Today is Wednesday, June 29, the 180th day of 2022. There are 185 days left in the year.

On June 29, 1613, London's original Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare's plays were performed, was destroyed by a fire sparked by a cannon shot during a performance of "Henry VIII."

In 1520, Montezuma II, the ninth and last emperor of the Aztecs, died in Tenochtitlan under unclear circumstances (some say he was killed by his own subjects; others, by the Spanish).

In 1767, Britain approved the Townshend Revenue Act, which imposed import duties on glass, paint, oil, lead, paper and tea shipped to the American colonies. (Colonists bitterly protested, prompting Parliament to repeal the duties — except for tea.)

In 1776, the Virginia state constitution was adopted, and Patrick Henry was made governor.

In 1927, the first trans-Pacific airplane flight was completed as U.S. Army Air Corps Lt. Lester J. Maitland and Lt. Albert F. Hegenberger arrived at Wheeler Field in Hawaii aboard the Bird of Paradise, an Atlantic-Fokker C-2, after flying 2,400 miles from Oakland, California, in 25 hours, 50 minutes.

In 1946, authorities in British-ruled Palestine arrested more than 2,700 Jews in an attempt to stamp out extremists.

In 1967, Jerusalem was reunified as Israel removed barricades separating the Old City from the Israeli sector.

In 1970, the United States ended a two-month military offensive into Cambodia.

In 1972, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a trio of death sentences, saying the way they had been imposed constituted cruel and unusual punishment. (The ruling prompted states to effectively impose a moratorium on executions until their capital punishment laws could be revised.)

In 1978, actor Bob Crane of "Hogan's Heroes" fame was found bludgeoned to death in an apartment in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he was appearing in a play; he was 49.

In 2006, the Supreme Court ruled, 5-3, that President George W. Bush's plan to try Guantanamo Bay detainees in military tribunals violated U.S. and international law.

In 2009, disgraced financier Bernard Madoff received a 150-year sentence for his multibillion-dollar fraud. (Madoff died in prison in April 2021.)

In 2018, the Annapolis Capital Gazette newspaper in Maryland kept its promise to put out the day's paper, despite the shooting deaths of five people in its newsroom a day earlier.

Ten years ago: A day after the House voted to find Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress, the Justice Department said Holder's decision to withhold information about a bungled gun-tracking operation from Congress did not constitute a crime. The younger brother and business partner of disgraced financier Bernard Madoff pleaded guilty to charges of doctoring documents, but Peter Madoff insisted he knew nothing about his brother's massive Ponzi scheme. (Peter Madoff was later sentenced to 10 years in prison; he was released from home confinement in August 2020.) The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency filed formal charges against Lance Armstrong, accusing the seven-time Tour de France winner of using performance-enhancing drugs throughout the best years of his career. (The USADA ended up stripping Armstrong of all his Tour de France titles and issued a lifetime ban from cycling.)

Five years ago: A scaled-back version of President Donald Trump's travel ban took effect, stripped of provisions that brought protests and chaos at airports worldwide; the new rules tightened already-tough visa policies affecting citizens from six Muslim-majority countries.

One year ago: Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld died at the age of 88 in New Mexico; he had been Pentagon chief during the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan that toppled the Taliban regime following the 9/11 attacks, and also at the start of the long and costly Iraq war in 2003. Former South African President Jacob Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in prison for defying a court order to appear for questions about allegations of corruption; his jailing would spark violent rioting in which more than 330 people died.

Today's Birthdays: Songwriter L. Russell Brown is 82. Singer-songwriter Garland Jeffreys is 79. Actor Gary Busey is 78. Comedian Richard Lewis is 75. Actor-turned-politican-turned-radio personality Fred Grandy is 74. Rock musician Ian Paice (Deep Purple) is 74. Singer Don Dokken (Dokken) is 69. Rock singer Colin Hay (Men At Work) is 69. Actor Maria Conchita Alonso is 67. Actor Kimberlin Brown (TV: "The Bold and the Beautiful") is 61. Actor Sharon Lawrence is 61. Actor Amanda Donohoe is 60. Actor Judith Hoag is 59. Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter is 59. R&amp;B singer Stedman Pearson (Five Star) is 58. Actor Kathleen Wilhoite is 58. Producer-writer Matthew Weiner is 57. Actor Melora Hardin is 55. Actor Brian D'Arcy James is 54. Actor Christina Chang is 51. Rap DJ and record producer DJ Shadow is 50. Actor Lance Barber is 49. Actor-dancer Will Kemp is 45. Actor Zuleikha Robinson is 45. Rock musician Sam Farrar is 44. Actor Luke Kirby is 44. Singer Nicole Scherzinger is 44. Comedian-writer Colin Jost is 40. Actor Lily Rabe is 40. R&amp;B singer Aundrea Fimbres is 39. NBA forward Kawhi Leonard is 31. Actor Camila Mendes (TV: "Riverdale") is 28.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, June 29, the 180th day of 2022. There are 185 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On June 29, 1613, London's original Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare's plays were performed, was destroyed by a fire sparked by a cannon shot during a performance of "Henry VIII."On this date:In 1520, Montezuma II, the ninth and last emperor of the Aztecs, died in Tenochtitlan under unclear circumstances (some say he was killed by his own subjects; others, by the Spanish).In 1767, Britain approved the Townshend Revenue Act, which imposed import duties on glass, paint, oil, lead, paper and tea shipped to the American colonies. (Colonists bitterly protested, prompting Parliament to repeal the duties — except for tea.)In 1776, the Virginia state constitution was adopted, and Patrick Henry was made governor.In 1927, the first trans-Pacific airplane flight was completed as U.S. Army Air Corps Lt. Lester J. Maitland and Lt. Albert F. Hegenberger arrived at Wheeler Field in Hawaii aboard the Bird of Paradise, an Atlantic-Fokker C-2, after flying 2,400 miles from Oakland, California, in 25 hours, 50 minutes.In 1946, authorities in British-ruled Palestine arrested more than 2,700 Jews in an attempt to stamp out extremists.In 1967, Jerusalem was reunified as Israel removed barricades separating the Old City from the Israeli sector.In 1970, the United States ended a two-month military offensive into Cambodia.In 1972, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a trio of death sentences, saying the way they had been imposed constituted cruel and unusual punishment. (The ruling prompted states to effectively impose a moratorium on executions until their capital punishment laws could be revised.)In 1978, actor Bob Crane of "Hogan's Heroes" fame was found bludgeoned to death in an apartment in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he was appearing in a play; he was 49.In 2006, the Supreme Court ruled, 5-3, that President George W. Bush's plan to try Guantanamo Bay detainees in military tribunals violated U.S. and international law.In 2009, disgraced financier Bernard Madoff received a 150-year sentence for his multibillion-dollar fraud. (Madoff died in prison in April 2021.)In 2018, the Annapolis Capital Gazette newspaper in Maryland kept its promise to put out the day's paper, despite the shooting deaths of five people in its newsroom a day earlier.Ten years ago: A day after the House voted to find Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress, the Justice Department said Holder's decision to withhold information about a bungled gun-tracking operation from Congress did not constitute a crime. The younger brother and business partner of disgraced financier Bernard Madoff pleaded guilty to charges of doctoring documents, but Peter Madoff insisted he knew nothing about his brother's massive Ponzi scheme. (Peter Madoff was later sentenced to 10 years in prison; he was released from home confinement in August 2020.) The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency filed formal charges against Lance Armstrong, accusing the seven-time Tour de France winner of using performance-enhancing drugs throughout the best years of his career. (The USADA ended up stripping Armstrong of all his Tour de France titles and issued a lifetime ban from cycling.)Five years ago: A scaled-back version of President Donald Trump's travel ban took effect, stripped of provisions that brought protests and chaos at airports worldwide; the new rules tightened already-tough visa policies affecting citizens from six Muslim-majority countries.One year ago: Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld died at the age of 88 in New Mexico; he had been Pentagon chief during the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan that toppled the Taliban regime following the 9/11 attacks, and also at the start of the long and costly Iraq war in 2003. Former South African President Jacob Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in prison for defying a court order to appear for questions about allegations of corruption; his jailing would spark violent rioting in which more than 330 people died.Today's Birthdays: Songwriter L. Russell Brown is 82. Singer-songwriter Garland Jeffreys is 79. Actor Gary Busey is 78. Comedian Richard Lewis is 75. Actor-turned-politican-turned-radio personality Fred Grandy is 74. Rock musician Ian Paice (Deep Purple) is 74. Singer Don Dokken (Dokken) is 69. Rock singer Colin Hay (Men At Work) is 69. Actor Maria Conchita Alonso is 67. Actor Kimberlin Brown (TV: "The Bold and the Beautiful") is 61. Actor Sharon Lawrence is 61. Actor Amanda Donohoe is 60. Actor Judith Hoag is 59. Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter is 59. R&amp;B singer Stedman Pearson (Five Star) is 58. Actor Kathleen Wilhoite is 58. Producer-writer Matthew Weiner is 57. Actor Melora Hardin is 55. Actor Brian D'Arcy James is 54. Actor Christina Chang is 51. Rap DJ and record producer DJ Shadow is 50. Actor Lance Barber is 49. Actor-dancer Will Kemp is 45. Actor Zuleikha Robinson is 45. Rock musician Sam Farrar is 44. Actor Luke Kirby is 44. Singer Nicole Scherzinger is 44. Comedian-writer Colin Jost is 40. Actor Lily Rabe is 40. R&amp;B singer Aundrea Fimbres is 39. NBA forward Kawhi Leonard is 31. Actor Camila Mendes (TV: "Riverdale") is 28.

Today in History - June 29

Position Title:&nbsp;Service Technician / Quality Control Specialist

The Service Technician at Weddle and Sons will be tasked with assessing leaks, planning and performing many different small to medium-size roof repairs on steep/low slope roofs along with other company projects. Ability to perform repairs on the following materials: composition shingles; single ply membranes and built-up roof systems. This person will be able to work independently with little or no supervision; must also be able to work well with a team and know when to ask for outside input and support.

The Quality Control Specialist (QCS) at Weddle and Sons will develop and demonstrate skill in overseeing the day-to-day operations of a residential roofing crew and will show an advanced level of initiative in communication with supervisors, subordinates, and clients. A QCS must be committed to the core values of the company and must show the potential to coach others to higher levels of execution.

The starting hourly rate in the range of $16.00 - $20.00 based upon level of experience, paid biweekly, per 40 hours worked in a week with overtime paid at time-and-a-half.

The company provides 5 days of paid vacation and seven paid holiday days annually. Employees are eligible to join a company-sponsored health insurance plan after 30 days of employment. Employees are eligible for a company-sponsored 401k plan after 12 months of employment.

Weddle and Sons team members must support our Mission of “Building Better Lives” and embody our Core Values. We make hiring, retention, and advancement decisions largely on how well team members exemplify our core values in each aspect of their job. Our Core Values are:

1. Commitment to Clients: We will act in the best interest of those we serve

2. Responsibility: We will hold ourselves and each other accountable for excellent work

3. Integrity: We will exemplify fairness and honesty in our actions, decisions, and communications

4. Positivity: We choose to view and respond to life and work in a positive way

5. Never Settle: We are committed to constantly improving personally and professionally

1. Successfully solve client problems through effective issue identification, troubleshooting, and repairs

2. Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with clients and team, communicating clearly and with a positive attitude, actively listening to customer concerns, and explaining our recommendations, options, and timing

3. Maintain current and accurate records of existing conditions, recommendations, work performed, time spent, and materials purchased for each project

4. Manage multiple tasks, prioritizing and carefully planning to maximize daily efficiency and minimize down time and unnecessary trips while quickly responding to urgent needs

5. Proactively seek service leads in the Salina area by networking and initiating with key service clients and potential clients

1. Keeping the client informed of the re-roof process

2. Keeping sub-contractors informed and scheduled ahead of time so that the client may plan appropriately.

4. Ensuring materials delivery is timely, accurate and correct

6. Informing the crew of safety requirements and promptly addressing violations

7. Managing the quality of installation by the sub-contractor

8. Maintain industry-best cleanliness of the job site, with specific attention to trash and nail clean up

9. Completing roof inspection form before leaving the job-site

11. Performing the installation of custom chimney flashing and skylight installation

13. Proper documentation of job notes on company platform

14. Regular communication with the Production Manager on ways to improve processes

1. Basic knowledge of roofing systems (and ability to learn quickly) with overall technical proficiency

2. Physical fitness sufficient to perform tasks that can be demanding at times

3. Problem-solving ability to troubleshoot roofing (and related) issues: ability to identify symptoms and systematically eliminate potential causes until solving the issue

a. Customer service skills (listening, positive communication, patience)

b. Competence in grammar and spelling preferred

c. Ability to send clear and mistake-free written communications

5. Ability to organize many competing and concurrent workstreams, while prioritizing and following through on commitments

Working Environment and Expectations:

Hours: A typical work week is expected to be not less than 40 hours. Given the seasonality of this business, we expect that there will be many weeks in middle of the year that require well over 40 hours of work. At the same time, there will be many weeks in the winter that may require somewhat less than 40 hours. At any time, and especially during the winter months, the service technician may be asked to assist with various company initiatives.

Travel: A service technician role is likely to involve occasional travel for company training, and projects. At times, business demand or weather events may require that the QCS spend time working in other company locations.

This is an “At Will” employment agreement. Nothing in the company’s policies, actions, or this document shall be construed to alter the “At Will” nature of Employee’s status with the company, and Employee understands that the company may terminate his/her employment at any time for any reason or for no reason, provided it is not terminated in violation of state or federal law. Likewise, the company recognizes the employee’s right to resign from employment for any reason.

Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weddleandsons.com/apply/">https://www.weddleandsons.com/apply/</a>&nbsp;and select the “Salina” branch and “Service Technician/Quality Control Specialist” job.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656094503581.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Position Title:&nbsp;Service Technician / Quality Control SpecialistLocation:&nbsp;Salina, KSReports to:&nbsp;Branch ManagerGeneral Description:The Service Technician at Weddle and Sons will be tasked with assessing leaks, planning and performing many different small to medium-size roof repairs on steep/low slope roofs along with other company projects. Ability to perform repairs on the following materials: composition shingles; single ply membranes and built-up roof systems. This person will be able to work independently with little or no supervision; must also be able to work well with a team and know when to ask for outside input and support.The Quality Control Specialist (QCS) at Weddle and Sons will develop and demonstrate skill in overseeing the day-to-day operations of a residential roofing crew and will show an advanced level of initiative in communication with supervisors, subordinates, and clients. A QCS must be committed to the core values of the company and must show the potential to coach others to higher levels of execution.Compensation:The starting hourly rate in the range of $16.00 - $20.00 based upon level of experience, paid biweekly, per 40 hours worked in a week with overtime paid at time-and-a-half.The company provides 5 days of paid vacation and seven paid holiday days annually. Employees are eligible to join a company-sponsored health insurance plan after 30 days of employment. Employees are eligible for a company-sponsored 401k plan after 12 months of employment.Mission and Core Values:Weddle and Sons team members must support our Mission of “Building Better Lives” and embody our Core Values. We make hiring, retention, and advancement decisions largely on how well team members exemplify our core values in each aspect of their job. Our Core Values are:1. Commitment to Clients: We will act in the best interest of those we serve2. Responsibility: We will hold ourselves and each other accountable for excellent work3. Integrity: We will exemplify fairness and honesty in our actions, decisions, and communications4. Positivity: We choose to view and respond to life and work in a positive way5. Never Settle: We are committed to constantly improving personally and professionallyResponsibilities:Service Technician1. Successfully solve client problems through effective issue identification, troubleshooting, and repairs2. Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with clients and team, communicating clearly and with a positive attitude, actively listening to customer concerns, and explaining our recommendations, options, and timing3. Maintain current and accurate records of existing conditions, recommendations, work performed, time spent, and materials purchased for each project4. Manage multiple tasks, prioritizing and carefully planning to maximize daily efficiency and minimize down time and unnecessary trips while quickly responding to urgent needs5. Proactively seek service leads in the Salina area by networking and initiating with key service clients and potential clientsQuality Control Specialist1. Keeping the client informed of the re-roof process2. Keeping sub-contractors informed and scheduled ahead of time so that the client may plan appropriately.3. Being available: cell phone; email4. Ensuring materials delivery is timely, accurate and correct5. Abiding by OSHA laws6. Informing the crew of safety requirements and promptly addressing violations7. Managing the quality of installation by the sub-contractor8. Maintain industry-best cleanliness of the job site, with specific attention to trash and nail clean up9. Completing roof inspection form before leaving the job-site10. Removing left over inventory11. Performing the installation of custom chimney flashing and skylight installation12. Managing weather hazards13. Proper documentation of job notes on company platform14. Regular communication with the Production Manager on ways to improve processesSkills:1. Basic knowledge of roofing systems (and ability to learn quickly) with overall technical proficiency2. Physical fitness sufficient to perform tasks that can be demanding at times3. Problem-solving ability to troubleshoot roofing (and related) issues: ability to identify symptoms and systematically eliminate potential causes until solving the issue4. Written and verbal professionalisma. Customer service skills (listening, positive communication, patience)b. Competence in grammar and spelling preferredc. Ability to send clear and mistake-free written communicationsd. Good phone demeanor and tone5. Ability to organize many competing and concurrent workstreams, while prioritizing and following through on commitmentsWorking Environment and Expectations:Hours: A typical work week is expected to be not less than 40 hours. Given the seasonality of this business, we expect that there will be many weeks in middle of the year that require well over 40 hours of work. At the same time, there will be many weeks in the winter that may require somewhat less than 40 hours. At any time, and especially during the winter months, the service technician may be asked to assist with various company initiatives.Travel: A service technician role is likely to involve occasional travel for company training, and projects. At times, business demand or weather events may require that the QCS spend time working in other company locations.Employment Terms:This is an “At Will” employment agreement. Nothing in the company’s policies, actions, or this document shall be construed to alter the “At Will” nature of Employee’s status with the company, and Employee understands that the company may terminate his/her employment at any time for any reason or for no reason, provided it is not terminated in violation of state or federal law. Likewise, the company recognizes the employee’s right to resign from employment for any reason.To apply:Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weddleandsons.com/apply/">https://www.weddleandsons.com/apply/</a>&nbsp;and select the “Salina” branch and “Service Technician/Quality Control Specialist” job.

Above normal temperatures forecast for next week

AMES, Iowa - Approximately 9,500 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the spring semester 2022 Dean's List. 

Students named to the Dean's List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work.

Among those named to the Dean's List was Chapman's Taylor Morgan Briggs, 2, Dietetics (H SCI)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Iowa State UniversityAMES, Iowa - Approximately 9,500 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the spring semester 2022 Dean's List. Students named to the Dean's List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work.Among those named to the Dean's List was Chapman's Taylor Morgan Briggs, 2, Dietetics (H SCI)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chapman's Briggs earns academic honors at Iowa State

TOPEKA - Washburn University has announced the students in its spring 2022 graduating class. More than 800 students completed their courses for certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees.

"These students have worked hard to not only better themselves but they are the best representation for Washburn. We know they will continue to uphold our standards long after graduation," said Dr. Jerry Farley, Washburn University president.

Local and area students who graduated from Washburn University include the following.

TOPEKA - Washburn University has announced the students in its spring 2022 graduating class. More than 800 students completed their courses for certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees."These students have worked hard to not only better themselves but they are the best representation for Washburn. We know they will continue to uphold our standards long after graduation," said Dr. Jerry Farley, Washburn University president.Local and area students who graduated from Washburn University include the following.Ashlyn Bryant of LindsborgSierra Carreno of ChapmanDelaney Claeys of ChapmanCourtney DeWeese of AbileneSarah Eilert of McPhersonEric Gaeddert of McPhersonJason Gragg of SalinaErik Hageman of AbileneMadison Hammond of ClydeSydney Hynes of SalinaAdara James of AbileneAustin Jensen of SalinaBradley Koch of ClydeBrianna Loy of ChapmanKailey Martinez of SalinaBrenna Riffel of AbileneAdrian Ruvalcaba of SalinaReese Schroeder of McPhersonSydney Watters of BrookvilleAngela Woods of Lindsborg

Recent Washburn graduates include those from our area

By JULIA DEBES Kansas Wheat

Trevor Cox, field agronomist, with Central Valley Ag Co-op in Clay Center, reported that harvest began in their area on June 23. Moisture is consistent at 12 percent, but yields are all over the board. Some of the low ground froze and saw yields in the 20 and 30 bushel per acre range, but some of the better wheat is yielding in the 50s and 60s.

Cox said test weights are good, in the low 60 pounds per bushel. Proteins are highly variable, with most around 12 to 13 percent, but the highest so far was 17 percent. Some farmers have already wrapped up their harvest, and the rest of the area should be complete by next week.

Tyler Crosson from Crosson Family Farms near Minneapolis in Ottawa County, reported that their farm is averaging just under 40 bushels per acre. The wheat that was planted early is yielding only in the 20s bushels per acre, but the later planted is doing better, in the 40s. Protein is ranging from 12 to 13 percent. Test weights are ranging from 57 to 62 pounds per bushel.

Crosson said he is finishing his own wheat on June 28, but then he will head to Jewell County to custom cut for a friend. He is going to plant sunflowers after his wheat because of current sunflower demand and prices. They will be sent to Lamar, Colo.

Mark Bosse, owner of MJB Harvesters from Grainfield, started harvest on May 21 in Haskell, Texas, where conditions were much worse than what they’ve seen in Kansas. The custom harvest crew has been in Kansas for eight days so far and will be here another 10 days or so.

In a field of T-158, Bosse was cutting 50 to 60 bushel wheat near his home in Gove County on June 27. The farmer was in the next field over, and said it was excellent quality, with protein averaging 12 to 13 percent and a test weight of 63 pounds per bushel.

With rain forecasted over the coming weekend, he said it was worth it to hire a harvesting crew to get the wheat out of the field before rains lowered the test weight.

“If we lose test weight from the rain, it pays for the harvester,” he said.

Bosse said he has been harvesting wheat in this area since 1990, when the average yield was 30 bushels per acre. While there are fewer acres of wheat now, yields last year were in the 80s. Even this year with hardly any rain, yields are near 60, Bosse said, attributing the increase to improved genetics and soil conservation practices.

Eric Sperber, general manager/CEO of Cornerstone Ag LLC in Colby, reported that June 27 was their first full day of harvest, although a few loads started trickling in last week. This is several days earlier than harvest began the last couple years.

He said acres were up in the area, but the wheat after corn is only yielding 10 to 20 bushels per acre. However, the summer fallow ground is doing better than he anticipated, yielding 50 to 60 bushels per acre. Proteins are ranging from 8 to 16 percent with good test weights. The average so far is about 12 percent, which is in line with their average the last few years.

Test weights are 58 pounds and above, but Sperber expects that to improve as farmers start cutting better fields. While the wheat is short, it got some late growth which will improve stubble for the upcoming year. He said several area farmers have chosen to invest in stripper headers to increase their residue left behind.

Sperber noted that most producers topdressed their wheat, while fungicide applications were way down. There isn’t much disease in the area, with no rust to speak of and very little wheat streak mosaic virus. Sperber said there’s a lot more irrigated wheat this year, but it doesn’t look a lot better than the dryland wheat. Irrigated wheat is short this year as well, noting “one more moisture event would have helped.”

Hard white wheat typically accounts for about 10 percent of Cornerstone’s receipts.

Sperber said he’s not seeing export demand.

“We are just the highest priced wheat in the world,” he said, “To find new demand has been difficult.”

The 2022 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use&nbsp;#wheatharvest22. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016S6VLwBwszuxNbjSNgsu205UB5Q3poUwTxp5k7o-SquDBVUIquwENH5wTcZJHha3B1PR39oCnFa_WVJsk3ddjj44lwP1nh8K5UXrF_V846GaKS0dCjaTTV562juRy8uoEb3naW6HObn1WJeuaOcpBsmfSDlOXhTu&amp;c=gRwI2wNIxQDkEgQdLKZw_ucZ__81zt-OubbNpXa8R6reL738mzkxIA==&amp;ch=nvN6-oM-JCcz_Okb5TL1hxd8zVO2h4qxXLCPlYP94XQwII61ed88mQ==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016S6VLwBwszuxNbjSNgsu205UB5Q3poUwTxp5k7o-SquDBVUIquwENJucVTE4mkzcFRk7aniCmsmxzM7HV7BHeGBilbB3g7U9xIbADVriPTs3T1ZzyXZ-gtgAZmxLtUXJD1wXdJ2caar4UCy-d7R2YfdEYGx63yMr&amp;c=gRwI2wNIxQDkEgQdLKZw_ucZ__81zt-OubbNpXa8R6reL738mzkxIA==&amp;ch=nvN6-oM-JCcz_Okb5TL1hxd8zVO2h4qxXLCPlYP94XQwII61ed88mQ==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016S6VLwBwszuxNbjSNgsu205UB5Q3poUwTxp5k7o-SquDBVUIquwENHZr_7K9uvPeanGastnZaNTm0ezOHLzLkpYPAEV1w1SN5m4tcBVfQsbGSit64bTwlF8B2NNbRijiAA52htMi7lcUFrYnbJq23tM8LDFSHCVl&amp;c=gRwI2wNIxQDkEgQdLKZw_ucZ__81zt-OubbNpXa8R6reL738mzkxIA==&amp;ch=nvN6-oM-JCcz_Okb5TL1hxd8zVO2h4qxXLCPlYP94XQwII61ed88mQ==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656461396305.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatTrevor Cox, field agronomist, with Central Valley Ag Co-op in Clay Center, reported that harvest began in their area on June 23. Moisture is consistent at 12 percent, but yields are all over the board. Some of the low ground froze and saw yields in the 20 and 30 bushel per acre range, but some of the better wheat is yielding in the 50s and 60s. Cox said test weights are good, in the low 60 pounds per bushel. Proteins are highly variable, with most around 12 to 13 percent, but the highest so far was 17 percent. Some farmers have already wrapped up their harvest, and the rest of the area should be complete by next week. Tyler Crosson from Crosson Family Farms near Minneapolis in Ottawa County, reported that their farm is averaging just under 40 bushels per acre. The wheat that was planted early is yielding only in the 20s bushels per acre, but the later planted is doing better, in the 40s. Protein is ranging from 12 to 13 percent. Test weights are ranging from 57 to 62 pounds per bushel. Crosson said he is finishing his own wheat on June 28, but then he will head to Jewell County to custom cut for a friend. He is going to plant sunflowers after his wheat because of current sunflower demand and prices. They will be sent to Lamar, Colo. Mark Bosse, owner of MJB Harvesters from Grainfield, started harvest on May 21 in Haskell, Texas, where conditions were much worse than what they’ve seen in Kansas. The custom harvest crew has been in Kansas for eight days so far and will be here another 10 days or so. In a field of T-158, Bosse was cutting 50 to 60 bushel wheat near his home in Gove County on June 27. The farmer was in the next field over, and said it was excellent quality, with protein averaging 12 to 13 percent and a test weight of 63 pounds per bushel. With rain forecasted over the coming weekend, he said it was worth it to hire a harvesting crew to get the wheat out of the field before rains lowered the test weight. “If we lose test weight from the rain, it pays for the harvester,” he said. Bosse said he has been harvesting wheat in this area since 1990, when the average yield was 30 bushels per acre. While there are fewer acres of wheat now, yields last year were in the 80s. Even this year with hardly any rain, yields are near 60, Bosse said, attributing the increase to improved genetics and soil conservation practices. Eric Sperber, general manager/CEO of Cornerstone Ag LLC in Colby, reported that June 27 was their first full day of harvest, although a few loads started trickling in last week. This is several days earlier than harvest began the last couple years. He said acres were up in the area, but the wheat after corn is only yielding 10 to 20 bushels per acre. However, the summer fallow ground is doing better than he anticipated, yielding 50 to 60 bushels per acre. Proteins are ranging from 8 to 16 percent with good test weights. The average so far is about 12 percent, which is in line with their average the last few years. Test weights are 58 pounds and above, but Sperber expects that to improve as farmers start cutting better fields. While the wheat is short, it got some late growth which will improve stubble for the upcoming year. He said several area farmers have chosen to invest in stripper headers to increase their residue left behind. Sperber noted that most producers topdressed their wheat, while fungicide applications were way down. There isn’t much disease in the area, with no rust to speak of and very little wheat streak mosaic virus. Sperber said there’s a lot more irrigated wheat this year, but it doesn’t look a lot better than the dryland wheat. Irrigated wheat is short this year as well, noting “one more moisture event would have helped.” Hard white wheat typically accounts for about 10 percent of Cornerstone’s receipts. Sperber said he’s not seeing export demand. “We are just the highest priced wheat in the world,” he said, “To find new demand has been difficult.”The 2022 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use&nbsp;#wheatharvest22. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016S6VLwBwszuxNbjSNgsu205UB5Q3poUwTxp5k7o-SquDBVUIquwENH5wTcZJHha3B1PR39oCnFa_WVJsk3ddjj44lwP1nh8K5UXrF_V846GaKS0dCjaTTV562juRy8uoEb3naW6HObn1WJeuaOcpBsmfSDlOXhTu&amp;c=gRwI2wNIxQDkEgQdLKZw_ucZ__81zt-OubbNpXa8R6reL738mzkxIA==&amp;ch=nvN6-oM-JCcz_Okb5TL1hxd8zVO2h4qxXLCPlYP94XQwII61ed88mQ==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016S6VLwBwszuxNbjSNgsu205UB5Q3poUwTxp5k7o-SquDBVUIquwENJucVTE4mkzcFRk7aniCmsmxzM7HV7BHeGBilbB3g7U9xIbADVriPTs3T1ZzyXZ-gtgAZmxLtUXJD1wXdJ2caar4UCy-d7R2YfdEYGx63yMr&amp;c=gRwI2wNIxQDkEgQdLKZw_ucZ__81zt-OubbNpXa8R6reL738mzkxIA==&amp;ch=nvN6-oM-JCcz_Okb5TL1hxd8zVO2h4qxXLCPlYP94XQwII61ed88mQ==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016S6VLwBwszuxNbjSNgsu205UB5Q3poUwTxp5k7o-SquDBVUIquwENHZr_7K9uvPeanGastnZaNTm0ezOHLzLkpYPAEV1w1SN5m4tcBVfQsbGSit64bTwlF8B2NNbRijiAA52htMi7lcUFrYnbJq23tM8LDFSHCVl&amp;c=gRwI2wNIxQDkEgQdLKZw_ucZ__81zt-OubbNpXa8R6reL738mzkxIA==&amp;ch=nvN6-oM-JCcz_Okb5TL1hxd8zVO2h4qxXLCPlYP94XQwII61ed88mQ==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Day 12: Kansas wheat harvest report

TOPEKA - The Kansas Insurance Department recently made its annual distribution to local Saline County Firefighter Relief Associations (FRAs). 

Pursuant to the Kansas Firefighters Relief Act, $381,842.08 has been distributed among ten local FRAs within Saline County.

The funds from the Kansas Firefighters Relief Act are generated by a two percent tax paid by insurance companies on fire and lightning insurance premiums written in Kansas. Associations primarily use their distributed funds for insurance premiums and safety enhancements. The relief funds may pay for the health, accident, disability, and life insurance premiums of local firefighters. Safety enhancements such as new firetrucks, fire station building improvements, and firefighting gear can be purchased via relief funds loaned to local governing entities.

“Firefighters work to keep us safe, and the Kansas Firefighters Relief Act acknowledges those efforts by providing additional protections for firefighters and their loved ones,” said Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “The Act not only gives first responders needed safety nets, but it also allows local communities to provide their citizens with improved firefighting equipment and resources.”

The statewide distribution of the 2022 Kansas Firefighters Relief Act funds can be viewed at <a href="http://insurance.ks.gov/otherservices/firefighters/fra-relief-distributions.php">insurance.ks.gov/otherservices/firefighters/fra-relief-distributions.php</a>. Kansans can learn more about the Firefighter Relief Act by visiting <a href="http://insurance.kansas.gov/firefighters">insurance.kansas.gov/firefighters</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647376123800.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Insurance DepartmentTOPEKA - The Kansas Insurance Department recently made its annual distribution to local Saline County Firefighter Relief Associations (FRAs). Pursuant to the Kansas Firefighters Relief Act, $381,842.08 has been distributed among ten local FRAs within Saline County.The funds from the Kansas Firefighters Relief Act are generated by a two percent tax paid by insurance companies on fire and lightning insurance premiums written in Kansas. Associations primarily use their distributed funds for insurance premiums and safety enhancements. The relief funds may pay for the health, accident, disability, and life insurance premiums of local firefighters. Safety enhancements such as new firetrucks, fire station building improvements, and firefighting gear can be purchased via relief funds loaned to local governing entities.“Firefighters work to keep us safe, and the Kansas Firefighters Relief Act acknowledges those efforts by providing additional protections for firefighters and their loved ones,” said Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “The Act not only gives first responders needed safety nets, but it also allows local communities to provide their citizens with improved firefighting equipment and resources.”The statewide distribution of the 2022 Kansas Firefighters Relief Act funds can be viewed at <a href="http://insurance.ks.gov/otherservices/firefighters/fra-relief-distributions.php">insurance.ks.gov/otherservices/firefighters/fra-relief-distributions.php</a>. Kansans can learn more about the Firefighter Relief Act by visiting <a href="http://insurance.kansas.gov/firefighters">insurance.kansas.gov/firefighters</a>.

Saline County firefighters receive $381,000+ from KS Insurance Dept.

ABILENE - The Midwest Travel Network named Abilene as its 2022 Destination of the Year at the recent Midwest Travel Network Conference in St. Cloud, Minn.

“This Kansas destination continuously shows up in our news feeds on social media. They promote the work of content creators and showcase all that they have to offer to the world. You can visit a Presidential Library and Museum, as well as visit an award-winning Midwest town,” Lisa Trudell, Midwest Travel Network co-founder, said.

This recent award joins a list of other awards the community received in 2022, including No. 1 Best Small Town to Visit in the U.S. by TravelAwaits, No. 1 Friendliest Town in the U.S. by TravelAwaits, Best Promotion of a Historic Place by TrueWest Magazine and runner up in USA TODAY’s 10Best Best Historic Small Town Contest.

“We hope that this recognition not only puts Abilene on visitors’ radar but also makes community members proud to live in an award-winning community,” Julie Roller Weeks, Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau director, said. “Good things are happening in Abilene!”

Visit AbileneABILENE - The Midwest Travel Network named Abilene as its 2022 Destination of the Year at the recent Midwest Travel Network Conference in St. Cloud, Minn.“This Kansas destination continuously shows up in our news feeds on social media. They promote the work of content creators and showcase all that they have to offer to the world. You can visit a Presidential Library and Museum, as well as visit an award-winning Midwest town,” Lisa Trudell, Midwest Travel Network co-founder, said.This recent award joins a list of other awards the community received in 2022, including No. 1 Best Small Town to Visit in the U.S. by TravelAwaits, No. 1 Friendliest Town in the U.S. by TravelAwaits, Best Promotion of a Historic Place by TrueWest Magazine and runner up in USA TODAY’s 10Best Best Historic Small Town Contest.“We hope that this recognition not only puts Abilene on visitors’ radar but also makes community members proud to live in an award-winning community,” Julie Roller Weeks, Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau director, said. “Good things are happening in Abilene!”

Abilene: Midwest Travel Network Destination of the Year

Dream Cartographers, a recently completed downtown mural that included community involvement, will be dedicated Saturday.

The mural, which serves as a backdrop to the new downtown stage at N. Santa Fe Avenue and W. Ash Street, is scheduled to be dedicated at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, according to information from Salina Arts &amp; Humanities. The dedication will include remarks by the artist, Dave Loewenstein, and Salina Arts &amp; Humanities staff. Light refreshments will be served.

Dream Cartographers was designed by Loewenstein, a Lawrence muralist. Prior to painting the mural, Loewenstein, conducted a number of community workshops and visioning sessions in the spring. During the workshops, participants mapped their memories, dreams, and personal geographies using pushpins and colored thread to connect points of interest on a map.

The mural painting was completed by Loewenstein, community volunteers, and artist assistant Karla Prickett.

The downtown stage mural is not Loewenstein's first in Salina. Arts &amp; Humanities noted that the new mural "includes a reference to Loewenstein’s 2010 work in Salina entitled Waiting in the Wings, which was decommissioned when Campbell Plaza redesign took place earlier this year. A figure walking through a painted doorway was recreated as part of the new mural."

This mural is made possible with funding from Leadership Salina and the Greater Salina Community Foundation, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, private donors, and in-kind support from local businesses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656440567166.jpeg" alt="The dedication of the newest downtown Salina mural, "Dream Cartographers,"&nbsp; is set for Saturday. Photo courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities" />
 <figcaption>The dedication of the newest downtown Salina mural, "Dream Cartographers,"&nbsp; is set for Saturday. Photo courtesy Salina Arts &amp; Humanities</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTDream Cartographers, a recently completed downtown mural that included community involvement, will be dedicated Saturday. The mural, which serves as a backdrop to the new downtown stage at N. Santa Fe Avenue and W. Ash Street, is scheduled to be dedicated at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, according to information from Salina Arts &amp; Humanities. The dedication will include remarks by the artist, Dave Loewenstein, and Salina Arts &amp; Humanities staff. Light refreshments will be served.Dream Cartographers was designed by Loewenstein, a Lawrence muralist. Prior to painting the mural, Loewenstein, conducted a number of community workshops and visioning sessions in the spring. During the workshops, participants mapped their memories, dreams, and personal geographies using pushpins and colored thread to connect points of interest on a map.The mural painting was completed by Loewenstein, community volunteers, and artist assistant Karla Prickett.The downtown stage mural is not Loewenstein's first in Salina. Arts &amp; Humanities noted that the new mural "includes a reference to Loewenstein’s 2010 work in Salina entitled Waiting in the Wings, which was decommissioned when Campbell Plaza redesign took place earlier this year. A figure walking through a painted doorway was recreated as part of the new mural."This mural is made possible with funding from Leadership Salina and the Greater Salina Community Foundation, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, private donors, and in-kind support from local businesses.

Dedication of newest downtown mural set for Saturday

Employment Opportunities, onsite applications and interviews available

The fourth annual job fair will be held at South High School, 730 E. Magnolia Street from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on July 8. 

The fair is open to the public; interviews and onsite job offers are possible.

Numerous employment opportunities include:

Flexible schedules with full and part-time positions are available. Salina USD 305 offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance and disability as well as generous paid leave plans. Applicants can visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.applitrack.com/usd305/onlineapp/" target="_blank">usd305.com</a>&nbsp;to view all open positions and to complete an application prior to attending the job fair.

Excited to know more? Join us July 8 to learn about becoming a member of the USD 305 team!

Salina USD 305 is an equal opportunity employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656430072825.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy USD 305" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Employment Opportunities, onsite applications and interviews available</h2>USD 305The fourth annual job fair will be held at South High School, 730 E. Magnolia Street from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on July 8. The fair is open to the public; interviews and onsite job offers are possible.Numerous employment opportunities include:●Food service●Maintenance and operations●Instructional assistants●Bilingual educational support staff●Para educators●Substitute teachers and moreFlexible schedules with full and part-time positions are available. Salina USD 305 offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance and disability as well as generous paid leave plans. Applicants can visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.applitrack.com/usd305/onlineapp/" target="_blank">usd305.com</a>&nbsp;to view all open positions and to complete an application prior to attending the job fair.Excited to know more? Join us July 8 to learn about becoming a member of the USD 305 team!Salina USD 305 is an equal opportunity employer.

USD 305 plans job fair for July 8

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina man was arrested after a pursuit through the south and central parts of the city Saturday afternoon.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. Saturday, an officer observed in the 2400 block of S. Ninth Street a 2006 Chevrolet Silverdo with no license plate displayed, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.

The officer attempted to stop the pickup in the 2300 block of S. Ninth Street at the entrance to the Central Mall. The pickup did not stop and went east into the Central Mall parking lot, then began to drive around the parking lot at slow speed, Forrester noted.

The pickup eventually went through the grass north of the Central Mall and drove toward S. Fourth Street. According to Forrester, other officers located the pickup in the area of E. Cloud Street and S. Fourth Street. The pursuit began again until the pickup stopped in the 200 block of E. Jewell Avenue and the driver fled on foot.

Forrester reported that officers located in the pickup an insurance card with the name, "Joshua Lynch" on it. An officer who had been pursuing the pickup confirmed with a recent booking photo that Lynch, 44, of Salina had been the driver involved in the pursuit, Forrester noted.

The officer made contact with Lynch at a residence in the 200 block of E. Kirwin Avenue, and Lynch with taken into custody without incident.

Lynch was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Forrester.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man was arrested after a pursuit through the south and central parts of the city Saturday afternoon.At approximately 2:30 p.m. Saturday, an officer observed in the 2400 block of S. Ninth Street a 2006 Chevrolet Silverdo with no license plate displayed, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.The officer attempted to stop the pickup in the 2300 block of S. Ninth Street at the entrance to the Central Mall. The pickup did not stop and went east into the Central Mall parking lot, then began to drive around the parking lot at slow speed, Forrester noted.The pickup eventually went through the grass north of the Central Mall and drove toward S. Fourth Street. According to Forrester, other officers located the pickup in the area of E. Cloud Street and S. Fourth Street. The pursuit began again until the pickup stopped in the 200 block of E. Jewell Avenue and the driver fled on foot.Forrester reported that officers located in the pickup an insurance card with the name, "Joshua Lynch" on it. An officer who had been pursuing the pickup confirmed with a recent booking photo that Lynch, 44, of Salina had been the driver involved in the pursuit, Forrester noted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656246297447.jpeg" alt="Joshua Lynch. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Joshua Lynch. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>The officer made contact with Lynch at a residence in the 200 block of E. Kirwin Avenue, and Lynch with taken into custody without incident.Lynch was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Forrester.●Felony flee and elude●No vehicle registration●Numerous traffic infractions

Telltale insurance card helps Salina police ID alleged driver in pursuit

Dickinson County’s new jail, courthouse renovation becomes a reality

Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part installment regarding the events that led up to building Dickinson County’s new jail addition and renovating the courthouse. Part 1 deals with the planning and bond issue process, while Part 2 focuses on the trials and tribulations of completing a major building project during a pandemic and the associated problems.

By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County public information coordinator

Nearly a decade after the commitment was made to build a new jail and renovate the courthouse, Dickinson County now has a government building that is safe, energy efficient, technologically advanced and aesthetically pleasing, without being opulent.

Except for a few remaining issues – like replacing the elevator, which has been delayed time and time again due to vendor issues -- the project is finished.

An open house on Saturday, June 11, attracted about 100 people who took the opportunity to see the renovated courthouse. An open house for the new jail and sheriff’s department, held in August 2021, allowed people the opportunity to tour that facility before prisoners were moved in.

Nearly everyone who attended the two open houses said they were impressed with the building and the changes that had been made. However, the journey to completion has not been simple.

The path included a failed bond issue, a complete revamp of the project, a second bond issue that barely passed, surprise demolition obstacles, a pandemic, supply chain problems, workforce issues and more.

But now that the end is nearly here, it’s time to take a look back.

Soon after joining the Dickinson County Commission in January 2013, Commissioner Craig Chamberlin said the county needed a new jail. Both he and Commissioner Lynn Peterson joined the commission at the same time after being elected in November 2012.

“Craig brought it up immediately during his first or second meeting in office,” recalled Dickinson County Administrator Brad Homman. “He said something needs to be done about this building and the jail and we need to start planning for that right now.”

Chamberlin, Peterson and then-Commission Chairman LaVerne Myers knew that building a new jail would not be popular. It had been brought up numerous times with other county commissions in the past and never gone anywhere.

Unfortunately, the jail was a disaster waiting to happen. Not only had it outlived its usefulness structurally and technologically, but changes in the way the criminal justice system houses and cares for prisoners meant the old jail was a major liability risk.

Not only that, the entire layout of the top floor of the courthouse – which housed the jail, district court and court service offices – was no longer safe in the 21st century. With inmates and the public using the same hallways for access, public safety was a major concern. That was true not only in the court area, but in the entire courthouse with the modern threats posed by active shooters and the like.

As for the courthouse, it also was aging – and not gracefully. While the building itself was structurally sound, the infrastructure was failing. Constant repairs and skyrocketing energy costs had become a financial drain.

Back when the courthouse was built in 1956, public safety was not a concern. In fact, the sheriff’s family lived in an apartment inside the jail area on the top floor, with the sheriff’s wife cooking the prisoners’ meals and their children calling the place home.

But by the 2000s that way of life was long gone and keeping inmates isolated from judges, witnesses, jurors and the general public was considered imperative.

One of the biggest problems in the courthouse was the lack of public safety. The only way to transport inmates was through hallways used by the general public, moving them from the jail to the courtrooms. Inmates were walking past potential jurors and witnesses, sometimes intimidating them. It also created an opportunity for the inmate to run and possibly hurt someone in the process.

At the time, one Abilene woman said she felt victimized “over and over again” as she waited in the hallway for court to start and the inmate who assaulted her glared at her as guards brought him to the courtroom.

The openness of the original courthouse sometimes was dangerous for judges and court officials. With only one way to get to the courtroom, judges were forced to walk through the crowds gathered in the hallway, and depending on the case, the judge’s safety could also be at risk.

There were incidents in other places – especially in highly-charged situations like child in need of care cases – where judges had been attacked by enraged family members and the open hallways in the Dickinson County courthouse presented a perfect opportunity for a similar situation.

But now that the new addition and renovations are completed, those concerns were all addressed.

The new jail addition created a separate hallway, staircase and elevator to move prisoners, keeping them out of the public venue. It also created a place for judges to move from their chambers to the courtroom without walking through the public area and added other necessary spaces.

The new addition also houses the sheriff’s department in an area with adequate space, evidence storage, interrogation rooms and all the things a law enforcement office needs in the 21st Century.

While public safety was a major concern, so too was the safety of inmates. The 1956 jail did not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) requirements. Nor did it comply with the building codes and standards set by the American Correctional Association, the National Institute of Corrections and the National Institute of Justice.

Back in October 2016, architect Larry Goldberg of Goldberg Group Architects, who designed the new facility and renovations, noted the jail was a “disaster waiting to happen,” especially in terms of PREA.

“The problem is the concept of deliberate indifference. You know what’s wrong. You know it’s non-compliant. You know it can’t be fixed. You know the opportunity for inadvertent or intentional violations of personal privacy give way to a sexual assaultive environment,” Goldberg said.

Besides that, the 1956 jail had deteriorated to the point where cell doors were broken, some could not be locked and replacement parts were no longer available.

Jail capacity also was an issue, particular in an age where jail populations must be separated. Obviously, males cannot be housed with females, but in today’s world, other gender classifications are now in the mix, plus the need to separate violent from non-violent offenders.

Besides the jail and public safety problems, the entire courthouse had issues.

The windows were no longer efficient. Wind blowing in through windows that were sealed years ago rustled the blinds and allowed sound to pass through. When trains came through, commission meetings and courtroom proceedings came to a halt because of the noise.

Sewer and water lines were encased in the block walls which make up the interior of the building, making them difficult if not impossible to repair. Deteriorated water pipes produced leaks, creating problems for the offices below.

A deteriorating sewer line in the wall leaked sewer gas into the register of deeds office, creating a smell that not only permeated that office, but wafted through the main floor.

Air exchangers in the heating/AC system were rotting away and replacement parts were unavailable. Luckily, a vendor had been located that was able to create made-to-order parts as a stop gap.

Also, the building had areas where asbestos needed to be removed, restrooms were not ADA-accessible, basement offices were not flood proof and there were other problems.

Realizing that “kicking the can down the road,” was no longer an option, county commissioners Chamberlin, Peterson and Myers hosted a meeting in 2013 about the need for what then was planned to be a judicial or “Justice Center” -- bringing all justice-related functions under the same roof. Some of the attendees included representatives from the sheriff’s department, the Abilene Police Department, the jail, district and municipal court and court services.

“First we came up with the Justice Center proposal,” Homman said. “That was to build a new jail with a new district court and courtrooms, the sheriff on the second floor, the Abilene Police Department on the main floor or vice versa.”

Homman, who was involved in law enforcement for decades, said he believed having all the agencies involved in law enforcement located in the same building would be beneficial, but the City of Abilene later decided to go its own way.

Commissioners approved a two-mill levy in August 2013, effective with the 2014 budget, to begin funding for a justice center, knowing it would not come to fruition for several years.

“That was about $200,000 a mill. So, we were putting about $400,000 back a year for several years,” said County Administrator Homman.

A small portion of that money was used to purchase two vacant, dilapidated houses that were located east of the courthouse next to the old (now demolished) county attorney building. That way, space would be available if needed.

Once acquired by the county, the road and bridge department demolished the structures in August 2015.

While these early steps were underway, the commission and Homman were researching what kind of jail should be built. Commissioner Chamberlin and Homman, along with the former sheriff and undersheriff, attended a week-long National Institute of Corrections training about designing and building new jails in Colorado.

“The big thing they told us was ‘don’t build a jail so big you can’t afford to operate it’,” Homman recalled. “In California, the state gives money to build local jails, but you (the local county) have to run it yourself. One California county had really big eyes and built a 600 to 700 bed jail, but they couldn’t afford to open the doors. It had been sitting vacant. That was a good example of what not to do.”

A big step in the process involved hiring an architect and construction manager at risk, working as a team. Four interviews were held in November 2015. After a thorough vetting process was completed, Goldberg Group Architects of St. Joseph, Mo., and Loyd Builders of Ottawa, were selected to design and build the new jail and complete the courthouse renovation.

“Goldberg had selected Loyd Builders to work with. They were already working together on a new jail project in Miami County,” Homman said. “They invited us to look it over while it was under construction.”

Commissioners also toured a jail in Seward, Neb., and one in Marion County, Kan, where they met with the late Marion County Sheriff Bob Kraft and a couple residents who served on that county’s jail board.

“Their message was the same as the one we heard in Colorado: Don’t build anything so big you can’t operate it. Build it to a scale that will serve you quite a while,” Homman said. “They told the public they were not going to build anything fancy. So, we decided we were going to build it practical. You don’t see marble countertops. You won’t see ceramic tile on the floors. We’ve got Formica, brick and block.”

Next, a 14-member Justice Advisory Committee was created and tasked with doing a preliminary needs assessment and helping gain public support.

In February 2017, the advisory committee told commissioners they should proceed with plans to build a justice center and remodel the current courthouse, using the Dickinson County Public Building Commission (PBC) as the funding mechanism.

One month later, the PBC approved a resolution to issue bonds in the amount of $17.735 million to finance building a Justice Center and renovate the courthouse.

The resolution included the county’s intent to utilize the municipal finance company, Piper-Jaffray and Co. of Leawood, to serve as legal counsel for the bonds. It also signaled the start of a 30-day protest period, allowing the public to force the issue to an election.

Public reaction was quick. Even though stories in the local newspaper had been covering the process for at least four years, people felt they had not been informed. A townhall meeting brought out a large number of people vehemently opposed to the idea. People wanted the opportunity to vote on the question.

A protest petition with the needed number of signatures was verified and the question was placed on a mail-in ballot in August 2017. When the votes were counted, the Justice Center bond issue failed by 308 votes.

The cost was the main source of discontent among the public. Many thought erroneously that the county was going to raise taxes to pay for the project, but steps had been taken to ensure taxes would not be used.

Despite the no vote, the need still existed.

“We went back to the drawing board and redesigned,” Homman said, explaining the Justice Center was scrapped and the project narrowed down. “We took district court, court offices and courtrooms out of it and lowered the price to $15 million.”

Of the $15 million, $1.8 had already been set aside to finance the project through the two-mill levy started in 2014, while $13.5 million would be funded with bonds issued by the county’s Public Building Commission.

The commission heard the public’s desire to vote on the question and decided to place the new bond issue on the ballot.

In August 2018, Dickinson County voters narrowly approved the pared-down version - a $13.5 million bond issue to build the new jail and renovate the existing courthouse - by a 51-vote margin.

Part 2 on Wednesday will focus on the challenges involved with building the jail and renovating the courthouse in a world changed by a major pandemic.

<h2>Dickinson County’s new jail, courthouse renovation becomes a reality</h2>Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part installment regarding the events that led up to building Dickinson County’s new jail addition and renovating the courthouse. Part 1 deals with the planning and bond issue process, while Part 2 focuses on the trials and tribulations of completing a major building project during a pandemic and the associated problems.By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County public information coordinatorNearly a decade after the commitment was made to build a new jail and renovate the courthouse, Dickinson County now has a government building that is safe, energy efficient, technologically advanced and aesthetically pleasing, without being opulent.Except for a few remaining issues – like replacing the elevator, which has been delayed time and time again due to vendor issues -- the project is finished.An open house on Saturday, June 11, attracted about 100 people who took the opportunity to see the renovated courthouse. An open house for the new jail and sheriff’s department, held in August 2021, allowed people the opportunity to tour that facility before prisoners were moved in.Nearly everyone who attended the two open houses said they were impressed with the building and the changes that had been made. However, the journey to completion has not been simple.The path included a failed bond issue, a complete revamp of the project, a second bond issue that barely passed, surprise demolition obstacles, a pandemic, supply chain problems, workforce issues and more.But now that the end is nearly here, it’s time to take a look back.Dire needSoon after joining the Dickinson County Commission in January 2013, Commissioner Craig Chamberlin said the county needed a new jail. Both he and Commissioner Lynn Peterson joined the commission at the same time after being elected in November 2012.“Craig brought it up immediately during his first or second meeting in office,” recalled Dickinson County Administrator Brad Homman. “He said something needs to be done about this building and the jail and we need to start planning for that right now.”Chamberlin, Peterson and then-Commission Chairman LaVerne Myers knew that building a new jail would not be popular. It had been brought up numerous times with other county commissions in the past and never gone anywhere.Unfortunately, the jail was a disaster waiting to happen. Not only had it outlived its usefulness structurally and technologically, but changes in the way the criminal justice system houses and cares for prisoners meant the old jail was a major liability risk.Not only that, the entire layout of the top floor of the courthouse – which housed the jail, district court and court service offices – was no longer safe in the 21st century. With inmates and the public using the same hallways for access, public safety was a major concern. That was true not only in the court area, but in the entire courthouse with the modern threats posed by active shooters and the like.As for the courthouse, it also was aging – and not gracefully. While the building itself was structurally sound, the infrastructure was failing. Constant repairs and skyrocketing energy costs had become a financial drain.Jail and court concernsBack when the courthouse was built in 1956, public safety was not a concern. In fact, the sheriff’s family lived in an apartment inside the jail area on the top floor, with the sheriff’s wife cooking the prisoners’ meals and their children calling the place home.But by the 2000s that way of life was long gone and keeping inmates isolated from judges, witnesses, jurors and the general public was considered imperative.One of the biggest problems in the courthouse was the lack of public safety. The only way to transport inmates was through hallways used by the general public, moving them from the jail to the courtrooms. Inmates were walking past potential jurors and witnesses, sometimes intimidating them. It also created an opportunity for the inmate to run and possibly hurt someone in the process.At the time, one Abilene woman said she felt victimized “over and over again” as she waited in the hallway for court to start and the inmate who assaulted her glared at her as guards brought him to the courtroom.The openness of the original courthouse sometimes was dangerous for judges and court officials. With only one way to get to the courtroom, judges were forced to walk through the crowds gathered in the hallway, and depending on the case, the judge’s safety could also be at risk.There were incidents in other places – especially in highly-charged situations like child in need of care cases – where judges had been attacked by enraged family members and the open hallways in the Dickinson County courthouse presented a perfect opportunity for a similar situation.But now that the new addition and renovations are completed, those concerns were all addressed.The new jail addition created a separate hallway, staircase and elevator to move prisoners, keeping them out of the public venue. It also created a place for judges to move from their chambers to the courtroom without walking through the public area and added other necessary spaces.The new addition also houses the sheriff’s department in an area with adequate space, evidence storage, interrogation rooms and all the things a law enforcement office needs in the 21st Century.Inmate safetyWhile public safety was a major concern, so too was the safety of inmates. The 1956 jail did not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) requirements. Nor did it comply with the building codes and standards set by the American Correctional Association, the National Institute of Corrections and the National Institute of Justice.Back in October 2016, architect Larry Goldberg of Goldberg Group Architects, who designed the new facility and renovations, noted the jail was a “disaster waiting to happen,” especially in terms of PREA.“The problem is the concept of deliberate indifference. You know what’s wrong. You know it’s non-compliant. You know it can’t be fixed. You know the opportunity for inadvertent or intentional violations of personal privacy give way to a sexual assaultive environment,” Goldberg said.Besides that, the 1956 jail had deteriorated to the point where cell doors were broken, some could not be locked and replacement parts were no longer available.Jail capacity also was an issue, particular in an age where jail populations must be separated. Obviously, males cannot be housed with females, but in today’s world, other gender classifications are now in the mix, plus the need to separate violent from non-violent offenders.Infrastructure failingBesides the jail and public safety problems, the entire courthouse had issues.The windows were no longer efficient. Wind blowing in through windows that were sealed years ago rustled the blinds and allowed sound to pass through. When trains came through, commission meetings and courtroom proceedings came to a halt because of the noise.Sewer and water lines were encased in the block walls which make up the interior of the building, making them difficult if not impossible to repair. Deteriorated water pipes produced leaks, creating problems for the offices below.A deteriorating sewer line in the wall leaked sewer gas into the register of deeds office, creating a smell that not only permeated that office, but wafted through the main floor.Air exchangers in the heating/AC system were rotting away and replacement parts were unavailable. Luckily, a vendor had been located that was able to create made-to-order parts as a stop gap.Also, the building had areas where asbestos needed to be removed, restrooms were not ADA-accessible, basement offices were not flood proof and there were other problems.Early stepsRealizing that “kicking the can down the road,” was no longer an option, county commissioners Chamberlin, Peterson and Myers hosted a meeting in 2013 about the need for what then was planned to be a judicial or “Justice Center” -- bringing all justice-related functions under the same roof. Some of the attendees included representatives from the sheriff’s department, the Abilene Police Department, the jail, district and municipal court and court services.“First we came up with the Justice Center proposal,” Homman said. “That was to build a new jail with a new district court and courtrooms, the sheriff on the second floor, the Abilene Police Department on the main floor or vice versa.”Homman, who was involved in law enforcement for decades, said he believed having all the agencies involved in law enforcement located in the same building would be beneficial, but the City of Abilene later decided to go its own way.Commissioners approved a two-mill levy in August 2013, effective with the 2014 budget, to begin funding for a justice center, knowing it would not come to fruition for several years.“That was about $200,000 a mill. So, we were putting about $400,000 back a year for several years,” said County Administrator Homman.A small portion of that money was used to purchase two vacant, dilapidated houses that were located east of the courthouse next to the old (now demolished) county attorney building. That way, space would be available if needed.Once acquired by the county, the road and bridge department demolished the structures in August 2015.While these early steps were underway, the commission and Homman were researching what kind of jail should be built. Commissioner Chamberlin and Homman, along with the former sheriff and undersheriff, attended a week-long National Institute of Corrections training about designing and building new jails in Colorado.“The big thing they told us was ‘don’t build a jail so big you can’t afford to operate it’,” Homman recalled. “In California, the state gives money to build local jails, but you (the local county) have to run it yourself. One California county had really big eyes and built a 600 to 700 bed jail, but they couldn’t afford to open the doors. It had been sitting vacant. That was a good example of what not to do.”Getting startedA big step in the process involved hiring an architect and construction manager at risk, working as a team. Four interviews were held in November 2015. After a thorough vetting process was completed, Goldberg Group Architects of St. Joseph, Mo., and Loyd Builders of Ottawa, were selected to design and build the new jail and complete the courthouse renovation.“Goldberg had selected Loyd Builders to work with. They were already working together on a new jail project in Miami County,” Homman said. “They invited us to look it over while it was under construction.”Commissioners also toured a jail in Seward, Neb., and one in Marion County, Kan, where they met with the late Marion County Sheriff Bob Kraft and a couple residents who served on that county’s jail board.“Their message was the same as the one we heard in Colorado: Don’t build anything so big you can’t operate it. Build it to a scale that will serve you quite a while,” Homman said. “They told the public they were not going to build anything fancy. So, we decided we were going to build it practical. You don’t see marble countertops. You won’t see ceramic tile on the floors. We’ve got Formica, brick and block.”Next, a 14-member Justice Advisory Committee was created and tasked with doing a preliminary needs assessment and helping gain public support.In February 2017, the advisory committee told commissioners they should proceed with plans to build a justice center and remodel the current courthouse, using the Dickinson County Public Building Commission (PBC) as the funding mechanism.One month later, the PBC approved a resolution to issue bonds in the amount of $17.735 million to finance building a Justice Center and renovate the courthouse.The resolution included the county’s intent to utilize the municipal finance company, Piper-Jaffray and Co. of Leawood, to serve as legal counsel for the bonds. It also signaled the start of a 30-day protest period, allowing the public to force the issue to an election.A resounding noPublic reaction was quick. Even though stories in the local newspaper had been covering the process for at least four years, people felt they had not been informed. A townhall meeting brought out a large number of people vehemently opposed to the idea. People wanted the opportunity to vote on the question.A protest petition with the needed number of signatures was verified and the question was placed on a mail-in ballot in August 2017. When the votes were counted, the Justice Center bond issue failed by 308 votes.The cost was the main source of discontent among the public. Many thought erroneously that the county was going to raise taxes to pay for the project, but steps had been taken to ensure taxes would not be used.Despite the no vote, the need still existed.“We went back to the drawing board and redesigned,” Homman said, explaining the Justice Center was scrapped and the project narrowed down. “We took district court, court offices and courtrooms out of it and lowered the price to $15 million.”Of the $15 million, $1.8 had already been set aside to finance the project through the two-mill levy started in 2014, while $13.5 million would be funded with bonds issued by the county’s Public Building Commission.The commission heard the public’s desire to vote on the question and decided to place the new bond issue on the ballot.In August 2018, Dickinson County voters narrowly approved the pared-down version - a $13.5 million bond issue to build the new jail and renovate the existing courthouse - by a 51-vote margin.And then the real work began.Part 2 on Wednesday will focus on the challenges involved with building the jail and renovating the courthouse in a world changed by a major pandemic.

A rocky path to completion

Summerlike temperatures will return this week with some seeing highs in the 100s on Thursday. 

Another cool front will bring a chance for storms to end the week, a few of which could be strong.

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 </figure>National Weather ServiceSummerlike temperatures will return this week with some seeing highs in the 100s on Thursday. Another cool front will bring a chance for storms to end the week, a few of which could be strong.

Weather warming; chance for storms later in the week

OCCK Transportation, including CityGo, 81 Connection, KanConnect, GoAbilene, GoConcordia and Regional Paratransit services, will be closed on July 4th.&nbsp; No vehicles or buses will run.&nbsp;

OCCK TransportationOCCK Transportation, including CityGo, 81 Connection, KanConnect, GoAbilene, GoConcordia and Regional Paratransit services, will be closed on July 4th.&nbsp; No vehicles or buses will run.&nbsp;Transportation services will resume normal operating hours on July 5.OCCK provides transportation services to the general public, seniors, and persons with disabilities, through a variety of programs, including a fixed route service in Salina, CityGo, a regional paratransit service that serves fourteen counties, non emergency medical transportation for people with Medicaid, as well as non emergency medical transportation for clients of Salina Regional Health Center, a regional fixed route service, 81 Connection, KANcycle – the regional bike sharing program, GoAbilene public transportation, GoConcordia public transportation, and the newest program, KanConnect.