On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with WNBA player Lauren Cox.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-sHzITEq9iQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with WNBA player Lauren Cox.

🎤 Forward Ever: WNBA player Lauren Cox

The Tri-Rivers fair King and Queen have been crowned.

During a ceremony Wednesday night,&nbsp;Andy Marshall from the Sunny Valley 4-H Club and Brynna Anderson from the Smoky View 4-H Club were&nbsp;crowned the 2023 Tri-Rivers Fair King and Queen.

Anderson was crowned with a&nbsp; queen’s tiara and presented with a&nbsp; &nbsp;bouquet of flowers. Marshall was crowned using a black cowboy hat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c7854f52-d453-48b6-a17e-2273dee6c388">READ:&nbsp;‘Sew It, Grow It, Show It’ Tri-Rivers Fair Information</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691767141944.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Andy Marshall from the Sunny Valley 4-H Club and Brynna Anderson from the Smoky View 4-H Club were crowned the 2023 Tri-Rivers Fair King and Queen. Image Courtesy Tri-Rivers Fair Board" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Andy Marshall from the Sunny Valley 4-H Club and Brynna Anderson from the Smoky View 4-H Club were crowned the 2023 Tri-Rivers Fair King and Queen. Image Courtesy Tri-Rivers Fair Board</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe Tri-Rivers fair King and Queen have been crowned.During a ceremony Wednesday night,&nbsp;Andy Marshall from the Sunny Valley 4-H Club and Brynna Anderson from the Smoky View 4-H Club were&nbsp;crowned the 2023 Tri-Rivers Fair King and Queen.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F100062980611301%2Fvideos%2F1351172792421916%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>
</div>Anderson was crowned with a&nbsp; queen’s tiara and presented with a&nbsp; &nbsp;bouquet of flowers. Marshall was crowned using a black cowboy hat.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c7854f52-d453-48b6-a17e-2273dee6c388">READ:&nbsp;‘Sew It, Grow It, Show It’ Tri-Rivers Fair Information</a>

Tri-Rivers Fair royalty crowned

Summer vacation has officially come to an end. USD 305 begins its staggered start schedule for students returning to school this week.&nbsp;

It's not just USD 305, students all over the country are getting ready to head back to school. With brand-new backpacks full of fresh supplies, students are excited to get back in the classroom and see their old friends and meet new teachers.

For some, going back to school is a time of adventure and growth. They'll get to explore new subjects, join clubs, and make memories with their friends. But for others, the transition can be tough. Some students might feel nervous about leaving their old school behind or unsure about meeting new people.

Whether the first day of school makes you feel anxious or excited or somewhere in between, Salina Post wishes all students a great start to the 2023-2024 academic year.&nbsp;

August 11 Grades 1-5 attend (Kindergarten Screening/Conference by Appt.) Grades 6 and 9 attend (No school grades 7, 8, 10, 11, 12)

August 14 Grades 1-12 attend (Preschool and Kindergarten Screening/Conference by Appt.)

August 15 Grades K-12 attend (Preschool Screening/Conference by Appt.)

August 16 All grades attend, Preschool-12 attend

Elementary Schedule (Grades K-5): 8:30 a.m. – 3:25 p.m.

Middle School Schedule (Grades 6-8): 7:45 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.

High School Schedule (Grades 9-12): 7:45 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691766205093.jpeg" alt="Welcome Back to School Image Courtesy City of Salina" />
 <figcaption>Welcome Back to School Image Courtesy City of Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTSummer vacation has officially come to an end. USD 305 begins its staggered start schedule for students returning to school this week.&nbsp;It's not just USD 305, students all over the country are getting ready to head back to school. With brand-new backpacks full of fresh supplies, students are excited to get back in the classroom and see their old friends and meet new teachers.For some, going back to school is a time of adventure and growth. They'll get to explore new subjects, join clubs, and make memories with their friends. But for others, the transition can be tough. Some students might feel nervous about leaving their old school behind or unsure about meeting new people.Whether the first day of school makes you feel anxious or excited or somewhere in between, Salina Post wishes all students a great start to the 2023-2024 academic year.&nbsp;<h2>Here is the back to school schedule:</h2>August 11 Grades 1-5 attend (Kindergarten Screening/Conference by Appt.) Grades 6 and 9 attend (No school grades 7, 8, 10, 11, 12)August 14 Grades 1-12 attend (Preschool and Kindergarten Screening/Conference by Appt.)August 15 Grades K-12 attend (Preschool Screening/Conference by Appt.) August 16 All grades attend, Preschool-12 attend<h2>School Hours</h2>Elementary Schedule (Grades K-5): 8:30 a.m. – 3:25 p.m.Middle School Schedule (Grades 6-8): 7:45 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.High School Schedule (Grades 9-12): 7:45 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.

USD 305: School is back in Session

On Monday through Thursday, August 14th through 17th, Vance Brothers of Kansas City, Missouri will resurface the following City of Salina streets, weather permitting:

Local roads will be closed to traffic during construction for a period not to exceed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents will be provided sufficient notice of closures and special requests will be accommodated. Arterials and collectors will be resurfaced under traffic.

Microsurfacing is a common method of pavement surface treatment which consists of a polymer modified asphalt slurry (about 3/8 inch thick) that coats the pavement surface and creates a smooth moisture-resistant barrier. It also increases ride-ability and seals smaller cracks. When combined with proper pavement sealing, micro-surfacing extends the service life of the roadway. Streets are estimated for microsurfacing on a 6 to 8 year cycle at an estimated cost of about $5,000 per block.

The $893,000 project is a major component of the City of Salina's $4.7 million 2023 maintenance capital improvement program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691761008083.jpeg" alt="City of Salina announces microsurfacing schedule. Images Courtesy City of Salina" />
 <figcaption>City of Salina announces microsurfacing schedule. Images Courtesy City of Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>City of SalinaOn Monday through Thursday, August 14th through 17th, Vance Brothers of Kansas City, Missouri will resurface the following City of Salina streets, weather permitting:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691761089721.png" alt="Microsurfacing schedule. " />
 <figcaption>Microsurfacing schedule. </figcaption>
 </figure>Local roads will be closed to traffic during construction for a period not to exceed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents will be provided sufficient notice of closures and special requests will be accommodated. Arterials and collectors will be resurfaced under traffic.Microsurfacing is a common method of pavement surface treatment which consists of a polymer modified asphalt slurry (about 3/8 inch thick) that coats the pavement surface and creates a smooth moisture-resistant barrier. It also increases ride-ability and seals smaller cracks. When combined with proper pavement sealing, micro-surfacing extends the service life of the roadway. Streets are estimated for microsurfacing on a 6 to 8 year cycle at an estimated cost of about $5,000 per block.The $893,000 project is a major component of the City of Salina's $4.7 million 2023 maintenance capital improvement program.

City of Salina: Microsurfacing work continues

On Aug. 11, 2020, Democrat Joe Biden named California Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate; Harris was the first Black woman on a major party’s presidential ticket.

In 1860, the nation’s first successful silver mill began operation near Virginia City, Nevada.&nbsp;

In 1919, Germany’s Weimar Constitution was signed by President Friedrich Ebert.&nbsp;

In 1934, the first federal prisoners arrived at Alcatraz Island (a former military prison) in San Francisco Bay.&nbsp;

In 1949, President Harry S. Truman nominated General Omar N. Bradley to become the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In 1952, Hussein bin Talal was proclaimed King of Jordan, beginning a reign lasting nearly 47 years.

In 1956, abstract painter Jackson Pollock, 44, died in an automobile accident on Long Island, New York.&nbsp;

In 1965, rioting and looting that claimed 34 lives broke out in the predominantly Black Watts section of Los Angeles.

In 1992, the Mall of America, the nation’s largest shopping-entertainment center, opened in Bloomington, Minnesota.

In 1993, President Bill Clinton named Army Gen. John Shalikashvili (shah-lee-kash-VEE’-lee) to be the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, succeeding the retiring Gen. Colin Powell.

In 1997, President Bill Clinton made the first use of the historic line-item veto, rejecting three items in spending and tax bills. (However, the U.S. Supreme Court later struck down the veto as unconstitutional.)

In 2014, Academy Award-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams, 63, died in Tiburon, California, a suicide.

In 2016, the Obama administration said it had decided marijuana would remain on the list of most dangerous drugs, rebuffing growing support across the country for broad legalization, but said it would allow more research into its medical uses.&nbsp;

In 2020, the newly elected district attorney in Portland, Oregon, said he would not prosecute people arrested on non-violent misdemeanor charges during protests.

<h2>Today’s Highlight in History:</h2>On Aug. 11, 2020, Democrat Joe Biden named California Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate; Harris was the first Black woman on a major party’s presidential ticket.<h2>On this date:</h2>In 1860, the nation’s first successful silver mill began operation near Virginia City, Nevada.&nbsp;In 1919, Germany’s Weimar Constitution was signed by President Friedrich Ebert.&nbsp;In 1934, the first federal prisoners arrived at Alcatraz Island (a former military prison) in San Francisco Bay.&nbsp;In 1949, President Harry S. Truman nominated General Omar N. Bradley to become the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.In 1952, Hussein bin Talal was proclaimed King of Jordan, beginning a reign lasting nearly 47 years.In 1956, abstract painter Jackson Pollock, 44, died in an automobile accident on Long Island, New York.&nbsp;In 1965, rioting and looting that claimed 34 lives broke out in the predominantly Black Watts section of Los Angeles.In 1992, the Mall of America, the nation’s largest shopping-entertainment center, opened in Bloomington, Minnesota.In 1993, President Bill Clinton named Army Gen. John Shalikashvili (shah-lee-kash-VEE’-lee) to be the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, succeeding the retiring Gen. Colin Powell.In 1997, President Bill Clinton made the first use of the historic line-item veto, rejecting three items in spending and tax bills. (However, the U.S. Supreme Court later struck down the veto as unconstitutional.)In 2014, Academy Award-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams, 63, died in Tiburon, California, a suicide.In 2016, the Obama administration said it had decided marijuana would remain on the list of most dangerous drugs, rebuffing growing support across the country for broad legalization, but said it would allow more research into its medical uses.&nbsp;In 2020, the newly elected district attorney in Portland, Oregon, said he would not prosecute people arrested on non-violent misdemeanor charges during protests.

Today in History, Aug. 11

Area schools resume classes on Friday August 11 and the enforcement of the reduced speed school zones in Salina will resume on the same date.

Drivers are encouraged to be additionally aware of children, school buses, the school zones around schools, and the reduced speed limits. Kansas law states that when a school bus stop arm is extended and the flashing lights on the bus have been activated, vehicles traveling in both directions must come to a complete stop.

Kansas law also states that vehicles must stop and yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. The flashing speed limit sign beacons will be activated on Monday, August 7, four days in advance of the first day of school on Friday August 11.

. Motorists are encouraged to practice extra caution when traveling in the reduced-speed school zone sign locations.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628381168244.jpeg" alt="Cottonwood school zone&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Cottonwood school zone&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>City of SalinaArea schools resume classes on Friday August 11 and the enforcement of the reduced speed school zones in Salina will resume on the same date. Drivers are encouraged to be additionally aware of children, school buses, the school zones around schools, and the reduced speed limits. Kansas law states that when a school bus stop arm is extended and the flashing lights on the bus have been activated, vehicles traveling in both directions must come to a complete stop. Kansas law also states that vehicles must stop and yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. The flashing speed limit sign beacons will be activated on Monday, August 7, four days in advance of the first day of school on Friday August 11.. Motorists are encouraged to practice extra caution when traveling in the reduced-speed school zone sign locations.

School speed limits to resume Aug. 11

Here’s what is going on at the fair today!

Here’s what is going on at the fair today! <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691757772908.jpeg" alt="Tri Rivers Fair 2023 " />
 <figcaption>Tri Rivers Fair 2023 </figcaption>
 </figure>

Tri-Rivers Fair, Day 3 schedule 

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: Carlson,Bradley James REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor, Possess of a firearm while under the influence, Fail to yield at stop or yield sign

NAME: Fletcher,Christopher Lawrence REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

NAME: Golde,Thomas Lee-Arthur REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Contempt of Court; Direct

NAME: Hoyt,Crystal Nicole REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving While Suspended, No Proof Of Insurance

NAME: Imlay,Christian Matthew REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation

NAME: Jefferson,Brion Cornell REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Poss of marijuana

NAME: Loder,Tara Kay REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation, Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body, Driving While Suspended, Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

NAME:Martinez,Marcos Benavidez REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation&nbsp; &nbsp;

NAME: Morales,Anthony Luis REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Crim damage to prop;w/o consent &lt;$1K, Assault, Crim damage to prop;w/o consent &lt;$1K, Domestic Battery: Know cause phy cont 3rd/subs, Driving While Suspended

NAME:&nbsp;Owen,Breona Rachel REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Stalking; Misd unknown circumstance, Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County JailAll persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691761519689.jpeg" alt="Carlson,Bradley James" />
 <figcaption>Carlson,Bradley James</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Carlson,Bradley James REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor, Possess of a firearm while under the influence, Fail to yield at stop or yield sign<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691761622880.jpeg" alt="Fletcher,Christopher Lawrence" />
 <figcaption>Fletcher,Christopher Lawrence</figcaption>
 </figure>
NAME: Fletcher,Christopher Lawrence REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691761644815.jpeg" alt="Golde,Thomas Lee-Arthur" />
 <figcaption>Golde,Thomas Lee-Arthur</figcaption>
 </figure>
NAME: Golde,Thomas Lee-Arthur REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Contempt of Court; Direct <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691761662141.jpeg" alt="Hoyt,Crystal Nicole" />
 <figcaption>Hoyt,Crystal Nicole</figcaption>
 </figure>
NAME: Hoyt,Crystal Nicole REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving While Suspended, No Proof Of Insurance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691761687692.jpeg" alt="Imlay,Christian Matthew" />
 <figcaption>Imlay,Christian Matthew</figcaption>
 </figure>
NAME: Imlay,Christian Matthew REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Probation Violation <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691761724784.jpeg" alt="Jefferson,Brion Cornell" />
 <figcaption>Jefferson,Brion Cornell</figcaption>
 </figure>
NAME: Jefferson,Brion Cornell REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Poss of marijuana <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691761824532.jpeg" alt="Loder,Tara Kay" />
 <figcaption>Loder,Tara Kay</figcaption>
 </figure>
NAME: Loder,Tara Kay REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation, Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body, Driving While Suspended, Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691761850215.jpeg" alt="Martinez,Marcos Benavidez" />
 <figcaption>Martinez,Marcos Benavidez</figcaption>
 </figure>
NAME:Martinez,Marcos Benavidez REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation&nbsp; &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691761874291.jpeg" alt="Morales,Anthony Luis" />
 <figcaption>Morales,Anthony Luis</figcaption>
 </figure>
NAME: Morales,Anthony Luis REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Crim damage to prop;w/o consent &lt;$1K, Assault, Crim damage to prop;w/o consent &lt;$1K, Domestic Battery: Know cause phy cont 3rd/subs, Driving While Suspended<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691761889844.jpeg" alt="Owen,Breona Rachel" />
 <figcaption>Owen,Breona Rachel</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Owen,Breona Rachel REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Stalking; Misd unknown circumstance, Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

Saline County Jail Bookings, Aug. 11

CLAY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an alleged burglary in Clay Center released additional security images of the suspects and are asking the public for help identifying them.

On Aug. 4, police received a report of an aggravated burglary and attempted robbery in the 700 block of Liberty Street. in Clay Center, according to a media release. The suspects fled before officers arrived. They are described as&nbsp;two black males between the ages of 15 and 20 years old. They 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-10 and&nbsp; had shoulder-length dreadlocks.

One suspect was wearing an orange hoodie, camouflaged pants, one black shoe and one white shoe.

The other suspect was wearing a white or light gray zip-up jacket with a hood, blue jeans with two medium-sized holes on both pant legs and black shoes. He also had some of the ends of his dreadlocks dyed white. 

No weapons were reported to have been used.&nbsp; Anyone has knowledge or knows the identity of either suspect, please notify the Clay Center Police Department at 785-632-2121, and do not contact either of the suspects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691753833876.png" alt="Photo Clay Center Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Clay Center Police</figcaption>
 </figure>CLAY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an alleged burglary in Clay Center released additional security images of the suspects and are asking the public for help identifying them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691754027728.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Aug. 4, police received a report of an aggravated burglary and attempted robbery in the 700 block of Liberty Street. in Clay Center, according to a media release. The suspects fled before officers arrived. They are described as&nbsp;two black males between the ages of 15 and 20 years old. They 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-10 and&nbsp; had shoulder-length dreadlocks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691322563658.png" alt="Security camera image Clay Center Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image Clay Center Police</figcaption>
 </figure>One suspect was wearing an orange hoodie, camouflaged pants, one black shoe and one white shoe.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691323645822.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The other suspect was wearing a white or light gray zip-up jacket with a hood, blue jeans with two medium-sized holes on both pant legs and black shoes. He also had some of the ends of his dreadlocks dyed white. No weapons were reported to have been used.&nbsp; Anyone has knowledge or knows the identity of either suspect, please notify the Clay Center Police Department at 785-632-2121, and do not contact either of the suspects.

Police: Search continues for burglary suspects in Clay Center

Scammers are lurking on LinkedIn and other job sites, posing as “recruiters” for well-known companies. But instead of looking to hire you, they’re really looking to take your money and personal information.

It starts with a direct message on a job search site like Indeed or LinkedIn. The “recruiter” says you have exactly the skill set they’re looking for. Next, they’ll email an official-looking invitation for a virtual interview along with a Job Briefing guide that gives you details about your job duties and job benefits. (Did that email come from a personal email, not a company account? That’s a red flag.) After the virtual interview,&nbsp;you get an official-looking offer letter, complete with the company’s name and logo.

But after they offer you the job, they’ll push for your money and personal information. You’ll get an invoice (it’s fake) for equipment like a computer&nbsp;they’ll&nbsp;order for you, but tell&nbsp;you&nbsp;to pay for — using cash, Zelle, or PayPal. They promise to reimburse you. But they won’t because it’s a scam.

Or, instead, they’ll ask for your personal information, like your driver’s license, Social Security, or bank account number, to fill out “employment paperwork.” And they want it&nbsp;before&nbsp;they’ll answer your questions about the job. But if you share it, they might steal your identity.

To spot these scams, know that&nbsp;honest employers will never ask you to pay&nbsp;upfront fees for a job or for equipment. And they&nbsp;won’t ask you to pay them using cash, Zelle or PayPal. Anyone who does is a scammer.

To avoid these scams,&nbsp;never give out personal information&nbsp;before doing some research. Contact the company directly using a phone number you know to be legitimate — not one you got from the “recruiter.” Or go to the company’s website. If you can’t confirm the job is real, it could be a scam.

The FTC has resources to help you&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/jobs">spot job scams</a>. If you spot a scam, report it at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663853943686.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By LARISSA BUNGO FTCScammers are lurking on LinkedIn and other job sites, posing as “recruiters” for well-known companies. But instead of looking to hire you, they’re really looking to take your money and personal information.It starts with a direct message on a job search site like Indeed or LinkedIn. The “recruiter” says you have exactly the skill set they’re looking for. Next, they’ll email an official-looking invitation for a virtual interview along with a Job Briefing guide that gives you details about your job duties and job benefits. (Did that email come from a personal email, not a company account? That’s a red flag.) After the virtual interview,&nbsp;you get an official-looking offer letter, complete with the company’s name and logo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691505565755.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>But after they offer you the job, they’ll push for your money and personal information. You’ll get an invoice (it’s fake) for equipment like a computer&nbsp;they’ll&nbsp;order for you, but tell&nbsp;you&nbsp;to pay for — using cash, Zelle, or PayPal. They promise to reimburse you. But they won’t because it’s a scam.Or, instead, they’ll ask for your personal information, like your driver’s license, Social Security, or bank account number, to fill out “employment paperwork.” And they want it&nbsp;before&nbsp;they’ll answer your questions about the job. But if you share it, they might steal your identity.To spot these scams, know that&nbsp;honest employers will never ask you to pay&nbsp;upfront fees for a job or for equipment. And they&nbsp;won’t ask you to pay them using cash, Zelle or PayPal. Anyone who does is a scammer.To avoid these scams,&nbsp;never give out personal information&nbsp;before doing some research. Contact the company directly using a phone number you know to be legitimate — not one you got from the “recruiter.” Or go to the company’s website. If you can’t confirm the job is real, it could be a scam.The FTC has resources to help you&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/jobs">spot job scams</a>. If you spot a scam, report it at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: Scammers impersonate well-known companies, recruit for fake jobs on LinkedIn, others

The Salina Art Center Cinema is excited to announce "Theatre Camp" will show at the <a href="https://prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/list.aspx?epguid=94c71b64-6119-436a-8b50-a5728e102d44">Salina Art Center Aug. 11-16.</a>

You don’t have to be a theater kid to enjoy this very funny, knowing, heartfelt mockumentary co-directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman. The premise: an unseen film crew goes behind the scenes at a beloved summer theater camp in upstate New York called “AdirondACTS.” When camp director Joan (Amy Sedaris) is sidelined by a strobe-light-induced coma, a plucky gang of misfits get together to save AdirondACTS from financial ruin. Naturally, they’re going to put on a show: a moving tribute called “Joan, Still” that two of the camp’s favorite teachers, Amos (Ben Platt) and Rebecca-Diane (Gordon), plan to produce—before they’ve actually written a script. Packed with likeable young thespians completely convincing as Broadway and movie stars-in-the-making, Theater Camp is both a send-up of documentary tropes and a genuine celebration of that unrivalled enthusiasm, crowd-pleasing energy, and demented optimism that makes stage performers unique as artists. Think Waiting for Guffman, but with characters who are legitimately talented and memorable; except maybe for Joan’s son Troy (Jimmy Tatro), a hapless vlogger-entrepreneur who steps in to (mis)handle the business side of the camp and doesn’t immediately jive with all the colorful personalities of the young people who live for the theater. Troy warms up, but viewers will enjoy the backstage details and the “Murphy’s Law” nature of theatrical production. Gordon, Lieberman, Platt, &amp; co. obviously know and love the quirks of the theater world: the euphoric highs, the embarrassing lows; the ego and the obsession; the half-camaraderie, half-competitiveness that sparks all those unforgettable moments on stage. It’s this honest affection that makes Theater Camp so fun, so endearing, and so relatable, even to non-theater people.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691685498030.jpeg" alt="Searchlight Pictures, Theatre Camp" />
 <figcaption>Searchlight Pictures, Theatre Camp</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Art Center CinemaThe Salina Art Center Cinema is excited to announce "Theatre Camp" will show at the <a href="https://prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/list.aspx?epguid=94c71b64-6119-436a-8b50-a5728e102d44">Salina Art Center Aug. 11-16.</a>You don’t have to be a theater kid to enjoy this very funny, knowing, heartfelt mockumentary co-directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman. The premise: an unseen film crew goes behind the scenes at a beloved summer theater camp in upstate New York called “AdirondACTS.” When camp director Joan (Amy Sedaris) is sidelined by a strobe-light-induced coma, a plucky gang of misfits get together to save AdirondACTS from financial ruin. Naturally, they’re going to put on a show: a moving tribute called “Joan, Still” that two of the camp’s favorite teachers, Amos (Ben Platt) and Rebecca-Diane (Gordon), plan to produce—before they’ve actually written a script. Packed with likeable young thespians completely convincing as Broadway and movie stars-in-the-making, Theater Camp is both a send-up of documentary tropes and a genuine celebration of that unrivalled enthusiasm, crowd-pleasing energy, and demented optimism that makes stage performers unique as artists. Think Waiting for Guffman, but with characters who are legitimately talented and memorable; except maybe for Joan’s son Troy (Jimmy Tatro), a hapless vlogger-entrepreneur who steps in to (mis)handle the business side of the camp and doesn’t immediately jive with all the colorful personalities of the young people who live for the theater. Troy warms up, but viewers will enjoy the backstage details and the “Murphy’s Law” nature of theatrical production. Gordon, Lieberman, Platt, &amp; co. obviously know and love the quirks of the theater world: the euphoric highs, the embarrassing lows; the ego and the obsession; the half-camaraderie, half-competitiveness that sparks all those unforgettable moments on stage. It’s this honest affection that makes Theater Camp so fun, so endearing, and so relatable, even to non-theater people.

Salina Art Center Cinema presents 'Theatre Camp' Aug. 11-16

By NATE KING Salina Post

Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged violence against several men following a disagreement about a pair of sunglasses.&nbsp;

Just before&nbsp;4:24 p.m. Wednesday, officers responded to the&nbsp;700 block of Johnstown Avenue in reference to a report of a battery incident, according to&nbsp;Sergeant Kyle Tonniges.&nbsp;

When officers arrived they made contact with Max Larussa,28, Salina.&nbsp;

"Larussa and his roommate, who's a 19 year old, of Salina were involved in an argument inside of a van outside of a residence where they live at," Tonniges said. "They were arguing about a pair of sunglasses and at one&nbsp; point Larussa started hitting that victim."

Tonniges said another acquaintance who was present during the argument attempted to get Larussa to stop but was unsuccessful. Larussa in turn began hitting the acquaintance. 

When Larussa exited the van a third acquaintance approached him and was subsequently punched across the face.

Officers arrested Larussa with the following requested charges: Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner, Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO, Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact and Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691670700783.png" alt="Larussa, Max Tyler" />
 <figcaption>Larussa, Max Tyler</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostLaw enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged violence against several men following a disagreement about a pair of sunglasses.&nbsp;Just before&nbsp;4:24 p.m. Wednesday, officers responded to the&nbsp;700 block of Johnstown Avenue in reference to a report of a battery incident, according to&nbsp;Sergeant Kyle Tonniges.&nbsp;When officers arrived they made contact with Max Larussa,28, Salina.&nbsp;"Larussa and his roommate, who's a 19 year old, of Salina were involved in an argument inside of a van outside of a residence where they live at," Tonniges said. "They were arguing about a pair of sunglasses and at one&nbsp; point Larussa started hitting that victim."Tonniges said another acquaintance who was present during the argument attempted to get Larussa to stop but was unsuccessful. Larussa in turn began hitting the acquaintance. When Larussa exited the van a third acquaintance approached him and was subsequently punched across the face.Officers arrested Larussa with the following requested charges: Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner, Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO, Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact and Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant

Salina man arrested following brawl over sunglasses

Kansas Department of Transportation

TOPEKA, Kan. — The KanDrive website, which provides up-to-date road and weather information for motorists across Kansas, has updated its web address to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmthbmRyaXZlLmdvdj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODEwLjgwOTI2MjAxIn0.8JL9KuQLyy-7rio5UbXmTSL7Fvcl5HjxydaR0hVJDp8/s/2129667343/br/224014166737-l" target="_blank">www.KanDrive.gov</a>. Instead of ending with .org, the domain extension is now.gov.

There are no other changes to the website. People typing the old web address will automatically be directed to the KanDrive website. The address will also be updated soon in Google and other search engines.

Whether by desktop, mobile or tablet, more than 1.64 million KanDrive web sessions in 2022 provided users information that is updated 24/7 on highway maintenance and construction activities, winter highway conditions, flooded roadways, incidents and crashes affecting traffic and closed highways. WICHway and KC Scout can be directly accessed through KanDrive. A commercial vehicle mode also provides information for truck drivers.

Changing KanDrive’s web address is part of an overall update to KDOT websites to help increase security and be consistent with government addresses.

Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmthbmRyaXZlLmdvdj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODEwLjgwOTI2MjAxIn0.ZDBZvjbOYlkLAUh5p8fAwDssl_A7NUBsv771c8cHbKY/s/2129667343/br/224014166737-l" target="_blank">www.KanDrive.gov</a>&nbsp;and get started today.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691675866537.jpeg" alt="KanDrive" />
 <figcaption>KanDrive</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of TransportationTOPEKA, Kan. — The KanDrive website, which provides up-to-date road and weather information for motorists across Kansas, has updated its web address to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmthbmRyaXZlLmdvdj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODEwLjgwOTI2MjAxIn0.8JL9KuQLyy-7rio5UbXmTSL7Fvcl5HjxydaR0hVJDp8/s/2129667343/br/224014166737-l" target="_blank">www.KanDrive.gov</a>. Instead of ending with .org, the domain extension is now.gov.There are no other changes to the website. People typing the old web address will automatically be directed to the KanDrive website. The address will also be updated soon in Google and other search engines.Whether by desktop, mobile or tablet, more than 1.64 million KanDrive web sessions in 2022 provided users information that is updated 24/7 on highway maintenance and construction activities, winter highway conditions, flooded roadways, incidents and crashes affecting traffic and closed highways. WICHway and KC Scout can be directly accessed through KanDrive. A commercial vehicle mode also provides information for truck drivers.Changing KanDrive’s web address is part of an overall update to KDOT websites to help increase security and be consistent with government addresses.Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmthbmRyaXZlLmdvdj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODEwLjgwOTI2MjAxIn0.ZDBZvjbOYlkLAUh5p8fAwDssl_A7NUBsv771c8cHbKY/s/2129667343/br/224014166737-l" target="_blank">www.KanDrive.gov</a>&nbsp;and get started today.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

KanDrive is now KanDrive.gov

Families and community members in Salina gathered on Saturday for a day of healthy fun at the Salina YMCA's free "Healthy Kids Day" event.

Children were able to engage in a variety of active games and activities and visit with representatives of various community organizations.&nbsp;

The Salina YMCA also held a ribbon cutting on Saturday to introduce its new "Kid Gym" to the public.

Angie Lassley, Salina YMCA President and CEO said the new "Kid Gym" will provide parents with a safe place for their kids to play while they are working out.&nbsp;

"The kids gym is an opportunity for us to serve kids in the Salina community from six weeks to 10 years old," Lassley said. "We refreshed all the equipment that's inside that way the kids have something fun and exciting and new."

Ribbon Cutting Video Courtesy Salina YMCA

Lassley said the Kid Gym features different activity stations that engage a child's creative, physical, and emotional sides.

Salina YMCA staff said they were pleased with the event turnout and were excited to see children come in and use the new equipment.&nbsp;

Over a dozen community organizations were represented at the event. Each vendor brought with them various goodies and items for participants to take home.&nbsp;

CAPS of Salina (Child Advocacy &amp; Parenting Services)

Department for Children and Families (DCF)

 Big Brothers Big Sisters.&nbsp;KWU Athletics Department

 Salina Family YMCA Aquatics, Group Exercise and School Age Child Care

<div><iframe title="Angie Lassley, Salina YMCA President/CEO" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ryidi-147836c-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe>
</div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691601415576.png" alt="Bubbles were available for children to play with. Photo by Nate King Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Bubbles were available for children to play with. Photo by Nate King Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostFamilies and community members in Salina gathered on Saturday for a day of healthy fun at the Salina YMCA's free "Healthy Kids Day" event.Children were able to engage in a variety of active games and activities and visit with representatives of various community organizations.&nbsp;The Salina YMCA also held a ribbon cutting on Saturday to introduce its new "Kid Gym" to the public.Angie Lassley, Salina YMCA President and CEO said the new "Kid Gym" will provide parents with a safe place for their kids to play while they are working out.&nbsp;"The kids gym is an opportunity for us to serve kids in the Salina community from six weeks to 10 years old," Lassley said. "We refreshed all the equipment that's inside that way the kids have something fun and exciting and new."<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSalinaFamilyYMCA%2Fvideos%2F295529676464207%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>
</div>Ribbon Cutting Video Courtesy Salina YMCALassley said the Kid Gym features different activity stations that engage a child's creative, physical, and emotional sides.Salina YMCA staff said they were pleased with the event turnout and were excited to see children come in and use the new equipment.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691594838660.jpeg" alt="The new Kid Gym is located at the Salina YMCA. Photo Courtesy Jonathan Barajas/Salina YMCA" />
 <figcaption>The new Kid Gym is located at the Salina YMCA. Photo Courtesy Jonathan Barajas/Salina YMCA</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691687072381.jpeg" alt="The new Kid Gym is located at the Salina YMCA.&nbsp;Photo Courtesy Jonathan Barajas/Salina YMCA" />
 <figcaption>The new Kid Gym is located at the Salina YMCA.&nbsp;Photo Courtesy Jonathan Barajas/Salina YMCA</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691687099546.jpeg" alt="The new Kid Gym is located at the Salina YMCA. Photo Courtesy Jonathan Barajas/Salina YMCA" />
 <figcaption>The new Kid Gym is located at the Salina YMCA. Photo Courtesy Jonathan Barajas/Salina YMCA</figcaption>
 </figure>Over a dozen community organizations were represented at the event. Each vendor brought with them various goodies and items for participants to take home.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691601228183.png" alt="Salina Police Officers answer questions from event attendees. Photo by Nate King Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Salina Police Officers answer questions from event attendees. Photo by Nate King Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691602380225.jpeg" alt="Healthy Kids Day YMCA Photo Courtesy Jonathan Barajas" />
 <figcaption>Healthy Kids Day YMCA Photo Courtesy Jonathan Barajas</figcaption>
 </figure>Vendors included:Redefine NutritionCAPS of Salina (Child Advocacy &amp; Parenting Services) Central Kansas Mental Health Center Smokey Hill Museum Salina Public LibrarySalina Technical College Dental StudentsLakewood Discovery CenterAETNADepartment for Children and Families (DCF) Big Brothers Big Sisters.&nbsp;KWU Athletics Department Angel Flight Salina Police DepartmentSalina Fire DepartmentSalina County Sheriff's OfficeSalina Family Healthcare Center Salina County Health Department Salina Family YMCA Aquatics, Group Exercise and School Age Child Care<ul>
 
 </ul>

🎙Salina YMCA celebrates Healthy Kids Day, ribbon cutting for new 'Kids Gym'

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691671541159.jpeg" alt="It’s show day! The barns are bustling already this morning. Tri Rivers Fair Photo" />
 <figcaption>It’s show day! The barns are bustling already this morning. Tri Rivers Fair Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691671486977.jpeg" alt="Day 2 Tri-Rivers Fair" />
 <figcaption>Day 2 Tri-Rivers Fair</figcaption>
 </figure>

Tri-Rivers Fair Day 2 Schedule

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Lewd and lascivious; Exposing to person =&gt;16

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Crowder, Lane Anthany REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to Appear

NAME:&nbsp;Esparza-Avila, Adan REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Kruse, Cheri Jean REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Forgery; Distributing or issuing written instrument and&nbsp;Forgery; Making or altering a written instrument

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Larussa, Max Tyler REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner, Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO, Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact and Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Lomax-Spivey, Rhadarious Raheem REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Robbery, Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm, Crim damage to prop;w/o consent $1K-$25K, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact and Intimidation of witness/victim; Prevent reporting

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;McMiller, Andre Javon REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant and Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Shields, Christopher Allen REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation, Failure to appear, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant and Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Sidener, Sakora Jane REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant and Poss of marijuana

NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Waterman, Amanda Kay REQUESTED CHARGE(S) Criminal use of a financial card; W/o consent of owner less than $1,000, Forgery; Making or altering a written instrument, Identity theft; Economic/bodily harm &gt;$100K and Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County JailAll persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691670309275.png" alt="Breit, Michael James" />
 <figcaption>Breit, Michael James</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Breit, Michael JamesREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Lewd and lascivious; Exposing to person =&gt;16<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691670371057.png" alt="Crowder, Lane Anthany" />
 <figcaption>Crowder, Lane Anthany</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Crowder, Lane Anthany REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to Appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691670412142.png" alt="Esparza-Avila, Adan" />
 <figcaption>Esparza-Avila, Adan</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Esparza-Avila, Adan REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691670595364.png" alt="Kruse, Cheri Jean" />
 <figcaption>Kruse, Cheri Jean</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Kruse, Cheri Jean REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Forgery; Distributing or issuing written instrument and&nbsp;Forgery; Making or altering a written instrument<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691670700783.png" alt="Larussa, Max Tyler" />
 <figcaption>Larussa, Max Tyler</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Larussa, Max Tyler REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner, Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO, Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact and Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691670752452.png" alt=" Lomax-Spivey, Rhadarious Raheem" />
 <figcaption> Lomax-Spivey, Rhadarious Raheem</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Lomax-Spivey, Rhadarious Raheem REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Robbery, Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm, Crim damage to prop;w/o consent $1K-$25K, Domestic Battery: rude physical contact and Intimidation of witness/victim; Prevent reporting<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691670815339.png" alt="McMiller, Andre Javon" />
 <figcaption>McMiller, Andre Javon</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;McMiller, Andre Javon REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant and Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691670867089.png" alt="Shields, Christopher Allen" />
 <figcaption>Shields, Christopher Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Shields, Christopher Allen REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation, Failure to appear, Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant and Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691670964475.png" alt="Sidener, Sakora Jane" />
 <figcaption>Sidener, Sakora Jane</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Sidener, Sakora Jane REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body, Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant and Poss of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691671040557.png" alt="Waterman, Amanda Kay" />
 <figcaption>Waterman, Amanda Kay</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp; &nbsp;Waterman, Amanda Kay REQUESTED CHARGE(S) Criminal use of a financial card; W/o consent of owner less than $1,000, Forgery; Making or altering a written instrument, Identity theft; Economic/bodily harm &gt;$100K and Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

Saline County Jail Bookings, Aug. 10

ELLSWORTH COUNTY— Kansas 156 south of Interstate 70 reopened just after 8p.m. Wednesday in Ellsworth County as area farmhands&nbsp; helped remove cattle from the overturned trailer, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;

The trailer was loaded with 76 head of cattle.&nbsp; Thirteen cows died. Five of those thirteen had to be put down due to injury; sixty-three survived, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

There&nbsp; were no other injuries reported.

Use <a href="https://t.co/hfsl1kxwFt" target="_blank">http://KanDrive.org</a> for traffic updates.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691615070868.png" alt="Photo Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLSWORTH COUNTY— Kansas 156 south of Interstate 70 reopened just after 8p.m. Wednesday in Ellsworth County as area farmhands&nbsp; helped remove cattle from the overturned trailer, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;The trailer was loaded with 76 head of cattle.&nbsp; Thirteen cows died. Five of those thirteen had to be put down due to injury; sixty-three survived, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.There&nbsp; were no other injuries reported.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Cattle starting to get offloaded from overturned trailer. Around 10 area ranchers, have responded to assist with recovery. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KansasTrue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KansasTrue</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HelpingNeighbors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HelpingNeighbors</a> (Ellsworth county) <a href="https://t.co/uRwi1ycLEp">pic.twitter.com/uRwi1ycLEp</a>&mdash; Trooper Ben (@TrooperBenKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperBenKHP/status/1689386264590692352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691615450288.png" alt="KHP image" />
 <figcaption>KHP image</figcaption>
 </figure>Use <a href="https://t.co/hfsl1kxwFt" target="_blank">http://KanDrive.org</a> for traffic updates.&nbsp;

13 cows dead: Kan. farmhands help remove cattle from overturned trailer

Pick during the ‘breaker’ stage and store inside, says K-State horticulture expert

Kansas gardeners may need just a little more patience and ingenuity if they’re finding that their tomatoes are slow to ripen this summer.

Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham said recent heat may have caused the plants to go into “survival mode,” a time when it instead concentrates on moving water.

“The hot weather we have had recently not only interferes with the pollination of flowers, but it also affects how quickly fruit matures,” Upham said. “The best temperature range for tomato’s growth and development is 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.”

Recently throughout the Midwest, temperatures went above 100 degrees, which causes fruit development to “slow to a crawl,” according to Upham.

“Tomato color can also be affected by heat,” he said. “When temperatures rise above 95 degrees, red pigments don’t form properly, though the orange and yellow pigments do. This results in orange fruit. It doesn’t affect the edibility of the tomato, but often gardeners want that deep red color back.”

To help tomatoes ripen to a bright red color, Upham said gardeners should pick them during the ‘breaker’ stage, or at that point when they are just starting to turn color.

“At this point,” he said, “the tomato has cut itself off from the vine and nothing will be gained by keeping it on the plant. If tomatoes are picked at this stage and brought into an air-conditioned house, they will ripen more quickly and develop a good, red color. A temperature of 75 to 85 degrees will work well.”

High heat also will cause poor fruit to set, especially on slicer tomatoes.

“Cherry tomatoes seem to be more heat tolerant,” Upham said. “But for slicers, high temperatures seem to interfere with pollen viability or can cause excessive style growth, leading to a lack of pollination. Tomatoes that have already formed (before excessive heat) are not affected.”

Upham said it takes about three weeks for tomato flowers to develop into fruit that is about the size of a golf ball. After that, growth is usually more rapid over the following three to six weeks, and then just a few more days to change color.

“Though there are ‘heat-set’ slicing tomato varieties that will set fruit at higher temperatures, that difference is normally only two to three degrees,” Upham said. “Once cooler temperatures arrive, tomato flowers will resume setting fruit.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612708754292.jpeg" alt="KSRE tomato plant feat.jpg" />
 <figcaption>KSRE tomato plant feat.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Research and Extension<h2>Pick during the ‘breaker’ stage and store inside, says K-State horticulture expert</h2>Kansas gardeners may need just a little more patience and ingenuity if they’re finding that their tomatoes are slow to ripen this summer.Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham said recent heat may have caused the plants to go into “survival mode,” a time when it instead concentrates on moving water.“The hot weather we have had recently not only interferes with the pollination of flowers, but it also affects how quickly fruit matures,” Upham said. “The best temperature range for tomato’s growth and development is 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.”Recently throughout the Midwest, temperatures went above 100 degrees, which causes fruit development to “slow to a crawl,” according to Upham.“Tomato color can also be affected by heat,” he said. “When temperatures rise above 95 degrees, red pigments don’t form properly, though the orange and yellow pigments do. This results in orange fruit. It doesn’t affect the edibility of the tomato, but often gardeners want that deep red color back.”To help tomatoes ripen to a bright red color, Upham said gardeners should pick them during the ‘breaker’ stage, or at that point when they are just starting to turn color.“At this point,” he said, “the tomato has cut itself off from the vine and nothing will be gained by keeping it on the plant. If tomatoes are picked at this stage and brought into an air-conditioned house, they will ripen more quickly and develop a good, red color. A temperature of 75 to 85 degrees will work well.”High heat also will cause poor fruit to set, especially on slicer tomatoes.“Cherry tomatoes seem to be more heat tolerant,” Upham said. “But for slicers, high temperatures seem to interfere with pollen viability or can cause excessive style growth, leading to a lack of pollination. Tomatoes that have already formed (before excessive heat) are not affected.”Upham said it takes about three weeks for tomato flowers to develop into fruit that is about the size of a golf ball. After that, growth is usually more rapid over the following three to six weeks, and then just a few more days to change color.“Though there are ‘heat-set’ slicing tomato varieties that will set fruit at higher temperatures, that difference is normally only two to three degrees,” Upham said. “Once cooler temperatures arrive, tomato flowers will resume setting fruit.”Originally posted July 23, 2020

'Why are my tomatoes still green?' Kansas heat slowing tomato ripening

Tri-Rivers Fair Board The Tri-Rivers Fair, in cooperation with the Salina Kennel Club, will feature the first ever Woof-Fest at the Fair, from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Great Plains Manufacturing Convention Hall inside Tony’s Pizza Event Center.

“It will be an afternoon of demonstrations, information and fun,”&nbsp;Kim Norwood, Woof-Fest committee co-chair said.&nbsp;“I had a great committee helping plan and put this event&nbsp;together.”

Salina Kennel Club member Rachel Weaver also served as co-chair.

“I am a member of both the Tri-Rivers Fair board and the Salina Kennel Club,”&nbsp;Norwood said.&nbsp;“On the fair board, we had conversations about what new events to coordinate, when we lost the rodeo and moved the demo derby. It was literally an epiphany I had sitting at my dining room table last year working on fair stuff, and I thought,&nbsp;‘Why don’t we just partner these two organizations.’”

Norwood remembered a recent event in previous years the Salina Kennel Club coordinated called Fur &amp; Fun, that had been held in the fall at Kenwood Park.

“Last year around fair time, I was thinking, the fair is always looking for new partners, and trying to bring new people to the fair who might not previously attend,”&nbsp;Norwood said&nbsp;“I thought we could do something like Fur &amp; Fun during the fair.”&nbsp;

After getting the idea approved by the Tri-Rivers Fair board, she approached the Salina Kennel Club about the possibility of coordinating an event during the fair, with demonstrations and information about dog breeds and their abilities. The club approved, and spent the winter and spring organizing the event. The big difference between Woof-Fest and the previous Salina Kennel Club event, is that the public is asked to leave their dogs at home, with the education and information from the event available to be taken back to their furry friends.

Education includes demonstrations, breed introductions and an information booth about the Salina Kennel Club. Demonstrations begin at 1 p.m. with breed introductions beginning at 2 p.m. on stage.

Woof-Fest demonstrations will begin with the barn hunt course at 1 p.m. There will be multiple demonstration rings set up in the convention hall, and the barn hunt will involve straw bales with hidden&nbsp;“prey”&nbsp;tucked away that the dogs will have to find. The barn hunt demonstration will also run at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

At 1:15 p.m. the&nbsp;Woof-Fest&nbsp;agility demonstration will begin at Woof-Fest, with additional agility demonstrations scheduled at 2:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.&nbsp;

“Agility is a fan favorite because of the speed and how the handler and the dog work together over the agility course,”&nbsp;Norwood said.&nbsp;

Woof-Fest&nbsp;rally demonstrations will begin at 1:30 p.m. with additional demonstrations at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. According to Norwood, the rally events demonstrate the communication between the handler and the dog in completing various tasks.&nbsp;

At 1:45 p.m. dogs at Wolf Fest will demonstrate conformation and scent work, with additional demonstrations at 2:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. The demonstration will show how dogs have learned to find things be scent only.&nbsp;

Woof-Fest&nbsp;breed introductions at 2 p.m. will occur on the stage at Woof-Fest, with each breed allocated 15 minutes to share details about breed characteristics and abilities. The breeds will be divided into the categories of toy dogs, non-sporting, terriers, hounds, working, herding and sporting.&nbsp;

“Most people just think of the main big breeds, German Shepards and poodles,”&nbsp;Norwood said.&nbsp;“Even in our community, we have a great breadth of different breeds.Woof-Fest&nbsp;gives people and opportunity to get up close to them&nbsp;and see what they can do.”

A few unique breeds that will be shared from stage include the Basenji, a African barkless dog; the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling dog, a hunting dog and Tibetan Spaniels. Other common breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers; Australian Shepards and German Shepards and Schnauzers will also be discussed from stage.&nbsp;

A trick dog demonstration will also be showcased on the Woof-Fest stage.

Several&nbsp;“working”&nbsp;dogs will be attending Wolf Fest to show off for the public, with demonstrations starting at 4 p.m. A local police dog will demonstrate the skills used on the job with the force; a search and rescue dog will demonstrate tracking skills which can be used by emergency management services and a therapy dog will also show off.

The Salina Kennel Club will offer the public an opportunity to purchase small baskets complete with canine and fun items during&nbsp;Woof-Fest. Raffle items will also be available for the public to participate in, with ticket pricing starting at six tickets for $5; 15 tickets for $10 and 30 tickets for $20. The drawing for the raffle will be at 3:45 p.m.

The Salina Kennel Club includes over 50 members, working together to coordinate the 2023 Woof-Fest.&nbsp;The president of the Salina Kennel Club is Kimberly Jacobson.

“We’re excited,”&nbsp;Norwood said.&nbsp;“We love talking about our dogs and demonstrating their skills, talents, uniqueness and fun personalities.”

Norwood encourages any organization that might have something to showcase during the annual Tri-Rivers Fair to consider partnering like the Salina Kennel Club has.

“The Tri-Rivers Fair welcomes any other local organization to be considered as a future partner with a new event at the fair,”&nbsp;Norwood said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691604077685.jpeg" alt="Woof-Fest at the Tri-Rivers Fair" />
 <figcaption>Woof-Fest at the Tri-Rivers Fair</figcaption>
 </figure> Tri-Rivers Fair Board The Tri-Rivers Fair, in cooperation with the Salina Kennel Club, will feature the first ever Woof-Fest at the Fair, from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Great Plains Manufacturing Convention Hall inside Tony’s Pizza Event Center.“It will be an afternoon of demonstrations, information and fun,”&nbsp;Kim Norwood, Woof-Fest committee co-chair said.&nbsp;“I had a great committee helping plan and put this event&nbsp;together.”Salina Kennel Club member Rachel Weaver also served as co-chair.<h2>A new event at the Tri-Rivers Fair</h2>“I am a member of both the Tri-Rivers Fair board and the Salina Kennel Club,”&nbsp;Norwood said.&nbsp;“On the fair board, we had conversations about what new events to coordinate, when we lost the rodeo and moved the demo derby. It was literally an epiphany I had sitting at my dining room table last year working on fair stuff, and I thought,&nbsp;‘Why don’t we just partner these two organizations.’”Norwood remembered a recent event in previous years the Salina Kennel Club coordinated called Fur &amp; Fun, that had been held in the fall at Kenwood Park.“Last year around fair time, I was thinking, the fair is always looking for new partners, and trying to bring new people to the fair who might not previously attend,”&nbsp;Norwood said&nbsp;“I thought we could do something like Fur &amp; Fun during the fair.”&nbsp;After getting the idea approved by the Tri-Rivers Fair board, she approached the Salina Kennel Club about the possibility of coordinating an event during the fair, with demonstrations and information about dog breeds and their abilities. The club approved, and spent the winter and spring organizing the event. The big difference between Woof-Fest and the previous Salina Kennel Club event, is that the public is asked to leave their dogs at home, with the education and information from the event available to be taken back to their furry friends.Education includes demonstrations, breed introductions and an information booth about the Salina Kennel Club. Demonstrations begin at 1 p.m. with breed introductions beginning at 2 p.m. on stage.Woof-Fest demonstrations will begin with the barn hunt course at 1 p.m. There will be multiple demonstration rings set up in the convention hall, and the barn hunt will involve straw bales with hidden&nbsp;“prey”&nbsp;tucked away that the dogs will have to find. The barn hunt demonstration will also run at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.At 1:15 p.m. the&nbsp;Woof-Fest&nbsp;agility demonstration will begin at Woof-Fest, with additional agility demonstrations scheduled at 2:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.&nbsp;“Agility is a fan favorite because of the speed and how the handler and the dog work together over the agility course,”&nbsp;Norwood said.&nbsp;Woof-Fest&nbsp;rally demonstrations will begin at 1:30 p.m. with additional demonstrations at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. According to Norwood, the rally events demonstrate the communication between the handler and the dog in completing various tasks.&nbsp;At 1:45 p.m. dogs at Wolf Fest will demonstrate conformation and scent work, with additional demonstrations at 2:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. The demonstration will show how dogs have learned to find things be scent only.&nbsp;Woof-Fest&nbsp;breed introductions at 2 p.m. will occur on the stage at Woof-Fest, with each breed allocated 15 minutes to share details about breed characteristics and abilities. The breeds will be divided into the categories of toy dogs, non-sporting, terriers, hounds, working, herding and sporting.&nbsp;“Most people just think of the main big breeds, German Shepards and poodles,”&nbsp;Norwood said.&nbsp;“Even in our community, we have a great breadth of different breeds.Woof-Fest&nbsp;gives people and opportunity to get up close to them&nbsp;and see what they can do.”A few unique breeds that will be shared from stage include the Basenji, a African barkless dog; the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling dog, a hunting dog and Tibetan Spaniels. Other common breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers; Australian Shepards and German Shepards and Schnauzers will also be discussed from stage.&nbsp;A trick dog demonstration will also be showcased on the Woof-Fest stage.Several&nbsp;“working”&nbsp;dogs will be attending Wolf Fest to show off for the public, with demonstrations starting at 4 p.m. A local police dog will demonstrate the skills used on the job with the force; a search and rescue dog will demonstrate tracking skills which can be used by emergency management services and a therapy dog will also show off.The Salina Kennel Club will offer the public an opportunity to purchase small baskets complete with canine and fun items during&nbsp;Woof-Fest. Raffle items will also be available for the public to participate in, with ticket pricing starting at six tickets for $5; 15 tickets for $10 and 30 tickets for $20. The drawing for the raffle will be at 3:45 p.m.The Salina Kennel Club includes over 50 members, working together to coordinate the 2023 Woof-Fest.&nbsp;The president of the Salina Kennel Club is Kimberly Jacobson.“We’re excited,”&nbsp;Norwood said.&nbsp;“We love talking about our dogs and demonstrating their skills, talents, uniqueness and fun personalities.”Norwood encourages any organization that might have something to showcase during the annual Tri-Rivers Fair to consider partnering like the Salina Kennel Club has.“The Tri-Rivers Fair welcomes any other local organization to be considered as a future partner with a new event at the fair,”&nbsp;Norwood said.

Inaugural Woof-Fest at the fair set for Saturday

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

The robotic device moves forward, stops, turns right, and then backs up, as its programmer watches carefully.

That might describe the scene in a research lab or high-tech factory. In this case, the location is an elementary school classroom, and the programmer is a first-grader. This is the remarkable story of an innovative effort to help young students learn about technology.

Chuck Laughlin is the family and community wellness and community vitality agent in K-State Research and Extension’s McPherson County office. He is a McPherson County native and was active in the 4-H program as a youth.

After attending K-State, he worked in information technology, and then directed a Texas non-profit organization before coming back to Kansas to care for family. He joined K-State Research and Extension in 2022.

After joining the county office, he worked with a program assistant who had been a pre-school teacher. She was interested in robotics for younger children.

Laughlin visited with Becky Goss, president of the McPherson County Community Foundation. They identifed a new opportunity to support interactive robotic education. A grant opportunity was being offered by NetWorked for Change, the NetWork Kansas-supported interdisciplinary partnership for community investment that we have previously profiled.

Through the McPherson County Community Foundation, K-State Research and Extension successfully applied for a NetWorked grant to support a mobile robotics education program for local schoolchildren in grades 1, 3 and 6. It was a fun and innovative way to make young children aware of opportunities in STEM -&nbsp;Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Laughlin worked on the project with Betsy Davis, director of community services for the&nbsp;McPherson County Community Foundation.

“Connecting people with resources is what we do,” Davis said. Extension staff used the grant proceeds to purchase age-appropriate robotic devices to use in presenting lessons in the school. Moundridge Elementary School became the pilot program site.

First graders used a Code &amp; Go Mouse that they would program to move certain directions, after placing colored cards in a desired order. “This was to teach introductory programming and sequencing,” Laughlin said.

Third graders used Ozobots with various lighting displays that they would program to operate remotely with an I-pad. Sixth graders worked with Lego Spike, a self-propelled device that they had to build from Legos before programming.

“We were using the robots to teach basic robotics and engineering skills,” Laughlin said. “There was also an element of teamwork as the kids had to work together.”

Depending on the age, the lessons included math problems, story problems and trouble-shooting.

“It was great to see the teachers’ faces light up when they saw the educational elements that were being integrated, and it was great to see the kids’ different learning styles,” Laughlin said.

The sixth graders were challenged to find another way to make the Lego Spike move without changing code, and then they had a race of their robots.

“They had a great time with that,” Laughlin said. “They had to re-engineer something,&nbsp;it was a great learning tool.”

One child described the process as “best science class ever.”

“We were all just amazed at what the kids came up with,” Laughlin said. “They were so excited to show us what they did. I think we’ve got some future engineers in there.”

Speaking of engineers, the project organizers brought together a panel of actual engineers in the county – both male and female – to speak to the sixth graders. Betsy Davis&nbsp;believed this was eye-opening for the students.

“Early exposure to STEM creates more interest and aptitude later on,” Davis said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691602561160.jpeg" alt="Moundridge Elementary School students building robots" />
 <figcaption>Moundridge Elementary School students building robots</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State UniversityThe robotic device moves forward, stops, turns right, and then backs up, as its programmer watches carefully.That might describe the scene in a research lab or high-tech factory. In this case, the location is an elementary school classroom, and the programmer is a first-grader. This is the remarkable story of an innovative effort to help young students learn about technology.Chuck Laughlin is the family and community wellness and community vitality agent in K-State Research and Extension’s McPherson County office. He is a McPherson County native and was active in the 4-H program as a youth.After attending K-State, he worked in information technology, and then directed a Texas non-profit organization before coming back to Kansas to care for family. He joined K-State Research and Extension in 2022.After joining the county office, he worked with a program assistant who had been a pre-school teacher. She was interested in robotics for younger children.Laughlin visited with Becky Goss, president of the McPherson County Community Foundation. They identifed a new opportunity to support interactive robotic education. A grant opportunity was being offered by NetWorked for Change, the NetWork Kansas-supported interdisciplinary partnership for community investment that we have previously profiled.Through the McPherson County Community Foundation, K-State Research and Extension successfully applied for a NetWorked grant to support a mobile robotics education program for local schoolchildren in grades 1, 3 and 6. It was a fun and innovative way to make young children aware of opportunities in STEM -&nbsp;Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.Laughlin worked on the project with Betsy Davis, director of community services for the&nbsp;McPherson County Community Foundation.“Connecting people with resources is what we do,” Davis said. Extension staff used the grant proceeds to purchase age-appropriate robotic devices to use in presenting lessons in the school. Moundridge Elementary School became the pilot program site.First graders used a Code &amp; Go Mouse that they would program to move certain directions, after placing colored cards in a desired order. “This was to teach introductory programming and sequencing,” Laughlin said.Third graders used Ozobots with various lighting displays that they would program to operate remotely with an I-pad. Sixth graders worked with Lego Spike, a self-propelled device that they had to build from Legos before programming.“We were using the robots to teach basic robotics and engineering skills,” Laughlin said. “There was also an element of teamwork as the kids had to work together.”Depending on the age, the lessons included math problems, story problems and trouble-shooting.“It was great to see the teachers’ faces light up when they saw the educational elements that were being integrated, and it was great to see the kids’ different learning styles,” Laughlin said.The sixth graders were challenged to find another way to make the Lego Spike move without changing code, and then they had a race of their robots.“They had a great time with that,” Laughlin said. “They had to re-engineer something,&nbsp;it was a great learning tool.”One child described the process as “best science class ever.”“We were all just amazed at what the kids came up with,” Laughlin said. “They were so excited to show us what they did. I think we’ve got some future engineers in there.”Speaking of engineers, the project organizers brought together a panel of actual engineers in the county – both male and female – to speak to the sixth graders. Betsy Davis&nbsp;believed this was eye-opening for the students.“Early exposure to STEM creates more interest and aptitude later on,” Davis said.Laughlin added: “They learned a lot.”The organizers would like to serve more schools. Other county schools that could be contacted include Inman, population 1,341, and Canton-Galva which serves the rural communities of Galva, population 834, and Canton, population 685 people. Now, that’s rural.Grade schoolers programming robots? Yes, it’s happening in rural Kansas. We commend Chuck Laughlin, Becky Goss, Betsy Davis and all the teachers involved in this innovative program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“The best part was seeing that spark ignited in those students,” Laughlin said. “You saw you were making a difference.”