TOPEKA — Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.5% in March. This was unchanged from 2.5% in February and a decrease from 3.5% in March 2021.

“The Kansas unemployment rate held steady at 2.5% in March,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “Despite a slowdown in job growth this month, Kansas employers continue to show gains compared to last year.”

Saline County saw a tiny increase in the jobless rate from 2.6 percent in February to 2.7 percent in March.&nbsp; Lincoln, Clay, Dickinson and McPherson counties were also up slightly. The rate in Ellsworth County fell from 2.3 to 2.2 percent.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 2,300 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 1,800 over the month, while government decreased by 500.

“Kansas hourly wages trended higher in March, rising 6.6% over the year,” said Labor Economist Nathan Kessler. “However, due to continued inflationary pressure, Kansas real hourly earnings declined by 1.8% compared to March 2021.”

Since March 2021 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 19,900. This change is due to an increase of 20,500 private sector jobs and a decrease of 600 government jobs.

The April 2022 Labor Report will be released on Friday, May 20.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650294285258.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.5% in March. This was unchanged from 2.5% in February and a decrease from 3.5% in March 2021.“The Kansas unemployment rate held steady at 2.5% in March,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “Despite a slowdown in job growth this month, Kansas employers continue to show gains compared to last year.”Saline County saw a tiny increase in the jobless rate from 2.6 percent in February to 2.7 percent in March.&nbsp; Lincoln, Clay, Dickinson and McPherson counties were also up slightly. The rate in Ellsworth County fell from 2.3 to 2.2 percent.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 2,300 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 1,800 over the month, while government decreased by 500.“Kansas hourly wages trended higher in March, rising 6.6% over the year,” said Labor Economist Nathan Kessler. “However, due to continued inflationary pressure, Kansas real hourly earnings declined by 1.8% compared to March 2021.”Since March 2021 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 19,900. This change is due to an increase of 20,500 private sector jobs and a decrease of 600 government jobs.The April 2022 Labor Report will be released on Friday, May 20.

Jobless rate remains low in Saline County, across the region

Community health extends beyond medical services

By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – Public health – often – is taken for granted.&nbsp;

No matter where humans live, work, learn or play, many expect that they will have an equal opportunity to be healthy.&nbsp;

Kansas State University extension agents Tristen Cope and Clara Wicoff know, however, that is not always the case. They’re part of a group of 25 extension professionals in the north-central part of the country that is taking a long look at health in America’s communities – and what they can do to encourage equal access for all.&nbsp;

“More broadly,” said Cope, the family and youth development agent for the Chisholm Trail Extension District, “we are looking at the community base for health, organizations, and the policies that support health at the local, state and federal level.”&nbsp;

Many associate a community’s health with the availability of doctors, health care businesses and other medical providers. But public health includes such factors as having access to grocery stores; safe water to drink and air to breathe; and even trails for exercise.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, national health experts and representatives of U.S. land-grant universities released a report titled,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aplu.org/CES-EqHealth" target="_blank">Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well Being</a>, which provides a framework for improving health and achieving health equity in America.&nbsp;

Further, it helps local extension agents identify the ways that they can more effectively lead their communities around barriers to health.&nbsp;

“One of my biggest projects is tackling the childcare crisis,” Cope said, noting that Marion County meets just 31% of the need for childcare, and neighboring Dickinson meets 50% of the need.&nbsp;

“We have community members calling in saying they can’t find anywhere to take their child so that they can go to work. This has become a work force issue. We’re working to bring more providers together, establishing more centers and supporting the work force. We’ve been able to get more local government involvement because of its impact on the work force and the (county’s) ability to bring new individuals to live in the county.”&nbsp;

Wicoff, who serves Woodson, Allen, Bourbon and Neosho counties as part of the Southwind Extension District, is helping local communities address food insecurity, having formed partnerships with farmer’s markets, a food bucks program and coalitions that promote food access to people of all backgrounds.&nbsp;

“If people don’t have their basic needs met, it’s really difficult for them to benefit from what we’re offering in extension,” Wicoff said.&nbsp;

Cope notes that, in her case, meeting the need for childcare affects a community’s economic stability and the child’s education.&nbsp;

“If those two areas are not being met, it sets up a greater challenge for later life development,” she said. “Childhood is such an essential time; it’s when 90% of your learning is happening. When everyone does not have access to early learning, that becomes a social determinant of health that then becomes a public health issue.”&nbsp;

Cope and Wicoff were selected to participate in an 18-week course titled Public Health Essentials, aimed to increase their public health competence. The program is sponsored by the&nbsp;<a href="https://4-h.org/" target="_blank">National 4-H Council</a>&nbsp;with support from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rwjf.org/" target="_blank">Robert Wood Johnson Foundation</a>.&nbsp;

More information about community health, including efforts that may be underway in your community, is available from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html" target="_blank">local extension offices in Kansas</a>.&nbsp;

<h2>Community health extends beyond medical services</h2>By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN – Public health – often – is taken for granted.&nbsp;No matter where humans live, work, learn or play, many expect that they will have an equal opportunity to be healthy.&nbsp;Kansas State University extension agents Tristen Cope and Clara Wicoff know, however, that is not always the case. They’re part of a group of 25 extension professionals in the north-central part of the country that is taking a long look at health in America’s communities – and what they can do to encourage equal access for all.&nbsp;“More broadly,” said Cope, the family and youth development agent for the Chisholm Trail Extension District, “we are looking at the community base for health, organizations, and the policies that support health at the local, state and federal level.”&nbsp;Many associate a community’s health with the availability of doctors, health care businesses and other medical providers. But public health includes such factors as having access to grocery stores; safe water to drink and air to breathe; and even trails for exercise.&nbsp;Earlier this year, national health experts and representatives of U.S. land-grant universities released a report titled,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aplu.org/CES-EqHealth" target="_blank">Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well Being</a>, which provides a framework for improving health and achieving health equity in America.&nbsp;Further, it helps local extension agents identify the ways that they can more effectively lead their communities around barriers to health.&nbsp;“One of my biggest projects is tackling the childcare crisis,” Cope said, noting that Marion County meets just 31% of the need for childcare, and neighboring Dickinson meets 50% of the need.&nbsp;“We have community members calling in saying they can’t find anywhere to take their child so that they can go to work. This has become a work force issue. We’re working to bring more providers together, establishing more centers and supporting the work force. We’ve been able to get more local government involvement because of its impact on the work force and the (county’s) ability to bring new individuals to live in the county.”&nbsp;Wicoff, who serves Woodson, Allen, Bourbon and Neosho counties as part of the Southwind Extension District, is helping local communities address food insecurity, having formed partnerships with farmer’s markets, a food bucks program and coalitions that promote food access to people of all backgrounds.&nbsp;“If people don’t have their basic needs met, it’s really difficult for them to benefit from what we’re offering in extension,” Wicoff said.&nbsp;Cope notes that, in her case, meeting the need for childcare affects a community’s economic stability and the child’s education.&nbsp;“If those two areas are not being met, it sets up a greater challenge for later life development,” she said. “Childhood is such an essential time; it’s when 90% of your learning is happening. When everyone does not have access to early learning, that becomes a social determinant of health that then becomes a public health issue.”&nbsp;Cope and Wicoff were selected to participate in an 18-week course titled Public Health Essentials, aimed to increase their public health competence. The program is sponsored by the&nbsp;<a href="https://4-h.org/" target="_blank">National 4-H Council</a>&nbsp;with support from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rwjf.org/" target="_blank">Robert Wood Johnson Foundation</a>.&nbsp;More information about community health, including efforts that may be underway in your community, is available from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html" target="_blank">local extension offices in Kansas</a>.&nbsp;

Kansas extension agents initiating public health efforts

CONCORDIA - Central National Bank has presented a check for $10,000 for Cloud County Community College’s Technical Education and Innovation Center. 

The 33,725 square foot facility will house academic programs including renewable energy, nursing and allied health, and agriculture and industrial technology.

“One of our favorite ways to support the community is to give back to our local schools,” said Janet Lowell, senior vice president of retail for Central National Bank. “We’re pleased to help provide the funding to improve the facilities used by college students at CCCC. As an alumna of CCCC I’m very pleased that our bank’s values support innovation and adaptability and offer this opportunity to support our communities and the Kansas economy through education and investing in the future of our students.”

CCCC’s Technical Education and Innovation Center will positively impact the number of workers in Kansas by providing the needed education and skills to support occupational groups expected to grow employment from 2019-2029.

“CCCC’s Technical Education and Innovation Center is in direct response to the educational and workforce needs of Kansas,” said Amber Knoettgen, CCCC president. “This project will provide state-of-the-art access to quality education in high-wage, high-demand careers.”

CCCCCONCORDIA - Central National Bank has presented a check for $10,000 for Cloud County Community College’s Technical Education and Innovation Center. The 33,725 square foot facility will house academic programs including renewable energy, nursing and allied health, and agriculture and industrial technology.“One of our favorite ways to support the community is to give back to our local schools,” said Janet Lowell, senior vice president of retail for Central National Bank. “We’re pleased to help provide the funding to improve the facilities used by college students at CCCC. As an alumna of CCCC I’m very pleased that our bank’s values support innovation and adaptability and offer this opportunity to support our communities and the Kansas economy through education and investing in the future of our students.”CCCC’s Technical Education and Innovation Center will positively impact the number of workers in Kansas by providing the needed education and skills to support occupational groups expected to grow employment from 2019-2029.“CCCC’s Technical Education and Innovation Center is in direct response to the educational and workforce needs of Kansas,” said Amber Knoettgen, CCCC president. “This project will provide state-of-the-art access to quality education in high-wage, high-demand careers.”

Central National Bank donates $10,000 for CCCC tech building

Opening night for KWU’s spring musical, Sugar, is fast approaching!

 Opening night, part of Spring Alumni, Family &amp; Community Weekend, is Thursday at 7:30 p.m. A brief reception will precede the performance in The Gallery in Sams Hall of Fine Arts.

Additional showings of the musical will be held Friday (7:30 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.).

READ: KWU: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0be5a3e5-664c-41a8-97c1-2eb122d8db7c">Spring Alumni, Family &amp; Community Weekend set</a>

Tickets are $8 for adults, $3 for students or children and free for anyone with a KWU ID.

“The musical is based on the film version of Some Like It Hot, and we follow the story of the title character, Sugar,”&nbsp;said Karen Babcock Brassea, KWU’s associate professor of theatre arts and stage director . “The conflict arises when two out-of-work musicians witness a mob hit. The only job that will take them out of town is an all-girls band. The story follows how they happen to join that band and the craziness that ensues.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

To purchase tickets for Sugar or see other events during Spring Alumni, Family &amp; Community Weekend, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/springweekend" target="_blank">www.kwu.edu/springweekend</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650311019948.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy <a href="http://kwu.edu">kwu.edu</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy <a href="http://kwu.edu">kwu.edu</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KWUOpening night for KWU’s spring musical, Sugar, is fast approaching! Opening night, part of Spring Alumni, Family &amp; Community Weekend, is Thursday at 7:30 p.m. A brief reception will precede the performance in The Gallery in Sams Hall of Fine Arts.Additional showings of the musical will be held Friday (7:30 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.).READ: KWU: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0be5a3e5-664c-41a8-97c1-2eb122d8db7c">Spring Alumni, Family &amp; Community Weekend set</a>Tickets are $8 for adults, $3 for students or children and free for anyone with a KWU ID.“The musical is based on the film version of Some Like It Hot, and we follow the story of the title character, Sugar,”&nbsp;said Karen Babcock Brassea, KWU’s associate professor of theatre arts and stage director . “The conflict arises when two out-of-work musicians witness a mob hit. The only job that will take them out of town is an all-girls band. The story follows how they happen to join that band and the craziness that ensues.”&nbsp;&nbsp;To purchase tickets for Sugar or see other events during Spring Alumni, Family &amp; Community Weekend, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/springweekend" target="_blank">www.kwu.edu/springweekend</a>.

KWU Theatre nearing opening night for 'Sugar'

Today is Tuesday, April 19, the 109th day of 2022. There are 256 days left in the year.

On April 19, 1775, the American Revolutionary War began with the battles of Lexington and Concord.

In 1865, a funeral was held at the White House for President Abraham Lincoln, assassinated five days earlier; his coffin was then taken to the U.S. Capitol for a private memorial service in the Rotunda.

In 1897, the first Boston Marathon was held; winner John J. McDermott ran the course in two hours, 55 minutes and 10 seconds.

In 1912, a special subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee opened hearings in New York into the Titanic disaster.

In 1943, during World War II, tens of thousands of Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto began a valiant but ultimately futile battle against Nazi forces.

In 1977, the Supreme Court, in Ingraham v. Wright, ruled 5-4 that even severe spanking of schoolchildren by faculty members did not violate the Eighth Amendment ban against cruel and unusual punishment.

In 1989, 47 sailors were killed when a gun turret exploded aboard the USS Iowa in the Caribbean. (The Navy initially suspected that a dead crew member had deliberately sparked the blast, but later said there was no proof of that.)

In 1993, the 51-day siege at the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, ended as fire destroyed the structure after federal agents began smashing their way in; about 80 people, including two dozen children and sect leader David Koresh, were killed.

In 1995, a truck bomb destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people. (Bomber Timothy McVeigh, who prosecutors said had planned the attack as revenge for the Waco siege of two years earlier, was convicted of federal murder charges and executed in 2001.)

In 2005, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany was elected pope in the first conclave of the new millennium; he took the name Benedict XVI.

In 2013, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, a 19-year-old college student wanted in the Boston Marathon bombings, was taken into custody after a manhunt that had left the city virtually paralyzed; his older brother and alleged accomplice, 26-year-old Tamerlan, was killed earlier in a furious attempt to escape police.

In 2015, Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old Black man, died a week after suffering a spinal cord injury in the back of a Baltimore police van while he was handcuffed and shackled. (Six police officers were charged; three were acquitted and the city's top prosecutor eventually dropped the three remaining cases.)

In 2018, Raul Castro turned over Cuba's presidency to Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez, the first non-Castro to hold Cuba's top government office since the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro and his younger brother Raul.

Ten years ago: Republicans rammed an election-year, $46 billion tax cut for most of America's employers through the House, ignoring a veto threat from President Barack Obama. (The measure went down to defeat in the Senate.) India announced the successful test launch of a new nuclear-capable missile. Levon Helm, drummer and singer for The Band, died in New York City at age 71.

Five years ago: Fox News Channel's parent company fired Bill O'Reilly following an investigation into harassment allegations, bringing a stunning end to cable news' most popular program. Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, 27, who was serving a life sentence for a 2013 murder, hanged himself in his cell in a maximum-security prison in Massachusetts five days after being acquitted of murder charges in the shooting deaths of two men in Boston in 2012.

One year ago: Former Vice President Walter Mondale, a liberal icon who served as a Democratic senator from Minnesota and as Jimmy Carter's vice president before losing one of the most lopsided presidential elections in the nation's history to Republican Ronald Reagan in 1984, died at the age of 93. The D.C. medical examiner's office ruled that Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who was injured during the Jan. 6 insurrection, suffered a stroke and died from natural causes. NASA's experimental Mars helicopter named Ingenuity took flight on Mars, rising 10 feet into the thin air above the dusty red surface to achieve the first powered flight by an aircraft on another planet.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Elinor Donahue is 85. Rock musician Alan Price (The Animals) is 80. Actor Tim Curry is 76. Pop singer Mark "Flo" Volman (The Turtles; Flo and Eddie) is 75. Actor Tony Plana is 70. Former tennis player Sue Barker is 66. Motorsports Hall of Famer Al Unser Jr. is 60. Actor Tom Wood is 59. Former recording executive Suge Knight is 57. Singer-songwriter Dar Williams is 55. Actor Kim Hawthorne (TV: "Greenleaf") is 54. Actor Ashley Judd is 54. Singer Bekka Bramlett is 54. Latin pop singer Luis Miguel is 52. Actor Jennifer Esposito is 50. Actor Jennifer Taylor is 50. Jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux is 48. Actor James Franco is 44. Actor Kate Hudson is 43. Actor Hayden Christensen is 41. Actor Catalina Sandino Moreno is 41. Actor-comedian Ali Wong is 40. Actor Victoria Yeates is 39. Actor Kelen Coleman is 38. Actor Zack Conroy is 37. Roots rock musician Steve Johnson (Alabama Shakes) is 37. Actor Courtland Mead is 35. Retired tennis player Maria Sharapova is 35. NHL forward Patrik Laine is 34.

<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 Tuesday, April 19, the 109th day of 2022. There are 256 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On April 19, 1775, the American Revolutionary War began with the battles of Lexington and Concord.On this date:In 1865, a funeral was held at the White House for President Abraham Lincoln, assassinated five days earlier; his coffin was then taken to the U.S. Capitol for a private memorial service in the Rotunda.In 1897, the first Boston Marathon was held; winner John J. McDermott ran the course in two hours, 55 minutes and 10 seconds.In 1912, a special subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee opened hearings in New York into the Titanic disaster.In 1943, during World War II, tens of thousands of Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto began a valiant but ultimately futile battle against Nazi forces.In 1977, the Supreme Court, in Ingraham v. Wright, ruled 5-4 that even severe spanking of schoolchildren by faculty members did not violate the Eighth Amendment ban against cruel and unusual punishment.In 1989, 47 sailors were killed when a gun turret exploded aboard the USS Iowa in the Caribbean. (The Navy initially suspected that a dead crew member had deliberately sparked the blast, but later said there was no proof of that.)In 1993, the 51-day siege at the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, ended as fire destroyed the structure after federal agents began smashing their way in; about 80 people, including two dozen children and sect leader David Koresh, were killed.In 1995, a truck bomb destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people. (Bomber Timothy McVeigh, who prosecutors said had planned the attack as revenge for the Waco siege of two years earlier, was convicted of federal murder charges and executed in 2001.)In 2005, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany was elected pope in the first conclave of the new millennium; he took the name Benedict XVI.In 2013, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, a 19-year-old college student wanted in the Boston Marathon bombings, was taken into custody after a manhunt that had left the city virtually paralyzed; his older brother and alleged accomplice, 26-year-old Tamerlan, was killed earlier in a furious attempt to escape police.In 2015, Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old Black man, died a week after suffering a spinal cord injury in the back of a Baltimore police van while he was handcuffed and shackled. (Six police officers were charged; three were acquitted and the city's top prosecutor eventually dropped the three remaining cases.)In 2018, Raul Castro turned over Cuba's presidency to Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez, the first non-Castro to hold Cuba's top government office since the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro and his younger brother Raul.Ten years ago: Republicans rammed an election-year, $46 billion tax cut for most of America's employers through the House, ignoring a veto threat from President Barack Obama. (The measure went down to defeat in the Senate.) India announced the successful test launch of a new nuclear-capable missile. Levon Helm, drummer and singer for The Band, died in New York City at age 71.Five years ago: Fox News Channel's parent company fired Bill O'Reilly following an investigation into harassment allegations, bringing a stunning end to cable news' most popular program. Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, 27, who was serving a life sentence for a 2013 murder, hanged himself in his cell in a maximum-security prison in Massachusetts five days after being acquitted of murder charges in the shooting deaths of two men in Boston in 2012.One year ago: Former Vice President Walter Mondale, a liberal icon who served as a Democratic senator from Minnesota and as Jimmy Carter's vice president before losing one of the most lopsided presidential elections in the nation's history to Republican Ronald Reagan in 1984, died at the age of 93. The D.C. medical examiner's office ruled that Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who was injured during the Jan. 6 insurrection, suffered a stroke and died from natural causes. NASA's experimental Mars helicopter named Ingenuity took flight on Mars, rising 10 feet into the thin air above the dusty red surface to achieve the first powered flight by an aircraft on another planet.Today's Birthdays: Actor Elinor Donahue is 85. Rock musician Alan Price (The Animals) is 80. Actor Tim Curry is 76. Pop singer Mark "Flo" Volman (The Turtles; Flo and Eddie) is 75. Actor Tony Plana is 70. Former tennis player Sue Barker is 66. Motorsports Hall of Famer Al Unser Jr. is 60. Actor Tom Wood is 59. Former recording executive Suge Knight is 57. Singer-songwriter Dar Williams is 55. Actor Kim Hawthorne (TV: "Greenleaf") is 54. Actor Ashley Judd is 54. Singer Bekka Bramlett is 54. Latin pop singer Luis Miguel is 52. Actor Jennifer Esposito is 50. Actor Jennifer Taylor is 50. Jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux is 48. Actor James Franco is 44. Actor Kate Hudson is 43. Actor Hayden Christensen is 41. Actor Catalina Sandino Moreno is 41. Actor-comedian Ali Wong is 40. Actor Victoria Yeates is 39. Actor Kelen Coleman is 38. Actor Zack Conroy is 37. Roots rock musician Steve Johnson (Alabama Shakes) is 37. Actor Courtland Mead is 35. Retired tennis player Maria Sharapova is 35. NHL forward Patrik Laine is 34.

Today in History - April 19

If you're looking for work, check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/jobs">Jobs page</a>&nbsp;today!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

If you're looking for work, check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/jobs">Jobs page</a>&nbsp;today!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Have you seen all of the jobs on the Salina Post Jobs page?

Updates, a proclamation, federal funds, an employee compensation study, and the quarterly budget update are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.

Saline County Commission is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street. The meetings also can be viewed on Saline County’s YouTube channel:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA</a>.

To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link. Use the following link and put in the Meeting ID and passcode:

<a href="https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>

For further information, contact the County Commission’s Office at (785) 309-5825.

Commissioners are scheduled to consider approving the 2022 Federal Fund Exchange Agreement. According to information in the commission meeting packet from Justin Mader, county engineer, the county is to receive $285,652.78 in federal funds for 2022, an increase of $14,040.18 from last year. 

The agreement would convert the federal funds to state funds at a 90/10 exchange rate for a total of $$257,087.50. 

"Once the funds are converted, they can be used by Saline County for any transportation related expense," Mader wrote.

Commissioners also are scheduled to hear the results of a compensation study by the Wichita State University Public Policy and Management Center. The county contracted with the center to do the following.

• Make position progression recommendations

• Assist with the development of salary administration policies and practices

• Recommend alternative pay implementation options

• Provide a written compensation plan and final report

The study found that county positions were, on average, below the market by the following.

Based on what the study found, the center staff members are recommending that 86 percent of all county job titles be adjusted by at least one pay grade. Additionally, they recommend a 2.5 percent cost of living adjustment for all county positions. The total increase for the county would be $2,278,172.

Other items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday include the following.

• Consider approving a Sexual Assault Awareness Month proclamation

• Hear the Idle Fund report from County Treasurer Jim DuBois

• Hear a Department of Senior Services update from Rosie Walter, director

• Hear the quarterly budget update from County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes

Additionally, commissioners are scheduled to meet in executive session concerning non-elected personnel.

To see the full Saline County Commission meeting packet for Tuesday, <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20220419.pdf?ver=lXEEC9IA5rCwkOJc6p00vw%3d%3d">click here</a>.

By SALINA POSTUpdates, a proclamation, federal funds, an employee compensation study, and the quarterly budget update are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.About the meetingSaline County Commission is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street. The meetings also can be viewed on Saline County’s YouTube channel:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA</a>.To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link. Use the following link and put in the Meeting ID and passcode:<a href="https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>Meeting ID: 968 3581 9901Passcode: 144636For further information, contact the County Commission’s Office at (785) 309-5825.Agenda itemsCommissioners are scheduled to consider approving the 2022 Federal Fund Exchange Agreement. According to information in the commission meeting packet from Justin Mader, county engineer, the county is to receive $285,652.78 in federal funds for 2022, an increase of $14,040.18 from last year. The agreement would convert the federal funds to state funds at a 90/10 exchange rate for a total of $$257,087.50. "Once the funds are converted, they can be used by Saline County for any transportation related expense," Mader wrote.Commissioners also are scheduled to hear the results of a compensation study by the Wichita State University Public Policy and Management Center. The county contracted with the center to do the following.• Review position descriptions• Complete a wage analysis• Make position progression recommendations• Assist with the development of salary administration policies and practices• Recommend alternative pay implementation options• Provide a written compensation plan and final reportThe study found that county positions were, on average, below the market by the following.• 7 percent at the minimum• 3 percent at the mid point• 1 percent at the maximumBased on what the study found, the center staff members are recommending that 86 percent of all county job titles be adjusted by at least one pay grade. Additionally, they recommend a 2.5 percent cost of living adjustment for all county positions. The total increase for the county would be $2,278,172.Other items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday include the following.• Consider approving a Sexual Assault Awareness Month proclamation• Hear Mader's county engineer update• Hear the Idle Fund report from County Treasurer Jim DuBois• Hear a Department of Senior Services update from Rosie Walter, director• Hear the quarterly budget update from County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes• Hear Smith-Hanes' updateAdditionally, commissioners are scheduled to meet in executive session concerning non-elected personnel.To see the full Saline County Commission meeting packet for Tuesday, <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20220419.pdf?ver=lXEEC9IA5rCwkOJc6p00vw%3d%3d">click here</a>.

Compensation study, federal funds on Saline County agenda 

HR Operations Manager Location: Solomon KS Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8a-5p

This is a fast-paced working manager role with goals focused on timely recruitment of operation-based jobs with an emphasis on implementing best practices to improve the HR organization. This role reports to the HR Director and currently has two direct reports who are in other facilities.

· Oversee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.

· Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, recommends best practices and reviews policies as needed.

· Manages the recruitment process of the Kansas based operation team, approximately 250 employees. Including interviewing, onboarding and HRIS system completion.

· Must be proficient in navigating HRIS systems and use of organizational data to make fact-based decisions

· Partner with the operations team to understand goals and long-term objectives, develop strategies for the HR team to support their goals.

· Recruits, hires, and trains new staff in the department.

· Oversees the daily workflow of direct reports.

· Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.

· Handles discipline and terminations of employees in accordance with Company Policy.

· Provide back up and support when direct reports are out of the office

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.

· Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.

· Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

· Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.

· Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

· Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.

· A minimum of three years of human resource management experience preferred.

To apply:&nbsp;<a href="https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/6142099.careers?ApplyToJob=469981572">https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/6142099.careers?ApplyToJob=469981572</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635372630414.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HR Operations Manager Location: Solomon KS Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8a-5pThis is a fast-paced working manager role with goals focused on timely recruitment of operation-based jobs with an emphasis on implementing best practices to improve the HR organization. This role reports to the HR Director and currently has two direct reports who are in other facilities.· Oversee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.· Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, recommends best practices and reviews policies as needed.· Manages the recruitment process of the Kansas based operation team, approximately 250 employees. Including interviewing, onboarding and HRIS system completion.· Must be proficient in navigating HRIS systems and use of organizational data to make fact-based decisions· Partner with the operations team to understand goals and long-term objectives, develop strategies for the HR team to support their goals.· Performs other duties as assigned.Supervisory responsibilities:· Recruits, hires, and trains new staff in the department.· Oversees the daily workflow of direct reports.· Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.· Handles discipline and terminations of employees in accordance with Company Policy.· Provide back up and support when direct reports are out of the officeRequirements:· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.· Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.· Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.· Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.· Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.· Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.· Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.Education and Experience:· Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.· A minimum of three years of human resource management experience preferred.· SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP highly desired.To apply:&nbsp;<a href="https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/6142099.careers?ApplyToJob=469981572">https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/6142099.careers?ApplyToJob=469981572</a>

NWS issues freeze warning, frost advisory for early Tuesday

From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary/">Salina Public Library Facebook page</a>:

From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary/">Salina Public Library Facebook page</a>:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinapubliclibrary%2Fposts%2F10160210032468140&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="333" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Salina Public Library closed part of Wednesday

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Police are looking for the burglar who stole a bed from a central Salina residence earlier this month.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that sometime between April 9 and Saturday, someone stole the mattress, box springs, headboard, footboard, and linens from a residence in the 700 block of Smoky Hill Drive. The headboard and footboard were honey colored.

Loss was estimated at $4,500, Forrester said.

The owner of the property had gone over to check on it Saturday and discovered the back door of the residence had been forced open and $500 worth of damage was done to the door, Forrester said.

No other items appeared to have been taken from the residence, Forrester added.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice are looking for the burglar who stole a bed from a central Salina residence earlier this month.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that sometime between April 9 and Saturday, someone stole the mattress, box springs, headboard, footboard, and linens from a residence in the 700 block of Smoky Hill Drive. The headboard and footboard were honey colored.Loss was estimated at $4,500, Forrester said.The owner of the property had gone over to check on it Saturday and discovered the back door of the residence had been forced open and $500 worth of damage was done to the door, Forrester said.No other items appeared to have been taken from the residence, Forrester added.

Police investigating theft of bed from central Salina house

Saline County Treasurer Jim DuBois this morning issued a reminder that the second half taxes for real estate and personal property are due May 10.

The 2021 tax statements were mailed out to Saline County property owners in November.

"Please send the remittance stub from the bottom of the tax statement with the payment.  Please remember to indicate on the stub if you want a paid receipt returned to you," DuBois said.

If you can’t find your statement, you're asked to call the Saline County Treasurer’s Office at (785) 309-5860 for the amount due and the tax ID number.  A copy of the statement can be emailed or mailed upon request, DuBois noted.

"If the 2021 first half tax has not been paid, interest is due. Please call the treasurer’s office for the correct amount prior to sending payment. There will be no second half notice," he said.

By SALINA POSTSaline County Treasurer Jim DuBois this morning issued a reminder that the second half taxes for real estate and personal property are due May 10.The 2021 tax statements were mailed out to Saline County property owners in November."Please send the remittance stub from the bottom of the tax statement with the payment. Please remember to indicate on the stub if you want a paid receipt returned to you," DuBois said.If you can’t find your statement, you're asked to call the Saline County Treasurer’s Office at (785) 309-5860 for the amount due and the tax ID number. A copy of the statement can be emailed or mailed upon request, DuBois noted."If the 2021 first half tax has not been paid, interest is due. Please call the treasurer’s office for the correct amount prior to sending payment. There will be no second half notice," he said.

DuBois: Second half property tax deadline May 10

A vehicle stolen from a north Salina business over the weekend was later recovered, as were some items stolen from a second vehicle.

Sometime between 8 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday, someone stole a 1992 Ford pickup from in front of Campa Welding, 1700 N. Ninth Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. An employee noticed the missing pickup upon arrival at work at 8 a.m. Saturday. The pickup was valued at $1,000. The theft was reported at approximately 10:15 a.m. Saturday.

Officers followed a fluid trail believed to be from the pickup onto N. Ninth Street and then onto Stimmel Road. The officers lost the trail on N. Fifth Street, Forrester said.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. Saturday, officers were called back to Campa Welding, as employees had discovered that a 2012 BMW 5 that had been parked at the business had been burgled. It was believed that the vehicle had been locked and that the owner still had the keys, but it was noticed that a rear door was partially open, Forrester said.

Items taken from the car included stereo speakers, a CD player, power tools, and miscellaneous car parts, Forrester said. Total loss was estimated at $3,075.

While police were investigating the vehicle burglary, they received a report that the stolen pickup was in an alley in the 100 block of N. Broadway Boulevard. Inside, police found approximately $400 worth of the items stolen from the BMW, Forrester said.

Police are reviewing surveillance video from the area where the thefts occurred and the area where the pickup was found, he said.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA vehicle stolen from a north Salina business over the weekend was later recovered, as were some items stolen from a second vehicle.Sometime between 8 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday, someone stole a 1992 Ford pickup from in front of Campa Welding, 1700 N. Ninth Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. An employee noticed the missing pickup upon arrival at work at 8 a.m. Saturday. The pickup was valued at $1,000. The theft was reported at approximately 10:15 a.m. Saturday.Officers followed a fluid trail believed to be from the pickup onto N. Ninth Street and then onto Stimmel Road. The officers lost the trail on N. Fifth Street, Forrester said.At approximately 2:30 p.m. Saturday, officers were called back to Campa Welding, as employees had discovered that a 2012 BMW 5 that had been parked at the business had been burgled. It was believed that the vehicle had been locked and that the owner still had the keys, but it was noticed that a rear door was partially open, Forrester said.Items taken from the car included stereo speakers, a CD player, power tools, and miscellaneous car parts, Forrester said. Total loss was estimated at $3,075.While police were investigating the vehicle burglary, they received a report that the stolen pickup was in an alley in the 100 block of N. Broadway Boulevard. Inside, police found approximately $400 worth of the items stolen from the BMW, Forrester said.Police are reviewing surveillance video from the area where the thefts occurred and the area where the pickup was found, he said.

Pickup stolen, car burgled at north Salina business

Broadway Boulevard medians, appointments, and a bid award are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.

Study sessions and city commission meetings will take place in–person in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street, and via Zoom until further notice. Meetings also can be viewed at the City of Salina YouTube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.

To participate via Zoom, citizens will need to use the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>.

The meeting also can be accessed by phone at 1-346-248-7799. Enter Meeting ID:892 7598 4587 when prompted.

If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens attending via Zoom must raise their hands so that the meeting host can allow them to speak. Those who attend the in-person meeting will have the opportunity to speak at the podium.

Citizens also can send written comments or questions to city commissioners via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:citycommission@salina.org">citycommission@salina.org</a>.

In order for the commissioners to have an opportunity to review comments in advance of the meeting, please email your comments or questions by 5 p.m. the Sunday prior to the Monday meetings.

Commissioners are scheduled to begin with a 3 p.m. study session to discuss medians on Broadway Boulevard. Part of the discussion will focus on the following recommendations.

•Shorten concrete median south of State to increase access to and from Cool Construction and Kwik Star.

•Shorten asphalt median north of South to increase access to and from A-ffordable Cuts and others.

•Replace asphalt medians at South and Crawford with concrete curbs and brick.

•Shorten median at Duvall to increase access to and from Natural Resources Conservation and Seoul USA Korean Restaurant.

•Replace medians from Duvall to Republic with concrete curb and grass and trees.

•Replace medians from Republic to Cloud (Army Reserve) with concrete curb and gutter and grass and trees

To see the study session information packet, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=490275&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

The regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

Commissioners are scheduled to consider a request to proclaim the month of April 2022 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the City of Salina. Sheila Beeson, DVACK sexual assault advocate, is scheduled to read the proclamation.

Commissioners also are scheduled to consider awarding a bid for minor concrete-pavement repair to Davis Concrete Construction, of Salina, for $94,222 with a five-percent construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $98,933.10 and consider authorizing the city manager to execute a contract with Davis Concrete Construction upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.

Board and commission appointments also are to be considered by commissioners during Monday's meeting. The names of the following persons are being recommended to commissioners.

Arts &amp; Humanities Commission Brooks Oliver, to fill the unexpired term of Kimberly Vega until Aug. 31, 2023

Dorian Alston, to be appointed until Aug. 31, 2024

Library Board Helen Gregg, to be appointed until April 30, 2026

Gerry Cox, to be appointed until April 30, 2026

Parks &amp; Recreation Advisory Board Jackson Angell (youth position), to be appointed until May 1, 2023

Additionally, commissioners are being asked to authorize the city manager to execute a contract with Titan Audio Visual, LLC, in the amount of $32,525, with a 10-percent contingency fee, for contractor specific hotel lodging and equipment for the Smoky Hill River Festival

To view the full Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=490271&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

By SALINA POSTBroadway Boulevard medians, appointments, and a bid award are among the items on the Salina City Commission agenda for Monday.About the meetingStudy sessions and city commission meetings will take place in–person in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street, and via Zoom until further notice. Meetings also can be viewed at the City of Salina YouTube channel,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.To participate via Zoom, citizens will need to use the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>.The meeting also can be accessed by phone at 1-346-248-7799. Enter Meeting ID:892 7598 4587 when prompted.If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens attending via Zoom must raise their hands so that the meeting host can allow them to speak. Those who attend the in-person meeting will have the opportunity to speak at the podium.Citizens also can send written comments or questions to city commissioners via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:citycommission@salina.org">citycommission@salina.org</a>.In order for the commissioners to have an opportunity to review comments in advance of the meeting, please email your comments or questions by 5 p.m. the Sunday prior to the Monday meetings.Study sessionCommissioners are scheduled to begin with a 3 p.m. study session to discuss medians on Broadway Boulevard. Part of the discussion will focus on the following recommendations.For 2022-2023 ($261,000):•Shorten concrete median south of State to increase access to and from Cool Construction and Kwik Star.•Shorten asphalt median north of South to increase access to and from A-ffordable Cuts and others.•Replace asphalt medians at South and Crawford with concrete curbs and brick.For 2023-2024 ($255,000):•Shorten median at Duvall to increase access to and from Natural Resources Conservation and Seoul USA Korean Restaurant.•Replace medians from Duvall to Republic with concrete curb and grass and trees.For 2024-2025 ($319,000):•Replace medians from Republic to Cloud (Army Reserve) with concrete curb and gutter and grass and treesTo see the study session information packet, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=490275&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.Regular meetingThe regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.Commissioners are scheduled to consider a request to proclaim the month of April 2022 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the City of Salina. Sheila Beeson, DVACK sexual assault advocate, is scheduled to read the proclamation.Commissioners also are scheduled to consider awarding a bid for minor concrete-pavement repair to Davis Concrete Construction, of Salina, for $94,222 with a five-percent construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $98,933.10 and consider authorizing the city manager to execute a contract with Davis Concrete Construction upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the bid documents.Board and commission appointments also are to be considered by commissioners during Monday's meeting. The names of the following persons are being recommended to commissioners.Arts &amp; Humanities Commission Brooks Oliver, to fill the unexpired term of Kimberly Vega until Aug. 31, 2023Dorian Alston, to be appointed until Aug. 31, 2024Library Board Helen Gregg, to be appointed until April 30, 2026Gerry Cox, to be appointed until April 30, 2026Parks &amp; Recreation Advisory Board Jackson Angell (youth position), to be appointed until May 1, 2023Additionally, commissioners are being asked to authorize the city manager to execute a contract with Titan Audio Visual, LLC, in the amount of $32,525, with a 10-percent contingency fee, for contractor specific hotel lodging and equipment for the Smoky Hill River FestivalTo view the full Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday, <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=490271&amp;dbid=0&amp;repo=Salina">click here</a>.

Medians, appointments among  city agenda items 

How bad is the teacher shortage in Kansas?&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Across the state, parents and teachers and administrators are well aware that more vacancies are going unfilled these last two years. Therefore the press was eager to hear the K.S.D.E. staff report providing data at the April 12 K.S.B.E. meeting.

Vacancies were broken down by discipline. The teacher shortage last fall was compared with the shortage this spring. And we could see more resignations in this next month.

Into fall 2021&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Special Ed., 269 Elementary, 233 English Language Arts, 90 Math, 83 Science, 80 All, 1,253 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Late spring 2022&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Special Ed., 305 Elementary, 251 English Language Arts, 108 Math, 94 Science, 86 All, 1,381 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

These vacancy numbers rely on self-reporting by the school superintendents across the state—a “trust me” system. I can confidently assure Kansans that these numbers are an undercount of the true extent of science teacher vacancies. This underestimation undoubtedly applies to the other teaching fields as well.

It is possible to go online and view the 286 U.S.D. websites and in most cases locate their science teachers and what subjects they teach. A shortage of 86 would very likely be closer to the shortage of just physics teachers alone. The chemistry teacher shortage would likely be similar and the number of out-of-field or unlicensed biology teachers is likely well over a hundred.

The numbers of new science licenses issued each year began dropping after 2001. No Child Left Behind began enforcing state assessments and dictating what is taught. The numbers of new science teachers licensed has dropped well below replacement for the last 20 years.

The Kansas Board of Regents requests state universities report the number of teachers they have in the pipeline each year. That number has also trended downward, particularly after the Kansas Legislature ended teacher tenure. Yet the numbers indicate possibly just enough to fill these vacancies.&nbsp; But that is always misleading because: 1) some students discover during student teaching that they don’t like teaching and they complete their degree but never apply for a state license; 2) some students come from out-of-state and leave upon graduation, also not securing a Kansas teaching license; and 3) some new teachers are married to a spouse with a job in one location that has no teacher vacancies in their field and are unwilling or unable to move away to fill a distant vacancy.

When I began teacher training at E.S.U. in 1986, I tallied the number of physics vacancies in the state and discovered that there were more than enough Kansas-licensed physics teachers to fill those vacancies. But it would likely take three such teachers graduated annually to fill one new vacancy because of the above factors.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The result is that Kansas will have a growing number of unqualified teachers in many classrooms for the foreseeable future.

As a possible solution, the Board was presented a scenario of four teachers: A-B-C-D. A and B were fully licensed while C and D were not licensed in their field. They could all cooperate together, helping each other, and cover their four sets of classes with some supposed professional integrity. The problem is that Kansas has a large number of very small rural schools where their only teachers are now C and D. The few licensed teachers in the building are in no way able to extend their expertise to the babysitters. While the elite Johnson County, Maize and other rich schools hire away more of the remaining licensed teachers, the smaller rural schools are left giving their students a 1930s education. Kansas is in desperate need of school consolidation, which would make our remaining qualified teachers stretch further.

The ultimate irony of the K.S.B.E. meeting is that the Commissioner had just described that morning how Kansas had the highest standards for 8th Grade Reading in the country. Kansas exceeded the other 49 states and District of Columbia, based on a determination by the U.S. Department of Statistics for the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

But what use is having the highest standards in the nation on paper, when Cousin Bubba needs barely more than a heartbeat to babysit our students? Having qualified teachers in the classroom is everything.&nbsp;&nbsp;

John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities during 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="John Richard Schrock" />
 <figcaption>John Richard Schrock</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCKHow bad is the teacher shortage in Kansas?&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Across the state, parents and teachers and administrators are well aware that more vacancies are going unfilled these last two years. Therefore the press was eager to hear the K.S.D.E. staff report providing data at the April 12 K.S.B.E. meeting. Vacancies were broken down by discipline. The teacher shortage last fall was compared with the shortage this spring. And we could see more resignations in this next month. Into fall 2021&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Special Ed., 269 Elementary, 233 English Language Arts, 90 Math, 83 Science, 80 All, 1,253 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Late spring 2022&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Special Ed., 305 Elementary, 251 English Language Arts, 108 Math, 94 Science, 86 All, 1,381 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; These vacancy numbers rely on self-reporting by the school superintendents across the state—a “trust me” system. I can confidently assure Kansans that these numbers are an undercount of the true extent of science teacher vacancies. This underestimation undoubtedly applies to the other teaching fields as well. It is possible to go online and view the 286 U.S.D. websites and in most cases locate their science teachers and what subjects they teach. A shortage of 86 would very likely be closer to the shortage of just physics teachers alone. The chemistry teacher shortage would likely be similar and the number of out-of-field or unlicensed biology teachers is likely well over a hundred. The numbers of new science licenses issued each year began dropping after 2001. No Child Left Behind began enforcing state assessments and dictating what is taught. The numbers of new science teachers licensed has dropped well below replacement for the last 20 years. The Kansas Board of Regents requests state universities report the number of teachers they have in the pipeline each year. That number has also trended downward, particularly after the Kansas Legislature ended teacher tenure. Yet the numbers indicate possibly just enough to fill these vacancies.&nbsp; But that is always misleading because: 1) some students discover during student teaching that they don’t like teaching and they complete their degree but never apply for a state license; 2) some students come from out-of-state and leave upon graduation, also not securing a Kansas teaching license; and 3) some new teachers are married to a spouse with a job in one location that has no teacher vacancies in their field and are unwilling or unable to move away to fill a distant vacancy. When I began teacher training at E.S.U. in 1986, I tallied the number of physics vacancies in the state and discovered that there were more than enough Kansas-licensed physics teachers to fill those vacancies. But it would likely take three such teachers graduated annually to fill one new vacancy because of the above factors.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; The result is that Kansas will have a growing number of unqualified teachers in many classrooms for the foreseeable future. As a possible solution, the Board was presented a scenario of four teachers: A-B-C-D. A and B were fully licensed while C and D were not licensed in their field. They could all cooperate together, helping each other, and cover their four sets of classes with some supposed professional integrity. The problem is that Kansas has a large number of very small rural schools where their only teachers are now C and D. The few licensed teachers in the building are in no way able to extend their expertise to the babysitters. While the elite Johnson County, Maize and other rich schools hire away more of the remaining licensed teachers, the smaller rural schools are left giving their students a 1930s education. Kansas is in desperate need of school consolidation, which would make our remaining qualified teachers stretch further. The ultimate irony of the K.S.B.E. meeting is that the Commissioner had just described that morning how Kansas had the highest standards for 8th Grade Reading in the country. Kansas exceeded the other 49 states and District of Columbia, based on a determination by the U.S. Department of Statistics for the National Assessment of Educational Progress. But what use is having the highest standards in the nation on paper, when Cousin Bubba needs barely more than a heartbeat to babysit our students? Having qualified teachers in the classroom is everything.&nbsp;&nbsp;John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities during 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

ED. FRONTLINES: KS teacher shortage - contradiction in standards

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

To find a good brewery, does a person have to go to the big city? No. In fact, we’re going to visit the state’s smallest town with an active brewery.&nbsp;

Lucas Hass and Grant Wagner are the owners of Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats in Sylvan Grove. Both Lucas and Grant are originally from Bennington.&nbsp;

“I’ve always loved food and cooking, and also a good beer,” Lucas said. He worked at a steakhouse in Emporia before taking a job doing business analytics at a manufacturing company in Salina.&nbsp;

<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 UniversityTo find a good brewery, does a person have to go to the big city? No. In fact, we’re going to visit the state’s smallest town with an active brewery.&nbsp;Lucas Hass and Grant Wagner are the owners of Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats in Sylvan Grove. Both Lucas and Grant are originally from Bennington.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650243668529.jpeg" alt="Fly Boy Brewery and Eats in Sylvan Grove. Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/flyboybreweryandeats">Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats Facebook page</a>" />
 <figcaption>Fly Boy Brewery and Eats in Sylvan Grove. Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/flyboybreweryandeats">Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats Facebook page</a></figcaption>
 </figure>“I’ve always loved food and cooking, and also a good beer,” Lucas said. He worked at a steakhouse in Emporia before taking a job doing business analytics at a manufacturing company in Salina.&nbsp;Grant became a chef at top-end restaurants in Kansas City before moving back to north central Kansas to be near family.&nbsp;In 2014, Clay and Linda Haring bought a building in Sylvan Grove, remodeled it, and started a brewery and restaurant. Clay is an agricultural pilot and Linda is a teacher.&nbsp;&nbsp;Because Clay was a pilot, they decorated the establishment with an aviation theme and called it Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats, or Flyboys for short.&nbsp;Grant Wagner helped them set up the kitchen. When Clay and Linda got so busy with their other work that they decided to sell the restaurant, Grant approached Lucas with the idea of buying it. Together they became the new owners of Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is a great restaurant and we didn’t want it to be lost,” Lucas said.&nbsp;“We try to make all the main dishes from scratch,” Lucas said. The menu features steaks, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, chicken and salads. There’s the Landing Strip Burger, Plane Jane burger, Crop Duster, Hanger Over, and more. &nbsp;“At heart, we’re a steakhouse,” Lucas said. “Our ribeye, KC strip, and chicken fried steak are really popular.”&nbsp;“On the first weekend of every month, we have a prime rib special and this place is packed,” Lucas said. “We use certified Angus beef and get what beef we can locally.”&nbsp;Lucas also enjoys the process of brewing beer. “I’m a big science buff, so I enjoy that part of it,” he said.&nbsp;Flyboys has all the brewing equipment, including glycol-chilled fermenters. Lucas has developed some beers using his original recipes. “We’ve figured out to how get nice crisp clear flavors,” he said. &nbsp;The drinks offered by Flyboys are called House Taps: Prop Washes. These include Flight of Beer, First Light, Aviator Ale, Tail Spin IPA, Round Engine Red, Barnstormer Brown, and more.&nbsp;Yes, I do detect an aviation theme.&nbsp;Other drinks include Sylvan Sunrise, Colorado Bulldog, Blue Elephant, Purple Wave and more.&nbsp;One beer is a Prohibition lager, using ingredients that were popular around the time of Prohibition. It’s called Hell’s Broth. “A local historian told us that was what Carry Nation called these drinks,” Lucas said. “We keep two seasonal beers on rotating taps at all times, and we have seven flagship house beers.”&nbsp;“We get lots of lake traffic and we get a lot of hunters during hunting season,” Lucas said. Although many restaurants experience a drop in business after the holidays, Flyboys has seen some increase during the 2022 off-season. They also managed through the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;“We were able to take over in some of the most tumultuous times in the restaurant business and make it through,” Lucas said. “It shows how great of a community and how great of a staff that we have. We’re just really appreciative of the community for coming out and supporting us.”&nbsp;It’s remarkable to find this restaurant in a rural community such as Sylvan Grove, population 279 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, look for Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats on Facebook. &nbsp;Recently Flyboys was visited by an author of an upcoming book about breweries in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;He told them that their community, Sylvan Grove, is the smallest town in the state with an active brewery. We commend Lucas Hass, Grant Wagner and all those involved with Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats for making a difference with their commitment to good food and drinks in small town Kansas.&nbsp;I hope Flyboys will continue to reach new heights.&nbsp;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>.

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