By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

In the very park named in honor of Salina's last fallen police officer, law enforcement personnel, community leaders, and members of the public gathered Wednesday morning to remember those who died in the line of duty.

The 2022 Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony got under way at 8 a.m. Wednesday in Jerry Ivey Memorial Park, 2465 Edward Street.

Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson thanked those in the crowd for attending the ceremony.

"The officers that you see today greatly appreciate your presence at today's event. In the present climate, we find ourselves in, your support for these officers is paramount in the their day to day mental and physical well-being," Nelson said.

Part of the ceremony included the Table Setting for the Fallen, during which members of the Salina Police Department Honor Guard placed symbolic items on a table in tribute to fallen officers.

"As we gather today, I would like to draw your attention to our special table," Officer Laura Faulk said. "The table is set for one. The empty space represents all officers who have fallen in the line of duty. While a setting such as this is used to honor the fallen members of our military, our nation's heroes, a select few have answered another call, one of daily self-sacrifice to protect others. These heroes are the ones sacrificing their family time, working long hours, and rushing into danger when others flee: our law enforcement officers."

Later in the ceremony, Salina Mayor Trent Davis also talked of law enforcement officers' sacrifices and all that they are asked to do. Following are his remarks.

The job title: Law Enforcement Officer. The job requirements: Watchman, supervisor, director, counselor, sympathizer, consoler, mentor, improviser, strategist, negotiator, gentle yet persuasive, athlete, unafraid, and generally, Superman. We ask them to give 110 percent all the time, no matter what side of the bed they get out of in the morning. We ask for respect for everyone, knowing that not everyone woke up with good in their heart that day. We ask for full concentration, even when their middle school aged child's science project is due in 24 hours. We ask them to walk lightly but carry a big stick, yet also in a split second to balance "innocent 'til proven guilty" with "probable cause" with "implicit bias" with "reasonable force" and, most importantly with "self-preservation." In the 2000s, we've asked them to learn that concepts of "Cultural Competency," "Bias Awareness," and "De-escalation" can potentially save more lives than marksmanship.

Yet, we ask them to accept being relatively defenseless against the first strike of unprovoked and unexpected aggressive actions. We expect these brave people, whose dreams and fears are no different from our own, to fill out the uniform and wear the badge to accept the risk that a routine day at the office can dash the future plans they share with their own family. We forget their real names: Honey, Sweetheart, Coach, Daddy, Mommy, Sis, Brother, Son, Daughter. It is difficult to express the full gratitude we owe the families of the officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for Salina, Saline County, and the State of Kansas. Let us not forget the obligation we have to prepare and provide our current officers with the tools, talents, and cooperation to assure that each one makes it home safely to his or her family every night. Salina and Saline County: thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

During the ceremony the names of Salina Police Department, Saline County Sheriff's Office, and Kansas Highway Patrol personnel who died in the line of duty were read aloud. Those fallen officers are as follows.

Officer John Stonebraker died by gunfire during an arrest on Feb. 12, 1917.

Officer Tom Carson died by gunfire during an arrest on Nov. 29, 1920.

Officer Olney E. Eaton died in a traffic accident while on duty, May 31, 1942.

Officer Jerry Ivey died by gunfire during an arrest on June 13, 1975.

Sheriff Fred Bell, died of a heart attack on Sept. 17, 1952, after a courtroom struggle with an alleged murderer.

Trooper Maurice R. Plummer died in a traffic accident on Dec. 16, 1944.

Trooper Jimmie Jacobs died in a traffic accident on Oct. 6, 1959.

Trooper John McMurray&nbsp;died in a traffic accident on Dec. 9, 1964.

Lieutenant Bernard Hill died in a traffic accident on May 28, 1967.

Sergeant Eldon Miller died by gunfire on Jan. 19, 1968.

Trooper James D. Thorton died by gunfire on Oct. 2, 1973.

Trooper Conroy O'Brien died by gunfire, May 24, 1978.

Trooper Ferdinand "Bud" Pribbenow died by gunfire on July 11, 1981.

Master Trooper Larry L. Huff died from injuries suffered in a traffic accident on Nov. 3, 1993. He died Nov. 26, 1993.

Master Trooper Dean Goodheart was fatally injured when struck by a vehicle while he was performing a motor carrier safety inspection on Sept. 6, 1995.

The opening and closing prayers were offered by Pastor Loren Houltberg.

Music was provided by the Salina South High School New Dawn Singers, Terry Ferguson on the bag pipes, and Zachary Salas playing Taps.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652902308948.jpeg" alt="Members of the Saline County Sheriff's Office and Salina Police Department salute fallen officers during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony Wednesday in Jerry Ivey Memorial Park. Salina Post photos" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Saline County Sheriff's Office and Salina Police Department salute fallen officers during the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony Wednesday in Jerry Ivey Memorial Park. Salina Post photos</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostIn the very park named in honor of Salina's last fallen police officer, law enforcement personnel, community leaders, and members of the public gathered Wednesday morning to remember those who died in the line of duty.The 2022 Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony got under way at 8 a.m. Wednesday in Jerry Ivey Memorial Park, 2465 Edward Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652902609314.jpeg" alt="Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson speaks during the ceremony." />
 <figcaption>Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson speaks during the ceremony.</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson thanked those in the crowd for attending the ceremony."The officers that you see today greatly appreciate your presence at today's event. In the present climate, we find ourselves in, your support for these officers is paramount in the their day to day mental and physical well-being," Nelson said.Part of the ceremony included the Table Setting for the Fallen, during which members of the Salina Police Department Honor Guard placed symbolic items on a table in tribute to fallen officers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652902697492.jpeg" alt="Members of the Salina Police Department Honor Guard." />
 <figcaption>Members of the Salina Police Department Honor Guard.</figcaption>
 </figure>"As we gather today, I would like to draw your attention to our special table," Officer Laura Faulk said. "The table is set for one. The empty space represents all officers who have fallen in the line of duty. While a setting such as this is used to honor the fallen members of our military, our nation's heroes, a select few have answered another call, one of daily self-sacrifice to protect others. These heroes are the ones sacrificing their family time, working long hours, and rushing into danger when others flee: our law enforcement officers."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652902783630.jpeg" alt="Salina Mayor Trent Davis." />
 <figcaption>Salina Mayor Trent Davis.</figcaption>
 </figure>Later in the ceremony, Salina Mayor Trent Davis also talked of law enforcement officers' sacrifices and all that they are asked to do. Following are his remarks.The job title: Law Enforcement Officer. The job requirements: Watchman, supervisor, director, counselor, sympathizer, consoler, mentor, improviser, strategist, negotiator, gentle yet persuasive, athlete, unafraid, and generally, Superman. We ask them to give 110 percent all the time, no matter what side of the bed they get out of in the morning. We ask for respect for everyone, knowing that not everyone woke up with good in their heart that day. We ask for full concentration, even when their middle school aged child's science project is due in 24 hours. We ask them to walk lightly but carry a big stick, yet also in a split second to balance "innocent 'til proven guilty" with "probable cause" with "implicit bias" with "reasonable force" and, most importantly with "self-preservation." In the 2000s, we've asked them to learn that concepts of "Cultural Competency," "Bias Awareness," and "De-escalation" can potentially save more lives than marksmanship. Yet, we ask them to accept being relatively defenseless against the first strike of unprovoked and unexpected aggressive actions. We expect these brave people, whose dreams and fears are no different from our own, to fill out the uniform and wear the badge to accept the risk that a routine day at the office can dash the future plans they share with their own family. We forget their real names: Honey, Sweetheart, Coach, Daddy, Mommy, Sis, Brother, Son, Daughter. It is difficult to express the full gratitude we owe the families of the officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for Salina, Saline County, and the State of Kansas. Let us not forget the obligation we have to prepare and provide our current officers with the tools, talents, and cooperation to assure that each one makes it home safely to his or her family every night. Salina and Saline County: thank you from the bottom of our hearts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652902883706.jpeg" alt="The Salina Fire Department created a flag-draped arch over the park entryway nearest the ceremony." />
 <figcaption>The Salina Fire Department created a flag-draped arch over the park entryway nearest the ceremony.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the ceremony the names of Salina Police Department, Saline County Sheriff's Office, and Kansas Highway Patrol personnel who died in the line of duty were read aloud. Those fallen officers are as follows.<h2>Salina Police Department</h2>Officer John Stonebraker died by gunfire during an arrest on Feb. 12, 1917.Officer Tom Carson died by gunfire during an arrest on Nov. 29, 1920.Officer Olney E. Eaton died in a traffic accident while on duty, May 31, 1942.Officer Jerry Ivey died by gunfire during an arrest on June 13, 1975.<h2>Saline County Sheriff's Office</h2>Sheriff Fred Bell, died of a heart attack on Sept. 17, 1952, after a courtroom struggle with an alleged murderer.<h2>Kansas Highway Patrol</h2>Trooper Maurice R. Plummer died in a traffic accident on Dec. 16, 1944.Trooper Jimmie Jacobs died in a traffic accident on Oct. 6, 1959.Trooper John McMurray&nbsp;died in a traffic accident on Dec. 9, 1964.Lieutenant Bernard Hill died in a traffic accident on May 28, 1967.Sergeant Eldon Miller died by gunfire on Jan. 19, 1968.Trooper James D. Thorton died by gunfire on Oct. 2, 1973.Trooper Conroy O'Brien died by gunfire, May 24, 1978.Trooper Ferdinand "Bud" Pribbenow died by gunfire on July 11, 1981.Master Trooper Larry L. Huff died from injuries suffered in a traffic accident on Nov. 3, 1993. He died Nov. 26, 1993.Master Trooper Dean Goodheart was fatally injured when struck by a vehicle while he was performing a motor carrier safety inspection on Sept. 6, 1995.The opening and closing prayers were offered by Pastor Loren Houltberg.Music was provided by the Salina South High School New Dawn Singers, Terry Ferguson on the bag pipes, and Zachary Salas playing Taps.

Fallen local officers, troopers remembered during Wednesday ceremony

A longtime educator has been selected as the new Ashby House director.

The Ashby House Board announced Wednesday morning that it had selected Darrell Burgoon as its new director. 

Burgoon is replacing Andy Houltberg, who has taken the CEO position with Breakthrough Episcopal Services in Wichita, according to a release from the Ashby House board. Houltberg was "instrumental in developing a new strategic plan for the organization, stabilizing operations, and building new partnerships with key service organizations in the community," the release noted.

Burgoon has been in public service for the 34 years, 20 years as a teacher and a coach and 14 years as an administrator. The last 10 years he served as principal at Schilling Elementary School. The school has partnered with Ashby House for several different projects.

Burgoon said he "feels blessed to have the opportunity to lead such an amazing organization like the Ashby House, which has done so many amazing things for the Salina Community."

Ashby House has provided homeless and substance abuse services for women and families for 30 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652894450041.png" alt="Darrell Burgoon is the new Ashby House director. Photo courtesy Ashby House" />
 <figcaption>Darrell Burgoon is the new Ashby House director. Photo courtesy Ashby House</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTA longtime educator has been selected as the new Ashby House director.The Ashby House Board announced Wednesday morning that it had selected Darrell Burgoon as its new director. Burgoon is replacing Andy Houltberg, who has taken the CEO position with Breakthrough Episcopal Services in Wichita, according to a release from the Ashby House board. Houltberg was "instrumental in developing a new strategic plan for the organization, stabilizing operations, and building new partnerships with key service organizations in the community," the release noted.Burgoon has been in public service for the 34 years, 20 years as a teacher and a coach and 14 years as an administrator. The last 10 years he served as principal at Schilling Elementary School. The school has partnered with Ashby House for several different projects.Burgoon said he "feels blessed to have the opportunity to lead such an amazing organization like the Ashby House, which has done so many amazing things for the Salina Community."Ashby House has provided homeless and substance abuse services for women and families for 30 years.

Ashby House board selected Burgoon as new director

A Salina man is missing his car after it was stolen from the side of Interstate 135 in far southern Saline County.

The 28-year-old man told deputies that he was northbound on I-135 at approximately 9:15 p.m. Sunday when his tan 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix broke down near milepost 79 a bit north of Bridgeport, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning.

The man left the car parked alongside I-135, and when he returned to retrieve it shortly after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, it was gone. Soldan said that although the Kansas Highway Patrol had marked the car for towing, it had yet to have the car towed. A check with area wrecker services found no one who had towed it, he added.

Additionally, the owner still had the keys to the car in his possession and had secured it before leaving.

The car had a crack in its windshield and a sticker on a window. Soldan said the car had a Kansas license plate of 506MZK. The car was valued at $1,450.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man is missing his car after it was stolen from the side of Interstate 135 in far southern Saline County.The 28-year-old man told deputies that he was northbound on I-135 at approximately 9:15 p.m. Sunday when his tan 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix broke down near milepost 79 a bit north of Bridgeport, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning.The man left the car parked alongside I-135, and when he returned to retrieve it shortly after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, it was gone. Soldan said that although the Kansas Highway Patrol had marked the car for towing, it had yet to have the car towed. A check with area wrecker services found no one who had towed it, he added.Additionally, the owner still had the keys to the car in his possession and had secured it before leaving.The car had a crack in its windshield and a sticker on a window. Soldan said the car had a Kansas license plate of 506MZK. The car was valued at $1,450.

Car belonging to Salina man stolen along Interstate 135

A Salina man was arrested early Wednesday morning after a downtown Salina business was burglarized.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that officers were sent to Airgas, 300 N. Seventh Street, at approximately 12:40 a.m. Wednesday for the report of an alarm going off. When they arrived, they found the southeast door to the business was shattered, with glass from the door inside. Damage to the door was estimated at $1,000. 

Someone had spray painted a number of derogatory terms on the walls and floor, causing an estimated $1,000 in damage, he said. Additionally, a computer monitor and keyboard were damaged for an estimated $1,000 loss.

An employee arrived and said that a can of blue spray paint that had been sitting on a counter was missing. 

Officers searched the area and located two people in the 200 block of N. Santa Fe Avenue. Forrester said the two had a shopping cart with two Powermax plasma welders (valued at $1,600), a number of batteries (valued at $50), a tool bag (valued at $100), and an Airgas jacket (valued at $100). Additionally, one of the people was wearing a welding hat valued at $50.

Forrester said an employee identified all of the items as belonging to Airgas.

One of the two people found with the shopping cart, Michael Gonzalez, 20, of Salina, who had blue spray paint on his hands, was arrested in connection to the burglary, Forrester said.

When Gonzalez was being taken from the police vehicle into the Saline County Jail, he allegedly head-butted an officer, causing a laceration on the officer's head.

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

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man was arrested early Wednesday morning after a downtown Salina business was burglarized.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that officers were sent to Airgas, 300 N. Seventh Street, at approximately 12:40 a.m. Wednesday for the report of an alarm going off. When they arrived, they found the southeast door to the business was shattered, with glass from the door inside. Damage to the door was estimated at $1,000. Someone had spray painted a number of derogatory terms on the walls and floor, causing an estimated $1,000 in damage, he said. Additionally, a computer monitor and keyboard were damaged for an estimated $1,000 loss.An employee arrived and said that a can of blue spray paint that had been sitting on a counter was missing. Officers searched the area and located two people in the 200 block of N. Santa Fe Avenue. Forrester said the two had a shopping cart with two Powermax plasma welders (valued at $1,600), a number of batteries (valued at $50), a tool bag (valued at $100), and an Airgas jacket (valued at $100). Additionally, one of the people was wearing a welding hat valued at $50.Forrester said an employee identified all of the items as belonging to Airgas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652891032973.png" alt="Michael Gonzalez. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Michael Gonzalez. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the two people found with the shopping cart, Michael Gonzalez, 20, of Salina, who had blue spray paint on his hands, was arrested in connection to the burglary, Forrester said.When Gonzalez was being taken from the police vehicle into the Saline County Jail, he allegedly head-butted an officer, causing a laceration on the officer's head.Gonzalez was arrested on the following requested charges, Forrester said.●Burglary●Felony damage to property●Felony theft●Battery of a law enforcement officer

Downtown business burglarized; Salina man arrested

OCCK Transportation is hoping to help raise awareness about food insecurity and adequate nutrition by offering free rides on CityGo and the complementary paratransit program for World Hunger Day, on May 28.

According to <a href="http://worldhungerday.org">worldhungerday.org</a>, more than 2.4 billion people don’t have access to adequate nutrition worldwide.&nbsp; World Hunger Day was founded by The Hunger Project in 2011 to call attention to the global food crisis.&nbsp;

“Transportation should not be an obstacle for access to food and nutrition, “said Michelle Griffin, mobility manager for north-central Kansas.&nbsp; “By offering free rides on World Hunger Day, we hope to help more people increase their access.”

Paratransit rides must be scheduled by 4 p.m. the day before.&nbsp;

OCCK TransportationOCCK Transportation is hoping to help raise awareness about food insecurity and adequate nutrition by offering free rides on CityGo and the complementary paratransit program for World Hunger Day, on May 28.According to <a href="http://worldhungerday.org">worldhungerday.org</a>, more than 2.4 billion people don’t have access to adequate nutrition worldwide.&nbsp; World Hunger Day was founded by The Hunger Project in 2011 to call attention to the global food crisis.&nbsp;“Transportation should not be an obstacle for access to food and nutrition, “said Michelle Griffin, mobility manager for north-central Kansas.&nbsp; “By offering free rides on World Hunger Day, we hope to help more people increase their access.”Paratransit rides must be scheduled by 4 p.m. the day before.&nbsp;

CityGo, paratransit to provide free rides on World Hunger Day

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher It’s beginning to feel and look a lot more like summer is quickly nearing! The kids have wrapped up their school year, the alfalfa is about to bloom, the cows have come home to graze, and the wheat is waving in the warm Kansas winds.&nbsp; After a week of cool rainy days, it’s as if Mother Nature has decided it’s time to contemplate beginning a new season. The days are warmer. The sun is shining brighter. The crops are growing rapidly. Before long there should be first cuttings of alfalfa in fields. The alfalfa’s tiny purple blossoms are beginning to show themselves hinting that it’s getting closer to begin making hay.&nbsp; While driving to town to pick up my kids from their last day of school, the bright blue sky was dotted with planes swooping down to spray fields. The colorful airplanes flying low and running patterns back and forth over fields is a sight I see almost every year around this time.&nbsp; From my porch, the distant buzz of an airplane suggesting a quick descent followed by a plane emerging above tree rows is something that still catches my attention. I can’t help but stop what I’m doing to watch these planes dance through the sky for a few moments before I refocus on my current task. The cattle have returned to the pasture just south of our house to begin their summer grazing. It’s always a happy day when I can look out my kitchen window in the morning and see fat cattle grazing along the creek. The sight and sound of cattle switching their tails and taking slow steps while grazing on lush grass allows me to briefly calm my mind and appreciate a simple moment during this part of the year. In recent afternoons I have caught myself briefly looking out into the wheat fields to soak in the view. The wheat has definitely grown and with the combination of the height of the plants and the continuous wind, it has begun to collectively wave daily. The synchronized movement of green is mesmerizing like ocean waves and is both soothing to watch while also reminding me that the green wheat before me will soon ripen to its golden harvest-ready beauty. Soon we will enter our busy season of summer, but for now, I’ll appreciate moments within these days knowing that summer is definitely in sight!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher It’s beginning to feel and look a lot more like summer is quickly nearing! The kids have wrapped up their school year, the alfalfa is about to bloom, the cows have come home to graze, and the wheat is waving in the warm Kansas winds.&nbsp; After a week of cool rainy days, it’s as if Mother Nature has decided it’s time to contemplate beginning a new season. The days are warmer. The sun is shining brighter. The crops are growing rapidly. Before long there should be first cuttings of alfalfa in fields. The alfalfa’s tiny purple blossoms are beginning to show themselves hinting that it’s getting closer to begin making hay.&nbsp; While driving to town to pick up my kids from their last day of school, the bright blue sky was dotted with planes swooping down to spray fields. The colorful airplanes flying low and running patterns back and forth over fields is a sight I see almost every year around this time.&nbsp; From my porch, the distant buzz of an airplane suggesting a quick descent followed by a plane emerging above tree rows is something that still catches my attention. I can’t help but stop what I’m doing to watch these planes dance through the sky for a few moments before I refocus on my current task. The cattle have returned to the pasture just south of our house to begin their summer grazing. It’s always a happy day when I can look out my kitchen window in the morning and see fat cattle grazing along the creek. The sight and sound of cattle switching their tails and taking slow steps while grazing on lush grass allows me to briefly calm my mind and appreciate a simple moment during this part of the year. In recent afternoons I have caught myself briefly looking out into the wheat fields to soak in the view. The wheat has definitely grown and with the combination of the height of the plants and the continuous wind, it has begun to collectively wave daily. The synchronized movement of green is mesmerizing like ocean waves and is both soothing to watch while also reminding me that the green wheat before me will soon ripen to its golden harvest-ready beauty. Soon we will enter our busy season of summer, but for now, I’ll appreciate moments within these days knowing that summer is definitely in sight!"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2022 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

INSIGHT: Summer in sight

Today is Wednesday, May 18, the 138th day of 2022. There are 227 days left in the year.

On May 18, 1980, the Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington state exploded, leaving 57 people dead or missing.

In 1652, Rhode Island became the first American colony to pass a law abolishing African slavery; however, the law was apparently never enforced.

In 1863, the Siege of Vicksburg began during the Civil War, ending July 4 with a Union victory.

In 1896, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Plessy v. Ferguson, endorsed "separate but equal" racial segregation, a concept renounced 58 years later by Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka.

In 1910, Halley's Comet passed by earth, brushing it with its tail.

In 1927, in America's deadliest school attack, part of a schoolhouse in Bath Township, Michigan, was blown up with explosives planted by local farmer Andrew Kehoe, who then set off a bomb in his truck; the attacks killed 38 children and six adults, including Kehoe, who'd earlier killed his wife. (Authorities said Kehoe, who suffered financial difficulties, was seeking revenge for losing a township clerk election.)

In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a measure creating the Tennessee Valley Authority.

In 1934, Congress approved, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed, the so-called "Lindbergh Act," providing for the death penalty in cases of interstate kidnapping.

In 1973, Harvard law professor Archibald Cox was appointed Watergate special prosecutor by U.S. Attorney General Elliot Richardson.

In 1981, the New York Native, a gay newspaper, carried a story concerning rumors of "an exotic new disease" among homosexuals; it was the first published report about what came to be known as AIDS.

In 1998, the U.S. government filed an antitrust case against Microsoft, saying the powerful software company had a "choke hold" on competitors that was denying consumers important choices about how they bought and used computers. (The Justice Department and Microsoft reached a settlement in 2001.)

In 2015, President Barack Obama ended long-running federal transfers of some combat-style gear to local law enforcement in an attempt to ease tensions between police and minority communities, saying equipment made for the battlefield should not be a tool of American criminal justice.

In 2020, President Donald Trump said he'd been taking a malaria drug, hydroxychloroquine, and a zinc supplement to protect against the coronavirus despite warnings from his own government that the drug should be administered only in a hospital or research setting. Moderna announced that an experimental vaccine against the coronavirus showed encouraging results in early testing.

Ten years ago: Social network Facebook made its trading debut with one of the most highly anticipated IPOs in Wall Street history; however, by day's end, Facebook stock closed up only 23 cents from its initial pricing of $38. In his first meeting with President Barack Obama, French President Francois Hollande declared he would withdraw all French combat troops from Afghanistan by year's end.

Five years ago: President Donald Trump denounced the appointment of a special counsel to investigate his campaign's potential ties with Russia, repeatedly calling it an unprecedented "witch hunt" that "hurts our country terribly." Roger Ailes, who created and ruled Fox News Channel for two decades before being ousted for alleged sexual harassment, died in Palm Beach, Florida, at age 77.

One year ago: Palestinians across Israel and the occupied territories went on strike in a rare collective protest of Israel's policies; the action came as Israeli missiles toppled a six-story building in Gaza and militants in the Hamas-ruled territory fired dozens of rockets that killed two people. The New York attorney general's office said it was conducting a criminal investigation into former President Donald Trump's business empire, expanding what had previously been a civil probe. Actor and writer Charles Grodin, whose films included "Midnight Run" and "The Heartbreak Kid," died in Connecticut of bone marrow cancer at 86.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Priscilla Pointer is 98. Baseball Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson is 84. Actor Candice Azzara is 81. Bluegrass singer-musician Rodney Dillard (The Dillards) is 80. Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson is 76. Former Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., is 74. Country singer Joe Bonsall (The Oak Ridge Boys) is 74. Rock musician Rick Wakeman (Yes) is 73. Rock singer Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo) is 72. Actor James Stephens is 71. Country singer George Strait is 70. Actor Chow Yun-Fat is 67. International Tennis Hall of Famer Yannick Noah is 62. Rock singer-musician Page Hamilton is 62. Contemporary Christian musician Barry Graul (MercyMe) is 61. Contemporary Christian singer Michael Tait is 56. Singer-actor Martika is 53. Comedian-writer Tina Fey is 52. Rock singer Jack Johnson is 47. Country singer David Nail is 43. Actor Matt Long is 42. Actor Allen Leech is 41. Christian singer Francesca Battistelli is 37. Actor Spencer Breslin is 30. Actor Violett Beane is 26. Actor Hala Finley is 13.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, May 18, the 138th day of 2022. There are 227 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On May 18, 1980, the Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington state exploded, leaving 57 people dead or missing.On this date:In 1652, Rhode Island became the first American colony to pass a law abolishing African slavery; however, the law was apparently never enforced.In 1863, the Siege of Vicksburg began during the Civil War, ending July 4 with a Union victory.In 1896, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Plessy v. Ferguson, endorsed "separate but equal" racial segregation, a concept renounced 58 years later by Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka.In 1910, Halley's Comet passed by earth, brushing it with its tail.In 1927, in America's deadliest school attack, part of a schoolhouse in Bath Township, Michigan, was blown up with explosives planted by local farmer Andrew Kehoe, who then set off a bomb in his truck; the attacks killed 38 children and six adults, including Kehoe, who'd earlier killed his wife. (Authorities said Kehoe, who suffered financial difficulties, was seeking revenge for losing a township clerk election.)In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a measure creating the Tennessee Valley Authority.In 1934, Congress approved, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed, the so-called "Lindbergh Act," providing for the death penalty in cases of interstate kidnapping.In 1973, Harvard law professor Archibald Cox was appointed Watergate special prosecutor by U.S. Attorney General Elliot Richardson.In 1981, the New York Native, a gay newspaper, carried a story concerning rumors of "an exotic new disease" among homosexuals; it was the first published report about what came to be known as AIDS.In 1998, the U.S. government filed an antitrust case against Microsoft, saying the powerful software company had a "choke hold" on competitors that was denying consumers important choices about how they bought and used computers. (The Justice Department and Microsoft reached a settlement in 2001.)In 2015, President Barack Obama ended long-running federal transfers of some combat-style gear to local law enforcement in an attempt to ease tensions between police and minority communities, saying equipment made for the battlefield should not be a tool of American criminal justice.In 2020, President Donald Trump said he'd been taking a malaria drug, hydroxychloroquine, and a zinc supplement to protect against the coronavirus despite warnings from his own government that the drug should be administered only in a hospital or research setting. Moderna announced that an experimental vaccine against the coronavirus showed encouraging results in early testing.Ten years ago: Social network Facebook made its trading debut with one of the most highly anticipated IPOs in Wall Street history; however, by day's end, Facebook stock closed up only 23 cents from its initial pricing of $38. In his first meeting with President Barack Obama, French President Francois Hollande declared he would withdraw all French combat troops from Afghanistan by year's end.Five years ago: President Donald Trump denounced the appointment of a special counsel to investigate his campaign's potential ties with Russia, repeatedly calling it an unprecedented "witch hunt" that "hurts our country terribly." Roger Ailes, who created and ruled Fox News Channel for two decades before being ousted for alleged sexual harassment, died in Palm Beach, Florida, at age 77.One year ago: Palestinians across Israel and the occupied territories went on strike in a rare collective protest of Israel's policies; the action came as Israeli missiles toppled a six-story building in Gaza and militants in the Hamas-ruled territory fired dozens of rockets that killed two people. The New York attorney general's office said it was conducting a criminal investigation into former President Donald Trump's business empire, expanding what had previously been a civil probe. Actor and writer Charles Grodin, whose films included "Midnight Run" and "The Heartbreak Kid," died in Connecticut of bone marrow cancer at 86.Today's Birthdays: Actor Priscilla Pointer is 98. Baseball Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson is 84. Actor Candice Azzara is 81. Bluegrass singer-musician Rodney Dillard (The Dillards) is 80. Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson is 76. Former Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., is 74. Country singer Joe Bonsall (The Oak Ridge Boys) is 74. Rock musician Rick Wakeman (Yes) is 73. Rock singer Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo) is 72. Actor James Stephens is 71. Country singer George Strait is 70. Actor Chow Yun-Fat is 67. International Tennis Hall of Famer Yannick Noah is 62. Rock singer-musician Page Hamilton is 62. Contemporary Christian musician Barry Graul (MercyMe) is 61. Contemporary Christian singer Michael Tait is 56. Singer-actor Martika is 53. Comedian-writer Tina Fey is 52. Rock singer Jack Johnson is 47. Country singer David Nail is 43. Actor Matt Long is 42. Actor Allen Leech is 41. Christian singer Francesca Battistelli is 37. Actor Spencer Breslin is 30. Actor Violett Beane is 26. Actor Hala Finley is 13.

Today in History - May 18

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Recent obituaries and service times

Sargent Drilling is now accepting applications for a Pump Setter/Laborer.

· Experience is preferred but will train the right person.

· Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain a CDL license.

· Overnight travel is required at times.

· Benefits include: health and life insurance, 401 (K), and paid vacation.

To inquire more information about this position, please call 785-829-0963. Pre-employment drug test, physical and a driving record review are all required. Sargent Drilling is an equal opportunity employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652469052172.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sargent Drilling is now accepting applications for a Pump Setter/Laborer.· Experience is preferred but will train the right person.· Salary is based on experience.· Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain a CDL license.· Overnight travel is required at times.· Benefits include: health and life insurance, 401 (K), and paid vacation.To inquire more information about this position, please call 785-829-0963. Pre-employment drug test, physical and a driving record review are all required. Sargent Drilling is an equal opportunity employer.

Community Mental Health First Aid Class scheduled for May 25

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday the 11 recipients of the Kansas Tourism Attraction Development Grants. The grants were presented by Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland on May 13 at an event at the Colby Events Center.

“Tourism is the welcoming committee for new residents and businesses in our state,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp;“By continuing to develop vibrant travel destinations across Kansas, we are opening the door to more revenue and new economic growth in communities of all sizes.”

The Attraction Development Grant Program is administered by Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. The grants assist in the expansion of sustainable, market-driven travel experiences within the state that will influence travel decisions, increase visitation to Kansas, and generate economic impact resulting from the creation of jobs, capital investment, and tax revenue.

Kansas Tourism will provide a total of $251,544 in grant funding for eleven new or enhanced attraction development projects across the state. In total, the eleven grant recipients will invest more than $2.1 million toward the approved projects.

“Destination development and tourism are critical economic development activities,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary Toland said. “When people come to one of these attractions, they’ll also dine at our local restaurants, stay at local hotels and shop at local stores. All of this brings new dollars to our communities and helps showcase the great places we have to live, work, and play across Kansas.”

Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau,&nbsp;Dickinson County, $22,000 – World’s Largest Belt Buckle

Baxter Springs Historical Society,&nbsp;Cherokee County, $40,000 – Route 66 Roadside Park

City of Colby,&nbsp;Thomas County, $40,000 –Young Memorial Park Project

Colonial Fox Theatre Foundation,&nbsp;Crawford County, $40,000 – Theatre Pavilion Project

Exploration Place,&nbsp;Sedgwick County, $20,000 – Traveling Exhibit Gallery Improvements

Good Karma Micro-Dairy,&nbsp;Russell County, $3,130 – Agritourism Farm Tour Enhancements

Kansas State Fair,&nbsp;Reno County, $10,699 – Expo Center Enhancements

Medicine Lodge Indian Peace Treaty Association,&nbsp;Barber County, $20,000 – Grounds Improvement Project

Oregon Trail, LLC,&nbsp;Brown County, $40,000 –Glamping Project

Thrive Allen County,&nbsp;Allen County, $2,475 – Walter Johnson Sign

White Tail Run Winery,&nbsp;Douglas County, $13,239 –Disc Golf Course

“Funding these projects is essential for expanding and enhancing Kansas’ vast attraction portfolio”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Kansas Tourism Director, Bridgette Jobe. “This grant supports destinations and communities by spurring economic growth, increasing visitation to Kansas, and enhancing the visitor experience.”

Applications were reviewed by a committee of three Kansas travel industry representatives appointed by Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce, David Toland. The committee made its selections based on the projects’ economic impact to the state, availability of leveraged funding, ability to finish the project within 18 months, and the presence of a sound business and marketing plan. Grant dollars may fund up to 40 percent of a project, with the community or business funding the remaining 60 percent.

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday the 11 recipients of the Kansas Tourism Attraction Development Grants. The grants were presented by Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland on May 13 at an event at the Colby Events Center.“Tourism is the welcoming committee for new residents and businesses in our state,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp;“By continuing to develop vibrant travel destinations across Kansas, we are opening the door to more revenue and new economic growth in communities of all sizes.”The Attraction Development Grant Program is administered by Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. The grants assist in the expansion of sustainable, market-driven travel experiences within the state that will influence travel decisions, increase visitation to Kansas, and generate economic impact resulting from the creation of jobs, capital investment, and tax revenue.Kansas Tourism will provide a total of $251,544 in grant funding for eleven new or enhanced attraction development projects across the state. In total, the eleven grant recipients will invest more than $2.1 million toward the approved projects.“Destination development and tourism are critical economic development activities,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary Toland said. “When people come to one of these attractions, they’ll also dine at our local restaurants, stay at local hotels and shop at local stores. All of this brings new dollars to our communities and helps showcase the great places we have to live, work, and play across Kansas.”The 2022 grant recipients are:Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau,&nbsp;Dickinson County, $22,000 – World’s Largest Belt BuckleBaxter Springs Historical Society,&nbsp;Cherokee County, $40,000 – Route 66 Roadside ParkCity of Colby,&nbsp;Thomas County, $40,000 –Young Memorial Park ProjectColonial Fox Theatre Foundation,&nbsp;Crawford County, $40,000 – Theatre Pavilion ProjectExploration Place,&nbsp;Sedgwick County, $20,000 – Traveling Exhibit Gallery ImprovementsGood Karma Micro-Dairy,&nbsp;Russell County, $3,130 – Agritourism Farm Tour EnhancementsKansas State Fair,&nbsp;Reno County, $10,699 – Expo Center EnhancementsMedicine Lodge Indian Peace Treaty Association,&nbsp;Barber County, $20,000 – Grounds Improvement ProjectOregon Trail, LLC,&nbsp;Brown County, $40,000 –Glamping ProjectThrive Allen County,&nbsp;Allen County, $2,475 – Walter Johnson SignWhite Tail Run Winery,&nbsp;Douglas County, $13,239 –Disc Golf Course“Funding these projects is essential for expanding and enhancing Kansas’ vast attraction portfolio”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Kansas Tourism Director, Bridgette Jobe. “This grant supports destinations and communities by spurring economic growth, increasing visitation to Kansas, and enhancing the visitor experience.”Applications were reviewed by a committee of three Kansas travel industry representatives appointed by Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce, David Toland. The committee made its selections based on the projects’ economic impact to the state, availability of leveraged funding, ability to finish the project within 18 months, and the presence of a sound business and marketing plan. Grant dollars may fund up to 40 percent of a project, with the community or business funding the remaining 60 percent.

Abilene CVB one of 11 tourism grant recipients

The Salina Public Library is making summer official! From the Salina Public Library Facebook page:

Summer kicks off at the library THIS Friday!

Stop by the library anytime from 5-7 p.m. for carnival games, face painting, price giveaways (for youth &amp; adults), hot dogs/chips and more! Library staff will also be on site to discuss all the programs &amp; events on tap for Summer at the Library.

There is no need to register — just drop in anytime!

The Salina Public Library is making summer official! From the Salina Public Library Facebook page:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652823559220.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy Salina Public Library" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Salina Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>Summer kicks off at the library THIS Friday!Stop by the library anytime from 5-7 p.m. for carnival games, face painting, price giveaways (for youth &amp; adults), hot dogs/chips and more! Library staff will also be on site to discuss all the programs &amp; events on tap for Summer at the Library.There is no need to register — just drop in anytime!

Salina Public Library plans to kick off summer on Friday

All warnings have expired or been canceled.

Check the radar on the <a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Salina Post Severe Weather page</a>.

National Weather ServiceAll warnings have expired or been canceled.Check the radar on the <a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Salina Post Severe Weather page</a>.

UPDATE: Area severe thunderstorm warnings end

UPDATE 8:40 a.m. Tuesday: A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the remainder of the counties in our area.

The National Weathe Service's Storm Predition Center in Norman, Okla., has issued a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 4 a.m. Wednesday for the following counties in our area.

The National Weathe Service's Storm Predition Center in Norman, Okla., has issued a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until midnight for the following counties in our area.

UPDATE 8:40 a.m. Tuesday: A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the remainder of the counties in our area. The National Weathe Service's Storm Predition Center in Norman, Okla., has issued a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 4 a.m. Wednesday for the following counties in our area.Dickinson CountyMarion CountyMcPherson CountySaline CountyThe National Weathe Service's Storm Predition Center in Norman, Okla., has issued a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until midnight for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyEllsworth CountyJewell CountyLincoln CountyMitchell CountyOttawa CountyRepublic County

UPDATE: Severe thunderstorm watches issued for all area counties

A complex of thunderstorms will impact portions of central and eastern Kansas this evening and tonight. The main hazards will be quarter sized hail and damaging winds of 60-70 mph. Stay weather aware!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652822730756.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>National Weather ServiceA complex of thunderstorms will impact portions of central and eastern Kansas this evening and tonight. The main hazards will be quarter sized hail and damaging winds of 60-70 mph. Stay weather aware!

Storms, if they happen tonight, could include hail, high winds

Other Kansas schools, districts recognized for character development

TOPEKA — Two Kansas elementary schools are being recognized for their focus on strong character development.

Beloit Elementary School, Beloit Unified School District 273, was announced Tuesday as a 2022 National School of Character, and McClure Elementary School, Topeka USD 501, was recognized as a State School of Character.

Recognition is given through the&nbsp;<a>Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program&nbsp;</a>and sponsoring organizations - <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a>, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and the Smoky Hill Education Service Center.

Beloit Elementary and McClure Elementary are among 69 schools and two school districts across the country to be certified by <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a> as 2022 State Schools of Character.

Beloit Elementary was one of 50 schools and two districts designated as National Schools and Districts of Character.

&nbsp;“We are proud of the exceptional work of Beloit and McClure elementary schools to ensure students are developing strong character development skills,” said Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson. “For our students to be truly successful, we must value character development as much as we value academic attainment.”

Character.org will honor the 2022 National Schools and Districts of Character at its next International Forum, which will take place virtually Oct. 19-20, 2022.

“Each of these schools has put into place a comprehensive approach that inspires their students to understand, care about and consistently practice a set of core values that will enable them to flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace and as citizens,” according to character.org.

Beloit Elementary began to delve into character education in 1999 when the school received a special education grant to implement character education in the school setting. A renewed focus started a few years ago when the elementary school was named a part of the Gemini Kansans Can School Redesign Project and social-emotional skills became one of the main focus areas.

The school promotes three core values – respect, responsibility and readiness to learn. Beloit Elementary also connects the Six Pillars of Character (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship) to the 16 Boys Town Life Skills and the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. Morning announcements include one skill each week, the pillar of the month and students recite the character pledge. School leaders also developed a character rubric so students, staff members and families are all on the same page when it comes to behavioral expectations. Students also have a 30-minute dedicated time slot each day to work on building character skills.

Various Beloit Elementary staff members serve on a Character Education Committee that meets twice a month, and time is designated at staff meetings to discuss character education progress and focus on the three core values.

Students coordinate assemblies that help build character, apply for and hold leadership jobs and have cross-grade-level building buddies. Students also worked with city officials on the Thierolf Park Project to identify new ways to use it. Students took measurements, researched ideas and costs, created pictures and met with city officials to discuss funding options. Students also had a food drive project. They met with the local food pantry director to learn what items were needed, how many individuals use the pantry and how it impacts the community.

McClure Elementary School was certified as a National School of Character in 2017 and staff members and students have continued to work hard to build on the framework. At the center of the school’s character education approach is the House System, which is intentional, comprehensive and proactive in building relationships, cohesiveness and a caring school culture.

Under the House System, there are four houses named after the Six Pillars of Good Characters – Fidato House (trustworthiness); Kujali House (caring); Respecto House (respect); and Zimmedaaree House (responsibility). Students and staff members are placed in different houses and meet weekly. The House System allows students to connect with each other, provides leadership and service opportunities and allows for students-staff connections.

Also, instead of an individual being recognized, Houses are recognized. Each House is responsible for conducting at least two service projects each school year. This has more than doubled the number of service projects that students participate in and has provided more opportunities for community connections.

Shared leadership and making data-driven decisions are demonstrated by the creation of a staff member Morale Committee, Mental Health Team and a student data review team. Student data is reviewed weekly during staff collaboration meetings to make instruction decisions for students’ academics, as well as social-emotional skill development. Other pieces of data, such as the school climate survey, attendance and bullying, are reviewed by staff members during professional development days and weekly collaboration meetings. These opportunities have given staff members time to reflect and make data-driven decisions.

The State Schools of Character award program recognizes schools and districts that have worked to enhance social, emotional and character development. <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a> certifies schools and districts at the state level that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development, which has been shown to have a positive effect on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate, according to character.org. <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a> was founded in 1993 and is a national nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. Since its inception, <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a>’s Schools of Character program has impacted nearly 3 million students, staff members, parents and other community members.

Criteria for selection are based on <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a>’s ​11 Principles of Character, which include providing students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership and engaging families and communities as partners in the character-building effort.&nbsp;

More information on Kansas’ Social, Emotional and Character Development Standards, which the state adopted in 2012, is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/Content-Area-M-Z/School-Counseling/Social-Emotional-and-Character-Development" target="_blank">http://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/Content-Area-M-Z/School-Counseling/Social-Emotional-and-Character-Development</a>. The 11 Principles of Effective Character Education by Character.org are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.character.org/" target="_blank">www.character.org</a>.

Three elementary schools and two school districts received Shifting School Culture Recognition through the Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program. This recognizes schools and districts that have developed and implemented a social-emotional character development (SECD) initiative or program for at least one year and are transforming the school/district culture, as well as growing students’ SECD skills.<a></a>

The three elementary schools and two districts receiving Shifting School Culture Recognition are:

●Lincoln Elementary School, Lincoln USD 298

●Alta Brown Elementary School, Garden City USD 457

●Lincoln Elementary School, Hays USD 489.

Ten schools and three school districts received Enhanced Spotlight Recognition through the Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program. This recognizes schools and districts that are implementing new initiatives or are enhancing existing initiatives that will strengthen the SECD skills in their students and school climate.<a></a>

The 10 schools and three districts receiving Enhanced Spotlight Recognition are:

●Remington Elementary School, Remington-Whitewater USD 206 (Whitewater)

●Lakeside Junior-Senior High School, Waconda USD 272, (Cawker City)

●Lincoln Elementary School, Hays USD 489

●South Hutchinson Elementary School, Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309

●Ellsworth Elementary School, Ellsworth USD 327

●Mission Valley Junior-Senior High School, Mission Valley USD 330 (Eskridge)

●Garden City Achieve, Garden City USD 457

●Georgia Matthews Elementary School, Garden City USD 457

●Spring Valley Elementary School, Geary County USD 475 (Junction City)

●RISE Wilroads Gardens, Southwest Kansas Area Cooperative USD 613 (Dodge City)

For more information about State Schools of Character or National Schools of Character, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://character.org/" target="_blank">https://character.org/</a>. For more information about KSDE, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksde.org/" target="_blank">www.ksde.org</a>. For more information about Smoky Hill Education Service Center, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.smokyhill.org&amp;c=E,1,tk_Dy1bkBZLUvetRJxyuKEq_xYgrYZlkilMUGVMKof9l1VMbsqPzWbC_BWbHph1bFqLYyfXfL3i7cCngkFq9AqneFGHB993K-K7-e_9o&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">www.smokyhill.org</a>.

<h2>Other Kansas schools, districts recognized for character development</h2>TOPEKA — Two Kansas elementary schools are being recognized for their focus on strong character development.Beloit Elementary School, Beloit Unified School District 273, was announced Tuesday as a 2022 National School of Character, and McClure Elementary School, Topeka USD 501, was recognized as a State School of Character.Recognition is given through the&nbsp;<a>Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program&nbsp;</a>and sponsoring organizations - <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a>, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and the Smoky Hill Education Service Center.Beloit Elementary and McClure Elementary are among 69 schools and two school districts across the country to be certified by <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a> as 2022 State Schools of Character.Beloit Elementary was one of 50 schools and two districts designated as National Schools and Districts of Character.&nbsp;“We are proud of the exceptional work of Beloit and McClure elementary schools to ensure students are developing strong character development skills,” said Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson. “For our students to be truly successful, we must value character development as much as we value academic attainment.”Character.org will honor the 2022 National Schools and Districts of Character at its next International Forum, which will take place virtually Oct. 19-20, 2022.“Each of these schools has put into place a comprehensive approach that inspires their students to understand, care about and consistently practice a set of core values that will enable them to flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace and as citizens,” according to character.org.Beloit Elementary began to delve into character education in 1999 when the school received a special education grant to implement character education in the school setting. A renewed focus started a few years ago when the elementary school was named a part of the Gemini Kansans Can School Redesign Project and social-emotional skills became one of the main focus areas.The school promotes three core values – respect, responsibility and readiness to learn. Beloit Elementary also connects the Six Pillars of Character (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship) to the 16 Boys Town Life Skills and the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. Morning announcements include one skill each week, the pillar of the month and students recite the character pledge. School leaders also developed a character rubric so students, staff members and families are all on the same page when it comes to behavioral expectations. Students also have a 30-minute dedicated time slot each day to work on building character skills.Various Beloit Elementary staff members serve on a Character Education Committee that meets twice a month, and time is designated at staff meetings to discuss character education progress and focus on the three core values.Students coordinate assemblies that help build character, apply for and hold leadership jobs and have cross-grade-level building buddies. Students also worked with city officials on the Thierolf Park Project to identify new ways to use it. Students took measurements, researched ideas and costs, created pictures and met with city officials to discuss funding options. Students also had a food drive project. They met with the local food pantry director to learn what items were needed, how many individuals use the pantry and how it impacts the community.McClure Elementary School was certified as a National School of Character in 2017 and staff members and students have continued to work hard to build on the framework. At the center of the school’s character education approach is the House System, which is intentional, comprehensive and proactive in building relationships, cohesiveness and a caring school culture.Under the House System, there are four houses named after the Six Pillars of Good Characters – Fidato House (trustworthiness); Kujali House (caring); Respecto House (respect); and Zimmedaaree House (responsibility). Students and staff members are placed in different houses and meet weekly. The House System allows students to connect with each other, provides leadership and service opportunities and allows for students-staff connections.Also, instead of an individual being recognized, Houses are recognized. Each House is responsible for conducting at least two service projects each school year. This has more than doubled the number of service projects that students participate in and has provided more opportunities for community connections.Shared leadership and making data-driven decisions are demonstrated by the creation of a staff member Morale Committee, Mental Health Team and a student data review team. Student data is reviewed weekly during staff collaboration meetings to make instruction decisions for students’ academics, as well as social-emotional skill development. Other pieces of data, such as the school climate survey, attendance and bullying, are reviewed by staff members during professional development days and weekly collaboration meetings. These opportunities have given staff members time to reflect and make data-driven decisions.The State Schools of Character award program recognizes schools and districts that have worked to enhance social, emotional and character development. <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a> certifies schools and districts at the state level that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development, which has been shown to have a positive effect on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate, according to character.org. <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a> was founded in 1993 and is a national nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. Since its inception, <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a>’s Schools of Character program has impacted nearly 3 million students, staff members, parents and other community members.Criteria for selection are based on <a href="http://Character.org">Character.org</a>’s ​11 Principles of Character, which include providing students with opportunities for moral action, fostering shared leadership and engaging families and communities as partners in the character-building effort.&nbsp;More information on Kansas’ Social, Emotional and Character Development Standards, which the state adopted in 2012, is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/Content-Area-M-Z/School-Counseling/Social-Emotional-and-Character-Development" target="_blank">http://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/Content-Area-M-Z/School-Counseling/Social-Emotional-and-Character-Development</a>. The 11 Principles of Effective Character Education by Character.org are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.character.org/" target="_blank">www.character.org</a>.Three elementary schools and two school districts received Shifting School Culture Recognition through the Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program. This recognizes schools and districts that have developed and implemented a social-emotional character development (SECD) initiative or program for at least one year and are transforming the school/district culture, as well as growing students’ SECD skills.<a></a>The three elementary schools and two districts receiving Shifting School Culture Recognition are:●Lincoln Elementary School, Lincoln USD 298●Chaparral USD 361●Dodge City USD 443●Alta Brown Elementary School, Garden City USD 457●Lincoln Elementary School, Hays USD 489. Ten schools and three school districts received Enhanced Spotlight Recognition through the Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program. This recognizes schools and districts that are implementing new initiatives or are enhancing existing initiatives that will strengthen the SECD skills in their students and school climate.<a></a>The 10 schools and three districts receiving Enhanced Spotlight Recognition are:●Remington Elementary School, Remington-Whitewater USD 206 (Whitewater)●Spring Hill USD 230●Lakeside Junior-Senior High School, Waconda USD 272, (Cawker City) ●Central Heights USD 288 (Richmond)●Lincoln Elementary School, Hays USD 489●South Hutchinson Elementary School, Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309●Ellsworth Elementary School, Ellsworth USD 327●Mission Valley Junior-Senior High School, Mission Valley USD 330 (Eskridge)●Southern Cloud USD 334 (Miltonvale)●Garden City Achieve, Garden City USD 457●Georgia Matthews Elementary School, Garden City USD 457●Spring Valley Elementary School, Geary County USD 475 (Junction City)●RISE Wilroads Gardens, Southwest Kansas Area Cooperative USD 613 (Dodge City)For more information about State Schools of Character or National Schools of Character, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://character.org/" target="_blank">https://character.org/</a>. For more information about KSDE, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksde.org/" target="_blank">www.ksde.org</a>. For more information about Smoky Hill Education Service Center, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.smokyhill.org&amp;c=E,1,tk_Dy1bkBZLUvetRJxyuKEq_xYgrYZlkilMUGVMKof9l1VMbsqPzWbC_BWbHph1bFqLYyfXfL3i7cCngkFq9AqneFGHB993K-K7-e_9o&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">www.smokyhill.org</a>.

Beloit Elementary named National School of Character

Award-winning singer-songwriter Don McLean is bringing his American Pie 50th Anniversary World Tour to Salina this summer.

McLean is scheduled to perform at 7:30 p.m. July 14 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.

Tickets start at $55 and go on sale at noon on Friday. Buy online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>, by calling the Stiefel at 785-827-1998, or in person at the Stiefel box office. The box office is open for phone or walk-up sales from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic songs and album ever this year, McLean will entertain fans across the continent throughout nearly 30 cities from Honolulu to Toronto and everything improving that "bye-bye, Miss American Pie" will forever remain a classic staple in American music.

"After spending the past 18 months at home, I am thrilled to be getting back on the road with my band," McLean said. "2022 marks the 50th anniversary from when American Pie landed at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard chart and we will be celebrating on tour all year long. We will be performing all the songs from the American Pie album plus many of the other hits that fans will be expecting to hear."

As tragic as the backstory behind the song American Pie is with the much too early death of the new rock'n'roll-hope Buddy Holly, the track is also magnificent and legendary. And American Pie still goes to heart as soon as originator McLean plays this classic at his concerts. Still, it's worth remembering that the 76-year-old composer has written and sung numerous other melodic and harmonic successes in his decades-long career with Vincent (Starry Starry Night), Castles in the Air, And I Love You So, and Cryin', all of which will be heard and reveled in along with newer pieces on the upcoming tour.

The eight-and-a-half-minute ballad American Pie has been making history since its release in 1971. Alongside songs by other icons such as Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Woody Guthrie, and Aretha Franklin, McLean's composition was also voted Song of the 20th Century. Handwritten lyrics to the song were auctioned off for more than $1.2 million in 2015, and the composition was added to the Library Of Congress National Recording Registry two years later. Here, you'll only find a few selected evergreens, such as Somewhere Over The Rainbow. So much for the cultural significance of McLean and his 1971 stroke of genius!

Over the years, the song has been covered again and again by music icons like Madonna and Garth Brooks. Rapper Drake repeatedly sampled McLean tunes and hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur also cited him as an important influence.

Accordingly, the complete discography of the legendary and still active singer-songwriter is also significant. Among other things, McLean has a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame and was inducted into the National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters' Hall Of Fame in 2004.

And he never gets tired of writing new songs and new stories. In 2018, the sound senior released his 19th studio album, Botanical Gardens&nbsp; which received rave reviews. Songs from it subsequently proved themselves live and will maybe even find their way into the setlist next year, alongside American Pie and all the other feats from this decades-spanning and unparalleled composition and performance career.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652817359808.png" alt="Don McLean is scheduled to perform in the Stiefel Theatre on July 14. Photo courtesy Stiefel Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Don McLean is scheduled to perform in the Stiefel Theatre on July 14. Photo courtesy Stiefel Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedAward-winning singer-songwriter Don McLean is bringing his American Pie 50th Anniversary World Tour to Salina this summer.McLean is scheduled to perform at 7:30 p.m. July 14 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.Tickets start at $55 and go on sale at noon on Friday. Buy online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>, by calling the Stiefel at 785-827-1998, or in person at the Stiefel box office. The box office is open for phone or walk-up sales from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.Celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic songs and album ever this year, McLean will entertain fans across the continent throughout nearly 30 cities from Honolulu to Toronto and everything improving that "bye-bye, Miss American Pie" will forever remain a classic staple in American music."After spending the past 18 months at home, I am thrilled to be getting back on the road with my band," McLean said. "2022 marks the 50th anniversary from when American Pie landed at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard chart and we will be celebrating on tour all year long. We will be performing all the songs from the American Pie album plus many of the other hits that fans will be expecting to hear."As tragic as the backstory behind the song American Pie is with the much too early death of the new rock'n'roll-hope Buddy Holly, the track is also magnificent and legendary. And American Pie still goes to heart as soon as originator McLean plays this classic at his concerts. Still, it's worth remembering that the 76-year-old composer has written and sung numerous other melodic and harmonic successes in his decades-long career with Vincent (Starry Starry Night), Castles in the Air, And I Love You So, and Cryin', all of which will be heard and reveled in along with newer pieces on the upcoming tour.The eight-and-a-half-minute ballad American Pie has been making history since its release in 1971. Alongside songs by other icons such as Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Woody Guthrie, and Aretha Franklin, McLean's composition was also voted Song of the 20th Century. Handwritten lyrics to the song were auctioned off for more than $1.2 million in 2015, and the composition was added to the Library Of Congress National Recording Registry two years later. Here, you'll only find a few selected evergreens, such as Somewhere Over The Rainbow. So much for the cultural significance of McLean and his 1971 stroke of genius!Over the years, the song has been covered again and again by music icons like Madonna and Garth Brooks. Rapper Drake repeatedly sampled McLean tunes and hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur also cited him as an important influence.Accordingly, the complete discography of the legendary and still active singer-songwriter is also significant. Among other things, McLean has a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame and was inducted into the National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters' Hall Of Fame in 2004.And he never gets tired of writing new songs and new stories. In 2018, the sound senior released his 19th studio album, Botanical Gardens&nbsp; which received rave reviews. Songs from it subsequently proved themselves live and will maybe even find their way into the setlist next year, alongside American Pie and all the other feats from this decades-spanning and unparalleled composition and performance career.

Singer-songwriter Don McLean coming to the Stiefel Theatre in July

A minor earthquake struck under the Salina Regional Airport this morning.

According to the Kansas Geological Survey, a 2.2 magnitude quake struck at 7:55 a.m. Tuesday.

By SALINA POSTA minor earthquake struck under the Salina Regional Airport this morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652811892880.jpeg" alt="The 7:55 a.m. Tuesday, 2.2 magnitude Saline County earthquake. Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey" />
 <figcaption>The 7:55 a.m. Tuesday, 2.2 magnitude Saline County earthquake. Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the Kansas Geological Survey, a 2.2 magnitude quake struck at 7:55 a.m. Tuesday.

Small earthquake rattles part of Salina Regional Airport Tuesday

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan will be one of five Kansas sheriffs accompanying U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) to the United States border with Mexico on Thursday, according to information from the senator's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592450857132.png" alt="Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTSaline County Sheriff Roger Soldan will be one of five Kansas sheriffs accompanying U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) to the United States border with Mexico on Thursday, according to information from the senator's office.In announcing the trip, Marshall's office reported that the senator and sheriffs will travel to the border on Thursday "for briefings, tours, and meetings with border patrol officials, within DHS and the state of Texas. The trip comes amid the pending expiration of Title 42 and the growing fentanyl crisis that is wreaking havoc in Kansas and across the nation."May 10 marked the nation's first National Fentanyl Awareness Day. In a news release about the awareness day, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) noted, "Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. It is inexpensive, widely available, and highly addictive. Drug traffickers are increasingly mixing fentanyl with other illicit drugs—in powder and pill form—to drive addiction and create repeat customers. Many people who are overdosing and dying don’t even know that they are taking fentanyl." The DEA St. Louis Division seized 180 kilograms of fentanyl in FY2021, nearly as much as the previous two years combined. The division includes the states of Missouri and Kansas, as well as southern Illinois.In addition to Soldan, sheriffs scheduled to attend include Johnson County Sheriff Calvin Hayden, Shawnee County Sheriff Brian Hill, Franklin County Sheriff Jeff Richards, and Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

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