BY SALINA POST The McKenzie Center is located on the northeast corner of the N. Ninth Street-W. Elm Street intersection.

Lunch is served from 11:30-12:30 at the McKenzie Center north of the library. Youth are given priority and must be present to receive lunch.

BY SALINA POST The McKenzie Center is located on the northeast corner of the N. Ninth Street-W. Elm Street intersection.Lunch is served from 11:30-12:30 at the McKenzie Center north of the library. Youth are given priority and must be present to receive lunch.This week's Summer Lunch Menu:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687782952031.jpeg" alt="Library Summer Lunch Menu the week of June 26. Image courtesy Salina Public Library" />
 <figcaption>Library Summer Lunch Menu the week of June 26. Image courtesy Salina Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>

Salina Public Library announces menu for week

Study Sessions and City Commission meetings will take place in–person at the City/County Building in Room 107 and via Zoom until further notice. Meetings can be viewed at the City of Salina YouTube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.

To participate via Zoom, citizens will need to use the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>.

The meeting can also be accessed by phone at 1-346-248-7799. Enter Meeting ID: 892 7598 4587 when prompted.

If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens attending via Zoom must raise their hand so that the meeting host can allow them to speak. Those who attend the in-person meeting will have the opportunity to speak at the podium.

Citizens can also send written comments or questions to City Commissioners by visiting the City of Salina’s website at<a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov/">&nbsp;www.salina-ks.gov</a>&nbsp;and using the “Email City Commission” icon on the home page.

In order for the commissioners to have an opportunity to review comments in advance of the meeting, please email your comments or questions by 5 p.m. the Sunday prior to the Monday meetings.

Commissioners are scheduled to meet in a study session at 2:30 p.m. Monday to discuss the 2024 Budget.&nbsp;

To see the meeting packet for the study session,&nbsp;<a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=508261&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

The commission's regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

Items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday include the following.

●Consider awarding the bid for project number 23008, 2023 Street Markings to Heartland Traffic Services of Kansas City, Kansas in the amount of $40,944.40 with a $2,047.22 (5%) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $42,991.62 and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Heartland Traffic Services of Kansas City, Kansas upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.

●Consider awarding the bid for project number 23018, 2023 Curb and Gutter Repairs to Davis Concrete Construction of Salina in the amount of $95,592.63 with a $4,779.63 (5%) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $100,372.26 and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Davis Concrete Construction of Salina upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.

●Consider authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Travelers for the renewal of the City's Comprehensive Property/Casualty Insurance Program.

●Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute a purchase agreement with P.B. Hoidale Co., Inc.(Hoidale) for replacing the gas and diesel fuel pumps at the City fuel site; replacing the stand-alone Fuel Management Unit (FM) with an integrated FMU; and replacing the computer software that records and reports daily usage, tank levels, and leak test results in the amount of $117,779.17 with a five percent contingency of $5,888.96 for a total price not to exceed $123,668.13.

●Consider authorizing the City Manager to solicit quotes and include a back-up emergency power system (generator and transfer switch) to the fuel site upgrades in an amount not to exceed $10,000.

●Consider resolution No. 23-8132 authorizing 100 percent sales tax exemption on construction materials (HPSA LLC) and resolution No. 23-8136 
﻿﻿﻿resolution No. 23-8132 resolution of intent to issue industrial revenue bonds to finance the costs of acquiring, constructing and equipping a commercial hotel project for the benefit of HPSA, LLC up to a maximum of $7,000,000. 
﻿﻿﻿Resolution No. 23-8136-&nbsp;A resolution of the Governing Body of the City of Salina, Kansas approving a change in ownership of the comfort inn and suites; approving an amendment to the community improvement district development agreement; and authorizing execution of related documents&nbsp;&nbsp;

●Consider acceptance of offered public utility easement dedication serving a new dormitory constructed on the Kansas State University - Salina campus.

●Consider an application filed by Stan Byquist requesting the annexation of a 16 acre tract of land located on the east side of South Ohio Street between Magnolia Road and the Stone Lake Addition.

● Consider Application #PIDD23-1, filed by Stan Byquist, requesting a change in zoning district classification from Saline County AG (Agricultural) to PDD R-2 (Multi-Family Residential) to allow the construction of single-famlly homes and townhomes on a 16.37 acre tract of land located on the south side of the Knox sandpit.

●Consider an ordinance approving the Feast on the Fe as a special event and authorizing the consumption of alcoholic liquor within the boundaries of barricaded public areas at such event.

●Consider&nbsp; an ordinance approving the Santa Fe Showdown as a special event and authorizing the consumption of alcoholic liquor within the boundaries of barricaded public areas at such event

To see the full Salina City Commission agenda for Monday,&nbsp;<a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=508258&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click her</a>e.

By SALINA POST<h2>About the meeting</h2>Study Sessions and City Commission meetings will take place in–person at the City/County Building in Room 107 and via Zoom until further notice. Meetings can be viewed at the City of Salina YouTube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.To participate via Zoom, citizens will need to use the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>.The meeting can also be accessed by phone at 1-346-248-7799. Enter Meeting ID: 892 7598 4587 when prompted.If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens attending via Zoom must raise their hand so that the meeting host can allow them to speak. Those who attend the in-person meeting will have the opportunity to speak at the podium.Citizens can also send written comments or questions to City Commissioners by visiting the City of Salina’s website at<a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov/">&nbsp;www.salina-ks.gov</a>&nbsp;and using the “Email City Commission” icon on the home page.In order for the commissioners to have an opportunity to review comments in advance of the meeting, please email your comments or questions by 5 p.m. the Sunday prior to the Monday meetings.<h2>Study session</h2>Commissioners are scheduled to meet in a study session at 2:30 p.m. Monday to discuss the 2024 Budget.&nbsp;To see the meeting packet for the study session,&nbsp;<a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=508261&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.<h2>Regular meeting</h2>The commission's regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.Items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday include the following.●Consider awarding the bid for project number 23008, 2023 Street Markings to Heartland Traffic Services of Kansas City, Kansas in the amount of $40,944.40 with a $2,047.22 (5%) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $42,991.62 and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Heartland Traffic Services of Kansas City, Kansas upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.●Consider awarding the bid for project number 23018, 2023 Curb and Gutter Repairs to Davis Concrete Construction of Salina in the amount of $95,592.63 with a $4,779.63 (5%) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $100,372.26 and authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Davis Concrete Construction of Salina upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.●Consider authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Travelers for the renewal of the City's Comprehensive Property/Casualty Insurance Program.●Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute a purchase agreement with P.B. Hoidale Co., Inc.(Hoidale) for replacing the gas and diesel fuel pumps at the City fuel site; replacing the stand-alone Fuel Management Unit (FM) with an integrated FMU; and replacing the computer software that records and reports daily usage, tank levels, and leak test results in the amount of $117,779.17 with a five percent contingency of $5,888.96 for a total price not to exceed $123,668.13.●Consider authorizing the City Manager to solicit quotes and include a back-up emergency power system (generator and transfer switch) to the fuel site upgrades in an amount not to exceed $10,000.●Consider resolution No. 23-8132 authorizing 100 percent sales tax exemption on construction materials (HPSA LLC) and resolution No. 23-8136 
﻿﻿﻿resolution No. 23-8132 resolution of intent to issue industrial revenue bonds to finance the costs of acquiring, constructing and equipping a commercial hotel project for the benefit of HPSA, LLC up to a maximum of $7,000,000. 
﻿﻿﻿Resolution No. 23-8136-&nbsp;A resolution of the Governing Body of the City of Salina, Kansas approving a change in ownership of the comfort inn and suites; approving an amendment to the community improvement district development agreement; and authorizing execution of related documents&nbsp;&nbsp;●Consider acceptance of offered public utility easement dedication serving a new dormitory constructed on the Kansas State University - Salina campus.●Consider an application filed by Stan Byquist requesting the annexation of a 16 acre tract of land located on the east side of South Ohio Street between Magnolia Road and the Stone Lake Addition.● Consider Application #PIDD23-1, filed by Stan Byquist, requesting a change in zoning district classification from Saline County AG (Agricultural) to PDD R-2 (Multi-Family Residential) to allow the construction of single-famlly homes and townhomes on a 16.37 acre tract of land located on the south side of the Knox sandpit.●Consider an ordinance approving the Feast on the Fe as a special event and authorizing the consumption of alcoholic liquor within the boundaries of barricaded public areas at such event.●Consider&nbsp; an ordinance approving the Santa Fe Showdown as a special event and authorizing the consumption of alcoholic liquor within the boundaries of barricaded public areas at such eventTo see the full Salina City Commission agenda for Monday,&nbsp;<a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=508258&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click her</a>e.

City Commission, 2024 budget, zoning changes and possible easement for new dorm

Glenn Brunkow Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher Recently I had the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. for the American Farm Bureau Advocacy Fly-In. It was a great event, and it was my first time in D.C. in a couple of years. I admit I really like going to our nation’s capital. Aside from a lot of great sites to see and food to eat, I enjoy watching our government in action. I know you could make a lot of jokes here, but I truly am fascinated by the everyday happenings in D.C. If you have never been there, you really should go. I believe every U.S. citizen should make the trip at least once in their lifetime. If for no other reason than to see the monuments, museums and other sites. I also think it is good for everyone to visit their elected officials in their offices. I really think after one visit your opinions and ideas about what goes on will change. The great thing about being a Kansas Farm Bureau member is all of us have the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. on a KFB sponsored trip. In the odd years there is a chance to visit in small groups like the fly-in or the USDA trip in August. In the even years we take a larger group trip and next year is no exception. I know February is a long way away, but if you have livestock getting away in February is no easy task. That is why I am putting it on your radar now. The 2024 trip will give you a taste of what goes on in D.C. and how the Farm Bureau works for farmers and ranchers. Participants will be able to hear briefings from AFBF, KFB and others about current issues and topics, usually there is a visit to an embassy and of course go on Hill visits to speak with our senators and representatives. You will also be able to sign up for optional tours and have some time to go sightseeing. I really think the Hill visits are the most important part of the trip. First, it allows you to see where your representative or senators work, meet their staff and hear directly from them. It also demonstrates just how powerful the American Farm Bureau and Kansas Farm Bureau are. Each office will eagerly greet us when we make our visit, and they will sit down and talk about issues. Each one of the elected officials and their staff genuinely listen and welcome our opinions. I am always heartened by the fact that the voice of the voters is valued so much by our elected officials. They see lobbyists all the time and when a taxpaying citizen comes in, they are far more receptive and interested in what we have to say. Still don’t believe me? Well, then I guess you need to make your plans to attend in February and see it with your own two eyes. Just contact your county coordinator and tell them you are interested in making the trip. Please, keep in mind that participation is limited so the earlier you contact them the better. I know making the trip is not easy, but I also promise it is worth it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher</figcaption>
 </figure>Glenn Brunkow Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher Recently I had the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. for the American Farm Bureau Advocacy Fly-In. It was a great event, and it was my first time in D.C. in a couple of years. I admit I really like going to our nation’s capital. Aside from a lot of great sites to see and food to eat, I enjoy watching our government in action. I know you could make a lot of jokes here, but I truly am fascinated by the everyday happenings in D.C. If you have never been there, you really should go. I believe every U.S. citizen should make the trip at least once in their lifetime. If for no other reason than to see the monuments, museums and other sites. I also think it is good for everyone to visit their elected officials in their offices. I really think after one visit your opinions and ideas about what goes on will change. The great thing about being a Kansas Farm Bureau member is all of us have the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. on a KFB sponsored trip. In the odd years there is a chance to visit in small groups like the fly-in or the USDA trip in August. In the even years we take a larger group trip and next year is no exception. I know February is a long way away, but if you have livestock getting away in February is no easy task. That is why I am putting it on your radar now. The 2024 trip will give you a taste of what goes on in D.C. and how the Farm Bureau works for farmers and ranchers. Participants will be able to hear briefings from AFBF, KFB and others about current issues and topics, usually there is a visit to an embassy and of course go on Hill visits to speak with our senators and representatives. You will also be able to sign up for optional tours and have some time to go sightseeing. I really think the Hill visits are the most important part of the trip. First, it allows you to see where your representative or senators work, meet their staff and hear directly from them. It also demonstrates just how powerful the American Farm Bureau and Kansas Farm Bureau are. Each office will eagerly greet us when we make our visit, and they will sit down and talk about issues. Each one of the elected officials and their staff genuinely listen and welcome our opinions. I am always heartened by the fact that the voice of the voters is valued so much by our elected officials. They see lobbyists all the time and when a taxpaying citizen comes in, they are far more receptive and interested in what we have to say. Still don’t believe me? Well, then I guess you need to make your plans to attend in February and see it with your own two eyes. Just contact your county coordinator and tell them you are interested in making the trip. Please, keep in mind that participation is limited so the earlier you contact them the better. I know making the trip is not easy, but I also promise it is worth it.

Insight: Touring the capital

On this episode of "King in the Community" I sit down with <a href="https://asvrr.org/?utm_source=paidsearchad&amp;utm_medium=google&amp;utm_campaign=ASVRR2023&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw4s-kBhDqARIsAN-ipH3rTsjF7RHwxj59T9rCcZZcc7gpx-uvXe1nF_GNa0Th-fScqs1MJLQaAie3EALw_wcB">Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad </a>(A&amp;SVR) volunteer, Steve Smethers, to discuss volunteer opportunities, the history of the Abilene Smoky Valley and Rock Island Railroad, upcoming dinner train events and information about the famous A&amp;SVR Santa Fe 3415 steam engine.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Steve Smethers, Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ccuzs-143d377-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b"></iframe></div>BY NATE KING Salina Post On this episode of "King in the Community" I sit down with <a href="https://asvrr.org/?utm_source=paidsearchad&amp;utm_medium=google&amp;utm_campaign=ASVRR2023&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw4s-kBhDqARIsAN-ipH3rTsjF7RHwxj59T9rCcZZcc7gpx-uvXe1nF_GNa0Th-fScqs1MJLQaAie3EALw_wcB">Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad </a>(A&amp;SVR) volunteer, Steve Smethers, to discuss volunteer opportunities, the history of the Abilene Smoky Valley and Rock Island Railroad, upcoming dinner train events and information about the famous A&amp;SVR Santa Fe 3415 steam engine.&nbsp;

🎙 King in the Community Podcast: Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad

Salina Public Schools’ (SPS) next Mini Job Fair will take place on Thursday, June 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Operations Center Conference Room on 1835 S. Broadway. This job fair brings together anyone interested in working for SPS and supervisors who can answer questions, under one roof.

“This is a great chance to learn about career opportunities including part-time, full-time, seasonal or year-round positions,” said Tiffany Snyder, director of recruitment and retention at SPS. “Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, life insurance and disability as well as paid leave plans to meet the needs of our staff members both professionally and personally.”

For more information, please reach out to Tiffany Snyder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tiffany.snyder@usd305.com">tiffany.snyder@usd305.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578755105849.jpeg" alt="Salina USD 305 new logo.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Salina USD 305 new logo.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>SPSSalina Public Schools’ (SPS) next Mini Job Fair will take place on Thursday, June 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Operations Center Conference Room on 1835 S. Broadway. This job fair brings together anyone interested in working for SPS and supervisors who can answer questions, under one roof.“This is a great chance to learn about career opportunities including part-time, full-time, seasonal or year-round positions,” said Tiffany Snyder, director of recruitment and retention at SPS. “Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, life insurance and disability as well as paid leave plans to meet the needs of our staff members both professionally and personally.”For more information, please reach out to Tiffany Snyder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tiffany.snyder@usd305.com">tiffany.snyder@usd305.com</a>.

Salina Public Schools to Host Mini Job Fair

<a></a><a></a><a>Abilene, Kan.-A new rodeo event will make its debut in Abilene for the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo in August.&nbsp;</a>Women’s breakaway roping will be held during the rodeo August 1-4. The breakaway roping is a modified version of the tie-down roping.

In the breakaway, the cowgirl is on horseback in the box at the north end of the arena. She nods her head when she’s ready, and the calf is released from the chute. The cowgirl ropes the calf, stops her horse, and while the calf runs, the end of the rope, which is attached to the saddle horn, breaks away, signaling the end of the run. Good breakaway runs will be two or three seconds in length.

"It's fast paced," said Matt Farson, rodeo committee chairman, "Which makes it appealing to rodeo fans. The breakaway ropers are very good at their discipline," Farson said. 

“When a cowgirl can nod her head (to start the run) and go 25 miles per hour on horseback in less than two seconds, that’s talent. I’m a rancher, and we rope, to doctor cattle, and boy I’d love to be able to catch one in two seconds. It’d make life a lot easier,” Farson said.

PRCA rodeos began adding breakaway roping in 2017. It has been an event in high school and college rodeo competition for years.

The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo takes place August 1-4 with performances nightly at 7:30 p.m. 

Tickets are available online at WildBillHickokRodeo.com, at West’s Country Mart and other area retailers, and at the gate. They are $10 in advance and $13 at the gate. Children’s tickets are $7 for ages 4-10. For more information, visit WildBillHickokRodeo.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687785636064.jpeg" alt="The Abilene rodeo will add women's breakaway roping to the rodeo this year. It is&nbsp; a fast paced event that shows off horsemanship. This year's rodeo is Aug. 1-4 at the Central Kansas Free Fairgrounds in Abilene. Photo by Don Christner&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The Abilene rodeo will add women's breakaway roping to the rodeo this year. It is&nbsp; a fast paced event that shows off horsemanship. This year's rodeo is Aug. 1-4 at the Central Kansas Free Fairgrounds in Abilene. Photo by Don Christner&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo<a></a><a></a><a>Abilene, Kan.-A new rodeo event will make its debut in Abilene for the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo in August.&nbsp;</a>Women’s breakaway roping will be held during the rodeo August 1-4. The breakaway roping is a modified version of the tie-down roping.In the breakaway, the cowgirl is on horseback in the box at the north end of the arena. She nods her head when she’s ready, and the calf is released from the chute. The cowgirl ropes the calf, stops her horse, and while the calf runs, the end of the rope, which is attached to the saddle horn, breaks away, signaling the end of the run. Good breakaway runs will be two or three seconds in length."It's fast paced," said Matt Farson, rodeo committee chairman, "Which makes it appealing to rodeo fans. The breakaway ropers are very good at their discipline," Farson said. “When a cowgirl can nod her head (to start the run) and go 25 miles per hour on horseback in less than two seconds, that’s talent. I’m a rancher, and we rope, to doctor cattle, and boy I’d love to be able to catch one in two seconds. It’d make life a lot easier,” Farson said.PRCA rodeos began adding breakaway roping in 2017. It has been an event in high school and college rodeo competition for years.The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo takes place August 1-4 with performances nightly at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at WildBillHickokRodeo.com, at West’s Country Mart and other area retailers, and at the gate. They are $10 in advance and $13 at the gate. Children’s tickets are $7 for ages 4-10. For more information, visit WildBillHickokRodeo.com

"Know your ropes" Abilene rodeo adds women's event to competition lineup

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The state Board of Regents unveiled a plan to identify and potentially chop academic programs they deem underperforming at all six of the state’s public universities, in what some warn could be a repeat of the contentious layoffs at Emporia State University.&nbsp;

Starting this summer, Regents staff will make a list of undergraduate academic programs that are more than five years old and fall short of two or more of the board’s chosen metrics for the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6490bbfa-d4d8-4d7b-b490-2ffad4c755ce">RELATED STORY: FHSU provost: No faculty cuts planned in light of college reorganization</a>

Daniel Archer, vice president of student affairs with KBOR, said the focus on undergraduate programs was partly due to declining enrollment in a June 14 presentation.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4d1305d2-d547-4286-b892-d233575130d9">RELATED STORY: FHSU enrollment down 8%; NCK-Tech enrollment at five-year high</a>

“We’re diving into really a deep dive here into the undergraduate programs here,” Archer said. “Part of that’s because that’s where we lost youth. If you look at our enrollment declines, there’s been a greater impact on the undergraduate population.”

But Michael DeCesare, a senior program officer for American Association of University Professors, said “it would be a travesty” for the process used at Emporia State “to spread across the entire system.”

Program performance standards will include having 25 or more students enrolled in the program, producing more than 10 graduates from the program, having 51 percent or more of graduates working in the region after graduation and student return on investment. That return will be evaluated by having a salary of $38,050 or higher, a number determined by the five-year post graduation median salary for 2022.&nbsp;

In September, the Board of Academic Affairs Standing Committee will review the list of programs before turning the program list over to universities. The schools will have three options: axing the underperforming program, merging the undergraduate program with another program in a cost-effective way or to making an action plan for the program, buying it three years.

By March of 2024, all state universities will give their decisions to the committee, which will make the final call on whether the undergraduate program in question should be phased out, merged or put on an action plan. Over the following years, the universities will give reviews on the program’s progress and effectiveness.&nbsp;

Regents spokesman Matt Keith said the board used input from academic affairs leaders across the state universities in making the revised process.&nbsp;

“The Regents and state university leaders recognized that the process needed strengthening and began a thorough academic portfolio review last year,” Keith said. “Following the completion of that review earlier this year, the Board Academic Affairs Standing Committee worked with the state university provosts to revise the academic program review process and better align it with the Board’s strategic plan.”&nbsp;

Tanya Gonzalez, interim associate provost for institutional effectiveness at Kansas State University, said the review process was aligned well with the university’s pre-existing internal review process.&nbsp;

“Some advantages to KBOR’s updated program review process is that it asks institutions to develop meaningful processes for their internal review; make data-driven decisions; share those processes and outcomes with the Regents; and use program review success stories to external stakeholders,” Gonzalez said.&nbsp;

But others point to Emporia State’s realignment plan as an example of what could happen when the Regents are involved with program decisions.&nbsp;The university fired nearly three dozen faculty members,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/13/emporia-state-university-is-about-to-suspend-tenure-heres-why-you-should-care/">including those with tenure</a>, and eliminated English, journalism and other programs in 2022 due to programs not meeting certain metrics.&nbsp;

ESU also recently announced plans to merge several departments and programs, including merging the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences into their new School of Science &amp; Mathematics.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3998b4da-514c-41d4-8ae5-33aa6416fe49">Students and faculty raised concerns about consolidation at FHSU within the College of Art, Humanities and Social Sciences in spring 2022. However, that consolidation was completed as scheduled the following fall.</a>

The American Association of University Professors&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/aaup_EmporiaState_Final.pdf">investigation</a>&nbsp;found&nbsp; the actions taken by ESU president Ken Hush with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/14/emporia-state-receives-green-light-to-move-rapidly-with-faculty-program-realignment/">the KBOR support</a>&nbsp;were little more than an attack on academic freedom. The investigation concluded university administrators and Kansas Board of Regents members&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/01/emporia-state-university-kansas-board-of-regents-members-unfit-to-lead-investigation-finds/">are “unfit to lead.</a>”

Former ESU English professor Rachelle Smith, who worked at ESU for 28 years before her job was eliminated, said she and her colleagues saw the Regents’ actions at ESU as a test case.&nbsp;

“I’m not surprised that KBOR has come out with this decision,”&nbsp; Smith said. “We wondered and suspected that ESU was just the beginning of what would happen with the other regional schools in the state.”&nbsp;

Smith, who taught courses in indigenous literature and science fiction during her last semester at ESU, believed the firings and department dissolving were the result of political pressures due to a significant faction within the GOP-controlled state Legislature that disapproves of diversity and multicultural teaching.&nbsp;

She said the review process could be a convenient way for institutions to get rid of any curriculum they didn’t want taught.&nbsp;

“The individual institutions themselves can use that as an opportunity to get rid of people that they don’t want and to get rid of programs that they don’t want and to ensure that research goes in directions that they want,” Smith said.&nbsp;

DeCesare, who served as one of the ESU investigators for AAUPP, said it was difficult to trust the Regents’ intentions with other public universities. DeCesare said a board that had already “abused power in the recent past” shouldn’t be judging other academic programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It was the board, as the report says, that initiated the process that assaulted tenure and imperiled academic freedom at ESU,” DeCesare said.

He warned that the bipartisan nine-person board, all of whom were appointed by Gov. Laura Kelly, could be prone to political pressures.&nbsp;

“When educators don’t make decisions anymore about what education looks like, and when those decisions are in the hands of presidents and provosts and governing board members instead, it just kind of begs for to create a system that is ripe for political interference, political pressure, ideological interference, and all kinds of things that have no place in an institution of higher education,” Decesare said.

For Smith, the timing of the review process is suspicious.&nbsp;

“I don’t think it is innocuous,” Smith said. “I think that the current board is working hand in hand with the state Legislature to enact political goals of a conservative nature.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665437679365.png" alt="A former interim president of Emporia State University asked the Kansas Board of Regents to rescind dismissal of 33 faculty under a new policy streamlining layoffs. ESU students responded to the firings with vigils and protests in September. (Mason Hart for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A former interim president of Emporia State University asked the Kansas Board of Regents to rescind dismissal of 33 faculty under a new policy streamlining layoffs. ESU students responded to the firings with vigils and protests in September. (Mason Hart for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The state Board of Regents unveiled a plan to identify and potentially chop academic programs they deem underperforming at all six of the state’s public universities, in what some warn could be a repeat of the contentious layoffs at Emporia State University.&nbsp;Starting this summer, Regents staff will make a list of undergraduate academic programs that are more than five years old and fall short of two or more of the board’s chosen metrics for the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6490bbfa-d4d8-4d7b-b490-2ffad4c755ce">RELATED STORY: FHSU provost: No faculty cuts planned in light of college reorganization</a>Daniel Archer, vice president of student affairs with KBOR, said the focus on undergraduate programs was partly due to declining enrollment in a June 14 presentation.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4d1305d2-d547-4286-b892-d233575130d9">RELATED STORY: FHSU enrollment down 8%; NCK-Tech enrollment at five-year high</a>“We’re diving into really a deep dive here into the undergraduate programs here,” Archer said. “Part of that’s because that’s where we lost youth. If you look at our enrollment declines, there’s been a greater impact on the undergraduate population.”But Michael DeCesare, a senior program officer for American Association of University Professors, said “it would be a travesty” for the process used at Emporia State “to spread across the entire system.”Program performance standards will include having 25 or more students enrolled in the program, producing more than 10 graduates from the program, having 51 percent or more of graduates working in the region after graduation and student return on investment. That return will be evaluated by having a salary of $38,050 or higher, a number determined by the five-year post graduation median salary for 2022.&nbsp;In September, the Board of Academic Affairs Standing Committee will review the list of programs before turning the program list over to universities. The schools will have three options: axing the underperforming program, merging the undergraduate program with another program in a cost-effective way or to making an action plan for the program, buying it three years.By March of 2024, all state universities will give their decisions to the committee, which will make the final call on whether the undergraduate program in question should be phased out, merged or put on an action plan. Over the following years, the universities will give reviews on the program’s progress and effectiveness.&nbsp;Regents spokesman Matt Keith said the board used input from academic affairs leaders across the state universities in making the revised process.&nbsp;“The Regents and state university leaders recognized that the process needed strengthening and began a thorough academic portfolio review last year,” Keith said. “Following the completion of that review earlier this year, the Board Academic Affairs Standing Committee worked with the state university provosts to revise the academic program review process and better align it with the Board’s strategic plan.”&nbsp;Tanya Gonzalez, interim associate provost for institutional effectiveness at Kansas State University, said the review process was aligned well with the university’s pre-existing internal review process.&nbsp;“Some advantages to KBOR’s updated program review process is that it asks institutions to develop meaningful processes for their internal review; make data-driven decisions; share those processes and outcomes with the Regents; and use program review success stories to external stakeholders,” Gonzalez said.&nbsp;But others point to Emporia State’s realignment plan as an example of what could happen when the Regents are involved with program decisions.&nbsp;The university fired nearly three dozen faculty members,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/13/emporia-state-university-is-about-to-suspend-tenure-heres-why-you-should-care/">including those with tenure</a>, and eliminated English, journalism and other programs in 2022 due to programs not meeting certain metrics.&nbsp;ESU also recently announced plans to merge several departments and programs, including merging the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences into their new School of Science &amp; Mathematics.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3998b4da-514c-41d4-8ae5-33aa6416fe49">Students and faculty raised concerns about consolidation at FHSU within the College of Art, Humanities and Social Sciences in spring 2022. However, that consolidation was completed as scheduled the following fall.</a>The American Association of University Professors&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/aaup_EmporiaState_Final.pdf">investigation</a>&nbsp;found&nbsp; the actions taken by ESU president Ken Hush with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/14/emporia-state-receives-green-light-to-move-rapidly-with-faculty-program-realignment/">the KBOR support</a>&nbsp;were little more than an attack on academic freedom. The investigation concluded university administrators and Kansas Board of Regents members&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/01/emporia-state-university-kansas-board-of-regents-members-unfit-to-lead-investigation-finds/">are “unfit to lead.</a>”Former ESU English professor Rachelle Smith, who worked at ESU for 28 years before her job was eliminated, said she and her colleagues saw the Regents’ actions at ESU as a test case.&nbsp;“I’m not surprised that KBOR has come out with this decision,”&nbsp; Smith said. “We wondered and suspected that ESU was just the beginning of what would happen with the other regional schools in the state.”&nbsp;Smith, who taught courses in indigenous literature and science fiction during her last semester at ESU, believed the firings and department dissolving were the result of political pressures due to a significant faction within the GOP-controlled state Legislature that disapproves of diversity and multicultural teaching.&nbsp;She said the review process could be a convenient way for institutions to get rid of any curriculum they didn’t want taught.&nbsp;“The individual institutions themselves can use that as an opportunity to get rid of people that they don’t want and to get rid of programs that they don’t want and to ensure that research goes in directions that they want,” Smith said.&nbsp;DeCesare, who served as one of the ESU investigators for AAUPP, said it was difficult to trust the Regents’ intentions with other public universities. DeCesare said a board that had already “abused power in the recent past” shouldn’t be judging other academic programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It was the board, as the report says, that initiated the process that assaulted tenure and imperiled academic freedom at ESU,” DeCesare said.He warned that the bipartisan nine-person board, all of whom were appointed by Gov. Laura Kelly, could be prone to political pressures.&nbsp;“When educators don’t make decisions anymore about what education looks like, and when those decisions are in the hands of presidents and provosts and governing board members instead, it just kind of begs for to create a system that is ripe for political interference, political pressure, ideological interference, and all kinds of things that have no place in an institution of higher education,” Decesare said.For Smith, the timing of the review process is suspicious.&nbsp;“I don’t think it is innocuous,” Smith said. “I think that the current board is working hand in hand with the state Legislature to enact political goals of a conservative nature.”

Kansas Board of Regents’ process scrutinizes academic programs

By SALINA POST Following are the sports programs and events scheduled for KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) this week.

Sunday PRN&nbsp; The Pit Reporters&nbsp;9 a.m. MRN&nbsp; Grant Park&nbsp;220 Chicago Street&nbsp;Race at Chicago, IL&nbsp;&nbsp;3:30 p.m.&nbsp;

By SALINA POST Following are the sports programs and events scheduled for KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) this week.SaturdayMRN Nascar Live at 8 a.m.Sunday PRN&nbsp; The Pit Reporters&nbsp;9 a.m. MRN&nbsp; Grant Park&nbsp;220 Chicago Street&nbsp;Race at Chicago, IL&nbsp;&nbsp;3:30 p.m.&nbsp;

Sports on KINA this week

Hearing the words “what a kind, compassionate child you’ve raised” is often one of the greatest compliments a parent can receive as they turn their young person out into the world.

The foundation for this empathy, says Kansas State University child development specialist Bradford Wiles, happens early in life.

“Children start to figure out that other people have different beliefs, thoughts and desires other than their own at about the age of three,” Wiles said. “This is a crucial time to teach them to appreciate and enjoy other people’s perspectives.”

Before that, he said children can recognize differences in the way people dress or skin color, but they don’t have any opinions — positive or negative — about that.

“As children grow up, they are exposed to our family, regional and local community cultures, and if your family culture is one of acceptance and embracing others, children will pick up on that,” Wiles said.

Embracing others ties to the skill of empathy, Wiles said.

“Empathy is being able to appreciate and understand someone else’s perspective; it’s putting yourself in their place, which is different than sympathy where you feel bad for others,” Wiles said. “Empathy is also different than tolerating something unpalatable.”

He cited the example of how when sitting in a waiting room a person might tolerate overhearing a cell phone conversation, but those who can empathize have an appreciation for what is being discussed in that conversation even if it is something that they personally don’t have an experience with.

And children who learn empathy at a young age often grow into adults who can navigate social situations and perform well as members of a team, Wiles said.

“Research has shown that people who express empathy are able to better work with other people to solve problems in the workforce,” he said.

“It starts with family modeling; if you have friends from diverse backgrounds, make sure your children interact with them and it isn’t just people of different cultures,” Wiles said. “In the U.S. there tends to be a lack of empathy for people who are low income. For some, the perception is that poor people don’t work hard, and while that may be true for a small subset, the vast majority are working hard to maintain a level of poverty.”

To help children cross those cultures Wiles encourages parents to demonstrate empathy by volunteering in the community or in school where children can see them engaging with others and modeling that all people have worth, even if they are different.

“Through volunteer work, parents can demonstrate to children that all people have value, and they are richer for those interactions,” Wiles said.&nbsp;

Another way to model empathy is to expose children to a wide range of books and have family discussions about the story, Wiles said. He explains that through books, children can be exposed to characters who are developmentally delayed or physically challenged, come from another culture or are from a different social class, among other differences.

“One of the best things about books is that the characters provide early opportunities for a parent to facilitate a discussion with the child by asking ‘What do you think that character is thinking about?’ and that forces the child to engage in the process of empathy,” Wiles said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687781937674.jpeg" alt="Discussing characters through reading is one way to help children learn empathy. Image provided by KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Discussing characters through reading is one way to help children learn empathy. Image provided by KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure> By Lisa MoserKSREHearing the words “what a kind, compassionate child you’ve raised” is often one of the greatest compliments a parent can receive as they turn their young person out into the world.The foundation for this empathy, says Kansas State University child development specialist Bradford Wiles, happens early in life.“Children start to figure out that other people have different beliefs, thoughts and desires other than their own at about the age of three,” Wiles said. “This is a crucial time to teach them to appreciate and enjoy other people’s perspectives.”Before that, he said children can recognize differences in the way people dress or skin color, but they don’t have any opinions — positive or negative — about that.“As children grow up, they are exposed to our family, regional and local community cultures, and if your family culture is one of acceptance and embracing others, children will pick up on that,” Wiles said.Embracing others ties to the skill of empathy, Wiles said.“Empathy is being able to appreciate and understand someone else’s perspective; it’s putting yourself in their place, which is different than sympathy where you feel bad for others,” Wiles said. “Empathy is also different than tolerating something unpalatable.”He cited the example of how when sitting in a waiting room a person might tolerate overhearing a cell phone conversation, but those who can empathize have an appreciation for what is being discussed in that conversation even if it is something that they personally don’t have an experience with.And children who learn empathy at a young age often grow into adults who can navigate social situations and perform well as members of a team, Wiles said.“Research has shown that people who express empathy are able to better work with other people to solve problems in the workforce,” he said.So how is empathy developed?“It starts with family modeling; if you have friends from diverse backgrounds, make sure your children interact with them and it isn’t just people of different cultures,” Wiles said. “In the U.S. there tends to be a lack of empathy for people who are low income. For some, the perception is that poor people don’t work hard, and while that may be true for a small subset, the vast majority are working hard to maintain a level of poverty.”To help children cross those cultures Wiles encourages parents to demonstrate empathy by volunteering in the community or in school where children can see them engaging with others and modeling that all people have worth, even if they are different.“Through volunteer work, parents can demonstrate to children that all people have value, and they are richer for those interactions,” Wiles said.&nbsp;Another way to model empathy is to expose children to a wide range of books and have family discussions about the story, Wiles said. He explains that through books, children can be exposed to characters who are developmentally delayed or physically challenged, come from another culture or are from a different social class, among other differences.“One of the best things about books is that the characters provide early opportunities for a parent to facilitate a discussion with the child by asking ‘What do you think that character is thinking about?’ and that forces the child to engage in the process of empathy,” Wiles said.

Child development specialist: Help young children develop empathy

National Weather Service Wichita Seasonal temperatures are expected for Sunday and Monday. Warming up Tuesday with some isolated chances for showers and thunderstorms. Wednesday, the heat returns with max temperatures around 100.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687624512877.jpeg" alt="NWS Wichita" />
 <figcaption>NWS Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>National Weather Service Wichita Seasonal temperatures are expected for Sunday and Monday. Warming up Tuesday with some isolated chances for showers and thunderstorms. Wednesday, the heat returns with max temperatures around 100.

NWS Wichita 4-day forecast shows high temperatures

On June 26, 1997, the first Harry Potter novel, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling (ROHL’-ing), was published in the United Kingdom (it was later released in the United States under the title “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”).

In 1917, the first troops of the American Expeditionary Force deployed to France during World War I landed in St. Nazaire.

In 1925, Charles Chaplin’s classic comedy “The Gold Rush” premiered at Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.

In 1945, the charter of the United Nations was signed by 50 countries in San Francisco.

In 1948, the Berlin Airlift began in earnest after the Soviet Union cut off land and water routes to the isolated western sector of Berlin.

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy visited West Berlin, where he delivered his famous speech expressing solidarity with the city’s residents, declaring: “Ich bin ein Berliner” (I am a Berliner).

In 1977, 42 people were killed when a fire sent toxic smoke pouring through the Maury County Jail in Columbia, Tennessee. Elvis Presley performed his last concert at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis.

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush went back on his “no-new-taxes” campaign pledge, conceding that tax increases would have to be included in any deficit-reduction package worked out with congressional negotiators.

Today in History: June 25, Anne Frank's diary published

Today in History: June 24, Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade

Today in History: June 23, Nasser elected Egypt's president

Today in History: June 22, Operation Barbarossa begins

In 1993, President Bill Clinton announced the U.S. had launched missiles against Iraqi targets because of “compelling evidence” Iraq had plotted to assassinate former President George H.W. Bush.

In 1996, the Supreme Court ordered the Virginia Military Institute to admit women or forgo state support.

In 1997, the first Harry Potter novel, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling (ROHL’-ing), was published in the United Kingdom (it was later released in the United States under the title “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”).

In 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a handgun ban in the District of Columbia as it affirmed, 5-4, that an individual right to gun ownership existed.

In 2012: Sen. Orrin Hatch won the GOP Senate primary in Utah, handily turning back a challenge from tea party-backed Dan Liljenquist (lihl-IHN’-kwihst). Essayist, author and filmmaker Nora Ephron, 71, died in New York.

In 2013, in deciding its first cases on the issue, the U.S. Supreme Court gave the nation’s legally married gay couples equal federal footing with all other married Americans and also cleared the way for same-sex marriages to resume in California.

In 2017: President Donald Trump welcomed India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (nah-REN’-drah MOH’-dee) to the White House as the two leaders heralded an increasingly close strategic partnership. The Supreme Court said Trump could forge ahead with a limited version of his ban on travel from six mostly Muslim countries. Helmsman Peter Burling and Emirates Team New Zealand won the America’s Cup with a resounding romp against software tycoon Larry Ellison’s two-time defending champion Oracle Team USA. Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook capped his historic season at the NBA’s inaugural awards show, winning the 2016-17 Most Valuable Player award.

In 2020, after protesters in Washington, D.C., attempted to pull down a statue of Andrew Jackson, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to protect monuments, memorials and statues. Texas and Florida reversed course and clamped down on bars as the daily number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the U.S. surged to an all-time high of 40,000.

In 2021: Fire and smoke from inside the remains of a collapsed 12-story condominium tower near Miami hampered search efforts. Former President Donald Trump returned to a rally stage in Ohio for his first campaign-style event since leaving the White House; he reprised his election grievances and baseless claims of fraud. The Celebrity Edge became the first cruise ship to leave a U.S. port since the coronavirus pandemic brought the industry to a 15-month standstill; the number of passengers was limited to 40 percent capacity as the ship left Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with virtually all of them vaccinated against COVID-19.

 Jazz pianist Dave Grusin is 89. Singer Billy Davis Jr. of the Fifth Dimension is 85. Singer Georgie Fame is 80. Actor Clive Francis (“The Crown”) is 77. Singer Brenda Holloway is 77. Actor Michael Paul Chan (“The Closer”) is 73. Actor Robert Davi (“Profiler”) is 72. Musician Mick Jones of The Clash is 68. Actor Gedde Watanabe (“ER,” ″Sixteen Candles”) is 68. Singer Chris Isaak is 67. Singer Patty Smyth is 66. Singer Terri Nunn of Berlin is 64. Singer Harriet Wheeler of The Sundays is 60. Guitarist Eddie Perez of The Mavericks is 55. Bassist Colin Greenwood of Radiohead is 54. Writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson (“Magnolia,” ″Boogie Nights”) is 53. Actor Sean Hayes (“Will and Grace”) is 53. Actor Matt Letscher (“Eli Stone,” ″The New Adventures of Old Christine”) is 53. Actor Chris O’Donnell is 53. Actor Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”) is 53. Keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein of Newsboys is 49. Singer Gretchen Wilson is 49. Drummer Nathan Followill of Kings of Leon is 44. Singer Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic is 44. Actor Jason Schwartzman (“Slackers,” ″Rushmore”) is 43. Actor Aubrey Plaza (“Parks and Recreation”) is 39. Actor Jennette McCurdy (“iCarly”) is 31. Singer-actor Ariana Grande is 30.

Today’s Highlight in History:On June 26, 1997, the first Harry Potter novel, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling (ROHL’-ing), was published in the United Kingdom (it was later released in the United States under the title “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”).On this date:In 1917, the first troops of the American Expeditionary Force deployed to France during World War I landed in St. Nazaire.In 1925, Charles Chaplin’s classic comedy “The Gold Rush” premiered at Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.In 1945, the charter of the United Nations was signed by 50 countries in San Francisco.In 1948, the Berlin Airlift began in earnest after the Soviet Union cut off land and water routes to the isolated western sector of Berlin.In 1963, President John F. Kennedy visited West Berlin, where he delivered his famous speech expressing solidarity with the city’s residents, declaring: “Ich bin ein Berliner” (I am a Berliner).In 1977, 42 people were killed when a fire sent toxic smoke pouring through the Maury County Jail in Columbia, Tennessee. Elvis Presley performed his last concert at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis.In 1990, President George H.W. Bush went back on his “no-new-taxes” campaign pledge, conceding that tax increases would have to be included in any deficit-reduction package worked out with congressional negotiators.TODAY IN HISTORYToday in History: June 25, Anne Frank's diary publishedToday in History: June 24, Supreme Court overturns Roe v. WadeToday in History: June 23, Nasser elected Egypt's presidentToday in History: June 22, Operation Barbarossa beginsIn 1993, President Bill Clinton announced the U.S. had launched missiles against Iraqi targets because of “compelling evidence” Iraq had plotted to assassinate former President George H.W. Bush.In 1996, the Supreme Court ordered the Virginia Military Institute to admit women or forgo state support.In 1997, the first Harry Potter novel, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling (ROHL’-ing), was published in the United Kingdom (it was later released in the United States under the title “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”).In 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a handgun ban in the District of Columbia as it affirmed, 5-4, that an individual right to gun ownership existed.In 2012: Sen. Orrin Hatch won the GOP Senate primary in Utah, handily turning back a challenge from tea party-backed Dan Liljenquist (lihl-IHN’-kwihst). Essayist, author and filmmaker Nora Ephron, 71, died in New York.In 2013, in deciding its first cases on the issue, the U.S. Supreme Court gave the nation’s legally married gay couples equal federal footing with all other married Americans and also cleared the way for same-sex marriages to resume in California.In 2017: President Donald Trump welcomed India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (nah-REN’-drah MOH’-dee) to the White House as the two leaders heralded an increasingly close strategic partnership. The Supreme Court said Trump could forge ahead with a limited version of his ban on travel from six mostly Muslim countries. Helmsman Peter Burling and Emirates Team New Zealand won the America’s Cup with a resounding romp against software tycoon Larry Ellison’s two-time defending champion Oracle Team USA. Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook capped his historic season at the NBA’s inaugural awards show, winning the 2016-17 Most Valuable Player award.In 2020, after protesters in Washington, D.C., attempted to pull down a statue of Andrew Jackson, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to protect monuments, memorials and statues. Texas and Florida reversed course and clamped down on bars as the daily number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the U.S. surged to an all-time high of 40,000.In 2021: Fire and smoke from inside the remains of a collapsed 12-story condominium tower near Miami hampered search efforts. Former President Donald Trump returned to a rally stage in Ohio for his first campaign-style event since leaving the White House; he reprised his election grievances and baseless claims of fraud. The Celebrity Edge became the first cruise ship to leave a U.S. port since the coronavirus pandemic brought the industry to a 15-month standstill; the number of passengers was limited to 40 percent capacity as the ship left Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with virtually all of them vaccinated against COVID-19.<h2>Celebrity Birthdays</h2> Jazz pianist Dave Grusin is 89. Singer Billy Davis Jr. of the Fifth Dimension is 85. Singer Georgie Fame is 80. Actor Clive Francis (“The Crown”) is 77. Singer Brenda Holloway is 77. Actor Michael Paul Chan (“The Closer”) is 73. Actor Robert Davi (“Profiler”) is 72. Musician Mick Jones of The Clash is 68. Actor Gedde Watanabe (“ER,” ″Sixteen Candles”) is 68. Singer Chris Isaak is 67. Singer Patty Smyth is 66. Singer Terri Nunn of Berlin is 64. Singer Harriet Wheeler of The Sundays is 60. Guitarist Eddie Perez of The Mavericks is 55. Bassist Colin Greenwood of Radiohead is 54. Writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson (“Magnolia,” ″Boogie Nights”) is 53. Actor Sean Hayes (“Will and Grace”) is 53. Actor Matt Letscher (“Eli Stone,” ″The New Adventures of Old Christine”) is 53. Actor Chris O’Donnell is 53. Actor Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”) is 53. Keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein of Newsboys is 49. Singer Gretchen Wilson is 49. Drummer Nathan Followill of Kings of Leon is 44. Singer Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic is 44. Actor Jason Schwartzman (“Slackers,” ″Rushmore”) is 43. Actor Aubrey Plaza (“Parks and Recreation”) is 39. Actor Jennette McCurdy (“iCarly”) is 31. Singer-actor Ariana Grande is 30.

On this day in history, June 26

See what's new this week at the Salina Public Library at:

*** <a href="http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&amp;p=5578-510">http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&amp;p=5578-510</a> ***

There are three new bestsellers, three new movies, and 51 other new books.

 The new bestsellers this week are "Holly," "The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church," and "The Armor of Light." The new movies this week are "I Am Heath Ledger," "Hearts of Darkness - A Filmmaker's Apocalypse," and "Pretty Red Dress."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687641796064.jpeg" alt="See what’s new at the Salina Library" />
 <figcaption>See what’s new at the Salina Library</figcaption>
 </figure>See what's new this week at the Salina Public Library at: *** <a href="http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&amp;p=5578-510">http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&amp;p=5578-510</a> ***There are three new bestsellers, three new movies, and 51 other new books. The new bestsellers this week are "Holly," "The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church," and "The Armor of Light." The new movies this week are "I Am Heath Ledger," "Hearts of Darkness - A Filmmaker's Apocalypse," and "Pretty Red Dress."

Check out what’s new at Salina Public Library

TOPEKA —El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) resident Nicholas Reimonenq was found in his cell unresponsive and died Saturday morning at the facility, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Reimonenq, 31, was serving a sentence for one count of burglary and 0ne count of attempted aggravated burglary from Saline County and was admitted to KDOC on May 10, 2023.

The cause of death is pending further investigation as well as results of an independent autopsy.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). The investigation is currently on-going.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678285967559.jpeg" alt="Reimonenq from a March arrest in Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Reimonenq from a March arrest in Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) resident Nicholas Reimonenq was found in his cell unresponsive and died Saturday morning at the facility, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.Reimonenq, 31, was serving a sentence for one count of burglary and 0ne count of attempted aggravated burglary from Saline County and was admitted to KDOC on May 10, 2023.The cause of death is pending further investigation as well as results of an independent autopsy.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). The investigation is currently on-going.

Inmate, in prison 6 weeks for crimes in Salina, found dead

Char is his name. Are you ready for a challenge ?&nbsp; In true feline fashion Char will be needing his cat box cleaned at precisely 7 a.m. each morning. He likes his tuna room temperature with a little parsley garnish on top.&nbsp; According to his handlers he will “force” himself to eat dry kibble- but of course there can be only 16.5 pieces in his dish at any one given time.

Char prefers to be gently massaged each and every evening. Reading to him is a must, King, Koontz, Hill, and Kathleen Kastner are preferred authors.

Char is a two year old, male, domestic longhair mix black cat.&nbsp;

Call to make an appointment to meet Char at&nbsp;<a href="tel:785-826-6535">785-826-6535</a>

Please plan to bring your already forever dog or cat friends if you have any, he would love to meet them before you take him home. &nbsp;The shelter is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More animals are up for adoption find your next fur-ever friend&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinaanimalservices.com/">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687631509125.jpeg" alt="Char. Photo Courtesy Salina Animal Services" />
 <figcaption>Char. Photo Courtesy Salina Animal Services</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Animal Services Char is his name. Are you ready for a challenge ?&nbsp; In true feline fashion Char will be needing his cat box cleaned at precisely 7 a.m. each morning. He likes his tuna room temperature with a little parsley garnish on top.&nbsp; According to his handlers he will “force” himself to eat dry kibble- but of course there can be only 16.5 pieces in his dish at any one given time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687631988639.jpeg" alt="Char" />
 <figcaption>Char</figcaption>
 </figure>Char prefers to be gently massaged each and every evening. Reading to him is a must, King, Koontz, Hill, and Kathleen Kastner are preferred authors.Char is a two year old, male, domestic longhair mix black cat.&nbsp; Call to make an appointment to meet Char at&nbsp;<a href="tel:785-826-6535">785-826-6535</a>Please plan to bring your already forever dog or cat friends if you have any, he would love to meet them before you take him home. &nbsp;The shelter is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.More animals are up for adoption find your next fur-ever friend&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinaanimalservices.com/">here</a>.&nbsp;

Salina Post’s Pet of the Week: Meet Char

The City of Salina is still accepting expression of <a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov/filestorage/18184/18206/ExpIntForm.pdf">interest forms</a> for vacancies that will soon exist this coming August on the following citizen boards, commissions and committees:

❖Accessibility Advisory Board

❖Animal Control Advisory &amp; Appeals Board

❖Business Improvement District Design Review

•Property Owner within the Business Improvement District

•Business Owner within the Business Improvement District

❖Community Art &amp; Design Advisory Committee

•Ethnic/Minority Representative •Ethnic/Minority Representative

❖Law Enforcement Citizen Review Board

❖Parks &amp; Recreation Advisory Board

❖Solid Waste Management Committee

•County-at-Large Representative•Youth Member*

*The Youth on Board program allows for individuals between the ages of 15-20 attending a secondary or post-secondary school to serve on certain boards that are noted above.

If you are interested in serving the community by becoming a member of one of these boards or are already serving on a board and wish to pursue another term, you are asked to fill out an expression-of-interest form by July 31, 2023. An expression-of-interest form or more information may be obtained from the City of Salina website by following the link or by visiting the City Clerk’s Office, 300 W. Ash, Room 206. If you have any questions, please call (785) 309-5735.

The City of Salina is still accepting expression of <a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov/filestorage/18184/18206/ExpIntForm.pdf">interest forms</a> for vacancies that will soon exist this coming August on the following citizen boards, commissions and committees: ❖Accessibility Advisory Board•Citizen-at-Large w/ a Disability•Citizen-at-Large w/ a Disability•Citizen-at-Large w/ a Disability•Citizen-at-Large w/ a Disability•Youth Member*•Youth Member*❖Animal Control Advisory &amp; Appeals Board•Citizen-at-Large•Citizen-at-Large•Citizen-at-Large•Citizen-at-Large•Youth Member*•Youth Member*❖Arts &amp; Humanities Commission•Citizen-at-Large•Citizen-at-Large•Citizen-at-Large•Citizen-at-Large•Youth Member*•Youth Member*❖Board of Zoning Appeals•Citizen-at-Large within City Limits•Youth Member*•Youth Member*❖Building Advisory Board•Licensed Mechanical Contractor•Architect•Youth Member*•Youth Member*❖Business Improvement District Design Review •Property Owner within the Business Improvement District•Business Owner within the Business Improvement District•Design Professional•Citizen-at-Large•Citizen-at-Large❖Community Art &amp; Design Advisory Committee•Citizen-at-Large❖Convention &amp; Tourism Committee•Citizen-at-Large❖Disciplinary Advisory Board•Citizen-at-Large within City Limits•Citizen-at-Large within City Limits•Citizen-at-Large within City Limits•Citizen-at-Large within City Limits•Citizen-at-Large within City Limits•Citizen-at-Large within City Limits•Citizen-at-Large within City Limits❖Heritage Commission•Real Estate/Legal Professional•Design Professional•Architect•Youth Member*❖Housing Authority•Citizen-at-Large within City Limits ❖Human Relations Commission•Citizen-at-Large•Citizen-at-Large•Citizen-at-Large•Ethnic/Minority Representative •Ethnic/Minority Representative•Ethnic/Minority Representative•Youth Member*❖Law Enforcement Citizen Review Board•Citizen-at-Large❖Parks &amp; Recreation Advisory Board•Citizen-at-Large•Citizen-at-Large•Youth Member*•Youth Member*❖Planning Commission•Citizen-at-Large•Citizen-at-Large•Outside Representative•Outside Representative•Youth Member*•Youth Member*❖Solid Waste Management Committee•Citizen-at-Large within City Limits•Citizen-at-Large within City Limits•County Unincorporated Representative•3rdClass City Representative•County-at-Large Representative•County-at-Large Representative•County-at-Large Representative•Youth Member*❖Tree Advisory Board•Citizen-at-Large•Youth Member*•Youth Member**The Youth on Board program allows for individuals between the ages of 15-20 attending a secondary or post-secondary school to serve on certain boards that are noted above.If you are interested in serving the community by becoming a member of one of these boards or are already serving on a board and wish to pursue another term, you are asked to fill out an expression-of-interest form by July 31, 2023. An expression-of-interest form or more information may be obtained from the City of Salina website by following the link or by visiting the City Clerk’s Office, 300 W. Ash, Room 206. If you have any questions, please call (785) 309-5735.

City of Salina accepting applications to fill local board and committee vacancies

BY NATE KING Salina Post

<a href="https://redfernbooksellers.com/">Red Fern Booksellers </a>held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday in partnership with the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

The parking spaces on South Santa Fe Avenue filled up quickly as members of the community gathered from 10-10:30 a.m. to celebrate the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon and introducing the community to Salina's new bookstore.

Harley Hamilton, owner, welcomed community members and fellow downtown business owners who attended the event.&nbsp;

"Welcome to Red Fern Booksellers!  Our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our community in which to nurture a love of reading, engage in thoughtful conversations, and foster empathy," Hamilton said.&nbsp;

Hamilton's decision to open a bookstore in Salina was fueled both by his love of reading, and the recent revitalization of downtown Salina.

"I've been a pharmacist for a long time but have always loved to read. Whether it's 30 minutes or an hour reading every day," Hamilton said. "I also love bookstores and I was getting tired of driving to Wichita or Lawrence. We needed one [a bookstore], the downtown area in Salina has recently been renovated, and then this building became available. We love this building."

The store is located in the Teague Nelson Building, 106 South Santa Fe Avenue, which is also listed on the Kansas Register of Historic Places.&nbsp;

"I really can't put into words how much it warms my heart to see the community supporting us," Hamilton said.&nbsp;

In addition to a thoughtfully curated selection of thousands of titles, Red Fern Booksellers offers a variety of responsibly sourced artisanal goods including gift wrap, stationery, greeting cards, candles, puzzles, games, and art.&nbsp;

Grand Reopening&nbsp; DATE:06/24/2023 106 South Santa Fe Ave Salina, KS 67401-2810&nbsp;&nbsp; Have a cup of coffee from Ad Astra and browse Red Fern's selection of books from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. At 10:30 a.m. there will be a reading for the kiddos.

From 3-6 p.m. enjoy some appetizers from Yayas and stay for "Big Book Club" from 4-6 p.m. with music entertainment from 6-7 p.m.&nbsp;

When most people think of a typical book club they imagine a group of people who are all reading the same book. Big Open Book Club is not your typical book club.

"Big Open Book Club- there is no specific book to read," Hamilton said. "You just come hang out with other people who love books and talk about your favorite book, or what you are currently reading, and meet and mingle with other people who love to read."&nbsp;

“An independent bookstore is a vital resource for a community. It fosters the sharing of ideas, thoughtful dialogues, and a space for reflection. I am thrilled for the addition of Red Fern Booksellers to Downtown Salina!” -Katy

“I’m thrilled about the new activities the bookstore is bringing. Walking into the bookstore always makes me happy. Knowing I can go spend an hour just browsing for the newest read or always having a place to buy the perfect gift makes Salina more appealing to me. YAY!!” -Christi

“Having a local bookstore is a wonderful attribute to downtown Salina. I am so excited to take my kids to see what treasures we can find.” -Renee

"I'm so excited to have an independent bookstore in Downtown Salina.&nbsp; It is so nice to be able to browse a diverse selection of books and get recommendations from someone who is passionate about reading. &nbsp;It's the perfect addition to our beautiful downtown!" -Julie

Reviews pulled from Red Fern Bookseller's website

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687547622413.png" alt="Ribbon Cutting Red Fern Booksellers. Photos by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Ribbon Cutting Red Fern Booksellers. Photos by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>BY NATE KING Salina Post<a href="https://redfernbooksellers.com/">Red Fern Booksellers </a>held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday in partnership with the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687545486221.png" alt="Red Fern Booksellers owner Harley Hamilton and Salina Chamber Event Coordinator Stephanie Gillig. Photos by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>Red Fern Booksellers owner Harley Hamilton and Salina Chamber Event Coordinator Stephanie Gillig. Photos by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>The parking spaces on South Santa Fe Avenue filled up quickly as members of the community gathered from 10-10:30 a.m. to celebrate the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon and introducing the community to Salina's new bookstore.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687547277401.png" alt="Red Fern Booksellers Ribbon Cutting Event." />
 <figcaption>Red Fern Booksellers Ribbon Cutting Event.</figcaption>
 </figure>Harley Hamilton, owner, welcomed community members and fellow downtown business owners who attended the event.&nbsp;"Welcome to Red Fern Booksellers! Our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our community in which to nurture a love of reading, engage in thoughtful conversations, and foster empathy," Hamilton said.&nbsp;Hamilton's decision to open a bookstore in Salina was fueled both by his love of reading, and the recent revitalization of downtown Salina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687547328469.png" alt="Bestselling books on display at Red Fern Booksellers, located at 106 S. Santa Fe Avenue." />
 <figcaption>Bestselling books on display at Red Fern Booksellers, located at 106 S. Santa Fe Avenue.</figcaption>
 </figure>"I've been a pharmacist for a long time but have always loved to read. Whether it's 30 minutes or an hour reading every day," Hamilton said. "I also love bookstores and I was getting tired of driving to Wichita or Lawrence. We needed one [a bookstore], the downtown area in Salina has recently been renovated, and then this building became available. We love this building."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687552658101.jpeg" alt="Inside Red Fern Booksellers" />
 <figcaption>Inside Red Fern Booksellers</figcaption>
 </figure>The store is located in the Teague Nelson Building, 106 South Santa Fe Avenue, which is also listed on the Kansas Register of Historic Places.&nbsp;"I really can't put into words how much it warms my heart to see the community supporting us," Hamilton said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687547493394.png" alt="Stationary goods offered by Red Fern Booksellers." />
 <figcaption>Stationary goods offered by Red Fern Booksellers.</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition to a thoughtfully curated selection of thousands of titles, Red Fern Booksellers offers a variety of responsibly sourced artisanal goods including gift wrap, stationery, greeting cards, candles, puzzles, games, and art.&nbsp;<h2>Upcoming Red Fern Events</h2>Grand Reopening&nbsp; DATE:06/24/2023 106 South Santa Fe Ave Salina, KS 67401-2810&nbsp;&nbsp; Have a cup of coffee from Ad Astra and browse Red Fern's selection of books from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. At 10:30 a.m. there will be a reading for the kiddos. From 3-6 p.m. enjoy some appetizers from Yayas and stay for "Big Book Club" from 4-6 p.m. with music entertainment from 6-7 p.m.&nbsp;What is Big Open Book Club?When most people think of a typical book club they imagine a group of people who are all reading the same book. Big Open Book Club is not your typical book club.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687552723671.jpeg" alt="Children’s section." />
 <figcaption>Children’s section.</figcaption>
 </figure>"Big Open Book Club- there is no specific book to read," Hamilton said. "You just come hang out with other people who love books and talk about your favorite book, or what you are currently reading, and meet and mingle with other people who love to read."&nbsp;<h2>Local Red Fern Booksellers reviews</h2>“An independent bookstore is a vital resource for a community. It fosters the sharing of ideas, thoughtful dialogues, and a space for reflection. I am thrilled for the addition of Red Fern Booksellers to Downtown Salina!” -Katy“I’m thrilled about the new activities the bookstore is bringing. Walking into the bookstore always makes me happy. Knowing I can go spend an hour just browsing for the newest read or always having a place to buy the perfect gift makes Salina more appealing to me. YAY!!” -Christi“Having a local bookstore is a wonderful attribute to downtown Salina. I am so excited to take my kids to see what treasures we can find.” -Renee"I'm so excited to have an independent bookstore in Downtown Salina.&nbsp; It is so nice to be able to browse a diverse selection of books and get recommendations from someone who is passionate about reading. &nbsp;It's the perfect addition to our beautiful downtown!" -JulieReviews pulled from Red Fern Bookseller's website

Salina Chamber welcomes Red Fern Booksellers at ribbon cutting event

Emerging artists in Saline County and its bordering counties have until Monday, June 26 to apply for 10 available spaces during the Tri-Rivers Fair Show and Sell Artist Showcase.

“The fair is an opportunity for folks to connect their passion and appreciation of art with its agricultural heritage at the Show and Sell artist showcase,”&nbsp;Rita Diester, Tri-Rivers Fair Board member coordinating the show, said.

The Tri-Rivers Fair Show and Sell Artist Showcase will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11 and Saturday, Aug. 12 in the lobby of the Tony’s Pizza Event Center. Interested artists can complete an application by locating the call package on the Tri-Rivers Fair website, <a href="http://tririversfair.org/">tririversfair.org</a>, and in the Fair Events menu item, click on Art Show. The link in the first paragraph of the call package will populate the application. A $25 entry fee will be collected from each selected artist/craftsman prior to the show.

“The Tri-Rivers Fair is providing a marketing opportunity for the emerging artist to display and sell their art in a family friendly atmosphere at an affordable price,”&nbsp;Deister said.&nbsp;“All art will be priced $100 or less, so it is economical.”

As far as the media being requested, both traditional and contemporary fine art and craft fits the call, including but not limited to ceramics, woodworking, painting, sculpture and fiber arts. Artists interested in providing a demonstration during the two day show and sell can indicate their interest on the application.&nbsp;

The selected artists will be notified by Friday, June 30 through email.

Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="http://tririversfair.org/">http://tririversfair.org/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686751313925.png" alt="Tri rivers festival 2023" />
 <figcaption>Tri rivers festival 2023</figcaption>
 </figure> Tri Rivers FairEmerging artists in Saline County and its bordering counties have until Monday, June 26 to apply for 10 available spaces during the Tri-Rivers Fair Show and Sell Artist Showcase.“The fair is an opportunity for folks to connect their passion and appreciation of art with its agricultural heritage at the Show and Sell artist showcase,”&nbsp;Rita Diester, Tri-Rivers Fair Board member coordinating the show, said.The Tri-Rivers Fair Show and Sell Artist Showcase will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11 and Saturday, Aug. 12 in the lobby of the Tony’s Pizza Event Center. Interested artists can complete an application by locating the call package on the Tri-Rivers Fair website, <a href="http://tririversfair.org/">tririversfair.org</a>, and in the Fair Events menu item, click on Art Show. The link in the first paragraph of the call package will populate the application. A $25 entry fee will be collected from each selected artist/craftsman prior to the show.“The Tri-Rivers Fair is providing a marketing opportunity for the emerging artist to display and sell their art in a family friendly atmosphere at an affordable price,”&nbsp;Deister said.&nbsp;“All art will be priced $100 or less, so it is economical.”As far as the media being requested, both traditional and contemporary fine art and craft fits the call, including but not limited to ceramics, woodworking, painting, sculpture and fiber arts. Artists interested in providing a demonstration during the two day show and sell can indicate their interest on the application.&nbsp;The selected artists will be notified by Friday, June 30 through email.Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="http://tririversfair.org/">http://tririversfair.org/</a>

Tri Rivers Fair launches show and sell artist showcase

By Pat Melgares K-State Research and Extension In rural America, talk about horsetails in a field conjures thoughts of farmhands in saddles, working cattle or checking on emerging crops.

When Kansas State University weed management specialist Sarah Lancaster gets questions about horsetails, however, the inquiry is probably not about four-legged farm animals.

“I like to call horsetails the dinosaurs of the plant world,” Lancaster said. “They’re a weed species that has literally been around since the times of the dinosaurs. That, in and of itself, should tell us why I get questions about it. They’re pretty tough and they’re very difficult to manage.”

Horsetail, also called mare’s tail, is a deep-rooted, invasive weed that spreads quickly, forming a dense carpet of foliage that crowds out more desirable plants, such as pasture grass.

“They look a lot like asparagus, actually,” Lancaster said. “They reproduce by spores, not seeds; they’re just a very different sort of plant. Many of the go-to herbicides don’t work on them.”

Lancaster said some past research studies indicate that 2,4-D or MCPA – a phenoxy herbicide similar to 2,4-D – can be effective in suppressing horsetail weeds. Newer studies report that picloram and metsulfuron may be helpful in reducing horsetail.

“But,” Lancaster said, “they’re going to come back, and so it’s going to take repeated herbicide applications in order to fully control them with chemistry.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687611074755.jpeg" alt="Horsetail has been around since the time of the dinosaurs, says K-State weed management specialist Sarah Lancaster. | Photo courtesy of Sarah Lancaster" />
 <figcaption>Horsetail has been around since the time of the dinosaurs, says K-State weed management specialist Sarah Lancaster. | Photo courtesy of Sarah Lancaster</figcaption>
 </figure>By Pat Melgares K-State Research and Extension In rural America, talk about horsetails in a field conjures thoughts of farmhands in saddles, working cattle or checking on emerging crops.When Kansas State University weed management specialist Sarah Lancaster gets questions about horsetails, however, the inquiry is probably not about four-legged farm animals.“I like to call horsetails the dinosaurs of the plant world,” Lancaster said. “They’re a weed species that has literally been around since the times of the dinosaurs. That, in and of itself, should tell us why I get questions about it. They’re pretty tough and they’re very difficult to manage.”Horsetail, also called mare’s tail, is a deep-rooted, invasive weed that spreads quickly, forming a dense carpet of foliage that crowds out more desirable plants, such as pasture grass.“They look a lot like asparagus, actually,” Lancaster said. “They reproduce by spores, not seeds; they’re just a very different sort of plant. Many of the go-to herbicides don’t work on them.”Lancaster said some past research studies indicate that 2,4-D or MCPA – a phenoxy herbicide similar to 2,4-D – can be effective in suppressing horsetail weeds. Newer studies report that picloram and metsulfuron may be helpful in reducing horsetail.“But,” Lancaster said, “they’re going to come back, and so it’s going to take repeated herbicide applications in order to fully control them with chemistry.”Research from Canada is uncovering other potential herbicide options, Lancaster said, “but there are not a lot of great herbicide options out there.”Horsetails belong to the genus known as Equisetum, which means “living fossil.” Plants in that category tend to be found in wet areas, “so if you’re struggling with them in a cropping situation, one thing to think about is water management,” Lancaster said.“Fortunately, we don’t find horsetail in production fields a lot,” she said. “Usually they are found in areas where drainage is poor and water stands for large parts of the year.”For questions or to confirm whether a plant is horsetail or not, Lancaster is available by email,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:slancaster@ksu.edu">slancaster@ksu.edu</a>.Poison Hemlock and GoatgrassLancaster said she also routinely receives questions about poison hemlock and goatgrass this time of year.Poison hemlock is – at its name suggests – highly poisonous. It is highly toxic to sheep, cattle, swine, horses and many other domestic animals, as well as humans. Hemlock “looks a lot like wild carrots,” Lancaster said, including a basal rosette and “lacy-looking leaves.”“Poison hemlock will have red speckles on the stem once it starts to bolt,” Lancaster said. “If it’s in a pasture, you need to take care of it.”Instinctively, she adds, cattle know to avoid poison hemlock based on having been around it: “So generally speaking, we don’t panic too much if we see poison hemlock, but if you’re someone who brings in cattle from another state or desirable forage is not available, it is more important to get rid of it or prevent cattle grazing in those areas.”2,4-D and glyphosate products are effective on poison hemlock, Lancaster said.Goatgrass is an ancestor of the red winter wheat varieties grown in Kansas, which means it’s particularly challenging to control in wheat fields and even in pastures, according to Lancaster.Healthy wheat stands often out-compete jointed goatgrass, but drought through much of Kansas has provided an opportunity for jointed goatgrass to win some of those battles.Lancaster said CoAXium wheat varieties – a production system that capitalizes on herbicide tolerant wheat -- are best for controlling jointed goatgrass.