By NATE KING Salina Post

Salina City Commissioners voted at last week's city commission meeting to approve the allocation of funds necessary for an incentive package aimed to facilitate the creation of an overnight SkyWest maintenance base at the Salina Regional Airport. 

The proposal was brought to the commission by&nbsp;the Salina Community Economic Development Organization Board of Directors. Mitch Robinson, executive director of the community economic development organization, and Tim Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority, briefed commissioners with information pertaining to the proposed agreement.&nbsp;

What is an overnight&nbsp;maintenance&nbsp;base?

SkyWest Airlines, the airline that operates out of Salina Regional Airport, 3237 Arnold Ave, currently has flights to and from Denver and Chicago. Rogers said the proposed maintenance base would expand operations at the airport and increase the number of flights to and from Salina.&nbsp;

"An aircraft like the CRJ200, by Federal Aviation Administration regulations, is required to go into an overnight maintenance base every third night," Rogers said. "This base is a tool to use to improve air service and one that is very unique to communities."&nbsp; Bombadier&nbsp;CRJ200 jets are the same type of regional jets SkyWest uses at the Salina Regional Airport.&nbsp;

Rogers said a new maintenance base would cost SkyWest $20 million. He also said SkyWest has a second less costly option. Allow SkyWest to contract with Salina's 1 Vision Aviation for use of an existing hangar, which would be estimated at $15 million. Aircraft would come to Salina Regional Airport on scheduled passenger flights from United's Denver, Chicago, and Houston hubs.&nbsp;

"In an earnings call last year, SkyWest began to start talking about the need to outsource some of their maintenance to third parties," Rogers said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;SkyWest currently uses 1 Vision for maintenance and Rogers said the facility passed an audit conducted by SkyWest last year.&nbsp;

Rogers noted the need for $900,000 to start up the airline's overnight maintenance base at the Salina Regional Airport. According to information in the commission meeting packet, the $900,000 would be split among the city ($400,000), Saline County ($400,000), and the Salina Airport Authority ($100,000). The City of Salina currently has an economic development fund balance of approximately $898,000.&nbsp;

Benefits of having a&nbsp;maintenance&nbsp;base

Naturally, as more revenue-generating flights make their way to Salina for required maintenance, more passenger-filled planes will leave Salina. "The schedule that is being discussed is non-stop service for Denver, Chicago, and Houston," Rogers said.&nbsp;&nbsp; Rogers said that although non-stop flights to Houston are not a definite, having a maintenance base increases the&nbsp;likelihood&nbsp;of that happening. Both county and city commissions approved the financing for the base. Rogers said the airport authority board of directors is set to meet next week to vote on its contribution to the incentive agreement.&nbsp;

According to Rogers, pending approval, the base would be in operation by the end of 2023.&nbsp;

By NATE KING Salina Post Salina City Commissioners voted at last week's city commission meeting to approve the allocation of funds necessary for an incentive package aimed to facilitate the creation of an overnight SkyWest maintenance base at the Salina Regional Airport. The proposal was brought to the commission by&nbsp;the Salina Community Economic Development Organization Board of Directors. Mitch Robinson, executive director of the community economic development organization, and Tim Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority, briefed commissioners with information pertaining to the proposed agreement.&nbsp;<h2>What is an overnight&nbsp;maintenance&nbsp;base?</h2>SkyWest Airlines, the airline that operates out of Salina Regional Airport, 3237 Arnold Ave, currently has flights to and from Denver and Chicago. Rogers said the proposed maintenance base would expand operations at the airport and increase the number of flights to and from Salina.&nbsp;"An aircraft like the CRJ200, by Federal Aviation Administration regulations, is required to go into an overnight maintenance base every third night," Rogers said. "This base is a tool to use to improve air service and one that is very unique to communities."&nbsp; Bombadier&nbsp;CRJ200 jets are the same type of regional jets SkyWest uses at the Salina Regional Airport.&nbsp;Rogers said a new maintenance base would cost SkyWest $20 million. He also said SkyWest has a second less costly option. Allow SkyWest to contract with Salina's 1 Vision Aviation for use of an existing hangar, which would be estimated at $15 million. Aircraft would come to Salina Regional Airport on scheduled passenger flights from United's Denver, Chicago, and Houston hubs.&nbsp;"In an earnings call last year, SkyWest began to start talking about the need to outsource some of their maintenance to third parties," Rogers said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SkyWest currently uses 1 Vision for maintenance and Rogers said the facility passed an audit conducted by SkyWest last year.&nbsp;Rogers noted the need for $900,000 to start up the airline's overnight maintenance base at the Salina Regional Airport. According to information in the commission meeting packet, the $900,000 would be split among the city ($400,000), Saline County ($400,000), and the Salina Airport Authority ($100,000). The City of Salina currently has an economic development fund balance of approximately $898,000.&nbsp;<h2>Benefits of having a&nbsp;maintenance&nbsp;base</h2>Naturally, as more revenue-generating flights make their way to Salina for required maintenance, more passenger-filled planes will leave Salina. "The schedule that is being discussed is non-stop service for Denver, Chicago, and Houston," Rogers said.&nbsp;&nbsp; Rogers said that although non-stop flights to Houston are not a definite, having a maintenance base increases the&nbsp;likelihood&nbsp;of that happening. Both county and city commissions approved the financing for the base. Rogers said the airport authority board of directors is set to meet next week to vote on its contribution to the incentive agreement.&nbsp;According to Rogers, pending approval, the base would be in operation by the end of 2023.&nbsp;

Airport Authority seeks new maintenance base, possible Houston flights 

“Learning losses from COVID-19 could cost this generation of students close to $17 trillion in lifetime earnings,” according to a report from the World Bank on Dec. 6, 2021. Senator Everett Dirksen long ago famously observed: “A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you're talking real money." But this is trillion, with a “t.”

A meta-analysis (summary of many studies) across Western countries just published in the journal “Nature Human Behavior” likewise found that “…students lost out on about 35% of a normal school year’s worth of learning” with math learning loss greater than reading loss.

This was no surprise to the Office of Economic Cooperation and Development that also confirmed that “a loss of one-third of a year in effective learning for just the students affected by the closures of early 2020 will, by historical data, lower a country’s GDP by an average of 1.5% over the remainder of the century.”

The OECD historical data includes a detailed study of the effects of German “Short School Years.” In that case, German schools that were previously on a calendar year were re-scheduled to align with the normal fall-spring school year of the rest of Europe. This major disruption from April 1966 through July 1967 resulted in students receiving a total of three-fourths of a year less instruction.

Carefully following this age group, researchers found their math skills were a quarter of a standard deviation lower and over the long term, reduced their earned income about five percent during their working lives. Simply, learning loss from a major school disruption, ranging from war to the Flu of 1918 and now COVID-19, remains with a school generation forever.

One major problem with the meta-analysis was that it did not include East Asian and Pacific countries such as South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Singapore and Vietnam. In contrast to the Western countries surveyed, schools in the Far East minimized the time they were in lockdown and returned to classrooms under daily testing, universal masking and wise educational practices such as the temporary suspension of music that involved breath (no trumpets but violins okay). Therefore decreases in advancing learning in reading, math and other topics occurred but was considerably less than for Western schools that relied heavily on closing schools and using online learning.&nbsp; &nbsp;

This research, combined with past research into earlier educational interruptions and their long-term effects, provide solid evidence that Education School remedies using online tutoring, “accelerated learning” and other gimmicks simply do not work. Face-to-face teaching providing seat time with genuine interaction do work. —But at normal speed. And some windows of time for learning do close.

However, despite clear evidence that the pandemic learning loss will follow this generation of students through their life, hope springs eternal that students can somehow surge ahead and catch up to where they would have been had there been no pandemic. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

States including Oklahoma, Idaho and Kansas are using money from the American Rescue Plan Act’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to provide grants to low-income students whose educational achievement was impacted by school closures and remote learning. Depending on each state’s definitions, this could help pay for tutoring, school supplies, academic day-camps, language classes, and curricular and educational materials, including musical instruments.

But this solid research just released shows that this funding will not reverse the learning loss that this current generation of K–12 students has experienced.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Resources involved in this analysis include:

“A systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence on learning during the COVID-19 pandemic” by Bastian A. Betthäuser, Anders M. Bach-Mortensen &amp; Per Engzell, Jan. 30, 2023; Nature Human Behaviour at <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-022-01506-4">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-022-01506-4</a> “The Economic Impacts of Learning Losses” by Eric A. Hanushek and Ludger Woessmann, September 2020, is available at: <a href="https://www.oecd.org/education/The-economic-impacts-of-coronavirus-covid-19-learning-losses.pdf">https://www.oecd.org/education/The-economic-impacts-of-coronavirus-covid-19-learning-losses.pdf</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="John Richard Schrock" />
 <figcaption>John Richard Schrock</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCK“Learning losses from COVID-19 could cost this generation of students close to $17 trillion in lifetime earnings,” according to a report from the World Bank on Dec. 6, 2021. Senator Everett Dirksen long ago famously observed: “A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you're talking real money." But this is trillion, with a “t.” A meta-analysis (summary of many studies) across Western countries just published in the journal “Nature Human Behavior” likewise found that “…students lost out on about 35% of a normal school year’s worth of learning” with math learning loss greater than reading loss. This was no surprise to the Office of Economic Cooperation and Development that also confirmed that “a loss of one-third of a year in effective learning for just the students affected by the closures of early 2020 will, by historical data, lower a country’s GDP by an average of 1.5% over the remainder of the century.” The OECD historical data includes a detailed study of the effects of German “Short School Years.” In that case, German schools that were previously on a calendar year were re-scheduled to align with the normal fall-spring school year of the rest of Europe. This major disruption from April 1966 through July 1967 resulted in students receiving a total of three-fourths of a year less instruction. Carefully following this age group, researchers found their math skills were a quarter of a standard deviation lower and over the long term, reduced their earned income about five percent during their working lives. Simply, learning loss from a major school disruption, ranging from war to the Flu of 1918 and now COVID-19, remains with a school generation forever. One major problem with the meta-analysis was that it did not include East Asian and Pacific countries such as South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Singapore and Vietnam. In contrast to the Western countries surveyed, schools in the Far East minimized the time they were in lockdown and returned to classrooms under daily testing, universal masking and wise educational practices such as the temporary suspension of music that involved breath (no trumpets but violins okay). Therefore decreases in advancing learning in reading, math and other topics occurred but was considerably less than for Western schools that relied heavily on closing schools and using online learning.&nbsp; &nbsp; This research, combined with past research into earlier educational interruptions and their long-term effects, provide solid evidence that Education School remedies using online tutoring, “accelerated learning” and other gimmicks simply do not work. Face-to-face teaching providing seat time with genuine interaction do work. —But at normal speed. And some windows of time for learning do close. However, despite clear evidence that the pandemic learning loss will follow this generation of students through their life, hope springs eternal that students can somehow surge ahead and catch up to where they would have been had there been no pandemic. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; States including Oklahoma, Idaho and Kansas are using money from the American Rescue Plan Act’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to provide grants to low-income students whose educational achievement was impacted by school closures and remote learning. Depending on each state’s definitions, this could help pay for tutoring, school supplies, academic day-camps, language classes, and curricular and educational materials, including musical instruments. But this solid research just released shows that this funding will not reverse the learning loss that this current generation of K–12 students has experienced.&nbsp;&nbsp;Resources involved in this analysis include:“A systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence on learning during the COVID-19 pandemic” by Bastian A. Betthäuser, Anders M. Bach-Mortensen &amp; Per Engzell, Jan. 30, 2023; Nature Human Behaviour at <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-022-01506-4">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-022-01506-4</a> “The Economic Impacts of Learning Losses” by Eric A. Hanushek and Ludger Woessmann, September 2020, is available at: <a href="https://www.oecd.org/education/The-economic-impacts-of-coronavirus-covid-19-learning-losses.pdf">https://www.oecd.org/education/The-economic-impacts-of-coronavirus-covid-19-learning-losses.pdf</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities during 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

EDUCATION FRONTLINES: Learning loss is long term

Today is Monday, Feb. 13, the 44th day of 2023. There are 321 days left in the year.

On Feb. 13, 1935, a jury in Flemington, New Jersey, found Bruno Richard Hauptmann guilty of first-degree murder in the kidnap-slaying of Charles A. Lindbergh Jr., the 20-month-old son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh. (Hauptmann was later executed.)

In 1633, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei arrived in Rome for trial before the Inquisition, accused of defending Copernican theory that the Earth revolved around the sun instead of the other way around. (Galileo was found vehemently suspect of heresy and ended up being sentenced to a form of house arrest.)

In 1933, the Warsaw Convention, governing airlines' liability for international carriage of persons, luggage and goods, went into effect.

In 1939, Justice Louis D. Brandeis retired from the U.S. Supreme Court. (He was succeeded by William O. Douglas.)

In 1965, during the Vietnam War, President Lyndon B. Johnson authorized Operation Rolling Thunder, an extended bombing campaign against the North Vietnamese.

In 1972, "Cabaret," directed by Bob Fosse, based on John Kander and Fred Ebb's musical of the same name, starring Liza Minnelli and Michael York, was released.

In 1980, the 13th Winter Olympics opened in Lake Placid, New York.

In 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, allied warplanes destroyed an underground shelter in Baghdad that had been identified as a military command center; Iraqi officials said 500 civilians were killed.

In 1996, the rock musical "Rent," by Jonathan Larson, opened off-Broadway less than three weeks after Larson's death.

In 2000, Charles Schulz's final "Peanuts" strip ran in Sunday newspapers, the day after the cartoonist died in his sleep at his California home at age 77.

In 2002, John Walker Lindh pleaded not guilty in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, to conspiring to kill Americans and supporting the Taliban and terrorist organizations. (Lindh later pleaded guilty to lesser offenses and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was released in September 2019 after serving 17 years of that sentence.)

In 2011, Egypt's military leaders dissolved parliament, suspended the constitution and promised elections in moves cautiously welcomed by protesters who'd helped topple President Hosni Mubarak.

In 2016, Justice Antonin Scalia, the influential conservative and most provocative member of the U.S. Supreme Court, was found dead at a private residence in the Big Bend area of West Texas; he was 79.

Ten years ago: Beginning a long farewell to his flock, a weary Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his final public Mass as pontiff, presiding over Ash Wednesday services inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

Five years ago: President Donald Trump's personal attorney, Michael Cohen, said he had paid $130,000 out of his own pocket to a porn actress who claimed to have had a sexual relationship with Trump. Ahmad Khan Rahimi was sentenced in New York to multiple terms of life in prison for setting off small bombs in New York and New Jersey; the attacks in September 2016, left 30 people injured. A bichon frise named Flynn was named best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club in New York, a choice that seemed to surprise most in the packed crowd at Madison Square Garden.

One year ago: Airlines canceled flights to the Ukrainian capital and troops there unloaded fresh shipments of weapons from NATO members, as the country's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought to project confidence in the face of U.S. warnings of possible invasion within days by a growing number of Russian forces. Playing in their home stadium, the Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in the Super Bowl.

Today's birthdays: Actor Kim Novak is 90. Actor Bo Svenson is 82. Actor Stockard Channing is 79. Talk show host Jerry Springer is 79. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is 77. Singer Peter Gabriel is 73. Actor David Naughton is 72. Rock musician Peter Hook is 67. Actor Matt Salinger is 63. Singer Henry Rollins is 62. Actor Neal McDonough is 57. Singer Freedom Williams is 57. Actor Kelly Hu is 55. Rock singer Matt Berninger (The National) is 52. Country musician Scott Thomas (Parmalee) is 50. Singer Robbie Williams is 49. Singer-songwriter Feist is 47. R&amp;B performer Natalie Stewart is 44. Actor Mena Suvari is 44. Actor Katie Volding is 34. Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. (also known as Prince Michael Jackson I) is 26.

<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. 13, the 44th day of 2023. There are 321 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Feb. 13, 1935, a jury in Flemington, New Jersey, found Bruno Richard Hauptmann guilty of first-degree murder in the kidnap-slaying of Charles A. Lindbergh Jr., the 20-month-old son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh. (Hauptmann was later executed.)On this date:In 1633, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei arrived in Rome for trial before the Inquisition, accused of defending Copernican theory that the Earth revolved around the sun instead of the other way around. (Galileo was found vehemently suspect of heresy and ended up being sentenced to a form of house arrest.)In 1933, the Warsaw Convention, governing airlines' liability for international carriage of persons, luggage and goods, went into effect.In 1939, Justice Louis D. Brandeis retired from the U.S. Supreme Court. (He was succeeded by William O. Douglas.)In 1965, during the Vietnam War, President Lyndon B. Johnson authorized Operation Rolling Thunder, an extended bombing campaign against the North Vietnamese.In 1972, "Cabaret," directed by Bob Fosse, based on John Kander and Fred Ebb's musical of the same name, starring Liza Minnelli and Michael York, was released.In 1980, the 13th Winter Olympics opened in Lake Placid, New York.In 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, allied warplanes destroyed an underground shelter in Baghdad that had been identified as a military command center; Iraqi officials said 500 civilians were killed.In 1996, the rock musical "Rent," by Jonathan Larson, opened off-Broadway less than three weeks after Larson's death.In 2000, Charles Schulz's final "Peanuts" strip ran in Sunday newspapers, the day after the cartoonist died in his sleep at his California home at age 77.In 2002, John Walker Lindh pleaded not guilty in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, to conspiring to kill Americans and supporting the Taliban and terrorist organizations. (Lindh later pleaded guilty to lesser offenses and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was released in September 2019 after serving 17 years of that sentence.)In 2011, Egypt's military leaders dissolved parliament, suspended the constitution and promised elections in moves cautiously welcomed by protesters who'd helped topple President Hosni Mubarak.In 2016, Justice Antonin Scalia, the influential conservative and most provocative member of the U.S. Supreme Court, was found dead at a private residence in the Big Bend area of West Texas; he was 79.Ten years ago: Beginning a long farewell to his flock, a weary Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his final public Mass as pontiff, presiding over Ash Wednesday services inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.Five years ago: President Donald Trump's personal attorney, Michael Cohen, said he had paid $130,000 out of his own pocket to a porn actress who claimed to have had a sexual relationship with Trump. Ahmad Khan Rahimi was sentenced in New York to multiple terms of life in prison for setting off small bombs in New York and New Jersey; the attacks in September 2016, left 30 people injured. A bichon frise named Flynn was named best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club in New York, a choice that seemed to surprise most in the packed crowd at Madison Square Garden.One year ago: Airlines canceled flights to the Ukrainian capital and troops there unloaded fresh shipments of weapons from NATO members, as the country's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought to project confidence in the face of U.S. warnings of possible invasion within days by a growing number of Russian forces. Playing in their home stadium, the Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in the Super Bowl.Today's birthdays: Actor Kim Novak is 90. Actor Bo Svenson is 82. Actor Stockard Channing is 79. Talk show host Jerry Springer is 79. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is 77. Singer Peter Gabriel is 73. Actor David Naughton is 72. Rock musician Peter Hook is 67. Actor Matt Salinger is 63. Singer Henry Rollins is 62. Actor Neal McDonough is 57. Singer Freedom Williams is 57. Actor Kelly Hu is 55. Rock singer Matt Berninger (The National) is 52. Country musician Scott Thomas (Parmalee) is 50. Singer Robbie Williams is 49. Singer-songwriter Feist is 47. R&amp;B performer Natalie Stewart is 44. Actor Mena Suvari is 44. Actor Katie Volding is 34. Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. (also known as Prince Michael Jackson I) is 26.

Today in History - Feb. 13

On Monday, public works crews will close southbound lanes on S. Ohio Street near the Westchester intersection at approximately 9:30 a.m. to allow the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to replace malfunctioning traffic counter loops. 

A single southbound traffic lane will be maintained, utilizing the center turn lane in the proximity of the work. 

Work is expected to take 4-6 hours. Southbound traffic will be restored to normal operations once work is complete. 

Northbound left turns will be restricted in the area of the lane closures.

 Through traffic in all directions is urged to avoid the area or proceed with caution in the work zone for the safety of the crews performing the work

City of SalinaOn Monday, public works crews will close southbound lanes on S. Ohio Street near the Westchester intersection at approximately 9:30 a.m. to allow the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to replace malfunctioning traffic counter loops. A single southbound traffic lane will be maintained, utilizing the center turn lane in the proximity of the work. Work is expected to take 4-6 hours. Southbound traffic will be restored to normal operations once work is complete. Northbound left turns will be restricted in the area of the lane closures. Through traffic in all directions is urged to avoid the area or proceed with caution in the work zone for the safety of the crews performing the work

City of Salina announces lane closures on S. Ohio Monday

Widespread rain and isolated storms will affect the area Monday night into Tuesday morning. Most locations can expect to pick up between a quarter and half inch of rainfall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676251074838.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National Weather ServiceWidespread rain and isolated storms will affect the area Monday night into Tuesday morning. Most locations can expect to pick up between a quarter and half inch of rainfall.

Decent chance for rain in the area Monday night

Proclamations, finances, and housing-related issues 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 begin with a study session at 3 p.m. The topic of the study session is a 2022 preliminary financial update.

According to the study session meeting packet information, the top three revenue funds in 2022 were sales and use tax, property taxes, and franchise fees. Additionally, revenue in 2022 grew by nearly $3 million over the previous year.

To see the full study session information packet for Monday, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=504784&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

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

Commissioners are scheduled to consider the following two proclamation requests.

●Proclaim the week of Feb. 19-25  as Engineers Week in the City of Salina. Rex Ritter, president of the Smoky Valley Chapter of the Kansas Society of Professional Engineers, is scheduled to read the proclamation.

●Proclaim the month of February 2023 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in the City of Salina. Marlon  Heard, youth advocate at DVACK  (Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas), is scheduled to read the proclamation.

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

●Consider authorizing the mayor to enter into a  first amendment to the  Salina  Community Economic Development Organization, Inc. members agreement.

●Consider approving a proposed resolution authorizing the preparation and submittal of an application to the Kansas  Housing  Resources  Corporation  (KHRC)  for the  2023 American Rescue Plan Act - Moderate Income Housing grant program and authorizing the city manager to execute the grant agreement, direct any administrative actions, and execute any documents necessary to implement the terms of the agreement.

●Consider approving a proposed resolution proclaiming support for an application by Building  Kansas,  LLC  Aero  Plains  Housing  Development for the  Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit.

●Consider approving a proposed resolution proclaiming support for an application by South View Estates Housing Development for the Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit. 

●Consider approving a proposed resolution proclaiming support for an application by Shawn Kindlesparger with Brock Road Townhomes Development for the Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit.

To see the full Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=210014&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

By SALINA POSTProclamations, finances, and housing-related issues are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.About the meetingStudy sessions and city commission meetings will take place in–person in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street, and via Zoom until further notice. Meetings also can be viewed at the City of Salina YouTube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.To participate via Zoom, citizens will need to use the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>.The meeting also can be accessed by phone at 1-346-248-7799. Enter Meeting ID:892 7598 4587 when prompted.If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens attending via Zoom must raise their hands so that the meeting host can allow them to speak. Those who attend the in-person meeting will have the opportunity to speak at the podium.Citizens can also send written comments or questions to City Commissioners by visiting the City of Salina’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov/">www.salina-ks.gov</a>&nbsp;and using the “Email City Commission” icon on the home page.In order for the commissioners to have an opportunity to review comments in advance of the meeting, please email your comments or questions by 5 p.m. the Sunday prior to the Monday meetings.Study sessionCommissioners are scheduled to begin with a study session at 3 p.m. The topic of the study session is a 2022 preliminary financial update.According to the study session meeting packet information, the top three revenue funds in 2022 were sales and use tax, property taxes, and franchise fees. Additionally, revenue in 2022 grew by nearly $3 million over the previous year.To see the full study session information packet for Monday, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=504784&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.Regular meeting The regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.Commissioners are scheduled to consider the following two proclamation requests.●Proclaim the week of Feb. 19-25 as Engineers Week in the City of Salina. Rex Ritter, president of the Smoky Valley Chapter of the Kansas Society of Professional Engineers, is scheduled to read the proclamation.●Proclaim the month of February 2023 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in the City of Salina. Marlon Heard, youth advocate at DVACK (Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas), is scheduled to read the proclamation.Other items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday include the following.●Consider authorizing the mayor to enter into a first amendment to the Salina Community Economic Development Organization, Inc. members agreement.●Consider approving a proposed resolution authorizing the preparation and submittal of an application to the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) for the 2023 American Rescue Plan Act - Moderate Income Housing grant program and authorizing the city manager to execute the grant agreement, direct any administrative actions, and execute any documents necessary to implement the terms of the agreement.●Consider approving a proposed resolution proclaiming support for an application by Building Kansas, LLC Aero Plains Housing Development for the Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit.●Consider approving a proposed resolution proclaiming support for an application by South View Estates Housing Development for the Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit. ●Consider approving a proposed resolution proclaiming support for an application by Shawn Kindlesparger with Brock Road Townhomes Development for the Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit.To see the full Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=210014&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

Financial update, housing-related items on Salina City Comm. agenda

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Recent obituaries and service times

LINCOLN, Neb. - More than 6,900 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students have been named to the Deans' List for the fall semester of the 2022-23 academic year.

Qualification for the Deans' List varies among the eight undergraduate colleges and the Explore Center. Listed below are the minimum requirements for each entity and the name of its respective dean or director. All qualifying grade-point averages are based on a four-point scale and a minimum number of graded semester hours. Students can be on the Deans' List for more than one college.

College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, 3.75; Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss.

College of Architecture, 3.75; Dean Kevin G. Van Den Wymelenberg. 

College of Arts and Sciences, 3.7; Dean Mark E. Button.

College of Business, 3.6; Dean Kathy Farrell.

College of Education and Human Sciences, 3.75; Dean Sherri Jones.

 College of Engineering, 3.5; Dean Lance C. Perez.

College of Journalism and Mass Communications, 3.7; Dean Shari Veil.

 Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, 3.7; Dean Andy Belser.

 Explore Center for undeclared, pre-engineering, pre-health and pre-law students, 3.6; Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Undergraduate Education Amy Goodburn.

Following is a list of local and area honorees, listed by hometown. Some students chose not to be listed.

Belleville James Doyle, senior, Dean's List, College of Education and Human Sciences, hospitality, restaurant and tourism management.

Clay Center Caitlyn Hood, freshman, Dean's List, College of Business, marketing.

Courtland Carolina Barraza, sophomore, Dean's List, College of Business, accounting and marketing.

Hillsboro Charlie Major, sophomore, Dean's List, Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, emerging media arts.

Lincoln Brecken Obermueller, sophomore, Dean's List, College of Business, finance.

Salina Katherine Bergkamp, sophomore, Dean's List, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, plant biology.

Nathan Callahan, freshman, Dean's List, College of Business, actuarial science.

Alisa Holst, senior, Dean's List, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, food science and technology.

Reece Jerod Holst, junior, Dean's List, College of Education and Human Sciences, communication sciences and disorders.

Joshua John Warner, freshman, Dean's List, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, sports media and communication.

Webber Seth Schnakenberg, freshman, Dean's List, Explore Center, pre-health.

For the full Deans' List, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/32IxTgwFGaalFTsuZasCIfT_DPoqAXuKY-4g7_PTF2tzm41K6BOGmxtOG4tGB1Jl/3th/gnTYcvtCRxqKXWRzjzUE-Q/h0/bsSwuHIeB5EykRRnV_DYMNqMOArA4VCU89JyjfaxN88" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/deanslist-fall22</a>.

University of Nebraska-LincolnLINCOLN, Neb. - More than 6,900 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students have been named to the Deans' List for the fall semester of the 2022-23 academic year.Qualification for the Deans' List varies among the eight undergraduate colleges and the Explore Center. Listed below are the minimum requirements for each entity and the name of its respective dean or director. All qualifying grade-point averages are based on a four-point scale and a minimum number of graded semester hours. Students can be on the Deans' List for more than one college.College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, 3.75; Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss.College of Architecture, 3.75; Dean Kevin G. Van Den Wymelenberg. College of Arts and Sciences, 3.7; Dean Mark E. Button.College of Business, 3.6; Dean Kathy Farrell.College of Education and Human Sciences, 3.75; Dean Sherri Jones. College of Engineering, 3.5; Dean Lance C. Perez.College of Journalism and Mass Communications, 3.7; Dean Shari Veil. Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, 3.7; Dean Andy Belser. Explore Center for undeclared, pre-engineering, pre-health and pre-law students, 3.6; Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Undergraduate Education Amy Goodburn.Following is a list of local and area honorees, listed by hometown. Some students chose not to be listed.Belleville James Doyle, senior, Dean's List, College of Education and Human Sciences, hospitality, restaurant and tourism management.Clay Center Caitlyn Hood, freshman, Dean's List, College of Business, marketing.Courtland Carolina Barraza, sophomore, Dean's List, College of Business, accounting and marketing.Hillsboro Charlie Major, sophomore, Dean's List, Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, emerging media arts.Lincoln Brecken Obermueller, sophomore, Dean's List, College of Business, finance.Salina Katherine Bergkamp, sophomore, Dean's List, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, plant biology.Nathan Callahan, freshman, Dean's List, College of Business, actuarial science.Alisa Holst, senior, Dean's List, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, food science and technology.Reece Jerod Holst, junior, Dean's List, College of Education and Human Sciences, communication sciences and disorders.Joshua John Warner, freshman, Dean's List, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, sports media and communication.Webber Seth Schnakenberg, freshman, Dean's List, Explore Center, pre-health.For the full Deans' List, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/32IxTgwFGaalFTsuZasCIfT_DPoqAXuKY-4g7_PTF2tzm41K6BOGmxtOG4tGB1Jl/3th/gnTYcvtCRxqKXWRzjzUE-Q/h0/bsSwuHIeB5EykRRnV_DYMNqMOArA4VCU89JyjfaxN88" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/deanslist-fall22</a>.

Local, area Huskers earn academic honors

Monday through Friday, Circle C Paving &amp; Construction of Goddard will seal cracks on the following streets, weather permitting.

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 SalinaMonday through Friday, Circle C Paving &amp; Construction of Goddard will seal cracks on the following streets, weather permitting.●9th, Broadway to Kirwin●Bret, Colonial to Post Oak●Crawford, 2nd to Ohio●Fairdale south of Village●Minneapolis, 4th to Quincy●Mulberry, 9th to Santa Fe●Ohio, Magnolia to Belmont●Prescott, Front to Ohio●South, RR tracks to Santa Fe●Walnut, RR tracks to 9thThe 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 Salina announces street crack sealing work

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

MANHATTAN – Officials with NetWork Kansas and the Kansas Department of Commerce said that a program funded for $69 million over the next nine years will help to strengthen the economic landscape for communities across Kansas.&nbsp;

In 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury made the award to Kansas to provide loans to entrepreneurs in the state who are seeking to start or expand a business.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growks.com/" target="_blank">The program is known as GrowKS.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It’s a really exciting program that is going to give Kansas entrepreneurs across the state more ways to access capital,” said Steve Radley, the CEO of NetWork Kansas, which is administering the program.&nbsp;

Radley and his colleagues were featured speakers during the Feb. 3&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/business/entrepreneurship" target="_blank">First Friday e-Call</a>, a monthly online series hosted by K-State Research and Extension that helps to nurture small businesses and inspire entrepreneurship in Kansas. The online discussions, which routinely host dozens of Kansas citizens from the public and private sectors, are available free each month.&nbsp;

Imagene Harris, the vice president of impact investment services for NetWork Kansas, said GrowKS is “version 2.0” of a 2010 program in which Kansas received $13.8 million.&nbsp;

“To us, it’s really special in terms of providing access to resources now, and what we can build over time for small businesses in Kansas,” Harris said.&nbsp;

Of the $69 million that Kansas received, $42 million will go toward a loan program, and $27 million toward an equity program.&nbsp;

“The GrowKS loan programs are seeking projects of all sizes that are focused on starting and growing businesses,” Harris said. “One of our goals this time around is to engage more partners statewide.&nbsp;

Currently, there are 37 authorized partners providing “due diligence across the state,” Harris said. “They include state certified development companies and authorized ‘Entrepreneurship Communities.’”&nbsp;

Since the launch of GrowKS in August, 2022, 23 businesses have been approved for loans, stretching from Hays to Kansas City, Kansas. More than $2 million has been approved, and $1.36 million already disbursed.&nbsp;

Trish Brasted, president of entrepreneurial growth ventures at NetWork Kansas, leads the equity fund programs available through GrowKS, which has approved $1.8 million to eight Kansas entrepreneurs.&nbsp;

She said the equity program is intended to provide capital for Kansas companies by providing matching funds. As with the loan program, it encourages proposals from women-led and minority businesses, though all Kansans are eligible.&nbsp;

Thus far, Brasted said, GrowKS has provided matching funds to businesses in numerous industries, including animal health, industrial technology, government, human resources, education, consumer products and agriculture. Seven of the eight awarded projects have fewer than 10 employees currently.&nbsp;

“We’re proud of that because our goal is to engage with startup businesses and help them grow jobs in the state,” Brasted said, noting that is also a focus of the U.S. Department of Treasury.&nbsp;

She adds: “The more people that know about these programs, the better. The GrowKS Angel Capital Support program will help startups over the next decade. So the more we talk to people, the more opportunity we have to get them in the process and thinking about the things they want to start.”&nbsp;

Brasted said 29 NetWork Kansas partners are currently providing referrals, including local economic development organizations, commercialization centers, accelerators and entrepreneurial support organizations.&nbsp;

More information on GrowKS is available by sending email to&nbsp;info@networkkansas.com, or by calling 877-521-8600.&nbsp;

The Feb. 3&nbsp;talk and other First Friday presentations are&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/business/entrepreneurship" target="_blank">available online</a>&nbsp;from K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676227559619.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN – Officials with NetWork Kansas and the Kansas Department of Commerce said that a program funded for $69 million over the next nine years will help to strengthen the economic landscape for communities across Kansas.&nbsp;In 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury made the award to Kansas to provide loans to entrepreneurs in the state who are seeking to start or expand a business.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growks.com/" target="_blank">The program is known as GrowKS.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s a really exciting program that is going to give Kansas entrepreneurs across the state more ways to access capital,” said Steve Radley, the CEO of NetWork Kansas, which is administering the program.&nbsp;Radley and his colleagues were featured speakers during the Feb. 3&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/business/entrepreneurship" target="_blank">First Friday e-Call</a>, a monthly online series hosted by K-State Research and Extension that helps to nurture small businesses and inspire entrepreneurship in Kansas. The online discussions, which routinely host dozens of Kansas citizens from the public and private sectors, are available free each month.&nbsp;Imagene Harris, the vice president of impact investment services for NetWork Kansas, said GrowKS is “version 2.0” of a 2010 program in which Kansas received $13.8 million.&nbsp;“To us, it’s really special in terms of providing access to resources now, and what we can build over time for small businesses in Kansas,” Harris said.&nbsp;Of the $69 million that Kansas received, $42 million will go toward a loan program, and $27 million toward an equity program.&nbsp;The five loan programs include:&nbsp;●Minority/women-led starter loans.●Rural/urban-distressed loans.●Minority/women-led growth loans.●Community asset loans.●Target sector loans.&nbsp;“The GrowKS loan programs are seeking projects of all sizes that are focused on starting and growing businesses,” Harris said. “One of our goals this time around is to engage more partners statewide.&nbsp;Currently, there are 37 authorized partners providing “due diligence across the state,” Harris said. “They include state certified development companies and authorized ‘Entrepreneurship Communities.’”&nbsp;Since the launch of GrowKS in August, 2022, 23 businesses have been approved for loans, stretching from Hays to Kansas City, Kansas. More than $2 million has been approved, and $1.36 million already disbursed.&nbsp;Trish Brasted, president of entrepreneurial growth ventures at NetWork Kansas, leads the equity fund programs available through GrowKS, which has approved $1.8 million to eight Kansas entrepreneurs.&nbsp;She said the equity program is intended to provide capital for Kansas companies by providing matching funds. As with the loan program, it encourages proposals from women-led and minority businesses, though all Kansans are eligible.&nbsp;Thus far, Brasted said, GrowKS has provided matching funds to businesses in numerous industries, including animal health, industrial technology, government, human resources, education, consumer products and agriculture. Seven of the eight awarded projects have fewer than 10 employees currently.&nbsp;“We’re proud of that because our goal is to engage with startup businesses and help them grow jobs in the state,” Brasted said, noting that is also a focus of the U.S. Department of Treasury.&nbsp;She adds: “The more people that know about these programs, the better. The GrowKS Angel Capital Support program will help startups over the next decade. So the more we talk to people, the more opportunity we have to get them in the process and thinking about the things they want to start.”&nbsp;Brasted said 29 NetWork Kansas partners are currently providing referrals, including local economic development organizations, commercialization centers, accelerators and entrepreneurial support organizations.&nbsp;More information on GrowKS is available by sending email to&nbsp;info@networkkansas.com, or by calling 877-521-8600.&nbsp;The Feb. 3&nbsp;talk and other First Friday presentations are&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/business/entrepreneurship" target="_blank">available online</a>&nbsp;from K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

$69M boost: Program aims to support Kansas entrepreneurs

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

One hundred thousand people are preparing to make a run – but they’re not in Spandex and Nikes. This isn’t some jumbo version of the Boston Marathon. More than a century ago, it was a race for pioneers to claim land.&nbsp;

This is the historic Cherokee Strip Land Run. Today, one citizen has opened the Rivers Eagle Bar and Grill near the site of the land run. He is seeking to celebrate the land run while supporting his community.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russell Graves is the owner of Rivers Eagle Bar and Grill and the Cherokee Strip Campground near Arkansas City. Graves is a sixth generation Ark City resident. His ancestors worked cattle and trained horses and mules.&nbsp;

“At a very young age, I was told by my mother that I should go to Kansas State University and become an engineer, so that’s what I did,” Graves said. He became an industrial engineer and worked at the oil refinery in Ark City, but he remembered his&nbsp;rural&nbsp;roots.&nbsp;

As a kid, Graves saw his community participate in the 100th anniversary of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893. At noon on Sept. 16, 1893, an estimated 100,000 people dashed into the previously unassigned native lands that had been opened for settlement on a first-come, first-served basis. There were actually several land runs, but the one in 1893 was the largest.&nbsp;

In 1993, the community of Ark City commemorated the centennial of this momentous event. “The whole community got into it,” Graves said. “Women wore bonnets and the men grew beards.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Years later, Graves and his family purchased 20 acres of land next to Highway 77 and the Arkansas River. They established the Cherokee Strip Campground with 50 fully equipped campsites for recreational vehicles.&nbsp;

He and his family also got into figure eight auto racing and had a nearby racetrack in Oklahoma for a number of years. “People would want to eat while there, and we figured we need to develop something of our own,” Graves said.&nbsp;

“I brought together a bunch of suppliers and asked them for the very best ingredients for a pizza, regardless of cost,” Graves said. After refining some recipes, he developed what was called Speedway Pizza, which proved to be very popular. He also envisioned a food and drink facility on the property near Ark City.&nbsp;

Graves and his wife had four children. When one of his sons developed leukemia, Graves retired to care for him until his son passed. Graves developed building plans and started constructing the building himself.&nbsp;

“It was a release from losing my son,” he said. He worked for seven years to construct the building.&nbsp;

“My mother’s favorite bird was the eagle. Those are especially prevalent along the wintertime near the river,” Graves said. In her honor, he named the new facility the Rivers Eagle Bar and Grill, which opened in 2021.&nbsp;

In addition to Speedway Pizza, the restaurant serves prime steaks and all the trimmings.&nbsp;&nbsp;It also hosts lots of activities such as live entertainment, cornhole tournaments, kayak races, an event called Jammin’ on the River, and more.&nbsp;

Graves realized that 2023 would mark the 130th anniversary of the Cherokee Strip Land Run. He is developing plans to commemorate that anniversary with a major event on Sept. 16, 2023, involving live music, cowboy poetry, Civil War re-enactors and more.&nbsp;

He hopes to build a memorial wall and statue representing the original settlers. “Each stone would represent a family that participated in the land run. It would list the family name, tract number and legal description,” Graves said.&nbsp;

“I think this history has kind of been forgotten, and I would like to re-energize the community.”&nbsp;

That’s good to see in a&nbsp;rural&nbsp;community like Arkansas City, population 11,974 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, that’s&nbsp;rural.&nbsp;

For more information, search for Rivers Eagle Bar and Grill on Facebook.&nbsp;

We commend Russell Graves for making a difference with his entrepreneurial spirit and appreciation of history. I hope the river’s eagle flies high.&nbsp;

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676224677399.jpeg" alt="Rivers Eagle Bar and Grill. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Rivers Eagle Bar and Grill. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State UniversityOne hundred thousand people are preparing to make a run – but they’re not in Spandex and Nikes. This isn’t some jumbo version of the Boston Marathon. More than a century ago, it was a race for pioneers to claim land.&nbsp;This is the historic Cherokee Strip Land Run. Today, one citizen has opened the Rivers Eagle Bar and Grill near the site of the land run. He is seeking to celebrate the land run while supporting his community.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Russell Graves is the owner of Rivers Eagle Bar and Grill and the Cherokee Strip Campground near Arkansas City. Graves is a sixth generation Ark City resident. His ancestors worked cattle and trained horses and mules.&nbsp;“At a very young age, I was told by my mother that I should go to Kansas State University and become an engineer, so that’s what I did,” Graves said. He became an industrial engineer and worked at the oil refinery in Ark City, but he remembered his&nbsp;rural&nbsp;roots.&nbsp;As a kid, Graves saw his community participate in the 100th anniversary of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893. At noon on Sept. 16, 1893, an estimated 100,000 people dashed into the previously unassigned native lands that had been opened for settlement on a first-come, first-served basis. There were actually several land runs, but the one in 1893 was the largest.&nbsp;In 1993, the community of Ark City commemorated the centennial of this momentous event. “The whole community got into it,” Graves said. “Women wore bonnets and the men grew beards.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Years later, Graves and his family purchased 20 acres of land next to Highway 77 and the Arkansas River. They established the Cherokee Strip Campground with 50 fully equipped campsites for recreational vehicles.&nbsp;He and his family also got into figure eight auto racing and had a nearby racetrack in Oklahoma for a number of years. “People would want to eat while there, and we figured we need to develop something of our own,” Graves said.&nbsp;They settled on pizza.&nbsp;“I brought together a bunch of suppliers and asked them for the very best ingredients for a pizza, regardless of cost,” Graves said. After refining some recipes, he developed what was called Speedway Pizza, which proved to be very popular. He also envisioned a food and drink facility on the property near Ark City.&nbsp;Graves and his wife had four children. When one of his sons developed leukemia, Graves retired to care for him until his son passed. Graves developed building plans and started constructing the building himself.&nbsp;“It was a release from losing my son,” he said. He worked for seven years to construct the building.&nbsp;“My mother’s favorite bird was the eagle. Those are especially prevalent along the wintertime near the river,” Graves said. In her honor, he named the new facility the Rivers Eagle Bar and Grill, which opened in 2021.&nbsp;In addition to Speedway Pizza, the restaurant serves prime steaks and all the trimmings.&nbsp;&nbsp;It also hosts lots of activities such as live entertainment, cornhole tournaments, kayak races, an event called Jammin’ on the River, and more.&nbsp;Graves realized that 2023 would mark the 130th anniversary of the Cherokee Strip Land Run. He is developing plans to commemorate that anniversary with a major event on Sept. 16, 2023, involving live music, cowboy poetry, Civil War re-enactors and more.&nbsp;He hopes to build a memorial wall and statue representing the original settlers. “Each stone would represent a family that participated in the land run. It would list the family name, tract number and legal description,” Graves said.&nbsp;“I think this history has kind of been forgotten, and I would like to re-energize the community.”&nbsp;That’s good to see in a&nbsp;rural&nbsp;community like Arkansas City, population 11,974 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, that’s&nbsp;rural.&nbsp;For more information, search for Rivers Eagle Bar and Grill on Facebook.&nbsp;We commend Russell Graves for making a difference with his entrepreneurial spirit and appreciation of history. I hope the river’s eagle flies high.&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>.

THAT'S RURAL: Russell Graves, Rivers Eagle Bar & Grill, Cherokee Strip Land Run

Today is Sunday, Feb. 12, the 43rd day of 2023. There are 322 days left in the year.

On Feb. 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was born in a log cabin in Hardin (now LaRue) County, Kentucky.

In 1554, Lady Jane Grey, who had claimed the throne of England for nine days, and her husband, Guildford Dudley, were beheaded after being condemned for high treason.

In 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the NAACP, was founded.

In 1912, Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, abdicated, marking the end of the Qing Dynasty.

In 1914, groundbreaking took place for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (A year later on this date, the cornerstone was laid.)

In 1973, Operation Homecoming began as the first release of American prisoners of war from the Vietnam conflict took place.

In 1983, composer-pianist Eubie Blake, who wrote such songs as "I'm Just Wild About Harry" and "Memories of You," died in Brooklyn, New York, five days after turning 100.

In 1999, the Senate voted to acquit President Bill Clinton of perjury and obstruction of justice.

In 2000, Charles M. Schulz, creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip, died in Santa Rosa, California, at age 77.

In 2002, former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic went on trial in The Hague, accused of war crimes (he died in 2006 before the trial could conclude).

In 2006, figure skater Michelle Kwan effectively retired from competition as she withdrew from the Turin Olympics due to injury (she was replaced on the U.S. team by Emily Hughes). Snowboarder Shaun White beat American teammate Danny Kass to win the Olympic gold medal.

In 2019, Mexico's most notorious drug lord, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, was convicted in New York of running an industrial-scale smuggling operation; a jury, whose members' identities were kept secret as a security measure, had deliberated for six days. (Guzman is serving a life sentence at the federal supermax prison facility in Florence, Colorado.)

In 2020, Holland America Line said a cruise ship, the MS Westerdam, which had been barred from docking by four governments because of fears of the coronavirus, would arrive the next day in Cambodia. In Japan, officials confirmed 39 new cases on a cruise ship that had been quarantined at Yokohama, bringing the total number of cases on the Diamond Princess to 174.

Ten years ago: The manhunt for a rogue ex-Los Angeles cop Christopher Dorner, who was seeking revenge for his firing, came to an end with his apparent suicide in a mountain cabin following a gunbattle with law enforcement; authorities blamed him for killing four people, including two officers. The U.N. Security Council strongly condemned North Korea's latest nuclear test. IOC leaders dropped wrestling for the 2020 Games in a surprise decision to scrap one of the oldest sports on the Olympic program.

Five years ago: In a retreat from promises to balance the budget, President Donald Trump unveiled a $4.4 trillion plan that envisioned steep cuts to America's social safety net but mounting military spending; the outline acknowledged that the 2017 Republican tax overhaul would add billions to the deficit. Two Baltimore police detectives were convicted of robbery, racketeering and conspiracy at a trial that was part of a federal probe of corruption among rogue members of the city's police force. The National Portrait Gallery unveiled portraits of former President Barack Obama and his wife, painted by African-American artists chosen by the Obamas. American snowboarder Jamie Anderson won gold in the women's slopestyle event at the Winter Olympics in South Korea.

One year ago: President Joe Biden called on President Vladimir Putin to pull back more than 100,000 Russian troops massed near Ukraine's borders and warned that the U.S. and its allies would "respond decisively and impose swift and severe costs" if Russia invaded. (Russia would invade Ukraine eight days later.) Paris police fired tear gas against a handful of demonstrators on the Champs Elysees Avenue who defied a police order by taking part in a vehicle protest against virus restrictions.

Today's birthdays: Movie director Costa-Gavras is 90. Actor Joe Don Baker is 87. Author Judy Blume is 85. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak is 81. Country singer Moe Bandy is 79. Actor Maud Adams is 78. Actor Cliff DeYoung is 77. Actor Michael Ironside is 73. Rock musician Steve Hackett is 73. Rock singer Michael McDonald is 71. Actor Joanna Kerns is 70. Actor Zach Grenier is 69. Actor-talk show host Arsenio Hall is 67. Actor John Michael Higgins is 60. Actor Raphael Sbarge is 59. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh is 58. Actor Christine Elise is 58. Actor Josh Brolin is 55. Singer Chynna Phillips is 55. Rock musician Jim Creeggan (Barenaked Ladies) is 53. Actor Jesse Spencer is 44. Rapper Gucci Mane is 43. Actor Sarah Lancaster is 43. Actor Christina Ricci is 43. Actor Jennifer Stone is 30. Actors Baylie and Rylie Cregut (TV: "Raising Hope") are 13.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Sunday, Feb. 12, the 43rd day of 2023. There are 322 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Feb. 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was born in a log cabin in Hardin (now LaRue) County, Kentucky.On this date:In 1554, Lady Jane Grey, who had claimed the throne of England for nine days, and her husband, Guildford Dudley, were beheaded after being condemned for high treason.In 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the NAACP, was founded.In 1912, Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, abdicated, marking the end of the Qing Dynasty.In 1914, groundbreaking took place for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (A year later on this date, the cornerstone was laid.)In 1973, Operation Homecoming began as the first release of American prisoners of war from the Vietnam conflict took place.In 1983, composer-pianist Eubie Blake, who wrote such songs as "I'm Just Wild About Harry" and "Memories of You," died in Brooklyn, New York, five days after turning 100.In 1999, the Senate voted to acquit President Bill Clinton of perjury and obstruction of justice.In 2000, Charles M. Schulz, creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip, died in Santa Rosa, California, at age 77.In 2002, former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic went on trial in The Hague, accused of war crimes (he died in 2006 before the trial could conclude).In 2006, figure skater Michelle Kwan effectively retired from competition as she withdrew from the Turin Olympics due to injury (she was replaced on the U.S. team by Emily Hughes). Snowboarder Shaun White beat American teammate Danny Kass to win the Olympic gold medal.In 2019, Mexico's most notorious drug lord, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, was convicted in New York of running an industrial-scale smuggling operation; a jury, whose members' identities were kept secret as a security measure, had deliberated for six days. (Guzman is serving a life sentence at the federal supermax prison facility in Florence, Colorado.)In 2020, Holland America Line said a cruise ship, the MS Westerdam, which had been barred from docking by four governments because of fears of the coronavirus, would arrive the next day in Cambodia. In Japan, officials confirmed 39 new cases on a cruise ship that had been quarantined at Yokohama, bringing the total number of cases on the Diamond Princess to 174.Ten years ago: The manhunt for a rogue ex-Los Angeles cop Christopher Dorner, who was seeking revenge for his firing, came to an end with his apparent suicide in a mountain cabin following a gunbattle with law enforcement; authorities blamed him for killing four people, including two officers. The U.N. Security Council strongly condemned North Korea's latest nuclear test. IOC leaders dropped wrestling for the 2020 Games in a surprise decision to scrap one of the oldest sports on the Olympic program.Five years ago: In a retreat from promises to balance the budget, President Donald Trump unveiled a $4.4 trillion plan that envisioned steep cuts to America's social safety net but mounting military spending; the outline acknowledged that the 2017 Republican tax overhaul would add billions to the deficit. Two Baltimore police detectives were convicted of robbery, racketeering and conspiracy at a trial that was part of a federal probe of corruption among rogue members of the city's police force. The National Portrait Gallery unveiled portraits of former President Barack Obama and his wife, painted by African-American artists chosen by the Obamas. American snowboarder Jamie Anderson won gold in the women's slopestyle event at the Winter Olympics in South Korea.One year ago: President Joe Biden called on President Vladimir Putin to pull back more than 100,000 Russian troops massed near Ukraine's borders and warned that the U.S. and its allies would "respond decisively and impose swift and severe costs" if Russia invaded. (Russia would invade Ukraine eight days later.) Paris police fired tear gas against a handful of demonstrators on the Champs Elysees Avenue who defied a police order by taking part in a vehicle protest against virus restrictions.Today's birthdays: Movie director Costa-Gavras is 90. Actor Joe Don Baker is 87. Author Judy Blume is 85. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak is 81. Country singer Moe Bandy is 79. Actor Maud Adams is 78. Actor Cliff DeYoung is 77. Actor Michael Ironside is 73. Rock musician Steve Hackett is 73. Rock singer Michael McDonald is 71. Actor Joanna Kerns is 70. Actor Zach Grenier is 69. Actor-talk show host Arsenio Hall is 67. Actor John Michael Higgins is 60. Actor Raphael Sbarge is 59. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh is 58. Actor Christine Elise is 58. Actor Josh Brolin is 55. Singer Chynna Phillips is 55. Rock musician Jim Creeggan (Barenaked Ladies) is 53. Actor Jesse Spencer is 44. Rapper Gucci Mane is 43. Actor Sarah Lancaster is 43. Actor Christina Ricci is 43. Actor Jennifer Stone is 30. Actors Baylie and Rylie Cregut (TV: "Raising Hope") are 13.

Today in History - Feb. 12

By JASON GRAVES Horticulture extension agent

Growing a vegetable garden on one of the Salina Community Garden plots definitely has many benefits.&nbsp; For many people one of the biggest benefits is simply more space.&nbsp; Many city backyards may have shade trees or other obstacles that make growing a nice garden difficult.&nbsp;&nbsp; In these situations, a community garden plot may offer the perfect solution.&nbsp;

Fortunately, here in Salina we have community gardens that offer great gardening opportunities for many residents.&nbsp; Each year the City of Salina and K-State Research and Extension-Central Kansas District sponsor three community gardens throughout the city that make garden plots available to over 100 local families. Every year, these families benefit from better tasting, more nutritious food, good exercise, and the camaraderie of community gardening.&nbsp;

Each garden plot has access to water and hoses are provided.&nbsp; Material such as straw or wood chips to mulch with is also provided (as it is available) as are wheelbarrows with which to move the mulch or other gardening materials.&nbsp; Gardeners themselves are responsible for all other tools and gardening supplies to care for their plot.

The largest of the Salina Community Garden sites is at the former&nbsp;Stimmel&nbsp;Elementary School.&nbsp; There are 64 garden plots at the&nbsp;Stimmel&nbsp;School site - each about 600 sq. ft. in size - and many are still available.&nbsp;&nbsp; Other garden sites include the Carver Center Community Garden and the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank Community Garden.&nbsp; If you would like to use a community garden plot, come into the K-State Research &amp; Extension office to sign up.&nbsp; Available plots are first-come, first-served.&nbsp; 

To check on availability, you can also call the Extension office at 785-309-5850.&nbsp; The extension office is located on the K-State Salina campus in Salina at 2218&nbsp;Scanlan&nbsp;Avenue in the Extension Center building on the north side of campus.&nbsp; Look for our purple sign.&nbsp; 

The share of maintenance costs for each garden is $20 and must be paid when the plot is reserved.

It is always fun to see new folks enjoying the outdoors and making new friends around a common interest.&nbsp; Many even use their gardens for the benefit of others and enjoy sharing the fruit of their labor with other family or friends.&nbsp; Don’t let the lack of space in your backyard be an excuse any longer.&nbsp; You might find that a community garden plot and all its benefits are too good an opportunity to pass up.&nbsp; K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676173187559.jpeg" alt="One of the Salina Community Gardens. Photo courtesy&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension-Central Kansas District" />
 <figcaption>One of the Salina Community Gardens. Photo courtesy&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension-Central Kansas District</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON GRAVES Horticulture extension agent Growing a vegetable garden on one of the Salina Community Garden plots definitely has many benefits.&nbsp; For many people one of the biggest benefits is simply more space.&nbsp; Many city backyards may have shade trees or other obstacles that make growing a nice garden difficult.&nbsp;&nbsp; In these situations, a community garden plot may offer the perfect solution.&nbsp;Fortunately, here in Salina we have community gardens that offer great gardening opportunities for many residents.&nbsp; Each year the City of Salina and K-State Research and Extension-Central Kansas District sponsor three community gardens throughout the city that make garden plots available to over 100 local families. Every year, these families benefit from better tasting, more nutritious food, good exercise, and the camaraderie of community gardening.&nbsp;Each garden plot has access to water and hoses are provided.&nbsp; Material such as straw or wood chips to mulch with is also provided (as it is available) as are wheelbarrows with which to move the mulch or other gardening materials.&nbsp; Gardeners themselves are responsible for all other tools and gardening supplies to care for their plot.The largest of the Salina Community Garden sites is at the former&nbsp;Stimmel&nbsp;Elementary School.&nbsp; There are 64 garden plots at the&nbsp;Stimmel&nbsp;School site - each about 600 sq. ft. in size - and many are still available.&nbsp;&nbsp; Other garden sites include the Carver Center Community Garden and the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank Community Garden.&nbsp; If you would like to use a community garden plot, come into the K-State Research &amp; Extension office to sign up.&nbsp; Available plots are first-come, first-served.&nbsp; To check on availability, you can also call the Extension office at 785-309-5850.&nbsp; The extension office is located on the K-State Salina campus in Salina at 2218&nbsp;Scanlan&nbsp;Avenue in the Extension Center building on the north side of campus.&nbsp; Look for our purple sign.&nbsp; The share of maintenance costs for each garden is $20 and must be paid when the plot is reserved.It is always fun to see new folks enjoying the outdoors and making new friends around a common interest.&nbsp; Many even use their gardens for the benefit of others and enjoy sharing the fruit of their labor with other family or friends.&nbsp; Don’t let the lack of space in your backyard be an excuse any longer.&nbsp; You might find that a community garden plot and all its benefits are too good an opportunity to pass up.&nbsp; K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Salina Community Garden plots now available for 2023 season

WASHINGTON –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement after the passing of Salina native John “Jack” Vanier, a long-time supporter of Kansas State University, former president of the Kansas Livestock Association, and an advocate for rural Kansas:

“Jack and Donna were involved in nearly every good project that benefited Salina and central Kansas. They made everyone feel comfortable in their presence and helped a young guy from Hays become their congressman and later senator. If you were to look for a role model citizen, copy Jack. His legacy will live on in the K-State students who study agriculture and the Kansas farms and ranches that will continue to be passed from generation to generation thanks to Jack’s contributions to our state.”

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran's OfficeWASHINGTON –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement after the passing of Salina native John “Jack” Vanier, a long-time supporter of Kansas State University, former president of the Kansas Livestock Association, and an advocate for rural Kansas:“Jack and Donna were involved in nearly every good project that benefited Salina and central Kansas. They made everyone feel comfortable in their presence and helped a young guy from Hays become their congressman and later senator. If you were to look for a role model citizen, copy Jack. His legacy will live on in the K-State students who study agriculture and the Kansas farms and ranches that will continue to be passed from generation to generation thanks to Jack’s contributions to our state.”

Senator Jerry Moran remembers Salina native Jack Vanier

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.

<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.