The Rolling Hills Zoo family is grieving the loss of its dromedary white camel that passed away this past weekend. A rare white camel, at the time of her birth Cleopatra was one of only 40 white camels in the world.

In 1994 prior to the zoo opening, Cleo (short for Cleopatra) along with a dark chocolate male dromedary camel named Pharaoh, were born at the main barn. While the two grew up together, Pharaoh eventually transferred to another facility while Cleo lived out her life at Rolling Hills Zoo.

During her early years, Cleo was housed with Abdul, another male dromedary camel. They always got along very well and enjoyed each other’s company. Since Abdul was easily distracted by people, Cleo had a habit of gobbling up her food and then going over and eating Abdul’s food. Following Abdul, Carlos joined Cleo in the camel yard. As a small young male dromedary camel, Carlos was easily pushed around the yard by Cleo, but as Carlos grew in size and stature Cleo no longer had the upper hand and they were moved to adjoining but separate yards.

“Cleo was a very good girl, always very gentle and browse was her favorite,” said Vickie Musselman, RHZ register. “You were able to clean around her without her bothering you, and during the spring when shedding she would allow you to remove the loose hanging hair from her neck and sides. I think she may have enjoyed the grooming attention.”

“She was eager to train and her favorite food was pears,” said Devney Bowen, head keeper. “Cleo was also very particular about who was allowed to touch her, so before that could happen you had to build up a good trust reserve with her. Overall, she was very sweet to everyone, never aggressive, a gentle soul, very wise, and very well loved.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662042051717.jpeg" alt="Cleopatra. Photo courtesy Rolling Hills Zoo" />
 <figcaption>Cleopatra. Photo courtesy Rolling Hills Zoo</figcaption>
 </figure>Rolling Hills ZooThe Rolling Hills Zoo family is grieving the loss of its dromedary white camel that passed away this past weekend. A rare white camel, at the time of her birth Cleopatra was one of only 40 white camels in the world.In 1994 prior to the zoo opening, Cleo (short for Cleopatra) along with a dark chocolate male dromedary camel named Pharaoh, were born at the main barn. While the two grew up together, Pharaoh eventually transferred to another facility while Cleo lived out her life at Rolling Hills Zoo.During her early years, Cleo was housed with Abdul, another male dromedary camel. They always got along very well and enjoyed each other’s company. Since Abdul was easily distracted by people, Cleo had a habit of gobbling up her food and then going over and eating Abdul’s food. Following Abdul, Carlos joined Cleo in the camel yard. As a small young male dromedary camel, Carlos was easily pushed around the yard by Cleo, but as Carlos grew in size and stature Cleo no longer had the upper hand and they were moved to adjoining but separate yards.“Cleo was a very good girl, always very gentle and browse was her favorite,” said Vickie Musselman, RHZ register. “You were able to clean around her without her bothering you, and during the spring when shedding she would allow you to remove the loose hanging hair from her neck and sides. I think she may have enjoyed the grooming attention.”“She was eager to train and her favorite food was pears,” said Devney Bowen, head keeper. “Cleo was also very particular about who was allowed to touch her, so before that could happen you had to build up a good trust reserve with her. Overall, she was very sweet to everyone, never aggressive, a gentle soul, very wise, and very well loved.”

Cleopatra's life was well lived at Rolling Hills Zoo

With the start of a new school year, Salina Area Technical College welcomes several new people to leadership positions at the college.

Jennifer Callis, who had previously served as Vice President of Student Services, has been named Vice President of Instruction, succeeding Stanton Gartin in that role.

Callis earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business and her Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from Emporia State University. She had previously taught Business and Computer classes at Salina Tech from 1999 to 2006 before joining the Salina Public Schools as School to Career Coordinator for both Salina Central and Salina South High Schools. She then returned to Salina Tech in 2014, and taught Business classes before being named VP of Student Services.

Erica Kruckenburg succeeded Jennifer Callis as VP of Student Services, coming from Tabor College in Hillsboro, where she had been Director of Student Success. She has previously worked as Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at Bethany College, and as a teacher and administrator in the Prosper Independent School District in Texas.

Kruckenburg earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business and Global Studies from Bethany College, and her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Principal Certification from Texas A&amp;M University. She is currently working on her Doctor of Education degree through Baker University.

Randi Kirk is Salina Tech’s new Director of Nursing, succeeding Lori Faerber. She is a Nurse Practitioner and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Brown Mackie College, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Graceland University in Iowa and her Master of Nursing with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health from Walden University in Minnesota.

She has previously worked as a nurse at Salina Regional Health Center and the Veteran’s Affairs clinic in Salina. She has also been Director of Nursing at Brookdale Senior Living and as a Home Health Nurse with the Occupational Center of Central Kansas (OCCK).

Salina TechWith the start of a new school year, Salina Area Technical College welcomes several new people to leadership positions at the college.Jennifer Callis, who had previously served as Vice President of Student Services, has been named Vice President of Instruction, succeeding Stanton Gartin in that role.Callis earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business and her Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from Emporia State University. She had previously taught Business and Computer classes at Salina Tech from 1999 to 2006 before joining the Salina Public Schools as School to Career Coordinator for both Salina Central and Salina South High Schools. She then returned to Salina Tech in 2014, and taught Business classes before being named VP of Student Services.Erica Kruckenburg succeeded Jennifer Callis as VP of Student Services, coming from Tabor College in Hillsboro, where she had been Director of Student Success. She has previously worked as Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at Bethany College, and as a teacher and administrator in the Prosper Independent School District in Texas.Kruckenburg earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business and Global Studies from Bethany College, and her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Principal Certification from Texas A&amp;M University. She is currently working on her Doctor of Education degree through Baker University.She is a graduate of Leadership Salina.Randi Kirk is Salina Tech’s new Director of Nursing, succeeding Lori Faerber. She is a Nurse Practitioner and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Brown Mackie College, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Graceland University in Iowa and her Master of Nursing with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health from Walden University in Minnesota.She has previously worked as a nurse at Salina Regional Health Center and the Veteran’s Affairs clinic in Salina. She has also been Director of Nursing at Brookdale Senior Living and as a Home Health Nurse with the Occupational Center of Central Kansas (OCCK).

Salina Area Technical College hires three for leadership positions

By MARK TALLMAN Kansas Association of School Boards

It’s a long-standing idea that public education works best when parents and teachers work together. The national Parent Teacher Association is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. However, at least since the COVID pandemic broke out two years ago, there has been growing debate over how much influence each group should have in setting educational policies.

That debate has also become very political. Teacher’s associations or unions have become strongly associated with Democrats and many Republicans are claiming to be, or want to be, the “parents party.” However, new opinion polls suggest the public really wants to see parents and teachers working together within the public system.

Several opinion polls this summer show teachers as individuals enjoy the highest levels of trust and confidence of any group making education policies that are surveyed. A poll done for&nbsp;<a href="http://dfer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Baseline-Nationwide-BG-Education-Summer-2022-.pdf">Democratic for Education Reform&nbsp;</a>found 73 percent of respondents have a very or somewhat favorable view of teachers. The&nbsp;<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/22086577/education-poll.pdf">American Federation of Teachers poll&nbsp;</a>also found the highest level of “confidence” in teachers, with 62 percent having a great deal or fair amount of confidence. (Both polls showed the teachers’ unions or associations polled 20-30 points lower than individual teachers; neither polled about school boards or administrators.) Those numbers are much higher than confidence in the public education system. An annual Gallup poll found only 28 percent of Americans have a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in public education.

However, the DFER poll and another survey for the AFT also showed strong support for parents’ voices in education. Parents organizations also had the confidence of a majority (56 percent), which was higher than teachers' unions, governors and legislators, and politicians. The AFT polls found 50 percent of respondents are dissatisfied with the amount of say that parents have in what their children are taught, with 38 percent satisfied.

The AFT poll asked a series of questions whether certain positions would make it more likely or less likely the voter would support a candidate. On the Republicans, the biggest positive differential for Republican candidates was “Believes parents should have more say over what their children learn in school” (33 percent more likely). When the AFT poll asked respondents to choose whether (1) parents should have more say in what their children are taught, or (2) teachers and professionals should determine curriculum, a narrow majority sided with parents.

At the same time, these new polls suggest that the public really would like to see parents and teachers working together. In the AFT poll, when asked if educators should set curriculum with input from parents, a much larger majority agreed more that teachers should set curriculum with parent input than simply parents having more say. For Democratic candidates, the AFT found the third largest positive differential is for a candidate who “Says that teachers and parents should work together to help students succeed, and we shouldn’t let politicians divide us” (plus 70 percent).

In fact, both polls showed frustration over political divisiveness. The AFT poll reported the biggest problem identified for public education is that “Education has become too politicized.” The poll found that 81 percent believe the politicization of education is a big problem. A plurality, 36 percent, say both parties are equally to blame, and slightly more blame “Democrats and liberals” (33 percent) than “Republicans and conservatives “(28 percent). The DFER poll also indicates frustration with both political parties. By two-to-one, respondents say catching kids up in school after the pandemic is more important than addressing how race and gender are taught in schools, but 54 percent say Democrats and 48 percent say Republicans are more focused on race and gender instruction than helping kids recover.

While these polls indicate considerable support for more parental input, there are warnings against going too far. The AFT poll found respondents said they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who would prohibit or prosecute teachers for certain kinds of instruction or allow parents to have books they consider offensive removed from school libraries. The AFT poll also found that respondents were generally more concerned about book bans and censorship than that some students would be taught something their parents will find offensive or inappropriate.

Finally, the DFER poll found 45 percent of voters would be much less likely to vote for a Republican who would supporting book bans, censoring teachers or penalizing teachers for talking about certain subjects, while 26 percent would be more likely.

These polls suggest the public wants a strong voice for parents but wants its structured so that parents and teachers work together. That may create an opportunity at the local level to develop and showcase models of cooperation.

Kansas teachers have certain rights for input on school districts policies regarding their employment and compensation through collective bargaining laws. Under state law, parents and teachers are to be represented on school building site councils, which are advisory bodies for local school boards. Many districts already use committees of parents, teachers and other educators to consider curriculum, challenges to library books and materials and other policies.

Local school boards, elected by communities that include parents and other family members, can demonstrate ways to strengthen parental input in collaboration with teachers. Rather than legislation that appears to create more conflict, perhaps school leaders can develop proposals to ensure all parties have a voice and allow the elected local school board to balance those concerns.

In addition to writing The Tallman Education Report, Mark Tallman also serves as the associate executive director for advocacy for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kasb.org/">Kansas Association of School Boards</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582221969260.jpeg" alt="Mark Tallman.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Kansas Association of School Boards&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Mark Tallman.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Kansas Association of School Boards&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK TALLMAN Kansas Association of School BoardsIt’s a long-standing idea that public education works best when parents and teachers work together. The national Parent Teacher Association is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. However, at least since the COVID pandemic broke out two years ago, there has been growing debate over how much influence each group should have in setting educational policies.That debate has also become very political. Teacher’s associations or unions have become strongly associated with Democrats and many Republicans are claiming to be, or want to be, the “parents party.” However, new opinion polls suggest the public really wants to see parents and teachers working together within the public system.Several opinion polls this summer show teachers as individuals enjoy the highest levels of trust and confidence of any group making education policies that are surveyed. A poll done for&nbsp;<a href="http://dfer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Baseline-Nationwide-BG-Education-Summer-2022-.pdf">Democratic for Education Reform&nbsp;</a>found 73 percent of respondents have a very or somewhat favorable view of teachers. The&nbsp;<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/22086577/education-poll.pdf">American Federation of Teachers poll&nbsp;</a>also found the highest level of “confidence” in teachers, with 62 percent having a great deal or fair amount of confidence. (Both polls showed the teachers’ unions or associations polled 20-30 points lower than individual teachers; neither polled about school boards or administrators.) Those numbers are much higher than confidence in the public education system. An annual Gallup poll found only 28 percent of Americans have a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in public education.However, the DFER poll and another survey for the AFT also showed strong support for parents’ voices in education. Parents organizations also had the confidence of a majority (56 percent), which was higher than teachers' unions, governors and legislators, and politicians. The AFT polls found 50 percent of respondents are dissatisfied with the amount of say that parents have in what their children are taught, with 38 percent satisfied.The AFT poll asked a series of questions whether certain positions would make it more likely or less likely the voter would support a candidate. On the Republicans, the biggest positive differential for Republican candidates was “Believes parents should have more say over what their children learn in school” (33 percent more likely). When the AFT poll asked respondents to choose whether (1) parents should have more say in what their children are taught, or (2) teachers and professionals should determine curriculum, a narrow majority sided with parents.At the same time, these new polls suggest that the public really would like to see parents and teachers working together. In the AFT poll, when asked if educators should set curriculum with input from parents, a much larger majority agreed more that teachers should set curriculum with parent input than simply parents having more say. For Democratic candidates, the AFT found the third largest positive differential is for a candidate who “Says that teachers and parents should work together to help students succeed, and we shouldn’t let politicians divide us” (plus 70 percent).In fact, both polls showed frustration over political divisiveness. The AFT poll reported the biggest problem identified for public education is that “Education has become too politicized.” The poll found that 81 percent believe the politicization of education is a big problem. A plurality, 36 percent, say both parties are equally to blame, and slightly more blame “Democrats and liberals” (33 percent) than “Republicans and conservatives “(28 percent). The DFER poll also indicates frustration with both political parties. By two-to-one, respondents say catching kids up in school after the pandemic is more important than addressing how race and gender are taught in schools, but 54 percent say Democrats and 48 percent say Republicans are more focused on race and gender instruction than helping kids recover.While these polls indicate considerable support for more parental input, there are warnings against going too far. The AFT poll found respondents said they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who would prohibit or prosecute teachers for certain kinds of instruction or allow parents to have books they consider offensive removed from school libraries. The AFT poll also found that respondents were generally more concerned about book bans and censorship than that some students would be taught something their parents will find offensive or inappropriate.Finally, the DFER poll found 45 percent of voters would be much less likely to vote for a Republican who would supporting book bans, censoring teachers or penalizing teachers for talking about certain subjects, while 26 percent would be more likely.What this means for school leaders:These polls suggest the public wants a strong voice for parents but wants its structured so that parents and teachers work together. That may create an opportunity at the local level to develop and showcase models of cooperation.Kansas teachers have certain rights for input on school districts policies regarding their employment and compensation through collective bargaining laws. Under state law, parents and teachers are to be represented on school building site councils, which are advisory bodies for local school boards. Many districts already use committees of parents, teachers and other educators to consider curriculum, challenges to library books and materials and other policies.Local school boards, elected by communities that include parents and other family members, can demonstrate ways to strengthen parental input in collaboration with teachers. Rather than legislation that appears to create more conflict, perhaps school leaders can develop proposals to ensure all parties have a voice and allow the elected local school board to balance those concerns.In addition to writing The Tallman Education Report, Mark Tallman also serves as the associate executive director for advocacy for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kasb.org/">Kansas Association of School Boards</a>.

TALLMAN: Polls support parents, teachers working together

Today is Thursday, Sept. 1, the 244th day of 2022. There are 121 days left in the year.

On Sept. 1, 1983, 269 people were killed when a Korean Air Lines Boeing 747 was shot down by a Soviet jet fighter after the airliner entered Soviet airspace.

In 1715, following a reign of 72 years, King Louis XIV of France died four days before his 77th birthday.

In 1897, the first section of Boston's new subway system was opened.

In 1923, the Japanese cities of Tokyo and Yokohama were devastated by an earthquake that claimed some 140,000 lives.

In 1939, World War II began as Nazi Germany invaded Poland.

In 1942, U.S. District Court Judge Martin I. Welsh, ruling from Sacramento, California, on a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of Fred Korematsu, upheld the wartime detention of Japanese-Americans as well as Japanese nationals.

In 1945, Americans received word of Japan's formal surrender that ended World War II. (Because of the time difference, it was Sept. 2 in Tokyo Bay, where the ceremony took place.)

In 1969, a coup in Libya brought Moammar Gadhafi to power.

In 1972, American Bobby Fischer won the international chess crown in Reykjavik, Iceland, as Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union resigned before the resumption of Game 21. An arson fire at the Blue Bird Cafe in Montreal, Canada, claimed 37 lives.

In 1985, a U.S.-French expedition located the wreckage of the Titanic on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean roughly 400 miles off Newfoundland.

In 2005, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin issued a "desperate SOS" as his city descended into anarchy amid the flooding left by Hurricane Katrina.

In 2009, Vermont's law allowing same-sex marriage went into effect.

In 2015, invoking "God's authority," Rowan County, Kentucky, Clerk Kim Davis denied marriage licenses to gay couples again in direct defiance of the federal courts, and vowed not to resign, even under the pressure of steep fines or jail. (Davis would spend five days in jail; she was released only after her staff issued the licenses on her behalf but removed her name from the form.)

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama ridiculed the just-completed Republican National Convention as better-suited to an era of black-and-white TV and "trickle-down, you're on your own" economics, and declared that Mitt Romney "did not offer a single new idea" for fixing the economy. Lyricist Hal David, 91, who teamed with Burt Bacharach on dozens of timeless songs for movies, television and a variety of recording artists in the 1960s and beyond, died in Los Angeles.

Five years ago: A line of cars stretched more than a mile at a water distribution center set up on a high school football field in Beaumont, Texas, which had been left without drinking water by flooding from Hurricane Harvey. The mayor of Houston announced that ongoing releases of water from two swollen reservoirs could keep thousands of homes flooded for up to 15 days. Comedian Shelley Berman died at his California home at the age of 92.

One year ago: Relentless rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ida sent the New York City area into a state of emergency, as water poured into homes and subway stations and left vehicles nearly submerged on major roadways, the storm would leave nearly 50 people dead in six Eastern states. Three days after Ida battered Louisiana and parts of Mississippi as the fifth-most-powerful hurricane to strike the U.S., about a million homes and businesses still had no electricity, and hundreds of thousands of people lacked running water. Three suburban Denver police officers and two paramedics were indicted on manslaughter and other charges in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Black man who was put into a chokehold and injected with a powerful sedative in a fatal encounter that provoked national outcry. President Joe Biden played host to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, and sought to reassure him that the U.S. remained squarely behind the Eastern European nation.

Today's Birthdays: Actor George Maharis is 94. Conductor Seiji Ozawa is 87. Attorney and law professor Alan Dershowitz is 84. Comedian-actor Lily Tomlin is 83. Actor Don Stroud is 79. Conductor Leonard Slatkin is 78. Singer Archie Bell is 78. Singer Barry Gibb is 76. Rock musician Greg Errico is 74. Talk show host Dr. Phil McGraw is 72. Singer Gloria Estefan is 65. Jazz musician Boney James is 61. Singer-musician Grant Lee Phillips (Grant Lee Buffalo) is 59. Country singer-songwriter Charlie Robison is 58. Retired NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway is 56. Actor Ricardo Antonio Chavira is 51. Actor Maury Sterling is 51. Rock singer JD Fortune is 49. Actor Scott Speedman is 47. Country singer Angaleena Presley (Pistol Annies) is 46. Actor Boyd Holbrook is 41. Actor Zoe Lister-Jones is 40. Rock musician Joe Trohman is 38. Actor Aisling Loftus is 32.

<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 Thursday, Sept. 1, the 244th day of 2022. There are 121 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Sept. 1, 1983, 269 people were killed when a Korean Air Lines Boeing 747 was shot down by a Soviet jet fighter after the airliner entered Soviet airspace.On this date:In 1715, following a reign of 72 years, King Louis XIV of France died four days before his 77th birthday.In 1897, the first section of Boston's new subway system was opened.In 1923, the Japanese cities of Tokyo and Yokohama were devastated by an earthquake that claimed some 140,000 lives.In 1939, World War II began as Nazi Germany invaded Poland.In 1942, U.S. District Court Judge Martin I. Welsh, ruling from Sacramento, California, on a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of Fred Korematsu, upheld the wartime detention of Japanese-Americans as well as Japanese nationals.In 1945, Americans received word of Japan's formal surrender that ended World War II. (Because of the time difference, it was Sept. 2 in Tokyo Bay, where the ceremony took place.)In 1969, a coup in Libya brought Moammar Gadhafi to power.In 1972, American Bobby Fischer won the international chess crown in Reykjavik, Iceland, as Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union resigned before the resumption of Game 21. An arson fire at the Blue Bird Cafe in Montreal, Canada, claimed 37 lives.In 1985, a U.S.-French expedition located the wreckage of the Titanic on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean roughly 400 miles off Newfoundland.In 2005, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin issued a "desperate SOS" as his city descended into anarchy amid the flooding left by Hurricane Katrina.In 2009, Vermont's law allowing same-sex marriage went into effect.In 2015, invoking "God's authority," Rowan County, Kentucky, Clerk Kim Davis denied marriage licenses to gay couples again in direct defiance of the federal courts, and vowed not to resign, even under the pressure of steep fines or jail. (Davis would spend five days in jail; she was released only after her staff issued the licenses on her behalf but removed her name from the form.)Ten years ago: President Barack Obama ridiculed the just-completed Republican National Convention as better-suited to an era of black-and-white TV and "trickle-down, you're on your own" economics, and declared that Mitt Romney "did not offer a single new idea" for fixing the economy. Lyricist Hal David, 91, who teamed with Burt Bacharach on dozens of timeless songs for movies, television and a variety of recording artists in the 1960s and beyond, died in Los Angeles.Five years ago: A line of cars stretched more than a mile at a water distribution center set up on a high school football field in Beaumont, Texas, which had been left without drinking water by flooding from Hurricane Harvey. The mayor of Houston announced that ongoing releases of water from two swollen reservoirs could keep thousands of homes flooded for up to 15 days. Comedian Shelley Berman died at his California home at the age of 92.One year ago: Relentless rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ida sent the New York City area into a state of emergency, as water poured into homes and subway stations and left vehicles nearly submerged on major roadways, the storm would leave nearly 50 people dead in six Eastern states. Three days after Ida battered Louisiana and parts of Mississippi as the fifth-most-powerful hurricane to strike the U.S., about a million homes and businesses still had no electricity, and hundreds of thousands of people lacked running water. Three suburban Denver police officers and two paramedics were indicted on manslaughter and other charges in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Black man who was put into a chokehold and injected with a powerful sedative in a fatal encounter that provoked national outcry. President Joe Biden played host to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, and sought to reassure him that the U.S. remained squarely behind the Eastern European nation.Today's Birthdays: Actor George Maharis is 94. Conductor Seiji Ozawa is 87. Attorney and law professor Alan Dershowitz is 84. Comedian-actor Lily Tomlin is 83. Actor Don Stroud is 79. Conductor Leonard Slatkin is 78. Singer Archie Bell is 78. Singer Barry Gibb is 76. Rock musician Greg Errico is 74. Talk show host Dr. Phil McGraw is 72. Singer Gloria Estefan is 65. Jazz musician Boney James is 61. Singer-musician Grant Lee Phillips (Grant Lee Buffalo) is 59. Country singer-songwriter Charlie Robison is 58. Retired NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway is 56. Actor Ricardo Antonio Chavira is 51. Actor Maury Sterling is 51. Rock singer JD Fortune is 49. Actor Scott Speedman is 47. Country singer Angaleena Presley (Pistol Annies) is 46. Actor Boyd Holbrook is 41. Actor Zoe Lister-Jones is 40. Rock musician Joe Trohman is 38. Actor Aisling Loftus is 32.

Today in History September 1

By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County public information coordinator

City leaders from across Dickinson County joined county commissioners Thursday, Aug. 25 at Legacy Kansas to share information about what has happened since the last meeting, which was held in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-nine people attended.

Attendees also heard comments from the Dickinson County Economic Development Corp. and the Community Foundation of Dickinson County about projects in the works.

County Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson gave the greeting and closing, noting that residents of the various cities and the county have reasons to be grateful for the many services provided and thanked the leaders for giving back to their respective communities.

Dickinson County Administrator Brad Homman gave an overview of county activity since 2019, including the completion of the jail and courthouse renovation (except for the elevator, which is currently being renovated); spoke about the county clerk/election office getting through a busy primary election and recount and how the commission had approved the purchase of a new $106,000 ballot counting machine; talked about a resolution approved by county commissioners on Aug. 25 to increase the pay range for paramedics and EMTs to attract necessary staff; a plan to use ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) monies in conjunction with Community Foundation funds to build early childhood centers at Herington and Solomon schools; the 2023 budget and other topics.

The 911 advisory board has restarted after several years of inactivity and is working on future plans to migrate to a new 800 MHz radio system, which will allow better communication for police, fire and other emergency communications.

“All the counties around us have done that. We’re the donut hole in the middle that’s still on an older system,” Homman said, explaining that makes it difficult to communicate with the other counties.

Homman told city leaders they likely will be hearing about the project from their emergency personnel. The system will be pricey and the county already has met with North Central Regional Planning Commission representatives seeking grant funds.

As for the new 68-bed jail, Homman said it has been open for a little more than a year and is taking in contract prisoners from Saline and Morris counties, which helps offset some of the county’s expense.

“It takes the same number of corrections officers to run it whether you’ve got three people or 48,” Homman said.

Jail population has stayed at approximately 50 or so inmates, with about half of those from Dickinson County.

Carlton City Council member Gina Rader said Agri Trails Coop has built a new elevator in the city, significantly increasing the coop’s grain storage capability in town. She also said a new three-bay fire department building is in the works and they are getting quotes to remodel and update the city building and shared other information.

Woodbine Mayor MarySue Roller said the city received money from the Community Foundation to tuckpoint and repair the concrete walls of the gymnasium so the building can be used for events. Recently, the City of Woodbine got its own city building. Previously, the city had a filing cabinet that moved with each successive city clerk to that person’s home.

“We went through a lot of struggling and maneuvering and we got a building,” Roller said, noting how much it means for a small city to have its own city hall.

Mayor Eric Gares from Herington said the city has rebuilt its water treatment system and is now supplying water not only to Herington, but also to Woodbine and Hope; phase 1 of its sewer treatment facility is finished; the city will start updating its comprehensive plan; they have been working on a Lake Master Plan to develop Herington City Lake and Reservoir; and he announced that Casey’s General Store will return to Herington and the city will annex the location at the corner of U.S. 56 and 77.

Mayor Larry Ryff of Hope said Agri Trails Coop had opened a chemical building on the northwest corner of town that was helping keep people employed in Hope. The facility also is a warehouse used to ship and receive chemicals from other branches. The city is also demolishing and flipping houses to get more housing. A challenge is getting revenue to pay for the water and sewer.

Chapman Mayor Howard Battishill said the city has been working on building gutters and lagoons and is in the process of paying for them. They also are working on sewer lines; the city has seen a number of personnel changes and the annual Chapman Labor Day festival will be a busy time.

Solomon Mayor Hunter McMillen said the Solomon school district is building a new school and the city is working with them on a water line issue. Improvements at the library have included spending $11,000 on new handicapped railings; a new electric door, ramp and handrails at the senior center; paying a third of the cost to fix the back lot of city hall; chip sealing three-fourths of the city’s streets at a cost of $41,000; desludging the city lagoons; retrofitting a fire truck to fill containers used in grass fires; and in the future, the city plans water projects to install digital water meters and eliminate lead pipes.

Housing has been the biggest change in the city over the last five years, McMillen said, with total new housing projects coming in at $1,855,000. Eleven new homes have been built, 12 homes were flipped, and eight houses and five trailers have been demolished. Of the houses flipped, they are sold within 20 days.

New housing also is the big news in Abilene, with new homes going up in Golden Belt Heights - the former Highlands subdivision, said Abilene City Manager Ron Marsh. The city created a Rural Housing Incentive District and has been working with a developer/consultant. They also hope to find a way to build multi-family housing on the west side of the subdivision.

“After about 15 years of sitting stagnant, we’ve got nine houses under construction out there,” Marsh said, explaining the area does not have special assessments which eliminates that extra burden.

Other big news for Abilene involves a $2.5 million project to rebuild the 14th Street corridor from Buckeye to Vine streets, installing curb, guttering and sidewalks on both sides of the road and a center turn lane. The city received a $1 million grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation to help with the project. The city and county plan to work together to extend the 14th Street corridor out to Van Buren Street, connecting Golden Belt Heights west out to Fair Road.

Also, two electric vehicle charging stations will be built in Abilene, one at West’s Country Mart and the other at 24/7 Travel Store.

Dickinson County Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Kent Campbell told city representatives his office is there to help and commented that many people are discovering Dickinson County.

Housing is one of the biggest issues facing the county. Of the thousands of people who work here, a significant number are unable to live here because of the housing shortage. For many, it’s not just a matter of finding a rental, but getting a roof over their heads without an extended hotel stay. Many local businesses have a number of employees who are living outside the county in Junction City, Salina or other areas because they cannot find housing here.

That brings up talk about the economic development term, leakage. “How much can we handle? When we talk about the number of people that work here who are taking their paycheck and going to another county, that’s where we need to be concerned,” Campbell said.

Golden Belt Heights in Abilene, along with Logan Pointe in Herington and the housing division in Woodbine, have available lots, but communities also have areas where houses can be demolished and the lots used for infill.

Elizabeth Weese, executive director of the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, said the agency is “not your grandfather’s community foundation any more. We’re trying to invest as many of our assets back into our communities as we can.”

A new initiative, “Invest Dickinson County,” involves taking $500,000 of the foundation’s operational monies and investing it back into the county through gap loans and loan guarantees. Through that program, the foundation could finance building a house.

“We’ll cover the cost. You sell the house afterwards, give us back two to three percent and then keep flipping to infill,” she said.

The program already has seen some success as the community foundation keeps a portion of bulk assets and uses it for impact investing.

Another big program involves bringing people back to the community through a scholarship loan program, available to graduates who have been out of school at least three years who want to move back to the county to work or open a business. If all the criteria is met, CFDC will pay $10,000 of the person’s student loan.

City of Abilene - Mayor Dee Marshall, Commissioners Trevor Witt and Brandon Rein, and City Manager Ron Marsh

City of Carlton - Council member Gina Rader and Mayor Darren Rader

City of Chapman - Mayor Howard Battishill

City of Herington - Mayor Eric Gares, Commissioners Debi Urbanek, Vance Donahue, Robin Bell and City Manager Branden Dross

City of Solomon – Mayor Hunter McMillen, Council members Shawn Kirby, Billy Hemmy and Colten Kohman.

City of Woodbine - Mayor MarySue Roller and Council member Courtney Dixon

Dickinson County – Commissioners Craig Chamberlin, Ron Roller and Lynn Peterson, County Administrator Brad Homman, Asst. County Administrator/Budget Director Janelle Dockendorf and County Clerk Jeanne Livingston.

By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County public information coordinatorCity leaders from across Dickinson County joined county commissioners Thursday, Aug. 25 at Legacy Kansas to share information about what has happened since the last meeting, which was held in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-nine people attended.Attendees also heard comments from the Dickinson County Economic Development Corp. and the Community Foundation of Dickinson County about projects in the works.County Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson gave the greeting and closing, noting that residents of the various cities and the county have reasons to be grateful for the many services provided and thanked the leaders for giving back to their respective communities.County updateDickinson County Administrator Brad Homman gave an overview of county activity since 2019, including the completion of the jail and courthouse renovation (except for the elevator, which is currently being renovated); spoke about the county clerk/election office getting through a busy primary election and recount and how the commission had approved the purchase of a new $106,000 ballot counting machine; talked about a resolution approved by county commissioners on Aug. 25 to increase the pay range for paramedics and EMTs to attract necessary staff; a plan to use ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) monies in conjunction with Community Foundation funds to build early childhood centers at Herington and Solomon schools; the 2023 budget and other topics.The 911 advisory board has restarted after several years of inactivity and is working on future plans to migrate to a new 800 MHz radio system, which will allow better communication for police, fire and other emergency communications.“All the counties around us have done that. We’re the donut hole in the middle that’s still on an older system,” Homman said, explaining that makes it difficult to communicate with the other counties.Homman told city leaders they likely will be hearing about the project from their emergency personnel. The system will be pricey and the county already has met with North Central Regional Planning Commission representatives seeking grant funds.As for the new 68-bed jail, Homman said it has been open for a little more than a year and is taking in contract prisoners from Saline and Morris counties, which helps offset some of the county’s expense.“It takes the same number of corrections officers to run it whether you’ve got three people or 48,” Homman said.Jail population has stayed at approximately 50 or so inmates, with about half of those from Dickinson County.City updatesCarlton City Council member Gina Rader said Agri Trails Coop has built a new elevator in the city, significantly increasing the coop’s grain storage capability in town. She also said a new three-bay fire department building is in the works and they are getting quotes to remodel and update the city building and shared other information.Woodbine Mayor MarySue Roller said the city received money from the Community Foundation to tuckpoint and repair the concrete walls of the gymnasium so the building can be used for events. Recently, the City of Woodbine got its own city building. Previously, the city had a filing cabinet that moved with each successive city clerk to that person’s home.“We went through a lot of struggling and maneuvering and we got a building,” Roller said, noting how much it means for a small city to have its own city hall.Mayor Eric Gares from Herington said the city has rebuilt its water treatment system and is now supplying water not only to Herington, but also to Woodbine and Hope; phase 1 of its sewer treatment facility is finished; the city will start updating its comprehensive plan; they have been working on a Lake Master Plan to develop Herington City Lake and Reservoir; and he announced that Casey’s General Store will return to Herington and the city will annex the location at the corner of U.S. 56 and 77.Mayor Larry Ryff of Hope said Agri Trails Coop had opened a chemical building on the northwest corner of town that was helping keep people employed in Hope. The facility also is a warehouse used to ship and receive chemicals from other branches. The city is also demolishing and flipping houses to get more housing. A challenge is getting revenue to pay for the water and sewer.Chapman Mayor Howard Battishill said the city has been working on building gutters and lagoons and is in the process of paying for them. They also are working on sewer lines; the city has seen a number of personnel changes and the annual Chapman Labor Day festival will be a busy time.Solomon Mayor Hunter McMillen said the Solomon school district is building a new school and the city is working with them on a water line issue. Improvements at the library have included spending $11,000 on new handicapped railings; a new electric door, ramp and handrails at the senior center; paying a third of the cost to fix the back lot of city hall; chip sealing three-fourths of the city’s streets at a cost of $41,000; desludging the city lagoons; retrofitting a fire truck to fill containers used in grass fires; and in the future, the city plans water projects to install digital water meters and eliminate lead pipes.Housing has been the biggest change in the city over the last five years, McMillen said, with total new housing projects coming in at $1,855,000. Eleven new homes have been built, 12 homes were flipped, and eight houses and five trailers have been demolished. Of the houses flipped, they are sold within 20 days.New housing also is the big news in Abilene, with new homes going up in Golden Belt Heights - the former Highlands subdivision, said Abilene City Manager Ron Marsh. The city created a Rural Housing Incentive District and has been working with a developer/consultant. They also hope to find a way to build multi-family housing on the west side of the subdivision.“After about 15 years of sitting stagnant, we’ve got nine houses under construction out there,” Marsh said, explaining the area does not have special assessments which eliminates that extra burden.Other big news for Abilene involves a $2.5 million project to rebuild the 14th Street corridor from Buckeye to Vine streets, installing curb, guttering and sidewalks on both sides of the road and a center turn lane. The city received a $1 million grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation to help with the project. The city and county plan to work together to extend the 14th Street corridor out to Van Buren Street, connecting Golden Belt Heights west out to Fair Road.Also, two electric vehicle charging stations will be built in Abilene, one at West’s Country Mart and the other at 24/7 Travel Store.Housing, investing in the countyDickinson County Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Kent Campbell told city representatives his office is there to help and commented that many people are discovering Dickinson County.Housing is one of the biggest issues facing the county. Of the thousands of people who work here, a significant number are unable to live here because of the housing shortage. For many, it’s not just a matter of finding a rental, but getting a roof over their heads without an extended hotel stay. Many local businesses have a number of employees who are living outside the county in Junction City, Salina or other areas because they cannot find housing here.That brings up talk about the economic development term, leakage. “How much can we handle? When we talk about the number of people that work here who are taking their paycheck and going to another county, that’s where we need to be concerned,” Campbell said.Golden Belt Heights in Abilene, along with Logan Pointe in Herington and the housing division in Woodbine, have available lots, but communities also have areas where houses can be demolished and the lots used for infill.Elizabeth Weese, executive director of the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, said the agency is “not your grandfather’s community foundation any more. We’re trying to invest as many of our assets back into our communities as we can.”A new initiative, “Invest Dickinson County,” involves taking $500,000 of the foundation’s operational monies and investing it back into the county through gap loans and loan guarantees. Through that program, the foundation could finance building a house.“We’ll cover the cost. You sell the house afterwards, give us back two to three percent and then keep flipping to infill,” she said.The program already has seen some success as the community foundation keeps a portion of bulk assets and uses it for impact investing.Another big program involves bringing people back to the community through a scholarship loan program, available to graduates who have been out of school at least three years who want to move back to the county to work or open a business. If all the criteria is met, CFDC will pay $10,000 of the person’s student loan.Among those attending were:City of Abilene - Mayor Dee Marshall, Commissioners Trevor Witt and Brandon Rein, and City Manager Ron MarshCity of Carlton - Council member Gina Rader and Mayor Darren RaderCity of Chapman - Mayor Howard BattishillCity of Herington - Mayor Eric Gares, Commissioners Debi Urbanek, Vance Donahue, Robin Bell and City Manager Branden DrossCity of Hope – Mayor Larry RyffCity of Solomon – Mayor Hunter McMillen, Council members Shawn Kirby, Billy Hemmy and Colten Kohman.City of Woodbine - Mayor MarySue Roller and Council member Courtney DixonDickinson County – Commissioners Craig Chamberlin, Ron Roller and Lynn Peterson, County Administrator Brad Homman, Asst. County Administrator/Budget Director Janelle Dockendorf and County Clerk Jeanne Livingston.

Cities, Dickinson County share success stories, challenges

CLOUD COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday in Cloud County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Honda Civic driven by Haley Suzanne&nbsp;Johnson-Collins, 20, Huntington, Indiana, was northbound on U.S. 81 one mile north of Concordia.

The Honda rear-ended a 2016 Chevy Colorado driven by Valerie A. Hamilton, 49, Scandia, in the left lane. After impact the pickup overturned.

EMS transported Hamilton to Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;Johnson-Collins was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

CLOUD COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday in Cloud County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Honda Civic driven by Haley Suzanne&nbsp;Johnson-Collins, 20, Huntington, Indiana, was northbound on U.S. 81 one mile north of Concordia.The Honda rear-ended a 2016 Chevy Colorado driven by Valerie A. Hamilton, 49, Scandia, in the left lane. After impact the pickup overturned.EMS transported Hamilton to Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp;Johnson-Collins was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman hospitalized after pickup overturns

On Thursday, Circle C Paving and Construction LLC of Goddard will begin the City of Salina’s annual chip seal project. The schedule is as follows, weather permitting:

Chip sealing is a method of pavement surface treatment which prolongs the serviceability of streets by sealing the surface. Combined with joint and crack sealing, this surface treatment program extends the service life of pavement.

Owners and occupants along residential streets will be notified ahead of time that their streets will be closed to traffic while the work is being completed. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the construction altogether and find alternate routes to their destinations while the work is occurring.

The $150,000 project is a major component of the City of Salina's 2022 $4.7 million maintenance capital improvement program.

City of SalinaOn Thursday, Circle C Paving and Construction LLC of Goddard will begin the City of Salina’s annual chip seal project. The schedule is as follows, weather permitting:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661993910587.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chip sealing is a method of pavement surface treatment which prolongs the serviceability of streets by sealing the surface. Combined with joint and crack sealing, this surface treatment program extends the service life of pavement.Owners and occupants along residential streets will be notified ahead of time that their streets will be closed to traffic while the work is being completed. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the construction altogether and find alternate routes to their destinations while the work is occurring.The $150,000 project is a major component of the City of Salina's 2022 $4.7 million maintenance capital improvement program.

Chip seal work scheduled for several Salina streets Thursday

OTTAWA COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in Ottawa County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Buick Enclave driven by Bonnie I. Strutt, 75, Lincoln, was westbound on Kansas 18 six miles east of Tescott.

The driver failed to slow and rear-ended a westbound 2020 Chevy Silverado driven by Austen D.&nbsp;Huehl, 18, Salina, who had slowed to turn onto North 90th Road.

EMS transported Strutt to Salina Regional Health Center. Huehl and a passenger were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

OTTAWA COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in Ottawa County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Buick Enclave driven by Bonnie I. Strutt, 75, Lincoln, was westbound on Kansas 18 six miles east of Tescott.The driver failed to slow and rear-ended a westbound 2020 Chevy Silverado driven by Austen D.&nbsp;Huehl, 18, Salina, who had slowed to turn onto North 90th Road.EMS transported Strutt to Salina Regional Health Center. Huehl and a passenger were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Lincoln woman hospitalized in Salina after rear-end crash

UPDATE 6 p.m. Wednesday: The Abilene Police Department on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069239108579">Facebook page</a> provided the following update this afternoon concerning the door-to-door salesman. It is as follows.

The Abilene Police Department made contact with a Dish Network Technician who confirmed they do contract with a company called Caliber Reps. This is a third-party company that works with Dish and Direct TV to offer lower rates and then sets up appointments with the Dish or Direct technicians.

The Abilene Police Department would still like to make contact with the person promoting sales as they still do not have the proper solicitors license to sell services in the City of Abilene.

Please contact the Abilene Police Department with any information regarding this issue.

ABILENE - A potential scammer seen in Clay Center on Saturday has apparently moved on to Abilene.

On Saturday, the Clay Center Police Department reported on its Facebook page that a clean shaven white male approximately 5'8" with short brown hair who was possibly wearing a black shirt with two Cs - one inside the other - on the left breast area of the shirt and possibly wearing&nbsp;khaki pants&nbsp;was&nbsp;going door to door claiming to work for various telecommunication companies and offering a better deal.&nbsp;

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9dc17be0-b716-4a28-a7f6-8e0f6aeed420">Clay Center police: Man going door-to-door thought to be scammer</a>

Tuesday afternoon, the Abilene Police Department posted the following on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069239108579">Facebook page</a>.

The Abilene Police Department would like the community to be aware of a possible scam occurring in our area.

It was brought to the Abilene Police Department's attention that Clay Center, Kansas, reported a subject in their area going door to door, claiming to work for various telecommunication companies. The subject will ask about people's current bills and then tries to offer them a better deal. He takes that information and asks for a down payment to start the cheaper service. It is believed that this subject does not work for the companies he claims he is employed by. Clay Center advised they had contacted Dish Network, who said they have no salespeople working in their area. The description given by Clay Center was a white male, approximately 5'8, with short brown hair, clean-shaven, and possibly wearing a black shirt with a logo of 2 C's (one inside the other) and khaki pants.

On Monday, August 29th, 2022, The Abilene Police Department received a report of a subject attempting to sell cheaper cable service that matched the same physical description of the male subject in Clay Center. The subject's shirt was a different color but had the same logo of the 2 C's. The Abilene Police would like to identify the subject to verify the required permit.

Please contact the Abilene Police Department at 785-263-1213 or our Dickinson County Communications Center at 785-263-1212 if this subject shows up at a residence trying to sell products or services. The City of Abilene requires a permit for selling or offering the sale of goods, wares, merchandise, or services. The City of Abilene has not granted any permits to anyone working for a cable company or provider.

UPDATE 6 p.m. Wednesday: The Abilene Police Department on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069239108579">Facebook page</a> provided the following update this afternoon concerning the door-to-door salesman. It is as follows.*Updated information*The Abilene Police Department made contact with a Dish Network Technician who confirmed they do contract with a company called Caliber Reps. This is a third-party company that works with Dish and Direct TV to offer lower rates and then sets up appointments with the Dish or Direct technicians. The Abilene Police Department would still like to make contact with the person promoting sales as they still do not have the proper solicitors license to sell services in the City of Abilene. Please contact the Abilene Police Department with any information regarding this issue.By SALINA POSTABILENE - A potential scammer seen in Clay Center on Saturday has apparently moved on to Abilene.On Saturday, the Clay Center Police Department reported on its Facebook page that a clean shaven white male approximately 5'8" with short brown hair who was possibly wearing a black shirt with two Cs - one inside the other - on the left breast area of the shirt and possibly wearing&nbsp;khaki pants&nbsp;was&nbsp;going door to door claiming to work for various telecommunication companies and offering a better deal.&nbsp;READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/9dc17be0-b716-4a28-a7f6-8e0f6aeed420">Clay Center police: Man going door-to-door thought to be scammer</a>Tuesday afternoon, the Abilene Police Department posted the following on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069239108579">Facebook page</a>.The Abilene Police Department would like the community to be aware of a possible scam occurring in our area. It was brought to the Abilene Police Department's attention that Clay Center, Kansas, reported a subject in their area going door to door, claiming to work for various telecommunication companies. The subject will ask about people's current bills and then tries to offer them a better deal. He takes that information and asks for a down payment to start the cheaper service. It is believed that this subject does not work for the companies he claims he is employed by. Clay Center advised they had contacted Dish Network, who said they have no salespeople working in their area. The description given by Clay Center was a white male, approximately 5'8, with short brown hair, clean-shaven, and possibly wearing a black shirt with a logo of 2 C's (one inside the other) and khaki pants. On Monday, August 29th, 2022, The Abilene Police Department received a report of a subject attempting to sell cheaper cable service that matched the same physical description of the male subject in Clay Center. The subject's shirt was a different color but had the same logo of the 2 C's. The Abilene Police would like to identify the subject to verify the required permit. Please contact the Abilene Police Department at 785-263-1213 or our Dickinson County Communications Center at 785-263-1212 if this subject shows up at a residence trying to sell products or services. The City of Abilene requires a permit for selling or offering the sale of goods, wares, merchandise, or services. The City of Abilene has not granted any permits to anyone working for a cable company or provider.

UPDATE: Abilene police provide update about door-to-door salesman

On Thursday and Friday, Vance Brothers of Kansas City, Mo., will resurface the following City of Salina streets, weather permitting:

Local roads will be closed to traffic during construction for a period not to exceed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents will be provided sufficient notice of closures and special requests will be accommodated. Arterials and collectors will be resurfaced under traffic.

Microsurfacing is a common method of pavement surface treatment which consists of a polymer modified asphalt slurry (about 3/8 inch thick) that coats the pavement surface and creates a smooth moisture-resistant

barrier. It also increases ride-ability and seals smaller cracks. When combined with proper pavement sealing, micro-surfacing extends the service life of the roadway. Streets are estimated for Microsurfacing on a 6 to 8 year cycle at an estimated cost of about $5,000 per block.

The $851,000 project is a major component of the City of Salina's $4.7 million 2022 maintenance capital improvement program.

City of SalinaOn Thursday and Friday, Vance Brothers of Kansas City, Mo., will resurface the following City of Salina streets, weather permitting:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661983396691.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Local roads will be closed to traffic during construction for a period not to exceed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents will be provided sufficient notice of closures and special requests will be accommodated. Arterials and collectors will be resurfaced under traffic.Microsurfacing is a common method of pavement surface treatment which consists of a polymer modified asphalt slurry (about 3/8 inch thick) that coats the pavement surface and creates a smooth moisture-resistantbarrier. It also increases ride-ability and seals smaller cracks. When combined with proper pavement sealing, micro-surfacing extends the service life of the roadway. Streets are estimated for Microsurfacing on a 6 to 8 year cycle at an estimated cost of about $5,000 per block.The $851,000 project is a major component of the City of Salina's $4.7 million 2022 maintenance capital improvement program.

Resurfacing work set for some Salina streets yet this week

If it's Friday and the beginning of the month, it must be First Friday in downtown Salina!

Music, dance, and art are the fare for the September First Friday, which is sponsored, in part, by Salina Arts &amp; Humanities.

The festivities get underway at 4 p.m. Friday in the Salina Public Library, 301 W. Elm Street, with a reception for the latest show in the library's Gallery 708. The exhibit features a variety of art, including photography, quilting, watercolor and acrylic pieces, by library staff. The public reception is scheduled to be open until 5:30 p.m. Friday.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/59b7bb6d-28ec-4ec1-af98-324cd8402419">Gallery 708 exhibit features art by Salina Public Library staff</a>

Both dance and music are scheduled for the downtown stage at W. Ash Street and N. Santa Fe Avenue.

Students from Revolution School of Dance are scheduled to take the stage at 5 p.m.

Next up will be Everyday Lights, "a group of Salina-based musicians with a love for folk and jazz rhythms," according to information on the band's website. "Their ability to combine a variety of musical styles including folk, country, rock and bluegrass always keeps the audience guessing and looking forward to the next song."

You can check out some of the group's music on the <a href="https://www.everydaylightsmusic.com/home">Everyday Lights website</a>.

Those attending the performances at the stage also will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the Oct. 1 Feast on the Fe, "an event organized by the Local Food Works Foundation and a large group of volunteers that highlights local chefs and local ingredients. The event also features community artists, florists, and musicians and is held in downtown Salina," according to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafeastonthefe">Feast on the Fe, Salina KS Facebook page</a>.

Additionally, tickets for the Downtown SaWINEa Wine Walk on Oct. 8 also will be for sale, Salina Downtown, Inc. Executive Director Leslie Bishop told Salina Post.

"What color is it? We think we know the color, but it is only an illusion. You won't believe your eyes," is how Peaceful Body Wellness Retreat bills its latest art display: The Illusion of Color by Raphael Hernandez.

Visit with Hernandez and learn about his art during a reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Peaceful Body Wellness Retreat, 148 S. Santa Fe Avenue.

Kid's Creative Corners, 122 S. Santa Fe Avenue, is offering a First Friday "Date Night" drop off between 5:30-7:30 p.m. Please call 785-833-2332 for reservations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661908168535.png" alt="Salina-based Everyday Lights is scheduled to perform as a part of Salina Downtown's First Friday events. Photo courtesy Everyday Lights" />
 <figcaption>Salina-based Everyday Lights is scheduled to perform as a part of Salina Downtown's First Friday events. Photo courtesy Everyday Lights</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTIf it's Friday and the beginning of the month, it must be First Friday in downtown Salina!Music, dance, and art are the fare for the September First Friday, which is sponsored, in part, by Salina Arts &amp; Humanities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660618951164.jpeg" alt="Some of the art created by the Salina Public Library staff. Photo courtesy Salina Public Library" />
 <figcaption>Some of the art created by the Salina Public Library staff. Photo courtesy Salina Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>The festivities get underway at 4 p.m. Friday in the Salina Public Library, 301 W. Elm Street, with a reception for the latest show in the library's Gallery 708. The exhibit features a variety of art, including photography, quilting, watercolor and acrylic pieces, by library staff. The public reception is scheduled to be open until 5:30 p.m. Friday.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/59b7bb6d-28ec-4ec1-af98-324cd8402419">Gallery 708 exhibit features art by Salina Public Library staff</a>At the stageBoth dance and music are scheduled for the downtown stage at W. Ash Street and N. Santa Fe Avenue.Students from Revolution School of Dance are scheduled to take the stage at 5 p.m.Next up will be Everyday Lights, "a group of Salina-based musicians with a love for folk and jazz rhythms," according to information on the band's website. "Their ability to combine a variety of musical styles including folk, country, rock and bluegrass always keeps the audience guessing and looking forward to the next song."You can check out some of the group's music on the <a href="https://www.everydaylightsmusic.com/home">Everyday Lights website</a>.Those attending the performances at the stage also will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the Oct. 1 Feast on the Fe, "an event organized by the Local Food Works Foundation and a large group of volunteers that highlights local chefs and local ingredients. The event also features community artists, florists, and musicians and is held in downtown Salina," according to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinafeastonthefe">Feast on the Fe, Salina KS Facebook page</a>.Additionally, tickets for the Downtown SaWINEa Wine Walk on Oct. 8 also will be for sale, Salina Downtown, Inc. Executive Director Leslie Bishop told Salina Post.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661908650988.jpeg" alt="Check out "The Illusion of Color" by Raphael Hernandez at Peaceful Body Wellness Retreat as a part of Salina Downtown's First Friday Festivities. Image courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/peacefulbodywellnessretreat">Peaceful Body Wellness Retreat Facebook page</a>" />
 <figcaption>Check out "The Illusion of Color" by Raphael Hernandez at Peaceful Body Wellness Retreat as a part of Salina Downtown's First Friday Festivities. Image courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/peacefulbodywellnessretreat">Peaceful Body Wellness Retreat Facebook page</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Illusion"What color is it? We think we know the color, but it is only an illusion. You won't believe your eyes," is how Peaceful Body Wellness Retreat bills its latest art display: The Illusion of Color by Raphael Hernandez.Visit with Hernandez and learn about his art during a reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Peaceful Body Wellness Retreat, 148 S. Santa Fe Avenue.But what about the kids?Kid's Creative Corners, 122 S. Santa Fe Avenue, is offering a First Friday "Date Night" drop off between 5:30-7:30 p.m. Please call 785-833-2332 for reservations.

Local musicians, dancers, artists part of Salina Downtown's First Friday

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina man suspected of stealing a bicycle in a central Salina neighborhood was arrested late Tuesday afternoon after he fled on foot.

A witness told police of seeing a man in a gray shirt and shorts riding off on a bicycle from a neighbor's residence in the 600 block of Montrose Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. The incident occurred just before 5 p.m. Tuesday.

A short while later, an officer saw the man riding in the 1700 block of S. Ninth Street and attempted to stop him. The man, identified as Dustin Curtis, 41, of Salina, pulled over in the 300 block of W. Cloud Street, but fled on foot southbound through the Kraft Manor parking lot where he was apprehended, Forrester said.

Curtis had three active warrant: one from Saline County District Court for failure to appear and two from McPherson County District Court for failure to appear and identity theft and interference with a law enforcement officer, Forrester said. Additionally, he allegedly was found to be in possession of a meth pipe.

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

●Felony interference with a law enforcement officer

Police are attempting to contact the owner of the bicycle to determine whether it was stolen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661963568528.jpeg" alt="Dustin Curtis. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Dustin Curtis. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man suspected of stealing a bicycle in a central Salina neighborhood was arrested late Tuesday afternoon after he fled on foot.A witness told police of seeing a man in a gray shirt and shorts riding off on a bicycle from a neighbor's residence in the 600 block of Montrose Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. The incident occurred just before 5 p.m. Tuesday.A short while later, an officer saw the man riding in the 1700 block of S. Ninth Street and attempted to stop him. The man, identified as Dustin Curtis, 41, of Salina, pulled over in the 300 block of W. Cloud Street, but fled on foot southbound through the Kraft Manor parking lot where he was apprehended, Forrester said.Curtis had three active warrant: one from Saline County District Court for failure to appear and two from McPherson County District Court for failure to appear and identity theft and interference with a law enforcement officer, Forrester said. Additionally, he allegedly was found to be in possession of a meth pipe.Curtis was arrested on the following requested charges, Forrester said.●Felony interference with a law enforcement officer●Possession of methamphetamine●Possession of drug paraphernaliaPolice are attempting to contact the owner of the bicycle to determine whether it was stolen.

Salina man nabbed on warrants, requested drug charges

More than $5,000 worth of items were stolen from a north Salina business earlier this month.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that sometime between Thursday and Saturday, someone pried up the sheet metal on a storage building in the 1100 block of N. 12th Street that is owned by Kansas Homes and Movers. 

It is believed that the thief drove through a field on the south side of W. Euclid Avenue to get to the building, Forrester said.

●14 three-quarter-inch sets of copper line for air conditioners

●14 half-inch sets of copper line for air conditioners

Company personnel were able to screw the sheet metal back onto the building frame, Forrester said.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostMore than $5,000 worth of items were stolen from a north Salina business earlier this month.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that sometime between Thursday and Saturday, someone pried up the sheet metal on a storage building in the 1100 block of N. 12th Street that is owned by Kansas Homes and Movers. It is believed that the thief drove through a field on the south side of W. Euclid Avenue to get to the building, Forrester said.Items stolen include the following.●14 three-quarter-inch sets of copper line for air conditioners●14 half-inch sets of copper line for air conditioners●A yellow Bostitch air compressorTotal loss was estimated at $5,170. Company personnel were able to screw the sheet metal back onto the building frame, Forrester said.

Compressor, copper line stolen from north Salina business

Tired of being a number? Stuck in a rut? Not sure what your career path should be? Vortex Companies is looking for great people that share our core values of Passion, Integrity, Humility, Respect, and Empathy. As a family business, we understand the importance of being flexible with our team members, so they can succeed at work, while not sacrificing life at home. Vortex has a wide range of career opportunities in:

●Water-Based and Powder Coat Painting and more!

Apply at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vortex-companies.com/" target="_blank">https://www.vortex-companies.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;and Build your future today!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660307947823.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tired of being a number? Stuck in a rut? Not sure what your career path should be? Vortex Companies is looking for great people that share our core values of Passion, Integrity, Humility, Respect, and Empathy. As a family business, we understand the importance of being flexible with our team members, so they can succeed at work, while not sacrificing life at home. Vortex has a wide range of career opportunities in:●Manufacturing Technicians●Design Engineers●MIG, TIG, and Robotic Welders●Water-Based and Powder Coat Painting and more!Apply at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vortex-companies.com/" target="_blank">https://www.vortex-companies.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;and Build your future today!

Salina woman arrested after 2-vehicle wreck; girl taken to hospital

K-State News and Communications Services

MANHATTAN — A new grant program from Kansas State University provides eligible students with an award covering in-state tuition that remains after other grants and scholarships are applied to a student's account, helping those who need it most. The award, known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/grants/land-grant-promise/" target="_blank">Land Grant Promise</a>,&nbsp;provides tuition-free undergraduate education and exemplifies the university's land-grant commitment to access and affordability for Kansas residents. To be eligible for the Land Grant Promise, degree-seeking undergraduate students must be full time and have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by the priority date.&nbsp;Students must be declared Pell-eligible or show a household income of $60,000 or less, be enrolled in classes on the Manhattan campus or online, and be a Kansas resident living in a qualifying Kansas county at the time of application for admission. K-State's Land Grant Promise is available immediately and will be automatically awarded to students who qualify and&nbsp;live in Clay, Dickinson, Geary, Marshall, Pottawatomie, Riley, Saline, Shawnee, Wabaunsee or Washington counties. "We are committed to providing opportunity and access to higher education to any Kansan who wants to receive a world-class K-State education," said Karen Goos, vice provost for enrollment management. "It makes sense to begin this program by investing in the communities surrounding our main campus." Goos said the Land Grant Promise is not designed to cover costs beyond tuition, such as fees, books or housing. Students are encouraged to apply for other scholarships and grants to help cover those expenses. Students interested in learning more about the Land Grant Promise should visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/grants/land-grant-promise" target="_blank">k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/grants/land-grant-promise</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

K-State News and Communications ServicesMANHATTAN — A new grant program from Kansas State University provides eligible students with an award covering in-state tuition that remains after other grants and scholarships are applied to a student's account, helping those who need it most. The award, known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/grants/land-grant-promise/" target="_blank">Land Grant Promise</a>,&nbsp;provides tuition-free undergraduate education and exemplifies the university's land-grant commitment to access and affordability for Kansas residents. To be eligible for the Land Grant Promise, degree-seeking undergraduate students must be full time and have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by the priority date.&nbsp;Students must be declared Pell-eligible or show a household income of $60,000 or less, be enrolled in classes on the Manhattan campus or online, and be a Kansas resident living in a qualifying Kansas county at the time of application for admission. K-State's Land Grant Promise is available immediately and will be automatically awarded to students who qualify and&nbsp;live in Clay, Dickinson, Geary, Marshall, Pottawatomie, Riley, Saline, Shawnee, Wabaunsee or Washington counties. "We are committed to providing opportunity and access to higher education to any Kansan who wants to receive a world-class K-State education," said Karen Goos, vice provost for enrollment management. "It makes sense to begin this program by investing in the communities surrounding our main campus." Goos said the Land Grant Promise is not designed to cover costs beyond tuition, such as fees, books or housing. Students are encouraged to apply for other scholarships and grants to help cover those expenses. Students interested in learning more about the Land Grant Promise should visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/grants/land-grant-promise" target="_blank">k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/grants/land-grant-promise</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

K-State: New need-based grant program covering in-state tuition

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

The biggest bets aren’t made at a card table, racetrack or during the Super Bowl. Instead, they happen every day on farms and ranches across the country. While most bettors place their hopes (and a few dollars) on a single event, those who grow our food face a successive series of wagers with the fate of the farm in the balance. It takes a lot of optimism to grow a crop from seed or raise an animal from birth when so much is often out of your control. Perils from Mother Nature abound — heat, cold, drought, flood, insects, diseases, storms and fires are just some of the potentially devastating events that can cause a bet to go south. Even if you successfully navigate all of those, you may still find yourself receiving a payout that doesn’t seem to justify all the risk, let alone the expense of production. Resolve is necessary in a business where just breaking even sometimes counts as a remarkable achievement. Not losing everything means you get to stay at the table. There’s always a reason that next year will be better, fewer repairs needed, better weather, higher prices and so on. Thankfully, farmers and ranchers have access to risk management tools and other programs through the farm bill. Their jobs still take plenty of optimism, resolve and courage, but it makes the lean years a little more bearable. With work on the 2023 farm bill already underway, it’s important to remember the difficulties that come with food production. The farm bill doesn’t just offer protection for farmers and ranchers, it’s also a national security package.

A robust domestic food supply strengthens our country while offering consumers the benefit of high-quality, affordable food. The farm bill’s nutrition component provides help to&nbsp;our most vulnerable brethren. Other aspects of the bill fund conservation programs and make investments in agricultural research. The farm bill has a long history of broad, bipartisan support in Congress because it comprehensively addresses the threats inherent in producing food. Cynics like to claim it merely buys votes with programs aimed at both rural (crop insurance) and urban populations (nutrition programs), but the two are linked. This is something the skeptics misunderstand. What happens at farm level can’t be separated from the food going to towns and cities. The unity of nutrition and farm programs has been one of the greatest successes of the farm bill, and it should be the bedrock of the upcoming legislation. These safety nets don’t eliminate all the risks that come with production agriculture, but they do tilt the odds ever so slightly. Just as homeowners buy insurance hoping it’s never needed; farmers don’t plant a crop with the intention of it failing. Similarly, nobody sets out with the goal of needing the nutrition programs offered under the farm bill. Farming will always be a big gamble. The safest bet the rest of us can make is ensuring those who grow and raise the food we eat have the tools they need to continue providing us with healthy, safe, nutritious and affordable food for years to come.

"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/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauThe biggest bets aren’t made at a card table, racetrack or during the Super Bowl. Instead, they happen every day on farms and ranches across the country. While most bettors place their hopes (and a few dollars) on a single event, those who grow our food face a successive series of wagers with the fate of the farm in the balance. It takes a lot of optimism to grow a crop from seed or raise an animal from birth when so much is often out of your control. Perils from Mother Nature abound — heat, cold, drought, flood, insects, diseases, storms and fires are just some of the potentially devastating events that can cause a bet to go south. Even if you successfully navigate all of those, you may still find yourself receiving a payout that doesn’t seem to justify all the risk, let alone the expense of production. Resolve is necessary in a business where just breaking even sometimes counts as a remarkable achievement. Not losing everything means you get to stay at the table. There’s always a reason that next year will be better, fewer repairs needed, better weather, higher prices and so on. Thankfully, farmers and ranchers have access to risk management tools and other programs through the farm bill. Their jobs still take plenty of optimism, resolve and courage, but it makes the lean years a little more bearable. With work on the 2023 farm bill already underway, it’s important to remember the difficulties that come with food production. The farm bill doesn’t just offer protection for farmers and ranchers, it’s also a national security package. A robust domestic food supply strengthens our country while offering consumers the benefit of high-quality, affordable food. The farm bill’s nutrition component provides help to&nbsp;our most vulnerable brethren. Other aspects of the bill fund conservation programs and make investments in agricultural research. The farm bill has a long history of broad, bipartisan support in Congress because it comprehensively addresses the threats inherent in producing food. Cynics like to claim it merely buys votes with programs aimed at both rural (crop insurance) and urban populations (nutrition programs), but the two are linked. This is something the skeptics misunderstand. What happens at farm level can’t be separated from the food going to towns and cities. The unity of nutrition and farm programs has been one of the greatest successes of the farm bill, and it should be the bedrock of the upcoming legislation. These safety nets don’t eliminate all the risks that come with production agriculture, but they do tilt the odds ever so slightly. Just as homeowners buy insurance hoping it’s never needed; farmers don’t plant a crop with the intention of it failing. Similarly, nobody sets out with the goal of needing the nutrition programs offered under the farm bill. Farming will always be a big gamble. The safest bet the rest of us can make is ensuring those who grow and raise the food we eat have the tools they need to continue providing us with healthy, safe, nutritious and affordable food for years to come."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: Betting on the farm

Today is Wednesday, Aug. 31, the 243rd day of 2022. There are 122 days left in the year.

On Aug. 31, 2010, President Barack Obama ended the U.S. combat mission in Iraq, declaring no victory after seven years of bloodshed and telling those divided over the war in his country and around the world: "It is time to turn the page."

In 1881, the first U.S. tennis championships (for men only) began in Newport, Rhode Island.

In 1886, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.3 devastated Charleston, South Carolina, killing at least 60 people, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

In 1962, the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago became independent of British colonial rule.

In 1980, Poland's Solidarity labor movement was born with an agreement signed in Gdansk that ended a 17-day-old strike.

In 1992, white separatist Randy Weaver surrendered to authorities in Naples, Idaho, ending an 11-day siege by federal agents that had claimed the lives of Weaver's wife, son and a deputy U.S. marshal. (Weaver was acquitted of murder and all other charges in connection with the confrontation; he was convicted of failing to appear for trial on firearms charges and was sentenced to 18 months in prison but given credit for 14 months he'd already served.)

In 1994, the Irish Republican Army declared a cease-fire. Russia officially ended its military presence in the former East Germany and the Baltics after half a century.

In 1996, three adults and four children drowned when their vehicle rolled into John D. Long Lake in Union, South Carolina; they had gone to see a monument to the sons of Susan Smith, who had drowned the two boys in Oct. 1994.

In 1997, Prince Charles brought Princess Diana home for the last time, escorting the body of his former wife to a Britain that was shocked, grief-stricken and angered by her death in a Paris traffic accident earlier that day.

In 2005, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin reported "a significant number of dead bodies in the water" following Hurricane Katrina; Nagin ordered virtually the entire police force to abandon search-and-rescue efforts and to instead stop increasingly hostile thieves.

In 2016, on Mexican soil for the first time as the Republican presidential nominee, a firm but measured Donald Trump defended the right of the United States to build a massive border wall along its southern flank, standing up for the centerpiece of his immigration plan during a joint press conference with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.

In 2019, a gunman carried out a shooting rampage that stretched ten miles between the Texas communities of Midland and Odessa, leaving seven people dead before police killed the gunman outside a movie theater in Odessa.

<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, Aug. 31, the 243rd day of 2022. There are 122 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On Aug. 31, 2010, President Barack Obama ended the U.S. combat mission in Iraq, declaring no victory after seven years of bloodshed and telling those divided over the war in his country and around the world: "It is time to turn the page."On this date:In 1881, the first U.S. tennis championships (for men only) began in Newport, Rhode Island.In 1886, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.3 devastated Charleston, South Carolina, killing at least 60 people, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.In 1962, the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago became independent of British colonial rule.In 1980, Poland's Solidarity labor movement was born with an agreement signed in Gdansk that ended a 17-day-old strike.In 1992, white separatist Randy Weaver surrendered to authorities in Naples, Idaho, ending an 11-day siege by federal agents that had claimed the lives of Weaver's wife, son and a deputy U.S. marshal. (Weaver was acquitted of murder and all other charges in connection with the confrontation; he was convicted of failing to appear for trial on firearms charges and was sentenced to 18 months in prison but given credit for 14 months he'd already served.)In 1994, the Irish Republican Army declared a cease-fire. Russia officially ended its military presence in the former East Germany and the Baltics after half a century.In 1996, three adults and four children drowned when their vehicle rolled into John D. Long Lake in Union, South Carolina; they had gone to see a monument to the sons of Susan Smith, who had drowned the two boys in Oct. 1994.In 1997, Prince Charles brought Princess Diana home for the last time, escorting the body of his former wife to a Britain that was shocked, grief-stricken and angered by her death in a Paris traffic accident earlier that day.In 2005, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin reported "a significant number of dead bodies in the water" following Hurricane Katrina; Nagin ordered virtually the entire police force to abandon search-and-rescue efforts and to instead stop increasingly hostile thieves.In 2016, on Mexican soil for the first time as the Republican presidential nominee, a firm but measured Donald Trump defended the right of the United States to build a massive border wall along its southern flank, standing up for the centerpiece of his immigration plan during a joint press conference with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.In 2019, a gunman carried out a shooting rampage that stretched ten miles between the Texas communities of Midland and Odessa, leaving seven people dead before police killed the gunman outside a movie theater in Odessa.In 2020, at a rally in Pittsburgh, Democrat Joe Biden resoundingly condemned violent protesters and called for their prosecution; he accused President Donald Trump of causing the divisions that had ignited the violence. Trump reiterated that he blamed radical troublemakers who he said were stirred up and backed by Biden.Ten years ago: In a speech to an annual Federal Reserve conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Chairman Ben Bernanke sent a clear message that the Fed would do more to help the still-struggling U.S. economy, but did not specify exactly what, or when. Writer Richard Bach, author of "Jonathan Livingston Seagull," was seriously hurt after his small plane went down in Washington state.Five years ago: Rescuers began a block-by-block search of tens of thousands of Houston homes, looking for anyone who might have been left behind in the floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey. The Trump administration ordered Russia to close its consulate in San Francisco and offices in Washington and New York, intensifying tensions between Washington and Moscow; Russia was given 48 hours to comply. Iraq's prime minister said the northern town of Tal Afar had been "fully liberated" from the Islamic State group after a nearly two-week operation.One year ago: President Joe Biden said the U.S. airlift to extract more than 120,000 Americans, Afghans and allies from Afghanistan to end a 20-year war was an "extraordinary success," even though more than 100 Americans and thousands of Afghans who wanted to leave were not yet out; he defended his decision to withdraw all U.S. troops, saying he was "not going to extend this forever war." Hundreds of thousands of people in Louisiana sweltered in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida with no electricity, no tap water and precious little gasoline; the mayor of New Orleans ordered a nighttime curfew after the storm left the city in darkness. The Texas Legislature passed a sweeping GOP rewrite of election laws after months of protests by Democrats; the measure would tighten already-strict voting rules, banning 24-hour polling locations and empowering partisan poll watchers.Today's Birthdays: Actor Jack Thompson is 82. Violinist Itzhak Perlman is 77. Singer Van Morrison is 77. Rock musician Rudolf Schenker (The Scorpions) is 74. Actor Richard Gere is 73. Actor Stephen Henderson is 73. Olympic gold medal track and field athlete Edwin Moses is 67. Rock singer Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze) is 65. Rock musician Gina Schock (The Go-Go's) is 65. Singer Tony DeFranco (The DeFranco Family) is 63. R&amp;B musician Larry Waddell (Mint Condition) is 59. Actor Jaime P. Gomez is 57. Rock musician Jeff Russo (Tonic) is 53. Singer-composer Deborah Gibson is 52. Actor Zack Ward is 52. Golfer Padraig Harrington is 51. Actor Chris Tucker is 50. Actor Sara Ramirez is 47. R&amp;B singer Tamara (Trina &amp; Tamara) is 45.