On Dec. 19, 1998, President Bill Clinton was impeached by the Republican-controlled House for perjury and obstruction of justice. (Clinton was subsequently acquitted by the Senate.)

In 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, Gen. George Washington led his army of about 11,000 men to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to camp for the winter.

In 1907, 239 workers died in a coal mine explosion in Jacobs Creek, Pennsylvania.

In 1946, war broke out in Indochina as troops under Ho Chi Minh launched widespread attacks against the French.

In 1950, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower was named commander of the military forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

In 1960, fire broke out on the hangar deck of the nearly completed aircraft carrier USS Constellation at the New York Naval Shipyard; 50 civilian workers were killed.

In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, winding up the Apollo program of manned lunar landings.

In 2001, the fires that had burned beneath the ruins of the World Trade Center in New York City for the previous three months were declared extinguished except for a few scattered hot spots.

In 2003, design plans were unveiled for the signature skyscraper — a 1,776-foot glass tower — at the site of the World Trade Center in New York City.

In 2008, citing imminent danger to the national economy, President George W. Bush ordered an emergency bailout of the U.S. auto industry.

In 2011, North Korea announced the death two days earlier of leader Kim Jong Il; North Koreans marched by the thousands to mourn their “Dear Leader” while state media proclaimed his youngest son, Kim Jong Un, a “Great Successor.”

In 2016, a truck rammed into a crowded Christmas market in central Berlin, killing 12 people in an attack claimed by Islamic State. (The suspected attacker was killed in a police shootout four days later.)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702995236975.png" alt="President Clinton makes a statement of contrition from the Rose Garden of the White House Friday, Dec. 11, 1998, just minutes before the House Judiciary Committee voted to impeach him. Nearing a dramatic showdown over the fate of his presidency, President Clinton apologized to the country today for his conduct in the Monica Lewinsky affair and said he would accept a congressional censure or rebuke.(AP Photo/Greg Gibson) Share" />
 <figcaption>President Clinton makes a statement of contrition from the Rose Garden of the White House Friday, Dec. 11, 1998, just minutes before the House Judiciary Committee voted to impeach him. Nearing a dramatic showdown over the fate of his presidency, President Clinton apologized to the country today for his conduct in the Monica Lewinsky affair and said he would accept a congressional censure or rebuke.(AP Photo/Greg Gibson) Share</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Today’s Highlight in History:</h2>On Dec. 19, 1998, President Bill Clinton was impeached by the Republican-controlled House for perjury and obstruction of justice. (Clinton was subsequently acquitted by the Senate.)<h2>On this date:</h2>In 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, Gen. George Washington led his army of about 11,000 men to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to camp for the winter.In 1907, 239 workers died in a coal mine explosion in Jacobs Creek, Pennsylvania.In 1946, war broke out in Indochina as troops under Ho Chi Minh launched widespread attacks against the French.In 1950, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower was named commander of the military forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.In 1960, fire broke out on the hangar deck of the nearly completed aircraft carrier USS Constellation at the New York Naval Shipyard; 50 civilian workers were killed.In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, winding up the Apollo program of manned lunar landings.In 2001, the fires that had burned beneath the ruins of the World Trade Center in New York City for the previous three months were declared extinguished except for a few scattered hot spots.In 2003, design plans were unveiled for the signature skyscraper — a 1,776-foot glass tower — at the site of the World Trade Center in New York City.In 2008, citing imminent danger to the national economy, President George W. Bush ordered an emergency bailout of the U.S. auto industry.In 2011, North Korea announced the death two days earlier of leader Kim Jong Il; North Koreans marched by the thousands to mourn their “Dear Leader” while state media proclaimed his youngest son, Kim Jong Un, a “Great Successor.”In 2016, a truck rammed into a crowded Christmas market in central Berlin, killing 12 people in an attack claimed by Islamic State. (The suspected attacker was killed in a police shootout four days later.)

Today in History, Dec. 19

OCCK, Inc. Transportation will have reduced hours for the Christmas and New Year holidays this year.&nbsp;

All services, including Salina CityGo, 81 Connection, Regional Paratransit, GoAbilene, GoConcordia, and KanConnect public transportation, will be closed on Monday, December 25, 2023, for Christmas.

CityGo service will resume on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, with hours of operation from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Peak routes will not be running.&nbsp;

Regional Paratransit, GoAbilene, and GoConcordia services will be running reduced trips on Tuesday, December 26.&nbsp;

81 Connection and KanConnect will be running regular routes on Tuesday, December 26.

Regular hours will resume on Wednesday, December 27.

All services will be closed on Monday, January 1, 2024, for New Year’s Day.&nbsp;

Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, January 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703006430436.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOCCK, Inc. Transportation will have reduced hours for the Christmas and New Year holidays this year.&nbsp;All services, including Salina CityGo, 81 Connection, Regional Paratransit, GoAbilene, GoConcordia, and KanConnect public transportation, will be closed on Monday, December 25, 2023, for Christmas.CityGo service will resume on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, with hours of operation from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Peak routes will not be running.&nbsp;Regional Paratransit, GoAbilene, and GoConcordia services will be running reduced trips on Tuesday, December 26.&nbsp;81 Connection and KanConnect will be running regular routes on Tuesday, December 26.Regular hours will resume on Wednesday, December 27.All services will be closed on Monday, January 1, 2024, for New Year’s Day.&nbsp;Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, January 2.

OCCK: Local, area transportation hours reduced for holidays

K-State beef cattle experts offer tips for producers who are unable to manage cows on pastures

By LISA MOSER K-State Research and Extension news service

Anyone who has ever raised a dog, knows that it can be a labor-intensive experience, from feeding them twice a day to keeping their kennels clear of waste to making sure they get enough exercise to be a healthy pup.

In much the same way, cows raised in confinement also require more human capital than those raised on pastures, according to the experts at Kansas State Univeristy’s Beef Cattle Institute, who spoke about this topic on a recent Cattle Chat podcast. Joining the crew for this discussion was K-State beef cattle extension specialist Jason Warner.

Warner said confinement “is anything that is in a fence or boundary, but often we think of it as cows in a dry lot or barn.” He said the reason producers opt for this system is often because of the price of land.

“High land costs are prohibitive for expansion, and in some areas, traditional grazing pastures have been turned into row crop production,” Warner said.

K-State agricultural economist Dustin Pendell agreed with Warner and added: “When you are competing for land that is used to grow corn and soybeans, even if it is marginal pasture land, it is hard to pencil out.”

Pendell said that producers who do raise their cows in confinement need to be aware of the higher labor expense compared to the cows raised out on pastures.

“Someone has got to be there to feed the cattle and there is a labor cost tied to that,” Pendell said.

Feed is another additional expense that comes with maintaining cattle in a restricted area, said K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster.

“The feed costs will be higher in a confinement situation,” Lancaster said. “However, by limit- feeding a higher energy diet, producers can reduce the amount of forage needed and thereby reduce the amount of nutrients needed to maintain those cows.”

The other management difference between cows maintained on pastures versus confinement relates to sanitation, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.

“Calves need to be born in a sanitary environment,” Larson said. “Producers must have a plan in place to deal with the mud and dirt because young calves are the most susceptible to a disease challenge that comes from an unsanitary environment.”

<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/12/12/consumer-ranking-of-beef-sustainability-attributes/">To hear the full discussion, listen to the Cattle Chat podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703005846078.jpeg" alt="Cows kept in a confined area year-round have higher labor and feed costs associated with this production system." />
 <figcaption>Cows kept in a confined area year-round have higher labor and feed costs associated with this production system.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State beef cattle experts offer tips for producers who are unable to manage cows on pastures</h2>By LISA MOSER K-State Research and Extension news serviceAnyone who has ever raised a dog, knows that it can be a labor-intensive experience, from feeding them twice a day to keeping their kennels clear of waste to making sure they get enough exercise to be a healthy pup.In much the same way, cows raised in confinement also require more human capital than those raised on pastures, according to the experts at Kansas State Univeristy’s Beef Cattle Institute, who spoke about this topic on a recent Cattle Chat podcast. Joining the crew for this discussion was K-State beef cattle extension specialist Jason Warner.Warner said confinement “is anything that is in a fence or boundary, but often we think of it as cows in a dry lot or barn.” He said the reason producers opt for this system is often because of the price of land.“High land costs are prohibitive for expansion, and in some areas, traditional grazing pastures have been turned into row crop production,” Warner said.K-State agricultural economist Dustin Pendell agreed with Warner and added: “When you are competing for land that is used to grow corn and soybeans, even if it is marginal pasture land, it is hard to pencil out.”Pendell said that producers who do raise their cows in confinement need to be aware of the higher labor expense compared to the cows raised out on pastures.“Someone has got to be there to feed the cattle and there is a labor cost tied to that,” Pendell said.Feed is another additional expense that comes with maintaining cattle in a restricted area, said K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster.“The feed costs will be higher in a confinement situation,” Lancaster said. “However, by limit- feeding a higher energy diet, producers can reduce the amount of forage needed and thereby reduce the amount of nutrients needed to maintain those cows.”The other management difference between cows maintained on pastures versus confinement relates to sanitation, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.“Calves need to be born in a sanitary environment,” Larson said. “Producers must have a plan in place to deal with the mud and dirt because young calves are the most susceptible to a disease challenge that comes from an unsanitary environment.”<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/12/12/consumer-ranking-of-beef-sustainability-attributes/">To hear the full discussion, listen to the Cattle Chat podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.</a>

Cattle Chat: Considerations for cows kept in confinement

Scams can be hard to spot because they often look just like&nbsp;the real thing.&nbsp;That includes job scams. They crop up on real job sites, including places like LinkedIn. Scammers have even invited people to do things like 45-minute interviews, putting in the time so you let your guard down. So how do you tell a scam from the real thing?

Let’s say you get a message from a recruiter. They say you’re&nbsp;just&nbsp;what they’ve been looking for and schedule a virtual interview. The invitation has the company’s logo and an official-looking job briefing guide describing the job’s duties. Soon after the interview, you get the email: You got the job! The offer letter comes in — company logo and all — and everything seems promising. But what comes next?

Here are some signs that job offer may be a scam:

Not sure if you’re dealing with a job scam? Contact the company using a phone number or website you know to be legitimate — not one you got from the “recruiter.”

Report job scams to the FTC:&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

Federal Trade Commission<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702930819749.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Scams can be hard to spot because they often look just like&nbsp;the real thing.&nbsp;That includes job scams. They crop up on real job sites, including places like LinkedIn. Scammers have even invited people to do things like 45-minute interviews, putting in the time so you let your guard down. So how do you tell a scam from the real thing?Let’s say you get a message from a recruiter. They say you’re&nbsp;just&nbsp;what they’ve been looking for and schedule a virtual interview. The invitation has the company’s logo and an official-looking job briefing guide describing the job’s duties. Soon after the interview, you get the email: You got the job! The offer letter comes in — company logo and all — and everything seems promising. But what comes next?Here are some signs that job offer may be a scam:<ul>
 <li>Scammy recruiters will email you from a personal email, not a company account.&nbsp;Recruiters will generally email from their company (@companyname.com), not a personal email like @gmail.com or @yahoo.com.</li><li>Scammy recruiters push you for money.&nbsp;They might send you a fake invoice for equipment (like a computer ) or “training” that they’ll supposedly order but tell you to pay for first — using mobile payment apps like Cash App, Zelle, or PayPal. They’ll promise to reimburse you…but won’t, because it’s a scam.</li><li>Scammy recruiters ask for your personal information up front.&nbsp;Before giving you any details about the job, they’ll ask for your driver’s license, Social Security, or bank account number to fill out “employment paperwork.” But if you share it, they might steal your identity.</li>
 </ul>Not sure if you’re dealing with a job scam? Contact the company using a phone number or website you know to be legitimate — not one you got from the “recruiter.”Report job scams to the FTC:&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: How to spot the latest job scams

The Saline County Commission meeting will take place in person at the City/County Building in Room 107 and streamed to YouTube Live. Commission meetings can be found on the Saline County YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125/streams">https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125/streams</a>.

If any assistance is needed to participate in any meeting or event due to a disability as defined under ADA, please call the County’s ADA Coordinator at (785) 309-5812 or email&nbsp;leamerm@salinecountyks.gov&nbsp;before the scheduled meeting or event to request accommodations.

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6498">Health Department Workforce Development Grant Contract</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6499">Approval of MOU and Talkgroup Authorization for Ottawa County Health Center</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6516">Approval of ARPA Broadband Grant Agreement with Salina Grace Foundation</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6517">Approval of ARPA Broadband Grant Agreement with Salina Public Library for Youth Robotics</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6515">Approval of ARPA Broadband Grant Agreement with Salina Public Library for Hotspot Lending</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6500">Fire Truck Purchase for Rural Fire District 1</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6505">2024 Rural Fire District Board Appointments</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6510">Air Service Incentive for RON Flight 2024</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6507">Natural Gas Agreement for 2024</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6511">ARPA Progress and Reallocation</a> Background: On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law. Among many other provisions, ARPA provides direct funding to each county in the United States through what is called the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CLFRF). For Saline County, this amount is $10,532,376. After a public input process, the County adopted an initial plan for expenditure of CLFRF on August 31, 2021.

This plan has gone through numerous revisions as projects have been added, deleted or changed. Beginning in July 2023, the Commission identified a number of “backup” projects that could be substituted for projects that failed to materialize or came in under budget. The list of backup projects has also gone through several iterations, and on December 12, your Commission conducted a Concept Discussion about revising this list to reflect current priorities. 

At that time, staff was directed to bring back an item for your consideration, which reflected an increased emphasis on projects with the potential to position the County organization for future success and save costs.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/7de72111-cbd7-449b-b7f3-af60fc7670cb">Saline County provides consent for multimillion-dollar housing project</a>

<a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6514">Health Department Update</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701016826196.jpeg" alt="Snow blankets the Salina City and Saline County building during a snowstorm on Saturday, Nov. 25, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Snow blankets the Salina City and Saline County building during a snowstorm on Saturday, Nov. 25, in Salina. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe Saline County Commission meeting will take place in person at the City/County Building in Room 107 and streamed to YouTube Live. Commission meetings can be found on the Saline County YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125/streams">https://www.youtube.com/@salinecountykansas3125/streams</a>.If any assistance is needed to participate in any meeting or event due to a disability as defined under ADA, please call the County’s ADA Coordinator at (785) 309-5812 or email&nbsp;leamerm@salinecountyks.gov&nbsp;before the scheduled meeting or event to request accommodations.<h2>Consent Agenda</h2><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6498">Health Department Workforce Development Grant Contract</a><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6499">Approval of MOU and Talkgroup Authorization for Ottawa County Health Center</a><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6516">Approval of ARPA Broadband Grant Agreement with Salina Grace Foundation</a><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6517">Approval of ARPA Broadband Grant Agreement with Salina Public Library for Youth Robotics</a><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6515">Approval of ARPA Broadband Grant Agreement with Salina Public Library for Hotspot Lending</a><h2>Action Items</h2><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6500">Fire Truck Purchase for Rural Fire District 1</a><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6505">2024 Rural Fire District Board Appointments</a><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6510">Air Service Incentive for RON Flight 2024</a><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6507">Natural Gas Agreement for 2024</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702938192655.png" alt="Excerpt from ARPA funding allocation. Courtesy Saline County Commission" />
 <figcaption>Excerpt from ARPA funding allocation. Courtesy Saline County Commission</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6511">ARPA Progress and Reallocation</a> Background: On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law. Among many other provisions, ARPA provides direct funding to each county in the United States through what is called the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CLFRF). For Saline County, this amount is $10,532,376. After a public input process, the County adopted an initial plan for expenditure of CLFRF on August 31, 2021. This plan has gone through numerous revisions as projects have been added, deleted or changed. Beginning in July 2023, the Commission identified a number of “backup” projects that could be substituted for projects that failed to materialize or came in under budget. The list of backup projects has also gone through several iterations, and on December 12, your Commission conducted a Concept Discussion about revising this list to reflect current priorities. At that time, staff was directed to bring back an item for your consideration, which reflected an increased emphasis on projects with the potential to position the County organization for future success and save costs.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/7de72111-cbd7-449b-b7f3-af60fc7670cb">Saline County provides consent for multimillion-dollar housing project</a><h2>Informational Items</h2><a href="https://pub-salinecounty.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=6514">Health Department Update</a>

Saline County agenda to discuss Rural Fire District One new equipment and further use of ARPA funds

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Monday in Ellsworth County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Kenworth semi driven by Jonathan Wayne&nbsp;Fleming, 65, Cherryvale, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the Sylvan Grove exit.

The semi rear-ended a 2006 Chevy Malibu driven by&nbsp;Serena Nicole Lynn&nbsp;Rosenberg, 27,&nbsp; Park City, who was traveling at 60 mph because the car had a donut tire.&nbsp;

EMS transported Rosenberg and a passenger Jacob Dasmin&nbsp;Strong, 23, Park City, to the hospital in Ellsworth. Fleming was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Monday in Ellsworth County.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Kenworth semi driven by Jonathan Wayne&nbsp;Fleming, 65, Cherryvale, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the Sylvan Grove exit.The semi rear-ended a 2006 Chevy Malibu driven by&nbsp;Serena Nicole Lynn&nbsp;Rosenberg, 27,&nbsp; Park City, who was traveling at 60 mph because the car had a donut tire.&nbsp;EMS transported Rosenberg and a passenger Jacob Dasmin&nbsp;Strong, 23, Park City, to the hospital in Ellsworth. Fleming was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after I-70 rear-end crash

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

A bullet shot through one victim and struck another early Saturday morning during a domestic disturbance in town.

Salina Police Department officers reported at 2:26 a.m. to the 500 block of Moon Drive for a dispute between 30-year-old Salina resident Victor Phanthakeo and one of his family members.

According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, while Phanthakeo and one of the victims argued, which escalated, causing a second victim to step in to try and calm the situation. 

Phanthakeo allegedly shot a 40-caliber handgun, which struck the first 26-year-old victim in the lower abdomen, traveled through, and hit the second 25-year-old victim in the arm.

"The victim who got shot in the abdomen took off running," Feldman said. "He was later taken by a family member to the hospital." 

Feldman said when officers arrived at the residence, they found and arrested Phanthakeo for attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery.

Both victims sought treatment at Salina Regional Health Center later that day. According to Feldman, the victim with the abdomen wound will quickly recover from the gunshot.

No life-threatening injuries," Feldman said. "He got very lucky — they were kind of minor injuries for a gunshot wound."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702906852565.png" alt="Victor Phanthakeo" />
 <figcaption>Victor Phanthakeo</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostA bullet shot through one victim and struck another early Saturday morning during a domestic disturbance in town.Salina Police Department officers reported at 2:26 a.m. to the 500 block of Moon Drive for a dispute between 30-year-old Salina resident Victor Phanthakeo and one of his family members.According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, while Phanthakeo and one of the victims argued, which escalated, causing a second victim to step in to try and calm the situation. Phanthakeo allegedly shot a 40-caliber handgun, which struck the first 26-year-old victim in the lower abdomen, traveled through, and hit the second 25-year-old victim in the arm."The victim who got shot in the abdomen took off running," Feldman said. "He was later taken by a family member to the hospital." Feldman said when officers arrived at the residence, they found and arrested Phanthakeo for attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery.Both victims sought treatment at Salina Regional Health Center later that day. According to Feldman, the victim with the abdomen wound will quickly recover from the gunshot.No life-threatening injuries," Feldman said. "He got very lucky — they were kind of minor injuries for a gunshot wound."

Single gunshot injures two victims during weekend domestic disturbance

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER and NATE KING Salina Post

Cathy Rider spreads a positive message by actively participating in the betterment of her local community. Many resilient heroes work diligently behind the scenes, shoulder to shoulder with family members, neighbors and friends.&nbsp;

Citizens benefit from the countless hours these community champions spend on tasks like garbage disposal, farming, volunteering and social work.&nbsp;

&nbsp;As we embark on this mission to thank the unthanked, we invite you to open your hearts and minds to the incredible stories of these unsung heroes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the 30 years she has worked for the city, Cathy Rider, a chemist at the Salina Wastewater Plant, witnessed wastewater management adapt as new challenges would flow into the facility and eventually her lab.

Rider samples the wastewater treatment process each day, testing every step before clearing it for discharge into the Smoky Hill River.

"I like the different tests and the variety," Rider said. "I might do the same test every day but it is never the same results every single day."&nbsp;

Rider, a Salina native and graduate of Salina South, attended Marymount College, where she majored in chemistry and minored in biology.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I didn't quite graduate from Marymount at first because I thought about changing my major," Rider said. "So I started working at Wilson Company. They were a commercial lab 40 years ago."&nbsp;

Rider worked in the commercial setting for a decade before returning to Marymount to complete her degree.&nbsp;

“I was in the final graduating class at Marymount," Rider said.

After achieving her degree, Rider began working for the City in 1993, which was upgrading its wastewater treatment plant for new types of contaminant removal.&nbsp;

When Rider started in the plant’s chemistry lab, they had just finished upgrading the plant to remove ammonia.

Ammonia is a common byproduct of organic material breaking down, which often ends up at the wastewater treatment facility due to sewage, agricultural operations or other environmental factors.

“We are due for another upgrade to eliminate nitrogen and phosphorus in our liquids,” Rider said. “The big push right now is for all Kansas wastewater plants to upgrade to biological nutrient removal.”

Biological nutrients are organic compounds that include nitrogen and phosphorus — removing them from wastewater keeps aquatic ecosystems healthy and helps prevent toxic algal blooms.

Rider’s role in the wastewater treatment process

Every day, Rider samples the wastewater through specialized sampling sites for various steps in the treatment process. She samples solid and liquid waste to test for PH levels, treatment effectiveness and unusual contaminants.

Wastewater treatment begins when raw sewage and storm drain run-off reaches the facility. According to Rider, it starts with clarifiers, a type of filtration that uses gravity to separate most solid wastes. Rider often calls the solid waste “sludge.”

After two clarification processes, the facility separates the sludge from the liquid waste for processing. The liquids undergo multiple disinfection steps while the system sends solids to digesters for further processing.

Digesters break down solid waste in a process similar to composting. A team of tiny organisms, often called microbes, biologically process the waste while plant staff monitor the digester tank’s temperature and other conditions.

Rider admitted that the samples from this process often smelled and looked foul, but she used to work with more dangerous samples for chemical analysis.

“I worked on EPA stuff, and oh my gosh, those samples are nasty and radioactive and full of tar and of who knows what else,” Rider said. “So when I got here, I said, ‘Well, this isn't too bad.’ Once you get over the initial smell, I look at it like it's just another sample.”

Protective equipment and gloves also help with the smelly sampling process.

“It didn’t take me long to get over it,” Rider said.

Some of the tests Rider uses to analyze the wastewater treatment process are quick, only taking one or two hours to complete. Others can take an entire workday to complete, like titration tests.

Titration is a chemistry technique to find how much of a compound is dissolved in a liquid. Rider said she often uses this technique to analyze PH levels in the waste solids during treatment.

“You have to run an alkalinity test, which involves titrating the sample to get the alkalinity result,” Rider said. “Then, on another part of the sample, you have to run an acidity test and get that result.”

Once she finishes the test, Rider records the results and analyzes them. If she finds anything off in her analysis, she informs the plant’s engineers so they can adjust the digesters accordingly.

Rider said it’s essential to test the solid waste for dangerous acidity or alkalinity levels since local farmers use the processed sludge for fertilizer. The Salina wastewater facility has provided this sludge to farmers for the past three decades.

“The fields like the nitrogen mostly,” Rider said. “We have to sample what’s going into the field as well as the fields themselves to make sure once they apply it, they can put crops on it.”

Initially, Rider aimed to work in the medical field with her chemistry degree. After she discovered the variety of jobs in the lab industry, she decided to pursue a career in environmental chemistry.

“I didn't care for the body parts or the medical side of things,” Rider said.

Rider said the chemistry field spans multiple industries outside medicine and environmental studies, including food, cosmetics and agricultural careers.

Just a few years after Rider started her career at the wastewater plant, Martha Tasker, the City of Salina utilities director, joined the team and continues working with Rider today.

“Rider is very, very familiar with every process at the field facility and all of the federal and state requirements, and she completes our monitoring reports,” Tasker said.

Tasker said the facility sends these meticulous reports to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for approval.

“Any work Cathy does is very well done and does not require checking. She is thorough and does an excellent job at everything,” Tasker said. “If I could clone Cathy twice, maybe three times, I'd love to do it, but she won't let me.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700701087801.png" alt="Salina Post Community Champion" />
 <figcaption>Salina Post Community Champion</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER and NATE KING Salina PostCathy Rider spreads a positive message by actively participating in the betterment of her local community. Many resilient heroes work diligently behind the scenes, shoulder to shoulder with family members, neighbors and friends.&nbsp;Citizens benefit from the countless hours these community champions spend on tasks like garbage disposal, farming, volunteering and social work.&nbsp;&nbsp;As we embark on this mission to thank the unthanked, we invite you to open your hearts and minds to the incredible stories of these unsung heroes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702402719281.jpeg" alt="Cathy Rider, the chemist for Saline County Waste Water Management, stands in her lab where she tests samples for PH levels, contaminants and more. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Cathy Rider, the chemist for Saline County Waste Water Management, stands in her lab where she tests samples for PH levels, contaminants and more. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Cathy Rider</h2>In the 30 years she has worked for the city, Cathy Rider, a chemist at the Salina Wastewater Plant, witnessed wastewater management adapt as new challenges would flow into the facility and eventually her lab.Rider samples the wastewater treatment process each day, testing every step before clearing it for discharge into the Smoky Hill River."I like the different tests and the variety," Rider said. "I might do the same test every day but it is never the same results every single day."&nbsp;Rider, a Salina native and graduate of Salina South, attended Marymount College, where she majored in chemistry and minored in biology.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I didn't quite graduate from Marymount at first because I thought about changing my major," Rider said. "So I started working at Wilson Company. They were a commercial lab 40 years ago."&nbsp;Rider worked in the commercial setting for a decade before returning to Marymount to complete her degree.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702402798749.jpeg" alt="One of Cathy Rider's, the chemist for Saline County Waste Water management, sampling and testing stations. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>One of Cathy Rider's, the chemist for Saline County Waste Water management, sampling and testing stations. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>“I was in the final graduating class at Marymount," Rider said.After achieving her degree, Rider began working for the City in 1993, which was upgrading its wastewater treatment plant for new types of contaminant removal.&nbsp;When Rider started in the plant’s chemistry lab, they had just finished upgrading the plant to remove ammonia.Ammonia is a common byproduct of organic material breaking down, which often ends up at the wastewater treatment facility due to sewage, agricultural operations or other environmental factors.“We are due for another upgrade to eliminate nitrogen and phosphorus in our liquids,” Rider said. “The big push right now is for all Kansas wastewater plants to upgrade to biological nutrient removal.”Biological nutrients are organic compounds that include nitrogen and phosphorus — removing them from wastewater keeps aquatic ecosystems healthy and helps prevent toxic algal blooms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702402833015.jpeg" alt="Samples of solid matter separated from the liquid after testing at the Saline County Waste Water Management facility. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Samples of solid matter separated from the liquid after testing at the Saline County Waste Water Management facility. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Rider’s role in the wastewater treatment process</h2>Every day, Rider samples the wastewater through specialized sampling sites for various steps in the treatment process. She samples solid and liquid waste to test for PH levels, treatment effectiveness and unusual contaminants.Wastewater treatment begins when raw sewage and storm drain run-off reaches the facility. According to Rider, it starts with clarifiers, a type of filtration that uses gravity to separate most solid wastes. Rider often calls the solid waste “sludge.”After two clarification processes, the facility separates the sludge from the liquid waste for processing. The liquids undergo multiple disinfection steps while the system sends solids to digesters for further processing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702402755581.jpeg" alt="Cathy Rider, the Saline County Waste Water Management chemist, shows samples of before and after treatment. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Cathy Rider, the Saline County Waste Water Management chemist, shows samples of before and after treatment. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Digesters break down solid waste in a process similar to composting. A team of tiny organisms, often called microbes, biologically process the waste while plant staff monitor the digester tank’s temperature and other conditions.Rider admitted that the samples from this process often smelled and looked foul, but she used to work with more dangerous samples for chemical analysis.“I worked on EPA stuff, and oh my gosh, those samples are nasty and radioactive and full of tar and of who knows what else,” Rider said. “So when I got here, I said, ‘Well, this isn't too bad.’ Once you get over the initial smell, I look at it like it's just another sample.”Protective equipment and gloves also help with the smelly sampling process.“It didn’t take me long to get over it,” Rider said.Some of the tests Rider uses to analyze the wastewater treatment process are quick, only taking one or two hours to complete. Others can take an entire workday to complete, like titration tests.Titration is a chemistry technique to find how much of a compound is dissolved in a liquid. Rider said she often uses this technique to analyze PH levels in the waste solids during treatment.“You have to run an alkalinity test, which involves titrating the sample to get the alkalinity result,” Rider said. “Then, on another part of the sample, you have to run an acidity test and get that result.”Once she finishes the test, Rider records the results and analyzes them. If she finds anything off in her analysis, she informs the plant’s engineers so they can adjust the digesters accordingly.Rider said it’s essential to test the solid waste for dangerous acidity or alkalinity levels since local farmers use the processed sludge for fertilizer. The Salina wastewater facility has provided this sludge to farmers for the past three decades.“The fields like the nitrogen mostly,” Rider said. “We have to sample what’s going into the field as well as the fields themselves to make sure once they apply it, they can put crops on it.”Initially, Rider aimed to work in the medical field with her chemistry degree. After she discovered the variety of jobs in the lab industry, she decided to pursue a career in environmental chemistry.“I didn't care for the body parts or the medical side of things,” Rider said.Rider said the chemistry field spans multiple industries outside medicine and environmental studies, including food, cosmetics and agricultural careers.Just a few years after Rider started her career at the wastewater plant, Martha Tasker, the City of Salina utilities director, joined the team and continues working with Rider today.“Rider is very, very familiar with every process at the field facility and all of the federal and state requirements, and she completes our monitoring reports,” Tasker said.Tasker said the facility sends these meticulous reports to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for approval.“Any work Cathy does is very well done and does not require checking. She is thorough and does an excellent job at everything,” Tasker said. “If I could clone Cathy twice, maybe three times, I'd love to do it, but she won't let me.”

Salina Post's Community Champions Vol. 3 — Cathy Rider

Submitted Last week members of the Silver Needles Quilt Guild, Pam Smith, Jody Britt and Kristy Yenkey delivered 260 pillowcases for the MEALS ON WHEELS Christmas gifts. Next they delivered 37 Pillowcases and 13 quilts for the 50 children at Martin Luther King Day Care Center.&nbsp; The group of ladies also took 22 quilts to Salina Regional Health Center. They were presented to Stacie Maes and Aaron Anders. Members of the Silver Needles Quilt Guild have graciously given their time and talent to these groups making a happier holiday season for them.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702913252082.jpeg" alt="Silver Needles Quilt Guild" />
 <figcaption>Silver Needles Quilt Guild</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted Last week members of the Silver Needles Quilt Guild, Pam Smith, Jody Britt and Kristy Yenkey delivered 260 pillowcases for the MEALS ON WHEELS Christmas gifts. Next they delivered 37 Pillowcases and 13 quilts for the 50 children at Martin Luther King Day Care Center.&nbsp; The group of ladies also took 22 quilts to Salina Regional Health Center. They were presented to Stacie Maes and Aaron Anders. Members of the Silver Needles Quilt Guild have graciously given their time and talent to these groups making a happier holiday season for them.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702913216065.jpeg" alt="Silver needles" />
 <figcaption>Silver needles</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702913269072.jpeg" alt="silver needles" />
 <figcaption>silver needles</figcaption>
 </figure>

Silver Needles Quilt Guild helps out with handmade quilts 

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

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of marijuana

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Assault of LEO; Properly identified on duty and Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting and Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty, Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant and Theft of prop/services;Value $25,000 to $100,000

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Harass by telecom device; Transmit obscene comment/image/text

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Attempted Murder in the 2nd degree: Unitentional but reckless and Battery

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of marijuana

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County JailAll persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702906213769.png" alt="Matlock, Joshua Aaron" />
 <figcaption>Matlock, Joshua Aaron</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Matlock, Joshua AaronREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702906270122.png" alt="May, Tanner Leroy" />
 <figcaption>May, Tanner Leroy</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;May, Tanner LeroyREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Assault of LEO; Properly identified on duty and Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702906379095.png" alt="Nielsen, Dawson Lee" />
 <figcaption>Nielsen, Dawson Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Nielsen, Dawson LeeREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting and Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702906431040.png" alt=" Nordahl, Tony Theodore" />
 <figcaption> Nordahl, Tony Theodore</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Nordahl, Tony TheodoreREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty, Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant and Theft of prop/services;Value $25,000 to $100,000<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702906491801.png" alt="Sparkman, Joseph Richard" />
 <figcaption>Sparkman, Joseph Richard</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Sparkman, Joseph RichardREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702906536702.png" alt="Zumora, Patrick" />
 <figcaption>Zumora, Patrick</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Zumora, PatrickREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; In transit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702906126160.png" alt="Lewis, Randy Lee" />
 <figcaption>Lewis, Randy Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Lewis, Randy LeeREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; In transit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702906734002.png" alt="&nbsp;Ray, Kristen Joy" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Ray, Kristen Joy</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Ray, Kristen JoyREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Harass by telecom device; Transmit obscene comment/image/text<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702906852565.png" alt="Phanthakeo, Victor" />
 <figcaption>Phanthakeo, Victor</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; Phanthakeo, VictorREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Attempted Murder in the 2nd degree: Unitentional but reckless and Battery<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702906936288.png" alt="Kuhlmann, Wendy Lynn" />
 <figcaption>Kuhlmann, Wendy Lynn</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Kuhlmann, Wendy LynnREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702907025222.png" alt="Kounnbavong, Sumjai Kadyn" />
 <figcaption>Kounnbavong, Sumjai Kadyn</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; Kounnbavong, Sumjai KadynREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702907201312.png" alt="Kidd, Michael Eddie" />
 <figcaption>Kidd, Michael Eddie</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Kidd, Michael EddieREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of marijuana

Saline County Jail Activity, Dec. 17, 18

LINCOLN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Sunday in Lincoln County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 driven by Adin Corrin&nbsp;Hulett, 18, Lucas, was southbound on Kansas 232 approximately a mile south of Deer Drive. The car struck a deer.

EMS transported Hulett to the Lincoln County Hospital.&nbsp; There was one juvenile in the vehicle; juvenile protected data, according to the KHP. The driver was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

LINCOLN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Sunday in Lincoln County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 driven by Adin Corrin&nbsp;Hulett, 18, Lucas, was southbound on Kansas 232 approximately a mile south of Deer Drive. The car struck a deer.EMS transported Hulett to the Lincoln County Hospital.&nbsp; There was one juvenile in the vehicle; juvenile protected data, according to the KHP. The driver was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. teen hospitalized after car strikes a deer

On Dec. 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright of Dayton, Ohio, conducted the first successful manned powered-airplane flights near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, using their experimental craft, the Wright Flyer.

In 1777, France recognized American independence.

In 1933, in the inaugural NFL championship football game, the Chicago Bears defeated the New York Giants, 23-21, at Wrigley Field.

In 1944, the U.S. War Department announced it was ending its policy of excluding people of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast.

In 1957, the United States successfully test-fired the Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time.

In 1969, the U.S. Air Force closed its Project “Blue Book” by concluding there was no evidence of extraterrestrial spaceships behind thousands of UFO sightings.

In 1975, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme was sentenced in Sacramento, California, to life in prison for her attempt on the life of President Gerald R. Ford. (She was paroled in August, 2009.)

In 1979, Arthur McDuffie, a Black insurance executive, was beaten by police after leading them on a chase with his motorcycle in Miami. McDuffie died in a hospital four days later. (Four white police officers accused of beating McDuffie were later acquitted, sparking riots.)

In 1992, President George H.W. Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari signed the North American Free Trade Agreement in separate ceremonies.

In 2011, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il died after more than a decade of iron rule; he was 69, according to official records, but some reports indicated he was 70.

In 2012, Newtown, Connecticut, began laying its dead to rest, holding funerals for two 6-year-old boys, the first of the 20 children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre.

In 2014, the United States and Cuba restored diplomatic relations, sweeping away one of the last vestiges of the Cold War.

In 2017, “The Last Jedi” took in $220 million in its debut weekend in North America, good for the second-best opening ever and behind only its predecessor, “The Force Awakens.”

In 2018, a report from the Senate intelligence committee found that Russia’s political disinformation campaign on U.S. social media was more far-reaching than originally thought, with troll farms working to discourage Black voters and “blur the lines between reality and fiction” to help elect Donald Trump.

In 2020, a government advisory panel endorsed a second COVID-19 vaccine, paving the way for the shot from Moderna and the National Institutes of Health to be added to the U.S. vaccination campaign.

In 2022, the Minnesota Vikings completed the biggest comeback in NFL history by erasing a 33-point deficit to beat the Indianapolis Colts 39-36 in overtime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702673449919.png" alt="Orville Wright, lying at the controls on the lower wing, pilots the Wright Flyer on the first powered flight by a heavier-than-air aircraft, Dec. 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, N.C. In the moments before going airborne, his brother, Wilbur Wright, watching right, guided and steadied the plane as it accelerated along the starting rail at left. (AP Photo/Library of Congress, John T. Daniels)" />
 <figcaption>Orville Wright, lying at the controls on the lower wing, pilots the Wright Flyer on the first powered flight by a heavier-than-air aircraft, Dec. 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, N.C. In the moments before going airborne, his brother, Wilbur Wright, watching right, guided and steadied the plane as it accelerated along the starting rail at left. (AP Photo/Library of Congress, John T. Daniels)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Today’s Highlight in History:</h2>On Dec. 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright of Dayton, Ohio, conducted the first successful manned powered-airplane flights near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, using their experimental craft, the Wright Flyer.<h2>On this date:</h2>In 1777, France recognized American independence.In 1933, in the inaugural NFL championship football game, the Chicago Bears defeated the New York Giants, 23-21, at Wrigley Field.In 1944, the U.S. War Department announced it was ending its policy of excluding people of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast.In 1957, the United States successfully test-fired the Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time.In 1969, the U.S. Air Force closed its Project “Blue Book” by concluding there was no evidence of extraterrestrial spaceships behind thousands of UFO sightings.In 1975, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme was sentenced in Sacramento, California, to life in prison for her attempt on the life of President Gerald R. Ford. (She was paroled in August, 2009.)In 1979, Arthur McDuffie, a Black insurance executive, was beaten by police after leading them on a chase with his motorcycle in Miami. McDuffie died in a hospital four days later. (Four white police officers accused of beating McDuffie were later acquitted, sparking riots.)In 1992, President George H.W. Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari signed the North American Free Trade Agreement in separate ceremonies.In 2011, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il died after more than a decade of iron rule; he was 69, according to official records, but some reports indicated he was 70.In 2012, Newtown, Connecticut, began laying its dead to rest, holding funerals for two 6-year-old boys, the first of the 20 children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre.In 2014, the United States and Cuba restored diplomatic relations, sweeping away one of the last vestiges of the Cold War.In 2017, “The Last Jedi” took in $220 million in its debut weekend in North America, good for the second-best opening ever and behind only its predecessor, “The Force Awakens.”In 2018, a report from the Senate intelligence committee found that Russia’s political disinformation campaign on U.S. social media was more far-reaching than originally thought, with troll farms working to discourage Black voters and “blur the lines between reality and fiction” to help elect Donald Trump.In 2020, a government advisory panel endorsed a second COVID-19 vaccine, paving the way for the shot from Moderna and the National Institutes of Health to be added to the U.S. vaccination campaign.In 2022, the Minnesota Vikings completed the biggest comeback in NFL history by erasing a 33-point deficit to beat the Indianapolis Colts 39-36 in overtime.

Today in History, Dec. 17

The Kansas Legislature is teeing up to review campaign finance laws in 2024.&nbsp; It should come as no surprise that such proposals occur against a backdrop of strong public skepticism about their motives.

A recent Pew Charitable Trust poll found that 80% of Americans believe that “the people who donated a lot of money to their political campaigns” have too much influence over members of Congress, while 70% agreed that “the people in their districts” have too little.&nbsp; These supermajorities cut across party lines, and may help explain the rise of “outsider” candidates such as former President Donald Trump and Senator Bernie Sanders. To quote the classic 1976 film&nbsp;Network, the American people are “mad as hell, and we’re not going to take this anymore.”

Congressional campaigns are regulated by federal, not state finance law.&nbsp; However, most Americans do not care about the finer differences between federal and state laws–they simply believe that money has too much influence on politics. Also, Kansans do not have a particularly high opinion of the Kansas Legislature, either.&nbsp; In the 2023&nbsp;Kansas Speaks&nbsp;poll, only 2.8% of Kansans reported being “very satisfied” with the Legislature, and an additional 28.3% reported being “somewhat satisfied.” This total of 31.3% satisfied means that the Legislature’s approval ranks lower than that of Governor Laura Kelly, the Kansas Supreme Court, and Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall.&nbsp;

The current push to change the law stems from a 2022 dustup in Overland Park. Led by Mark Skoglund, the Kansas Ethics Commission investigated Fresh Vision OP, a group that sent out mailers advocating for a mayoral candidate.&nbsp; Fresh Vision OP’s leaders insist that it is a 501(c)(4), a type of nonprofit, but Skoglund suspected that it was actually a political committee.&nbsp; Shortly after that, some members of the Legislature began criticizing Skoglund for letting his law license lapse.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier this year, the Legislature considered HB (House Bill) 2391, which would have rewritten campaign finance law.&nbsp; It did not pass, but they will be back at it this coming year.&nbsp; Unfortunately, HB 2391 contained several provisions which would weaken transparency.

For example, current law requires independent groups to disclose whenever there is a finding of “cooperation or consent” with a political campaign. HB 2391 would have required it only when there is “coordination,” which is defined as “express advocacy.”&nbsp; This is not necessary: the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in&nbsp;Citizens United v FEC&nbsp;that campaign finance law may go beyond express advocacy.&nbsp; Narrowing the requirements would create a loophole allowing independent groups to advocate for candidates without disclosing the sources of their funds.&nbsp; HB 2391 would also have removed the Kansas Ethics Commission’s subpoena power, greatly weakening their ability to investigate.&nbsp; Finally, the bill would have created a disclaimer, ““No solicitation shall be considered a violation of this act if such solicitation is accompanied with a disclaimer that it is not intended for lobbyists, political committees or persons other than individuals.”

The simple appearance of this disclaimer, plus the loss of subpoena power, could block the ability of the Kansas Ethics Commission to take any further action.

There are legitimate reasons to re-visit Kansas’ campaign finance laws.&nbsp; Current laws may ensnare a well-meaning candidate whose communication accidentally falls into the hands of lobbyists, when that was not their intention.&nbsp; That said, HB 2391 was a bad bill and should not be revived.&nbsp; Skepticism toward campaign finance is running high.&nbsp; This is no time to make disclosure requirements even easier to evade.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700168795368.png" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Legislature is teeing up to review campaign finance laws in 2024.&nbsp; It should come as no surprise that such proposals occur against a backdrop of strong public skepticism about their motives.A recent Pew Charitable Trust poll found that 80% of Americans believe that “the people who donated a lot of money to their political campaigns” have too much influence over members of Congress, while 70% agreed that “the people in their districts” have too little.&nbsp; These supermajorities cut across party lines, and may help explain the rise of “outsider” candidates such as former President Donald Trump and Senator Bernie Sanders. To quote the classic 1976 film&nbsp;Network, the American people are “mad as hell, and we’re not going to take this anymore.”Congressional campaigns are regulated by federal, not state finance law.&nbsp; However, most Americans do not care about the finer differences between federal and state laws–they simply believe that money has too much influence on politics. Also, Kansans do not have a particularly high opinion of the Kansas Legislature, either.&nbsp; In the 2023&nbsp;Kansas Speaks&nbsp;poll, only 2.8% of Kansans reported being “very satisfied” with the Legislature, and an additional 28.3% reported being “somewhat satisfied.” This total of 31.3% satisfied means that the Legislature’s approval ranks lower than that of Governor Laura Kelly, the Kansas Supreme Court, and Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall.&nbsp;The current push to change the law stems from a 2022 dustup in Overland Park. Led by Mark Skoglund, the Kansas Ethics Commission investigated Fresh Vision OP, a group that sent out mailers advocating for a mayoral candidate.&nbsp; Fresh Vision OP’s leaders insist that it is a 501(c)(4), a type of nonprofit, but Skoglund suspected that it was actually a political committee.&nbsp; Shortly after that, some members of the Legislature began criticizing Skoglund for letting his law license lapse.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier this year, the Legislature considered HB (House Bill) 2391, which would have rewritten campaign finance law.&nbsp; It did not pass, but they will be back at it this coming year.&nbsp; Unfortunately, HB 2391 contained several provisions which would weaken transparency.For example, current law requires independent groups to disclose whenever there is a finding of “cooperation or consent” with a political campaign. HB 2391 would have required it only when there is “coordination,” which is defined as “express advocacy.”&nbsp; This is not necessary: the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in&nbsp;Citizens United v FEC&nbsp;that campaign finance law may go beyond express advocacy.&nbsp; Narrowing the requirements would create a loophole allowing independent groups to advocate for candidates without disclosing the sources of their funds.&nbsp; HB 2391 would also have removed the Kansas Ethics Commission’s subpoena power, greatly weakening their ability to investigate.&nbsp; Finally, the bill would have created a disclaimer, ““No solicitation shall be considered a violation of this act if such solicitation is accompanied with a disclaimer that it is not intended for lobbyists, political committees or persons other than individuals.”The simple appearance of this disclaimer, plus the loss of subpoena power, could block the ability of the Kansas Ethics Commission to take any further action.There are legitimate reasons to re-visit Kansas’ campaign finance laws.&nbsp; Current laws may ensnare a well-meaning candidate whose communication accidentally falls into the hands of lobbyists, when that was not their intention.&nbsp; That said, HB 2391 was a bad bill and should not be revived.&nbsp; Skepticism toward campaign finance is running high.&nbsp; This is no time to make disclosure requirements even easier to evade.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Ethics laws must emphasize transparency

OTTAWA COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Saturday in Ottawa County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Chevy Blazer driven by Christopher Stan&nbsp;Lewis, 66, Delphos, was southbound on U.S. 81 three miles north of the K106 and U.S. 81 Junction

The SUV traveled through the median crossing the northbound lanes continued into the east ditch, struck the KDOT fence and came to rest on wheels in the field.

EMS transported Lewis to Salina Regional Health Center. The KHP&nbsp; had incomplete seat belt usage information.

OTTAWA COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Saturday in Ottawa County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Chevy Blazer driven by Christopher Stan&nbsp;Lewis, 66, Delphos, was southbound on U.S. 81 three miles north of the K106 and U.S. 81 JunctionThe SUV traveled through the median crossing the northbound lanes continued into the east ditch, struck the KDOT fence and came to rest on wheels in the field.EMS transported Lewis to Salina Regional Health Center. The KHP&nbsp; had incomplete seat belt usage information.

Kan. man hospitalized in Salina after SUV struck KDOT fence

By RON WILSON Director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University

Where would you find an internationally known quilt designer?

Would you believe, in the middle of rural Kansas?

Lynne Hagmeier is too modest to describe herself in this way, but Hagmeier’s world-class quilt design work has been recognized across the nation and beyond.

Lynne and Robert Hagmeier are the owners of Kansas Troubles Quilters shop in Bennington. Lynne became fascinated with sewing at an early age. “Mom taught me to sew, and my grandmother made Barbie doll clothes with me,” Hagmeier said.

She grew up in Bennington, married her high school sweetheart, joined the Air Force, and used the GI bill to earn a degree in social work. She was living in Texas with her family when her husband was killed in an auto accident. Lynne and her four little kids returned to Kansas.

At a church picnic, she met Robert Hagmeier who was from Salina and had children the same age as hers. Lynne and Robert married and settled in Salina.

Hagmeier took a break from social work. She went into a local quilt shop and found she was fascinated with quilting. She and two friends started making little quilts. They decided to sell them at the Salina Riverfest.

“The Riverfest needed a name to put in the program,” Hagmeier said. “We looked in the quilt encyclopedia, which has thousands of quilt blocks, and found a design from the Civil War called Kansas Troubles. One of our husbands called the three of us triple trouble, so it seemed like a fit.”

Kansas Troubles Quilters was born. In 1994, after many requests for the patterns of their original creations, they published their patterns for wholesale distribution to quilt shops. Hagmeier continued the business after her friends moved on. She especially liked the design work.

“I didn’t want to make the same quilt over and over,” Hagmeier said. “I liked designing new ones, and I wanted to sell my ideas rather than sell my labor.”

She traveled around the state showing store owners her designs. One owner suggested she go to the International Quilt Market in Houston. She did so and connected with the Moda fabrics company, sometimes described as the Cadillac of fabric wholesalers. The people at Moda liked her work so much that they asked her to design a fabric line for them in 1999.

The Hagmeiers needed more space as the business grew. They bought and remodeled a vacant building in Lynne’s hometown of Bennington where they eventually moved.

The Hagmeiers also enjoy collecting antiques. They display many of those antiques in their store.

“Quilt retreats were becoming popular,” Lynne said. The Hagmeiers made the upstairs into a place for quilt retreats and put her studio and a small retail space on the first floor. The space became booked solid for retreats. As demand grew, the retail space expanded to fill the entire first floor and the studio was moved into their home.

“We started getting requests to do training and demonstrations in other states,” Hagmeier said. Then she began participating in something called a quilting cruise to places such as Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean. Demand blossomed to the point that Robert left his job and joined the business.

Kansas Troubles quilts now hosts an annual fall KT &amp; Friends quilters retreat which attracts 50-80 ladies from across the country. “I like to bring in a guest teacher each fall,” Hagmeier said.

Today, Kansas Troubles Quilters shop in Bennington is a destination stop for quilters from across the nation. Hagmeier has created hundreds of quilt designs and written two dozen books. As noted, she designed her first line in 1999. “I’m now working on my 78th line,” she said.

It's an impressive business to be found in a rural community such as Bennington, population 622 people. Now, that’s rural.

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ktquilts.com/">www.ktquilts.com</a>.

Bennington, Kansas is where we can find this international quilt design expert. We salute Lynne and Robert Hagmeier for their expertise in quilting craftsmanship. For quilters across the country, they are making a world of difference.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702672086330.jpeg" alt="Kansas Troubles Quilters, Bennington" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Troubles Quilters, Bennington</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State UniversityWhere would you find an internationally known quilt designer?Would you believe, in the middle of rural Kansas?Lynne Hagmeier is too modest to describe herself in this way, but Hagmeier’s world-class quilt design work has been recognized across the nation and beyond.Lynne and Robert Hagmeier are the owners of Kansas Troubles Quilters shop in Bennington. Lynne became fascinated with sewing at an early age. “Mom taught me to sew, and my grandmother made Barbie doll clothes with me,” Hagmeier said.Quilting would come later.She grew up in Bennington, married her high school sweetheart, joined the Air Force, and used the GI bill to earn a degree in social work. She was living in Texas with her family when her husband was killed in an auto accident. Lynne and her four little kids returned to Kansas.At a church picnic, she met Robert Hagmeier who was from Salina and had children the same age as hers. Lynne and Robert married and settled in Salina.Hagmeier took a break from social work. She went into a local quilt shop and found she was fascinated with quilting. She and two friends started making little quilts. They decided to sell them at the Salina Riverfest.“The Riverfest needed a name to put in the program,” Hagmeier said. “We looked in the quilt encyclopedia, which has thousands of quilt blocks, and found a design from the Civil War called Kansas Troubles. One of our husbands called the three of us triple trouble, so it seemed like a fit.”Kansas Troubles Quilters was born. In 1994, after many requests for the patterns of their original creations, they published their patterns for wholesale distribution to quilt shops. Hagmeier continued the business after her friends moved on. She especially liked the design work.“I didn’t want to make the same quilt over and over,” Hagmeier said. “I liked designing new ones, and I wanted to sell my ideas rather than sell my labor.”She traveled around the state showing store owners her designs. One owner suggested she go to the International Quilt Market in Houston. She did so and connected with the Moda fabrics company, sometimes described as the Cadillac of fabric wholesalers. The people at Moda liked her work so much that they asked her to design a fabric line for them in 1999.The Hagmeiers needed more space as the business grew. They bought and remodeled a vacant building in Lynne’s hometown of Bennington where they eventually moved.The Hagmeiers also enjoy collecting antiques. They display many of those antiques in their store.“Quilt retreats were becoming popular,” Lynne said. The Hagmeiers made the upstairs into a place for quilt retreats and put her studio and a small retail space on the first floor. The space became booked solid for retreats. As demand grew, the retail space expanded to fill the entire first floor and the studio was moved into their home.“We started getting requests to do training and demonstrations in other states,” Hagmeier said. Then she began participating in something called a quilting cruise to places such as Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean. Demand blossomed to the point that Robert left his job and joined the business.Kansas Troubles quilts now hosts an annual fall KT &amp; Friends quilters retreat which attracts 50-80 ladies from across the country. “I like to bring in a guest teacher each fall,” Hagmeier said.Today, Kansas Troubles Quilters shop in Bennington is a destination stop for quilters from across the nation. Hagmeier has created hundreds of quilt designs and written two dozen books. As noted, she designed her first line in 1999. “I’m now working on my 78th line,” she said.It's an impressive business to be found in a rural community such as Bennington, population 622 people. Now, that’s rural.For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ktquilts.com/">www.ktquilts.com</a>.Bennington, Kansas is where we can find this international quilt design expert. We salute Lynne and Robert Hagmeier for their expertise in quilting craftsmanship. For quilters across the country, they are making a world of difference.