OCCK, Inc. Transportation will have reduced hours for the Christmas and New Year holidays this year.&nbsp;

On Friday, both CityGo and paratransit services will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.&nbsp; CityGo peak routes will not run.&nbsp; GoAbilene, GoConcordia, and KanConnect will be closed on the Friday.

All services, including Salina CityGo, 81 Connection, Regional Paratransit, GoAbilene, and GoConcordia public transportation, will be closed on Saturday and Monday for Christmas.

On Dec. 31, both CityGo and paratransit services will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.&nbsp; CityGo peak routes will not run.

All services will be closed on Jan. 2, 2023, for New Year’s Day.&nbsp;

OCCKOCCK, Inc. Transportation will have reduced hours for the Christmas and New Year holidays this year.&nbsp;On Friday, both CityGo and paratransit services will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.&nbsp; CityGo peak routes will not run.&nbsp; GoAbilene, GoConcordia, and KanConnect will be closed on the Friday.All services, including Salina CityGo, 81 Connection, Regional Paratransit, GoAbilene, and GoConcordia public transportation, will be closed on Saturday and Monday for Christmas.Regular hours will resume on Dec. 27.On Dec. 31, both CityGo and paratransit services will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.&nbsp; CityGo peak routes will not run.All services will be closed on Jan. 2, 2023, for New Year’s Day.&nbsp;Regular hours will resume on Jan. 3.

OCCK: Local, area transportation hours reduced for holidays

Last week, the Kansas State Board of Education heard a report from their staff encouraging them to promote Kansas joining the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact. Similar to states across the country, Kansas schools are experiencing growing vacancies statewide.

Kansas is one of only eleven states that require high school science teachers to have in-depth education in either biology, chemistry, physics or earth sciences. To be a high school biology teacher, Kansas universities provide from 32 to 48 credit hours of biology coursework, from ecology to molecular biology to microbiology.&nbsp; Human anatomy and physiology are critical for teaching students about our immune system and other defenses against disease. Chemistry and physics and earth science teachers all require basic and advanced courses with laboratories and field trips critical to understanding science in depth. They can then provide high school students with hands-on experiences, motivating some to continue on into a science career. Biology teachers must also have basic courses in chemistry, etc.

However, for middle school science teachers, Kansas only requires one or two introductory level courses in each of biology, chemistry, physics and earth sciences—preparation that is barely adequate to teach those younger students. Yet that one-size-fits-all general science training is what the other 40 states (includes DC) require for their high school teachers. That lack of in-depth teacher preparation, along with very low K–12 science and math requirements compared to Europe and the Far East, has contributed to the widespread public science ignorance that has been very obvious during these last three years.&nbsp; &nbsp;

For over 40 years, I have always wondered whether the U.S.—that is falling desperately behind in public science literacy and no longer leads the world in many areas of science research—will ever turn around and teach more science in K-12 and require more depth of science training of HS teachers.

The answer during this accelerating shortfall of teachers is as expected: a dilution to the lowest common denominator. To understand the problem of making interstate transfer of teachers automatic, we have to look at these substantial differences in teacher content knowledge across states.

Kansas mainly draws out-of-state teachers from its border states (CO, NE, MO and OK), all of which have the weak one-size science teacher. As presented to KSBE, the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact would simply accept shallow-trained general science teachers to come into KS and teach high school biology, chemistry, physics and earth sciences without any further training and at full pay.

There is another problem with the Interstate proposal. It is a design that requires adoption by each state’s legislature. Across the country, there are a wide range of state education governance systems. Some states appoint boards of education or elect a commissioner or have a mixed system often involving their state legislature. In four states, there is no state board and the chief is an “education czar.” But in many states, their legislature is thoroughly entangled in education policy. But legislators are not experts on education for the same reason that patients are not experts on medicine.

Kansas is one of only eight states where the State Board is elected and then appoints their Superintendent or Commissioner. States without elected Boards have seen education policy whip-saw from one pet reform to another. We can readily expect such states to rapidly adopt this compact, focusing only on the teacher shortage and ignoring the need for teachers trained-in-depth.

But the Kansas Board of Education can focus solely on the complexities of Kansas schools and maintain stability with overlapping terms in office. Future Kansas teachers should not come from neighboring states with watered down requirements. Indeed, if our future U.S. generations are to become more science literate, it is the 40 states (including DC) that should adopt the rigor required in Kansas and ten other states. Otherwise, Kansas and the broader U.S. will not have a science future.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Nevertheless, the answer to my nationwide question on whether the U.S. will increase science literacy via more coursework and deeper-trained teachers, or descend further into the science literacy level of undeveloped countries is becoming fairly clear: states will not move to requiring more depth. And through actions such as adopting this Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, we will accelerate our race to the bottom.&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 SCHROCK Last week, the Kansas State Board of Education heard a report from their staff encouraging them to promote Kansas joining the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact. Similar to states across the country, Kansas schools are experiencing growing vacancies statewide. Kansas is one of only eleven states that require high school science teachers to have in-depth education in either biology, chemistry, physics or earth sciences. To be a high school biology teacher, Kansas universities provide from 32 to 48 credit hours of biology coursework, from ecology to molecular biology to microbiology.&nbsp; Human anatomy and physiology are critical for teaching students about our immune system and other defenses against disease. Chemistry and physics and earth science teachers all require basic and advanced courses with laboratories and field trips critical to understanding science in depth. They can then provide high school students with hands-on experiences, motivating some to continue on into a science career. Biology teachers must also have basic courses in chemistry, etc. However, for middle school science teachers, Kansas only requires one or two introductory level courses in each of biology, chemistry, physics and earth sciences—preparation that is barely adequate to teach those younger students. Yet that one-size-fits-all general science training is what the other 40 states (includes DC) require for their high school teachers. That lack of in-depth teacher preparation, along with very low K–12 science and math requirements compared to Europe and the Far East, has contributed to the widespread public science ignorance that has been very obvious during these last three years.&nbsp; &nbsp; For over 40 years, I have always wondered whether the U.S.—that is falling desperately behind in public science literacy and no longer leads the world in many areas of science research—will ever turn around and teach more science in K-12 and require more depth of science training of HS teachers. The answer during this accelerating shortfall of teachers is as expected: a dilution to the lowest common denominator. To understand the problem of making interstate transfer of teachers automatic, we have to look at these substantial differences in teacher content knowledge across states. Kansas mainly draws out-of-state teachers from its border states (CO, NE, MO and OK), all of which have the weak one-size science teacher. As presented to KSBE, the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact would simply accept shallow-trained general science teachers to come into KS and teach high school biology, chemistry, physics and earth sciences without any further training and at full pay. There is another problem with the Interstate proposal. It is a design that requires adoption by each state’s legislature. Across the country, there are a wide range of state education governance systems. Some states appoint boards of education or elect a commissioner or have a mixed system often involving their state legislature. In four states, there is no state board and the chief is an “education czar.” But in many states, their legislature is thoroughly entangled in education policy. But legislators are not experts on education for the same reason that patients are not experts on medicine. Kansas is one of only eight states where the State Board is elected and then appoints their Superintendent or Commissioner. States without elected Boards have seen education policy whip-saw from one pet reform to another. We can readily expect such states to rapidly adopt this compact, focusing only on the teacher shortage and ignoring the need for teachers trained-in-depth. But the Kansas Board of Education can focus solely on the complexities of Kansas schools and maintain stability with overlapping terms in office. Future Kansas teachers should not come from neighboring states with watered down requirements. Indeed, if our future U.S. generations are to become more science literate, it is the 40 states (including DC) that should adopt the rigor required in Kansas and ten other states. Otherwise, Kansas and the broader U.S. will not have a science future.&nbsp; &nbsp; Nevertheless, the answer to my nationwide question on whether the U.S. will increase science literacy via more coursework and deeper-trained teachers, or descend further into the science literacy level of undeveloped countries is becoming fairly clear: states will not move to requiring more depth. And through actions such as adopting this Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, we will accelerate our race to the bottom.&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.

EDUCATION FRONTLINES:  Race to the bottom

Today is Monday, Dec. 19, the 353rd day of 2022. There are 12 days left in the year.

On Dec. 19, 1998, President Bill Clinton was impeached by the Republican-controlled House for perjury and obstruction of justice. (Clinton was subsequently acquitted by the Senate.)

In 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, Gen. George Washington led his army of about 11,000 men to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to camp for the winter.

In 1907, 239 workers died in a coal mine explosion in Jacobs Creek, Pennsylvania.

In 1946, war broke out in Indochina as troops under Ho Chi Minh launched widespread attacks against the French.

In 1950, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower was named commander of the military forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

In 1960, fire broke out on the hangar deck of the nearly completed aircraft carrier USS Constellation at the New York Naval Shipyard; 50 civilian workers were killed.

In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, winding up the Apollo program of manned lunar landings.

In 2001, the fires that had burned beneath the ruins of the World Trade Center in New York City for the previous three months were declared extinguished except for a few scattered hot spots.

In 2002, Secretary of State Colin Powell declared Iraq in "material breach" of a U.N. disarmament resolution.

In 2003, design plans were unveiled for the signature skyscraper — a 1,776-foot glass tower — at the site of the World Trade Center in New York City.

In 2008, citing imminent danger to the national economy, President George W. Bush ordered an emergency bailout of the U.S. auto industry.

In 2011, North Korea announced the death two days earlier of leader Kim Jong Il; North Koreans marched by the thousands to mourn their "Dear Leader" while state media proclaimed his youngest son, Kim Jong Un, a "Great Successor."

In 2016, a truck rammed into a crowded Christmas market in central Berlin, killing 12 people in an attack claimed by Islamic State. (The suspected attacker was killed in a police shootout four days later.) A Turkish policeman fatally shot Russian ambassador Andrei Karlov at a photo exhibit in Ankara. (The assailant was later killed in a police shootout.)

Ten years ago: Four State Department officials resigned under pressure, less than a day after a damning report blamed management failures for a lack of security at the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, where militants killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans. Park Geun-hye, daughter of late South Korean President Park Chung-hee, was elected the country's first female president.

Five years ago: A bus carrying cruise ship passengers on an excursion to Mayan ruins in southeastern Mexico flipped over on a narrow highway, killing 11 travelers and their guide and injuring about 20 others; eight Americans were among those killed. U.S. health officials approved the nation's first gene therapy for an inherited disease, a treatment that improves the sight of patients with a rare form of blindness. David Wright, a Massachusetts man who was convicted of leading a plot inspired by the Islamic State to behead conservative blogger Pamela Geller, was sentenced in Boston to 28 years in prison.

One year ago: Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia said he could not support his party's signature $2 trillion social and environment bill, dealing a seemingly fatal blow to President Joe Biden's leading domestic initiative. (Congress would approve a smaller but still substantive compromise measure in August 2022.) The NHL and its players association temporarily clamped down on teams crossing the Canadian border and shut down operations of two more teams in hopes of salvaging the season as COVID-19 outbreaks spread across the league. Gabriel Boric, a leftist millennial who rose to prominence during anti-government protests, was elected Chile's next president. Despite rising concerns over the omicron variant, "Spider-Man: No Way Home" achieved the third-best opening of all time; studio estimates showed that the Sony and Marvel blockbuster grossed $253 million in ticket sales in North America.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Elaine Joyce is 79. Actor Tim Reid is 78. Musician John McEuen is 77. Singer Janie Fricke is 75. Jazz musician Lenny White is 73. Actor Mike Lookinland is 62. Actor Scott Cohen is 61. Actor Jennifer Beals is 59. Actor Robert MacNaughton is 56. Magician Criss Angel is 55. Rock musician Klaus Eichstadt (Ugly Kid Joe) is 55. Actor Ken Marino is 54. Actor Elvis Nolasco is 54. Actor Kristy Swanson is 53. Model Tyson Beckford is 52. Actor Amy Locane is 51. Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp is 50. Actor Rosa Blasi is 50. Actor Alyssa Milano is 50. Actor Tara Summers is 43. Actor Jake Gyllenhaal is 42. Actor Marla Sokoloff is 42. Rapper Lady Sovereign is 37. Journalist Ronan Farrow is 35. Actor Nik Dodani is 29.

<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, Dec. 19, the 353rd day of 2022. There are 12 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 19, 1998, President Bill Clinton was impeached by the Republican-controlled House for perjury and obstruction of justice. (Clinton was subsequently acquitted by the Senate.)On this date:In 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, Gen. George Washington led his army of about 11,000 men to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to camp for the winter.In 1907, 239 workers died in a coal mine explosion in Jacobs Creek, Pennsylvania.In 1946, war broke out in Indochina as troops under Ho Chi Minh launched widespread attacks against the French.In 1950, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower was named commander of the military forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.In 1960, fire broke out on the hangar deck of the nearly completed aircraft carrier USS Constellation at the New York Naval Shipyard; 50 civilian workers were killed.In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, winding up the Apollo program of manned lunar landings.In 2001, the fires that had burned beneath the ruins of the World Trade Center in New York City for the previous three months were declared extinguished except for a few scattered hot spots.In 2002, Secretary of State Colin Powell declared Iraq in "material breach" of a U.N. disarmament resolution.In 2003, design plans were unveiled for the signature skyscraper — a 1,776-foot glass tower — at the site of the World Trade Center in New York City.In 2008, citing imminent danger to the national economy, President George W. Bush ordered an emergency bailout of the U.S. auto industry.In 2011, North Korea announced the death two days earlier of leader Kim Jong Il; North Koreans marched by the thousands to mourn their "Dear Leader" while state media proclaimed his youngest son, Kim Jong Un, a "Great Successor."In 2016, a truck rammed into a crowded Christmas market in central Berlin, killing 12 people in an attack claimed by Islamic State. (The suspected attacker was killed in a police shootout four days later.) A Turkish policeman fatally shot Russian ambassador Andrei Karlov at a photo exhibit in Ankara. (The assailant was later killed in a police shootout.)Ten years ago: Four State Department officials resigned under pressure, less than a day after a damning report blamed management failures for a lack of security at the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, where militants killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans. Park Geun-hye, daughter of late South Korean President Park Chung-hee, was elected the country's first female president.Five years ago: A bus carrying cruise ship passengers on an excursion to Mayan ruins in southeastern Mexico flipped over on a narrow highway, killing 11 travelers and their guide and injuring about 20 others; eight Americans were among those killed. U.S. health officials approved the nation's first gene therapy for an inherited disease, a treatment that improves the sight of patients with a rare form of blindness. David Wright, a Massachusetts man who was convicted of leading a plot inspired by the Islamic State to behead conservative blogger Pamela Geller, was sentenced in Boston to 28 years in prison.One year ago: Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia said he could not support his party's signature $2 trillion social and environment bill, dealing a seemingly fatal blow to President Joe Biden's leading domestic initiative. (Congress would approve a smaller but still substantive compromise measure in August 2022.) The NHL and its players association temporarily clamped down on teams crossing the Canadian border and shut down operations of two more teams in hopes of salvaging the season as COVID-19 outbreaks spread across the league. Gabriel Boric, a leftist millennial who rose to prominence during anti-government protests, was elected Chile's next president. Despite rising concerns over the omicron variant, "Spider-Man: No Way Home" achieved the third-best opening of all time; studio estimates showed that the Sony and Marvel blockbuster grossed $253 million in ticket sales in North America.Today's Birthdays: Actor Elaine Joyce is 79. Actor Tim Reid is 78. Musician John McEuen is 77. Singer Janie Fricke is 75. Jazz musician Lenny White is 73. Actor Mike Lookinland is 62. Actor Scott Cohen is 61. Actor Jennifer Beals is 59. Actor Robert MacNaughton is 56. Magician Criss Angel is 55. Rock musician Klaus Eichstadt (Ugly Kid Joe) is 55. Actor Ken Marino is 54. Actor Elvis Nolasco is 54. Actor Kristy Swanson is 53. Model Tyson Beckford is 52. Actor Amy Locane is 51. Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp is 50. Actor Rosa Blasi is 50. Actor Alyssa Milano is 50. Actor Tara Summers is 43. Actor Jake Gyllenhaal is 42. Actor Marla Sokoloff is 42. Rapper Lady Sovereign is 37. Journalist Ronan Farrow is 35. Actor Nik Dodani is 29.

Today in History - December 19

Bid awards, the Smoky Hill River Festival financial overview, and a discussion of the election of a commissioner as mayor are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.

Study sessions and city commission meetings will take place in–person in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street, and via Zoom until further notice. Meetings also can be viewed at the City of Salina YouTube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.

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

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

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

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

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

This week's study session will have two topics:

●2022 Smoky Hill River Festival financial overview

●2023 Salina Area Chamber of Commerce legislative agenda

Total revenue earned by the 2022 Smoky Hill River Festival was $444,672.95, according to information in the study session meeting packet. That revenue came from the following sources.

Additionally, the festival's total expenditures were $424,810.35.

According to the study session information packet, a draft of the 2023 legislative policy agenda focuses on the following eight priorities for regional growth, economic development, community health, and overall quality of life for Salina and the area.

●Drive regional success and economic development

●Ensure affordable healthcare and mental health resources

●Secure access to early childhood programming and childcare

To see the full study session information packet, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=501032&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

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

Among the items on the agenda is a discussion of electing the governing body chair/mayor.

According to Salina City Code, "There is no distinction as to title or duties among the commissioners, except as the governing body may organize itself for the transaction of business. The governing body shall choose its own chair annually and determine its own order of business. The governing body chair shall have the title of mayor and shall be the official head of the city on formal occasions."

Once a year in January, the city clerk calls to order and conducts an organizational meeting for the purpose of electing a mayor and vice mayor. The next such meeting is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2023.

The mayor and vice mayor serve one-year terms. Although there is no formal policy, a long-standing city commission tradition is that the vice mayor will be elected mayor the following year.

At last Monday's commission meeting, however, Vice Mayor Karl Ryan said that he would not accept a nomination to be mayor in 2023. 

"I've made the decision not to seek or to accept the nomination as mayor in 2023, so I thought it important to put this decision out in front of all of you as fellow commissioners so we can preserve the celebration and the dignity that goes with the changing of the guard," Ryan said. 

Ryan cited a declining hearing loss as his reason for not wanting to be mayor in 2023.

Other items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday include the following.

●Conduct a public hearing and consider approving the proposed 2022 amended budget.

●Consider awarding the bid for the 2022 storm sewer repairs project to Smoky Hill, LLC, of Salina in the amount of $152,738.10 with a five percent ($7,636.91) construction contingency, and consider authorizing the city manager to execute the contract with Smoky Hill, LLC, of Salina.

●Consider awarding the bid for the city's major concrete project to Lancaster Construction, Inc., of Salina, in the amount of $55,775 with a five-percent ($2,788.75) construction contingency, and consider authorizing the city manager to execute a contract with Lancaster Construction, Inc., of Salina.

●Consider authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement to purchase six wastewater pumps from JCI Industries, Inc., of Lee's Summit, Mo.

●Consider approving a proposed resolution describing the corporate limits of the City of Salina.

●Consider approving a proposed ordinance on second reading that would change the zoning district classification of property located at 1001 Schippel Drive from C-1 (restricted business) to PC-2 (planned neighborhood shopping) to allow for a former veterinary clinic to be converted to a beauty salon.

●Consider approving on second reading a proposed ordinance that would annex and zone a 20-foot strip of land in Schilling Subdivision No. 5.

●Consider approving on second reading a proposed ordinance amending Salina City Code as it pertains to the permitting and regulation of horse-drawn vehicles, outdoor merchandise areas, and minor sidewalk dining areas in the Downtown Arts, Commerce and Entertainment District.

●Consider approving on second reading a proposed ordinance amending Salina City Code regarding the authorization and regulation of special event activities; integrating the subject matter of related existing code provisions regarding specific types of special events, including carnivals, circuses, and tent shows, and special event use of city-owned public parking lots.

●Consider approving a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute the acceptance of the Right-of-Way Deed and Temporary Construction Easement documents as provided by the city upon their execution and delivery by the trustees for the Centennial Road Improvements north of Water Well Road.

●Consider authorizing the city manager to approve the purchase of five LUCAS Mechanical Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation chest compression systems and five EleGARD Heads Up CPR Patient Positioning Systems in the amount of $102,557.40.

Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to meet in executive session to discuss the city manager's evaluation based on the need to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel.

To see the full Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=501029&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590456274194.jpeg" alt="The City-County Building in Salina. Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>The City-County Building in Salina. Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTBid awards, the Smoky Hill River Festival financial overview, and a discussion of the election of a commissioner as mayor are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.About the meetingStudy sessions and city commission meetings will take place in–person in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street, and via Zoom until further notice. Meetings also can be viewed at the City of Salina YouTube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.To participate via Zoom, citizens will need to use the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>.The meeting also can be accessed by phone at 1-346-248-7799. Enter Meeting ID:892 7598 4587 when prompted.If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens attending via Zoom must raise their hands so that the meeting host can allow them to speak. Those who attend the in-person meeting will have the opportunity to speak at the podium.Citizens can also send written comments or questions to City Commissioners by visiting the City of Salina’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov/">www.salina-ks.gov</a>&nbsp;and using the “Email City Commission” icon on the home page.In order for the commissioners to have an opportunity to review comments in advance of the meeting, please email your comments or questions by 5 p.m. the Sunday prior to the Monday meetings.Study sessionThis week's study session will have two topics:●2022 Smoky Hill River Festival financial overview●2023 Salina Area Chamber of Commerce legislative agendaTotal revenue earned by the 2022 Smoky Hill River Festival was $444,672.95, according to information in the study session meeting packet. That revenue came from the following sources.Wristband sales: $211,235Artists' fees: $48,088.33Food sale commission: $51,124.62Electric fees and retail sales: $27,175SAH Foundation support: $107,050Additionally, the festival's total expenditures were $424,810.35.According to the study session information packet, a draft of the 2023 legislative policy agenda focuses on the following eight priorities for regional growth, economic development, community health, and overall quality of life for Salina and the area.●Drive regional success and economic development●Strengthen a skilled workforce●Establish affordable, quality housing●Fortify transportation initiatives●Invest in education●Ensure affordable healthcare and mental health resources●Secure access to early childhood programming and childcareTo see the full study session information packet, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=501032&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.Regular meetingThe regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.Among the items on the agenda is a discussion of electing the governing body chair/mayor.According to Salina City Code, "There is no distinction as to title or duties among the commissioners, except as the governing body may organize itself for the transaction of business. The governing body shall choose its own chair annually and determine its own order of business. The governing body chair shall have the title of mayor and shall be the official head of the city on formal occasions."Once a year in January, the city clerk calls to order and conducts an organizational meeting for the purpose of electing a mayor and vice mayor. The next such meeting is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2023.The mayor and vice mayor serve one-year terms. Although there is no formal policy, a long-standing city commission tradition is that the vice mayor will be elected mayor the following year.At last Monday's commission meeting, however, Vice Mayor Karl Ryan said that he would not accept a nomination to be mayor in 2023. "I've made the decision not to seek or to accept the nomination as mayor in 2023, so I thought it important to put this decision out in front of all of you as fellow commissioners so we can preserve the celebration and the dignity that goes with the changing of the guard," Ryan said. Ryan cited a declining hearing loss as his reason for not wanting to be mayor in 2023.Other items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday include the following.●Conduct a public hearing and consider approving the proposed 2022 amended budget.●Consider awarding the bid for the 2022 storm sewer repairs project to Smoky Hill, LLC, of Salina in the amount of $152,738.10 with a five percent ($7,636.91) construction contingency, and consider authorizing the city manager to execute the contract with Smoky Hill, LLC, of Salina.●Consider awarding the bid for the city's major concrete project to Lancaster Construction, Inc., of Salina, in the amount of $55,775 with a five-percent ($2,788.75) construction contingency, and consider authorizing the city manager to execute a contract with Lancaster Construction, Inc., of Salina.●Consider authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement to purchase six wastewater pumps from JCI Industries, Inc., of Lee's Summit, Mo.●Consider approving a proposed resolution describing the corporate limits of the City of Salina.●Consider approving a proposed ordinance on second reading that would change the zoning district classification of property located at 1001 Schippel Drive from C-1 (restricted business) to PC-2 (planned neighborhood shopping) to allow for a former veterinary clinic to be converted to a beauty salon.●Consider approving on second reading a proposed ordinance that would annex and zone a 20-foot strip of land in Schilling Subdivision No. 5.●Consider approving on second reading a proposed ordinance amending Salina City Code as it pertains to the permitting and regulation of horse-drawn vehicles, outdoor merchandise areas, and minor sidewalk dining areas in the Downtown Arts, Commerce and Entertainment District.●Consider approving on second reading a proposed ordinance amending Salina City Code regarding the authorization and regulation of special event activities; integrating the subject matter of related existing code provisions regarding specific types of special events, including carnivals, circuses, and tent shows, and special event use of city-owned public parking lots.●Consider approving a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute the acceptance of the Right-of-Way Deed and Temporary Construction Easement documents as provided by the city upon their execution and delivery by the trustees for the Centennial Road Improvements north of Water Well Road.●Consider authorizing the city manager to approve the purchase of five LUCAS Mechanical Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation chest compression systems and five EleGARD Heads Up CPR Patient Positioning Systems in the amount of $102,557.40.Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to meet in executive session to discuss the city manager's evaluation based on the need to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel.To see the full Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=501029&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

Salina City Commission to discuss election of mayor after Ryan bows out

A Toyathon update from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/99KGCountry">99KG #1 For New Country Facebook page</a>:

5,382 TOYS!!! “HUUUGE” thanks to Walmart for donating us $5000 dollars and saying “spend anywhere in the community but here!!”

-Saline County Fraternal Order of Police donated $1000

-Eagle Communications/Schmidt Foundation donated $1500

-Bennington State bank donated $1000

-Salina Central Student Council collecting 300 toys!

-Salina Regional Outpatient PT clinic for collecting

-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dougbradleytrucking?__cft__[0]=AZXSm_Ad63fPBHfWtgZm41LLg4M4Nmeg8fposywHFJtCzsyq5jiwYTF5eaFChpFQHRDOp13pWzUc4sD4ge_5iXdFz6cXUgFRiVoVqJIgEI-5q1HgkI9hj-7C0aFkmSQ_EY27PEyHsN1x-bzmevXxBTWvo2QwC_nNz9eNthaev7-ki_UIzXR4UjHZa3PJy1tutE0&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Doug Bradley Trucking, Inc.</a> for semi trailer

-Salina Police Dept/ Saline County Sheriff

-THANK YOUUUUU for listening and donating $$ for us to shop for you, and/or bringing toys by!!! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/goalmet?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXSm_Ad63fPBHfWtgZm41LLg4M4Nmeg8fposywHFJtCzsyq5jiwYTF5eaFChpFQHRDOp13pWzUc4sD4ge_5iXdFz6cXUgFRiVoVqJIgEI-5q1HgkI9hj-7C0aFkmSQ_EY27PEyHsN1x-bzmevXxBTWvo2QwC_nNz9eNthaev7-ki_UIzXR4UjHZa3PJy1tutE0&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#GOALMET</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/toyathon?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXSm_Ad63fPBHfWtgZm41LLg4M4Nmeg8fposywHFJtCzsyq5jiwYTF5eaFChpFQHRDOp13pWzUc4sD4ge_5iXdFz6cXUgFRiVoVqJIgEI-5q1HgkI9hj-7C0aFkmSQ_EY27PEyHsN1x-bzmevXxBTWvo2QwC_nNz9eNthaev7-ki_UIzXR4UjHZa3PJy1tutE0&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#TOYATHON</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/99kg?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXSm_Ad63fPBHfWtgZm41LLg4M4Nmeg8fposywHFJtCzsyq5jiwYTF5eaFChpFQHRDOp13pWzUc4sD4ge_5iXdFz6cXUgFRiVoVqJIgEI-5q1HgkI9hj-7C0aFkmSQ_EY27PEyHsN1x-bzmevXxBTWvo2QwC_nNz9eNthaev7-ki_UIzXR4UjHZa3PJy1tutE0&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#99KG</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671405970797.jpeg" alt="Many of the toys collected during this weekend's Toyathon. Photos courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/99KGCountry">99KG #1 For New Country Facebook page</a>" />
 <figcaption>Many of the toys collected during this weekend's Toyathon. Photos courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/99KGCountry">99KG #1 For New Country Facebook page</a></figcaption>
 </figure>A Toyathon update from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/99KGCountry">99KG #1 For New Country Facebook page</a>:5,382 TOYS!!! “HUUUGE” thanks to Walmart for donating us $5000 dollars and saying “spend anywhere in the community but here!!”-Saline County Fraternal Order of Police donated $1000-Eagle Communications/Schmidt Foundation donated $1500-Bennington State bank donated $1000-Salina Central Student Council collecting 300 toys! -Salina Regional Outpatient PT clinic for collecting-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dougbradleytrucking?__cft__[0]=AZXSm_Ad63fPBHfWtgZm41LLg4M4Nmeg8fposywHFJtCzsyq5jiwYTF5eaFChpFQHRDOp13pWzUc4sD4ge_5iXdFz6cXUgFRiVoVqJIgEI-5q1HgkI9hj-7C0aFkmSQ_EY27PEyHsN1x-bzmevXxBTWvo2QwC_nNz9eNthaev7-ki_UIzXR4UjHZa3PJy1tutE0&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Doug Bradley Trucking, Inc.</a> for semi trailer-Salina Police Dept/ Saline County Sheriff -THANK YOUUUUU for listening and donating $$ for us to shop for you, and/or bringing toys by!!! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/goalmet?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXSm_Ad63fPBHfWtgZm41LLg4M4Nmeg8fposywHFJtCzsyq5jiwYTF5eaFChpFQHRDOp13pWzUc4sD4ge_5iXdFz6cXUgFRiVoVqJIgEI-5q1HgkI9hj-7C0aFkmSQ_EY27PEyHsN1x-bzmevXxBTWvo2QwC_nNz9eNthaev7-ki_UIzXR4UjHZa3PJy1tutE0&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#GOALMET</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/toyathon?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXSm_Ad63fPBHfWtgZm41LLg4M4Nmeg8fposywHFJtCzsyq5jiwYTF5eaFChpFQHRDOp13pWzUc4sD4ge_5iXdFz6cXUgFRiVoVqJIgEI-5q1HgkI9hj-7C0aFkmSQ_EY27PEyHsN1x-bzmevXxBTWvo2QwC_nNz9eNthaev7-ki_UIzXR4UjHZa3PJy1tutE0&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#TOYATHON</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/99kg?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXSm_Ad63fPBHfWtgZm41LLg4M4Nmeg8fposywHFJtCzsyq5jiwYTF5eaFChpFQHRDOp13pWzUc4sD4ge_5iXdFz6cXUgFRiVoVqJIgEI-5q1HgkI9hj-7C0aFkmSQ_EY27PEyHsN1x-bzmevXxBTWvo2QwC_nNz9eNthaev7-ki_UIzXR4UjHZa3PJy1tutE0&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#99KG</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671406073501.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Toyathon surpasses goal thanks to generosity of many

SALINE COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident just after 9:30 p.m. Saturday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Impala driven by&nbsp; Chanz C. Rosales, 18, McPherson, was northbound on Interstate 135 two miles south of Salina.

The car entered the center median, rolled and came to a rest on its top.

EMS transported&nbsp;Rosales to Salina Regional Health Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Post News NetworkSALINE COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident just after 9:30 p.m. Saturday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Impala driven by&nbsp; Chanz C. Rosales, 18, McPherson, was northbound on Interstate 135 two miles south of Salina.The car entered the center median, rolled and came to a rest on its top.EMS transported&nbsp;Rosales to Salina Regional Health Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

McPherson teen hospitalized in Salina after rollover crash

The National Weather Service has updated the snowfall totals map. It is below.

A rain-snow mix with periods of light snow will begin late tonight and continue into Monday morning. Some light snow accumulations are expected.

The National Weather Service has updated the snowfall totals map. It is below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671417062441.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National Weather ServiceA rain-snow mix with periods of light snow will begin late tonight and continue into Monday morning. Some light snow accumulations are expected.

UPDATE: Latest snowfall estimates are trace to 2 inches in our area

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

Sept. 18, 2004.&nbsp;Bret Fitzpatrick was driving to a farm sale when his truck tire blew out on a two-lane bridge. He lost control of his truck, went into the ditch, hit a power pole, rolled three times, and ended up in the water.&nbsp;

When Fitzpatrick came to, he was in the water and could no longer move his legs. That was the beginning of a long, tough journey for this young man who has found ways to adjust to his challenging life in&nbsp;rural&nbsp;Kansas.&nbsp;

Fitzpatrick grew up near Sterling where his family had a diversified crop and livestock operation. He majored in animal sciences and business at K-State. One summer, he got an internship with a meat processing company in Hutchinson and found he enjoyed meat science and food science work.&nbsp;

After graduation, he was hired as a food scientist in the research and development department. That company is now part of Tyson Foods.&nbsp;

Fitzpatrick met and married his wife who is from Buhler. He worked for Tyson and helped his dad on the farm.&nbsp;

Then the accident occurred. The truck cab was crushed directly behind where Fitzpatrick had been sitting and there were power lines down in the ditch. When he regained consciousness, he was outside the truck and spitting out water.&nbsp;

“I could have been crushed, I could have drowned, I could have been electrocuted, but none of that happened,” he said. A transformer had blown so the electric lines were not live.&nbsp;

Fitzpatrick was flown to Wichita for surgery followed by extensive rehab in Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is considered a T-11 paraplegic with a pinched spinal cord.&nbsp;

“I’ve tried not to let it limit me more than necessary,” he said. He returned to work and even works on the farm with his wife and daughter.&nbsp;

In 2009, he was transferred to Tyson corporate headquarters in Arkansas. In 2016, he and his family moved back to the family farm in Kansas where his dad lives. Fitzpatrick continues to work remotely for Tyson and takes care of the cattle. The family maintains a Charolais cowherd and sells purebred bulls.&nbsp;

One day Fitzpatrick was reading a farm magazine and he came across an article about the Kansas AgrAbility project at K-State. “Oh man, I need that,” he said. AgrAbility is a program to assist farmers who are injured or disabled but want to continue in production agriculture.&nbsp;

Fitzpatrick contacted the AgrAbility specialists. They got him in touch with various resources such as the Kansas vocational rehabilitation program, Farm Rescue, and Rise Again.&nbsp;

AgrAbility’s motto is ‘Cultivating Accessible Agriculture.’&nbsp;&nbsp;AgrAbility does not provide direct financial assistance, but can help people find assistive devices to help with farm work, for example.&nbsp;

“I have an electric four-wheel drive wheelchair and a side-by-side and skid steer that I use a lot,” Fitzpatrick said. He has installed remote controlled gates, seat lifts for his trucks, and other assistive technology.&nbsp;

“It’s a whole world of difference,” he said. Remarkably, he continues to travel, hunt and work cattle. “I can run cattle through the chute by myself,” Fitzpatrick said. He actively hunts turkey, pheasant and deer.&nbsp;

There have been plenty of frustrations. Insurance, for example, would only pay for a manual wheelchair, which is impractical on the farm. Out-of-pocket costs for adaptive devices are very expensive.&nbsp;

“I try to find as many ways as I can to do things independently,” Fitzpatrick said. He’s a remarkable person, living near the&nbsp;rural&nbsp;community of Sterling, population 2,248 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, that’s&nbsp;rural.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Working with AgrAbility has been a very, very positive thing,” he said.&nbsp;

“Bret is a great example of how a positive attitude and creativity can make a real difference,” said Tawnie Larson, AgrAbility consultant. “The AgrAbility team that assisted Bret worked hard to find him resources and make sure they worked for him. AgrAbility is here to keep people just like Bret working and enjoying their&nbsp;rural&nbsp;lifestyle through production agriculture.”&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.agrability.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">www.agrability.ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

We commend Bret Fitzpatrick for meeting these challenges and for sharing his inspirational story with others. Maybe this story can help someone else along the way.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671375161308.jpeg" alt="Bret Fitzpatrick. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Bret Fitzpatrick. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State UniversitySept. 18, 2004.&nbsp;Bret Fitzpatrick was driving to a farm sale when his truck tire blew out on a two-lane bridge. He lost control of his truck, went into the ditch, hit a power pole, rolled three times, and ended up in the water.&nbsp;When Fitzpatrick came to, he was in the water and could no longer move his legs. That was the beginning of a long, tough journey for this young man who has found ways to adjust to his challenging life in&nbsp;rural&nbsp;Kansas.&nbsp;Fitzpatrick grew up near Sterling where his family had a diversified crop and livestock operation. He majored in animal sciences and business at K-State. One summer, he got an internship with a meat processing company in Hutchinson and found he enjoyed meat science and food science work.&nbsp;After graduation, he was hired as a food scientist in the research and development department. That company is now part of Tyson Foods.&nbsp;Fitzpatrick met and married his wife who is from Buhler. He worked for Tyson and helped his dad on the farm.&nbsp;Then the accident occurred. The truck cab was crushed directly behind where Fitzpatrick had been sitting and there were power lines down in the ditch. When he regained consciousness, he was outside the truck and spitting out water.&nbsp;“I could have been crushed, I could have drowned, I could have been electrocuted, but none of that happened,” he said. A transformer had blown so the electric lines were not live.&nbsp;Fitzpatrick was flown to Wichita for surgery followed by extensive rehab in Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is considered a T-11 paraplegic with a pinched spinal cord.&nbsp;“I’ve tried not to let it limit me more than necessary,” he said. He returned to work and even works on the farm with his wife and daughter.&nbsp;In 2009, he was transferred to Tyson corporate headquarters in Arkansas. In 2016, he and his family moved back to the family farm in Kansas where his dad lives. Fitzpatrick continues to work remotely for Tyson and takes care of the cattle. The family maintains a Charolais cowherd and sells purebred bulls.&nbsp;One day Fitzpatrick was reading a farm magazine and he came across an article about the Kansas AgrAbility project at K-State. “Oh man, I need that,” he said. AgrAbility is a program to assist farmers who are injured or disabled but want to continue in production agriculture.&nbsp;Fitzpatrick contacted the AgrAbility specialists. They got him in touch with various resources such as the Kansas vocational rehabilitation program, Farm Rescue, and Rise Again.&nbsp;AgrAbility’s motto is ‘Cultivating Accessible Agriculture.’&nbsp;&nbsp;AgrAbility does not provide direct financial assistance, but can help people find assistive devices to help with farm work, for example.&nbsp;“I have an electric four-wheel drive wheelchair and a side-by-side and skid steer that I use a lot,” Fitzpatrick said. He has installed remote controlled gates, seat lifts for his trucks, and other assistive technology.&nbsp;“It’s a whole world of difference,” he said. Remarkably, he continues to travel, hunt and work cattle. “I can run cattle through the chute by myself,” Fitzpatrick said. He actively hunts turkey, pheasant and deer.&nbsp;There have been plenty of frustrations. Insurance, for example, would only pay for a manual wheelchair, which is impractical on the farm. Out-of-pocket costs for adaptive devices are very expensive.&nbsp;“I try to find as many ways as I can to do things independently,” Fitzpatrick said. He’s a remarkable person, living near the&nbsp;rural&nbsp;community of Sterling, population 2,248 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, that’s&nbsp;rural.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Working with AgrAbility has been a very, very positive thing,” he said.&nbsp;“Bret is a great example of how a positive attitude and creativity can make a real difference,” said Tawnie Larson, AgrAbility consultant. “The AgrAbility team that assisted Bret worked hard to find him resources and make sure they worked for him. AgrAbility is here to keep people just like Bret working and enjoying their&nbsp;rural&nbsp;lifestyle through production agriculture.”&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.agrability.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">www.agrability.ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;We commend Bret Fitzpatrick for meeting these challenges and for sharing his inspirational story with others. Maybe this story can help someone else along the way.&nbsp;

NOW THAT'S RURAL: Bret Fitzpatrick, AgrAbility

LINDSBORG – In the spring of this year, Bethany
College entered into the search and call process
with the Central States Synod of the ELCA to hire a full-time campus pastor.
After carefully conducting a series of facilitated conversations around needs
for campus ministry, completing the ELCA ministry site profile, and evaluating
potential candidates, Bethany College will welcome Pastor Melissa
Woeppel '15 on Jan. 1, 2023.

“The work of a campus pastor is immensely important to the life
of the Bethany College community. A full-time campus pastor will allow us to
connect our past and our Lutheran heritage with the college’s diverse student
body. I am excited to work with Pastor Woeppel, as I know she will bring a
crucial pastoral presence into the lives of students, staff, and faculty,” said Adam Pryor, Bethany College provost and head of the search committee.

Woeppel graduated from Bethany College summa cum laude in 2015 with a
Bachelor of Arts in English and Communication, and a minor in Religion. Originally
from Firth, Neb., she found her way to Bethany College due to its
affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Her love
for community and faith led her to Bethany College. A political theology course
taught by Adam Pryor, provost, “drew me further into the study of theology and
ultimately propelled me to go to seminary,” said Woeppel.

She
was a pastoral intern from 2017 to 2018 and became a pastoral associate in 2019
at the Peace Lutheran Church in Charlottesville, Va., while attending
the United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, Pa. Pastor Woeppel
received her Master of Divinity and became Pastor of the Lutheran Church of the
Living Christ in 2019.

“I am proud to be an alum of 2015! I
loved my time as a student and cannot wait to be part of the campus community
again. I look forward
to cultivating relationships of care and trust that build community and
revitalize campus ministry. While this can be serious work, there is also plenty
of room for fun," Woeppel said.

When asked about her vision for Bethany
Woeppel replied “My vision is to provide a space for students to connect to
each other, the wider community, and to God. I hope to co-create meaningful
campus rituals and to equip students to engage in personal and communal
spiritual practices. I envision the chapel as a place where there is room for
everyone to come as they are and where a variety of spiritual and religious
traditions are honored and celebrated. Campus ministry will include
opportunities for nourishment and growth, for important conversations, and
times of comfort and rest.” &nbsp;

Regarding what she loves most about being a
pastor she says, “one of my great
joys as a pastor is connecting with people and being present with them through
the changes and challenges of life. By the nature of this call, I often get to
accompany people through things like moving, new or deepening relationships,
new jobs, retirement, and even loss and grief. It is a gift and a
responsibility to be a part of these journeys.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671338867817.png" alt="Pastor Melissa Woeppel. Photo courtesy Bethany College" />
 <figcaption>Pastor Melissa Woeppel. Photo courtesy Bethany College</figcaption>
 </figure>Bethany CollegeLINDSBORG – In the spring of this year, Bethany
College entered into the search and call process
with the Central States Synod of the ELCA to hire a full-time campus pastor.
After carefully conducting a series of facilitated conversations around needs
for campus ministry, completing the ELCA ministry site profile, and evaluating
potential candidates, Bethany College will welcome Pastor Melissa
Woeppel '15 on Jan. 1, 2023. “The work of a campus pastor is immensely important to the life
of the Bethany College community. A full-time campus pastor will allow us to
connect our past and our Lutheran heritage with the college’s diverse student
body. I am excited to work with Pastor Woeppel, as I know she will bring a
crucial pastoral presence into the lives of students, staff, and faculty,” said Adam Pryor, Bethany College provost and head of the search committee.Woeppel graduated from Bethany College summa cum laude in 2015 with a
Bachelor of Arts in English and Communication, and a minor in Religion. Originally
from Firth, Neb., she found her way to Bethany College due to its
affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Her love
for community and faith led her to Bethany College. A political theology course
taught by Adam Pryor, provost, “drew me further into the study of theology and
ultimately propelled me to go to seminary,” said Woeppel.She
was a pastoral intern from 2017 to 2018 and became a pastoral associate in 2019
at the Peace Lutheran Church in Charlottesville, Va., while attending
the United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, Pa. Pastor Woeppel
received her Master of Divinity and became Pastor of the Lutheran Church of the
Living Christ in 2019.“I am proud to be an alum of 2015! I
loved my time as a student and cannot wait to be part of the campus community
again. I look forward
to cultivating relationships of care and trust that build community and
revitalize campus ministry. While this can be serious work, there is also plenty
of room for fun," Woeppel said.When asked about her vision for Bethany
Woeppel replied “My vision is to provide a space for students to connect to
each other, the wider community, and to God. I hope to co-create meaningful
campus rituals and to equip students to engage in personal and communal
spiritual practices. I envision the chapel as a place where there is room for
everyone to come as they are and where a variety of spiritual and religious
traditions are honored and celebrated. Campus ministry will include
opportunities for nourishment and growth, for important conversations, and
times of comfort and rest.” &nbsp;Regarding what she loves most about being a
pastor she says, “one of my great
joys as a pastor is connecting with people and being present with them through
the changes and challenges of life. By the nature of this call, I often get to
accompany people through things like moving, new or deepening relationships,
new jobs, retirement, and even loss and grief. It is a gift and a
responsibility to be a part of these journeys.”&nbsp;

Bethany College hires alum Woeppel as campus pastor

Today is Sunday, Dec. 18, the 352nd day of 2022. There are 13 days left in the year.

On Dec. 18, 2019, the U.S. House impeached President Donald Trump on two charges, sending his case to the Senate for trial; the articles of impeachment accused him of abusing the power of the presidency to investigate rival Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 election and then obstructing Congress' investigation. (It was the first of two Trump impeachment trials that would end in acquittal by the Senate.)

In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, was declared in effect by Secretary of State William H. Seward.

In 1892, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's ballet "The Nutcracker" publicly premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia; although now considered a classic, it received a generally negative reception from critics.

In 1917, Congress passed the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibiting "the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors" and sent it to the states for ratification.

In 1940, Adolf Hitler signed a secret directive ordering preparations for a Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union. (Operation Barbarossa was launched in June 1941.)

In 1944, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the government's wartime evacuation of people of Japanese descent from the West Coast while at the same time ruling that "concededly loyal" Americans of Japanese ancestry could not continue to be detained.

In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, the first nuclear facility to generate electricity in the United States, went on line. (It was taken out of service in 1982.)

In 1958, the world's first communications satellite, SCORE (Signal Communication by Orbiting Relay Equipment), nicknamed "Chatterbox," was launched by the United States aboard an Atlas rocket.

In 1969, Britain's House of Lords joined the House of Commons in making permanent a 1965 ban on the death penalty for murder.

In 1992, Kim Young-sam was elected South Korea's first civilian president in three decades.

In 2003, two federal appeals courts ruled the U.S. military could not indefinitely hold prisoners without access to lawyers or American courts.

In 2011, the last convoy of heavily armored U.S. troops left Iraq, crossing into Kuwait in darkness in the final moments of a nine-year war. Vaclav Havel, 75, the dissident playwright who became Czechoslovakia's first democratically elected president, died in the northern Czech Republic.

In 2020, the U.S. added a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal, as the Food and Drug Administration authorized an emergency rollout of the vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health; a vaccine from Pfizer Inc. and Germany's BioNTech was already being dispensed.

Ten years ago: Classes resumed in Newtown, Connecticut, except at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the scene of a massacre four days earlier. Two bank robbers pulled off a daring escape from downtown Chicago's high-rise jail by scaling down 17 stories using a makeshift rope. (Kenneth Conley and Jose Banks were later recaptured.) Texas A&amp;M quarterback Johnny Manziel became the first freshman to be voted The Associated Press Player of the Year in college football.

Five years ago: An Amtrak train making the first-ever run along a faster route hurtled off an overpass south of Seattle and spilled some of its cars onto the highway below; three people were killed and dozens were hurt. (Investigators found that the train was traveling 80 mph in a 30 mph zone.) A fire and blackout at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest, forced the cancellation of more than 1,500 flights just days before the start of the Christmas rush; airlines said some of the grounded travelers would have to wait days before there would be available seats on flights. The Los Angeles Lakers retired numbers 8 and 24, both of the jersey numbers worn by Kobe Bryant, the leading scorer in franchise history.

One year ago: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said all of the people reported missing in Kentucky after tornadoes swept through the state a week earlier had been accounted for; more than 90 people were confirmed dead in five states, including 81 in Kentucky. Nations across Europe moved to reimpose tougher measures to stem a new wave of COVID-19 infections spurred by the highly transmissible omicron variant, with the Netherlands leading the way by imposing a nationwide lockdown. "Saturday Night Live" aired without a live audience, and with only limited cast and crew, due to a recent spike in the omicron variant.

Today's Birthdays: Rock musician Keith Richards is 79. Writer-director Alan Rudolph is 79. Movie producer-director Steven Spielberg is 76. Blues artist Rod Piazza is 75. Movie director Gillian Armstrong is 72. Movie reviewer Leonard Maltin is 72. Rock musician Elliot Easton is 69. Comedian Ron White is 66. R&amp;B singer Angie Stone is 61. Actor Brad Pitt is 59. Professional wrestler-turned-actor "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is 58. Actor Shawn Christian is 57. Actor Rachel Griffiths is 54. Singer Alejandro Sanz is 54. Actor Casper Van Dien is 54. Country/rap singer Cowboy Troy is 52. International Tennis Hall of Famer Arantxa Sanchez Vicario is 51. DJ Lethal (Limp Bizkit) is 50. Pop singer Sia is 47. Country singer Randy Houser is 46. Actor Josh Dallas is 44. Actor Katie Holmes is 44. Actor Ravi Patel is 44. Singer Christina Aguilera is 42. Actor Ashley Benson is 33. NHL defenseman Victor Hedman is 32. Actor-singer Bridgit Mendler is 30. MLB outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is 25. Electro-pop singer Billie Eilish is 21. Actor Isabella Crovetti is 18.

<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, Dec. 18, the 352nd day of 2022. There are 13 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 18, 2019, the U.S. House impeached President Donald Trump on two charges, sending his case to the Senate for trial; the articles of impeachment accused him of abusing the power of the presidency to investigate rival Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 election and then obstructing Congress' investigation. (It was the first of two Trump impeachment trials that would end in acquittal by the Senate.)On this date:In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, was declared in effect by Secretary of State William H. Seward.In 1892, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's ballet "The Nutcracker" publicly premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia; although now considered a classic, it received a generally negative reception from critics.In 1917, Congress passed the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibiting "the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors" and sent it to the states for ratification.In 1940, Adolf Hitler signed a secret directive ordering preparations for a Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union. (Operation Barbarossa was launched in June 1941.)In 1944, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the government's wartime evacuation of people of Japanese descent from the West Coast while at the same time ruling that "concededly loyal" Americans of Japanese ancestry could not continue to be detained.In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, the first nuclear facility to generate electricity in the United States, went on line. (It was taken out of service in 1982.)In 1958, the world's first communications satellite, SCORE (Signal Communication by Orbiting Relay Equipment), nicknamed "Chatterbox," was launched by the United States aboard an Atlas rocket.In 1969, Britain's House of Lords joined the House of Commons in making permanent a 1965 ban on the death penalty for murder.In 1992, Kim Young-sam was elected South Korea's first civilian president in three decades.In 2003, two federal appeals courts ruled the U.S. military could not indefinitely hold prisoners without access to lawyers or American courts.In 2011, the last convoy of heavily armored U.S. troops left Iraq, crossing into Kuwait in darkness in the final moments of a nine-year war. Vaclav Havel, 75, the dissident playwright who became Czechoslovakia's first democratically elected president, died in the northern Czech Republic.In 2020, the U.S. added a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal, as the Food and Drug Administration authorized an emergency rollout of the vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health; a vaccine from Pfizer Inc. and Germany's BioNTech was already being dispensed.Ten years ago: Classes resumed in Newtown, Connecticut, except at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the scene of a massacre four days earlier. Two bank robbers pulled off a daring escape from downtown Chicago's high-rise jail by scaling down 17 stories using a makeshift rope. (Kenneth Conley and Jose Banks were later recaptured.) Texas A&amp;M quarterback Johnny Manziel became the first freshman to be voted The Associated Press Player of the Year in college football.Five years ago: An Amtrak train making the first-ever run along a faster route hurtled off an overpass south of Seattle and spilled some of its cars onto the highway below; three people were killed and dozens were hurt. (Investigators found that the train was traveling 80 mph in a 30 mph zone.) A fire and blackout at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest, forced the cancellation of more than 1,500 flights just days before the start of the Christmas rush; airlines said some of the grounded travelers would have to wait days before there would be available seats on flights. The Los Angeles Lakers retired numbers 8 and 24, both of the jersey numbers worn by Kobe Bryant, the leading scorer in franchise history.One year ago: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said all of the people reported missing in Kentucky after tornadoes swept through the state a week earlier had been accounted for; more than 90 people were confirmed dead in five states, including 81 in Kentucky. Nations across Europe moved to reimpose tougher measures to stem a new wave of COVID-19 infections spurred by the highly transmissible omicron variant, with the Netherlands leading the way by imposing a nationwide lockdown. "Saturday Night Live" aired without a live audience, and with only limited cast and crew, due to a recent spike in the omicron variant.Today's Birthdays: Rock musician Keith Richards is 79. Writer-director Alan Rudolph is 79. Movie producer-director Steven Spielberg is 76. Blues artist Rod Piazza is 75. Movie director Gillian Armstrong is 72. Movie reviewer Leonard Maltin is 72. Rock musician Elliot Easton is 69. Comedian Ron White is 66. R&amp;B singer Angie Stone is 61. Actor Brad Pitt is 59. Professional wrestler-turned-actor "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is 58. Actor Shawn Christian is 57. Actor Rachel Griffiths is 54. Singer Alejandro Sanz is 54. Actor Casper Van Dien is 54. Country/rap singer Cowboy Troy is 52. International Tennis Hall of Famer Arantxa Sanchez Vicario is 51. DJ Lethal (Limp Bizkit) is 50. Pop singer Sia is 47. Country singer Randy Houser is 46. Actor Josh Dallas is 44. Actor Katie Holmes is 44. Actor Ravi Patel is 44. Singer Christina Aguilera is 42. Actor Ashley Benson is 33. NHL defenseman Victor Hedman is 32. Actor-singer Bridgit Mendler is 30. MLB outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is 25. Electro-pop singer Billie Eilish is 21. Actor Isabella Crovetti is 18.

Today in History - December 18

By MADDY ROHR K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – Spoiled food may leave many different types of odors in the refrigerator that can be hard to remove. Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee says proper cleaning and inspection is the homeowner’s best chance at getting rid of the foul smell.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“As winter approaches, so does the possibility of power outages,” Blakeslee said. “Refrigerators and freezers can hold cold temperatures for a short amount of time, but if power outages linger, food can become unsafe, spoil and leave residual odors.”&nbsp;

The first step to removing odors is disposing of spoiled or questionable food. Next, Blakeslee suggests removing the shelving, drawers and ice trays to wash in hot, soapy water before rinsing with bleach sanitizer. Blakeslee recommends once tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To wash the interior walls, use a mix of hot water and baking soda, then sanitize with bleach solution. Blakeslee said these steps may need to be repeated several times to be effective.&nbsp;

“If meat juice or spoiled food has lingered in an appliance, it may have seeped into the insulation,” Blakeslee said. “At this point, the appliance may need to be discarded.”&nbsp;

Additional tips to remove odors are available from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/emergencies/removing-odors-refrigerators-and" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Agriculture.</a>&nbsp;

Blakeslee, who also is coordinator of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">K-State’s Rapid Response Center for Food Science</a>, publishes a monthly newsletter called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/newsletter" target="_blank">You Asked It!</a>&nbsp;that provides numerous tips on being safe and healthy. More information is also available from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html" target="_blank">local extension offices</a>&nbsp;in Kansas.

By MADDY ROHR K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN – Spoiled food may leave many different types of odors in the refrigerator that can be hard to remove. Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee says proper cleaning and inspection is the homeowner’s best chance at getting rid of the foul smell.&nbsp;&nbsp;“As winter approaches, so does the possibility of power outages,” Blakeslee said. “Refrigerators and freezers can hold cold temperatures for a short amount of time, but if power outages linger, food can become unsafe, spoil and leave residual odors.”&nbsp;The first step to removing odors is disposing of spoiled or questionable food. Next, Blakeslee suggests removing the shelving, drawers and ice trays to wash in hot, soapy water before rinsing with bleach sanitizer. Blakeslee recommends once tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water.&nbsp;&nbsp;To wash the interior walls, use a mix of hot water and baking soda, then sanitize with bleach solution. Blakeslee said these steps may need to be repeated several times to be effective.&nbsp;“If meat juice or spoiled food has lingered in an appliance, it may have seeped into the insulation,” Blakeslee said. “At this point, the appliance may need to be discarded.”&nbsp;Additional tips to remove odors are available from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/emergencies/removing-odors-refrigerators-and" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Agriculture.</a>&nbsp;Blakeslee, who also is coordinator of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">K-State’s Rapid Response Center for Food Science</a>, publishes a monthly newsletter called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/newsletter" target="_blank">You Asked It!</a>&nbsp;that provides numerous tips on being safe and healthy. More information is also available from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html" target="_blank">local extension offices</a>&nbsp;in Kansas.

Spoiled food? Here's how to remove odor from the refrigerator

LAWRENCE — This spring, 54 University of Kansas students will receive an Undergraduate Research Award (UGRA) from the&nbsp;<a href="https://ugresearch.ku.edu/" target="_blank">Center for Undergraduate Research</a>. UGRA recipients are awarded a $1,000 scholarship as they work on mentored research and creative projects.

Among those students will be McPherson's&nbsp;William Powers, junior, whose project is “BackTrader V2” in electrical engineering and computer science. His mentor is Hossein Saiedian. 

Students apply for UGRAs by writing a four-page research proposal under the guidance of a mentor. Faculty reviewers evaluate the applications based on the merit of the applicant's proposal and a recommendation from the mentor.

“We received a record number of applicants for this round of UGRAs,” said Matt Downen, assistant director of the Center for Undergraduate Research. “Students in disciplines all across KU are working on amazing research and creative projects.”

Next spring, the competition for 2023 Summer and Fall 2023 semester UGRAs will open. Online guidance and individual advising appointments are available to help students prepare strong applications.

KU Office of Public AffairsLAWRENCE — This spring, 54 University of Kansas students will receive an Undergraduate Research Award (UGRA) from the&nbsp;<a href="https://ugresearch.ku.edu/" target="_blank">Center for Undergraduate Research</a>. UGRA recipients are awarded a $1,000 scholarship as they work on mentored research and creative projects.Among those students will be McPherson's&nbsp;William Powers, junior, whose project is “BackTrader V2” in electrical engineering and computer science. His mentor is Hossein Saiedian. Students apply for UGRAs by writing a four-page research proposal under the guidance of a mentor. Faculty reviewers evaluate the applications based on the merit of the applicant's proposal and a recommendation from the mentor.“We received a record number of applicants for this round of UGRAs,” said Matt Downen, assistant director of the Center for Undergraduate Research. “Students in disciplines all across KU are working on amazing research and creative projects.”Next spring, the competition for 2023 Summer and Fall 2023 semester UGRAs will open. Online guidance and individual advising appointments are available to help students prepare strong applications.

McPherson's Powers among those receiving undergrad research awards

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a&nbsp;seasonally adjusted unemployment rate&nbsp;of 2.8% in November. This was unchanged from 2.8% in October and unchanged from 2.8% in November 2021.

“There was little change in the labor force this month, resulting in the unemployment rate remaining at 2.8%,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “This is also unchanged from last November.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

In north-central Kansas several counties reported jobless rates below 2 percent. Saline County saw unemployment fall from 2.5 percent in October to 2.4 percent in November. Dickinson, Ellsworth, and Ottawa counties also saw a drop in unemployment in November.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 400 from October. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers.&nbsp;Private sector jobs&nbsp;decreased by 1,000 over the month, while government increased by 600.

“Total nonfarm job estimates for Kansas indicate a small decline over the month in November,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “However, due to strong growth in October and gains earlier this year, current estimates are 2.7% higher than last November.”

Since November 2021, Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs&nbsp;have increased by 36,700. This change is due to an increase of 34,600 private sector jobs and an increase of 2,100 government jobs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671297846395.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Post News NetworkPreliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a&nbsp;seasonally adjusted unemployment rate&nbsp;of 2.8% in November. This was unchanged from 2.8% in October and unchanged from 2.8% in November 2021.“There was little change in the labor force this month, resulting in the unemployment rate remaining at 2.8%,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “This is also unchanged from last November.”&nbsp;&nbsp;In north-central Kansas several counties reported jobless rates below 2 percent. Saline County saw unemployment fall from 2.5 percent in October to 2.4 percent in November. Dickinson, Ellsworth, and Ottawa counties also saw a drop in unemployment in November.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 400 from October. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers.&nbsp;Private sector jobs&nbsp;decreased by 1,000 over the month, while government increased by 600.“Total nonfarm job estimates for Kansas indicate a small decline over the month in November,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “However, due to strong growth in October and gains earlier this year, current estimates are 2.7% higher than last November.”Since November 2021, Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs&nbsp;have increased by 36,700. This change is due to an increase of 34,600 private sector jobs and an increase of 2,100 government jobs.

Saline County jobless rate down slightly 

With extremely cold weather on the way, following is some information from the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/hypothermia.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website</a> concerning frostbite and hypothermia.

●Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures. When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it’s produced. Lengthy exposures will eventually use up your body’s stored energy, which leads to lower body temperature.

 ●Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia especially dangerous, because a person may not know that it’s happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.

●While hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

●Older adults with inadequate food, clothing, or heating. 

●People who remain outdoors for long periods—the homeless, hikers, hunters, etc.

●People who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.

What are the signs and symptoms of hypothermia?

The following are warnings signs of hypothermia.

Hypothermia is a medical emergency. If you notice any of the above signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95° F, get medical attention immediately!

If you are not able to get medical help right away, try to warm the person up.

●Get the person into a warm room or shelter.

●Remove any wet clothing the person is wearing.

●Warm the center of the person’s body—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. You can also use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.

 ●Warm drinks can help increase body temperature, but do not give alcoholic drinks. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.

 ●After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrap their body, including their head and neck, in a warm blanket.

●Get the person proper medical attention as soon as possible.

A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing. In this case, handle the person gently, and get emergency assistance immediately.

Perform CPR, even if the person appears dead. CPR should continue until the person responds or medical aid becomes available. Keep warming the person while performing CPR. In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear to be dead can be successfully resuscitated.

Frostbite is a type of injury caused by freezing. It leads to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it affects, usually extremities such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation (removing the affected body part).

You may have a greater chance of developing frostbite if you

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671318129362.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy CDC" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>With extremely cold weather on the way, following is some information from the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/hypothermia.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website</a> concerning frostbite and hypothermia.<h2>What is hypothermia?</h2>●Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures. When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it’s produced. Lengthy exposures will eventually use up your body’s stored energy, which leads to lower body temperature. ●Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia especially dangerous, because a person may not know that it’s happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.●While hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.<h2>Who’s most at risk?</h2>Victims of hypothermia are often:●Older adults with inadequate food, clothing, or heating. ●Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms. ●People who remain outdoors for long periods—the homeless, hikers, hunters, etc.●People who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.<h2>What are the signs and symptoms of hypothermia?</h2>The following are warnings signs of hypothermia.Adults:●Shivering●Exhaustion or feeling very tired●Confusion●Fumbling hands●Memory loss●Slurred speech●DrowsinessBabies:●bright red, cold skin●very low energy<h2>Don’t wait – take action</h2>Hypothermia is a medical emergency. If you notice any of the above signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95° F, get medical attention immediately!If you are not able to get medical help right away, try to warm the person up.●Get the person into a warm room or shelter.●Remove any wet clothing the person is wearing.●Warm the center of the person’s body—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. You can also use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets. ●Warm drinks can help increase body temperature, but do not give alcoholic drinks. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person. ●After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrap their body, including their head and neck, in a warm blanket.●Get the person proper medical attention as soon as possible.A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing. In this case, handle the person gently, and get emergency assistance immediately.Perform CPR, even if the person appears dead. CPR should continue until the person responds or medical aid becomes available. Keep warming the person while performing CPR. In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear to be dead can be successfully resuscitated.<h2>What is frostbite?</h2>Frostbite is a type of injury caused by freezing. It leads to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it affects, usually extremities such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation (removing the affected body part).<h2>Who’s most at risk?</h2>You may have a greater chance of developing frostbite if you●have poor blood circulation. ●are not properly dressed for extremely cold temperatures<h2>What are the signs and symptoms of frostbite?</h2>If you notice redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin—frostbite may be beginning. Any of the following signs may point to frostbite:●A white or grayish-yellow skin area●Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy●NumbnessA person who has frostbite may not know they have it until someone else points it out because the frozen parts of their body are numb.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671318085860.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Don’t wait—take action!</h2>If you notice signs of frostbite on yourself or someone else, seek medical care. Check to see if the person is also showing signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia is a more serious condition and requires emergency medical care.If (1) a person shows signs of frostbite, but no signs of hypothermia and (2) immediate medical care is not available, do the following:●Get the person into a warm room as soon as possible.●Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on feet or toes that show signs of frostbite—this increases the damage.●Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.●Put the areas affected by frostbite in warm—not hot—water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).●If warm water is not available, warm the affected area using body heat. For example, you can use the heat of an armpit to warm frostbitten fingers.●Do not use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can easily burn.Don’t substitute these steps for proper medical care. Frostbite should be checked by a health care provider. And remember, Hypothermia is a medical emergency and immediate medical care is necessary.<h2>Be prepared</h2>Taking a first aid or emergency resuscitation (CPR) course is a good way to prepare for health problems related to cold weather. Knowing what to do is an important part of protecting your health and the health of others.Being prepared is your best defense against having to deal with extremely cold weather. By preparing your home and car ahead of winter storms or other winter emergencies, and by taking safety precautions during extremely cold weather, you can reduce your risk of developing health problems related to cold weather.