By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Police are investigating a burglary in west-central Salina that happened earlier in the month.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that sometime between Feb. 1 and Friday, someone stole the following items from a residence in the 400 block of Baker Street.

●A 50-to-60-inch television valued at $500

●A pink and black bicycle valued at $100

●An Acer laptop computer with a Hello Kitty cover valued at $300.

Forrester said a woman was looking after the residence for a 42-year-old Salina woman. All was well at the residence when the caretaker left on Feb. 1. She discovered the thefts when she returned on Friday. Forrester said it is possible a door was left unlocked. 

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice are investigating a burglary in west-central Salina that happened earlier in the month.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that sometime between Feb. 1 and Friday, someone stole the following items from a residence in the 400 block of Baker Street.●A 50-to-60-inch television valued at $500●A pink and black bicycle valued at $100●An Acer laptop computer with a Hello Kitty cover valued at $300.Forrester said a woman was looking after the residence for a 42-year-old Salina woman. All was well at the residence when the caretaker left on Feb. 1. She discovered the thefts when she returned on Friday. Forrester said it is possible a door was left unlocked.

TV, bike, laptop stolen from unoccupied  west-central Salina residence

A group of five Kansas Wesleyan University students has been selected to&nbsp; perform as part of the Kansas Intercollegiate Orchestra.

The performance is part of this year’s Kansas Music Educators Association event Thursday-Saturday in Wichita.

Abigail Ramos (Garden City), Aubreigh Heck (Hutchinson), Maria Stanislow (Junction City), Luke Moore (Garden City) and Alex Burns (Fort Collins, Colo.) were selected by audition for the prestigious ensemble, which features collegiate string players from across Kansas.

“Each of these five has tremendous talent, but more than that, they each represent the work ethic it takes to truly manifest that talent,” said Leonardo Rosario, director of strings at KWU. “This is a well-deserved honor, and I look forward to seeing what all of the students accomplish moving forward.”

The ensemble will be conducted by James Mick of Ithaca College (N.Y.), conductor of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676948241005.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy KWU" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWU</figcaption>
 </figure>KWUA group of five Kansas Wesleyan University students has been selected to&nbsp; perform as part of the Kansas Intercollegiate Orchestra.The performance is part of this year’s Kansas Music Educators Association event Thursday-Saturday in Wichita.Abigail Ramos (Garden City), Aubreigh Heck (Hutchinson), Maria Stanislow (Junction City), Luke Moore (Garden City) and Alex Burns (Fort Collins, Colo.) were selected by audition for the prestigious ensemble, which features collegiate string players from across Kansas.“Each of these five has tremendous talent, but more than that, they each represent the work ethic it takes to truly manifest that talent,” said Leonardo Rosario, director of strings at KWU. “This is a well-deserved honor, and I look forward to seeing what all of the students accomplish moving forward.”The ensemble will be conducted by James Mick of Ithaca College (N.Y.), conductor of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

Five KWU students selected for KMEA performance

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 21, the 52nd day of 2023. There are 313 days left in the year.

On Feb. 21, 1975, former Attorney General John N. Mitchell and former White House aides H.R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman were sentenced to 2 1/2 to 8 years in prison for their roles in the Watergate cover-up (each ended up serving 1 1/2 years).

In 1437, James I, King of Scots, was assassinated; his 6-year-old son succeeded him as James II.

In 1885, the Washington Monument was dedicated.

In 1911, composer Gustav Mahler, despite a fever, conducted the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall in what turned out to be his final concert (he died the following May).

In 1964, the first shipment of U.S. wheat purchased by the Soviet Union arrived in the port of Odessa.

In 1965, minister and civil rights activist Malcolm X, 39, was shot to death inside Harlem's Audubon Ballroom in New York. (Three men identified as members of the Nation of Islam were convicted of murder and imprisoned; all were eventually paroled. The convictions of two of the men were dismissed in November 2021; prosecutors said new evidence had undermined the case against them.)

In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon began his historic visit to China as he and his wife, Pat, arrived in Beijing.

In 1973, Israeli fighter planes shot down Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114 over the Sinai Desert, killing all but five of the 113 people on board.

In 1992, Kristi Yamaguchi of the United States won the gold medal in ladies' figure skating at the Albertville Olympics; Midori Ito of Japan won the silver, Nancy Kerrigan of the U.S. the bronze.

In 1995, Chicago adventurer Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean by balloon, landing in Leader, Saskatchewan, Canada.

In 2019, teachers in Oakland, California, went on strike in the latest in a wave of teacher activism that had included walkouts in Denver, Los Angeles and West Virginia.

In 2020, a temporary truce between the United States and the Taliban in Afghanistan took effect, setting the stage for the two sides to sign a peace deal the following week.

Ten years ago: Opposition activists said at least 31 people were killed in a car bomb attack in Damascus near the headquarters of the ruling Baath party and the Russian Embassy. Drew Peterson, the Chicago-area police officer who gained notoriety after his much-younger fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, vanished in 2007, was sentenced to 38 years in prison for murdering his third wife, Kathleen Savio.

Five years ago: The Rev. Billy Graham, a confidant of presidents and the most widely heard Christian evangelist in history, died at his North Carolina home at age 99. A week after the Florida school shooting, President Donald Trump met with teen survivors of school violence and parents of slain children; Trump promised to be "very strong on background checks" and suggested he supported letting some teachers and other school employees carry weapons. Thousands of protesters swarmed the Florida state Capitol, calling for changes to gun laws, a ban on assault-type weapons and improved care for the mentally ill. The NBA fined Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban $600,000 for saying he had recently told some of his players that "losing is our best option." (The Mavericks had one of the league's worst records, putting them in position to land a high draft pick.)

One year ago: Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered forces to "maintain peace" in separatist regions of eastern Ukraine, hours after the Kremlin recognized the area's independence. The announcement raised fears that an invasion was imminent. (It would come three days later.) British Prime Minister Boris Johnson scrapped the last domestic coronavirus restrictions in England, including the requirement for people with COVID-19 to self-isolate. Italy's Mount Etna roared back to spectacular action after months of relative quiet.

Today's birthdays: Actor Gary Lockwood is 86. Actor-director Richard Beymer is 84. Actor Peter McEnery is 83. Film/music company executive David Geffen is 80. Actor Tyne Daly is 77. Actor Anthony Daniels is 77. Tricia Nixon Cox is 77. Former Sen. Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, is 76. Rock musician Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads) is 74. Actor Christine Ebersole is 70. Actor William Petersen is 70. Actor Kelsey Grammer is 68. Singer/guitarist Larry Campbell is 68. Country singer Mary Chapin Carpenter is 65. Actor Kim Coates is 65. Actor Jack Coleman is 65. Actor Christopher Atkins is 62. Actor William Baldwin is 60. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., is 59. Rock musician Michael Ward is 56. Actor Aunjanue Ellis is 54. Blues musician Corey Harris is 54. Country singer Eric Heatherly is 53. Rock musician Eric Wilson is 53. Rock musician Tad Kinchla (Blues Traveler) is 50. Singer Rhiannon Giddens (Carolina Chocolate Drops) is 46. Actor Tituss Burgess is 44. Actor Jennifer Love Hewitt is 44. Comedian-actor Jordan Peele is 44. Actor Brendan Sexton III is 43. Singer Charlotte Church is 37. Actor Ashley Greene is 36. Actor Elliot Page is 36. Actor Corbin Bleu is 34. Actor Hayley Orrantia is 29. Actor Sophie Turner is 27.

<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, Feb. 21, the 52nd day of 2023. There are 313 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Feb. 21, 1975, former Attorney General John N. Mitchell and former White House aides H.R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman were sentenced to 2 1/2 to 8 years in prison for their roles in the Watergate cover-up (each ended up serving 1 1/2 years).On this date:In 1437, James I, King of Scots, was assassinated; his 6-year-old son succeeded him as James II.In 1885, the Washington Monument was dedicated.In 1911, composer Gustav Mahler, despite a fever, conducted the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall in what turned out to be his final concert (he died the following May).In 1964, the first shipment of U.S. wheat purchased by the Soviet Union arrived in the port of Odessa.In 1965, minister and civil rights activist Malcolm X, 39, was shot to death inside Harlem's Audubon Ballroom in New York. (Three men identified as members of the Nation of Islam were convicted of murder and imprisoned; all were eventually paroled. The convictions of two of the men were dismissed in November 2021; prosecutors said new evidence had undermined the case against them.)In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon began his historic visit to China as he and his wife, Pat, arrived in Beijing.In 1973, Israeli fighter planes shot down Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114 over the Sinai Desert, killing all but five of the 113 people on board.In 1992, Kristi Yamaguchi of the United States won the gold medal in ladies' figure skating at the Albertville Olympics; Midori Ito of Japan won the silver, Nancy Kerrigan of the U.S. the bronze.In 1995, Chicago adventurer Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean by balloon, landing in Leader, Saskatchewan, Canada.In 2019, teachers in Oakland, California, went on strike in the latest in a wave of teacher activism that had included walkouts in Denver, Los Angeles and West Virginia.In 2020, a temporary truce between the United States and the Taliban in Afghanistan took effect, setting the stage for the two sides to sign a peace deal the following week.Ten years ago: Opposition activists said at least 31 people were killed in a car bomb attack in Damascus near the headquarters of the ruling Baath party and the Russian Embassy. Drew Peterson, the Chicago-area police officer who gained notoriety after his much-younger fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, vanished in 2007, was sentenced to 38 years in prison for murdering his third wife, Kathleen Savio.Five years ago: The Rev. Billy Graham, a confidant of presidents and the most widely heard Christian evangelist in history, died at his North Carolina home at age 99. A week after the Florida school shooting, President Donald Trump met with teen survivors of school violence and parents of slain children; Trump promised to be "very strong on background checks" and suggested he supported letting some teachers and other school employees carry weapons. Thousands of protesters swarmed the Florida state Capitol, calling for changes to gun laws, a ban on assault-type weapons and improved care for the mentally ill. The NBA fined Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban $600,000 for saying he had recently told some of his players that "losing is our best option." (The Mavericks had one of the league's worst records, putting them in position to land a high draft pick.)One year ago: Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered forces to "maintain peace" in separatist regions of eastern Ukraine, hours after the Kremlin recognized the area's independence. The announcement raised fears that an invasion was imminent. (It would come three days later.) British Prime Minister Boris Johnson scrapped the last domestic coronavirus restrictions in England, including the requirement for people with COVID-19 to self-isolate. Italy's Mount Etna roared back to spectacular action after months of relative quiet.Today's birthdays: Actor Gary Lockwood is 86. Actor-director Richard Beymer is 84. Actor Peter McEnery is 83. Film/music company executive David Geffen is 80. Actor Tyne Daly is 77. Actor Anthony Daniels is 77. Tricia Nixon Cox is 77. Former Sen. Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, is 76. Rock musician Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads) is 74. Actor Christine Ebersole is 70. Actor William Petersen is 70. Actor Kelsey Grammer is 68. Singer/guitarist Larry Campbell is 68. Country singer Mary Chapin Carpenter is 65. Actor Kim Coates is 65. Actor Jack Coleman is 65. Actor Christopher Atkins is 62. Actor William Baldwin is 60. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., is 59. Rock musician Michael Ward is 56. Actor Aunjanue Ellis is 54. Blues musician Corey Harris is 54. Country singer Eric Heatherly is 53. Rock musician Eric Wilson is 53. Rock musician Tad Kinchla (Blues Traveler) is 50. Singer Rhiannon Giddens (Carolina Chocolate Drops) is 46. Actor Tituss Burgess is 44. Actor Jennifer Love Hewitt is 44. Comedian-actor Jordan Peele is 44. Actor Brendan Sexton III is 43. Singer Charlotte Church is 37. Actor Ashley Greene is 36. Actor Elliot Page is 36. Actor Corbin Bleu is 34. Actor Hayley Orrantia is 29. Actor Sophie Turner is 27.

Today in History - Feb. 21

By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – For some taxpayers, income tax season is a time to look forward to an anticipated windfall. For others, it’s the sign of a big bill coming due.&nbsp;

But whether you are expecting a refund from the IRS or will owe money, Kansas State University family resource management specialist Elizabeth Kiss says you should have a plan well ahead of this year’s April 18 filing deadline.&nbsp;

“If you’re getting a tax refund, there are a couple things to think about,” Kiss said “One is what to do with the money, in which case you can think of that as windfall income. But the other thing to think about is that if you’re getting a refund, that’s essentially a loan that you’ve given to the government to use until you get it back.”&nbsp;

Kiss said consumers should plan for how to use the extra boost of cash, which may include paying off outstanding debt, catching up on bills, or boosting savings accounts. But she also said it’s okay to think about having a little fun.&nbsp;

As an example, she suggests portioning the money between several goals.&nbsp;

“Let’s say you’re getting $1,000 back. If you put 30% toward paying outstanding debt or bills, that’s $300. And if you put 40% toward your needs and wants – having some fun – that’s another $400. And then you can put 30% to establish or build up your savings, that would be $300.”&nbsp;

Kiss adds: “I’m a big proponent of thinking about your plan once you’ve filed your taxes and you know how much you’re going to get back. While it’s great to have it come back by direct deposit to a savings or checking account, having a plan is even more important. Otherwise, it can just get frittered away if you don’t have a plan for it.”&nbsp;

Kiss said taxpayers who receive a large refund may want to re-think their income withholding options. Rather than letting the government keep your money for most of the year, consider keeping a little more of that money to yourself on each paycheck.&nbsp;

“That way, you’ll have a little more on which to live on a regular basis,” she said. “If you have the money upfront, you can plan for how to use it. Even if you’re saving it, you may not be saving the same 30% of a lump sum all at once, but you may be saving smaller amounts on a regular basis, which in the end you are saving the same amount over 12 months…and taking advantage of the time value of money in the form of interest.”&nbsp;

For those who anticipate owing money to the IRS, Kiss suggests completing your return early.&nbsp;

“The earlier that you can know how much you actually owe, the sooner you can figure out what your situation is,” she said. “Then, you can make plans for paying back that money. You don’t need to file or pay the money until the deadline, so you will have some time to plan ahead.”&nbsp;

Kiss said the IRS offers payment plans for those who can’t pay their tax debt right away. The web address for more information is irs.gov/payments. This year’s deadline is April 18 because of the weekend and the District of Columbia’s Emancipation Day holiday, which falls on April 17.&nbsp;

Also, free tax help is available across Kansas and the U.S. through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. From the IRS website, search for free tax help and enter your zip code to find free help in your area.&nbsp;

Whether getting a refund or paying now, “we all have to pay our tax obligation,” Kiss said. “So, the earlier you can complete your return, the better so that you can begin to plan for how you will use the return or how you will accumulate the funds to pay for what you owe.”&nbsp;

By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN – For some taxpayers, income tax season is a time to look forward to an anticipated windfall. For others, it’s the sign of a big bill coming due.&nbsp;But whether you are expecting a refund from the IRS or will owe money, Kansas State University family resource management specialist Elizabeth Kiss says you should have a plan well ahead of this year’s April 18 filing deadline.&nbsp;“If you’re getting a tax refund, there are a couple things to think about,” Kiss said “One is what to do with the money, in which case you can think of that as windfall income. But the other thing to think about is that if you’re getting a refund, that’s essentially a loan that you’ve given to the government to use until you get it back.”&nbsp;Kiss said consumers should plan for how to use the extra boost of cash, which may include paying off outstanding debt, catching up on bills, or boosting savings accounts. But she also said it’s okay to think about having a little fun.&nbsp;As an example, she suggests portioning the money between several goals.&nbsp;“Let’s say you’re getting $1,000 back. If you put 30% toward paying outstanding debt or bills, that’s $300. And if you put 40% toward your needs and wants – having some fun – that’s another $400. And then you can put 30% to establish or build up your savings, that would be $300.”&nbsp;Kiss adds: “I’m a big proponent of thinking about your plan once you’ve filed your taxes and you know how much you’re going to get back. While it’s great to have it come back by direct deposit to a savings or checking account, having a plan is even more important. Otherwise, it can just get frittered away if you don’t have a plan for it.”&nbsp;Kiss said taxpayers who receive a large refund may want to re-think their income withholding options. Rather than letting the government keep your money for most of the year, consider keeping a little more of that money to yourself on each paycheck.&nbsp;“That way, you’ll have a little more on which to live on a regular basis,” she said. “If you have the money upfront, you can plan for how to use it. Even if you’re saving it, you may not be saving the same 30% of a lump sum all at once, but you may be saving smaller amounts on a regular basis, which in the end you are saving the same amount over 12 months…and taking advantage of the time value of money in the form of interest.”&nbsp;For those who anticipate owing money to the IRS, Kiss suggests completing your return early.&nbsp;“The earlier that you can know how much you actually owe, the sooner you can figure out what your situation is,” she said. “Then, you can make plans for paying back that money. You don’t need to file or pay the money until the deadline, so you will have some time to plan ahead.”&nbsp;Kiss said the IRS offers payment plans for those who can’t pay their tax debt right away. The web address for more information is irs.gov/payments. This year’s deadline is April 18 because of the weekend and the District of Columbia’s Emancipation Day holiday, which falls on April 17.&nbsp;Also, free tax help is available across Kansas and the U.S. through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. From the IRS website, search for free tax help and enter your zip code to find free help in your area.&nbsp;Whether getting a refund or paying now, “we all have to pay our tax obligation,” Kiss said. “So, the earlier you can complete your return, the better so that you can begin to plan for how you will use the return or how you will accumulate the funds to pay for what you owe.”&nbsp;

Windfall or money owed? Kiss urges taxpayers to make plan

Saline County Commissioners are scheduled to meet in a study session Tuesday.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday at Iron Insurance Partners, 201 E. Iron Avenue.

The study session is reserved for discussion among commissioners on topics for which no action is currently proposed. For this study session, commissioners are scheduled to discuss the county's master plan for its properties.

To see the commission's study session information, <a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/commission">click here</a> and then click on the Feb. 21 link on the commission calendar.

By SALINA POSTSaline County Commissioners are scheduled to meet in a study session Tuesday.The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday at Iron Insurance Partners, 201 E. Iron Avenue.The study session is reserved for discussion among commissioners on topics for which no action is currently proposed. For this study session, commissioners are scheduled to discuss the county's master plan for its properties.To see the commission's study session information, <a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/commission">click here</a> and then click on the Feb. 21 link on the commission calendar.

Saline County Commission to meet in study session

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chicken Noodle Dinner to benefit church fund, Salina Grace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grants designated to help restore parts of Lindsborg museum

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

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

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

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

Hillsboro, Salina students part of KSU volunteer service trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lunch & Learn: Eisenhower, Cold War, American role

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

K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today in History - Feb. 20

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bank VI hires Marshall, promotes Hulse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Weather Service seeks observers at Barnard, Peabody

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

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

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

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

4-H Club Day set for Saturday in Salina

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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