By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A local woman was slightly injured in a two-vehicle wreck Monday afternoon in southwest Salina.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that Lisa Gormley, 62, of Salina, was driving southwest on Royal Drive in a 2004 Suzuki XL7 when she failed to yield the right-of-way at Derby Street and struck a 1999 Ford Ranger pickup driven by a 16-year-old Salina boy.

After the collision, the Suzuki went southbound over a curb and struck a utility trailer and two chainlink fences before coming to a stop.

Gormley suffered minor injuries, but was not transported to the hospital, Forrester said. A 27-year-old female passenger in the Suzuki was not injured. No injuries were reported for the teen pickup driver.

The Suzuki sustained major front-end damage and the Ranger sustained front and driver-side damage. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

Gormley was cited for failure to yield the right-of-way at an intersection, Forrester said.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA local woman was slightly injured in a two-vehicle wreck Monday afternoon in southwest Salina.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that Lisa Gormley, 62, of Salina, was driving southwest on Royal Drive in a 2004 Suzuki XL7 when she failed to yield the right-of-way at Derby Street and struck a 1999 Ford Ranger pickup driven by a 16-year-old Salina boy.After the collision, the Suzuki went southbound over a curb and struck a utility trailer and two chainlink fences before coming to a stop.Gormley suffered minor injuries, but was not transported to the hospital, Forrester said. A 27-year-old female passenger in the Suzuki was not injured. No injuries were reported for the teen pickup driver.The Suzuki sustained major front-end damage and the Ranger sustained front and driver-side damage. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.Gormley was cited for failure to yield the right-of-way at an intersection, Forrester said.

Salina woman cited after two-vehicle wreck in southwest Salina

K-State News and Communications Services

MANHATTAN — The winter solstice begins this week, plus a weather forecast including snow and dangerous wind chills means winter is officially here. A Kansas State University veterinarian says now is the time to bring some pets inside.&nbsp;

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/48b53a7f-7516-4d98-80a3-ead1f016bd3b">Dangerous wind chills and hazardous travel expected</a>

"It is time to consider bringing your cat or dog inside for warmth," said Susan Nelson,&nbsp;clinical professor at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>.&nbsp;"Pets that are very young or old, and those not acclimated to the colder weather, should be brought in during the colder temperatures."&nbsp;

Nelson advises dogs with heavy coats could get too warm in the house, so keeping them in a slightly cooler room or the garage can prevent them from getting too uncomfortable. Short trips inside the house before a long period of cold can give pets a chance to become accustomed to indoor temperatures.&nbsp;

If your pet gets nervous or panics while inside, Nelson said a carrier or crate may help to ease the transition. Speak to your veterinarian about calming medication if the pet's anxiety is severe.&nbsp;

Ensure pets have easy access to food and water bowls and that they know where the bowls are located.&nbsp;If your pet is not housebroken, Nelson recommends keeping them on floors that are easily cleaned.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Homes do have their own environmental threats to pets that are different from those found outdoors.&nbsp;

Indoor plants, such as lilies, dieffenbachia and philodendron, can be toxic to pets," Nelson said. "Before bringing pets inside, take an inventory of what plants you have and find out if they are poisonous, then move them to an inaccessible place."&nbsp;

Nelson listed some additional common items found in the home that can also be harmful to our furry friends:&nbsp;

With proper care and preparation, pets can be comfortable outside during cold weather, Nelson said.&nbsp;

"Outdoor shelters should not be too big in order to prevent loss of heat to dead space," Nelson said. "The door should face the south or west to reduce wind gusts. Use clean straw or hay for bedding, as blankets tend to get trampled easily and lose their insulating effect. If your pet will allow it, hanging a blanket over the door or using a pet flap will keep the wind out."&nbsp;

According to Nelson, cats also benefit from a cozy box in a sheltered area. Straw or hay bedding also works well for them.&nbsp;

"Outside water bowls should be checked at least twice a day for ice, and more often during particularly frigid weather like we will experience this week, to prevent dehydration," Nelson said. "A heated water bowl is a better option."&nbsp;

Nelson advises that some outside-dwelling pets may need an increase in food during cold weather to help pets maintain body heat.&nbsp;

The age of the pet can make it more susceptible to cold weather. Young and senior pets are more prone to hypothermia, so they should be kept in a warm environment. &nbsp;

"Pets with osteoarthritis should be treated with extra care," Nelson added. "Keep them indoors in a warm and well-cushioned area. You can speak with your veterinarian about pain medication options and therapeutic diets that can help ease the pain of arthritic joints."&nbsp;

Nelson's additional winter weather safety tips for pets include:&nbsp;

●If you have a short-haired dog, sweaters are a good idea. Sweaters made out of cotton, fleece or natural fibers are preferred. Make sure the sweater fits well, does not catch the dog's feet and cannot be easily pulled off. Avoid sweaters with decorations that could be torn off and ingested.

●Outdoor cats will seek warmth, including near or on a car engine. Honk the horn on your vehicle or bang on the hood before starting the engine in order to scare off any cats that may be warming themselves.

●Rinse off your pet's feet if they have been walking on treated surfaces, and do not let them lick it off. It is best to avoid treated walkways, but if your pet must frequently walk on these surfaces, consider having them wear booties to protect their feet. The booties can also help protect their feet from painful ice balls that can form on the bottom of the paws.

 ●Antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Immediately and thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol, which is more pet friendly — but still not entirely harmless.&nbsp;

Frostbite can affect the ears, feet and noses of pets just as it does in people. To avoid frostbite, do not let your pet out in the extreme cold for a long period of time. Chances are that if you get too cold to be outside, it's probably too cold for your pet as well.



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671545993349.jpeg" alt="A Kansas State University veterinarian says now is the time to bring some pets inside. Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>A Kansas State University veterinarian says now is the time to bring some pets inside. Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State News and Communications ServicesMANHATTAN — The winter solstice begins this week, plus a weather forecast including snow and dangerous wind chills means winter is officially here. A Kansas State University veterinarian says now is the time to bring some pets inside.&nbsp;READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/48b53a7f-7516-4d98-80a3-ead1f016bd3b">Dangerous wind chills and hazardous travel expected</a>"It is time to consider bringing your cat or dog inside for warmth," said Susan Nelson,&nbsp;clinical professor at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksvhc.org/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>.&nbsp;"Pets that are very young or old, and those not acclimated to the colder weather, should be brought in during the colder temperatures."&nbsp;Nelson advises dogs with heavy coats could get too warm in the house, so keeping them in a slightly cooler room or the garage can prevent them from getting too uncomfortable. Short trips inside the house before a long period of cold can give pets a chance to become accustomed to indoor temperatures.&nbsp;If your pet gets nervous or panics while inside, Nelson said a carrier or crate may help to ease the transition. Speak to your veterinarian about calming medication if the pet's anxiety is severe.&nbsp;Ensure pets have easy access to food and water bowls and that they know where the bowls are located.&nbsp;If your pet is not housebroken, Nelson recommends keeping them on floors that are easily cleaned.&nbsp;&nbsp;Homes do have their own environmental threats to pets that are different from those found outdoors.&nbsp;Indoor plants, such as lilies, dieffenbachia and philodendron, can be toxic to pets," Nelson said. "Before bringing pets inside, take an inventory of what plants you have and find out if they are poisonous, then move them to an inaccessible place."&nbsp;Nelson listed some additional common items found in the home that can also be harmful to our furry friends:&nbsp;●Chocolate●Raisins●Onions●Electrical cords●Candles●PotpourriWith proper care and preparation, pets can be comfortable outside during cold weather, Nelson said.&nbsp;"Outdoor shelters should not be too big in order to prevent loss of heat to dead space," Nelson said. "The door should face the south or west to reduce wind gusts. Use clean straw or hay for bedding, as blankets tend to get trampled easily and lose their insulating effect. If your pet will allow it, hanging a blanket over the door or using a pet flap will keep the wind out."&nbsp;According to Nelson, cats also benefit from a cozy box in a sheltered area. Straw or hay bedding also works well for them.&nbsp;"Outside water bowls should be checked at least twice a day for ice, and more often during particularly frigid weather like we will experience this week, to prevent dehydration," Nelson said. "A heated water bowl is a better option."&nbsp;Nelson advises that some outside-dwelling pets may need an increase in food during cold weather to help pets maintain body heat.&nbsp;The age of the pet can make it more susceptible to cold weather. Young and senior pets are more prone to hypothermia, so they should be kept in a warm environment. &nbsp;"Pets with osteoarthritis should be treated with extra care," Nelson added. "Keep them indoors in a warm and well-cushioned area. You can speak with your veterinarian about pain medication options and therapeutic diets that can help ease the pain of arthritic joints."&nbsp;Nelson's additional winter weather safety tips for pets include:&nbsp;●If you have a short-haired dog, sweaters are a good idea. Sweaters made out of cotton, fleece or natural fibers are preferred. Make sure the sweater fits well, does not catch the dog's feet and cannot be easily pulled off. Avoid sweaters with decorations that could be torn off and ingested.●Outdoor cats will seek warmth, including near or on a car engine. Honk the horn on your vehicle or bang on the hood before starting the engine in order to scare off any cats that may be warming themselves.●Rinse off your pet's feet if they have been walking on treated surfaces, and do not let them lick it off. It is best to avoid treated walkways, but if your pet must frequently walk on these surfaces, consider having them wear booties to protect their feet. The booties can also help protect their feet from painful ice balls that can form on the bottom of the paws. ●Antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Immediately and thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol, which is more pet friendly — but still not entirely harmless.&nbsp;Frostbite can affect the ears, feet and noses of pets just as it does in people. To avoid frostbite, do not let your pet out in the extreme cold for a long period of time. Chances are that if you get too cold to be outside, it's probably too cold for your pet as well.

K-State veterinarian offers cold weather pet care tips

By AMY HEBERT FTC consumer education specialist

Did you just&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/12/ftc-helps-fortnite-players-score-victory-royale-against-epic-games">read about</a>&nbsp;the FTC’s settlement with Epic Games related to in-game charges in Fortnite resulting in $245 million in refunds for some parents and players? Well, there’s a Part 2: the FTC has reached another settlement with Epic about its handling of privacy for kids and teens who played Fortnite.

When playing Fortnite, you might get matched up with other players to battle it out until there’s just one player or team left. Those players include kids and teens who make up a big part of the hundreds of millions of people who play Fortnite. And it also includes adults — anyone really.

What’s the problem? The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/12/fortnite-video-game-maker-epic-games-pay-more-half-billion-dollars-over-ftc-allegations">FTC says</a>&nbsp;the game’s default settings were not private — voice and text chat were automatically on, and turning that off was not easy. That meant players’ voices, including kids and teens, were automatically broadcast to friends and strangers alike. That also meant anyone who saw your kid’s display name, which was also automatically public, could send a friend request. So strangers could play with — and potentially talk and chat with — them again. This, says the FTC, resulted in kids being bullied, threatened, and harassed, including sexually, through Fortnite. For two years, Epic also didn’t get parents’ permission to collect information from their kids under 13 — something required by the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act.

To settle the FTC’s charges, Epic has agreed to change its default settings for kids and teens from public to private, so it blocks open voice and text chat by default. Epic will also put a privacy program in place and pay a $275 million penalty to the U.S. Treasury. (While there won’t be refunds under this settlement, you might be eligible for money back if you were unfairly charged. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ftc.gov/fortnite">ftc.gov/fortnite</a>.)

If you’re a parent, new games are almost certainly in your future this holiday season. Before your kids or teens start playing:

●Know that usernames might be public.&nbsp;Talk about usernames. The best ones won’t include a user’s real name or other personal details about them.

●Check the privacy settings in the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;If the settings are hard to find or hard to make changes to, tell the FTC.

If you think a company is breaking the rules when it comes to you or your kids’ or teens’ privacy, tell the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671509886877.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By AMY HEBERT FTC consumer education specialistDid you just&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/12/ftc-helps-fortnite-players-score-victory-royale-against-epic-games">read about</a>&nbsp;the FTC’s settlement with Epic Games related to in-game charges in Fortnite resulting in $245 million in refunds for some parents and players? Well, there’s a Part 2: the FTC has reached another settlement with Epic about its handling of privacy for kids and teens who played Fortnite.When playing Fortnite, you might get matched up with other players to battle it out until there’s just one player or team left. Those players include kids and teens who make up a big part of the hundreds of millions of people who play Fortnite. And it also includes adults — anyone really.What’s the problem? The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/12/fortnite-video-game-maker-epic-games-pay-more-half-billion-dollars-over-ftc-allegations">FTC says</a>&nbsp;the game’s default settings were not private — voice and text chat were automatically on, and turning that off was not easy. That meant players’ voices, including kids and teens, were automatically broadcast to friends and strangers alike. That also meant anyone who saw your kid’s display name, which was also automatically public, could send a friend request. So strangers could play with — and potentially talk and chat with — them again. This, says the FTC, resulted in kids being bullied, threatened, and harassed, including sexually, through Fortnite. For two years, Epic also didn’t get parents’ permission to collect information from their kids under 13 — something required by the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act.To settle the FTC’s charges, Epic has agreed to change its default settings for kids and teens from public to private, so it blocks open voice and text chat by default. Epic will also put a privacy program in place and pay a $275 million penalty to the U.S. Treasury. (While there won’t be refunds under this settlement, you might be eligible for money back if you were unfairly charged. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ftc.gov/fortnite">ftc.gov/fortnite</a>.)If you’re a parent, new games are almost certainly in your future this holiday season. Before your kids or teens start playing:●Know that usernames might be public.&nbsp;Talk about usernames. The best ones won’t include a user’s real name or other personal details about them.●Check the privacy settings in the game.&nbsp;&nbsp;If the settings are hard to find or hard to make changes to, tell the FTC.If you think a company is breaking the rules when it comes to you or your kids’ or teens’ privacy, tell the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: The gift of privacy for Fortnite players

MCPHERSON –&nbsp;McPherson College has partnered with RTI International on an in-depth study and analysis of its pioneering Student Debt Project, one of the key initiatives supported by the $500 million double-match estate commitment recently announced by the college. 

The research project will advance the Student Debt Project and position McPherson College to expand its impact.

RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute with a staff of 6,000 people working in more than 90 countries, with headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. RTI will examine the key features of the college’s Student Debt Project and its outcomes to date, resulting in a white paper that will outline potential opportunities and guide the college’s efforts to refine the model for both McPherson College and other institutions.

“We know that the Student Debt Project is having a positive impact on McPherson College students by engaging them in financial literacy mentoring,” President Michael Schneider said. “Our students are making substantial progress toward decreasing and, in some cases, eliminating student debt at graduation. RTI will provide an important independent analysis while at the same time suggest ways that our Student Debt Project can benefit students beyond McPherson College.”

The college hopes to build on its experience and expand its work toward decreasing and eliminating college debt by creating a National Center on Student Debt Reduction. RTI will recommend activities to enhance the Student Debt Project at McPherson College while positioning the college to take a more significant national leadership role in lowering student debt.

In the five years since the project began, McPherson College has incrementally decreased its average student debt at graduation, achieving one of the lowest averages among four-year colleges and universities in Kansas. At the start of this academic year, half of all students were participating in the project. The project combines financial literacy education, work experience, and mentorship with matching funds in a pay-as-you-go program. In addition to the benefits students receive, the college sees greater student retention of those who participate in the program.

“The Student Debt Project impacts students after graduation by helping decrease the amount of money they could be paying into their 20s, 30s, and beyond,” said Taylor Bohannon, a junior from Belle Plain, Kan. “The financial match for every payment you make is a huge help that adds up over time.”

According to Schneider, McPherson College is committed to minimizing student reliance on loans. “The project is an idea that evolved from our&nbsp;Community by Design&nbsp;strategic plan, and it is making education affordable without unnecessary debt. We are grateful that the recent commitment made to the college’s endowment will ensure that this program continues for future generations of students.”

To date, the college has raised close to $150 million of the $250 million needed to secure the $500 million match, including a $50 million commitment from Californian philanthropists Melanie and Richard Lundquist. To learn more about the $500 million two-for-one match applied to endowment donations and estate gift commitments made to McPherson College, visit <a href="http://www.mcpherson.edu/500match">www.mcpherson.edu/500match</a>.

McPherson CollegeMCPHERSON –&nbsp;McPherson College has partnered with RTI International on an in-depth study and analysis of its pioneering Student Debt Project, one of the key initiatives supported by the $500 million double-match estate commitment recently announced by the college. The research project will advance the Student Debt Project and position McPherson College to expand its impact.RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute with a staff of 6,000 people working in more than 90 countries, with headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. RTI will examine the key features of the college’s Student Debt Project and its outcomes to date, resulting in a white paper that will outline potential opportunities and guide the college’s efforts to refine the model for both McPherson College and other institutions.“We know that the Student Debt Project is having a positive impact on McPherson College students by engaging them in financial literacy mentoring,” President Michael Schneider said. “Our students are making substantial progress toward decreasing and, in some cases, eliminating student debt at graduation. RTI will provide an important independent analysis while at the same time suggest ways that our Student Debt Project can benefit students beyond McPherson College.”The college hopes to build on its experience and expand its work toward decreasing and eliminating college debt by creating a National Center on Student Debt Reduction. RTI will recommend activities to enhance the Student Debt Project at McPherson College while positioning the college to take a more significant national leadership role in lowering student debt.In the five years since the project began, McPherson College has incrementally decreased its average student debt at graduation, achieving one of the lowest averages among four-year colleges and universities in Kansas. At the start of this academic year, half of all students were participating in the project. The project combines financial literacy education, work experience, and mentorship with matching funds in a pay-as-you-go program. In addition to the benefits students receive, the college sees greater student retention of those who participate in the program.“The Student Debt Project impacts students after graduation by helping decrease the amount of money they could be paying into their 20s, 30s, and beyond,” said Taylor Bohannon, a junior from Belle Plain, Kan. “The financial match for every payment you make is a huge help that adds up over time.”According to Schneider, McPherson College is committed to minimizing student reliance on loans. “The project is an idea that evolved from our&nbsp;Community by Design&nbsp;strategic plan, and it is making education affordable without unnecessary debt. We are grateful that the recent commitment made to the college’s endowment will ensure that this program continues for future generations of students.”To date, the college has raised close to $150 million of the $250 million needed to secure the $500 million match, including a $50 million commitment from Californian philanthropists Melanie and Richard Lundquist. To learn more about the $500 million two-for-one match applied to endowment donations and estate gift commitments made to McPherson College, visit <a href="http://www.mcpherson.edu/500match">www.mcpherson.edu/500match</a>.

McPherson College, RTI International to study Student Debt Project

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 20, the 354th day of 2022. There are 11 days left in the year.

On Dec. 20, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was completed as ownership of the territory was formally transferred from France to the United States.

In 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union as all 169 delegates to a special convention in Charleston voted in favor of separation.

In 1864, Confederate forces evacuated Savannah, Georgia, as Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman nearly completed his "March to the Sea."

In 1945, the Office of Price Administration announced the end of tire rationing, effective Jan. 1, 1946.

In 1963, the Berlin Wall was opened for the first time to West Berliners, who were allowed one-day visits to relatives in the Eastern sector for the holidays.

In 1987, more than 4,300 people were killed when the Dona Paz, a Philippine passenger ship, collided with the tanker Vector off Mindoro island.

In 1989, the United States launched Operation Just Cause, sending troops into Panama to topple the government of Gen. Manuel Noriega.

In 1995, an American Airlines Boeing 757 en route to Cali, Colombia, slammed into a mountain, killing all but four of the 163 people aboard. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, NATO began its peacekeeping mission, taking over from the United Nations.

In 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that homosexual couples were entitled to the same benefits and protections as wedded heterosexual couples.

In 2001, the U.N. Security Council authorized a multinational force for Afghanistan.

In 2002, Trent Lott resigned as Senate Republican leader two weeks after igniting a political firestorm with racially charged remarks.

In 2005, a federal judge ruled that "intelligent design" could not be mentioned in biology classes in a Pennsylvania public school district, delivering a stinging attack on the Dover Area School Board.

In 2016, President Barack Obama designated the bulk of U.S.-owned waters in the Arctic Ocean and certain areas in the Atlantic Ocean as indefinitely off limits to future oil and gas leasing. Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova was injured in her playing hand by a knife-wielding attacker at her Czech Republic home and underwent surgery. (The attacker was sentenced to 11 years in prison.)

Ten years ago: The State Department acknowledged major weaknesses in security and errors in judgment exposed in a scathing independent report on the deadly Sept. 11, 2012 assault on a U.S. diplomatic mission in Libya. The National Hockey League, in a labor fight with its players, announced the cancellation of the 2012-13 regular-season schedule through Jan. 14, 2013.

Five years ago: The House gave final congressional approval to a $1.5 trillion tax overhaul, the biggest package of tax changes in a generation and the first major legislative achievement of President Donald Trump and House and Senate Republicans; some Republicans warned of a potential backlash against an overhaul that offered corporations and wealthy taxpayers the biggest benefits. Cardinal Bernard Law, the disgraced former archbishop of Boston, died in Rome at the age of 86; his failure to stop child molesters in the priesthood had triggered a crisis in American Catholicism.

One year ago: In a major step to fight climate change, the Biden administration raised vehicle mileage standards to significantly reduce emissions of planet-warming greenhouse gases. Warning that extremism in the ranks was increasing, Pentagon officials issued detailed new rules prohibiting service members from actively engaging in extremist activities. Federal health officials said the omicron variant had accounted for an estimated 73% of new U.S. coronavirus infections in the preceding week. CBS and Universal Television said actor Chris Noth would no longer be part of the CBS series "The Equalizer" in the wake of sexual assault allegations against him; Noth had vehemently denied the allegations.

Today's Birthdays: Original Mouseketeer Tommy Cole (TV: "The Mickey Mouse Club") is 81. R&amp;B singer-musician Walter "Wolfman" Washington is 79. Rock musician-music producer Bobby Colomby is 78. Rock musician Peter Criss is 77. Former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is 76. Psychic/illusionist Uri Geller is 76. Producer Dick Wolf ("Law &amp; Order") is 76. Rock musician Alan Parsons is 74. Actor Jenny Agutter is 70. Actor Michael Badalucco is 68. Actor Blanche Baker is 66. Rock singer Billy Bragg is 65. Rock singer-musician Mike Watt (The Secondmen, Minutemen, fIREHOSE) is 65. Actor Joel Gretsch is 59. Country singer Kris Tyler is 58. Rock singer Chris Robinson is 56. Actor Nicole deBoer is 52. Movie director Todd Phillips is 52. Singer David Cook ("American Idol") is 40. Actor Jonah Hill is 39. Actor Bob Morley is 38. Singer JoJo is 32. Actor Colin Woodell is 31.

<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, Dec. 20, the 354th day of 2022. There are 11 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 20, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was completed as ownership of the territory was formally transferred from France to the United States.On this date:In 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union as all 169 delegates to a special convention in Charleston voted in favor of separation.In 1864, Confederate forces evacuated Savannah, Georgia, as Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman nearly completed his "March to the Sea."In 1945, the Office of Price Administration announced the end of tire rationing, effective Jan. 1, 1946.In 1963, the Berlin Wall was opened for the first time to West Berliners, who were allowed one-day visits to relatives in the Eastern sector for the holidays.In 1987, more than 4,300 people were killed when the Dona Paz, a Philippine passenger ship, collided with the tanker Vector off Mindoro island.In 1989, the United States launched Operation Just Cause, sending troops into Panama to topple the government of Gen. Manuel Noriega.In 1995, an American Airlines Boeing 757 en route to Cali, Colombia, slammed into a mountain, killing all but four of the 163 people aboard. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, NATO began its peacekeeping mission, taking over from the United Nations.In 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that homosexual couples were entitled to the same benefits and protections as wedded heterosexual couples.In 2001, the U.N. Security Council authorized a multinational force for Afghanistan.In 2002, Trent Lott resigned as Senate Republican leader two weeks after igniting a political firestorm with racially charged remarks.In 2005, a federal judge ruled that "intelligent design" could not be mentioned in biology classes in a Pennsylvania public school district, delivering a stinging attack on the Dover Area School Board.In 2016, President Barack Obama designated the bulk of U.S.-owned waters in the Arctic Ocean and certain areas in the Atlantic Ocean as indefinitely off limits to future oil and gas leasing. Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova was injured in her playing hand by a knife-wielding attacker at her Czech Republic home and underwent surgery. (The attacker was sentenced to 11 years in prison.)Ten years ago: The State Department acknowledged major weaknesses in security and errors in judgment exposed in a scathing independent report on the deadly Sept. 11, 2012 assault on a U.S. diplomatic mission in Libya. The National Hockey League, in a labor fight with its players, announced the cancellation of the 2012-13 regular-season schedule through Jan. 14, 2013.Five years ago: The House gave final congressional approval to a $1.5 trillion tax overhaul, the biggest package of tax changes in a generation and the first major legislative achievement of President Donald Trump and House and Senate Republicans; some Republicans warned of a potential backlash against an overhaul that offered corporations and wealthy taxpayers the biggest benefits. Cardinal Bernard Law, the disgraced former archbishop of Boston, died in Rome at the age of 86; his failure to stop child molesters in the priesthood had triggered a crisis in American Catholicism.One year ago: In a major step to fight climate change, the Biden administration raised vehicle mileage standards to significantly reduce emissions of planet-warming greenhouse gases. Warning that extremism in the ranks was increasing, Pentagon officials issued detailed new rules prohibiting service members from actively engaging in extremist activities. Federal health officials said the omicron variant had accounted for an estimated 73% of new U.S. coronavirus infections in the preceding week. CBS and Universal Television said actor Chris Noth would no longer be part of the CBS series "The Equalizer" in the wake of sexual assault allegations against him; Noth had vehemently denied the allegations.Today's Birthdays: Original Mouseketeer Tommy Cole (TV: "The Mickey Mouse Club") is 81. R&amp;B singer-musician Walter "Wolfman" Washington is 79. Rock musician-music producer Bobby Colomby is 78. Rock musician Peter Criss is 77. Former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is 76. Psychic/illusionist Uri Geller is 76. Producer Dick Wolf ("Law &amp; Order") is 76. Rock musician Alan Parsons is 74. Actor Jenny Agutter is 70. Actor Michael Badalucco is 68. Actor Blanche Baker is 66. Rock singer Billy Bragg is 65. Rock singer-musician Mike Watt (The Secondmen, Minutemen, fIREHOSE) is 65. Actor Joel Gretsch is 59. Country singer Kris Tyler is 58. Rock singer Chris Robinson is 56. Actor Nicole deBoer is 52. Movie director Todd Phillips is 52. Singer David Cook ("American Idol") is 40. Actor Jonah Hill is 39. Actor Bob Morley is 38. Singer JoJo is 32. Actor Colin Woodell is 31.

Today in History - December 20

DICKINSON COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 11 p.m. Monday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Uplander van driven by Dakota L. Jones, 27, Abilene, was northbound on Kansas 15 one and one-half miles north of the Kansas 4 junction.

The van left the right side of the road, continued traveling northeast, rolled and the driver was ejected. The vehicle caught fire and came to rest on its roof.

EMS transported Jones to Salina Regional Health Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Post News NetworkDICKINSON COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 11 p.m. Monday in Dickinson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Uplander van driven by Dakota L. Jones, 27, Abilene, was northbound on Kansas 15 one and one-half miles north of the Kansas 4 junction.The van left the right side of the road, continued traveling northeast, rolled and the driver was ejected. The vehicle caught fire and came to rest on its roof.EMS transported Jones to Salina Regional Health Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Abilene man hospitalized after van rollover crash, fire

Rural Fire District appointments and jail project changes are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.

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

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

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

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

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

Commissioners are scheduled to consider appointing the following people to the Boards of Trustees for the county's rural fire districts.

Commissioners also are scheduled to consider two change requests for the jail project.

The first is a request to "move funds from the furniture, fixtures and equipment 'bucket' into Turner’s contract to allow the construction manager to procure various equipment necessary for jail operations. These items include library bookshelves, laundry tables and bins, medical tables and beds, shelving for the evidence room, body scanners, TVs and mounting hardware, breakroom appliances, property expander, fingerprint station, fitness equipment, janitorial carts, firearm evidence system, pharmacy refrigerator, and computer backbone equipment," staff noted in the request for action.

The move is necessary as the items cannot be acquired by the county's furniture vendor.

"Staff recommends using Turner to procure these items in order to take advantage of Turner’s relationships with suppliers," the request for action noted.

The second change would be to approve the construction of a pre-engineered metal building annex on the southwestern part of the jail property to provide additional storage for evidence and equipment.

"Moving forward with the Annex building will provide adequate space for storage of Sheriff’s equipment and evidence that is currently housed in multiple locations," staff noted.

The changes do not impact the county's operating budget as they are "funded from proceeds of bonds which are repaid from the sales tax increment approved by voters in 2020," according to information in the request for action.

Other items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.

●Recognition of Nancy Bassett and Kathleen Malone Crouch from the county's administrative resource center.

●Consider approving the purchase of the Capital Improvement Program software.

To see the full Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/commission">click here</a>&nbsp;and then click on the Dec. 20 link.&nbsp; &nbsp;

By SALINA POSTRural Fire District appointments and jail project changes are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.About the meetingSaline County Commission is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street. The meetings also can be viewed on Saline County’s YouTube channel:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA</a>.To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link. Use the following link and put in the Meeting ID and passcode:<a href="https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>Meeting ID: 968 3581 9901Passcode: 144636For further information, contact the County Commission’s Office at (785) 309-5825.Agenda itemsCommissioners are scheduled to consider appointing the following people to the Boards of Trustees for the county's rural fire districts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671512692215.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners also are scheduled to consider two change requests for the jail project.The first is a request to "move funds from the furniture, fixtures and equipment 'bucket' into Turner’s contract to allow the construction manager to procure various equipment necessary for jail operations. These items include library bookshelves, laundry tables and bins, medical tables and beds, shelving for the evidence room, body scanners, TVs and mounting hardware, breakroom appliances, property expander, fingerprint station, fitness equipment, janitorial carts, firearm evidence system, pharmacy refrigerator, and computer backbone equipment," staff noted in the request for action.The move is necessary as the items cannot be acquired by the county's furniture vendor."Staff recommends using Turner to procure these items in order to take advantage of Turner’s relationships with suppliers," the request for action noted.The second change would be to approve the construction of a pre-engineered metal building annex on the southwestern part of the jail property to provide additional storage for evidence and equipment."Moving forward with the Annex building will provide adequate space for storage of Sheriff’s equipment and evidence that is currently housed in multiple locations," staff noted.The changes do not impact the county's operating budget as they are "funded from proceeds of bonds which are repaid from the sales tax increment approved by voters in 2020," according to information in the request for action.Other items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Recognition of Nancy Bassett and Kathleen Malone Crouch from the county's administrative resource center.●Consider approving the purchase of the Capital Improvement Program software.To see the full Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/commission">click here</a>&nbsp;and then click on the Dec. 20 link.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Appointments, jail project changes on Saline County agenda

One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30 p.m. Monday in Salina.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Jasmin Ann Savage, 20, Claremore, Okla., was traveling in the 100 block of W. Crawford Street in Salina.

The pickup rear-ended a 1999 Dodge Ram driven by Saul Cortes-Morales, 51, Salina, who was stopped at the red light at S. Santa Fe Avenue. The impact pushed the pickup into a 2018 Honda CRV driven by Eric Kevin Bundy, 57, Chapman, who was also stopped at the red light.

A private vehicle transported Cortes-Morales to Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;Savage and Bundy were not injured. All three drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Post News NetworkOne person was injured in an accident just before 2:30 p.m. Monday in Salina.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Jasmin Ann Savage, 20, Claremore, Okla., was traveling in the 100 block of W. Crawford Street in Salina.The pickup rear-ended a 1999 Dodge Ram driven by Saul Cortes-Morales, 51, Salina, who was stopped at the red light at S. Santa Fe Avenue. The impact pushed the pickup into a 2018 Honda CRV driven by Eric Kevin Bundy, 57, Chapman, who was also stopped at the red light.A private vehicle transported Cortes-Morales to Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;Savage and Bundy were not injured. All three drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Salina man hospitalized after 3-vehicle rear-end crash

Police are investigating an incident in which multiple shots were fired at two teens in southwest Salina Saturday night.

An 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl arrived at their residence in the 800 block of Smith Avenue just after 9 p.m. Saturday. After being inside the residence for approximately five minutes, they went back outside to get items from their vehicle. At that point, five to six shots were fired toward them, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.

The girl's 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit had a bullet hole just below the tail light on the driver's side. There also was some other damage to the car. Total damage to the car was estimated at $500, Forrester said.

Additionally, a bullet hole was found in the siding of the residence. Damage to the siding was estimated at $100, Forrester said.

The teens told police they believed the shots were fired from the other side of a vacant lot near where they live.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice are investigating an incident in which multiple shots were fired at two teens in southwest Salina Saturday night.An 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl arrived at their residence in the 800 block of Smith Avenue just after 9 p.m. Saturday. After being inside the residence for approximately five minutes, they went back outside to get items from their vehicle. At that point, five to six shots were fired toward them, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.The girl's 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit had a bullet hole just below the tail light on the driver's side. There also was some other damage to the car. Total damage to the car was estimated at $500, Forrester said.Additionally, a bullet hole was found in the siding of the residence. Damage to the siding was estimated at $100, Forrester said.The teens told police they believed the shots were fired from the other side of a vacant lot near where they live.

Multiple shots fired at two teens in southwest Salina Saturday night

Multiple guitars and a ring were stolen from a central Salina apartment Friday while the resident was at work.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that sometime after 4:30 a.m. Friday, someone broke into an apartment in the 400 block of E. Prescott Avenue and stole the following items.

●A white Epiphone Les Paul studio guitar valued at $450

●An orange Epiphone Les Paul studio guitar valued at $200

●A red Fender Squier guitar valued at $120

●A white and black Ibanez guitar valued at $300

●A blue and gold Mickey Mantle ring valued at $200

Forrester said a neighbor saw two men walk up the stairs toward the apartment. One wore a green coat and the other a tan coat. Both wore face coverings and were believed to be between 6' and 6'5" tall, he said.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostMultiple guitars and a ring were stolen from a central Salina apartment Friday while the resident was at work.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that sometime after 4:30 a.m. Friday, someone broke into an apartment in the 400 block of E. Prescott Avenue and stole the following items.●A white Epiphone Les Paul studio guitar valued at $450●An orange Epiphone Les Paul studio guitar valued at $200●A red Fender Squier guitar valued at $120●A white and black Ibanez guitar valued at $300●A blue and gold Mickey Mantle ring valued at $200Forrester said a neighbor saw two men walk up the stairs toward the apartment. One wore a green coat and the other a tan coat. Both wore face coverings and were believed to be between 6' and 6'5" tall, he said.

Guitars, ring stolen from central Salina apartment Friday

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

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

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

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

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

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

OCCK: Local, area transportation hours reduced for holidays

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nevertheless, the answer to my nationwide question on whether the U.S. will increase science literacy via more coursework and deeper-trained teachers, or descend further into the science literacy level of undeveloped countries is becoming fairly clear: states will not move to requiring more depth. And through actions such as adopting this Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, we will accelerate our race to the bottom.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="John Richard Schrock" />
 <figcaption>John Richard Schrock</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCK Last week, the Kansas State Board of Education heard a report from their staff encouraging them to promote Kansas joining the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact. Similar to states across the country, Kansas schools are experiencing growing vacancies statewide. Kansas is one of only eleven states that require high school science teachers to have in-depth education in either biology, chemistry, physics or earth sciences. To be a high school biology teacher, Kansas universities provide from 32 to 48 credit hours of biology coursework, from ecology to molecular biology to microbiology.&nbsp; Human anatomy and physiology are critical for teaching students about our immune system and other defenses against disease. Chemistry and physics and earth science teachers all require basic and advanced courses with laboratories and field trips critical to understanding science in depth. They can then provide high school students with hands-on experiences, motivating some to continue on into a science career. Biology teachers must also have basic courses in chemistry, etc. However, for middle school science teachers, Kansas only requires one or two introductory level courses in each of biology, chemistry, physics and earth sciences—preparation that is barely adequate to teach those younger students. Yet that one-size-fits-all general science training is what the other 40 states (includes DC) require for their high school teachers. That lack of in-depth teacher preparation, along with very low K–12 science and math requirements compared to Europe and the Far East, has contributed to the widespread public science ignorance that has been very obvious during these last three years.&nbsp; &nbsp; For over 40 years, I have always wondered whether the U.S.—that is falling desperately behind in public science literacy and no longer leads the world in many areas of science research—will ever turn around and teach more science in K-12 and require more depth of science training of HS teachers. The answer during this accelerating shortfall of teachers is as expected: a dilution to the lowest common denominator. To understand the problem of making interstate transfer of teachers automatic, we have to look at these substantial differences in teacher content knowledge across states. Kansas mainly draws out-of-state teachers from its border states (CO, NE, MO and OK), all of which have the weak one-size science teacher. As presented to KSBE, the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact would simply accept shallow-trained general science teachers to come into KS and teach high school biology, chemistry, physics and earth sciences without any further training and at full pay. There is another problem with the Interstate proposal. It is a design that requires adoption by each state’s legislature. Across the country, there are a wide range of state education governance systems. Some states appoint boards of education or elect a commissioner or have a mixed system often involving their state legislature. In four states, there is no state board and the chief is an “education czar.” But in many states, their legislature is thoroughly entangled in education policy. But legislators are not experts on education for the same reason that patients are not experts on medicine. Kansas is one of only eight states where the State Board is elected and then appoints their Superintendent or Commissioner. States without elected Boards have seen education policy whip-saw from one pet reform to another. We can readily expect such states to rapidly adopt this compact, focusing only on the teacher shortage and ignoring the need for teachers trained-in-depth. But the Kansas Board of Education can focus solely on the complexities of Kansas schools and maintain stability with overlapping terms in office. Future Kansas teachers should not come from neighboring states with watered down requirements. Indeed, if our future U.S. generations are to become more science literate, it is the 40 states (including DC) that should adopt the rigor required in Kansas and ten other states. Otherwise, Kansas and the broader U.S. will not have a science future.&nbsp; &nbsp; Nevertheless, the answer to my nationwide question on whether the U.S. will increase science literacy via more coursework and deeper-trained teachers, or descend further into the science literacy level of undeveloped countries is becoming fairly clear: states will not move to requiring more depth. And through actions such as adopting this Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, we will accelerate our race to the bottom.&nbsp;&nbsp;John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities during 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

EDUCATION FRONTLINES:  Race to the bottom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Monday, Dec. 19, the 353rd day of 2022. There are 12 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 19, 1998, President Bill Clinton was impeached by the Republican-controlled House for perjury and obstruction of justice. (Clinton was subsequently acquitted by the Senate.)On this date:In 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, Gen. George Washington led his army of about 11,000 men to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to camp for the winter.In 1907, 239 workers died in a coal mine explosion in Jacobs Creek, Pennsylvania.In 1946, war broke out in Indochina as troops under Ho Chi Minh launched widespread attacks against the French.In 1950, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower was named commander of the military forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.In 1960, fire broke out on the hangar deck of the nearly completed aircraft carrier USS Constellation at the New York Naval Shipyard; 50 civilian workers were killed.In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, winding up the Apollo program of manned lunar landings.In 2001, the fires that had burned beneath the ruins of the World Trade Center in New York City for the previous three months were declared extinguished except for a few scattered hot spots.In 2002, Secretary of State Colin Powell declared Iraq in "material breach" of a U.N. disarmament resolution.In 2003, design plans were unveiled for the signature skyscraper — a 1,776-foot glass tower — at the site of the World Trade Center in New York City.In 2008, citing imminent danger to the national economy, President George W. Bush ordered an emergency bailout of the U.S. auto industry.In 2011, North Korea announced the death two days earlier of leader Kim Jong Il; North Koreans marched by the thousands to mourn their "Dear Leader" while state media proclaimed his youngest son, Kim Jong Un, a "Great Successor."In 2016, a truck rammed into a crowded Christmas market in central Berlin, killing 12 people in an attack claimed by Islamic State. (The suspected attacker was killed in a police shootout four days later.) A Turkish policeman fatally shot Russian ambassador Andrei Karlov at a photo exhibit in Ankara. (The assailant was later killed in a police shootout.)Ten years ago: Four State Department officials resigned under pressure, less than a day after a damning report blamed management failures for a lack of security at the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, where militants killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans. Park Geun-hye, daughter of late South Korean President Park Chung-hee, was elected the country's first female president.Five years ago: A bus carrying cruise ship passengers on an excursion to Mayan ruins in southeastern Mexico flipped over on a narrow highway, killing 11 travelers and their guide and injuring about 20 others; eight Americans were among those killed. U.S. health officials approved the nation's first gene therapy for an inherited disease, a treatment that improves the sight of patients with a rare form of blindness. David Wright, a Massachusetts man who was convicted of leading a plot inspired by the Islamic State to behead conservative blogger Pamela Geller, was sentenced in Boston to 28 years in prison.One year ago: Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia said he could not support his party's signature $2 trillion social and environment bill, dealing a seemingly fatal blow to President Joe Biden's leading domestic initiative. (Congress would approve a smaller but still substantive compromise measure in August 2022.) The NHL and its players association temporarily clamped down on teams crossing the Canadian border and shut down operations of two more teams in hopes of salvaging the season as COVID-19 outbreaks spread across the league. Gabriel Boric, a leftist millennial who rose to prominence during anti-government protests, was elected Chile's next president. Despite rising concerns over the omicron variant, "Spider-Man: No Way Home" achieved the third-best opening of all time; studio estimates showed that the Sony and Marvel blockbuster grossed $253 million in ticket sales in North America.Today's Birthdays: Actor Elaine Joyce is 79. Actor Tim Reid is 78. Musician John McEuen is 77. Singer Janie Fricke is 75. Jazz musician Lenny White is 73. Actor Mike Lookinland is 62. Actor Scott Cohen is 61. Actor Jennifer Beals is 59. Actor Robert MacNaughton is 56. Magician Criss Angel is 55. Rock musician Klaus Eichstadt (Ugly Kid Joe) is 55. Actor Ken Marino is 54. Actor Elvis Nolasco is 54. Actor Kristy Swanson is 53. Model Tyson Beckford is 52. Actor Amy Locane is 51. Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp is 50. Actor Rosa Blasi is 50. Actor Alyssa Milano is 50. Actor Tara Summers is 43. Actor Jake Gyllenhaal is 42. Actor Marla Sokoloff is 42. Rapper Lady Sovereign is 37. Journalist Ronan Farrow is 35. Actor Nik Dodani is 29.

Today in History - December 19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This week's study session will have two topics:

●2022 Smoky Hill River Festival financial overview

●2023 Salina Area Chamber of Commerce legislative agenda

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

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

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

●Drive regional success and economic development

●Ensure affordable healthcare and mental health resources

●Secure access to early childhood programming and childcare

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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