The City of Salina is accepting expression of interest forms for vacancies that currently or will soon exist on the following citizen boards, commissions and committees:&nbsp;

Animal Control Advisory &amp; Appeals Board&nbsp;

● Citizen-at-Large ● Two (2) Youth Members*&nbsp;

● Three (3) Citizens-at-Large&nbsp; ● Two (2) Youth Members*&nbsp;

● Design Professional (either architect or engineer) ● Plumbing Master/Journeyman ● Electrical Master/Journeyman ● Two (2) Youth Members*&nbsp;

Business Improvement District Advisory Board&nbsp;

● Five (5) Citizens who conduct business within the Business Improvement District&nbsp;

Business Improvement District Design Review&nbsp;

● Property Owner within the Business Improvement District ● Design Professional ● Two (2) Citizens-at-Large&nbsp;

Community Art and Design Advisory Committee&nbsp;

● Design Professional ● Art/Design Professional ● Citizen-at-Large&nbsp;

● Three (3) Citizens-at-Large within City Limits&nbsp;

Three (3) Citizens-at-Large, preferably in the following occupations:&nbsp; ●Real estate/legal professional ● Historian ● Urban planner&nbsp;. ●&nbsp;Architect ● Archaeologist&nbsp;. ● Two (2) Youth Members*&nbsp;

● Citizen-at-large within City Limits&nbsp;

● Citizen-at-large ●&nbsp; Two (2) Youth Members*&nbsp;

Law Enforcement Citizen Review Board&nbsp;

●&nbsp; Two (2) Citizens-at-large, preferably with experience in police/community relations and who reflect racial and ethnic diversity of the City of Salina&nbsp;

Library Board (term to start 5/1/24)&nbsp;

Parks &amp; Recreation Advisory Board&nbsp;

● Citizen-at-large ● Two (2) Youth Members*&nbsp;

Saline County Community Corrections Advisory Board&nbsp;

●&nbsp; Three (3) Citizens-at-Large&nbsp;

●&nbsp; Two (2) Citizens-at-Large nominated by Saline County (must apply at <a href="http://salinecountyks.gov/boards-committees">salinecountyks.gov/boards-committees</a>) ● County Unincorporated Resident nominated by Saline County (must apply at salinecountyks.gov/boards-committees) ● A resident of a 3rd Class City (Smolan, Gypsum, Brookville, Assaria or New Cambria) ● Youth Member*&nbsp;

*The Youth on Board program allows for individuals between the ages of 15-20 attending a secondary or post-secondary school to serve on certain boards that are noted above for a one-year term.&nbsp;

If you are interested in serving the community by becoming a member of one of these boards, commissions or committees, you are asked to fill out an expression-of-interest form.

 Please submit expressions of interest by March 30, 2024 for the Library Board; by May 31, 2024 for the and Business Improvement District Advisory Board; by June 30, 2024 for the Saline County Community Corrections Advisory Board; and by July 31, 2024 for all other boards.

 An expression-of-interest form or more information may be obtained from the City of Salina website by following the link or by visiting the City Clerk’s Office, 300 W. Ash, Room 206. If you have any questions, please call (785) 309-5735.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689115226278.jpeg" alt="City of Salina Logo" />
 <figcaption>City of Salina Logo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe City of Salina is accepting expression of interest forms for vacancies that currently or will soon exist on the following citizen boards, commissions and committees:&nbsp;<h2>Accessibility Advisory Board&nbsp;</h2>● Two (2) Youth Members*&nbsp;<h2>Animal Control Advisory &amp; Appeals Board&nbsp;</h2>● Citizen-at-Large ● Two (2) Youth Members*&nbsp;<h2>Arts &amp; Humanities Commission&nbsp;</h2>● Three (3) Citizens-at-Large&nbsp; ● Two (2) Youth Members*&nbsp;<h2>Board of Zoning Appeals&nbsp;</h2>● Two (2) Youth Members&nbsp;<h2>Building Advisory Board&nbsp;</h2>● Design Professional (either architect or engineer) ● Plumbing Master/Journeyman ● Electrical Master/Journeyman ● Two (2) Youth Members*&nbsp;<h2>Business Improvement District Advisory Board&nbsp;</h2>● Five (5) Citizens who conduct business within the Business Improvement District&nbsp;<h2>Business Improvement District Design Review&nbsp;</h2>● Property Owner within the Business Improvement District ● Design Professional ● Two (2) Citizens-at-Large&nbsp;<h2>Community Art and Design Advisory Committee&nbsp;</h2>● Design Professional ● Art/Design Professional ● Citizen-at-Large&nbsp;<h2>Convention and Tourism Committee&nbsp;</h2>● Two (2) Citizens-at-Large&nbsp;<h2>Disciplinary Advisory Board&nbsp;</h2>● Three (3) Citizens-at-Large within City Limits&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;Heritage Commission&nbsp;</h2>Three (3) Citizens-at-Large, preferably in the following occupations:&nbsp; ●Real estate/legal professional ● Historian ● Urban planner&nbsp;. ●&nbsp;Architect ● Archaeologist&nbsp;. ● Two (2) Youth Members*&nbsp;<h2>Housing Authority&nbsp;</h2>● Citizen-at-large within City Limits&nbsp;<h2>Human Relations Commission&nbsp;</h2>● Citizen-at-large ●&nbsp; Two (2) Youth Members*&nbsp;<h2>Law Enforcement Citizen Review Board&nbsp;</h2>●&nbsp; Two (2) Citizens-at-large, preferably with experience in police/community relations and who reflect racial and ethnic diversity of the City of Salina&nbsp;<h2>Library Board (term to start 5/1/24)&nbsp;</h2>● Citizen-at-large within City Limits&nbsp;<h2>Parks &amp; Recreation Advisory Board&nbsp;</h2>● Citizen-at-large ● Two (2) Youth Members*&nbsp;<h2>Planning Commission&nbsp;</h2>● Citizen-at-large ● Two (2) Youth Members*&nbsp;<h2>Saline County Community Corrections Advisory Board&nbsp;</h2>●&nbsp; Three (3) Citizens-at-Large&nbsp;<h2>Solid Waste Management Committee&nbsp;</h2>●&nbsp; Two (2) Citizens-at-Large nominated by Saline County (must apply at <a href="http://salinecountyks.gov/boards-committees">salinecountyks.gov/boards-committees</a>) ● County Unincorporated Resident nominated by Saline County (must apply at salinecountyks.gov/boards-committees) ● A resident of a 3rd Class City (Smolan, Gypsum, Brookville, Assaria or New Cambria) ● Youth Member*&nbsp;*The Youth on Board program allows for individuals between the ages of 15-20 attending a secondary or post-secondary school to serve on certain boards that are noted above for a one-year term.&nbsp;If you are interested in serving the community by becoming a member of one of these boards, commissions or committees, you are asked to fill out an expression-of-interest form. Please submit expressions of interest by March 30, 2024 for the Library Board; by May 31, 2024 for the and Business Improvement District Advisory Board; by June 30, 2024 for the Saline County Community Corrections Advisory Board; and by July 31, 2024 for all other boards. An expression-of-interest form or more information may be obtained from the City of Salina website by following the link or by visiting the City Clerk’s Office, 300 W. Ash, Room 206. If you have any questions, please call (785) 309-5735.&nbsp;

City of Salina seeks to fill citizen boards, commissions and committees vacancies

TOPEKA–The 2024 Rally for Medicaid Expansion will take place at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka on Wednesday, March 6. Kansans from all over the state are invited to attend.&nbsp;

Governor Laura Kelly will be the headline speaker at the rally, which will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the 2nd floor rotunda of the Kansas Statehouse. Attendance is open to anyone, and attendees are also encouraged to meet with their elected representatives while at the Statehouse. Attendees are encouraged to&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-rally/">RSVP on the Alliance website</a>&nbsp;to stay up-to-date with the latest information.

Free buses will be available to take people to the Statehouse, with one&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-kc-rally-bus/">bus coming from Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and another from&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-wichita-rally-bus/">Wichita, with stops in North Newton and Emporia</a>. Those interested in riding the bus should reserve their spot online or by calling (785) 861-7891. Space is limited.

The Kansas House has not held a public hearing on KanCare expansion since 2017; the Kansas Senate since 2020. Legislative leaders have said that they will hold public hearings in both Chambers this year, though no dates have yet been announced.

<a href="https://sunflowerfoundation.org/statewide-poll-on-medicaid-expansion/">A poll released by the Sunflower Foundation last week&nbsp;</a>confirmed that a majority of Kansans support Medicaid expansion, including 78% of informed voters and 83% of small business owners.

For more information, visit the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas website at <a href="http://ExpandKanCare.com">ExpandKanCare.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672834016116.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTOPEKA–The 2024 Rally for Medicaid Expansion will take place at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka on Wednesday, March 6. Kansans from all over the state are invited to attend.&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly will be the headline speaker at the rally, which will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the 2nd floor rotunda of the Kansas Statehouse. Attendance is open to anyone, and attendees are also encouraged to meet with their elected representatives while at the Statehouse. Attendees are encouraged to&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-rally/">RSVP on the Alliance website</a>&nbsp;to stay up-to-date with the latest information.Free buses will be available to take people to the Statehouse, with one&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-kc-rally-bus/">bus coming from Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and another from&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-wichita-rally-bus/">Wichita, with stops in North Newton and Emporia</a>. Those interested in riding the bus should reserve their spot online or by calling (785) 861-7891. Space is limited.The Kansas House has not held a public hearing on KanCare expansion since 2017; the Kansas Senate since 2020. Legislative leaders have said that they will hold public hearings in both Chambers this year, though no dates have yet been announced.<a href="https://sunflowerfoundation.org/statewide-poll-on-medicaid-expansion/">A poll released by the Sunflower Foundation last week&nbsp;</a>confirmed that a majority of Kansans support Medicaid expansion, including 78% of informed voters and 83% of small business owners.For more information, visit the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas website at <a href="http://ExpandKanCare.com">ExpandKanCare.com</a>.&nbsp;

2024 Rally for Medicaid Expansion set for March 6 at Kansas Statehouse 

By JENNIFER LEACH Division of Consumer and Business Education

People are losing big money to scammers running complicated scams. The scams usually involve someone supposedly spotting fraud or criminal activity on one of your accounts, offering to help “protect” your money, sometimes asking you to share verification codes, and always telling you to move money from your bank, investment, or retirement account. And every bit of it is a scam.

To help protect people you care about, and their life savings, share this advice on how to stop these scammers in their tracks.

Never move or transfer your money to “protect it.” Your money is fine where it is, no matter what they say or how urgently they say it. Moving it means you’ll lose it, not protect it. Someone who says you have to move your money to protect it is a scammer. Period.

Never share a verification code. Ever. Banks use these codes in online banking to prove you’re really you. If you share that code, the scammer can use it to prove they’re you. No caller — especially someone from your bank’s fraud department — will ever ask for the verification code. That’s always a scam.

Stop and check it out. If you’re worried, call your real bank, broker, or investment advisor. Use the number you find on your statement — never the number the caller gave you, which will take you to the scammer.

Report it. If you get a call like this, tell your bank or fund right away. Especially if you moved money or shared a verification code. Then tell the FTC: <a href="http://ReportFraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

Scammers keep switching stories and making the scam more complicated. And if you think your bank or investment fund will protect you, think again. To help give you the tools to spot this scam and protect your savings, we’re kicking off a series to break down the anatomy of this scam. 

Watch this space and keep spreading the word.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709656704087.png" alt="Impersonator-SocMed-1200x630-1-MoneyTransfer.png" />
 <figcaption>Impersonator-SocMed-1200x630-1-MoneyTransfer.png</figcaption>
 </figure>By JENNIFER LEACH Division of Consumer and Business EducationPeople are losing big money to scammers running complicated scams. The scams usually involve someone supposedly spotting fraud or criminal activity on one of your accounts, offering to help “protect” your money, sometimes asking you to share verification codes, and always telling you to move money from your bank, investment, or retirement account. And every bit of it is a scam.To help protect people you care about, and their life savings, share this advice on how to stop these scammers in their tracks.Never move or transfer your money to “protect it.” Your money is fine where it is, no matter what they say or how urgently they say it. Moving it means you’ll lose it, not protect it. Someone who says you have to move your money to protect it is a scammer. Period.Never share a verification code. Ever. Banks use these codes in online banking to prove you’re really you. If you share that code, the scammer can use it to prove they’re you. No caller — especially someone from your bank’s fraud department — will ever ask for the verification code. That’s always a scam.Stop and check it out. If you’re worried, call your real bank, broker, or investment advisor. Use the number you find on your statement — never the number the caller gave you, which will take you to the scammer.Report it. If you get a call like this, tell your bank or fund right away. Especially if you moved money or shared a verification code. Then tell the FTC: <a href="http://ReportFraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.Scammers keep switching stories and making the scam more complicated. And if you think your bank or investment fund will protect you, think again. To help give you the tools to spot this scam and protect your savings, we’re kicking off a series to break down the anatomy of this scam. Watch this space and keep spreading the word.

FTC: Never move your money to “protect it.” That’s a scam

Salina Crossroads Marathon organizers announced on Monday that Team Take Down, an African American running club with runners in all fifty states as well as other countries, has selected the Salina Crossroads Marathon as its 2024 USA Meetup Race.

In 2022, Daniel Craig, Co-Race Director of the Salina Crossroads Marathon, began developing relationships with more than 600 local running clubs, including large national clubs and smaller local clubs.

 Many of the runners on Team Take Down have a goal of running a half marathon or marathon in all fifty states and reaching that goal is easier when you have others to run with. Each year Team Take Down selects one race in the USA and one out of the country and put a call out to all their members. They typically have 100 or more participants in the marathon and up to 200 or more participants in the half marathon.

 “We are excited to welcome Team Take Down to the Salina Crossroads Marathon. We appreciate the opportunity to help support their efforts to bring greater representation and diversity to the sport of running. We look forward to working with Team Take Down to make the Salina Crossroads Marathon an amazing experience for their runners,” said Co-Race Director Daniel Craig.

The Salina Crossroads Marathon is excited to have easily surpassed their challenge goal of 2,000 registered runners by March 31. There are currently 2,409 runners registered from 45 states and 4 different countries. Even though the challenge goal has been met, the Salina Crossroads Marathon is offering steeply discounted entries through March 31. 

“For a third-year marathon having a national running club select you as their yearly meetup race is amazing. It is a tribute to the amazing support we have received from the City of Salina, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, Salina Downtown Inc., our more than 50 sponsors including Vortex Companies our Title Sponsor, and the community of Salina.”

The cost to register prior to March 31 for any of the seven events (marathon, half marathon, half-mile kids fun run, 5k run, 5k walk, half marathon relay, and marathon relay) is $25.00 and runners can receive an additional discount by selecting “no shirt” during registration.

Runners can register via the website: <a href="http://runsalinacrossroads.com">runsalinacrossroads.com</a>. Separating out the race shirts from the entry fee is designed to provide runners with an extremely affordable race entry fee and helps to reduce the costs to put on the race.

The Salina Crossroads Marathon continues to provide 100% of the race entry fees to the Salina Family YMCA, Kansas Youth Sports, School Marathon Foundation, Salina Area Youth Sportsmanship Initiative, and Salina Burn Track and Field Club. All finishers receive a high-quality finisher’s medal.

Eric Montoy of Vortex Companies designed this year’s race medal.

The Salina Crossroads Marathon has a planning team of approximately 25 individuals, which includes local nonprofits, small and large businesses, as well as local runners. Anyone who has a passion for event planning and would like to help would be welcome. The Salina Crossroads Marathon will also need over 300 volunteers. Anyone interested in helping out can email the race directors at <a href="mailto:runsalinacrossroads@gmail.com">runsalinacrossroads@gmail.com</a>.

The Salina Crossroads Marathon is the "Most Runner Friendly Marathon" in Kansas. Salina Crossroads strives to achieve this by allowing registered runners the option to change their race distance at any time, defer entries to the following year, and offers race-day packet pickup. 

The Salina Crossroads Marathon leadership team would like to thank the community of Salina for your amazing support that has allowed the race to quickly grow into one of the premier marathons in the Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma regions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699202771741.jpeg" alt="Crossroads Marathon runners take off from the start line on Saturday, Nov. 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Crossroads Marathon runners take off from the start line on Saturday, Nov. 4, in downtown Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POST Salina Crossroads Marathon organizers announced on Monday that Team Take Down, an African American running club with runners in all fifty states as well as other countries, has selected the Salina Crossroads Marathon as its 2024 USA Meetup Race.In 2022, Daniel Craig, Co-Race Director of the Salina Crossroads Marathon, began developing relationships with more than 600 local running clubs, including large national clubs and smaller local clubs. Many of the runners on Team Take Down have a goal of running a half marathon or marathon in all fifty states and reaching that goal is easier when you have others to run with. Each year Team Take Down selects one race in the USA and one out of the country and put a call out to all their members. They typically have 100 or more participants in the marathon and up to 200 or more participants in the half marathon. “We are excited to welcome Team Take Down to the Salina Crossroads Marathon. We appreciate the opportunity to help support their efforts to bring greater representation and diversity to the sport of running. We look forward to working with Team Take Down to make the Salina Crossroads Marathon an amazing experience for their runners,” said Co-Race Director Daniel Craig.The Salina Crossroads Marathon is excited to have easily surpassed their challenge goal of 2,000 registered runners by March 31. There are currently 2,409 runners registered from 45 states and 4 different countries. Even though the challenge goal has been met, the Salina Crossroads Marathon is offering steeply discounted entries through March 31. “For a third-year marathon having a national running club select you as their yearly meetup race is amazing. It is a tribute to the amazing support we have received from the City of Salina, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, Salina Downtown Inc., our more than 50 sponsors including Vortex Companies our Title Sponsor, and the community of Salina.”The cost to register prior to March 31 for any of the seven events (marathon, half marathon, half-mile kids fun run, 5k run, 5k walk, half marathon relay, and marathon relay) is $25.00 and runners can receive an additional discount by selecting “no shirt” during registration. Runners can register via the website: <a href="http://runsalinacrossroads.com">runsalinacrossroads.com</a>. Separating out the race shirts from the entry fee is designed to provide runners with an extremely affordable race entry fee and helps to reduce the costs to put on the race.The Salina Crossroads Marathon continues to provide 100% of the race entry fees to the Salina Family YMCA, Kansas Youth Sports, School Marathon Foundation, Salina Area Youth Sportsmanship Initiative, and Salina Burn Track and Field Club. All finishers receive a high-quality finisher’s medal.Eric Montoy of Vortex Companies designed this year’s race medal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709665567505.png" alt="2024 Salina Crossroads Marathon medal design. Image Courtesy Salina Crossroads Marathon" />
 <figcaption>2024 Salina Crossroads Marathon medal design. Image Courtesy Salina Crossroads Marathon</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Crossroads Marathon has a planning team of approximately 25 individuals, which includes local nonprofits, small and large businesses, as well as local runners. Anyone who has a passion for event planning and would like to help would be welcome. The Salina Crossroads Marathon will also need over 300 volunteers. Anyone interested in helping out can email the race directors at <a href="mailto:runsalinacrossroads@gmail.com">runsalinacrossroads@gmail.com</a>. The Salina Crossroads Marathon is the "Most Runner Friendly Marathon" in Kansas. Salina Crossroads strives to achieve this by allowing registered runners the option to change their race distance at any time, defer entries to the following year, and offers race-day packet pickup. The Salina Crossroads Marathon leadership team would like to thank the community of Salina for your amazing support that has allowed the race to quickly grow into one of the premier marathons in the Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma regions.

National African American Running Club selects Salina Crossroads as 2024 USA meetup race

Submitted by the Smoky Hill Museum&nbsp;

Nicodemus, in Graham County, is the only remaining western town established by African Americans following the Civil War. Join Angela Bates as she discusses the dynamics of mothers and their children in Nicodemus. 

Taking into account the settling in the West and the end of Reconstruction, Bates will discuss the experience of mothers and their children after slavery. The children may have been the first in their family to be born free. 

How did that new freedom impact the concept of choice in their decisions and lives? Bates is the executive director and past president of the Nicodemus Historical Society. This presentation is underwritten by Humanities Kansas.

The Smoky Hill Museum is hosting this free presentation, Thursday, March 7, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Enjoy the presentation in person at the Museum, or, from the comfort of your own home via Zoom. Register for your Zoom link at <a href="http://www.smokyhillmuseum.org">www.smokyhillmuseum.org</a>.

The Smoky Hill Museum is a nationally accredited history museum, in the heart of downtown Salina, Kansas. This FREE museum is open Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also, be sure to stop by the Museum Store for a wide variety of regional and Kansas products, local artwork and gifts for all ages.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709657116330.jpeg" alt="'Children of the Promised Land' Flyer provided by Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>'Children of the Promised Land' Flyer provided by Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted by the Smoky Hill Museum&nbsp;Nicodemus, in Graham County, is the only remaining western town established by African Americans following the Civil War. Join Angela Bates as she discusses the dynamics of mothers and their children in Nicodemus. Taking into account the settling in the West and the end of Reconstruction, Bates will discuss the experience of mothers and their children after slavery. The children may have been the first in their family to be born free. How did that new freedom impact the concept of choice in their decisions and lives? Bates is the executive director and past president of the Nicodemus Historical Society. This presentation is underwritten by Humanities Kansas.The Smoky Hill Museum is hosting this free presentation, Thursday, March 7, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Enjoy the presentation in person at the Museum, or, from the comfort of your own home via Zoom. Register for your Zoom link at <a href="http://www.smokyhillmuseum.org">www.smokyhillmuseum.org</a>.The Smoky Hill Museum is a nationally accredited history museum, in the heart of downtown Salina, Kansas. This FREE museum is open Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, be sure to stop by the Museum Store for a wide variety of regional and Kansas products, local artwork and gifts for all ages.

'Children of the Promised Land,' Nicodemus historian to give presentation

Users of Meta's Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Messenger platforms are experiencing login issues in what appears to be a widespread outage.

London-based internet monitoring firm Netblocks said on X that four Meta platforms -- Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and Threads -- are “currently experiencing outages related to login sessions in multiple countries.” But the firm, which advocates for internet freedom, said there was no sign of “country-level internet disruptions or filtering,” which are typically imposed by governments.

Andy Stone, Meta’s head communications,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/andymstone/status/1765042684132241580">acknowledged the issues</a>&nbsp;on X, formerly known as Twitter, and said the company is “working on this now.”

Some users reported they were locked out of their Facebook accounts and were unable to get back in. Others said they were experiencing difficultly refreshing their Threads and Instagram feeds. Meanwhile, WhatsApp, which is also owned by Meta, did not appear to be experiencing problems early Tuesday.

Cybersecurity expert Matthew Green said the outage appears to go beyond Meta.

“There are a number of services having trouble with at least parts of their systems, particularly the ability to log into websites,” said Green, an associate professor of computer science and member of the Johns Hopkins University Information Security Institute. “This may indicate a common cause, like a failure at a major cloud services provider. At the moment nobody knows exactly what’s happening.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660141848593.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Users of Meta's Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Messenger platforms are experiencing login issues in what appears to be a widespread outage.London-based internet monitoring firm Netblocks said on X that four Meta platforms -- Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and Threads -- are “currently experiencing outages related to login sessions in multiple countries.” But the firm, which advocates for internet freedom, said there was no sign of “country-level internet disruptions or filtering,” which are typically imposed by governments.Andy Stone, Meta’s head communications,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/andymstone/status/1765042684132241580">acknowledged the issues</a>&nbsp;on X, formerly known as Twitter, and said the company is “working on this now.”Some users reported they were locked out of their Facebook accounts and were unable to get back in. Others said they were experiencing difficultly refreshing their Threads and Instagram feeds. Meanwhile, WhatsApp, which is also owned by Meta, did not appear to be experiencing problems early Tuesday.Cybersecurity expert Matthew Green said the outage appears to go beyond Meta.“There are a number of services having trouble with at least parts of their systems, particularly the ability to log into websites,” said Green, an associate professor of computer science and member of the Johns Hopkins University Information Security Institute. “This may indicate a common cause, like a failure at a major cloud services provider. At the moment nobody knows exactly what’s happening.”

Facebook, Instagram down Tuesday morning

ESU, PSU and FHSU make bold pitch for special $3 million bailouts

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/04/sparks-fly-when-kansas-house-budget-panel-explores-detail-of-university-budget-requests/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas House’s budget committee delivered bipartisan condemnation Monday of unusual $3 million payouts to Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University intended to stabilize campus operating budgets during a period of enrollment decline and rising costs.

The funding request, which had been previously rejected by Gov. Laura Kelly, was submitted by the Kansas Board of Regents’ three smaller-sized universities. Those campus leaders were emboldened by the 2023 Legislature’s decision to write ESU an extraordinary $9 million check amid a nearly 20% enrollment drop over five years. ESU had been in the spotlight for using a COVID-19-era emergency policy to jettison tenured faculty, slash core academic programs and impose a new business “model” of higher education.

Rep. Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, proposed a budget amendment during the House Appropriations Committee meeting to delete the $3 million gratuities to ESU, FHSU and PSU. Landwehr’s motion failed along with a more modest “parachute” amendment from Rep. Henry Helgerson, a Wichita Democrat. He wanted to link $1.5 million payments to the three universities to a demand that administrators outline a plan for what was to be accomplished with the cash.

“We plugged a hole with Emporia State last year,” said Landwehr, referring to the $9 million presented to ESU. “Now, we’re back because all the others are like, ‘Hey, if Emporia State can get this, then we should get something too to help right-size us or stabilize us.’ It’s a slippery slope.”

Helgerson’s blunt inquiry: “How long do we subsidize them?”

Rep. Steven Howe, the Salina Republican who chaired the House’s Higher Education Budget Committee, said the state’s six public universities were working to find a balance between academic offerings, student enrollment and workplace demands. He said the state invested heavily over the generations to create quality public universities, but those institutions needed time to hit reorganizational targets.

“I would hate to just pull out the rug, per se, and not give them the fighting chance,” Howe said. “We have good leadership amongst our institutions and I feel like they’re willing to make the difficult decisions ahead.”

The House Appropriations Committee decided to leave in place — for now — another $9 million installment of the subsidy to ESU. The committee also — for now — chose not to derail the $3 million supplemental payments to ESU, FHSU and PSU.

The budget committee postponed until end of the 2024 legislative session a recommendation to devote $15 million for renovation of a FHSU building to accommodate more nursing students. Questions were raised about whether student demand for Kansas nursing degrees warranted the project.

The budget blueprint for higher education, which will continue to take shape Tuesday in the appropriations committee, included $75 million in state support for the University of Kansas Medical Center’s plan to build a cancer research and treatment building. The half-billion-dollar project on the KUMC campus in Kansas City, Kansas, previously received a $100 million private donation and $43 million in federal funding.

In addition, the committee voted to delete ESU’s request for $4.6 million to pay off an “internal” university loan made in 2015 for residence hall construction. In 2018, ESU issued bonds for more housing projects. The steep decline in student enrollment and shrinking demand for on-campus housing meant the loan obligation couldn’t be repaid unless housing rates were increased to unreasonable levels.

Rep. Troy Waymaster, a Bunker Hill Republican and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said it didn’t make sense ESU expected state taxpayers to pay a price for the university’s mistakes in the student housing market at the same time ESU asked the Legislature to approve $10.2 million in new bonds for energy efficiency projects in campus buildings.

His ire was directed at ESU’s assumption the Legislature would let the university dump bad debt on taxpayers.

“I found it somewhat hypocritical,” Waymaster said. “If this is an internal loan, why are we paying it off with state general fund? It’s a valid question. Why are we paying it off with state general fund dollars?”

In September 2022, the Kansas Board of Regents approved ESU’s “model” for restructuring the university and delivering stability to the university’s budget. The authority was relied upon by President Ken Hush when dismissing 30 tenured or tenure-track faculty. The university gutted English, journalism, history and debate programs, but expanded from four academic schools to seven schools and invested in programs in nursing, computer science, art, music and cybersecurity.

The policy used by ESU to initiate the transformation didn’t speak to the necessity of multimillion-dollar bailouts by the Republican-controlled Legislature and the state’s Democratic governor. At conclusion of the 2023 session, however, House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, lauded the Legislature’s decision to earmark $9 million for ESU. He said management changes at ESU were “the way forward for all higher education institutions in our state.”

Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, challenged the $3 million handouts to ESU, PSU and FHSU.

“I just don’t know that it’s our responsibility to stabilize these universities,” he said. “We like to have conversations around here, but sometimes we don’t like to have the really hard conversations that exist. Nobody wants to make the hard decisions to say, ‘Well, we have X amount of universities and maybe we need one less because of declining population.'”

He said there was no motivation for government-funded entities to find the sweet spot in terms of budgeting, because the system allowed each to simply demand more from taxpayers.

Landwehr, who unsuccessfully sought deletion of the $3 million tips, said she was perplexed that the $9 million earmark last year for ESU didn’t appear to have made a difference. Originally, ESU said it would need $9 million infusions of cash in three consecutive years.

“You can’t keep cherry picking different universities on what we’re going to come in and do special things for,” Landwehrs said.

The supplemental earmarks of $3 million, or at least half that amount, had defenders on both sides of the aisle during the House committee debate on higher education spending.

Rep. Ken Rahjes, a Republican from Agra, said regional universities had plans for working through budget challenges even if the full scope of those strategies weren’t presented to the House Higher Education Budget Committee chaired by Howe.

“Did they write it in Crayon? Did they print it out for us? There was a plan.” Rahjes said. “I trust the system. I trust the process. I trust my chairman.”

Democratic Rep. Barbara Ballard of Lawrence said larger universities, such as Kansas State University or University of Kansas, had substantial budgets and more wiggle room to reimagine themselves when money got tight. Ballard, currently the longest-serving House member, said she recalled a time when the Legislature provided nearly half of state university budgets, but that measure had fallen to about one-fourth.

“I don’t know what the answer is, but whenever we don’t like something or we can’t understand it, we just pull the funding,” Ballard said.

Rep. Bill Sutton, R-Gardner, said he found it somewhat amusing House legislators were castigating universities for not preparing for difficulties consistent with the anticipated decline in the college-age population.

He asked peers on the House committee whether the Legislature prepared for disruption of COVID-19, which he referred to as a flu, by setting aside significant cash reserves.

“We did not and we gladly accepted … $34 billion from the federal government to bail us out because we didn’t have a rainy-day fund,” Sutton said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709651763578.jpeg" alt="Rep. Henry Helgerson, D-Wichita, failed to interest the House Appropriations Committee in a motion to slice in half the unusual $3 million budget bailout payments to Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University due to declining enrollments. Despite the committee vote, there were strong reservations among Republicans to appropriate state tax dollars to "stabilize" these university budgets. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Henry Helgerson, D-Wichita, failed to interest the House Appropriations Committee in a motion to slice in half the unusual $3 million budget bailout payments to Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University due to declining enrollments. Despite the committee vote, there were strong reservations among Republicans to appropriate state tax dollars to "stabilize" these university budgets. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>ESU, PSU and FHSU make bold pitch for special $3 million bailouts</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/04/sparks-fly-when-kansas-house-budget-panel-explores-detail-of-university-budget-requests/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas House’s budget committee delivered bipartisan condemnation Monday of unusual $3 million payouts to Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University intended to stabilize campus operating budgets during a period of enrollment decline and rising costs.The funding request, which had been previously rejected by Gov. Laura Kelly, was submitted by the Kansas Board of Regents’ three smaller-sized universities. Those campus leaders were emboldened by the 2023 Legislature’s decision to write ESU an extraordinary $9 million check amid a nearly 20% enrollment drop over five years. ESU had been in the spotlight for using a COVID-19-era emergency policy to jettison tenured faculty, slash core academic programs and impose a new business “model” of higher education.Rep. Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, proposed a budget amendment during the House Appropriations Committee meeting to delete the $3 million gratuities to ESU, FHSU and PSU. Landwehr’s motion failed along with a more modest “parachute” amendment from Rep. Henry Helgerson, a Wichita Democrat. He wanted to link $1.5 million payments to the three universities to a demand that administrators outline a plan for what was to be accomplished with the cash.“We plugged a hole with Emporia State last year,” said Landwehr, referring to the $9 million presented to ESU. “Now, we’re back because all the others are like, ‘Hey, if Emporia State can get this, then we should get something too to help right-size us or stabilize us.’ It’s a slippery slope.”Helgerson’s blunt inquiry: “How long do we subsidize them?”Rep. Steven Howe, the Salina Republican who chaired the House’s Higher Education Budget Committee, said the state’s six public universities were working to find a balance between academic offerings, student enrollment and workplace demands. He said the state invested heavily over the generations to create quality public universities, but those institutions needed time to hit reorganizational targets.“I would hate to just pull out the rug, per se, and not give them the fighting chance,” Howe said. “We have good leadership amongst our institutions and I feel like they’re willing to make the difficult decisions ahead.”The House Appropriations Committee decided to leave in place — for now — another $9 million installment of the subsidy to ESU. The committee also — for now — chose not to derail the $3 million supplemental payments to ESU, FHSU and PSU.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709651878192.jpeg" alt="Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, proposed the House Appropriations Committee drop $3 million payments to three public universities struggling with enrollment declines. She argued the bailouts set a bad precedent and would lead to an avalanche of university demands for more tax dollars. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, proposed the House Appropriations Committee drop $3 million payments to three public universities struggling with enrollment declines. She argued the bailouts set a bad precedent and would lead to an avalanche of university demands for more tax dollars. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘Somewhat hypocritical’</h2>The budget committee postponed until end of the 2024 legislative session a recommendation to devote $15 million for renovation of a FHSU building to accommodate more nursing students. Questions were raised about whether student demand for Kansas nursing degrees warranted the project.The budget blueprint for higher education, which will continue to take shape Tuesday in the appropriations committee, included $75 million in state support for the University of Kansas Medical Center’s plan to build a cancer research and treatment building. The half-billion-dollar project on the KUMC campus in Kansas City, Kansas, previously received a $100 million private donation and $43 million in federal funding.In addition, the committee voted to delete ESU’s request for $4.6 million to pay off an “internal” university loan made in 2015 for residence hall construction. In 2018, ESU issued bonds for more housing projects. The steep decline in student enrollment and shrinking demand for on-campus housing meant the loan obligation couldn’t be repaid unless housing rates were increased to unreasonable levels.Rep. Troy Waymaster, a Bunker Hill Republican and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said it didn’t make sense ESU expected state taxpayers to pay a price for the university’s mistakes in the student housing market at the same time ESU asked the Legislature to approve $10.2 million in new bonds for energy efficiency projects in campus buildings.His ire was directed at ESU’s assumption the Legislature would let the university dump bad debt on taxpayers.“I found it somewhat hypocritical,” Waymaster said. “If this is an internal loan, why are we paying it off with state general fund? It’s a valid question. Why are we paying it off with state general fund dollars?”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709651958239.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, a Bunker Hill Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, said it would be improper for taxpayers to pay off a $5 million “internal” loan by Emporia State University for student housing construction. ESU requested financial relief amid an enrollment collapse. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, a Bunker Hill Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, said it would be improper for taxpayers to pay off a $5 million “internal” loan by Emporia State University for student housing construction. ESU requested financial relief amid an enrollment collapse. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The ESU bubble</h2>In September 2022, the Kansas Board of Regents approved ESU’s “model” for restructuring the university and delivering stability to the university’s budget. The authority was relied upon by President Ken Hush when dismissing 30 tenured or tenure-track faculty. The university gutted English, journalism, history and debate programs, but expanded from four academic schools to seven schools and invested in programs in nursing, computer science, art, music and cybersecurity.The policy used by ESU to initiate the transformation didn’t speak to the necessity of multimillion-dollar bailouts by the Republican-controlled Legislature and the state’s Democratic governor. At conclusion of the 2023 session, however, House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, lauded the Legislature’s decision to earmark $9 million for ESU. He said management changes at ESU were “the way forward for all higher education institutions in our state.”Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, challenged the $3 million handouts to ESU, PSU and FHSU.“I just don’t know that it’s our responsibility to stabilize these universities,” he said. “We like to have conversations around here, but sometimes we don’t like to have the really hard conversations that exist. Nobody wants to make the hard decisions to say, ‘Well, we have X amount of universities and maybe we need one less because of declining population.'”He said there was no motivation for government-funded entities to find the sweet spot in terms of budgeting, because the system allowed each to simply demand more from taxpayers.Landwehr, who unsuccessfully sought deletion of the $3 million tips, said she was perplexed that the $9 million earmark last year for ESU didn’t appear to have made a difference. Originally, ESU said it would need $9 million infusions of cash in three consecutive years.“You can’t keep cherry picking different universities on what we’re going to come in and do special things for,” Landwehrs said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709652057990.jpeg" alt="Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, said the state’s three smaller public universities might need supplemental funding because those campuses had less wiggle room to adjust expenditures when money got tight. She said FHSU, ESU and PSU were significant pieces of local economies. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, said the state’s three smaller public universities might need supplemental funding because those campuses had less wiggle room to adjust expenditures when money got tight. She said FHSU, ESU and PSU were significant pieces of local economies. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Crayons, and the amused</h2>The supplemental earmarks of $3 million, or at least half that amount, had defenders on both sides of the aisle during the House committee debate on higher education spending.Rep. Ken Rahjes, a Republican from Agra, said regional universities had plans for working through budget challenges even if the full scope of those strategies weren’t presented to the House Higher Education Budget Committee chaired by Howe.“Did they write it in Crayon? Did they print it out for us? There was a plan.” Rahjes said. “I trust the system. I trust the process. I trust my chairman.”Democratic Rep. Barbara Ballard of Lawrence said larger universities, such as Kansas State University or University of Kansas, had substantial budgets and more wiggle room to reimagine themselves when money got tight. Ballard, currently the longest-serving House member, said she recalled a time when the Legislature provided nearly half of state university budgets, but that measure had fallen to about one-fourth.“I don’t know what the answer is, but whenever we don’t like something or we can’t understand it, we just pull the funding,” Ballard said.Rep. Bill Sutton, R-Gardner, said he found it somewhat amusing House legislators were castigating universities for not preparing for difficulties consistent with the anticipated decline in the college-age population.He asked peers on the House committee whether the Legislature prepared for disruption of COVID-19, which he referred to as a flu, by setting aside significant cash reserves.“We did not and we gladly accepted … $34 billion from the federal government to bail us out because we didn’t have a rainy-day fund,” Sutton said.

Sparks fly when Kansas House budget panel explores detail of university budget requests, including from FHSU

Not seeing precipitation totals from your area after a rain or snow event? Consider becoming a CoCoRaHS volunteer.

"CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). By using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive website, our aim is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education and research applications," the organization noted on its website.

After rain, hail, or snow storms, CoCoRaHS volunteers take precipitation measurements. Those totals are then recorded on the CoCoRaHS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">website</a>&nbsp;(Kansas reporting).

The precipitation totals are used by various organizations and individuals, including the National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, insurance adjusters, farmers and ranchers, and, of course, Salina Post.

For more information about CoCoRaHS and its March recruiting efforts or to sign up as a CoCoRaHS volunteer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/marchmadness.aspx">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709647815649.jpeg" alt="CoCoRaHS" />
 <figcaption>CoCoRaHS</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTNot seeing precipitation totals from your area after a rain or snow event? Consider becoming a CoCoRaHS volunteer."CoCoRaHS is an acronym for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). By using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive website, our aim is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education and research applications," the organization noted on its website.After rain, hail, or snow storms, CoCoRaHS volunteers take precipitation measurements. Those totals are then recorded on the CoCoRaHS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">website</a>&nbsp;(Kansas reporting).The precipitation totals are used by various organizations and individuals, including the National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, insurance adjusters, farmers and ranchers, and, of course, Salina Post.For more information about CoCoRaHS and its March recruiting efforts or to sign up as a CoCoRaHS volunteer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/marchmadness.aspx">click here</a>.

Precipitation reporting organization seeks local, area volunteers

On March 5, 1953, Soviet dictator Josef Stalin died after three decades in power.

In 1770, the Boston Massacre took place as British soldiers who’d been taunted by a crowd of colonists opened fire, killing five people.

In 1849, Zachary Taylor was inaugurated as the 12th president of the United States. (The swearing-in was delayed by a day because March 4 fell on a Sunday.)

In 1868, the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson began in the U.S. Senate, with Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase presiding. Johnson, the first U.S. president to be impeached, was accused of “high crimes and misdemeanors” stemming from his attempt to fire Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton; the trial ended on May 26 with Johnson’s acquittal.

In 1933, in German parliamentary elections, the Nazi Party won 44 percent of the vote; the Nazis joined with a conservative nationalist party to gain a slender majority in the Reichstag.

In 1946, Winston Churchill delivered his “Iron Curtain” speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, in which he said: “From Stettin in the Baltic, to Trieste in the Adriatic, an ‘iron curtain’ has descended across the continent, allowing police governments to rule Eastern Europe.”

In 1963, country music performers Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins died in the crash of their plane, a Piper Comanche, near Camden, Tennessee, along with pilot Randy Hughes (Cline’s manager).

In 1970, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons went into effect after 43 nations ratified it.

In 1979, NASA’s Voyager 1 space probe flew past Jupiter, sending back photographs of the planet and its moons.

In 1982, comedian John Belushi was found dead of a drug overdose in a rented bungalow in Hollywood; he was 33.

In 1998, NASA scientists said enough water was frozen in the loose soil of the moon to support a lunar base and perhaps, one day, a human colony.

In 2004, Martha Stewart was convicted in New York of obstructing justice and lying to the government about why she’d unloaded her Imclone stock just before the price plummeted; her ex-stockbroker, Peter Bacanovic, also was found guilty in the stock scandal. (Each later received a five-month prison sentence.)

In 2013, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, Latin America’s most vocal and controversial leader, died in Caracas at age 58 after a struggle with cancer.

In 2018, Los Angeles police arrested a man on charges that he stole Frances McDormand’s Oscar trophy after the Academy Awards a night earlier; the award was returned to the actress. (The charges would later be dismissed.)

In 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-ap-top-news-west-bank-iran-c57bc457c0c1c02a910c1564d8f76715">Palestinian officials closed the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem over fears of the coronavirus</a>. Officials ordered a cruise ship with 3,500 people aboard to stay back from the California coast until passengers and crew could be tested; a traveler from its previous voyage died of the coronavirus.

In 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-mlb-public-health-baseball-coronavirus-pandemic-9f6dd5994c7399d593cacad0a3e22f24">California relaxed guidelines for reopening outdoor venues</a>, clearing the way for fans to attend opening-day baseball games and return to Disneyland nearly a year after coronavirus restrictions shut down major entertainment spots.

In 2022, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-3d9e50b2fa8b08ce1f74c1b09403186e">promised cease-fire in the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol collapsed&nbsp;</a>amid scenes of terror in the besieged town. The number of people fleeing the country reached 1.4 million just 10 days after Russian forces invaded.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709647142945.png" alt="Soviet Premier Josef Stalin is seen, April 29, 1932. (AP Photo/James Abbe)" />
 <figcaption>Soviet Premier Josef Stalin is seen, April 29, 1932. (AP Photo/James Abbe)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Today in History:</h2>On March 5, 1953, Soviet dictator Josef Stalin died after three decades in power.<h2>On this date:</h2>In 1770, the Boston Massacre took place as British soldiers who’d been taunted by a crowd of colonists opened fire, killing five people.In 1849, Zachary Taylor was inaugurated as the 12th president of the United States. (The swearing-in was delayed by a day because March 4 fell on a Sunday.)In 1868, the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson began in the U.S. Senate, with Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase presiding. Johnson, the first U.S. president to be impeached, was accused of “high crimes and misdemeanors” stemming from his attempt to fire Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton; the trial ended on May 26 with Johnson’s acquittal.In 1933, in German parliamentary elections, the Nazi Party won 44 percent of the vote; the Nazis joined with a conservative nationalist party to gain a slender majority in the Reichstag.In 1946, Winston Churchill delivered his “Iron Curtain” speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, in which he said: “From Stettin in the Baltic, to Trieste in the Adriatic, an ‘iron curtain’ has descended across the continent, allowing police governments to rule Eastern Europe.”In 1963, country music performers Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins died in the crash of their plane, a Piper Comanche, near Camden, Tennessee, along with pilot Randy Hughes (Cline’s manager).In 1970, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons went into effect after 43 nations ratified it.In 1979, NASA’s Voyager 1 space probe flew past Jupiter, sending back photographs of the planet and its moons.In 1982, comedian John Belushi was found dead of a drug overdose in a rented bungalow in Hollywood; he was 33.In 1998, NASA scientists said enough water was frozen in the loose soil of the moon to support a lunar base and perhaps, one day, a human colony.In 2004, Martha Stewart was convicted in New York of obstructing justice and lying to the government about why she’d unloaded her Imclone stock just before the price plummeted; her ex-stockbroker, Peter Bacanovic, also was found guilty in the stock scandal. (Each later received a five-month prison sentence.)In 2013, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, Latin America’s most vocal and controversial leader, died in Caracas at age 58 after a struggle with cancer.In 2018, Los Angeles police arrested a man on charges that he stole Frances McDormand’s Oscar trophy after the Academy Awards a night earlier; the award was returned to the actress. (The charges would later be dismissed.)In 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-ap-top-news-west-bank-iran-c57bc457c0c1c02a910c1564d8f76715">Palestinian officials closed the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem over fears of the coronavirus</a>. Officials ordered a cruise ship with 3,500 people aboard to stay back from the California coast until passengers and crew could be tested; a traveler from its previous voyage died of the coronavirus.In 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-mlb-public-health-baseball-coronavirus-pandemic-9f6dd5994c7399d593cacad0a3e22f24">California relaxed guidelines for reopening outdoor venues</a>, clearing the way for fans to attend opening-day baseball games and return to Disneyland nearly a year after coronavirus restrictions shut down major entertainment spots.In 2022, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-3d9e50b2fa8b08ce1f74c1b09403186e">promised cease-fire in the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol collapsed&nbsp;</a>amid scenes of terror in the besieged town. The number of people fleeing the country reached 1.4 million just 10 days after Russian forces invaded.

Today in History, March 5

On this episode of King in the Community, Nate King hears an update from Saline County Administrator, Phil Smith-Hanes.&nbsp;

Listen in and hear about a range of local issues impacting Saline County. From the challenges faced with the new jail building, including heating and plumbing issues, to the allocation of ARPA funding for rural fire districts, Phil provides valuable insights into the current state of affairs in Saline County. 

We also touch on the importance of wildfire prevention, the shortage of prosecutors in the area, and the presidential preference primary in Kansas. 

All of this and more on <a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/">King in the Community</a>.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Phil Smith-Hanes, Saline County Administrator" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=fjgnd-159a112-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On this episode of King in the Community, Nate King hears an update from Saline County Administrator, Phil Smith-Hanes.&nbsp;Listen in and hear about a range of local issues impacting Saline County. From the challenges faced with the new jail building, including heating and plumbing issues, to the allocation of ARPA funding for rural fire districts, Phil provides valuable insights into the current state of affairs in Saline County. We also touch on the importance of wildfire prevention, the shortage of prosecutors in the area, and the presidential preference primary in Kansas. All of this and more on <a href="https://kinginthecommunity.podbean.com/">King in the Community</a>.&nbsp;<h2>More episodes of King in the Community</h2><div><iframe title="King in the Community" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=skmut-558a99-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=all&ss=a713390a017602015775e868a2cf26b0&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙King in the Community: Saline County Admin. Phil Smith-Hanes

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

Theft of prop/serv;&lt;$1500 2 or more conv in 5yr

Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Direct contempt of court&nbsp;

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail.All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709642863498.jpeg" alt="Fairchild,Zachary Ryan" />
 <figcaption>Fairchild,Zachary Ryan</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Fairchild,Zachary RyanREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Theft of prop/serv;&lt;$1500 2 or more conv in 5yrCriminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709642905796.jpeg" alt="Hine,Matthew Michael " />
 <figcaption>Hine,Matthew Michael </figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Hine,Matthew MichaelREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709642987461.jpeg" alt="Jennings,Eva Marie" />
 <figcaption>Jennings,Eva Marie</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Jennings,Eva MarieREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severityImproper driving on laned roadway<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709643035966.jpeg" alt="Kronmiller,Kaden Lee" />
 <figcaption>Kronmiller,Kaden Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Kronmiller,Kaden LeeREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709643091113.jpeg" alt="Ludes,Theodore John" />
 <figcaption>Ludes,Theodore John</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Ludes,Theodore JohnREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709643143035.jpeg" alt="Nichols,Sammi Kantrel" />
 <figcaption>Nichols,Sammi Kantrel</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Nichols,Sammi KantrelREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709643185693.jpeg" alt="Post,Leland Ray" />
 <figcaption>Post,Leland Ray</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Post,Leland RayREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709643240606.jpeg" alt=" Valle,Xavier Ivan" />
 <figcaption> Valle,Xavier Ivan</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Valle,Xavier IvanREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Direct contempt of court&nbsp;

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 5

By NATE KING Salina Post On Friday the Kansas Chamber and Kansas Chamber Education Foundation announced the 2024 Leadership class.

As one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country, Leadership Kansas, or LK, is focused on developing and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state.

“Since 1979, LK has fostered greater awareness and understanding of statewide economic, business, and political issues among the leaders of our state. LK alumni have gone on to key leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels,” said Kansas Chamber President &amp; CEO Alan Cobb (LK ’21).

“The Chamber and Foundation are excited to welcome the newest class and wish them the best during their eight month journey learning more about our great state.”

Leadership Kansas received more than 500 nominations for the 2024 program. After a thorough&nbsp;and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee made of LK alumni chose 40 individuals for the 2024 class.&nbsp;The committee makes every effort to ensure the class reflects the state in regard to geographic, ethnic, occupational, and gender diversity.

The 2024 program runs April to November and includes visits to Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Kansas City, Kan., Leavenworth, Lawrence, Lenexa, Manhattan, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, and Wichita.

The class will interact with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government.

“Leadership Kansas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said LK Executive Director Aaron Miller (LK ’16). “Participants meet many of Kansas’ distinguished business and government leaders and become stronger leaders, better prepared to contribute to their communities and our state.”

Salina’s own Brad Anderson, executive director for Salina Arts and Humanities is a member of the 2024 class. &nbsp; “I am both honored and excited to have been selected for this year’s class,” Anderson said. “I’m looking forward to connecting with other established leaders from across the state and learning more about how each region faces challenges and opportunities.”

Leadership Kansas has more than 1,600 alumni.&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001LG3biaLWAUIHm55kRs6IIHH9SnLnpmpoA53zbC9gq1U782ud7zOGaQfBKUecqRHwThzV7EIlFUwYToMsIPpybXKWxTQujHpKmjDv3KRN7Oo-d1Ddi_8-ibjLSspo7TYEJOqL9gpUEd-ViGckXywP0vKvhwb0UrmdrnDFbN8QsfXkY4UcxHx8iy8K_i_nyEYmcSWcwcT4fTIOH7LF0k3pIorKozGdnlZcPobfXI5C0mg=&amp;c=4_AthuweL7BNnT8zvhLXA1ljSx08ZkDc7lMqQfRen_n5Od8YlVN1Dw==&amp;ch=e_BDc3yJmu11OESUbmUiKeLqrIt7HhRoPhAb_LWKM_S2eMpa0Ntr5Q==">Click here to see a complete list of the 2024 Leadership Kansas class.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583264003733.png" alt="leadership Kansas" />
 <figcaption>leadership Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina Post On Friday the Kansas Chamber and Kansas Chamber Education Foundation announced the 2024 Leadership class. As one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country, Leadership Kansas, or LK, is focused on developing and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state.“Since 1979, LK has fostered greater awareness and understanding of statewide economic, business, and political issues among the leaders of our state. LK alumni have gone on to key leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels,” said Kansas Chamber President &amp; CEO Alan Cobb (LK ’21).“The Chamber and Foundation are excited to welcome the newest class and wish them the best during their eight month journey learning more about our great state.”Leadership Kansas received more than 500 nominations for the 2024 program. After a thorough&nbsp;and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee made of LK alumni chose 40 individuals for the 2024 class.&nbsp;The committee makes every effort to ensure the class reflects the state in regard to geographic, ethnic, occupational, and gender diversity.The 2024 program runs April to November and includes visits to Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Kansas City, Kan., Leavenworth, Lawrence, Lenexa, Manhattan, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, and Wichita.The class will interact with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government.“Leadership Kansas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said LK Executive Director Aaron Miller (LK ’16). “Participants meet many of Kansas’ distinguished business and government leaders and become stronger leaders, better prepared to contribute to their communities and our state.”Salina’s own Brad Anderson, executive director for Salina Arts and Humanities is a member of the 2024 class. &nbsp; “I am both honored and excited to have been selected for this year’s class,” Anderson said. “I’m looking forward to connecting with other established leaders from across the state and learning more about how each region faces challenges and opportunities.” Leadership Kansas has more than 1,600 alumni.&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001LG3biaLWAUIHm55kRs6IIHH9SnLnpmpoA53zbC9gq1U782ud7zOGaQfBKUecqRHwThzV7EIlFUwYToMsIPpybXKWxTQujHpKmjDv3KRN7Oo-d1Ddi_8-ibjLSspo7TYEJOqL9gpUEd-ViGckXywP0vKvhwb0UrmdrnDFbN8QsfXkY4UcxHx8iy8K_i_nyEYmcSWcwcT4fTIOH7LF0k3pIorKozGdnlZcPobfXI5C0mg=&amp;c=4_AthuweL7BNnT8zvhLXA1ljSx08ZkDc7lMqQfRen_n5Od8YlVN1Dw==&amp;ch=e_BDc3yJmu11OESUbmUiKeLqrIt7HhRoPhAb_LWKM_S2eMpa0Ntr5Q==">Click here to see a complete list of the 2024 Leadership Kansas class.</a>

Salinan selected as part of the 2024 Leadership Kansas class

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Two suspects robbed a 25-year-old Salina man of more than $200 in clothing items on the street on Sunday afternoon.

According to Salina Police Department Capt. James Feldman, at about 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, SPD officers reported to Fifth Street and Crawford Avenue for a robbery.

Feldman said officers communicated with a 25-year-old Salina man who reported two individuals, later identified as&nbsp;19-year-old Pavyn Svendblad and 18-year-old Evan Sager, from Salina, who allegedly robbed him of a bag of clothes and a Paypal card.

"He indicated he was walking down the street when two subjects, each subject was in their own type of vehicle, stopped him in the 700 block of South Fifth Street and confronted him [the victim]," Feldman said.

After exiting their vehicles, the two suspects demanded that the 25-year-old victim owed them cash and to pay them immediately, first taking the victim's $150 tennis shoes that he was wearing.

During the confrontation, the two suspects took the victim's tennis shoes and various articles of clothing the victim was carrying at the time of the crime. In total, the victim lost about $221 from the robbery.

The suspects stole a pair of tennis shoes, a $20 pair of sweatpants, a $50 pair of shorts, and $1 for the PayPal card. Feldman said during the crime, the suspects threatened the victim with violence if he didn't comply with their demands.

SPD officers found both Sager and Svendblad later, arrested both, and requested charges for robbery and criminal threat.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/545667ec-9de1-42b8-a488-9a7fe67bb89c">Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad announce expanded schedule</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574355645622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostTwo suspects robbed a 25-year-old Salina man of more than $200 in clothing items on the street on Sunday afternoon.According to Salina Police Department Capt. James Feldman, at about 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, SPD officers reported to Fifth Street and Crawford Avenue for a robbery.Feldman said officers communicated with a 25-year-old Salina man who reported two individuals, later identified as&nbsp;19-year-old Pavyn Svendblad and 18-year-old Evan Sager, from Salina, who allegedly robbed him of a bag of clothes and a Paypal card.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709558148506.png" alt="Svendblad, Pavyn Shay" />
 <figcaption>Svendblad, Pavyn Shay</figcaption>
 </figure>"He indicated he was walking down the street when two subjects, each subject was in their own type of vehicle, stopped him in the 700 block of South Fifth Street and confronted him [the victim]," Feldman said.After exiting their vehicles, the two suspects demanded that the 25-year-old victim owed them cash and to pay them immediately, first taking the victim's $150 tennis shoes that he was wearing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709557875550.png" alt="Sager, Evan Tyler" />
 <figcaption>Sager, Evan Tyler</figcaption>
 </figure>During the confrontation, the two suspects took the victim's tennis shoes and various articles of clothing the victim was carrying at the time of the crime. In total, the victim lost about $221 from the robbery.The suspects stole a pair of tennis shoes, a $20 pair of sweatpants, a $50 pair of shorts, and $1 for the PayPal card. Feldman said during the crime, the suspects threatened the victim with violence if he didn't comply with their demands.SPD officers found both Sager and Svendblad later, arrested both, and requested charges for robbery and criminal threat.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/545667ec-9de1-42b8-a488-9a7fe67bb89c">Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad announce expanded schedule</a>

Salina man robbed on the street of his shoes and some clothing items

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher

I have a friend that lives in a big city who recently shared a story about how local students visiting a nature preserve were given shovels and allowed to dig holes. This was a novel experience for almost all of them. Both my partner and I raised our eyebrows because we were raised as farm kids and wouldn’t find digging holes very fun or interesting at that age. The conversation eventually led to our childhood memories of digging holes.

The first hole I remember digging was in kindergarten when my Girl Scout troop planted a tree at our school. Many of my fondest “hole-digging memories” are of planting trees with my friends for Earth Day or other events. It really is odd to think about how many kids have never planted a tree or used a shovel to build a fence, fix underground equipment or any number of other chores.

When comparing my childhood to others, I recognize how lucky I am and feel a wave of gratitude for my privilege. I was a very happy kid — some of that was probably genetic but a lot came for things like having happily married parents who provided for my needs along with the support that comes from a large extended family.

My privilege feels amplified because I am part of a shrinking population to grow up in a small town or on a family farm. I have experienced the freedom of a bike, the adventure of climbing into corn cribs, the creativity of building something from your mind and the satisfaction of working with dirty hands. I solve problems of all kinds, use tools, drive vehicles of all sizes and back trailers.

Even though they never have to spend a day stacking bales in a sweltering, chaff-filled haymow or picking rocks out of a field, I am sad for the kids who don’t grow up on a farm. They are missing out on some of the best ways to grow skills, work ethic, responsibility, confidence, grit, problem solving and countless other valuable character traits.

I use my farm kid upbringing all the time, but it is most evident when it helps me to survive as a farm adult. Farming requires the kind of mental toughness that is built up overtime.

As I was leaving our house the other day, I met Marc as he was arriving. Cell phones don’t hold a candle to the communications that comes with the eye contact of a quick conversation through truck windows in the middle of a gravel road.

As we wrapped up a quick conversation, Marc’s parting words were, “don’t look at what’s on the back of my pickup.” He wasn’t trying to be secretive. We are several weeks into calving season and he had found a stillborn calf during his pen check. Marc was trying to save me from the sadness of a lost animal.

My heart will always hurt when we lose a calf, but death is an inevitable part of owning livestock. A lifetime experience on the farm helped me build the strength to weather the cycle of life and death that is a truth of this life.

Farm life is full of hard things — hard lessons, hard truths, hard work. Confidence and competence to face challenges in life by doing what is difficult and surviving.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancherI have a friend that lives in a big city who recently shared a story about how local students visiting a nature preserve were given shovels and allowed to dig holes. This was a novel experience for almost all of them. Both my partner and I raised our eyebrows because we were raised as farm kids and wouldn’t find digging holes very fun or interesting at that age. The conversation eventually led to our childhood memories of digging holes.The first hole I remember digging was in kindergarten when my Girl Scout troop planted a tree at our school. Many of my fondest “hole-digging memories” are of planting trees with my friends for Earth Day or other events. It really is odd to think about how many kids have never planted a tree or used a shovel to build a fence, fix underground equipment or any number of other chores.When comparing my childhood to others, I recognize how lucky I am and feel a wave of gratitude for my privilege. I was a very happy kid — some of that was probably genetic but a lot came for things like having happily married parents who provided for my needs along with the support that comes from a large extended family.My privilege feels amplified because I am part of a shrinking population to grow up in a small town or on a family farm. I have experienced the freedom of a bike, the adventure of climbing into corn cribs, the creativity of building something from your mind and the satisfaction of working with dirty hands. I solve problems of all kinds, use tools, drive vehicles of all sizes and back trailers.Even though they never have to spend a day stacking bales in a sweltering, chaff-filled haymow or picking rocks out of a field, I am sad for the kids who don’t grow up on a farm. They are missing out on some of the best ways to grow skills, work ethic, responsibility, confidence, grit, problem solving and countless other valuable character traits.I use my farm kid upbringing all the time, but it is most evident when it helps me to survive as a farm adult. Farming requires the kind of mental toughness that is built up overtime.As I was leaving our house the other day, I met Marc as he was arriving. Cell phones don’t hold a candle to the communications that comes with the eye contact of a quick conversation through truck windows in the middle of a gravel road.As we wrapped up a quick conversation, Marc’s parting words were, “don’t look at what’s on the back of my pickup.” He wasn’t trying to be secretive. We are several weeks into calving season and he had found a stillborn calf during his pen check. Marc was trying to save me from the sadness of a lost animal.My heart will always hurt when we lose a calf, but death is an inevitable part of owning livestock. A lifetime experience on the farm helped me build the strength to weather the cycle of life and death that is a truth of this life.Farm life is full of hard things — hard lessons, hard truths, hard work. Confidence and competence to face challenges in life by doing what is difficult and surviving."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2024 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Farm kid privilege

Election Day is today for the Kansas presidential preference primary.

Voters will need to cast ballots between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at their assigned polling locations.

It is just the third time that voters in Kansas will take part in a presidential preference primary.

According to the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, a preference primary is “an election where the vote totals are given to a political party to allocate delegates to candidates at the national convention. This is not a primary where the voters selected the party candidate.”

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot has already passed, but voters who did receive one will have to return it to the election office or a polling site by the time polls close today.

Despite the results of the prior primaries, four candidates will still appear on both the Republican and Democratic ballots.

Democratic candidates Dean Phillips Joseph R. Biden Jr. Marianne Williamson Jason Michael Palmer Republican candidates Donald J. Trump Ryan L. Binkley Nikki R. Haley Ron DeSantis Voters also have the option to choose "None of the Names Shown."

Voters can find a sample ballot at&nbsp;<a href="http://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/">myvoteinfo.voteks.org</a>, and people with questions are encouraged to contact your local election office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699030405883.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostElection Day is today for the Kansas presidential preference primary.Voters will need to cast ballots between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at their assigned polling locations.It is just the third time that voters in Kansas will take part in a presidential preference primary.According to the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, a preference primary is “an election where the vote totals are given to a political party to allocate delegates to candidates at the national convention. This is not a primary where the voters selected the party candidate.”The deadline to request a mail-in ballot has already passed, but voters who did receive one will have to return it to the election office or a polling site by the time polls close today.Despite the results of the prior primaries, four candidates will still appear on both the Republican and Democratic ballots.Democratic candidates Dean Phillips Joseph R. Biden Jr. Marianne Williamson Jason Michael Palmer Republican candidates Donald J. Trump Ryan L. Binkley Nikki R. Haley Ron DeSantis Voters also have the option to choose "None of the Names Shown."Voters can find a sample ballot at&nbsp;<a href="http://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/">myvoteinfo.voteks.org</a>, and people with questions are encouraged to contact your local election office.

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