By&nbsp;BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight Kansas

As one of only 13 states that does not legally allow the medical use of cannabis, Kansas will likely continue to face growing calls to rethink its approach.

In her 2023 State of the State Address, Governor Laura Kelly urged the Kansas Legislature to legalize the medical use of cannabis.

Using the personal stories of two Kansans, Kelly argued that this move could reduce suffering for those with chronic pain, seizure disorders, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

This call to action, however, faces uncertainty in the legislature.

A bipartisan group of Kansas Senators, including seven Democrats and one Republican, introduced Senate Bill No. 171, also known as the Veterans First Medical Cannabis Act.

This Act calls for the “regulation of the cultivation, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis.” If enacted, the bill would prioritize eligibility of those individuals currently serving in the military, as well as those separated from military service by honorable discharge during the first 60 days.

Similar to other state’s legislation, the bill also calls for the implementation of an excise tax on the cultivation and sale of cannabis.

Last week, the Kansas Committee on Federal and State Affairs held hearings on legislation (Senate Bill No. 135) that would legalize medical marijuana distribution, use, and regulation for patients diagnosed with one of 21 different health conditions.

The House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee also heard testimony related to state marijuana policy.

During the hearings, opponents criticized the use of veterans as the face of medical cannabis and warned of criminal activity that may result from legalization.

They also argued it was a slippery slope to full legalization for recreational use.

Proponents, on the other hand, argued it was time for Kansas to move on this issue.

The federal nature of the U.S. system has created a complicated patchwork of state policies with regard to controlled substances, such as marijuana.

Marijuana and marijuana products are illegal under federal law, but this has not stopped states from adopting their own approaches.

In recent years, many states have liberalized their laws on the regulation of marijuana sale and use.

Currently, 37 states and the District of Columbia allow the use of cannabis for medically qualified individuals, leaving Kansas in the minority.

States that allow the sale and use of marijuana collect tax revenue that goes to a variety of sources from education funds to public safety and corrections departments.

In addition, public support for legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational use has increased in recent years. An October 2022 Pew Research survey indicates that 89% of Americans think marijuana should be legal for medical use.

Kansas may feel pressure from growing public support to legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational use, as well as from neighboring states changing their policies.

This year, Missouri legalized recreational sale and use of cannabis and estimates suggest individuals spent nearly $13 million on cannabis products during the first weekend of sales alone.

Kansas border cities could face unique challenges as dispensaries open up on the other side of the Kansas-Missouri line.

Conversely, Oklahoma voters, who previously approved of a medical marijuana system in 2018, voted against the legalizations of recreational use on Tuesday, March 7.

With the politics of marijuana continually changing, the question remains, what will Kansas do on medical cannabis?

Brianne Heidbreder is an associate professor of political science at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678375743023.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder. Photo courtesy Insight Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder. Photo courtesy Insight Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight KansasAs one of only 13 states that does not legally allow the medical use of cannabis, Kansas will likely continue to face growing calls to rethink its approach.In her 2023 State of the State Address, Governor Laura Kelly urged the Kansas Legislature to legalize the medical use of cannabis.Using the personal stories of two Kansans, Kelly argued that this move could reduce suffering for those with chronic pain, seizure disorders, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).This call to action, however, faces uncertainty in the legislature.A bipartisan group of Kansas Senators, including seven Democrats and one Republican, introduced Senate Bill No. 171, also known as the Veterans First Medical Cannabis Act.This Act calls for the “regulation of the cultivation, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis.” If enacted, the bill would prioritize eligibility of those individuals currently serving in the military, as well as those separated from military service by honorable discharge during the first 60 days.Similar to other state’s legislation, the bill also calls for the implementation of an excise tax on the cultivation and sale of cannabis.Last week, the Kansas Committee on Federal and State Affairs held hearings on legislation (Senate Bill No. 135) that would legalize medical marijuana distribution, use, and regulation for patients diagnosed with one of 21 different health conditions.The House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee also heard testimony related to state marijuana policy.During the hearings, opponents criticized the use of veterans as the face of medical cannabis and warned of criminal activity that may result from legalization.They also argued it was a slippery slope to full legalization for recreational use.Proponents, on the other hand, argued it was time for Kansas to move on this issue.The federal nature of the U.S. system has created a complicated patchwork of state policies with regard to controlled substances, such as marijuana.Marijuana and marijuana products are illegal under federal law, but this has not stopped states from adopting their own approaches.In recent years, many states have liberalized their laws on the regulation of marijuana sale and use.Currently, 37 states and the District of Columbia allow the use of cannabis for medically qualified individuals, leaving Kansas in the minority.States that allow the sale and use of marijuana collect tax revenue that goes to a variety of sources from education funds to public safety and corrections departments.In addition, public support for legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational use has increased in recent years. An October 2022 Pew Research survey indicates that 89% of Americans think marijuana should be legal for medical use.Kansas may feel pressure from growing public support to legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational use, as well as from neighboring states changing their policies.This year, Missouri legalized recreational sale and use of cannabis and estimates suggest individuals spent nearly $13 million on cannabis products during the first weekend of sales alone.Kansas border cities could face unique challenges as dispensaries open up on the other side of the Kansas-Missouri line.Conversely, Oklahoma voters, who previously approved of a medical marijuana system in 2018, voted against the legalizations of recreational use on Tuesday, March 7.With the politics of marijuana continually changing, the question remains, what will Kansas do on medical cannabis?Brianne Heidbreder is an associate professor of political science at Kansas State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Kansas an outlier on medical cannabis

ABILENE - Impact Sports and Fitness had a total of 39 participants take the Weight Loss Challenge this year from Jan. 9 to Feb. 17. The contest was divided into two divisions, men and women; a change from previous years. 

The winners were awarded based on the percentage of body weight lost during the six-week program. The top prize for each division was $350, followed by $200 for second place, and $100 for third place. Alecia Sare, fitness trainer, led the program.

For the women’s division, the first place winner, Annette Caldwell, had a 6.9 percent weight loss. Charlotte Barten, second place, had a 6.25 percent weight loss, and Tammy Everett finished in third place with a 5.84 percent weight loss.

For the men’s division, the first-place winner, David Elliott, had a 10.68 percent weight loss. Dan Meysenburg, second place, had a 9.62 percent weight loss, and Mitch Brandt finished in third place with a 10.33 percent weight loss.

"This year's weight loss group was a lot of fun, we had a lot of competitors competing against each other each week which made it even more fun. Everyone showed up each week with a positive attitude and determined to do better every time," said Alecia Sare

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678330801757.png" alt="From left are&nbsp;Tammy Everett, Charlotte Barten, Annette Caldwell, fitness trainer Alecia Sare, David Elliott, and Mitch Brandt. Photo courtesy MHS" />
 <figcaption>From left are&nbsp;Tammy Everett, Charlotte Barten, Annette Caldwell, fitness trainer Alecia Sare, David Elliott, and Mitch Brandt. Photo courtesy MHS</figcaption>
 </figure>Memorial Health SystemABILENE - Impact Sports and Fitness had a total of 39 participants take the Weight Loss Challenge this year from Jan. 9 to Feb. 17. The contest was divided into two divisions, men and women; a change from previous years. The winners were awarded based on the percentage of body weight lost during the six-week program. The top prize for each division was $350, followed by $200 for second place, and $100 for third place. Alecia Sare, fitness trainer, led the program.For the women’s division, the first place winner, Annette Caldwell, had a 6.9 percent weight loss. Charlotte Barten, second place, had a 6.25 percent weight loss, and Tammy Everett finished in third place with a 5.84 percent weight loss.For the men’s division, the first-place winner, David Elliott, had a 10.68 percent weight loss. Dan Meysenburg, second place, had a 9.62 percent weight loss, and Mitch Brandt finished in third place with a 10.33 percent weight loss."This year's weight loss group was a lot of fun, we had a lot of competitors competing against each other each week which made it even more fun. Everyone showed up each week with a positive attitude and determined to do better every time," said Alecia Sare

Impact Weight Loss Challenge winners announced

The Bennington State Bank (BSB), has announced that Debra Adams, VP, treasury management officer, has been selected to participate in the 2023 Leadership Kansas Class. 

Leadership Kansas is a statewide program that was designed to enhance and motivate future leaders from Kansas communities. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country.

Adams joined BSB in 2009 and currently heads the Bennington State Bank Commercial Services Treasury Management team. Adams’ leadership is an integral part of the bank's success in building effective relationships with our commercial clients.

“Debbie’s leadership and commitment to finding solutions that enhance our customer experience make her the perfect fit at BSB and for Leadership Kansas. We are excited and proud to have Debbie be recognized and chosen to be a part of Leadership Kansas,” said Brett Mitchell, chief banking officer.

Leadership Kansas received more than 600 nominations for the 2023 program. After a thorough and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee chose 40 individuals for the 2023 class.

“It’s no surprise that Debbie was selected from 600 nominations statewide for the 2023 Leadership Kansas program. Her work ethic, connection to community and her innate ability to build relationships makes her the perfect candidate for this experience,” said Darren Gragg, CEO and president of The Bennington State Bank.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to have been selected for Leadership Kansas. I participated in Leadership Salina in 2019 and through that experience I learned so much about our community while making many amazing friendships. It is a true privilege to have the opportunity to be part of the Leadership Kansas Class of 2023, and I look forward to making new friends and gaining insights and skills to bring back to my community and workplace,” Adams said Debra Adams.

Throughout the seven-month program, the class interacts with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678329344414.jpeg" alt="Debra Adams. Photo courtesy The Bennington State Bank" />
 <figcaption>Debra Adams. Photo courtesy The Bennington State Bank</figcaption>
 </figure>BSBThe Bennington State Bank (BSB), has announced that Debra Adams, VP, treasury management officer, has been selected to participate in the 2023 Leadership Kansas Class. Leadership Kansas is a statewide program that was designed to enhance and motivate future leaders from Kansas communities. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country.Adams joined BSB in 2009 and currently heads the Bennington State Bank Commercial Services Treasury Management team. Adams’ leadership is an integral part of the bank's success in building effective relationships with our commercial clients.“Debbie’s leadership and commitment to finding solutions that enhance our customer experience make her the perfect fit at BSB and for Leadership Kansas. We are excited and proud to have Debbie be recognized and chosen to be a part of Leadership Kansas,” said Brett Mitchell, chief banking officer.Leadership Kansas received more than 600 nominations for the 2023 program. After a thorough and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee chose 40 individuals for the 2023 class.“It’s no surprise that Debbie was selected from 600 nominations statewide for the 2023 Leadership Kansas program. Her work ethic, connection to community and her innate ability to build relationships makes her the perfect candidate for this experience,” said Darren Gragg, CEO and president of The Bennington State Bank.“I am extremely honored and humbled to have been selected for Leadership Kansas. I participated in Leadership Salina in 2019 and through that experience I learned so much about our community while making many amazing friendships. It is a true privilege to have the opportunity to be part of the Leadership Kansas Class of 2023, and I look forward to making new friends and gaining insights and skills to bring back to my community and workplace,” Adams said Debra Adams.Throughout the seven-month program, the class interacts with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government.

Bennington State Bank's Adams part of '23 Leadership Kansas class

Today is Thursday, March 9, the 68th day of 2023. There are 297 days left in the year.

On March 9, 1933, Congress, called into special session by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, began its "hundred days" of enacting New Deal legislation.

In 1796, the future emperor of the French, Napoleon Bonaparte, married Josephine de Beauharnais. (The couple later divorced.)

In 1841, the U.S. Supreme Court, in United States v. The Amistad, ruled 7-1 in favor of a group of illegally enslaved Africans who were captured off the U.S. coast after seizing control of a Spanish schooner, La Amistad; the justices ruled that the Africans should be set free.

In 1862, during the Civil War, the ironclads USS Monitor and CSS Virginia (formerly USS Merrimac) clashed for five hours to a draw at Hampton Roads, Virginia.

In 1916, more than 400 Mexican raiders led by Pancho Villa attacked Columbus, New Mexico, killing 18 Americans. During the First World War, Germany declared war on Portugal.

In 1945, during World War II, U.S. B-29 bombers began launching incendiary bomb attacks against Tokyo, resulting in an estimated 100,000 deaths.

In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court, in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, raised the standard for public officials to prove they'd been libeled in their official capacity by news organizations.

In 1976, a cable car in the Italian ski resort of Cavalese fell some 700 feet to the ground when a supporting line snapped, killing 43 people.

In 1987, Chrysler Corp. announced it had agreed to buy the financially ailing American Motors Corp.

In 1989, the Senate rejected President George H.W. Bush's nomination of John Tower to be defense secretary by a vote of 53-47. (The next day, Bush tapped Wyoming Rep. Dick Cheney, who went on to win unanimous Senate approval.)

In 1997, rapper The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace) was killed in a still-unsolved drive-by shooting in Los Angeles; he was 24.

In 2000, John McCain suspended his presidential campaign, conceding the Republican nomination to George W. Bush. Bill Bradley ended his presidential bid, conceding the Democratic nomination to Vice President Al Gore.

In 2020, global stock markets and oil prices plunged, reflecting mounting alarm over the impact of the coronavirus. An alarmingly sharp slide at the opening bell on Wall Street triggered the first automatic halt in trading in more than two decades; the Dow industrials finished nearly 8% lower.

Ten years ago: During U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's first trip to Afghanistan as defense chief, two suicide bombings, one outside the Afghan Defense Ministry and the other near a police checkpoint in eastern Khost province, killed at least 19 people.

Five years ago: A combat veteran who'd been expelled from a treatment program at a California veterans home fatally shot three mental health workers there before taking his own life. Weeks after the shooting that left 17 people dead at a Florida high school, Gov. Rick Scott signed a school-safety bill that included new restrictions on guns, prompting a lawsuit from the National Rifle Association; the bill raised to 21 the minimum age to buy rifles and created a program enabling some teachers and other school employees to carry guns. Martin Shkreli, the former pharmaceutical CEO who'd been vilified for jacking up the price of a lifesaving drug, was sentenced in New York to seven years in prison for securities fraud.

One year ago: A Russian airstrike devastated a maternity hospital in the besieged Ukrainian port city of Mariupol and wounded at least 17 people. Police and soldiers rushed to evacuate victims, carrying out a heavily pregnant and bleeding woman on a stretcher. A Maryland hospital said the first person to receive a heart transplant from a pig died, two months after the groundbreaking experiment. Scientists said they had found the sunken wreck of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton's ship Endurance, more than a century after it was lost to the Antarctic ice.

Today's birthdays: Former Sen. James L. Buckley is 100. Actor Joyce Van Patten is 89. Actor Trish Van Devere is 82. Singer-musician John Cale (The Velvet Underground) is 81. Singer Mark Lindsay (Paul Revere and the Raiders) is 81. Former ABC anchorman Charles Gibson is 80. Rock musician Robin Trower is 78. Singer Jeffrey Osborne is 75. Country musician Jimmie Fadden (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) is 75. Actor Jaime Lyn Bauer is 74. Magazine editor Michael Kinsley is 72. TV newscaster Faith Daniels is 66. Actor Linda Fiorentino is 65. Actor Tom Amandes is 64. Actor-director Lonny Price is 64. Country musician Rusty Hendrix (Confederate Railroad) is 63. Actor Juliette Binoche is 59. Rock musician Robert Sledge (Ben Folds Five) is 55. Rock musician Shannon Leto (30 Seconds to Mars) is 53. Rapper C-Murder (AKA C-Miller) is 52. Actor Emmanuel Lewis is 52. Actor Jean Louisa Kelly is 51. Actor Kerr Smith is 51. Actor Oscar Isaac is 44. Comedian Jordan Klepper (TV: "The Daily Show") is 44. Rapper Chingy is 43. Actor Matthew Gray Gubler is 43. Rock musician Chad Gilbert (New Found Glory) is 42. NHL defenseman Brent Burns is 38. Actor Brittany Snow is 37. Rapper Bow Wow is 36. Rapper YG is 33. Actor Cierra Ramirez is 28. U.S. Olympic gold-medal-winning gymnast Sunisa Lee is 20.

<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 Thursday, March 9, the 68th day of 2023. There are 297 days left in the year.Today's highlight in history:On March 9, 1933, Congress, called into special session by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, began its "hundred days" of enacting New Deal legislation.On this date:In 1796, the future emperor of the French, Napoleon Bonaparte, married Josephine de Beauharnais. (The couple later divorced.)In 1841, the U.S. Supreme Court, in United States v. The Amistad, ruled 7-1 in favor of a group of illegally enslaved Africans who were captured off the U.S. coast after seizing control of a Spanish schooner, La Amistad; the justices ruled that the Africans should be set free.In 1862, during the Civil War, the ironclads USS Monitor and CSS Virginia (formerly USS Merrimac) clashed for five hours to a draw at Hampton Roads, Virginia.In 1916, more than 400 Mexican raiders led by Pancho Villa attacked Columbus, New Mexico, killing 18 Americans. During the First World War, Germany declared war on Portugal.In 1945, during World War II, U.S. B-29 bombers began launching incendiary bomb attacks against Tokyo, resulting in an estimated 100,000 deaths.In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court, in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, raised the standard for public officials to prove they'd been libeled in their official capacity by news organizations.In 1976, a cable car in the Italian ski resort of Cavalese fell some 700 feet to the ground when a supporting line snapped, killing 43 people.In 1987, Chrysler Corp. announced it had agreed to buy the financially ailing American Motors Corp.In 1989, the Senate rejected President George H.W. Bush's nomination of John Tower to be defense secretary by a vote of 53-47. (The next day, Bush tapped Wyoming Rep. Dick Cheney, who went on to win unanimous Senate approval.)In 1997, rapper The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace) was killed in a still-unsolved drive-by shooting in Los Angeles; he was 24.In 2000, John McCain suspended his presidential campaign, conceding the Republican nomination to George W. Bush. Bill Bradley ended his presidential bid, conceding the Democratic nomination to Vice President Al Gore.In 2020, global stock markets and oil prices plunged, reflecting mounting alarm over the impact of the coronavirus. An alarmingly sharp slide at the opening bell on Wall Street triggered the first automatic halt in trading in more than two decades; the Dow industrials finished nearly 8% lower.Ten years ago: During U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's first trip to Afghanistan as defense chief, two suicide bombings, one outside the Afghan Defense Ministry and the other near a police checkpoint in eastern Khost province, killed at least 19 people.Five years ago: A combat veteran who'd been expelled from a treatment program at a California veterans home fatally shot three mental health workers there before taking his own life. Weeks after the shooting that left 17 people dead at a Florida high school, Gov. Rick Scott signed a school-safety bill that included new restrictions on guns, prompting a lawsuit from the National Rifle Association; the bill raised to 21 the minimum age to buy rifles and created a program enabling some teachers and other school employees to carry guns. Martin Shkreli, the former pharmaceutical CEO who'd been vilified for jacking up the price of a lifesaving drug, was sentenced in New York to seven years in prison for securities fraud.One year ago: A Russian airstrike devastated a maternity hospital in the besieged Ukrainian port city of Mariupol and wounded at least 17 people. Police and soldiers rushed to evacuate victims, carrying out a heavily pregnant and bleeding woman on a stretcher. A Maryland hospital said the first person to receive a heart transplant from a pig died, two months after the groundbreaking experiment. Scientists said they had found the sunken wreck of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton's ship Endurance, more than a century after it was lost to the Antarctic ice.Today's birthdays: Former Sen. James L. Buckley is 100. Actor Joyce Van Patten is 89. Actor Trish Van Devere is 82. Singer-musician John Cale (The Velvet Underground) is 81. Singer Mark Lindsay (Paul Revere and the Raiders) is 81. Former ABC anchorman Charles Gibson is 80. Rock musician Robin Trower is 78. Singer Jeffrey Osborne is 75. Country musician Jimmie Fadden (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) is 75. Actor Jaime Lyn Bauer is 74. Magazine editor Michael Kinsley is 72. TV newscaster Faith Daniels is 66. Actor Linda Fiorentino is 65. Actor Tom Amandes is 64. Actor-director Lonny Price is 64. Country musician Rusty Hendrix (Confederate Railroad) is 63. Actor Juliette Binoche is 59. Rock musician Robert Sledge (Ben Folds Five) is 55. Rock musician Shannon Leto (30 Seconds to Mars) is 53. Rapper C-Murder (AKA C-Miller) is 52. Actor Emmanuel Lewis is 52. Actor Jean Louisa Kelly is 51. Actor Kerr Smith is 51. Actor Oscar Isaac is 44. Comedian Jordan Klepper (TV: "The Daily Show") is 44. Rapper Chingy is 43. Actor Matthew Gray Gubler is 43. Rock musician Chad Gilbert (New Found Glory) is 42. NHL defenseman Brent Burns is 38. Actor Brittany Snow is 37. Rapper Bow Wow is 36. Rapper YG is 33. Actor Cierra Ramirez is 28. U.S. Olympic gold-medal-winning gymnast Sunisa Lee is 20.

Today in History - March 9

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;on Wednesday announced&nbsp;that the&nbsp;Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), through its Kansas Community Suicide Prevention Grant program,&nbsp;has awarded&nbsp;$525,000 to address the ongoing crisis of suicide in Kansas. 

Fifteen&nbsp;community organizations&nbsp;have received $35,000 each&nbsp;to develop community-specific&nbsp;strategies to prevent suicide among at-risk Kansans.&nbsp;

This expansion of suicide prevention efforts across Kansas is strengthened by the allocation of $1.5 million in state general funds to KDADS’ Behavioral Health Services Commission by Governor Kelly in fiscal year 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Improving mental health&nbsp;in every community&nbsp;is essential to creating a&nbsp;healthy, thriving&nbsp;Kansas,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“By investing in organizations&nbsp;that directly work with Kansans in crisis,&nbsp;we&nbsp;are furthering our mission to&nbsp;prevent suicide and&nbsp;ensure every Kansan can access the mental health services he or she needs.”&nbsp;

These 15 organizations across the state will engage in community-&nbsp;and evidence-based&nbsp;suicide prevention services and activities that&nbsp;prevent&nbsp;suicidal behavior;&nbsp;reduce&nbsp;suicidal ideation, attempts, and deaths;&nbsp;and&nbsp;address&nbsp;shared risk and protective factors:&nbsp;

●Boys &amp; Girls Club of Manhattan&nbsp;– Manhattan

●Clay County Health Department&nbsp;– Clay Center

●Finney County Community Health Coalition&nbsp;– Garden City

●Kansas Black Leadership Council&nbsp;– Lawrence

●Johnson County Mental Health Center&nbsp;– Mission, Olathe, Shawnee

 ●Miami County Health Department&nbsp;– Paola

●Nemaha County Community Hospital&nbsp;– Seneca

●Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center&nbsp;– Chanute

●Prime Fit Youth Foundation&nbsp;– Wichita

●Republic County Health Department&nbsp;– Belleville

●Flint Hills Volunteer Center&nbsp;– Manhattan

●Suicide Prevention of Cowley County&nbsp;– Arkansas City

●Wichita State University&nbsp;– Wichita

●Youth Educational Empowerment Program&nbsp;–&nbsp;Wichita&nbsp;

“Financial support for local suicide prevention efforts is a significant investment in the suicide prevention infrastructure of Kansas,”&nbsp;KDADS Behavioral Health Services Commissioner Andrew Brown said.&nbsp;“KDADS is working&nbsp;strategically&nbsp;with local partners&nbsp;to reduce the number of suicide deaths in Kansas,&nbsp;and these grants will&nbsp;strengthen prevention strategies&nbsp;in these local communities&nbsp;and promote a prevention mindset.”&nbsp;

Grantees will&nbsp;be required to&nbsp;create a plan that includes&nbsp;conducting&nbsp;a community assessment, building suicide prevention infrastructure,&nbsp;addressing cultural competency, and ensuring&nbsp;suicide prevention&nbsp;efforts are evidence-based.&nbsp;Grantees will&nbsp;receive continued support from KDADS&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition to&nbsp;reduce&nbsp;the&nbsp;stigma surrounding suicide,&nbsp;emphasizing&nbsp;diversity and inclusion. These&nbsp;grants&nbsp;are&nbsp;intended to serve individuals&nbsp;of all ages.&nbsp;

Kansas Governor's OfficeTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;on Wednesday announced&nbsp;that the&nbsp;Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), through its Kansas Community Suicide Prevention Grant program,&nbsp;has awarded&nbsp;$525,000 to address the ongoing crisis of suicide in Kansas. Fifteen&nbsp;community organizations&nbsp;have received $35,000 each&nbsp;to develop community-specific&nbsp;strategies to prevent suicide among at-risk Kansans.&nbsp;This expansion of suicide prevention efforts across Kansas is strengthened by the allocation of $1.5 million in state general funds to KDADS’ Behavioral Health Services Commission by Governor Kelly in fiscal year 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Improving mental health&nbsp;in every community&nbsp;is essential to creating a&nbsp;healthy, thriving&nbsp;Kansas,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“By investing in organizations&nbsp;that directly work with Kansans in crisis,&nbsp;we&nbsp;are furthering our mission to&nbsp;prevent suicide and&nbsp;ensure every Kansan can access the mental health services he or she needs.”&nbsp;These 15 organizations across the state will engage in community-&nbsp;and evidence-based&nbsp;suicide prevention services and activities that&nbsp;prevent&nbsp;suicidal behavior;&nbsp;reduce&nbsp;suicidal ideation, attempts, and deaths;&nbsp;and&nbsp;address&nbsp;shared risk and protective factors:&nbsp;●Boys &amp; Girls Club of Manhattan&nbsp;– Manhattan●Clay County Health Department&nbsp;– Clay Center●DCCCA&nbsp;– Lawrence●Finney County Community Health Coalition&nbsp;– Garden City●Kansas Black Leadership Council&nbsp;– Lawrence●Johnson County Mental Health Center&nbsp;– Mission, Olathe, Shawnee ●Miami County Health Department&nbsp;– Paola●Nemaha County Community Hospital&nbsp;– Seneca●Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center&nbsp;– Chanute●Prime Fit Youth Foundation&nbsp;– Wichita●Republic County Health Department&nbsp;– Belleville●Flint Hills Volunteer Center&nbsp;– Manhattan●Suicide Prevention of Cowley County&nbsp;– Arkansas City●Wichita State University&nbsp;– Wichita●Youth Educational Empowerment Program&nbsp;–&nbsp;Wichita&nbsp;“Financial support for local suicide prevention efforts is a significant investment in the suicide prevention infrastructure of Kansas,”&nbsp;KDADS Behavioral Health Services Commissioner Andrew Brown said.&nbsp;“KDADS is working&nbsp;strategically&nbsp;with local partners&nbsp;to reduce the number of suicide deaths in Kansas,&nbsp;and these grants will&nbsp;strengthen prevention strategies&nbsp;in these local communities&nbsp;and promote a prevention mindset.”&nbsp;Grantees will&nbsp;be required to&nbsp;create a plan that includes&nbsp;conducting&nbsp;a community assessment, building suicide prevention infrastructure,&nbsp;addressing cultural competency, and ensuring&nbsp;suicide prevention&nbsp;efforts are evidence-based.&nbsp;Grantees will&nbsp;receive continued support from KDADS&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition to&nbsp;reduce&nbsp;the&nbsp;stigma surrounding suicide,&nbsp;emphasizing&nbsp;diversity and inclusion. These&nbsp;grants&nbsp;are&nbsp;intended to serve individuals&nbsp;of all ages.&nbsp;

Kelly: Area programs receive state suicide prevention grants

Drizzle and scattered showers will remain possible tonight into Thursday morning. An isolated thunderstorm may also be possible. 

With a brief break on Friday, we'll see another chance for showers across the area Saturday and Saturday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678327751930.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National Weather ServiceDrizzle and scattered showers will remain possible tonight into Thursday morning. An isolated thunderstorm may also be possible. With a brief break on Friday, we'll see another chance for showers across the area Saturday and Saturday night.

On and off chances for rain through weekend

The Rudd Foundation has announced its sixth class of Rudd Scholars, comprised of 30 Kansas high school seniors selected following a competitive application process that focuses on the students and their life stories, in addition to academic accomplishments, test scores and extracurricular activities.  

The newly selected scholars will bring the total to 111 Rudd Scholars for the 2023-24 school year. Of the new class, 18 scholars will attend Wichita State, six will attend Fort Hays State, and six will attend Emporia State.

All Rudd Scholars receive a four-year college scholarship to attend either Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University or Wichita State University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a field of their choice. Each Rudd Scholarship covers all tuition and fees, books, supplies, and on-campus room and board remaining after other aid, grants, and scholarships received by the student. The expected value for the 30 new scholarship recipients is approximately $1.5 million over four years. 

“The Foundation is honored to offer the Rudd Scholarship to these exceptional young men and women, and we look forward to watching each of their journeys through our program and into their professional careers,” said Darrell Swank, president of the Rudd Foundation.  “Leslie Rudd’s vision in establishing this program was to provide students of this caliber with the opportunity to fully experience college without financial stress, graduate debt-free, and be inspired to pursue their own passions and dreams, all while remaining connected to their Kansas communities.  Mr. Rudd would be very proud of this group of students.”

Students from our area who were selected for the sixth class of Rudd Scholars are as follows. The scholars are listed by their college of choice.

Rudd FoundationThe Rudd Foundation has announced its sixth class of Rudd Scholars, comprised of 30 Kansas high school seniors selected following a competitive application process that focuses on the students and their life stories, in addition to academic accomplishments, test scores and extracurricular activities. The newly selected scholars will bring the total to 111 Rudd Scholars for the 2023-24 school year. Of the new class, 18 scholars will attend Wichita State, six will attend Fort Hays State, and six will attend Emporia State.All Rudd Scholars receive a four-year college scholarship to attend either Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University or Wichita State University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a field of their choice. Each Rudd Scholarship covers all tuition and fees, books, supplies, and on-campus room and board remaining after other aid, grants, and scholarships received by the student. The expected value for the 30 new scholarship recipients is approximately $1.5 million over four years. “The Foundation is honored to offer the Rudd Scholarship to these exceptional young men and women, and we look forward to watching each of their journeys through our program and into their professional careers,” said Darrell Swank, president of the Rudd Foundation. “Leslie Rudd’s vision in establishing this program was to provide students of this caliber with the opportunity to fully experience college without financial stress, graduate debt-free, and be inspired to pursue their own passions and dreams, all while remaining connected to their Kansas communities. Mr. Rudd would be very proud of this group of students.”Students from our area who were selected for the sixth class of Rudd Scholars are as follows. The scholars are listed by their college of choice.Emporia State UniversityAvery Monnington, Herington High SchoolFort Hays State UniversityMichael Hawk, Smoky Valley High SchoolWichita State UniversityKatie Rempel, Hillsboro High SchoolKylie Flaming, Inman High School

Area students selected as Rudd Scholars

Attention central Kansas high school seniors: Ad Astra Books &amp; Coffeehouse is now accepting applications for the Cash Hollistah Scholarship.

Named after Salina rapper/poet Cash Hollistah, the scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior in central Kansas who shows merit in the field of community enrichment, as well as poetry, music, or visual art, according to a news release from Ad Astra.

High school seniors in the following counties are eligible to apply for the Cash Hollistah Scholarship.

Students must fulfill academic requirements, and plan to attend an institution of higher education in the fall of 2023, the release noted.

The scholarship application is available at <a href="http://thecashscholarship.org/" target="_blank">thecashscholarship.org</a>.

By SALINA POSTAttention central Kansas high school seniors: Ad Astra Books &amp; Coffeehouse is now accepting applications for the Cash Hollistah Scholarship.Named after Salina rapper/poet Cash Hollistah, the scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior in central Kansas who shows merit in the field of community enrichment, as well as poetry, music, or visual art, according to a news release from Ad Astra.Applications are due by April 15, 2023.High school seniors in the following counties are eligible to apply for the Cash Hollistah Scholarship.●Dickinson County●Ellsworth County●Lincoln County●Marion County●McPherson County●Ottawa County●Saline CountyStudents must fulfill academic requirements, and plan to attend an institution of higher education in the fall of 2023, the release noted.The scholarship application is available at <a href="http://thecashscholarship.org/" target="_blank">thecashscholarship.org</a>.

Cash Hollistah Scholarship applications being accepted

Registration is now open for CAPS' 34th annual benefit auction.

The auction, which once again will be online, is scheduled for March 31-April 2. It is sponsored by Sage Oak Wealth Partners and Schwan’s.

"For 34 years, you have learned to expect great packages featuring trips, spa days, local services, original art, certificates to your favorite stores and restaurants. There’s something for everyone!" CAPS noted in a news release.

To register, go to <a href="http://CAPS2023.givesmart.com">CAPS2023.givesmart.com</a> or you can text ‘CAPS2023’ to 76278.

Additionally, you can get previews and live updates by following CAPS on Facebook and Instagram at @capsofsalina. 

All money raised by the auction will go to support CAPS (Child Advocacy &amp; Parenting Services, Inc.). CAPS is a 501(c)3 charitable organization with both prevention and intervention programs designed to reduce risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect

By SALINA POSTRegistration is now open for CAPS' 34th annual benefit auction.The auction, which once again will be online, is scheduled for March 31-April 2. It is sponsored by Sage Oak Wealth Partners and Schwan’s."For 34 years, you have learned to expect great packages featuring trips, spa days, local services, original art, certificates to your favorite stores and restaurants. There’s something for everyone!" CAPS noted in a news release.To register, go to <a href="http://CAPS2023.givesmart.com">CAPS2023.givesmart.com</a> or you can text ‘CAPS2023’ to 76278.Additionally, you can get previews and live updates by following CAPS on Facebook and Instagram at @capsofsalina. All money raised by the auction will go to support CAPS (Child Advocacy &amp; Parenting Services, Inc.). CAPS is a 501(c)3 charitable organization with both prevention and intervention programs designed to reduce risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect

CAPS auction to begin later this month; registration now open

ABILENE - The Abilene Police Department is asking the public to provide information about a number of vehicle burglaries. If you have information, call Dickinson County Crime Stoppers. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069239108579">Abilene Police Dept. Facebook page</a>:

The Abilene Police Department is asking for the public's assistance with a recent string of vehicle burglaries. During the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 7th, several vehicle burglaries and thefts occurred on the southwest side of Abilene, including:

-the 400 block of Southwest 4th Street

-the 700 block of South Cedar Street

-the 800 block of South Cedar Street

-the 400 block of Southwest 3rd Street

Anyone with information about these crimes is encouraged to contact Dickinson County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-5DK-TIPS or online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fp3tips.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3G5qqSMCNb6tPEOkYyqyT9fpjBZUtSI33fzvFu3r3FrBhTw0SQlipPr_Y&amp;h=AT3WF_7AsZdG6jryjS0vxC6itjNcrmEZ5gR34VBtxnKR07Ohw-R6u4_e2oKdMv-l7GL2-yI2YjCRhXoTxUsP7nLwRSgyP4zScBh01xEvvgsn34JdCvIl5Zl29urhnwf8jA&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT2bIiX5qfhy4sGEMv3qGAFmG5bgENh_mw368PNw2tBGV9jlv8U2aSdeVRtgAX5mY18-kS_kOx-qnPclld9HVEkUhcXIFP8SYFWmTkq7eoW4FQhjd1yc2_6haqxNzLD1e5Y0lvIOkrwOx82cV12dl8ceGbcdiejZm2fXp2IUSELrlei9qew-_4yKp0qh5HCB9haisrbeBWg" target="_blank">p3tips.com.</a> If your tip leads to the arrest of a suspect, you may receive a reward of up to $1,000.00. All tips are confidential and anonymous.

The Abilene Police Department would like to remind citizens that vehicle burglaries are often a crime of opportunity. By always locking your vehicles and removing your valuables, you greatly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim.

ABILENE - The Abilene Police Department is asking the public to provide information about a number of vehicle burglaries. If you have information, call Dickinson County Crime Stoppers. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069239108579">Abilene Police Dept. Facebook page</a>:The Abilene Police Department is asking for the public's assistance with a recent string of vehicle burglaries. During the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 7th, several vehicle burglaries and thefts occurred on the southwest side of Abilene, including:-the 400 block of Southwest 4th Street-the 700 block of South Cedar Street-the 800 block of South Cedar Street-the 400 block of Southwest 3rd StreetAnyone with information about these crimes is encouraged to contact Dickinson County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-5DK-TIPS or online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fp3tips.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3G5qqSMCNb6tPEOkYyqyT9fpjBZUtSI33fzvFu3r3FrBhTw0SQlipPr_Y&amp;h=AT3WF_7AsZdG6jryjS0vxC6itjNcrmEZ5gR34VBtxnKR07Ohw-R6u4_e2oKdMv-l7GL2-yI2YjCRhXoTxUsP7nLwRSgyP4zScBh01xEvvgsn34JdCvIl5Zl29urhnwf8jA&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT2bIiX5qfhy4sGEMv3qGAFmG5bgENh_mw368PNw2tBGV9jlv8U2aSdeVRtgAX5mY18-kS_kOx-qnPclld9HVEkUhcXIFP8SYFWmTkq7eoW4FQhjd1yc2_6haqxNzLD1e5Y0lvIOkrwOx82cV12dl8ceGbcdiejZm2fXp2IUSELrlei9qew-_4yKp0qh5HCB9haisrbeBWg" target="_blank">p3tips.com.</a> If your tip leads to the arrest of a suspect, you may receive a reward of up to $1,000.00. All tips are confidential and anonymous.The Abilene Police Department would like to remind citizens that vehicle burglaries are often a crime of opportunity. By always locking your vehicles and removing your valuables, you greatly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim.

Abilene police ask for info about string of vehicle burglaries

Lott Implement, an AGCO dealer in Minneapolis, Kansas, is looking for a service technician. The duties include repairing combines, tractors and hay equipment.

Lott Implement is looking for someone dependable and motivated, who has their own tools, an is able to get along well with others.

Immediate opening with pay based on experience. Contact Jeff at 785-392-3110 or email&nbsp;<a href="http://jlott2522@att.net/">jlott2522@att.net</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587062240402.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lott Implement, an AGCO dealer in Minneapolis, Kansas, is looking for a service technician. The duties include repairing combines, tractors and hay equipment.Lott Implement is looking for someone dependable and motivated, who has their own tools, an is able to get along well with others.Immediate opening with pay based on experience. Contact Jeff at 785-392-3110 or email&nbsp;<a href="http://jlott2522@att.net/">jlott2522@att.net</a>.

CCCC to break ground on Technical Education and Innovation Center

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A teen driver was cited after a two-vehicle wreck in central Salina Tuesday evening.

The 16-year-old boy was southbound on S. Santa Fe Avenue in a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup when he ran the red light at Prescott Avenue and struck a westbound 2023 Nissan Versa driven by Kaylah Breen, 34, of Salina, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.

The wreck happened at approximately 6:50 p.m. Tuesday.

Both vehicles sustained front-end damage and were removed by a wrecker service.

The boy was cited for running the red light and Breen was cited for no proof of insurance, Forrester said.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA teen driver was cited after a two-vehicle wreck in central Salina Tuesday evening.The 16-year-old boy was southbound on S. Santa Fe Avenue in a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup when he ran the red light at Prescott Avenue and struck a westbound 2023 Nissan Versa driven by Kaylah Breen, 34, of Salina, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.The wreck happened at approximately 6:50 p.m. Tuesday.Both vehicles sustained front-end damage and were removed by a wrecker service.The boy was cited for running the red light and Breen was cited for no proof of insurance, Forrester said.

Pickup, car collide in central Salina; teen cited for running red light

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Salina Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617931133758.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;Salina Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families.

Recent obituaries and service times

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher As spring slowly approaches, my two children and I have spent a considerable amount of time in vehicles as of late getting to or from practices well into the evenings. While in town, light poles illuminate our Main Street, a flashing red light brightens the main intersection, light streams from the windows of local businesses, and porch lights brighten otherwise dark sidewalks.&nbsp; But as we get further from town and closer to our farm, the warmth of those lights fade. With every mile, the surrounding countryside becomes blacker and blacker until it is engulfed in darkness. Aside from some tiny glows coming from either front porches or distant yard lights, the blacktop leading my family home many nights is only visible because of the blazing headlights of our vehicle.&nbsp; In the daytime, it feels as if there’s more blue sky in the country compared to that same sky seen in town. At night, the sky seems infinitely larger than the one viewed in town perhaps because there are no obstructions. There are no buildings or houses or billboards blocking our views of the night’s yonder as we drive home out in the country. It’s just wide-open sky. Driving myself and my two children home recently, while I kept my eyes on the road and remained vigilant with regard to deer crossing my path, my two backseat passengers noticed two bright objects in the night sky. None of us had noticed these lights even 10 minutes before as we had driven through town; but the presence of these gleaming objects before us once within the darkness of the country kept their attention and called them to keep looking. At first, my son thought they were satellites while my daughter suggested they were mysterious balloons. As we drove further from town and got closer to home, we decided that the two lights they’d been watching throughout the duration of our drive were not blinking and were not moving. Helicopters, airplanes, drones, balloons were quickly removed from our list of potential sources of the lights. I questioned out loud whether these orbs in the sky might be planets. After getting home and doing a little internet searching, we discovered that it was in fact Jupiter and Venus showing off in the night sky. The kids and I gazed at the lights above and talked about how far these planets were from us and how impressive it was to be seen by us so clearly and vividly within the heavens. A few days later, people on social media began either commenting or started inquiring about these strange lights in the evening sky. The news began mentioning the newly observed celestial glows and more and more people learned about the two planets catching everyone’s attention. While listening to the morning news as the kids were readying themselves for school, my daughter pointed out that we had seen those lights days ago, and it was nothing new. I had to remind her that nights are a lot darker out on the farm than in town, which was perhaps why we spotted them sooner.&nbsp;&nbsp; In the wisdom that only a 7-year-old can articulate, my daughter decided that while the dark in the country might be bigger (and maybe scarier at times) than it is in town, it lets us see things a little earlier than others, and that’s pretty cool.&nbsp; Yes, my little one, that is pretty cool. Here’s to those many dark nights out in the country and all the heavenly wonders that especially appear throughout the year from our view on the farm.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2023 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher As spring slowly approaches, my two children and I have spent a considerable amount of time in vehicles as of late getting to or from practices well into the evenings. While in town, light poles illuminate our Main Street, a flashing red light brightens the main intersection, light streams from the windows of local businesses, and porch lights brighten otherwise dark sidewalks.&nbsp; But as we get further from town and closer to our farm, the warmth of those lights fade. With every mile, the surrounding countryside becomes blacker and blacker until it is engulfed in darkness. Aside from some tiny glows coming from either front porches or distant yard lights, the blacktop leading my family home many nights is only visible because of the blazing headlights of our vehicle.&nbsp; In the daytime, it feels as if there’s more blue sky in the country compared to that same sky seen in town. At night, the sky seems infinitely larger than the one viewed in town perhaps because there are no obstructions. There are no buildings or houses or billboards blocking our views of the night’s yonder as we drive home out in the country. It’s just wide-open sky. Driving myself and my two children home recently, while I kept my eyes on the road and remained vigilant with regard to deer crossing my path, my two backseat passengers noticed two bright objects in the night sky. None of us had noticed these lights even 10 minutes before as we had driven through town; but the presence of these gleaming objects before us once within the darkness of the country kept their attention and called them to keep looking. At first, my son thought they were satellites while my daughter suggested they were mysterious balloons. As we drove further from town and got closer to home, we decided that the two lights they’d been watching throughout the duration of our drive were not blinking and were not moving. Helicopters, airplanes, drones, balloons were quickly removed from our list of potential sources of the lights. I questioned out loud whether these orbs in the sky might be planets. After getting home and doing a little internet searching, we discovered that it was in fact Jupiter and Venus showing off in the night sky. The kids and I gazed at the lights above and talked about how far these planets were from us and how impressive it was to be seen by us so clearly and vividly within the heavens. A few days later, people on social media began either commenting or started inquiring about these strange lights in the evening sky. The news began mentioning the newly observed celestial glows and more and more people learned about the two planets catching everyone’s attention. While listening to the morning news as the kids were readying themselves for school, my daughter pointed out that we had seen those lights days ago, and it was nothing new. I had to remind her that nights are a lot darker out on the farm than in town, which was perhaps why we spotted them sooner.&nbsp;&nbsp; In the wisdom that only a 7-year-old can articulate, my daughter decided that while the dark in the country might be bigger (and maybe scarier at times) than it is in town, it lets us see things a little earlier than others, and that’s pretty cool.&nbsp; Yes, my little one, that is pretty cool. Here’s to those many dark nights out in the country and all the heavenly wonders that especially appear throughout the year from our view on the farm. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2023 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

INSIGHT: Heavenly views on the farm

By&nbsp;HOLLY GERKE K-State News and Communication Services

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University has awarded the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/additional-opportunities/freshman/competitive/presidential-scholarship.html" target="_blank">Presidential Scholarship</a>, the largest scholarship award in the state, to three high school seniors. Winners of the $20,000-per-year Presidential Scholarship, worth $80,000 over four years, are Tristan Willson,&nbsp;Olathe,&nbsp;a&nbsp;senior at Olathe North High School&nbsp;and&nbsp;recipient of the Vanier Family Business Administration Best of Kansas Presidential Scholarship for students who plan to choose a major in the College of Business Administration; Josephine Benson,&nbsp;Wamego, a senior at Wamego High School; and Tyler Carlgren,&nbsp;Kansas City, Mo.,&nbsp;a senior at Barstow High School. The scholarship competition was conducted in early February on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan. The university received 80 applications, and a selection committee chose&nbsp;10&nbsp;student finalists to interview for a general Presidential Scholarship and five students to interview for the Presidential Scholarship for the College of Business Administration. As the largest and most selective scholarship award made by&nbsp;K-State, the Presidential Scholarship seeks to recognize students who have been truly outstanding, both academically and as student leaders, during their high school careers. The following high school seniors were finalists for the Presidential Scholarship: Thaddaeus Blakley,&nbsp;Hutchinson,&nbsp;a senior at Hutchinson High School; Nathan Hattrup, a senior at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, and Reagan King, a senior at Blue Valley Northwest High School, both from&nbsp;Overland Park; Will Fulkerson,&nbsp;Salina, a senior at Salina South High School; and Corbin Hoppas,&nbsp;Wichita,&nbsp;a senior at Andover High School. From out of state: Jack Heit,&nbsp;Creve Coeur, Missouri,&nbsp;a senior from De Smet Jesuit High School.

The 2023-2024 Presidential Scholarships are made possible by support from alumni and friends. The awards include the Mike and Becky Goss Presidential Scholarship, funded by Mike and Becky Goss,&nbsp;Westport, Connecticut; the Mary L. Vanier Presidential Scholarship, funded by Mary L. Vanier,&nbsp;Manhattan; the Vanier Family Business Administration Best of Kansas Presidential Scholarship, funded by members of the Jack Vanier family of&nbsp;Brookville, Salina&nbsp;and&nbsp;Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By&nbsp;HOLLY GERKE K-State News and Communication ServicesMANHATTAN — Kansas State University has awarded the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/additional-opportunities/freshman/competitive/presidential-scholarship.html" target="_blank">Presidential Scholarship</a>, the largest scholarship award in the state, to three high school seniors. Winners of the $20,000-per-year Presidential Scholarship, worth $80,000 over four years, are Tristan Willson,&nbsp;Olathe,&nbsp;a&nbsp;senior at Olathe North High School&nbsp;and&nbsp;recipient of the Vanier Family Business Administration Best of Kansas Presidential Scholarship for students who plan to choose a major in the College of Business Administration; Josephine Benson,&nbsp;Wamego, a senior at Wamego High School; and Tyler Carlgren,&nbsp;Kansas City, Mo.,&nbsp;a senior at Barstow High School. The scholarship competition was conducted in early February on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan. The university received 80 applications, and a selection committee chose&nbsp;10&nbsp;student finalists to interview for a general Presidential Scholarship and five students to interview for the Presidential Scholarship for the College of Business Administration. As the largest and most selective scholarship award made by&nbsp;K-State, the Presidential Scholarship seeks to recognize students who have been truly outstanding, both academically and as student leaders, during their high school careers. The following high school seniors were finalists for the Presidential Scholarship: Thaddaeus Blakley,&nbsp;Hutchinson,&nbsp;a senior at Hutchinson High School; Nathan Hattrup, a senior at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, and Reagan King, a senior at Blue Valley Northwest High School, both from&nbsp;Overland Park; Will Fulkerson,&nbsp;Salina, a senior at Salina South High School; and Corbin Hoppas,&nbsp;Wichita,&nbsp;a senior at Andover High School. From out of state: Jack Heit,&nbsp;Creve Coeur, Missouri,&nbsp;a senior from De Smet Jesuit High School. The 2023-2024 Presidential Scholarships are made possible by support from alumni and friends. The awards include the Mike and Becky Goss Presidential Scholarship, funded by Mike and Becky Goss,&nbsp;Westport, Connecticut; the Mary L. Vanier Presidential Scholarship, funded by Mary L. Vanier,&nbsp;Manhattan; the Vanier Family Business Administration Best of Kansas Presidential Scholarship, funded by members of the Jack Vanier family of&nbsp;Brookville, Salina&nbsp;and&nbsp;Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Salina South student among finalists for KSU Presidential Scholarship

Today is Wednesday, March 8, the 67th day of 2023. There are 298 days left in the year.

On March 8, 1965, the United States landed its first combat troops in South Vietnam as 3,500 Marines arrived to defend the U.S. air base at Da Nang.

In 1618, German astronomer Johannes Kepler devised his third law of planetary motion.

In 1817, the New York Stock &amp; Exchange Board, which had its beginnings in 1792, was formally organized; it later became known as the New York Stock Exchange.

In 1948, the Supreme Court, in McCollum v. Board of Education, struck down voluntary religious education classes in Champaign, Illinois, public schools, saying the program violated separation of church and state.

In 1971, Joe Frazier defeated Muhammad Ali by decision in what was billed as "The Fight of the Century" at Madison Square Garden in New York. Silent film comedian Harold Lloyd died in Beverly Hills, California, at age 77.

In 1983, in a speech to the National Association of Evangelicals convention in Orlando, Florida, President Ronald Reagan referred to the Soviet Union as an "evil empire."

In 1988, 17 soldiers were killed when two Army helicopters from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, collided in mid-flight.

In 1999, baseball Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio died in Hollywood, Florida, at age 84.

In 2000, President Bill Clinton submitted to Congress legislation to establish permanent normal trade relations with China. (The U.S. and China signed a trade pact in November 2000.)

In 2004, Iraq's Governing Council signed a landmark interim constitution.

In 2008, President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have banned the CIA from using simulated drowning and other coercive interrogation methods to gain information from suspected terrorists.

In 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, a Boeing 777 with 239 people on board, vanished during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, setting off a massive and ultimately unsuccessful search.

In 2016, Sir George Martin, the Beatles' urbane producer who guided the band's swift, historic transformation from rowdy club act to musical and cultural revolutionaries, died at age 90.

Ten years ago: The government reported the jobless rate dropped to 7.7 percent the previous month, the lowest level since President Barack Obama took office. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel arrived in Afghanistan for his first visit as Pentagon chief. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was lauded at his state funeral as a modern-day reincarnation of Latin American liberator Simon Bolivar and a disciple of Cuba's Fidel Castro.

Five years ago: U.S. and South Korean officials said President Donald Trump had agreed to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jung Un by the end of May to negotiate an end to North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Mississippi lawmakers passed one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the nation, making the procedure illegal in most cases after 15 weeks of pregnancy; a federal judge later struck down the law as unconstitutional. Serena Williams beat Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan, 7-5, 6-3, in the first round of a tournament in Indian Wells, California; it was Williams' first match following a 14-month layoff for the birth of her daughter.

One year ago: President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. would ban all Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia's economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine as a humanitarian crisis unfolded in the port city of Mariupol. Guy Wesley Reffitt of Texas was convicted of storming the U.S. Capitol with a holstered handgun, a milestone victory for federal prosecutors in the first trial among hundreds of cases arising from the Jan. 6 riots.

Today's birthdays: Jazz musician George Coleman is 88. Actor Sue Ane Langdon is 87. College Football Hall of Famer Pete Dawkins is 85. Songwriter Carole Bayer Sager is 79. Actor-director Micky Dolenz (The Monkees) is 78. Singer-musician Randy Meisner is 77. Pop singer Peggy March is 75. Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice is 70. Jazz musician Billy Childs is 66. Singer Gary Numan is 65. NBC News anchor Lester Holt is 64. Actor Aidan Quinn is 64. Actor Camryn Manheim is 62. Actor Leon is 62. Country-rock singer Shawn Mullins is 55. Neo-soul singer Van Hunt is 53. Actor Andrea Parker is 53. Actor Boris Kodjoe is 50. Actor Freddie Prinze Jr. is 47. Actor Laura Main is 46. Actor James Van Der Beek is 46. R&amp;B singer Kameelah Williams (702) is 45. Actor Nick Zano is 45. Rock singer Tom Chaplin (Keane) is 44. Rock musician Andy Ross (OK Go) is 44. Actor Jessica Collins is 40. R&amp;B singer Kristinia DeBarge is 33.

<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 Wednesday, March 8, the 67th day of 2023. There are 298 days left in the year.Today's highlight in history:On March 8, 1965, the United States landed its first combat troops in South Vietnam as 3,500 Marines arrived to defend the U.S. air base at Da Nang.On this date:In 1618, German astronomer Johannes Kepler devised his third law of planetary motion.In 1817, the New York Stock &amp; Exchange Board, which had its beginnings in 1792, was formally organized; it later became known as the New York Stock Exchange.In 1948, the Supreme Court, in McCollum v. Board of Education, struck down voluntary religious education classes in Champaign, Illinois, public schools, saying the program violated separation of church and state.In 1971, Joe Frazier defeated Muhammad Ali by decision in what was billed as "The Fight of the Century" at Madison Square Garden in New York. Silent film comedian Harold Lloyd died in Beverly Hills, California, at age 77.In 1983, in a speech to the National Association of Evangelicals convention in Orlando, Florida, President Ronald Reagan referred to the Soviet Union as an "evil empire."In 1988, 17 soldiers were killed when two Army helicopters from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, collided in mid-flight.In 1999, baseball Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio died in Hollywood, Florida, at age 84.In 2000, President Bill Clinton submitted to Congress legislation to establish permanent normal trade relations with China. (The U.S. and China signed a trade pact in November 2000.)In 2004, Iraq's Governing Council signed a landmark interim constitution.In 2008, President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have banned the CIA from using simulated drowning and other coercive interrogation methods to gain information from suspected terrorists.In 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, a Boeing 777 with 239 people on board, vanished during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, setting off a massive and ultimately unsuccessful search.In 2016, Sir George Martin, the Beatles' urbane producer who guided the band's swift, historic transformation from rowdy club act to musical and cultural revolutionaries, died at age 90.Ten years ago: The government reported the jobless rate dropped to 7.7 percent the previous month, the lowest level since President Barack Obama took office. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel arrived in Afghanistan for his first visit as Pentagon chief. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was lauded at his state funeral as a modern-day reincarnation of Latin American liberator Simon Bolivar and a disciple of Cuba's Fidel Castro.Five years ago: U.S. and South Korean officials said President Donald Trump had agreed to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jung Un by the end of May to negotiate an end to North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Mississippi lawmakers passed one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the nation, making the procedure illegal in most cases after 15 weeks of pregnancy; a federal judge later struck down the law as unconstitutional. Serena Williams beat Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan, 7-5, 6-3, in the first round of a tournament in Indian Wells, California; it was Williams' first match following a 14-month layoff for the birth of her daughter.One year ago: President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. would ban all Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia's economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine as a humanitarian crisis unfolded in the port city of Mariupol. Guy Wesley Reffitt of Texas was convicted of storming the U.S. Capitol with a holstered handgun, a milestone victory for federal prosecutors in the first trial among hundreds of cases arising from the Jan. 6 riots.Today's birthdays: Jazz musician George Coleman is 88. Actor Sue Ane Langdon is 87. College Football Hall of Famer Pete Dawkins is 85. Songwriter Carole Bayer Sager is 79. Actor-director Micky Dolenz (The Monkees) is 78. Singer-musician Randy Meisner is 77. Pop singer Peggy March is 75. Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice is 70. Jazz musician Billy Childs is 66. Singer Gary Numan is 65. NBC News anchor Lester Holt is 64. Actor Aidan Quinn is 64. Actor Camryn Manheim is 62. Actor Leon is 62. Country-rock singer Shawn Mullins is 55. Neo-soul singer Van Hunt is 53. Actor Andrea Parker is 53. Actor Boris Kodjoe is 50. Actor Freddie Prinze Jr. is 47. Actor Laura Main is 46. Actor James Van Der Beek is 46. R&amp;B singer Kameelah Williams (702) is 45. Actor Nick Zano is 45. Rock singer Tom Chaplin (Keane) is 44. Rock musician Andy Ross (OK Go) is 44. Actor Jessica Collins is 40. R&amp;B singer Kristinia DeBarge is 33.

Today in History - March 8

North Central Kansas Medical Center

CONCORDIA - North Central Kansas Medical Center on Tuesday launched the Emergency File Project in Cloud County. 

The emergency file is designed to help seniors and disabled persons keep their critical health information accessible in case of emergency.

The document-sized purple file has magnets on the back so it can be placed on a refrigerator. Inside the folder is a list of items that should be included, such as a Do Not Resuscitate form, a current photo, a list of medications, etc. Also included is a medical information form that should be filled out by the patient or the patient’s family. 

The local EMS teams will be instructed to look for a purple file on the refrigerator when they enter a home for a medical emergency. 

The file project was sponsored in part by the Community Foundation for Cloud County and was assembled by the student interns from Project SEARCH.

The purple file project is a continuation of the previous Operation Red File. EMS will continue to look for the red file as well as the new purple files.

“We are pleased to be offering this service to our senior citizens and disabled citizens once again,” said Rose Koerber, social worker for NCKMC and purple folder coordinator. “These files can be picked up at the hospital or the Family Care Center.” 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678242587781.png" alt="One of North Central Kansas Medical Center's purple folders. Photo courtesy&nbsp;North Central Kansas Medical Center" />
 <figcaption>One of North Central Kansas Medical Center's purple folders. Photo courtesy&nbsp;North Central Kansas Medical Center</figcaption>
 </figure>North Central Kansas Medical CenterCONCORDIA - North Central Kansas Medical Center on Tuesday launched the Emergency File Project in Cloud County. The emergency file is designed to help seniors and disabled persons keep their critical health information accessible in case of emergency.The document-sized purple file has magnets on the back so it can be placed on a refrigerator. Inside the folder is a list of items that should be included, such as a Do Not Resuscitate form, a current photo, a list of medications, etc. Also included is a medical information form that should be filled out by the patient or the patient’s family. The local EMS teams will be instructed to look for a purple file on the refrigerator when they enter a home for a medical emergency. The file project was sponsored in part by the Community Foundation for Cloud County and was assembled by the student interns from Project SEARCH.The purple file project is a continuation of the previous Operation Red File. EMS will continue to look for the red file as well as the new purple files.“We are pleased to be offering this service to our senior citizens and disabled citizens once again,” said Rose Koerber, social worker for NCKMC and purple folder coordinator. “These files can be picked up at the hospital or the Family Care Center.”

Concordia medical center launches Emergency File Project

From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069239108579">Abilene Police Dept. Facebook page</a>:

From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069239108579">Abilene Police Dept. Facebook page</a>:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid02jvZEYxPSmeCph7NFk3yyzndLXfJ9ATiwnftMbAXA92ffYMEMVzhK3J2jeRqg5a1Ql%26id%3D100069239108579&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="609" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Abilene's Huen named K-9 Officer of the Year

UPDATE 2:10 p.m. Tuesday:&nbsp;A second minor earthquake struck eastern Marion County Tuesday.

The 2.1 magnitude quake struck at 1:18 p.m. Tuesday several miles northwest of the first, according to the Kansas Geological Survey. The second quake was centered just south of 250th Street east of Zebulon Road.

MARION - Another small earthquake struck eastern Marion County this morning near the location of a Sunday morning quake.

According to the Kansas Geological Survey, a 2.7 magnitude earthquake struck east-northeast of Marion at 8:58 a.m. Tuesday. The Tuesday quake was just a bit southeast of Sunday's 2.8 magnitude quake and was centered just north of 220th Street between Clover Road and the Marion-Chase county line.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/35679df0-3997-471f-859d-8ffecab5bc40">Minor quake shakes part of eastern Marion County Sunday </a>

UPDATE 2:10 p.m. Tuesday:&nbsp;A second minor earthquake struck eastern Marion County Tuesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678220066355.png" alt="The location of the 2.1 magnitude 1:18 p.m. Tuesday Marion County earthquake. Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey" />
 <figcaption>The location of the 2.1 magnitude 1:18 p.m. Tuesday Marion County earthquake. Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>The 2.1 magnitude quake struck at 1:18 p.m. Tuesday several miles northwest of the first, according to the Kansas Geological Survey. The second quake was centered just south of 250th Street east of Zebulon Road.By SALINA POSTMARION - Another small earthquake struck eastern Marion County this morning near the location of a Sunday morning quake.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678215154820.png" alt="The location of the 2.7 magnitude, 8:58 a.m. Tuesday Marion County earthquake. Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey" />
 <figcaption>The location of the 2.7 magnitude, 8:58 a.m. Tuesday Marion County earthquake. Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the Kansas Geological Survey, a 2.7 magnitude earthquake struck east-northeast of Marion at 8:58 a.m. Tuesday. The Tuesday quake was just a bit southeast of Sunday's 2.8 magnitude quake and was centered just north of 220th Street between Clover Road and the Marion-Chase county line.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/35679df0-3997-471f-859d-8ffecab5bc40">Minor quake shakes part of eastern Marion County Sunday </a>

UPDATE: Two small quakes rattle parts of eastern Marion County

Gregory Rasmussen, 2023 Indianapolis Prize nominee and founder and executive director of Painted Dog Research Trust (PDRT), will be at Rolling Hills Zoo on March 13 as part of his three-month tour of the U.S. to promote awareness of the highly endangered painted dog, aka African wild dog, of which there are approximately 6,500 left in the wild. 

The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. in RHZ’s Conference Center with a light lunch followed by Rasmussen’s presentation on the current state of the painted dog population, pressing threats of their survival, and the tireless efforts of PDRT to save them from extinction. 

The cost to attend this wildlife conservation program is $15 per person and includes a light lunch. Reservations are required by Wednesday. <a href="https://www.rollinghillszoo.org/news/lunch-learn">Click here to access the registration link</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678151950766.jpeg" alt="Greg Rasmussen. Photo courtesy Rolling Hills Zoo" />
 <figcaption>Greg Rasmussen. Photo courtesy Rolling Hills Zoo</figcaption>
 </figure>Rolling Hills ZooGregory Rasmussen, 2023 Indianapolis Prize nominee and founder and executive director of Painted Dog Research Trust (PDRT), will be at Rolling Hills Zoo on March 13 as part of his three-month tour of the U.S. to promote awareness of the highly endangered painted dog, aka African wild dog, of which there are approximately 6,500 left in the wild. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. in RHZ’s Conference Center with a light lunch followed by Rasmussen’s presentation on the current state of the painted dog population, pressing threats of their survival, and the tireless efforts of PDRT to save them from extinction. The cost to attend this wildlife conservation program is $15 per person and includes a light lunch. Reservations are required by Wednesday. <a href="https://www.rollinghillszoo.org/news/lunch-learn">Click here to access the registration link</a>.Rasmussen will follow up with a short conservation encounter at Rolling Hills Zoo’s African Painted Dog Exhibit at 1:30 p.m. that afternoon followed by Q &amp; A. This conservation encounter will be included in the price of zoo admission.Rasmussen’s tour of the U.S. encompasses visiting more than 30 venues, including zoos and universities. Scientists, academics, zookeepers, supporters and the interested public are invited to attend the public presentations. His complete schedule of events can be found at <a href="https://www.painteddogresearch.org/events">https://www.painteddogresearch.org/events</a>.“With painted dogs as our flagship, we too now are adding afforestation and mitigation of climate change to our conservation armory,” said&nbsp; Rasmussen, who has studied painted dogs in their natural habitat for over 30 years, one of the longest studies into the species. “The biodiversity crisis is affecting every corner of the globe and every form of life, especially painted dogs,” he added. Rasmussen founded PDRT in 2014 in northwest Zimbabwe, one of the last strongholds for painted dogs, the recognizable carnivores from their individually unique tri-colored coats, fluffy white tails and oversized Mickey-Mouse ears.“I am delighted to return to the states to reconnect with friends and associates as well as add new names and faces to our widening support base for the endangered painted dogs,” said Rasmussen. “While I hope to inspire and share, I too am motivated by those I meet.”

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