Today is Tuesday, March 7, the 66th day of 2023. There are 299 days left in the year.

On March 7, 1965, a march by civil rights demonstrators was violently broken up at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, by state troopers and a sheriff's posse in what came to be known as "Bloody Sunday."

In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received a U.S. patent for his telephone.

In 1911, President William Howard Taft ordered 20,000 troops to patrol the U.S.-Mexico border in response to the Mexican Revolution.

In 1916, Bavarian Motor Works (BMW) had its beginnings in Munich, Germany, as an airplane engine manufacturer.

In 1926, the first successful trans-Atlantic radio-telephone conversations took place between New York and London.

In 1936, Adolf Hitler ordered his troops to march into the Rhineland, thereby breaking the Treaty of Versailles and the Locarno Pact.

In 1945, during World War II, U.S. forces crossed the Rhine at Remagen, Germany, using the damaged but still usable Ludendorff Bridge.

In 1975, the U.S. Senate revised its filibuster rule, allowing 60 senators to limit debate in most cases, instead of the previously required two-thirds of senators present.

In 1994, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a parody that pokes fun at an original work can be considered "fair use." (The ruling concerned a parody of the Roy Orbison song "Oh, Pretty Woman" by the rap group 2 Live Crew.)

In 1999, movie director Stanley Kubrick, whose films included "Dr. Strangelove," "A Clockwork Orange" and "2001: A Space Odyssey," died in Hertfordshire, England, at age 70, having just finished editing "Eyes Wide Shut."

In 2005, President George W. Bush nominated John Bolton to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, an appointment that ran into Democratic opposition, prompting Bush to make a recess appointment.

In 2016, Peyton Manning announced his retirement after 18 seasons in the National Football League.

In 2020, health officials in Florida said two people who had tested positive for the new coronavirus had died; the deaths were the first on the East Coast attributed to the outbreak.

Ten years ago: The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously for tough new sanctions to punish North Korea for its latest nuclear test; a furious Pyongyang threatened a nuclear strike against the United States. The Senate confirmed John Brennan to be CIA director, 63-34, after the Obama administration bowed to demands from Republicans blocking the nomination and stated explicitly there were limits to the president's power to use drones against U.S. terror suspects on American soil. Sybil Christopher, 83, the wife Richard Burton left in 1963 to marry Elizabeth Taylor, and who became a theater producer and nightclub founder, died in New York.

Five years ago: The White House said Mexico, Canada and other countries could be spared from President Donald Trump's planned steel and aluminum tariffs under national security "carve-outs." For the second time in less than a week, a storm rolled into the Northeast with as much as two feet of wet, heavy snow that grounded flights, closed schools and knocked out power.

One year ago: The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine deepened as Russian forces intensified their shelling and food, water, heat and medicine grew increasingly scarce in what the country condemned as a medieval-style siege by Moscow to batter it into submission. The Supreme Court says it would not take up the sexual assault case against comedian Bill Cosby, leaving in place a decision by Pennsylvania's highest court to throw out his conviction and set him free from prison.

Today's birthdays: International Motorsports Hall of Famer Janet Guthrie is 85. Actor Daniel J. Travanti is 83. Entertainment executive Michael Eisner is 81. Rock musician Chris White (The Zombies) is 80. Rock singer Peter Wolf is 77. Rock musician Matthew Fisher (Procol Harum) is 77. Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann is 71. R&amp;B singer-musician Ernie Isley (The Isley Brothers) is 71. Rock musician Kenny Aronoff (BoDeans, John Mellencamp) is 70. Actor Bryan Cranston is 67. Actor Donna Murphy is 64. Actor Nick Searcy is 64. Golfer Tom Lehman is 64. International Tennis Hall of Famer Ivan Lendl is 63. Actor Mary Beth Evans is 62. Singer-actor Taylor Dayne is 61. Actor Bill Brochtrup is 60. Author E.L. James is 60. Author Bret Easton Ellis is 59. Opera singer Denyce Graves is 59. Comedian Wanda Sykes is 59. Actor Jonathan Del Arco is 57. Rock musician Randy Guss (Toad the Wet Sprocket) is 56. Actor Rachel Weisz is 53. Actor Peter Sarsgaard is 52. Actor Jay Duplass is 50. Classical singer Sebastien Izambard (Il Divo) is 50. Rock singer Hugo Ferreira (Tantric) is 49. Actor Jenna Fischer is 49. Actor Tobias Menzies is 49. Actor Sarayu Blue is 48. Actor Audrey Marie Anderson is 48. Actor TJ Thyne is 48. Bluegrass singer-musician Frank Solivan is 46. Actor Laura Prepon is 43. Actor Bel Powley is 31. Poet and activist Amanda Gorman is 25. Actor Giselle Eisenberg (TV: "Life in Pieces") is 16.

<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 Tuesday, March 7, the 66th day of 2023. There are 299 days left in the year.Today's highlight in history:On March 7, 1965, a march by civil rights demonstrators was violently broken up at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, by state troopers and a sheriff's posse in what came to be known as "Bloody Sunday."On this date:In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received a U.S. patent for his telephone.In 1911, President William Howard Taft ordered 20,000 troops to patrol the U.S.-Mexico border in response to the Mexican Revolution.In 1916, Bavarian Motor Works (BMW) had its beginnings in Munich, Germany, as an airplane engine manufacturer.In 1926, the first successful trans-Atlantic radio-telephone conversations took place between New York and London.In 1936, Adolf Hitler ordered his troops to march into the Rhineland, thereby breaking the Treaty of Versailles and the Locarno Pact.In 1945, during World War II, U.S. forces crossed the Rhine at Remagen, Germany, using the damaged but still usable Ludendorff Bridge.In 1975, the U.S. Senate revised its filibuster rule, allowing 60 senators to limit debate in most cases, instead of the previously required two-thirds of senators present.In 1994, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a parody that pokes fun at an original work can be considered "fair use." (The ruling concerned a parody of the Roy Orbison song "Oh, Pretty Woman" by the rap group 2 Live Crew.)In 1999, movie director Stanley Kubrick, whose films included "Dr. Strangelove," "A Clockwork Orange" and "2001: A Space Odyssey," died in Hertfordshire, England, at age 70, having just finished editing "Eyes Wide Shut."In 2005, President George W. Bush nominated John Bolton to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, an appointment that ran into Democratic opposition, prompting Bush to make a recess appointment.In 2016, Peyton Manning announced his retirement after 18 seasons in the National Football League.In 2020, health officials in Florida said two people who had tested positive for the new coronavirus had died; the deaths were the first on the East Coast attributed to the outbreak.Ten years ago: The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously for tough new sanctions to punish North Korea for its latest nuclear test; a furious Pyongyang threatened a nuclear strike against the United States. The Senate confirmed John Brennan to be CIA director, 63-34, after the Obama administration bowed to demands from Republicans blocking the nomination and stated explicitly there were limits to the president's power to use drones against U.S. terror suspects on American soil. Sybil Christopher, 83, the wife Richard Burton left in 1963 to marry Elizabeth Taylor, and who became a theater producer and nightclub founder, died in New York.Five years ago: The White House said Mexico, Canada and other countries could be spared from President Donald Trump's planned steel and aluminum tariffs under national security "carve-outs." For the second time in less than a week, a storm rolled into the Northeast with as much as two feet of wet, heavy snow that grounded flights, closed schools and knocked out power.One year ago: The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine deepened as Russian forces intensified their shelling and food, water, heat and medicine grew increasingly scarce in what the country condemned as a medieval-style siege by Moscow to batter it into submission. The Supreme Court says it would not take up the sexual assault case against comedian Bill Cosby, leaving in place a decision by Pennsylvania's highest court to throw out his conviction and set him free from prison.Today's birthdays: International Motorsports Hall of Famer Janet Guthrie is 85. Actor Daniel J. Travanti is 83. Entertainment executive Michael Eisner is 81. Rock musician Chris White (The Zombies) is 80. Rock singer Peter Wolf is 77. Rock musician Matthew Fisher (Procol Harum) is 77. Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann is 71. R&amp;B singer-musician Ernie Isley (The Isley Brothers) is 71. Rock musician Kenny Aronoff (BoDeans, John Mellencamp) is 70. Actor Bryan Cranston is 67. Actor Donna Murphy is 64. Actor Nick Searcy is 64. Golfer Tom Lehman is 64. International Tennis Hall of Famer Ivan Lendl is 63. Actor Mary Beth Evans is 62. Singer-actor Taylor Dayne is 61. Actor Bill Brochtrup is 60. Author E.L. James is 60. Author Bret Easton Ellis is 59. Opera singer Denyce Graves is 59. Comedian Wanda Sykes is 59. Actor Jonathan Del Arco is 57. Rock musician Randy Guss (Toad the Wet Sprocket) is 56. Actor Rachel Weisz is 53. Actor Peter Sarsgaard is 52. Actor Jay Duplass is 50. Classical singer Sebastien Izambard (Il Divo) is 50. Rock singer Hugo Ferreira (Tantric) is 49. Actor Jenna Fischer is 49. Actor Tobias Menzies is 49. Actor Sarayu Blue is 48. Actor Audrey Marie Anderson is 48. Actor TJ Thyne is 48. Bluegrass singer-musician Frank Solivan is 46. Actor Laura Prepon is 43. Actor Bel Powley is 31. Poet and activist Amanda Gorman is 25. Actor Giselle Eisenberg (TV: "Life in Pieces") is 16.

Today in History - March 7

CONCORDIA - Cloud County Community College will be offering adult education and GED classes beginning on&nbsp; March 27 in Concordia and Junction City.

The Adult Education program at CCCC offers an adult learning atmosphere to gain skills necessary for success at home and in the workplace. The classes are open to individuals 16 and older who are not enrolled in school. Basic skills and diploma preparation classes are offered afternoons and evenings in Concordia, and mornings, afternoons, and evenings in Junction City to accommodate working adults’ schedules. Classes are small with both classroom and computer instruction.

Those who attend can also improve on basic skills in everyday reading, math and English, as well as learn employability skills while earning WorkReady Credentials. Computer skills are also a part of the courses, where students can gain basic Microsoft Word and Internet skills, and also earn technology certificates.

GED test preparation instruction is also available at both locations, and the Geary County campus will now offer English as a second language classes. The centers are located at CCCC’s Concordia campus and at the Geary County campus in Junction. All students must attend orientation before enrolling in classes. Students are to call for an orientation appointment. For both locations, orientation appointments can be made for March 21 and 22. Registration for orientation is due by March 20. The first day of classes at both locations is March 27.

All classes are limited in size. For more information or to register for orientation in Concordia or Junction City, contact Debbie Kearn, ABE/GED Director, Cloud County Community College at (785) 243-1435, ext. 335 or (800) 729-5101, ext. 335.

Cloud County Community CollegeCONCORDIA - Cloud County Community College will be offering adult education and GED classes beginning on&nbsp; March 27 in Concordia and Junction City.The Adult Education program at CCCC offers an adult learning atmosphere to gain skills necessary for success at home and in the workplace. The classes are open to individuals 16 and older who are not enrolled in school. Basic skills and diploma preparation classes are offered afternoons and evenings in Concordia, and mornings, afternoons, and evenings in Junction City to accommodate working adults’ schedules. Classes are small with both classroom and computer instruction.Those who attend can also improve on basic skills in everyday reading, math and English, as well as learn employability skills while earning WorkReady Credentials. Computer skills are also a part of the courses, where students can gain basic Microsoft Word and Internet skills, and also earn technology certificates.GED test preparation instruction is also available at both locations, and the Geary County campus will now offer English as a second language classes. The centers are located at CCCC’s Concordia campus and at the Geary County campus in Junction. All students must attend orientation before enrolling in classes. Students are to call for an orientation appointment. For both locations, orientation appointments can be made for March 21 and 22. Registration for orientation is due by March 20. The first day of classes at both locations is March 27.All classes are limited in size. For more information or to register for orientation in Concordia or Junction City, contact Debbie Kearn, ABE/GED Director, Cloud County Community College at (785) 243-1435, ext. 335 or (800) 729-5101, ext. 335.

Adult ed, GED classes being offered in Concordia, Junction City

During their meeting Tuesday morning, Saline County Commissioners are scheduled to consider revising corrections officer wages to help alleviate hiring challenges currently experienced.

Saline County Commission is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street. The meetings also can be viewed on Saline County’s YouTube channel:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA</a>.

To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link. Use the following link and put in the Meeting ID and passcode:

<a href="https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>

For further information, contact the County Commission’s Office at (785) 309-5825.

Commissioners are scheduled to consider a request to increase starting wages for corrections officers. According to information in the request for action, "Saline County continues to experience challenges in filling the critical position of Corrections

Officers." Because of that, commissioners asked staff to develop a strategy to increase starting wages for hiring corrections officers.

In late February, the following three options were discussed.

1. Maintaining current grades and starting COs at step 4 at $22.68/hour.

2. Maintaining current grades and starting COs at step 3 at $21.58/hour.

3. Revise the CO I grade from grade 15 to grade 17 and starting at step 2 at $22.40/hour. The effect of this would include revising CO II, CO III, corporal, and sergeant. 

It also was suggested that a .75/hour shift differential for jail and patrol employees that start a shift at 5 p.m. or after be added and that the $1,500 hiring incentive be extended for years two and three for corrections officers, the information noted.

Staff is recommending that Option 3 be implemented at the beginning of the county's next pay period. Additionally, staff is recommending that the proposed shift differential be implemented at the beginning of the county's next pay period.

Other items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday include the following.

●Hear an American Rescue Plan Act update, including changes

●Consider awarding a bid for 2023 road improvement projects

●Consider a purchase award for a crew/fuel truck

●Consider approving training agreements for Phillip Chalmers Trainings and J. Chad Professional Training

●Consider approving lease and service agreements with 360 Document Solutions

●Hear a Community Corrections Department update

●Hear a Road and Bridge Department bi-monthly update

●Hear a financial projection for 2024-2028

To see the full Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/commission">click here</a>&nbsp;and then click on the March 7 link.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By SALINA POSTDuring their meeting Tuesday morning, Saline County Commissioners are scheduled to consider revising corrections officer wages to help alleviate hiring challenges currently experienced.About the meetingSaline County Commission is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street. The meetings also can be viewed on Saline County’s YouTube channel:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA</a>.To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link. Use the following link and put in the Meeting ID and passcode:<a href="https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>Meeting ID: 968 3581 9901Passcode: 144636For further information, contact the County Commission’s Office at (785) 309-5825.Agenda itemsCommissioners are scheduled to consider a request to increase starting wages for corrections officers. According to information in the request for action, "Saline County continues to experience challenges in filling the critical position of CorrectionsOfficers." Because of that, commissioners asked staff to develop a strategy to increase starting wages for hiring corrections officers.In late February, the following three options were discussed.1. Maintaining current grades and starting COs at step 4 at $22.68/hour.2. Maintaining current grades and starting COs at step 3 at $21.58/hour.3. Revise the CO I grade from grade 15 to grade 17 and starting at step 2 at $22.40/hour. The effect of this would include revising CO II, CO III, corporal, and sergeant. It also was suggested that a .75/hour shift differential for jail and patrol employees that start a shift at 5 p.m. or after be added and that the $1,500 hiring incentive be extended for years two and three for corrections officers, the information noted.Staff is recommending that Option 3 be implemented at the beginning of the county's next pay period. Additionally, staff is recommending that the proposed shift differential be implemented at the beginning of the county's next pay period.Other items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Hear an American Rescue Plan Act update, including changes●Consider awarding a bid for 2023 road improvement projects●Consider a purchase award for a crew/fuel truck●Consider approving training agreements for Phillip Chalmers Trainings and J. Chad Professional Training●Consider approving lease and service agreements with 360 Document Solutions●Hear a Community Corrections Department update●Hear a Road and Bridge Department bi-monthly update●Hear a financial projection for 2024-2028To see the full Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/commission">click here</a>&nbsp;and then click on the March 7 link.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Proposed changes to corrections officer wages on Saline Co. agenda

COLBY - Forty-two Colby Community College students were inducted into the Rho Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of community colleges, on Feb. 23 at CCC's Cultural Arts Center.

After introductory remarks by PTK co-advisors Sami Talsma and Megan Augustine, college President Dr. Seth Carter introduced the keynote speaker, CCC humanities and behavioral sciences instructor Mark Carlton.

New members include Valeria Almanza-Chavez (Goodland), Keira Bandy (Colby), Alessia Bergesio (Italy), Laura Bogen (Germany), William Bradley (Colby), Shailey Clark (Great Bend), Emily Davis (Johnstown, Colo.), Clàudia Font Torres (Spain), Clint Hammond (Norton), Aaron Heintzelman (Leavenworth), Nicole Jansonius (Colby), Roberson Jean (Haiti), Emma Lehman (Goodland), Zane Lucksavage (Murphy, N.C.), Jason Malone (Gem), Kirsten Marcotte (Damar), Jax Marn (Olathe), Courtney McCullough (Salina), Britnee McKinney (Colby), Keller Metzker (Colby), Jenna Milford (Eudora), Daniel Mills (Ashland), Faith Mulholland (Lincoln, Neb.), Ryan Myers (Colby), Shante Nelson (Hays), Claire Nelson (Colby), Carli Nieman (Gem), Isabella Ostmeyer (Grinnell), Mark Rausch (Riverton, Utah), Hannah Ridnour (Wray, Colo.), Lydia Rinehart (Colby), Lacey Schmidt (Deshler, Neb.), Jera Schoenfeld (Oakley), Livia Shultz (Grainfield), Kylah Smith (Gem), Alexis Stidham (Wichita), Farrah Trail (Herndon), Travis Tubbs (Colby), Noah Van Allen (Sharon Springs), Kori Vogel (Hudson, Colo.), Jennifer Weiford (Mission Hills), Eric Wittman (Cimarron).

Officers for 2022-23 are Britnee McKinney, president; Sarah Seifert, vice president; Anahy Sandoval-Sanchez, secretary; Noah Van Allen, treasurer; and Lydia Rinehart, public relations officer.

Membership is based on grade point average and other criteria. The primary purpose of PTK is to recognize and encourage scholarship, learning and academic achievement among two-year college students.

Founded in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education, with more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 recognized chapters in 10 nations.&nbsp;

Colby Community CollegeCOLBY - Forty-two Colby Community College students were inducted into the Rho Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of community colleges, on Feb. 23 at CCC's Cultural Arts Center.After introductory remarks by PTK co-advisors Sami Talsma and Megan Augustine, college President Dr. Seth Carter introduced the keynote speaker, CCC humanities and behavioral sciences instructor Mark Carlton.New members include Valeria Almanza-Chavez (Goodland), Keira Bandy (Colby), Alessia Bergesio (Italy), Laura Bogen (Germany), William Bradley (Colby), Shailey Clark (Great Bend), Emily Davis (Johnstown, Colo.), Clàudia Font Torres (Spain), Clint Hammond (Norton), Aaron Heintzelman (Leavenworth), Nicole Jansonius (Colby), Roberson Jean (Haiti), Emma Lehman (Goodland), Zane Lucksavage (Murphy, N.C.), Jason Malone (Gem), Kirsten Marcotte (Damar), Jax Marn (Olathe), Courtney McCullough (Salina), Britnee McKinney (Colby), Keller Metzker (Colby), Jenna Milford (Eudora), Daniel Mills (Ashland), Faith Mulholland (Lincoln, Neb.), Ryan Myers (Colby), Shante Nelson (Hays), Claire Nelson (Colby), Carli Nieman (Gem), Isabella Ostmeyer (Grinnell), Mark Rausch (Riverton, Utah), Hannah Ridnour (Wray, Colo.), Lydia Rinehart (Colby), Lacey Schmidt (Deshler, Neb.), Jera Schoenfeld (Oakley), Livia Shultz (Grainfield), Kylah Smith (Gem), Alexis Stidham (Wichita), Farrah Trail (Herndon), Travis Tubbs (Colby), Noah Van Allen (Sharon Springs), Kori Vogel (Hudson, Colo.), Jennifer Weiford (Mission Hills), Eric Wittman (Cimarron).Officers for 2022-23 are Britnee McKinney, president; Sarah Seifert, vice president; Anahy Sandoval-Sanchez, secretary; Noah Van Allen, treasurer; and Lydia Rinehart, public relations officer.Membership is based on grade point average and other criteria. The primary purpose of PTK is to recognize and encourage scholarship, learning and academic achievement among two-year college students.Founded in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education, with more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 recognized chapters in 10 nations.&nbsp;

Salina's McCullough inducted into Phi Theta Kappa at CCC

Intermittent showers/drizzle are expected across the area tomorrow through Thursday. 

Southeast Kansas has the best chance of seeing greater than one-half inch of rainfall. Can’t rule out a snowflake mixing in during the earliest morning hours each day across central Kansas, with no accumulation expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678152964154.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National Weather ServiceIntermittent showers/drizzle are expected across the area tomorrow through Thursday. Southeast Kansas has the best chance of seeing greater than one-half inch of rainfall. Can’t rule out a snowflake mixing in during the earliest morning hours each day across central Kansas, with no accumulation expected.

Tuesday through Thursday: intermittent showers, drizzle

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Circle C Paving &amp; Construction of Goddard will seal cracks on the following streets, weather permitting.

●Prospect Avenue east of N. Ohio Street

The work will take place generally between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Access to properties within work zones will be maintained at all times. “Road Work Ahead” signs will be placed in advance of work zones, and temporary single-lane closures are to be expected. Motorists are asked to proceed with caution when approaching work zones for the safety of the crews performing the work.

The annual crack and joint sealing program is an important and cost-effective preventive maintenance component of the City of Salina’s annual street repair program. Crack sealing the pavement helps prevent water from penetrating into the pavement structure or sub-base material and aids in reducing a number of pavement problems which include: crack spreading; formation of voids under pavement; swelling and shrinking of sub-base materials; freeze-thaw action; alligator cracking; potholing; and complete failure. Because of its importance and cost- effectiveness, the Department of Public Works strives to seal each asphalt street in Salina no less often than every seven years.

This $491,000 project is part of the city's $5.3 million 2023 street maintenance program

City of SalinaOn Tuesday and Wednesday, Circle C Paving &amp; Construction of Goddard will seal cracks on the following streets, weather permitting.●Argonne Drive●Hillside Drive●Prospect Avenue east of N. Ohio Street●Resort DriveThe work will take place generally between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Access to properties within work zones will be maintained at all times. “Road Work Ahead” signs will be placed in advance of work zones, and temporary single-lane closures are to be expected. Motorists are asked to proceed with caution when approaching work zones for the safety of the crews performing the work.The annual crack and joint sealing program is an important and cost-effective preventive maintenance component of the City of Salina’s annual street repair program. Crack sealing the pavement helps prevent water from penetrating into the pavement structure or sub-base material and aids in reducing a number of pavement problems which include: crack spreading; formation of voids under pavement; swelling and shrinking of sub-base materials; freeze-thaw action; alligator cracking; potholing; and complete failure. Because of its importance and cost- effectiveness, the Department of Public Works strives to seal each asphalt street in Salina no less often than every seven years.This $491,000 project is part of the city's $5.3 million 2023 street maintenance program

Crack sealing work continues on some Salina streets

The Saline County Engineer's Office announced this afternoon that the E. Water Well Road-S. Donmyer Road intersection will be closed later this month for the construction of several reinforced concrete bridges.

The closing is expected to be from Tuesday to July 1. The closure will extend a half mile south of the intersection and approximately 2,000 feet to the north and east of the intersection, according to information from the engineer's office.

Local and emergency traffic will be provided access to private property along the closed roadway at all times but only from the side upon which the property lies.

The engineer's office reminds motorists that it is illegal and extremely unsafe to drive around road closure barricades.

"For your safety and the safety of the construction workers, please obey all traffic signs," the engineer's office noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678136818231.png" alt="Map courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTThe Saline County Engineer's Office announced this afternoon that the E. Water Well Road-S. Donmyer Road intersection will be closed later this month for the construction of several reinforced concrete bridges.The closing is expected to be from Tuesday to July 1. The closure will extend a half mile south of the intersection and approximately 2,000 feet to the north and east of the intersection, according to information from the engineer's office.Local and emergency traffic will be provided access to private property along the closed roadway at all times but only from the side upon which the property lies.The engineer's office reminds motorists that it is illegal and extremely unsafe to drive around road closure barricades."For your safety and the safety of the construction workers, please obey all traffic signs," the engineer's office noted.

Saline County closing Water Well- Donmyer intersection

At Salina Public Schools (SPS), if a tornado warning begins during the school day, students and staff will take refuge in their building’s storm shelter. Once they relocate to the storm shelters, exterior doors of the school building may be locked and entry into the building is not guaranteed.

When a tornado warning has been announced, the district encourages parents to seek shelter and to wait until after the warning has been lifted before coming to the school. The district will use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/departments/public_information/mass_notification" target="_blank">School Messenger rapid notification system</a>&nbsp;to update parents by text, email and phone.

During tornado warnings, school buses will arrive at the nearest school where students will take cover in that building's storm shelter. Once emergency officials have issued an “all clear,” bus routes will resume and students will be returned safely home.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/for_parents/spring_weather_safety" target="_blank">These procedures and information about spring weather safety are on the district website</a>.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7512356-e079-451d-8384-d567a4409364">Kansas Severe Weather Preparedness Week begins Monday</a>

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ce629f46-0804-4843-a051-98e117f99d77">Saline County disaster kit projects kick off Severe Weather Awareness Week</a>

USD 305At Salina Public Schools (SPS), if a tornado warning begins during the school day, students and staff will take refuge in their building’s storm shelter. Once they relocate to the storm shelters, exterior doors of the school building may be locked and entry into the building is not guaranteed.When a tornado warning has been announced, the district encourages parents to seek shelter and to wait until after the warning has been lifted before coming to the school. The district will use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/departments/public_information/mass_notification" target="_blank">School Messenger rapid notification system</a>&nbsp;to update parents by text, email and phone.During tornado warnings, school buses will arrive at the nearest school where students will take cover in that building's storm shelter. Once emergency officials have issued an “all clear,” bus routes will resume and students will be returned safely home.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/for_parents/spring_weather_safety" target="_blank">These procedures and information about spring weather safety are on the district website</a>.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b7512356-e079-451d-8384-d567a4409364">Kansas Severe Weather Preparedness Week begins Monday</a>READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ce629f46-0804-4843-a051-98e117f99d77">Saline County disaster kit projects kick off Severe Weather Awareness Week</a>

Preparing for severe weather at Salina Public Schools

DICKINSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a chase on Interstate 70.

Just after noon Thursday, a sheriff's deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop with a 2021 Toyota passenger car for traffic infractions on Interstate 70 in Dickinson County, according to Sheriff Jerry Davis.

The Toyota accelerated rapidly in an attempt to flee and the deputy initiated a pursuit. The Toyota swerved toward patrol vehicles during the pursuit and then exited Interstate 70 and went south on Jeep Road. 

The Toyota attempted to turn onto a gravel driveway in the 2000 block of Jeep Road but crashed into the ditch and then proceeded to drive into a field. 

The vehicle eventually came to a stop and the male driver later identified as 37-year-old Joel Edward Hayes of Colorado Springs, Colo., exited the vehicle and ran but was apprehended after a short distance.

&nbsp;A passenger in the vehicle identified as 29-year-old Brenna Alison Fitzgerald of Peyton, Colo., was taken into custody and transported to the Abilene hospital due to injuries received when the Toyota traveled through the ditch.&nbsp;

Further investigation resulted in the recovery of numerous stolen tools from Colorado Springs, two firearms, more than 9,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills believed to contain fentanyl, 1.4 lbs of methamphetamine, 84 grams of heroin, 34 grams of marijuana, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia.

Deputies booked Hayes into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute opioids, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of stolen property, criminal damage to property, and aggravated assault on a Law Enforcement Office. Hayes was also arrested on a warrant that was issued in El Paso County, Colorado for fail to appear on drug and weapon related charges.

After her treatment at the hospital, Fitzgerald was booked into the Dickinson County jail on requested charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute opioids, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a weapon, possession of stolen property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678114370566.png" alt="Hayes-photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hayes-photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a chase on Interstate 70.Just after noon Thursday, a sheriff's deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop with a 2021 Toyota passenger car for traffic infractions on Interstate 70 in Dickinson County, according to Sheriff Jerry Davis.The Toyota accelerated rapidly in an attempt to flee and the deputy initiated a pursuit. The Toyota swerved toward patrol vehicles during the pursuit and then exited Interstate 70 and went south on Jeep Road. The Toyota attempted to turn onto a gravel driveway in the 2000 block of Jeep Road but crashed into the ditch and then proceeded to drive into a field. The vehicle eventually came to a stop and the male driver later identified as 37-year-old Joel Edward Hayes of Colorado Springs, Colo., exited the vehicle and ran but was apprehended after a short distance.&nbsp;A passenger in the vehicle identified as 29-year-old Brenna Alison Fitzgerald of Peyton, Colo., was taken into custody and transported to the Abilene hospital due to injuries received when the Toyota traveled through the ditch.&nbsp;Further investigation resulted in the recovery of numerous stolen tools from Colorado Springs, two firearms, more than 9,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills believed to contain fentanyl, 1.4 lbs of methamphetamine, 84 grams of heroin, 34 grams of marijuana, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678114402814.png" alt="Fitzgerald-photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Fitzgerald-photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies booked Hayes into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute opioids, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of stolen property, criminal damage to property, and aggravated assault on a Law Enforcement Office. Hayes was also arrested on a warrant that was issued in El Paso County, Colorado for fail to appear on drug and weapon related charges.After her treatment at the hospital, Fitzgerald was booked into the Dickinson County jail on requested charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute opioids, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a weapon, possession of stolen property.

Deputies find pills with fentanyl, stolen property after I-70 chase

Possible energy savings, public hearings, and annexation 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.

Commissioners are scheduled to meet in a study session at 3 p.m. Monday to hear from Schneider Electric concerning a facility audit update. The update includes information about what changes would be needed at various city facilities for the city to see savings on energy costs. 

To see the information packet for the study session, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=505459&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

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

Commissioners are scheduled to conduct two public hearings and then possibly take action on the two issues.

The first public hearing is to consider a request filed by 1858  Properties,  LLC requesting the vacation of the North 100 feet of the ten-foot alley running north-south between Lots 173 and 175 on Seventh Street and Lots 174 and 176 on Santa Fe Avenue in the Original Townsite of Salina. This location is on the west side of Santa Fe Avenue, just south of Mulberry Street. It is the only remaining section of alleyway in that block.

The second public hearing concerns the possible issuance of $21,300,000 in taxable industrial revenue bonds for a warehouse/distribution center project for Superior Contracting and Manufacturing Services Company. The project would be located at 1750 Vortex Avenue. 

Other items on the city commission agenda for Monday include the following.

●Consider awarding the bid for the Smoky  Hill  River  Greenway  Trail tree removal contract  No.  2 in the amount of $36,500 with a 5 percent ($1,825.00) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $38,325 and authorize the city manager to execute a  contract with  Salina Tree.

●Consider approving a proposed ordinance on second reading that would amend Section 42-362 of the I-2 (light industrial)  District  Regulations and  Section  42-382  of the  I-3  (heavy industrial) District Regulations to add storage of consumer fireworks  [1.4G] to the list of permitted uses in the I-2 (light industrial) and I-3 (heavy industrial) zoning districts.

●Consider approving on second reading a proposed ordinance that would annex the east half of Centennial Road from Water Well Road north to the existing city limits.

●Consider approving a proposed resolution that would establish a special improvement district for Cedar Ridge Drive water, sanitary sewer, street, and drainage improvement in Cedar Point Addition and authorize city staff to accept bids for the improvements.

To view the full Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=505456&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

By SALINA POSTPossible energy savings, public hearings, and annexation are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.<h2>About the meeting</h2>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.<h2>Study session</h2>Commissioners are scheduled to meet in a study session at 3 p.m. Monday to hear from Schneider Electric concerning a facility audit update. The update includes information about what changes would be needed at various city facilities for the city to see savings on energy costs. To see the information packet for the study session, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=505459&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.<h2>Regular meeting</h2>The regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.Commissioners are scheduled to conduct two public hearings and then possibly take action on the two issues.The first public hearing is to consider a request filed by 1858 Properties, LLC requesting the vacation of the North 100 feet of the ten-foot alley running north-south between Lots 173 and 175 on Seventh Street and Lots 174 and 176 on Santa Fe Avenue in the Original Townsite of Salina. This location is on the west side of Santa Fe Avenue, just south of Mulberry Street. It is the only remaining section of alleyway in that block.The second public hearing concerns the possible issuance of $21,300,000 in taxable industrial revenue bonds for a warehouse/distribution center project for Superior Contracting and Manufacturing Services Company. The project would be located at 1750 Vortex Avenue. Other items on the city commission agenda for Monday include the following.●Consider awarding the bid for the Smoky Hill River Greenway Trail tree removal contract No. 2 in the amount of $36,500 with a 5 percent ($1,825.00) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $38,325 and authorize the city manager to execute a contract with Salina Tree.●Consider approving a proposed ordinance on second reading that would amend Section 42-362 of the I-2 (light industrial) District Regulations and Section 42-382 of the I-3 (heavy industrial) District Regulations to add storage of consumer fireworks [1.4G] to the list of permitted uses in the I-2 (light industrial) and I-3 (heavy industrial) zoning districts.●Consider approving on second reading a proposed ordinance that would annex the east half of Centennial Road from Water Well Road north to the existing city limits.●Consider approving a proposed resolution that would establish a special improvement district for Cedar Ridge Drive water, sanitary sewer, street, and drainage improvement in Cedar Point Addition and authorize city staff to accept bids for the improvements.To view the full Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=505456&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

Public hearings, possible energy savings on city agenda

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

With dry conditions throughout the area, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan is encouraging residents to be smart and safe when it comes to fire.

Over the weekend, deputies and rural fire district personnel responded to three grass fires sparked by the actions of people and fueled by dry, windy conditions.

Soldan said that just after 4 p.m. Saturday, deputies and Rural Fire District No. 1 personnel responded to a grass fire in a ditch in the 5200 block of E. Magnolia Road. It was discovered that the fire was started by a discarded cigarette.

Then, at approximately 2:53 p.m. Sunday, winds rekindled what had been a controlled burn in a pasture in the 4800 block of E. Farrelly Road the day before, Soldan said. Firefighters from Rural Fire District No. 1, with the assistance of Rural Fire District No. 2, were able to extinguish the blaze.

Then at approximately 4:50 p.m. Sunday in the 2500 block of Erin Way southeast of Salina, the wind and fireplace ashes discarded by a homeowner ignited a grass fire in the yard, Soldan said. Personnel from Rural Fire District No. 5 were able to extinguish the fire.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostWith dry conditions throughout the area, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan is encouraging residents to be smart and safe when it comes to fire.Over the weekend, deputies and rural fire district personnel responded to three grass fires sparked by the actions of people and fueled by dry, windy conditions.Soldan said that just after 4 p.m. Saturday, deputies and Rural Fire District No. 1 personnel responded to a grass fire in a ditch in the 5200 block of E. Magnolia Road. It was discovered that the fire was started by a discarded cigarette.Then, at approximately 2:53 p.m. Sunday, winds rekindled what had been a controlled burn in a pasture in the 4800 block of E. Farrelly Road the day before, Soldan said. Firefighters from Rural Fire District No. 1, with the assistance of Rural Fire District No. 2, were able to extinguish the blaze.Then at approximately 4:50 p.m. Sunday in the 2500 block of Erin Way southeast of Salina, the wind and fireplace ashes discarded by a homeowner ignited a grass fire in the yard, Soldan said. Personnel from Rural Fire District No. 5 were able to extinguish the fire.

Three grass fires over weekend; Soldan urges people to be smart, safe

Monday kicks off Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Kansas.

The week is scheduled to include a statewide tornado drill at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

In 2022, 56 tornadoes were recorded in Kansas, according to information from the National Weather Service. That number was five below the 1950-2022 average of 61, 29 below the 30-year average of 85, and 11 below the 10-year average of 67, yet higher than 2021 and 2020 combined.

According to the weather service, the longest tracking tornado was an EF1 tornado that was on the ground for 21.76 miles in Dickinson and Morris counties on April 29. The strongest tornado, an EF3, also was recorded on April 29 in Sedgwick and Butler counties. 

In fact, 14 tornadoes were recorded on April 29, the most prolific tornado-producing day in 2022 for Kansas. June saw the most tornadoes - 22 - for one month in 2022, and Kansas had 17 days in 2020 with at least one tornado. 

Thomas County in northwest Kansas holds the record for most 2022 tornadoes in one county: eight.

The length of the 2022 tornado season in Kansas was 154 days, from March 29 to Aug. 29.

While the bulk of spring severe and tornadic weather is still ahead of us this year, Kansas has already seen tornadoes in 2023.

Are you ready should a tornado strike your neighborhood? When storms roll in with lightning, do you know how to stay safe? What about staying safe when it is hailing, high winds are blowing, or flood waters are wreaking havoc?

As a part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the National Weather Service is offering on its websites a variety of weather preparedness and safety information. <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/swaw">Click here to access the information</a>.

Additionally, Eagle Radio and Salina Post will strive to keep you informed about severe weather in the area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678069306321.png" alt="Map courtesy National Weather Service" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy National Weather Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostMonday kicks off Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Kansas.The week is scheduled to include a statewide tornado drill at 10 a.m. Tuesday. In 2022, 56 tornadoes were recorded in Kansas, according to information from the National Weather Service. That number was five below the 1950-2022 average of 61, 29 below the 30-year average of 85, and 11 below the 10-year average of 67, yet higher than 2021 and 2020 combined.According to the weather service, the longest tracking tornado was an EF1 tornado that was on the ground for 21.76 miles in Dickinson and Morris counties on April 29. The strongest tornado, an EF3, also was recorded on April 29 in Sedgwick and Butler counties. In fact, 14 tornadoes were recorded on April 29, the most prolific tornado-producing day in 2022 for Kansas. June saw the most tornadoes - 22 - for one month in 2022, and Kansas had 17 days in 2020 with at least one tornado. Thomas County in northwest Kansas holds the record for most 2022 tornadoes in one county: eight.The length of the 2022 tornado season in Kansas was 154 days, from March 29 to Aug. 29.While the bulk of spring severe and tornadic weather is still ahead of us this year, Kansas has already seen tornadoes in 2023.Are you ready should a tornado strike your neighborhood? When storms roll in with lightning, do you know how to stay safe? What about staying safe when it is hailing, high winds are blowing, or flood waters are wreaking havoc?READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ce629f46-0804-4843-a051-98e117f99d77">Saline County disaster kit projects kick off Severe Weather Awareness Week</a>As a part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the National Weather Service is offering on its websites a variety of weather preparedness and safety information. <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/swaw">Click here to access the information</a>.Additionally, Eagle Radio and Salina Post will strive to keep you informed about severe weather in the area.

Kansas Severe Weather Preparedness Week begins Monday

Police are reviewing surveillance video to see whether they can determine who broke two large windows at south Salina business locations over the weekend. 

Sometime overnight Saturday-Sunday, someone broke a four-foot by six-foot window of the storefront at 2342 Planet Avenue where CD Tradepost was located. Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that the hole in the window was large enough for a person to get through. It appeared that whoever broke the window also was in the store and exited through the back door as the door was unlocked, he said. Nothing appeared to be missing at that location, he added.

While officers were there, they were notified that a four-foot by six-foot window at nearby Copy Co, 2346 Planet Avenue, also had been broken. 

Damage to each window was estimated at $2,500, Forrester said. 

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice are reviewing surveillance video to see whether they can determine who broke two large windows at south Salina business locations over the weekend. Sometime overnight Saturday-Sunday, someone broke a four-foot by six-foot window of the storefront at 2342 Planet Avenue where CD Tradepost was located. Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that the hole in the window was large enough for a person to get through. It appeared that whoever broke the window also was in the store and exited through the back door as the door was unlocked, he said. Nothing appeared to be missing at that location, he added.While officers were there, they were notified that a four-foot by six-foot window at nearby Copy Co, 2346 Planet Avenue, also had been broken. Damage to each window was estimated at $2,500, Forrester said.

Police investigating broken windows at south Salina storefronts

China is now leading the U.S. in 37 of 44 technology fields, according to the March 2, 2023 summary by&nbsp;The Guardian. Their data comes from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute that looked at the top ten-percent of cited papers worldwide across science fields. This confirms an earlier August 10, 2022 release by Japan’s National Institute of Science and Technology that examined the top one percent of highly cited research papers worldwide and found China now produced 27.2 percent while the U.S. followed with 24.9 percent. In total output of research papers during 2018-2020, Chinese researchers published 407,181 while U.S. researchers only wrote 293,434.

This is a continuation of educational trends going back over 40 years. Chinese universities surpassed the U.S. in STEM graduates in 2007. Their number of science research publications exceeded ours in 2017 and their numbers of patents surpassed us in 2019. The Australian and Japan studies are the 13th and 14th studies since August 2021 that document this U.S. decline in science production. These other studies are from American thinktanks including Harvard’s Belfer Center, the Center for Strategic International Studies, Center for Security and Emerging Technology, National Foundation for American Policy, and others.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

You can trash any theory that this is all because “China steals from us.” When I stand in front of a class of 60 Chinese students about to graduate and become high school biology teachers, I ask: “In the future, will we need to know more science, the same amount of science as today, or less science?”&nbsp; And the answer is one unified voice: “More Science!” from the mouth of every student. That is not the response that I get when speaking in front of American audiences where our science curriculum has actually shrunk in many states since the Sputnik era.

A student in China spends twice as much time in K-12 science coursework as does an American student. Indeed, they know more science content when they graduate from high school than our elementary teachers have learned when they graduate from U.S. colleges. In the U.S., the number of science courses taken by high school science teachers varies dramatically state-by-state. Many take few science courses but lots of ever-changing Ed School methods courses. In China, high school teachers are trained at bachelor degree level in science departments with course requirements equal to those going into industry or further advanced study for research.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

U.S. teacher preparation is declining. Only eleven states in the U.S. require secondary teachers to have separate licenses in biology, chemistry, physics or earth science. To teach two or more sciences in high school, a student would need to take additional summer courses or add a year or more to add those licenses. But our other 40 states (includes DC) merely require a weak one-size-fits-all general science teacher with only one or two classes in each of the subdisciplines. This is barely adequate for a middle school science teacher. We could hope that the 40 weak states would increase the rigor and depth of training of their secondary science teachers and join Kansas and the other ten stronger states.

Quite to the contrary, efforts are underway to go the other direction and dilute the depth of science teacher training. Acceptance of the Interstate Teaching Mobility Compact is included in Kansas Senate Bill 66. All states surrounding Kansas have the weak general science teachers. The Kansas State Board of Education is being asked to also approve it in various ways. Kansas is one of eight states where the State Board of Education—not the Legislature—is given jurisdiction over teacher licensure requirements. This therefore should not be Legislature business. And the KSBE voting options do not include rejecting the Compact outright and maintaining the solid science teacher requirements that have in the past made Kansas one of the top states producing scientists on a per capita basis. &nbsp;

I have sent the earlier documentation showing the U.S. falling behind in science to over 850 members of state boards of education across the U.S. None replied with any intention to strengthen their K-12 science requirements or science teacher preparation. The U.S. is in a race to the bottom in science literacy and scientist production, and these are the actions that drive it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sources referenced: Matsuzoe, Ryosuke. 10 August 2022. “China Tops U.S. in Quantity and Quality of Scientific Papers”&nbsp;Nikkei Asia; also summarized in “China Now Leads the World in the Number of Top-Cited Scientific Research Papers Produced” by Ian Clay, 15 August 2022, Information Technology &amp; Innovation Foundation; and “China Rises to First Place in One Key Metric of Research Impact” by Jeffrey Brainard &amp; Dennis Normile, 19 August 2022,&nbsp;Science&nbsp;377: 799. Hurst, Daniel. 2 March 2023. “China leading US in technology race in all but a few fields, thinktank finds”&nbsp;The Guardian.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/02/china-leading-us-in-technology-race-in-all-but-a-few-fields-thinktank-finds" target="_blank">https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/02/china-leading-us-in-technology-race-in-all-but-a-few-fields-thinktank-finds</a>

Critical Technology Tracker 2023. “Who is leading the critical technology race?” Australian Strategic Policy Institute;&nbsp;<a href="https://techtracker.aspi.org.au/" target="_blank">Home | Techtracker ASPI</a>

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 SCHROCKChina is now leading the U.S. in 37 of 44 technology fields, according to the March 2, 2023 summary by&nbsp;The Guardian. Their data comes from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute that looked at the top ten-percent of cited papers worldwide across science fields. This confirms an earlier August 10, 2022 release by Japan’s National Institute of Science and Technology that examined the top one percent of highly cited research papers worldwide and found China now produced 27.2 percent while the U.S. followed with 24.9 percent. In total output of research papers during 2018-2020, Chinese researchers published 407,181 while U.S. researchers only wrote 293,434. This is a continuation of educational trends going back over 40 years. Chinese universities surpassed the U.S. in STEM graduates in 2007. Their number of science research publications exceeded ours in 2017 and their numbers of patents surpassed us in 2019. The Australian and Japan studies are the 13th and 14th studies since August 2021 that document this U.S. decline in science production. These other studies are from American thinktanks including Harvard’s Belfer Center, the Center for Strategic International Studies, Center for Security and Emerging Technology, National Foundation for American Policy, and others.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; You can trash any theory that this is all because “China steals from us.” When I stand in front of a class of 60 Chinese students about to graduate and become high school biology teachers, I ask: “In the future, will we need to know more science, the same amount of science as today, or less science?”&nbsp; And the answer is one unified voice: “More Science!” from the mouth of every student. That is not the response that I get when speaking in front of American audiences where our science curriculum has actually shrunk in many states since the Sputnik era. A student in China spends twice as much time in K-12 science coursework as does an American student. Indeed, they know more science content when they graduate from high school than our elementary teachers have learned when they graduate from U.S. colleges. In the U.S., the number of science courses taken by high school science teachers varies dramatically state-by-state. Many take few science courses but lots of ever-changing Ed School methods courses. In China, high school teachers are trained at bachelor degree level in science departments with course requirements equal to those going into industry or further advanced study for research.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; U.S. teacher preparation is declining. Only eleven states in the U.S. require secondary teachers to have separate licenses in biology, chemistry, physics or earth science. To teach two or more sciences in high school, a student would need to take additional summer courses or add a year or more to add those licenses. But our other 40 states (includes DC) merely require a weak one-size-fits-all general science teacher with only one or two classes in each of the subdisciplines. This is barely adequate for a middle school science teacher. We could hope that the 40 weak states would increase the rigor and depth of training of their secondary science teachers and join Kansas and the other ten stronger states. Quite to the contrary, efforts are underway to go the other direction and dilute the depth of science teacher training. Acceptance of the Interstate Teaching Mobility Compact is included in Kansas Senate Bill 66. All states surrounding Kansas have the weak general science teachers. The Kansas State Board of Education is being asked to also approve it in various ways. Kansas is one of eight states where the State Board of Education—not the Legislature—is given jurisdiction over teacher licensure requirements. This therefore should not be Legislature business. And the KSBE voting options do not include rejecting the Compact outright and maintaining the solid science teacher requirements that have in the past made Kansas one of the top states producing scientists on a per capita basis. &nbsp; I have sent the earlier documentation showing the U.S. falling behind in science to over 850 members of state boards of education across the U.S. None replied with any intention to strengthen their K-12 science requirements or science teacher preparation. The U.S. is in a race to the bottom in science literacy and scientist production, and these are the actions that drive it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sources referenced: Matsuzoe, Ryosuke. 10 August 2022. “China Tops U.S. in Quantity and Quality of Scientific Papers”&nbsp;Nikkei Asia; also summarized in “China Now Leads the World in the Number of Top-Cited Scientific Research Papers Produced” by Ian Clay, 15 August 2022, Information Technology &amp; Innovation Foundation; and “China Rises to First Place in One Key Metric of Research Impact” by Jeffrey Brainard &amp; Dennis Normile, 19 August 2022,&nbsp;Science&nbsp;377: 799. Hurst, Daniel. 2 March 2023. “China leading US in technology race in all but a few fields, thinktank finds”&nbsp;The Guardian.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/02/china-leading-us-in-technology-race-in-all-but-a-few-fields-thinktank-finds" target="_blank">https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/02/china-leading-us-in-technology-race-in-all-but-a-few-fields-thinktank-finds</a> Critical Technology Tracker 2023. “Who is leading the critical technology race?” Australian Strategic Policy Institute;&nbsp;<a href="https://techtracker.aspi.org.au/" target="_blank">Home | Techtracker ASPI</a>John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities during 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

ED. FRONTLINES: U.S. declining in science research

Today is Monday, March 6, the 65th day of 2023. There are 300 days left in the year.

On March 6, 1944, U.S. heavy bombers staged the first full-scale American raid on Berlin during World War II.

In 1834, the city of York in Upper Canada was incorporated as Toronto.

In 1836, the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, fell as Mexican forces led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna stormed the fortress after a 13-day siege; the battle claimed the lives of all the Texan defenders, nearly 200 strong, including William Travis, James Bowie and Davy Crockett.

In 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Dred Scott v. Sandford, ruled 7-2 that Scott, a slave, was not an American citizen and therefore could not sue for his freedom in federal court.

In 1912, Oreo sandwich cookies were first introduced by the National Biscuit Co.

In 1933, a national bank holiday declared by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, aimed at calming panicked depositors, went into effect.

In 1964, heavyweight boxing champion Cassius Clay officially changed his name to Muhammad Ali.

In 1970, a bomb being built inside a Greenwich Village townhouse in New York by the radical Weathermen accidentally went off, destroying the house and killing three group members.

In 1973, Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck, 80, died in Danby, Vermont.

In 1981, Walter Cronkite signed off for the last time as principal anchorman of "The CBS Evening News."

In 1998, the Army honored three Americans who'd risked their lives and turned their weapons on fellow soldiers to stop the slaughter of Vietnamese villagers at My Lai (mee ly) in 1968.

In 2002, Independent Counsel Robert Ray issued his final report in which he wrote that former President Bill Clinton could have been indicted and probably would have been convicted in the scandal involving former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

In 2016, former first lady Nancy Reagan died in Los Angeles at age 94.

Ten years ago: Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., a critic of the Obama administration's drone policy, launched an old-style filibuster to block Senate confirmation of John Brennan's nomination to be CIA director; Paul lasted nearly 13 hours before yielding the floor. Syria's accelerating humanitarian crisis hit a grim milestone as the number of U.N.-registered refugees topped 1 million, half of them children.

Five years ago: Top economic adviser Gary Cohn announced that he was leaving the White House after breaking with President Donald Trump on trade policy. Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, a one-time rising star in the Democratic Party, resigned after pleading guilty to cheating the city out of thousands of dollars to carry on an affair with her bodyguard. Schoolteachers in West Virginia announced an end to a nine-day walkout after state lawmakers approved a 5 percent pay raise.

One year ago: A second attempt to evacuate Ukrainians from the besieged city of Mariupol collapsed as Russian attacks made it impossible to create a humanitarian corridor, according to a Ukrainian official. In his first public remarks since resigning over multiple sexual harassment allegations, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo assailed the "cancel culture" he says was behind politically motivated efforts to remove him. A massive brawl broke out among fans of clubs in Mexico's top-division soccer league, leaving 14 hospitalized, two of them in critical condition.

Today's birthdays: Former FBI and CIA director William Webster is 99. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan is 97. Dancer-actor Carmen de Lavallade is 92. Former Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova is 86. Former Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond, R-Mo., is 84. Actor-writer Joanna Miles is 83. Actor Ben Murphy is 81. Opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is 79. Rock musician Hugh Grundy (The Zombies) is 78. Rock singer-musician David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) is 77. Actor Anna Maria Horsford is 76. Actor-director Rob Reiner is 76. Singer Kiki Dee is 76. TV consumer reporter John Stossel is 76. Composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz is 75. Rock singer-musician Phil Alvin (The Blasters) is 70. Sports correspondent Armen Keteyian is 70. Actor Tom Arnold is 64. Actor D.L. Hughley is 60. Country songwriter Skip Ewing is 59. Actor Shuler Hensley is 56. Actor Connie Britton is 56. Actor Moira Kelly is 55. Actor Amy Pietz is 54. Rock musician Chris Broderick (Megadeth) is 53. Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal is 51. Country singer Trent Willmon is 50. Rapper Beanie Sigel is 49. Rapper Bubba Sparxxx is 46. Actor Shaun Evans is 43. Rock musician Chris Tomson (Vampire Weekend) is 39. Former MLB pitcher Jake Arrieta is 37. Actor Eli Marienthal is 37. Rapper/producer Tyler, the Creator is 32. Actor Dillon Freasier is 27. Actor Savannah Stehlin is 27. Actor Millicent Simmonds (Film: "Wonderstruck") 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 Monday, March 6, the 65th day of 2023. There are 300 days left in the year.Today's highlight in history:On March 6, 1944, U.S. heavy bombers staged the first full-scale American raid on Berlin during World War II.On this date:In 1834, the city of York in Upper Canada was incorporated as Toronto.In 1836, the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, fell as Mexican forces led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna stormed the fortress after a 13-day siege; the battle claimed the lives of all the Texan defenders, nearly 200 strong, including William Travis, James Bowie and Davy Crockett.In 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Dred Scott v. Sandford, ruled 7-2 that Scott, a slave, was not an American citizen and therefore could not sue for his freedom in federal court.In 1912, Oreo sandwich cookies were first introduced by the National Biscuit Co.In 1933, a national bank holiday declared by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, aimed at calming panicked depositors, went into effect.In 1964, heavyweight boxing champion Cassius Clay officially changed his name to Muhammad Ali.In 1970, a bomb being built inside a Greenwich Village townhouse in New York by the radical Weathermen accidentally went off, destroying the house and killing three group members.In 1973, Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck, 80, died in Danby, Vermont.In 1981, Walter Cronkite signed off for the last time as principal anchorman of "The CBS Evening News."In 1998, the Army honored three Americans who'd risked their lives and turned their weapons on fellow soldiers to stop the slaughter of Vietnamese villagers at My Lai (mee ly) in 1968.In 2002, Independent Counsel Robert Ray issued his final report in which he wrote that former President Bill Clinton could have been indicted and probably would have been convicted in the scandal involving former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.In 2016, former first lady Nancy Reagan died in Los Angeles at age 94.Ten years ago: Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., a critic of the Obama administration's drone policy, launched an old-style filibuster to block Senate confirmation of John Brennan's nomination to be CIA director; Paul lasted nearly 13 hours before yielding the floor. Syria's accelerating humanitarian crisis hit a grim milestone as the number of U.N.-registered refugees topped 1 million, half of them children.Five years ago: Top economic adviser Gary Cohn announced that he was leaving the White House after breaking with President Donald Trump on trade policy. Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, a one-time rising star in the Democratic Party, resigned after pleading guilty to cheating the city out of thousands of dollars to carry on an affair with her bodyguard. Schoolteachers in West Virginia announced an end to a nine-day walkout after state lawmakers approved a 5 percent pay raise.One year ago: A second attempt to evacuate Ukrainians from the besieged city of Mariupol collapsed as Russian attacks made it impossible to create a humanitarian corridor, according to a Ukrainian official. In his first public remarks since resigning over multiple sexual harassment allegations, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo assailed the "cancel culture" he says was behind politically motivated efforts to remove him. A massive brawl broke out among fans of clubs in Mexico's top-division soccer league, leaving 14 hospitalized, two of them in critical condition.Today's birthdays: Former FBI and CIA director William Webster is 99. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan is 97. Dancer-actor Carmen de Lavallade is 92. Former Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova is 86. Former Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond, R-Mo., is 84. Actor-writer Joanna Miles is 83. Actor Ben Murphy is 81. Opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is 79. Rock musician Hugh Grundy (The Zombies) is 78. Rock singer-musician David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) is 77. Actor Anna Maria Horsford is 76. Actor-director Rob Reiner is 76. Singer Kiki Dee is 76. TV consumer reporter John Stossel is 76. Composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz is 75. Rock singer-musician Phil Alvin (The Blasters) is 70. Sports correspondent Armen Keteyian is 70. Actor Tom Arnold is 64. Actor D.L. Hughley is 60. Country songwriter Skip Ewing is 59. Actor Shuler Hensley is 56. Actor Connie Britton is 56. Actor Moira Kelly is 55. Actor Amy Pietz is 54. Rock musician Chris Broderick (Megadeth) is 53. Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal is 51. Country singer Trent Willmon is 50. Rapper Beanie Sigel is 49. Rapper Bubba Sparxxx is 46. Actor Shaun Evans is 43. Rock musician Chris Tomson (Vampire Weekend) is 39. Former MLB pitcher Jake Arrieta is 37. Actor Eli Marienthal is 37. Rapper/producer Tyler, the Creator is 32. Actor Dillon Freasier is 27. Actor Savannah Stehlin is 27. Actor Millicent Simmonds (Film: "Wonderstruck") is 20.

Today in History - March 6

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

An eight foot tall tomato plant? It sounds like a gardener’s dream, but one innovative young&nbsp;rural&nbsp;Kansas couple is making it become reality using a gardening technique known as hydroponics.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Samuel and MaryAnn Beachy are the founders and owners of Beachy’s Flowers and Produce. They were living in Kentucky and then moved to Kansas to be closer to MaryAnn’s parents in Lyndon.&nbsp;

Samuel was operating a locker plant in Osage City until he sold that business. The Beachys’ church was looking to expand in the Wamego and Manhattan area, and Samuel wanted to pursue a new enterprise there.&nbsp;

“I’ve always been intrigued with growing things,” Samuel said. “I loved to grow things in the garden.”&nbsp;

As he and MaryAnn considered a move, they thought about the type of produce operation that could work best in northeast Kansas and decided to try an indoor, hydroponic system. “He did a lot of studying,” MaryAnn said.&nbsp;

As the Beachys prepared to relocate, they told the realtor they were looking for a location that was served by natural gas and was next to a major highway. The realtor identified just one location. It was the first place the Beachys looked at, and they bought it. “This was a Godsend,” Samuel said.&nbsp;

The location was next to Highway 24 east of Manhattan. It already had a house with a large shop. The Beachys built a state-of-the-art polycarbonate truss-style greenhouse that connected to the shop. It is fully hydroponic, so the plants are raised in recycled water with the precise nutrients needed.&nbsp;

Beachy’s Flowers and Produce opened on Nov. 30, 2022. For now, the flowers are coming from Council Grove, but the produce is homegrown and booming.&nbsp;

The Beachys produce tomatoes, lettuce, broccoli, peppers, cauliflower, spring onions, kale, spinach, cilantro and cucumbers. In the future, they plan to also grow carrots, beets, potatoes and strawberries. The climate-controlled greenhouse enables produce to be grown year-round.&nbsp;

“My goal is to provide a place where people can buy produce at the same place that it is grown,” Samuel said. That would definitely seem to shorten the supply chain.&nbsp;

“I want to raise enough that you can make a good salad with what we produce.”&nbsp;

The production process is highly scientific, with probes used to control pH and nutrient levels. No soil is needed. Water is constantly recirculated. A retractable ceiling curtain helps control the climate naturally.&nbsp;

“We can open the curtain to let the sun in, and close it when we want to hold in the warmth,” Samuel said.&nbsp;

Lettuce seedlings, for example, are started under growlights. The rooted seedlings, in peat pellets, are placed in rows of watertight PVC trays through which the water and nutrients are pumped and recirculated. The trays are placed on waist-high metal frames and, with time, moved farther apart to make room for the plants to grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have to plan ahead,” Samuel said. “We plant 200 seeds per week of lettuce, and harvest in two months.”&nbsp;

The Beachys’ butterhead lettuce, with just a hint of sweetness, is a variety that has proven especially popular.&nbsp;

For tomatoes, the truss ceiling makes it possible to use string to hold up the tops of the plants, enabling them to grow to their full potential. With proper trimming and treatment, these plants can grow eight feet tall and produce extraordinary tomatoes. “Our goal is three-quarter pound tomatoes,” Samuel said.&nbsp;

Their produce is available for sale at grocery stores in Wamego, Westmoreland, and Holton; at Manhattan farmer’s market; and direct from the greenhouse. “I would like to grow the business so that people can come right here for their produce,” Samuel said.&nbsp;

Their location is along Highway 24 northwest of the&nbsp;rural&nbsp;community of St. George, population 1,054 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, that’s&nbsp;rural.&nbsp;

For more information, contact Beachy’s Flowers and Produce at&nbsp;785-219-1759.&nbsp;

Eight feet tall tomato plants? It sounds like a gardener’s dream, and they’re growing at Beachy’s Flowers and Produce. We commend Samuel and MaryAnn Beachy for making a difference with fantastic produce and innovative production practices.&nbsp;

Seeing their success makes me feel 10 feet tall.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678071471766.jpeg" alt="Samuel and MaryAnn Beachy. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Samuel and MaryAnn Beachy. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State UniversityAn eight foot tall tomato plant? It sounds like a gardener’s dream, but one innovative young&nbsp;rural&nbsp;Kansas couple is making it become reality using a gardening technique known as hydroponics.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Samuel and MaryAnn Beachy are the founders and owners of Beachy’s Flowers and Produce. They were living in Kentucky and then moved to Kansas to be closer to MaryAnn’s parents in Lyndon.&nbsp;Samuel was operating a locker plant in Osage City until he sold that business. The Beachys’ church was looking to expand in the Wamego and Manhattan area, and Samuel wanted to pursue a new enterprise there.&nbsp;“I’ve always been intrigued with growing things,” Samuel said. “I loved to grow things in the garden.”&nbsp;As he and MaryAnn considered a move, they thought about the type of produce operation that could work best in northeast Kansas and decided to try an indoor, hydroponic system. “He did a lot of studying,” MaryAnn said.&nbsp;As the Beachys prepared to relocate, they told the realtor they were looking for a location that was served by natural gas and was next to a major highway. The realtor identified just one location. It was the first place the Beachys looked at, and they bought it. “This was a Godsend,” Samuel said.&nbsp;The location was next to Highway 24 east of Manhattan. It already had a house with a large shop. The Beachys built a state-of-the-art polycarbonate truss-style greenhouse that connected to the shop. It is fully hydroponic, so the plants are raised in recycled water with the precise nutrients needed.&nbsp;Beachy’s Flowers and Produce opened on Nov. 30, 2022. For now, the flowers are coming from Council Grove, but the produce is homegrown and booming.&nbsp;The Beachys produce tomatoes, lettuce, broccoli, peppers, cauliflower, spring onions, kale, spinach, cilantro and cucumbers. In the future, they plan to also grow carrots, beets, potatoes and strawberries. The climate-controlled greenhouse enables produce to be grown year-round.&nbsp;“My goal is to provide a place where people can buy produce at the same place that it is grown,” Samuel said. That would definitely seem to shorten the supply chain.&nbsp;“I want to raise enough that you can make a good salad with what we produce.”&nbsp;The production process is highly scientific, with probes used to control pH and nutrient levels. No soil is needed. Water is constantly recirculated. A retractable ceiling curtain helps control the climate naturally.&nbsp;“We can open the curtain to let the sun in, and close it when we want to hold in the warmth,” Samuel said.&nbsp;Lettuce seedlings, for example, are started under growlights. The rooted seedlings, in peat pellets, are placed in rows of watertight PVC trays through which the water and nutrients are pumped and recirculated. The trays are placed on waist-high metal frames and, with time, moved farther apart to make room for the plants to grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“We have to plan ahead,” Samuel said. “We plant 200 seeds per week of lettuce, and harvest in two months.”&nbsp;The Beachys’ butterhead lettuce, with just a hint of sweetness, is a variety that has proven especially popular.&nbsp;For tomatoes, the truss ceiling makes it possible to use string to hold up the tops of the plants, enabling them to grow to their full potential. With proper trimming and treatment, these plants can grow eight feet tall and produce extraordinary tomatoes. “Our goal is three-quarter pound tomatoes,” Samuel said.&nbsp;Their produce is available for sale at grocery stores in Wamego, Westmoreland, and Holton; at Manhattan farmer’s market; and direct from the greenhouse. “I would like to grow the business so that people can come right here for their produce,” Samuel said.&nbsp;Their location is along Highway 24 northwest of the&nbsp;rural&nbsp;community of St. George, population 1,054 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, that’s&nbsp;rural.&nbsp;For more information, contact Beachy’s Flowers and Produce at&nbsp;785-219-1759.&nbsp;Eight feet tall tomato plants? It sounds like a gardener’s dream, and they’re growing at Beachy’s Flowers and Produce. We commend Samuel and MaryAnn Beachy for making a difference with fantastic produce and innovative production practices.&nbsp;Seeing their success makes me feel 10 feet tall.&nbsp;Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.