<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sam-bailey/">By SAM BAILEY</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a> TOPEKA — A new law that went into effect Saturday requires better communication from foster care entities to foster parents and children regarding their rights of safety, security and support.

The Legislature passed the foster care bill of rights in May after dozens of lawmakers and people with experience in the child welfare system&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/18/house-legislation-creates-in-kansas-law-foster-care-bill-of-rights-for-youth-parents/">spoke up for a need for change</a>. While the law requires children and foster parents to be told their rights, major entities involved in the Kansas foster care system say the law may not remedy issues that forced its passing.

Laura Howard, Kansas Department for Children and Families secretary, said she doesn’t know that the law changes much — but a law does hold more weight than an agency policy.

“I think it made clear a number of things that we already had in policy,” Howard said. “We, for example, already had a bill of rights in our policy, but I think by putting it in the law, the level of expectation that that gets communicated to people, that they know what their rights are, I think it’s just far more likely that that becomes kind of a real living part of how the system operates.”

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2024_enrolled.pdf">foster care bill of rights</a>, named in memorial for former Rep. Gail Finney, lists foster children’s rights to safe placement, respect, a place to store personal belongings and have access to healthy food, attend school daily, life-skill training and access to attorneys.

The law also lists rights for foster parents, including being treated by the Department for Children and Families and other agencies with respect and trust, access to training, timely financial reimbursement, advanced notification of court hearings, and continued communication with children if they leave.

Mike Fonkert, deputy director of Kansas Appleseed, said it remains to be seen how the law will affect foster kids, as sometimes policies aren’t followed the way they should be. Kansas Appleseed was part of a group that went to federal court against the state on behalf of foster children in Kansas in 2018. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/20/judge-orders-kansas-to-pay-nearly-2-3-million-in-legal-fees-and-expenses-in-child-welfare-lawsuit/">$2.3 million settlement</a>&nbsp;was reached in 2021, and the federal court maintains oversight to ensure progress is made in the state foster care system.

“Without serious action from the people involved in the system, this is very much a symbolic change to our foster system,” Fonkert said. “And if we want to continue to honor Rep. Finney, we will dig in and continue to do the hard work of changing our foster care system and better serving kids and families.”

Finney, a Democrat from Wichita who fought for improvements in the foster care system, helped write a version of the bill before she died in 2022.

Howard said DCF is implementing the law by making sure foster parents and children know what their rights are, and that state contractors respect those rights. One way DCF is doing this is listing the rights on its website, Howard said.

DCF originally published a version of the foster parent bill of rights that eliminated language from the bill about DCF having a responsibility to treat foster parents with respect. When questioned by Kansas Reflector about the changes, a spokesman said it was a copy and paste error. The mistake has since been fixed.

Amy Engel-Hudson, vice president of foster care houses for Saint Francis Ministries, said the law is mainly a “formalized outline” of information that is already given to parents and carried out as best practice.

She said as things that go right in the system are replicated, the system will continue to improve.

“I think there’s always going to be struggles in the system just because you’re dealing with a lot of hurt,” Engel-Hudson said. “And what I don’t think we focus enough time on is all the things that are working well, all the times that you see foster families, the biological families, connect and build a partnership and are able to support that birth family for the kids to move home.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688476232946.jpeg" alt=" Laura Howard, secretary for the Kansas Department for Children and Families, appears at a June 27, 2023, event at the agency’s Topeka service center. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Laura Howard, secretary for the Kansas Department for Children and Families, appears at a June 27, 2023, event at the agency’s Topeka service center. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sam-bailey/">By SAM BAILEY</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a> TOPEKA — A new law that went into effect Saturday requires better communication from foster care entities to foster parents and children regarding their rights of safety, security and support.The Legislature passed the foster care bill of rights in May after dozens of lawmakers and people with experience in the child welfare system&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/18/house-legislation-creates-in-kansas-law-foster-care-bill-of-rights-for-youth-parents/">spoke up for a need for change</a>. While the law requires children and foster parents to be told their rights, major entities involved in the Kansas foster care system say the law may not remedy issues that forced its passing.Laura Howard, Kansas Department for Children and Families secretary, said she doesn’t know that the law changes much — but a law does hold more weight than an agency policy.“I think it made clear a number of things that we already had in policy,” Howard said. “We, for example, already had a bill of rights in our policy, but I think by putting it in the law, the level of expectation that that gets communicated to people, that they know what their rights are, I think it’s just far more likely that that becomes kind of a real living part of how the system operates.”The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2024_enrolled.pdf">foster care bill of rights</a>, named in memorial for former Rep. Gail Finney, lists foster children’s rights to safe placement, respect, a place to store personal belongings and have access to healthy food, attend school daily, life-skill training and access to attorneys.The law also lists rights for foster parents, including being treated by the Department for Children and Families and other agencies with respect and trust, access to training, timely financial reimbursement, advanced notification of court hearings, and continued communication with children if they leave.Mike Fonkert, deputy director of Kansas Appleseed, said it remains to be seen how the law will affect foster kids, as sometimes policies aren’t followed the way they should be. Kansas Appleseed was part of a group that went to federal court against the state on behalf of foster children in Kansas in 2018. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/20/judge-orders-kansas-to-pay-nearly-2-3-million-in-legal-fees-and-expenses-in-child-welfare-lawsuit/">$2.3 million settlement</a>&nbsp;was reached in 2021, and the federal court maintains oversight to ensure progress is made in the state foster care system.“Without serious action from the people involved in the system, this is very much a symbolic change to our foster system,” Fonkert said. “And if we want to continue to honor Rep. Finney, we will dig in and continue to do the hard work of changing our foster care system and better serving kids and families.”Finney, a Democrat from Wichita who fought for improvements in the foster care system, helped write a version of the bill before she died in 2022.Howard said DCF is implementing the law by making sure foster parents and children know what their rights are, and that state contractors respect those rights. One way DCF is doing this is listing the rights on its website, Howard said.DCF originally published a version of the foster parent bill of rights that eliminated language from the bill about DCF having a responsibility to treat foster parents with respect. When questioned by Kansas Reflector about the changes, a spokesman said it was a copy and paste error. The mistake has since been fixed.Amy Engel-Hudson, vice president of foster care houses for Saint Francis Ministries, said the law is mainly a “formalized outline” of information that is already given to parents and carried out as best practice.She said as things that go right in the system are replicated, the system will continue to improve.“I think there’s always going to be struggles in the system just because you’re dealing with a lot of hurt,” Engel-Hudson said. “And what I don’t think we focus enough time on is all the things that are working well, all the times that you see foster families, the biological families, connect and build a partnership and are able to support that birth family for the kids to move home.”

New Kansas foster care law codifies rights to safety, security, support

MANHATTAN — While many people enjoy the fun and noisy celebrations of the Fourth of July, for many pets it is a time of fear and anxiety as well as other dangers, according to a Kansas State University veterinarian. Susan Nelson, clinical professor at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/" target="_blank">Veterinary Health Center</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>, said one of the best things you can do is to keep your pet indoors at all times and keep them under leash control when you do need to take them outside. "The sound of fireworks can make some pets run off in an attempt to get away from the noise," Nelson said. "This is the time of year with the highest incidences of runaway pets, so be sure to keep them secure!" In addition to the risk of getting lost if they run away, Nelson said there is also the risk of your pet being hit by a car, as their fear of fireworks will make them less observant of oncoming traffic. She advises pet owners to ensure their pet has some type of ID, such as a tag and/or microchip — ideally both, as tags can get lost and microchips can sometimes stop working or get missed on a scan — in case the pet gets lost. Nelson said keeping your pet inside also keeps it safe from people who may try to harm an animal with fireworks. Keeping your dogs in the safe confines of their crates or a secure room is all that is needed to make some dogs feel less anxious. Be sure to close the blinds or use heavy curtains to block out the flashes of light. Nelson offers some tips for helping pets cope with their fear of the loud bangs, whistles and crackles that come with the holiday, including: • Play soothing music or turn on the TV or white noise machine to attempt to block out the noise. • Distract from the noise and commotion with food puzzles and stuffed Kongs.&nbsp; •&nbsp;Try&nbsp;an anxiety wrap specially made for pets to&nbsp;help&nbsp;calm those with mild anxiety, or&nbsp;use&nbsp;the wrap&nbsp;in addition to medications&nbsp;for&nbsp;those with moderate to severe noise phobias. • Use&nbsp;over-the-counter supplements made for anxious pets&nbsp;to&nbsp;benefit those with mild to moderate noise anxiety. Note that some of these&nbsp;treatments&nbsp;need to be started several days&nbsp;ahead&nbsp;of the holiday for best effectiveness. • Consider temporarily relocating your pet to a quieter place, such as a friend&nbsp;or&nbsp;relative's house or kennel, during this time. • Talk to your veterinarian about prescription anti-anxiety medications if your pet has a moderate to severe noise phobia.&nbsp;Several&nbsp;medications&nbsp;are&nbsp;available to help treat anxiety&nbsp;from&nbsp;loud noises. Have the medication ready to give on the first day that fireworks are allowed to begin in your community. It is best to speak to your veterinarian now about medication options as offices may be closed early for the holiday. Nelson said it is important to keep dangerous holiday items out of your pet's reach and not apply products on pets that aren't labeled for safe use on them. These include lighters, punks, matches, lighter fluid, glow jewelry, citronella candles/oils, insect coils and repellants,&nbsp;and fireworks&nbsp;—&nbsp;both unlit and lit. "Even if your dog is not bothered by fireworks, it is still subject to being burned or injured by fireworks if it gets too close or attempts to retrieve one that has been ignited," said Nelson. Some fireworks remain very hot for some time after being ignited and discharged, and&nbsp;many fireworks contain toxic chemicals if ingested. Some insect repellants are not safe for your pets, either, Nelson said. "Mosquitoes are very prevalent this time of year, but don't be tempted to spray your pet with insect repellants that contain DEET as it is toxic&nbsp;to pets," she said.&nbsp;"Only apply insect repellants that state they are safe to use on pets." Nelson said human foods and beverages also pose dangers to pets.&nbsp;According to the veterinarian, pets often experience vomiting and/or diarrhea when given foods they are not used to eating, and&nbsp;some foods&nbsp;—&nbsp;such as chocolate, macadamia nuts, onions, grapes or raisins, coffee, salt and yeast-based bread dough&nbsp;—&nbsp;are also toxic for pets. "When ingested, fatty foods can lead to life-threatening pancreatitis, while corncobs, bones and wooden barbeque skewers can cause blockage of the intestinal tract if swallowed," Nelson said.&nbsp;"Keep any foods or candies sweetened with artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, out of reach as they can lead to life-threatening low blood sugar and liver failure" Alcoholic beverages are&nbsp;also unsuitable&nbsp;for pets&nbsp;— Nelson advises keeping&nbsp;the beer and wine well out of their reach. In the midst of intense summer heat, Nelson also recommends&nbsp;watching&nbsp;your pets closely for any signs of overheating if they are outside with you.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688145016354.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN — While many people enjoy the fun and noisy celebrations of the Fourth of July, for many pets it is a time of fear and anxiety as well as other dangers, according to a Kansas State University veterinarian. Susan Nelson, clinical professor at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/" target="_blank">Veterinary Health Center</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>, said one of the best things you can do is to keep your pet indoors at all times and keep them under leash control when you do need to take them outside. "The sound of fireworks can make some pets run off in an attempt to get away from the noise," Nelson said. "This is the time of year with the highest incidences of runaway pets, so be sure to keep them secure!" In addition to the risk of getting lost if they run away, Nelson said there is also the risk of your pet being hit by a car, as their fear of fireworks will make them less observant of oncoming traffic. She advises pet owners to ensure their pet has some type of ID, such as a tag and/or microchip — ideally both, as tags can get lost and microchips can sometimes stop working or get missed on a scan — in case the pet gets lost. Nelson said keeping your pet inside also keeps it safe from people who may try to harm an animal with fireworks. Keeping your dogs in the safe confines of their crates or a secure room is all that is needed to make some dogs feel less anxious. Be sure to close the blinds or use heavy curtains to block out the flashes of light. Nelson offers some tips for helping pets cope with their fear of the loud bangs, whistles and crackles that come with the holiday, including: • Play soothing music or turn on the TV or white noise machine to attempt to block out the noise. • Distract from the noise and commotion with food puzzles and stuffed Kongs.&nbsp; •&nbsp;Try&nbsp;an anxiety wrap specially made for pets to&nbsp;help&nbsp;calm those with mild anxiety, or&nbsp;use&nbsp;the wrap&nbsp;in addition to medications&nbsp;for&nbsp;those with moderate to severe noise phobias. • Use&nbsp;over-the-counter supplements made for anxious pets&nbsp;to&nbsp;benefit those with mild to moderate noise anxiety. Note that some of these&nbsp;treatments&nbsp;need to be started several days&nbsp;ahead&nbsp;of the holiday for best effectiveness. • Consider temporarily relocating your pet to a quieter place, such as a friend&nbsp;or&nbsp;relative's house or kennel, during this time. • Talk to your veterinarian about prescription anti-anxiety medications if your pet has a moderate to severe noise phobia.&nbsp;Several&nbsp;medications&nbsp;are&nbsp;available to help treat anxiety&nbsp;from&nbsp;loud noises. Have the medication ready to give on the first day that fireworks are allowed to begin in your community. It is best to speak to your veterinarian now about medication options as offices may be closed early for the holiday. Nelson said it is important to keep dangerous holiday items out of your pet's reach and not apply products on pets that aren't labeled for safe use on them. These include lighters, punks, matches, lighter fluid, glow jewelry, citronella candles/oils, insect coils and repellants,&nbsp;and fireworks&nbsp;—&nbsp;both unlit and lit. "Even if your dog is not bothered by fireworks, it is still subject to being burned or injured by fireworks if it gets too close or attempts to retrieve one that has been ignited," said Nelson. Some fireworks remain very hot for some time after being ignited and discharged, and&nbsp;many fireworks contain toxic chemicals if ingested. Some insect repellants are not safe for your pets, either, Nelson said. "Mosquitoes are very prevalent this time of year, but don't be tempted to spray your pet with insect repellants that contain DEET as it is toxic&nbsp;to pets," she said.&nbsp;"Only apply insect repellants that state they are safe to use on pets." Nelson said human foods and beverages also pose dangers to pets.&nbsp;According to the veterinarian, pets often experience vomiting and/or diarrhea when given foods they are not used to eating, and&nbsp;some foods&nbsp;—&nbsp;such as chocolate, macadamia nuts, onions, grapes or raisins, coffee, salt and yeast-based bread dough&nbsp;—&nbsp;are also toxic for pets. "When ingested, fatty foods can lead to life-threatening pancreatitis, while corncobs, bones and wooden barbeque skewers can cause blockage of the intestinal tract if swallowed," Nelson said.&nbsp;"Keep any foods or candies sweetened with artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, out of reach as they can lead to life-threatening low blood sugar and liver failure" Alcoholic beverages are&nbsp;also unsuitable&nbsp;for pets&nbsp;— Nelson advises keeping&nbsp;the beer and wine well out of their reach. In the midst of intense summer heat, Nelson also recommends&nbsp;watching&nbsp;your pets closely for any signs of overheating if they are outside with you.

Kansas State University veterinarian offers Fourth of July pet tips 

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

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

REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving while under the influence and driving while suspended.

NAME:Fairchild,Zachary Ryan REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant,&nbsp;Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500,&nbsp;Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Outside warrant, probation violation

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner,&nbsp;Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment,&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):DUI; 3rd in 10y;comp evidence blood/breath .08+

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown,&nbsp;Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear,&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown,&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact&nbsp;Probation Violation

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/2023/7/1688474434362.jpeg" alt="Anderson,Richard Lee" />
 <figcaption>Anderson,Richard Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Anderson,Richard Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Driving while under the influence and driving while suspended.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688474487010.jpeg" alt="Chambers,Bonnie Lee" />
 <figcaption>Chambers,Bonnie Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Chambers,Bonnie LeeREQUESTED CHARGE(S):Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688474548313.jpeg" alt="Clemence,Lance Jeffery" />
 <figcaption>Clemence,Lance Jeffery</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Clemence,Lance JefferyREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688474613544.jpeg" alt="Fairchild,Zachary Ryan" />
 <figcaption>Fairchild,Zachary Ryan</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Fairchild,Zachary Ryan REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant,&nbsp;Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500,&nbsp;Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688474702742.jpeg" alt="Fouard,Daniel Dean" />
 <figcaption>Fouard,Daniel Dean</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Fouard,Daniel DeanREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688474776940.jpeg" alt=" Hansen,Brittany Ann" />
 <figcaption> Hansen,Brittany Ann</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Hansen,Brittany AnnREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Outside warrant, probation violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688474840797.jpeg" alt="Hathaway,Kelsey Jade" />
 <figcaption>Hathaway,Kelsey Jade</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Hathaway,Kelsey JadeREQUESTED CHARGE(S):Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner,&nbsp;Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment,&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688474935258.jpeg" alt="Huiett,Joseph Adam" />
 <figcaption>Huiett,Joseph Adam</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Huiett,Joseph AdamREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688475014396.jpeg" alt="Jump,Donald Tristian" />
 <figcaption>Jump,Donald Tristian</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Jump,Donald TristianREQUESTED CHARGE(S):Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688475099807.jpeg" alt="Macias-Ruedas,Cesar Arturo" />
 <figcaption>Macias-Ruedas,Cesar Arturo</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Macias-Ruedas,Cesar ArturoREQUESTED CHARGE(S):DUI; 3rd in 10y;comp evidence blood/breath .08+<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688475152145.jpeg" alt=" Martinez-Tran,Christian Briana" />
 <figcaption> Martinez-Tran,Christian Briana</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Martinez-Tran,Christian BrianaREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown,&nbsp;Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688475211395.jpeg" alt="Reizer,George Anthony" />
 <figcaption>Reizer,George Anthony</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Reizer,George AnthonyREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688475268845.jpeg" alt="Sawyer,Lori Beth" />
 <figcaption>Sawyer,Lori Beth</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Sawyer,Lori BethREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appear,&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown,&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact&nbsp;Probation ViolationNO IMAGE PROVIDEDNAME:Stewart,Robin CarolREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688475456246.jpeg" alt="Williams,Tercero Doron" />
 <figcaption>Williams,Tercero Doron</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Williams,Tercero DoronREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688475504474.jpeg" alt="Zugg,William Henry" />
 <figcaption>Zugg,William Henry</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Zugg,William HenryREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear

Saline County Booking Activity July 4

We hope you are enjoying the Independence Day holiday. What is your favorite part of the day?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656892958550.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>We hope you are enjoying the Independence Day holiday. What is your favorite part of the day?

Happy Fourth of July!

In the first full year of the pandemic, both states saw drops in reading and math proficiency. But educators hope that higher levels of school funding in Kansas should help reverse the trend.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/jodi-fortino">Jodi Fortino</a> KMUW

More than 75 percent of eighth-grade students in Kansas and Missouri weren’t proficient in math in 2022, according to the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aecf.org/interactive/databook?l=20" target="_blank">Kids Count Data Book.</a>

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aecf.org/resources/2023-kids-count-data-book" target="_blank">annual child wellness report</a>&nbsp;from the Anne E. Casey Foundation ranks Kansas at 26th in the nation for education and Missouri at 22nd. Kansas also ranks 28th in reading proficiency for fourth graders and 34th in math proficiency for eighth graders, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kac.org/kansas_kids_count" target="_blank">Kansas Action for Children</a>.

Ryan Reza, data and policy analyst for Kansas Action for Children, said these are important indications of how ready students are for the rest of their education.

“These indicators are sounding the alarm for our educational systems to get these students caught up," he said. "It's not too late if they're not proficient at these grades.”

In 2022, 77 percent of eighth graders in Kansas were not proficient in math, a 10 percent increase from 2019. Fourth graders not proficient in reading rose from 66 percent in 2019 to 69 percent in 2022. Those increases are slightly higher than the national average, Reza said.

In Missouri, 76 percent of eighth graders were not proficient in math and 70% of fourth graders were not proficient in reading.

If fourth graders are struggling with a subject matter now, Reza said it will impact the rest of their academic career — that’s why it’s important to analyze this data early and get students caught quickly.

Reza said the data indicates that fourth graders may have adapted better to online learning, but it may not be clear why for years to come.

“With eighth graders specifically, you're isolated from your peers and your teachers. You are having to learn pretty complex themes and ideas and subject matter in eighth grade,” Reza said. “An online learning environment would be much more detrimental to those factors.”

Members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kclinc.org/" target="_blank">Local Investment Commission</a>&nbsp;in Kansas City said students were expected to learn during difficult conditions during the pandemic, leading to worse academic outcomes. The nonprofit provided families with utility and food assistance to keep homes stable as families faced economic hardship.

Janet Miles-Bartee, executive vice president of the commission, said students in the metro still have some of those same needs.

“Even though they're back in school… families suffered a lot during the pandemic,” Miles-Bartee said. “We're having to do some of those same supports around the family… making sure that the family as a whole has what it needs so that children are able to go to school, concentrate and learn.”

Reza said the pandemic aggravated existing problems with education in Kansas.

This school year marked the first time the K-12 education system in Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/28/kansas-legislature-approves-k-12-education-budget-with-private-school-benefits/" target="_blank">has been funded at a constitutional level</a>&nbsp;since 2008. In 2018,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2019-06-14/kansas-supreme-court-lawmakers-finally-put-enough-money-into-schools" target="_blank">Kansas lawmakers approved</a>&nbsp;a funding increase for schools over multiple years.

Jessica Herrera Russell, senior communications manager at KAC, said students are still recovering from the lack of funding. Now that schools have more funding, she hopes to see these math and reading trends reverse.

With more funding, she said schools can hire more teachers and decrease the student-to-teacher ratio.

“Then teachers have more opportunities to get that one-on-one instruction that is really needed for these students at this time," she said. “If they're not doing great in the first few months in algebra, they're not going to get better, because they never learned the foundational learning that they really needed to apply for the rest of the year."

<h2>In the first full year of the pandemic, both states saw drops in reading and math proficiency. But educators hope that higher levels of school funding in Kansas should help reverse the trend.</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688393976712.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/jodi-fortino">Jodi Fortino</a> KMUW More than 75 percent of eighth-grade students in Kansas and Missouri weren’t proficient in math in 2022, according to the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aecf.org/interactive/databook?l=20" target="_blank">Kids Count Data Book.</a>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aecf.org/resources/2023-kids-count-data-book" target="_blank">annual child wellness report</a>&nbsp;from the Anne E. Casey Foundation ranks Kansas at 26th in the nation for education and Missouri at 22nd. Kansas also ranks 28th in reading proficiency for fourth graders and 34th in math proficiency for eighth graders, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kac.org/kansas_kids_count" target="_blank">Kansas Action for Children</a>.Ryan Reza, data and policy analyst for Kansas Action for Children, said these are important indications of how ready students are for the rest of their education.“These indicators are sounding the alarm for our educational systems to get these students caught up," he said. "It's not too late if they're not proficient at these grades.”In 2022, 77 percent of eighth graders in Kansas were not proficient in math, a 10 percent increase from 2019. Fourth graders not proficient in reading rose from 66 percent in 2019 to 69 percent in 2022. Those increases are slightly higher than the national average, Reza said.In Missouri, 76 percent of eighth graders were not proficient in math and 70% of fourth graders were not proficient in reading.If fourth graders are struggling with a subject matter now, Reza said it will impact the rest of their academic career — that’s why it’s important to analyze this data early and get students caught quickly.Reza said the data indicates that fourth graders may have adapted better to online learning, but it may not be clear why for years to come.“With eighth graders specifically, you're isolated from your peers and your teachers. You are having to learn pretty complex themes and ideas and subject matter in eighth grade,” Reza said. “An online learning environment would be much more detrimental to those factors.”Members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kclinc.org/" target="_blank">Local Investment Commission</a>&nbsp;in Kansas City said students were expected to learn during difficult conditions during the pandemic, leading to worse academic outcomes. The nonprofit provided families with utility and food assistance to keep homes stable as families faced economic hardship.Janet Miles-Bartee, executive vice president of the commission, said students in the metro still have some of those same needs.“Even though they're back in school… families suffered a lot during the pandemic,” Miles-Bartee said. “We're having to do some of those same supports around the family… making sure that the family as a whole has what it needs so that children are able to go to school, concentrate and learn.”Reza said the pandemic aggravated existing problems with education in Kansas.This school year marked the first time the K-12 education system in Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/28/kansas-legislature-approves-k-12-education-budget-with-private-school-benefits/" target="_blank">has been funded at a constitutional level</a>&nbsp;since 2008. In 2018,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/education/2019-06-14/kansas-supreme-court-lawmakers-finally-put-enough-money-into-schools" target="_blank">Kansas lawmakers approved</a>&nbsp;a funding increase for schools over multiple years.Jessica Herrera Russell, senior communications manager at KAC, said students are still recovering from the lack of funding. Now that schools have more funding, she hopes to see these math and reading trends reverse.With more funding, she said schools can hire more teachers and decrease the student-to-teacher ratio.“Then teachers have more opportunities to get that one-on-one instruction that is really needed for these students at this time," she said. “If they're not doing great in the first few months in algebra, they're not going to get better, because they never learned the foundational learning that they really needed to apply for the rest of the year."

75% of 8th graders in Kansas, Missouri weren’t proficient in math in 2022

Salina SkyFire 2023, presented by JRI Hospitality, is kicking off the city's amazing fireworks show this Fourth of July and you don't want to miss out.&nbsp;

Everyone is invited to celebrate Independence Day at this FREE event. Live music by King Midas – Kansas' longest running rock band –&nbsp; will begin at 7 p.m. with the spectacular fireworks display beginning just after dark at approximately 10 p.m.&nbsp;

JRI CEO Jason Ingermanson said he and his team are excited to take on the role of presenting sponsor.&nbsp;

"JRI Hospitality has proudly taken on the role of presenting sponsor for Skyfire, ensuring the beloved Fourth of July tradition of a magnificent fireworks display continues to thrill our wonderful community," With a strong commitment to being a positive contributor, JRI is dedicated to making a lasting impact on our local area," Ingermanson said.&nbsp;

VIP parking for sponsors accesible through the Municipal Golf Course gate on Markley Road. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.

Parking located in $20 donation to The First Tee Salina will be in the Municipal Golf Course lot until full, gates open at 5:00 p.m.&nbsp;

There will be FREE parking in the Berkley Family Recreation Area parking lots south of the fireworks launch area.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687787336164.png" alt="Salina Skyfire 2023" />
 <figcaption>Salina Skyfire 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>BY SALINA POSTSalina SkyFire 2023, presented by JRI Hospitality, is kicking off the city's amazing fireworks show this Fourth of July and you don't want to miss out.&nbsp;Everyone is invited to celebrate Independence Day at this FREE event. Live music by King Midas – Kansas' longest running rock band –&nbsp; will begin at 7 p.m. with the spectacular fireworks display beginning just after dark at approximately 10 p.m.&nbsp;JRI CEO Jason Ingermanson said he and his team are excited to take on the role of presenting sponsor.&nbsp;"JRI Hospitality has proudly taken on the role of presenting sponsor for Skyfire, ensuring the beloved Fourth of July tradition of a magnificent fireworks display continues to thrill our wonderful community," With a strong commitment to being a positive contributor, JRI is dedicated to making a lasting impact on our local area," Ingermanson said.&nbsp;<h2>PARKING</h2>VIP parking for sponsors accesible through the Municipal Golf Course gate on Markley Road. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.Parking located in $20 donation to The First Tee Salina will be in the Municipal Golf Course lot until full, gates open at 5:00 p.m.&nbsp;There will be FREE parking in the Berkley Family Recreation Area parking lots south of the fireworks launch area.&nbsp;

🎇Fourth of July festivities, Berkley Family Recreation Area

Salina Arts Center The Salina Art Center executive director, Misty Serene stopped by Salina Post for an update on upcoming events including the upcoming workshop “Writing with Art: PATTERNS IN POETRY” with Lori Brack.

Nature, visual art, music, math, time, and our daily lives show us patterns over and over again. The work of Alicia Kelly riffs on and revels in repetition and the breaking of pattern

During this workshop you’ll get a chance to look at her work in the exhibition-POV: Point of View and read a couple of short poems that display kinds of patterns. 

Then, you’ll be free to repeat sounds, forms, and ideas as you write narrative poems.

The workshop will take place on July 15 from 10-11:30 a.m.

The workshop is open to middle school, high school students, and adults with a cost of $45 per person.

Lori Brack is the author of three books of poems, some short stories, and many essays. Her work can be found online and in print. Find out more about her work and read some of her writing at <a href="http://www.loribrack.com">www.loribrack.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675181242657.png" alt="Salina Art Center" />
 <figcaption>Salina Art Center</figcaption>
 </figure> Salina Arts Center The Salina Art Center executive director, Misty Serene stopped by Salina Post for an update on upcoming events including the upcoming workshop “Writing with Art: PATTERNS IN POETRY” with Lori Brack.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688408872030.jpeg" alt="Writing With Art Flyer. Image Courtesy Salina Arts Center" />
 <figcaption>Writing With Art Flyer. Image Courtesy Salina Arts Center</figcaption>
 </figure>Nature, visual art, music, math, time, and our daily lives show us patterns over and over again. The work of Alicia Kelly riffs on and revels in repetition and the breaking of patternDuring this workshop you’ll get a chance to look at her work in the exhibition-POV: Point of View and read a couple of short poems that display kinds of patterns. Then, you’ll be free to repeat sounds, forms, and ideas as you write narrative poems.The workshop will take place on July 15 from 10-11:30 a.m.The workshop is open to middle school, high school students, and adults with a cost of $45 per person.<a href="https://www.cognitoforms.com/Sali.../WritingWithArtWorkshops">SIGN UP HERE</a>Lori Brack is the author of three books of poems, some short stories, and many essays. Her work can be found online and in print. Find out more about her work and read some of her writing at <a href="http://www.loribrack.com">www.loribrack.com</a>.

Salina Art Center workshop takes a closer look at patterns in art & words

WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service warned taxpayers today to be on the lookout for a new scam mailing that tries to mislead people into believing they are owed a refund.

The new scheme involves a mailing coming in a cardboard envelope from a delivery service. The enclosed letter includes the IRS masthead and wording that the notice is“in relation to your unclaimed refund.”

Like many scams, the letter includes contact information and a phone number that do not belong to the IRS. But it also seeks a variety of sensitive personal information from taxpayers – including detailed pictures of driver’s licenses – that can be used to by identity thieves to try obtaining a tax refund and other sensitive financial information.

“This is just the latest in the long string of attempts by identity thieves posing as the IRS in hopes of tricking people into providing valuable personal information to steal identities and money, including tax refunds,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “These scams can come in through email, text or even in special mailings. People should be careful to watch out for red flags that clearly mark these as IRS scams.”

The Security Summit – a coalition between the IRS, state tax administrators and the nation’s tax industry – continue to warn people to protect their personal information to protect against tax-related identity theft as well as scams like this.

In this new scam, there are many warning signs that can be seen in many similar schemes via email or by text. An unusual feature of this scam is that it tries tricking people to email or phone very detailed personal information in hopes of stealing valuable information.

The letter tells the recipients they need to provide “Filing Information” for their refund. This includes some awkwardly worded requests like this:

“A Clear Phone of Your Driver’s License That Clearly Displays All Four (4) Angles, Taken in a Place with Good Lighting.”

The letter proceeds for more sensitive information including cellphone number, bank routing information, Social Security number and bank account type, followed by a poorly worded warning:

“(You’ll Need to Get This to Get Your Refunds After Filing. These Must Be Given to a Filing Agent Who Will Help You Submit Your Unclaimed Property Claim. Once You Send All The Information Please Try to Be Checking Your Email for Response From The Agents Thanks”

This letter contains a variety of warning signs, including odd punctuation and a mixture of fonts as well as inaccuracies.

For example, the letter says the deadline for filing tax refunds is Oct. 17; the deadline for people on extension for their 2022 tax returns is actually Oct. 16, and those owed refunds from last year have time beyond that. And the IRS handles tax refunds, not “unclaimed property.”

Important reminders about scams The IRS and Security Summit partners regularly warn people about common scams, including the annual IRS Dirty Dozen list.

Taxpayers and tax professionals should be alert to fake communications posing as legitimate organizations in the tax and financial community, including the IRS and states. These messages can arrive in the form of an unsolicited text or email to lure unsuspecting victims to provide valuable personal and financial information that can lead to identity theft, including phishing and smishing.

The IRS never initiates contact with taxpayers by email, text or social media regarding a bill or tax refund.

As a reminder: Never click on any unsolicited communication claiming to be the IRS as it may surreptitiously load malware. It may also be a way for malicious hackers to load ransomware that keeps the legitimate user from accessing their system and files.

Individuals should never respond to tax-related phishing or smishing or click on the URL link. Instead, the scams should be reported by sending the email or a copy of the text/SMS as an attachment to phishing@irs.gov. The report should include the caller ID (email or phone number), date, time and time zone, and the number that received the message.

Taxpayers can also report scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration or the Internet Crime Complaint Center. The Report Phishing and Online Scams page at IRS.gov provides complete details. The Federal Communications Commission's Smartphone Security Checker is a useful tool against mobile security threats.

The IRS also warns taxpayers to be wary of messages that appear to be from friends or family but that are possibly stolen or compromised email or text accounts from someone they know. This remains a popular way to target individuals and tax preparers for a variety of scams. Individuals should verify the identity of the sender by using another communication method; for instance, calling a number they independently know to be accurate, not the number provided in the email or text.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600360924825.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service warned taxpayers today to be on the lookout for a new scam mailing that tries to mislead people into believing they are owed a refund.The new scheme involves a mailing coming in a cardboard envelope from a delivery service. The enclosed letter includes the IRS masthead and wording that the notice is“in relation to your unclaimed refund.”Like many scams, the letter includes contact information and a phone number that do not belong to the IRS. But it also seeks a variety of sensitive personal information from taxpayers – including detailed pictures of driver’s licenses – that can be used to by identity thieves to try obtaining a tax refund and other sensitive financial information.“This is just the latest in the long string of attempts by identity thieves posing as the IRS in hopes of tricking people into providing valuable personal information to steal identities and money, including tax refunds,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “These scams can come in through email, text or even in special mailings. People should be careful to watch out for red flags that clearly mark these as IRS scams.”The Security Summit – a coalition between the IRS, state tax administrators and the nation’s tax industry – continue to warn people to protect their personal information to protect against tax-related identity theft as well as scams like this.In this new scam, there are many warning signs that can be seen in many similar schemes via email or by text. An unusual feature of this scam is that it tries tricking people to email or phone very detailed personal information in hopes of stealing valuable information.The letter tells the recipients they need to provide “Filing Information” for their refund. This includes some awkwardly worded requests like this:“A Clear Phone of Your Driver’s License That Clearly Displays All Four (4) Angles, Taken in a Place with Good Lighting.”The letter proceeds for more sensitive information including cellphone number, bank routing information, Social Security number and bank account type, followed by a poorly worded warning:“(You’ll Need to Get This to Get Your Refunds After Filing. These Must Be Given to a Filing Agent Who Will Help You Submit Your Unclaimed Property Claim. Once You Send All The Information Please Try to Be Checking Your Email for Response From The Agents Thanks”This letter contains a variety of warning signs, including odd punctuation and a mixture of fonts as well as inaccuracies.For example, the letter says the deadline for filing tax refunds is Oct. 17; the deadline for people on extension for their 2022 tax returns is actually Oct. 16, and those owed refunds from last year have time beyond that. And the IRS handles tax refunds, not “unclaimed property.”Important reminders about scams The IRS and Security Summit partners regularly warn people about common scams, including the annual IRS Dirty Dozen list.Taxpayers and tax professionals should be alert to fake communications posing as legitimate organizations in the tax and financial community, including the IRS and states. These messages can arrive in the form of an unsolicited text or email to lure unsuspecting victims to provide valuable personal and financial information that can lead to identity theft, including phishing and smishing.The IRS never initiates contact with taxpayers by email, text or social media regarding a bill or tax refund.As a reminder: Never click on any unsolicited communication claiming to be the IRS as it may surreptitiously load malware. It may also be a way for malicious hackers to load ransomware that keeps the legitimate user from accessing their system and files.Individuals should never respond to tax-related phishing or smishing or click on the URL link. Instead, the scams should be reported by sending the email or a copy of the text/SMS as an attachment to phishing@irs.gov. The report should include the caller ID (email or phone number), date, time and time zone, and the number that received the message.Taxpayers can also report scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration or the Internet Crime Complaint Center. The Report Phishing and Online Scams page at IRS.gov provides complete details. The Federal Communications Commission's Smartphone Security Checker is a useful tool against mobile security threats.The IRS also warns taxpayers to be wary of messages that appear to be from friends or family but that are possibly stolen or compromised email or text accounts from someone they know. This remains a popular way to target individuals and tax preparers for a variety of scams. Individuals should verify the identity of the sender by using another communication method; for instance, calling a number they independently know to be accurate, not the number provided in the email or text.

IRS warns taxpayers of new unusual scam

American Legion Boys State of Kansas Concludes 2023 Session

&nbsp;High school students from across the State of Kansas participated in the 85th session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, held June 4-10 at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

This was the 31th consecutive year the Kansas Boys State program was held at K-State. The objective of the ALBSK is to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Kansas Boys State provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. 

Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

Among the highlights from the week, Samuel Houston, a resident of McPherson, Kan., and a senior-to-be at McPherson High School, was elected Kansas Boys State governor.

Adiel Garcia II, a resident of Olathe, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Spring Hill (Kan.) High School, and Creytin Sanner, a resident of Junction City, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Junction City High School, were elected to represent Kansas Boys State at Boys Nation, Friday, July 21 through Saturday, July 29, at Marymount University in Arlington, Va.

Kyle Wheatley, Fort Worth, Texas, was named Advisor of the Year. Wheatley, a 2003 KBS delegate and 2004 graduate of Wichita (Kan.) Northwest High School, serves as a KBS associate director and bank advisor.

Ethan Doherty, Denver, Colo., who served as a county counselor for Powell County, was named Counselor of the Year (counselors with four or more years’ experience). He was a 2016 KBS delegate and a 2017 graduate of Girard (Kan.) High School. Theo Wagnon, Topeka, Kan., who served as a House of Representatives counselor, was named New Counselor of the Year (counselors with three or fewer years’ experience). He was a 2020 KBS delegate and a 2021 graduate of Seaman High School in Topeka.

Josef Kuehnen, Olathe, Kan., a senior-to-be at Olathe South High School, received the William “Bill” F. Stahl Outstanding Justice Award, given to the outstanding member of the Boys State of Kansas Supreme Court as voted on by his Supreme Court peers. The award is presented in recognition of outstanding commitment to justice under the law and dedicated service to Boys State of Kansas. Stahl, of Junction City, Kan., passed away in September 2015 and was a longtime supporter of the ALBSK.

Kalo Hineman, Scott City, Kan., a senior-to-be at Scott Community High School, was named the Outstanding Senator (representing Eisenhower County), and Jaxon Blubaugh, Silver Lake, Kan., a senior-to-be at Silver Lake High School, was named the Outstanding State Representative (representing Eisenhower County).

Shawn Sullivan, Leavenworth, Kan., a senior-to-be at Leavenworth High School, was named the American Legion Department of Kansas winner of the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. As the state winner, Sullivan receives a $1,250 scholarship and his application moves on to the national level where he could receive a $5,000 award as a national runner-up or $10,000 scholarship as a national scholar.

The 86th session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas is tentatively scheduled to be held the week of Sunday, June 2, through Saturday, June 8, 2024, again at Kansas State University. For information on becoming a delegate (high school sophomores and juniors in the 2023-24 academic year), nominating a delegate or sponsoring a delegate next year, visit <a href="https://ksbstate.org">https://ksbstate.org</a>.

The following is a list of this year’s ALBSK delegates (listed by zip code/city of residence; all cities in

Kansas unless noted). Those delegates denoted with a star (*) were elected by their Kansas Boys State city as its outstanding citizen:

(Name, Year in School for 2023-24 Academic Year, High School; Kansas Boys State position – all cities/high schools in Kansas unless noted)

• Chase Rothhaas, senior-to-be, The Barstow School, Kansas City, Mo; City of Shelton Councilman

• Boston Orth, junior-to-be, LEAD Innovation Studio; City of Shoemaker Councilman

• Grayson Coffield, senior-to-be, Baldwin High School; KBS Media

• Parker Massey, senior-to-be, Olathe West High School, State Treasurer

• Nishan Thomas, junior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; Eisenhower County District Court Official

• Luke Torrez, senior-to-be, Spring Hill High School; KBS Media

• Levi Hanlen, senior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; Powell County Representative

• Ethan Herken, senior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; Kennedy County Representative

• Connor Torres, senior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; City of Bramlage Councilman

• Braeden Fitzgerald, senior-to-be, Gardner-Edgerton High School; Powell County Commissioner

• Ashton Lang, junior-to-be, Gardner-Edgerton High School; Department of Education and Culture Official

• Isaiah Lang, junior-to-be, Gardner-Edgerton High School; Eisenhower County District Court Official

• Caleb Baltazar, senior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; City of Bramlage Councilman

• Paul Curtis, senior-to-be, Lansing High School; Seitz County Commissioner and KBS National Guard

• Jack Corrigan, senior-to-be, Lansing High School; Seitz County Representative

66044 / 66047 / 66049 — Lawrence

• Levi Bates, senior-to-be, Lawrence Free State High School; City of Shelton Councilman

• Sebastian Borjas, junior-to-be, Bishop Seabury Academy; Seitz County Commissioner and KBS National Guard

• * Mason Hadl, senior-to-be, Baldwin High School; Seitz County Commissioner, Hadl was named Outstanding Citizen for the City of Werring

• Jake King, senior-to-be, Lawrence Free State High School; City of Krupco Councilman

• James Loyless, senior-to-be, Lawrence Free State High School; City of Gardner Councilman

• Max Mitchell, senior-to-be, Eudora High School; Seitz County Commissioner

• Jack Sartorius, senior-to-be, Perry-Lecompton High School; Powell County Representative

• Brandon Sikes, senior-to-be, Lawrence Free State High School; Department of Human Resources Official

• * Hayden Slough, senior-to-be, Bishop Seabury Academy; Kennedy County Commissioner, Slough was named Outstanding Citizen for the City of Shelton

• Drake Spurlock; senior-to-be; Bishop Seabury Academy; Eisenhower County Commissioner

• Jaden Daniel, senior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; Seitz County Representative

• Quintin Hoppe, senior-to-be, Pleasant Ridge High School, Easton; Kennedy County Representative

• Trey Johnson, junior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; City of Krupco Councilman

• Grady Mathews, senior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; City of Gardner Councilman

• Luke Monroy, senior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; City of Werring Councilman

• Shawn Sullivan, senior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; Lieutenant Governor

• Colton Prettyman, junor-to-be, Louisburg High School; Department of Natural Resources Official

• * Henry Bailey, senior-to-be, Olathe North High School; Eisenhower County Commissioner, Bailey was named Outstanding Citizen for the City of Klassen

• Austin Chase, junior-to-be, DeSoto High School; Dole County Representative

• * Evan Faimon, senior-to-be, Olathe West High School; City of Whorley Councilman, Faimon was named Outstanding Citizen for the City of Whorley

• Dylan Harker, senior-to-be, Heritage Christian Academy, Olathe; KBS Highway Patrol Officer

• Adiel Garcia II, senior-to-be, Spring Hill High School; Attorney General, Garcia was elected to represent Kansas Boys State at Boys Nation

• Joey Geisler, senior-to-be, Blue Valley Southwest High School; Senate Majority Leader and Kennedy

• Jackson Gwartney, senior-to-be, Olathe West High School; City of Thomson Councilman

• Reid Kalkman, senior-to-be, DeSoto High School; City of Shoemaker Councilman

• Jakob Kuehnen, senior-to-be, Olathe South High School; City of Whorley Councilman

• Josef Kuehnen, senior-to-be, Olathe South High School; Supreme Court Judge, Kuehnen received the William “Bill” F. Stahl Outstanding Justice Award

• Ricky Nosworthy, senior-to-be, St. James Academy, Lenexa; City of Klassen

• Isaac Shilling, junior-to-be, Olathe West High School; Department of Education and Culture

• Aiden Demoret, senior-to-be, Ottawa High School; KBS Highway Patrol Officer

• Johnson Martell, senior-to-be, Paola High School; City of Krupco Councilman

• Marcius Englund, senior-to-be, Central Heights High School; City of Raymond Councilman

• Gavin Shupe, senior-to-be, Tonganoxie High School; Powell County Commissioner

• Thomas Hapke, senior-to-be, Piper High School; Speaker of the House and Kennedy County

• Grayson Lamb, senior-to-be, Piper High School; Eisenhower County Representative

• Logun Nigh, senior-to-be, Lawrence Virtual School; Seitz County Representative

• Wilson Biles, junior-to-be, Shawnee Mission East High School; Dole County Commissioner

• Sam Wilson, senior-to-be, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School; City of Werring Councilman

• Rocco Marrello, senior-to-be, Bishop Miege High School, Department of Human Resources Official

• Julius Lopez, senior-to-be, Bishop Miege High School; Powell County Commissioner

• Dean Patterson, junior-to-be, Pembroke Hill School, Kansas City, Mo.; City of Werring Councilman

• Gavin Nelson, junior-to-be, Blue Valley North High School; Dole County Senator

American Legion Boys State of Kansas Concludes 2023 Session

By NATE KING Salina Post

Law enforcement authorities have arrested one person in connection to a robbery that occurred in north Salina last week.

Just after 7 a.m. on June 30,&nbsp; Salina Police responded to an alleged armed robbery at,&nbsp;1118 N. Ninth Street, Salina Police Sergeant Tonniges said this morning.

Upon arrival, the victim, an employee of a local business reported to police that a known suspect identified as, Michael Hamen, 41, Salina, entered the store and had a verbal exchange with him.

Near the end of the conversation, the victim began filming Hamen with his cell phone. Hamen didn't like the fact that he was being filmed, and took the victim's phone.

The victim attempted to retrieve his phone, but stopped after Hamen grabbed his pocket and threatened him with an alleged gun.&nbsp;

According to Tonniges, Hamen fled the business on a bicycle. Officers located Hamen in the 200 block of S. College Avenue and arrested him. Officers located the stolen phone, which also contained $26 in the phone case.&nbsp;

Tonniges said during the arrest officers did not locate the alleged firearm Hamen had threatened the victim with.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688220057772.jpeg" alt="Hamen,Michael Joseph." />
 <figcaption>Hamen,Michael Joseph.</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostLaw enforcement authorities have arrested one person in connection to a robbery that occurred in north Salina last week.Just after 7 a.m. on June 30,&nbsp; Salina Police responded to an alleged armed robbery at,&nbsp;1118 N. Ninth Street, Salina Police Sergeant Tonniges said this morning.Upon arrival, the victim, an employee of a local business reported to police that a known suspect identified as, Michael Hamen, 41, Salina, entered the store and had a verbal exchange with him.Near the end of the conversation, the victim began filming Hamen with his cell phone. Hamen didn't like the fact that he was being filmed, and took the victim's phone.The victim attempted to retrieve his phone, but stopped after Hamen grabbed his pocket and threatened him with an alleged gun.&nbsp;According to Tonniges, Hamen fled the business on a bicycle. Officers located Hamen in the 200 block of S. College Avenue and arrested him. Officers located the stolen phone, which also contained $26 in the phone case.&nbsp;Tonniges said during the arrest officers did not locate the alleged firearm Hamen had threatened the victim with.&nbsp;Requested Charges:&nbsp;Robbery and criminal threat&nbsp;

Individual arrested following robbery in north Salina

The Dunbar School Alumni Association, Inc.&nbsp;

The Dunbar School Alumni Association, Inc. will be hosting their 11th Dunbar School reunion July 21-23, 2023 at the Homewood Suites in Salina, Kansas.

This year’s reunion theme will be, “Dunbar School: Evoke the Legacy – Let It Shine”. The two-day reunion includes a memorial service for deceased Dunbar School alumni and an evening banquet. 

The keynote speaker for the Saturday evening banquet will be Dr. Karina Yager, Assistant Professor in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University, Long Island, New York. Dr. Yager is the granddaughter of the alumni association’s oldest alumnus, Dr. Virginia Hill Bell.

The DSAA is planning activities for all age groups during their Friday-Sunday reunion. The association celebrated the 100th anniversary of Dunbar School this past November. Most recently, Dunbar School was featured in the latest issue of the Kansas Magazine, which is available on-line and at over 300 retail stores and newsstands. 

The article on Dunbar School was written by former Salinan and freelance writer, Melinda Briscoe. More information about the 11th Dunbar School Reunion will be available on the Dunbar Alumni Association’s web site: <a href="http://www.dunbarschoolsalina.com.">www.dunbarschoolsalina.com</a>.

Paul Lawrence Dunbar School was established in 1922 by the Salina Board of Education as a modern facility which served black children from kindergarten through grade eight. All Salina schools had previously been intergraded. Under General Statues of Kansas 1879 and Kansas Laws 1919 to 1920, cities of first class, with populations of 15,000 were authorized to maintain separate schools for the education of white and black elemen• tary school children. A special election on January 25, 1921 provided school bonds for the site and construction of the school.

Named for the African-American poet and author Paul Lawrence Dunbar, the school opened with six black teachers and a principal. High schools in Salina remained integrated as completion of Dunbar marked the advent of segregation at early education levels.

Recognized for creative musical events, Dunbar students and faculty inspired and support. ed cultural development in the community. Robert C. Caldwell, former Dunbar teacher and principal later served three terms as Salina's first black mayor and was subsequently elected to the state legislature.

In 1951, the Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka case challenged the "separate but equal system" in Kansas elementary schools. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court found separate schools violated the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. Soon after, Dunbar along with similar schools in Kansas and in twenty other states, became integrated. The school closed in 1955 because of declining enrollment. The St. Francis Academy purchased the building in 1958.

On September 25, 1998, at the request of the Dunbar School Alumni Association, Inc. the city of Salina declared Dunbar School a Heritage Conservation Landmark. With fond memories a marker was erected at the site, 509 E. Elm, and dedicated on June 16, 2000 by former students an faculty. Funding for the marker was provide by the Dunbar School Alumni, the community, and friends. The park was constructed by the City of Salina in appreciation of a unique cultural resource.

Yager is a transdisciplinary scientist who has been working for over two decades in the Andes of South America. She grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado and acquired her Bachelors of Arts in Anthropology in 1998 from Colorado State University. She completed her Masters in Archaeology at Columbia University in New York, followed by her Doctoral research in Cultural Anthropology &amp; Ecology at Yale University.

Following her Doctoral studies, Dr. Yager completed her post-Doctoral research at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. She worked for NASA for nine years on climate change research. Her research areas focused on deciphering climate and societal drivers of land-cover land-use change in the Andes of South America. 

Dr. Yager’s research combines remote sensing analysis with alpine studies and ethnographic fieldwork with Andean pastoralist. She is now an Assistant Professor in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University, Long Island, New York. Her research specialties include climate change,glacier change, satellite images, mountain societies, and alpine ecosystems. She teaches courses on Global Environmental Change and the Age of the Anthropocene.

Dr. Yager is the granddaughter of the oldest Dunbar School alumni, Dr. Virginia Hill Ricard, from whom she learned the value of education and legacy of Dunbar School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616945784790.jpeg" alt="Dunbar School was dedicated in 1922 to educate Black students in Salina. It closed in 1955. Photo Courtesy Liz Wilson, Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Dunbar School was dedicated in 1922 to educate Black students in Salina. It closed in 1955. Photo Courtesy Liz Wilson, Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>The Dunbar School Alumni Association, Inc.&nbsp;The Dunbar School Alumni Association, Inc. will be hosting their 11th Dunbar School reunion July 21-23, 2023 at the Homewood Suites in Salina, Kansas.This year’s reunion theme will be, “Dunbar School: Evoke the Legacy – Let It Shine”. The two-day reunion includes a memorial service for deceased Dunbar School alumni and an evening banquet. The keynote speaker for the Saturday evening banquet will be Dr. Karina Yager, Assistant Professor in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University, Long Island, New York. Dr. Yager is the granddaughter of the alumni association’s oldest alumnus, Dr. Virginia Hill Bell.The DSAA is planning activities for all age groups during their Friday-Sunday reunion. The association celebrated the 100th anniversary of Dunbar School this past November. Most recently, Dunbar School was featured in the latest issue of the Kansas Magazine, which is available on-line and at over 300 retail stores and newsstands. The article on Dunbar School was written by former Salinan and freelance writer, Melinda Briscoe. More information about the 11th Dunbar School Reunion will be available on the Dunbar Alumni Association’s web site: <a href="http://www.dunbarschoolsalina.com.">www.dunbarschoolsalina.com</a>.<h2>About Dunbar School</h2>Paul Lawrence Dunbar School was established in 1922 by the Salina Board of Education as a modern facility which served black children from kindergarten through grade eight. All Salina schools had previously been intergraded. Under General Statues of Kansas 1879 and Kansas Laws 1919 to 1920, cities of first class, with populations of 15,000 were authorized to maintain separate schools for the education of white and black elemen• tary school children. A special election on January 25, 1921 provided school bonds for the site and construction of the school.Named for the African-American poet and author Paul Lawrence Dunbar, the school opened with six black teachers and a principal. High schools in Salina remained integrated as completion of Dunbar marked the advent of segregation at early education levels.Recognized for creative musical events, Dunbar students and faculty inspired and support. ed cultural development in the community. Robert C. Caldwell, former Dunbar teacher and principal later served three terms as Salina's first black mayor and was subsequently elected to the state legislature.In 1951, the Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka case challenged the "separate but equal system" in Kansas elementary schools. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court found separate schools violated the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. Soon after, Dunbar along with similar schools in Kansas and in twenty other states, became integrated. The school closed in 1955 because of declining enrollment. The St. Francis Academy purchased the building in 1958.On September 25, 1998, at the request of the Dunbar School Alumni Association, Inc. the city of Salina declared Dunbar School a Heritage Conservation Landmark. With fond memories a marker was erected at the site, 509 E. Elm, and dedicated on June 16, 2000 by former students an faculty. Funding for the marker was provide by the Dunbar School Alumni, the community, and friends. The park was constructed by the City of Salina in appreciation of a unique cultural resource.<h2>Dr. Karina Yager</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688406036744.jpeg" alt="Karina Yager Image Courtesy Stony Brook University" />
 <figcaption>Karina Yager Image Courtesy Stony Brook University</figcaption>
 </figure>Yager is a transdisciplinary scientist who has been working for over two decades in the Andes of South America. She grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado and acquired her Bachelors of Arts in Anthropology in 1998 from Colorado State University. She completed her Masters in Archaeology at Columbia University in New York, followed by her Doctoral research in Cultural Anthropology &amp; Ecology at Yale University.Following her Doctoral studies, Dr. Yager completed her post-Doctoral research at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. She worked for NASA for nine years on climate change research. Her research areas focused on deciphering climate and societal drivers of land-cover land-use change in the Andes of South America. Dr. Yager’s research combines remote sensing analysis with alpine studies and ethnographic fieldwork with Andean pastoralist. She is now an Assistant Professor in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University, Long Island, New York. Her research specialties include climate change,glacier change, satellite images, mountain societies, and alpine ecosystems. She teaches courses on Global Environmental Change and the Age of the Anthropocene.Dr. Yager is the granddaughter of the oldest Dunbar School alumni, Dr. Virginia Hill Ricard, from whom she learned the value of education and legacy of Dunbar School.

The Dunbar School Alumni Association set to host reunion later this month

BY Kim Baldwin McPherson&nbsp;County farmer and rancher Summertime on the farm is in full effect. We seem to awaken a bit earlier with the sun to accomplish tasks before the heat of the day sets in. We also seem to go to bed much later to take advantage of the extra daylight.&nbsp; &nbsp; It’s a constant state of “go-go-go” most days right now with an occasional slowdown if a rain shower pops up. &nbsp; After going through the items of the day over coffee, my husband is usually the first one out the door. We are generally going different directions for the majority of the days right now, but we’re always touching base with quick phone calls and text messages. &nbsp; Sometimes the text messages between us consist of a brief “OK” or a thumbs up emoji. Sometimes the text is simply a link to a news article one of us finds interesting. Other times it’s a silly TikTok or Facebook Reel we know will give the other a good chuckle.&nbsp; &nbsp; Many times the text message thread between us includes silly GIF responses. &nbsp; A perfect example of our daily communication during this time of the year was when I recently texted a selfie of me with a thumbs up showing my husband I had successfully backed a truck to and hooked a trailer to the ball hitch without any help – a task I like to remind him I am fully capable of accomplishing. &nbsp; “One try,” I included in the text message accompanying the photo.&nbsp; &nbsp; His response: A black and white GIF of battle-worn actor Gerard Butler playing King Leonidas&nbsp;from the movie 300&nbsp;with the words “MY QUEEN.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Another example was when we were looking for a small part needed for the planter. When I thought I had found the item I texted him a picture of it with “Is this it?” in the message. &nbsp; While his response was a quick, “Yah,” I responded back with a GIF of a crowd wildly applauding. &nbsp; I’ve had many times in my adult life that I have reflected on how lucky I am to be living in this era. I often wonder how those before me handled life in general, let alone life on the farm without all of the modern tools, technologies and conveniences. &nbsp; Constant communication on our farm is a necessity to ensure we are as productive and efficient with our time as possible, especially during these busy summer days. &nbsp; I truly don’t know how those successfully communicated and maintained relationships before us during the busy summer farm days of yesteryear. I just know that I am truly thankful for the ability to instantly communicate with my husband, which allows us to not only efficiently accomplish tasks, but also allows us to provide quick words of affirmation or encouragement through silly animations, videos and emojis via text messages that help us navigate our busy summer days on the farm together.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim-Baldwin Insight.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Kim-Baldwin Insight.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>BY Kim Baldwin McPherson&nbsp;County farmer and rancher Summertime on the farm is in full effect. We seem to awaken a bit earlier with the sun to accomplish tasks before the heat of the day sets in. We also seem to go to bed much later to take advantage of the extra daylight.&nbsp; &nbsp; It’s a constant state of “go-go-go” most days right now with an occasional slowdown if a rain shower pops up. &nbsp; After going through the items of the day over coffee, my husband is usually the first one out the door. We are generally going different directions for the majority of the days right now, but we’re always touching base with quick phone calls and text messages. &nbsp; Sometimes the text messages between us consist of a brief “OK” or a thumbs up emoji. Sometimes the text is simply a link to a news article one of us finds interesting. Other times it’s a silly TikTok or Facebook Reel we know will give the other a good chuckle.&nbsp; &nbsp; Many times the text message thread between us includes silly GIF responses. &nbsp; A perfect example of our daily communication during this time of the year was when I recently texted a selfie of me with a thumbs up showing my husband I had successfully backed a truck to and hooked a trailer to the ball hitch without any help – a task I like to remind him I am fully capable of accomplishing. &nbsp; “One try,” I included in the text message accompanying the photo.&nbsp; &nbsp; His response: A black and white GIF of battle-worn actor Gerard Butler playing King Leonidas&nbsp;from the movie 300&nbsp;with the words “MY QUEEN.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Another example was when we were looking for a small part needed for the planter. When I thought I had found the item I texted him a picture of it with “Is this it?” in the message. &nbsp; While his response was a quick, “Yah,” I responded back with a GIF of a crowd wildly applauding. &nbsp; I’ve had many times in my adult life that I have reflected on how lucky I am to be living in this era. I often wonder how those before me handled life in general, let alone life on the farm without all of the modern tools, technologies and conveniences. &nbsp; Constant communication on our farm is a necessity to ensure we are as productive and efficient with our time as possible, especially during these busy summer days. &nbsp; I truly don’t know how those successfully communicated and maintained relationships before us during the busy summer farm days of yesteryear. I just know that I am truly thankful for the ability to instantly communicate with my husband, which allows us to not only efficiently accomplish tasks, but also allows us to provide quick words of affirmation or encouragement through silly animations, videos and emojis via text messages that help us navigate our busy summer days on the farm together.

Insight Kansas: Modern farm communication

Manhattan, KS&nbsp;- The office of U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) is hosting mobile office hours during the month of July. Representative Mann's staff will be visiting counties across the First Congressional District to offer assistance with federal agencies.

Below are the mobile office hours scheduled for July 10-11, 2023. Please contact the Manhattan, KS office at 785-370-7277 with any questions about the mobile office hours.

PLEASE NOTE:&nbsp;Only Congressman Mann's staff will be present for the mobile office hours, the Congressman will&nbsp;NOT&nbsp;be in attendance. The mobile office hours are reserved for assisting Kansans with federal casework.

Rep. Tracey Mann News ReleaseManhattan, KS&nbsp;- The office of U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) is hosting mobile office hours during the month of July. Representative Mann's staff will be visiting counties across the First Congressional District to offer assistance with federal agencies.Below are the mobile office hours scheduled for July 10-11, 2023. Please contact the Manhattan, KS office at 785-370-7277 with any questions about the mobile office hours.PLEASE NOTE:&nbsp;Only Congressman Mann's staff will be present for the mobile office hours, the Congressman will&nbsp;NOT&nbsp;be in attendance. The mobile office hours are reserved for assisting Kansans with federal casework.<h2>﻿MONDAY, JULY 10, 2023</h2>Decatur CountyWHERE: Oberlin City Library104 East Oak Street | Oberlin, KSTIME: 12:00PM - 1:00PM CTRawlins CountyWHERE: Atwood Public Library102 South 6th Street | Atwood, KSTIME: 1:30PM - 2:30PM CTCheyenne CountyWHERE: St. Francis City Library121 North Scott Street | St. Francis, KSTIME: 3:30PM -&nbsp;4:30PM CTSherman CountyWHERE: Goodland Public Library812 Broadway Street | Goodland, KSTIME: 4:15PM - 5:15PM MT<h2>TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023</h2>Rush CountyWHERE: Rush County Courthouse&nbsp;(Commissioner’s Room)702 Elm Street | La Crosse, KSTIME: 8:30AM -9:30AM CTThomas CountyWHERE: Pioneer Memorial Library375 West 4th Street | Colby, KSTIME: 8:30AM -9:30AM CTPawnee CountyWHERE: Jordaan Memorial Library724 Broadway Street | Larned, KSTIME: 10:45AM - 11:45AM CTSheridan CountyWHERE: Sheridan County Library801 Royal Avenue | Hoxie, KSTIME: 11:30AM - 12:30PM CTRice CountyWHERE: Lyons Public Library201 West Main Street | Lyons, KSTIME: 1:15PM - 2:15PM CTTrego CountyWHERE: WaKeeney Public Library610 Russell Avenue | WaKeeney, KSTIME: 1:30PM - 2:30PM CTEllsworth CountyWHERE: JH Robbins Memorial Library219 North Lincoln Avenue | Ellsworth, KSTIME: 3:00PM - 4:00PM CT