Today is Friday, July 8, the 189th day of 2022. There are 176 days left in the year.

On July 8, 1972, the Nixon administration announced a deal to sell $750 million in grain to the Soviet Union. (However, the Soviets were also engaged in secretly buying subsidized American grain, resulting in what critics dubbed "The Great Grain Robbery.")

In 1776, Col. John Nixon gave the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, outside the State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia.

In 1853, an expedition led by Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Yedo Bay, Japan, on a mission to seek diplomatic and trade relations with the Japanese.

In 1907, Florenz Ziegfeld staged his first "Follies," on the roof of the New York Theater.

In 1947, a New Mexico newspaper, the Roswell Daily Record, quoted officials at Roswell Army Air Field as saying they had recovered a "flying saucer" that crashed onto a ranch; officials then said it was actually a weather balloon. (To this day, there are those who believe what fell to Earth was an alien spaceship carrying extra-terrestrial beings.)

In 1950, President Harry S. Truman named Gen. Douglas MacArthur commander-in-chief of United Nations forces in Korea. (Truman ended up sacking MacArthur for insubordination nine months later.)

In 1967, Academy Award-winning actor Vivien Leigh, 53, died in London.

In 1989, Carlos Saul Menem was inaugurated as president of Argentina in the country's first transfer of power from one democratically elected civilian leader to another in six decades.

In 1994, Kim Il Sung, North Korea's communist leader since 1948, died at age 82.

In 2000, Venus Williams beat Lindsay Davenport 6-3, 7-6 (3) for her first Grand Slam title, becoming the first Black female champion at Wimbledon since Althea Gibson in 1957-58.

In 2010, the largest spy swap between the U.S. and Russia since the Cold War unfolded as 10 people accused of spying in suburban America pleaded guilty to conspiracy and were ordered deported to Russia in exchange for the release of four prisoners accused of spying for the West.

In 2011, former first lady Betty Ford died in Rancho Mirage, California, at age 93.

In 2016, on the first day of a two-day summit in Warsaw, NATO leaders geared up for a long-term standoff with Russia, ordering multinational troops to Poland and the three Baltic states as Moscow moved forward with its own plans to station two new divisions along its western borders.

Ten years ago: A bomb in eastern Afghanistan killed six NATO service members on a day in which a total of 29 people died from roadside bombs and insurgent attacks. Roger Federer equaled Pete Sampras' record of seven men's singles titles at the All England Club and won his 17th Grand Slam title overall, beating Andy Murray 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4. Academy Award-winning actor Ernest Borgnine, 95, died in Los Angeles.

Five years ago: At the Group of 20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, world powers lined up against President Donald Trump on climate change, reaffirming their support for international efforts to fight global warming. After their first face-to-face meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he thought Trump believed his denials of Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential vote.

One year ago: President Joe Biden said the U.S. military operation in Afghanistan would end on Aug. 31; in a speech in the White House East Room, Biden made an impassioned argument for exiting the nearly 20-year war without sacrificing more America lives, but acknowledged that there would be no "mission accomplished" moment to celebrate. Amid increasing coronavirus infections, Tokyo's governor said fans would not be allowed in Tokyo-area stadiums and arenas for the Olympics, which would begin in two weeks. Former South African president Jacob Zuma turned himself over to police to begin serving a 15-month prison term for contempt. Lawyer Michael Avenatti was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for trying to extort up to $25 million from Nike; Avenatti had gained fame representing porn star Stormy Daniels in lawsuits against Donald Trump. Fourteen-year-old Zaila Avant-garde of Louisiana spelled "murraya" correctly to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee, becoming the first African American champion.

Today's Birthdays: Singer Steve Lawrence is 87. Actor Jeffrey Tambor is 78. Rock musician Jaimoe Johanson is 77. Ballerina Cynthia Gregory is 75. Actor Kim Darby is 75. Actor Jonelle Allen is 74. Children's performer Raffi is 74. Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck is 73. Actor Anjelica Huston is 71. Writer Anna Quindlen is 70. Actor Kevin Bacon is 64. Actor Robert Knepper is 63. Country singer Toby Keith is 61. Rock singer Joan Osborne is 60. Writer-producer Rob Burnett is 60. Actor Rocky Carroll is 59. Actor Corey Parker is 57. Actor Lee Tergesen is 57. Actor Michael B. Silver is 55. Actor Billy Crudup is 54. Actor Michael Weatherly is 54. Singer Beck is 52. Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco is 49. Actor Kathleen Robertson is 49. Christian rock musician Stephen Mason (Jars of Clay) is 47. Actor Milo Ventimiglia is 45. Singer Ben Jelen is 43. Actor Lance Gross is 41. Actor Sophia Bush is 40. Rock musician Jamie Cook (Arctic Monkeys) is 37. Actor Jake McDorman is 36. Actor Maya Hawke is 24. Actor Jaden Smith is 24.

<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 Friday, July 8, the 189th day of 2022. There are 176 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On July 8, 1972, the Nixon administration announced a deal to sell $750 million in grain to the Soviet Union. (However, the Soviets were also engaged in secretly buying subsidized American grain, resulting in what critics dubbed "The Great Grain Robbery.")On this date:In 1776, Col. John Nixon gave the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, outside the State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia.In 1853, an expedition led by Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Yedo Bay, Japan, on a mission to seek diplomatic and trade relations with the Japanese.In 1907, Florenz Ziegfeld staged his first "Follies," on the roof of the New York Theater.In 1947, a New Mexico newspaper, the Roswell Daily Record, quoted officials at Roswell Army Air Field as saying they had recovered a "flying saucer" that crashed onto a ranch; officials then said it was actually a weather balloon. (To this day, there are those who believe what fell to Earth was an alien spaceship carrying extra-terrestrial beings.)In 1950, President Harry S. Truman named Gen. Douglas MacArthur commander-in-chief of United Nations forces in Korea. (Truman ended up sacking MacArthur for insubordination nine months later.)In 1967, Academy Award-winning actor Vivien Leigh, 53, died in London.In 1989, Carlos Saul Menem was inaugurated as president of Argentina in the country's first transfer of power from one democratically elected civilian leader to another in six decades.In 1994, Kim Il Sung, North Korea's communist leader since 1948, died at age 82.In 2000, Venus Williams beat Lindsay Davenport 6-3, 7-6 (3) for her first Grand Slam title, becoming the first Black female champion at Wimbledon since Althea Gibson in 1957-58.In 2010, the largest spy swap between the U.S. and Russia since the Cold War unfolded as 10 people accused of spying in suburban America pleaded guilty to conspiracy and were ordered deported to Russia in exchange for the release of four prisoners accused of spying for the West.In 2011, former first lady Betty Ford died in Rancho Mirage, California, at age 93.In 2016, on the first day of a two-day summit in Warsaw, NATO leaders geared up for a long-term standoff with Russia, ordering multinational troops to Poland and the three Baltic states as Moscow moved forward with its own plans to station two new divisions along its western borders.Ten years ago: A bomb in eastern Afghanistan killed six NATO service members on a day in which a total of 29 people died from roadside bombs and insurgent attacks. Roger Federer equaled Pete Sampras' record of seven men's singles titles at the All England Club and won his 17th Grand Slam title overall, beating Andy Murray 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4. Academy Award-winning actor Ernest Borgnine, 95, died in Los Angeles.Five years ago: At the Group of 20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, world powers lined up against President Donald Trump on climate change, reaffirming their support for international efforts to fight global warming. After their first face-to-face meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he thought Trump believed his denials of Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential vote.One year ago: President Joe Biden said the U.S. military operation in Afghanistan would end on Aug. 31; in a speech in the White House East Room, Biden made an impassioned argument for exiting the nearly 20-year war without sacrificing more America lives, but acknowledged that there would be no "mission accomplished" moment to celebrate. Amid increasing coronavirus infections, Tokyo's governor said fans would not be allowed in Tokyo-area stadiums and arenas for the Olympics, which would begin in two weeks. Former South African president Jacob Zuma turned himself over to police to begin serving a 15-month prison term for contempt. Lawyer Michael Avenatti was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for trying to extort up to $25 million from Nike; Avenatti had gained fame representing porn star Stormy Daniels in lawsuits against Donald Trump. Fourteen-year-old Zaila Avant-garde of Louisiana spelled "murraya" correctly to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee, becoming the first African American champion.Today's Birthdays: Singer Steve Lawrence is 87. Actor Jeffrey Tambor is 78. Rock musician Jaimoe Johanson is 77. Ballerina Cynthia Gregory is 75. Actor Kim Darby is 75. Actor Jonelle Allen is 74. Children's performer Raffi is 74. Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck is 73. Actor Anjelica Huston is 71. Writer Anna Quindlen is 70. Actor Kevin Bacon is 64. Actor Robert Knepper is 63. Country singer Toby Keith is 61. Rock singer Joan Osborne is 60. Writer-producer Rob Burnett is 60. Actor Rocky Carroll is 59. Actor Corey Parker is 57. Actor Lee Tergesen is 57. Actor Michael B. Silver is 55. Actor Billy Crudup is 54. Actor Michael Weatherly is 54. Singer Beck is 52. Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco is 49. Actor Kathleen Robertson is 49. Christian rock musician Stephen Mason (Jars of Clay) is 47. Actor Milo Ventimiglia is 45. Singer Ben Jelen is 43. Actor Lance Gross is 41. Actor Sophia Bush is 40. Rock musician Jamie Cook (Arctic Monkeys) is 37. Actor Jake McDorman is 36. Actor Maya Hawke is 24. Actor Jaden Smith is 24.

Today in History - July 8

TOPEKA—The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/KJhCCMbcSz8Je23M8R08HWQl6Hqq1l5XIWJWR9Pnpk4" target="_blank">9th Judicial District Nominating Commission</a>&nbsp;will meet at 8:30 a.m. July 21 to interview nominees to fill a new district judge position. &nbsp; The district judge post in the 9th Judicial District was among several certified by&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/KJhCCMbcSz8Je23M8R08HRKDfwF3kw8Mna8m_VW-wtg" target="_blank">Supreme Court Administrative Order 2022-JA-020</a>&nbsp;after the Kansas Legislature passed and the governor signed 2022 House Substitute for Substitute for Senate Bill No. 267 to fund them.&nbsp;&nbsp; The 9th Judicial District is composed of Harvey and McPherson counties.

Public interviews&nbsp;&nbsp; Interviews are open to the public. They will take place at: &nbsp; Harvey County Courthouse Community Room 800 Main St. Newton, KS &nbsp; The interview schedule will be announced once it’s finalized. &nbsp; The nominees:

●Michael Llamas, Newton, self-employed with Llamas Law, LLC; city prosecutor in Hesston; and municipal court judge in Burrton, Florence, and Walton. 

●Diane Sorensen, Newton, attorney and shareholder, Morris, Laing, Evans, Brock &amp; Kennedy, Chtd.

●Matthew Treaster, Newton, assistant United States attorney, US Attorney’s Office. 

●Gary Price Jr., McPherson, attorney and shareholder, Boyer &amp; Price Law Office P.A.; and municipal court judge in Canton, Lindsborg, McPherson, and Moundridge

The nominating commission&nbsp;will convene by videoconference at noon Tuesday to review&nbsp;nominations.&nbsp;&nbsp; The meeting is open to the public. It will take place via videoconference and will be livestreamed on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/KJhCCMbcSz8Je23M8R08HeL61Kc7jeuD6KmCHqe0MGM" target="_blank">Kansas judicial branch YouTube channel</a>.

To comment,&nbsp;call 1-866-705-2554 and enter guest passcode 895421#.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ADA accommodation &nbsp; Any person with a disability who requires accommodation to access the nominating commission meeting should notify the judicial branch ADA coordinator as early as possible: &nbsp; ADA Coordinator &nbsp; <a href="mailto:ADA@kscourts.org" target="_blank">ADA@kscourts.org</a> 785-296-2256 &nbsp; TTY at 711 &nbsp; Eligibility requirements&nbsp; A nominee for district judge must be:&nbsp;

●a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas and engaged in the practice of law for at least five years, whether as a lawyer, judge, or full-time teacher at an accredited law school; and

●a resident of the 9th Judicial District at the time of taking office and while holding office.&nbsp;

Nominees to governor&nbsp; The nominating commission will interview nominees and then select from three to five people for each vacancy whose names will be submitted to the governor to fill the position according to statutory qualification and residency requirements. The governor has 60 days after receiving the names to decide whom to appoint.&nbsp; Term of office&nbsp; After serving one year in office, the new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.&nbsp; Nominating commission&nbsp;&nbsp; The 9th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Melissa Standridge as the nonvoting chair; Thomas Adrian, George “Chip” Westfall, Jana McKinney, and John Robb, all of Newton; and David O’Dell, Brian Bina, Glenn Snell, and Ann Elliott, all of McPherson.

TOPEKA—The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/KJhCCMbcSz8Je23M8R08HWQl6Hqq1l5XIWJWR9Pnpk4" target="_blank">9th Judicial District Nominating Commission</a>&nbsp;will meet at 8:30 a.m. July 21 to interview nominees to fill a new district judge position. &nbsp; The district judge post in the 9th Judicial District was among several certified by&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/KJhCCMbcSz8Je23M8R08HRKDfwF3kw8Mna8m_VW-wtg" target="_blank">Supreme Court Administrative Order 2022-JA-020</a>&nbsp;after the Kansas Legislature passed and the governor signed 2022 House Substitute for Substitute for Senate Bill No. 267 to fund them.&nbsp;&nbsp; The 9th Judicial District is composed of Harvey and McPherson counties.Public interviews&nbsp;&nbsp; Interviews are open to the public. They will take place at: &nbsp; Harvey County Courthouse Community Room 800 Main St. Newton, KS &nbsp; The interview schedule will be announced once it’s finalized. &nbsp; The nominees:●Michael Llamas, Newton, self-employed with Llamas Law, LLC; city prosecutor in Hesston; and municipal court judge in Burrton, Florence, and Walton. ●Diane Sorensen, Newton, attorney and shareholder, Morris, Laing, Evans, Brock &amp; Kennedy, Chtd.●Matthew Treaster, Newton, assistant United States attorney, US Attorney’s Office. ●Gary Price Jr., McPherson, attorney and shareholder, Boyer &amp; Price Law Office P.A.; and municipal court judge in Canton, Lindsborg, McPherson, and MoundridgeThe nominating commission&nbsp;will convene by videoconference at noon Tuesday to review&nbsp;nominations.&nbsp;&nbsp; The meeting is open to the public. It will take place via videoconference and will be livestreamed on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/KJhCCMbcSz8Je23M8R08HeL61Kc7jeuD6KmCHqe0MGM" target="_blank">Kansas judicial branch YouTube channel</a>.To comment,&nbsp;call 1-866-705-2554 and enter guest passcode 895421#.&nbsp;&nbsp;ADA accommodation &nbsp; Any person with a disability who requires accommodation to access the nominating commission meeting should notify the judicial branch ADA coordinator as early as possible: &nbsp; ADA Coordinator &nbsp; <a href="mailto:ADA@kscourts.org" target="_blank">ADA@kscourts.org</a> 785-296-2256 &nbsp; TTY at 711 &nbsp; Eligibility requirements&nbsp; A nominee for district judge must be:&nbsp;●at least 30 years old;●a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas and engaged in the practice of law for at least five years, whether as a lawyer, judge, or full-time teacher at an accredited law school; and●a resident of the 9th Judicial District at the time of taking office and while holding office.&nbsp;Nominees to governor&nbsp; The nominating commission will interview nominees and then select from three to five people for each vacancy whose names will be submitted to the governor to fill the position according to statutory qualification and residency requirements. The governor has 60 days after receiving the names to decide whom to appoint.&nbsp; Term of office&nbsp; After serving one year in office, the new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.&nbsp; Nominating commission&nbsp;&nbsp; The 9th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Melissa Standridge as the nonvoting chair; Thomas Adrian, George “Chip” Westfall, Jana McKinney, and John Robb, all of Newton; and David O’Dell, Brian Bina, Glenn Snell, and Ann Elliott, all of McPherson.

9th Judicial District commission to interview district judge nominees

By&nbsp;MARSHA BOSWELL Vice president of communications&nbsp;Kansas Wheat Commission

Northwest and portions of north-central Kansas are still fighting moisture levels on their journey to wrap up wheat harvest, while most of the rest of the state is nearly finished.

Dani Zweygardt with ADM Grain in Goodland, reports that harvest is about halfway done. Some of their farmers are finishing up, while others are waiting to get in the field due to high moisture levels. Wednesday night they received one-half to one inch of rain throughout Sherman County.

Harvest near Oakley flew by due to very dry wheat, while Goodland stayed on track with the previous year, taking in their first load on June 28. A majority of the dry land wheat has been harvested, while they’re waiting on the irrigated wheat.

Zweygardt said Brewster has been very slow this year, with a steady flow but no super busy days at the elevator. There has been fluctuation on the load intake of surrounding elevators.

ADM Goodland has been averaging 12.9 protein and seeing yields between five and 50 bushels per acre, with an average of 30 bushels per acre. If there is one thing their farmers are happy with, it’s their test weights. The average has been 62.6 pounds per bushel for local farmers. Overall, farmers are happier with their crop than they thought they would be. Zweygerdt anticipates they still have a couple weeks of harvest left.

Brian Linin of Goodland started four combines up and running in the field last Thursday. Some overcast weather and high moisture have kept them out of the field at times, but they have still been making progress. He estimates they have a week to 10 days left.

While weather hasn’t been in their favor, overall he is still happy with this year’s crop. He said they didn’t have to tear up any wheat, but the crop is not as good as last year. Varieties that have done well for Linin are WestBred’s WB Grainfield, Kansas Wheat Alliance’s KS Western Star and PlainsGold’s Langin.

Linin reports his average yield is 40 bushels per acre. Proteins are 13 to 14 percent, and test weights range from 59 to 63 pounds per bushel.

Erik Lange, executive vice president and chief operating officer of MKC, said their more than 50 locations across Kansas are about 95 percent complete with this year’s harvest.

He said overall harvest has gone really well.

Yields are highly variable throughout their entire trade territory, ranging from zeroed out to 80 bushels per acre on hard winter wheat, with an average of about 35 bushels per acre. On soft red winter, yields were less variable, ranging from 45 to 120 bushels per acre, with an average of 60 bushels per acre.

Harvest began on June 9 and the main area that is still incomplete is near Salina at the northern end of their territory, where they are currently on rain delay for the third or fourth day.

Overall, acres of both hard red winter and soft red winter were up about five to seven percent across the trade territory. With increased acres and decent yields, soft red winter bushels taken in will be similar to last year, maybe even a bit more, but hard red winter bushels are only about 75 to 80 percent of last year.

“Probably some of the biggest challenges were just the variability in crop and trying to figure out what was coming at us on a day-to-day basis,” said Lange.

He reported the hard red wheat quality was fantastic, with an average test weight of 61 pounds per bushel and a little over 12 percent protein across the trade territory. Soft red winter wheat quality is slightly above average as well.

“There was some disease pressure, not as high as previous years, but those that applied fungicide did see a benefit from it,” he said.

With so many varieties across the territory, Lange said they try to promote finding the right variety for the right acre. They are offering the MKC Grain Exchange Program, which provides an opportunity for farmers to transfer bushels of their 2022 wheat crop to MKC in exchange for certified seed wheat for 2023.

“We do know that certified seeds do make a difference in yield, long term,” said Lange.

With an excellent quality crop, Lange said, “We really saw early on there wasn’t a lot of export demand in the early part of harvest, but we have seen that demand picking up.”

He said so far MKC has already bought about half of the crop from their customers, which is about 10 percent more than normal for this time of year.

“Thankfully farmers were taking advantage of the good prices early and getting crops sold,” he said.

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=001nsKFk4jxuC8eF9HQpYV7IejijepODiHJumJ3gWn9SYiXB0rOuy-lL7JbJDXANdINzXgMznrjYh87qz3FMtmK-LRL5aI5XuFsMSOchs-tpTdYnGaDEg-ZiB2HEsmnXIV11Q41swx_7DZwM5lBc2Bonnad74RRxwhX&amp;c=ch0aLoHH0dUcJAXvIPbsyrTYFbnlm2TuByR8rg4Va_62Ex4ao60qdw==&amp;ch=A3d8dcPJDp0s1ow7hKW1OVDb3-bvAyyuXO_6Gj7nirJGVThAIUMVJA==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001nsKFk4jxuC8eF9HQpYV7IejijepODiHJumJ3gWn9SYiXB0rOuy-lL1-vCtC7cXSBzpjKQ6-lVynenZEeSvY4SwaxjH0fvP6WzCAw4iUpi__wPcAuU95Rix5zJdx4ZMD2XiMtbS62EXVzWsewRHsTK-BYzzAksq47&amp;c=ch0aLoHH0dUcJAXvIPbsyrTYFbnlm2TuByR8rg4Va_62Ex4ao60qdw==&amp;ch=A3d8dcPJDp0s1ow7hKW1OVDb3-bvAyyuXO_6Gj7nirJGVThAIUMVJA==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001nsKFk4jxuC8eF9HQpYV7IejijepODiHJumJ3gWn9SYiXB0rOuy-lL7tim7KgAk6s7nqLHl70FNChgt5whcj1g76rNHkahjdjDl40ZxVPEpwB4NTlbUXvNVYCUIDrShY3_ncf8O56_YJiEcJrzswOSdv3shvypzQ0&amp;c=ch0aLoHH0dUcJAXvIPbsyrTYFbnlm2TuByR8rg4Va_62Ex4ao60qdw==&amp;ch=A3d8dcPJDp0s1ow7hKW1OVDb3-bvAyyuXO_6Gj7nirJGVThAIUMVJA==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657245500724.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;MARSHA BOSWELL Vice president of communications&nbsp;Kansas Wheat CommissionNorthwest and portions of north-central Kansas are still fighting moisture levels on their journey to wrap up wheat harvest, while most of the rest of the state is nearly finished. Dani Zweygardt with ADM Grain in Goodland, reports that harvest is about halfway done. Some of their farmers are finishing up, while others are waiting to get in the field due to high moisture levels. Wednesday night they received one-half to one inch of rain throughout Sherman County. Harvest near Oakley flew by due to very dry wheat, while Goodland stayed on track with the previous year, taking in their first load on June 28. A majority of the dry land wheat has been harvested, while they’re waiting on the irrigated wheat. Zweygardt said Brewster has been very slow this year, with a steady flow but no super busy days at the elevator. There has been fluctuation on the load intake of surrounding elevators. ADM Goodland has been averaging 12.9 protein and seeing yields between five and 50 bushels per acre, with an average of 30 bushels per acre. If there is one thing their farmers are happy with, it’s their test weights. The average has been 62.6 pounds per bushel for local farmers. Overall, farmers are happier with their crop than they thought they would be. Zweygerdt anticipates they still have a couple weeks of harvest left. Brian Linin of Goodland started four combines up and running in the field last Thursday. Some overcast weather and high moisture have kept them out of the field at times, but they have still been making progress. He estimates they have a week to 10 days left. While weather hasn’t been in their favor, overall he is still happy with this year’s crop. He said they didn’t have to tear up any wheat, but the crop is not as good as last year. Varieties that have done well for Linin are WestBred’s WB Grainfield, Kansas Wheat Alliance’s KS Western Star and PlainsGold’s Langin. Linin reports his average yield is 40 bushels per acre. Proteins are 13 to 14 percent, and test weights range from 59 to 63 pounds per bushel. Erik Lange, executive vice president and chief operating officer of MKC, said their more than 50 locations across Kansas are about 95 percent complete with this year’s harvest. He said overall harvest has gone really well. Yields are highly variable throughout their entire trade territory, ranging from zeroed out to 80 bushels per acre on hard winter wheat, with an average of about 35 bushels per acre. On soft red winter, yields were less variable, ranging from 45 to 120 bushels per acre, with an average of 60 bushels per acre. Harvest began on June 9 and the main area that is still incomplete is near Salina at the northern end of their territory, where they are currently on rain delay for the third or fourth day. Overall, acres of both hard red winter and soft red winter were up about five to seven percent across the trade territory. With increased acres and decent yields, soft red winter bushels taken in will be similar to last year, maybe even a bit more, but hard red winter bushels are only about 75 to 80 percent of last year. “Probably some of the biggest challenges were just the variability in crop and trying to figure out what was coming at us on a day-to-day basis,” said Lange. He reported the hard red wheat quality was fantastic, with an average test weight of 61 pounds per bushel and a little over 12 percent protein across the trade territory. Soft red winter wheat quality is slightly above average as well. “There was some disease pressure, not as high as previous years, but those that applied fungicide did see a benefit from it,” he said. With so many varieties across the territory, Lange said they try to promote finding the right variety for the right acre. They are offering the MKC Grain Exchange Program, which provides an opportunity for farmers to transfer bushels of their 2022 wheat crop to MKC in exchange for certified seed wheat for 2023. “We do know that certified seeds do make a difference in yield, long term,” said Lange. With an excellent quality crop, Lange said, “We really saw early on there wasn’t a lot of export demand in the early part of harvest, but we have seen that demand picking up.” He said so far MKC has already bought about half of the crop from their customers, which is about 10 percent more than normal for this time of year. “Thankfully farmers were taking advantage of the good prices early and getting crops sold,” he said.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=001nsKFk4jxuC8eF9HQpYV7IejijepODiHJumJ3gWn9SYiXB0rOuy-lL7JbJDXANdINzXgMznrjYh87qz3FMtmK-LRL5aI5XuFsMSOchs-tpTdYnGaDEg-ZiB2HEsmnXIV11Q41swx_7DZwM5lBc2Bonnad74RRxwhX&amp;c=ch0aLoHH0dUcJAXvIPbsyrTYFbnlm2TuByR8rg4Va_62Ex4ao60qdw==&amp;ch=A3d8dcPJDp0s1ow7hKW1OVDb3-bvAyyuXO_6Gj7nirJGVThAIUMVJA==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001nsKFk4jxuC8eF9HQpYV7IejijepODiHJumJ3gWn9SYiXB0rOuy-lL1-vCtC7cXSBzpjKQ6-lVynenZEeSvY4SwaxjH0fvP6WzCAw4iUpi__wPcAuU95Rix5zJdx4ZMD2XiMtbS62EXVzWsewRHsTK-BYzzAksq47&amp;c=ch0aLoHH0dUcJAXvIPbsyrTYFbnlm2TuByR8rg4Va_62Ex4ao60qdw==&amp;ch=A3d8dcPJDp0s1ow7hKW1OVDb3-bvAyyuXO_6Gj7nirJGVThAIUMVJA==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001nsKFk4jxuC8eF9HQpYV7IejijepODiHJumJ3gWn9SYiXB0rOuy-lL7tim7KgAk6s7nqLHl70FNChgt5whcj1g76rNHkahjdjDl40ZxVPEpwB4NTlbUXvNVYCUIDrShY3_ncf8O56_YJiEcJrzswOSdv3shvypzQ0&amp;c=ch0aLoHH0dUcJAXvIPbsyrTYFbnlm2TuByR8rg4Va_62Ex4ao60qdw==&amp;ch=A3d8dcPJDp0s1ow7hKW1OVDb3-bvAyyuXO_6Gj7nirJGVThAIUMVJA==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

Day 17: Kansas wheat harvest report

MARION COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Thursday in Marion County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Freightliner semi driven by Danny Liu, 43, Milford, Connecticut, was eastbound in the construction zone on U.S. 50 seven miles east of Florence.&nbsp; Three other vehicles were stopped at the flagger on the south shoulder of the eastbound lane. 

&nbsp;The semi failed to stop and rear-ended a 2017 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Joshua L. McCrarey, 39, Waverly, Kansas.

After impact, the motorcycle was lodged into the front of the semi. Both vehicles crossed the center line to the left and came to a stop on the north shoulder facing east.

EMS transported&nbsp;McCrarey to Wesley Medical Center. Liu was not injured and properly restrained.&nbsp;McCrarey was wearing a helmet and glasses, according to the KHP.

MARION COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Thursday in Marion County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Freightliner semi driven by Danny Liu, 43, Milford, Connecticut, was eastbound in the construction zone on U.S. 50 seven miles east of Florence.&nbsp; Three other vehicles were stopped at the flagger on the south shoulder of the eastbound lane. &nbsp;The semi failed to stop and rear-ended a 2017 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Joshua L. McCrarey, 39, Waverly, Kansas.After impact, the motorcycle was lodged into the front of the semi. Both vehicles crossed the center line to the left and came to a stop on the north shoulder facing east.EMS transported&nbsp;McCrarey to Wesley Medical Center. Liu was not injured and properly restrained.&nbsp;McCrarey was wearing a helmet and glasses, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after semi rear-ends motorcycle

In 1908, the temperature in Salina fell to 46 degrees to set a record low temperature for the city in the month of July. In 1987, a heat burst occurred in Greensburg. The 7 AM temperature was 75 degrees then only a few minutes later soared to 95. The 8 AM temperature was 86 degrees. &amp;&amp; In 1905, Parker, Arizona was torched by a temperature of 127 degrees, tying an Arizona State record that had been set in Fort Mojave on June 15th, 1896. In 1981, a severe blizzard that hit Glacier National Park, Montana produced about 10 inches of snow and whip lashed the region with gusts that reached 90 mph. In 1991, a complex of severe thunderstorms produced gusts around 85 mph across Lower Michigan. Damage was around $30 million and around 850,000 people lost power, some of whom were without power for a week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

National Weather ServiceIn 1908, the temperature in Salina fell to 46 degrees to set a record low temperature for the city in the month of July. In 1987, a heat burst occurred in Greensburg. The 7 AM temperature was 75 degrees then only a few minutes later soared to 95. The 8 AM temperature was 86 degrees. &amp;&amp; In 1905, Parker, Arizona was torched by a temperature of 127 degrees, tying an Arizona State record that had been set in Fort Mojave on June 15th, 1896. In 1981, a severe blizzard that hit Glacier National Park, Montana produced about 10 inches of snow and whip lashed the region with gusts that reached 90 mph. In 1991, a complex of severe thunderstorms produced gusts around 85 mph across Lower Michigan. Damage was around $30 million and around 850,000 people lost power, some of whom were without power for a week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This Day in Weather History: Salina chilly in 1908

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Community Health Promotion team has announced the recipients of this year’s Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) Community Grant. 

In total,&nbsp;19&nbsp;recipients will cover&nbsp;31&nbsp;counties and&nbsp;2,049,521 Kansans (70 percent of the Kansas population).

The CDRR Community Grant Program provides funding, training and technical assistance to communities to address chronic disease risk reduction through evidence-based strategies that impact tobacco use, physical activity and nutrition. Strategies include reducing secondhand smoke exposure, preventing youth from using tobacco, promoting tobacco treatment and the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MDcuNjA0NTI4NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2thbnNhcy5xdWl0bG9naXgub3JnL2VuLVVTLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.nzVnB8D8-FAf4sKCuMdWQuQiXd4-TteOTQdRX8bD6iE/s/1305935158/br/136783774037-l" target="_blank">Kansas&nbsp;Tobacco Quitline</a>, increasing physical activity and improving community nutrition.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We are excited to announce this year’s CDRR grantees and look forward to our continued collaboration with state partners in their endeavor to reduce chronic diseases. This grant provides funding to communities across the state to assess their health data, address local priorities through policy, environment and systems change”,&nbsp;said Secretary Janet Stanek, Kansas Department of Health and Environment.&nbsp;

The State Fiscal Year 2023 CDRR Grantees and the counties they cover include:&nbsp;

●Thrive Allen County, Inc. (Allen County)

●Live Well Atchison County, Inc. (Atchison County)

●Barton County Health Department (Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford Counties)

●Partnership for All Cherokee County (Cherokee County)

●Crawford County Health Department (Crawford County)

●Dickinson County Health Department (Dickinson County)

●Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department (Douglas County)

 ●Edwards County Economic Development Corporation (Edwards and Hodgeman Counties)

●LiveWell Finney County Health Coalition (Finney, Stanton and Scott Counties)

●Harvey County Health Department (Harvey County)

●Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (Johnson County)

●Crosswinds Counseling &amp; Wellness (Lyon County)

●Miami County Health Department (Miami County)

●North Central-Mitchell County Medical Foundation (Mitchell, Ellsworth, Jewell, Lincoln, Ottawa, Republic, and Smith Counties)

●Reno County Health Department (Reno County)

●Central Kansas Foundation (Saline County)

●Medical Society of Sedgwick County (Sedgwick County)

●Shawnee County Health Department (Shawnee County)

●Unified Government Public Health Department (Wyandotte County)&nbsp;

Learn more about the CDRR Community Grant Program at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MDcuNjA0NTI4NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rZGhlLmtzLmdvdi9jZHJyP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.cK6iVSfV3jpVIRggICeW4eXi0K78q7-uUtO1QKFn_3I/s/1305935158/br/136783774037-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/cdrr</a>

KDHETOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Community Health Promotion team has announced the recipients of this year’s Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) Community Grant. In total,&nbsp;19&nbsp;recipients will cover&nbsp;31&nbsp;counties and&nbsp;2,049,521 Kansans (70 percent of the Kansas population).The CDRR Community Grant Program provides funding, training and technical assistance to communities to address chronic disease risk reduction through evidence-based strategies that impact tobacco use, physical activity and nutrition. Strategies include reducing secondhand smoke exposure, preventing youth from using tobacco, promoting tobacco treatment and the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MDcuNjA0NTI4NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2thbnNhcy5xdWl0bG9naXgub3JnL2VuLVVTLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.nzVnB8D8-FAf4sKCuMdWQuQiXd4-TteOTQdRX8bD6iE/s/1305935158/br/136783774037-l" target="_blank">Kansas&nbsp;Tobacco Quitline</a>, increasing physical activity and improving community nutrition.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We are excited to announce this year’s CDRR grantees and look forward to our continued collaboration with state partners in their endeavor to reduce chronic diseases. This grant provides funding to communities across the state to assess their health data, address local priorities through policy, environment and systems change”,&nbsp;said Secretary Janet Stanek, Kansas Department of Health and Environment.&nbsp;The State Fiscal Year 2023 CDRR Grantees and the counties they cover include:&nbsp;●Thrive Allen County, Inc. (Allen County)●Live Well Atchison County, Inc. (Atchison County)●Barton County Health Department (Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford Counties)●Partnership for All Cherokee County (Cherokee County)●Crawford County Health Department (Crawford County)●Dickinson County Health Department (Dickinson County)●Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department (Douglas County) ●Edwards County Economic Development Corporation (Edwards and Hodgeman Counties)●LiveWell Finney County Health Coalition (Finney, Stanton and Scott Counties)●Harvey County Health Department (Harvey County)●Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (Johnson County)●Crosswinds Counseling &amp; Wellness (Lyon County)●Miami County Health Department (Miami County)●North Central-Mitchell County Medical Foundation (Mitchell, Ellsworth, Jewell, Lincoln, Ottawa, Republic, and Smith Counties)●Reno County Health Department (Reno County)●Central Kansas Foundation (Saline County)●Medical Society of Sedgwick County (Sedgwick County)●Shawnee County Health Department (Shawnee County)●Unified Government Public Health Department (Wyandotte County)&nbsp;Learn more about the CDRR Community Grant Program at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MDcuNjA0NTI4NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rZGhlLmtzLmdvdi9jZHJyP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.cK6iVSfV3jpVIRggICeW4eXi0K78q7-uUtO1QKFn_3I/s/1305935158/br/136783774037-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/cdrr</a>

Local, area entities recipients of KDHE grant

Salina USD 305 this afternoon provided the following enrollment information for the upcoming school year.

Online enrollment opens July 13 for both new and returning USD 305 students. Log into Skyward July 13-28 for convenient school registration.

Parents and guardians are asked to watch for their enrollment letter, which will arrive through the United States Postal Service.

●Families who complete the online enrollment process before July 28 will receive $10 off textbook rental fees for each student enrolled.

 ●Applications are needed for free or reduced-price meals and can be completed during online enrollment.

Walk-in enrollment for all schools and all students will be held at a single location: Central High School, 650 E. Crawford, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on July 26. 

Help with the online enrollment process will be available at walk-in enrollment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657221723287.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina USD 305 this afternoon provided the following enrollment information for the upcoming school year.Online enrollmentOnline enrollment opens July 13 for both new and returning USD 305 students. Log into Skyward July 13-28 for convenient school registration.Parents and guardians are asked to watch for their enrollment letter, which will arrive through the United States Postal Service.●Families who complete the online enrollment process before July 28 will receive $10 off textbook rental fees for each student enrolled. ●Applications are needed for free or reduced-price meals and can be completed during online enrollment.Walk-in enrollmentWalk-in enrollment for all schools and all students will be held at a single location: Central High School, 650 E. Crawford, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on July 26. Help with the online enrollment process will be available at walk-in enrollment.

Salina USD 305 announces online, walk-in enrollment info

Overnight rainfall varied greatly across the area, from a trace in Dickinson and Marion counties to 1.76 inches in Ellsworth County.

At the Salina Regional Airport, 0.23 of an inch was reported for the 24-hour period ending at 7 a.m. Thursday. In southeast Salina, near the Eagle Radio studios, 0.30 of an inch was reported.

Following are 24-hour rainfall totals as of 7 a.m. Thursday (unless otherwise noted) from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">Community Collaborative Rain, Hail &amp; Snow Network</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chapman 0.2 SSE, 0.07 of an inch (reported at 5 a.m.

Ellsworth 0.2 W, 1.68 inches (reported at 6:10 p.m.)

Galva 1.4 N, 0.06 of an inch (reported at 6:30 a.m.)

Galva 1.5 NE, 0.08 of an inch (reported at 6:45 a.m.)

Moundridge 4.3 WSW, 0.05 of an inch (reported at 7:04 a.m.)

Inman 4.6 NW, 0.20 of an inch (reported at 7:45 a.m.)

Galva 5.3 NNE, 0.09 of an inch (reported at 7:45 a.m.)

Beloit 0.5 WNW, 0.08 of an inch (reported at 7:30 a.m.)

Beloit 0.2 SE, 0.12 of an inch (reported at 7:30 a.m.)

Cuba 5.0 NNW, 1.37 inches (reported at 7:25 a.m.) 

Salina 6.2 ENE, 0.18 of an inch (reported at 5:27 a.m.)

Salina 0.2 NNE, 0.23 of an inch (reported at 5:44 a.m.)

Smolan 1.5 SW, 0.26 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)

Salina 0.7 SSW, 0.26 of an inch (reported at 6:41 a.m.)

By SALINA POSTOvernight rainfall varied greatly across the area, from a trace in Dickinson and Marion counties to 1.76 inches in Ellsworth County.At the Salina Regional Airport, 0.23 of an inch was reported for the 24-hour period ending at 7 a.m. Thursday. In southeast Salina, near the Eagle Radio studios, 0.30 of an inch was reported.Following are 24-hour rainfall totals as of 7 a.m. Thursday (unless otherwise noted) from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">Community Collaborative Rain, Hail &amp; Snow Network</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;CLAY COUNTYClay Center 6.7 WNW, 1.35 inchesMorganville 3.2 SW, 1.44 inchesCLOUD COUNTYJamestown 2.4 NW, 0.25 of an inchConcordia 9.3 SSW, 1.03 inchesConcordia 1.8 S, 0.63 of an inchDICKINSON COUNTYChapman 0.2 SSE, 0.07 of an inch (reported at 5 a.m.Enterprise 0.3 NW, 0.15 of an inchChapman 6.0 NNE, 0.22 of an inchHope 0.3 S, 0.13 of an inchAbilene 5.4 E, traceAbilene 5.9 NNW, 0.15 of an inchCarlton 2.1 NNW, 0.09 of an inchAbilene 7.9 NNW, 0.43 of an inchHope 7.5 NNW, 0.03 of an inchAbilene 10.3 S, 0.07 of an inchAbilene 0.7 W, 0.24 of an inchAbilene 10.9 S, 0.08 of an inchAbilene 1.1 NNE, 0.21 of an inchAbilene 9.4 S,0.10 of an inchELLSWORTH COUNTYEllsworth 0.2 W, 1.68 inches (reported at 6:10 p.m.)Geneseo 4.1 N, 0.94 of an inchEllsworth 0.3 E, 1.68 inchesLorraine 1.4 S, 1.68 inchesHolyrood 6.2 NNW, 1.76 inchesBrookville 5.5 W, 0.82 of an inchLorraine 2.5 ESE, 1.10 inchesKanopolis 4.5 NE, 1.47 inchesKanopolis 0.4 SSE, 1.20 inchesJEWELL COUNTYFormoso 0.3 W, 0.39 of an inchJewell 0.2 SSW, 0.06 of an inchLINCOLN COUNTYBeverly 4.6 S, 1.05 inchesBeverly 0.1 SSW, 1.28 inchesMARION COUNTYTampa 3.2 ESE, 0.05 of an inchNewton 9.4 N, traceMCPHERSON COUNTYGalva 1.4 N, 0.06 of an inch (reported at 6:30 a.m.)Galva 1.5 NE, 0.08 of an inch (reported at 6:45 a.m.)McPherson 6.6 WSW, 0.20 of an inchLindsborg 5.6 W, 0.13 of an inchInman 0.8 WSW, 0.26 of an inchMarquette 3.0 WSW, 0.27 of an inchCanton 3.2 N, 0.11 of an inchMoundridge 1.0 N, 0.02 of an inchMoundridge 2.2 W, 0.02 of an inchGalva 9.5 N, 0.07 of an inchMcPherson 6.6 ENE, 0.07 of an inchGalva 1.1 WSW, 0.11 of an inchGalva 2.6 SSE, 0.14 of an inchMarquette 3.2 NNE, 0.29 of an inchMcPherson 1.1 NW, 0.17 of an inchMcPherson 0.8 SW, 0.10 of an inchMarquette 2.1 NNE, 0.18 of an inchMcPherson 9.6 WNW, 0.09 of an inchInman 2.5 SSW, 0.26 of an inchLindsborg 5.5 SSW, 0.11 of an inchGalva 8.0 S, 0.02 of an inchMoundridge 4.3 WSW, 0.05 of an inch (reported at 7:04 a.m.)Inman 4.6 NW, 0.20 of an inch (reported at 7:45 a.m.)Galva 5.3 NNE, 0.09 of an inch (reported at 7:45 a.m.)MITCHELL COUNTYScottsville 4.6 SSW, 0.23 of an inchBeloit 9.9 SSW, 0.21 of an inchBarnard 6.1 NW, 0.62 of an inchBeloit 1.9 ENE, 0.11 of an inchBeloit 0.3 N, 0.06 of an inchBeloit 0.5 WNW, 0.08 of an inch (reported at 7:30 a.m.)Beloit 0.2 SE, 0.12 of an inch (reported at 7:30 a.m.)OTTAWA COUNTYAda 7.0 NNW, 1.03 inchesMinneapolis 0.4 NE, 1.92 inchesCulver 3.6 ENE, 0.63 of an inchBennington 0.1 WNW, 0.58 of an inchREPUBLIC COUNTYBelleville 4.2 N, 1.24 inchesRepublic 1.0 NNW, 0.59 of an inchScandia 1.1 N, 1.35 inchesBelleville 0.6 ESE, 1.26 inchesCuba 5.0 NNW, 1.37 inches (reported at 7:25 a.m.) SALINE COUNTYSalina 6.2 ENE, 0.18 of an inch (reported at 5:27 a.m.)Salina 0.2 NNE, 0.23 of an inch (reported at 5:44 a.m.)Smolan 1.5 SW, 0.26 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)Salina 0.7 SSW, 0.26 of an inch (reported at 6:41 a.m.)Salina 0.8 S, 0.25 of an inchBrookville 5.9 NNW, 1.17 inchesSalina 5.7 NNW, 0.52 of an inchGypsum 1.1 NE, 0.13 of an inchSalina 2.9 NE, 0.24 of an inchCulver 1.8 SE, 0.80 of an inchBrookville 8.1 N, 0.75 of an inchSalina 2.9 ENE, 0.21 of an inchNew Cambria 2.1 NW, 0.28 of an inchFalun 3.2 SW, 0.33 of an inchGypsum 5.6 S, 0.20 of an inchSalina 6.0 WNW, 0.40 of an inchSalina 0.4 SE, 0.25 of an inchNew Cambria 4.5 NE, 0.21 of an inch

Much of area gets at least a bit of rain

By CLAY WIRESTONE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/07/kansas-senators-bullying-of-county-health-officials-is-the-height-of-self-regarding-delusion/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Kansas Sen. Mark Steffen acts as though he’s the hero in his own story. In reality, he’s a single state legislator drunk on imagined power.

The Hutchinson anesthesiologist’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/08/mark-steffens-grotesque-buffoonery-has-put-kansans-in-danger-as-new-covid-19-wave-approaches/">high-on-his-own-supply tendencies</a>&nbsp;have been apparent for a while now, but his latest posturing deserves special note. He decided to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/06/kansas-senator-seeks-dismissal-of-county-health-officers-over-covid-19-vaccines-for-children/">send a letter</a>&nbsp;to the Reno County health department, declaring that its work&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0618-children-vaccine.html">vaccinating young children</a>&nbsp;against COVID-19 was a threat.

“While I take no pleasure in sending this letter, the citizens of Reno County can no longer endure a health department that blindly and thoughtlessly follows the politicized CDC and FDA,” Steffen wrote in the email calling for county commissioners to fire&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.renogov.org/239/Health-Department">their own health officials</a>. “Your failure to reason the way through the virus response has led to needless suffering and even death.”

“I strongly encourage you to leave immediately on your own terms as soon as possible,” he added.

Steffen is a Republican state senator&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/26/kansas-senator-under-investigation-after-prescribing-ivermectin-for-covid-19-seeks-legal-cover/">who was investigated</a>&nbsp;by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts for prescribing ineffective, potentially harmful remedies during the worst pandemic of the past century. He previously&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/05/kansas-senator-warns-doctors-of-consequences-for-failure-to-treat-covid-19-with-ivermectin/">used Senate letterhead to threaten</a>&nbsp;hundreds of health care providers across the state for not using&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/why-you-should-not-use-ivermectin-treat-or-prevent-covid-19">ivermectin</a>. He is most certainly not a public health official, nor does he have the temperament or intellect to order around anyone other than a pet ferret. And that ferret is currently wondering if it can find a more responsible owner among the state’s grade schoolers.

Steffen has damaged the state, Legislature and his constituents. His bullying has left fear and bewilderment in its wake, for no good reason.

The man deserves to be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/01/dear-kansas-board-of-healing-arts-this-doctor-senator-is-a-threat-to-public-health/">stripped of his license</a>&nbsp;to practice medicine, removed from his elected office and employed in a position better suited to his apparent skill set: selling dubious warranties for electronics in a big-box store. At least a two-year repair plan for the latest video game console won’t infect you with a novel virus.

The only person in this situation whose behavior may have led to “needless suffering and death” is Steffen himself.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lawrencekstimes.com/2021/09/28/wirestone-anti-vax-show/">Spreading doubt</a>&nbsp;about vaccines and effective treatments for COVID-19 has likely cost lives and encouraged the spread of infection.

While many may behave as though the pandemic has ended, too many in our state walk around unprotected.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Only 55.4%</a>&nbsp;of Kansans have received both of their initial vaccinations against the virus, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Less than a million state residents have received a booster shot. Those boosters play a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html">critical role</a>&nbsp;in protecting against severe illness and death as more variants circulate.

Consider what would have happened if Steffen took a different path.

Consider what would have happened if he promoted vaccines and science-based treatments. In central Kansas, he could have been a leader in softening the blow of the pandemic. He could have saved lives. He could have been a profile in courage during the darkest days of 2020 and 2021. He could have joined the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/03/rep-howe-navigates-personal-journey-from-hesitancy-to-acceptance-of-covid-19-vaccine/">honorable example of Salina Rep. Steven Howe</a>, who publicly advocated for vaccination and shared his path away from skepticism.

Steffen made a different choice. He embraced conspiracy theories and political expediency.

July of 2022 is not July of 2021 or 2020. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html">vaccines against COVID-19</a>&nbsp;have proven themselves safe and effective. Roughly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/covid-19-vaccine-doses.html">260 million</a>&nbsp;people in the United States have been vaccinated, and they haven’t mutated into werewolves or become magnetic or received radio broadcasts inside their heads from the Illuminati. They have been protected against a virus.

We also can employ effective treatments now, such as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/13-things-to-know-paxlovid-covid-19">antiviral Paxlovid</a>. Doctors know more about the disease and don’t have to grapple in the dark to understand what’s happening. We&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/12/with-covid-19-an-unwanted-houseguest-i-gave-thanks-for-vaccines-and-grew-frustrated-with-society/">don’t have to panic</a>. We can keep ourselves and our families safe.

We can give up the horse paste and laying on of hands.

We can give up bullying and anti-science tirades.

Clay Wirestone has written columns and edited reporting for newsrooms in Kansas, New Hampshire, Florida and Pennsylvania. He has also fact checked politicians, researched for Larry the Cable Guy, and appeared in PolitiFact, Mental Floss, cnn.com and a host of other publications.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657218763683.png" alt="Sen. Mark Steffen, R-Hutchinson, sent a letter encouraging Reno County commissioners to fire health department officials He spoke last year at the Freedom Revival in the Heartland at City Center Church in Lenexa. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Mark Steffen, R-Hutchinson, sent a letter encouraging Reno County commissioners to fire health department officials He spoke last year at the Freedom Revival in the Heartland at City Center Church in Lenexa. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CLAY WIRESTONE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/07/kansas-senators-bullying-of-county-health-officials-is-the-height-of-self-regarding-delusion/">Kansas Reflector</a>Kansas Sen. Mark Steffen acts as though he’s the hero in his own story. In reality, he’s a single state legislator drunk on imagined power.The Hutchinson anesthesiologist’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/08/mark-steffens-grotesque-buffoonery-has-put-kansans-in-danger-as-new-covid-19-wave-approaches/">high-on-his-own-supply tendencies</a>&nbsp;have been apparent for a while now, but his latest posturing deserves special note. He decided to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/07/06/kansas-senator-seeks-dismissal-of-county-health-officers-over-covid-19-vaccines-for-children/">send a letter</a>&nbsp;to the Reno County health department, declaring that its work&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0618-children-vaccine.html">vaccinating young children</a>&nbsp;against COVID-19 was a threat.“While I take no pleasure in sending this letter, the citizens of Reno County can no longer endure a health department that blindly and thoughtlessly follows the politicized CDC and FDA,” Steffen wrote in the email calling for county commissioners to fire&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.renogov.org/239/Health-Department">their own health officials</a>. “Your failure to reason the way through the virus response has led to needless suffering and even death.”“I strongly encourage you to leave immediately on your own terms as soon as possible,” he added.Who does this man think he is?<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Steffen is a Republican state senator&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/01/26/kansas-senator-under-investigation-after-prescribing-ivermectin-for-covid-19-seeks-legal-cover/">who was investigated</a>&nbsp;by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts for prescribing ineffective, potentially harmful remedies during the worst pandemic of the past century. He previously&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/05/kansas-senator-warns-doctors-of-consequences-for-failure-to-treat-covid-19-with-ivermectin/">used Senate letterhead to threaten</a>&nbsp;hundreds of health care providers across the state for not using&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/why-you-should-not-use-ivermectin-treat-or-prevent-covid-19">ivermectin</a>. He is most certainly not a public health official, nor does he have the temperament or intellect to order around anyone other than a pet ferret. And that ferret is currently wondering if it can find a more responsible owner among the state’s grade schoolers.Steffen has damaged the state, Legislature and his constituents. His bullying has left fear and bewilderment in its wake, for no good reason.The man deserves to be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/01/dear-kansas-board-of-healing-arts-this-doctor-senator-is-a-threat-to-public-health/">stripped of his license</a>&nbsp;to practice medicine, removed from his elected office and employed in a position better suited to his apparent skill set: selling dubious warranties for electronics in a big-box store. At least a two-year repair plan for the latest video game console won’t infect you with a novel virus.The only person in this situation whose behavior may have led to “needless suffering and death” is Steffen himself.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lawrencekstimes.com/2021/09/28/wirestone-anti-vax-show/">Spreading doubt</a>&nbsp;about vaccines and effective treatments for COVID-19 has likely cost lives and encouraged the spread of infection.While many may behave as though the pandemic has ended, too many in our state walk around unprotected.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Only 55.4%</a>&nbsp;of Kansans have received both of their initial vaccinations against the virus, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Less than a million state residents have received a booster shot. Those boosters play a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html">critical role</a>&nbsp;in protecting against severe illness and death as more variants circulate.Consider what would have happened if Steffen took a different path.Consider what would have happened if he promoted vaccines and science-based treatments. In central Kansas, he could have been a leader in softening the blow of the pandemic. He could have saved lives. He could have been a profile in courage during the darkest days of 2020 and 2021. He could have joined the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/03/rep-howe-navigates-personal-journey-from-hesitancy-to-acceptance-of-covid-19-vaccine/">honorable example of Salina Rep. Steven Howe</a>, who publicly advocated for vaccination and shared his path away from skepticism.Steffen made a different choice. He embraced conspiracy theories and political expediency.July of 2022 is not July of 2021 or 2020. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html">vaccines against COVID-19</a>&nbsp;have proven themselves safe and effective. Roughly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/covid-19-vaccine-doses.html">260 million</a>&nbsp;people in the United States have been vaccinated, and they haven’t mutated into werewolves or become magnetic or received radio broadcasts inside their heads from the Illuminati. They have been protected against a virus.We also can employ effective treatments now, such as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/13-things-to-know-paxlovid-covid-19">antiviral Paxlovid</a>. Doctors know more about the disease and don’t have to grapple in the dark to understand what’s happening. We&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/12/with-covid-19-an-unwanted-houseguest-i-gave-thanks-for-vaccines-and-grew-frustrated-with-society/">don’t have to panic</a>. We can keep ourselves and our families safe.We can give up the horse paste and laying on of hands.We can give up bullying and anti-science tirades.But can Mark Steffen?<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645737832786.jpeg" alt="Clay Wirestone. Photo courtesy Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Clay Wirestone. Photo courtesy Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>Clay Wirestone has written columns and edited reporting for newsrooms in Kansas, New Hampshire, Florida and Pennsylvania. He has also fact checked politicians, researched for Larry the Cable Guy, and appeared in PolitiFact, Mental Floss, cnn.com and a host of other publications.

OPINION: 'A single state legislator drunk on imagined power'

Durham School Services want you to help them Stuff the Bus!

The company plans to collect school supplies during its Stuff the Bus event at the Salina Speedway, 2841 S. Burma Road, beginning at 5 p.m. Friday.

Durham School Services will have a big yellow bus parked at the speedway to fill with school supplies. Donated school supplies will be given to USD 305 for use by students and staff.

The company is hoping to collect a variety of school-related items including backpacks, pencils, glue, folders, crayons. Monetary donations also will be accepted and will be used to purchase school supplies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657212654686.jpeg" alt="Durham School Services plans to collect school supplies at the Salina Speedway Friday evening.&nbsp;Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/gloriak2700-5752409/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2690530">Gloria Kaye</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2690530">Pixabay</a>" />
 <figcaption>Durham School Services plans to collect school supplies at the Salina Speedway Friday evening.&nbsp;Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/gloriak2700-5752409/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2690530">Gloria Kaye</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2690530">Pixabay</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTDurham School Services want you to help them Stuff the Bus!The company plans to collect school supplies during its Stuff the Bus event at the Salina Speedway, 2841 S. Burma Road, beginning at 5 p.m. Friday.Durham School Services will have a big yellow bus parked at the speedway to fill with school supplies. Donated school supplies will be given to USD 305 for use by students and staff.The company is hoping to collect a variety of school-related items including backpacks, pencils, glue, folders, crayons. Monetary donations also will be accepted and will be used to purchase school supplies.

Durham School Services Stuff the Bus event Friday

HUTCHINSON — The Kansas State Fair Grand Drive Scholarship Program provides educational opportunities and recognition to youth livestock exhibitors who have demonstrated excellence, commitment, and integrity as ambassadors of the Kansas State Fair Junior Livestock Program.

Up to 10 $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually.

This year's winners were announced Wednesday:

Recipients are to be recognized at the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive Gala in September.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657209972126.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — The Kansas State Fair Grand Drive Scholarship Program provides educational opportunities and recognition to youth livestock exhibitors who have demonstrated excellence, commitment, and integrity as ambassadors of the Kansas State Fair Junior Livestock Program.Up to 10 $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually.This year's winners were announced Wednesday:James DeRouchey, Pottawatomie CountyJordan Sylvester, Pottawatomie CountyCoy Stamm, Washington CountyCaleb Dechant, Sherman CountyLauren Gatz, Doniphan CountyKyanna Lankton, Coffey CountyCady Pieper, Rooks CountyWeston Schrader, Ottawa CountyKaylee Lukert, Wabaunsee CountyAbi Lillard, Dickinson CountyRecipients are to be recognized at the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive Gala in September.

Area students earn Kansas State Fair Grand Drive scholarships

Saline County residents have become accustomed to hearing the outdoor warning sirens being tested on the first Monday of each month at 4 p.m. Next week, however, you can hear them twice if you are standing outside.

Emergency Management plans to evaluate an additional siren activation method through the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NiEiYEOzyR3Gqut82-HPY7S_G9K7IPTlmYqaP6HqVnmtVqGcGnle7n8_Xv2B6Df32exAKINoM2czBAZE93p_XUenHLThath8NTrcgIFFdW227gGW_2TnxTeTV2xs7n-SZnUKB_ra_-rLKiZOsJW0541fVEq0oNheLdnco5UsbiUleKM8FWcnxzgAPLCLEMoWSlzEf-hoJQQ=&amp;c=DduYrl_KtxWP7lKQJfsWsESC1cldwLtaxrg4D_mFRlEy_SPWwErL3A==&amp;ch=E9aMiL9RQX7T9DJSqWlgR-EdBpEIEz69iC4uR-co2Q2OcKufUd6z9g==" target="_blank">county's new radio system</a>.

"The initial activation will begin at 4 p.m. and last for about three minutes instead of the usual one-minute test people are used to hearing," explained Michelle Barkley, emergency management director. "This time serves to ensure the process is working correctly and as a training opportunity for our staff. After this initial activation, we will commence the regular one-minute monthly test."

In an emergency situation where seconds matter, having multiple channels to activate warning sirens is imperative for public safety.

"We appreciate the public's patience and support in this process," said Barkley.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The outdoor warning sirens are a system intended to notify residents outside of their homes or places of business that severe weather is imminent. It is just one part of a multi-layered system to alert residents of potential life-threatening storms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614694887236.jpeg" alt="Saline County's outdoor warning sirens will be tested twice on Monday. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Saline County's outdoor warning sirens will be tested twice on Monday. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Saline CountySaline County residents have become accustomed to hearing the outdoor warning sirens being tested on the first Monday of each month at 4 p.m. Next week, however, you can hear them twice if you are standing outside. Emergency Management plans to evaluate an additional siren activation method through the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001NiEiYEOzyR3Gqut82-HPY7S_G9K7IPTlmYqaP6HqVnmtVqGcGnle7n8_Xv2B6Df32exAKINoM2czBAZE93p_XUenHLThath8NTrcgIFFdW227gGW_2TnxTeTV2xs7n-SZnUKB_ra_-rLKiZOsJW0541fVEq0oNheLdnco5UsbiUleKM8FWcnxzgAPLCLEMoWSlzEf-hoJQQ=&amp;c=DduYrl_KtxWP7lKQJfsWsESC1cldwLtaxrg4D_mFRlEy_SPWwErL3A==&amp;ch=E9aMiL9RQX7T9DJSqWlgR-EdBpEIEz69iC4uR-co2Q2OcKufUd6z9g==" target="_blank">county's new radio system</a>. "The initial activation will begin at 4 p.m. and last for about three minutes instead of the usual one-minute test people are used to hearing," explained Michelle Barkley, emergency management director. "This time serves to ensure the process is working correctly and as a training opportunity for our staff. After this initial activation, we will commence the regular one-minute monthly test." In an emergency situation where seconds matter, having multiple channels to activate warning sirens is imperative for public safety. "We appreciate the public's patience and support in this process," said Barkley.&nbsp;&nbsp;The outdoor warning sirens are a system intended to notify residents outside of their homes or places of business that severe weather is imminent. It is just one part of a multi-layered system to alert residents of potential life-threatening storms.

Saline County to test outdoor warning sirens twice on Monday

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Fireworks are being blamed for the destruction of toilets at two Salina parks earlier this week.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said that sometime on Tuesday or Wednesday, someone set off a large firework in a restroom at Indian Rock Park, 1500 Gypsum Avenue. The explosion completely destroyed a toilet and blew a six-inch by six-inch hole in the wallboard wall. 

Also during that timeframe, someone set off a large firework in a restroom at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park, 2465 Edward Street. In that incident, a toilet was destroyed, Forrester said.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostFireworks are being blamed for the destruction of toilets at two Salina parks earlier this week.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said that sometime on Tuesday or Wednesday, someone set off a large firework in a restroom at Indian Rock Park, 1500 Gypsum Avenue. The explosion completely destroyed a toilet and blew a six-inch by six-inch hole in the wallboard wall. Damage was estimate at $700.Also during that timeframe, someone set off a large firework in a restroom at Jerry Ivey Memorial Park, 2465 Edward Street. In that incident, a toilet was destroyed, Forrester said.Damage was estimated at $800.

Fireworks destroy toilets in two Salina parks

By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County public information coordinator

Dickinson County voters will have the opportunity to change a long-standing liquor law that would allow an establishment like a tap house or brewery to operate in the county.

County Commissioners approved a resolution in late June that will put the question of “liquor by the individual drink” on the November general election ballot.

The topic came up during a recent county commission meeting when Abilene resident Trevor Witt said he was looking into the possibility of opening a tap house in Abilene.

“Since moving back here six years ago or so, there’s been discussion among social groups and economic development groups that Abilene needs a microbrewery or some type of social gathering place,” Witt told commissioners.

“After six years of hearing that somebody needs to take this on, I decided I might as well do it,” he said.

Witt told commissioners his idea still was in the planning stages and he was working with an investment network of local residents. However, before the proposal can proceed, the county’s liquor laws first must be changed.

“Kansas is kind of odd when it comes to the sale of alcohol, being a state that hasn’t ratified the 21st Amendment yet. (The 21st amendment, ratified in 1933, repealed the prohibition of alcohol),” Witt explained.

“Every county can be a little bit different. Some counties have no requirements, some counties are still dry,” Witt explained. “To change that, it has to be put on the ballot for a general election so the voters can decide if they want that change or not.”

Dickinson County is one of 63 Kansas counties that requires a business to have at least 30 percent of its sales in food before it can sell liquor by the drink, according to County Administrator Brad Homman.

If voters approve allowing liquor by the drink that would pave the way for other similar businesses, whether or not Witt’s idea comes to fruition.

“It would remove a barrier for other folks who are thinking about doing something like this,” Witt said.

Homman added that change could open up other possibilities for the Dickinson County Economic Development Commission in helping the development of new businesses.

“The (Kansas) statute says it’s up to local voters to determine. So, what this resolution will do is authorize Jeanne (Livingston, county clerk/election officer) to put this on the ballot during the November general election to allow local voters to determine if that 30 percent requirement could be removed,” Homman said during the June 30 meeting. “If that’s the case, Trevor could operate a tap house where he’s not required to operate a restaurant.”

If approved, Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson said the proposed liquor law change would be county wide.

“If someone decided they wanted to enter that type of business in any of the other towns or outside the city limits they’d have the opportunity to do so, but it’s subject to voter approval,” Peterson explained.

Dickinson County will have no role in promoting or dissuading voters on the topic.

Peterson noted the commission’s only role in the matter is placing the question on the ballot.

“It’s not up to the county to put information out. We’ll publish what it is, but if someone is in favor or against that, it would be up to them to promote their views within the county,” Peterson said.

“The county is neutral,” said County Counselor Doug Thompson

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657161791837.jpeg" alt="Dickinson County is one of 63 Kansas counties that requires a business to have at least 30 percent of its sales in food before it can sell liquor by the drink,&nbsp;County Administrator Brad Homman noted.&nbsp;

Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@_staticvoid?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Lucas Santos</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/beer-taps?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>" />
 <figcaption>Dickinson County is one of 63 Kansas counties that requires a business to have at least 30 percent of its sales in food before it can sell liquor by the drink,&nbsp;County Administrator Brad Homman noted.&nbsp;

Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@_staticvoid?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Lucas Santos</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/beer-taps?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County public information coordinatorDickinson County voters will have the opportunity to change a long-standing liquor law that would allow an establishment like a tap house or brewery to operate in the county.County Commissioners approved a resolution in late June that will put the question of “liquor by the individual drink” on the November general election ballot.The topic came up during a recent county commission meeting when Abilene resident Trevor Witt said he was looking into the possibility of opening a tap house in Abilene.“Since moving back here six years ago or so, there’s been discussion among social groups and economic development groups that Abilene needs a microbrewery or some type of social gathering place,” Witt told commissioners.“After six years of hearing that somebody needs to take this on, I decided I might as well do it,” he said.Witt told commissioners his idea still was in the planning stages and he was working with an investment network of local residents. However, before the proposal can proceed, the county’s liquor laws first must be changed.“Kansas is kind of odd when it comes to the sale of alcohol, being a state that hasn’t ratified the 21st Amendment yet. (The 21st amendment, ratified in 1933, repealed the prohibition of alcohol),” Witt explained.“Every county can be a little bit different. Some counties have no requirements, some counties are still dry,” Witt explained. “To change that, it has to be put on the ballot for a general election so the voters can decide if they want that change or not.”Dickinson County is one of 63 Kansas counties that requires a business to have at least 30 percent of its sales in food before it can sell liquor by the drink, according to County Administrator Brad Homman.If voters approve allowing liquor by the drink that would pave the way for other similar businesses, whether or not Witt’s idea comes to fruition.“It would remove a barrier for other folks who are thinking about doing something like this,” Witt said.Homman added that change could open up other possibilities for the Dickinson County Economic Development Commission in helping the development of new businesses.“The (Kansas) statute says it’s up to local voters to determine. So, what this resolution will do is authorize Jeanne (Livingston, county clerk/election officer) to put this on the ballot during the November general election to allow local voters to determine if that 30 percent requirement could be removed,” Homman said during the June 30 meeting. “If that’s the case, Trevor could operate a tap house where he’s not required to operate a restaurant.”If approved, Commission Chairman Lynn Peterson said the proposed liquor law change would be county wide.“If someone decided they wanted to enter that type of business in any of the other towns or outside the city limits they’d have the opportunity to do so, but it’s subject to voter approval,” Peterson explained.Dickinson County will have no role in promoting or dissuading voters on the topic.Peterson noted the commission’s only role in the matter is placing the question on the ballot.“It’s not up to the county to put information out. We’ll publish what it is, but if someone is in favor or against that, it would be up to them to promote their views within the county,” Peterson said.“The county is neutral,” said County Counselor Doug Thompson

Proposed change to Dickinson County liquor law on Nov. ballot

CHAPMAN - A small earthquake shook part of northeastern Dickinson County early this morning. 

A 2.7 magnitude quake struck just northeast of Chapman at 4:09 a.m. Thursday, according to the Kansas Geological Survey. The quake was centered north of 2800 Avenue between Sage Road and Rain Road.

CHAPMAN - A small earthquake shook part of northeastern Dickinson County early this morning. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657196907408.jpeg" alt="The 2.7 magnitude, 4:09 a.m. Thursday Dickinson County earthquake. Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey" />
 <figcaption>The 2.7 magnitude, 4:09 a.m. Thursday Dickinson County earthquake. Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>A 2.7 magnitude quake struck just northeast of Chapman at 4:09 a.m. Thursday, according to the Kansas Geological Survey. The quake was centered north of 2800 Avenue between Sage Road and Rain Road.

Small quake strikes northeast of Chapman early Thursday

In preparation for what’s sure to be its biggest Homecoming celebration in years, Kansas Wesleyan has announced the schedule for the 2022 version of the event, which will be held Oct. 21-23.

“Last year was a return to some level of normalcy,” said Michelle Dolan, director of development, stewardship and alumni. “We had great attendance and top-notch community support. We expect even better numbers at this year’s Homecoming and Family Weekend, and we are excited about expanding the events available.”

That expansion includes a DECA display on Oct. 22, giving one of KWU’s most successful programs time in the spotlight. The KWU chapter has been the state’s top program for the past several years and ranked among the world’s best in 2021-22. Another new event is a reception for men and women who have served in the armed forces. The veteran’s reception will take place Oct. 21 at 3 p.m. on Bevan Green.

KWU will also host a Debate and Forensics showcase (Oct. 21) for the second consecutive year and will present both a theatre production (all three days) and a strings and choir concert (Oct. 22).

Several traditional favorites return, as well, including the athletic Hall of Fame induction. The group that includes three individuals and two teams will be inducted Oct. 22 at 8:30 a.m. Later that morning, the Hall of Fame will be formally christened the Jones Athletic Hall of Fame, in honor of former men’s basketball coach and athletic director Jerry Jones.

Kansas Wesleyan UniversityIn preparation for what’s sure to be its biggest Homecoming celebration in years, Kansas Wesleyan has announced the schedule for the 2022 version of the event, which will be held Oct. 21-23.“Last year was a return to some level of normalcy,” said Michelle Dolan, director of development, stewardship and alumni. “We had great attendance and top-notch community support. We expect even better numbers at this year’s Homecoming and Family Weekend, and we are excited about expanding the events available.”That expansion includes a DECA display on Oct. 22, giving one of KWU’s most successful programs time in the spotlight. The KWU chapter has been the state’s top program for the past several years and ranked among the world’s best in 2021-22. Another new event is a reception for men and women who have served in the armed forces. The veteran’s reception will take place Oct. 21 at 3 p.m. on Bevan Green.KWU will also host a Debate and Forensics showcase (Oct. 21) for the second consecutive year and will present both a theatre production (all three days) and a strings and choir concert (Oct. 22).Several traditional favorites return, as well, including the athletic Hall of Fame induction. The group that includes three individuals and two teams will be inducted Oct. 22 at 8:30 a.m. Later that morning, the Hall of Fame will be formally christened the Jones Athletic Hall of Fame, in honor of former men’s basketball coach and athletic director Jerry Jones.The traditional alumni awards and Golden W/Purple W recognitions will also take place during the weekend’s proceedings.Volleyball, football, men’s soccer and women’s soccer will all be in action, and baseball and softball are scheduled to host alumni games, as well.More information regarding specific events will be available in the coming weeks and months. For a full schedule of the week’s events, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/homecoming2022" target="_blank">www.kwu.edu/homecoming2022</a>.