In preparation for the impending storm, additional winter weather advisories have been issued for counties in our area.

<a href="http://kandrive.org/">Go to kandrive.org for updates on highway conditions</a>

The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 12 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.

Mixed precipitation is expected with at least a glaze of ice expected to coat all outdoor surfaces. Total ice accumulations of one-tenth to two-tenths of an inch and snow accumulations of up to one inch are possible.

Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 12 a.m.-noon Thursday for Cloud County.

Freezing rain and freezing drizzle changing to rain by late morning. Total ice accumulations of around one-tenth of an inch.

Slick travel conditions are possible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.

Additionally, the National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 12 a.m.-noon Thursday Republic County.

By SALINA POSTIn preparation for the impending storm, additional winter weather advisories have been issued for counties in our area.<a href="http://kandrive.org/">Go to kandrive.org for updates on highway conditions</a>The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 12 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.Jewell CountyMitchell CountyMixed precipitation is expected with at least a glaze of ice expected to coat all outdoor surfaces. Total ice accumulations of one-tenth to two-tenths of an inch and snow accumulations of up to one inch are possible.Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 12 a.m.-noon Thursday for Cloud County.Freezing rain and freezing drizzle changing to rain by late morning. Total ice accumulations of around one-tenth of an inch.Slick travel conditions are possible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.Additionally, the National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 12 a.m.-noon Thursday Republic County.Freezing rain and freezing drizzle changing to rain by late morning. Total ice accumulations of around one-tenth of an inch.Slick travel conditions are possible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.

NWS updates winter weather advisories for our area

By KATHY HAGEMAN For Dickinson County

Brad Homman could write a book about all the things he's seen or done during his nearly four decades with Dickinson County.

As a member of the sheriff's department, he worked accidents, investigated crimes - and while undercover - purchased drugs and busted dealers.

As the head of 911 Dispatch, he built and staffed the county's emergency communications center and was onboard as cellular technology was changing faster than government entities could afford to purchase it.

And during the last 16 years as Dickinson County administrator, he has been at the helm through the good and the bad: Two tornadoes (in 2008 and 2016) and recovery efforts, building a new jail and remodeling the courthouse (which included emptying the building and moving staff to other facilities), dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic - one of the most uncertain times in modern history - and a plethora of other challenging and rewarding situations.

Homman will retire Dec. 17 after 38 years as a full-time employee, but he’s been with the county 40 years if you count the first couple when he worked part-time.

“Thinking back on when I first came to work here, I see how far we have evolved since then,” Homman said.

Homman was a reserve officer with the Solomon Police Department when he went to work for the sheriff’s department in 1982 as the weekend dispatcher/jailer.

“I was responsible for the hourly jail checks, booking in prisoners, feeding them, giving them medication, things like that. That’s a really scary situation for a kid who’s 19, 20 years old. Looking back, I’m thinking ‘geez, what a liability’,” he recalled with a laugh.

At the same time, Homman was pursuing a degree in electronics technology at Salina Area Technical College, spurred by his interest in radio and electronic communication. After graduation, he went to work at a radio shop in Salina.

“I cut my teeth in communications working on two-way radios. The shop owner would say ‘I need you to go to Thayer, Garden City, Holton or even Manchester to fix a tower’,” he remembered.

His interest in communications led him to start his own business, Homman Electronics, which he continues to operate in his spare time.

On Jan. 12, 1985, Homman joined the Dickinson County Sheriff's Department full-time. Over the next 20 years, he moved up the ranks from patrol deputy, to undersheriff and even interim sheriff. He worked for five different sheriffs, including Dale Ogran, Kenny Moore, Steve Britt, Carl McDonald and Curt Bennett.

Under McDonald’s watch, Homman started the I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force, which included Dickinson, Saline and McPherson counties. The cooperation of the other counties was necessary, Homman said, because of the drug trade’s overlap in surrounding areas.

“It became very obvious that every time we’d arrest somebody or they were willing to help as an informant, they were going to Salina or Junction City to get their drugs. I didn’t know anyone at either place and that’s where the case ended. It didn’t solve the problem,” he recalled.

Having out-of-county officers work the cases was effective since the dealers did not know them.

“Everybody in Dickinson County - especially the drug people - knew me so we’d have the Saline and McPherson guys make the undercover buys here and I'd work in their counties."

“We eventually were able to 'cut the head off the snake.' We saw the availability of drugs in Dickinson County drying up and we knew we had made an impact," he said.

Although the job was fascinating and rewarding, the inconsistent work hours – any time on any day – eventually led him to change careers.

“When my wife, Michelle, and I decided to start a family I said I would change careers because I wasn’t going to be an absentee father. This isn’t the lifestyle for a family," he said.

As the end of the 1990s approached, then-Sheriff Curt Bennett asked county commissioners to take over 911 emergency communications from the City of Abilene, which was dispatching for both the city and county. The commission agreed and implemented a 2-mill levy to cover 911 services.

“Bennett approached me about building the 911 center. I had already talked to him about leaving the drug task force because I wanted to be a parent for my kids,” Homman said.

In late 1999, Homman was re-assigned as captain over the newly-created communications division and spent eight to 10 months designing and building the 911 Center in the basement of the courthouse. Soon, his title was changed to Emergency Communications director.

“I had brought over a few employees from city dispatch and hired some new staff and in April 2000 we took over the communication responsibilities for answering 911 calls and dispatching,” he said.

When 911 became the universal emergency phone number in the United States, the system was dependent on landline telephones to locate callers.

However, when cellular phones came out and people started abandoning their land lines it created a big problem for 911 centers because early cell phones could not pinpoint locations.

“We knew the big challenge was going to be locating people on cell phones,” Homman recalled. “If the people calling 911 can’t talk or don’t know where they’re at, the benefit of calling 911 goes out the window.”

As technology evolved into Phase 1 and later into Phase 2, cell phones were able to send GPS coordinates into the data stream allowing the tower system to triangulate the caller's location. However, that technology was expensive.

"Congress had passed a law telling cell phone providers that if a government agency provides a formal request for Phase 2 technology it has to be provided, but there was no provision in the law about who pays for that," Homman said.

"The technology was there but a lot of cellular providers drug their feet and didn’t want to put in the extra cost,” Homman explained. “There was real fear on our part, as a government agency, that if I put that request into Verizon, Sprint or AT&amp;T they’re going to come in and bill us for that service and what if I can’t afford it?”

But as things often do, a situation occurred locally that caused Homman to make that request.

He had received a call from a woman who wanted 911 dispatch to be aware her elderly father was living alone north of Chapman. His family had purchased a cell phone for him that dialed 911 by pushing one button. Unfortunately, those phones did not display the caller's phone number, but a phantom number.

Some months later, Dickinson County Dispatch got a call from Geary County Dispatch that its emergency center was getting 911 calls from an unknown number, and from the towers it was coming through, they knew it was located somewhere on the west side of their county or in Dickinson County.

“The person was mumbling, ‘help me, help me;' they had gotten 10 or 12 of these calls and the signal would fade and cut out. They had deputies driving around looking for something and wondered if Dickinson County had any addresses that sounded something like what they thought the person was saying. This guy was in dire straits and getting worse.”

One of the local dispatchers told Homman they were trying to track down the phone and with the bits of information gleaned from the brief call, he pieced together that the call might be coming from the man his daughter had called about several months ago.

“I told Sherry Massey, who was my assistant director, to look at the location alerts and get that guy's address. She came up with a name and we sent our deputies who had also been out looking. We had an ambulance out there waiting too and dispatched them to that house. We got there just in time. The responding paramedics later told me if it had been another five minutes he would have been gone,” Homman remembered.

“I got really pissed off that morning and I typed out the very first request letter to AT&amp;T asking that Phase 2 technology be delivered to us. I told commissioners I didn’t care what it costs because we are not going through that again. I said, 'if it costs, we’re just going to have to bite the bullet. Otherwise people are going to die',” he recalled.

Soon after, Phase 2 technology was installed in Dickinson County - and surprisingly - at no cost.

“We were the first agency in Kansas that took the risk to do it. Once we did it, everybody else across the state did too,” Homman said. “That was one of the most remarkable things to happen in my career.”

In early 2006, then-commissioners Joe Nold and Sheila Biggs asked Homman if he would be interested in becoming county administrator. The county previously had an administrator for a short time in the 1980s, but after that person was gone the position had never been filled.

"I was surprised," Homman recalled. "I remember Joe making the comment, ‘if we come in and sit here three or four hours one day a week and think we’re running things we’re kidding ourselves. We need some organization. This isn’t a business, but we need to run it like a business.'

“It was a big decision, but I decided to jump on over,” Homman said.

Initially, his title was director of administration and emergency services, but that soon changed to county administrator.

Over the 16 years, Homman has served as county administrator, he has been at the tip of the spear when it comes to getting things done.

“One of the best things we did was when we took over EMS from Memorial Hospital. The hospital was going to expand and needed to get EMS out of their garage area,” Homman said. “We built the addition onto the health department, took over responsibility for EMS and created a professional department to be proud of - one that saves lives."

That was the first of many building projects, which has included an EMS building in Herington to serve the southern end of the county, the environmental services building at the Transfer Station, the PPE (personal protective equipment) building, constructed during the pandemic and an addition at Sterl Hall,” he added.

Perhaps the most adrenalin-driven time of his career was serving as the spokesperson for the City of Chapman after an EF-3 tornado roared through town on June 11, 2008. He took on that role because city officials and council members had either lost their own homes or were busy working to save lives and responding.

When another tornado came through the rural areas in the northern part of the county on May 25, 2016, the county paired with the National Resource Conservation Service to clean up tree debris that would have damaged bridges and impacted streams.

The biggest project of his career was the recently completed jail addition and courthouse renovation, completed earlier this year.

Not surprisingly, the most challenging time was during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The frustration came from the lack of knowing what to do and then doing what we thought was right and the criticism that came with it. COVID was new to everybody and we didn’t have the historical time and experience to know what the right move was. Everybody worldwide was shooting from the hip.

“There was the fear of the virus and the fear of what was to come, while doing our best to protect the public, students, our staffs, health care workers and then dealing with the level of personal criticism and personal attacks,” Homman said.

“I know in my heart we did everything the best we could to prevent people from getting sick, and for those who did, that was beyond our control," he continued. "I don’t know that I’d do anything different looking back.”

Even as he prepares to leave, Homman has been busy doing the groundwork for a new 800 MHz radio project that will let local law enforcement, fire and EMS communicate better and with other agencies outside the county.

Dickinson County is at a disadvantage when first responders need to communicate with outside agencies. For example, whenever sheriff's officers need to talk to Kansas Highway Patrol officers during high speed chases.

“Our current system has served us well, but now it's outdated and needs replaced. We’ve put it off (moving to the 800 system) as long as we can. Now, our surrounding counties have switched to it and we can’t communicate with them," Homman said. "I hope to be able to help out the county with this when I leave."

Earlier this year, the county's 911 Advisory Board asked commissioners to consider asking voters to consider a one-fourth cent sales tax for public safety, with monies going toward transitioning all of the county's emergency responders to the State of Kansas' 800 MHz system. Commissioners are expected to act on the request in early 2023, possibly putting the question on a mail-in ballot.

One thing Homman says he won't miss about the county administrator job is the stress.

"I always felt I didn't let stress bother me, but my wife says I do," he said with a chuckle. "We may travel a bit since it's just Michelle and I now. It will be nice to be able to pick up and say 'let's go'."

However, don't expect Homman to ride off into the sunset permanently. He plans to continue operating Homman Electronics, which nowadays is less about radios and more about security systems.

"Everybody that used to rely on two-way radios pretty much just uses cell phones, although there's still a few that have radios, but the big thing now is security cameras and alarm systems because of the state of our society," Homman said. "I'll continue doing that as long as I can."

For the time being, he also still plans on serving on the Solomon USD 393 Board of Education.

"I think it's helped me tremendously as a person to be on the school board and see what it's like on the elected side of things. By overseeing an organization you get to see first hand what it's like as an elected official and some of the pressures that go with that," Homman explained.

"I've tried to think what it's like for the commissioners."

Homman said he is leaving with a good conscience.

"I think I'm leaving things in good shape for the commissioners and Janelle (Dockendorf, incoming county administrator). We're not in debt, the budget's not in trouble and I don't believe I'm leaving any big problems," he said.

"I told staff I wanted to get the jail and renovation project done. I wasn't about to leave in the middle of that. Otherwise, I probably would have left a couple years ago."

Working for the county has been a fulfilling experience, he said.

"I couldn't be more appreciative of the county commissioners and how they've supported me and the county staff. I don't know that there's anything I ever asked for that they haven't approved or given. However, I also didn't ever ask for anything that wasn't needed and researched," he added with a laugh.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670466583085.png" alt="Dickinson County Administrator Brad Homman looks through some project files as he prepares to retire on Dec. 17, after nearly 40 years with the county. Photo by Kathy Hageman" />
 <figcaption>Dickinson County Administrator Brad Homman looks through some project files as he prepares to retire on Dec. 17, after nearly 40 years with the county. Photo by Kathy Hageman</figcaption>
 </figure>By KATHY HAGEMAN For Dickinson CountyBrad Homman could write a book about all the things he's seen or done during his nearly four decades with Dickinson County.As a member of the sheriff's department, he worked accidents, investigated crimes - and while undercover - purchased drugs and busted dealers.As the head of 911 Dispatch, he built and staffed the county's emergency communications center and was onboard as cellular technology was changing faster than government entities could afford to purchase it.And during the last 16 years as Dickinson County administrator, he has been at the helm through the good and the bad: Two tornadoes (in 2008 and 2016) and recovery efforts, building a new jail and remodeling the courthouse (which included emptying the building and moving staff to other facilities), dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic - one of the most uncertain times in modern history - and a plethora of other challenging and rewarding situations.Homman will retire Dec. 17 after 38 years as a full-time employee, but he’s been with the county 40 years if you count the first couple when he worked part-time.“Thinking back on when I first came to work here, I see how far we have evolved since then,” Homman said.Homman was a reserve officer with the Solomon Police Department when he went to work for the sheriff’s department in 1982 as the weekend dispatcher/jailer.“I was responsible for the hourly jail checks, booking in prisoners, feeding them, giving them medication, things like that. That’s a really scary situation for a kid who’s 19, 20 years old. Looking back, I’m thinking ‘geez, what a liability’,” he recalled with a laugh.At the same time, Homman was pursuing a degree in electronics technology at Salina Area Technical College, spurred by his interest in radio and electronic communication. After graduation, he went to work at a radio shop in Salina.“I cut my teeth in communications working on two-way radios. The shop owner would say ‘I need you to go to Thayer, Garden City, Holton or even Manchester to fix a tower’,” he remembered.His interest in communications led him to start his own business, Homman Electronics, which he continues to operate in his spare time.On Jan. 12, 1985, Homman joined the Dickinson County Sheriff's Department full-time. Over the next 20 years, he moved up the ranks from patrol deputy, to undersheriff and even interim sheriff. He worked for five different sheriffs, including Dale Ogran, Kenny Moore, Steve Britt, Carl McDonald and Curt Bennett.Under McDonald’s watch, Homman started the I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force, which included Dickinson, Saline and McPherson counties. The cooperation of the other counties was necessary, Homman said, because of the drug trade’s overlap in surrounding areas.“It became very obvious that every time we’d arrest somebody or they were willing to help as an informant, they were going to Salina or Junction City to get their drugs. I didn’t know anyone at either place and that’s where the case ended. It didn’t solve the problem,” he recalled.Having out-of-county officers work the cases was effective since the dealers did not know them.“Everybody in Dickinson County - especially the drug people - knew me so we’d have the Saline and McPherson guys make the undercover buys here and I'd work in their counties."“We eventually were able to 'cut the head off the snake.' We saw the availability of drugs in Dickinson County drying up and we knew we had made an impact," he said.Although the job was fascinating and rewarding, the inconsistent work hours – any time on any day – eventually led him to change careers.“When my wife, Michelle, and I decided to start a family I said I would change careers because I wasn’t going to be an absentee father. This isn’t the lifestyle for a family," he said.Moving to dispatchAs the end of the 1990s approached, then-Sheriff Curt Bennett asked county commissioners to take over 911 emergency communications from the City of Abilene, which was dispatching for both the city and county. The commission agreed and implemented a 2-mill levy to cover 911 services.“Bennett approached me about building the 911 center. I had already talked to him about leaving the drug task force because I wanted to be a parent for my kids,” Homman said.In late 1999, Homman was re-assigned as captain over the newly-created communications division and spent eight to 10 months designing and building the 911 Center in the basement of the courthouse. Soon, his title was changed to Emergency Communications director.“I had brought over a few employees from city dispatch and hired some new staff and in April 2000 we took over the communication responsibilities for answering 911 calls and dispatching,” he said.Cell phones problematicWhen 911 became the universal emergency phone number in the United States, the system was dependent on landline telephones to locate callers.However, when cellular phones came out and people started abandoning their land lines it created a big problem for 911 centers because early cell phones could not pinpoint locations.“We knew the big challenge was going to be locating people on cell phones,” Homman recalled. “If the people calling 911 can’t talk or don’t know where they’re at, the benefit of calling 911 goes out the window.”As technology evolved into Phase 1 and later into Phase 2, cell phones were able to send GPS coordinates into the data stream allowing the tower system to triangulate the caller's location. However, that technology was expensive."Congress had passed a law telling cell phone providers that if a government agency provides a formal request for Phase 2 technology it has to be provided, but there was no provision in the law about who pays for that," Homman said."The technology was there but a lot of cellular providers drug their feet and didn’t want to put in the extra cost,” Homman explained. “There was real fear on our part, as a government agency, that if I put that request into Verizon, Sprint or AT&amp;T they’re going to come in and bill us for that service and what if I can’t afford it?”But as things often do, a situation occurred locally that caused Homman to make that request.He had received a call from a woman who wanted 911 dispatch to be aware her elderly father was living alone north of Chapman. His family had purchased a cell phone for him that dialed 911 by pushing one button. Unfortunately, those phones did not display the caller's phone number, but a phantom number.Some months later, Dickinson County Dispatch got a call from Geary County Dispatch that its emergency center was getting 911 calls from an unknown number, and from the towers it was coming through, they knew it was located somewhere on the west side of their county or in Dickinson County.“The person was mumbling, ‘help me, help me;' they had gotten 10 or 12 of these calls and the signal would fade and cut out. They had deputies driving around looking for something and wondered if Dickinson County had any addresses that sounded something like what they thought the person was saying. This guy was in dire straits and getting worse.”One of the local dispatchers told Homman they were trying to track down the phone and with the bits of information gleaned from the brief call, he pieced together that the call might be coming from the man his daughter had called about several months ago.“I told Sherry Massey, who was my assistant director, to look at the location alerts and get that guy's address. She came up with a name and we sent our deputies who had also been out looking. We had an ambulance out there waiting too and dispatched them to that house. We got there just in time. The responding paramedics later told me if it had been another five minutes he would have been gone,” Homman remembered.“I got really pissed off that morning and I typed out the very first request letter to AT&amp;T asking that Phase 2 technology be delivered to us. I told commissioners I didn’t care what it costs because we are not going through that again. I said, 'if it costs, we’re just going to have to bite the bullet. Otherwise people are going to die',” he recalled.Soon after, Phase 2 technology was installed in Dickinson County - and surprisingly - at no cost.“We were the first agency in Kansas that took the risk to do it. Once we did it, everybody else across the state did too,” Homman said. “That was one of the most remarkable things to happen in my career.”County administratorIn early 2006, then-commissioners Joe Nold and Sheila Biggs asked Homman if he would be interested in becoming county administrator. The county previously had an administrator for a short time in the 1980s, but after that person was gone the position had never been filled."I was surprised," Homman recalled. "I remember Joe making the comment, ‘if we come in and sit here three or four hours one day a week and think we’re running things we’re kidding ourselves. We need some organization. This isn’t a business, but we need to run it like a business.'“It was a big decision, but I decided to jump on over,” Homman said.Initially, his title was director of administration and emergency services, but that soon changed to county administrator.Over the 16 years, Homman has served as county administrator, he has been at the tip of the spear when it comes to getting things done.“One of the best things we did was when we took over EMS from Memorial Hospital. The hospital was going to expand and needed to get EMS out of their garage area,” Homman said. “We built the addition onto the health department, took over responsibility for EMS and created a professional department to be proud of - one that saves lives."That was the first of many building projects, which has included an EMS building in Herington to serve the southern end of the county, the environmental services building at the Transfer Station, the PPE (personal protective equipment) building, constructed during the pandemic and an addition at Sterl Hall,” he added.Perhaps the most adrenalin-driven time of his career was serving as the spokesperson for the City of Chapman after an EF-3 tornado roared through town on June 11, 2008. He took on that role because city officials and council members had either lost their own homes or were busy working to save lives and responding.When another tornado came through the rural areas in the northern part of the county on May 25, 2016, the county paired with the National Resource Conservation Service to clean up tree debris that would have damaged bridges and impacted streams.The biggest project of his career was the recently completed jail addition and courthouse renovation, completed earlier this year.COVIDNot surprisingly, the most challenging time was during the COVID-19 pandemic.“The frustration came from the lack of knowing what to do and then doing what we thought was right and the criticism that came with it. COVID was new to everybody and we didn’t have the historical time and experience to know what the right move was. Everybody worldwide was shooting from the hip.“There was the fear of the virus and the fear of what was to come, while doing our best to protect the public, students, our staffs, health care workers and then dealing with the level of personal criticism and personal attacks,” Homman said.“I know in my heart we did everything the best we could to prevent people from getting sick, and for those who did, that was beyond our control," he continued. "I don’t know that I’d do anything different looking back.”Radio upgradeEven as he prepares to leave, Homman has been busy doing the groundwork for a new 800 MHz radio project that will let local law enforcement, fire and EMS communicate better and with other agencies outside the county.Dickinson County is at a disadvantage when first responders need to communicate with outside agencies. For example, whenever sheriff's officers need to talk to Kansas Highway Patrol officers during high speed chases.“Our current system has served us well, but now it's outdated and needs replaced. We’ve put it off (moving to the 800 system) as long as we can. Now, our surrounding counties have switched to it and we can’t communicate with them," Homman said. "I hope to be able to help out the county with this when I leave."Earlier this year, the county's 911 Advisory Board asked commissioners to consider asking voters to consider a one-fourth cent sales tax for public safety, with monies going toward transitioning all of the county's emergency responders to the State of Kansas' 800 MHz system. Commissioners are expected to act on the request in early 2023, possibly putting the question on a mail-in ballot.RetirementOne thing Homman says he won't miss about the county administrator job is the stress."I always felt I didn't let stress bother me, but my wife says I do," he said with a chuckle. "We may travel a bit since it's just Michelle and I now. It will be nice to be able to pick up and say 'let's go'."However, don't expect Homman to ride off into the sunset permanently. He plans to continue operating Homman Electronics, which nowadays is less about radios and more about security systems."Everybody that used to rely on two-way radios pretty much just uses cell phones, although there's still a few that have radios, but the big thing now is security cameras and alarm systems because of the state of our society," Homman said. "I'll continue doing that as long as I can."For the time being, he also still plans on serving on the Solomon USD 393 Board of Education."I think it's helped me tremendously as a person to be on the school board and see what it's like on the elected side of things. By overseeing an organization you get to see first hand what it's like as an elected official and some of the pressures that go with that," Homman explained."I've tried to think what it's like for the commissioners."Homman said he is leaving with a good conscience."I think I'm leaving things in good shape for the commissioners and Janelle (Dockendorf, incoming county administrator). We're not in debt, the budget's not in trouble and I don't believe I'm leaving any big problems," he said."I told staff I wanted to get the jail and renovation project done. I wasn't about to leave in the middle of that. Otherwise, I probably would have left a couple years ago."Working for the county has been a fulfilling experience, he said."I couldn't be more appreciative of the county commissioners and how they've supported me and the county staff. I don't know that there's anything I ever asked for that they haven't approved or given. However, I also didn't ever ask for anything that wasn't needed and researched," he added with a laugh.

Brad Homman: Three careers, one employer

On Monday,&nbsp;

 Training Sergeant Tim Brown swore in three new officers for the Salina Police Department. 

 In the group photo, from L to R, are Officer Thornton, Officer C. Coletti, Sergeant Brown, and Officer Leonard. 

 Officer Courtney Thornton is from Minneapolis, Kan., where her father is the Ottawa County Sheriff. 

  Officer Crystal Coletti is originally from California, moved to New York, then moved to Salina approximately three years ago with her husband, Marc, who is also a police officer for the City of Salina. 

 Officer John Leonard is from Miami and a U.S. Army Veteran. 

 These officers will attend the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, and on graduation, enter our Department's Field Training Program.



Salina Police DepartmentOn Monday,&nbsp;

 Training Sergeant Tim Brown swore in three new officers for the Salina Police Department. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670463146433.jpeg" alt="Photos courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaKSPD">Salina Police Department Facebook page</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaKSPD">Salina Police Department Facebook page</a></figcaption>
 </figure> In the group photo, from L to R, are Officer Thornton, Officer C. Coletti, Sergeant Brown, and Officer Leonard. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670463265009.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Officer Courtney Thornton is from Minneapolis, Kan., where her father is the Ottawa County Sheriff. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670463318460.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Officer Crystal Coletti is originally from California, moved to New York, then moved to Salina approximately three years ago with her husband, Marc, who is also a police officer for the City of Salina. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670463414719.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Officer John Leonard is from Miami and a U.S. Army Veteran. These officers will attend the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, and on graduation, enter our Department's Field Training Program.

Salina Police Department gains three new officers

DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a California man who allegedly stole a vehicle in Colorado.

Just after 12:30a.m. Monday,&nbsp;the Salina Police Department notified the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department of a stolen black Mercedes GL Coupe traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 at approximately 150mph, according to Undersheriff Jeff Vaughan

 The Mercedes, valued at approximately $70,800, had been reported stolen due to it being fraudulently purchased by a subject with false identification in Colorado.

A Dickinson County deputy located the vehicle unoccupied in the area of W. Seventh Street and Maple Street in Solomon. The deputy obtained a description of the suspect later identified as 43-year-old&nbsp;Matthew Walden Olson, 43, of San Francisco.

An unmanned aircraft system was deployed and a Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department K9 officer responded to assist in the search for Olson. The sheriff’s K9 located him hiding under the bridge near W. Fifth Street and Maple Street in Solomon.

The suspect was taken into custody and provided a false name to the deputies who eventually confirmed his identity as Olson. He is being held in&nbsp;the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of theft of the vehicle, interference with law enforcement, identity theft, and drug possession.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670442758981.png" alt="Matthew Olson. Photo courtesy Dickinson County Sheriff's Department" />
 <figcaption>Matthew Olson. Photo courtesy Dickinson County Sheriff's Department</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a California man who allegedly stole a vehicle in Colorado.Just after 12:30a.m. Monday,&nbsp;the Salina Police Department notified the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department of a stolen black Mercedes GL Coupe traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 at approximately 150mph, according to Undersheriff Jeff Vaughan The Mercedes, valued at approximately $70,800, had been reported stolen due to it being fraudulently purchased by a subject with false identification in Colorado.A Dickinson County deputy located the vehicle unoccupied in the area of W. Seventh Street and Maple Street in Solomon. The deputy obtained a description of the suspect later identified as 43-year-old&nbsp;Matthew Walden Olson, 43, of San Francisco.An unmanned aircraft system was deployed and a Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department K9 officer responded to assist in the search for Olson. The sheriff’s K9 located him hiding under the bridge near W. Fifth Street and Maple Street in Solomon.The suspect was taken into custody and provided a false name to the deputies who eventually confirmed his identity as Olson. He is being held in&nbsp;the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of theft of the vehicle, interference with law enforcement, identity theft, and drug possession.

Sheriff: Car theft suspect caught hiding under bridge in Solomon

A rock band that has tapped into a formula for continued success is coming to Salina in February.

Night Ranger is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.

Tickets start at $69 and go on sale at noon Friday. Buy online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">stiefeltheatre.org</a> or by calling the Stiefel at 785-827-1998. The Stiefel box office is open for phone or walk-up sales noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

About the band courtesy the Stiefel Theatre

Having sold more than 17 million albums worldwide, performed across more than 4000 stages, and captivated a radio audience that exceeds 1 billion, Night Ranger has both epitomized and transcended the arena rock sound and style well beyond that era. The band continues to grow its ever-evolving fan base and is proof that powerful songs alongside incredibly talented musicians is the perfect formula for continued success. 

Night Ranger is made up of Jack Blades (bass, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead and rhythm guitars), Eric Levy (keyboards), and Keri Kelli (lead and rhythm guitars).

Night Ranger has earned widespread recognition that includes both multi-platinum and gold album status all while leaving their indelible mark on the music industry with a long list of best-selling albums (Dawn Patrol, Midnight Madness, 7 Wishes, Big Life, and Man In Motion). Their popularity is fueled by an impressive number of instantly recognizable hit singles and signature album tracks, including legendary titles such as Sister Christian,&nbsp;Don't Tell Me You Love Me, When You Close Your Eyes, the anthemic (You Can Still) Rock In America, along with Sentimental Street, Goodbye, Sing Me Away, and Four in the Morning.

Over the years, the band's music has made notable contributions to and been featured in many different areas of global media and pop culture. Night Ranger was one of the first big "video" bands on MTV, with more than 10 No. 1 hit videos. Their songs can be heard in TV Shows like The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, American Dad, Glee, Grey's Anatomy, Parks &amp; Recreation. The band has also had music featured in video games such as Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and Grand Theft Auto, plus hit Broadway musical Rock of Ages, the Oscar-nominated film Boogie Nights, and other feature films such as Friday the 13th, Teachers, Sixteen Candles, and The Secret of My Success. Most recently the band’s classic hit Sister Christian can be heard in a Dr. Pepper commercial. They can also be heard throughout JBL’s Hear The Truth brand campaign.

Heavy-hitting rock legends, Night Ranger released their 12th studio album, ATBPO (which stands for And The Band Played On), an ode to making music during the COVID era, on Aug. 6, 2021, via Frontiers Music Srl. The album is available on CD, Color Vinyl (a variety of limited edition versions), and digital. The band began writing the album in early 2020, amid the rise of the global pandemic. After narrowing down the song selection and tightening them up to their well-known rock ‘n roll sound, the band hit the studio, although separately, due to the times we are in. Throughout ATBPO we hear Night Ranger continuing their hot streak that kicked off with 2011's Somewhere In California. Ten years on, and two highly acclaimed albums later, High Road and Don't Let Up, the band's latest studio work shows them still burning with that high-octane hard rock energy. Night Ranger has always had a knack for killer melodies, intricate instrumentation, and captivating lyrics; ATBPO delivers all of that and more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670376500334.jpeg" alt="Night Ranger is coming to the Stiefel Theatre in February. Photo courtesy the Stiefel Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Night Ranger is coming to the Stiefel Theatre in February. Photo courtesy the Stiefel Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTA rock band that has tapped into a formula for continued success is coming to Salina in February.Night Ranger is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.Tickets start at $69 and go on sale at noon Friday. Buy online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">stiefeltheatre.org</a> or by calling the Stiefel at 785-827-1998. The Stiefel box office is open for phone or walk-up sales noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.About the band courtesy the Stiefel TheatreHaving sold more than 17 million albums worldwide, performed across more than 4000 stages, and captivated a radio audience that exceeds 1 billion, Night Ranger has both epitomized and transcended the arena rock sound and style well beyond that era. The band continues to grow its ever-evolving fan base and is proof that powerful songs alongside incredibly talented musicians is the perfect formula for continued success. Night Ranger is made up of Jack Blades (bass, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead and rhythm guitars), Eric Levy (keyboards), and Keri Kelli (lead and rhythm guitars).Night Ranger has earned widespread recognition that includes both multi-platinum and gold album status all while leaving their indelible mark on the music industry with a long list of best-selling albums (Dawn Patrol, Midnight Madness, 7 Wishes, Big Life, and Man In Motion). Their popularity is fueled by an impressive number of instantly recognizable hit singles and signature album tracks, including legendary titles such as Sister Christian,&nbsp;Don't Tell Me You Love Me, When You Close Your Eyes, the anthemic (You Can Still) Rock In America, along with Sentimental Street, Goodbye, Sing Me Away, and Four in the Morning. Over the years, the band's music has made notable contributions to and been featured in many different areas of global media and pop culture. Night Ranger was one of the first big "video" bands on MTV, with more than 10 No. 1 hit videos. Their songs can be heard in TV Shows like The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, American Dad, Glee, Grey's Anatomy, Parks &amp; Recreation. The band has also had music featured in video games such as Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and Grand Theft Auto, plus hit Broadway musical Rock of Ages, the Oscar-nominated film Boogie Nights, and other feature films such as Friday the 13th, Teachers, Sixteen Candles, and The Secret of My Success. Most recently the band’s classic hit Sister Christian can be heard in a Dr. Pepper commercial. They can also be heard throughout JBL’s Hear The Truth brand campaign. Heavy-hitting rock legends, Night Ranger released their 12th studio album, ATBPO (which stands for And The Band Played On), an ode to making music during the COVID era, on Aug. 6, 2021, via Frontiers Music Srl. The album is available on CD, Color Vinyl (a variety of limited edition versions), and digital. The band began writing the album in early 2020, amid the rise of the global pandemic. After narrowing down the song selection and tightening them up to their well-known rock ‘n roll sound, the band hit the studio, although separately, due to the times we are in. Throughout ATBPO we hear Night Ranger continuing their hot streak that kicked off with 2011's Somewhere In California. Ten years on, and two highly acclaimed albums later, High Road and Don't Let Up, the band's latest studio work shows them still burning with that high-octane hard rock energy. Night Ranger has always had a knack for killer melodies, intricate instrumentation, and captivating lyrics; ATBPO delivers all of that and more.

Night Ranger to perform in Salina; tickets on sale Friday

After a two-year absence due to COVID-19, Hospice of Salina will be hosting its annual A Night of Remembrance that is open to all community members who are grieving the loss of a loved one during this holiday season. 

A Night of Remembrance will be Dec. 13, at Hospice of Salina, 730 Holly Lane, starting with fellowship and light refreshments 5:30 p.m. The remembrance ceremony will begin at 6 p.m.

Community members can visit with the Hospice of Salina Chaplain Mary Bridges along with other Hospice of Salina staff members. The ceremony will be a time of reflection, remembrance and hope for those who are feeling the loss of a loved one. 

“During the ceremony we will use the words of Advent to focus our thoughts, as we light candles, on Love, Peace, Joy and Hope,” said Bridges.&nbsp;“Those attending will receive a Blue Snowflake as a remembrance keepsake.”

Special remembrance ornaments are also for sale at&nbsp;<a href="https://hospiceofsalina.org/hospice-happenings/" target="_blank">https://hospiceofsalina.org/hospice-happenings/</a>.

The remembrance ornaments are made from hand-blown glass with 22k gold and are personalized with a loved one’s name, date of birth, and date of passing.

Salina Regional Health CenterAfter a two-year absence due to COVID-19, Hospice of Salina will be hosting its annual A Night of Remembrance that is open to all community members who are grieving the loss of a loved one during this holiday season. A Night of Remembrance will be Dec. 13, at Hospice of Salina, 730 Holly Lane, starting with fellowship and light refreshments 5:30 p.m. The remembrance ceremony will begin at 6 p.m.Community members can visit with the Hospice of Salina Chaplain Mary Bridges along with other Hospice of Salina staff members. The ceremony will be a time of reflection, remembrance and hope for those who are feeling the loss of a loved one. “During the ceremony we will use the words of Advent to focus our thoughts, as we light candles, on Love, Peace, Joy and Hope,” said Bridges.&nbsp;“Those attending will receive a Blue Snowflake as a remembrance keepsake.”Special remembrance ornaments are also for sale at&nbsp;<a href="https://hospiceofsalina.org/hospice-happenings/" target="_blank">https://hospiceofsalina.org/hospice-happenings/</a>.The remembrance ornaments are made from hand-blown glass with 22k gold and are personalized with a loved one’s name, date of birth, and date of passing.

Hospice of Salina hosting A Night of Remembrance

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher

The rush is on as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season ramps up! It seems like there’s never enough hours in the days, or days in the weeks leading up to Christmas. &nbsp; As a parent, small business owner, community member and farmer, there’s just a lot to accomplish immediately after washing the dishes from our Thanksgiving meal. &nbsp; As a parent, keeping track of the Christmas parties and holiday-themed school days for my two young children requires organization and focus.&nbsp; &nbsp; Throughout the year, I keep track of the "normal" school things needed to be done like the minutes we read nightly, the weekly spelling words needing attention at home, and making sure the kids have their library books read and ready to return on their assigned library days.&nbsp; &nbsp; But this month I’m hyper alert to knowing when “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day”&nbsp;is compared to when “Santa’s Ho-Ho-Hoedown Day”&nbsp;is to ensure my kids participate in at least some of their school’s countdown to Christmas Break spirit days – 15 themed spirit days in all.&nbsp; &nbsp; One of my greatest fears this month has become the thought of sending the kids to school wearing their pajamas for “Dream a Little Dream Day”&nbsp;when they should be wearing a scarf for “Deck Your Neck Day” or forgetting to dig out Hawaiian shirts for “Christmas Vacation Day”.&nbsp; &nbsp; I’ve concluded that if there are prizes for most spirited this month at school, the Baldwin kids probably won’t make the cut. I’ll consider it a win if I remember to send lunch money on the day the school serves their Christmas ham meal later this month! &nbsp; On the farm, there’s a list of things we try to get done every December. Currently, that list has us trying to get fields fertilized before any potential snow falls. This responsibility mainly falls on my husband as I dedicate my days fulfilling holiday orders and making multiple trips to the post office for our small business.&nbsp; &nbsp; There are parties and practices and community events and performances and games and top-secret shopping trips also on my December calendar. &nbsp; My December started out with an incredibly busy day, which transitioned into an equally busy evening consisting of shuttling kids from school to basketball practice and then home for showers and food, only to drive them back to town to practice their church Christmas program. I was able to briefly catch my breath after handing the kids off to my husband before making my way to choir practice.&nbsp; &nbsp; Getting home shortly before 9 that night, I collapsed on the couch ready to unwind from a busy, busy day. However, I got a phone call from my father-in-law instead.&nbsp; &nbsp; It turned out my day was not done just yet. Instead, I put on my coveralls and headed out to the barn to watch over a ewe who had just lambed.&nbsp; &nbsp; Peeking into the lambing pen that was now occupied by the ewe with her tiny, wet lamb with wobbly legs brought me a calm I had not experienced that day.&nbsp; &nbsp; Under a clear, dark December sky with stars shining bright above us, a new mother with her newborn lying in a bed of straw reminded me of the true spirit of this season. And all was calm. &nbsp; May you have at least one moment this month which causes you to pause amongst the holiday hustle and bustle in order to experience the true spirit of the season.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2022 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancherThe rush is on as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season ramps up! It seems like there’s never enough hours in the days, or days in the weeks leading up to Christmas. &nbsp; As a parent, small business owner, community member and farmer, there’s just a lot to accomplish immediately after washing the dishes from our Thanksgiving meal. &nbsp; As a parent, keeping track of the Christmas parties and holiday-themed school days for my two young children requires organization and focus.&nbsp; &nbsp; Throughout the year, I keep track of the "normal" school things needed to be done like the minutes we read nightly, the weekly spelling words needing attention at home, and making sure the kids have their library books read and ready to return on their assigned library days.&nbsp; &nbsp; But this month I’m hyper alert to knowing when “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day”&nbsp;is compared to when “Santa’s Ho-Ho-Hoedown Day”&nbsp;is to ensure my kids participate in at least some of their school’s countdown to Christmas Break spirit days – 15 themed spirit days in all.&nbsp; &nbsp; One of my greatest fears this month has become the thought of sending the kids to school wearing their pajamas for “Dream a Little Dream Day”&nbsp;when they should be wearing a scarf for “Deck Your Neck Day” or forgetting to dig out Hawaiian shirts for “Christmas Vacation Day”.&nbsp; &nbsp; I’ve concluded that if there are prizes for most spirited this month at school, the Baldwin kids probably won’t make the cut. I’ll consider it a win if I remember to send lunch money on the day the school serves their Christmas ham meal later this month! &nbsp; On the farm, there’s a list of things we try to get done every December. Currently, that list has us trying to get fields fertilized before any potential snow falls. This responsibility mainly falls on my husband as I dedicate my days fulfilling holiday orders and making multiple trips to the post office for our small business.&nbsp; &nbsp; There are parties and practices and community events and performances and games and top-secret shopping trips also on my December calendar. &nbsp; My December started out with an incredibly busy day, which transitioned into an equally busy evening consisting of shuttling kids from school to basketball practice and then home for showers and food, only to drive them back to town to practice their church Christmas program. I was able to briefly catch my breath after handing the kids off to my husband before making my way to choir practice.&nbsp; &nbsp; Getting home shortly before 9 that night, I collapsed on the couch ready to unwind from a busy, busy day. However, I got a phone call from my father-in-law instead.&nbsp; &nbsp; It turned out my day was not done just yet. Instead, I put on my coveralls and headed out to the barn to watch over a ewe who had just lambed.&nbsp; &nbsp; Peeking into the lambing pen that was now occupied by the ewe with her tiny, wet lamb with wobbly legs brought me a calm I had not experienced that day.&nbsp; &nbsp; Under a clear, dark December sky with stars shining bright above us, a new mother with her newborn lying in a bed of straw reminded me of the true spirit of this season. And all was calm. &nbsp; May you have at least one moment this month which causes you to pause amongst the holiday hustle and bustle in order to experience the true spirit of the season."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2022 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

INSIGHT: The spirt of the season

Today is Wednesday, Dec. 7, the 341st day of 2022. There are 24 days left in the year.

On Dec. 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan launched an air raid on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii as well as targets in Malaya, Hong Kong, Guam, the Philippines and Wake Island; the United States declared war against Japan the next day.

In 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

In 1796, electors chose John Adams to be the second president of the United States.

In 1917, during World War I, the United States declared war on Austria-Hungary.

In 1963, during the Army-Navy game, videotaped instant replay was used for the first time in a live sports telecast.

In 1972, America's last moon mission to date was launched as Apollo 17 blasted off from Cape Canaveral.

In 1982, convicted murderer Charlie Brooks Jr. became the first U.S. prisoner to be executed by injection, at a prison in Huntsville, Texas.

In 1988, a major earthquake in the Soviet Union devastated northern Armenia; official estimates put the death toll at 25-thousand.

In 2001, Taliban forces abandoned their last bastion in Afghanistan, fleeing the southern city of Kandahar.

In 2004, Hamid Karzai was sworn in as Afghanistan's first popularly elected president.

In 2017, Democratic Sen. Al Franken said he would resign after a series of sexual harassment allegations; he took a parting shot at President Donald Trump, describing him as "a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault." Republican Rep. Trent Franks of Arizona said he would resign, after revealing that he discussed surrogacy with two female staffers.

In 2018, the man who drove his car into counterprotesters at a 2017 white nationalist rally in Virginia was convicted of first-degree murder; a state jury rejected defense arguments that James Alex Fields Jr. acted in self-defense.

In 2020, retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles "Chuck" Yeager, the World War II fighter pilot ace and quintessential test pilot who in 1947 became the first person to fly faster than sound, died at 97.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama asked Congress for $60.4 billion in federal aid for New York, New Jersey and other states hit by Superstorm Sandy (lawmakers ended up passing a $50.5 billion emergency relief measure in addition to a $9.7 billion bill to replenish the National Flood Insurance Program).

Five years ago: A white former South Carolina police officer, Michael Slager, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the fatal shooting of an unarmed black motorist, Walter Scott, in North Charleston in 2015. Demonstrators in the Gaza Strip burned U.S. flags and pictures of President Trump, and Palestinian protesters clashed with Israeli forces in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, after Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

One year ago: During a video call lasting more than two hours, President Joe Biden warned Russia's Vladimir Putin that a Russian invasion of Ukraine would bring sanctions and enormous harm to the Russian economy. A major outage in Amazon's cloud computing network severely disrupted services at a wide range of U.S. companies for more than five hours, impacting everything from airline reservations and auto dealerships to payment apps and video streaming services.

Today's Birthdays: Linguist and political philosopher Noam Chomsky is 94. Bluegrass singer Bobby Osborne is 91. Actor Ellen Burstyn is 90. Broadcast journalist Carole Simpson is 82. Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench is 75. Actor-director-producer James Keach is 75. Country singer Gary Morris is 74. Singer-songwriter Tom Waits is 73. Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, is 70. Basketball Hall of Famer Larry Bird is 66. Actor Priscilla Barnes is 65. Former "Tonight Show" announcer Edd Hall is 64. Rock musician Tim Butler (The Psychedelic Furs) is 64. Actor Patrick Fabian is 58. Actor Jeffrey Wright is 57. Actor C. Thomas Howell is 56. Actor Kimberly Hébert Gregory (TV: "Kevin (Probably) Saves the World") is 50. Producer-director Jason Winer is 50. Former NFL player Terrell Owens is 49. Rapper-producer Kon Artis is 48. Pop singer Nicole Appleton (All Saints) is 47. Latin singer Frankie J is 46. Country singer Sunny Sweeney is 46. Actor Chris Chalk is 45. Actor Shiri Appleby is 44. Pop-rock singer/celebrity judge Sara Bareilles is 43. Actor Jennifer Carpenter is 43. Actor Jack Huston is 40. MLB first baseman Pete Alonso is 28.

<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 Wednesday, Dec. 7, the 341st day of 2022. There are 24 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Dec. 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan launched an air raid on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii as well as targets in Malaya, Hong Kong, Guam, the Philippines and Wake Island; the United States declared war against Japan the next day.On this date:In 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.In 1796, electors chose John Adams to be the second president of the United States.In 1917, during World War I, the United States declared war on Austria-Hungary.In 1963, during the Army-Navy game, videotaped instant replay was used for the first time in a live sports telecast.In 1972, America's last moon mission to date was launched as Apollo 17 blasted off from Cape Canaveral.In 1982, convicted murderer Charlie Brooks Jr. became the first U.S. prisoner to be executed by injection, at a prison in Huntsville, Texas.In 1988, a major earthquake in the Soviet Union devastated northern Armenia; official estimates put the death toll at 25-thousand.In 2001, Taliban forces abandoned their last bastion in Afghanistan, fleeing the southern city of Kandahar.In 2004, Hamid Karzai was sworn in as Afghanistan's first popularly elected president.In 2017, Democratic Sen. Al Franken said he would resign after a series of sexual harassment allegations; he took a parting shot at President Donald Trump, describing him as "a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault." Republican Rep. Trent Franks of Arizona said he would resign, after revealing that he discussed surrogacy with two female staffers.In 2018, the man who drove his car into counterprotesters at a 2017 white nationalist rally in Virginia was convicted of first-degree murder; a state jury rejected defense arguments that James Alex Fields Jr. acted in self-defense.In 2020, retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles "Chuck" Yeager, the World War II fighter pilot ace and quintessential test pilot who in 1947 became the first person to fly faster than sound, died at 97.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama asked Congress for $60.4 billion in federal aid for New York, New Jersey and other states hit by Superstorm Sandy (lawmakers ended up passing a $50.5 billion emergency relief measure in addition to a $9.7 billion bill to replenish the National Flood Insurance Program).Five years ago: A white former South Carolina police officer, Michael Slager, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the fatal shooting of an unarmed black motorist, Walter Scott, in North Charleston in 2015. Demonstrators in the Gaza Strip burned U.S. flags and pictures of President Trump, and Palestinian protesters clashed with Israeli forces in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, after Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.One year ago: During a video call lasting more than two hours, President Joe Biden warned Russia's Vladimir Putin that a Russian invasion of Ukraine would bring sanctions and enormous harm to the Russian economy. A major outage in Amazon's cloud computing network severely disrupted services at a wide range of U.S. companies for more than five hours, impacting everything from airline reservations and auto dealerships to payment apps and video streaming services.Today's Birthdays: Linguist and political philosopher Noam Chomsky is 94. Bluegrass singer Bobby Osborne is 91. Actor Ellen Burstyn is 90. Broadcast journalist Carole Simpson is 82. Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench is 75. Actor-director-producer James Keach is 75. Country singer Gary Morris is 74. Singer-songwriter Tom Waits is 73. Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, is 70. Basketball Hall of Famer Larry Bird is 66. Actor Priscilla Barnes is 65. Former "Tonight Show" announcer Edd Hall is 64. Rock musician Tim Butler (The Psychedelic Furs) is 64. Actor Patrick Fabian is 58. Actor Jeffrey Wright is 57. Actor C. Thomas Howell is 56. Actor Kimberly Hébert Gregory (TV: "Kevin (Probably) Saves the World") is 50. Producer-director Jason Winer is 50. Former NFL player Terrell Owens is 49. Rapper-producer Kon Artis is 48. Pop singer Nicole Appleton (All Saints) is 47. Latin singer Frankie J is 46. Country singer Sunny Sweeney is 46. Actor Chris Chalk is 45. Actor Shiri Appleby is 44. Pop-rock singer/celebrity judge Sara Bareilles is 43. Actor Jennifer Carpenter is 43. Actor Jack Huston is 40. MLB first baseman Pete Alonso is 28.

Today in History - December 7

BATON ROUGE, La. - The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Gabriella Fischer of Salina at The University of Kansas

Emma Frieze of Chapman at The University of Kansas

They are among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States, its territories, and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

BATON ROUGE, La. - The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.Gabriella Fischer of Salina at The University of KansasEmma Frieze of Chapman at The University of KansasThey are among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States, its territories, and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

Phi Kappa Phi initiates Salina's Fischer, Chapman's Frieze

A winter weather advisory has been issued for some counties in our area.

The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 12 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.

Mixed precipitation with a glaze of ice is expected to coat all outdoor surfaces. Total ice accumulations of approximately one-tenth of an inch are possible.

Precipitation is expected to begin as freezing drizzle late tonight transitioning to a wintry mix including freezing rain during the early morning hours Thursday before changing to rain or light drizzle by mid to late afternoon on the backside of this system.

Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact travel.

By SALINA POSTA winter weather advisory has been issued for some counties in our area.<a href="http://kandrive.org/">Go to kandrive.org for updates on highway conditions</a>The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 12 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.Jewell CountyMitchell CountyMixed precipitation with a glaze of ice is expected to coat all outdoor surfaces. Total ice accumulations of approximately one-tenth of an inch are possible.Precipitation is expected to begin as freezing drizzle late tonight transitioning to a wintry mix including freezing rain during the early morning hours Thursday before changing to rain or light drizzle by mid to late afternoon on the backside of this system.Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact travel.

Winter weather advisory issued for Jewell, Mitchell counties

Congratulations to Parker Erickson of Ramona, the Week 13 winner in Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest!

Parker, who scored 13 of 14 points, wins $100.

Although the season is underway, you still have time to win!

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Sign up today</a>&nbsp;to make your picks for a chance to win great weekly prizes, including cash,&nbsp;gift cards, concert tickets, and Chiefs tickets.&nbsp;If you pick well, you'll also be in the running for the local season prize of $1,000 and a national season prize of a trip to Hawaii!

Don't miss out on the state's best pro football pick'em contest!&nbsp;

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Click here to register for Gridiron Glory</a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662062091203.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Congratulations to Parker Erickson of Ramona, the Week 13 winner in Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest!Parker, who scored 13 of 14 points, wins $100.Although the season is underway, you still have time to win!<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Sign up today</a>&nbsp;to make your picks for a chance to win great weekly prizes, including cash,&nbsp;gift cards, concert tickets, and Chiefs tickets.&nbsp;If you pick well, you'll also be in the running for the local season prize of $1,000 and a national season prize of a trip to Hawaii!Don't miss out on the state's best pro football pick'em contest!&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Click here to register for Gridiron Glory</a>

Gridiron Glory: Congratulations Parker Erickson!

The Saline County Road and Bridge Department has announced crack sealing work to begin later this week.

Crack sealing is scheduled on the following roads from Thursday to Dec. 23. 

●Niles Road from Old Highway 40 north to Ottawa County. 

●Old Highway 40 from the City of Solomon to the City of Salina. 

●Simpson Road from Old Highway 40 south to North Street.

Traffic will be directed through maintenance areas via pilot car during that time. The public is encouraged to allow for an additional 15 to 20 minutes of travel on those routes.

Saline CountyThe Saline County Road and Bridge Department has announced crack sealing work to begin later this week.Crack sealing is scheduled on the following roads from Thursday to Dec. 23. ●Niles Road from Old Highway 40 north to Ottawa County. ●Old Highway 40 from the City of Solomon to the City of Salina. ●Simpson Road from Old Highway 40 south to North Street.Traffic will be directed through maintenance areas via pilot car during that time. The public is encouraged to allow for an additional 15 to 20 minutes of travel on those routes.<ul>
 
 </ul>

Crack sealing work set for some Saline County roads beginning Thursday

· Commercial Loan Imaging &amp; Quality Control Specialist

To apply, go to: Sunflower Bank NA - Job Opportunities (<a href="http://paylocity.com">paylocity.com</a>)

The competitive benefits package is designed to attract and retain quality and long-term associates. Benefits Include:

· Supplemental Insurance /Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

· Voluntary Accidental Death &amp; Dismemberment Insurance

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654571436662.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Job Opportunities in Salina:· BSA AML Analyst I· BSA Due Diligence Analyst I· Commercial Loan Imaging &amp; Quality Control Specialist· Credit Risk Review Analyst II· IT Asset Manager· TEMP - Deposit Operations Specialist· Accounting AnalystTo apply, go to: Sunflower Bank NA - Job Opportunities (<a href="http://paylocity.com">paylocity.com</a>)The competitive benefits package is designed to attract and retain quality and long-term associates. Benefits Include:· Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance· Supplemental Insurance /Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)· Group Term Life Insurance· Long-term Disability Insurance· Voluntary Life Insurance· Voluntary Accidental Death &amp; Dismemberment Insurance· 401k Plan· Paid Time Off (PTO)· Short-term Disability Insurance· Volunteer/Parenting Leave· Holiday Leave· Tuition Reimbursement

Great Plains Federal Credit Union ATM, window shot up Friday night

A local man was arrested early this morning after he allegedly entered a north Salina apartment without permission and attempted to lock out the man who lives there.

Officers were sent to the 200 block of N. 10th Street at approximately 1:28 a.m. Tuesday. When they arrived, they found two men wrestling in the front yard. One was a neighbor who was trying to hold the other man, identified as Matthew Reynard, 43, of Salina, until the police arrived, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.

According to Forrester, Reynard allegedly approached a 56-year-old Salina man, who was sitting on his front porch and asked him for a cigarette. Reynard then allegedly entered the man's apartment and locked the door. 

The man had a spare key and was able to enter the apartment, where he saw Reynard holding his Samsung Galaxy A13 cellphone, some Thinsulate gloves, and a backpack, Forrester said. The items were valued at approximately $250. The man also noticed that all of the electronics in his apartment had been unplugged.

Forrester said the neighbor, a 32-year-old Salina man, who reported the incident to police, got involved when he allegedly saw via his Ring camera that Reynard was looking in his mailbox. When he went outside to investigate, he found out from the 56-year-old that Reynard had entered his apartment and locked the door.

Forrester said that Reynard was arrested on the following requested charges.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA local man was arrested early this morning after he allegedly entered a north Salina apartment without permission and attempted to lock out the man who lives there.Officers were sent to the 200 block of N. 10th Street at approximately 1:28 a.m. Tuesday. When they arrived, they found two men wrestling in the front yard. One was a neighbor who was trying to hold the other man, identified as Matthew Reynard, 43, of Salina, until the police arrived, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670345900264.jpeg" alt="Matthew Reynard. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Matthew Reynard. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>According to Forrester, Reynard allegedly approached a 56-year-old Salina man, who was sitting on his front porch and asked him for a cigarette. Reynard then allegedly entered the man's apartment and locked the door. The man had a spare key and was able to enter the apartment, where he saw Reynard holding his Samsung Galaxy A13 cellphone, some Thinsulate gloves, and a backpack, Forrester said. The items were valued at approximately $250. The man also noticed that all of the electronics in his apartment had been unplugged.Forrester said the neighbor, a 32-year-old Salina man, who reported the incident to police, got involved when he allegedly saw via his Ring camera that Reynard was looking in his mailbox. When he went outside to investigate, he found out from the 56-year-old that Reynard had entered his apartment and locked the door.Forrester said that Reynard was arrested on the following requested charges.●Aggravated burglary●Theft

Salina man arrested on requested aggravated burglary, theft charges

ABILENE - Employees of Memorial Health System (MHS) wore blue jeans at work for another Jeans Day fundraiser on Fridays throughout the month of November. 

Employees make a donation, of at least $5, and are allowed to wear blue jeans at work. 

A total donation of $805 was presented to St. Andrew’s Elementary School in Abilene for its “Onward: Rooted and Grounded in Faith” campaign to expand and enhance the school. 

The monthly Jeans Day fundraiser is organized by the MHS Employer of Choice (EOC) committee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670299495154.jpeg" alt="Pictured from left are Pam Schoemaker, EOC committee member; Father Peter O’Donnell, St. Andrew’s Catholic Church pastor; Christina Whitehair, St. Andrew’s Elementary School Principal; and Sara Boyd, EOC committee member. Photo courtesy MHS" />
 <figcaption>Pictured from left are Pam Schoemaker, EOC committee member; Father Peter O’Donnell, St. Andrew’s Catholic Church pastor; Christina Whitehair, St. Andrew’s Elementary School Principal; and Sara Boyd, EOC committee member. Photo courtesy MHS</figcaption>
 </figure>Memorial Health SystemABILENE - Employees of Memorial Health System (MHS) wore blue jeans at work for another Jeans Day fundraiser on Fridays throughout the month of November. Employees make a donation, of at least $5, and are allowed to wear blue jeans at work. A total donation of $805 was presented to St. Andrew’s Elementary School in Abilene for its “Onward: Rooted and Grounded in Faith” campaign to expand and enhance the school. The monthly Jeans Day fundraiser is organized by the MHS Employer of Choice (EOC) committee.

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