By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie farmer and rancher

We are clearly in the middle of fall and that means harvest. Harvest is one of the most thrilling, rewarding, happiest time of the year. Of course, that is when things go right. It can also be the most maddening, frustrating, disappointing times of the year when they do not. If you are in agriculture and you do not look forward to this time of the year you might be in the wrong business. Fall is our Super Bowl.

Good or bad, harvest is all about the rush, time crunch and stress. We are always in a hurry, and it must be done yesterday. I know we do not have any free time during this time of the year, but I want you to take just a moment. Think about what you are a part of. In just a few short weeks we will harvest enough food to feed most of the world. You are part of a well-oiled machine that feeds more people, with fewer resources and less of an impact to our environment than any where else in this world.

As a Kansas Farmer you utilize the best technology along with the latest research and techniques to produce more grain from a single acre than our grandfathers could have ever imagined 50 years ago. I am pretty sure we are all on the run so much that we don’t ever take a minute to just sit back and think about what we are doing, much less do we share what amazing work we are doing.

Look out across those acres of the best hybrid technology in your fields be it corn or soybeans. How many bushels would those same acres have produced 20 years ago or even 10. What farming methods are you using? It is stunning to think about how far our business has come in just a few short years, and I guarantee you that we will be stunned again 10 years from now. We are part of one of the most innovative, progressive industries, and we have to be.

In the next 50 years we must find a way to produce more food than we have ever produced. You know what — I have no doubt we will do it. Those of us in agriculture have always risen to the challenge and we always will. No one is more productive than the American farmer, we are without a doubt the best in the business. We do not often acknowledge it because that is the kind of people we are. We have our nose the grindstone, do our job and wake up the next day and do it all over again.

I challenge you to take a moment and think about the work we all do, go ahead, and stick your chest out, you deserve it. While you are at it, tell others about it. Take pride in it. The last few months have proven just how important agriculture is. After the moment is over, get back to work, you have a lot to get done.

"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 © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Brunkow. Photo courtesy KFB" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow. Photo courtesy KFB</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie farmer and rancherWe are clearly in the middle of fall and that means harvest. Harvest is one of the most thrilling, rewarding, happiest time of the year. Of course, that is when things go right. It can also be the most maddening, frustrating, disappointing times of the year when they do not. If you are in agriculture and you do not look forward to this time of the year you might be in the wrong business. Fall is our Super Bowl.Good or bad, harvest is all about the rush, time crunch and stress. We are always in a hurry, and it must be done yesterday. I know we do not have any free time during this time of the year, but I want you to take just a moment. Think about what you are a part of. In just a few short weeks we will harvest enough food to feed most of the world. You are part of a well-oiled machine that feeds more people, with fewer resources and less of an impact to our environment than any where else in this world.As a Kansas Farmer you utilize the best technology along with the latest research and techniques to produce more grain from a single acre than our grandfathers could have ever imagined 50 years ago. I am pretty sure we are all on the run so much that we don’t ever take a minute to just sit back and think about what we are doing, much less do we share what amazing work we are doing.Look out across those acres of the best hybrid technology in your fields be it corn or soybeans. How many bushels would those same acres have produced 20 years ago or even 10. What farming methods are you using? It is stunning to think about how far our business has come in just a few short years, and I guarantee you that we will be stunned again 10 years from now. We are part of one of the most innovative, progressive industries, and we have to be.In the next 50 years we must find a way to produce more food than we have ever produced. You know what — I have no doubt we will do it. Those of us in agriculture have always risen to the challenge and we always will. No one is more productive than the American farmer, we are without a doubt the best in the business. We do not often acknowledge it because that is the kind of people we are. We have our nose the grindstone, do our job and wake up the next day and do it all over again.I challenge you to take a moment and think about the work we all do, go ahead, and stick your chest out, you deserve it. While you are at it, tell others about it. Take pride in it. The last few months have proven just how important agriculture is. After the moment is over, get back to work, you have a lot to get done."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 © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

INSIGHT: Taking pride in agriculture

The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in partnership with Saline County, Kansas, is assisting small businesses seeking capital in response to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 from the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Small Business Grant Fund.

The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation program offers grants of up to $25,000 to eligible small for-profit businesses located in Saline County, Kansas. These grant funds are designed to assist with loss of income due to the business interruption impacts of COVID-19 and the Stay at Home Order. The grant amount is calculated based on $2,500 per eligible employee.

The total funds available under this grant program are $2,693,313.71; full eligibility criteria, details and a preview of the application are available by visiting <a href="http://www.salinakansas.org/grants.html">www.salinakansas.org/grants.html</a>.

The application can be previewed beginning Wednesday. The application portal will open on Oct. 1, 2020 at 12:30 p.m.

For all questions, please email grants@salinakansas.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600825569400.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in partnership with Saline County, Kansas, is assisting small businesses seeking capital in response to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 from the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Small Business Grant Fund.The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation program offers grants of up to $25,000 to eligible small for-profit businesses located in Saline County, Kansas. These grant funds are designed to assist with loss of income due to the business interruption impacts of COVID-19 and the Stay at Home Order. The grant amount is calculated based on $2,500 per eligible employee.The total funds available under this grant program are $2,693,313.71; full eligibility criteria, details and a preview of the application are available by visiting <a href="http://www.salinakansas.org/grants.html">www.salinakansas.org/grants.html</a>.The application can be previewed beginning Wednesday. The application portal will open on Oct. 1, 2020 at 12:30 p.m.For all questions, please email grants@salinakansas.org.

Chamber foundation launches small business grant program

Today is Wednesday, Sept. 23, the 267th day of 2020. There are 99 days left in the year. 

On Sept. 23, 1952, Sen. Richard M. Nixon, R-Calif., salvaged his vice-presidential nomination by appearing on television from Los Angeles to refute allegations of improper campaign fundraising in what became known as the "Checkers" speech. 

In 63 B.C., Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor, was born. 

In 1806, the Lewis and Clark expedition returned to St. Louis more than two years after setting out for the Pacific Northwest. 

In 1846, Neptune was identified as a planet by German astronomer Johann Gottfried Galle. 

In 1932, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded.

In 1939, Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, died in London at age 83.

In 1949, President Harry S. Truman announced there was evidence the Soviet Union had recently conducted a nuclear test explosion. (The test had been carried out on Aug. 29, 1949.) 

In 1955, a jury in Sumner, Mississippi, acquitted two white men, Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam, of murdering Black teenager Emmett Till. (The two men later admitted to the crime in an interview with Look magazine.) 

In 1957, nine Black students who'd entered Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas were forced to withdraw because of a white mob outside. 

In 1987, Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., withdrew from the Democratic presidential race following questions about his use of borrowed quotations and the portrayal of his academic record. 

In 1999, the Mars Climate Orbiter apparently burned up as it attempted to go into orbit around the Red Planet.

In 2001, President George W. Bush returned the American flag to full staff at Camp David, symbolically ending a period of national mourning following the 9/11 attacks. 

In 2002, Gov. Gray Davis signed a law making California the first state to offer workers paid family leave. 

Ten years ago: The U.S. delegation walked out of a U.N. speech by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad after he said some in the world had speculated that the U.S. staged the September 11, 2001 attacks in an attempt to assure Israel's survival. Congressional Republicans unveiled their "Pledge to America," a strongly worded manifesto promising to return government to the people. Teresa Lewis, 41, was executed by the state of Virginia for arranging the killings of her husband and stepson to collect on a $250,000 insurance policy.

Five years ago: In the first canonization on U.S. soil, Pope Francis elevated to sainthood Junipero Serra, an 18th-century missionary who'd brought Catholicism to the American West Coast. Earlier in the day, the pontiff met with President Barack Obama at the White House and was greeted by adoring crowds during an outdoor procession. Chinese President Xi Jinping, visiting Seattle, addressed Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, billionaire investor Warren Buffett and other top American and Chinese business leaders, vowing his country would work to remove barriers to foreign investment and improve intellectual property protections. Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn resigned, days after admitting that the world's top-selling carmaker had rigged diesel emissions to pass U.S. tests during his tenure; Winterkorn denied any personal wrongdoing.

One year ago: During a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations, President Donald Trump denied telling the president of Ukraine that his country would only get U.S. aid if Ukraine investigated the son of Democratic rival Joe Biden. World leaders gathered at the Climate Action Summit at the United Nations pledged to do more to prevent a warming world from reaching even more dangerous levels; even before they spoke, they were scolded in a speech by teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, who shamed then for their inaction by repeatedly asking, "How dare you?" Hundreds of thousands of travelers were left stranded across the world after the British tour operator Thomas Cook collapsed, immediately halting almost all of its flights and hotel services and laying off employees; the 178-year-old company had helped create the package tour industry.

Today's Birthdays: Singer Julio Iglesias is 77. Actor Paul Petersen (TV: "The Donna Reed Show") is 75. Actor/singer Mary Kay Place is 73. Rock star Bruce Springsteen is 71. Director/playwright George C. Wolfe is 66. Rock musician Leon Taylor (The Ventures) is 65. Actor Rosalind Chao is 63. Golfer Larry Mize is 62. Actor Jason Alexander is 61. Actor Chi McBride is 59. Country musician Don Herron (BR549) is 58. Actor Erik Todd Dellums is 56. Actor LisaRaye is 54. Singer Ani DiFranco is 50. Rock singer Sam (formerly Sarah) Bettens (K's Choice) is 48. Recording executive Jermaine Dupri is 48. Actor Kip Pardue is 44. Actor Anthony Mackie is 42. Pop singer Erik-Michael Estrada (TV: "Making the Band") is 41. Actor Aubrey Dollar is 40. Actor Brandon Victor Dixon is 39. Actor David Lim is 37. Pop singer Diana Ortiz (Dream) is 35. Actor Cush Jumbo is 35. Actor Skylar Astin is 33. Former tennis player Melanie Oudin is 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, Sept. 23, the 267th day of 2020. There are 99 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Sept. 23, 1952, Sen. Richard M. Nixon, R-Calif., salvaged his vice-presidential nomination by appearing on television from Los Angeles to refute allegations of improper campaign fundraising in what became known as the "Checkers" speech. On this date:In 63 B.C., Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor, was born. In 1806, the Lewis and Clark expedition returned to St. Louis more than two years after setting out for the Pacific Northwest. In 1846, Neptune was identified as a planet by German astronomer Johann Gottfried Galle. In 1932, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was founded.In 1939, Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, died in London at age 83.In 1949, President Harry S. Truman announced there was evidence the Soviet Union had recently conducted a nuclear test explosion. (The test had been carried out on Aug. 29, 1949.) In 1955, a jury in Sumner, Mississippi, acquitted two white men, Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam, of murdering Black teenager Emmett Till. (The two men later admitted to the crime in an interview with Look magazine.) In 1957, nine Black students who'd entered Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas were forced to withdraw because of a white mob outside. In 1987, Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., withdrew from the Democratic presidential race following questions about his use of borrowed quotations and the portrayal of his academic record. In 1999, the Mars Climate Orbiter apparently burned up as it attempted to go into orbit around the Red Planet.In 2001, President George W. Bush returned the American flag to full staff at Camp David, symbolically ending a period of national mourning following the 9/11 attacks. In 2002, Gov. Gray Davis signed a law making California the first state to offer workers paid family leave. Ten years ago: The U.S. delegation walked out of a U.N. speech by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad after he said some in the world had speculated that the U.S. staged the September 11, 2001 attacks in an attempt to assure Israel's survival. Congressional Republicans unveiled their "Pledge to America," a strongly worded manifesto promising to return government to the people. Teresa Lewis, 41, was executed by the state of Virginia for arranging the killings of her husband and stepson to collect on a $250,000 insurance policy. Five years ago: In the first canonization on U.S. soil, Pope Francis elevated to sainthood Junipero Serra, an 18th-century missionary who'd brought Catholicism to the American West Coast. Earlier in the day, the pontiff met with President Barack Obama at the White House and was greeted by adoring crowds during an outdoor procession. Chinese President Xi Jinping, visiting Seattle, addressed Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, billionaire investor Warren Buffett and other top American and Chinese business leaders, vowing his country would work to remove barriers to foreign investment and improve intellectual property protections. Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn resigned, days after admitting that the world's top-selling carmaker had rigged diesel emissions to pass U.S. tests during his tenure; Winterkorn denied any personal wrongdoing.One year ago: During a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations, President Donald Trump denied telling the president of Ukraine that his country would only get U.S. aid if Ukraine investigated the son of Democratic rival Joe Biden. World leaders gathered at the Climate Action Summit at the United Nations pledged to do more to prevent a warming world from reaching even more dangerous levels; even before they spoke, they were scolded in a speech by teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, who shamed then for their inaction by repeatedly asking, "How dare you?" Hundreds of thousands of travelers were left stranded across the world after the British tour operator Thomas Cook collapsed, immediately halting almost all of its flights and hotel services and laying off employees; the 178-year-old company had helped create the package tour industry.Today's Birthdays: Singer Julio Iglesias is 77. Actor Paul Petersen (TV: "The Donna Reed Show") is 75. Actor/singer Mary Kay Place is 73. Rock star Bruce Springsteen is 71. Director/playwright George C. Wolfe is 66. Rock musician Leon Taylor (The Ventures) is 65. Actor Rosalind Chao is 63. Golfer Larry Mize is 62. Actor Jason Alexander is 61. Actor Chi McBride is 59. Country musician Don Herron (BR549) is 58. Actor Erik Todd Dellums is 56. Actor LisaRaye is 54. Singer Ani DiFranco is 50. Rock singer Sam (formerly Sarah) Bettens (K's Choice) is 48. Recording executive Jermaine Dupri is 48. Actor Kip Pardue is 44. Actor Anthony Mackie is 42. Pop singer Erik-Michael Estrada (TV: "Making the Band") is 41. Actor Aubrey Dollar is 40. Actor Brandon Victor Dixon is 39. Actor David Lim is 37. Pop singer Diana Ortiz (Dream) is 35. Actor Cush Jumbo is 35. Actor Skylar Astin is 33. Former tennis player Melanie Oudin is 29.

Today in History -- Sept. 23

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Recent obituaries

County continues mask mandate for at least two more weeks

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported four additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 260.

Information about the most recent cases, as provided by the health department, is as follows.

●Positive case No. 257 is a symptomatic female in her 40s with known exposure.

●Positive case No. 258 is a symptomatic male in his 50s with known exposure.

●Positive case No. 259 is a symptomatic female in her 50s with known exposure.

●Positive case No. 260 is an asymptomatic female in her 20s with known exposure.

Of the 260 total confirmed cases, 247 have met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines and two of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department reported.

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported four additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 260.Information about the most recent cases, as provided by the health department, is as follows.●Positive case No. 257 is a symptomatic female in her 40s with known exposure.●Positive case No. 258 is a symptomatic male in his 50s with known exposure.●Positive case No. 259 is a symptomatic female in her 50s with known exposure.●Positive case No. 260 is an asymptomatic female in her 20s with known exposure.Of the 260 total confirmed cases, 247 have met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines and two of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department reported.

McPherson County reports 4 additional COVID-19 cases

TIPTON -- If you're thinking of a day trip in the area, check this out! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasPostRockLimestoneCoalition/">Kansas Post Rock Limestone Coalition</a> Facebook page:

TIPTON -- If you're thinking of a day trip in the area, check this out! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasPostRockLimestoneCoalition/">Kansas Post Rock Limestone Coalition</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasPostRockLimestoneCoalition%2Fposts%2F960051757739725&show_text=true&width=552&height=709&appId" width="552" height="709" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

KPRLC: Check out the Tipton Heritage Museum

But the days are dwindling for canning summer’s fruit, vegetables

MANHATTAN – Most Midwest gardeners are winding down the summer season, with the bounties of their work slowly dwindling to just a few more fruit or vegetables.&nbsp;

It also marks the last few weeks of work for those who prefer to store canned foods, said Kansas State University food safety specialist Karen Blakeslee.&nbsp;

“Canning season starts to wind down as gardens finish producing produce,” she said. “Don’t waste those last few tomatoes or winter squash. Many garden foods can be preserved by canning, freezing or dehydrating.”&nbsp;

Blakeslee is also the coordinator of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">K-State’s Rapid Response Center</a>&nbsp;for food safety, which maintains a wealth of information on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/preservation/index.html" target="_blank">food preservation and recipe sources online</a>.&nbsp;

Among the current recommendations for squeezing out a few more canned goods, she suggests:&nbsp;

Pick the last tomatoes before a frost or freeze.&nbsp;Tomatoes left on the vine after a freeze should not be canned because their acidity changes. They should be eaten, frozen or dehydrated instead.

Can green tomatoes just like ripe tomatoes.&nbsp;Add bottled lemon juice or citric acid to acidify green tomatoes. They can be used in a variety of pickled products or even pie filling.

Pumpkin or winter squash must be canned in cubes only.&nbsp;There is no research to support canning mashed pumpkin or winter squash. Freeze it instead.

Soup is a good use of many vegetables with added meat.&nbsp;Do not add thickeners, pasta, rice or dairy products before canning. Those can be added to the safely-canned soup mix later.&nbsp;

Once the canning season wraps up, Blakeslee suggests cleaning and maintaining equipment before putting it away for the year.&nbsp;

“Wash and clean canners to remove leftover food debris and hard water deposits,” she said. “Be sure all parts are clean and in working order now to save time next year.”&nbsp;

Unused jars and rings should be inspected for defects or damage. Blakeslee suggests crumpling clean paper towels inside canners to absorb odors and moisture. Then store equipment in a clean, dry location.&nbsp;

“Taking time to care for equipment now can help extend its life for years to come,” she said.&nbsp;

Learn more about food preservation at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rrc.k-state.edu/preservation" target="_blank">www.rrc.k-state.edu/preservation</a>.&nbsp;

<h2>But the days are dwindling for canning summer’s fruit, vegetables</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591234920277.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – Most Midwest gardeners are winding down the summer season, with the bounties of their work slowly dwindling to just a few more fruit or vegetables.&nbsp;It also marks the last few weeks of work for those who prefer to store canned foods, said Kansas State University food safety specialist Karen Blakeslee.&nbsp;“Canning season starts to wind down as gardens finish producing produce,” she said. “Don’t waste those last few tomatoes or winter squash. Many garden foods can be preserved by canning, freezing or dehydrating.”&nbsp;Blakeslee is also the coordinator of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">K-State’s Rapid Response Center</a>&nbsp;for food safety, which maintains a wealth of information on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/preservation/index.html" target="_blank">food preservation and recipe sources online</a>.&nbsp;Among the current recommendations for squeezing out a few more canned goods, she suggests:&nbsp;Pick the last tomatoes before a frost or freeze.&nbsp;Tomatoes left on the vine after a freeze should not be canned because their acidity changes. They should be eaten, frozen or dehydrated instead.Can green tomatoes just like ripe tomatoes.&nbsp;Add bottled lemon juice or citric acid to acidify green tomatoes. They can be used in a variety of pickled products or even pie filling.Pumpkin or winter squash must be canned in cubes only.&nbsp;There is no research to support canning mashed pumpkin or winter squash. Freeze it instead.Soup is a good use of many vegetables with added meat.&nbsp;Do not add thickeners, pasta, rice or dairy products before canning. Those can be added to the safely-canned soup mix later.&nbsp;What next?&nbsp;Once the canning season wraps up, Blakeslee suggests cleaning and maintaining equipment before putting it away for the year.&nbsp;“Wash and clean canners to remove leftover food debris and hard water deposits,” she said. “Be sure all parts are clean and in working order now to save time next year.”&nbsp;Unused jars and rings should be inspected for defects or damage. Blakeslee suggests crumpling clean paper towels inside canners to absorb odors and moisture. Then store equipment in a clean, dry location.&nbsp;“Taking time to care for equipment now can help extend its life for years to come,” she said.&nbsp;Learn more about food preservation at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rrc.k-state.edu/preservation" target="_blank">www.rrc.k-state.edu/preservation</a>.&nbsp;

There’s still time to preserve garden produce

WICHITA– A Kansas&nbsp; man pleaded guilty Tuesday to an armed robbery at a convenience store in Newton, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Jorge Correa, 25, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. In his plea, Correa admitted that on Feb. 4, 2020, he and two co-defendants robbed the EZ Trip at 100 S. Main in Newton.

Correa had a military style rifle. The clerk gave them cash, but Correa demanded more. While the clerk was getting money from her purse, Correa fired several shots that hit the ceiling, aisle displays and an ATM machine.

Both Correa and Montes were armed when they entered the store before 6 a.m. Feb. 4.

Investigators used surveillance footage to identify a license tag number of the getaway vehicle. After a high speed pursuit, the Kansas Highway Patrol arrested the three defendants. Urias was driving. Montes was wearing a red hoodie and sitting in the front passenger seat. Correa was sitting in the back seat with a rifle.

Co-defendant&nbsp;Rico Montes&nbsp;is set for a change of plea hearing Sept. 30. Co-defendant&nbsp;Jeremiah Urias&nbsp;is set for a change of plea hearing Sept. 28.

Correa is set for sentencing Dec. 8. He could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended the FBI, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Newton Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600809470070.png" alt="Law enforcement on the scene of the crash and arrest on Magnolia Road in Salina. Photo courtesy KHP" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement on the scene of the crash and arrest on Magnolia Road in Salina. Photo courtesy KHP</figcaption>
 </figure> WICHITA– A Kansas&nbsp; man pleaded guilty Tuesday to an armed robbery at a convenience store in Newton, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Jorge Correa, 25, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. In his plea, Correa admitted that on Feb. 4, 2020, he and two co-defendants robbed the EZ Trip at 100 S. Main in Newton.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581099764567.png" alt="Correa. Photo courtesy Harvey County" />
 <figcaption>Correa. Photo courtesy Harvey County</figcaption>
 </figure>Correa had a military style rifle. The clerk gave them cash, but Correa demanded more. While the clerk was getting money from her purse, Correa fired several shots that hit the ceiling, aisle displays and an ATM machine.Both Correa and Montes were armed when they entered the store before 6 a.m. Feb. 4.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600809125735.png" alt="Montes" />
 <figcaption>Montes</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators used surveillance footage to identify a license tag number of the getaway vehicle. After a high speed pursuit, the Kansas Highway Patrol arrested the three defendants. Urias was driving. Montes was wearing a red hoodie and sitting in the front passenger seat. Correa was sitting in the back seat with a rifle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581099636176.png" alt="Urias. Photo courtesy Harvey Co." />
 <figcaption>Urias. Photo courtesy Harvey Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Co-defendant&nbsp;Rico Montes&nbsp;is set for a change of plea hearing Sept. 30. Co-defendant&nbsp;Jeremiah Urias&nbsp;is set for a change of plea hearing Sept. 28.Correa is set for sentencing Dec. 8. He could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended the FBI, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Newton Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.

Kan. man admits he fired shots in Newton armed robbery

USD 305 has reported today three additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, this time at three of its elementary schools. 

According to the district's <a href="https://www.usd305.com/covid-19_incidents">COVID-19 Incidents webpage</a>, positive cases were reported today at Stewart Elementary School, Meadowlark Ridge Elementary School, and Heusner Elementary School.

Those cases bring the district total to 12 since the district began reporting confirmed COVID-19 cases on Sept. 3.

USD 305 has reported today three additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, this time at three of its elementary schools. According to the district's <a href="https://www.usd305.com/covid-19_incidents">COVID-19 Incidents webpage</a>, positive cases were reported today at Stewart Elementary School, Meadowlark Ridge Elementary School, and Heusner Elementary School.Those cases bring the district total to 12 since the district began reporting confirmed COVID-19 cases on Sept. 3.

USD 305 reports 3 additional cases of COVID-19 at schools

ABILENE -- The Abilene City Commission is scheduled to consider enacting a mask/face covering ordinance during a special meeting on Wednesday.

The meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Abilene Public Library, 209 Northwest Fourth Street. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to social distance, the city is encouraging residents to view "all meetings virtually on the live streamed City of Abilene's YouTube page at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNURrU0ueP6_dRpHYu1wJEg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNURrU0ueP6_dRpHYu1wJEg</a>," according to a notice on the agenda for the special meeting.

According to the meeting agenda, the ordinance, if approved, would require the wearing of face masks or other face coverings in public spaces within the city limits of Abilene.

ABILENE -- The Abilene City Commission is scheduled to consider enacting a mask/face covering ordinance during a special meeting on Wednesday.The meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Abilene Public Library, 209 Northwest Fourth Street. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to social distance, the city is encouraging residents to view "all meetings virtually on the live streamed City of Abilene's YouTube page at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNURrU0ueP6_dRpHYu1wJEg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNURrU0ueP6_dRpHYu1wJEg</a>," according to a notice on the agenda for the special meeting.According to the meeting agenda, the ordinance, if approved, would require the wearing of face masks or other face coverings in public spaces within the city limits of Abilene.

Abilene City Commission to consider mask ordinance

If you're not yet registered to vote in the Nov. 3 general election, you can register up until 8 p.m. on Oct. 13, according to information on the Saline County Clerk's <a href="https://www.saline.org/Departments/Elections-Office/Voter-Registration#1060129-registering-to-vote-in-person">website</a>.

County Clerk Jamie Doss told Salina Post that her office has received nearly 500 new voter registrations this month.

"August certified registration count was 36,993 and as of today we are at 37,488," she said.

"Always glad to see people register and hope they will get informed and get out and vote," she added. "Every vote counts!"

There are multiple places in the county that residents can register to vote. 

Saline County residents can register in the Saline County Clerk's Office, room 215 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. Doss told Salina Post that her office also will be open late (5-8 p.m.) on Oct. 8, 9, and 13 to accommodate those who cannot make it into the office between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saline County residents also can register at a number of sites throughout the county. For a complete list of sites, go to <a href="http://www.saline.org/Departments/Elections-Office/Voter-Registration">www.saline.org/Departments/Elections-Office/Voter-Registration</a> and click on the "Where can I register to Vote?" tab. You also can find all sorts of additional voter registration information on that webpage.

Additionally, Kansas residents can register on the Kansas Secretary of State's <a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg/Default.aspx">website</a>.

Not sure whether you are registered or need to check your polling place? The Kansas Secretary of State has you covered there, too. <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView">Click here</a> to go to the Kansas Secretary of State's Voter View website.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600803313786.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy <a href="http://nationalvoterregistrationday.org">nationalvoterregistrationday.org</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy <a href="http://nationalvoterregistrationday.org">nationalvoterregistrationday.org</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Happy National Voter Registration Day!If you're not yet registered to vote in the Nov. 3 general election, you can register up until 8 p.m. on Oct. 13, according to information on the Saline County Clerk's <a href="https://www.saline.org/Departments/Elections-Office/Voter-Registration#1060129-registering-to-vote-in-person">website</a>.County Clerk Jamie Doss told Salina Post that her office has received nearly 500 new voter registrations this month."August certified registration count was 36,993 and as of today we are at 37,488," she said."Always glad to see people register and hope they will get informed and get out and vote," she added. "Every vote counts!"There are multiple places in the county that residents can register to vote. Saline County residents can register in the Saline County Clerk's Office, room 215 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. Doss told Salina Post that her office also will be open late (5-8 p.m.) on Oct. 8, 9, and 13 to accommodate those who cannot make it into the office between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.Saline County residents also can register at a number of sites throughout the county. For a complete list of sites, go to <a href="http://www.saline.org/Departments/Elections-Office/Voter-Registration">www.saline.org/Departments/Elections-Office/Voter-Registration</a> and click on the "Where can I register to Vote?" tab. You also can find all sorts of additional voter registration information on that webpage.Additionally, Kansas residents can register on the Kansas Secretary of State's <a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg/Default.aspx">website</a>.Not sure whether you are registered or need to check your polling place? The Kansas Secretary of State has you covered there, too. <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView">Click here</a> to go to the Kansas Secretary of State's Voter View website.

Happy National Voter Registration Day! Are you registered to vote?

The Salina Police Department has introduced its newest officers. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaKSPD/">Salina Police Department</a> Facebook page:

The Salina Police Department has introduced its newest officers. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaKSPD/">Salina Police Department</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSalinaKSPD%2Fposts%2F3211395458915793&show_text=true&width=552&height=479&appId" width="552" height="479" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Salina Police Department introduces newest officers

Congratulations to Steve Smiley of Salina, the Week 2 winner in the Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="http://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.

Steve, who scored 16 out of 16, wins $100.

The season has started, but with our great weekly prizes, you still have time to win!

<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up and play Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="http://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.

Throughout the season, Anesthesia Associates' Gridiron Glory on Salina Post gives you the opportunity to win weekly prizes, including Kansas City Chiefs merchandise and even cash!

In addition to the weekly prizes, you can accumulate points throughout the pro football season toward winning the local grand prize of $1,000 and a national grand prize of a trip to Hawaii!

But remember: You can't win if you don't play! Are you up to the challenge? Sign up for Anesthesia Associates'&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">Gridiron Glory</a>&nbsp;today!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599153961730.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Steve Smiley of Salina, the Week 2 winner in the Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="http://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.Steve, who scored 16 out of 16, wins $100.The season has started, but with our great weekly prizes, you still have time to win!<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up and play Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="http://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.Throughout the season, Anesthesia Associates' Gridiron Glory on Salina Post gives you the opportunity to win weekly prizes, including Kansas City Chiefs merchandise and even cash!In addition to the weekly prizes, you can accumulate points throughout the pro football season toward winning the local grand prize of $1,000 and a national grand prize of a trip to Hawaii!But remember: You can't win if you don't play! Are you up to the challenge? Sign up for Anesthesia Associates'&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">Gridiron Glory</a>&nbsp;today!

Gridiron Glory: Congrats Steve Smiley!

A 91-year-old Salina man was killed Monday afternoon when he was struck by an SUV near Oakdale Park.

James Price, 91, Salina, sustained fatal injuries when he was struck by a 2015 GMC Acadia driven by Gary Hindman, 82, of Salina, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. The accident occurred at 4:33 p.m. Monday in the 600 block of Oakdale Drive.

According to Forrester, the Acadia had just turned westbound onto Oakdale Drive from South Oakdale Avenue when Hindman reportedly became light headed and dizzy and possibly blacked out. The Acadia struck a 1992 Nissan Frontier pickup that was parked on Oakdale Drive, as well as Price, who was standing in the street next to the pickup, Forrester explained.

The pickup sustained rear driver's side and driver's side damage, he noted. The Acadia sustained front passenger and passenger side damage and was removed from the scene by a Hindman family member, Forrester reported.

The accident remains under investigation, he noted. A medical condition may have been a contributing factor to the accident, Forrester added.

A 91-year-old Salina man was killed Monday afternoon when he was struck by an SUV near Oakdale Park.James Price, 91, Salina, sustained fatal injuries when he was struck by a 2015 GMC Acadia driven by Gary Hindman, 82, of Salina, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. The accident occurred at 4:33 p.m. Monday in the 600 block of Oakdale Drive.According to Forrester, the Acadia had just turned westbound onto Oakdale Drive from South Oakdale Avenue when Hindman reportedly became light headed and dizzy and possibly blacked out. The Acadia struck a 1992 Nissan Frontier pickup that was parked on Oakdale Drive, as well as Price, who was standing in the street next to the pickup, Forrester explained.The pickup sustained rear driver's side and driver's side damage, he noted. The Acadia sustained front passenger and passenger side damage and was removed from the scene by a Hindman family member, Forrester reported.The accident remains under investigation, he noted. A medical condition may have been a contributing factor to the accident, Forrester added.

Salina man struck, killed by SUV near Oakdale Park Monday

Southeast of Saline has a new king and queen! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD306/">Unified School District 306 - Southeast of Saline</a> Facebook page:

Southeast of Saline has a new king and queen! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD306/">Unified School District 306 - Southeast of Saline</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FUSD306%2Fposts%2F3072708019518792&show_text=true&width=552&height=535&appId" width="552" height="535" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Sparacino, Gleason new homecoming queen, king at SES

HUTCHINSON – There were no amusement rides filling the background noise, no smells of food filling the air, nor a steady buzz of people passing by.&nbsp;

But for about 200 youth, the show – that is, the Kansas State Fair – did go on.&nbsp;

In what was dubbed as the 2020 Kansas State Fair Special Edition, a couple hundred 4-H members got together this past week for livestock shows featuring horse, poultry, dairy goat and dairy cattle entries. The events signaled the third of three weekends since Labor Day that the Kansas State Fair hosted what it called ‘special edition’ livestock shows.&nbsp;

There was the expected social distancing among competitors and a handful of spectators, and safety measures were put in place to protect all involved. But Shannon Rogge, a program coordinator with Kansas 4-H Youth Development, said what was equally evident was the spirit on display.&nbsp;

“Many families continued to work on 4-H projects even when club and project meetings were not meeting face to face,” Rogge said. “Local agents provided support to keep families updated on deadlines and requirements. Our volunteers also were able to adapt to changes as they prepared for shows.”&nbsp;

Winners in each category were named, but the predominant refrain was putting a nice wrap on another 4-H year.&nbsp;

“I do believe these youth learned resiliency, as the situation was ever-changing,” Rogge said. “In addition, they had to make tough decisions related to their projects, which goes back to the life skills that we teach in 4-H.”&nbsp;

Rogge noted that youth did not have to qualify at district events in order to show at the state fair this year; the district events would normally have been held at a time when Americans were being encouraged to stay at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Results from this year’s Kansas State Fair horse, poultry, dairy goat and dairy cattle shows will be available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas4-h.org/" target="_blank">www.Kansas4-H.org</a>&nbsp;when they are available.&nbsp;

HUTCHINSON – There were no amusement rides filling the background noise, no smells of food filling the air, nor a steady buzz of people passing by.&nbsp;But for about 200 youth, the show – that is, the Kansas State Fair – did go on.&nbsp;In what was dubbed as the 2020 Kansas State Fair Special Edition, a couple hundred 4-H members got together this past week for livestock shows featuring horse, poultry, dairy goat and dairy cattle entries. The events signaled the third of three weekends since Labor Day that the Kansas State Fair hosted what it called ‘special edition’ livestock shows.&nbsp;There was the expected social distancing among competitors and a handful of spectators, and safety measures were put in place to protect all involved. But Shannon Rogge, a program coordinator with Kansas 4-H Youth Development, said what was equally evident was the spirit on display.&nbsp;“Many families continued to work on 4-H projects even when club and project meetings were not meeting face to face,” Rogge said. “Local agents provided support to keep families updated on deadlines and requirements. Our volunteers also were able to adapt to changes as they prepared for shows.”&nbsp;Winners in each category were named, but the predominant refrain was putting a nice wrap on another 4-H year.&nbsp;“I do believe these youth learned resiliency, as the situation was ever-changing,” Rogge said. “In addition, they had to make tough decisions related to their projects, which goes back to the life skills that we teach in 4-H.”&nbsp;Rogge noted that youth did not have to qualify at district events in order to show at the state fair this year; the district events would normally have been held at a time when Americans were being encouraged to stay at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;Results from this year’s Kansas State Fair horse, poultry, dairy goat and dairy cattle shows will be available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas4-h.org/" target="_blank">www.Kansas4-H.org</a>&nbsp;when they are available.&nbsp;

State Fair livestock show draws nearly 200 4-Hers in unusual year

Trigard Concrete Products in Lindsborg is hiring for Service Technician and Construction help. This precast Concrete Manufacturing Company wants you to join their team today.

This position if full time with benefits.

· Must have a valid Drivers license, CDL a bonus, but not required

Competitive pay starting at $16.00 an hour.

Contact at 800-310-7099 or apply at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:trigard@nckcn.com">trigard@nckcn.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599827261798.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trigard Concrete Products in Lindsborg is hiring for Service Technician and Construction help. This precast Concrete Manufacturing Company wants you to join their team today.This position if full time with benefits.· Health insurance· IRA benefits· Vacation and sick leave· Must have a valid Drivers license, CDL a bonus, but not required· immediate openingCompetitive pay starting at $16.00 an hour.Experience preferred, but will train.Contact at 800-310-7099 or apply at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:trigard@nckcn.com">trigard@nckcn.com</a>.

Saline County Jail Booking Activity – Tuesday

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Summer’s benefits may be dwindling as temperatures cool

MANHATTAN – Cooler temperatures across much of Kansas and the Midwest signal a time to bring houseplants back indoors, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham.&nbsp;

Many people move houseplants outdoors for the summer to give them better growing conditions and to help them recover from the stress of an indoor environment. But that summer boost ends as cooler fall days arrive.&nbsp;

“If plants haven’t been brought inside yet, now would be a good time as many areas of Kansas had nighttime temperatures in the 40s last week,” Upham said.&nbsp;

When bringing plants inside, inspect them first for insects or disease. Upham suggests “a sharp spray from a garden hose” to remove insects or mites from the foliage, Then, soak the pot in a tub of lukewarm water for 15 minutes to force out insects that may be in the potting soil.&nbsp;

Plants then need to adjust to their new lighting conditions.&nbsp;

“The question is how do we help houseplants acclimatize to the lower light levels inside,” Upham said. “They should be started out in an area of the home that receives plenty of light and then gradually moved to their permanent, darker location.”&nbsp;

That process, he added, may take between four to eight weeks depending on the degree of difference in light levels between the initial and final location of the plant.&nbsp;

“Understanding plant processes allows us to anticipate potential problems,” Upham said. “Acclimatization gives houseplants a greater chance of retaining leaves and avoiding the stress of completely replacing them.”&nbsp;

Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining gardens and home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;

Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu" target="_blank">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.&nbsp;

<h2>Summer’s benefits may be dwindling as temperatures cool</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600742346560.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – Cooler temperatures across much of Kansas and the Midwest signal a time to bring houseplants back indoors, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham.&nbsp;Many people move houseplants outdoors for the summer to give them better growing conditions and to help them recover from the stress of an indoor environment. But that summer boost ends as cooler fall days arrive.&nbsp;“If plants haven’t been brought inside yet, now would be a good time as many areas of Kansas had nighttime temperatures in the 40s last week,” Upham said.&nbsp;When bringing plants inside, inspect them first for insects or disease. Upham suggests “a sharp spray from a garden hose” to remove insects or mites from the foliage, Then, soak the pot in a tub of lukewarm water for 15 minutes to force out insects that may be in the potting soil.&nbsp;Plants then need to adjust to their new lighting conditions.&nbsp;“The question is how do we help houseplants acclimatize to the lower light levels inside,” Upham said. “They should be started out in an area of the home that receives plenty of light and then gradually moved to their permanent, darker location.”&nbsp;That process, he added, may take between four to eight weeks depending on the degree of difference in light levels between the initial and final location of the plant.&nbsp;“Understanding plant processes allows us to anticipate potential problems,” Upham said. “Acclimatization gives houseplants a greater chance of retaining leaves and avoiding the stress of completely replacing them.”&nbsp;Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining gardens and home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu" target="_blank">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.&nbsp;

It’s time to bring houseplants back indoors 

In the next few weeks, we’re going to see the start of dramatic expansion of access to the Internet from border to border in Kansas.

And surprisingly -- or disappointingly -- it is largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and about $1 billion in federal funds from which more than $100 million will be spent by Dec. 30 on connectivity, getting fast and reliable Internet access to everyone in Kansas that should have taken place years ago.

Now, that’s probably not what most of us were thinking about when the pandemic struck the nation this spring. We were drawn first to the hundreds of Kansans who are dying of COVID-19, and the thousands who lost their jobs and their access to food and shelter, and the concern about how children would spend their time away from school and how parents would care for them from home while trying to maintain their&nbsp; paychecks remotely.

The first instinct was to help those Kansans. To make sure that our first-responders would be safely masked- and gloved-up to find those ill citizens, get them to health-care facilities, and to boost the supplies at those hospitals so that care-givers could save more lives.

But we also started to take a unified, statewide look at just what communications, and we’re talking Internet, services would be available to allow parents to work from home, for businesses to expand their reach, for the economy to grow so that we have the facilities to care for ill Kansans.

It quickly became apparent that increased Internet access and speed and volume were going to be keys to not only dealing with the current health problems but the economic crises that they spawned.

With issues ranging from how to educate children at schools where conventional teacher-student contact suddenly became dangerous to providing tele-health services so that rural Kansans don’t have to drive for hours to get simple check-ups or have illnesses defined and treatment started, Internet connectivity quickly became essential to every town and every suburb and even every city where crowded living conditions and tall office buildings stymie the new age of communication.

Look for millions of dollars of contracts to be made in the upcoming weeks, largely through the governor’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) task force which is dispersing that $1 billion-plus in federal pandemic assistance.

The connectivity assistance will range from subsidized Internet connections for the poor and their children to high-speed and high-volume connections that will allow rural Kansas to become part of the international economy and the intellectual marketplace to tap Kansans with technical skills that will provide high-paying and sought-after industries and jobs.

Nope, that’s not what most of us were thinking about back in the spring, when the pandemic opened. But that’s the way for Kansans to not only get health care to those who need it, to track where COVID-19 cases are being detected, but to allow Kansans to keep their jobs when crowding tech-savvy workers in offices isn’t safe anymore.

Expect, of course, that the Legislature is going to be reading those contracts, considering whether the expenditures are actually going to increase Kansas’ ability to respond to catastrophes and make the state less likely to see the spread of health dangers and prepare for whatever arises next.

Strange that a pandemic that has cost hundreds of lives and thousands of illnesses will likely see an expansion of Internet services that for many is just a frill. But it clearly isn’t a frill in this economy, and the health aspects of that communication ability is likely to be also an economic boost for the state.

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141234707.png" alt="Martin Hawver" />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARTIN HAWVERIn the next few weeks, we’re going to see the start of dramatic expansion of access to the Internet from border to border in Kansas.And surprisingly -- or disappointingly -- it is largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and about $1 billion in federal funds from which more than $100 million will be spent by Dec. 30 on connectivity, getting fast and reliable Internet access to everyone in Kansas that should have taken place years ago.Now, that’s probably not what most of us were thinking about when the pandemic struck the nation this spring. We were drawn first to the hundreds of Kansans who are dying of COVID-19, and the thousands who lost their jobs and their access to food and shelter, and the concern about how children would spend their time away from school and how parents would care for them from home while trying to maintain their&nbsp; paychecks remotely.The first instinct was to help those Kansans. To make sure that our first-responders would be safely masked- and gloved-up to find those ill citizens, get them to health-care facilities, and to boost the supplies at those hospitals so that care-givers could save more lives.But we also started to take a unified, statewide look at just what communications, and we’re talking Internet, services would be available to allow parents to work from home, for businesses to expand their reach, for the economy to grow so that we have the facilities to care for ill Kansans.It quickly became apparent that increased Internet access and speed and volume were going to be keys to not only dealing with the current health problems but the economic crises that they spawned.With issues ranging from how to educate children at schools where conventional teacher-student contact suddenly became dangerous to providing tele-health services so that rural Kansans don’t have to drive for hours to get simple check-ups or have illnesses defined and treatment started, Internet connectivity quickly became essential to every town and every suburb and even every city where crowded living conditions and tall office buildings stymie the new age of communication.Look for millions of dollars of contracts to be made in the upcoming weeks, largely through the governor’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) task force which is dispersing that $1 billion-plus in federal pandemic assistance.The connectivity assistance will range from subsidized Internet connections for the poor and their children to high-speed and high-volume connections that will allow rural Kansas to become part of the international economy and the intellectual marketplace to tap Kansans with technical skills that will provide high-paying and sought-after industries and jobs.Nope, that’s not what most of us were thinking about back in the spring, when the pandemic opened. But that’s the way for Kansans to not only get health care to those who need it, to track where COVID-19 cases are being detected, but to allow Kansans to keep their jobs when crowding tech-savvy workers in offices isn’t safe anymore.Expect, of course, that the Legislature is going to be reading those contracts, considering whether the expenditures are actually going to increase Kansas’ ability to respond to catastrophes and make the state less likely to see the spread of health dangers and prepare for whatever arises next.Strange that a pandemic that has cost hundreds of lives and thousands of illnesses will likely see an expansion of Internet services that for many is just a frill. But it clearly isn’t a frill in this economy, and the health aspects of that communication ability is likely to be also an economic boost for the state.Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>

AT THE RAIL: Connectivity in the age of coronavirus

Today is Tuesday, Sept. 22, the 266th day of 2020. There are 100 days left in the year. 

On Sept. 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves in rebel states should be free as of January 1, 1863. 

In 1761, Britain's King George III and his wife, Charlotte, were crowned in Westminster Abbey.

In 1776, during the Revolutionary War, Capt. Nathan Hale, 21, was hanged as a spy by the British in New York. 

In 1949, the Soviet Union exploded its first atomic bomb. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Tuesday, Sept. 22, the 266th day of 2020. There are 100 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Sept. 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves in rebel states should be free as of January 1, 1863. On this date: In 1761, Britain's King George III and his wife, Charlotte, were crowned in Westminster Abbey.In 1776, during the Revolutionary War, Capt. Nathan Hale, 21, was hanged as a spy by the British in New York. In 1949, the Soviet Union exploded its first atomic bomb. In 1961, the Interstate Commerce Commission issued rules prohibiting racial discrimination on interstate buses. In 1964, the musical "Fiddler on the Roof," starring Zero Mostel, opened on Broadway, beginning a run of 3,242 performances. The secret agent series "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," starring Robert Vaughn and David McCallum, premiered on NBC-TV. In 1975, Sara Jane Moore attempted to shoot President Gerald R. Ford outside a San Francisco hotel, but missed. In 1980, the Persian Gulf conflict between Iran and Iraq erupted into full-scale war. In 1989, the Irish Republican Army bombed the Royal Marines School of Music in Deal, Kent, England, killing 11 band members. Songwriter Irving Berlin died in New York City at age 101. In 1993, 47 people were killed when an Amtrak passenger train fell off a bridge and crashed into Big Bayou Canot near Mobile, Alabama. (A tugboat pilot lost in fog pushed a barge into the railroad bridge, knocking the tracks 38 inches out of line just minutes before the train arrived.) In 1995, an AWACS plane carrying U.S. and Canadian military personnel crashed on takeoff from Elmendorf Air Force Base near Anchorage, Alaska, killing all 24 people aboard. In 1999, actor George C. Scott died in Westlake Village, Calif., at age 71.In 2014, the United States and five Arab nations launched airstrikes against the Islamic State group in Syria, sending waves of planes and Tomahawk cruise missiles against an array of targets. Ten years ago: Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi committed suicide by jumping off the George Washington Bridge into the Hudson River after an intimate gay encounter in his dormitory room was captured by a webcam and streamed online by his roommate without his knowledge. (Dharun Ravi was convicted of invasion of privacy, bias intimidation and other counts and served less than a month in jail.) South African Ernie Els was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame; Doug Ford and two-time major winner Jock Hutchison from Scotland were elected through the Veteran's Category. "American Idol" announced that Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler would join Randy Jackson as judges the next season. Pop singer Eddie Fisher, 82, died in Berkeley, California.Five years ago: Pope Francis arrived from Cuba on the first visit of his life to the United States; President Barack Obama, his wife and daughters personally welcomed the pontiff at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Seattle for a three-day visit before heading to Washington. Volkswagen AG acknowledged putting emissions-cheating software in millions of vehicles worldwide. Baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra, 90, died in West Caldwell, New Jersey.One year ago: "Game of Thrones" won the best drama series Emmy Award for its final season, tying its record of 12 years in a single year for the third time, while Phoebe Waller-Bridge's "Fleabag" was comedy's big winner, winning best comedy series and best actress for its star and creator. The big-screen encore of the TV series "Downton Abbey" pulled off a box-office upset in its opening weekend, taking in $31 million to top Brad Pitt's "Ad Astra" and Sylvester Stallone's "Rambo: Last Blood." On his first NFL Sunday without a team, Antonio Brown went on a Twitter rant, announcing that he was done for good with the league that had exiled him following allegations of sexual misconduct.Today's Birthdays: Baseball Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda is 93. Dancer/choreographer/singer Toni Basil is 77. Actor Paul Le Mat is 75. Musician King Sunny Adé is 74. Capt. Mark Phillips is 72. Rock singer David Coverdale (Deep Purple, Whitesnake) is 69. Actor Shari Belafonte is 66. Singer Debby Boone is 64. Country singer June Forester (The Forester Sisters) is 64. Singer Nick Cave is 63. Rock singer Johnette Napolitano is 63. Actor Lynn Herring is 63. Classical crossover singer Andrea Bocelli is 62. Singer-musician Joan Jett is 62. Actor Scott Baio is 60. Actor Catherine Oxenberg is 59. Actor Bonnie Hunt is 59. Actor Rob Stone is 58. Actor Dan Bucatinsky (TV: "24: Legacy") is 55. Musician Matt Sharp is 51. Rock musician Dave Hernandez is 50. Rapper Mystikal is 50. Rhythm-and-blues singer Big Rube (Society of Soul) is 49. Actor James Hillier (TV: "The Crown") is 47. Actor Mireille Enos is 45. Actor Daniella Alonso is 42. Actor Michael Graziadei is 41. Actor Ashley Drane (Eckstein) is 39. Actor Katie Lowes is 38. Rock musician Will Farquarson (Bastille) is 37. Actor Tatiana Maslany is 35. Actor Ukweli Roach (TV: "Blindspot") is 34. Actor Tom Felton is 33. Actor Teyonah Parris is 33. Actor Juliette Goglia is 25. Actor Dalya Knapp is ten.