Mark your calendars! One of the larger spring farm shows in the Midwest is coming to Salina in March.

The 58th annual Mid America Farm Expo is scheduled for March 22-24, the Salina Chamber of Commerce announced this morning. Hours will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 22-23 and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. March 24.

The expo, which draws more than 5,000 attendees over three days, will be headquartered at Tony's Pizza Events Center (TPEC), 800 The Midway, with displays also across the street in the Saline County Livestock &amp; Expo Center's Ag Hall, and outdoors in front of Ag Hall and in the TPEC west parking lot.

The latest in farm technology, equipment, and supplies will be on display in approximately 250 exhibits, including some expo exhibit favorites as well as several new exhibits, the chamber noted.

The expo also will feature a variety of seminars by agriculture leaders, including the following.

10-11:30 a.m.: Basics of Farm Transition Planning with Shannon Ferrell from Oklahoma State University

1:30-3 p.m.: Mechanics of Building a Farm Legacy: Transactional Tools for Farm Transitions with Ferrell

10-11:30 a.m.: The State of Carbon Credit Programs with Micah Cameron-Harp of Kansas State University

1:30-3 p.m.: The US Ag Economy: How are we looking? with Brian Briggeman from K-State

10-11:30 a.m.: Grain and Livestock Market Outlook with Don Close and Cody Barilla from Terrain Ag

For more information about the Mid-America Farm Expo, visit <a href="http://www.salinakansas.org/midamericafarmexpo.html">salinakansas.org/midamericafarmexpo.html</a>.

By SALINA POSTMark your calendars! One of the larger spring farm shows in the Midwest is coming to Salina in March.The 58th annual Mid America Farm Expo is scheduled for March 22-24, the Salina Chamber of Commerce announced this morning. Hours will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 22-23 and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. March 24.The expo, which draws more than 5,000 attendees over three days, will be headquartered at Tony's Pizza Events Center (TPEC), 800 The Midway, with displays also across the street in the Saline County Livestock &amp; Expo Center's Ag Hall, and outdoors in front of Ag Hall and in the TPEC west parking lot.The latest in farm technology, equipment, and supplies will be on display in approximately 250 exhibits, including some expo exhibit favorites as well as several new exhibits, the chamber noted.The expo also will feature a variety of seminars by agriculture leaders, including the following.March 2210-11:30 a.m.: Basics of Farm Transition Planning with Shannon Ferrell from Oklahoma State University1:30-3 p.m.: Mechanics of Building a Farm Legacy: Transactional Tools for Farm Transitions with FerrellMarch 2310-11:30 a.m.: The State of Carbon Credit Programs with Micah Cameron-Harp of Kansas State University1:30-3 p.m.: The US Ag Economy: How are we looking? with Brian Briggeman from K-StateMarch 2410-11:30 a.m.: Grain and Livestock Market Outlook with Don Close and Cody Barilla from Terrain AgFor more information about the Mid-America Farm Expo, visit <a href="http://www.salinakansas.org/midamericafarmexpo.html">salinakansas.org/midamericafarmexpo.html</a>.

58th annual Mid America Farm Expo set for March 22-24

&nbsp; To apply today, click&nbsp;<a href="https://glassmancorp.com/careers/">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673636334828.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; To apply today, click&nbsp;<a href="https://glassmancorp.com/careers/">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chicken Noodle Dinner to benefit church fund, Salina Grace

LINDSBORG - Two recently announced grants will help with restoration projects at the Lindsborg Old Mill &amp; Swedish Heritage Museum.

Swedish Pavilion porch project The museum has received a $20,000 grant from the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation of San Francisco, Calif., to be used to repair the badly deteriorating porch on the 119-year-old Swedish Pavilion.

Barbro Sachs-Osher, chair of the foundation, said that on the occasions she has visited Lindsborg, it felt like visiting Sweden itself, with a Dala horse around every corner. She said the museum had an important role in keeping Swedish traditions alive in the region, which is why the foundation selected the repair project for the grant.

“There is a Swedish legacy in Kansas and in Lindsborg in particular,” she said. “Without by the history, we are nowhere and this is an important legacy in the Midwest. When we were there, we were deeply touched by how you keep the Swedish history and legacy up to date in keeping the Swedish history of Lindsborg.”

Smoky Valley Roller Mills restoration project The museum also received an $87,350 grant from the Heritage Trust Fund to be used for the restoration of the historic 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills. The state program, under the Kansas Historical Society, provides matching grants to help preserve historic locations in the state listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the Register of Historic Kansas Places, according to information provided by the museum.

“With 2023 marking the 125th anniversary of the construction of the mill, this is a wonderful recognition of the Old Mill’s historical value,” said Lenora Lynam, executive director of the museum. “These funds provide essential support and will allow us to make important repairs to preserve this treasure on the Smoky Hill River.”

The grant must be matched at 20 percent by the grant recipient. The museum secured funds for that match when it received $20,000 in grant funding from the McPherson County Community Foundation in early November, the museum noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635994805108.jpeg" alt="The Old Mill &amp; Swedish Heritage Museum. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Old Mill &amp; Swedish Heritage Museum. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTLINDSBORG - Two recently announced grants will help with restoration projects at the Lindsborg Old Mill &amp; Swedish Heritage Museum.Swedish Pavilion porch project The museum has received a $20,000 grant from the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation of San Francisco, Calif., to be used to repair the badly deteriorating porch on the 119-year-old Swedish Pavilion.Barbro Sachs-Osher, chair of the foundation, said that on the occasions she has visited Lindsborg, it felt like visiting Sweden itself, with a Dala horse around every corner. She said the museum had an important role in keeping Swedish traditions alive in the region, which is why the foundation selected the repair project for the grant.“There is a Swedish legacy in Kansas and in Lindsborg in particular,” she said. “Without by the history, we are nowhere and this is an important legacy in the Midwest. When we were there, we were deeply touched by how you keep the Swedish history and legacy up to date in keeping the Swedish history of Lindsborg.”Smoky Valley Roller Mills restoration project The museum also received an $87,350 grant from the Heritage Trust Fund to be used for the restoration of the historic 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills. The state program, under the Kansas Historical Society, provides matching grants to help preserve historic locations in the state listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the Register of Historic Kansas Places, according to information provided by the museum. “With 2023 marking the 125th anniversary of the construction of the mill, this is a wonderful recognition of the Old Mill’s historical value,” said Lenora Lynam, executive director of the museum. “These funds provide essential support and will allow us to make important repairs to preserve this treasure on the Smoky Hill River.”The grant must be matched at 20 percent by the grant recipient. The museum secured funds for that match when it received $20,000 in grant funding from the McPherson County Community Foundation in early November, the museum noted.

Grants designated to help restore parts of Lindsborg museum

By&nbsp;GRANT GUGGISBERG K-State News and Communications Services

MANHATTAN — The&nbsp;<a href="https://engg.ksu.edu/agc/" target="_blank">student chapter of Associated General Contractors of Kansas</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.are-cns.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">GE Johnson Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science</a>&nbsp;took eight students and two faculty advisors on its annual winter break service project. The six-day trip in January to Mayfield, Kentucky, served residents left with damage in the wake of a deadly EF4 tornado that hit the area in December 2021. Chapter members from K-State have organized and participated in these service work trips over the winter break for more than a decade. This year's trip was unique because the student chapter of Associated General Contractors at Murray State University offered to join in the cleanup effort and hosted the K-State group in the evenings in Murray, Kentucky, about 25 miles away. "It was a cool experience for our students to serve others and gain hands-on experience with work like this," said Shannon Casebeer, associate professor, Jim and Carolyn Grier construction science chair and faculty adviser for the Associated General Contractors of Kansas student chapter. "The opportunity to make new friends and build future professional connections in the industry with the Murray State group made the trip even better." Accompanying Casebeer in a faculty advisory role was Ray Buyle, Tointon Construction Management chair, professor and department head of architectural engineering and construction science.

The trip was funded through donations from the following industry firms, listed alphabetically: BHS Construction, Central Consolidated, Eby Construction, JE Dunn, Kelly Construction, Key Construction, McCownGordon, Swinerton Builders, Walters-Morgan and Whiting Turner. K-State students participating in the project include: Ben Husband, senior in construction science and management,&nbsp;Garden Plain;&nbsp;Noah Bartel, sophomore in construction science and management,&nbsp;Hillsboro;&nbsp;Peter Bishop, sophomore in construction science and management,&nbsp;Olathe;&nbsp;Abby Collins, junior in architectural engineering, and Nicholas Divilbiss, senior in architectural engineering, both from&nbsp;Overland Park;&nbsp;and&nbsp;Levi Johnson, senior in architectural engineering,&nbsp;Salina. From out of state: Taylor Case, senior in construction science and management,&nbsp;Russellville, Mo.;&nbsp;and&nbsp;Madelyn Salmonowicz, senior in architectural engineering,&nbsp;St. Louis, Mo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676905400766.jpeg" alt="Members of the Associated General Contractors of Kansas student chapter traveled to Mayfield, Ky., in January to serve local residents affected by an EF4 tornado in December 2021. From left: Noah Bartel, Madelyn Salmonowicz, Levi Johnson, Peter Bishop, Nick Divilbiss, Taylor Case, Abby Collins, and Ben Husband. Photos courtesy KSU" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Associated General Contractors of Kansas student chapter traveled to Mayfield, Ky., in January to serve local residents affected by an EF4 tornado in December 2021. From left: Noah Bartel, Madelyn Salmonowicz, Levi Johnson, Peter Bishop, Nick Divilbiss, Taylor Case, Abby Collins, and Ben Husband. Photos courtesy KSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;GRANT GUGGISBERG K-State News and Communications ServicesMANHATTAN — The&nbsp;<a href="https://engg.ksu.edu/agc/" target="_blank">student chapter of Associated General Contractors of Kansas</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.are-cns.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">GE Johnson Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science</a>&nbsp;took eight students and two faculty advisors on its annual winter break service project. The six-day trip in January to Mayfield, Kentucky, served residents left with damage in the wake of a deadly EF4 tornado that hit the area in December 2021. Chapter members from K-State have organized and participated in these service work trips over the winter break for more than a decade. This year's trip was unique because the student chapter of Associated General Contractors at Murray State University offered to join in the cleanup effort and hosted the K-State group in the evenings in Murray, Kentucky, about 25 miles away. "It was a cool experience for our students to serve others and gain hands-on experience with work like this," said Shannon Casebeer, associate professor, Jim and Carolyn Grier construction science chair and faculty adviser for the Associated General Contractors of Kansas student chapter. "The opportunity to make new friends and build future professional connections in the industry with the Murray State group made the trip even better." Accompanying Casebeer in a faculty advisory role was Ray Buyle, Tointon Construction Management chair, professor and department head of architectural engineering and construction science.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676905565181.jpeg" alt="Members of the AGC Kansas student chapter tear down subfloor from a destroyed building. From left: Nick Divilbiss, Ben Husband, Ray Buyle, Shannon Casebeer, and Noah Bartel." />
 <figcaption>Members of the AGC Kansas student chapter tear down subfloor from a destroyed building. From left: Nick Divilbiss, Ben Husband, Ray Buyle, Shannon Casebeer, and Noah Bartel.</figcaption>
 </figure>The trip was funded through donations from the following industry firms, listed alphabetically: BHS Construction, Central Consolidated, Eby Construction, JE Dunn, Kelly Construction, Key Construction, McCownGordon, Swinerton Builders, Walters-Morgan and Whiting Turner. K-State students participating in the project include: Ben Husband, senior in construction science and management,&nbsp;Garden Plain;&nbsp;Noah Bartel, sophomore in construction science and management,&nbsp;Hillsboro;&nbsp;Peter Bishop, sophomore in construction science and management,&nbsp;Olathe;&nbsp;Abby Collins, junior in architectural engineering, and Nicholas Divilbiss, senior in architectural engineering, both from&nbsp;Overland Park;&nbsp;and&nbsp;Levi Johnson, senior in architectural engineering,&nbsp;Salina. From out of state: Taylor Case, senior in construction science and management,&nbsp;Russellville, Mo.;&nbsp;and&nbsp;Madelyn Salmonowicz, senior in architectural engineering,&nbsp;St. Louis, Mo.

Hillsboro, Salina students part of KSU volunteer service trip

ABILENE - The upcoming Lunch &amp; Learn program will take a look at President Dwight D. Eisenhower's achievements after World War II and into the early part of the Cold War and the development of United States foreign policy.

The program, either in-person or online, is scheduled for noon Thursday. Those attending in person are encouraged to arrive in the library building courtyard by 11:45 a.m. and park in the south parking lot nearest the library building. A light box lunch will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. For those wishing to join remotely, the program is scheduled to stream live on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAIv1lBmMGE">YouTube</a>.

The guest speaker is scheduled to be Jeremy Black, professor of history at Exeter University, who will join the program remotely. Black puts Eisenhower’s achievements into the context of the shorter term of WWII aftermath and early stages of the Cold War paired with the longer term development of American foreign policy.

About the speaker courtesy the Eisenhower Presidential Library Black is a prolific lecturer and writer, the author of more than 100 books. Many concern aspects of eighteenth-century British, European, and American political, diplomatic, and military history. He has also broadened his perspective, both temporally and geographically, and published on the history of the press, cartography, warfare, and culture and on the nature and uses of history itself.

The Lunch &amp; Learn is made possible by the Eisenhower Foundation and the Jeffcoat Memorial Foundation.

About the Eisenhower Presidential Library The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is one of 15 Presidential Libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Presidential libraries promote understanding of the presidency and the American experience. They preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire. To learn more, visit <a href="http://eisenhowerlibrary.gov">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>.

By SALINA POSTABILENE - The upcoming Lunch &amp; Learn program will take a look at President Dwight D. Eisenhower's achievements after World War II and into the early part of the Cold War and the development of United States foreign policy.The program, either in-person or online, is scheduled for noon Thursday. Those attending in person are encouraged to arrive in the library building courtyard by 11:45 a.m. and park in the south parking lot nearest the library building. A light box lunch will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. For those wishing to join remotely, the program is scheduled to stream live on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAIv1lBmMGE">YouTube</a>.The guest speaker is scheduled to be Jeremy Black, professor of history at Exeter University, who will join the program remotely. Black puts Eisenhower’s achievements into the context of the shorter term of WWII aftermath and early stages of the Cold War paired with the longer term development of American foreign policy.About the speaker courtesy the Eisenhower Presidential Library Black is a prolific lecturer and writer, the author of more than 100 books. Many concern aspects of eighteenth-century British, European, and American political, diplomatic, and military history. He has also broadened his perspective, both temporally and geographically, and published on the history of the press, cartography, warfare, and culture and on the nature and uses of history itself.The Lunch &amp; Learn is made possible by the Eisenhower Foundation and the Jeffcoat Memorial Foundation.About the Eisenhower Presidential Library The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is one of 15 Presidential Libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Presidential libraries promote understanding of the presidency and the American experience. They preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire. To learn more, visit <a href="http://eisenhowerlibrary.gov">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>.

Lunch & Learn: Eisenhower, Cold War, American role

K-State horticulture expert gets you ready for planting this year’s crop

K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN –&nbsp;It’s still nearly three months before Kansas gardeners begin to put tomato plants into the ground. Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham says that’s an opportunity for gardeners to set themselves up for a bountiful season.&nbsp;

“Most of the varieties available to home gardeners are either indeterminate or semi-determinate,” Upham said.&nbsp;

Indeterminate plants are traditional tomatoes that never stop growing. They are capable of producing fruit throughout the season unless disease stops production or frost kills the plant.&nbsp;

Semi-determinate plants are more compact, but also are capable of producing fruit throughout the season. Another classification is known as determinate, or those varieties that produce one large crop but then virtually nothing afterwards.&nbsp;

“Gardeners with limited space will likely prefer indeterminate or semi-determinate types to stretch out the harvest season,” Upham said. “If there is space, you may want to grow a combination of all three, with the determinates used to produce a large harvest for canning or tomato juice, and the remainder for fresh eating.”&nbsp;

In Kansas, tomatoes are generally planted in early- to mid-May, or when daytime temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the state has passed the frost-free date. In some areas, such as the northwest part of the state, conditions might not be right for planting tomatoes until the middle of May or a bit later, according to Upham.&nbsp;

Even though indeterminate and semi-determinate varieties produce fruit throughout the season, “our hot Kansas summers often cause a dry spell in production in both types,” Upham said.&nbsp;

Tomatoes are less likely to set fruit when night temperatures remain above 75 F and day temperatures are above 95 F. Hot, dry winds make the situation worse, Upham said.&nbsp;

Each year,&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/master-gardeners/" target="_blank">Kansas Master Gardeners</a>&nbsp;plant and rate a number of tomato varieties. Upham noted that a subsequent trial is conducted by a colleague with the University of Missouri extension service.&nbsp;

Results of trials conducted by Kansas’ Master Gardeners vary by county. Interested persons are encouraged to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">contact their local extension office</a>&nbsp;for more information on varieties that perform well in their area.&nbsp;

Upham said the University of Missouri trials also give valuable information on varieties that perform well in this region. The data from Missouri’s extension service showed that the top 10 varieties (based on pounds of fruit harvested per plant) are:&nbsp;

Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;

Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">local extension office</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612708699033.jpeg" alt="It's time to start thinking about tomatoes. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>It's time to start thinking about tomatoes. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State horticulture expert gets you ready for planting this year’s crop</h2>K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN –&nbsp;It’s still nearly three months before Kansas gardeners begin to put tomato plants into the ground. Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham says that’s an opportunity for gardeners to set themselves up for a bountiful season.&nbsp;“Most of the varieties available to home gardeners are either indeterminate or semi-determinate,” Upham said.&nbsp;Indeterminate plants are traditional tomatoes that never stop growing. They are capable of producing fruit throughout the season unless disease stops production or frost kills the plant.&nbsp;Semi-determinate plants are more compact, but also are capable of producing fruit throughout the season. Another classification is known as determinate, or those varieties that produce one large crop but then virtually nothing afterwards.&nbsp;“Gardeners with limited space will likely prefer indeterminate or semi-determinate types to stretch out the harvest season,” Upham said. “If there is space, you may want to grow a combination of all three, with the determinates used to produce a large harvest for canning or tomato juice, and the remainder for fresh eating.”&nbsp;In Kansas, tomatoes are generally planted in early- to mid-May, or when daytime temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the state has passed the frost-free date. In some areas, such as the northwest part of the state, conditions might not be right for planting tomatoes until the middle of May or a bit later, according to Upham.&nbsp;Even though indeterminate and semi-determinate varieties produce fruit throughout the season, “our hot Kansas summers often cause a dry spell in production in both types,” Upham said.&nbsp;Tomatoes are less likely to set fruit when night temperatures remain above 75 F and day temperatures are above 95 F. Hot, dry winds make the situation worse, Upham said.&nbsp;Tomato trials&nbsp;Each year,&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/master-gardeners/" target="_blank">Kansas Master Gardeners</a>&nbsp;plant and rate a number of tomato varieties. Upham noted that a subsequent trial is conducted by a colleague with the University of Missouri extension service.&nbsp;Results of trials conducted by Kansas’ Master Gardeners vary by county. Interested persons are encouraged to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">contact their local extension office</a>&nbsp;for more information on varieties that perform well in their area.&nbsp;Upham said the University of Missouri trials also give valuable information on varieties that perform well in this region. The data from Missouri’s extension service showed that the top 10 varieties (based on pounds of fruit harvested per plant) are:&nbsp;Anna RussianCherokee PurpleGerman JohnsonBeef MasterEarly GirlBig BoyBrandywine BlackJet StarCelebrityBig BeefUpham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">local extension office</a>.&nbsp;

It’s February: Are you thinking about tomatoes yet? 

Four hundred twenty-nine House bills and 267 Senate bills have been filed in Topeka. After committees have taken their final actions Monday and Tuesday, both chambers will debate those passed out of their committees. “Turnaround Day” is Feb. 24 when bills in one house are passed to the other chamber. However, some bills can be passed through exempt committees, so some issues can return to life via that route.

Teachers in general can cross-their-fingers that HB2163 and SB145 survive since they would restore “due process” that was taken away over a decade ago. Students pursuing teacher programs in universities across Kansas dropped by half when they lost this “tenure.” Despite having a solid probationary teaching record, they could be dismissed without cause at anytime. This might slow the decline in teaching program enrollments.

HB2224 would increase school days from 186 to 195 days or equivalent. This might recover some of the learning loss that has occurred these last three years.

SB231 provides a benefit that might help recruit qualified public school teachers from out of state, by providing a waiver of out-of-state college tuition for their children.

But several bills compete for the most-detrimental-to-teaching award. SB66 would have Kansas join the interstate teacher mobility compact and allow undertrained teachers, especially weak “science teachers” from neighbor states, with hardly one-fourth the science training required in Kansas, to be fully licensed and fully paid without any requirement to make up their deficiencies. While there will likely be few such teachers from states already heavy with vacancies, this burden on qualified teachers next door will likely encourage more of our best to leave the classroom.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

In 1986, Kansas was only the second state to mandate sex education in response to the AIDS crisis of that time. Most other states followed. This included a mandatory week of sex-ed in elementary and more in high school, with KSDE inspection of schools to ensure it happened. But faced with nationwide push back, promotion of abstinence-only sex-ed, and national science associations that looked the other way, most sex-ed program requirements soon ended, including in Kansas in 2005.

Had solid sex education been provided in biology for these last four decades, it is possible that there would be a significant population that would understand that chromosomes include not only XX and XY, but XXY, XXX, XO, etc. -That everyone produces testosterone in adrenal glands and estrogens in fat tissues. -That sexual anatomy varies and is sometimes ambiguous. -That sometimes these three factors do not all align. -And that the feeling of “gender” is determined before birth, is not learned, and may also not align with the other three factors. This understanding is missing in many bills. Indeed, SB180 attempts to define biological sex with simple-minded criteria.

In complete disregard for Kansans who voted down the amendment on removing abortion protection from the State Constitution by nearly 60 percent, HB2181 would criminalize abortion. SB175 likewise makes destruction of a fertilized embryo a crime, despite the fact that up to half of natural embryos die before they implant, usually due to defects.

We don’t give patients oversight of hospitals, but several bills would in various ways give parents oversight of school content. HB2236 gives a parent right to direct the education of their children.

Medicine and law are professions that have jurisdiction over their members’ professional conduct. But SB12 is an outright abolition of the medical practices needed to align a trans child’s hormones and/or anatomy with the their brain, a blatant usurpation of professional responsibility. Sadly SB233 goes further to allow a civic case be brought against any medical surgeon who performs gender reassignment; this essentially condemns the transsexual child to being entrapped in an unwanted body into adulthood.

Legislators are not pharmacists, but SB173 dictates that ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine tablets be made available over-the-counter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Of all of the bills, SB188 is by far the most egregious, removing an affirmative defense for public, private and parochial schools from obscenity. This in effect would cause all sex education to fall silent, and perhaps even prevent the circulation of most concepts in this column.

Perhaps if Kansas had not dropped sex education in 2005, there would have been more young legislators who could have understood these problems and avoided this lack of clarity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities during 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="John Richard Schrock" />
 <figcaption>John Richard Schrock</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCKFour hundred twenty-nine House bills and 267 Senate bills have been filed in Topeka. After committees have taken their final actions Monday and Tuesday, both chambers will debate those passed out of their committees. “Turnaround Day” is Feb. 24 when bills in one house are passed to the other chamber. However, some bills can be passed through exempt committees, so some issues can return to life via that route. Teachers in general can cross-their-fingers that HB2163 and SB145 survive since they would restore “due process” that was taken away over a decade ago. Students pursuing teacher programs in universities across Kansas dropped by half when they lost this “tenure.” Despite having a solid probationary teaching record, they could be dismissed without cause at anytime. This might slow the decline in teaching program enrollments. HB2224 would increase school days from 186 to 195 days or equivalent. This might recover some of the learning loss that has occurred these last three years. SB231 provides a benefit that might help recruit qualified public school teachers from out of state, by providing a waiver of out-of-state college tuition for their children. But several bills compete for the most-detrimental-to-teaching award. SB66 would have Kansas join the interstate teacher mobility compact and allow undertrained teachers, especially weak “science teachers” from neighbor states, with hardly one-fourth the science training required in Kansas, to be fully licensed and fully paid without any requirement to make up their deficiencies. While there will likely be few such teachers from states already heavy with vacancies, this burden on qualified teachers next door will likely encourage more of our best to leave the classroom.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; In 1986, Kansas was only the second state to mandate sex education in response to the AIDS crisis of that time. Most other states followed. This included a mandatory week of sex-ed in elementary and more in high school, with KSDE inspection of schools to ensure it happened. But faced with nationwide push back, promotion of abstinence-only sex-ed, and national science associations that looked the other way, most sex-ed program requirements soon ended, including in Kansas in 2005. Had solid sex education been provided in biology for these last four decades, it is possible that there would be a significant population that would understand that chromosomes include not only XX and XY, but XXY, XXX, XO, etc. -That everyone produces testosterone in adrenal glands and estrogens in fat tissues. -That sexual anatomy varies and is sometimes ambiguous. -That sometimes these three factors do not all align. -And that the feeling of “gender” is determined before birth, is not learned, and may also not align with the other three factors. This understanding is missing in many bills. Indeed, SB180 attempts to define biological sex with simple-minded criteria. In complete disregard for Kansans who voted down the amendment on removing abortion protection from the State Constitution by nearly 60 percent, HB2181 would criminalize abortion. SB175 likewise makes destruction of a fertilized embryo a crime, despite the fact that up to half of natural embryos die before they implant, usually due to defects. We don’t give patients oversight of hospitals, but several bills would in various ways give parents oversight of school content. HB2236 gives a parent right to direct the education of their children. Medicine and law are professions that have jurisdiction over their members’ professional conduct. But SB12 is an outright abolition of the medical practices needed to align a trans child’s hormones and/or anatomy with the their brain, a blatant usurpation of professional responsibility. Sadly SB233 goes further to allow a civic case be brought against any medical surgeon who performs gender reassignment; this essentially condemns the transsexual child to being entrapped in an unwanted body into adulthood. Legislators are not pharmacists, but SB173 dictates that ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine tablets be made available over-the-counter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Of all of the bills, SB188 is by far the most egregious, removing an affirmative defense for public, private and parochial schools from obscenity. This in effect would cause all sex education to fall silent, and perhaps even prevent the circulation of most concepts in this column. Perhaps if Kansas had not dropped sex education in 2005, there would have been more young legislators who could have understood these problems and avoided this lack of clarity.&nbsp;&nbsp;John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities during 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

ED. FRONTLINES: A teacher's view of bills on the hill

Today is Monday, Feb. 21, the 51st day of 2023. There are 314 days left in the year.

On Feb. 20, 1962, astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth as he flew aboard Project Mercury's Friendship 7 spacecraft, which circled the globe three times in a flight lasting 4 hours, 55 minutes and 23 seconds before splashing down safely in the Atlantic Ocean 800 miles southeast of Bermuda.

In 1792, President George Washington signed an act creating the United States Post Office Department.

In 1862, William Wallace Lincoln, the 11-year-old son of President Abraham Lincoln and first lady Mary Todd Lincoln, died at the White House, apparently of typhoid fever.

In 1905, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Jacobson v. Massachusetts, upheld, 7-2, compulsory vaccination laws intended to protect the public's health.

In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt signed an immigration act which excluded "idiots, imbeciles, feebleminded persons, epileptics, insane persons" from being admitted to the United States.

In 1933, Congress proposed the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to repeal Prohibition.

In 1938, Anthony Eden resigned as British foreign secretary following Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's decision to negotiate with Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.

In 1965, America's Ranger 8 spacecraft crashed on the moon, as planned, after sending back thousands of pictures of the lunar surface.

In 1987, a bomb left by Unabomber Ted Kaczynski exploded behind a computer store in Salt Lake City, seriously injuring store owner Gary Wright.

In 1998, Tara Lipinski of the U.S. won the ladies' figure skating gold medal at the Nagano Olympics; Michelle Kwan won the silver.

In 2003, a fire sparked by pyrotechnics broke out during a concert by the group Great White at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, killing 100 people and injuring about 200 others.

In 2005, death claimed actor Sandra Dee at age 62; musical actor John Raitt at age 88; and counterculture writer Hunter S. Thompson at age 67.

In 2020, a poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found more Americans expressing some concern about catching the flu than about catching the coronavirus.

Ten years ago: The Obama administration announced a broad new effort to fight the growing theft of American trade secrets following fresh evidence linking cyber-stealing to China's military. Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., entered a guilty plea in federal court to criminal charges that he'd engaged in a scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items; his wife, Sandra Jackson, pleaded guilty to filing false joint federal income tax returns.

Five years ago: Students who survived a Parkland, Florida school shooting traveled to Tallahassee to urge state lawmakers to prevent another massacre, but procedural moves in the legislature effectively halted any effort to ban assault-style rifles like the one used in the attack. President Donald Trump directed the Justice Department to move to ban devices like the rapid-fire bump stocks used in the Las Vegas massacre. Canadians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir became the most decorated figure skaters in history, capturing the gold medal in ice dancing on Day 11 of the Winter Olympics in South Korea.

One year ago: Russia extended military drills near Ukraine's northern borders after two days of sustained shelling along the contact line between Ukrainian soldiers and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine's president appealed for a cease-fire. (Russia would invade four days later.) The White House said President Joe Biden would nominate a Black woman with "impeccable experience" for a vacancy on the Supreme Court. (Biden would nominate Ketanji Brown Jackson for the seat on Feb. 25.) In his former home arena in Cleveland, LeBron James led his team to a 163-160 victory over a team led by Kevin Durant in the NBA All-Star Game.

Today's birthdays: Racing Hall of Famer Roger Penske is 86. Singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie is 82. Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Esposito is 81. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is 81. Movie director Mike Leigh is 80. Actor Brenda Blethyn is 77. Actor Sandy Duncan is 77. Actor Peter Strauss is 76. Rock musician Billy Zoom (X) is 75. Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is 72. Actor John Voldstad is 72. Newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst is 69. Actor Anthony Head is 69. Country singer Leland Martin is 66. Actor James Wilby is 65. Rock musician Sebastian Steinberg is 64. Comedian Joel Hodgson is 63. Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is 60. Rock musician Ian Brown (Stone Roses) is 60. Actor French Stewart is 59. Actor Ron Eldard is 58. Model Cindy Crawford is 57. Actor Andrew Shue is 56. Actor Lili Taylor is 56. Actor Andrea Savage is 50. Singer Brian Littrell is 48. Actor Lauren Ambrose is 45. Actor Jay Hernandez is 45. Actor Chelsea Peretti is 45. Country musician Coy Bowles is 44. Actor Michael Zegen is 44. Actor Majandra Delfino is 42. Actor Jocko Sims is 42. Singer-musician Chris Thile is 42. Actor-singer Jessie Mueller is 40. MLB All-Star pitcher Justin Verlander is 40. Comedian Trevor Noah is 39. Actor Jake Richardson is 38. Actor Daniella Pineda is 36. Actor Miles Teller is 36. Singer Rihanna is 35. Actor Jack Falahee is 34.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://Shutterstock.com">Shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://Shutterstock.com">Shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Monday, Feb. 21, the 51st day of 2023. There are 314 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Feb. 20, 1962, astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth as he flew aboard Project Mercury's Friendship 7 spacecraft, which circled the globe three times in a flight lasting 4 hours, 55 minutes and 23 seconds before splashing down safely in the Atlantic Ocean 800 miles southeast of Bermuda.On this date:In 1792, President George Washington signed an act creating the United States Post Office Department.In 1862, William Wallace Lincoln, the 11-year-old son of President Abraham Lincoln and first lady Mary Todd Lincoln, died at the White House, apparently of typhoid fever.In 1905, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Jacobson v. Massachusetts, upheld, 7-2, compulsory vaccination laws intended to protect the public's health.In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt signed an immigration act which excluded "idiots, imbeciles, feebleminded persons, epileptics, insane persons" from being admitted to the United States.In 1933, Congress proposed the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to repeal Prohibition.In 1938, Anthony Eden resigned as British foreign secretary following Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's decision to negotiate with Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.In 1965, America's Ranger 8 spacecraft crashed on the moon, as planned, after sending back thousands of pictures of the lunar surface.In 1987, a bomb left by Unabomber Ted Kaczynski exploded behind a computer store in Salt Lake City, seriously injuring store owner Gary Wright.In 1998, Tara Lipinski of the U.S. won the ladies' figure skating gold medal at the Nagano Olympics; Michelle Kwan won the silver.In 2003, a fire sparked by pyrotechnics broke out during a concert by the group Great White at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, killing 100 people and injuring about 200 others.In 2005, death claimed actor Sandra Dee at age 62; musical actor John Raitt at age 88; and counterculture writer Hunter S. Thompson at age 67.In 2020, a poll by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found more Americans expressing some concern about catching the flu than about catching the coronavirus.Ten years ago: The Obama administration announced a broad new effort to fight the growing theft of American trade secrets following fresh evidence linking cyber-stealing to China's military. Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., entered a guilty plea in federal court to criminal charges that he'd engaged in a scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items; his wife, Sandra Jackson, pleaded guilty to filing false joint federal income tax returns.Five years ago: Students who survived a Parkland, Florida school shooting traveled to Tallahassee to urge state lawmakers to prevent another massacre, but procedural moves in the legislature effectively halted any effort to ban assault-style rifles like the one used in the attack. President Donald Trump directed the Justice Department to move to ban devices like the rapid-fire bump stocks used in the Las Vegas massacre. Canadians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir became the most decorated figure skaters in history, capturing the gold medal in ice dancing on Day 11 of the Winter Olympics in South Korea.One year ago: Russia extended military drills near Ukraine's northern borders after two days of sustained shelling along the contact line between Ukrainian soldiers and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine's president appealed for a cease-fire. (Russia would invade four days later.) The White House said President Joe Biden would nominate a Black woman with "impeccable experience" for a vacancy on the Supreme Court. (Biden would nominate Ketanji Brown Jackson for the seat on Feb. 25.) In his former home arena in Cleveland, LeBron James led his team to a 163-160 victory over a team led by Kevin Durant in the NBA All-Star Game.Today's birthdays: Racing Hall of Famer Roger Penske is 86. Singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie is 82. Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Esposito is 81. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is 81. Movie director Mike Leigh is 80. Actor Brenda Blethyn is 77. Actor Sandy Duncan is 77. Actor Peter Strauss is 76. Rock musician Billy Zoom (X) is 75. Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is 72. Actor John Voldstad is 72. Newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst is 69. Actor Anthony Head is 69. Country singer Leland Martin is 66. Actor James Wilby is 65. Rock musician Sebastian Steinberg is 64. Comedian Joel Hodgson is 63. Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is 60. Rock musician Ian Brown (Stone Roses) is 60. Actor French Stewart is 59. Actor Ron Eldard is 58. Model Cindy Crawford is 57. Actor Andrew Shue is 56. Actor Lili Taylor is 56. Actor Andrea Savage is 50. Singer Brian Littrell is 48. Actor Lauren Ambrose is 45. Actor Jay Hernandez is 45. Actor Chelsea Peretti is 45. Country musician Coy Bowles is 44. Actor Michael Zegen is 44. Actor Majandra Delfino is 42. Actor Jocko Sims is 42. Singer-musician Chris Thile is 42. Actor-singer Jessie Mueller is 40. MLB All-Star pitcher Justin Verlander is 40. Comedian Trevor Noah is 39. Actor Jake Richardson is 38. Actor Daniella Pineda is 36. Actor Miles Teller is 36. Singer Rihanna is 35. Actor Jack Falahee is 34.

Today in History - Feb. 20

TSA is hiring Transportation Security Officers at Salina Regional Airport starting at $17.64 per hour! These positions include excellent federal medical, dental and retirement plans, as well as other benefits for you and for your family. Also included is paid on-the-job training, weekend and holiday pay and even a potential pay raise after just six months. And no previous security experience is required.

If you have ever considered federal employment, this is a perfect time to make your move.

You’ll enjoy stability and can take advantage of rapid advancement and long-term career possibilities.

You’ll also be serving a cause much greater than yourself in a mission that matters—ensuring safe travels. Our team of dedicated Transportation Security Officers is helping protect the nation’s transportation system.

Join a mission that matters and visit&nbsp;<a href="http://jobs.tsa.gov/TSO">JOBS.TSA.GOV/TSO</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675283660267.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TSA is hiring Transportation Security Officers at Salina Regional Airport starting at $17.64 per hour! These positions include excellent federal medical, dental and retirement plans, as well as other benefits for you and for your family. Also included is paid on-the-job training, weekend and holiday pay and even a potential pay raise after just six months. And no previous security experience is required.If you have ever considered federal employment, this is a perfect time to make your move.You’ll enjoy stability and can take advantage of rapid advancement and long-term career possibilities.You’ll also be serving a cause much greater than yourself in a mission that matters—ensuring safe travels. Our team of dedicated Transportation Security Officers is helping protect the nation’s transportation system.Join a mission that matters and visit&nbsp;<a href="http://jobs.tsa.gov/TSO">JOBS.TSA.GOV/TSO</a>.U.S. citizenship required.

Bank VI hires Marshall, promotes Hulse

The National Weather Service is looking for people willing to be Cooperative Weather Observers at several locations, including Barnard and Peabody.

COOP observers, as they are commonly known, are comprised of more than 11,000 volunteers from across the United States "record the daily weather-related information that forms the backbone of our nation's climatological data collection network. Weather observers across the country record daily temperatures and precipitation data. Some also record or report additional information such as soil temperature, evaporation and wind movement, agricultural data, water equivalent of snow on the ground, river stages, lake levels, atmospheric phenomena and road hazards," according to information from the National Weather Service in Wichita.

Some stations have been collecting weather data from the same location for more than 100 years.

In the warning area for the National Weather Service Office in Wichita, which includes the Salina vicinity, there are approximately 150 cooperative stations.

Coop observers are made up of people from nearly every walk of life, the weather service noted. 

Currently, the Wichita office is looking for COOP observers at the following locations.

Equipment used by the COOP observers is provided and maintained by the National Weather Service. Data forms are sent monthly to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) in Asheville, N.C., where the data is digitized, quality controlled, and archived, according to the weather service.

"This data is invaluable in learning more about floods, droughts and heat and cold waves, which inevitably affect everyone. They are used in agricultural planning and assessments, engineering, environmental-impact assessments, utilities planning and litigation. The data plays a critical role in efforts to recognize and evaluate the extent of human impacts on climate from local and global scales," the weather service noted.

Many COOP observers also report daily precipitation measurements and temperatures through a weather program on a home computer or programmable phone.

"Reports from Cooperative Observers are extremely important to River Forecast Centers in support of the National Weather Service Hydrology Program. The reports are important to the local National Weather Service Forecast Office for the issuance of forecasts, watches, warnings, and advisories. The Cooperative Observers serve a vital role in the National Weather Service's mission to protect life and property," the weather service noted.

People interested in being COOP observers should click here to read more about the COOP observer program or access an expression of interest form.

By SALINA POSTThe National Weather Service is looking for people willing to be Cooperative Weather Observers at several locations, including Barnard and Peabody.COOP observers, as they are commonly known, are comprised of more than 11,000 volunteers from across the United States "record the daily weather-related information that forms the backbone of our nation's climatological data collection network. Weather observers across the country record daily temperatures and precipitation data. Some also record or report additional information such as soil temperature, evaporation and wind movement, agricultural data, water equivalent of snow on the ground, river stages, lake levels, atmospheric phenomena and road hazards," according to information from the National Weather Service in Wichita.Some stations have been collecting weather data from the same location for more than 100 years.In the warning area for the National Weather Service Office in Wichita, which includes the Salina vicinity, there are approximately 150 cooperative stations.Coop observers are made up of people from nearly every walk of life, the weather service noted. Currently, the Wichita office is looking for COOP observers at the following locations.Barnard in Lincoln CountyClaflin in Barton CountyPeabody in Marion CountyPotwin in Butler CountyRussell in Russell CountyEquipment used by the COOP observers is provided and maintained by the National Weather Service. Data forms are sent monthly to the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) in Asheville, N.C., where the data is digitized, quality controlled, and archived, according to the weather service."This data is invaluable in learning more about floods, droughts and heat and cold waves, which inevitably affect everyone. They are used in agricultural planning and assessments, engineering, environmental-impact assessments, utilities planning and litigation. The data plays a critical role in efforts to recognize and evaluate the extent of human impacts on climate from local and global scales," the weather service noted.Many COOP observers also report daily precipitation measurements and temperatures through a weather program on a home computer or programmable phone."Reports from Cooperative Observers are extremely important to River Forecast Centers in support of the National Weather Service Hydrology Program. The reports are important to the local National Weather Service Forecast Office for the issuance of forecasts, watches, warnings, and advisories. The Cooperative Observers serve a vital role in the National Weather Service's mission to protect life and property," the weather service noted.People interested in being COOP observers should click here to read more about the COOP observer program or access an expression of interest form.

National Weather Service seeks observers at Barnard, Peabody

A number of 4-H&nbsp;members will compete in music, drama, dance, project talks, demonstrations, and illustrated talks during the annual Central Kansas Extension District 4-H&nbsp;Club Day on Saturday.

The event is scheduled for 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday in Salina South Middle School, 2015 Simmons Street, and is open to the public. Those attending are asked to enter on the east side of the building at 2040 S. Fourth Street.

According to information from the extension district, 4-H&nbsp;Club Day is the second largest competition for&nbsp;4-H&nbsp;members in the district with the Saline County Tri-Rivers Fair and Ottawa County Fair being the largest in our area.

By SALINA POSTA number of 4-H&nbsp;members will compete in music, drama, dance, project talks, demonstrations, and illustrated talks during the annual Central Kansas Extension District 4-H&nbsp;Club Day on Saturday.The event is scheduled for 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday in Salina South Middle School, 2015 Simmons Street, and is open to the public. Those attending are asked to enter on the east side of the building at 2040 S. Fourth Street.According to information from the extension district, 4-H&nbsp;Club Day is the second largest competition for&nbsp;4-H&nbsp;members in the district with the Saline County Tri-Rivers Fair and Ottawa County Fair being the largest in our area.

4-H Club Day set for Saturday in Salina

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

“Buffalo soldiers” is a term to describe the African-American members of the Army who served with distinction in the 1800s. Their service eventually paved the way for an integrated military and society – and it all began in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 1827, U.S. Army Colonel (later Brigadier General) Henry Leavenworth received orders to survey sites along the Missouri River for a military post. After study, he recommended a site on the west bluffs above the Missouri River. This became Fort Leavenworth.&nbsp;

A civilian settlement grew around the fort. In 1854, the City of Leavenworth became the first city in Kansas territory to be officially organized. Today, Leavenworth proudly claims the title of First City of Kansas.&nbsp;

The first Town Association was formed on June 9, 1854. Town lots were sold on Oct. 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;By New Year's Day, 1855, Leavenworth was a rural community of about 200 inhabitants. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

The population boomed. By autumn 1856, there were 1,200 citizens. By 1861, the population was 10,000. By 1870, it was the 82nd largest city in the nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leavenworth’s current population is 37,176.&nbsp;

According to Kansapedia, Fort Leavenworth’s primary role was to protect settlers and merchants traveling westward and to maintain peace with the Native American Indian tribes, and then to keep the peace among the factions of Bleeding Kansas.&nbsp;

During the Civil War, so-called colored troops served in the Union Army. In 1866 the United States government specifically authorized the formation of four African American regiments. The first of these included the 10th Cavalry Regiment, formed at Fort Leavenworth on September 21, 1866.&nbsp;

These and other African-American soldiers would become known as Buffalo Soldiers.&nbsp;&nbsp;The term was given to them by the Native American Indians, perhaps because the soldiers’ dark, curly hair resembled the hair of the buffalo; or the buffalo coats worn by the soldiers in winter; or the strength and tenacity demonstrated by these soldiers.&nbsp;

Eventually, the image of a buffalo became part of the 10th Cavalry's regimental crest.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture, 18 buffalo soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor.&nbsp;

In 1881 at Fort Leavenworth, General William T. Sherman established the School of Application for Cavalry and Infantry - later known as the Infantry and Cavalry School.&nbsp;&nbsp;This developed into what is essentially a high-level military officers graduate school, now known as the Command and General Staff College.&nbsp;

Along with other components, this makes up the Combined Arms Center, which is the primary reason that Fort Leavenworth is considered to be the intellectual center of the Army today.&nbsp;

Who has attended the Command and General Staff College? Such military leaders as Dwight D. Eisenhower, George C. Marshall, Omar Bradley, Douglas MacArthur, George Patton, and many more.&nbsp;&nbsp;very modern five-star general has attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth.&nbsp;

Another of those who attended the Command and General Staff College was a young officer named Colin Powell. This was the same Colin Powell who would become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and who was appointed by President Bush as Secretary of State - the first African-American to serve in that capacity.&nbsp;

As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Colin Powell wanted to honor the legacy of the buffalo soldiers at Fort Leavenworth. Black sculptor Eddie Dixon, an Army veteran, was commissioned to develop a statue. He created a 17-foot-tall sculpture of a mounted buffalo soldier on a native limestone base. In 1992, the sculpture was unveiled on post at Fort Leavenworth by Powell. &nbsp;

Junction City also has a Buffalo Soldier Memorial sculpture. It stands at 18th Street and Buffalo Soldier Drive and depicts a buffalo soldier standing by his horse. According to the Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the artist took composite pictures of the five remaining Buffalo Soldiers who were living in the area at the time and included their features in the soldier sculpture.&nbsp;

Buffalo soldiers played a key role, in the Army and in society. For their service and their legacy, we salute them.&nbsp;

Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600566316666.jpeg" alt="Ron Wilson. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State University“Buffalo soldiers” is a term to describe the African-American members of the Army who served with distinction in the 1800s. Their service eventually paved the way for an integrated military and society – and it all began in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In 1827, U.S. Army Colonel (later Brigadier General) Henry Leavenworth received orders to survey sites along the Missouri River for a military post. After study, he recommended a site on the west bluffs above the Missouri River. This became Fort Leavenworth.&nbsp;A civilian settlement grew around the fort. In 1854, the City of Leavenworth became the first city in Kansas territory to be officially organized. Today, Leavenworth proudly claims the title of First City of Kansas.&nbsp;The first Town Association was formed on June 9, 1854. Town lots were sold on Oct. 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;By New Year's Day, 1855, Leavenworth was a rural community of about 200 inhabitants. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;The population boomed. By autumn 1856, there were 1,200 citizens. By 1861, the population was 10,000. By 1870, it was the 82nd largest city in the nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leavenworth’s current population is 37,176.&nbsp;According to Kansapedia, Fort Leavenworth’s primary role was to protect settlers and merchants traveling westward and to maintain peace with the Native American Indian tribes, and then to keep the peace among the factions of Bleeding Kansas.&nbsp;During the Civil War, so-called colored troops served in the Union Army. In 1866 the United States government specifically authorized the formation of four African American regiments. The first of these included the 10th Cavalry Regiment, formed at Fort Leavenworth on September 21, 1866.&nbsp;These and other African-American soldiers would become known as Buffalo Soldiers.&nbsp;&nbsp;The term was given to them by the Native American Indians, perhaps because the soldiers’ dark, curly hair resembled the hair of the buffalo; or the buffalo coats worn by the soldiers in winter; or the strength and tenacity demonstrated by these soldiers.&nbsp;Eventually, the image of a buffalo became part of the 10th Cavalry's regimental crest.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture, 18 buffalo soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor.&nbsp;In 1881 at Fort Leavenworth, General William T. Sherman established the School of Application for Cavalry and Infantry - later known as the Infantry and Cavalry School.&nbsp;&nbsp;This developed into what is essentially a high-level military officers graduate school, now known as the Command and General Staff College.&nbsp;Along with other components, this makes up the Combined Arms Center, which is the primary reason that Fort Leavenworth is considered to be the intellectual center of the Army today.&nbsp;Who has attended the Command and General Staff College? Such military leaders as Dwight D. Eisenhower, George C. Marshall, Omar Bradley, Douglas MacArthur, George Patton, and many more.&nbsp;&nbsp;very modern five-star general has attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth.&nbsp;Another of those who attended the Command and General Staff College was a young officer named Colin Powell. This was the same Colin Powell who would become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and who was appointed by President Bush as Secretary of State - the first African-American to serve in that capacity.&nbsp;As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Colin Powell wanted to honor the legacy of the buffalo soldiers at Fort Leavenworth. Black sculptor Eddie Dixon, an Army veteran, was commissioned to develop a statue. He created a 17-foot-tall sculpture of a mounted buffalo soldier on a native limestone base. In 1992, the sculpture was unveiled on post at Fort Leavenworth by Powell. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676761784009.jpeg" alt="The Buffalo Soldier Memorial at Fort Leavenworth. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>The Buffalo Soldier Memorial at Fort Leavenworth. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City also has a Buffalo Soldier Memorial sculpture. It stands at 18th Street and Buffalo Soldier Drive and depicts a buffalo soldier standing by his horse. According to the Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the artist took composite pictures of the five remaining Buffalo Soldiers who were living in the area at the time and included their features in the soldier sculpture.&nbsp;Buffalo soldiers played a key role, in the Army and in society. For their service and their legacy, we salute them.&nbsp;Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.

NOW THAT'S RURAL: Buffalo Soldiers – Fort Leavenworth

Above-average temperatures will prevail today and Monday, with highs in the 50s and 60s.

Well-above-average temperatures will continue Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs reaching the 60s and 70s along with breezy south winds. Shower and storm chances will increase over far southeast Kansas Tuesday night and Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676818102908.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National Weather ServiceAbove-average temperatures will prevail today and Monday, with highs in the 50s and 60s.Well-above-average temperatures will continue Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs reaching the 60s and 70s along with breezy south winds. Shower and storm chances will increase over far southeast Kansas Tuesday night and Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676818131066.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NWS: Temperatures warming through Wednesday

Today is Sunday, Feb. 19, the 50th day of 2023. There are 315 days left in the year.

On Feb. 19, 2008, an ailing Fidel Castro resigned the Cuban presidency after nearly a half-century in power; his brother Raul was later named to succeed him.

In 1473, astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland.

In 1807, former Vice President Aaron Burr, accused of treason, was arrested in the Mississippi Territory, in present-day Alabama. (Burr was acquitted at trial.)

In 1878, Thomas Edison received a U.S. patent for "an improvement in phonograph or speaking machines."

In 1942, during World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which paved the way for the relocation and internment of people of Japanese ancestry, including U.S.-born citizens.

In 1945, Operation Detachment began during World War II as some 30,000 U.S. Marines began landing on Iwo Jima, where they commenced a successful month-long battle to seize control of the island from Japanese forces.

In 1959, an agreement was signed by Britain, Turkey and Greece granting Cyprus its independence.

In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford, calling the issuing of the internment order for people of Japanese ancestry in 1942 "a sad day in American history," signed a proclamation formally confirming its termination.

In 1985, the British soap opera "EastEnders" debuted on BBC Television.

In 1986, the U.S. Senate approved, 83-11, the Genocide Convention, an international treaty outlawing "acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group," nearly 37 years after the pact was first submitted for ratification.

In 1997, Deng Xiaoping, the last of China's major Communist revolutionaries, died at age 92.

In 2003, an Iranian military plane carrying 275 members of the elite Revolutionary Guards crashed in southeastern Iran, killing all on board.

In 2017, three former elite U.S. gymnasts, including 2000 Olympian Jamie Dantzscher, appeared on CBS' "60 Minutes" to say they were sexually abused by Dr. Larry Nassar, a volunteer team physician for USA Gymnastics. (Nassar would be sentenced to decades in prison after hundreds of girls and women said he sexually abused them under the guise of medical treatment.)

In 2019, President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to develop plans for a new Space Force within the Air Force, accepting less than the full-fledged department he had wanted.

Ten years ago: The United Nations said the number of U.S. drone strikes in Afghanistan had risen sharply in 2012 compared with 2011. A bail hearing began in Pretoria, South Africa, for double-amputee Olympian Oscar Pistorius, charged with killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day; the defense said Pistorius had mistaken Steenkamp for an intruder while prosecutors said he had deliberately opened fire on Steenkamp as she cowered behind a locked bathroom door.

Five years ago: Syrian government forces began a bombing campaign in the northeastern suburbs of Damascus, the last major stronghold for rebels in the area of the capital; the campaign left hundreds dead. President Donald Trump endorsed Mitt Romney in Utah's Senate race, a sign that the two Republicans were burying the hatchet after a strained relationship. The U.S. women's Olympic hockey team reached the title game, shutting out Finland 5-0 in the semifinals.

One year ago: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, facing a sharp spike in violence in and around territory held by Russia-backed rebels and increasingly dire warnings that Russia plans to invade, called for Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet him and seek a resolution to the crisis. Vice President Kamala Harris says the world had arrived at "a decisive moment in history" and that the United States was committed to Ukraine's sovereignty against the threat of what the West called an imminent threat of invasion by Russia. (Russia would invade Ukraine on Feb. 24.) China's Sui Wenjing and Han Cong captured the Olympic gold medal that eluded them by a razor-thin margin four years earlier, edging Russian rivals Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov to win the pairs figure skating competition at the Beijing Games.

Today's birthdays: Singer Smokey Robinson is 83. Singer and actor Carlin Glynn is 83. Former Sony Corp. Chairman Howard Stringer is 81. Singer Lou Christie is 80. Rock musician Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell) is 75. Actor Stephen Nichols is 72. Author Amy Tan is 71. Actor Jeff Daniels is 68. Rock singer-musician Dave Wakeling is 67. Talk show host Lorianne Crook is 66. Actor Ray Winstone is 66. Actor Leslie David Baker is 65. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is 64. Britain's Prince Andrew is 63. Tennis Hall of Famer Hana Mandlikova is 61. Singer Seal is 60. Actor Jessica Tuck is 60. Rock musician Jon Fishman (Phish) is 58. Actor Justine Bateman is 57. Actor Benicio Del Toro is 56. Actor Bellamy Young is 53. Rock musician Daniel Adair is 48. Pop singer-actor Haylie Duff is 38. Actor Arielle Kebbel is 38. Christian rock musician Seth Morrison (Skillet) is 35. Actor Luke Pasqualino is 33. Actor Victoria Justice is 30. Actor David Mazouz (TV: "Gotham") is 22. Actor Millie Bobby Brown is 19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Sunday, Feb. 19, the 50th day of 2023. There are 315 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Feb. 19, 2008, an ailing Fidel Castro resigned the Cuban presidency after nearly a half-century in power; his brother Raul was later named to succeed him.On this date:In 1473, astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland.In 1807, former Vice President Aaron Burr, accused of treason, was arrested in the Mississippi Territory, in present-day Alabama. (Burr was acquitted at trial.)In 1878, Thomas Edison received a U.S. patent for "an improvement in phonograph or speaking machines."In 1942, during World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which paved the way for the relocation and internment of people of Japanese ancestry, including U.S.-born citizens.In 1945, Operation Detachment began during World War II as some 30,000 U.S. Marines began landing on Iwo Jima, where they commenced a successful month-long battle to seize control of the island from Japanese forces.In 1959, an agreement was signed by Britain, Turkey and Greece granting Cyprus its independence.In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford, calling the issuing of the internment order for people of Japanese ancestry in 1942 "a sad day in American history," signed a proclamation formally confirming its termination.In 1985, the British soap opera "EastEnders" debuted on BBC Television.In 1986, the U.S. Senate approved, 83-11, the Genocide Convention, an international treaty outlawing "acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group," nearly 37 years after the pact was first submitted for ratification.In 1997, Deng Xiaoping, the last of China's major Communist revolutionaries, died at age 92.In 2003, an Iranian military plane carrying 275 members of the elite Revolutionary Guards crashed in southeastern Iran, killing all on board.In 2017, three former elite U.S. gymnasts, including 2000 Olympian Jamie Dantzscher, appeared on CBS' "60 Minutes" to say they were sexually abused by Dr. Larry Nassar, a volunteer team physician for USA Gymnastics. (Nassar would be sentenced to decades in prison after hundreds of girls and women said he sexually abused them under the guise of medical treatment.)In 2019, President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to develop plans for a new Space Force within the Air Force, accepting less than the full-fledged department he had wanted.Ten years ago: The United Nations said the number of U.S. drone strikes in Afghanistan had risen sharply in 2012 compared with 2011. A bail hearing began in Pretoria, South Africa, for double-amputee Olympian Oscar Pistorius, charged with killing girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day; the defense said Pistorius had mistaken Steenkamp for an intruder while prosecutors said he had deliberately opened fire on Steenkamp as she cowered behind a locked bathroom door.Five years ago: Syrian government forces began a bombing campaign in the northeastern suburbs of Damascus, the last major stronghold for rebels in the area of the capital; the campaign left hundreds dead. President Donald Trump endorsed Mitt Romney in Utah's Senate race, a sign that the two Republicans were burying the hatchet after a strained relationship. The U.S. women's Olympic hockey team reached the title game, shutting out Finland 5-0 in the semifinals.One year ago: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, facing a sharp spike in violence in and around territory held by Russia-backed rebels and increasingly dire warnings that Russia plans to invade, called for Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet him and seek a resolution to the crisis. Vice President Kamala Harris says the world had arrived at "a decisive moment in history" and that the United States was committed to Ukraine's sovereignty against the threat of what the West called an imminent threat of invasion by Russia. (Russia would invade Ukraine on Feb. 24.) China's Sui Wenjing and Han Cong captured the Olympic gold medal that eluded them by a razor-thin margin four years earlier, edging Russian rivals Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov to win the pairs figure skating competition at the Beijing Games.Today's birthdays: Singer Smokey Robinson is 83. Singer and actor Carlin Glynn is 83. Former Sony Corp. Chairman Howard Stringer is 81. Singer Lou Christie is 80. Rock musician Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell) is 75. Actor Stephen Nichols is 72. Author Amy Tan is 71. Actor Jeff Daniels is 68. Rock singer-musician Dave Wakeling is 67. Talk show host Lorianne Crook is 66. Actor Ray Winstone is 66. Actor Leslie David Baker is 65. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is 64. Britain's Prince Andrew is 63. Tennis Hall of Famer Hana Mandlikova is 61. Singer Seal is 60. Actor Jessica Tuck is 60. Rock musician Jon Fishman (Phish) is 58. Actor Justine Bateman is 57. Actor Benicio Del Toro is 56. Actor Bellamy Young is 53. Rock musician Daniel Adair is 48. Pop singer-actor Haylie Duff is 38. Actor Arielle Kebbel is 38. Christian rock musician Seth Morrison (Skillet) is 35. Actor Luke Pasqualino is 33. Actor Victoria Justice is 30. Actor David Mazouz (TV: "Gotham") is 22. Actor Millie Bobby Brown is 19.

Today in History - Feb. 19

LAWRENCE — The 42nd class of University Scholars and their faculty mentors recently were recognized during a reception hosted by the University of Kansas Honors Program. 

Attendees celebrated this year’s scholars and mentors with refreshments and heard remarks from Sarah Crawford-Parker, University Honors Program director, and faculty member Nathan Wood.

The University Scholars Program recognizes and encourages sophomores who have demonstrated intellectual achievement and curiosity. Selected students receive a $1,500 scholarship, are assigned an Honors Faculty Fellow as a mentor that supports their academic interests and participate in a seminar course that promotes interdisciplinary engagement on a topic of contemporary interest.

This spring’s seminar is taught by Wood, associate professor of history. “Technology and Society” will encourage students to apply a historical lens to the technological innovations that shape our world.&nbsp;

“I hope students will think differently about their relationship to technology, reflecting on how its history can provide analogies for understanding our connection to technologies today,” Wood said. “A historical perspective on technology helps us to be humbler about what it can achieve, more realistic in our assessments of its novelty and sober about the inequalities that have been intrinsic to its use.”

The 2023 University Scholars are listed below alphabetically with major, hometown and faculty mentor:

●Zakariya&nbsp;Ahmed, interdisciplinary computing major from Overland Park, mentored by Thom Allen, assistant teaching professor of architecture.

●Levi Cromwell, classical languages and history major from McPherson, mentored by Darren Canady, director of undergraduate studies and professor of English.

●Andrea Gunara, behavioral neuroscience major from Leander, Texas, mentored by Stephanie Zelnick, professor of clarinet.

●Molly Handelman, music therapy major from Highland Park, Illinois, mentored by Nilou Vakil, associate professor of architecture &amp; design.

 ●Brinley Hull, computer science major from Prairie Village, mentored by Yvonnes Chen, professor of journalism &amp; mass communications.

 ●Kanchan&nbsp;Khemani, business analytics &amp; information systems major from Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, mentored by Nilou Vakil.

●Shreya Koduri, molecular, cellular &amp; developmental biology and sociology major from Overland Park, mentored by Katie Batza, director of graduate studies and associate professor of women, gender &amp; sexuality studies.

●Carly Kolle, biology major from Linn, mentored by Katie Rhine, associate professor of African &amp; African-American studies and geography &amp; atmospheric science.

●Shamaria Massenburg, multimedia journalism major from Knightdale, North Carolina, mentored by Yvonnes Chen.

●Caleb Prescott, aerospace engineering major from Lawrence, mentored by Mary Klayder, associate director of undergraduate studies and senior lecturer in English.

●Diego Prieto, microbiology major from Bogotá, Colombia, mentored by Kyle Camarda, associate professor of chemical &amp; petroleum engineering.

 ●Aarush Sehgal, molecular, cellular &amp; developmental biology major from Chandigarh, India, mentored by Kyle Camarda.

●Kalie Traverse, molecular, cellular &amp; developmental biology major from Olathe, mentored by Mary Klayder.

●Hoang Viet Le, microbiology major from Bien Hoa, Dong Nai, Vietnam, mentored by Elizabeth MacGonagle, associate professor of African &amp; African-American studies and history.

●Emily Ward, anthropology and political science major from Edinburg, Texas, mentored by Katie Batza.

Created to recognize and encourage academically talented and motivated sophomores, University Scholars was founded in 1982 under the leadership of retired U.S. 10th Circuit Chief Judge Deanell Tacha, then KU’s vice chancellor for academic affairs, along with longtime University Honors Program director Francis Heller, the Roy A. Roberts Distinguished Professor of Law and Political Science.

KU Office of Public AffairsLAWRENCE — The 42nd class of University Scholars and their faculty mentors recently were recognized during a reception hosted by the University of Kansas Honors Program. Attendees celebrated this year’s scholars and mentors with refreshments and heard remarks from Sarah Crawford-Parker, University Honors Program director, and faculty member Nathan Wood.The University Scholars Program recognizes and encourages sophomores who have demonstrated intellectual achievement and curiosity. Selected students receive a $1,500 scholarship, are assigned an Honors Faculty Fellow as a mentor that supports their academic interests and participate in a seminar course that promotes interdisciplinary engagement on a topic of contemporary interest.This spring’s seminar is taught by Wood, associate professor of history. “Technology and Society” will encourage students to apply a historical lens to the technological innovations that shape our world.&nbsp;“I hope students will think differently about their relationship to technology, reflecting on how its history can provide analogies for understanding our connection to technologies today,” Wood said. “A historical perspective on technology helps us to be humbler about what it can achieve, more realistic in our assessments of its novelty and sober about the inequalities that have been intrinsic to its use.”The 2023 University Scholars are listed below alphabetically with major, hometown and faculty mentor:●Zakariya&nbsp;Ahmed, interdisciplinary computing major from Overland Park, mentored by Thom Allen, assistant teaching professor of architecture.●Levi Cromwell, classical languages and history major from McPherson, mentored by Darren Canady, director of undergraduate studies and professor of English.●Andrea Gunara, behavioral neuroscience major from Leander, Texas, mentored by Stephanie Zelnick, professor of clarinet.●Molly Handelman, music therapy major from Highland Park, Illinois, mentored by Nilou Vakil, associate professor of architecture &amp; design. ●Brinley Hull, computer science major from Prairie Village, mentored by Yvonnes Chen, professor of journalism &amp; mass communications. ●Kanchan&nbsp;Khemani, business analytics &amp; information systems major from Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, mentored by Nilou Vakil.●Shreya Koduri, molecular, cellular &amp; developmental biology and sociology major from Overland Park, mentored by Katie Batza, director of graduate studies and associate professor of women, gender &amp; sexuality studies.●Carly Kolle, biology major from Linn, mentored by Katie Rhine, associate professor of African &amp; African-American studies and geography &amp; atmospheric science.●Shamaria Massenburg, multimedia journalism major from Knightdale, North Carolina, mentored by Yvonnes Chen.●Caleb Prescott, aerospace engineering major from Lawrence, mentored by Mary Klayder, associate director of undergraduate studies and senior lecturer in English.●Diego Prieto, microbiology major from Bogotá, Colombia, mentored by Kyle Camarda, associate professor of chemical &amp; petroleum engineering. ●Aarush Sehgal, molecular, cellular &amp; developmental biology major from Chandigarh, India, mentored by Kyle Camarda.●Kalie Traverse, molecular, cellular &amp; developmental biology major from Olathe, mentored by Mary Klayder.●Hoang Viet Le, microbiology major from Bien Hoa, Dong Nai, Vietnam, mentored by Elizabeth MacGonagle, associate professor of African &amp; African-American studies and history.●Emily Ward, anthropology and political science major from Edinburg, Texas, mentored by Katie Batza.Created to recognize and encourage academically talented and motivated sophomores, University Scholars was founded in 1982 under the leadership of retired U.S. 10th Circuit Chief Judge Deanell Tacha, then KU’s vice chancellor for academic affairs, along with longtime University Honors Program director Francis Heller, the Roy A. Roberts Distinguished Professor of Law and Political Science.

McPherson's Cromwell part of KU's 42nd University Scholars class

The Bennington State Bank (BSB) has announced the following 2023 promotions.

Dakota Rohleder, who joined BSB in 2015, was promoted to the Bennington location market president. As market president, Rohleder is responsible for developing new business, as well as maintaining and servicing the existing loan and depository customers of BSB. Rohleder is a Kansas State graduate with a B.S. in Animal Science and Industry. During his tenure with BSB, he has graduated from Schools of Banking Ag Lending and Advanced Ag Lending Schools. Rohleder is currently serving as board member and secretary for Choose Ottawa County (Economic Development), treasurer for Bennington Lion’s Club, vice chairman of the Bennington PRCA Rodeo Committee, and board member for Ottawa County 4-H Foundation.

Erica Chapel, who joined BSB in 2018, was promoted to assistant vice president, trust operations officer. Chapel is responsible for the effective operational and administrative functions of the BSB Trust and Wealth Management Department. In addition, Chapel works across business lines to ensure optimal customer experience. Chapel is a Kanas State University Salina graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in financial planning and a Kansas Wesleyan graduate of the master’s in business administration program. Chapel is a Finance Committee and board member of the Salina Area United Way.

David George, who joined BSB in 2017, has more than 10 years of experience in financial planning, was promoted to wealth advisor, assistant vice president. As wealth advisor, George provides financial guidance and expertise to clients in meeting their financial needs and assisting them with clarifying, and then developing a plan to meet their financial planning goals while maintaining conformity with client risk tolerance and goals. BSB offers a range of services, including portfolio management, estate and retirement planning, and tax services. George is a Kansas State University graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in financial planning.

Sevda Baker, who joined BSB in 2020, was promoted to wealth advisor. As a wealth advisor, Baker provides financial guidance and expertise to clients in meeting their financial needs and assisting them with clarifying, and then developing a plan to meet their financial planning goals while maintaining conformity with client risk tolerance and goals. BSB offers a range of services, including portfolio management, estate and retirement planning, and tax services. Baker graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in personal financial planning accompanied with a minor in business.

Matthew Whitsitt, who joined BSB in 2019, was promoted to assistant vice president, credit analyst. As one of BSB’s credit analysts, Whitsitt works with members of management to develop and implement procedures that evaluate credit risks and provide guidance for the bank’s commercial and agricultural lending programs. Credit analysts provide recommendations that align with loan policy and the vision and mission of the bank to provide optimal customer experience. Whitsitt is a graduate from Kansas Wesleyan University with a BA in accounting. Whitsitt is a member of the Salina Area Young Professionals and is a BSB corporate volunteer with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Corporate Program.

BSBThe Bennington State Bank (BSB) has announced the following 2023 promotions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676762940298.jpeg" alt="Dakota Rohleder. Photos courtesy BSB" />
 <figcaption>Dakota Rohleder. Photos courtesy BSB</figcaption>
 </figure>Dakota Rohleder, who joined BSB in 2015, was promoted to the Bennington location market president. As market president, Rohleder is responsible for developing new business, as well as maintaining and servicing the existing loan and depository customers of BSB. Rohleder is a Kansas State graduate with a B.S. in Animal Science and Industry. During his tenure with BSB, he has graduated from Schools of Banking Ag Lending and Advanced Ag Lending Schools. Rohleder is currently serving as board member and secretary for Choose Ottawa County (Economic Development), treasurer for Bennington Lion’s Club, vice chairman of the Bennington PRCA Rodeo Committee, and board member for Ottawa County 4-H Foundation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676763082080.jpeg" alt="Erica Chapel" />
 <figcaption>Erica Chapel</figcaption>
 </figure>Erica Chapel, who joined BSB in 2018, was promoted to assistant vice president, trust operations officer. Chapel is responsible for the effective operational and administrative functions of the BSB Trust and Wealth Management Department. In addition, Chapel works across business lines to ensure optimal customer experience. Chapel is a Kanas State University Salina graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in financial planning and a Kansas Wesleyan graduate of the master’s in business administration program. Chapel is a Finance Committee and board member of the Salina Area United Way.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676763876316.jpeg" alt="David George" />
 <figcaption>David George</figcaption>
 </figure>David George, who joined BSB in 2017, has more than 10 years of experience in financial planning, was promoted to wealth advisor, assistant vice president. As wealth advisor, George provides financial guidance and expertise to clients in meeting their financial needs and assisting them with clarifying, and then developing a plan to meet their financial planning goals while maintaining conformity with client risk tolerance and goals. BSB offers a range of services, including portfolio management, estate and retirement planning, and tax services. George is a Kansas State University graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in financial planning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676763996572.jpeg" alt="Sevda Baker" />
 <figcaption>Sevda Baker</figcaption>
 </figure>Sevda Baker, who joined BSB in 2020, was promoted to wealth advisor. As a wealth advisor, Baker provides financial guidance and expertise to clients in meeting their financial needs and assisting them with clarifying, and then developing a plan to meet their financial planning goals while maintaining conformity with client risk tolerance and goals. BSB offers a range of services, including portfolio management, estate and retirement planning, and tax services. Baker graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in personal financial planning accompanied with a minor in business.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676764091961.jpeg" alt="Matthew Whitsitt" />
 <figcaption>Matthew Whitsitt</figcaption>
 </figure>Matthew Whitsitt, who joined BSB in 2019, was promoted to assistant vice president, credit analyst. As one of BSB’s credit analysts, Whitsitt works with members of management to develop and implement procedures that evaluate credit risks and provide guidance for the bank’s commercial and agricultural lending programs. Credit analysts provide recommendations that align with loan policy and the vision and mission of the bank to provide optimal customer experience. Whitsitt is a graduate from Kansas Wesleyan University with a BA in accounting. Whitsitt is a member of the Salina Area Young Professionals and is a BSB corporate volunteer with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Corporate Program.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676764210557.jpeg" alt="Mattie King" />
 <figcaption>Mattie King</figcaption>
 </figure>Mattie King, who joined BSB in 2020, was promoted to assistant vice president, accounting officer. As accounting officer, King is responsible for supporting the chief financial officer (CFO) with accounting-related functions. King has six years in accounting and finance and is a graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and accounting, as well as obtaining her certificate in non-profit leadership studies. King is a recent graduate of the Salina Chamber of Commerce Leadership Salina program, and a member of Salina Rotary Club and Stewart Elementary PTA.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676764338864.jpeg" alt="Tyler Elting" />
 <figcaption>Tyler Elting</figcaption>
 </figure>Tyler Elting, who joined BSB in 2017, was promoted to AVP, information security officer and vendor management. Elting has 15 years in banking, most of which have been in IT. As information security officer, Elting is assigned the responsibility for maintaining the appropriate operational security posture for BSB systems and programs. Elting is a graduate at the University of Advanced Technology in Arizona and Kansas State Salina. Elting is actively involved in youth ministry at First Covenant Church.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676764449413.jpeg" alt="Jeremy Brown" />
 <figcaption>Jeremy Brown</figcaption>
 </figure>Jeremy Brown, who joined BSB in 2020, has 25 years in information technology, was promoted to assistant vice president, IT systems administrator. Brown is responsible for managing, troubleshooting, licensing, and updating hardware and software assets to ensure that appropriate measures are proactively followed in response the bank’s technology and IT security strategies in order to support growth objectives while strengthening the bank’s competitive advantage. Brown is a K-State Salina graduate with a BS in Computer Systems Technology with an Associate's degree in web development and computer science.

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