Today is Tuesday, Dec. 13, the 347th day of 2022. There are 18 days left in the year.

On Dec. 13, 2000, Republican George W. Bush claimed the presidency a day after the U.S. Supreme Court shut down further recounts of disputed ballots in Florida; Democrat Al Gore conceded, delivering a call for national unity.

In 1862, Union forces led by Maj. Gen. Ambrose Burnside launched futile attacks against entrenched Confederate soldiers during the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg; the soundly defeated Northern troops withdrew two days later.

In 1937, the Chinese city of Nanjing fell to Japanese forces during the Sino-Japanese War; what followed was a massacre of war prisoners, soldiers and citizens. (China maintains that up to 300,000 people were killed; Japanese nationalists say the death toll was far lower, and some maintain the massacre never happened.)

In 1981, authorities in Poland imposed martial law in a crackdown on the Solidarity labor movement. (Martial law formally ended in 1983.)

In 1993, the space shuttle Endeavour returned from its mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.

In 1996, the U.N. Security Council chose Kofi Annan of Ghana to become the world body's seventh secretary-general.

In 2001, the Pentagon publicly released a captured videotape of Osama bin Laden in which the al-Qaida leader said the deaths and destruction achieved by the September 11 attacks exceeded his "most optimistic" expectations.

In 2002, President George W. Bush announced he would take the smallpox vaccine along with U.S. military forces, but was not recommending the potentially risky inoculation for most Americans.

In 2003, Saddam Hussein was captured by U.S. forces while hiding in a hole under a farmhouse in Adwar, Iraq, near his hometown of Tikrit.

In 2007, Major League Baseball's Mitchell Report was released, identifying 85 names to differing degrees in connection with the alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.

In 2014, thousands of protesters marched in New York, Washington and other U.S. cities to call attention to the killing of unarmed Black men by white police officers who faced no criminal charges.

In 2019, the House Judiciary Committee approved two articles of impeachment accusing President Donald Trump of abuse of power in his dealings with Ukraine and obstruction of Congress in the investigation that followed.

In 2020, the first vials of the Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 began making their way to distribution sites across the United States.

Ten years ago: U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice withdrew from consideration to replace outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton after running into opposition from Republicans over her explanation of the September attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans. (Rice had said the attack stemmed from a spontaneous protest over an anti-Islamic video, an assertion which later proved incorrect.)

Five years ago: Congressional Republicans reached agreement on a major overhaul of the nation's tax laws that would provide generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans; middle- and low-income families would get smaller tax cuts. The New York Times published claims by three women that they had been raped by music mogul Russell Simmons in the 1980s and 1990s; Simmons denied the allegations.

One year ago: The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection voted to pursue contempt charges against former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows; lawmakers also revealed a series of frantic texts he received as the attack was underway, in which members of Congress, Fox News anchors and even President Donald Trump's son urged Meadows to push Trump to act quickly to stop the siege by his supporters. (The House voted to hold Meadows in contempt, but the Justice Department declined to prosecute.) The Air Force said it had discharged 27 people for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine; they were believed to be the first service members removed for disobeying the mandate to get the shots. The Supreme Court refused to halt a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for healthcare workers in New York that did not offer an exemption for religious reasons. The Biden administration released a federal strategy to build 500,000 charging stations for electric vehicles across the country and ultimately transform the U.S. auto industry.

Today's Birthdays: Actor-comedian Dick Van Dyke is 97. Country singer Buck White is 92. Music/film producer Lou Adler is 89. Singer John Davidson is 81. Actor Kathy Garver (TV: "Family Affair") is 77. Singer Ted Nugent is 74. Rock musician Jeff "Skunk" Baxter is 74. Actor Robert Lindsay is 73. Country singer-musician Randy Owen is 73. Actor Wendie Malick is 72. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is 72. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is 69. Country singer John Anderson is 68. Singer-songwriter Steve Forbert is 68. Singer-actor Morris Day is 66. Actor Steve Buscemi is 65. Actor Johnny Whitaker (TV: "Family Affair") is 63. Rock musician John Munson (Semisonic; Twilight Hours) is 60. Actor-reality TV star NeNe Leakes is 56. Actor-comedian Jamie Foxx is 55. Actor Lusia Strus is 55. Actor Bart Johnson is 52. Actor Jeffrey Pierce is 51. TV personality Debbie Matenopoulos is 48. Rock singer-musician Thomas Delonge is 47. Actor James Kyson Lee is 47. Actor Kimee Balmilero (TV: "Hawaii Five-0") is 43. Actor Chelsea Hertford is 41. Rock singer Amy Lee (Evanescence) is 41. Actor Michael Socha is 35. Actor Marcel Spears (TV: "The Mayor") is 34. Singer Taylor Swift is 33. Actor Maisy Stella is 19.

<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. 13, the 347th day of 2022. There are 18 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 13, 2000, Republican George W. Bush claimed the presidency a day after the U.S. Supreme Court shut down further recounts of disputed ballots in Florida; Democrat Al Gore conceded, delivering a call for national unity.On this date:In 1862, Union forces led by Maj. Gen. Ambrose Burnside launched futile attacks against entrenched Confederate soldiers during the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg; the soundly defeated Northern troops withdrew two days later.In 1937, the Chinese city of Nanjing fell to Japanese forces during the Sino-Japanese War; what followed was a massacre of war prisoners, soldiers and citizens. (China maintains that up to 300,000 people were killed; Japanese nationalists say the death toll was far lower, and some maintain the massacre never happened.)In 1981, authorities in Poland imposed martial law in a crackdown on the Solidarity labor movement. (Martial law formally ended in 1983.)In 1993, the space shuttle Endeavour returned from its mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.In 1996, the U.N. Security Council chose Kofi Annan of Ghana to become the world body's seventh secretary-general.In 2001, the Pentagon publicly released a captured videotape of Osama bin Laden in which the al-Qaida leader said the deaths and destruction achieved by the September 11 attacks exceeded his "most optimistic" expectations.In 2002, President George W. Bush announced he would take the smallpox vaccine along with U.S. military forces, but was not recommending the potentially risky inoculation for most Americans.In 2003, Saddam Hussein was captured by U.S. forces while hiding in a hole under a farmhouse in Adwar, Iraq, near his hometown of Tikrit.In 2007, Major League Baseball's Mitchell Report was released, identifying 85 names to differing degrees in connection with the alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.In 2014, thousands of protesters marched in New York, Washington and other U.S. cities to call attention to the killing of unarmed Black men by white police officers who faced no criminal charges.In 2019, the House Judiciary Committee approved two articles of impeachment accusing President Donald Trump of abuse of power in his dealings with Ukraine and obstruction of Congress in the investigation that followed.In 2020, the first vials of the Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 began making their way to distribution sites across the United States.Ten years ago: U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice withdrew from consideration to replace outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton after running into opposition from Republicans over her explanation of the September attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans. (Rice had said the attack stemmed from a spontaneous protest over an anti-Islamic video, an assertion which later proved incorrect.)Five years ago: Congressional Republicans reached agreement on a major overhaul of the nation's tax laws that would provide generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans; middle- and low-income families would get smaller tax cuts. The New York Times published claims by three women that they had been raped by music mogul Russell Simmons in the 1980s and 1990s; Simmons denied the allegations.One year ago: The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection voted to pursue contempt charges against former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows; lawmakers also revealed a series of frantic texts he received as the attack was underway, in which members of Congress, Fox News anchors and even President Donald Trump's son urged Meadows to push Trump to act quickly to stop the siege by his supporters. (The House voted to hold Meadows in contempt, but the Justice Department declined to prosecute.) The Air Force said it had discharged 27 people for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine; they were believed to be the first service members removed for disobeying the mandate to get the shots. The Supreme Court refused to halt a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for healthcare workers in New York that did not offer an exemption for religious reasons. The Biden administration released a federal strategy to build 500,000 charging stations for electric vehicles across the country and ultimately transform the U.S. auto industry.Today's Birthdays: Actor-comedian Dick Van Dyke is 97. Country singer Buck White is 92. Music/film producer Lou Adler is 89. Singer John Davidson is 81. Actor Kathy Garver (TV: "Family Affair") is 77. Singer Ted Nugent is 74. Rock musician Jeff "Skunk" Baxter is 74. Actor Robert Lindsay is 73. Country singer-musician Randy Owen is 73. Actor Wendie Malick is 72. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is 72. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is 69. Country singer John Anderson is 68. Singer-songwriter Steve Forbert is 68. Singer-actor Morris Day is 66. Actor Steve Buscemi is 65. Actor Johnny Whitaker (TV: "Family Affair") is 63. Rock musician John Munson (Semisonic; Twilight Hours) is 60. Actor-reality TV star NeNe Leakes is 56. Actor-comedian Jamie Foxx is 55. Actor Lusia Strus is 55. Actor Bart Johnson is 52. Actor Jeffrey Pierce is 51. TV personality Debbie Matenopoulos is 48. Rock singer-musician Thomas Delonge is 47. Actor James Kyson Lee is 47. Actor Kimee Balmilero (TV: "Hawaii Five-0") is 43. Actor Chelsea Hertford is 41. Rock singer Amy Lee (Evanescence) is 41. Actor Michael Socha is 35. Actor Marcel Spears (TV: "The Mayor") is 34. Singer Taylor Swift is 33. Actor Maisy Stella is 19.

Today in History - December 13

Kalie Belt has joined Norton, Wasserman, Jones &amp; Kelly, LLC, as an associate attorney.

Belt practices primarily in the areas of estate planning, estate &amp; trust administration, business law, real estate transactions, and trademark and copyright law, the firm noted in a news release.

Belt graduated in May 2022 with a Juris Doctor and certificate in media law and technology from the University of Kansas School of Law. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670900099367.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTKalie Belt has joined Norton, Wasserman, Jones &amp; Kelly, LLC, as an associate attorney.Belt practices primarily in the areas of estate planning, estate &amp; trust administration, business law, real estate transactions, and trademark and copyright law, the firm noted in a news release.Belt graduated in May 2022 with a Juris Doctor and certificate in media law and technology from the University of Kansas School of Law. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Wichita State University.

Kalie Belt joins Salina firm as associate attorney

A jail project update and an executive session 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 hear the monthly update concerning the new Saline County Jail project. The November summary from the construction team includes the following.

● Non-load bearing CMU Walls Complete Areas A-E

● Non-load bearing CMU Walls In Progress – Housing Units

● Exterior Soffit Framing &amp; Sheathing in Progress

● Area A – E Overhead MEP in Progress

● Light Weight Insulated Concrete Area E Complete

● Architectural Precast Panels in Housing Units in Progress

Construction on the project began in November 2021 and is scheduled to be completed in September 2023.

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

●Consider a subscription services agreement to move the county from the CivicHR platform to the Criterion platform for applicant tracking service and onboarding.

●Consider approving a change order for plumbing repairs for the Juvenile Hall remodel.

●Consider approving an agreement with Hutton for construction manager services on courtroom and office remodels.

●Consider approving a new livestock and expo fee schedule to take effect Jan. 1, 2023, and implementing a non-refundable administrative fee of $150 for pre-booking rentals.

●Consider end-of-year financial resolutions.

●Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes' update.

Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to meet in an executive session for attorney-client privilege.

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. 13 link.&nbsp; &nbsp;

By SALINA POSTA jail project update and an executive session 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 items<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670903210535.jpeg" alt="Photos of the jail construction project courtesy the November 2022 update in the commission meeting packet" />
 <figcaption>Photos of the jail construction project courtesy the November 2022 update in the commission meeting packet</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners are scheduled to hear the monthly update concerning the new Saline County Jail project. The November summary from the construction team includes the following.● Housing Unit Steel Complete● Non-load bearing CMU Walls Complete Areas A-E● Non-load bearing CMU Walls In Progress – Housing Units● Housing Unit MEP in Progress● Exterior Soffit Framing &amp; Sheathing in Progress● Area A Interior Framing Complete● Area A Drywall in Progress● Area B Interior Framing in Progress● Area B Drywall in Progress● Area A – E Overhead MEP in Progress● Spray Fire Proofing Complete Area C● Light Weight Insulated Concrete Area E Complete● Architectural Precast Panels in Housing Units in Progress● Asphalt Base Complete● TPO Roofing in Progress<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670903345460.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Construction on the project began in November 2021 and is scheduled to be completed in September 2023.Other items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Consider a subscription services agreement to move the county from the CivicHR platform to the Criterion platform for applicant tracking service and onboarding.●Consider approving a change order for plumbing repairs for the Juvenile Hall remodel.●Consider approving an agreement with Hutton for construction manager services on courtroom and office remodels.●Consider approving a new livestock and expo fee schedule to take effect Jan. 1, 2023, and implementing a non-refundable administrative fee of $150 for pre-booking rentals.●Consider end-of-year financial resolutions.●Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes' update.Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to meet in an executive session for attorney-client privilege.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. 13 link.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Saline County Commissioners to hear month jail project update

Difficult Decisions: Beyond the Battlefield

ABILENE - Emerging scholars are invited to submit a presentation abstract to be a featured speaker during the annual D-Day Commemorative Symposium. 

The Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower presidential libraries seek submissions from emerging scholars to be a featured speaker during the virtual symposium held the first week of June. The symposium focuses on specialized topics related to the Allied effort in World War II.

The 2023 theme is in line with our overarching annual theme of “Difficult Decisions.” This symposium seeks to explore decisions influencing World War II not related to combat strategy and tactics. Our goal is to enhance the future of WWII scholarship by examining lesser-known topics and showcasing new and emerging scholars.

Each program is scheduled for one hour. The guest speaker will present their topic for approximately 40 minutes allowing time for audience participation and questions at the end. Each program wraps up with a Scholar Spotlight where we get to know a little bit more about each of these up-and-coming scholars.

Submission packets should include the presentation abstract, applicant contact information, education status and academic goals summary.&nbsp;Email submission packets to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:andrea.murphy@nara.gov" target="_blank">andrea.murphy@nara.gov</a>&nbsp;with the subject line D-Day Symposium no later than April 7, 2023.&nbsp;Selected participants will be notified May 12 and will receive a modest honorarium.

<h2>Difficult Decisions: Beyond the Battlefield</h2>Eisenhower Presidential LibraryABILENE - Emerging scholars are invited to submit a presentation abstract to be a featured speaker during the annual D-Day Commemorative Symposium. The Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower presidential libraries seek submissions from emerging scholars to be a featured speaker during the virtual symposium held the first week of June. The symposium focuses on specialized topics related to the Allied effort in World War II. The 2023 theme is in line with our overarching annual theme of “Difficult Decisions.” This symposium seeks to explore decisions influencing World War II not related to combat strategy and tactics. Our goal is to enhance the future of WWII scholarship by examining lesser-known topics and showcasing new and emerging scholars.Each program is scheduled for one hour. The guest speaker will present their topic for approximately 40 minutes allowing time for audience participation and questions at the end. Each program wraps up with a Scholar Spotlight where we get to know a little bit more about each of these up-and-coming scholars.Submission packets should include the presentation abstract, applicant contact information, education status and academic goals summary.&nbsp;Email submission packets to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:andrea.murphy@nara.gov" target="_blank">andrea.murphy@nara.gov</a>&nbsp;with the subject line D-Day Symposium no later than April 7, 2023.&nbsp;Selected participants will be notified May 12 and will receive a modest honorarium.

WWII Emerging Scholars Symposium call for proposals

Fire: Embers of Discovery,&nbsp;the Smoky Hill Museum’s new exhibit, truly blazes a trail toward discovery.

In this exhibit, you will encounter major fires in our nation’s history as well as stories from Salina’s past. These fires helped shape our understanding of fire and what it takes to keep us safe from its terrible destruction. 

Have you heard of the Sad Yule or the Great Chicago Fire? Do you know the fiery history of the local H.D. Lee buildings? What about the huge prairie fire that left a path of destruction in Saline County in 1982? 

These stories and many more are awaiting you at the Smoky Hill Museum. Fire: Embers of Discovery&nbsp;opens Thursday.

The Smoky Hill Museum is a nationally accredited history museum at 211 W. Iron Avenue in the heart of downtown Salina. This free museum is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670887101066.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hill MuseumFire: Embers of Discovery,&nbsp;the Smoky Hill Museum’s new exhibit, truly blazes a trail toward discovery. In this exhibit, you will encounter major fires in our nation’s history as well as stories from Salina’s past. These fires helped shape our understanding of fire and what it takes to keep us safe from its terrible destruction. Have you heard of the Sad Yule or the Great Chicago Fire? Do you know the fiery history of the local H.D. Lee buildings? What about the huge prairie fire that left a path of destruction in Saline County in 1982? These stories and many more are awaiting you at the Smoky Hill Museum. Fire: Embers of Discovery&nbsp;opens Thursday.The Smoky Hill Museum is a nationally accredited history museum at 211 W. Iron Avenue in the heart of downtown Salina. This free museum is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.

New Smoky Hill Museum exhibit to focus on major fires

By NATE KING Salina Post

Citizens of central Kansas, Kansas State University students, alumni, and community leaders discussed K-State Salina's role in K-State's overall strategic plan, high school education pathways to encourage students to pursue a college degree or post-secondary training, and the future of land grant schools during a community conversation on Dec. 5.

The morning visit to K-State Salina for the community forum is part of the <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/president/initiatives/regional-community-visits/">university’s plans</a> to hear from Kansans all across the state for the 2022-2023 academic year. During their visit, K-State President Richard Linton, Provost Charles Taber, and dean of student life Thomas Lane joined a group of current K-State students collectively known as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/president/initiatives/regional-community-visits/connected-cats/">Connected Cats. </a>

Linton said that the Connected Cats is a group of student leaders who have a diverse range of K-State experiences, a meaningful connection to engaged community work, and personal ties to Kansas' geographic regions. 

"So you probably have seen some of the billboards that say, 'Kansas State is the university for Kansas' well, we're for Kansas, but we're also for the nation and the world," Linton said. "We're trying to be able to make a very important statement that we are the only university that's in all 105 Kansas counties and communities and we want to let folks know that Kansas is always first." 

After Linton’s brief presentation and remarks, which included applause for the K-State football team winning the Big XII Championship game, K-State junior Ethan Brown, a graduate of Salina Central High School and one of the two current K-State Student Ambassadors; K-State sophomore Adelaide Easter; and K-State junior Yulissa Hernandez, a graduate of Salina South High School, discussed their college search experiences and why they selected K-State as their school of choice.  

"When I was in high school, I started looking at colleges my sophomore year," Brown said. "When I tell you, I looked everywhere in Kansas, I looked everywhere. I wanted everything. I wanted to have great people, I wanted to have great academia, I wanted great athletics. They had everything that I wanted. The main thing I wanted was accessibility. For me, that breaks down into three things affordability, campus access, and then just general academic accessibility."  

Easter spoke about the interdisciplinary connections she made at K-State. 

"I started as a freshman majoring in bakery science and food science. Through my involvement, and through self-discovery connections, I was able to be exposed to the global food system secondary major, which talks about food policy and how we can make the world a better place and make sure that people have access to food," Easter said. "Being in food security scholars and organizations like the alumni board, I've gotten connected to alumni that are just as passionate about food issues as I am." 

Hernandez, a student pilot at K-State Salina talked about how she switched her major from respiratory therapy, to aviation.&nbsp;

"When I was looking into coming to K State, I was a freshman in college at the time and I was working as a nurse assistant," Hernandez said. "I was doing my prerequisites for respiratory therapy - that same year, I met a pilot. He introduced me to aviation and at the time, I didn't know really any pilots. So it was all so new to me."

Hernandez said that her pilot friend took her on a discovery flight in a jet which made her decision easier to make.&nbsp;

"I was convinced I was just going to change my major completely, which was pretty scary at the time, because I thought I had it all figured out. But I thought a flying was just way more fun then respiratory therapies," Hernandez said.

The forum transitioned into a community conversation where community entrepreneurs, business leaders, regional high school educators, parents, and citizens were asked to discuss what they wanted to see from K-State. Topics discussed included increasing the presence of veterans affairs at the K-State Salina campus, eliminating roadblocks for transfer students, continuing to expand the local network of private industry partners, and meeting the current workforce demands.  

Following the forum, Salina Post sat down for an interview with Linton, where he discussed how students should always be the center of enrollment strategies. 

"When we started thinking about doing community visits, we reached out to other university presidents around the country and the message that came back is you have to take students and you have to take students from those communities," Linton said. "Parents and students aren't really there to listen to presidents and provosts because they can relate so much more to student stories."&nbsp;

Linton also spoke about the university's new initiative, Next-Gen K-State.

"We 're trying to develop a new strategy, a new strategic plan, for what we're calling the <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/strategic-planning/process/">Next-Gen Land Grant</a>," Linton said. "We haven't defined exactly what the next generation land grant university means yet, but we want to be the model land grant university that other land grants are looking to. When you take a look at one of those things that I know, will be an important part of the Next Gen Land Grant is better connectivity with communities around economic growth, and creation of jobs and support for every single community."

Ellsworth County Health Center: Because We Care Mental Health Summit  

Linton and the Connected Cats, traveled to Ellsworth County Medical Center, 1604 Aylward Avenue in Ellsworth, for a mental health summit hosted by K-State Extension. Midway Extension Director Jessica Kootz said that a group of individuals in the Ellsworth community started meeting virtually on a weekly basis to talk about COVID-19 updates and mental wellness. 

"This group of individuals, community stakeholders decided that we needed to focus a lot more on mental health. The COVID-19 update group became a 'Because We Care' group, and that has evolved within the last six months into a coalition that's centered around mental health," Kootz said.  

The summit featured a panel of experts including Rachel Clews, family and consumer science extension specialist in the Southwest Research Extension Center; Jennifer Kaufman, director of community support services for Central Kansas Mental Health; Derek Knopp, school-based clinical coordinator for Central Kansas Mental Health; Kerianne Ehrlich, Ellsworth County Health Department; and Jim Kirkbride, CEO at Ellsworth County Medical Center. 

"Most of our communities aren't just rural, they're considered frontier. It's that born and bred mentality that - you just pull yourself up by your bootstraps, you just push it down, and you keep going," said Clews. "When I worked with farmers, I tried to tell them that I'm a fourth generation farmer, my husband's a fourth generation Kansas farmer. I understand those issues. But I tell them, when your livestock is sick, you don't just say 'Oh, push it down, and you'll get over it.' I tell farmers, that they take better care of their machinery and their livestock than they do themselves. A lot of times they don't think to ask for help themselves because farmers are really great at helping others." 

Kootz said that in the last two months, Ellsworth had faced tragedies relating to mental health causing their group to push harder to be focused and intentional on making sure there is a comprehensive approach to addressing mental health in rural communities. 

Linton asked the panel if it could provide him with any statistics to help give context to the Kansas mental health crisis.  

"We have hired over 50 new staff at Central Kansas Mental Health, just within the past year," Kaufman said. "Trying to be able to provide services that range from front desk staff that are inundated with phone calls every day trying to get intake staff to be able to provide that initial service and if you're aware, there's a workforce shortage in most areas, and that includes social work, case managers, all lines." 

Clews added that according to the State of Mental Health in America 2023 Report, Kansas ranked last in the country, following the District of Columbia.  

"Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for Kansas," Clews said. "Between the years 2000 and 2018, suicide rates in Kansas increased by 70 percent."  

Clews also added that suicide is the second leading cause of death for Kansans in the 15 to 34 age range.  

An obstacle that was highlighted during the summit was the lack of educational resources directing Kansans on where to turn when they needed mental health assistance.  

"As far as regional scale, the last few years, I think, especially since 2020, we've seen an increase in people who are seeking services for mental health, and we've seen is a big increase in anxiety and depression," said Knopp. "People are recognizing the need that when they are struggling there are resources available - if you know how to access them. One of the things that we [Central Kansas Mental Health] have done, we've done a lot of work in providing education on how to access mental health services, because unless you have a family member or direct connection with somebody who has accessed services before, you don't always know how to go about that."  

Linton recognized the need for more social work professionals and mentioned the recent partnership between K-State Salina and the University of Kansas. K-State Salina will offer a Master of Social Work that will be instructed at the K-State Salina campus. 

The cooperation between K-State Salina and KU will increase the availability of graduate-level social work education in rural areas of Kansas while meeting the gaps in coverage that human service agencies in rural areas of the state have been experiencing.  

"K-State Salina is committed to responding to the needs of our region by providing a trained workforce for our social service partners," said Deb Marseline, assistant dean for diversity and student success at K-State Salina, earlier this month. "Qualified, experienced social workers play an integral role in the success of any community by working with people to improve their circumstances in a variety of situations. This opportunity furthers our mission by training students to be leaders and make an impact on our state."  

Linton also stopped by Great Plains Manufacturing, 1525 E. North Street, Salina, to take part in a facilitated conversation about ways that education in the Salina region is partnering to meet the needs of industry. Dean and CEO of K-State Salina, Alysia Starkey spoke to the importance of these types of open conversations and how industry advisory boards are working to meet workforce demands.  

"How do you stay connected to the workforce needs in your region, it has to do with our industry advisory boards and making sure we're engaged with what the needs of the industry are," Starkey said. "So regardless of whatever field you're in - each of our programs, and each of our colleges and each of our degrees at the university has industry advisory boards that help correlate where it is that they're [the student] going in the future. Industry advisory boards are a key way that you all can get involved with helping to drive your workforce needs."  

Starkey also mentioned that K-State Salina has partnered with Salina USD 305 to provide an opportunity for high school students to earn industry-recognized credentials, receive college credit for general education requirements, and complete dual credits for an associate degree while in high school and graduate at the same time as their peers. The program is called the<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/admissions/apply/polycats-academy/"> PolyCats Academy.</a>

"Here we have a high school program that will allow a student to get an associate's degree while they're still in high school, graduate at the same time as high school with an associate's degree, which reduces the time of entry into the career field, and it also helps to reduce the overall cost and affordability for students as well," Starkey said.  

David Disberger, executive vice president for Great Plains Manufacturing, spoke at the discussion about the<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/academics/scholars-programs/"> scholar's program</a> being offered by Great Plains manufacturing.

"The scholar's program is something that came out of discussions that Dean Starkey and I had to address our needs and also address the needs of Kansas State," Disberger said. "What we've done is we've taken your traditional manufacturing engineering technology type degree, where the college student would go to school for four years to get their bachelor science degree, instead, they'll go to college for three years, and have that same BS degree."

The Great Plains Scholars Program is for students who want to earn a bachelor's degree in one of K-State Salina’s engineering technology programs and acquire first-hand knowledge of specialized industry technology by working part-time at Great Plains Manufacturing. This provides high-level learning opportunities in advanced manufacturing, basic manufacturing, advanced robotics programming, and engineering design. 

"We're able to get those workforces beginning with us at a younger age. By the time they graduate, they have over 2,400 hours of experience, and to kick this whole program off this year, we agreed to start with three students to make sure we've worked out the kinks - which we have, and it's going very well," Disberger said. "We are very pleased with the results that we're seeing thus far, we intend to continue to grow this program up to where we have 12 new students entering this program every year. Hopefully, the 12 graduating come to work for us." 

Linn Exline, Salina USD 305 superintendent, spoke about how the work field is changing the way educators prepare students for their careers after high school.  

"Over 70 percent of the jobs that we're preparing students for today will require either a two-year degree a four-year degree or some kind of industry-recognized credential," Exline said. "To that end, USD 305 has really been working on Career Exploration and career planning with students. We start that process with a semester-long class at middle school. And during that class, students use an online platform where they explore their interests. They explore their aptitudes, they explore different careers, and they try to identify a career field of interest."  

Exline also shared the successes of the Building Bridges program at USD 305.  

"Building Bridges is an effort for us to bring industry leaders, public schools, faculty, staff, our students, and business together to talk about workforce needs and how we can work together to better meet those needs," Exline said. "We are encouraging our students to understand what jobs are available here in our community because many times our students think they need to go away to get the kinds of positions that they're being trained for." Exline said that USD 305 has worked to ensure that the Building Bridges program matches with local job demands and industry standards.

"As a result of these efforts, we are seeing increased jobs. We're seeing increased internships, and we're also seeing increased number of partnerships."

Linton's visit concluded with a stop at the Salina Public Library, 301 W. Elm Street, where he and Lane read a book to children. The book selected to be read was K-State: An Alphabet Journey Across Kansas, by Debbie Mercer and Loretta Larson.&nbsp;

K-State president visits central Kansas as part of community tour

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina man was arrested after leading police on a chase through part of north Salina Saturday evening.

An officer noticed a black Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle with an expired license plate traveling westbound in the 600 block of E. Elm Street at approximately 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. The officer was able to catch up to the motorcycle in the 400 block of N. Front Street and witnessed it run stop signs at the intersections of N. Front Street/E. North Street and N. Santa Fe Avenue/E. North Street, he said.

When the motorcycle turned north onto N. Santa Fe Avenue, the officer attempted a traffic stop, however, the motorcycle took off, reaching 75 mph and passing a pickup, Forrester said. The pursuit continued north on N. Santa Fe Avenue until the motorcycle wrecked in the parking lot of the Salvation Army, 1137 N. Santa Fe Avenue.

Forrester said the driver, identified as Odell Wilson, 56, of Salina, tried to restart the motorcycle. When that proved to be unsuccessful, Wilson allegedly attempted to flee on foot, but was tased and taken into custody. Wilson was allegedly found to be in possession of slightly more than 20 grams of methamphetamine, Forrester said.

Wilson was arrested on the following requested charges, Forrester said.

●Interference with a law enforcement officer

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man was arrested after leading police on a chase through part of north Salina Saturday evening.An officer noticed a black Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle with an expired license plate traveling westbound in the 600 block of E. Elm Street at approximately 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. The officer was able to catch up to the motorcycle in the 400 block of N. Front Street and witnessed it run stop signs at the intersections of N. Front Street/E. North Street and N. Santa Fe Avenue/E. North Street, he said.When the motorcycle turned north onto N. Santa Fe Avenue, the officer attempted a traffic stop, however, the motorcycle took off, reaching 75 mph and passing a pickup, Forrester said. The pursuit continued north on N. Santa Fe Avenue until the motorcycle wrecked in the parking lot of the Salvation Army, 1137 N. Santa Fe Avenue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670770411073.jpeg" alt="Odell Wilson. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Odell Wilson. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Forrester said the driver, identified as Odell Wilson, 56, of Salina, tried to restart the motorcycle. When that proved to be unsuccessful, Wilson allegedly attempted to flee on foot, but was tased and taken into custody. Wilson was allegedly found to be in possession of slightly more than 20 grams of methamphetamine, Forrester said.Wilson was arrested on the following requested charges, Forrester said.●Felony flee and elude●Distribution of methamphetamine●Possession of drug paraphernalia●No drug tax stamp●Interference with a law enforcement officer●Duty to report a crash●Numerous traffic violations

Man arrested after high-speed chase in north Salina

GYPSUM - A Gypsum woman escaped injury after her car caught fire Saturday morning.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that a 61-year-old Gypsum woman went out to start her 2001 Buick LeSabre at approximately 9:18 a.m. Saturday in the 600 block of King Street. Just after the car started, she heard a loud pop and the car caught fire.

The woman was able to exit the car without injury, he said.

Firefighters from Rural Fire District No. 1 extinguished the blaze.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670866000265.jpeg" alt="The burned LeSabre. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The burned LeSabre. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostGYPSUM - A Gypsum woman escaped injury after her car caught fire Saturday morning.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that a 61-year-old Gypsum woman went out to start her 2001 Buick LeSabre at approximately 9:18 a.m. Saturday in the 600 block of King Street. Just after the car started, she heard a loud pop and the car caught fire.The woman was able to exit the car without injury, he said.Firefighters from Rural Fire District No. 1 extinguished the blaze.The car was a $3,000 loss, Soldan said.

Car catches fire in Gypsum; driver escapes without injury

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Salina man on multiple charges after a weekend arrest.

Just after 9:30 p.m.&nbsp; Friday, police in Manhattan, arrested&nbsp; 28-year-old Aaron Noonan of Salina on two Riley County District Court warrants, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 The first warrant is for a probation violation stemming from his arrest for conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery connected to a Nov. 9, 2019, incident in the 400 block of Fremont Street in Manhattan where a 33-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint. 

The second warrant is for failing to appear in court stemming from his arrest for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon connected to a Sept. 18, 2022, incident where he was found in possession of drugs, paraphernalia, and a gun during a traffic stop in the 700 block of Colorado Street in Manhattan. 

&nbsp;Noonan remains confined in the Riley County Jail on a total bond of $180,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670079055548.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Salina man on multiple charges after a weekend arrest.Just after 9:30 p.m.&nbsp; Friday, police in Manhattan, arrested&nbsp; 28-year-old Aaron Noonan of Salina on two Riley County District Court warrants, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. The first warrant is for a probation violation stemming from his arrest for conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery connected to a Nov. 9, 2019, incident in the 400 block of Fremont Street in Manhattan where a 33-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint. The second warrant is for failing to appear in court stemming from his arrest for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon connected to a Sept. 18, 2022, incident where he was found in possession of drugs, paraphernalia, and a gun during a traffic stop in the 700 block of Colorado Street in Manhattan. &nbsp;Noonan remains confined in the Riley County Jail on a total bond of $180,000.

Salina man jailed in Riley County after a warrant arrest

A Geneseo woman was arrested after the vehicle she was driving left the roadway and struck a tree in west-central Salina Friday afternoon.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that Abagale Hill, 35, of Geneseo, was eastbound on Franklin Street in a 2008 Buick Lucerne when the car went off the roadway and into the yard of 841 Plaza Drive, where it struck a tree. The accident occurred at approximately 4:35 p.m. Friday.

Hill, who had a bloody face, was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center, Forrester said.

The car sustained major front-end damage and had to be towed.

Forrester said Hill was arrested on the following requested charges.

●Driving under the influence of alcohol

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670683704532.jpeg" alt="Abagale Hill. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Abagale Hill. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Geneseo woman was arrested after the vehicle she was driving left the roadway and struck a tree in west-central Salina Friday afternoon.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that Abagale Hill, 35, of Geneseo, was eastbound on Franklin Street in a 2008 Buick Lucerne when the car went off the roadway and into the yard of 841 Plaza Drive, where it struck a tree. The accident occurred at approximately 4:35 p.m. Friday.Hill, who had a bloody face, was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center, Forrester said.The car sustained major front-end damage and had to be towed.Forrester said Hill was arrested on the following requested charges.●Driving under the influence of alcohol●Reckless driving●Multiple traffic violations

Multiple requested charges sought for Geneseo woman whose car struck tree

Police are looking for a white Jeep that fled the scene of a two-vehicle collision in south Salina Friday.

A 2014 Chrysler 300 driven by a 36-year-old Moundridge man was northbound on S. Ninth Street and stopped at the intersection with Belmont Boulevard when another vehicle rear-ended it and then fled the scene, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.

The collision occurred at approximately 6:35 p.m. Friday. 

The Moundridge man described the other vehicle as being a white Jeep, Forrester said.

The Chrysler sustained minor rear-end damage, he said.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice are looking for a white Jeep that fled the scene of a two-vehicle collision in south Salina Friday.A 2014 Chrysler 300 driven by a 36-year-old Moundridge man was northbound on S. Ninth Street and stopped at the intersection with Belmont Boulevard when another vehicle rear-ended it and then fled the scene, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.The collision occurred at approximately 6:35 p.m. Friday. The Moundridge man described the other vehicle as being a white Jeep, Forrester said.The Chrysler sustained minor rear-end damage, he said.

White Jeep rear-ends car, flees scene in south Salina Friday

Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will race northeast across the region tonight through Tuesday morning. 

Rainfall amounts up to around one inch are possible over eastern Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670852540949.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National Weather ServiceScattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will race northeast across the region tonight through Tuesday morning. Rainfall amounts up to around one inch are possible over eastern Kansas.

NWS: Rain tonight into Tuesday morning

“Dad? Did those early horseless carriages have big gas tanks?” I asked. I was about seven years old and sitting in the front seat of our old Packard car in the early 1950s. It was a really neat big car that my dad could drive down the road with one finger on the steering wheel, the camber of the road curves making driving easy. We were at a gas station and Dad was still in the driver’s seat because at that time, we didn’t fill our gas tanks ourselves. And if I remember right, gas was about 29 cents a gallon. But then some candy bars were 5 cents, a Coke in a glass bottle sitting in a cold water chest was 10 cents, and a new car was only two thousands dollars.

Dad didn’t know. His childhood didn’t go back that far. But he of course asked his little boy, “Why do you ask?”

“Well,” I replied, “When they switched from horses to cars using gas, why would you buy a car if there were no gas stations, and why would you build a gas station if there were no cars? So I figure cars must have had big gas tanks when they started.”&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

“Sounds like a chicken-and-egg thing,” he replied after paying for the gas and we headed down the road.

“I bet the first cars were city folks,” I continued. “That way there might soon be enough for a gas station. And they would be close to it. And the city streets might be better to drive on. Bet the country roads weren’t good like today.”

Dad worked in summers for a road construction company, driving a truck that first held asphalt but soon would haul dry concrete, sand and gravel for mixing on site to build the Eisenhower interstate system.

“Yep,” he said. “The roads in towns were better than in the country back then.” He could remember in his childhood that some rural folks were the last to give up driving horse-and-wagon. And rural roads often had lots of ruts.&nbsp; &nbsp;

A few years later, by the time I was to fifth grade, Dad bought a three-shelf-feet set of bound “Scribner’s Magazine” at a yard sale and brought it home to his son who asked too many questions. Because I finished my assignments early, my teachers always sent me to the back of the room to read through the World Book encyclopedia. Now at home, I had a wonderful set of articles to go through, page-by-page, that chronicled most of the last of the 1800s.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

After the Civil War, we had shifted to metal ships in our Navy. Our first submarines were shooting torpedoes that trailed two electric lines and the submarine could control the torpedo going left or right with those lines. And the difference between city streets and rural roads was obvious. It took years to evolve into what we see today.

Today, we are undergoing another change in transportation power, not from horse-muscle-to-gasoline but from gasoline-to-electric (and perhaps some hydrogen). It was interesting to detect the early nay-saying in the Scribner’s articles. To some extent this is being repeated today by gasoline addicts who find a hundred reasons to question today’s transition. But our charging stations are being built faster. And “gas stations” are increasingly expanding into small convenience stores with high prices.

As I walked the streets of Hangzhou, China in 2019, where they eliminated gas-powered motorcycles (as they have in many Chinese cities) and have an increasing number of electric cars and buses, the quietness of Hangzhou city is a pleasant surprise. And that brings up another question for which there are no survivors to answer: “Was the switch&nbsp; from clopping horse-and-buggies to the loud engines of the new&nbsp; horseless carriages as disturbing as I suspect?” No one alive today can answer that, and I didn’t find it in Scribner’s Magazine either.

For those unhappy with the change underway, there is little to do but wait, watch and listen. As they said long ago, “Just hold your horses!”&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 “Dad? Did those early horseless carriages have big gas tanks?” I asked. I was about seven years old and sitting in the front seat of our old Packard car in the early 1950s. It was a really neat big car that my dad could drive down the road with one finger on the steering wheel, the camber of the road curves making driving easy. We were at a gas station and Dad was still in the driver’s seat because at that time, we didn’t fill our gas tanks ourselves. And if I remember right, gas was about 29 cents a gallon. But then some candy bars were 5 cents, a Coke in a glass bottle sitting in a cold water chest was 10 cents, and a new car was only two thousands dollars. Dad didn’t know. His childhood didn’t go back that far. But he of course asked his little boy, “Why do you ask?” “Well,” I replied, “When they switched from horses to cars using gas, why would you buy a car if there were no gas stations, and why would you build a gas station if there were no cars? So I figure cars must have had big gas tanks when they started.”&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; “Sounds like a chicken-and-egg thing,” he replied after paying for the gas and we headed down the road. “I bet the first cars were city folks,” I continued. “That way there might soon be enough for a gas station. And they would be close to it. And the city streets might be better to drive on. Bet the country roads weren’t good like today.” Dad worked in summers for a road construction company, driving a truck that first held asphalt but soon would haul dry concrete, sand and gravel for mixing on site to build the Eisenhower interstate system. “Yep,” he said. “The roads in towns were better than in the country back then.” He could remember in his childhood that some rural folks were the last to give up driving horse-and-wagon. And rural roads often had lots of ruts.&nbsp; &nbsp; A few years later, by the time I was to fifth grade, Dad bought a three-shelf-feet set of bound “Scribner’s Magazine” at a yard sale and brought it home to his son who asked too many questions. Because I finished my assignments early, my teachers always sent me to the back of the room to read through the World Book encyclopedia. Now at home, I had a wonderful set of articles to go through, page-by-page, that chronicled most of the last of the 1800s.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; After the Civil War, we had shifted to metal ships in our Navy. Our first submarines were shooting torpedoes that trailed two electric lines and the submarine could control the torpedo going left or right with those lines. And the difference between city streets and rural roads was obvious. It took years to evolve into what we see today. Today, we are undergoing another change in transportation power, not from horse-muscle-to-gasoline but from gasoline-to-electric (and perhaps some hydrogen). It was interesting to detect the early nay-saying in the Scribner’s articles. To some extent this is being repeated today by gasoline addicts who find a hundred reasons to question today’s transition. But our charging stations are being built faster. And “gas stations” are increasingly expanding into small convenience stores with high prices. As I walked the streets of Hangzhou, China in 2019, where they eliminated gas-powered motorcycles (as they have in many Chinese cities) and have an increasing number of electric cars and buses, the quietness of Hangzhou city is a pleasant surprise. And that brings up another question for which there are no survivors to answer: “Was the switch&nbsp; from clopping horse-and-buggies to the loud engines of the new&nbsp; horseless carriages as disturbing as I suspect?” No one alive today can answer that, and I didn’t find it in Scribner’s Magazine either. For those unhappy with the change underway, there is little to do but wait, watch and listen. As they said long ago, “Just hold your horses!”&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:  Transition to gas power

After years of improvement, new research shows a troubling increase in admitted risky driving

WICHITA – A new report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds unsafe driving behaviors, including speeding, red-light running, drowsy driving, and driving impaired on cannabis or alcohol, rose from 2020 to 2021. 

The most alarming increase was among drivers admitting to getting behind the wheel after drinking enough that they felt they were over the legal limit - an increase of nearly 24%.&nbsp; According to new survey data in the AAA Foundation's annual Traffic Safety Culture Index, this is a reversal in the steady declines in these dangerous driving behaviors in the three years from 2018 through 2020.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, traffic fatalities have risen. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that 42,915 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes last year, a 10.5% increase from the 38,824 fatalities in 2020. According to NHTSA, dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, alcohol impairment, and non-use of seatbelts account for a considerable proportion of the increased fatalities. Accordingly, AAA urges drivers to keep everyone safe on the roads and warns motorists against falling back into dangerous driving habits.

“The increase in the number of U.S. drivers engaging in risky driving behavior is troubling,” said Shawn Steward, spokesman for&nbsp;AAA Kansas. “While drivers consistently acknowledge that certain risky behaviors behind the wheel, such as speeding and driving impaired, are not safe, many still engage in these activities anyway.”

The proportion of people who reported having engaged in the following unsafe driving behaviors at least once in the past 30 days before the survey:

As in previous years, drivers reported too often engaging in risky behaviors that they know are dangerous and would meet with disapproval from friends or family. For example:

Texting while driving 92% think it’s very or extremely dangerous

96% think someone important to them would disapprove

26% admit&nbsp;to doing it in the last 30 days. 

Aggressive driving 88% think it’s very or extremely dangerous

23% admit&nbsp;to doing it in the last 30 days

Impaired driving 94% believe driving after drinking enough alcohol (to the point one considers they might be over the legal limit) to be very or extremely dangerous

7% admit to engaging in this behavior in the past 30 days

65% of drivers feel driving, within an hour, of using marijuana is very or extremely dangerous

93% believe people important to them would disapprove of the behavior.

 94% believe driving after drinking enough alcohol (to the point one considers they might be over the legal limit) to be very or extremely dangerous. 

7% admit to engaging in this behavior in the past 30 days. 

65% of drivers feel driving, within an hour, of using marijuana is very or extremely dangerous. 

93% believe people important to them would disapprove of the behavior

Nearly three in four drivers supported making it illegal to drive with any drug (not legally prescribed) in one’s system. 

“The privilege of driving comes with great responsibility, which some motorists are not taking seriously,” said Steward. 

AAA’s Traffic Safety Culture Index illustrates a clear disconnect when it comes to impaired driving and the perception that marijuana use and driving is less dangerous than drinking alcohol and getting behind the wheel. 

“We must be aware of the serious consequences of all dangerous driving behaviors and change course,” Steward added.

The purpose of the Traffic Safety Culture&nbsp;survey&nbsp;is to better understand drivers’ perceptions and attitudes towards risky behaviors, so we can work together to find the best possible way to address those issues and&nbsp;reduce crashes.&nbsp;

“With nearly 43,000 fatal crashes nationwide every year, we’ve got to do everything we can to save more lives,” Steward added.

Traffic fatalities on Kansas roads have been on the rise during the last several years, with 403 in 2018, 410 in 2019, 426 in 2020, and 427 in 2021.

AAA recommends these safety tips to keep in mind.

●Out of sight, out of mind. Stow your smartphone away, turn it to airplane mode, or activate call/text blocking features like Apple’s Do Not Disturb.

●Slow down. Drivers tend to overestimate the time saved by speeding. Speed kills and isn’t worth the cost.

●Stay alert. Stop driving if you become sleepy because you can fall asleep anytime. Fatigue impacts reaction time, judgment, and vision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670802172440.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>After years of improvement, new research shows a troubling increase in admitted risky driving</h2>AAA KansasWICHITA – A new report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds unsafe driving behaviors, including speeding, red-light running, drowsy driving, and driving impaired on cannabis or alcohol, rose from 2020 to 2021. The most alarming increase was among drivers admitting to getting behind the wheel after drinking enough that they felt they were over the legal limit - an increase of nearly 24%.&nbsp; According to new survey data in the AAA Foundation's annual Traffic Safety Culture Index, this is a reversal in the steady declines in these dangerous driving behaviors in the three years from 2018 through 2020.Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, traffic fatalities have risen. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that 42,915 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes last year, a 10.5% increase from the 38,824 fatalities in 2020. According to NHTSA, dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, alcohol impairment, and non-use of seatbelts account for a considerable proportion of the increased fatalities. Accordingly, AAA urges drivers to keep everyone safe on the roads and warns motorists against falling back into dangerous driving habits.“The increase in the number of U.S. drivers engaging in risky driving behavior is troubling,” said Shawn Steward, spokesman for&nbsp;AAA Kansas. “While drivers consistently acknowledge that certain risky behaviors behind the wheel, such as speeding and driving impaired, are not safe, many still engage in these activities anyway.”The proportion of people who reported having engaged in the following unsafe driving behaviors at least once in the past 30 days before the survey:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670801215763.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As in previous years, drivers reported too often engaging in risky behaviors that they know are dangerous and would meet with disapproval from friends or family. For example:Texting while driving 92% think it’s very or extremely dangerous96% think someone important to them would disapprove26% admit&nbsp;to doing it in the last 30 days. Aggressive driving 88% think it’s very or extremely dangerous96% think someone important to them would disapprove23% admit&nbsp;to doing it in the last 30 daysImpaired driving 94% believe driving after drinking enough alcohol (to the point one considers they might be over the legal limit) to be very or extremely dangerous7% admit to engaging in this behavior in the past 30 days65% of drivers feel driving, within an hour, of using marijuana is very or extremely dangerous93% believe people important to them would disapprove of the behavior. 94% believe driving after drinking enough alcohol (to the point one considers they might be over the legal limit) to be very or extremely dangerous. 7% admit to engaging in this behavior in the past 30 days. 65% of drivers feel driving, within an hour, of using marijuana is very or extremely dangerous. 93% believe people important to them would disapprove of the behaviorNearly three in four drivers supported making it illegal to drive with any drug (not legally prescribed) in one’s system. “The privilege of driving comes with great responsibility, which some motorists are not taking seriously,” said Steward. AAA’s Traffic Safety Culture Index illustrates a clear disconnect when it comes to impaired driving and the perception that marijuana use and driving is less dangerous than drinking alcohol and getting behind the wheel. “We must be aware of the serious consequences of all dangerous driving behaviors and change course,” Steward added.The purpose of the Traffic Safety Culture&nbsp;survey&nbsp;is to better understand drivers’ perceptions and attitudes towards risky behaviors, so we can work together to find the best possible way to address those issues and&nbsp;reduce crashes.&nbsp;“With nearly 43,000 fatal crashes nationwide every year, we’ve got to do everything we can to save more lives,” Steward added.Traffic fatalities on Kansas roads have been on the rise during the last several years, with 403 in 2018, 410 in 2019, 426 in 2020, and 427 in 2021.AAA recommends these safety tips to keep in mind.●Out of sight, out of mind. Stow your smartphone away, turn it to airplane mode, or activate call/text blocking features like Apple’s Do Not Disturb.●Slow down. Drivers tend to overestimate the time saved by speeding. Speed kills and isn’t worth the cost.●Stay alert. Stop driving if you become sleepy because you can fall asleep anytime. Fatigue impacts reaction time, judgment, and vision.●Drive sober.&nbsp; If you consume marijuana or alcohol, then don’t drive. If you are taking potentially impairing prescription medications, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist how best to stay safe AND healthy behind the wheel.●Buckle your seat belt for every ride. It does not matter where in the vehicle you are seated. A properly worn seatbelt is the most effective way to survive a traffic crash.About AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Now celebrating its 75th anniversary, the Foundation for Traffic Safety was established in 1947 by AAA. The Foundation is a nonprofit, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research develops educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users.About AAA AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 63&nbsp;million&nbsp;members nationwide and more than 350,000 members in Kansas.&nbsp;AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a&nbsp;non-stock, membership corporation working&nbsp;on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, access a&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUZq7fhzRb2URGDQo-2F50oBEr-2Fbwhu8fPUyM1UGHM2bacFFA3Jf5NCJEcqU1rYMpo-2B7BEohQndgte3obSbPOg00n9FouHS9x9pGXl1JHu0Vl-2FaLIg69vty8Q3jtYMEA-2BXbOA-3D-3DNims_t63W6VOpNaQzFln0mRpIPwKWfC8tUIiPKNeIQzfdtyfQoXXVWW7tXyuBqGeFvk2cNuQE8DSUNhLYK5rhxUJJqnr36Bz-2FX7x-2BRJfm1jhyKW-2FTCp5aY-2FVJ4JCxnjvk-2FRRDU0nelHrI6CMxkA0OX3sayPVD77x-2Fw8F08OMdNF-2BOvwYwLJhSnGgzexbAzSShUnQXl9MHqgLLBhRF5IkDR0E8zohmrdfezj962GmmUt6YyaqrRX33RPmn98eP8vk-2F0pDPwCDn2jPNaQuW8YdG1WEtDJjvLCO1-2FGoEwxzfoaHHRKmroKdI8x26G4AIpqgR4PnTtWFRVF3geFV3obIycSh9o29Ej72GTPUkxJ2ZzeTpF7o-3D" target="_blank">COVID travel restriction map</a>, find local gas prices and&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUf5vDzC6voLYAPhUgWPKW1SAOm0OriNB3cOVo30c-2Fc525WkX_t63W6VOpNaQzFln0mRpIPwKWfC8tUIiPKNeIQzfdtyfQoXXVWW7tXyuBqGeFvk2cNuQE8DSUNhLYK5rhxUJJqnr36Bz-2FX7x-2BRJfm1jhyKW-2FTCp5aY-2FVJ4JCxnjvk-2FRRDU0nelHrI6CMxkA0OX3sayPVD77x-2Fw8F08OMdNF-2BOvwYwLJhSnGgzexbAzSShUnQXl9MHqgLLBhRF5IkDR0E8zju1uUNNtqPERyBfjhDbaPj4fCUBs2-2F3cpCiIX8ztuu6Q5JXB-2Fp5yFAAuf6CTedv5Ife7NJRid8ENGxz88tQxQxY6soMXYEJXP9ummmNSZPb4jyNZkyo9vVfJzKGYjR7jkHruAGSjyFLp-2B-2BLY0RqwBE-3D" target="_blank">electric vehicle charging stations</a>,&nbsp;discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9hd7gt5w4RnNVYldceL1C0Mr-2BgWuTHSr0gcdduVCeTe6kTys_t63W6VOpNaQzFln0mRpIPwKWfC8tUIiPKNeIQzfdtyfQoXXVWW7tXyuBqGeFvk2cNuQE8DSUNhLYK5rhxUJJqnr36Bz-2FX7x-2BRJfm1jhyKW-2FTCp5aY-2FVJ4JCxnjvk-2FRRDU0nelHrI6CMxkA0OX3sayPVD77x-2Fw8F08OMdNF-2BOvwYwLJhSnGgzexbAzSShUnQXl9MHqgLLBhRF5IkDR0E8zmmcXYGA5HXxYN-2FOZ34uTh6fITpHKI5U0X0W6xfHJzyAMLx6EhlfVQsaOSZ26vDpnxg679ss4kfHkNSS3R4yc9tDgcp6nbQ0x7DIAmwemeb-2By6WIc3-2BHcoIXITn5QfI53zT8VTdPQGviSa39tXE8jwA-3D" target="_blank">AAA.com/mobile</a>) for iPhone, iPad, and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a membership, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9jbf-2FfQz5ExMUplWZDyodiQ-3DQXfc_t63W6VOpNaQzFln0mRpIPwKWfC8tUIiPKNeIQzfdtyfQoXXVWW7tXyuBqGeFvk2cNuQE8DSUNhLYK5rhxUJJqnr36Bz-2FX7x-2BRJfm1jhyKW-2FTCp5aY-2FVJ4JCxnjvk-2FRRDU0nelHrI6CMxkA0OX3sayPVD77x-2Fw8F08OMdNF-2BOvwYwLJhSnGgzexbAzSShUnQXl9MHqgLLBhRF5IkDR0E8zrqRrws-2Fuhn-2FRo0WiHl8wljhVd3voXagDrdEF1-2FSilOiNfH1YQTEIWr2Y-2BudyIQvMy-2B5TFpOw05n-2F1GDNBiFwRo0-2BseNDSe733sufdc12b2yyB7bkZz4ldDd1k9-2BbsJU5-2BcKgt3V-2BJXJXfZ211C-2FJVw-3D" target="_blank">www.AAA.com</a>.

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