn games, Bulldog Adventures utilizes outdoor spaces in and around campus to engage students and develop leadership skills.

“We have great participation in our monthly outings but also wanted to give our students the ability to explore Kansas on their own,” Tony Helfrich, director of Bulldog Adventures, said. “For many of our students, our adventures are their first exposure to this part of our state.”

Adventure gear for hiking like backpacks and trekking poles along with fishing gear, tents, sleeping bags, and other camping gear, disc golf sets as well as other gear like binoculars and hammocks are available for students to check out and use on their adventures. The gear, which was donated to the&nbsp;college&nbsp;through The Outdoor Fund by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s is offered at no expense to the students.

Helfrich, an experienced outdoorsman, is available to help students plan their adventure. A list of hiking trails, fishing sites, camping areas and disc golf courses within half a day’s drive from campus provide plenty of options for students to experience Kansas.

“The adventure programs enhance the collegiate experience in a way that has not been done before,” Helfrich said. “I hope to engage students and spark a passion for adventure by taking advantage of all there is to do in Kansas. It’s an ideal way to socialize in a responsible way while learning skills they can enjoy their entire life.”

Beside the monthly group adventures and the new Build Your Own Adventure program, Bulldog Adventures also coordinates efforts of the student Adventures Club, which is working with the Environmental Stewardship class to develop the&nbsp;McPherson&nbsp;College&nbsp;Outdoor Adventure Education Center at Bulldog Park in&nbsp;McPherson. It also conducts team-building adventures for student athletes and collaborates with other organizations and programs on campus to plan outdoor activities during orientation and throughout the semester. Each week this fall, Bulldog Adventures hosted games on the&nbsp;college&nbsp;lawns where student teams competed for prizes.

Helfrich is looking forward to continuing to grow each of the pillars under the umbrella of Bulldog Adventures and increasing the number of students engaged in outdoor adventures.

“The positive characteristics the great outdoors organically instill in individuals is powerful and having the opportunity to see this take place in students is truly a blessing,” he said.

--<a href="http://mcpherson.edu">McPherson College</a> --

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603596411254.jpeg" alt="McPherson College students on one of their outdoor adventures. Photo courtesy McPherson College" />
 <figcaption>McPherson College students on one of their outdoor adventures. Photo courtesy McPherson College</figcaption>
 </figure>McPHERSON – Students at&nbsp;McPherson&nbsp;College&nbsp;have the opportunity to set out on their own adventures and explore all Kansas has to offer through a new program on campus called Build Your Own Adventure. Offered through the&nbsp;college’s Bulldog Adventures organization, it provides gear and planning information to assist students in taking advantage of the great outdoor spaces in Kansas on their own time.Bulldog Adventures, a program introduced by&nbsp;McPherson&nbsp;College&nbsp;last year, provides opportunities for students to participate in monthly adventures and on-campus outdoor activities. Offering ventures like hiking, float trips, a fishing derby, and lawn games, Bulldog Adventures utilizes outdoor spaces in and around campus to engage students and develop leadership skills.“We have great participation in our monthly outings but also wanted to give our students the ability to explore Kansas on their own,” Tony Helfrich, director of Bulldog Adventures, said. “For many of our students, our adventures are their first exposure to this part of our state.”Adventure gear for hiking like backpacks and trekking poles along with fishing gear, tents, sleeping bags, and other camping gear, disc golf sets as well as other gear like binoculars and hammocks are available for students to check out and use on their adventures. The gear, which was donated to the&nbsp;college&nbsp;through The Outdoor Fund by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s is offered at no expense to the students.Helfrich, an experienced outdoorsman, is available to help students plan their adventure. A list of hiking trails, fishing sites, camping areas and disc golf courses within half a day’s drive from campus provide plenty of options for students to experience Kansas.“The adventure programs enhance the collegiate experience in a way that has not been done before,” Helfrich said. “I hope to engage students and spark a passion for adventure by taking advantage of all there is to do in Kansas. It’s an ideal way to socialize in a responsible way while learning skills they can enjoy their entire life.”Beside the monthly group adventures and the new Build Your Own Adventure program, Bulldog Adventures also coordinates efforts of the student Adventures Club, which is working with the Environmental Stewardship class to develop the&nbsp;McPherson&nbsp;College&nbsp;Outdoor Adventure Education Center at Bulldog Park in&nbsp;McPherson. It also conducts team-building adventures for student athletes and collaborates with other organizations and programs on campus to plan outdoor activities during orientation and throughout the semester. Each week this fall, Bulldog Adventures hosted games on the&nbsp;college&nbsp;lawns where student teams competed for prizes.Helfrich is looking forward to continuing to grow each of the pillars under the umbrella of Bulldog Adventures and increasing the number of students engaged in outdoor adventures.“The positive characteristics the great outdoors organically instill in individuals is powerful and having the opportunity to see this take place in students is truly a blessing,” he said.--<a href="http://mcpherson.edu">McPherson College</a> --

McPherson College students exploring Kansas as part of new program

Today is Sunday, Oct. 25, the 299th day of 2020. There are 67 days left in the year. 

On Oct. 25, 1910, "America the Beautiful," with words by Katharine Lee Bates and music by Samuel A. Ward, was first published. 

In 1760, Britain's King George III succeeded his late grandfather, George II. 

In 1854, the "Charge of the Light Brigade" took place during the Crimean War as an English brigade of more than 600 men charged the Russian army, suffering heavy losses. 

In 1881, artist Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, Spain.

In 1957, mob boss Albert Anastasia of "Murder Inc." notoriety was shot to death by masked gunmen in a barber shop inside the Park Sheraton Hotel in New York.

In 1962, American author John Steinbeck was named winner of the Nobel Prize in literature.

In 1971, the U.N. General Assembly voted to admit mainland China and expel Taiwan. 

In 1983, a U.S.-led force invaded Grenada at the order of President Ronald Reagan, who said the action was needed to protect U.S. citizens there. 

In 1986, in Game 6 of the World Series, the New York Mets rallied for three runs with two outs in the 10th inning, defeating the Boston Red Sox 6-5 and forcing a seventh game; the tie-breaking run scored on Boston first baseman Bill Buckner's error on Mookie Wilson's slow grounder. (The Mets went on to win the Series.)

In 1994, Susan Smith of Union, South Carolina, claimed that a Black carjacker had driven off with her two young sons (Smith later confessed to drowning the children in John D. Long Lake, and was convicted of murder). Three defendants were convicted in South Africa of murdering American exchange student Amy Biehl. (In 1998, all three were granted amnesty by South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.) 

In 1999, golfer Payne Stewart and five others were killed when their Learjet flew uncontrolled for four hours before crashing in South Dakota; Stewart was 42. 

In 2002, U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., was killed in a plane crash in northern Minnesota along with his wife, daughter and five others, a week and a-half before the election. Actor Richard Harris died in London at age 72. 

In 2014, the World Health Organization said more than 10,000 people had been infected with Ebola and that nearly half of them had died as the outbreak continued to spread. Jack Bruce, 71, the bassist and lead vocalist of the 1960s power trio Cream, died in London.

Ten years ago: Afghan President Hamid Karzai acknowledged receiving millions of dollars in cash from Iran, adding that Washington was giving him "bags of money" as well because his office lacked funds. In Indonesia, an earthquake triggered a tsunami off western Sumatra that killed hundreds and destroyed homes, mosques and other buildings.

Five years ago: Declaring that "today is a time of mercy," Pope Francis closed a historic meeting of bishops that approved an important new direction in welcoming divorced and civilly remarried Catholics into the church. Six people were killed when a Canadian whale-watching boat capsized off Vancouver Island. Flip Saunders, 60, who rose from the backwaters of basketball's minor leagues to become one of the most powerful men in the NBA as coach, team president and part owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves, died in Minneapolis.

One year ago: A 40-day strike that crippled General Motors' U.S. production came to an end as workers approved a new contract. Maria Butina, a Russian woman convicted in the United States of being a Russian agent, was deported to her home country after serving a prison sentence; the gun-rights activist had sought to infiltrate conservative U.S. political groups and promote Russia's agenda around the time Donald Trump rose to power. The Pentagon awarded Microsoft a $10 billion cloud computing contract, snubbing early front-runner Amazon, whose competitive bid had drawn criticisms from President Donald Trump. (The start of the work was delayed as Amazon challenged the bidding process as flawed.) The Houston Astros won Game 3 of the World Series, the first to be played in Washington, D.C. in 86 years. Actor Felicity Huffman was released from a federal prison in California two days before the end of her two-week sentence for her role in the college admissions scandal.

Today's Birthdays: Former American League president Dr. Bobby Brown is 96. Actor Marion Ross is 92. Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Knight is 80. Author Anne Tyler is 79. Rock singer Jon Anderson (Yes) is 76. Political strategist James Carville is 76. Singer Taffy Nivert (Starland Vocal Band) is 76. Rock musician Glenn Tipton (Judas Priest) is 73. Actor Brian Kerwin is 71. Actor Mark L. Taylor is 70. Movie director Julian Schnabel is 69. Rock musician Matthias Jabs is 64. Actress Nancy Cartwright (TV: "The Simpsons") is 63. Country singer Mark Miller (Sawyer Brown) is 62. Rock musician Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers; Chickenfoot) is 59. Actor Tracy Nelson is 57. Actor Michael Boatman is 56. Actor Kevin Michael Richardson is 56. Actor Mathieu Amalric is 55. Singer Speech is 52. Actor-comedian-TV host Samantha Bee is 51. Actor Adam Goldberg is 50. Actor-singer Adam Pascal is 50. Rock musician Ed Robertson (Barenaked Ladies) is 50. Actor Persia White is 50. Country singer Chely Wright is 50. Actor Leslie Grossman is 49. Violinist Midori is 49. Actor Craig Robinson is 49. Actor Michael Weston is 47. Actor Zachary Knighton is 42. Actor Mariana Klaveno is 41. Actor Mehcad Brooks is 40. Actor Ben Gould is 40. Actor Josh Henderson is 39. Rhythm-and-blues singer Young Rome is 39. Pop singer Katy Perry is 36. Rock singer Austin Winkler is 36. Singer Ciara is 35. Actor Krista Marie Yu (TV: "Dr. Ken") is 32. Actor Rachel Matthews is 27. Actor Conchita Campbell is 25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Sunday, Oct. 25, the 299th day of 2020. There are 67 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Oct. 25, 1910, "America the Beautiful," with words by Katharine Lee Bates and music by Samuel A. Ward, was first published. On this date: In 1760, Britain's King George III succeeded his late grandfather, George II. In 1854, the "Charge of the Light Brigade" took place during the Crimean War as an English brigade of more than 600 men charged the Russian army, suffering heavy losses. In 1881, artist Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, Spain.In 1957, mob boss Albert Anastasia of "Murder Inc." notoriety was shot to death by masked gunmen in a barber shop inside the Park Sheraton Hotel in New York.In 1962, American author John Steinbeck was named winner of the Nobel Prize in literature.In 1971, the U.N. General Assembly voted to admit mainland China and expel Taiwan. In 1983, a U.S.-led force invaded Grenada at the order of President Ronald Reagan, who said the action was needed to protect U.S. citizens there. In 1986, in Game 6 of the World Series, the New York Mets rallied for three runs with two outs in the 10th inning, defeating the Boston Red Sox 6-5 and forcing a seventh game; the tie-breaking run scored on Boston first baseman Bill Buckner's error on Mookie Wilson's slow grounder. (The Mets went on to win the Series.)In 1994, Susan Smith of Union, South Carolina, claimed that a Black carjacker had driven off with her two young sons (Smith later confessed to drowning the children in John D. Long Lake, and was convicted of murder). Three defendants were convicted in South Africa of murdering American exchange student Amy Biehl. (In 1998, all three were granted amnesty by South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.) In 1999, golfer Payne Stewart and five others were killed when their Learjet flew uncontrolled for four hours before crashing in South Dakota; Stewart was 42. In 2002, U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., was killed in a plane crash in northern Minnesota along with his wife, daughter and five others, a week and a-half before the election. Actor Richard Harris died in London at age 72. In 2014, the World Health Organization said more than 10,000 people had been infected with Ebola and that nearly half of them had died as the outbreak continued to spread. Jack Bruce, 71, the bassist and lead vocalist of the 1960s power trio Cream, died in London.Ten years ago: Afghan President Hamid Karzai acknowledged receiving millions of dollars in cash from Iran, adding that Washington was giving him "bags of money" as well because his office lacked funds. In Indonesia, an earthquake triggered a tsunami off western Sumatra that killed hundreds and destroyed homes, mosques and other buildings.Five years ago: Declaring that "today is a time of mercy," Pope Francis closed a historic meeting of bishops that approved an important new direction in welcoming divorced and civilly remarried Catholics into the church. Six people were killed when a Canadian whale-watching boat capsized off Vancouver Island. Flip Saunders, 60, who rose from the backwaters of basketball's minor leagues to become one of the most powerful men in the NBA as coach, team president and part owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves, died in Minneapolis.One year ago: A 40-day strike that crippled General Motors' U.S. production came to an end as workers approved a new contract. Maria Butina, a Russian woman convicted in the United States of being a Russian agent, was deported to her home country after serving a prison sentence; the gun-rights activist had sought to infiltrate conservative U.S. political groups and promote Russia's agenda around the time Donald Trump rose to power. The Pentagon awarded Microsoft a $10 billion cloud computing contract, snubbing early front-runner Amazon, whose competitive bid had drawn criticisms from President Donald Trump. (The start of the work was delayed as Amazon challenged the bidding process as flawed.) The Houston Astros won Game 3 of the World Series, the first to be played in Washington, D.C. in 86 years. Actor Felicity Huffman was released from a federal prison in California two days before the end of her two-week sentence for her role in the college admissions scandal.Today's Birthdays: Former American League president Dr. Bobby Brown is 96. Actor Marion Ross is 92. Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Knight is 80. Author Anne Tyler is 79. Rock singer Jon Anderson (Yes) is 76. Political strategist James Carville is 76. Singer Taffy Nivert (Starland Vocal Band) is 76. Rock musician Glenn Tipton (Judas Priest) is 73. Actor Brian Kerwin is 71. Actor Mark L. Taylor is 70. Movie director Julian Schnabel is 69. Rock musician Matthias Jabs is 64. Actress Nancy Cartwright (TV: "The Simpsons") is 63. Country singer Mark Miller (Sawyer Brown) is 62. Rock musician Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers; Chickenfoot) is 59. Actor Tracy Nelson is 57. Actor Michael Boatman is 56. Actor Kevin Michael Richardson is 56. Actor Mathieu Amalric is 55. Singer Speech is 52. Actor-comedian-TV host Samantha Bee is 51. Actor Adam Goldberg is 50. Actor-singer Adam Pascal is 50. Rock musician Ed Robertson (Barenaked Ladies) is 50. Actor Persia White is 50. Country singer Chely Wright is 50. Actor Leslie Grossman is 49. Violinist Midori is 49. Actor Craig Robinson is 49. Actor Michael Weston is 47. Actor Zachary Knighton is 42. Actor Mariana Klaveno is 41. Actor Mehcad Brooks is 40. Actor Ben Gould is 40. Actor Josh Henderson is 39. Rhythm-and-blues singer Young Rome is 39. Pop singer Katy Perry is 36. Rock singer Austin Winkler is 36. Singer Ciara is 35. Actor Krista Marie Yu (TV: "Dr. Ken") is 32. Actor Rachel Matthews is 27. Actor Conchita Campbell is 25.

Today in History -- Oct. 25

By LISA LAKE Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

You get a robocall saying you paid too much on a utility bill. To make up for this mistake, they say, you’ll get a cash refund and a discount on your future bills. All you have to do is press a number to get your money and discount. You say to yourself: “What luck!” You might think this strange surprise will help you save some much-needed money.

Sorry but…not so fast. This is probably just another utility scam — or, at best, a marketing trick — to get your money. In the unlikely event you really did pay more than you owed on your bill, utility companies don’t usually give cash refunds. Instead, they credit the extra money to your account. As for the future discount on your bill, not likely. At best, this could be a <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2016/03/shopping-energy">third-party service provider</a> claiming you’ll save money if you switch to their service. But sometimes these services come with catches that could actually have you paying more on your bill — or even two bills at once: your utility company’s and the service provider’s.

So if you get one of these calls, here’s what to do:

●Hang up. Don’t press any numbers or respond to any instructions. If you press or respond, you’ll probably wind up getting more&nbsp;unwanted calls&nbsp;like this.

●Never give the caller your Social Security number, account details, or...well, just don’t tell them anything. Scammers can use almost any information you give them to make a buck at your expense.

●Call your utility company, using the number on your bill. Tell them about the call and — if you still wonder— ask if the call was for real.

●If you want to consider using a third-party utility company, check with the&nbsp;utility regulatory agency in your state&nbsp;to understand your rights and how these companies are supposed to work.

●Tell the FTC at&nbsp;ftc.gov/complaint&nbsp;if you spot this or any other scams.

The above information is from the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/10/overpaid-your-utility-bill-thats-probably-scam?utm_source=govdelivery">blog</a>.&nbsp;

By LISA LAKE Consumer Education Specialist, FTCYou get a robocall saying you paid too much on a utility bill. To make up for this mistake, they say, you’ll get a cash refund and a discount on your future bills. All you have to do is press a number to get your money and discount. You say to yourself: “What luck!” You might think this strange surprise will help you save some much-needed money.Sorry but…not so fast. This is probably just another utility scam — or, at best, a marketing trick — to get your money. In the unlikely event you really did pay more than you owed on your bill, utility companies don’t usually give cash refunds. Instead, they credit the extra money to your account. As for the future discount on your bill, not likely. At best, this could be a <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2016/03/shopping-energy">third-party service provider</a> claiming you’ll save money if you switch to their service. But sometimes these services come with catches that could actually have you paying more on your bill — or even two bills at once: your utility company’s and the service provider’s.So if you get one of these calls, here’s what to do:●Hang up. Don’t press any numbers or respond to any instructions. If you press or respond, you’ll probably wind up getting more&nbsp;unwanted calls&nbsp;like this.●Never give the caller your Social Security number, account details, or...well, just don’t tell them anything. Scammers can use almost any information you give them to make a buck at your expense.●Call your utility company, using the number on your bill. Tell them about the call and — if you still wonder— ask if the call was for real.●If you want to consider using a third-party utility company, check with the&nbsp;utility regulatory agency in your state&nbsp;to understand your rights and how these companies are supposed to work.●Tell the FTC at&nbsp;ftc.gov/complaint&nbsp;if you spot this or any other scams.The above information is from the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/10/overpaid-your-utility-bill-thats-probably-scam?utm_source=govdelivery">blog</a>.&nbsp;

Overpaid your utility bill? That’s probably a scam

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Photos courtesy of Saline County Jail, if provided.

Charges:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Indirect

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

Name:&nbsp;Ehlers,Nash&nbsp; (Photo not available at time of publishing)

Charges:&nbsp;Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO	

Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor	

Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant	

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

Charges:&nbsp;DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+	

Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a required device	

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

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Photos courtesy of Saline County Jail, if provided.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603573056076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Campbell,Jessica ReneeCharges:&nbsp;Failure to appear	Failure to appear	Probation Violation	Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603573143307.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Moreno,Meaghan AshleeCharges:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Indirect<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603573231571.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Brookhouser,Brandon MatthewCharges:&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603573311837.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Soden,Joshua AronCharges:&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603573391915.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Simmons,Jaya MarieCharges:&nbsp;Probation Violation	Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603573480459.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Rogers,Kaneisha ShereeCharges:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severityName:&nbsp;Ehlers,Nash&nbsp; (Photo not available at time of publishing)Charges:&nbsp;Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO	Criminal threat; Unknown circumstance	Criminal threat; Unknown circumstance	Criminal threat; Unknown circumstance	Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor	Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant	Poss of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603573658414.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Fenton,Tyrone ScottCharges:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended	Endangering a child	Fail to yield at stop or yield sign	Fleeing a LEO; 1st conviction	Improper driving on laned roadway	Improper stop lamp/turn signal	No Proof Of Insurance	Vehicle registration<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603573741802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Arnold,Taylor LynnCharges:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603573816143.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Detrick,Samuel AdamCharges:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603573909976.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Allman,Curtis EveretteCharges:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor	License carried/exhibited	No Proof Of Insurance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603573992839.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Callaham,Casey MichaelCharges:&nbsp;Criminal restraint	Domestic Battery: rude physical contact<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603574087303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Sanchez,Adan HolguinCharges:&nbsp;DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+	Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a required device	No Proof Of Insurance	Speeding; maximum limits	Transporting an open container<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603574225081.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Name:&nbsp;Robertson,Carniecia De CheaCharges:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity	Transporting an open container

Saline County Jail Booking Activity – Saturday

COVID-19 cuts traffic density, allowing risk takers to push safety limits

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/23/kansas-highway-fatality-rate-surges-despite-fewer-miles-traveled-in-2020/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The rate of 
traffic fatalities on Kansas highways surged in the first nine months of
 2020 despite dramatic reduction in miles traveled because of temporary 
stay-at-home mandates and ongoing health concerns of the COVID-19 
pandemic, officials said Thursday.

The number of vehicle 
miles traveled on Kansas highways from January through September 
plummeted 10.2% compared to the same period in 2019. But the fatality 
rate per 100 million miles traveled in Kansas increased during the 
nine-month period, escalating to 1.52 in 2020 from 1.29 in 2019.

“Vehicle miles traveled is
 going down, yet fatalities are going up,” said Chris Herrick, director 
of planning and development at the Kansas Department of Transportation. 
“Everybody is trying to get their hands and arms wrapped around why is 
vehicle miles traveled going down and fatality rates increasing.”

He said the primary 
culprit appeared to be motorists taking advantage of highways less 
densely packed with cars and trucks to drive at excessive speeds. He 
said some pushed the envelope by accelerating beyond 100 mph on Kansas 
roadways posted with limits that range from 55 mph on two-lane highways 
to 75 mph on stretches of turnpike and freeway.

“Speed kills. The faster 
you go, the more force there is and when you do get in a wreck, the 
worse the wreck is,” Herrick said. “The risky-behavior people are out 
and about, and they are the ones more likely to speed. You have less 
traffic on the roads, so you have more ability to speed.”

The total number of Kansas
 highway traffic fatalities — not just the rate — increased during the 
March to September months in which COVID-19 has imposed the greatest 
impact on residents of the state. KDOT said there were 258 deaths on 
highways in Kansas during those seven months of 2020, an increase from 
254 during that same period in 2019.

That 1.6% increase in 
Kansas traffic deaths occurred despite significant reduction in vehicle 
miles covered during those seven months. Comparing 2020 to 2019, KDOT 
officials said, vehicle miles driven in Kansas was down by 13.5% in 
March, 36.7% in April, 19.5% in May, 9.7% in June, 7.3% in July, 4.7% in
 August and 4.8% in September.

The National Safety 
Council’s estimate based on the first six months of 2020 data from all 
50 states indicated there was a 20% jump in the U.S. death rate, which 
is a key indicator of how safely drivers used the roadways. The shift 
between January and June 2020, compared to the same six-month period in 
2019, represented the highest surge for a six-month period since 1999, 
NSC said.

NSC, a nonproft 
organization dedicated to reducing the number of preventable deaths and 
injuries, said the national increase in fatalities came despite a 17% 
drop in the number of miles driven between January and June. The total 
number of U.S. deaths was up 1% from the six-month total in 2019.

“Because of COVID-19 and 
states’ shelter-in-place orders earlier this year, the country should 
have reaped a safety benefit from less traffic,” said Lorraine Martin, 
NSC’s president and chief executive officer. “Instead, our soaring rate 
of deaths speaks to our need to improve safety on our roads. Clearly, we
 must work harder as a society to reverse this trend, especially since 
the pandemic is not nearly over.”

In June, when many states 
ended three straight months of quarantine, the number of miles driven 
remained 13% lower than the previous year, but both the fatality rates 
and the overall number of deaths skyrocketed in the United States.

The number of deaths was up 17% in June, NSC said, while the rate of death per 100 million miles driven jumped 34.4%.

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603569396642.png" alt="The Kansas Department of Transportation reports the rate of traffic fatalities in Kanssa increased from January throuugh September 2020 compared to the first nine months of 2019, despite a 10.2% reduction in highway miles traveled in the state due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Department of Transportation reports the rate of traffic fatalities in Kanssa increased from January throuugh September 2020 compared to the first nine months of 2019, despite a 10.2% reduction in highway miles traveled in the state due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>COVID-19 cuts traffic density, allowing risk takers to push safety limits</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/23/kansas-highway-fatality-rate-surges-despite-fewer-miles-traveled-in-2020/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The rate of 
traffic fatalities on Kansas highways surged in the first nine months of
 2020 despite dramatic reduction in miles traveled because of temporary 
stay-at-home mandates and ongoing health concerns of the COVID-19 
pandemic, officials said Thursday.The number of vehicle 
miles traveled on Kansas highways from January through September 
plummeted 10.2% compared to the same period in 2019. But the fatality 
rate per 100 million miles traveled in Kansas increased during the 
nine-month period, escalating to 1.52 in 2020 from 1.29 in 2019.“Vehicle miles traveled is
 going down, yet fatalities are going up,” said Chris Herrick, director 
of planning and development at the Kansas Department of Transportation. 
“Everybody is trying to get their hands and arms wrapped around why is 
vehicle miles traveled going down and fatality rates increasing.”He said the primary 
culprit appeared to be motorists taking advantage of highways less 
densely packed with cars and trucks to drive at excessive speeds. He 
said some pushed the envelope by accelerating beyond 100 mph on Kansas 
roadways posted with limits that range from 55 mph on two-lane highways 
to 75 mph on stretches of turnpike and freeway.“Speed kills. The faster 
you go, the more force there is and when you do get in a wreck, the 
worse the wreck is,” Herrick said. “The risky-behavior people are out 
and about, and they are the ones more likely to speed. You have less 
traffic on the roads, so you have more ability to speed.”The total number of Kansas
 highway traffic fatalities — not just the rate — increased during the 
March to September months in which COVID-19 has imposed the greatest 
impact on residents of the state. KDOT said there were 258 deaths on 
highways in Kansas during those seven months of 2020, an increase from 
254 during that same period in 2019.That 1.6% increase in 
Kansas traffic deaths occurred despite significant reduction in vehicle 
miles covered during those seven months. Comparing 2020 to 2019, KDOT 
officials said, vehicle miles driven in Kansas was down by 13.5% in 
March, 36.7% in April, 19.5% in May, 9.7% in June, 7.3% in July, 4.7% in
 August and 4.8% in September.The National Safety 
Council’s estimate based on the first six months of 2020 data from all 
50 states indicated there was a 20% jump in the U.S. death rate, which 
is a key indicator of how safely drivers used the roadways. The shift 
between January and June 2020, compared to the same six-month period in 
2019, represented the highest surge for a six-month period since 1999, 
NSC said.NSC, a nonproft 
organization dedicated to reducing the number of preventable deaths and 
injuries, said the national increase in fatalities came despite a 17% 
drop in the number of miles driven between January and June. The total 
number of U.S. deaths was up 1% from the six-month total in 2019.“Because of COVID-19 and 
states’ shelter-in-place orders earlier this year, the country should 
have reaped a safety benefit from less traffic,” said Lorraine Martin, 
NSC’s president and chief executive officer. “Instead, our soaring rate 
of deaths speaks to our need to improve safety on our roads. Clearly, we
 must work harder as a society to reverse this trend, especially since 
the pandemic is not nearly over.”In June, when many states 
ended three straight months of quarantine, the number of miles driven 
remained 13% lower than the previous year, but both the fatality rates 
and the overall number of deaths skyrocketed in the United States.The number of deaths was up 17% in June, NSC said, while the rate of death per 100 million miles driven jumped 34.4%.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

Kan. highway fatality rate surges despite fewer miles traveled in 2020

NEW YORK (AP) — The pandemic has proven there's no shortage of games to keep families, couples and kids amused. 

The classics are ever-present, but a range of new or off-the-beaten-track gift entries are also available. For instance, there's "Tragos," the Latino pop culture party game. And a memory match card set called, "Do You Look Like Your Cat?" 

Folks waxing sentimental about the 1950s, '60s and '70s might enjoy Boom Again. For couples looking to clarify priorities, the bestselling book "Fair Play" has been turned into a conversation-starter card deck. 

Do you know someone who wants their MTV? A buzzer team game called "MTV, The Throwback Music Party Game" covers the '80s, '90s and beyond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603218938124.png" alt="The Boom Again game. Photos courtesy <a href="https://boomagain.com/">Boom Again</a>" />
 <figcaption>The Boom Again game. Photos courtesy <a href="https://boomagain.com/">Boom Again</a></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The pandemic has proven there's no shortage of games to keep families, couples and kids amused. The classics are ever-present, but a range of new or off-the-beaten-track gift entries are also available. For instance, there's "Tragos," the Latino pop culture party game. And a memory match card set called, "Do You Look Like Your Cat?" Folks waxing sentimental about the 1950s, '60s and '70s might enjoy Boom Again. For couples looking to clarify priorities, the bestselling book "Fair Play" has been turned into a conversation-starter card deck. Do you know someone who wants their MTV? A buzzer team game called "MTV, The Throwback Music Party Game" covers the '80s, '90s and beyond.

Gifty new and unusual pandemic-proof games for the holidays

By JIM KREIDLER Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

There are thousands of trials underway as companies race to find effective vaccines and treatments for COVID-19. Many of these research studies are legitimate, but some are not. So, if you’re thinking about volunteering for a COVID-19 trial, it’s important to know how to spot the real trials advancing medicine for everyone, versus the fake ones trying to steal your money and personal information.

Preying on our natural desire to help others, scammers have created fake websites and promotional materials, posing as legitimate researchers. Their goal? To take your personal information and your money. They might promise you a doctor’s care and more than $1000 in payment...but as soon as they try to charge you for access, or ask for your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number, your Spidey sense should start tingling, because, unfortunately, some of these so-called “research studies” are fake.

If you’re interested in participating in a COVID-19 or other research study, here are some things to keep in mind:

●Never pay to be part of a clinical trial, or to find out about one. Real clinical trials will never ask you to pay them.

●Do an online search before you join, with the name of the clinical trial and the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.”

●Legitimate clinical trials do gather information to identify ideal candidates. To screen for participants for COVID-19 trials, they might ask for your name, contact information, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or various pre-existing conditions associated with higher risk of a COVID-19-related mortality. But they should never ask you to give your Social Security number during recruitment or screening.

●Never share financial information (like your bank account or routing number). Most legitimate trials will offer to pay people to participate in the trial, but you can ask to be paid by check rather than direct deposit. The amount you get will vary based on the trial, but it can range from $1,000-$2,500, particularly in Phase III of vaccine trials.

●The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Library of Medicine (NLM) maintain <a href="http://ClinicalTrials.Gov">ClinicalTrials.Gov</a>, a free searchable database of clinical studies on a wide range of diseases. You can also use the database to get more information about studies, including whether they’re recruiting participants, and their contact information.

●If you’re interested in volunteering for a COVID-19 trial, you can sign up at the COVID-19 Prevention Network, a site run by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health.

If you spot a trial that’s charging people to participate, or demanding your SSN or financial information during screening, be sure to <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/complaint">tell the Federal Trade Commission</a>.

You&nbsp;can also file complaints with your&nbsp;attorney general regarding consumer issues, frauds, and scams.&nbsp; To find your state attorney general, visit <a href="https://www.consumerresources.org/?_sm_pdc=1&amp;_sm_rid=ZLFpDJRQtns6JPs09DJWV6WR0H5RPpDJPLsF6Sr">consumerresources.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603478921331.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM KREIDLER Consumer Education Specialist, FTCThere are thousands of trials underway as companies race to find effective vaccines and treatments for COVID-19. Many of these research studies are legitimate, but some are not. So, if you’re thinking about volunteering for a COVID-19 trial, it’s important to know how to spot the real trials advancing medicine for everyone, versus the fake ones trying to steal your money and personal information.Preying on our natural desire to help others, scammers have created fake websites and promotional materials, posing as legitimate researchers. Their goal? To take your personal information and your money. They might promise you a doctor’s care and more than $1000 in payment...but as soon as they try to charge you for access, or ask for your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number, your Spidey sense should start tingling, because, unfortunately, some of these so-called “research studies” are fake.If you’re interested in participating in a COVID-19 or other research study, here are some things to keep in mind:●Never pay to be part of a clinical trial, or to find out about one. Real clinical trials will never ask you to pay them.●Do an online search before you join, with the name of the clinical trial and the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.”●Legitimate clinical trials do gather information to identify ideal candidates. To screen for participants for COVID-19 trials, they might ask for your name, contact information, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or various pre-existing conditions associated with higher risk of a COVID-19-related mortality. But they should never ask you to give your Social Security number during recruitment or screening.●Never share financial information (like your bank account or routing number). Most legitimate trials will offer to pay people to participate in the trial, but you can ask to be paid by check rather than direct deposit. The amount you get will vary based on the trial, but it can range from $1,000-$2,500, particularly in Phase III of vaccine trials.●The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Library of Medicine (NLM) maintain <a href="http://ClinicalTrials.Gov">ClinicalTrials.Gov</a>, a free searchable database of clinical studies on a wide range of diseases. You can also use the database to get more information about studies, including whether they’re recruiting participants, and their contact information.●If you’re interested in volunteering for a COVID-19 trial, you can sign up at the COVID-19 Prevention Network, a site run by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health.If you spot a trial that’s charging people to participate, or demanding your SSN or financial information during screening, be sure to <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/complaint">tell the Federal Trade Commission</a>.You&nbsp;can also file complaints with your&nbsp;attorney general regarding consumer issues, frauds, and scams.&nbsp; To find your state attorney general, visit <a href="https://www.consumerresources.org/?_sm_pdc=1&amp;_sm_rid=ZLFpDJRQtns6JPs09DJWV6WR0H5RPpDJPLsF6Sr">consumerresources.org</a>.

COVID-19 clinical trial: real or fake? Learn how to tell the difference

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, most areas will see drizzle or light rain through the afternoon hours on Sunday. By Sunday evening, central Kansas will begin to transition to freezing rain and then become mostly snow. 

The transition zone of rain to freezing rain will drift southeast through the overnight hours and may occasionally mix with snow. 

Snow and a mix of snow and freezing rain will continue across the area on Monday, NWS noted. Light snow accumulations will be possible, mainly on grassy surfaces. Highs will struggle to get out of the 20s across much of central and south central Kansas. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603581658278.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wintry precipitation is on the way.According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, most areas will see drizzle or light rain through the afternoon hours on Sunday. By Sunday evening, central Kansas will begin to transition to freezing rain and then become mostly snow. The transition zone of rain to freezing rain will drift southeast through the overnight hours and may occasionally mix with snow. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603581783698.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Snow and a mix of snow and freezing rain will continue across the area on Monday, NWS noted. Light snow accumulations will be possible, mainly on grassy surfaces. Highs will struggle to get out of the 20s across much of central and south central Kansas.

Wintry precipitation is on the way Sunday, NWS says

Our information universe clearly has problems.

The recent emergence of the term “fake news” into the popular lexicon was quickly followed by a swath of articles discussing why the facts don’t change our minds, the importance of fact checking and critiques of the mainstream media.

In a period where facts can become a partisan issue, experts have started calling this the post-truth world. While they are not wrong, it raises the question: When have we ever lived in a truthful world?

A quick glance at American history shows a litany of falsehoods: Columbus “discovered” America — as if there weren’t millions of people already living here. Slavery was justified on the false claim that Black Americans were somehow “lesser” than white Americans. The limits on women’s rights were justified by pseudoscience “proving” them the weaker sex. Entire immigrant populations have been singled out on the lie of “otherness.” Disinformation targeting religions has led to persecution and hate crimes. People with Southern accents are “dumb” … and so many more.

Systems of power — people, organizations and governments — have always perpetuated the “fake news” that benefits them. Neither this nor widespread disinterest in the truth is a new problem. We also can’t tell this story without turning a critical eye on the history of the press. Look, for example, at press failures as they reported on AIDS in the 1980s and the negative impact that coverage had and continues to have on the LGBTQ+ community. Mainstream media’s general acceptance of the Bush administration’s claim of weapons of mass destruction fueled wide public acceptance of war with Iraq.

Our information universe has a problematic history, but before we descend into hopelessness, delete our social media and cancel newspaper subscriptions, there is a positive side. All of the previously mentioned falsehoods were found with a simple scroll through social media that revealed an amazing amount of fact checking. Millions of citizen creators and amplifiers are sharing innovative images and short-form lessons on America attempting to make truth louder than lies.

The argument can be made that technology has allowed us, for the first time, to call for a truthful world.

The fuel behind this work is the First Amendment. The founders wrote a law better than they were, for an America they couldn’t possibly envision. The right of free expression, unequally applied for 200 years, has found equity in the digital age. At last, the microphone is big enough for 330 million voices. There is nothing in the First Amendment that requires us to tell the truth, but inherent in its creation was the idea of an informed citizenry. People informing people.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603502481553.png" alt="Jessi Hollis McCarthy. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Jessi Hollis McCarthy. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By JESSI HOLLIS MCCARTHYOur information universe clearly has problems.The recent emergence of the term “fake news” into the popular lexicon was quickly followed by a swath of articles discussing why the facts don’t change our minds, the importance of fact checking and critiques of the mainstream media.In a period where facts can become a partisan issue, experts have started calling this the post-truth world. While they are not wrong, it raises the question: When have we ever lived in a truthful world?A quick glance at American history shows a litany of falsehoods: Columbus “discovered” America — as if there weren’t millions of people already living here. Slavery was justified on the false claim that Black Americans were somehow “lesser” than white Americans. The limits on women’s rights were justified by pseudoscience “proving” them the weaker sex. Entire immigrant populations have been singled out on the lie of “otherness.” Disinformation targeting religions has led to persecution and hate crimes. People with Southern accents are “dumb” … and so many more.Systems of power — people, organizations and governments — have always perpetuated the “fake news” that benefits them. Neither this nor widespread disinterest in the truth is a new problem. We also can’t tell this story without turning a critical eye on the history of the press. Look, for example, at press failures as they reported on AIDS in the 1980s and the negative impact that coverage had and continues to have on the LGBTQ+ community. Mainstream media’s general acceptance of the Bush administration’s claim of weapons of mass destruction fueled wide public acceptance of war with Iraq.Our information universe has a problematic history, but before we descend into hopelessness, delete our social media and cancel newspaper subscriptions, there is a positive side. All of the previously mentioned falsehoods were found with a simple scroll through social media that revealed an amazing amount of fact checking. Millions of citizen creators and amplifiers are sharing innovative images and short-form lessons on America attempting to make truth louder than lies.The argument can be made that technology has allowed us, for the first time, to call for a truthful world.The fuel behind this work is the First Amendment. The founders wrote a law better than they were, for an America they couldn’t possibly envision. The right of free expression, unequally applied for 200 years, has found equity in the digital age. At last, the microphone is big enough for 330 million voices. There is nothing in the First Amendment that requires us to tell the truth, but inherent in its creation was the idea of an informed citizenry. People informing people.As we head into this election, the purpose of the press and the rights of citizen advocates becomes even more critical to the democratic process. From local elections to national protests, fact checking is becoming a political tool. Election campaigns have started to call fact checking itself into question as a tactic in election advertisements. The Women’s March, for example, has taken up fact checking as a form of protest by training citizen digital defenders to combat disinformation. With misinformation confusing the voting process and the social media swirl around the candidates, the need for factual information is more critical than ever.If the data and opinion noise is overwhelming you, here are some media literacy tips to get you started sorting fact from fiction.●Know your rights — what do press and speech laws actually say is and is not protected?●Be yourself but know yourself — we are most likely to fall for fake stories that confirm our own biases.●Ask questions and compare multiple news or information sources to get the answer. Always double check the source or article type — avoid opinion pieces when searching for facts.●The story is rarely simple. Seek complexity instead of confirmation. The facts will not and should not always support your views.●Admit when you fall for fake news — you’re in good company. A vast number of American adults have fallen for a false story (including this author). Help others become good news consumers. A simple “You might want to double check that story; I think it might be fake” can do a world of good.Media literacy, though, is about more than consuming what others have created. To be truly media literate, we must express ourselves about the information and content we have taken in.The First Amendment places in the hands of the people the power to decide what to express. We have the right to lie, but we equally have the right to speak the truth. The question then becomes not do we live in a post-truth world, but do we want to live in a truthful one?That decision is ours.Jessi Hollis McCarthy, is the&nbsp;outreach educator of the Freedom Forum. She can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jmccarthy@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">jmccarthy@freedomforum.org</a>.&nbsp;

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