&nbsp;Divine Mercy Radio is gearing up for their 13th Annual Appreciation Banquet to be held in Hays Sept. 9 and in Salina Sept. 10. A notorious couple from the Eternal Word Television Network, Jack and Johnnette Williams, will be the guest speakers.

The banquet in Hays will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by a meal and program. It will be held at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. 8th St.

In Salina, the banquet will also begin with a social hour, but at 5 p.m., followed by a meal and program. It will be held in the Hall of Bishops at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 118 N. 9th St.

Jack Williams is the general manager of EWTN Radio as well as the host of “Open Line,” which airs at 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Johnnette Williams is the executive producer of the “Women of Grace” television program and host of the radio program, “Women of Grace,” which airs at 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday on Divine Mercy Radio.

“Both Jack and Johnnette have interesting stories,” said Donetta Robben, Executive Director of Divine Mercy Radio. “They both came into their faith in adulthood and they both lost their first spouses to cancer. Their mutual work at EWTN brought them together, happily united in marriage.”

The title of their talk will be “Speaking Truth to Darkness: The Call of Radio for Such a Time as This.”

Tickets are $55 if ordered before Aug. 20. After that date, the price goes up to $60. No tickets can be sold after Sept. 1. Tickets can be purchased by sending a check to: Appreciation Banquet, Divine Mercy Radio, 108 E. 12th St., Hays, KS 67601. Tickets can also be purchased online at dvmercy.com. Please state which banquet you will be attending, Hays or Salina. If attending the banquet in Salina, please indicate if your meal choice will be beef or chicken. For more information, as well as the menu, go to dvmercy.com.

Divine Mercy Radio began in 2010 with 88.1, KVDM, Hays. Five years later they expended to 88.1, KRTT, Great Bend. Then, in 2020, 101.7 KJDM, Lindsborg/Salina went on the air as well as 105.7, KMDG, Hays. The original station, KVDM in Hays, began airing Catholic classic radio.

In May, the fifth Divine Mercy Radio station went on the air – 89.1, KGOH in Colby. Divine Mercy Radio is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization relying on the generosity of its listeners as well as business underwriters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684878858041.png" alt="Divine Mercy Radio Image" />
 <figcaption>Divine Mercy Radio Image</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted&nbsp;Divine Mercy Radio is gearing up for their 13th Annual Appreciation Banquet to be held in Hays Sept. 9 and in Salina Sept. 10. A notorious couple from the Eternal Word Television Network, Jack and Johnnette Williams, will be the guest speakers.The banquet in Hays will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by a meal and program. It will be held at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. 8th St.In Salina, the banquet will also begin with a social hour, but at 5 p.m., followed by a meal and program. It will be held in the Hall of Bishops at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 118 N. 9th St.Jack Williams is the general manager of EWTN Radio as well as the host of “Open Line,” which airs at 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Johnnette Williams is the executive producer of the “Women of Grace” television program and host of the radio program, “Women of Grace,” which airs at 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday on Divine Mercy Radio.“Both Jack and Johnnette have interesting stories,” said Donetta Robben, Executive Director of Divine Mercy Radio. “They both came into their faith in adulthood and they both lost their first spouses to cancer. Their mutual work at EWTN brought them together, happily united in marriage.”The title of their talk will be “Speaking Truth to Darkness: The Call of Radio for Such a Time as This.”Tickets are $55 if ordered before Aug. 20. After that date, the price goes up to $60. No tickets can be sold after Sept. 1. Tickets can be purchased by sending a check to: Appreciation Banquet, Divine Mercy Radio, 108 E. 12th St., Hays, KS 67601. Tickets can also be purchased online at dvmercy.com. Please state which banquet you will be attending, Hays or Salina. If attending the banquet in Salina, please indicate if your meal choice will be beef or chicken. For more information, as well as the menu, go to dvmercy.com.Divine Mercy Radio began in 2010 with 88.1, KVDM, Hays. Five years later they expended to 88.1, KRTT, Great Bend. Then, in 2020, 101.7 KJDM, Lindsborg/Salina went on the air as well as 105.7, KMDG, Hays. The original station, KVDM in Hays, began airing Catholic classic radio.In May, the fifth Divine Mercy Radio station went on the air – 89.1, KGOH in Colby. Divine Mercy Radio is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization relying on the generosity of its listeners as well as business underwriters.

Divine Mercy Radio prepares to celebrate 13th Annual Appreciation Banquet

Salina Area United Way News Release Salina Area United Way is very excited to announce that the organization was awarded $400,000 in ARPA funding by Saline County to help combat childcare issues.&nbsp; On Tuesday, July 25th, 2023, at the Saline County Commission Meeting County Commissioners voted unanimously to award Salina Area United Way funds to continue making forward movement on the childcare shortage.&nbsp;&nbsp; On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law. Among many other provisions, ARPA provides direct funding to each county in the United States through what is called the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Relief Fund (CLFRF). For Saline County, this amount is $10,532,376. Saline County Commissioners adopted a framework for expenditure of these funds, with one of the items including being an allocation for childcare.

“Providing funds to offer expanded and high-quality childcare to provide safe and supportive environments for children is a priority for the County,” says Phillip Smith-Hanes, Saline County Administrator.

In April, Salina Area United Way announced the start and opening of the Early Childcare Initiative Fund at their organization. The ultimate goal of starting this fund is to make strong and lasting steps towards combating childcare issues and shortages in Saline County.

“With these funds of $400,000 we will be able to address the current needs of childcare and also begin working on sustaining all that is being done in our community to make lasting and impactful changes for childcare”, says Claire Ludes, Executive Director.

Salina Area United Way is working directly with the Early Childcare Initiative Fund to look at the opportunities for renovation and expansion of current centers and spaces in the area. At this time, existing real estate is available in the area that could be utilized for childcare and creating more childcare slots for families in the community. Last month, United Way was awarded $1,872,000 by the Kansas Children’s Cabinet Child Care Capacity Accelerator grant program to help create 187 new childcare slots in the Salina area.&nbsp;

For more information about Salina Area United Way and the work they are doing in the community, contact the Salina Area United Way office at 785-827-1312. Stay tuned for more upcoming information regarding the Early Childcare Initiative Fund and how Salina Area United Way and community partners are combating childcare issues in Saline County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687976865454.png" alt="Salina Area United Way Header" />
 <figcaption>Salina Area United Way Header</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Area United Way News Release Salina Area United Way is very excited to announce that the organization was awarded $400,000 in ARPA funding by Saline County to help combat childcare issues.&nbsp; On Tuesday, July 25th, 2023, at the Saline County Commission Meeting County Commissioners voted unanimously to award Salina Area United Way funds to continue making forward movement on the childcare shortage.&nbsp;&nbsp; On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law. Among many other provisions, ARPA provides direct funding to each county in the United States through what is called the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Relief Fund (CLFRF). For Saline County, this amount is $10,532,376. Saline County Commissioners adopted a framework for expenditure of these funds, with one of the items including being an allocation for childcare.“Providing funds to offer expanded and high-quality childcare to provide safe and supportive environments for children is a priority for the County,” says Phillip Smith-Hanes, Saline County Administrator.In April, Salina Area United Way announced the start and opening of the Early Childcare Initiative Fund at their organization. The ultimate goal of starting this fund is to make strong and lasting steps towards combating childcare issues and shortages in Saline County.“With these funds of $400,000 we will be able to address the current needs of childcare and also begin working on sustaining all that is being done in our community to make lasting and impactful changes for childcare”, says Claire Ludes, Executive Director.Salina Area United Way is working directly with the Early Childcare Initiative Fund to look at the opportunities for renovation and expansion of current centers and spaces in the area. At this time, existing real estate is available in the area that could be utilized for childcare and creating more childcare slots for families in the community. Last month, United Way was awarded $1,872,000 by the Kansas Children’s Cabinet Child Care Capacity Accelerator grant program to help create 187 new childcare slots in the Salina area.&nbsp;For more information about Salina Area United Way and the work they are doing in the community, contact the Salina Area United Way office at 785-827-1312. Stay tuned for more upcoming information regarding the Early Childcare Initiative Fund and how Salina Area United Way and community partners are combating childcare issues in Saline County.

Saline County Awards $400,000 to Salina Area United Way for childcare

By Rachel Mipro <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA —&nbsp; A group of Kansas county officials and ranchers filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the latest attempt to block protections for a prairie bird.

The lawsuit,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pacificlegal.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/01-Complaint-with-exhibits.pdf">filed late Thursday</a>, names the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition and several Kansas farmers and ranchers as plaintiffs in the case. The plaintiffs argue implementing Endangered Species Act protective regulations for the lesser prairie chicken would restrict land use, forcing Kansas agricultural producers into making expensive changes that could hurt business.&nbsp;

“KNRC is proud to take a stand in defense of our member counties and their constituents,” said Commissioner Gary Hayzlett, KNRC president. “This rule heavily regulates numerous essential public services, will regulate virtually anything many landowners might wish to do on their property and will have significant negative impact on individual livelihoods. The rule should be struck down.”

The lesser prairie chicken, a bird known for its colorful spring mating dance, has been the target of outrage since the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/17/federal-wildlife-officials-list-lesser-prairie-chicken-as-threatened-in-kansas/">listed the lesser prairie chicken as threatened</a>&nbsp;in Kansas in late 2022. The organization estimated 90% of the bird’s habitat — intact tracts of native grasses — had vanished, leaving an estimated 32,000 lesser prairie chickens left.&nbsp;

The original endangered listing was the result of a yearslong environmental campaign to save the bird, and followed a 2019 lawsuit by conservation groups that warned the bird was in danger.

Since the listing, Republicans at the local and national levels have crusaded to overturn protections, arguing that ranchers — as well as the oil and gas industry — would be hurt by protections.&nbsp;

The federal lawsuit comes after a series of legal battles.&nbsp;In April, Kansas joined Texas and Oklahoma in a lawsuit to block the endangered species listing of the bird. Lesser prairie chickens can be found in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. In June, Congress began efforts to overturn the listing through a Congressional Review Act&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/9/text?s=1&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22S.J.Res.9%22%5D%7D">resolution</a>, carried by Kansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall.&nbsp;

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, along with other Kansas politicians, said the federal ruling would interfere with the rights of landowners, arguing that rainfall affects the bird population, and that when the state’s current drought ends, lesser prairie chicken numbers will bounce back&nbsp;— an idea that environmental scientists call inaccurate.&nbsp;

The Thursday lawsuit has been taken on by&nbsp;Pacific Legal Foundation, a national public interest law firm that usually defends conservative and libertarian causes.

PLF was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pacificlegal.org/50-years-of-fighting-plf-looks-back-at-our-beginning">founded</a>&nbsp;in 1973 by several staff of California’s then-Gov. Ronald Reagan. They wanted to create a conservative equivalent of groups like the American Civil Liberties Union after progressive organizations blocked Reagan’s welfare change attempts in court.

“The Endangered Species Act requires the government to balance conservation efforts with the economic impacts of regulations,” said Pacific Legal Foundation attorney Charles Yates. “The Fish and Wildlife Service plainly failed to do that in this case. It violates the constitutional separation of powers whenever an agency ignores the limitations placed on it by Congress.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668724822944.png" alt="Lesser prairie chickens have lost most of their habitat. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service" />
 <figcaption>Lesser prairie chickens have lost most of their habitat. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service</figcaption>
 </figure> By Rachel Mipro <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a> TOPEKA —&nbsp; A group of Kansas county officials and ranchers filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the latest attempt to block protections for a prairie bird.The lawsuit,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pacificlegal.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/01-Complaint-with-exhibits.pdf">filed late Thursday</a>, names the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition and several Kansas farmers and ranchers as plaintiffs in the case. The plaintiffs argue implementing Endangered Species Act protective regulations for the lesser prairie chicken would restrict land use, forcing Kansas agricultural producers into making expensive changes that could hurt business.&nbsp;“KNRC is proud to take a stand in defense of our member counties and their constituents,” said Commissioner Gary Hayzlett, KNRC president. “This rule heavily regulates numerous essential public services, will regulate virtually anything many landowners might wish to do on their property and will have significant negative impact on individual livelihoods. The rule should be struck down.”The lesser prairie chicken, a bird known for its colorful spring mating dance, has been the target of outrage since the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/17/federal-wildlife-officials-list-lesser-prairie-chicken-as-threatened-in-kansas/">listed the lesser prairie chicken as threatened</a>&nbsp;in Kansas in late 2022. The organization estimated 90% of the bird’s habitat — intact tracts of native grasses — had vanished, leaving an estimated 32,000 lesser prairie chickens left.&nbsp;The original endangered listing was the result of a yearslong environmental campaign to save the bird, and followed a 2019 lawsuit by conservation groups that warned the bird was in danger.Since the listing, Republicans at the local and national levels have crusaded to overturn protections, arguing that ranchers — as well as the oil and gas industry — would be hurt by protections.&nbsp;The federal lawsuit comes after a series of legal battles.&nbsp;In April, Kansas joined Texas and Oklahoma in a lawsuit to block the endangered species listing of the bird. Lesser prairie chickens can be found in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. In June, Congress began efforts to overturn the listing through a Congressional Review Act&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/9/text?s=1&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22S.J.Res.9%22%5D%7D">resolution</a>, carried by Kansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall.&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, along with other Kansas politicians, said the federal ruling would interfere with the rights of landowners, arguing that rainfall affects the bird population, and that when the state’s current drought ends, lesser prairie chicken numbers will bounce back&nbsp;— an idea that environmental scientists call inaccurate.&nbsp;The Thursday lawsuit has been taken on by&nbsp;Pacific Legal Foundation, a national public interest law firm that usually defends conservative and libertarian causes.PLF was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pacificlegal.org/50-years-of-fighting-plf-looks-back-at-our-beginning">founded</a>&nbsp;in 1973 by several staff of California’s then-Gov. Ronald Reagan. They wanted to create a conservative equivalent of groups like the American Civil Liberties Union after progressive organizations blocked Reagan’s welfare change attempts in court.“The Endangered Species Act requires the government to balance conservation efforts with the economic impacts of regulations,” said Pacific Legal Foundation attorney Charles Yates. “The Fish and Wildlife Service plainly failed to do that in this case. It violates the constitutional separation of powers whenever an agency ignores the limitations placed on it by Congress.”

Kansas ranchers, county commissioners take action against lesser prairie chicken protections

American Red Cross The American Red Cross and Warner Bros. Discovery have teamed up for the 35th anniversary of&nbsp;Shark Week&nbsp;and the theatrical release of&nbsp;Meg 2: The Trench&nbsp;to help avoid frequent summer blood shortages.&nbsp;<a></a><a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive">Don’t be cold-blooded: Join us and&nbsp;schedule your next blood, platelet or plasma donation today!</a>

Want to take a bite out of the Big Apple and have the ultimate shark immersive experience?&nbsp;Come to give blood, platelets or plasma July 12-Aug. 12, 2023, to be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two!

&nbsp;You could search for “The Meg” in person and experience a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium!&nbsp; This thrilling package also comes with airfare, hotel, round-trip transportation for a day at the aquarium and $1,000 gift card for additional expenses.

PLUS, calling all Shark Week fin-atics: Get an exclusive&nbsp;Shark Week T-shirt&nbsp;when you come to give July 17-31, while supplies last!

Sharks are vitally important to the health of the planet. Just like you play an equally important role in helping keep our national blood supply healthy and strong. So dive into donating; we won’t bite!

Upcoming Red Cross Blood Drives: <a href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h569378a5,2c798c39,168f625b&amp;e=JTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZtZWQ9ZW1haWwmc291cmNlPWJpb2Fkb2JlJmNhbXBkZXNjPUVNX0JIUV9NT19XQl9BQk9fVXJnZW5jeVNXX1NoYXJrQURQU1dQX05BNF9OQTFfQUNUUlNfMDcyMDIzJmNpZD02ODQ1MjY0OTEmZGlkPVBSRERNNDE1NDY1JmJpZD0xNDUyNTA1MjUzJnN1Ymo9SFVSUlklMjBJTiUzQSUyMFNoYXJrJTIwV2VlayUyMFQtU2hpcnQlMjElMjAlM0QlM0ZVVEYtOCUzRlElM0YlM0RGMCUzRDlGJTNEQTYlM0Q4OCUzRiUzRCZwcnR5PW5vcm1hbCZuYXQ9cmVjcnVpdG1lbnQmcHJvZD13aG9sZWJsb29kJnNlbmRlcj1BbWVyaWNhbiUyMFJlZCUyMENyb3NzJmRlbHZJZD03NDYxNjMyNTcmJTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZ-Y2FtcGFpZ249RU1fQkhRX01PX1dCX0FCT19VcmdlbmN5U1dfU2hhcmtBRFBTV1BfTkE0X05BMV9BQ1RSU18wNzIwMjMmfnRhZ3M9MTQ1MjUwNTI1MzpQUkRETTQxNTQ2NSZwMT15bWNhc2FsaW5h&amp;s=_DHqsrlasScMTBPCPwDaTo1Lq0H55jIxe0CaLjX2L3c" target="_blank">YMCA</a><a href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h569378a5,2c798c39,168f625c&amp;e=JTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZtZWQ9ZW1haWwmc291cmNlPWJpb2Fkb2JlJmNhbXBkZXNjPUVNX0JIUV9NT19XQl9BQk9fVXJnZW5jeVNXX1NoYXJrQURQU1dQX05BNF9OQTFfQUNUUlNfMDcyMDIzJmNpZD02ODQ1MjY0OTEmZGlkPVBSRERNNDE1NDY1JmJpZD0xNDUyNTA1MjUzJnN1Ymo9SFVSUlklMjBJTiUzQSUyMFNoYXJrJTIwV2VlayUyMFQtU2hpcnQlMjElMjAlM0QlM0ZVVEYtOCUzRlElM0YlM0RGMCUzRDlGJTNEQTYlM0Q4OCUzRiUzRCZwcnR5PW5vcm1hbCZuYXQ9cmVjcnVpdG1lbnQmcHJvZD13aG9sZWJsb29kJnNlbmRlcj1BbWVyaWNhbiUyMFJlZCUyMENyb3NzJmRlbHZJZD03NDYxNjMyNTcmJTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZ-Y2FtcGFpZ249RU1fQkhRX01PX1dCX0FCT19VcmdlbmN5U1dfU2hhcmtBRFBTV1BfTkE0X05BMV9BQ1RSU18wNzIwMjMmfnRhZ3M9MTQ1MjUwNTI1MzpQUkRETTQxNTQ2NSZwMT15bWNhc2FsaW5h&amp;s=NVp9Y0ETGSzDGYQvxkAlgRc3SeXjOLtqNFpTKAdAmwQ" target="_blank">570 YMCA Drive,&nbsp;Salina, KS Friday, July 28, 2023 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM</a>

<a href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h569378a5,2c798c39,168f625c&amp;e=JTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZtZWQ9ZW1haWwmc291cmNlPWJpb2Fkb2JlJmNhbXBkZXNjPUVNX0JIUV9NT19XQl9BQk9fVXJnZW5jeVNXX1NoYXJrQURQU1dQX05BNF9OQTFfQUNUUlNfMDcyMDIzJmNpZD02ODQ1MjY0OTEmZGlkPVBSRERNNDE1NDY1JmJpZD0xNDUyNTA1MjUzJnN1Ymo9SFVSUlklMjBJTiUzQSUyMFNoYXJrJTIwV2VlayUyMFQtU2hpcnQlMjElMjAlM0QlM0ZVVEYtOCUzRlElM0YlM0RGMCUzRDlGJTNEQTYlM0Q4OCUzRiUzRCZwcnR5PW5vcm1hbCZuYXQ9cmVjcnVpdG1lbnQmcHJvZD13aG9sZWJsb29kJnNlbmRlcj1BbWVyaWNhbiUyMFJlZCUyMENyb3NzJmRlbHZJZD03NDYxNjMyNTcmJTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZ-Y2FtcGFpZ249RU1fQkhRX01PX1dCX0FCT19VcmdlbmN5U1dfU2hhcmtBRFBTV1BfTkE0X05BMV9BQ1RSU18wNzIwMjMmfnRhZ3M9MTQ1MjUwNTI1MzpQUkRETTQxNTQ2NSZwMT15bWNhc2FsaW5h&amp;s=NVp9Y0ETGSzDGYQvxkAlgRc3SeXjOLtqNFpTKAdAmwQ" target="_blank"></a>Sponsor Code:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h569378a5,2c798c39,168f625d&amp;e=JTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZtZWQ9ZW1haWwmc291cmNlPWJpb2Fkb2JlJmNhbXBkZXNjPUVNX0JIUV9NT19XQl9BQk9fVXJnZW5jeVNXX1NoYXJrQURQU1dQX05BNF9OQTFfQUNUUlNfMDcyMDIzJmNpZD02ODQ1MjY0OTEmZGlkPVBSRERNNDE1NDY1JmJpZD0xNDUyNTA1MjUzJnN1Ymo9SFVSUlklMjBJTiUzQSUyMFNoYXJrJTIwV2VlayUyMFQtU2hpcnQlMjElMjAlM0QlM0ZVVEYtOCUzRlElM0YlM0RGMCUzRDlGJTNEQTYlM0Q4OCUzRiUzRCZwcnR5PW5vcm1hbCZuYXQ9cmVjcnVpdG1lbnQmcHJvZD13aG9sZWJsb29kJnNlbmRlcj1BbWVyaWNhbiUyMFJlZCUyMENyb3NzJmRlbHZJZD03NDYxNjMyNTcmJTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZ-Y2FtcGFpZ249RU1fQkhRX01PX1dCX0FCT19VcmdlbmN5U1dfU2hhcmtBRFBTV1BfTkE0X05BMV9BQ1RSU18wNzIwMjMmfnRhZ3M9MTQ1MjUwNTI1MzpQUkRETTQxNTQ2NSZwMT15bWNhc2FsaW5h&amp;s=E_3t0ryFzKfpT-N-NtsMI6ftaUPv-Tc8mfkzC5C8HoY">ymcasalina</a>

<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/shark-week.html">You can also schedule an appointment to donate blood at a Red Cross location near you.&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689944923131.jpeg" alt="Don’t Be Cold-Blooded. American Red Cross Photo" />
 <figcaption>Don’t Be Cold-Blooded. American Red Cross Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>American Red Cross The American Red Cross and Warner Bros. Discovery have teamed up for the 35th anniversary of&nbsp;Shark Week&nbsp;and the theatrical release of&nbsp;Meg 2: The Trench&nbsp;to help avoid frequent summer blood shortages.&nbsp;<a></a><a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive">Don’t be cold-blooded: Join us and&nbsp;schedule your next blood, platelet or plasma donation today!</a> <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689945249234.jpeg" alt="American Red Cross Photo " />
 <figcaption>American Red Cross Photo </figcaption>
 </figure>Want to take a bite out of the Big Apple and have the ultimate shark immersive experience?&nbsp;Come to give blood, platelets or plasma July 12-Aug. 12, 2023, to be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two!&nbsp;You could search for “The Meg” in person and experience a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium!&nbsp; This thrilling package also comes with airfare, hotel, round-trip transportation for a day at the aquarium and $1,000 gift card for additional expenses.PLUS, calling all Shark Week fin-atics: Get an exclusive&nbsp;Shark Week T-shirt&nbsp;when you come to give July 17-31, while supplies last!Sharks are vitally important to the health of the planet. Just like you play an equally important role in helping keep our national blood supply healthy and strong. So dive into donating; we won’t bite!Upcoming Red Cross Blood Drives: <a href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h569378a5,2c798c39,168f625b&amp;e=JTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZtZWQ9ZW1haWwmc291cmNlPWJpb2Fkb2JlJmNhbXBkZXNjPUVNX0JIUV9NT19XQl9BQk9fVXJnZW5jeVNXX1NoYXJrQURQU1dQX05BNF9OQTFfQUNUUlNfMDcyMDIzJmNpZD02ODQ1MjY0OTEmZGlkPVBSRERNNDE1NDY1JmJpZD0xNDUyNTA1MjUzJnN1Ymo9SFVSUlklMjBJTiUzQSUyMFNoYXJrJTIwV2VlayUyMFQtU2hpcnQlMjElMjAlM0QlM0ZVVEYtOCUzRlElM0YlM0RGMCUzRDlGJTNEQTYlM0Q4OCUzRiUzRCZwcnR5PW5vcm1hbCZuYXQ9cmVjcnVpdG1lbnQmcHJvZD13aG9sZWJsb29kJnNlbmRlcj1BbWVyaWNhbiUyMFJlZCUyMENyb3NzJmRlbHZJZD03NDYxNjMyNTcmJTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZ-Y2FtcGFpZ249RU1fQkhRX01PX1dCX0FCT19VcmdlbmN5U1dfU2hhcmtBRFBTV1BfTkE0X05BMV9BQ1RSU18wNzIwMjMmfnRhZ3M9MTQ1MjUwNTI1MzpQUkRETTQxNTQ2NSZwMT15bWNhc2FsaW5h&amp;s=_DHqsrlasScMTBPCPwDaTo1Lq0H55jIxe0CaLjX2L3c" target="_blank">YMCA</a><a href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h569378a5,2c798c39,168f625c&amp;e=JTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZtZWQ9ZW1haWwmc291cmNlPWJpb2Fkb2JlJmNhbXBkZXNjPUVNX0JIUV9NT19XQl9BQk9fVXJnZW5jeVNXX1NoYXJrQURQU1dQX05BNF9OQTFfQUNUUlNfMDcyMDIzJmNpZD02ODQ1MjY0OTEmZGlkPVBSRERNNDE1NDY1JmJpZD0xNDUyNTA1MjUzJnN1Ymo9SFVSUlklMjBJTiUzQSUyMFNoYXJrJTIwV2VlayUyMFQtU2hpcnQlMjElMjAlM0QlM0ZVVEYtOCUzRlElM0YlM0RGMCUzRDlGJTNEQTYlM0Q4OCUzRiUzRCZwcnR5PW5vcm1hbCZuYXQ9cmVjcnVpdG1lbnQmcHJvZD13aG9sZWJsb29kJnNlbmRlcj1BbWVyaWNhbiUyMFJlZCUyMENyb3NzJmRlbHZJZD03NDYxNjMyNTcmJTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZ-Y2FtcGFpZ249RU1fQkhRX01PX1dCX0FCT19VcmdlbmN5U1dfU2hhcmtBRFBTV1BfTkE0X05BMV9BQ1RSU18wNzIwMjMmfnRhZ3M9MTQ1MjUwNTI1MzpQUkRETTQxNTQ2NSZwMT15bWNhc2FsaW5h&amp;s=NVp9Y0ETGSzDGYQvxkAlgRc3SeXjOLtqNFpTKAdAmwQ" target="_blank">570 YMCA Drive,&nbsp;Salina, KS Friday, July 28, 2023 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM</a><a href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h569378a5,2c798c39,168f625c&amp;e=JTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZtZWQ9ZW1haWwmc291cmNlPWJpb2Fkb2JlJmNhbXBkZXNjPUVNX0JIUV9NT19XQl9BQk9fVXJnZW5jeVNXX1NoYXJrQURQU1dQX05BNF9OQTFfQUNUUlNfMDcyMDIzJmNpZD02ODQ1MjY0OTEmZGlkPVBSRERNNDE1NDY1JmJpZD0xNDUyNTA1MjUzJnN1Ymo9SFVSUlklMjBJTiUzQSUyMFNoYXJrJTIwV2VlayUyMFQtU2hpcnQlMjElMjAlM0QlM0ZVVEYtOCUzRlElM0YlM0RGMCUzRDlGJTNEQTYlM0Q4OCUzRiUzRCZwcnR5PW5vcm1hbCZuYXQ9cmVjcnVpdG1lbnQmcHJvZD13aG9sZWJsb29kJnNlbmRlcj1BbWVyaWNhbiUyMFJlZCUyMENyb3NzJmRlbHZJZD03NDYxNjMyNTcmJTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZ-Y2FtcGFpZ249RU1fQkhRX01PX1dCX0FCT19VcmdlbmN5U1dfU2hhcmtBRFBTV1BfTkE0X05BMV9BQ1RSU18wNzIwMjMmfnRhZ3M9MTQ1MjUwNTI1MzpQUkRETTQxNTQ2NSZwMT15bWNhc2FsaW5h&amp;s=NVp9Y0ETGSzDGYQvxkAlgRc3SeXjOLtqNFpTKAdAmwQ" target="_blank"></a>Sponsor Code:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://b.dl.redcrossblood.org/r/?id=h569378a5,2c798c39,168f625d&amp;e=JTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZtZWQ9ZW1haWwmc291cmNlPWJpb2Fkb2JlJmNhbXBkZXNjPUVNX0JIUV9NT19XQl9BQk9fVXJnZW5jeVNXX1NoYXJrQURQU1dQX05BNF9OQTFfQUNUUlNfMDcyMDIzJmNpZD02ODQ1MjY0OTEmZGlkPVBSRERNNDE1NDY1JmJpZD0xNDUyNTA1MjUzJnN1Ymo9SFVSUlklMjBJTiUzQSUyMFNoYXJrJTIwV2VlayUyMFQtU2hpcnQlMjElMjAlM0QlM0ZVVEYtOCUzRlElM0YlM0RGMCUzRDlGJTNEQTYlM0Q4OCUzRiUzRCZwcnR5PW5vcm1hbCZuYXQ9cmVjcnVpdG1lbnQmcHJvZD13aG9sZWJsb29kJnNlbmRlcj1BbWVyaWNhbiUyMFJlZCUyMENyb3NzJmRlbHZJZD03NDYxNjMyNTcmJTI0d2ViX29ubHk9dHJ1ZSZ-Y2FtcGFpZ249RU1fQkhRX01PX1dCX0FCT19VcmdlbmN5U1dfU2hhcmtBRFBTV1BfTkE0X05BMV9BQ1RSU18wNzIwMjMmfnRhZ3M9MTQ1MjUwNTI1MzpQUkRETTQxNTQ2NSZwMT15bWNhc2FsaW5h&amp;s=E_3t0ryFzKfpT-N-NtsMI6ftaUPv-Tc8mfkzC5C8HoY">ymcasalina</a><a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/shark-week.html">You can also schedule an appointment to donate blood at a Red Cross location near you.&nbsp;</a>

Don’t Be Cold-Blooded: Blood Donors Needed

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NAME:REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body,&nbsp;Poss of marijuana

NAME:Burke,Jessica LynnREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation,&nbsp;Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500,&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner,&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit,&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body,&nbsp;Operate a MV w/o a valid license,&nbsp;Poss of marijuana,&nbsp;Speeding; maximum limits

NAME:Mares Pineda,Christ ArielREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Distribute marijuana; 25 - &lt; 450 grams,&nbsp;Liquor; Purch/poss/consume 18-20 yrs; 1st convPoss para w/intent to manuf/plant/cult

NAME:Wood,Andrew JosephREQUESTED CHARGES:Domestic Battery: Know/reckless body harm 3rd/subs

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County JailAll persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;&nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690370517063.jpeg" alt="Alvarez-Reyes,Carlos Daniel" />
 <figcaption>Alvarez-Reyes,Carlos Daniel</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body,&nbsp;Poss of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690370581401.jpeg" alt="Burke,Jessica Lynn" />
 <figcaption>Burke,Jessica Lynn</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Burke,Jessica LynnREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation,&nbsp;Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500,&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner,&nbsp;Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690370726062.jpeg" alt="Guerrero-Pizano,Jenaro" />
 <figcaption>Guerrero-Pizano,Jenaro</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Guerrero-Pizano,JenaroREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit,&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body,&nbsp;Operate a MV w/o a valid license,&nbsp;Poss of marijuana,&nbsp;Speeding; maximum limits<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690370800459.jpeg" alt="Mares Pineda,Christ Ariel" />
 <figcaption>Mares Pineda,Christ Ariel</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Mares Pineda,Christ ArielREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Distribute marijuana; 25 - &lt; 450 grams,&nbsp;Liquor; Purch/poss/consume 18-20 yrs; 1st convPoss para w/intent to manuf/plant/cult<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690370884728.jpeg" alt="Wood,Andrew Joseph" />
 <figcaption>Wood,Andrew Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:Wood,Andrew JosephREQUESTED CHARGES:Domestic Battery: Know/reckless body harm 3rd/subs

Saline County Booking Activity, July 26

On July 26, 2016, Hillary Clinton became the first woman to be nominated for president by a major political party at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.&nbsp;

In 1775, the Continental Congress established a Post Office and appointed Benjamin Franklin its Postmaster-General.

In 1847, the western African country of Liberia, founded by freed American slaves, declared its independence.&nbsp;

In 1863, Sam Houston, former president of the Republic of Texas, died in Huntsville at age 70.&nbsp;

In 1945, the Potsdam Declaration warned Imperial Japan to unconditionally surrender, or face “prompt and utter destruction.” Winston Churchill resigned as Britain’s prime minister after his Conservatives were soundly defeated by the Labour Party; Clement Attlee succeeded him.&nbsp;

In 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act, which reorganized America’s armed forces as the National Military Establishment and created the Central Intelligence Agency.

In 1953, Fidel Castro began his revolt against Fulgencio Batista (fool-HEN’-see-oh bah-TEES’-tah) with an unsuccessful attack on an army barracks in eastern Cuba. (Castro ousted Batista in 1959.)

In 1956, the Italian liner Andrea Doria sank off New England, some 11 hours after colliding with the Swedish liner Stockholm; at least 51 people died, from both vessels.&nbsp;

In 1971, Apollo 15 was launched from Cape Kennedy on America’s fourth successful manned mission to the moon.&nbsp;

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act.&nbsp;

In 2002, the Republican-led House voted, 295-132, to create an enormous Homeland Security Department in the biggest government reorganization in decades.&nbsp;

In 2012, the White House said President Barack Obama would not push for stricter gun laws, one day after his impassioned remarks about the need to keep assault weapons off the streets. With the Olympics Games as a backdrop, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney held a day of meetings with Britain’s most powerful people; however, Romney rankled his hosts with comments he’d made upon his arrival calling London’s problems with the games’ preparation “disconcerting.”

In 2013, Ariel Castro, the man who’d imprisoned three women in his Cleveland home, subjecting them to a decade of rapes and beatings, pleaded guilty to 937 counts in a deal to avoid the death penalty. (Castro later committed suicide in prison.)&nbsp;

In 2017, President Donald Trump announced on Twitter that he would not “accept or allow” transgender people to serve in the U.S. military. (After a legal battle, the Defense Department approved a policy requiring most individuals to serve in their birth gender; that policy was reversed by the Biden administration, which allowed transgender people who met military standards to enlist and serve openly in their self-identified gender.) A thrill ride broke apart at the Ohio State Fair, killing an 18-year-old high school student and injuring seven others. Actor June Foray, the voice of Rocky the Flying Squirrel and hundreds of other cartoon characters, died in a Los Angeles hospital at the age of 99.

In 2020, a processional with the casket of the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama, where Lewis and other civil rights marchers were beaten 55 years earlier. Authorities declared a riot in Portland, Oregon, after protesters breached a fence surrounding the city’s federal courthouse; thousands had gathered for another night of protests over the killing of George Floyd and the presence of federal agents.&nbsp;

In 2021, Caeleb Dressel won his first of five gold medals in swimming at the Tokyo Olympics by leading the United States to victory in the men’s 4x100-meter freestyle relay. California and New York City announced that they would require all government employees to get the coronavirus vaccine or face weekly COVID-19 testing. A relative reported that the final victim of the condo collapse in Florida had been identified, more than a month after the catastrophe that claimed 98 lives.

July 26: Actor Robert Colbert (“The Time Tunnel,” “Maverick”) is 92. Singer Darlene Love is 82. Singer Brenton Wood is 82. Singer Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones is 80. Actor Helen Mirren is 78. Drummer Roger Taylor of Queen is 74. Actor Susan George is 73. Actor Nana Visitor (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”) is 66. Actor Kevin Spacey is 64. Singer Gary Cherone (Extreme, Van Halen) is 62. Actor Sandra Bullock is 59. Singer Jim Lindberg of Pennywise is 58. Actor Jeremy Piven is 58. Singer Wayne Wonder is 57. Actor Jason Statham (“Transporter” films) is 56. Actor Cress Williams (“Hart of Dixie,” “Close to Home”) is 53. Host Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette”) is 52. Actor Kate Beckinsale (“The Aviator,” ″Pearl Harbor”) is 50. Actor Gary Owen (“Think Like A Man” films) is 50. Drummer Dan Konopka of OK Go is 49. Contemporary Christian singer Rebecca St. James is 46. Actor Eve Myles (“Victoria,” ″Broadchurch”) is 45. Actor Juliet Rylance (“American Gothic”) is 44. Actor Monica Raymund (“Chicago Fire,” ″Chicago P.D.”) is 37. Actor Francia Raisa (“The Secret Life of the American Teenager”) is 35. Drummer Jamie Sharpe (Rush of Fools) is 34. Actor Bianca Santos (“The Fosters”) is 33. Actor-turned-singer Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless is 30.

<h2>Today’s Highlight in History:&nbsp;</h2>On July 26, 2016, Hillary Clinton became the first woman to be nominated for president by a major political party at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.&nbsp;<h2>On this date:&nbsp;</h2>In 1775, the Continental Congress established a Post Office and appointed Benjamin Franklin its Postmaster-General.In 1847, the western African country of Liberia, founded by freed American slaves, declared its independence.&nbsp;In 1863, Sam Houston, former president of the Republic of Texas, died in Huntsville at age 70.&nbsp;In 1945, the Potsdam Declaration warned Imperial Japan to unconditionally surrender, or face “prompt and utter destruction.” Winston Churchill resigned as Britain’s prime minister after his Conservatives were soundly defeated by the Labour Party; Clement Attlee succeeded him.&nbsp;In 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act, which reorganized America’s armed forces as the National Military Establishment and created the Central Intelligence Agency.In 1953, Fidel Castro began his revolt against Fulgencio Batista (fool-HEN’-see-oh bah-TEES’-tah) with an unsuccessful attack on an army barracks in eastern Cuba. (Castro ousted Batista in 1959.)In 1956, the Italian liner Andrea Doria sank off New England, some 11 hours after colliding with the Swedish liner Stockholm; at least 51 people died, from both vessels.&nbsp;In 1971, Apollo 15 was launched from Cape Kennedy on America’s fourth successful manned mission to the moon.&nbsp;In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act.&nbsp;In 2002, the Republican-led House voted, 295-132, to create an enormous Homeland Security Department in the biggest government reorganization in decades.&nbsp;In 2012, the White House said President Barack Obama would not push for stricter gun laws, one day after his impassioned remarks about the need to keep assault weapons off the streets. With the Olympics Games as a backdrop, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney held a day of meetings with Britain’s most powerful people; however, Romney rankled his hosts with comments he’d made upon his arrival calling London’s problems with the games’ preparation “disconcerting.”In 2013, Ariel Castro, the man who’d imprisoned three women in his Cleveland home, subjecting them to a decade of rapes and beatings, pleaded guilty to 937 counts in a deal to avoid the death penalty. (Castro later committed suicide in prison.)&nbsp;In 2017, President Donald Trump announced on Twitter that he would not “accept or allow” transgender people to serve in the U.S. military. (After a legal battle, the Defense Department approved a policy requiring most individuals to serve in their birth gender; that policy was reversed by the Biden administration, which allowed transgender people who met military standards to enlist and serve openly in their self-identified gender.) A thrill ride broke apart at the Ohio State Fair, killing an 18-year-old high school student and injuring seven others. Actor June Foray, the voice of Rocky the Flying Squirrel and hundreds of other cartoon characters, died in a Los Angeles hospital at the age of 99.In 2020, a processional with the casket of the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama, where Lewis and other civil rights marchers were beaten 55 years earlier. Authorities declared a riot in Portland, Oregon, after protesters breached a fence surrounding the city’s federal courthouse; thousands had gathered for another night of protests over the killing of George Floyd and the presence of federal agents.&nbsp;In 2021, Caeleb Dressel won his first of five gold medals in swimming at the Tokyo Olympics by leading the United States to victory in the men’s 4x100-meter freestyle relay. California and New York City announced that they would require all government employees to get the coronavirus vaccine or face weekly COVID-19 testing. A relative reported that the final victim of the condo collapse in Florida had been identified, more than a month after the catastrophe that claimed 98 lives.July 26: Actor Robert Colbert (“The Time Tunnel,” “Maverick”) is 92. Singer Darlene Love is 82. Singer Brenton Wood is 82. Singer Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones is 80. Actor Helen Mirren is 78. Drummer Roger Taylor of Queen is 74. Actor Susan George is 73. Actor Nana Visitor (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”) is 66. Actor Kevin Spacey is 64. Singer Gary Cherone (Extreme, Van Halen) is 62. Actor Sandra Bullock is 59. Singer Jim Lindberg of Pennywise is 58. Actor Jeremy Piven is 58. Singer Wayne Wonder is 57. Actor Jason Statham (“Transporter” films) is 56. Actor Cress Williams (“Hart of Dixie,” “Close to Home”) is 53. Host Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette”) is 52. Actor Kate Beckinsale (“The Aviator,” ″Pearl Harbor”) is 50. Actor Gary Owen (“Think Like A Man” films) is 50. Drummer Dan Konopka of OK Go is 49. Contemporary Christian singer Rebecca St. James is 46. Actor Eve Myles (“Victoria,” ″Broadchurch”) is 45. Actor Juliet Rylance (“American Gothic”) is 44. Actor Monica Raymund (“Chicago Fire,” ″Chicago P.D.”) is 37. Actor Francia Raisa (“The Secret Life of the American Teenager”) is 35. Drummer Jamie Sharpe (Rush of Fools) is 34. Actor Bianca Santos (“The Fosters”) is 33. Actor-turned-singer Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless is 30.

Today in History, July 26

By NATE KING Salina Post

A quick-thinking Saline County Sheriff's deputy is to thank for rescuing two Saline County residents from a house fire in rural southern Saline County.&nbsp;

Shortly after midnight on July 23, a Saline County Sheriff’s deputy was sent to 1122 E. Bethel Circle to reports of an ongoing house fire. 

When the deputy arrived, he immediately saw the occupants of the home, Daniel and Debra Byarlay, both 68, on the roof of their home.&nbsp;

"The couple escaped through an upstairs window because there was a fire down below," Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning.&nbsp;

While Saline County Rural Fire District #2 was on its way, the deputy acted fast to get the couple off the roof.&nbsp;He forced his way into the Byarlay's garage, where he located a ladder.

"The ladder wasn't tall enough to get to the roof, so he used his patrol car to push a disabled vehicle, a pickup in the driveway, underneath the eaves of the house," Soldan said. " He placed the ladder in the bed of the pickup and was able to reach the roof of the house."&nbsp;

The 26-year-old deputy, who has not yet been named, helped move both Daniel and Debra safely off the roof and away from the fire.&nbsp;

The Byarlays were transported to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment of smoke inhalation. Daniel was released, Debra was transferred to Ascension Via Christi.

Although the cause of the fire is still unknown, Sheriff Soldan did say the deputy noticed that electrical power to the home was out at the time of his arrival.

"West Star Energy had been working to restore the power down the road so there could have been a power surge or somehow power related," Soldan said.

Along with over $200,00 in property damage, the Byarlays also lost five dogs, five cats, and a chinchilla.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690217411313.jpeg" alt="Saline County house fire 7/24/23. Photo Courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Saline County house fire 7/24/23. Photo Courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostA quick-thinking Saline County Sheriff's deputy is to thank for rescuing two Saline County residents from a house fire in rural southern Saline County.&nbsp;Shortly after midnight on July 23, a Saline County Sheriff’s deputy was sent to 1122 E. Bethel Circle to reports of an ongoing house fire. When the deputy arrived, he immediately saw the occupants of the home, Daniel and Debra Byarlay, both 68, on the roof of their home.&nbsp;"The couple escaped through an upstairs window because there was a fire down below," Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning.&nbsp;While Saline County Rural Fire District #2 was on its way, the deputy acted fast to get the couple off the roof.&nbsp;He forced his way into the Byarlay's garage, where he located a ladder."The ladder wasn't tall enough to get to the roof, so he used his patrol car to push a disabled vehicle, a pickup in the driveway, underneath the eaves of the house," Soldan said. " He placed the ladder in the bed of the pickup and was able to reach the roof of the house."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690217591573.jpeg" alt="The ladder and pickup truck that was used to get the Byarlays off the roof and in medical care. Image Courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The ladder and pickup truck that was used to get the Byarlays off the roof and in medical care. Image Courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The 26-year-old deputy, who has not yet been named, helped move both Daniel and Debra safely off the roof and away from the fire.&nbsp;The Byarlays were transported to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment of smoke inhalation. Daniel was released, Debra was transferred to Ascension Via Christi.Although the cause of the fire is still unknown, Sheriff Soldan did say the deputy noticed that electrical power to the home was out at the time of his arrival."West Star Energy had been working to restore the power down the road so there could have been a power surge or somehow power related," Soldan said.Along with over $200,00 in property damage, the Byarlays also lost five dogs, five cats, and a chinchilla.

CAUSE UNKNOWN: Saline County Sheriff’s deputy Rescues Couple From Roof of Burning Home

CLOUD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Tuesday in Cloud County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Ford Straight Truck driven by 71-year-old Dennis V. Klima of Great Bend was&nbsp; westbound on U.S. 24 thirteen miles southeast of Concordia. 

A tire on the truck blew out. The truck traveled off the road into the south field and rolled.

EMS transported Klima to&nbsp;North Central Kansas Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

CLOUD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Tuesday in Cloud County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Ford Straight Truck driven by 71-year-old Dennis V. Klima of Great Bend was&nbsp; westbound on U.S. 24 thirteen miles southeast of Concordia. A tire on the truck blew out. The truck traveled off the road into the south field and rolled.EMS transported Klima to&nbsp;North Central Kansas Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after truck rolls when tire blows out

Four finalists have been selected for the 2023 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, forestland owners, and other landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife resources in their care. &nbsp;

<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthFikCPXJSr2afwkWWx2CThusX4mG-2B6iIMV8ur01IlqMunCR__nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OAeBmQKna7OdsrxC5q0L2CfW8pqc-2FA1XrKvy9exTA6XYM6v1szcKto6cBH6Tr7xOClK0o67VzYjppwd-2F6w24N9ArwSojdaQHC1xgD8o3poumDsg4i4LzoW81-2FiZ4xZTunouemqlpKKVSSYzsfXwxVCr1Ix0HGE4Gl7KbP2mw93zz" target="_blank">Sand County Foundation</a>&nbsp;and national sponsor&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthJZjV-2B-2BoBMwgWKaYjFP7WN4-3D-CNE_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OOS8-2FsVYzQH0fkCs-2BBBnfllpbtJQslPLc9AJ2-2Be4cGH3NstjldV2rjiSdU5s0oQE8FWG6Snj7S5eegu1T0DFSQFgYpLvDvNEgS42v6AjnsJlfQ7LzWykm5B8UEra3OqJnczoffQpg2wO4DH6PaHI79edBCP9-2BXNSHcjRky5Gmy72" target="_blank">American Farmland Trust</a>&nbsp;present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Kansas the award is presented annually by&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tu10dIH13bXsbEER7PyikDm-2Bai-2BMzPN27xTIsB5pnGITyE10_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OARhsbqlVvNwLg2jyC0aGCzf9PCK5Wf0Ij-2BD-2BG9JY4rtknNvDpyPBqk2YVQGgqC4RyTXefmJQdS56yO9THOjOOPnuRlzahDBS49143P-2FMxOFxfDBamlcrkAdouGjNsUXlQhq0NuvRtSliubaC-2FHVWzrQF-2B1eKcRkX8PyCrmiUeQW" target="_blank">Sand County Foundation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthJZjV-2B-2BoBMwgWKaYjFP7WN4-3Dh9wt_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OKfUicLX5YfJUfvAaMKvJhPLlHlMewcrlY-2B3I2UdhJyGi4xXE55floYV0M7VdABVG6K7z3KcfcqO5xBF88f4JE7cHl5Vu7BBv7smdlsUUy9jnxiWvO0YvZ2KmJN6O37l9PMopZzvkpmmN2-2FxjWhjOVGc9e9VwFLQ37bIzgQ2rfvV" target="_blank">American Farmland Trust</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TlAh-2Fwkr9O-2FK9u-2BV2PzMW8ksV8YQtSwUDFFYOR-2BNK9bbIIcH_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OO38vdSHe9080LIxwFQy1eUSc5b7R-2Fr86-2B40U1wU6OY1o8RPAFdRunTvJ4VzsXnBs2XOKEQYjTAb-2FRbIoUj7zCnwuvU1J1jjbtxlAw12IvyBwrCnD6IQ6WKb-2F-2FH-2BMPiOdlS96o6pj8zIuCYBtyyRIQVSPUD5ho71Cl2wlIMq20JW" target="_blank">Kansas Association of Conservation Districts</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0ThlfF9uAiI46EhM-2BCWEvU2Zvco6lW3OMrNPzqzlv0fvNhTdT_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OLdMFebuY0ig5Shqohu5qM-2BM0jSWsnA34GHyevlGAKUe15Lco9GLJ-2F4uPeqVxtkARWkO5lPfh4KLv4QbKArjiE3Qmzm9t8tEOhqnm-2B98GixXxi2BFgg-2FIuM7mR9fWalJS9b-2BL2cgb1yqIszPYnD7Qf0Dh2Ryw424fWd663pZW1Sd" target="_blank">Ranchland Trust of Kansas</a>.

The Kansas Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts’ 79th Annual Convention in Wichita in November. The award recipient will receive $10,000 and a crystal award.

Ray and Susan Flickner of Wichita. The Flickner family farms in McPherson, Hodgeman, Dickinson and Norton counties. They installed sub-surface drip irrigation technology to become more efficient with water and nutrient applications on crops. They experiment with cover crops to improve water infiltration and suppress weeds. Their Flickner Innovation Farm is a collaboration of university, industry, and agency partners where new methods to improve soil health and conserve water are demonstrated.

Kevin Karr Family of Emporia. The Karr family raises crops and hogs in Lyon County. To reduce soil erosion, Kevin began using no-till practices in the 1980s. He credits no-till with enhancing wildlife habitat and reducing his fuel use, while building better soil structure. Weeds are naturally suppressed by planting cover crops of rye, while beneficial insects are attracted to flowering cover crops. The combination of no-till and cover crops has bolstered the farm’s resilience to drought. &nbsp;

Janus Farms of Cherryvale. Dr. Phil Eastep has improved wildlife habitat and biodiversity on his Montgomery County farmland with prescribed burning, rotationally grazing beef cattle, and removing invasive species such as cedar and sumac. To prevent erosion and promote soil health he has planted more than 125,000 trees and constructed a riverbank stabilization project. He has hosted botanical and endangered wildlife studies at his farm, and established pollinator habitat of native flowering plants.

Glenn and Barbara Walker of Brookville. The Walkers are improving soil health, wildlife habitat and water distribution on their properties in Ellsworth, Lincoln, Rice, Russell and Saline counties. By using rotational grazing to feed their beef cattle, they are also managing grassland to improve habitat for greater prairie chickens, turkeys and deer. Their investment in removing invasive red cedar trees improves water resources. Several of their properties are enrolled in the Kansas Walk-in Hunting program. &nbsp;

The first Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient was selected in 2015. The 2022 recipient was Michael Thompson of Almena.

The Leopold Conservation Award in Kansas is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, Ranchland Trust of Kansas, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, ITC Great Plains, Evergy, Kansas Department of Agriculture (Division of Conservation), Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Kansas, Green Cover Seed, McDonald’s, The Nature Conservancy, and a Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient.

In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage, which he called “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.”

“Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is excited to recognize these outstanding landowners who are committed to conservation on their land,” said Dan Meyerhoff, KACD Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with Sand County Foundation and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas to give these families the recognition they deserve."

“Ranchland Trust of Kansas is proud to be part of recognizing Kansas ranchers and farmers for their stewardship of their land,” said Barth Crouch, Ranchland Trust of Kansas Chairman. “All of the finalists are deserving of the award which is really recognition of their management efforts and sacrifice to bring their land to its highest potential.”

“These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust, celebrates the hard work and dedication of the Kansas award finalists,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tpr6xNhpzmLJpqwqrRiSYSlnTnPI7aaF-2FPGfuoj2SYxXYY8BnU-2FL0EynhQUdYclEwQ-3D-3DhVUO_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBqkIi9QpNLwQ-2FASIShSvsLBZCvoHjRptd8Ad8lhmnzIw5b9uXk4QVp5UP3j6lutcGHIij1Qh0jgXWJ-2FadQf-2BdUD1yQOXpo-2FcIfKkbtczJ6OSpRzWH0XwiXmrEGzA-2BOOreOKr2LhusbWZQp2AJIwqe7o0eGeGMY8KC5Kgl02u-2BMR" target="_blank">www.leopoldconservationaward.org</a>.&nbsp;

LEOPOLD CONSERVATION AWARD PROGRAM

The Leopold Conservation Award is a competitive award that recognizes landowner achievement in voluntary conservation. Sand County Foundation presents the award in California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont).&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tpr6xNhpzmLJpqwqrRiSYSlnTnPI7aaF-2FPGfuoj2SYxXYY8BnU-2FL0EynhQUdYclEwQ-3D-3DifYj_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OPG-2BtPtvoDFdImcYfp6MZL1VS6iJ306Xg9dnUuS6ahJ7F5WOh11Kwf23wEpWssH8879zqm3Zv-2B6c95sZMR94xFk2Orc-2FdS-2BeuCfxuWPWrtuI4UN7j10itdrwbPaaSFlG0mnsmKJoKtH8x9Bw5zZvoDxQZloV-2F-2FVfFinK2lslR6Qg" target="_blank">www.leopoldconservationaward.org</a>

American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through its No Farms, No Food message. Since its founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqEHgcPfa7g-2BDEhyzls7YCdmsLE-2FBr6lWioHaASJelZKSJVK_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OK15fI5eS-2Fr3zlvjO8KZZUTIwMqXLW1EH3DGT9yQCkGLlZ9njspGFhyOPQ3tY-2FDGVcMjK7zFr3ACQya1uLDixqqr6lYD5m8FgY4-2Bk0-2BM14lam09qrTOQqZ0DWhxhZYRCXnQYZJ1ycxP6theZlAct9UkKU5zHGCOIKtmK-2BKn4EaY9" target="_blank">www.farmland.org</a>

KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is a voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit, incorporated organization composed of members from the conservation districts located throughout Kansas’ 105 counties. Through partnerships with federal, state, and local entities, the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts has brought together groups that share the common goal of wise and efficient conservation practices that protect Kansas’ natural resources. The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts promotes and supports the establishment of programs dedicated to conservation and the organized development of Kansas land, water, and related resources.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqQ0uIE7ER9WCJ8HWUyLYHg-3D-I_P_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OD4fDsgzorcg12P2eGm3pHQfVcboe1J3PuC4NFgBd-2FnicbYBfsttLjKKXt-2BcuVC138UhcAZ5YA3et2G-2BGNhjTk88wXUcrdu7-2F3yaw2slyEATtX2A0I-2FK-2Bd-2BKU2-2BggS9E3Anq4z4Ha2Mnu-2BK7lY8u7eL5so0XOgB9Wy92l-2FdYmp7T" target="_blank">www.kacdnet.org</a>

The Ranchland Trust of Kansas is a private, non-profit organization founded by members of the Kansas Livestock Association in 2003. The organization was created to provide assistance to ranchers and landowners who desire to conserve their land with conservation easements. Guided by their mission to preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes, the Ranchland Trust of Kansas values a commitment to conservation, respect for private landownership, integrity, organizational excellence and collaboration with those who share their values. The Ranchland Trust of Kansas remains an affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0ThlfF9uAiI46EhM-2BCWEvU2ZAspG1lDjO2WLTM8b-2BpAJ8A1rz_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBJ7HIG0ZsRz65XUsf-2FrsCzdR8POH2AwQ2QsXN7ghda3a9-2FwpouMFgyhN-2FjqcQzJsrFAezF-2F5PBz92e-2Fj14yFPSE4rm3NrwXx5oEJif8Gqs0kIRAurTHtT8tLAaEscZnufVExp2v5DT3toJTYnDj9yAUy5H7rfwg-2FWWZqX8IB8fl" target="_blank">www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org</a>

SAND COUNTY FOUNDATION&nbsp;

Sand County Foundation inspires and empowers a growing number of private landowners to ethically manage natural resources in their care, so future generations have clean and abundant water, healthy soil to support agriculture and forestry, plentiful habitat for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqhLZzLyiSya1CF0bWNXKIKdXQVEpg0tu0UghQLfDEM3ivoa_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBgs-2Bh-2FQ-2Bpourj9g2TcTE9aLiBPgd4fv1-2BBfFhQiPWhSwtgDZ5L8omYRs7UImMFQ0aLDK2vzKfogsuFiUj5d3-2FnR5MApb772Vz1uwxz04k7kfsg-2BAhyqE4j7l7BvwujLzCxzv5yQzqzdr9lzIYc37HvNxuZuaORnBx2U1aU9aWfu" target="_blank">www.sandcountyfoundation.org</a>

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 </figure>News releaseFour finalists have been selected for the 2023 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, forestland owners, and other landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife resources in their care. &nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthFikCPXJSr2afwkWWx2CThusX4mG-2B6iIMV8ur01IlqMunCR__nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OAeBmQKna7OdsrxC5q0L2CfW8pqc-2FA1XrKvy9exTA6XYM6v1szcKto6cBH6Tr7xOClK0o67VzYjppwd-2F6w24N9ArwSojdaQHC1xgD8o3poumDsg4i4LzoW81-2FiZ4xZTunouemqlpKKVSSYzsfXwxVCr1Ix0HGE4Gl7KbP2mw93zz" target="_blank">Sand County Foundation</a>&nbsp;and national sponsor&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthJZjV-2B-2BoBMwgWKaYjFP7WN4-3D-CNE_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OOS8-2FsVYzQH0fkCs-2BBBnfllpbtJQslPLc9AJ2-2Be4cGH3NstjldV2rjiSdU5s0oQE8FWG6Snj7S5eegu1T0DFSQFgYpLvDvNEgS42v6AjnsJlfQ7LzWykm5B8UEra3OqJnczoffQpg2wO4DH6PaHI79edBCP9-2BXNSHcjRky5Gmy72" target="_blank">American Farmland Trust</a>&nbsp;present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Kansas the award is presented annually by&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tu10dIH13bXsbEER7PyikDm-2Bai-2BMzPN27xTIsB5pnGITyE10_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OARhsbqlVvNwLg2jyC0aGCzf9PCK5Wf0Ij-2BD-2BG9JY4rtknNvDpyPBqk2YVQGgqC4RyTXefmJQdS56yO9THOjOOPnuRlzahDBS49143P-2FMxOFxfDBamlcrkAdouGjNsUXlQhq0NuvRtSliubaC-2FHVWzrQF-2B1eKcRkX8PyCrmiUeQW" target="_blank">Sand County Foundation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=JjyQUoVmYurjzTy6hCWthJZjV-2B-2BoBMwgWKaYjFP7WN4-3Dh9wt_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OKfUicLX5YfJUfvAaMKvJhPLlHlMewcrlY-2B3I2UdhJyGi4xXE55floYV0M7VdABVG6K7z3KcfcqO5xBF88f4JE7cHl5Vu7BBv7smdlsUUy9jnxiWvO0YvZ2KmJN6O37l9PMopZzvkpmmN2-2FxjWhjOVGc9e9VwFLQ37bIzgQ2rfvV" target="_blank">American Farmland Trust</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TlAh-2Fwkr9O-2FK9u-2BV2PzMW8ksV8YQtSwUDFFYOR-2BNK9bbIIcH_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OO38vdSHe9080LIxwFQy1eUSc5b7R-2Fr86-2B40U1wU6OY1o8RPAFdRunTvJ4VzsXnBs2XOKEQYjTAb-2FRbIoUj7zCnwuvU1J1jjbtxlAw12IvyBwrCnD6IQ6WKb-2F-2FH-2BMPiOdlS96o6pj8zIuCYBtyyRIQVSPUD5ho71Cl2wlIMq20JW" target="_blank">Kansas Association of Conservation Districts</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0ThlfF9uAiI46EhM-2BCWEvU2Zvco6lW3OMrNPzqzlv0fvNhTdT_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OLdMFebuY0ig5Shqohu5qM-2BM0jSWsnA34GHyevlGAKUe15Lco9GLJ-2F4uPeqVxtkARWkO5lPfh4KLv4QbKArjiE3Qmzm9t8tEOhqnm-2B98GixXxi2BFgg-2FIuM7mR9fWalJS9b-2BL2cgb1yqIszPYnD7Qf0Dh2Ryw424fWd663pZW1Sd" target="_blank">Ranchland Trust of Kansas</a>.The Kansas Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts’ 79th Annual Convention in Wichita in November. The award recipient will receive $10,000 and a crystal award.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689970477789.jpeg" alt="The Ray and Susan Flickner family. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Ray and Susan Flickner family. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The finalists are:Ray and Susan Flickner of Wichita. The Flickner family farms in McPherson, Hodgeman, Dickinson and Norton counties. They installed sub-surface drip irrigation technology to become more efficient with water and nutrient applications on crops. They experiment with cover crops to improve water infiltration and suppress weeds. Their Flickner Innovation Farm is a collaboration of university, industry, and agency partners where new methods to improve soil health and conserve water are demonstrated.Kevin Karr Family of Emporia. The Karr family raises crops and hogs in Lyon County. To reduce soil erosion, Kevin began using no-till practices in the 1980s. He credits no-till with enhancing wildlife habitat and reducing his fuel use, while building better soil structure. Weeds are naturally suppressed by planting cover crops of rye, while beneficial insects are attracted to flowering cover crops. The combination of no-till and cover crops has bolstered the farm’s resilience to drought. &nbsp;Janus Farms of Cherryvale. Dr. Phil Eastep has improved wildlife habitat and biodiversity on his Montgomery County farmland with prescribed burning, rotationally grazing beef cattle, and removing invasive species such as cedar and sumac. To prevent erosion and promote soil health he has planted more than 125,000 trees and constructed a riverbank stabilization project. He has hosted botanical and endangered wildlife studies at his farm, and established pollinator habitat of native flowering plants.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689970600995.jpeg" alt="Glenn and Barbara Walker of Brookville. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Glenn and Barbara Walker of Brookville. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Glenn and Barbara Walker of Brookville. The Walkers are improving soil health, wildlife habitat and water distribution on their properties in Ellsworth, Lincoln, Rice, Russell and Saline counties. By using rotational grazing to feed their beef cattle, they are also managing grassland to improve habitat for greater prairie chickens, turkeys and deer. Their investment in removing invasive red cedar trees improves water resources. Several of their properties are enrolled in the Kansas Walk-in Hunting program. &nbsp;The first Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient was selected in 2015. The 2022 recipient was Michael Thompson of Almena.The Leopold Conservation Award in Kansas is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, Ranchland Trust of Kansas, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, ITC Great Plains, Evergy, Kansas Department of Agriculture (Division of Conservation), Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Kansas, Green Cover Seed, McDonald’s, The Nature Conservancy, and a Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient.In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage, which he called “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.”ACCOLADES“Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is excited to recognize these outstanding landowners who are committed to conservation on their land,” said Dan Meyerhoff, KACD Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with Sand County Foundation and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas to give these families the recognition they deserve."“Ranchland Trust of Kansas is proud to be part of recognizing Kansas ranchers and farmers for their stewardship of their land,” said Barth Crouch, Ranchland Trust of Kansas Chairman. “All of the finalists are deserving of the award which is really recognition of their management efforts and sacrifice to bring their land to its highest potential.”“These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust, celebrates the hard work and dedication of the Kansas award finalists,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tpr6xNhpzmLJpqwqrRiSYSlnTnPI7aaF-2FPGfuoj2SYxXYY8BnU-2FL0EynhQUdYclEwQ-3D-3DhVUO_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBqkIi9QpNLwQ-2FASIShSvsLBZCvoHjRptd8Ad8lhmnzIw5b9uXk4QVp5UP3j6lutcGHIij1Qh0jgXWJ-2FadQf-2BdUD1yQOXpo-2FcIfKkbtczJ6OSpRzWH0XwiXmrEGzA-2BOOreOKr2LhusbWZQp2AJIwqe7o0eGeGMY8KC5Kgl02u-2BMR" target="_blank">www.leopoldconservationaward.org</a>.&nbsp;LEOPOLD CONSERVATION AWARD PROGRAMThe Leopold Conservation Award is a competitive award that recognizes landowner achievement in voluntary conservation. Sand County Foundation presents the award in California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont).&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0Tpr6xNhpzmLJpqwqrRiSYSlnTnPI7aaF-2FPGfuoj2SYxXYY8BnU-2FL0EynhQUdYclEwQ-3D-3DifYj_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OPG-2BtPtvoDFdImcYfp6MZL1VS6iJ306Xg9dnUuS6ahJ7F5WOh11Kwf23wEpWssH8879zqm3Zv-2B6c95sZMR94xFk2Orc-2FdS-2BeuCfxuWPWrtuI4UN7j10itdrwbPaaSFlG0mnsmKJoKtH8x9Bw5zZvoDxQZloV-2F-2FVfFinK2lslR6Qg" target="_blank">www.leopoldconservationaward.org</a>AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUSTAmerican Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through its No Farms, No Food message. Since its founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqEHgcPfa7g-2BDEhyzls7YCdmsLE-2FBr6lWioHaASJelZKSJVK_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OK15fI5eS-2Fr3zlvjO8KZZUTIwMqXLW1EH3DGT9yQCkGLlZ9njspGFhyOPQ3tY-2FDGVcMjK7zFr3ACQya1uLDixqqr6lYD5m8FgY4-2Bk0-2BM14lam09qrTOQqZ0DWhxhZYRCXnQYZJ1ycxP6theZlAct9UkKU5zHGCOIKtmK-2BKn4EaY9" target="_blank">www.farmland.org</a>KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTSThe Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is a voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit, incorporated organization composed of members from the conservation districts located throughout Kansas’ 105 counties. Through partnerships with federal, state, and local entities, the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts has brought together groups that share the common goal of wise and efficient conservation practices that protect Kansas’ natural resources. The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts promotes and supports the establishment of programs dedicated to conservation and the organized development of Kansas land, water, and related resources.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqQ0uIE7ER9WCJ8HWUyLYHg-3D-I_P_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OD4fDsgzorcg12P2eGm3pHQfVcboe1J3PuC4NFgBd-2FnicbYBfsttLjKKXt-2BcuVC138UhcAZ5YA3et2G-2BGNhjTk88wXUcrdu7-2F3yaw2slyEATtX2A0I-2FK-2Bd-2BKU2-2BggS9E3Anq4z4Ha2Mnu-2BK7lY8u7eL5so0XOgB9Wy92l-2FdYmp7T" target="_blank">www.kacdnet.org</a>RANCHLAND TRUST OF KANSASThe Ranchland Trust of Kansas is a private, non-profit organization founded by members of the Kansas Livestock Association in 2003. The organization was created to provide assistance to ranchers and landowners who desire to conserve their land with conservation easements. Guided by their mission to preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes, the Ranchland Trust of Kansas values a commitment to conservation, respect for private landownership, integrity, organizational excellence and collaboration with those who share their values. The Ranchland Trust of Kansas remains an affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0ThlfF9uAiI46EhM-2BCWEvU2ZAspG1lDjO2WLTM8b-2BpAJ8A1rz_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBJ7HIG0ZsRz65XUsf-2FrsCzdR8POH2AwQ2QsXN7ghda3a9-2FwpouMFgyhN-2FjqcQzJsrFAezF-2F5PBz92e-2Fj14yFPSE4rm3NrwXx5oEJif8Gqs0kIRAurTHtT8tLAaEscZnufVExp2v5DT3toJTYnDj9yAUy5H7rfwg-2FWWZqX8IB8fl" target="_blank">www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org</a>SAND COUNTY FOUNDATION&nbsp;Sand County Foundation inspires and empowers a growing number of private landowners to ethically manage natural resources in their care, so future generations have clean and abundant water, healthy soil to support agriculture and forestry, plentiful habitat for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation.&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2FrsFmm1DyLZH2YJDeOh0TqhLZzLyiSya1CF0bWNXKIKdXQVEpg0tu0UghQLfDEM3ivoa_nenbBkpW0gHgi3p4rgiqYHmwnctgrlfv9QR4fRaoVn-2FoNEDKlChzRgXTjF3bzgpUvQbVuZu-2Bc4d-2FM1tYyskEPMbNezZd3WBTnFx66VGpJKuhFGeUl4Xfdz21H4m1gqIeD7dg9e0SjlxAkW5F5NNRJOghTw2X5SM7qWz4PuD63unuo-2B55bwRaGvOD94AMk8IejbEBxPxxCn6LvdmmnRw5OBgs-2Bh-2FQ-2Bpourj9g2TcTE9aLiBPgd4fv1-2BBfFhQiPWhSwtgDZ5L8omYRs7UImMFQ0aLDK2vzKfogsuFiUj5d3-2FnR5MApb772Vz1uwxz04k7kfsg-2BAhyqE4j7l7BvwujLzCxzv5yQzqzdr9lzIYc37HvNxuZuaORnBx2U1aU9aWfu" target="_blank">www.sandcountyfoundation.org</a>

Finalists for 2023 KS Leopold Conservation Award include area ag producers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Country music fans, mark your calendars! Rising star Cooper Alan will be performing with Frank Ray at the Kansas State Fair on Tuesday, September 12.

After graduating college, Cooper Alan packed up and moved to Nashville, TN where he has been making waves in the&nbsp;country music scene with his soulful lyrics and catchy melodies.&nbsp;The up-and-coming country star has independently built&nbsp;a fanbase of over 10 million followers and has earned over 200 million streams on his music. His hit singles include “New&nbsp;Normal”, “Tough Ones”, “Colt 45 (Country Remix)”, “Can’t Dance”, and many more.&nbsp;​ Frank Ray, hailing from Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a former police officer turned country singer who has been making a&nbsp;name for himself with his unique blend of traditional country and Latin influences. His first single with Stoney Creek&nbsp;Records, “Country’d&nbsp;Look Good On You” was the most added song on country radio by a new artist in 2021. He’s made&nbsp;his Grand Ole Opry debut, performed the National Anthem at a Titans game and has been named one of Pandora’s&nbsp;Artists to Watch 2022 as well as a CMT Next Up Now artist.&nbsp;&nbsp;​

“Cooper Alan and Frank Ray are a great combination for the Kansas State Fair audience! Their energy and passion for&nbsp;country music are sure to create an amazing entertainment experience,” said Bryan Schulz, General Manager, Kansas&nbsp;State Fair.&nbsp;&nbsp;​

Tickets are on sale now at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=e5435a2cfc&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com</a>.&nbsp; Sign up for emails at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=ab55212bcf&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">https://www.kansasstatefair.com/p/general-information1/email-updates</a>​

The show will be Tuesday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;​

Reserved seats in the Grandstand are&nbsp;$30. &nbsp;​ &nbsp;

There are several options for an upgraded Grandstand experience:&nbsp;&nbsp;​

Party alongside the 2023 Grandstand artists! The Mel Hambelton Ford Party Pit gives concertgoers the opportunity to be&nbsp;on the floor, located right in front of the stage. Each ticket is $40.&nbsp;&nbsp;​

Get all your friends close to the stage! Reserve a table on our Metal &amp; Soul Patio to enjoy the show from a private table&nbsp;that seats six. Each table is $350.&nbsp;​

Metal &amp; Soul Patio with VIP Experience&nbsp;​

Want the ultimate VIP treatment? In addition to a reserved table for six on the Metal &amp; Soul Patio, this package provides&nbsp;three beverage coupons per person, complimentary food within the VIP seating area prior to the show, 2 VIP parking&nbsp;passes, and early entrance to the Grandstand. Each table with VIP experience is $500.&nbsp;​

NOTE: Each grandstand ticket will also include a gate admission scan. Ticket will be valid on date of event only. Some&nbsp;exclusions apply. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=0daf75cf76&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com</a>&nbsp;to learn more.&nbsp;​

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=182fa4169f&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=16abd27f49&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">(620) 669-3618.</a> &nbsp;​

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

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689872220552.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Country music fans, mark your calendars! Rising star Cooper Alan will be performing with Frank Ray at the Kansas State Fair on Tuesday, September 12.After graduating college, Cooper Alan packed up and moved to Nashville, TN where he has been making waves in the&nbsp;country music scene with his soulful lyrics and catchy melodies.&nbsp;The up-and-coming country star has independently built&nbsp;a fanbase of over 10 million followers and has earned over 200 million streams on his music. His hit singles include “New&nbsp;Normal”, “Tough Ones”, “Colt 45 (Country Remix)”, “Can’t Dance”, and many more.&nbsp;​ Frank Ray, hailing from Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a former police officer turned country singer who has been making a&nbsp;name for himself with his unique blend of traditional country and Latin influences. His first single with Stoney Creek&nbsp;Records, “Country’d&nbsp;Look Good On You” was the most added song on country radio by a new artist in 2021. He’s made&nbsp;his Grand Ole Opry debut, performed the National Anthem at a Titans game and has been named one of Pandora’s&nbsp;Artists to Watch 2022 as well as a CMT Next Up Now artist.&nbsp;&nbsp;​“Cooper Alan and Frank Ray are a great combination for the Kansas State Fair audience! Their energy and passion for&nbsp;country music are sure to create an amazing entertainment experience,” said Bryan Schulz, General Manager, Kansas&nbsp;State Fair.&nbsp;&nbsp;​Tickets are on sale now at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=e5435a2cfc&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com</a>.&nbsp; Sign up for emails at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=ab55212bcf&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">https://www.kansasstatefair.com/p/general-information1/email-updates</a>​The show will be Tuesday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;​Ticket Options:&nbsp;​Reserved seats in the Grandstand are&nbsp;$30. &nbsp;​ &nbsp;There are several options for an upgraded Grandstand experience:&nbsp;&nbsp;​Mel Hambelton Ford Party Pit&nbsp;​Party alongside the 2023 Grandstand artists! The Mel Hambelton Ford Party Pit gives concertgoers the opportunity to be&nbsp;on the floor, located right in front of the stage. Each ticket is $40.&nbsp;&nbsp;​Metal &amp; Soul Patio&nbsp;​Get all your friends close to the stage! Reserve a table on our Metal &amp; Soul Patio to enjoy the show from a private table&nbsp;that seats six. Each table is $350.&nbsp;​Metal &amp; Soul Patio with VIP Experience&nbsp;​Want the ultimate VIP treatment? In addition to a reserved table for six on the Metal &amp; Soul Patio, this package provides&nbsp;three beverage coupons per person, complimentary food within the VIP seating area prior to the show, 2 VIP parking&nbsp;passes, and early entrance to the Grandstand. Each table with VIP experience is $500.&nbsp;​NOTE: Each grandstand ticket will also include a gate admission scan. Ticket will be valid on date of event only. Some&nbsp;exclusions apply. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=0daf75cf76&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com</a>&nbsp;to learn more.&nbsp;​To purchase tickets or for more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=182fa4169f&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=16abd27f49&amp;e=3291b91fe2" target="_blank">(620) 669-3618.</a> &nbsp;​<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Country Artist Cooper Alan with Frank Ray at Kansas State Fair September 12

A continuation of the heat is expected on Wednesday with heat indices ranging from 100 to 108. There will be a breeze with wind speeds at 10 to 20 mph. Hot and humid conditions will persist into the latter part of the week into the weekend. Heat indices are likely to reach 105 approaching 110 in some areas for a short period of time in the afternoon each day.&nbsp; Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated if you are working outside. Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the afternoon hours if possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690332778802.jpeg" alt="NWS-Wichita Extreme Heat" />
 <figcaption>NWS-Wichita Extreme Heat</figcaption>
 </figure> A continuation of the heat is expected on Wednesday with heat indices ranging from 100 to 108. There will be a breeze with wind speeds at 10 to 20 mph. Hot and humid conditions will persist into the latter part of the week into the weekend. Heat indices are likely to reach 105 approaching 110 in some areas for a short period of time in the afternoon each day.&nbsp; Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated if you are working outside. Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the afternoon hours if possible.

Extreme heat indices forecasted for Wednesday

Jerry Titus and his wife DeVona have made it to Salina for the 43rd annual Leadsled Spectacular, which opens on Thursday with the Sundown Cruise through downtown Salina.

The parade will start at 7:30 p.m. at Oakdale Park and will end at Santa Fe Avenue and Elm Street. 

If you can't make it downtown, you can watch a recording of the Kustom Kemps of America (KKOA) Sundown Cruise on Salina Post on Friday.

The World's oldest and biggest custom car and truck event, the Leadsled Spectacular will continue from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday in Salina's Oakdale Park.

The event will include show cars, trucks, drag machines, vintage bicycles, vendors, two working Kustom Bodyshops, automotive swappers, and custom rodding vendors, according to information from KKOA. Additionally, there will be a meet and greet event with CHIPS television star Erik Estrada.&nbsp;

Estrada came to fame 45 years ago by acting as a California Highway Patrol officer, and today, he's working in law enforcement in real life.

According to KKOA Organizer Jerry Titus, Estrada is a "superfine" guy who digs Kool cars and central Kansas. Titus said Estrada can't wait to get to Salina.

At 10 a.m. on Friday, KKOA will have a Kustom Auction at Oakdale Park.

As part of the entertainment for this year's KKOA, the number one Elvis Tribute artist and singer in the world, Victor Trevino Jr. will be performing Friday night starting at 8 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre.

Watch registered Leadsled Spectacular entries race an eighth of a mile against whoever rolls up beside them during the Run-What'ya-Brung drag races are scheduled for 4 p.m. to dusk Friday at the Berkley Family Recreational Area, 841 Markley Road.

Other events in Oakdale Park include two beauty contests, a Vintage Bicycle Spoke-tacular, and a Model Car and Pedal Car Spectacular.

<div><iframe title="Jerry Titus, 43rd Annual Leadslead KKOA Spectacular Car Show" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=vu2xm-14649b6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By SALINA POSTJerry Titus and his wife DeVona have made it to Salina for the 43rd annual Leadsled Spectacular, which opens on Thursday with the Sundown Cruise through downtown Salina.The parade will start at 7:30 p.m. at Oakdale Park and will end at Santa Fe Avenue and Elm Street. If you can't make it downtown, you can watch a recording of the Kustom Kemps of America (KKOA) Sundown Cruise on Salina Post on Friday.The World's oldest and biggest custom car and truck event, the Leadsled Spectacular will continue from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday in Salina's Oakdale Park.The event will include show cars, trucks, drag machines, vintage bicycles, vendors, two working Kustom Bodyshops, automotive swappers, and custom rodding vendors, according to information from KKOA. Additionally, there will be a meet and greet event with CHIPS television star Erik Estrada.&nbsp;Estrada came to fame 45 years ago by acting as a California Highway Patrol officer, and today, he's working in law enforcement in real life.According to KKOA Organizer Jerry Titus, Estrada is a "superfine" guy who digs Kool cars and central Kansas. Titus said Estrada can't wait to get to Salina.At 10 a.m. on Friday, KKOA will have a Kustom Auction at Oakdale Park.As part of the entertainment for this year's KKOA, the number one Elvis Tribute artist and singer in the world, Victor Trevino Jr. will be performing Friday night starting at 8 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre.Watch registered Leadsled Spectacular entries race an eighth of a mile against whoever rolls up beside them during the Run-What'ya-Brung drag races are scheduled for 4 p.m. to dusk Friday at the Berkley Family Recreational Area, 841 Markley Road.Other events in Oakdale Park include two beauty contests, a Vintage Bicycle Spoke-tacular, and a Model Car and Pedal Car Spectacular.KKOA SCHEDULE OF EVENTS<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690318775340.jpeg" alt="KKOA SCHEDULE Image Courtesy KKOA" />
 <figcaption>KKOA SCHEDULE Image Courtesy KKOA</figcaption>
 </figure>

Leadsled KKOA Spectacular in town July 27-30

National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United

At a public action on July 26, registered nurses at Ascension via Christi St. Joseph Hospital (Wichita, Kan.), Ascension via Christi St. Francis Hospital (Wichita, Kan.), and Ascension Seton Medical Center (Austin, Texas) will deliver petitions to hospital management demanding they take urgent action to improve patient care.

“Because of Ascension’s unsafe staffing levels and inadequate security protocols, nurses and our patients are constantly at risk,” said&nbsp;Becci Nash, RN&nbsp;in the adult behavioral health unit at Ascension via Christi St. Joseph. “Nurses continue to be assaulted at our hospital and in my unit. Our patients deserve to heal in a safe environment, and that starts with Ascension improving staffing through investments in recruitment and retention of nurses.”&nbsp;

Following&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/nurses-in-texas-and-kansas-move-forward-with-historic-strikes-resisting-ascension-union-busting" target="_blank">a historic one-day strike</a>&nbsp;by 2,000 registered nurses at the three hospitals over a patient safety and nurse recruitment and retention crisis, Ascension – despite deep financial resources, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/nonprofit-hospitals-deals-tax-breaks-11672068264" target="_blank">over $19.5 billion in cash reserves</a>&nbsp;– continues to short-staff units.&nbsp;

“Ascension management’s refusal to listen to nurses’ solutions have horrible consequences for patients,” said&nbsp;Monica Gonzalez, RN&nbsp;in the neurology unit at Ascension Seton. “Across all three hospitals, we’re seeing new graduates and temporary nurses take on full patient loads, despite having little to no experience or training.”&nbsp;

After Ascension nurses authorized a one-day strike, Ascension attempted to intimidate nurses with a punitive three-day lockout, a move that undermined patient care according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2023-07-07/post-lockout-seton-nurses-return-to-diminished-patient-care-and-hostile-management/" target="_blank">local</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texasobserver.org/why-nurses-are-making-lone-star-labor-history/" target="_blank">news</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kut.org/health/2023-07-06/ascension-seton-nurses-say-patient-care-suffered-during-post-strike-lockout" target="_blank">reports</a>.&nbsp;

“Our patients are our top priority and we won’t stop fighting for their safety in our facilities,” said&nbsp;Shelly Rader, RN&nbsp;in the emergency department at Ascension via Christi St. Francis Hospital. “With the support of our patients and our community, nurses in Wichita and Austin will stand in unwavering unity until Ascension invests its enormous resources into fair contracts that improve staffing.”

Chronic short-staffing imposed by Ascension hospital management –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/15/business/hospital-staffing-ascension.html" target="_blank">a practice that began well before the Covid-19 pandemic to boost profits and executive compensation</a>&nbsp;– drastically limits how much time a nurse can spend on each patient. Short-staffing also creates a revolving door of nursing staff, who suffer moral injury and distress because they can’t provide the care they know results in the best patient outcomes. Ascension is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/lists/100-of-the-largest-hospitals-and-health-systems-in-america-2023.html" target="_blank">second-largest Catholic nonprofit health system</a>&nbsp;in the country. In fiscal year 2021, Ascension reported a net income of more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/ascension-bounces-back-with-5-7b-net-income.html#:~:text=Ascension%20ended%20the%20most%20recent,%245.7%20billion%20in%20fiscal%202021" target="_blank">$5.7 billion</a>, and the system’s CEO took home a compensation package worth more than&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/453358926/202241369349312519/full" target="_blank">$13 million</a>.

The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing shows that in Texas, Kansas, and across the country, there is no nurse “shortage.” In fact, in Texas, there are nearly 128,000 registered nurses with active licenses who are choosing not to work at the bedside, while in Kansas, that number is almost 20,000. Nationwide, there are more than a million registered nurses with active licenses who are choosing not to work at the bedside because of the hospital industry’s unsafe working conditions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/sites/default/files/nnu/documents/Reporter_Memo_Hospital_Staffing_Crisis.pdf" target="_blank">More data and information debunking the nurse “shortage” myth can be found here.&nbsp;</a>

Nurses at the three hospitals are negotiating for fair contracts that would improve patient care by improving working conditions for nurses.&nbsp;

Austin – Ascension Seton Medical Center

What:&nbsp;RN petition delivery to Ascension management. When:&nbsp;Wednesday, July 26, 8:00 am. Where:&nbsp;1201 W. 38th St. Austin, TX 78705, corner of Medical Pkwy. and W 35th St.

Wichita – Ascension via Christi St. Francis Hospital&nbsp;

What:&nbsp;RN petition delivery to Ascension management. When:&nbsp;Wednesday, July 26, 8:00 a.m. Where:&nbsp;929 St. Francis, Wichita, KS, 67214, corner of E. Murdock Ave. and St. Francis

Wichita – Ascension via Christi St. Joseph Hospital&nbsp;

What:&nbsp;RN petition delivery to Ascension management. When:&nbsp;Wednesday, July 26, 7:00 a.m. Where:&nbsp;3600 E. Harry St, Wichita, KS 67218, East parking lot near Harry St. and Roosevelt St.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690317578245.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United</figcaption>
 </figure>National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses UnitedAt a public action on July 26, registered nurses at Ascension via Christi St. Joseph Hospital (Wichita, Kan.), Ascension via Christi St. Francis Hospital (Wichita, Kan.), and Ascension Seton Medical Center (Austin, Texas) will deliver petitions to hospital management demanding they take urgent action to improve patient care.“Because of Ascension’s unsafe staffing levels and inadequate security protocols, nurses and our patients are constantly at risk,” said&nbsp;Becci Nash, RN&nbsp;in the adult behavioral health unit at Ascension via Christi St. Joseph. “Nurses continue to be assaulted at our hospital and in my unit. Our patients deserve to heal in a safe environment, and that starts with Ascension improving staffing through investments in recruitment and retention of nurses.”&nbsp;Following&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/nurses-in-texas-and-kansas-move-forward-with-historic-strikes-resisting-ascension-union-busting" target="_blank">a historic one-day strike</a>&nbsp;by 2,000 registered nurses at the three hospitals over a patient safety and nurse recruitment and retention crisis, Ascension – despite deep financial resources, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/nonprofit-hospitals-deals-tax-breaks-11672068264" target="_blank">over $19.5 billion in cash reserves</a>&nbsp;– continues to short-staff units.&nbsp;“Ascension management’s refusal to listen to nurses’ solutions have horrible consequences for patients,” said&nbsp;Monica Gonzalez, RN&nbsp;in the neurology unit at Ascension Seton. “Across all three hospitals, we’re seeing new graduates and temporary nurses take on full patient loads, despite having little to no experience or training.”&nbsp;After Ascension nurses authorized a one-day strike, Ascension attempted to intimidate nurses with a punitive three-day lockout, a move that undermined patient care according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2023-07-07/post-lockout-seton-nurses-return-to-diminished-patient-care-and-hostile-management/" target="_blank">local</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texasobserver.org/why-nurses-are-making-lone-star-labor-history/" target="_blank">news</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kut.org/health/2023-07-06/ascension-seton-nurses-say-patient-care-suffered-during-post-strike-lockout" target="_blank">reports</a>.&nbsp;“Our patients are our top priority and we won’t stop fighting for their safety in our facilities,” said&nbsp;Shelly Rader, RN&nbsp;in the emergency department at Ascension via Christi St. Francis Hospital. “With the support of our patients and our community, nurses in Wichita and Austin will stand in unwavering unity until Ascension invests its enormous resources into fair contracts that improve staffing.”Chronic short-staffing imposed by Ascension hospital management –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/15/business/hospital-staffing-ascension.html" target="_blank">a practice that began well before the Covid-19 pandemic to boost profits and executive compensation</a>&nbsp;– drastically limits how much time a nurse can spend on each patient. Short-staffing also creates a revolving door of nursing staff, who suffer moral injury and distress because they can’t provide the care they know results in the best patient outcomes. Ascension is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/lists/100-of-the-largest-hospitals-and-health-systems-in-america-2023.html" target="_blank">second-largest Catholic nonprofit health system</a>&nbsp;in the country. In fiscal year 2021, Ascension reported a net income of more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/ascension-bounces-back-with-5-7b-net-income.html#:~:text=Ascension%20ended%20the%20most%20recent,%245.7%20billion%20in%20fiscal%202021" target="_blank">$5.7 billion</a>, and the system’s CEO took home a compensation package worth more than&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/453358926/202241369349312519/full" target="_blank">$13 million</a>.The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing shows that in Texas, Kansas, and across the country, there is no nurse “shortage.” In fact, in Texas, there are nearly 128,000 registered nurses with active licenses who are choosing not to work at the bedside, while in Kansas, that number is almost 20,000. Nationwide, there are more than a million registered nurses with active licenses who are choosing not to work at the bedside because of the hospital industry’s unsafe working conditions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/sites/default/files/nnu/documents/Reporter_Memo_Hospital_Staffing_Crisis.pdf" target="_blank">More data and information debunking the nurse “shortage” myth can be found here.&nbsp;</a>Nurses at the three hospitals are negotiating for fair contracts that would improve patient care by improving working conditions for nurses.&nbsp;Austin – Ascension Seton Medical CenterWhat:&nbsp;RN petition delivery to Ascension management. When:&nbsp;Wednesday, July 26, 8:00 am. Where:&nbsp;1201 W. 38th St. Austin, TX 78705, corner of Medical Pkwy. and W 35th St.Wichita – Ascension via Christi St. Francis Hospital&nbsp;What:&nbsp;RN petition delivery to Ascension management. When:&nbsp;Wednesday, July 26, 8:00 a.m. Where:&nbsp;929 St. Francis, Wichita, KS, 67214, corner of E. Murdock Ave. and St. FrancisWichita – Ascension via Christi St. Joseph Hospital&nbsp;What:&nbsp;RN petition delivery to Ascension management. When:&nbsp;Wednesday, July 26, 7:00 a.m. Where:&nbsp;3600 E. Harry St, Wichita, KS 67218, East parking lot near Harry St. and Roosevelt St.&nbsp;

Ascension nurses in Wichita to demand urgent improvements to patient safety

After nine short weeks, the Salina Public Library wrapped up a successful summer season. From prizes to parties to programs, their ultimate summer goal is to encourage the community to read. 

This year’s community reading goal was 15,000 books with a simple premise: read books and submit the number of books you read. The community blew the goal out of the water, finishing with 20,953 books read. Ninety lucky patrons won prizes for reading and submitting their books.&nbsp;

“We are ecstatic that the community far exceeded the summer reading goals of 15,000 books! Reading provides opportunities for people of all ages to explore the world and enrich their lives, but it is especially important for supporting the academic skills of our students,” said Amy Adams, Assistant Director.&nbsp; “Thank you, Salina, for showing you are readers.”

Not only did the library see increased participation with the reading goal, but the summer learning packets for grades K-8 were also very popular with over 5,000 packets completed. These learning packets help students prevent the “summer slide” (learning regression) during the summer months. Each packet completed earns the child a prize ticket. Summer learning packets can still be completed and turned in to the Technology Center for a prize ticket until July 31. Prize drawings will be on August 1.&nbsp;

Youth Programs Coordinator Heather Mettlen shared what summer looked like for Youth Services. “Summer at the Salina Public Library is our busiest time of the year for youth services staff. This summer we have had art programs, STEM classes and read lots of books. We welcomed a Mad Scientist, a fire-twirling juggler and a musician into our programs. We handed out over 800 free lunches to the youth in our community in partnership with St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church. Our goal during the summer is to keep kids having fun, continuing to learn, offering a safe environment, and helping them prepare for the next school year!”&nbsp;

The library is looking forward to the upcoming Fall season with many new programs for all age groups. Fall calendars can be picked up in the library or viewed online&nbsp;<a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/296d8420-a162-444c-bf92-2478013d11df" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690309662397.jpeg" alt="Summer at the Library. Image Courtesy Salina Public Library" />
 <figcaption>Summer at the Library. Image Courtesy Salina Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Public LibraryAfter nine short weeks, the Salina Public Library wrapped up a successful summer season. From prizes to parties to programs, their ultimate summer goal is to encourage the community to read. This year’s community reading goal was 15,000 books with a simple premise: read books and submit the number of books you read. The community blew the goal out of the water, finishing with 20,953 books read. Ninety lucky patrons won prizes for reading and submitting their books.&nbsp;“We are ecstatic that the community far exceeded the summer reading goals of 15,000 books! Reading provides opportunities for people of all ages to explore the world and enrich their lives, but it is especially important for supporting the academic skills of our students,” said Amy Adams, Assistant Director.&nbsp; “Thank you, Salina, for showing you are readers.”Not only did the library see increased participation with the reading goal, but the summer learning packets for grades K-8 were also very popular with over 5,000 packets completed. These learning packets help students prevent the “summer slide” (learning regression) during the summer months. Each packet completed earns the child a prize ticket. Summer learning packets can still be completed and turned in to the Technology Center for a prize ticket until July 31. Prize drawings will be on August 1.&nbsp;Youth Programs Coordinator Heather Mettlen shared what summer looked like for Youth Services. “Summer at the Salina Public Library is our busiest time of the year for youth services staff. This summer we have had art programs, STEM classes and read lots of books. We welcomed a Mad Scientist, a fire-twirling juggler and a musician into our programs. We handed out over 800 free lunches to the youth in our community in partnership with St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church. Our goal during the summer is to keep kids having fun, continuing to learn, offering a safe environment, and helping them prepare for the next school year!”&nbsp; The library is looking forward to the upcoming Fall season with many new programs for all age groups. Fall calendars can be picked up in the library or viewed online&nbsp;<a href="https://indd.adobe.com/view/296d8420-a162-444c-bf92-2478013d11df" target="_blank">here</a>.

Salina Public Library summer reading program exceeds goal of 15,000 books

This is day 15 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Everyone in the wheat supply chain is feeling the drag of a long and difficult harvest season. Harvest is still only 87 percent complete, well behind 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 98 percent, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report for the week ending July 23, 2023.

Producers generally like to wrap up harvest by the Fourth of July across the draw area for Garden City Co-op, but general manager Jeff Boyd noted there are a number of farmers still cutting and hauling in grain. A big storm that dropped three to five inches of rain and hail Thursday, July 20, further delayed those final fields, but with triple-digit temperatures this week, most producers should be able to finish up.&nbsp;

“That’s been the story of this harvest and why we still have folks out there with acres to cut,” Boyd said. “I don’t remember one being this late.”&nbsp;

At the beginning of wheat harvest in Finney County and the surrounding area, test weights were good at 60 to 61 pounds per bushel but are now averaging just under 59 pounds per bushel due to continued rain. Moisture has stayed steady at 12 percent. Proteins are averaging in the 12 percent range.&nbsp;

Yields are highly variable with a lot of abandoned acres with some fields not even germinating until January and February. Boyd reported they expected a big difference between planted and harvested acres, but the cooperative will take in about half the bushels of a 10-year average crop, which is better than anyone expected in the spring.&nbsp;

Wheat producers planted into dust last fall and are now harvesting in the mud, having received a year’s worth of rain since April - some areas up to 15 inches. Boyd noted there is still a moisture deficiency to make up, despite the continued summer showers, which currently good-looking fall crops will need to get to harvest.&nbsp;

Despite the seemingly constant rain delays and ever-increasing weed pressure, wheat farmers like Gary Millershaski in Lakin are stubborn and determined to do whatever it takes to finish cutting the fields left standing. On Monday, July 24, Millershaski was cutting wheat that should have been cut a month ago, but was set back by finally getting rain, mud, then more rain, then weeds, then having to spray fields and wait for residual periods to expire, then more rain. His friends in Oregon and Montana are already cutting their winter wheat, which is always on a different harvest schedule than his Kansas farm.&nbsp;

“I’m not mad, I’m frustrated,” he said. “It has been a mess.”

The entire growing season for Millershaski has been a battle. Before May 15, his acres only had received six to eight inches of moisture for the last year and a half. He planted wheat at the end of September and only had 30 to 40 percent emergence due to the drought. Where the wheat did come up after a small snow in January or rain in May, a lot did not produce kernels. After crop insurance agents adjusted those poor acres anywhere from zero to 2.5 bushels per acre, he destroyed all but 15 percent of his planted acres.&nbsp;

There in the southern half of Kearny County, he estimated up to 90 percent of wheat acres were abandoned. In comparison, the northern half of the county saw unbelievable yields if producers were fortunate enough to get the wheat to come up. Those yields were boosted by a complete turn in the weather after May 15. Since that time, Millershaski reported receiving 16 to 17 inches of rain.&nbsp;

That rain helped fill heads, even if it brought with it troublesome weeds. Millershaski reported test weights started as high as 61.7 pounds per bushel and protein should be higher than average due to the prior drought conditions. If he averages 25 bushels an acre on the fields he has left, he said he will be tickled to death.&nbsp;

As the rain has continued falling, test weights have dropped down to 56 or 57 pounds per bushel, and elevators are now sending samples of nearly every load to the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) to check for potential damage. As a result, it can take up to three days for the producer to know their dockage levels, which Millershaski said is frustrating, but a necessary part of what the cooperatives need to do to sustain local operations.&nbsp;

“We’re back to cutting again,” Millershaski said. “With any luck, I’ll wrap it up tomorrow.”

Millershaski turned 60 years old this year. Of all his harvests, he has never cut this late and the poor year ranks at the very bottom. Despite that struggle, he and his two sons are already on the list for the varieties they selected to plant this fall - refusing to let this year be their last.&nbsp;

“We’re planning for next year,” he said. “If we were throwing in the towel, we wouldn’t be cutting this crap right now.”

“Nobody likes to quit a failure. I’ll be danged if I’m going to quit on a bad year. I may retire after the year of the home-run-over-the-fence yields, but I don’t see how I could quit.”

Crop insurance helps provide a bridge from this bad year to a hopefully better harvest next year, but Millershaski was quick to point out that not many could average out their yearly wages for the past 15 years, take 60 to 70 percent of that and make that work for their budgets.&nbsp;

“If it weren’t for crop insurance, there would be a lot of people that would not be here next year,” Millershaski said.&nbsp;

His son Kyler is off the combine and back in Washington, DC, this week, visiting with Congressional leaders about the importance of programs like crop insurance to helping farmers like themselves persist through bad years like this one. Millershaski said he’s fortunate to have two sons that didn’t want to do anything but farm and are home working as the next generation in the operation.&nbsp;

“This is our passion,” he said, noting he wished he could explain the good smell of a shovel full of good dirt in the spring or the soothing feel of ripe wheat to the touch. “This is what we do.”&nbsp;

The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. Tag us at @kansaswheat on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to share your harvest story and photos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690309393965.png" alt="Harvest Report Day 15 Image Courtesy Kansas Wheat" />
 <figcaption>Harvest Report Day 15 Image Courtesy Kansas Wheat</figcaption>
 </figure>JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatThis is day 15 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Everyone in the wheat supply chain is feeling the drag of a long and difficult harvest season. Harvest is still only 87 percent complete, well behind 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 98 percent, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report for the week ending July 23, 2023.Producers generally like to wrap up harvest by the Fourth of July across the draw area for Garden City Co-op, but general manager Jeff Boyd noted there are a number of farmers still cutting and hauling in grain. A big storm that dropped three to five inches of rain and hail Thursday, July 20, further delayed those final fields, but with triple-digit temperatures this week, most producers should be able to finish up.&nbsp;“That’s been the story of this harvest and why we still have folks out there with acres to cut,” Boyd said. “I don’t remember one being this late.”&nbsp;At the beginning of wheat harvest in Finney County and the surrounding area, test weights were good at 60 to 61 pounds per bushel but are now averaging just under 59 pounds per bushel due to continued rain. Moisture has stayed steady at 12 percent. Proteins are averaging in the 12 percent range.&nbsp;Yields are highly variable with a lot of abandoned acres with some fields not even germinating until January and February. Boyd reported they expected a big difference between planted and harvested acres, but the cooperative will take in about half the bushels of a 10-year average crop, which is better than anyone expected in the spring.&nbsp;Wheat producers planted into dust last fall and are now harvesting in the mud, having received a year’s worth of rain since April - some areas up to 15 inches. Boyd noted there is still a moisture deficiency to make up, despite the continued summer showers, which currently good-looking fall crops will need to get to harvest.&nbsp;Despite the seemingly constant rain delays and ever-increasing weed pressure, wheat farmers like Gary Millershaski in Lakin are stubborn and determined to do whatever it takes to finish cutting the fields left standing. On Monday, July 24, Millershaski was cutting wheat that should have been cut a month ago, but was set back by finally getting rain, mud, then more rain, then weeds, then having to spray fields and wait for residual periods to expire, then more rain. His friends in Oregon and Montana are already cutting their winter wheat, which is always on a different harvest schedule than his Kansas farm.&nbsp;“I’m not mad, I’m frustrated,” he said. “It has been a mess.”The entire growing season for Millershaski has been a battle. Before May 15, his acres only had received six to eight inches of moisture for the last year and a half. He planted wheat at the end of September and only had 30 to 40 percent emergence due to the drought. Where the wheat did come up after a small snow in January or rain in May, a lot did not produce kernels. After crop insurance agents adjusted those poor acres anywhere from zero to 2.5 bushels per acre, he destroyed all but 15 percent of his planted acres.&nbsp;There in the southern half of Kearny County, he estimated up to 90 percent of wheat acres were abandoned. In comparison, the northern half of the county saw unbelievable yields if producers were fortunate enough to get the wheat to come up. Those yields were boosted by a complete turn in the weather after May 15. Since that time, Millershaski reported receiving 16 to 17 inches of rain.&nbsp;That rain helped fill heads, even if it brought with it troublesome weeds. Millershaski reported test weights started as high as 61.7 pounds per bushel and protein should be higher than average due to the prior drought conditions. If he averages 25 bushels an acre on the fields he has left, he said he will be tickled to death.&nbsp;As the rain has continued falling, test weights have dropped down to 56 or 57 pounds per bushel, and elevators are now sending samples of nearly every load to the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) to check for potential damage. As a result, it can take up to three days for the producer to know their dockage levels, which Millershaski said is frustrating, but a necessary part of what the cooperatives need to do to sustain local operations.&nbsp;“We’re back to cutting again,” Millershaski said. “With any luck, I’ll wrap it up tomorrow.”Millershaski turned 60 years old this year. Of all his harvests, he has never cut this late and the poor year ranks at the very bottom. Despite that struggle, he and his two sons are already on the list for the varieties they selected to plant this fall - refusing to let this year be their last.&nbsp;“We’re planning for next year,” he said. “If we were throwing in the towel, we wouldn’t be cutting this crap right now.”“Nobody likes to quit a failure. I’ll be danged if I’m going to quit on a bad year. I may retire after the year of the home-run-over-the-fence yields, but I don’t see how I could quit.”Crop insurance helps provide a bridge from this bad year to a hopefully better harvest next year, but Millershaski was quick to point out that not many could average out their yearly wages for the past 15 years, take 60 to 70 percent of that and make that work for their budgets.&nbsp;“If it weren’t for crop insurance, there would be a lot of people that would not be here next year,” Millershaski said.&nbsp;His son Kyler is off the combine and back in Washington, DC, this week, visiting with Congressional leaders about the importance of programs like crop insurance to helping farmers like themselves persist through bad years like this one. Millershaski said he’s fortunate to have two sons that didn’t want to do anything but farm and are home working as the next generation in the operation.&nbsp;“This is our passion,” he said, noting he wished he could explain the good smell of a shovel full of good dirt in the spring or the soothing feel of ripe wheat to the touch. “This is what we do.”&nbsp;The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. Tag us at @kansaswheat on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to share your harvest story and photos.

Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports: Day 15

K-State Research and Extension News Service

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Describing herself as “a small town, rural agriculture type of girl,” Jane Schuh has taken the reins as director of research for Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690308374086.png" alt="Jane Schuh, KSRE Photo" />
 <figcaption>Jane Schuh, KSRE Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Research and Extension News ServiceMANHATTAN, Kan. – Describing herself as “a small town, rural agriculture type of girl,” Jane Schuh has taken the reins as director of research for Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture.Schuh is a veteran of academia, having built a successful career in cellular and molecular biology. She was most recently the director of strategic initiatives for North Dakota State University’s Division of Agricultural Affairs.<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2023/05/agriculture-jane-schuh-director-of-research.html">She began her duties as the director and associate dean</a>&nbsp;for the K-State College of Agriculture’s research and graduate programs on July 1.Schuh recently answered questions on the weekday radio podcast,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.agtoday.net/">Agriculture Today</a>, produced by K-State Research and Extension. The following is a portion of that interview.Working in agriculture seems to be a natural fit for you, considering your background, right?Schuh:&nbsp;Yes. I am a small-town, rural agriculture type of girl. I grew up on a farm about five miles out of the tiny town of Sheldon, North Dakota… I am very familiar with rural living. Then, I graduated from a land-grant university at North Dakota State and spent a number of years there as an administrator, researcher, and teacher. So that land-grant mission of service to people is near and dear to my heart.What are some things that you're really excited about in terms of research at Kansas State and the value it brings to farmers?Schuh:&nbsp;Well I think there's a lot of opportunity and people have seen that in the huge investment in infrastructure and facilities that the university is making. The facilities K-State is building are going to be world class.Facilities bring together researchers from different disciplines. One reason you go to a comprehensive research university is because it's one-stop shopping. If you've got a big problem…there are people that have the knowledge and know-how to help. In any particular project, you might be bringing in economists, or people from sociology or maybe people from engineering or many other areas of agriculture. They can work together and really be responsive to producers and people in industry.Being able to collaborate across many disciplines for different needs is something that I think is just tremendously exciting and that reflects investment in agriculture and in the economy of the state. It's something that I can't wait to join in.Some things stick out in what you’re saying, including your commitment not only to research, but also to teaching and outreach.Schuh:&nbsp;Absolutely. One of the things that really drew me to this opportunity was not only the need to collaborate, but really the desire to increase collaboration across the entire university. And so when I look at my background -- being able to work with public-private partnerships, business, federal research and state agencies -- I think that really fits well into what I see as opportunities growing in Kansas right now.As a university, we can provide the teaching and training that the workforce needs. We need to work with producers and industry to learn their needs for students that we're training, so that they’re ready to move out into the workforce.One of the things that I have always been very proud of in working at a land-grant university is the outreach component, or extension, where not only are we extending the knowledge that is created on campus, but we're also getting knowledge from producers about what we should be doing next.There’s no need to tell you, but water is always going to be a key topic in agriculture, right?Schuh:&nbsp;Definitely. Water is important. I didn’t have to talk to too many people to hear water come up. But, really, it’s a tremendous opportunity for all of that university collaboration to come together around a central issue.We can’t look at that from one perspective, because there's not just one perspective that's going to be able to fix things… It really is going to be multiple perspectives looking at challenges in different ways. It's going to be conservation, it's going to be changes in how we do things, and an understanding of why we're doing things, and outreach and extension is really important.Kansas and Kansas State have been leaders of some national and international labs, looking at how the issues we are working on here can have impact on the global scale… One of the things that I always think about when I think about sustainability… is how does the farmer sustain a good way of life for themselves and their family and be able to pass that on to the next generation? What does that look like and how do we help support that in the land grant mission?So, yes, we absolutely have an opportunity to be a global leader at Kansas State.Listen to the full interview with Jane Schuh online at&nbsp;<a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/27484875">https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/27484875</a>.