OCCK, Inc. Transportation’s Salina CityGo and Paratransit services will be offering free rides and extended hours to patrons of the Smoky Hill River Festival.

Any passengers with River Festival wristbands,who ride CityGo or Paratransit vehicles, will be allowed to ride for free on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

CityGo passengers must show the drivers their wristbands when they board the buses.&nbsp; Paratransit riders must tell the dispatcher they have River Festival wristbands when they schedule their rides.&nbsp;

Additional hours have been added to CityGo’s schedule to accommodate River Festival hours as well.&nbsp; The Blue Route will run until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

From 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, the Blue Route will pick up passengers at the normal stops at the Oakdale Park north entrance, the Oakdale Park east entrance, the Kenwood Park foot bridge, and Kenwood Cove.&nbsp; The driver will then take passengers to stops that they request on any route.&nbsp;

“We are pleased to offer this service to River Festival patrons,” said Michelle Griffin, Mobility Manager. “The Festival is such a fun time for Salina and we want to make sure people are able to get to the park and stay as long as they want.&nbsp; And by offering free rides, we hope to encourage people to park a little bit further away and ride the bus in to help with the traffic congestion.”

Masks are required on all public transportation vehicles.

OCCK, Inc. Transportation’s Salina CityGo and Paratransit services will be offering free rides and extended hours to patrons of the Smoky Hill River Festival.Any passengers with River Festival wristbands,who ride CityGo or Paratransit vehicles, will be allowed to ride for free on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.CityGo passengers must show the drivers their wristbands when they board the buses.&nbsp; Paratransit riders must tell the dispatcher they have River Festival wristbands when they schedule their rides.&nbsp;Additional hours have been added to CityGo’s schedule to accommodate River Festival hours as well.&nbsp; The Blue Route will run until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.From 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, the Blue Route will pick up passengers at the normal stops at the Oakdale Park north entrance, the Oakdale Park east entrance, the Kenwood Park foot bridge, and Kenwood Cove.&nbsp; The driver will then take passengers to stops that they request on any route.&nbsp;“We are pleased to offer this service to River Festival patrons,” said Michelle Griffin, Mobility Manager. “The Festival is such a fun time for Salina and we want to make sure people are able to get to the park and stay as long as they want.&nbsp; And by offering free rides, we hope to encourage people to park a little bit further away and ride the bus in to help with the traffic congestion.”Masks are required on all public transportation vehicles.-OCCK Transportation-

OCCK Transportation offers free rides for festival-goers

Without international students, much science in the United States would collapse. The just-released National Foundation for American Policy (NFAB) brief found: “In 2019, at U.S. universities, there were only 9,083 full-time U.S. graduate students in electrical engineering, compared to 26,343 full-time international students. ....[I]n computer and information sciences, in 2019, there were only 17,334 full-time U.S. graduate students compared to 44,786 international graduate students at U.S. universities.”

NFAB, a nonpartisan and non-profit organization that conducts policy research on trade, immigration and other issues, provides details. “At U.S. universities, international students account for 82% of the full-time graduate students in petroleum engineering, 74% in electrical engineering and 72% in computer and information sciences, 71% in industrial and manufacturing engineering, 70% in statistics, 67% in economics, 61% in civil engineering, 58% in mechanical engineering and agricultural economics, 56% in mathematics and applied mathematics, 54% in chemical engineering, 53% in metallurgical and materials engineering, 52% in materials sciences and 50% in pharmaceutical sciences.”

These foreign students are not taking away classroom seats from American students. Many years ago, I saw U.S. engineering doctorates to American students drop from 2400 in 1971 to under 1200 in 1983. Foreign students increased from 500 in 1971 to surpass 1200 in 1983. Foreign students not only prevented U.S. universities from closing down many graduate science departments, but actually allowed them to grow. The NFAB report notes “At many U.S. universities, the data show it would be difficult to maintain important graduate programs without international students.”

For instance, while full-time U.S. graduate students in computer and information science grew 91% (9,042 to 17,334) from 1998 to 2019, the annual number of full-time international grad students grew 310% (10,930 to 44,786). From 1998 to 2019, the number of U.S. grad students in electrical engineering only grew 12% (8,139 to 9,083) while international grad students in this field increased 130% (11,469 to 26,343). These are shortage fields in the U.S. The NFAB report quotes research showing “At the graduate level, international students do not crowd-out, but actually increase domestic enrollment.”

Without these international students, many U.S. universities would have to shut down graduate science departments and research programs. Both teaching faculty and researchers would be without jobs. Instead, “the high level of international students allows U.S. universities to attract and retain faculty.” A professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Ohio State University notes that “To get tenure and perform research, professors require a significant number of graduate students and there are not enough domestic students alone in certain fields.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

The next step after securing a doctorate in the sciences is often a “post-doc” position that assists in advanced university research. Overall, “Fifty-six percent of postdocs at U.S. universities are foreign nationals who work on temporary visas.” In engineering fields, foreign nationals make up over 70% of post-docs. Keeping science graduates working here after graduation relies on H1-B visas and Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs.&nbsp; However, recent U.S. efforts to block foreign graduate students, and in particular students from China, “...might deal a significant blow to future innovation and scientific research in America.”

This report notes that “Every 1,000 Ph.D. students blocked in a year from U.S. universities costs an estimated $210 billion in the expected value of patents produced at universities over 10 years and nearly $1 billion in lost tuition over a decade....”

American students have long known that when they attend certain graduate science classes, the majority of their classmates are often from foreign countries. Many of those foreign-born scientists remain to become citizens and form the backbone of American science. Theoretically, if every foreign-born American scientist left our country, engineering in the United States would collapse tomorrow, physics the next day, and chemistry the day after that.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The NFAP report can be accessed <a href="https://nfap.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/International-Students-in-Science-and-Engineering.NFAP-Policy-Brief.August-2021.pdf?utm_source=Iterable&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=campaign_2777513_nl_Global_date_20210825&amp;cid=gl&amp;source=ams&amp;sourceid=">here</a>.

John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 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 SCHROCKWithout international students, much science in the United States would collapse. The just-released National Foundation for American Policy (NFAB) brief found: “In 2019, at U.S. universities, there were only 9,083 full-time U.S. graduate students in electrical engineering, compared to 26,343 full-time international students. ....[I]n computer and information sciences, in 2019, there were only 17,334 full-time U.S. graduate students compared to 44,786 international graduate students at U.S. universities.” NFAB, a nonpartisan and non-profit organization that conducts policy research on trade, immigration and other issues, provides details. “At U.S. universities, international students account for 82% of the full-time graduate students in petroleum engineering, 74% in electrical engineering and 72% in computer and information sciences, 71% in industrial and manufacturing engineering, 70% in statistics, 67% in economics, 61% in civil engineering, 58% in mechanical engineering and agricultural economics, 56% in mathematics and applied mathematics, 54% in chemical engineering, 53% in metallurgical and materials engineering, 52% in materials sciences and 50% in pharmaceutical sciences.” These foreign students are not taking away classroom seats from American students. Many years ago, I saw U.S. engineering doctorates to American students drop from 2400 in 1971 to under 1200 in 1983. Foreign students increased from 500 in 1971 to surpass 1200 in 1983. Foreign students not only prevented U.S. universities from closing down many graduate science departments, but actually allowed them to grow. The NFAB report notes “At many U.S. universities, the data show it would be difficult to maintain important graduate programs without international students.” For instance, while full-time U.S. graduate students in computer and information science grew 91% (9,042 to 17,334) from 1998 to 2019, the annual number of full-time international grad students grew 310% (10,930 to 44,786). From 1998 to 2019, the number of U.S. grad students in electrical engineering only grew 12% (8,139 to 9,083) while international grad students in this field increased 130% (11,469 to 26,343). These are shortage fields in the U.S. The NFAB report quotes research showing “At the graduate level, international students do not crowd-out, but actually increase domestic enrollment.” Without these international students, many U.S. universities would have to shut down graduate science departments and research programs. Both teaching faculty and researchers would be without jobs. Instead, “the high level of international students allows U.S. universities to attract and retain faculty.” A professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Ohio State University notes that “To get tenure and perform research, professors require a significant number of graduate students and there are not enough domestic students alone in certain fields.”&nbsp; &nbsp; The next step after securing a doctorate in the sciences is often a “post-doc” position that assists in advanced university research. Overall, “Fifty-six percent of postdocs at U.S. universities are foreign nationals who work on temporary visas.” In engineering fields, foreign nationals make up over 70% of post-docs. Keeping science graduates working here after graduation relies on H1-B visas and Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs.&nbsp; However, recent U.S. efforts to block foreign graduate students, and in particular students from China, “...might deal a significant blow to future innovation and scientific research in America.” This report notes that “Every 1,000 Ph.D. students blocked in a year from U.S. universities costs an estimated $210 billion in the expected value of patents produced at universities over 10 years and nearly $1 billion in lost tuition over a decade....” American students have long known that when they attend certain graduate science classes, the majority of their classmates are often from foreign countries. Many of those foreign-born scientists remain to become citizens and form the backbone of American science. Theoretically, if every foreign-born American scientist left our country, engineering in the United States would collapse tomorrow, physics the next day, and chemistry the day after that.&nbsp;&nbsp;The NFAP report can be accessed <a href="https://nfap.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/International-Students-in-Science-and-Engineering.NFAP-Policy-Brief.August-2021.pdf?utm_source=Iterable&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=campaign_2777513_nl_Global_date_20210825&amp;cid=gl&amp;source=ams&amp;sourceid=">here</a>. John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

ED. FRONTLINES: International students critical to US science

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Salinan Michael Fontes runs marathons for fun, but his passion for running has transcended the sport. For Fontes, running is a way of life.

"I would have to say my original motivator was curiosity, the desire to see what I had in me and the drive to conquer something that scared me," Fontes said. "What happened after the first race hit me more like a lightning bolt and it brought a bit of a competitive streak in me. Some of why I run is about my love of running and competing, and to feel the satisfaction of meeting a goal that seemed unrealistic at one point. For me, running has become the way I live life, I like how it feels to step out of my comfort zone and test my abilities and push my limits."

Fontes said he began running on July 5, 2012.

"I decided to run to lose weight, at the time I weighed over 205. I now weigh around 150. My first marathon was the 2013 Prairie Fire Marathon in Wichita. I was 50. I have been running marathons for eight years and I have finished 28 marathons and over 140 other races," he said.

Fontes has completed marathons in 22 states and hopes to stay healthy enough to run a marathon in each of the remaining 28 states. He also has a goal of completing the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a series of six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world. 

Since Fontes started tracking his miles in January 2015, he has run more than 19,500 miles, he said. And the more he runs, the better he gets. 

"In the past two years, I have been placing in my age group," Fontes said. "Recently I placed first in my age at the Louisiana and Alaska marathons."

While his family, friends, and co-workers at Blue Beacon International are aware of his zeal for running long distances, his passion for running and the successes he has had also has garnered him international attention...from Abbott World Marathon Majors.

Fontes has been invited to be one of 40 men from around the world to represent the male 55 to 59 age group in Abbott's first Marathon Age Group World Championship. The marathon is scheduled to be in London on Oct. 3 and is a part of the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon.

"I am going to London to run. I have been trying to sign up for the London Marathon through the London Lottery for the past three years without any success," he said. "London will be my fifth major, in my goal of running the six marathon majors: Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, London, and Tokyo. After London I will try to run Tokyo in 2022 or 2023 depending on pandemic." 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630293851559.jpeg" alt="Michael Fontes running in the recent Louisiana Marathon. Fontes came in first in his age group in the race. Photo courtesy Michael Fontes" />
 <figcaption>Michael Fontes running in the recent Louisiana Marathon. Fontes came in first in his age group in the race. Photo courtesy Michael Fontes</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSalinan Michael Fontes runs marathons for fun, but his passion for running has transcended the sport. For Fontes, running is a way of life."I would have to say my original motivator was curiosity, the desire to see what I had in me and the drive to conquer something that scared me," Fontes said. "What happened after the first race hit me more like a lightning bolt and it brought a bit of a competitive streak in me. Some of why I run is about my love of running and competing, and to feel the satisfaction of meeting a goal that seemed unrealistic at one point. For me, running has become the way I live life, I like how it feels to step out of my comfort zone and test my abilities and push my limits."Fontes said he began running on July 5, 2012."I decided to run to lose weight, at the time I weighed over 205. I now weigh around 150. My first marathon was the 2013 Prairie Fire Marathon in Wichita. I was 50. I have been running marathons for eight years and I have finished 28 marathons and over 140 other races," he said.Fontes has completed marathons in 22 states and hopes to stay healthy enough to run a marathon in each of the remaining 28 states. He also has a goal of completing the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a series of six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world. Since Fontes started tracking his miles in January 2015, he has run more than 19,500 miles, he said. And the more he runs, the better he gets. "In the past two years, I have been placing in my age group," Fontes said. "Recently I placed first in my age at the Louisiana and Alaska marathons."While his family, friends, and co-workers at Blue Beacon International are aware of his zeal for running long distances, his passion for running and the successes he has had also has garnered him international attention...from Abbott World Marathon Majors.Fontes has been invited to be one of 40 men from around the world to represent the male 55 to 59 age group in Abbott's first Marathon Age Group World Championship. The marathon is scheduled to be in London on Oct. 3 and is a part of the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon."I am going to London to run. I have been trying to sign up for the London Marathon through the London Lottery for the past three years without any success," he said. "London will be my fifth major, in my goal of running the six marathon majors: Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, London, and Tokyo. After London I will try to run Tokyo in 2022 or 2023 depending on pandemic."

Beyond the sport: Running a way of life for Michael Fontes

Today is Monday, Aug. 30, the 242nd day of 2021. There are 123 days left in the year. 

On Aug. 30, 1967, the Senate confirmed the appointment of Thurgood Marshall as the first Black justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

In 1861, Union Gen. John C. Fremont instituted martial law in Missouri and declared slaves there to be free. (However, Fremont's emancipation order was countermanded by President Abraham Lincoln.) 

In 1905, Ty Cobb made his major-league debut as a player for the Detroit Tigers, hitting a double in his first at-bat in a game against the New York Highlanders. (The Tigers won, 5-3.)

In 1945, U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur arrived in Japan to set up Allied occupation headquarters. 

In 1983, Guion S. Bluford Jr. became the first Black American astronaut to travel in space as he blasted off aboard the Challenger. 

In 1987, a redesigned space shuttle booster, created in the wake of the Challenger disaster, roared into life in its first full-scale test-firing near Brigham City, Utah.

In 1992, the television series "Northern Exposure" won six Emmy Awards, including best drama series, while "Murphy Brown" received three Emmys, including best comedy series.

In 1993, "The Late Show with David Letterman" premiered on CBS-TV. 

In 1997, Americans received word of the car crash in Paris that claimed the lives of Princess Diana, her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, and their driver, Henri Paul. (Because of the time difference, it was August 31 where the crash occurred.) 

In 2005, a day after Hurricane Katrina hit, floods were covering 80 percent of New Orleans, looting continued to spread and rescuers in helicopters and boats picked up hundreds of stranded people. 

In 2007, in a serious breach of nuclear security, a B-52 bomber armed with six nuclear warheads flew cross-country unnoticed; the Air Force later punished 70 people. 

In 2012, Mitt Romney launched his fall campaign for the White House with a rousing, personal speech to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida, proclaiming that America needs "jobs, lots of jobs." 

In 2015, the White House announced that President Barack Obama would change the name of North America's tallest mountain peak from Mount McKinley to Denali, bestowing the traditional Alaska Native name on the eve of a historic presidential visit to Alaska. 

Ten years ago: National Guard helicopters rushed food and water to a dozen cut-off Vermont towns after the rainy remnants of Hurricane Irene washed out roads and bridges in a deluge that had taken many people in the landlocked New England state by surprise. Libyan rebels said they were closing in on Moammar Gadhafi and issued an ultimatum to loyalists in his hometown of Sirte, his main remaining bastion: Surrender, or face attack.

Five years ago: Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and Democratic U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy each easily won their Florida Senate primaries; Rubio won the election the following November. U.S. Sen. John McCain beat back an Arizona primary challenge from a Republican tea party activist, Kelli Ward, to win the right to seek a sixth Senate term in November (McCain went on to defeat Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick and Green Party candidate Gary Swing).

One year ago: President Donald Trump praised supporters who clashed with Black Lives Matter protesters in Portland, Oregon, calling them "great patriots"; Trump and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler blamed each other for the violence. A tally kept by Johns Hopkins University found that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases globally had topped 25 million; the U.S. led the count with 5.9 million cases. Lady Gaga won multiple honors at the MTV Video Music Awards, most of them for her hit with Ariana Grande, "Rain on Me," while The Weeknd took home the top prize.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Elizabeth Ashley is 82. Actor Ben Jones is 80. Actor John Kani is 79. Cartoonist R. Crumb is 78. Olympic gold medal skier Jean-Claude Killy is 78. Comedian Lewis Black is 73. Actor Timothy Bottoms is 70. Actor David Paymer is 67. Jazz musician Gerald Albright is 64. Actor Michael Chiklis is 58. Actor Michael Michele is 55. Country singer Sherrie Austin is 50. Rock singer-musician Lars Frederiksen (Rancid) is 50. Actor Cameron Diaz is 49. TV personality Lisa Ling is 48. Rock singer-musician Aaron Barrett (Reel Big Fish) is 47. Actor Raúl Castillo is 44. Actor Michael Gladis is 44. MLB pitcher Adam Wainwright is 40. Former tennis player Andy Roddick is 39. Singer Rachael Price (Lake Street Dive) is 36. Rock musician Ryan Ross is 35. Actor Johanna Braddy is 34. Actor Cameron Finley 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 Monday, Aug. 30, the 242nd day of 2021. There are 123 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Aug. 30, 1967, the Senate confirmed the appointment of Thurgood Marshall as the first Black justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.On this date: In 1861, Union Gen. John C. Fremont instituted martial law in Missouri and declared slaves there to be free. (However, Fremont's emancipation order was countermanded by President Abraham Lincoln.) In 1905, Ty Cobb made his major-league debut as a player for the Detroit Tigers, hitting a double in his first at-bat in a game against the New York Highlanders. (The Tigers won, 5-3.)In 1945, U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur arrived in Japan to set up Allied occupation headquarters. In 1983, Guion S. Bluford Jr. became the first Black American astronaut to travel in space as he blasted off aboard the Challenger. In 1987, a redesigned space shuttle booster, created in the wake of the Challenger disaster, roared into life in its first full-scale test-firing near Brigham City, Utah.In 1992, the television series "Northern Exposure" won six Emmy Awards, including best drama series, while "Murphy Brown" received three Emmys, including best comedy series.In 1993, "The Late Show with David Letterman" premiered on CBS-TV. In 1997, Americans received word of the car crash in Paris that claimed the lives of Princess Diana, her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, and their driver, Henri Paul. (Because of the time difference, it was August 31 where the crash occurred.) In 2005, a day after Hurricane Katrina hit, floods were covering 80 percent of New Orleans, looting continued to spread and rescuers in helicopters and boats picked up hundreds of stranded people. In 2007, in a serious breach of nuclear security, a B-52 bomber armed with six nuclear warheads flew cross-country unnoticed; the Air Force later punished 70 people. In 2012, Mitt Romney launched his fall campaign for the White House with a rousing, personal speech to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida, proclaiming that America needs "jobs, lots of jobs." In 2015, the White House announced that President Barack Obama would change the name of North America's tallest mountain peak from Mount McKinley to Denali, bestowing the traditional Alaska Native name on the eve of a historic presidential visit to Alaska. Ten years ago: National Guard helicopters rushed food and water to a dozen cut-off Vermont towns after the rainy remnants of Hurricane Irene washed out roads and bridges in a deluge that had taken many people in the landlocked New England state by surprise. Libyan rebels said they were closing in on Moammar Gadhafi and issued an ultimatum to loyalists in his hometown of Sirte, his main remaining bastion: Surrender, or face attack.Five years ago: Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and Democratic U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy each easily won their Florida Senate primaries; Rubio won the election the following November. U.S. Sen. John McCain beat back an Arizona primary challenge from a Republican tea party activist, Kelli Ward, to win the right to seek a sixth Senate term in November (McCain went on to defeat Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick and Green Party candidate Gary Swing). One year ago: President Donald Trump praised supporters who clashed with Black Lives Matter protesters in Portland, Oregon, calling them "great patriots"; Trump and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler blamed each other for the violence. A tally kept by Johns Hopkins University found that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases globally had topped 25 million; the U.S. led the count with 5.9 million cases. Lady Gaga won multiple honors at the MTV Video Music Awards, most of them for her hit with Ariana Grande, "Rain on Me," while The Weeknd took home the top prize.Today's Birthdays: Actor Elizabeth Ashley is 82. Actor Ben Jones is 80. Actor John Kani is 79. Cartoonist R. Crumb is 78. Olympic gold medal skier Jean-Claude Killy is 78. Comedian Lewis Black is 73. Actor Timothy Bottoms is 70. Actor David Paymer is 67. Jazz musician Gerald Albright is 64. Actor Michael Chiklis is 58. Actor Michael Michele is 55. Country singer Sherrie Austin is 50. Rock singer-musician Lars Frederiksen (Rancid) is 50. Actor Cameron Diaz is 49. TV personality Lisa Ling is 48. Rock singer-musician Aaron Barrett (Reel Big Fish) is 47. Actor Raúl Castillo is 44. Actor Michael Gladis is 44. MLB pitcher Adam Wainwright is 40. Former tennis player Andy Roddick is 39. Singer Rachael Price (Lake Street Dive) is 36. Rock musician Ryan Ross is 35. Actor Johanna Braddy is 34. Actor Cameron Finley is 34.

Today in History - Aug. 30

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The new and improved Salina Post native app for iOS and Android devices is available FREE for your mobile device.<a href="https://salinapost.com/download">Click here to download from the App Store or Google Play.</a>

Get the free Salina Post app for your cellphone

PRATT – “Did you hunt geese, dove, or ducks last year? If yes, how many did you bag?” This is just one of a handful of questions that can provide biologists at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) with information critical to managing migratory game bird populations.

Most game bird hunters in Kansas are familiar with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit, but some may not be aware of the short survey that is associated with its purchase. A HIP permit, available for just $2.50, is required to hunt ducks, coots, geese, brant, swans, doves, woodcock, rails, snipe, sandhill cranes, band-tailed pigeons, and gallinules in Kansas; however, the associated survey is voluntary. Therefore, KDWP biologists are encouraging all HIP permit holders to, “Don’t Skip the HIP” and complete the survey upon purchase.

The survey consists of 10 short questions related to the species each game bird hunter typically pursues. This information is provided to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to ensure that more detailed, nationwide surveys are sent to the appropriate hunters. For example, most surveys about dove harvest are typically sent to hunters who hunt doves, while most waterfowl harvest surveys are sent to hunters who typically pursue ducks and geese. The data collected is then used to make sound decisions concerning hunting seasons and population management of migratory game bird species. So in essence, hunters serve as biologists’ eyes and ears in the field, helping to improve wildlife conservation efforts and protecting the hunting heritage.

Join KDWP in spreading the “Don’t Skip the HIP” message! For more information about the HIP permit, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Hunting-Programs/Harvest-Information-Program-HIP" target="_blank">ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Hunting-Programs/Harvest-Information-Program-HIP</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630286011938.png" alt="Image courtesy Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT – “Did you hunt geese, dove, or ducks last year? If yes, how many did you bag?” This is just one of a handful of questions that can provide biologists at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) with information critical to managing migratory game bird populations.Most game bird hunters in Kansas are familiar with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit, but some may not be aware of the short survey that is associated with its purchase. A HIP permit, available for just $2.50, is required to hunt ducks, coots, geese, brant, swans, doves, woodcock, rails, snipe, sandhill cranes, band-tailed pigeons, and gallinules in Kansas; however, the associated survey is voluntary. Therefore, KDWP biologists are encouraging all HIP permit holders to, “Don’t Skip the HIP” and complete the survey upon purchase.The survey consists of 10 short questions related to the species each game bird hunter typically pursues. This information is provided to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to ensure that more detailed, nationwide surveys are sent to the appropriate hunters. For example, most surveys about dove harvest are typically sent to hunters who hunt doves, while most waterfowl harvest surveys are sent to hunters who typically pursue ducks and geese. The data collected is then used to make sound decisions concerning hunting seasons and population management of migratory game bird species. So in essence, hunters serve as biologists’ eyes and ears in the field, helping to improve wildlife conservation efforts and protecting the hunting heritage.Join KDWP in spreading the “Don’t Skip the HIP” message! For more information about the HIP permit, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Hunting-Programs/Harvest-Information-Program-HIP" target="_blank">ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Hunting-Programs/Harvest-Information-Program-HIP</a>.-KDWP-

 KDWP biologists seek help from migratory game bird hunters

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

Recent obituaries

Are you a person interested in gathering customer information to analyze, provide teaching for staff, and strategically lead an organization forward with quality services?

Are you looking for a career to assist an organization to provide the highest quality services possible?

We are looking for a high-energy candidate who has the ability to understand multiple systems and regulations, and can translate that into easily understood standards to communicate.

The Quality Services Coordinator will work to develop, interpret, comply with, and evolve OCCK’s quality assurance standards. This position will also demonstrate continuous effort to track and improve the quality of services being provided to ensure services are meeting the expectations of people in our communities.

The Quality Assurance Coordinator would have the opportunity to work with multiple departments and various staff to assure the best services possible are being provided to people.

OCCK is a growing, diverse business celebrating 50 years of services in North Central Kansas.

We have a strong benefits package and competitive wages. Traveling is involved with this position.

A degree in related field is required. Come join our team.

Please send your resume to OCCK, Inc. Attention Janae Cramer, PO Box 1160, Salina, KS, 67402-1160.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592535783410.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Are you a person interested in gathering customer information to analyze, provide teaching for staff, and strategically lead an organization forward with quality services?Are you looking for a career to assist an organization to provide the highest quality services possible?We are looking for a high-energy candidate who has the ability to understand multiple systems and regulations, and can translate that into easily understood standards to communicate.The Quality Services Coordinator will work to develop, interpret, comply with, and evolve OCCK’s quality assurance standards. This position will also demonstrate continuous effort to track and improve the quality of services being provided to ensure services are meeting the expectations of people in our communities.The Quality Assurance Coordinator would have the opportunity to work with multiple departments and various staff to assure the best services possible are being provided to people.OCCK is a growing, diverse business celebrating 50 years of services in North Central Kansas.We have a strong benefits package and competitive wages. Traveling is involved with this position.A degree in related field is required. Come join our team.Please send your resume to OCCK, Inc. Attention Janae Cramer, PO Box 1160, Salina, KS, 67402-1160.

Free produce safety training for fruit and vegetable growers

Multiple locations in the area received a good soaking from storms that moved through Sunday.&nbsp;

At the Salina Regional Airport, 1.61 inches was reported as of 3 p.m. Sunday. In southeast Salina, 1.25 inches was reported.&nbsp;

Salina Post will have the 24-hour rain totals list from the&nbsp;Community Collaborative Rain, Hail &amp; Snow Network&nbsp;after the official 7 a.m. reporting on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630276587215.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Multiple locations in the area received a good soaking from storms that moved through Sunday.&nbsp;At the Salina Regional Airport, 1.61 inches was reported as of 3 p.m. Sunday. In southeast Salina, 1.25 inches was reported.&nbsp;Salina Post will have the 24-hour rain totals list from the&nbsp;Community Collaborative Rain, Hail &amp; Snow Network&nbsp;after the official 7 a.m. reporting on Monday.

Bountiful rains during Sunday storms

The City of Salina is reminding residents that the city commission will not meet the next two Mondays.

The commission will not meet Monday due to the date falling on a fifth Monday. The city commission does not meet on the fifth Monday of a month.

Additionally, commissioners will not meet on Sept. 6 due to the Labor Day holiday.

The next regularly scheduled city commission meeting will be Sept. 13.

The City of Salina is reminding residents that the city commission will not meet the next two Mondays.The commission will not meet Monday due to the date falling on a fifth Monday. The city commission does not meet on the fifth Monday of a month.Additionally, commissioners will not meet on Sept. 6 due to the Labor Day holiday.The next regularly scheduled city commission meeting will be Sept. 13.

No city commission meetings this week and next

BOSTON, Mass. - The Marlboro Institute for Liberal Arts &amp; Interdisciplinary Studies at Emerson College honored various students during its annual achievement awards ceremony at the end of the Spring 2021 semester.

Cedar Van Tassel, of Gypsum, was among those honored. Van Tassel earned the The Helen W. Clark Prize &amp; The Robert E. Engel Award.

The Helen W. Clark Prize is awarded by the visual arts faculty to the best Plan of Concentration within the fine arts. The Robert E. Engel Award was established in 2011 in honor of Bob Engel. Engel was a Marlboro faculty member for 36 years. This honor is awarded to a student who demonstrates Bob's passion for the natural world and his keen powers of observation and inquiry as a natural historian.

Van Tassel is pursuing a degree in self-designed and is a member of the Emerson College Class of 2021.

Based in Boston, Massachusetts, opposite the historic Boston Common and in the heart of the city's Theatre District, Emerson College educates individuals who will solve problems and change the world through engaged leadership in communication and the arts, a mission informed by liberal learning. The College has 3,700 undergraduates and 1,400 graduate students from across the United States and 50 countries. Supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a renowned faculty, students participate in more than 90 student organizations and performance groups.

BOSTON, Mass. - The Marlboro Institute for Liberal Arts &amp; Interdisciplinary Studies at Emerson College honored various students during its annual achievement awards ceremony at the end of the Spring 2021 semester.Cedar Van Tassel, of Gypsum, was among those honored. Van Tassel earned the The Helen W. Clark Prize &amp; The Robert E. Engel Award.The Helen W. Clark Prize is awarded by the visual arts faculty to the best Plan of Concentration within the fine arts. The Robert E. Engel Award was established in 2011 in honor of Bob Engel. Engel was a Marlboro faculty member for 36 years. This honor is awarded to a student who demonstrates Bob's passion for the natural world and his keen powers of observation and inquiry as a natural historian.Van Tassel is pursuing a degree in self-designed and is a member of the Emerson College Class of 2021.About Emerson CollegeBased in Boston, Massachusetts, opposite the historic Boston Common and in the heart of the city's Theatre District, Emerson College educates individuals who will solve problems and change the world through engaged leadership in communication and the arts, a mission informed by liberal learning. The College has 3,700 undergraduates and 1,400 graduate students from across the United States and 50 countries. Supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a renowned faculty, students participate in more than 90 student organizations and performance groups.

Gypsum's Van Tassel receives Emerson College honors

Publication takes a look at threats to Kansas’ most popular varieties

MANHATTAN – In Kansas and other wheat-growing states, the tools of the trade include a planter, combine and a grain bin.&nbsp;

But ask most farmers, and they’re also likely to have a reliable source for information on wheat diseases and insects that threaten their crop. Sometimes, that source is neatly tucked into a hip pocket or the truck’s glove box.&nbsp;

For more than 30 years, Kansas State University has been publishing a report that takes a look at disease and insect trends in the state’s wheat crop.&nbsp;

“This is a summary of multi-year data about disease and insect reactions of the most popular varieties – and some historical varieties – that are grown here in Kansas. We also include agronomic traits of these varieties, including height, maturity, straw strength and drought tolerance,” said K-State Research and Extension wheat disease specialist Kelsey Andersen Onofre.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF991.pdf" target="_blank">2021 Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings is now available online</a>&nbsp;through the K-State Research and Extension bookstore. The publication is available free online.&nbsp;

Anderson Onofre said the publication includes a broad view of wheat varieties in the state that may be “above average for certain diseases in parts of the state as well as varieties that need to be managed more intensely.”&nbsp;

She said that by monitoring the wheat crop, K-State researchers are able to not only track disease and insect pressure in the state, but also compare that with varieties that perform well against disease or insects, and treatments for the crop.&nbsp;

“We put these varieties to the test and put a lot of eyes on them before we include them in our annual report,” Andersen Onofre said.&nbsp;

“This is a year when we certainly had high stripe rust pressure in parts of the state,” she added. “We did get a lot of stripe rust notes, both from inoculated nurseries and from various high natural pressure locations.”&nbsp;

This year, K-State was also reporting “high concern” for Fusarium head blight and wheat streak mosaic virus. Along with stripe rust, “those are the Big Three that really stood out as problematic in pockets of the state this year,” according to Andersen Onofre.&nbsp;

Fusarium head blight was more common in western Kansas due to higher-than-normal moisture.&nbsp;

“We don’t see that disease as often out west because it needs moisture,”  Andersen Onofre said. “Now we know that pathogen is there, so when there is another wet year, we know that a fungicide application at flowering may be necessary.”&nbsp;

Andersen Onofre said Fusarium head blight is a good example of a disease that requires a marriage, of sorts, of the two most effective ways to prevent disease in wheat.&nbsp;

“Selecting a variety with intermediate disease resistance plus a fungicide is really the best way to control Fusarium head blight,” she said. “Neither of those two work well alone, but putting them together – especially if you have high infection – is where you’re going to see the most control in those high pressure years.”&nbsp;

“It’s always good to think about resistant varieties; that’s the tool we always have in the bag that you don’t have to worry about later on. But a timely fungicide decision can be married well with a good variety.”&nbsp;

More information on K-State’s crop research, as well as many other agronomic topics, is available each week in the&nbsp;<a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">Agronomy eUpdate</a>, available online from the university’s Department of Agronomy.&nbsp;

<h2>Publication takes a look at threats to Kansas’ most popular varieties</h2>MANHATTAN – In Kansas and other wheat-growing states, the tools of the trade include a planter, combine and a grain bin.&nbsp;But ask most farmers, and they’re also likely to have a reliable source for information on wheat diseases and insects that threaten their crop. Sometimes, that source is neatly tucked into a hip pocket or the truck’s glove box.&nbsp;For more than 30 years, Kansas State University has been publishing a report that takes a look at disease and insect trends in the state’s wheat crop.&nbsp;“This is a summary of multi-year data about disease and insect reactions of the most popular varieties – and some historical varieties – that are grown here in Kansas. We also include agronomic traits of these varieties, including height, maturity, straw strength and drought tolerance,” said K-State Research and Extension wheat disease specialist Kelsey Andersen Onofre.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF991.pdf" target="_blank">2021 Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings is now available online</a>&nbsp;through the K-State Research and Extension bookstore. The publication is available free online.&nbsp;Anderson Onofre said the publication includes a broad view of wheat varieties in the state that may be “above average for certain diseases in parts of the state as well as varieties that need to be managed more intensely.”&nbsp;She said that by monitoring the wheat crop, K-State researchers are able to not only track disease and insect pressure in the state, but also compare that with varieties that perform well against disease or insects, and treatments for the crop.&nbsp;“We put these varieties to the test and put a lot of eyes on them before we include them in our annual report,” Andersen Onofre said.&nbsp;“This is a year when we certainly had high stripe rust pressure in parts of the state,” she added. “We did get a lot of stripe rust notes, both from inoculated nurseries and from various high natural pressure locations.”&nbsp;This year, K-State was also reporting “high concern” for Fusarium head blight and wheat streak mosaic virus. Along with stripe rust, “those are the Big Three that really stood out as problematic in pockets of the state this year,” according to Andersen Onofre.&nbsp;Fusarium head blight was more common in western Kansas due to higher-than-normal moisture.&nbsp;“We don’t see that disease as often out west because it needs moisture,” Andersen Onofre said. “Now we know that pathogen is there, so when there is another wet year, we know that a fungicide application at flowering may be necessary.”&nbsp;Andersen Onofre said Fusarium head blight is a good example of a disease that requires a marriage, of sorts, of the two most effective ways to prevent disease in wheat.&nbsp;“Selecting a variety with intermediate disease resistance plus a fungicide is really the best way to control Fusarium head blight,” she said. “Neither of those two work well alone, but putting them together – especially if you have high infection – is where you’re going to see the most control in those high pressure years.”&nbsp;“It’s always good to think about resistant varieties; that’s the tool we always have in the bag that you don’t have to worry about later on. But a timely fungicide decision can be married well with a good variety.”&nbsp;More information on K-State’s crop research, as well as many other agronomic topics, is available each week in the&nbsp;<a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">Agronomy eUpdate</a>, available online from the university’s Department of Agronomy.&nbsp;

K-State releases annual Wheat Variety Disease and Insect ratings

Mabelle Mase enjoys being with and helping others. Throughout her life, it is a safe bet that she's done a lot of both.

Today Mase, of Salina, celebrates her 103 birthday!

While she has seen a lot through the years, it is the people she has encountered for whom she has the fondest memories.

Mase was born Aug. 29, 1918, in Centralia, Kan., the fourth of six children.

"We lived on a farm and my favorite animal has always been the horses. We rode horses a lot. I think they put me on a horse when I was about 18 months old," she said.

Growing up, Mase also enjoyed school. It was a passion that would shape much of her adult life.

"School was it!" she said and smiled. "I was eager for it every day, partly for the kids, but probably mostly for what was in the books."

After graduating from high school in Centralia, Mase went to Kansas State University, where she earned a teaching degree. Mase said she originally had planned to teach home economics, but she switched to elementary education.

While she was at K-State, her family moved to Ottawa County, so Mase found herself beginning her teaching career at a school just outside of Minneapolis, where she taught for two years before getting married. She later taught third grade in the Minneapolis district for 17 years.

Mase then decided to pursue a master's degree in special education from the University of Kansas. After completing that degree, she then taught at Hawthorne Elementary School in Salina "for a good long while."

Throughout her teaching career, Mase found delight in her students.

"I loved teaching and I loved the children. I enjoyed each one of them," she said.

While she liked to travel and visited Europe, Canada, and Mexico, being home was what Mase has enjoyed the most.

"I loved activities with the local ladies, like bridge and various other activities," she said. "That is what I really enjoyed, the activities with the other ladies and the neighbors."

Mase also has accomplished many hours of volunteer work to help others. One of Mase's volunteer efforts was with 4-H.

"I was a 4-H club leader for a short time, but mostly I saw to it that my girls had a good 4-H background," she said.

She also was active in delivering Meals on Wheels.

Another of Mase's life adventures was as a house mother for the Pi Phi house at the University of New Mexico.

"I loved being a house mother," she said.

Basically, Mase enjoys people and helping others.

While she plans to spend today with loved ones, the celebration will continue into Monday as Salina Presbyterian Manor, where she lives, has planned a celebration in her honor.

So what advice does this woman who has made 103 trips around the sun have for those younger than her?

"Live each day as it comes and work with its problems and its pleasures, but mostly to enjoy life along the way," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630266465434.jpeg" alt="Mabelle Mase turns 103 today. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Mabelle Mase turns 103 today. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostMabelle Mase enjoys being with and helping others. Throughout her life, it is a safe bet that she's done a lot of both.Today Mase, of Salina, celebrates her 103 birthday!While she has seen a lot through the years, it is the people she has encountered for whom she has the fondest memories.Mase was born Aug. 29, 1918, in Centralia, Kan., the fourth of six children."We lived on a farm and my favorite animal has always been the horses. We rode horses a lot. I think they put me on a horse when I was about 18 months old," she said.Growing up, Mase also enjoyed school. It was a passion that would shape much of her adult life."School was it!" she said and smiled. "I was eager for it every day, partly for the kids, but probably mostly for what was in the books."After graduating from high school in Centralia, Mase went to Kansas State University, where she earned a teaching degree. Mase said she originally had planned to teach home economics, but she switched to elementary education.While she was at K-State, her family moved to Ottawa County, so Mase found herself beginning her teaching career at a school just outside of Minneapolis, where she taught for two years before getting married. She later taught third grade in the Minneapolis district for 17 years.Mase then decided to pursue a master's degree in special education from the University of Kansas. After completing that degree, she then taught at Hawthorne Elementary School in Salina "for a good long while."Throughout her teaching career, Mase found delight in her students."I loved teaching and I loved the children. I enjoyed each one of them," she said.While she liked to travel and visited Europe, Canada, and Mexico, being home was what Mase has enjoyed the most."I loved activities with the local ladies, like bridge and various other activities," she said. "That is what I really enjoyed, the activities with the other ladies and the neighbors."Mase also has accomplished many hours of volunteer work to help others. One of Mase's volunteer efforts was with 4-H."I was a 4-H club leader for a short time, but mostly I saw to it that my girls had a good 4-H background," she said.She also was active in delivering Meals on Wheels.Another of Mase's life adventures was as a house mother for the Pi Phi house at the University of New Mexico."I loved being a house mother," she said.Basically, Mase enjoys people and helping others.While she plans to spend today with loved ones, the celebration will continue into Monday as Salina Presbyterian Manor, where she lives, has planned a celebration in her honor.So what advice does this woman who has made 103 trips around the sun have for those younger than her?"Live each day as it comes and work with its problems and its pleasures, but mostly to enjoy life along the way," she said.Happy birthday, Mabelle!

For 103-year-old Mabelle Mase, it's about the people

UPDATE 11 a.m. Sunday: The flood advisory for Jewell and Mitchell counties has been allowed to expire.

The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a flood advisory that includes Jewell County and Mitchell County.

The flood advisory is in effect until 11 a.m. Sunday.

At 6:54 a.m. CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in parts of the advisory area. Between one and three inches of rain have fallen in parts of the advisory area early this morning as of 6:50 a.m. CDT, although amounts have varied widely over short distances. An additional one to two inches of rain is possible in parts of the area over the next few hours before rain gradually ends.

To see whether storms are headed your way, check out the radar on the Salina Post severe weather page.&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Click here</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

UPDATE 11 a.m. Sunday: The flood advisory for Jewell and Mitchell counties has been allowed to expire.The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a flood advisory that includes Jewell County and Mitchell County.The flood advisory is in effect until 11 a.m. Sunday.At 6:54 a.m. CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in parts of the advisory area. Between one and three inches of rain have fallen in parts of the advisory area early this morning as of 6:50 a.m. CDT, although amounts have varied widely over short distances. An additional one to two inches of rain is possible in parts of the area over the next few hours before rain gradually ends.To see whether storms are headed your way, check out the radar on the Salina Post severe weather page.&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Click here</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

UPDATE: Flood advisory for Jewell, Mitchell counties expires

UPDATE 12:15 p.m. Sunday: The flood warning for Lincoln County has been allowed to expire.

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a flood warning that includes Lincoln County.

The flood warning is in effect until 12:15 p.m. Sunday.

At 6:24 a.m. CDT, Doppler radar indicated numerous slow-moving thunderstorms producing very heavy rain across Russell and Lincoln counties. Between one and three inches of rain have fallen so far, with additional amounts of one to three inches possible early this morning. This may cause flooding of streams, creeks, streets, country roads, and various low-lying areas.

Do not drive into flooded areas or go around barricades. Nearly two feet of water will carry most vehicles away. Turn around, don`t drown.

To see whether storms are headed your way, check out the radar on the Salina Post severe weather page.&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Click here</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

UPDATE 12:15 p.m. Sunday: The flood warning for Lincoln County has been allowed to expire.The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a flood warning that includes Lincoln County.The flood warning is in effect until 12:15 p.m. Sunday.At 6:24 a.m. CDT, Doppler radar indicated numerous slow-moving thunderstorms producing very heavy rain across Russell and Lincoln counties. Between one and three inches of rain have fallen so far, with additional amounts of one to three inches possible early this morning. This may cause flooding of streams, creeks, streets, country roads, and various low-lying areas.Do not drive into flooded areas or go around barricades. Nearly two feet of water will carry most vehicles away. Turn around, don`t drown.To see whether storms are headed your way, check out the radar on the Salina Post severe weather page.&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Click here</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

UPDATE: Lincoln County flood warning expires

The Ottawa and Saline County CASA Program has been awarded a $30,000 Core Model Grant from the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children.

According to Angela Owens, Program Director of the Ottawa and Saline County CASA Program, the funds will be used to recruit, train and assign new volunteers to represent the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and neglect.

“We are truly grateful for this award from National CASA/GAL Association,” said Owens.

The Ottawa and Saline County CASA Program, a program of Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS), recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children involved in the local court system. CASA volunteers work to ensure the children’s needs are met and to assist the court in obtaining a safe, permanent placement as quickly as possible. Learn more at www.capsofsalina.org.


There are nearly 950 CASA/GAL programs nationwide, including 49 state offices, supporting volunteers who work on behalf of children in the child welfare system. Their advocacy enables judges to make the most well-informed decisions for each child. Work done under the mentoring grant will target key populations such as American Indian/Alaska Native, rural and opioid-impacted youth.

The mentoring grant will enable the Ottawa and Saline County CASA Program to focus on advocating for the needs of at-risk and underserved youth. Volunteers will also mentor youth, helping them increase their level of connectivity with community and family, improve educational outcomes, and reach stable placements.

The federal grant funds distributed through National CASA/GAL are provided by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, US Department of Justice, as authorized under the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990. In 2019, National CASA/GAL was awarded nearly $7 million in federal grants.

-<a href="https://capsofsalina.org/">CAPS</a>-

The Ottawa and Saline County CASA Program has been awarded a $30,000 Core Model Grant from the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children.According to Angela Owens, Program Director of the Ottawa and Saline County CASA Program, the funds will be used to recruit, train and assign new volunteers to represent the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and neglect.“We are truly grateful for this award from National CASA/GAL Association,” said Owens.The Ottawa and Saline County CASA Program, a program of Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS), recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children involved in the local court system. CASA volunteers work to ensure the children’s needs are met and to assist the court in obtaining a safe, permanent placement as quickly as possible. Learn more at www.capsofsalina.org.
There are nearly 950 CASA/GAL programs nationwide, including 49 state offices, supporting volunteers who work on behalf of children in the child welfare system. Their advocacy enables judges to make the most well-informed decisions for each child. Work done under the mentoring grant will target key populations such as American Indian/Alaska Native, rural and opioid-impacted youth.The mentoring grant will enable the Ottawa and Saline County CASA Program to focus on advocating for the needs of at-risk and underserved youth. Volunteers will also mentor youth, helping them increase their level of connectivity with community and family, improve educational outcomes, and reach stable placements.The federal grant funds distributed through National CASA/GAL are provided by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, US Department of Justice, as authorized under the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990. In 2019, National CASA/GAL was awarded nearly $7 million in federal grants.-<a href="https://capsofsalina.org/">CAPS</a>-

Local CASA program receives $30,000 federal grant

(<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6e3d41c2-ab95-421d-b969-23fce33399fd">Part 1 of “Kansans Can – What’s the Plan?</a>”&nbsp;provided a summary of what the Kansans Can vision is about. Part 2, below, provides details about how Kansans Can seeks to improve the success of each student.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Why do we need a broader definition of student success than academics alone?

Input from communities, educators and business.&nbsp;In 2015, the State Board of Education and Department of Education received input from thousands of Kansans in community meetings, focus groups and business groups who said the most critical needs for successful students are not academic content knowledge alone, but individual skills such as self-discipline, perseverance, and self-care; and interpersonal skills such as teamwork, speaking and listening, and empathy.

Academic plus much more. In short, the feedback said that there are things students need to know (which is the traditional role of schools), but equally important is what students will be able to do with that knowledge. That position was supported by numerous national studies. Those responses are being reviewed in a new series of meetings this summer.

Supreme Court and Legislative Goals.&nbsp;The Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Legislature have adopted seven educational goals called the “Rose capacities.” These goals say schools should produce students with “sufficient” knowledge of communication skills; of political, social, economic systems and political processes; of physical and mental health; of arts and cultural heritage; and be prepared for postsecondary studies and the workforce.

Economic Needs and Opportunity.&nbsp;Kansas, like all states, has experienced a massive economic change. Fifty years ago, two-thirds of jobs required only a high school diploma or less, and many of those jobs paid enough to support a family with a middle-class lifestyle. Today, two-thirds of jobs require more than a high school diploma (a technical certificate or&nbsp; college degree), and few jobs requiring only high school or less pay enough to support a middle-class lifestyle.

These changes have created a widening educational gap, with students from lower income families lagging behind their peers in academic measures, making them less likely to learn the skills and the credentials for economic advancement.

Although Kansas educational attainment (completion of high school and postsecondary education) has never been higher, it is still not rising fast enough to meet employment needs. At the same time, employers report that many high school, two-year and four-year college graduates lack the personal and interpersonal skills they need to be successful, even if they have the expected academic credentials.

COVID Impact.&nbsp;Many Kansas students have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which may include reduced learning time, increased economic pressures for families, unprecedented levels of stress affecting social-emotional well-being, disruptions to academic progress, and less access to postsecondary education.

Why do Kansas schools need to push forward with redesign?

Social needs have changed.&nbsp;Kansas schools are largely organized as they have been for the past 50 to 100 years, after the transition from primarily one-room rural schools. They were designed to focus on academics when fewer students expected to graduate and far fewer went on to college, when most students were prepared for work on a farm or in a factory, and when “non-academic” skills were provided by family, church, community organizations and employment experience.

Success for some, not for all.&nbsp;While many students, especially those with strong family support, do very well under this system, many students are not getting the individualized education they need to meet the challenges of a changing world. The State Board has adopted the Kansans Can vision and the principles of school redesign to meet these challenges to ensure the success of each and every student in Kansas.

How is the Kansans Can system working to help districts adapt to new societal demands and meet the unprecedented expectation of success for every student?

Kindergarten readiness.&nbsp;The biggest gap in student skills is at the start, when some children come to school already reading and others with limited academic, social and behavioral skills. Since 2015, the state has begun funding all-day kindergarten and has expanded early childhood programs, with many districts expanding additional local programs. &nbsp;

Social and emotional needs.&nbsp;Students can’t learn academically, manage themselves or work with others if they are battling emotional issues, depression and trauma. The state and local districts have expanded student mental health services (often in partnership with community programs), added counselors and social workers, and special education staff in efforts to meet these needs. &nbsp;

Individual plans of study.&nbsp;Asking students and families to begin thinking earlier about what they want for their future helps students choose courses and activities to better prepare for postsecondary education and test those interests with real world experiences. &nbsp;

Academically prepared for postsecondary education.&nbsp;The State Board adopted recommendations from a Legislative Task Force on Dyslexia to strengthen teacher training in reading literacy. The Board has increased the focus on reaching “college ready” standards on state assessments, a much higher standard than “grade level” standards. The state now pays for all students to take the ACT college readiness test, increasing the numbers of students participating as well as providing equitable access to this assessment. &nbsp;

High school graduation.&nbsp;High school graduation rates are at the highest point in the history of Kansas public schooling and lower performing groups are improving faster than the average, narrowing the gap.

(<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6e3d41c2-ab95-421d-b969-23fce33399fd">Part 1 of “Kansans Can – What’s the Plan?</a>”&nbsp;provided a summary of what the Kansans Can vision is about. Part 2, below, provides details about how Kansans Can seeks to improve the success of each student.)&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582221969260.jpeg" alt="Mark Tallman.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Kansas Association of School Boards&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Mark Tallman.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Kansas Association of School Boards&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK TALLMANWhy do we need a broader definition of student success than academics alone?Input from communities, educators and business.&nbsp;In 2015, the State Board of Education and Department of Education received input from thousands of Kansans in community meetings, focus groups and business groups who said the most critical needs for successful students are not academic content knowledge alone, but individual skills such as self-discipline, perseverance, and self-care; and interpersonal skills such as teamwork, speaking and listening, and empathy.Academic plus much more. In short, the feedback said that there are things students need to know (which is the traditional role of schools), but equally important is what students will be able to do with that knowledge. That position was supported by numerous national studies. Those responses are being reviewed in a new series of meetings this summer.Supreme Court and Legislative Goals.&nbsp;The Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Legislature have adopted seven educational goals called the “Rose capacities.” These goals say schools should produce students with “sufficient” knowledge of communication skills; of political, social, economic systems and political processes; of physical and mental health; of arts and cultural heritage; and be prepared for postsecondary studies and the workforce.Economic Needs and Opportunity.&nbsp;Kansas, like all states, has experienced a massive economic change. Fifty years ago, two-thirds of jobs required only a high school diploma or less, and many of those jobs paid enough to support a family with a middle-class lifestyle. Today, two-thirds of jobs require more than a high school diploma (a technical certificate or&nbsp; college degree), and few jobs requiring only high school or less pay enough to support a middle-class lifestyle.These changes have created a widening educational gap, with students from lower income families lagging behind their peers in academic measures, making them less likely to learn the skills and the credentials for economic advancement.Although Kansas educational attainment (completion of high school and postsecondary education) has never been higher, it is still not rising fast enough to meet employment needs. At the same time, employers report that many high school, two-year and four-year college graduates lack the personal and interpersonal skills they need to be successful, even if they have the expected academic credentials.COVID Impact.&nbsp;Many Kansas students have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which may include reduced learning time, increased economic pressures for families, unprecedented levels of stress affecting social-emotional well-being, disruptions to academic progress, and less access to postsecondary education.Why do Kansas schools need to push forward with redesign?Social needs have changed.&nbsp;Kansas schools are largely organized as they have been for the past 50 to 100 years, after the transition from primarily one-room rural schools. They were designed to focus on academics when fewer students expected to graduate and far fewer went on to college, when most students were prepared for work on a farm or in a factory, and when “non-academic” skills were provided by family, church, community organizations and employment experience.Success for some, not for all.&nbsp;While many students, especially those with strong family support, do very well under this system, many students are not getting the individualized education they need to meet the challenges of a changing world. The State Board has adopted the Kansans Can vision and the principles of school redesign to meet these challenges to ensure the success of each and every student in Kansas.How is the Kansans Can system working to help districts adapt to new societal demands and meet the unprecedented expectation of success for every student?Kindergarten readiness.&nbsp;The biggest gap in student skills is at the start, when some children come to school already reading and others with limited academic, social and behavioral skills. Since 2015, the state has begun funding all-day kindergarten and has expanded early childhood programs, with many districts expanding additional local programs. &nbsp;Social and emotional needs.&nbsp;Students can’t learn academically, manage themselves or work with others if they are battling emotional issues, depression and trauma. The state and local districts have expanded student mental health services (often in partnership with community programs), added counselors and social workers, and special education staff in efforts to meet these needs. &nbsp;Individual plans of study.&nbsp;Asking students and families to begin thinking earlier about what they want for their future helps students choose courses and activities to better prepare for postsecondary education and test those interests with real world experiences. &nbsp;Academically prepared for postsecondary education.&nbsp;The State Board adopted recommendations from a Legislative Task Force on Dyslexia to strengthen teacher training in reading literacy. The Board has increased the focus on reaching “college ready” standards on state assessments, a much higher standard than “grade level” standards. The state now pays for all students to take the ACT college readiness test, increasing the numbers of students participating as well as providing equitable access to this assessment. &nbsp;High school graduation.&nbsp;High school graduation rates are at the highest point in the history of Kansas public schooling and lower performing groups are improving faster than the average, narrowing the gap.Postsecondary Success.&nbsp;Kansas has created a unique measure for tracking the percentage of students who complete a postsecondary technical certificate or college degree or remain enrolled in such programs two years after high school graduation. The “postsecondary effective rate” has improved; the number of students earning college or technical credit in high school has increased, and the number of students in remedial college courses has decreased.Civic Engagement.&nbsp;To promote civic engagement as part of all preK-12 students’ experience, the State Board has created the Civic Advocacy Network to recognize schools that actively involve students in civic engagement opportunities and to collect exemplary practices to share with schools across the state. &nbsp;What challenges still exist?Creating opportunities for every child.&nbsp;Kansas school funding declined compared to inflation from 2009 to 2017, resulting in cuts to staff and positions and falling behind other states. The restoration of state funding to constitutional levels by 2023 will allow districts to staff schools with the critical positions needed to meet the new, and broader needs of K-12 students, from pre-K and early learning classes for kindergarten readiness, stronger mental health and special education services, better career planning and preparation through experiences or credentials required for college and career readiness. Today, all means all!While high school graduation and postsecondary participation has steadily increased, more than one in 10 students do not graduate in four years, and even more&nbsp; students from low-income families, those with disabilities and English Language Learners fail to meet this standard. The percentage of students completing post-secondary programs remains far below expected employment needs.Lagging academic measures. After funding fell behind inflation from 2009 to 2017 and led to cuts in programs and school staff, state and national tests scores declined with deep disparities remaining among student groups, which the pandemic is expected to worsen.What is the State Board doing to support improvement?School Redesign. Five years ago, the State Board began the School Redesign Project, inviting volunteer schools to explore changes in the learning to improve student success with guidance and assistance from the state and a focus on personalized learning social-emotional skill development, real world application, and stakeholder partnerships. Nearly 200 schools are now participating, working on ways to rethink and realign schools to meet the needs of each student, with many others adopting the lessons being learned.Accreditation.&nbsp;The State Board adopted the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) model in 2018 as a model of continuous improvement. A key part of district evaluation and accreditation status involves the use of data to demonstrate growth in the five Kansans Can State Board outcomes – Social Emotional Growth, Kindergarten Readiness, Individual Plans of Study, Academic Preparation, Graduation Rates, Postsecondary Completion, and Civic Engagement.Recognition.&nbsp;The State Board has also created the Kansans Can Star Recognition Program to recognize district success in the measures of outcomes that Kansans said they value. These outcomes, both quantitative and qualitative measures, serve as the roadmap for Kansas to reach its vision for education. The program awards recognition for high success in each area.Graduation Requirements.&nbsp;The State Board appointed a task force to examine Kansas high school graduation requirements to better meet the needs of students in the 21st century and reach the State Board’s vision to lead the world in the success of each student. The task force will identify&nbsp; courses that should be added or identify those that should no longer be required for graduation; review competencies and identify multiple ways to show mastery of skills that will allow students to move at their own pace and time; and study the benefit of, or need for requiring value-added assets in addition to the high school diploma, (i.e. industry recognized certificates, college credits, etc.).What resources are being provided to Kansas schools to support improvement?Gannon state funding.&nbsp;Kansas per pupil funding decreased compared to the inflation rate between 2009 and 2017. Kansas also fell behind both national and regional averages. Following the Kansas Supreme Court’s Gannon school finance decision, the Legislature approved a plan to gradually restore funding&nbsp; to the 2009 level, adjusted for inflation, over six years (2018-2023). The result is record levels of state funding.Federal COVID aid.&nbsp;In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government approved three rounds of special funding, called ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief). These one-time funds, which will total over $1 billion, can be used over four years to address COVID-related costs, including student learning loss and social-emotional needs.The Kansans Can Success Tour is designed to see whether Kansans still agree with this direction. If so, schools and communities can move ahead. If not, we need to determine the alternative. If you have questions, please attend an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/Success-Tour#Itinerary">upcoming meeting</a>, contact the Kansas State Department of Education, or you can contact me at <a href="http://mtallman@kasb.org">mtallman@kasb.org</a>.Mark Tallman is the associate executive director for advocacy for the Kansas Association of School Boards.