By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Kansas Supreme Court Justice Melissa Taylor Standridge was in Salina Saturday, speaking to the Salina League of Women Voters during the group's annual meeting.

The former Kansas Court of Appeals judge has served on the state supreme court since December 2020.

Standridge's route to the state high court was a bit different than most. A native of Lawrence, she studied business at the University of Kansas. Upon graduation, she went to work for Dillards, first in management, then as a buyer for 42 of the stores.

"I did that for seven years and then I decided I wanted to go to law school," she said. "I did not know a lawyer. So I'm 30 years old, have never met a lawyer in my life, and it's just one of those things that I thought I wanted to do."

Standridge said she met with some resistance from her father who was concerned that she would be giving up a well-paying job for something she may not even like nor be able to find a job in. She said she decided to give law school a year to see whether she liked it.

"I loved law school and did well in law school, and when I graduated from law school, which sometimes happens, generally for people that are at the top of their class, you become, and the common name for it is a 'law clerk,' to a judge. Where we are now, we call them 'research attorneys,' but it's a law clerk and you are a lawyer to the judge," she explained. "So you write proposed opinions, you do research, you kind of the behind-the-scenes person that nobody ever sees, but it's a highly sought-after position because when you go out and practice, you now know how judges think."

Standridge worked as a law clerk for two years and then went to work for a large Kansas City law firm, practicing employment law. She then was asked by a senior partner to cover foster care adoption hearings.

"I thought, 'I really like this.' I've always loved children, so I started doing more and more of those, and between the two of us, he started doing more and more," she said.

The two of them put the $1,800 fees that the state paid them to help parents with the adoption process into a fund at the Kansas City Community Foundation.

"So basically, we did it for free, and that money would go for anybody whose ever been in foster care in Kansas can get a scholarship to college," Standridge said.

Scholarships range from $2,000 to $10,000. So far, $1 million in scholarships have been given out, she said.

The experience of helping foster children prompted Standridge to want to be a foster parent. 

One of her law partners became a federal judge and suggested that she take a leave of absence from the firm, work as a law clerk for him, and try out being a foster parent. 

Since that time, Standridge has had 15 foster children and has adopted six. She also never went back to the law firm. During those 10 years, she met and married a man who was a judge in Missouri. Until he retired, the couple had to maintain two households, one in Missouri and one Kansas, as each had to reside in the state in which they worked.

"Up until a year and a half ago, we always had two houses, which is kind of an interesting way to raise six children," she said.

Her husband encouraged Standridge to apply to be a judge, as did the federal judge for whom she worked. She did so and served on the Kansas Court of Appeals from 2008 until she joined the Kansas Supreme Court in December 2020.

During her presentation, Standridge also discussed the three branches of government and judicial selection, and answered questions from the audience.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649604119878.jpeg" alt="Kansas Supreme Court Justice Melissa Taylor Standridge. Photo courtesy Kansas Judicial Branch" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Supreme Court Justice Melissa Taylor Standridge. Photo courtesy Kansas Judicial Branch</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostKansas Supreme Court Justice Melissa Taylor Standridge was in Salina Saturday, speaking to the Salina League of Women Voters during the group's annual meeting.The former Kansas Court of Appeals judge has served on the state supreme court since December 2020.Standridge's route to the state high court was a bit different than most. A native of Lawrence, she studied business at the University of Kansas. Upon graduation, she went to work for Dillards, first in management, then as a buyer for 42 of the stores."I did that for seven years and then I decided I wanted to go to law school," she said. "I did not know a lawyer. So I'm 30 years old, have never met a lawyer in my life, and it's just one of those things that I thought I wanted to do."Standridge said she met with some resistance from her father who was concerned that she would be giving up a well-paying job for something she may not even like nor be able to find a job in. She said she decided to give law school a year to see whether she liked it."I loved law school and did well in law school, and when I graduated from law school, which sometimes happens, generally for people that are at the top of their class, you become, and the common name for it is a 'law clerk,' to a judge. Where we are now, we call them 'research attorneys,' but it's a law clerk and you are a lawyer to the judge," she explained. "So you write proposed opinions, you do research, you kind of the behind-the-scenes person that nobody ever sees, but it's a highly sought-after position because when you go out and practice, you now know how judges think."Standridge worked as a law clerk for two years and then went to work for a large Kansas City law firm, practicing employment law. She then was asked by a senior partner to cover foster care adoption hearings."I thought, 'I really like this.' I've always loved children, so I started doing more and more of those, and between the two of us, he started doing more and more," she said.The two of them put the $1,800 fees that the state paid them to help parents with the adoption process into a fund at the Kansas City Community Foundation."So basically, we did it for free, and that money would go for anybody whose ever been in foster care in Kansas can get a scholarship to college," Standridge said.Scholarships range from $2,000 to $10,000. So far, $1 million in scholarships have been given out, she said.The experience of helping foster children prompted Standridge to want to be a foster parent. One of her law partners became a federal judge and suggested that she take a leave of absence from the firm, work as a law clerk for him, and try out being a foster parent. Since that time, Standridge has had 15 foster children and has adopted six. She also never went back to the law firm. During those 10 years, she met and married a man who was a judge in Missouri. Until he retired, the couple had to maintain two households, one in Missouri and one Kansas, as each had to reside in the state in which they worked."Up until a year and a half ago, we always had two houses, which is kind of an interesting way to raise six children," she said.Her husband encouraged Standridge to apply to be a judge, as did the federal judge for whom she worked. She did so and served on the Kansas Court of Appeals from 2008 until she joined the Kansas Supreme Court in December 2020.During her presentation, Standridge also discussed the three branches of government and judicial selection, and answered questions from the audience.

Kansas Supreme Court justice speaks to Salina League of Women Voters

From the Salina Public Library Facebook page:

See what's new this week at the Salina Public Library at:

*** <a href="http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&amp;p=5578-447&amp;fbclid=IwAR0XGuzpOjvzGyJnCL_hV1Il9hOKCsDQKP9jKbv1vMYgFmcPKVfj719Mkh0" target="_blank">http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&amp;p=5578-447</a> ***

There are 27 new movies, 26 new music CDs, one new children's book, and three other new books. The new movies this week include "Uncharted," "The Last Waltz [Blu-ray]," and "Dog."&nbsp;&nbsp;

From the Salina Public Library Facebook page:See what's new this week at the Salina Public Library at:*** <a href="http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&amp;p=5578-447&amp;fbclid=IwAR0XGuzpOjvzGyJnCL_hV1Il9hOKCsDQKP9jKbv1vMYgFmcPKVfj719Mkh0" target="_blank">http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&amp;p=5578-447</a> ***There are 27 new movies, 26 new music CDs, one new children's book, and three other new books. The new movies this week include "Uncharted," "The Last Waltz [Blu-ray]," and "Dog."&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649555350655.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Check out what's new at the Salina Public Library

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

Not once…not twice…not three times. For four years in a row, a basketball team of small town, homeschooled high school boys has claimed the championship in a national basketball tournament. This team is based in&nbsp;rural&nbsp;Kansas. &nbsp;

Casey Amerin is coach of this championship team. Jeff Schurle and Travis Goff from the Keats/Riley area are the volunteer athletic directors. Their team is the Manhattan CHIEF Thunder.&nbsp;

Casey grew up at Plains. He enjoyed playing basketball and football. He studied business education at K-State, became a teacher and coach, and met and married Rebekah. They moved to her home area near Clifton, where Casey manages LCL Buffalo Ranch and worked as a basketball official for several years.&nbsp;

Casey and Rebekah had four sons and a daughter. When they decided to homeschool their children, they learned of a Manhattan-area organization named Christian Homes In Educational Fellowship, or CHIEF for short.&nbsp;

CHIEF is a non-profit organization that provides support to Christian homeschooling families through group meetings, field trips, curriculum and athletics.&nbsp;

CHIEF sports include football, girls volleyball, and boys and girls basketball and golf.&nbsp;&nbsp;The team home court is at the Beacon Center gymnasium owned by Lighthouse Baptist Church in the&nbsp;rural&nbsp;community of St. George, population 639 people. Now, that’s&nbsp;rural.&nbsp;

The Amerins joined CHIEF. When their oldest son Gage became old enough to play basketball, Gage joined the junior high team. Casey made the hour-long drive to take his son to practice and eventually was asked to help coach. In 2017, as Gage moved up to the high school level, Casey became the head boys basketball coach.&nbsp;

His teams have had much success. One annual highlight is a trip to the National Division II Christian Homeschool Association tournament, called NDII for short, played annually at the Sports Arena in Hutchinson. It is open to any similar homeschooling organization in the nation, but most come from the central U.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;About 70 boys and girls teams typically participate, and teams play in categories by size of their organizations.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Casey’s second year as head coach, the Manhattan CHIEF Thunder team won the NDII championship – and have repeated that championship every year since, winning the fourth straight in 2022.&nbsp;

What is the reason for such success? “It’s the kids,” Casey said. “They have good talent and great character, which is a product of how they’ve been raised. They want what’s best for the team, not just themselves.”&nbsp;

“We tell these kids that their priorities should be God first, family second, work and/or school third, and extracurricular fourth,” Casey said. “But among the extracurricular activities, we want basketball first.”&nbsp;

“I enjoy the opportunity to be around the kids and guide and teach them,” Casey said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I want to help build their Christian character and mold their priorities. It’s great to see them improve and find success.”&nbsp;

Valuable life lessons can be taught through the wins and losses of a season. “When you experience a loss, you can let it define you, or you can let it drive you to become better,” Casey said.&nbsp;

The Thunder coaches set up a team communication app to be used by players and coaches. “We post schedules, practice times, team news and other things,” Casey said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We encourage them to check it each day, since we don’t see them daily like you would in a brick-and-mortar school.&nbsp;

Recent player postings expressed lots of pride in the season and love for their teammates. Casey was especially pleased to see statements of commitment for doing the work to continually improve.&nbsp;

Casey is grateful for the many volunteers it takes to maintain an organization like CHIEF at a high level. "There are so many people that do so many things to make this organization run so well,” Casey said.&nbsp;

Not once, not twice, not three times, but in four straight years the Manhattan CHIEF Thunder have claimed the NDII championship. We commend Casey Amerin and all those involved with CHIEF for making a difference with commitment to high values and high achievement.

Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623560862487.jpeg" alt="Ron Wilson. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State UniversityNot once…not twice…not three times. For four years in a row, a basketball team of small town, homeschooled high school boys has claimed the championship in a national basketball tournament. This team is based in&nbsp;rural&nbsp;Kansas. &nbsp;Casey Amerin is coach of this championship team. Jeff Schurle and Travis Goff from the Keats/Riley area are the volunteer athletic directors. Their team is the Manhattan CHIEF Thunder.&nbsp;Casey grew up at Plains. He enjoyed playing basketball and football. He studied business education at K-State, became a teacher and coach, and met and married Rebekah. They moved to her home area near Clifton, where Casey manages LCL Buffalo Ranch and worked as a basketball official for several years.&nbsp;Casey and Rebekah had four sons and a daughter. When they decided to homeschool their children, they learned of a Manhattan-area organization named Christian Homes In Educational Fellowship, or CHIEF for short.&nbsp;CHIEF is a non-profit organization that provides support to Christian homeschooling families through group meetings, field trips, curriculum and athletics.&nbsp;CHIEF sports include football, girls volleyball, and boys and girls basketball and golf.&nbsp;&nbsp;The team home court is at the Beacon Center gymnasium owned by Lighthouse Baptist Church in the&nbsp;rural&nbsp;community of St. George, population 639 people. Now, that’s&nbsp;rural.&nbsp;The Amerins joined CHIEF. When their oldest son Gage became old enough to play basketball, Gage joined the junior high team. Casey made the hour-long drive to take his son to practice and eventually was asked to help coach. In 2017, as Gage moved up to the high school level, Casey became the head boys basketball coach.&nbsp;His teams have had much success. One annual highlight is a trip to the National Division II Christian Homeschool Association tournament, called NDII for short, played annually at the Sports Arena in Hutchinson. It is open to any similar homeschooling organization in the nation, but most come from the central U.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;About 70 boys and girls teams typically participate, and teams play in categories by size of their organizations.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In Casey’s second year as head coach, the Manhattan CHIEF Thunder team won the NDII championship – and have repeated that championship every year since, winning the fourth straight in 2022.&nbsp;What is the reason for such success? “It’s the kids,” Casey said. “They have good talent and great character, which is a product of how they’ve been raised. They want what’s best for the team, not just themselves.”&nbsp;“We tell these kids that their priorities should be God first, family second, work and/or school third, and extracurricular fourth,” Casey said. “But among the extracurricular activities, we want basketball first.”&nbsp;“I enjoy the opportunity to be around the kids and guide and teach them,” Casey said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I want to help build their Christian character and mold their priorities. It’s great to see them improve and find success.”&nbsp;Valuable life lessons can be taught through the wins and losses of a season. “When you experience a loss, you can let it define you, or you can let it drive you to become better,” Casey said.&nbsp;The Thunder coaches set up a team communication app to be used by players and coaches. “We post schedules, practice times, team news and other things,” Casey said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We encourage them to check it each day, since we don’t see them daily like you would in a brick-and-mortar school.&nbsp;Recent player postings expressed lots of pride in the season and love for their teammates. Casey was especially pleased to see statements of commitment for doing the work to continually improve.&nbsp;Casey is grateful for the many volunteers it takes to maintain an organization like CHIEF at a high level. "There are so many people that do so many things to make this organization run so well,” Casey said.&nbsp;Not once, not twice, not three times, but in four straight years the Manhattan CHIEF Thunder have claimed the NDII championship. We commend Casey Amerin and all those involved with CHIEF for making a difference with commitment to high values and high achievement.Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.

NOW THAT"S RURAL: Casey Amerin, Manhattan CHIEF Thunder

Today is Sunday, April 10, the 100th day of 2022. There are 265 days left in the year.

On April 10, 1912, the British liner RMS Titanic set sail from Southampton, England, on its ill-fated maiden voyage.

In 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was incorporated.

In 1932, German President Paul Von Hindenburg was reelected in a runoff, with Adolf Hitler coming in second.

In 1947, Brooklyn Dodgers President Branch Rickey purchased the contract of Jackie Robinson from the Montreal Royals.

In 1963, the fast-attack nuclear submarine USS Thresher (SSN-593) sank during deep-diving tests east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in a disaster that claimed 129 lives.

In 1971, a table tennis team from the United States arrived in China at the invitation of the communist government for a goodwill visit that came to be known as "ping-pong diplomacy."

In 1972, the United States and the Soviet Union joined some 70 nations in signing an agreement banning biological warfare.

In 1974, Golda Meir announced her resignation as prime minister of Israel.

In 1998, the Northern Ireland peace talks concluded as negotiators reached a landmark settlement to end 30 years of bitter rivalries and bloody attacks.

In 2005, Tiger Woods won his fourth Masters with a spectacular finish of birdies and bogeys.

In 2010, Polish President Lech Kaczynski, 60, was killed in a plane crash in western Russia that also claimed the lives of his wife and top Polish political, military, and church officials.

In 2019, scientists released the first image ever made of a black hole, revealing a fiery, doughnut-shaped object in a galaxy 53 million light-years from earth.

In 2020, on Good Friday, Pope Francis presided over a torch-lit procession in St. Peter's Square, which was otherwise empty because of the coronavirus; nurses and doctors were among those holding a cross.

Ten years ago: Rick Santorum quit the presidential race, clearing the way for Mitt Romney to claim the Republican nomination. Syrian troops defied a U.N.-brokered cease-fire plan, launching fresh attacks on rebellious areas.

Five years ago: Justice Neil Gorsuch took his place as the newest addition on the bench of the Supreme Court, restoring a narrow conservative majority. Alabama Republican Gov. Robert Bentley resigned rather than face impeachment and pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor campaign violations that arose during an investigation of his alleged affair with a top aide. The New York Daily News and ProPublica won the Pulitzer Prize for public service for uncovering how police abused eviction rules to oust hundreds of people, mostly poor minorities, from their homes; Colson Whitehead's novel "The Underground Railroad" won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

One year ago: Speaking to Republican donors at his new home inside his Mar-a-Lago resort, former President Donald Trump slammed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell as a "stone-cold loser" and mocked McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao, who had been Trump's transportation secretary. Reports from Myanmar said at least 82 people had been killed the previous day in a crackdown by security forces on pro-democracy protesters. Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the grueling Grand National horse race, riding Minella Times to victory at the race in England.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Liz Sheridan is 93. Actor Steven Seagal is 70. Folk-pop singer Terre Roche (The Roches) is 69. Actor Peter MacNicol is 68. Actor Olivia Brown is 65. Rock musician Steven Gustafson (10,000 Maniacs) is 65. Singer-producer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds is 64. Rock singer-musician Brian Setzer is 63. Rock singer Katrina Leskanich is 62. Olympic gold medal speedskater Cathy Turner is 60. Rock musician Tim "Herb" Alexander is 57. R&amp;B singer Kenny Lattimore is 55. Actor-comedian Orlando Jones is 54. Rock musician Mike Mushok (Staind) is 53. Rapper Q-Tip (AKA Kamaal) is 52. Actor David Harbour is 47. Blues singer Shemekia Copeland is 43. Actor Laura Bell Bundy is 41. Actor Harry Hadden-Paton is 41. Actor Chyler Leigh is 40. Pop musician Andrew Dost (fun.) is 39. Actor Ryan Merriman is 39. Singer Mandy Moore is 38. Actor Barkhad Abdi is 37. Actor Shay Mitchell is 35. Actor Haley Joel Osment is 34. Actor Molly Bernard (TV: "Younger") is 34. Country singer Maren Morris is 32. Actor Alex Pettyfer is 32. Actor-singer AJ (AKA Amanda) Michalka is 31. Actor Daisy Ridley is 30. Singer-actor Sofia Carson is 29. Actor Audrey Whitby is 26. Actor Ruby Jerins 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 Sunday, April 10, the 100th day of 2022. There are 265 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On April 10, 1912, the British liner RMS Titanic set sail from Southampton, England, on its ill-fated maiden voyage.On this date:In 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was incorporated.In 1932, German President Paul Von Hindenburg was reelected in a runoff, with Adolf Hitler coming in second.In 1947, Brooklyn Dodgers President Branch Rickey purchased the contract of Jackie Robinson from the Montreal Royals.In 1963, the fast-attack nuclear submarine USS Thresher (SSN-593) sank during deep-diving tests east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in a disaster that claimed 129 lives.In 1971, a table tennis team from the United States arrived in China at the invitation of the communist government for a goodwill visit that came to be known as "ping-pong diplomacy."In 1972, the United States and the Soviet Union joined some 70 nations in signing an agreement banning biological warfare.In 1974, Golda Meir announced her resignation as prime minister of Israel.In 1998, the Northern Ireland peace talks concluded as negotiators reached a landmark settlement to end 30 years of bitter rivalries and bloody attacks.In 2005, Tiger Woods won his fourth Masters with a spectacular finish of birdies and bogeys.In 2010, Polish President Lech Kaczynski, 60, was killed in a plane crash in western Russia that also claimed the lives of his wife and top Polish political, military, and church officials.In 2019, scientists released the first image ever made of a black hole, revealing a fiery, doughnut-shaped object in a galaxy 53 million light-years from earth.In 2020, on Good Friday, Pope Francis presided over a torch-lit procession in St. Peter's Square, which was otherwise empty because of the coronavirus; nurses and doctors were among those holding a cross.Ten years ago: Rick Santorum quit the presidential race, clearing the way for Mitt Romney to claim the Republican nomination. Syrian troops defied a U.N.-brokered cease-fire plan, launching fresh attacks on rebellious areas.Five years ago: Justice Neil Gorsuch took his place as the newest addition on the bench of the Supreme Court, restoring a narrow conservative majority. Alabama Republican Gov. Robert Bentley resigned rather than face impeachment and pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor campaign violations that arose during an investigation of his alleged affair with a top aide. The New York Daily News and ProPublica won the Pulitzer Prize for public service for uncovering how police abused eviction rules to oust hundreds of people, mostly poor minorities, from their homes; Colson Whitehead's novel "The Underground Railroad" won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.One year ago: Speaking to Republican donors at his new home inside his Mar-a-Lago resort, former President Donald Trump slammed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell as a "stone-cold loser" and mocked McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao, who had been Trump's transportation secretary. Reports from Myanmar said at least 82 people had been killed the previous day in a crackdown by security forces on pro-democracy protesters. Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the grueling Grand National horse race, riding Minella Times to victory at the race in England.Today's Birthdays: Actor Liz Sheridan is 93. Actor Steven Seagal is 70. Folk-pop singer Terre Roche (The Roches) is 69. Actor Peter MacNicol is 68. Actor Olivia Brown is 65. Rock musician Steven Gustafson (10,000 Maniacs) is 65. Singer-producer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds is 64. Rock singer-musician Brian Setzer is 63. Rock singer Katrina Leskanich is 62. Olympic gold medal speedskater Cathy Turner is 60. Rock musician Tim "Herb" Alexander is 57. R&amp;B singer Kenny Lattimore is 55. Actor-comedian Orlando Jones is 54. Rock musician Mike Mushok (Staind) is 53. Rapper Q-Tip (AKA Kamaal) is 52. Actor David Harbour is 47. Blues singer Shemekia Copeland is 43. Actor Laura Bell Bundy is 41. Actor Harry Hadden-Paton is 41. Actor Chyler Leigh is 40. Pop musician Andrew Dost (fun.) is 39. Actor Ryan Merriman is 39. Singer Mandy Moore is 38. Actor Barkhad Abdi is 37. Actor Shay Mitchell is 35. Actor Haley Joel Osment is 34. Actor Molly Bernard (TV: "Younger") is 34. Country singer Maren Morris is 32. Actor Alex Pettyfer is 32. Actor-singer AJ (AKA Amanda) Michalka is 31. Actor Daisy Ridley is 30. Singer-actor Sofia Carson is 29. Actor Audrey Whitby is 26. Actor Ruby Jerins is 24.

Today in History - April 10

Twenty-four new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on Friday at a ceremony held in the KLETC Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;

Deputy Charles Wheaton of the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Chief Courtney Prewitt of the Garden City Police Department. Mike Satterlee, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the Class Coordinator for the 291st Basic Training Class.

Steven Phillips of the Haven Police Department was recognized during the ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot”.

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.

Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of the University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.

The graduates, who began their training in January 2022, represented multiple municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency:

ANDERSON&nbsp;COUNTY Hayden Seabolt - Anderson County Sheriff’s Office

BROWN&nbsp;COUNTY Evva Holtz - Kickapoo Tribal Police Department

CHEROKEE&nbsp;COUNTY Evan Duckett - Baxter Springs Police Department

COWLEY&nbsp;COUNTY Adam Utt - Arkansas City Police Department

CRAWFORD&nbsp;COUNTY Jacob Lovewell - Girard Police Department

DICKINSON&nbsp;COUNTY Amanda Wilson - Abilene Police Department

EDWARDS&nbsp;COUNTY Charles Wheaton - Edwards County Sheriff’s Department

FINNEY&nbsp;COUNTY Christopher Dame - Garden City Police Department McKenzie Haar-Becker - Garden City Police Department Christopher Wilson - Garden City Police Department

GRANT&nbsp;COUNTY Ashton Duck - Grant County Sheriff’s Office

HARVEY&nbsp;COUNTY Jayden Banks - Newton Police Department

JEFFERSON&nbsp;COUNTY Trey Davidson - Valley Falls Police Department

LABETTE&nbsp;COUNTY Cordell Bass - Chetopa Police Department

MARSHALL&nbsp;COUNTY Austin Tillery - Marshall County Sheriff’s Office

PAWNEE&nbsp;COUNTY Joshua Huff - Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office

RENO&nbsp;COUNTY Jesyka Boots - Hutchinson Police Department Steven Phillips - Haven Police Department

SCOTT&nbsp;COUNTY Bailey White - Scott City Police Department

SEDGWICK&nbsp;COUNTY Cheryl Glider - Derby Police Department

SEWARD&nbsp;COUNTY Kannesha Nept - Liberal Police Department

SHERMAN&nbsp;COUNTY Duncan Kroskey - Goodland Police Department

WICHITA&nbsp;COUNTY William White - Wichita County Sheriff’s Office

WYANDOTTE COUNTY Domingo Moya - Edwardsville Police Department

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649553568493.jpeg" alt="Chief Courtney Prewitt of the Garden City Police Department speaks to KLETC's 291st graduation class on Friday. Photo by Jason Levy courtesy KLETC" />
 <figcaption>Chief Courtney Prewitt of the Garden City Police Department speaks to KLETC's 291st graduation class on Friday. Photo by Jason Levy courtesy KLETC</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON LEVY KLETCTwenty-four new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on Friday at a ceremony held in the KLETC Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;Deputy Charles Wheaton of the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Chief Courtney Prewitt of the Garden City Police Department. Mike Satterlee, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the Class Coordinator for the 291st Basic Training Class.Steven Phillips of the Haven Police Department was recognized during the ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot”.Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of the University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.The graduates, who began their training in January 2022, represented multiple municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency:ANDERSON&nbsp;COUNTY Hayden Seabolt - Anderson County Sheriff’s OfficeBROWN&nbsp;COUNTY Evva Holtz - Kickapoo Tribal Police DepartmentCHEROKEE&nbsp;COUNTY Evan Duckett - Baxter Springs Police DepartmentCOWLEY&nbsp;COUNTY Adam Utt - Arkansas City Police DepartmentCRAWFORD&nbsp;COUNTY Jacob Lovewell - Girard Police DepartmentDICKINSON&nbsp;COUNTY Amanda Wilson - Abilene Police DepartmentEDWARDS&nbsp;COUNTY Charles Wheaton - Edwards County Sheriff’s DepartmentFINNEY&nbsp;COUNTY Christopher Dame - Garden City Police Department McKenzie Haar-Becker - Garden City Police Department Christopher Wilson - Garden City Police DepartmentGRANT&nbsp;COUNTY Ashton Duck - Grant County Sheriff’s OfficeHARVEY&nbsp;COUNTY Jayden Banks - Newton Police DepartmentJEFFERSON&nbsp;COUNTY Trey Davidson - Valley Falls Police DepartmentLABETTE&nbsp;COUNTY Cordell Bass - Chetopa Police DepartmentMARSHALL&nbsp;COUNTY Austin Tillery - Marshall County Sheriff’s OfficePAWNEE&nbsp;COUNTY Joshua Huff - Pawnee County Sheriff’s OfficeRENO&nbsp;COUNTY Jesyka Boots - Hutchinson Police Department Steven Phillips - Haven Police DepartmentSCOTT&nbsp;COUNTY Bailey White - Scott City Police DepartmentSEDGWICK&nbsp;COUNTY Cheryl Glider - Derby Police DepartmentSEWARD&nbsp;COUNTY Kannesha Nept - Liberal Police DepartmentSHERMAN&nbsp;COUNTY Duncan Kroskey - Goodland Police DepartmentWICHITA&nbsp;COUNTY William White - Wichita County Sheriff’s OfficeWYANDOTTE COUNTY Domingo Moya - Edwardsville Police Department

Abilene officer among latest KLETC basic graduates

SALINE COUNTY—Two Riley County Police Department officers are being recognized for assisting at the scene of a semi accident on Interstate 70.&nbsp;

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ef841e05-da06-4232-baad-662ef79c06f7">Strong wind gust causes tractor-trailer rig to overturn on I-70</a>

On Thursday, RCPD Sgt. Brian London and Officer Matthew Pfrang were traveling back to Manhattan with two other civilian employees after visiting another agency, according to a social media report from the agency.

They came across an overturned semi on Interstate 70 in Saline County.&nbsp;Strong winds toppled the 2017 Freightliner. The two from the RCPD immediately stopped since no other first responders had yet arrived on the scene.

Ultimately, the Kansas Highway Patrol and local officers arrived on scene snd took over.&nbsp; The driver of the tractor-trailer rig identified as Curtis L. Musgrove, 62, of Beloit was able to walk away but was transported to Salina Regional Health Center for an examination, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

While not in uniform or on-duty in their normal capacities, the two from the RCPD saw a need to help and responded without hesitation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649521097186.png" alt="Photos courtesy Riley County Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Riley County Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>By LITTLE APPLE POSTSALINE COUNTY—Two Riley County Police Department officers are being recognized for assisting at the scene of a semi accident on Interstate 70.&nbsp;READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ef841e05-da06-4232-baad-662ef79c06f7">Strong wind gust causes tractor-trailer rig to overturn on I-70</a>On Thursday, RCPD Sgt. Brian London and Officer Matthew Pfrang were traveling back to Manhattan with two other civilian employees after visiting another agency, according to a social media report from the agency.They came across an overturned semi on Interstate 70 in Saline County.&nbsp;Strong winds toppled the 2017 Freightliner. The two from the RCPD immediately stopped since no other first responders had yet arrived on the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649521541068.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ultimately, the Kansas Highway Patrol and local officers arrived on scene snd took over.&nbsp; The driver of the tractor-trailer rig identified as Curtis L. Musgrove, 62, of Beloit was able to walk away but was transported to Salina Regional Health Center for an examination, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.While not in uniform or on-duty in their normal capacities, the two from the RCPD saw a need to help and responded without hesitation.&nbsp;

2 from RCPD recognized for assisting with I-70 crash

GYPSUM - A small earthquake struck southeastern Saline County Saturday afternoon.

The 2.0 magnitude quake struck at 3:37 p.m. Saturday southwest of Gypsum, according to the Kansas Geological Survey. It was centered north of E. Hedberg Road between S. Niles Road and S. Cunningham Road.

GYPSUM - A small earthquake struck southeastern Saline County Saturday afternoon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649550422578.jpeg" alt="The 3:37 p.m. Saturday, 2.0 magnitude Saline County quake. Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey" />
 <figcaption>The 3:37 p.m. Saturday, 2.0 magnitude Saline County quake. Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>The 2.0 magnitude quake struck at 3:37 p.m. Saturday southwest of Gypsum, according to the Kansas Geological Survey. It was centered north of E. Hedberg Road between S. Niles Road and S. Cunningham Road.

Small quake shakes southeastern Saline County Saturday

CANTON - A minor earthquake shook part of northeastern McPherson County Saturday morning.

According to the Kansas Geological Survey, the 2.0 magnitude quake rattled the area north of Canton at 10:09 a.m. The quake was centered northeast of the 27th Avenue/Pueblo Road intersection.

CANTON - A minor earthquake shook part of northeastern McPherson County Saturday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649549157909.jpeg" alt="The 10:09 a.m. Saturday, 2.0 magnitude McPherson County earthquake. Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey" />
 <figcaption>The 10:09 a.m. Saturday, 2.0 magnitude McPherson County earthquake. Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the Kansas Geological Survey, the 2.0 magnitude quake rattled the area north of Canton at 10:09 a.m. The quake was centered northeast of the 27th Avenue/Pueblo Road intersection.

Small earthquake rattles part of McPherson County

Randstad at Russell Stover seeks warehouse/production personnel.

Randstad at Russell Stover seeks warehouse/production personnel.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647392312575.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Eisenhower boyhood home preservation project begins

Parents have a significant influence on their children’s decisions to experiment with alcohol.

One of the most influential factors during a child’s adolescence is maintaining a strong, open relationship with a parent. When parents create supportive and nurturing environments, children make better decisions. Though it may not always seem like it, children really hear their parents’ concerns, which is why it’s important that parents discuss the risks of using alcohol.

It’s better to talk before children are exposed to alcohol

If you talk to your kids directly and honestly, they are more likely to respect your rules and advice about alcohol and drug use. When parents talk with their children early and often about alcohol and other drugs, they can protect their children from many of the high-risk behaviors associated with using these drugs.

Some children may try alcohol or other drugs at a very young age

It is never too early to talk to your children about alcohol. Children as young as nine years old already start viewing alcohol in a more positive way. The earlier you start talking, the better.

The older kids get, the more likely they’ll try alcohol

Having a conversation allows parents to set clear rules about what they expect from their kids when it comes to alcohol and other drugs.

About 10 percent of 12-year-olds say they have tried alcohol, but by age 15, that number jumps to 50 percent. Additionally, by the time they are seniors, almost 70 percent of high school students will have tried alcohol, half will have taken an illegal drug, and more than 20 percent will have used a prescription drug for a nonmedical purpose. The sooner you talk to your children about alcohol and other drugs, the greater chance you have of influencing their decisions about drinking and substance use.

Not talking about alcohol and other drugs still sends kids a message

Kids don’t always have all the facts when it comes to alcohol and other drugs.

If parents don’t talk about the risks of underage drinking and substance use, their kids might not see any harm in trying them.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649538351973.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Saline County Health DepartmentParents have a significant influence on their children’s decisions to experiment with alcohol.One of the most influential factors during a child’s adolescence is maintaining a strong, open relationship with a parent. When parents create supportive and nurturing environments, children make better decisions. Though it may not always seem like it, children really hear their parents’ concerns, which is why it’s important that parents discuss the risks of using alcohol.It’s better to talk before children are exposed to alcoholIf you talk to your kids directly and honestly, they are more likely to respect your rules and advice about alcohol and drug use. When parents talk with their children early and often about alcohol and other drugs, they can protect their children from many of the high-risk behaviors associated with using these drugs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649538326362.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Some children may try alcohol or other drugs at a very young ageIt is never too early to talk to your children about alcohol. Children as young as nine years old already start viewing alcohol in a more positive way. The earlier you start talking, the better.The older kids get, the more likely they’ll try alcoholHaving a conversation allows parents to set clear rules about what they expect from their kids when it comes to alcohol and other drugs.About 10 percent of 12-year-olds say they have tried alcohol, but by age 15, that number jumps to 50 percent. Additionally, by the time they are seniors, almost 70 percent of high school students will have tried alcohol, half will have taken an illegal drug, and more than 20 percent will have used a prescription drug for a nonmedical purpose. The sooner you talk to your children about alcohol and other drugs, the greater chance you have of influencing their decisions about drinking and substance use.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649538452095.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Not talking about alcohol and other drugs still sends kids a messageKids don’t always have all the facts when it comes to alcohol and other drugs.If parents don’t talk about the risks of underage drinking and substance use, their kids might not see any harm in trying them.

Parents significantly influence children's alcohol decisions

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a notice extending the deadline for air carrier proposals to replace SkyWest Airlines at the Salina Regional Airport from April 11 to May 11. 

The 30-day extension includes 27 other communities currently served by SkyWest that were previously notified of the airline’s intent to terminate service at those airports due to a national pilot shortage.

Air carriers interested in providing scheduled air service at Salina now have until May 11 to submit proposals to the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

The agency will post proposals received at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OAVix80n7Q-pAiQv3YtwqvgcznLaoptGcloVPaj-abX7ADgiV2SgKinNkOOA6bIO1QisaqHU0Xa-eKOcZROgerKYLaY1kUsELmgx9nxtc0k0IwaKTYxOPt-LThdZpKiKtiJ9pN14u6ATw8WrOlu2-A==&amp;c=6drbp47bse1nECrXACgPfq2wnzMMBtIR1Ra0-8pgIMw3Vwkk-_orHQ==&amp;ch=iOjQrURwd7zpO4UIp2DIRiOh3G5TZQdW5fHmnyptAy6LVXF58borFA==" target="_blank">www.regulations.gov.</a>

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/04834aa7-8d43-49de-9cce-0c03f6f5815d">Air service update encouraging for Salina Regional Airport</a>

Salina Airport AuthorityOn Friday, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a notice extending the deadline for air carrier proposals to replace SkyWest Airlines at the Salina Regional Airport from April 11 to May 11. The 30-day extension includes 27 other communities currently served by SkyWest that were previously notified of the airline’s intent to terminate service at those airports due to a national pilot shortage.Air carriers interested in providing scheduled air service at Salina now have until May 11 to submit proposals to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The agency will post proposals received at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OAVix80n7Q-pAiQv3YtwqvgcznLaoptGcloVPaj-abX7ADgiV2SgKinNkOOA6bIO1QisaqHU0Xa-eKOcZROgerKYLaY1kUsELmgx9nxtc0k0IwaKTYxOPt-LThdZpKiKtiJ9pN14u6ATw8WrOlu2-A==&amp;c=6drbp47bse1nECrXACgPfq2wnzMMBtIR1Ra0-8pgIMw3Vwkk-_orHQ==&amp;ch=iOjQrURwd7zpO4UIp2DIRiOh3G5TZQdW5fHmnyptAy6LVXF58borFA==" target="_blank">www.regulations.gov.</a>READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/04834aa7-8d43-49de-9cce-0c03f6f5815d">Air service update encouraging for Salina Regional Airport</a>

Deadline for air carrier proposals extended

Wondering what happened to the Pizza Hut on S. Ninth Street?

According to a Facebook post by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/grandmererestaurantgroup/">Grand Mere Restaurant Group</a>, the owner of the two Pizza Hut facilities in Salina, the restaurant at 2935 S. Ninth Street has been closed and torn down.

"We are temporarily closed in order to bring you a new updated building. Our new location will include a convenient pickup window. We look forward to serving you at our new location later this year," the Grand Mere Facebook post noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649518177790.jpeg" alt="The Pizza Hut on S. Ninth Street has been torn down by its owner,&nbsp;Grand Mere Restaurant Group, which plans to build a new facility in its place. Photo courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/grandmererestaurantgroup/">Grand Mere Restaurant Group Facebook page</a>" />
 <figcaption>The Pizza Hut on S. Ninth Street has been torn down by its owner,&nbsp;Grand Mere Restaurant Group, which plans to build a new facility in its place. Photo courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/grandmererestaurantgroup/">Grand Mere Restaurant Group Facebook page</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTWondering what happened to the Pizza Hut on S. Ninth Street?According to a Facebook post by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/grandmererestaurantgroup/">Grand Mere Restaurant Group</a>, the owner of the two Pizza Hut facilities in Salina, the restaurant at 2935 S. Ninth Street has been closed and torn down."We are temporarily closed in order to bring you a new updated building. Our new location will include a convenient pickup window. We look forward to serving you at our new location later this year," the Grand Mere Facebook post noted.

Salina temporarily a one Pizza Hut town

Red flag warnings have once again been issued for counties in our area.

The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a red flag warning in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.

South winds at 15 to 20 mph, with gusts of 25 to 30 mph, and relative humidity as low as 15 to 20 percent are forecast.

Any fires that ignite may spread rapidly and exhibit extreme fire behavior. Use extreme caution if engaging in activities that could result in fire ignition, the weather service urged.

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a red flag warning in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.

South winds sustained at 16 to 20 mph, with gusts around 25 mph at times, and humidity at 16 to 20 percent are forecast.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly, the weather service warned. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

By SALINA POSTRed flag warnings have once again been issued for counties in our area.The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a red flag warning in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.Jewell CountyMitchell CountySouth winds at 15 to 20 mph, with gusts of 25 to 30 mph, and relative humidity as low as 15 to 20 percent are forecast.Any fires that ignite may spread rapidly and exhibit extreme fire behavior. Use extreme caution if engaging in activities that could result in fire ignition, the weather service urged.The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a red flag warning in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.Cloud CountyRepublic CountySouth winds sustained at 16 to 20 mph, with gusts around 25 mph at times, and humidity at 16 to 20 percent are forecast.Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly, the weather service warned. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

NWS: Red flag warnings for a few counties in our area

This month, we’re exploring the impact of the 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/freeexpressionawards/" target="_blank">Free Expression Awards</a>&nbsp;honorees, including&nbsp;Nikole Hannah-Jones, who is Knight Chair in Race and Journalism and founder of the Center for Journalism and Democracy at Howard University and staff writer for The New York Times Magazine. These are the stories of how the First Amendment advocates we’re honoring have used their voices to uplift others.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/freeexpressionawards/#watch" target="_blank">Watch the awards live</a>&nbsp;at 8 p.m. EDT on April 28.

There’s a little-known landmark just outside Norfolk, Va., sometimes called Freedom’s Fortress.

Officially designated Fort Monroe, it’s the site of a surprising number of events and visits by famous figures from our nation’s earliest history, through the Civil War and up to its closure as an active Army base in 2011.

Step into the visitor’s center, though, and you’ll experience a lesser-known part of its past. Long before it was a lone Union outpost, it was the landing site in 1619 of a ship called the White Lion.

On board were about 20 Africans, Bantu people from present-day Angola. They were purchased by settlers of nearby Jamestown. This marked the moment slavery began in a British colony that would become part of the United States.

To commemorate the 400th anniversary of this event, one journalist set out to open the national conversation about the origins of our nation to focus on the role and impact of slavery.

The New York Times Magazine’s&nbsp;“1619 Project,” led by&nbsp;Nikole Hannah-Jones, brought this story beyond the 100,000 or so annual visitors to the landing site at Fort Monroe.

The series of essays presented the case that our democracy has been dishonest from the start, since the founding freedoms did not apply to enslaved people, and that this dissonance has had lasting impact.

The work generated praise and criticism. It earned a Pulitzer Prize and calls to ban teaching material from the 1619 Project in public schools. It even raised questions over whether to offer Hannah-Jones tenure at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Walter Hussman, the namesake of UNC’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media, criticized Hannah-Jones’s interpretation of the traditional journalistic principle of objectivity, which she sees as lacking context from the experience of underrepresented communities.

In challenging longstanding interpretations of our nation, its origins and how they are presented, she raised difficult questions. Who has the power to frame our history – or our present?

Scholarship and journalism have a long history of control by gatekeepers with similar backgrounds and worldviews. Nikole Hannah-Jones noted this gap in pushing back on the academic censorship she and her work faced: “I fought this battle because I know that all across this country Black faculty, and faculty from other marginalized groups, are having their opportunities stifled.”

She isn’t new to that effort. She co-founded the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting, based at UNC, in 2016 to create a path for more journalists of color to pursue investigative journalism.

In 1968, the Kerner Commission report on civil disorder noted the dearth of Black journalists in the industry. Ever since then, news media surveys have shown slow growth in representation.

The Wells Society provides training and mentoring because as Hannah-Jones has said, “There are a lot of journalists of color who want to be doing [investigative] reporting but don’t see a path for themselves and have never seen other journalists of color doing this job.”

Now, Hannah-Jones is continuing this work, in conjunction with the Knight Foundation, at Howard University, further growing opportunities for new voices in journalism and reviving voices that otherwise could be lost to history.

Voices like those of the people who emancipated themselves to find sanctuary at Freedom’s Fortress during the Civil War. Of the enslaved Africans whose labor built the walls of Fort Monroe. Of the African men and women who arrived in Virginia in 1619.

Between the commendations and the backlash, the conversation about ensuring freedoms for all continues.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/freeexpressionawards/" target="_blank">2022 Free Expression Awards</a>&nbsp;are on April 28 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. and streamed live online.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649475668238.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>Freedom ForumThis month, we’re exploring the impact of the 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/freeexpressionawards/" target="_blank">Free Expression Awards</a>&nbsp;honorees, including&nbsp;Nikole Hannah-Jones, who is Knight Chair in Race and Journalism and founder of the Center for Journalism and Democracy at Howard University and staff writer for The New York Times Magazine. These are the stories of how the First Amendment advocates we’re honoring have used their voices to uplift others.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/freeexpressionawards/#watch" target="_blank">Watch the awards live</a>&nbsp;at 8 p.m. EDT on April 28.There’s a little-known landmark just outside Norfolk, Va., sometimes called Freedom’s Fortress.Officially designated Fort Monroe, it’s the site of a surprising number of events and visits by famous figures from our nation’s earliest history, through the Civil War and up to its closure as an active Army base in 2011.Step into the visitor’s center, though, and you’ll experience a lesser-known part of its past. Long before it was a lone Union outpost, it was the landing site in 1619 of a ship called the White Lion.On board were about 20 Africans, Bantu people from present-day Angola. They were purchased by settlers of nearby Jamestown. This marked the moment slavery began in a British colony that would become part of the United States.To commemorate the 400th anniversary of this event, one journalist set out to open the national conversation about the origins of our nation to focus on the role and impact of slavery.The New York Times Magazine’s&nbsp;“1619 Project,” led by&nbsp;Nikole Hannah-Jones, brought this story beyond the 100,000 or so annual visitors to the landing site at Fort Monroe.The series of essays presented the case that our democracy has been dishonest from the start, since the founding freedoms did not apply to enslaved people, and that this dissonance has had lasting impact.The work generated praise and criticism. It earned a Pulitzer Prize and calls to ban teaching material from the 1619 Project in public schools. It even raised questions over whether to offer Hannah-Jones tenure at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649475404033.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Walter Hussman, the namesake of UNC’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media, criticized Hannah-Jones’s interpretation of the traditional journalistic principle of objectivity, which she sees as lacking context from the experience of underrepresented communities.In challenging longstanding interpretations of our nation, its origins and how they are presented, she raised difficult questions. Who has the power to frame our history – or our present?<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649475572669.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Scholarship and journalism have a long history of control by gatekeepers with similar backgrounds and worldviews. Nikole Hannah-Jones noted this gap in pushing back on the academic censorship she and her work faced: “I fought this battle because I know that all across this country Black faculty, and faculty from other marginalized groups, are having their opportunities stifled.”She isn’t new to that effort. She co-founded the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting, based at UNC, in 2016 to create a path for more journalists of color to pursue investigative journalism.In 1968, the Kerner Commission report on civil disorder noted the dearth of Black journalists in the industry. Ever since then, news media surveys have shown slow growth in representation.The Wells Society provides training and mentoring because as Hannah-Jones has said, “There are a lot of journalists of color who want to be doing [investigative] reporting but don’t see a path for themselves and have never seen other journalists of color doing this job.”Now, Hannah-Jones is continuing this work, in conjunction with the Knight Foundation, at Howard University, further growing opportunities for new voices in journalism and reviving voices that otherwise could be lost to history.Voices like those of the people who emancipated themselves to find sanctuary at Freedom’s Fortress during the Civil War. Of the enslaved Africans whose labor built the walls of Fort Monroe. Of the African men and women who arrived in Virginia in 1619.Between the commendations and the backlash, the conversation about ensuring freedoms for all continues.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/freeexpressionawards/" target="_blank">2022 Free Expression Awards</a>&nbsp;are on April 28 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. and streamed live online.

FIRST 5: Nikole Hannah-Jones - reviving voices lost to history

OCCK, Inc. Transportation will have shortened hours on Friday in observation of Good Friday.&nbsp;

On Friday, CityGo buses will run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with no peak routes running.&nbsp;

Regional paratransit, GoAbilene, and GoConcordia vehicles will run only essential trips.

81 Connection will run its normal schedule.

Transportation services will resume normal operating hours on April 16.

OCCKOCCK, Inc. Transportation will have shortened hours on Friday in observation of Good Friday.&nbsp;On Friday, CityGo buses will run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with no peak routes running.&nbsp;Regional paratransit, GoAbilene, and GoConcordia vehicles will run only essential trips.81 Connection will run its normal schedule.Transportation services will resume normal operating hours on April 16.

OCCK Transportation announces reduce hours for Good Friday

Today is Saturday, April 9, the 99th day of 2022. There are 266 days left in the year.

On April 9, 1865, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered his army to Union Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia.

In 1413, the coronation of England's King Henry V took place in Westminster Abbey.

In 1939, Marian Anderson performed a concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., after the Black singer was denied the use of Constitution Hall by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

In 1940, during World War II, Germany invaded Denmark and Norway.

In 1942, during World War II, some 75,000 Philippine and American defenders on Bataan surrendered to Japanese troops, who forced the prisoners into what became known as the Bataan Death March; thousands died or were killed en route.

In 1959, NASA presented its first seven astronauts: Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard and Donald Slayton. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright, 91, died in Phoenix, Arizona.

In 1968, funeral services, private and public, were held for Martin Luther King Jr. at the Ebenezer Baptist Church and Morehouse College in Atlanta, five days after the civil rights leader was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.

In 1979, officials declared an end to the crisis involving the Three Mile Island Unit 2 nuclear reactor in Pennsylvania, 12 days after a partial core meltdown.

In 1996, in a dramatic shift of purse-string power, President Bill Clinton signed a line-item veto bill into law. (However, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the veto in 1998.)

In 2003, jubilant Iraqis celebrated the collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime, beheading a toppled statue of their longtime ruler in downtown Baghdad and embracing American troops as liberators.

<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 Saturday, April 9, the 99th day of 2022. There are 266 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On April 9, 1865, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered his army to Union Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia.On this date:In 1413, the coronation of England's King Henry V took place in Westminster Abbey.In 1939, Marian Anderson performed a concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., after the Black singer was denied the use of Constitution Hall by the Daughters of the American Revolution.In 1940, during World War II, Germany invaded Denmark and Norway.In 1942, during World War II, some 75,000 Philippine and American defenders on Bataan surrendered to Japanese troops, who forced the prisoners into what became known as the Bataan Death March; thousands died or were killed en route.In 1959, NASA presented its first seven astronauts: Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard and Donald Slayton. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright, 91, died in Phoenix, Arizona.In 1968, funeral services, private and public, were held for Martin Luther King Jr. at the Ebenezer Baptist Church and Morehouse College in Atlanta, five days after the civil rights leader was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.In 1979, officials declared an end to the crisis involving the Three Mile Island Unit 2 nuclear reactor in Pennsylvania, 12 days after a partial core meltdown.In 1996, in a dramatic shift of purse-string power, President Bill Clinton signed a line-item veto bill into law. (However, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the veto in 1998.)In 2003, jubilant Iraqis celebrated the collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime, beheading a toppled statue of their longtime ruler in downtown Baghdad and embracing American troops as liberators.In 2005, Britain's Prince Charles married longtime love Camilla Parker Bowles, who took the title Duchess of Cornwall.In 2010, Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens announced his retirement. (His vacancy was filled by Elena Kagan.)In 2020, the government reported that 6.6 million people had sought unemployment benefits in the preceding week, bringing the total to 16.8 million in the three weeks since the coronavirus outbreak took hold. The Food and Drug Administration sent a warning letter to conspiracy theorist and radio host Alex Jones, telling him to stop pitching bogus remedies for the coronavirus.Ten years ago: A Florida special prosecutor said a grand jury would not look into the Trayvon Martin case, leaving the decision of whether to charge the teen's shooter in her hands alone. (Prosecutor Angela Corey ended up filing second-degree murder charges against George Zimmerman, who pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defense; Zimmerman was acquitted at trial.)Five years ago: Suicide bombers struck hours apart at two Coptic churches in northern Egypt, killing 43 people and turning Palm Sunday services into scenes of horror and outrage. Dr. David Dao, a passenger on a United Express flight about to take off for Louisville, Kentucky, was dragged off the plane by security officers at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to make room for four airline employees; the incident was captured on video that went viral. (United reached a settlement with Dao.) Sergio Garcia beat Justin Rose in a sudden-death playoff at the Masters for his first major.One year ago: Britain's Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 99; he was Britain's longest-serving consort. Hip-hop icon DMX died at a hospital in White Plains, New York, days after suffering what officials called a catastrophic cardiac arrest; the Grammy-nominated rapper and actor was 50. Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark died in New York at age 93. A trio of Russian and American space travelers launched successfully from Kazakhstan and reached the International Space Station. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed a partial ban on no-knock warrants a year after the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor. The National Labor Relations Board said workers at an Amazon warehouse in Alabama had voted against forming a union. San Diego Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove pitched the first no-hitter in the team's history, a 3-0 win over the Texas Rangers.Today's Birthdays: Satirical songwriter and mathematician Tom Lehrer is 94. Actor Michael Learned is 83. Country singer Margo Smith is 80. Actor Dennis Quaid is 68. Comedian Jimmy Tingle is 67. Country musician Dave Innis (Restless Heart) is 63. Talk show host Joe Scarborough is 59. Actor-sports reporter Lisa Guerrero is 58. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is 58. Actor Mark Pellegrino is 57. Actor-model Paulina Porizkova is 57. Actor Cynthia Nixon is 56. Rock singer Kevin Martin (Candlebox) is 53. TV personality Sunny Anderson is 47. Rock singer Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance) is 45. Actor Keshia Knight Pulliam is 43. Rock musician Albert Hammond Jr. (The Strokes) is 42. Actor Charlie Hunnam is 42. Actor Ryan Northcott is 42. Actor Arlen Escarpeta is 41. Actor Jay Baruchel is 40. Actor Annie Funke is 37. Actor Jordan Masterson is 36. Actor Leighton Meester is 36. Actor-singer Jesse McCartney is 35. R&amp;B singer Jazmine Sullivan is 35. Actor Kristen Stewart is 32. Actor Elle Fanning is 24. Rapper Lil Nas X is 23. Actor Isaac Hempstead Wright is 23. Classical crossover singer Jackie Evancho is 22.

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