By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

I recently saw my first copperhead of the year while out trying to catch some pre-spawn bass at a farm pond. Initially, I thought it was a snapping turtle poking its head above the water before I caught a glimpse of the telltale oscillation of the more sinister reptile. As is usually the case when I encounter a serpent in the wild, the old adage that it’s just as afraid of me as I am of it proved laughably false. If that held true, the two-foot reptile would have turned around when the first rock splashed near its head. Instead, it kept slithering closer to the bank where I stood. Clearly, my dislike for this creature wasn’t reciprocated. It paid me no mind as it settled onto a rock about 30 yards away were it began basking in the sun. I resumed casting a lure into the water while keeping an eye on the danger coiled up a short distance away. Our interaction continued with me being vigilant on the snake’s whereabouts, while it regarded me with extreme indifference. It eventually warmed up enough to slither back into the water and across the pond. I took the opportunity to walk back to my tacklebox, keeping my eyes fixed on the ground for signs of another visitor. I safely fetched my gear and went on my way without seeing another serpent, but there were a few suspicious looking sticks that helped quicken my retreat. All of this fear is, of course, illogical. There’s no shortage of statistics detailing the just how unlikely my demise will come at the fangs of a snake. Of the several thousand people bitten each year, only about a dozen deaths are recorded. The venom in the native snakes of Kansas — three varieties of rattlers and the aforementioned copperhead — also is relatively mild according to the people who judge these things. By mild, I mean the venom will cause excruciating pain instead of killing you, which isn’t enough to overcome the strong desire for self-preservation. So, there’s an evolutionary case to be made for the illogical reactions being completely rational. I also learned a healthy amount of fear from family members. My grandfather once mistook a coil of hose for a black snake when spraying cattle in the corral. He raced across the pen and up a fencepost before warning the rest of us about the alleged intruder. While the rest of us found the situation quite comical, we also knew it could have been any of us fleeing in panic. I’ve stumbled over myself more than once after hearing a rattle in tall grass only to see a cicada fly off. Whether innate or learned, the fear is real. I spent a decent portion of my youth trying to imitate St. Patrick and eradicate snakes in my portion of the world. Blacksnakes, bull-snakes and other nonvenomous relatives were left alone to deal with vermin around the outbuildings, but even the sight of them would set my heart racing. The closest encounter I’ve ever had with any snake is when I was about 10 or so and stepped on a water snake while crossing a pond dam. I can still recall the squish under my boot in a way that gives me shivers. Once again, I was more bothered by our encounter than the snake. At least I pretended to be scared, what with my gasping and lurching and stumbling backward away from mortal danger. The snake barely lifted its head to flick its tongue in my direction. The one thing I haven’t managed over all these years is to develop a good sense of not going to the same places I regularly encounter snakes. I’m relying on a good pair of boots, long pants and the apparent apathy serpents have for my existence to keep me safe in the pastures, ponds and creeks over the Plains.

"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 © 2022 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauI recently saw my first copperhead of the year while out trying to catch some pre-spawn bass at a farm pond. Initially, I thought it was a snapping turtle poking its head above the water before I caught a glimpse of the telltale oscillation of the more sinister reptile. As is usually the case when I encounter a serpent in the wild, the old adage that it’s just as afraid of me as I am of it proved laughably false. If that held true, the two-foot reptile would have turned around when the first rock splashed near its head. Instead, it kept slithering closer to the bank where I stood. Clearly, my dislike for this creature wasn’t reciprocated. It paid me no mind as it settled onto a rock about 30 yards away were it began basking in the sun. I resumed casting a lure into the water while keeping an eye on the danger coiled up a short distance away. Our interaction continued with me being vigilant on the snake’s whereabouts, while it regarded me with extreme indifference. It eventually warmed up enough to slither back into the water and across the pond. I took the opportunity to walk back to my tacklebox, keeping my eyes fixed on the ground for signs of another visitor. I safely fetched my gear and went on my way without seeing another serpent, but there were a few suspicious looking sticks that helped quicken my retreat. All of this fear is, of course, illogical. There’s no shortage of statistics detailing the just how unlikely my demise will come at the fangs of a snake. Of the several thousand people bitten each year, only about a dozen deaths are recorded. The venom in the native snakes of Kansas — three varieties of rattlers and the aforementioned copperhead — also is relatively mild according to the people who judge these things. By mild, I mean the venom will cause excruciating pain instead of killing you, which isn’t enough to overcome the strong desire for self-preservation. So, there’s an evolutionary case to be made for the illogical reactions being completely rational. I also learned a healthy amount of fear from family members. My grandfather once mistook a coil of hose for a black snake when spraying cattle in the corral. He raced across the pen and up a fencepost before warning the rest of us about the alleged intruder. While the rest of us found the situation quite comical, we also knew it could have been any of us fleeing in panic. I’ve stumbled over myself more than once after hearing a rattle in tall grass only to see a cicada fly off. Whether innate or learned, the fear is real. I spent a decent portion of my youth trying to imitate St. Patrick and eradicate snakes in my portion of the world. Blacksnakes, bull-snakes and other nonvenomous relatives were left alone to deal with vermin around the outbuildings, but even the sight of them would set my heart racing. The closest encounter I’ve ever had with any snake is when I was about 10 or so and stepped on a water snake while crossing a pond dam. I can still recall the squish under my boot in a way that gives me shivers. Once again, I was more bothered by our encounter than the snake. At least I pretended to be scared, what with my gasping and lurching and stumbling backward away from mortal danger. The snake barely lifted its head to flick its tongue in my direction. The one thing I haven’t managed over all these years is to develop a good sense of not going to the same places I regularly encounter snakes. I’m relying on a good pair of boots, long pants and the apparent apathy serpents have for my existence to keep me safe in the pastures, ponds and creeks over the Plains."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 © 2022 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

INSIGHT: Snakes on the Plains

Today is Wednesday, May 25, the 145th day of 2022. There are 220 days left in the year.

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a Black man, was killed when a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyd's neck for about 9 1/2 minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and pleading that he couldn't breathe; Floyd's death, captured on video by a bystander, would lead to worldwide protests, some of which turned violent, and a reexamination of racism and policing in the U.S.

In 1787, the Constitutional Convention began at the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall) in Philadelphia after enough delegates had shown up for a quorum.

In 1946, Transjordan (now Jordan) became a kingdom as it proclaimed its new monarch, Abdullah I.

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy told Congress: "I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth."

In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Griffin v. County School Board of Prince Edward County, ordered the Virginia county to reopen its public schools, which officials had closed in an attempt to circumvent the Supreme Court's 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka desegregation ruling.

In 1968, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis was dedicated by Vice President Hubert Humphrey and Interior Secretary Stewart Udall.

In 1977, the first "Star Wars" film (later retitled "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope") was released by 20th Century Fox.

In 1979, 273 people died when an American Airlines DC-10 crashed just after takeoff from Chicago's O'Hare Airport.

In 2008, NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander arrived on the Red Planet to begin searching for evidence of water; the spacecraft confirmed the presence of water ice at its landing site.

In 2011, a judge in Salt Lake City sentenced street preacher Brian David Mitchell to life in prison for kidnapping and raping Elizabeth Smart, who was 14 at the time of her abduction in 2002. A judge in Tucson, Arizona, ruled that Jared Lee Loughner, the man accused of wounding U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and killing six in a shooting rampage, was mentally incompetent to stand trial. (Loughner would later plead guilty; he was sentenced to seven life terms in prison.)

In 2016, actor Johnny Depp's wife, Amber Heard, filed for divorce in Los Angeles, citing irreconcilable differences after 15 months of marriage.

In 2018, Harvey Weinstein was charged in New York with rape and another sex felony in the first prosecution to result from the wave of allegations against him. (Weinstein was convicted of rape and sexual assault; he is serving a 23-year prison sentence.)

In 2020, a white woman, Amy Cooper, called 911 to claim she was being threatened by "an African American man," Christian Cooper, who had confronted her for walking her dog without a leash in New York's Central Park. (After a video of the confrontation was widely circulated, Amy Cooper lost her job with investment firm Franklin Templeton and was charged with filing a false police report; the charge was dismissed after she completed a counseling program.)

Ten years ago: The private company SpaceX made history as its Dragon capsule docked with the International Space Station. In Syria, more than 100 people were killed in one day in a cluster of villages in central Homs province; U.N. investigators blamed pro-government gunmen for at least some of the killings, but the Syrian regime denied responsibility and blamed rebels for the deaths.

Five years ago: Surrounded by stone-faced allies, President Donald Trump rebuked fellow NATO members for failing to meet the military alliance's financial benchmarks. Republican Greg Gianforte won a special election for Montana's sole U.S. House seat a day after being charged with assaulting a reporter.

One year ago: The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden and Russia's Vladimir Putin would hold a summit in June in Geneva. The family of George Floyd met at the White House with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on the first anniversary of Floyd's death during his arrest by police in Minneapolis. Former Republican Sen. John Warner of Virginia died at the age of 94; the former Navy secretary was married to film star Elizabeth Taylor when he first ran for the Senate in 1978, and he held that Senate seat for 30 years.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Ann Robinson is 93. Former White House news secretary Ron Nessen is 88. Actor Sir Ian McKellen is 83. Country singer Jessi Colter is 79. Actor-singer Leslie Uggams is 79. Movie director and Muppeteer Frank Oz is 78. Actor Karen Valentine is 75. Actor Jacki Weaver is 75. Rock singer Klaus Meine (The Scorpions) is 74. Actor Patti D'Arbanville is 71. Playwright Eve Ensler is 69. Musician Cindy Cashdollar is 67. Actor Connie Sellecca is 67. Rock singer-musician Paul Weller is 64. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., is 62. Actor-comedian Mike Myers is 59. Actor Matt Borlenghi is 55. Actor Joseph Reitman is 54. Rock musician Glen Drover is 53. Actor Anne Heche is 53. Actors Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush (TV: "Little House on the Prairie") are 52. Actor-comedian Jamie Kennedy is 52. Actor Octavia Spencer is 52. Actor Justin Henry is 51. Rapper Daz Dillinger is 49. Actor Molly Sims is 49. Actor Erinn Hayes is 46. Actor Cillian Murphy is 46. Actor Ethan Suplee is 46. Rock musician Todd Whitener is 44. Actor Corbin Allred is 43. Actor-singer Lauren Frost is 37. Actor Ebonee Noel is 32. Musician Guy Lawrence (Disclosure) is 31. Olympic gold medal gymnast Aly Raisman is 28.

<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, May 25, the 145th day of 2022. There are 220 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a Black man, was killed when a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyd's neck for about 9 1/2 minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and pleading that he couldn't breathe; Floyd's death, captured on video by a bystander, would lead to worldwide protests, some of which turned violent, and a reexamination of racism and policing in the U.S.On this date:In 1787, the Constitutional Convention began at the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall) in Philadelphia after enough delegates had shown up for a quorum.In 1946, Transjordan (now Jordan) became a kingdom as it proclaimed its new monarch, Abdullah I.In 1961, President John F. Kennedy told Congress: "I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth."In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Griffin v. County School Board of Prince Edward County, ordered the Virginia county to reopen its public schools, which officials had closed in an attempt to circumvent the Supreme Court's 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka desegregation ruling.In 1968, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis was dedicated by Vice President Hubert Humphrey and Interior Secretary Stewart Udall.In 1977, the first "Star Wars" film (later retitled "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope") was released by 20th Century Fox.In 1979, 273 people died when an American Airlines DC-10 crashed just after takeoff from Chicago's O'Hare Airport.In 2008, NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander arrived on the Red Planet to begin searching for evidence of water; the spacecraft confirmed the presence of water ice at its landing site.In 2011, a judge in Salt Lake City sentenced street preacher Brian David Mitchell to life in prison for kidnapping and raping Elizabeth Smart, who was 14 at the time of her abduction in 2002. A judge in Tucson, Arizona, ruled that Jared Lee Loughner, the man accused of wounding U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and killing six in a shooting rampage, was mentally incompetent to stand trial. (Loughner would later plead guilty; he was sentenced to seven life terms in prison.)In 2016, actor Johnny Depp's wife, Amber Heard, filed for divorce in Los Angeles, citing irreconcilable differences after 15 months of marriage.In 2018, Harvey Weinstein was charged in New York with rape and another sex felony in the first prosecution to result from the wave of allegations against him. (Weinstein was convicted of rape and sexual assault; he is serving a 23-year prison sentence.)In 2020, a white woman, Amy Cooper, called 911 to claim she was being threatened by "an African American man," Christian Cooper, who had confronted her for walking her dog without a leash in New York's Central Park. (After a video of the confrontation was widely circulated, Amy Cooper lost her job with investment firm Franklin Templeton and was charged with filing a false police report; the charge was dismissed after she completed a counseling program.)Ten years ago: The private company SpaceX made history as its Dragon capsule docked with the International Space Station. In Syria, more than 100 people were killed in one day in a cluster of villages in central Homs province; U.N. investigators blamed pro-government gunmen for at least some of the killings, but the Syrian regime denied responsibility and blamed rebels for the deaths.Five years ago: Surrounded by stone-faced allies, President Donald Trump rebuked fellow NATO members for failing to meet the military alliance's financial benchmarks. Republican Greg Gianforte won a special election for Montana's sole U.S. House seat a day after being charged with assaulting a reporter.One year ago: The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden and Russia's Vladimir Putin would hold a summit in June in Geneva. The family of George Floyd met at the White House with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on the first anniversary of Floyd's death during his arrest by police in Minneapolis. Former Republican Sen. John Warner of Virginia died at the age of 94; the former Navy secretary was married to film star Elizabeth Taylor when he first ran for the Senate in 1978, and he held that Senate seat for 30 years.Today's Birthdays: Actor Ann Robinson is 93. Former White House news secretary Ron Nessen is 88. Actor Sir Ian McKellen is 83. Country singer Jessi Colter is 79. Actor-singer Leslie Uggams is 79. Movie director and Muppeteer Frank Oz is 78. Actor Karen Valentine is 75. Actor Jacki Weaver is 75. Rock singer Klaus Meine (The Scorpions) is 74. Actor Patti D'Arbanville is 71. Playwright Eve Ensler is 69. Musician Cindy Cashdollar is 67. Actor Connie Sellecca is 67. Rock singer-musician Paul Weller is 64. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., is 62. Actor-comedian Mike Myers is 59. Actor Matt Borlenghi is 55. Actor Joseph Reitman is 54. Rock musician Glen Drover is 53. Actor Anne Heche is 53. Actors Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush (TV: "Little House on the Prairie") are 52. Actor-comedian Jamie Kennedy is 52. Actor Octavia Spencer is 52. Actor Justin Henry is 51. Rapper Daz Dillinger is 49. Actor Molly Sims is 49. Actor Erinn Hayes is 46. Actor Cillian Murphy is 46. Actor Ethan Suplee is 46. Rock musician Todd Whitener is 44. Actor Corbin Allred is 43. Actor-singer Lauren Frost is 37. Actor Ebonee Noel is 32. Musician Guy Lawrence (Disclosure) is 31. Olympic gold medal gymnast Aly Raisman is 28.

Today in History - May 25

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By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

For Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, his trip last week with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall to the Mexican border near McAllen, Texas, was an eye opener.

Soldan was one of five Kansas sheriffs selected to accompany Marshall to the McAllen, Texas, area of the border for briefings, tours, and meetings with border patrol, Homeland Security, and State of Texas officials. The trip came amid the growing fentanyl crisis that is wreaking havoc in Kansas and across the nation.

“After visiting the southern border with Sheriffs Hayden, Hill, Soldan, Richards, and Morse, it’s clear that what is going on is a human tragedy in every sense of the word. At nighttime, it even looks like a war zone and there is a humanitarian crisis here that is lived out every day,” Marshall said in a statement issued after the trip. “Border patrol officers are simply overwhelmed and this is an unsustainable situation."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Other Kansas sheriffs making the trip were Calvin Hayden of Johnson County, Brian Hill of Shawnee County, Jeff Richards of Franklin County, and Tim Morse of Jackson County.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. While pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for pain management treatment for cancer patients, it also has become a dangerous illegally used drug. Fentanyl that is sold illegally is primarily manufactured in Mexico, the DEA noted.

Fentanyl produces effects similar to other opioid analgesics, such as relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory depression, according to the DEA.

Fentanyl also is playing a major role in fatal drug overdoses in Kansas. 

According to a January report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, "Fentanyl continues to drive the uptick in fatal drug overdoses in Kansas. This is largely attributed to increased availability, accessibility and use of illegally manufactured fentanyl statewide. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often combined with other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, or used as a standalone drug. Due to its potency, fentanyl-involved overdoses have a fast onset and may be difficult to reverse."

Marshall recently announced support for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/s3336/BILLS-117s3336is.pdf">HALT Fentanyl Act</a>. The legislation would permanently give law enforcement the tools to help combat the fentanyl crisis, according to information from the senator's office. The legislation would permanently place fentanyl-related substances as a class into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A Schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act. Fentanyl-related substances’ current Schedule I classification is temporary and set to expire later this year, Marshall's office noted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Soldan said that just in the McAllen, Texas, area, U.S. Border Patrol personnel encounter up to 1,000 immigrants a night trying to cross into the United States.

"Most of them are not Mexican citizens. They're mostly from other countries and come through Mexico to get to the U.S.," Soldan said. "The cartels are bring them up and then they'll send a wave of them across and then they'll follow that with people smuggling drugs or whatever because the border patrol is overwhelmed by the number of just immigrants, people trying to better their lives."

Soldan said he was struck by the number of children at the border. One night his group encountered a couple of girls under the age of 10 who had been sent by themselves to the U.S. border.

"They (their families) paid to get them brought here and all they had when they get to the United States is a phone number of someone to call to help them," Soldan said. 

Soldan's group went out Thursday night with the Texas Highway Patrol. The next morning, the group received a briefing about Operation Lone Star, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's response to the rise in illegal immigration.

The group then when out with the Texas Highway Patrol boat team on the Rio Grande River before visiting one of the check points, Soldan said.

The group then met with one of the ranchers who's land is near a check point. 

"The check point's 70 miles north of the border. It's on the highway going out. It's kind of a last defense against people coming north. That was an interesting stop, because on his ground, he's (rancher) getting over 100 dead people a year. People bring them up close (to the check point) and then tell them to walk across the ranch to get to the north side and then they get picked up for a ride to go north so they don't go through the check point," Soldan said.

"Its like walking on a superfine sandy beach in 115-degree weather," he continued. "They call it the 'Death Valley' for immigrants."

Friday night, Soldan's group went out with the Brooks County Sheriff Office personnel whose county includes the check point and the ranch. Within about 45 minutes, they had detected via camera some people jumping the fence between the ranch and a rest area.

"So they walk for two days through his ranch, jump the fence, come into the rest area, and then they all pile into a car that came down from Houston to pick 'em up," Soldan said.

He said two women from Houston were going to get paid $1,500 to pick up the illegal immigrants. 

"They picked them up. They all piled into the car and the truck and took off north and we stopped them," Soldan said. "Five of them fled over the fence into the brush. We had two immigrants and the two suspects that picked them up."

Soldan said it is a felony in Texas to smuggle people. 

The four remaining people were arrested and Border Patrol officers searched in a field and located one of the female immigrants that fled from the car.

"She was so dehydrated that they ended up carrying her back in the dark," he said.

All of the officers Soldan's group was with treated the immigrants in a humanitarian way.

"Contrary to what you would see on TV or what people want you to believe, they treated them very well," Soldan said.

"If you think about it, if it's that busy in that 35-mile stretch of the border, there's a whole lot of border down there. The governor has activated 10,000 Texas National Guard troops that are working on helping them. And they've got a thousand of their highway patrol, fish and game, Texas Rangers, he's got 1,000 of those guys down there helping just with border security and it's still coming," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653415194346.png" alt="U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, center, and select Kansas sheriffs, including Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan (standing behind the senator) receive a briefing from a local farmer who is dealing with the border crisis. Photos courtesy U.S. Senator Roger Marshall's office" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, center, and select Kansas sheriffs, including Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan (standing behind the senator) receive a briefing from a local farmer who is dealing with the border crisis. Photos courtesy U.S. Senator Roger Marshall's office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostFor Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, his trip last week with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall to the Mexican border near McAllen, Texas, was an eye opener.Soldan was one of five Kansas sheriffs selected to accompany Marshall to the McAllen, Texas, area of the border for briefings, tours, and meetings with border patrol, Homeland Security, and State of Texas officials. The trip came amid the growing fentanyl crisis that is wreaking havoc in Kansas and across the nation.“After visiting the southern border with Sheriffs Hayden, Hill, Soldan, Richards, and Morse, it’s clear that what is going on is a human tragedy in every sense of the word. At nighttime, it even looks like a war zone and there is a humanitarian crisis here that is lived out every day,” Marshall said in a statement issued after the trip. “Border patrol officers are simply overwhelmed and this is an unsustainable situation."&nbsp;&nbsp;Other Kansas sheriffs making the trip were Calvin Hayden of Johnson County, Brian Hill of Shawnee County, Jeff Richards of Franklin County, and Tim Morse of Jackson County.About fentanylAccording to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. While pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for pain management treatment for cancer patients, it also has become a dangerous illegally used drug. Fentanyl that is sold illegally is primarily manufactured in Mexico, the DEA noted.Fentanyl produces effects similar to other opioid analgesics, such as relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sedation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, pupillary constriction, and respiratory depression, according to the DEA.Fentanyl also is playing a major role in fatal drug overdoses in Kansas. According to a January report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, "Fentanyl continues to drive the uptick in fatal drug overdoses in Kansas. This is largely attributed to increased availability, accessibility and use of illegally manufactured fentanyl statewide. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often combined with other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, or used as a standalone drug. Due to its potency, fentanyl-involved overdoses have a fast onset and may be difficult to reverse."Marshall recently announced support for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/s3336/BILLS-117s3336is.pdf">HALT Fentanyl Act</a>. The legislation would permanently give law enforcement the tools to help combat the fentanyl crisis, according to information from the senator's office. The legislation would permanently place fentanyl-related substances as a class into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A Schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act. Fentanyl-related substances’ current Schedule I classification is temporary and set to expire later this year, Marshall's office noted.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T-JPV-qtKWA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>At the borderSoldan said that just in the McAllen, Texas, area, U.S. Border Patrol personnel encounter up to 1,000 immigrants a night trying to cross into the United States."Most of them are not Mexican citizens. They're mostly from other countries and come through Mexico to get to the U.S.," Soldan said. "The cartels are bring them up and then they'll send a wave of them across and then they'll follow that with people smuggling drugs or whatever because the border patrol is overwhelmed by the number of just immigrants, people trying to better their lives."Soldan said he was struck by the number of children at the border. One night his group encountered a couple of girls under the age of 10 who had been sent by themselves to the U.S. border."They (their families) paid to get them brought here and all they had when they get to the United States is a phone number of someone to call to help them," Soldan said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653415159179.png" alt="The group received a briefing about the border situation and what was being done." />
 <figcaption>The group received a briefing about the border situation and what was being done.</figcaption>
 </figure>Soldan's group went out Thursday night with the Texas Highway Patrol. The next morning, the group received a briefing about Operation Lone Star, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's response to the rise in illegal immigration.The group then when out with the Texas Highway Patrol boat team on the Rio Grande River before visiting one of the check points, Soldan said.The group then met with one of the ranchers who's land is near a check point. "The check point's 70 miles north of the border. It's on the highway going out. It's kind of a last defense against people coming north. That was an interesting stop, because on his ground, he's (rancher) getting over 100 dead people a year. People bring them up close (to the check point) and then tell them to walk across the ranch to get to the north side and then they get picked up for a ride to go north so they don't go through the check point," Soldan said."Its like walking on a superfine sandy beach in 115-degree weather," he continued. "They call it the 'Death Valley' for immigrants."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653415106396.png" alt="Marshall and Kansas sheriffs receive a night tour with Brooks County Sheriff's Office personnel." />
 <figcaption>Marshall and Kansas sheriffs receive a night tour with Brooks County Sheriff's Office personnel.</figcaption>
 </figure>Friday night, Soldan's group went out with the Brooks County Sheriff Office personnel whose county includes the check point and the ranch. Within about 45 minutes, they had detected via camera some people jumping the fence between the ranch and a rest area."So they walk for two days through his ranch, jump the fence, come into the rest area, and then they all pile into a car that came down from Houston to pick 'em up," Soldan said.He said two women from Houston were going to get paid $1,500 to pick up the illegal immigrants. "They picked them up. They all piled into the car and the truck and took off north and we stopped them," Soldan said. "Five of them fled over the fence into the brush. We had two immigrants and the two suspects that picked them up."Soldan said it is a felony in Texas to smuggle people. The four remaining people were arrested and Border Patrol officers searched in a field and located one of the female immigrants that fled from the car."She was so dehydrated that they ended up carrying her back in the dark," he said.All of the officers Soldan's group was with treated the immigrants in a humanitarian way."Contrary to what you would see on TV or what people want you to believe, they treated them very well," Soldan said."If you think about it, if it's that busy in that 35-mile stretch of the border, there's a whole lot of border down there. The governor has activated 10,000 Texas National Guard troops that are working on helping them. And they've got a thousand of their highway patrol, fish and game, Texas Rangers, he's got 1,000 of those guys down there helping just with border security and it's still coming," he said.

🎥Soldan: Trip to border with Marshall an eye opener

In 1990, four tornadoes struck central Kansas, of which two were strong F3s. 

One F3 tornado, with a track 26 miles long and three-fourths of a mile wide, barreled through Barton, Rice and Ellsworth counties. Six were injured. Eighty-eight cars of a 125-car freight train were derailed. In some cases, the freight cars were stacked three to four cars high. It caused around $500,000 damage. 

The second F3 tornado, believed to have touched down multiple times, raced 60 miles across Rice, McPherson and Marion counties and was around 450 yards wide. This tornado also got on the 'wrong track' as it too, hit a freight train, derailing 87 of 103 cars. There was nearly $3 million damage in McPherson and Marion counties alone.

In 1962, severe thunderstorms hit Reno and Harvey counties with a barrage of hail that reached four inches in diameter. The giant hail caused around $1 million damage just southwest of Hutchinson alone. Both counties were also hit by an F3 tornado. The Reno County twister injured six between Nickerson and Hutchinson. The Harvey County tornado moved very erratically along a 10-mile track. The width is unknown, but the twister destroyed two gas stations and several trailers, then lifted at the southwest edge of Newton.&nbsp;&nbsp;

National Weather ServiceIn 1990, four tornadoes struck central Kansas, of which two were strong F3s. One F3 tornado, with a track 26 miles long and three-fourths of a mile wide, barreled through Barton, Rice and Ellsworth counties. Six were injured. Eighty-eight cars of a 125-car freight train were derailed. In some cases, the freight cars were stacked three to four cars high. It caused around $500,000 damage. The second F3 tornado, believed to have touched down multiple times, raced 60 miles across Rice, McPherson and Marion counties and was around 450 yards wide. This tornado also got on the 'wrong track' as it too, hit a freight train, derailing 87 of 103 cars. There was nearly $3 million damage in McPherson and Marion counties alone.In 1962, severe thunderstorms hit Reno and Harvey counties with a barrage of hail that reached four inches in diameter. The giant hail caused around $1 million damage just southwest of Hutchinson alone. Both counties were also hit by an F3 tornado. The Reno County twister injured six between Nickerson and Hutchinson. The Harvey County tornado moved very erratically along a 10-mile track. The width is unknown, but the twister destroyed two gas stations and several trailers, then lifted at the southwest edge of Newton.&nbsp;&nbsp;

THIS DAY IN WEATHER HISTORY: 4 twisters in central Kansas in 1990

Rainfall was more plentiful in the southern part of our area as a slow-moving storm system moves up from the south, bringing with it much-needed moisture.

Additional heavy rainfall is expected today through this evening across central and eastern Kansas, according to the National Weather Service.&nbsp;

At the Salina Regional Airport, 0.44 of an inch was reported by 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Following are 24-hour rainfall totals as of 7 a.m. Tuesday (unless otherwise noted) from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">Community Collaborative Rain, Hail &amp; Snow Network</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chapman 0.2 SSE, 0.15 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)

Brookville 5.5 W, 0.17 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)

Ellsworth 0.2 W, 0.17 of an inch (reported at 6:30 a.m.)

Lindsborg 0.7 NNW, 0.21 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)

McPherson 1.2 N, 0.51 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)

Beloit 0.2 SE, trace (reported at 7:30 a.m.)

Cuba 5.0 NNW, 0.01 of an inch (reported at 7:40 a.m.)

Salina 6.2 ENE, 0.23 of an inch (reported at 5:30 a.m.)

Salina 6.0 WNW, 0.16 of an inch (reported at 6:30 a.m.)

Salina 0.2 NNE, 0.32 of an inch (reported at 6:41 a.m.)

Salina 0.7 SSW, 0.26 of an inch (reported at 6:52 a.m.)

By SALINA POSTRainfall was more plentiful in the southern part of our area as a slow-moving storm system moves up from the south, bringing with it much-needed moisture.Additional heavy rainfall is expected today through this evening across central and eastern Kansas, according to the National Weather Service.&nbsp;At the Salina Regional Airport, 0.44 of an inch was reported by 7 a.m. Tuesday.Following are 24-hour rainfall totals as of 7 a.m. Tuesday (unless otherwise noted) from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">Community Collaborative Rain, Hail &amp; Snow Network</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;CLAY COUNTYClay Center 12.4 NNE, 0.06 of an inchMorganville 3.2 SW, 0.03 of an inchCLOUD COUNTYJamestown 2.4 NW, traceConcordia 9.3 SSW, traceConcordia 1.8 S, 0.07 of an inchDICKINSON COUNTYChapman 0.2 SSE, 0.15 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)Enterprise 0.3 NW, 0.28 of an inchChapman 6.0 NNE, 0.14 of an inchHope 0.3 S, 0.60 of an inchAbilene 5.4 E, 0.89 of an inchAbilene 5.9 NNW, 0.25 of an inchCarlton 2.1 NNW, 0.30 of an inchHope 7.5 NNW, 0.50 of an inchAbilene 10.3 S, 0.33 of an inchAbilene 0.7 W, 0.27 of an inchEnterprise 2.1 SW, 0.35 of an inchAbilene 10.9 S, 0.25 of an inchAbilene 1.1 NNE, 0.24 of an inchAbilene 9.4 S, 0.27 of an inchELLSWORTH COUNTYBrookville 5.5 W, 0.17 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)Ellsworth 0.2 W, 0.17 of an inch (reported at 6:30 a.m.)Ellsworth 0.3 E, 0.26 of an inchHolyrood 6.2 NNW, 0.25 of an inchKanopolis 4.5 NE, 0.26 of an inchKanopolis 0.4 SSE, 0.33 of an inchJEWELL COUNTYNo totals reportedLINCOLN COUNTYBeverly 4.6 S, 0.25 of an inchMARION COUNTYTampa 3.2 ESE, 0.45 of an inchHillsboro 8.5 SW, 0.55 of an inchHillsboro 5.3 S, 0.58 of an inchNewton 9.4 N, 0.68 of an inchMCPHERSON COUNTYLindsborg 0.7 NNW, 0.21 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)McPherson 1.2 N, 0.51 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)McPherson 6.6 WSW, 0.88 of an inchLindsborg 5.6 W, 0.50 of an inchInman 0.8 WSW, 0.82 of an inchMoundridge 5.3 WSW, 0.80 of an inchMoundridge 0.4 SW, 0.73 of an inchCanton 3.2 N, 0.53 of an inchMoundridge 1.0 N, 0.62 of an inchMoundridge 2.2 W, 0.66 of an inchGalva 9.5 N, 0.65 of an inchMoundridge 4.8 W, 0.72 of an inchMcPherson 6.6 ENE, 0.69 of an inchGalva 1.1 WSW, 0.75 of an inchGalva 2.6 SSE, 0.72 of an inchMcPherson 1.1 NW, 0.75 of an inchMcPherson 0.8 SW, 0.70 of an inchInman 2.5 SSW, 0.86 of an inchMITCHELL COUNTYBeloit 9.9 SSW, 0.15 of an inchBeloit 0.2 SE, trace (reported at 7:30 a.m.)OTTAWA COUNTYAda 7.0 NNW, 0.08 of an inchMinneapolis 0.4 NE, 0.19 of an inchCulver 3.6 ENE, 0.29 of an inchBennington 0.1 WNW, 0.19 of an inchREPUBLIC COUNTYCuba 5.0 NNW, 0.01 of an inch (reported at 7:40 a.m.)SALINE COUNTYSalina 6.2 ENE, 0.23 of an inch (reported at 5:30 a.m.)Salina 6.0 WNW, 0.16 of an inch (reported at 6:30 a.m.)Salina 0.2 NNE, 0.32 of an inch (reported at 6:41 a.m.)Salina 0.7 SSW, 0.26 of an inch (reported at 6:52 a.m.)Brookville 5.9 NNW, 0.26 of an inchSalina 5.7 NNW, 0.17 of an inchGypsum 1.1 NE, 0.44 of an inchSalina 2.9 ENE, 0.67 of an inchNew Cambria 2.1 NW, 0.25 of an inchFalun 3.2 SW, 0.48 of an inchGypsum 5.6 S, 0.39 of an inchSalina 0.4 SE, 0.51 of an inch

Rainfall dampens much of the area

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.

NAME:&nbsp;Amor, Duwayne Allen; 58; Salina CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Deleon, Alberto Alexander; 40; No city listed CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Drew, Tristan James; 27; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;DWS; 3rd or subs conv

NAME:&nbsp;Gray, Joseph Lamond; 50; Salina CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Griffin, Matthew Premsgara; 46; Salina CHARGES REQUESTED: Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Unknown severity

NAME:&nbsp;Haskett, Alpha Love; 45;&nbsp;Fairbury,&nbsp;Nebraska (Mailing State) CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Hostetler, Ashia Jules; 32; Salina CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp; Probation Violation Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Hubbard, Amanda Jo Rochelle; 39; Salina CHARGES REQUESTED: Forgery; Making or altering a written instrument

NAME:&nbsp;Kronmiller, Kaden Lee; 21; No city listed CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp; Failure to appear Probation Violation Probation Violation Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Ramos, Ana Lisette; 22; Salina CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Scott, Jerry Allan; 53; Salina CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp; Driving While Suspended Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Williams, Jerry Derell; 36; No city listed CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail.All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653398266233.png" alt="Amor, Duwayne Allen" />
 <figcaption>Amor, Duwayne Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Amor, Duwayne Allen; 58; Salina CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653398422811.png" alt="Deleon, Alberto Alexander" />
 <figcaption>Deleon, Alberto Alexander</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Deleon, Alberto Alexander; 40; No city listed CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653398491563.png" alt="Drew, Tristan James." />
 <figcaption>Drew, Tristan James.</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Drew, Tristan James; 27; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;DWS; 3rd or subs conv<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653398575604.png" alt="Gray, Joseph Lamond" />
 <figcaption>Gray, Joseph Lamond</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Gray, Joseph Lamond; 50; Salina CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653398653771.png" alt="Griffin, Matthew Premsgara" />
 <figcaption>Griffin, Matthew Premsgara</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Griffin, Matthew Premsgara; 46; Salina CHARGES REQUESTED: Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Unknown severity<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653398738189.png" alt="Haskett, Alpha Love" />
 <figcaption>Haskett, Alpha Love</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Haskett, Alpha Love; 45;&nbsp;Fairbury,&nbsp;Nebraska (Mailing State) CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653398958335.png" alt="Hostetler, Ashia Jules" />
 <figcaption>Hostetler, Ashia Jules</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Hostetler, Ashia Jules; 32; Salina CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp; Probation Violation Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653400277843.png" alt="Hubbard, Amanda Jo Rochelle" />
 <figcaption>Hubbard, Amanda Jo Rochelle</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Hubbard, Amanda Jo Rochelle; 39; Salina CHARGES REQUESTED: Forgery; Making or altering a written instrument<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653400356676.png" alt="Kronmiller, Kaden Lee" />
 <figcaption>Kronmiller, Kaden Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Kronmiller, Kaden Lee; 21; No city listed CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp; Failure to appear Probation Violation Probation Violation Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653400439170.png" alt="Ramos, Ana Lisette" />
 <figcaption>Ramos, Ana Lisette</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Ramos, Ana Lisette; 22; Salina CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653400502398.png" alt="Scott, Jerry Allan" />
 <figcaption>Scott, Jerry Allan</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Scott, Jerry Allan; 53; Salina CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp; Driving While Suspended Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653400583424.png" alt="Williams, Jerry Derell" />
 <figcaption>Williams, Jerry Derell</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Williams, Jerry Derell; 36; No city listed CHARGES REQUESTED:&nbsp; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

Saline County Booking Activity, May 24

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and made an arrest.

Just before 10 p.m. Thursday, sheriff's deputies responded to Lion’s Den, located at 2349 Fair Road in Dickinson County, for a commercial business alarm, according to a social media report.

 Deputies discovered a man had entered the occupied business and removed without permission property valued at more than $2,000. 

 After seeking assistance from the public through a Facebook post to help identify the suspect, deputies were led to Washington, Kan.,&nbsp; where the Washington County Sheriff’s Office located and detained 43-year-old Kenneth L. Riddle of Washington, Kan., and a vehicle. 

Dickinson County deputies took Riddle into custody and booked him on requested charges of aggravated burglary and felony theft. 

On Monday, with assistance from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 300 West First Street in Washington, Kan., and recovered the stolen property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653399806537.png" alt="Kenneth L. Riddle. Photo courtesy Dickinson County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Kenneth L. Riddle. Photo courtesy Dickinson County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and made an arrest.Just before 10 p.m. Thursday, sheriff's deputies responded to Lion’s Den, located at 2349 Fair Road in Dickinson County, for a commercial business alarm, according to a social media report. Deputies discovered a man had entered the occupied business and removed without permission property valued at more than $2,000. After seeking assistance from the public through a Facebook post to help identify the suspect, deputies were led to Washington, Kan.,&nbsp; where the Washington County Sheriff’s Office located and detained 43-year-old Kenneth L. Riddle of Washington, Kan., and a vehicle. Dickinson County deputies took Riddle into custody and booked him on requested charges of aggravated burglary and felony theft. On Monday, with assistance from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 300 West First Street in Washington, Kan., and recovered the stolen property.

Sheriff: Kan. man arrested for burglary from porn store

GYPSUM - A minor earthquake rattled part of southeastern Saline County early Tuesday morning.

The Kansas Geological Survey reported that a 2.2 magnitude earthquake struck southwest of Gypsum at 1:20 a.m. The quake was centered northwest of the S. Cunningham Road/E. Lapsley Road intersection.

GYPSUM - A minor earthquake rattled part of southeastern Saline County early Tuesday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653398276545.jpeg" alt="The 1:20 a.m. Tuesday, 2.2 magnitude Saline County earthquake. Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey" />
 <figcaption>The 1:20 a.m. Tuesday, 2.2 magnitude Saline County earthquake. Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Geological Survey reported that a 2.2 magnitude earthquake struck southwest of Gypsum at 1:20 a.m. The quake was centered northwest of the S. Cunningham Road/E. Lapsley Road intersection.

Minor quake strikes SW of Gypsum Tuesday morning

What exactly is a personal brand? I’m glad you asked.

Simply put, your personal brand is how&nbsp;others perceive you. It’s an outside snapshot of what you value on the inside. A personal brand isn’t a mask you wear around others, and it’s not something that’s created overnight. It takes consistency and time to make an image stick at work&nbsp;and&nbsp;in the world. And to create a winning personal brand, you must understand your values and how people see you&nbsp;right now.

The first step to creating your personal brand is to take inventory of what is, and what isn’t, working for you. Ask yourself:

●How do people experience me?&nbsp;How would people describe your personality and behavior on a normal day?

●What traits do I need to keep and elevate?&nbsp;List out your strongest positive traits, ones that would make a big impact on your life with just a little more&nbsp;oomph. Maybe you love to teach, are a great communicator, or are the most reliable person you know.

●What behaviors do I need to get rid of?&nbsp;Maybe you’re always skidding into the office five minutes late, or have a hard time accepting compliments. Making simple tweaks can really improve your personal brand.

Now, it’s time to dig a bit deeper. Think about how you’re built, and what matters most to you:

●How has God wired me?&nbsp;Some people are built to create, others thrive doing tough physical work, and some find fulfillment as a coach or humanitarian. Jot down those activities that&nbsp;make you come alive.

●What do I want to be known for?&nbsp;This question isn’t meant to create a lofty and impossible goal. It’s supposed to reveal the core of who you really are. If you love business, maybe you want to be known as an incredible team builder.

●How do I want to be perceived, and what actions should I take to create that perception?&nbsp;If&nbsp;leadership matters most&nbsp;to you, you might want to be perceived as a team player. To be perceived as a team player, you need to take actions that support and serve your team.

●How do I express myself in other ways?&nbsp;The way you dress, walk and talk are all ways you express your values. Do you smile? Do your clothes fit well and represent your industry? Do you speak with confidence and kindness? These are all cues helping—or hurting—your personal brand.

Invite your leader, peers and anyone else who knows you well to speak into your current personal brand. You’re going to have blind spots pointed out, but this is good. You’re also going to learn what people appreciate about you. The point here is to get an idea of how people&nbsp;experience&nbsp;you.

Once that’s done, it’s time to create a new vision for your winning personal brand. Ask yourself:

●What are my beliefs? What do I stand for?

●What are the results I want to produce?

●What does my personality bring out in my relationships and work?

These questions go one layer deeper to help you discover what really motivates you and what you want to express to the world.

All this work to create a personal brand won’t matter if you don’t share it with the world. Here’s how to communicate what you’ve learned about your values, beliefs, strengths and character with the people around you:

Be yourself&nbsp;-&nbsp;If you try to be a knock-off of someone else, you rob the world of your&nbsp;unique talents, mission and purpose.

Take action&nbsp;-&nbsp;Put your values into practice. Start taking steps that line up with who you want to be. Come to work a few minutes earlier, and don’t complain about it. Compliment your team on their drive and enthusiasm.

Show (and tell) your brand&nbsp;-&nbsp;Don’t be obnoxious, but you want people to know what you’re all about. Naturally introduce those facts about yourself, your values and your skills in conversations over time. Live them out. Walk your talk.

Keep maintaining and growing your brand&nbsp;-&nbsp;Do as much as you can to live and work in excellence. Continue learning through books, classes and podcasts. Invest in your relationships with peers&nbsp;and mentors, and&nbsp;take care of your health.

Developing your character and personal brand is a lifelong journey. And this is just the beginning!

Ken Colemanis the nationally syndicated radio host of The Ken Coleman Show and No. 1 national best-selling author. He has been featured in Forbes, appeared on Fox News, Fox Business Network, and the Rachel Ray Show. Since 2014, he has served at Ramsey Solutions, where he offers expert advice to help thousands of people every day discover what they were meant to do and how to land their dream job. Follow Ken on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/kencoleman" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kencoleman/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KenColemanShow/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/KenColemanShow/featured" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kencoleman.com/" target="_blank">kencoleman.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598543766283.jpeg" alt="Ken Coleman" />
 <figcaption>Ken Coleman</figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN COLEMANWhat exactly is a personal brand? I’m glad you asked.Simply put, your personal brand is how&nbsp;others perceive you. It’s an outside snapshot of what you value on the inside. A personal brand isn’t a mask you wear around others, and it’s not something that’s created overnight. It takes consistency and time to make an image stick at work&nbsp;and&nbsp;in the world. And to create a winning personal brand, you must understand your values and how people see you&nbsp;right now.The first step to creating your personal brand is to take inventory of what is, and what isn’t, working for you. Ask yourself:●How do people experience me?&nbsp;How would people describe your personality and behavior on a normal day?●What traits do I need to keep and elevate?&nbsp;List out your strongest positive traits, ones that would make a big impact on your life with just a little more&nbsp;oomph. Maybe you love to teach, are a great communicator, or are the most reliable person you know.●What behaviors do I need to get rid of?&nbsp;Maybe you’re always skidding into the office five minutes late, or have a hard time accepting compliments. Making simple tweaks can really improve your personal brand.What are my talents and values?Now, it’s time to dig a bit deeper. Think about how you’re built, and what matters most to you:●How has God wired me?&nbsp;Some people are built to create, others thrive doing tough physical work, and some find fulfillment as a coach or humanitarian. Jot down those activities that&nbsp;make you come alive.●What do I want to be known for?&nbsp;This question isn’t meant to create a lofty and impossible goal. It’s supposed to reveal the core of who you really are. If you love business, maybe you want to be known as an incredible team builder.●How do I want to be perceived, and what actions should I take to create that perception?&nbsp;If&nbsp;leadership matters most&nbsp;to you, you might want to be perceived as a team player. To be perceived as a team player, you need to take actions that support and serve your team.●How do I express myself in other ways?&nbsp;The way you dress, walk and talk are all ways you express your values. Do you smile? Do your clothes fit well and represent your industry? Do you speak with confidence and kindness? These are all cues helping—or hurting—your personal brand.Get feedbackInvite your leader, peers and anyone else who knows you well to speak into your current personal brand. You’re going to have blind spots pointed out, but this is good. You’re also going to learn what people appreciate about you. The point here is to get an idea of how people&nbsp;experience&nbsp;you.Once that’s done, it’s time to create a new vision for your winning personal brand. Ask yourself:●What&nbsp;do I do best?●What are my beliefs? What do I stand for?●What are the results I want to produce?●What does my personality bring out in my relationships and work?These questions go one layer deeper to help you discover what really motivates you and what you want to express to the world.Sharing your personal brandAll this work to create a personal brand won’t matter if you don’t share it with the world. Here’s how to communicate what you’ve learned about your values, beliefs, strengths and character with the people around you:Be yourself&nbsp;-&nbsp;If you try to be a knock-off of someone else, you rob the world of your&nbsp;unique talents, mission and purpose.Take action&nbsp;-&nbsp;Put your values into practice. Start taking steps that line up with who you want to be. Come to work a few minutes earlier, and don’t complain about it. Compliment your team on their drive and enthusiasm.Show (and tell) your brand&nbsp;-&nbsp;Don’t be obnoxious, but you want people to know what you’re all about. Naturally introduce those facts about yourself, your values and your skills in conversations over time. Live them out. Walk your talk.Keep maintaining and growing your brand&nbsp;-&nbsp;Do as much as you can to live and work in excellence. Continue learning through books, classes and podcasts. Invest in your relationships with peers&nbsp;and mentors, and&nbsp;take care of your health.Developing your character and personal brand is a lifelong journey. And this is just the beginning!Ken Colemanis the nationally syndicated radio host of The Ken Coleman Show and No. 1 national best-selling author. He has been featured in Forbes, appeared on Fox News, Fox Business Network, and the Rachel Ray Show. Since 2014, he has served at Ramsey Solutions, where he offers expert advice to help thousands of people every day discover what they were meant to do and how to land their dream job. Follow Ken on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/kencoleman" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kencoleman/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KenColemanShow/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/KenColemanShow/featured" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kencoleman.com/" target="_blank">kencoleman.com</a>.

COLEMAN: What’s your personal brand?

Local, area students earn degrees from Cloud County CC

Today is Tuesday, May 24, the 144th day of 2022. There are 221 days left in the year.

On May 24, 1844, Samuel F.B. Morse transmitted the message "What hath God wrought" from Washington to Baltimore as he formally opened America's first telegraph line.

In 1935, the first major league baseball game to be played at night took place at Cincinnati's Crosley Field as the Reds beat the Philadelphia Phillies, 2-1.

In 1937, in a set of rulings, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Social Security Act of 1935.

In 1941, the German battleship Bismarck sank the British battle cruiser HMS Hood in the North Atlantic, killing all but three of the 1,418 men on board.

In 1961, a group of Freedom Riders was arrested after arriving at a bus terminal in Jackson, Mississippi, charged with breaching the peace for entering white-designated areas. (They ended up serving 60 days in jail.)

In 1962, astronaut Scott Carpenter became the second American to orbit the Earth as he flew aboard Aurora 7.

In 1974, American jazz composer and bandleader Duke Ellington, 75, died in New York.

In 1976, Britain and France opened trans-Atlantic Concorde supersonic transport service to Washington.

In 1980, Iran rejected a call by the World Court in The Hague to release the American hostages.

In 1994, four Islamic fundamentalists convicted of bombing New York's World Trade Center in 1993 were each sentenced to 240 years in prison.

In 1995, former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson died in London at age 79.

In 2006, "An Inconvenient Truth," a documentary about former Vice President Al Gore's campaign against global warming, went into limited release.

In 2011, Oprah Winfrey taped the final episode of her long-running talk show.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama doubled down on criticism of rival Mitt Romney's background as a venture capitalist, telling a rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds there might be value in such experience but "not in the White House." Brian Banks, a former high school football star whose dreams of a pro career were shattered by what turned out to be a false rape accusation, burst into tears as a judge in Long Beach, California, threw out the charge that had sent Banks to prison for more than five years.

Five years ago: Setting past differences and rude comments aside, President Donald Trump and Pope Francis put a determinedly positive face on their first meeting at the Vatican. Ariana Grande suspended her Dangerous Woman world tour and canceled several European shows due to the deadly bombing at her concert in Manchester, England, two days earlier.

One year ago: Tennessee became the latest state to ban teachers from talking about certain aspects of race and racism in public schools. Samuel E. Wright, who famously voiced "Sebastian the Crab" in Disney's "The Little Mermaid" and had an acting career spanning five decades, died at 72.

Today's Birthdays: Actor-comedian-impressionist Stanley Baxter is 96. Jazz musician Archie Shepp is 85. Comedian Tommy Chong is 84. Singer Bob Dylan is 81. Actor Gary Burghoff is 79. Singer Patti LaBelle is 78. Actor Priscilla Presley is 77. Country singer Mike Reid is 75. Actor Jim Broadbent is 73. Actor Alfred Molina is 69. Singer Rosanne Cash is 67. Actor Cliff Parisi is 62. Actor Kristin Scott Thomas is 62. Rock musician Vivian Trimble is 59. Actor John C. Reilly is 57. Actor Dana Ashbrook is 55. Actor Eric Close is 55. Actor Carl Payne is 53. Rock musician Rich Robinson is 53. Former MLB pitcher Bartolo Colon is 49. Actor Dash Mihok is 48. Actor Bryan Greenberg is 44. Actor Owen Benjamin is 42. Actor Billy L. Sullivan is 42. Actor-rapper Jerod Mixon (aka Big Tyme) is 41. Rock musician Cody Hanson (Hinder) is 40. Dancer-choreographer-singer Mark Ballas is 36. Country singer Billy Gilman is 34. Rapper/producer G-Eazy is 33. Actor Brianne Howey is 33. Actor Cayden Boyd is 28.

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 <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, May 24, the 144th day of 2022. There are 221 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On May 24, 1844, Samuel F.B. Morse transmitted the message "What hath God wrought" from Washington to Baltimore as he formally opened America's first telegraph line.On this date:In 1935, the first major league baseball game to be played at night took place at Cincinnati's Crosley Field as the Reds beat the Philadelphia Phillies, 2-1.In 1937, in a set of rulings, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Social Security Act of 1935.In 1941, the German battleship Bismarck sank the British battle cruiser HMS Hood in the North Atlantic, killing all but three of the 1,418 men on board.In 1961, a group of Freedom Riders was arrested after arriving at a bus terminal in Jackson, Mississippi, charged with breaching the peace for entering white-designated areas. (They ended up serving 60 days in jail.)In 1962, astronaut Scott Carpenter became the second American to orbit the Earth as he flew aboard Aurora 7.In 1974, American jazz composer and bandleader Duke Ellington, 75, died in New York.In 1976, Britain and France opened trans-Atlantic Concorde supersonic transport service to Washington.In 1980, Iran rejected a call by the World Court in The Hague to release the American hostages.In 1994, four Islamic fundamentalists convicted of bombing New York's World Trade Center in 1993 were each sentenced to 240 years in prison.In 1995, former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson died in London at age 79.In 2006, "An Inconvenient Truth," a documentary about former Vice President Al Gore's campaign against global warming, went into limited release.In 2011, Oprah Winfrey taped the final episode of her long-running talk show.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama doubled down on criticism of rival Mitt Romney's background as a venture capitalist, telling a rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds there might be value in such experience but "not in the White House." Brian Banks, a former high school football star whose dreams of a pro career were shattered by what turned out to be a false rape accusation, burst into tears as a judge in Long Beach, California, threw out the charge that had sent Banks to prison for more than five years.Five years ago: Setting past differences and rude comments aside, President Donald Trump and Pope Francis put a determinedly positive face on their first meeting at the Vatican. Ariana Grande suspended her Dangerous Woman world tour and canceled several European shows due to the deadly bombing at her concert in Manchester, England, two days earlier.One year ago: Tennessee became the latest state to ban teachers from talking about certain aspects of race and racism in public schools. Samuel E. Wright, who famously voiced "Sebastian the Crab" in Disney's "The Little Mermaid" and had an acting career spanning five decades, died at 72.Today's Birthdays: Actor-comedian-impressionist Stanley Baxter is 96. Jazz musician Archie Shepp is 85. Comedian Tommy Chong is 84. Singer Bob Dylan is 81. Actor Gary Burghoff is 79. Singer Patti LaBelle is 78. Actor Priscilla Presley is 77. Country singer Mike Reid is 75. Actor Jim Broadbent is 73. Actor Alfred Molina is 69. Singer Rosanne Cash is 67. Actor Cliff Parisi is 62. Actor Kristin Scott Thomas is 62. Rock musician Vivian Trimble is 59. Actor John C. Reilly is 57. Actor Dana Ashbrook is 55. Actor Eric Close is 55. Actor Carl Payne is 53. Rock musician Rich Robinson is 53. Former MLB pitcher Bartolo Colon is 49. Actor Dash Mihok is 48. Actor Bryan Greenberg is 44. Actor Owen Benjamin is 42. Actor Billy L. Sullivan is 42. Actor-rapper Jerod Mixon (aka Big Tyme) is 41. Rock musician Cody Hanson (Hinder) is 40. Dancer-choreographer-singer Mark Ballas is 36. Country singer Billy Gilman is 34. Rapper/producer G-Eazy is 33. Actor Brianne Howey is 33. Actor Cayden Boyd is 28.

Today in History - May 24

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

Recent obituaries and service times

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We offer many options for employment – you can work as little or as much as you want!

For more information, or to apply, please go to <a href="http://OCCK.com">OCCK.com</a> and click on the CAREERS tab.

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 </figure>OCCK, Inc. is growing!We have openings in Salina, Abilene, Beloit, and Concordia.We are currently looking for:●Home Care Attendants●Direct Support Professionals●Independent Living Specialists●Physician Therapy Assistant●Team Leaders●Drivers●Master Level Autism Specialist●Master Social Worker●Targeted Case ManagersWe offer many options for employment – you can work as little or as much as you want!For more information, or to apply, please go to <a href="http://OCCK.com">OCCK.com</a> and click on the CAREERS tab.

Salina Fire Department testing hoses

Widespread rainfall, some locally heavy, will affect parts of central and eastern Kansas late tonight through Tuesday night. 

The area at greatest risk for the heaviest rainfall and potential flooding is expected across south-central into southeast Kansas. 

If you encounter flooded roads, turn around and don't drown.

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 </figure>National Weather ServiceWidespread rainfall, some locally heavy, will affect parts of central and eastern Kansas late tonight through Tuesday night. The area at greatest risk for the heaviest rainfall and potential flooding is expected across south-central into southeast Kansas. If you encounter flooded roads, turn around and don't drown.

Weather service adjusts rainfall totals forecast

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a flood warning in effect from Tuesday evening to early Thursday morning for the Cottonwood River near Florence in Marion County.

The river is expected to rise above flood stage Tuesday evening to a crest of 24.1 feet Wednesday morning. It will then fall below flood stage Wednesday afternoon. Flood stage is 22.0 feet.

At 24.0 feet, outside the levee system in southeast Florence, floodwaters flow across Park Avenue Road and reach the foundation of a residential home. Northwest of Florence, the bridge on 140th Road and 1/2 mile west of U.S. Highway 77 floods.

National Weather ServiceThe National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a flood warning in effect from Tuesday evening to early Thursday morning for the Cottonwood River near Florence in Marion County.Minor flooding is forecast.The river is expected to rise above flood stage Tuesday evening to a crest of 24.1 feet Wednesday morning. It will then fall below flood stage Wednesday afternoon. Flood stage is 22.0 feet.At 24.0 feet, outside the levee system in southeast Florence, floodwaters flow across Park Avenue Road and reach the foundation of a residential home. Northwest of Florence, the bridge on 140th Road and 1/2 mile west of U.S. Highway 77 floods.