By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A pickup witnesses said was involved in a hit-and-run accident in the Salina Central High School parking lot Wednesday morning was later found at Salina South High School.

Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that according to three witnesses, at approximately 7:35 a.m. Wednesday morning, a white Ford F150 pickup exited a parking stall and was headed northeast when it struck a legally parked 2001 Ford Mustang belonging to Shane Hall of Lindsborg. The collision ripped a bumper off of the Mustang.

The pickup was later found at Salina South High School. It was determined that a 15-year-old girl from Salina had been driving it, Forrester said. The girl did not have a driver's license, he added.

The girl was cited for the following, Forrester said.

●Duty upon striking an unattended vehicle (not reporting the accident)

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA pickup witnesses said was involved in a hit-and-run accident in the Salina Central High School parking lot Wednesday morning was later found at Salina South High School.Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that according to three witnesses, at approximately 7:35 a.m. Wednesday morning, a white Ford F150 pickup exited a parking stall and was headed northeast when it struck a legally parked 2001 Ford Mustang belonging to Shane Hall of Lindsborg. The collision ripped a bumper off of the Mustang.The pickup was later found at Salina South High School. It was determined that a 15-year-old girl from Salina had been driving it, Forrester said. The girl did not have a driver's license, he added.The girl was cited for the following, Forrester said.●Duty upon striking an unattended vehicle (not reporting the accident)●No driver's license●Inattentive driving

Pickup that struck Mustang in Central parking lot later found at South

Police are looking for a minivan that was stolen in north Salina Wednesday evening.

Kristine Brown, 36, of Salina, reported that her gray 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan was taken from the driveway of her residence in the 700 block of W. Ash Street sometime between 6:30-8:15 p.m. Wednesday, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. Brown told police that she believed her husband had left the keys in the vehicle.

The Grand Caravan had scrape marks on both sides and a Kansas license plate of 251PGM, Forrester said. It was valued at $15,000.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostPolice are looking for a minivan that was stolen in north Salina Wednesday evening.Kristine Brown, 36, of Salina, reported that her gray 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan was taken from the driveway of her residence in the 700 block of W. Ash Street sometime between 6:30-8:15 p.m. Wednesday, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. Brown told police that she believed her husband had left the keys in the vehicle.The Grand Caravan had scrape marks on both sides and a Kansas license plate of 251PGM, Forrester said. It was valued at $15,000.

Minivan stolen from north Salina residence Wednesday evening

With a focus on national expansion, meeting the demands of the aerospace industry and a recognition of the niche mission of the campus, Kansas State University's Polytechnic Campus is rebranding to be&nbsp;<a href="https://salina.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus</a>. "This change establishes the first&nbsp;aerospace and technology campus in Kansas and shows our Salina campus is ready to take on the accelerating needs of the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries," said Richard Myers, K-State president. "The Aerospace and Technology Campus will be a national leader in advanced&nbsp;aviation and aerospace training, education and engineering through research, innovation and instruction." Since joining the Kansas State University system in 1991,&nbsp;the campus has&nbsp;housed the university's aviation and engineering technology programs. These are niche programs, separate from any programs offered on the other K-State campuses.&nbsp;The historical lineage of the campus — a two-year technical institution that merged with a public university — uniquely positions it to serve all career-entry points into the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. The Aerospace&nbsp;and Technology Campus will retain the College of Technology and Aviation, which includes three academic departments: aviation, integrated studies and unmanned aircraft systems.&nbsp;The campus offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as credit and non-credit technical and graduate-level certificates. It is also home to in-demand programs that assist employers with upskilling their current workforces. Alysia Starkey, CEO and dean of the campus, says the new&nbsp;name better represents what the campus offers for prospective students, donors and community and industry partners, and is a better representation of the education received by alumni. "We&nbsp;are very excited to influence the future of aerospace and technology," Starkey said. "We already offer world-renowned programs in the operational segment of aviation and look forward to expanding our offerings. Equally exciting is that the program expansions required to achieve this vision support the same business, engineering and technology workforce needs of the recent expansions in the advanced manufacturing sector in central Kansas." "Since the closure of Schilling Air Force Base in 1967, the mission of the Kansas State University campus in Salina has been to maintain excellence in aviation and engineering," said state Sen. J.R. Claeys, Salina. "This rebranding enhances the campus's ability to support the growth of the Kansas economy. Some of the top employers in Kansas require highly skilled, educated professionals in the technologies that will drive innovation in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. The median annual wage for these industry sectors is $104,312, benefiting economic development in Salina and across the state." Aligning the campus brand and name has been a goal since 2017 when the campus, with help from community partners in Salina, launched its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/research-training/global-aeronautics-initiative/" target="_blank">Global Aeronautics Initiative</a>&nbsp;with the vision to establish an aerospace and technology campus. Starkey said that the&nbsp;campus's focus on a&nbsp;hands-on&nbsp;and&nbsp;real-world&nbsp;approach to preparing students to be career-ready will remain the same. "Our commitment to student success, personalized education and world-ready learning experiences is embedded in our institutional DNA," Starkey said. "Our students, alumni and industry partners have come to expect the quality experiences that the polytechnic teaching philosophy provides. This approach is at the heart of everything we do."&nbsp;&nbsp;

-<a href="http://salina.k-state.edu">K-State Aerospace and Technology Campus</a>-

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629982721952.jpeg" alt="Kansas State University's Polytechnic Campus will be rebranded to Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus to align with its mission of supporting the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. Photo courtesy Kansas State University Salina" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University's Polytechnic Campus will be rebranded to Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus to align with its mission of supporting the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. Photo courtesy Kansas State University Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>With a focus on national expansion, meeting the demands of the aerospace industry and a recognition of the niche mission of the campus, Kansas State University's Polytechnic Campus is rebranding to be&nbsp;<a href="https://salina.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus</a>. "This change establishes the first&nbsp;aerospace and technology campus in Kansas and shows our Salina campus is ready to take on the accelerating needs of the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries," said Richard Myers, K-State president. "The Aerospace and Technology Campus will be a national leader in advanced&nbsp;aviation and aerospace training, education and engineering through research, innovation and instruction." Since joining the Kansas State University system in 1991,&nbsp;the campus has&nbsp;housed the university's aviation and engineering technology programs. These are niche programs, separate from any programs offered on the other K-State campuses.&nbsp;The historical lineage of the campus — a two-year technical institution that merged with a public university — uniquely positions it to serve all career-entry points into the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. The Aerospace&nbsp;and Technology Campus will retain the College of Technology and Aviation, which includes three academic departments: aviation, integrated studies and unmanned aircraft systems.&nbsp;The campus offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as credit and non-credit technical and graduate-level certificates. It is also home to in-demand programs that assist employers with upskilling their current workforces. Alysia Starkey, CEO and dean of the campus, says the new&nbsp;name better represents what the campus offers for prospective students, donors and community and industry partners, and is a better representation of the education received by alumni. "We&nbsp;are very excited to influence the future of aerospace and technology," Starkey said. "We already offer world-renowned programs in the operational segment of aviation and look forward to expanding our offerings. Equally exciting is that the program expansions required to achieve this vision support the same business, engineering and technology workforce needs of the recent expansions in the advanced manufacturing sector in central Kansas." "Since the closure of Schilling Air Force Base in 1967, the mission of the Kansas State University campus in Salina has been to maintain excellence in aviation and engineering," said state Sen. J.R. Claeys, Salina. "This rebranding enhances the campus's ability to support the growth of the Kansas economy. Some of the top employers in Kansas require highly skilled, educated professionals in the technologies that will drive innovation in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. The median annual wage for these industry sectors is $104,312, benefiting economic development in Salina and across the state." Aligning the campus brand and name has been a goal since 2017 when the campus, with help from community partners in Salina, launched its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/research-training/global-aeronautics-initiative/" target="_blank">Global Aeronautics Initiative</a>&nbsp;with the vision to establish an aerospace and technology campus. Starkey said that the&nbsp;campus's focus on a&nbsp;hands-on&nbsp;and&nbsp;real-world&nbsp;approach to preparing students to be career-ready will remain the same. "Our commitment to student success, personalized education and world-ready learning experiences is embedded in our institutional DNA," Starkey said. "Our students, alumni and industry partners have come to expect the quality experiences that the polytechnic teaching philosophy provides. This approach is at the heart of everything we do."&nbsp;&nbsp;-<a href="http://salina.k-state.edu">K-State Aerospace and Technology Campus</a>-

K-State Poly rebranding recognizes campus' niche mission

SALINE COUNTY - The state's first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in 2021 is in Saline County, <a href="https://wwwn.cdc.gov/arbonet/Maps/ADB_Diseases_Map/index.html">according to the</a> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment's weekly report indicates most counties in the state are at high risk&nbsp;for West Nile infections.

<a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/epi/download/west_nile_archive/2021/WNV_Risk_Level_Week_2021_32.pdf">Click here t</a>o view the Kansas West Nile Virus Weekly Surveillance and Transmission Risk Report

West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Kansas and the United States.

The risk of acquiring a West Nile infection depends on various factors including time of year, number and location of infected&nbsp; species of mosquitoes, and the number of days with sufficient heat, according to the KDHE web site.

Warm temperatures increase the rate of mosquito larvae development which increases the mosquito population size. The risk of WNV transmission usually reaches peak transmission during July, August, and September.

The KDHE says to avoid mosquito bites, follow the three Ds:

DRAIN ●Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes live and breed.

●Empty standing water from tarps, old tires, buckets, and other places where rainwater collects. Use larvicide in low-lying areas where water cannot be removed.

●Refresh water for bird baths, pet bowls, and wading pools at least every three days

DRESS ●Cover your skin with clothing when outdoors. Wear protective clothing when practical (long sleeves and pants).

●Limit outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.

DEET ●Use insect repellents that contact DEET or other EPA-approved repellents. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629980466185.png" alt="CDC map August 25,2021" />
 <figcaption>CDC map August 25,2021</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY - The state's first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in 2021 is in Saline County, <a href="https://wwwn.cdc.gov/arbonet/Maps/ADB_Diseases_Map/index.html">according to the</a> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629980001099.png" alt="KDHE&nbsp; West Nile map for the week of August 21, 2021" />
 <figcaption>KDHE&nbsp; West Nile map for the week of August 21, 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment's weekly report indicates most counties in the state are at high risk&nbsp;for West Nile infections.<a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/epi/download/west_nile_archive/2021/WNV_Risk_Level_Week_2021_32.pdf">Click here t</a>o view the Kansas West Nile Virus Weekly Surveillance and Transmission Risk ReportWest Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Kansas and the United States.The risk of acquiring a West Nile infection depends on various factors including time of year, number and location of infected&nbsp; species of mosquitoes, and the number of days with sufficient heat, according to the KDHE web site.Warm temperatures increase the rate of mosquito larvae development which increases the mosquito population size. The risk of WNV transmission usually reaches peak transmission during July, August, and September.The KDHE says to avoid mosquito bites, follow the three Ds:DRAIN ●Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes live and breed. ●Empty standing water from tarps, old tires, buckets, and other places where rainwater collects. Use larvicide in low-lying areas where water cannot be removed.●Refresh water for bird baths, pet bowls, and wading pools at least every three daysDRESS ●Cover your skin with clothing when outdoors. Wear protective clothing when practical (long sleeves and pants).●Limit outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.DEET ●Use insect repellents that contact DEET or other EPA-approved repellents. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

CDC: West Nile Virus reported in Saline County

By&nbsp;SHAWNA BETHELL Kansas Reflector

I remember the first time I saw a wind turbine.

I had just come driving out of a canyon in Utah and into an open valley. There stood three massive, languidly rotating harbingers of the future. Those were the early days of wind energy, and I found the mechanical structures not only fascinating but also artistic in their clean, white, elegant forms. Today, on our own western plains, turbines have become a ubiquitous part of the landscape, and in spite of controversies such as bird mortality and sound pollution, I’m proud of Kansas for being a leader in clean energy.

However, with those plentiful turbines comes the problem of what to do with hundreds of thousands of blades when they come out of commission. Made of fiber-reinforced polymer, the blades are neither biodegradable nor recyclable. Currently, the bulk of them either end up in landfills in states with enough space to take them, or they are incinerated. Both options have adverse environmental impacts.&nbsp;

However, efforts are being made to discover innovative ways to repurpose those turbine blades, and some of that innovation is happening in Kansas.

Through a National Science Foundation grant, Enel Green Power North America, based in Lenexa and operating the Smoky Hills I and II Wind Farm located in Lincoln County, and Re-Wind, an international organization seeking alternative ways to use decommissioned blades, are partnering to&nbsp;study repurposing blades for use as utility poles.

“The fiberglass, which is much like the hull of a boat, is very light and has amazing properties for strength,” says Russell Gentry,&nbsp;associate professor of architecture and civil engineering at Georgia Tech and project leader for the studies.&nbsp;“But by nature it is difficult to separate the fibers from the resin, making it very hard to recycle.”

However, according to Gentry, the blade material can be cut and modestly reshaped, allowing for the retention of its structural viability.

A study at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.re-wind.info/">Re-Wind.info</a>&nbsp;further explains the life of a turbine blade is about 20 to 25 years before it is pulled from use. In that time, however, the durability of the fiberglass may only decrease by 10 to 20% from its original state, meaning there are second-life applications for which the material can be safely redesigned.

“Kansas is a hub of wind and renewable energy,” Gentry said. “I think that throughout the Midwest there will be a need, a demand, to connect that energy to the national grid.”

He sees the BladePole as a means to meet that need. He also explains that it is most cost effective to use the blades in the same region where they had their first life because the blades are up to 200 feet long, and long-distance transport would be extremely expensive.

“We know there is currently no silver bullet to solving these challenges,” said&nbsp;Beth Murphy, innovation analyst at Enel and project manager of the partnership with Re-Wind,&nbsp;“which is why we’re actively exploring several types of solutions for responsible handling of wind turbine blades.”

Murphy goes on to say that the state’s strong wind resource and available land enabled Enel Green Power to make significant investments in Kansas. The new&nbsp;technologies will allow the company to further invest in our sustainable economy.

With that in mind, Enel and Re-Wind are always looking for new ideas for the blades, and Gentry says that he recently met with a landowner in Lincoln county who had come up with some great ideas as to how repurposed turbine blades could be used in agriculture.

“There is a strong urge from the wind energy community to listen to their stakeholders,” Gentry said.

Within this collaboration, landowners and the state as a whole can benefit from a circular economy — one where a material’s second life has already been conceived and adapted by the time its first life ends.&nbsp;

Gentry is uncertain as to how long it will be before the BladePole might be put into circulation, because aside from structural viability, there are the complexities of risk assessments involved for carrying electrical lines. These must be completed before utility companies would be willing to sign on to using the technology, and rightly so.

However, information gathered from these studies will also be used for other Re-Wind projects, making Kansas a continued leader in the renewable energy industry and a committed participant in the move toward a sustainable, clean economy.

Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/submit-opinion/">here</a>.

Shawna Bethell is a freelance essayist/journalist covering the people and places of Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. Before returning home, she wrote for several publications in the southwestern United States.

The above opinion piece is republished with permission from <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629981643531.jpeg" alt="Russell Gentry, associate professor of architecture and civil engineering at Georgia Tech, and student Yulizza Henao-Barragon set up scanning equipment on decommissioned wind turbine blades in Lincoln county. (Re-Wind)" />
 <figcaption>Russell Gentry, associate professor of architecture and civil engineering at Georgia Tech, and student Yulizza Henao-Barragon set up scanning equipment on decommissioned wind turbine blades in Lincoln county. (Re-Wind)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;SHAWNA BETHELL Kansas ReflectorI remember the first time I saw a wind turbine.I had just come driving out of a canyon in Utah and into an open valley. There stood three massive, languidly rotating harbingers of the future. Those were the early days of wind energy, and I found the mechanical structures not only fascinating but also artistic in their clean, white, elegant forms. Today, on our own western plains, turbines have become a ubiquitous part of the landscape, and in spite of controversies such as bird mortality and sound pollution, I’m proud of Kansas for being a leader in clean energy.However, with those plentiful turbines comes the problem of what to do with hundreds of thousands of blades when they come out of commission. Made of fiber-reinforced polymer, the blades are neither biodegradable nor recyclable. Currently, the bulk of them either end up in landfills in states with enough space to take them, or they are incinerated. Both options have adverse environmental impacts.&nbsp;However, efforts are being made to discover innovative ways to repurpose those turbine blades, and some of that innovation is happening in Kansas.Through a National Science Foundation grant, Enel Green Power North America, based in Lenexa and operating the Smoky Hills I and II Wind Farm located in Lincoln County, and Re-Wind, an international organization seeking alternative ways to use decommissioned blades, are partnering to&nbsp;study repurposing blades for use as utility poles.“The fiberglass, which is much like the hull of a boat, is very light and has amazing properties for strength,” says Russell Gentry,&nbsp;associate professor of architecture and civil engineering at Georgia Tech and project leader for the studies.&nbsp;“But by nature it is difficult to separate the fibers from the resin, making it very hard to recycle.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629981859209.jpeg" alt="Russell Gentry, associate professor of architecture and civil engineering at Georgia Tech, and student Chloe Kiernicki stand at the Smoky Hills Wind Farm in Lincoln County. (Re-Wind)" />
 <figcaption>Russell Gentry, associate professor of architecture and civil engineering at Georgia Tech, and student Chloe Kiernicki stand at the Smoky Hills Wind Farm in Lincoln County. (Re-Wind)</figcaption>
 </figure>However, according to Gentry, the blade material can be cut and modestly reshaped, allowing for the retention of its structural viability.A study at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.re-wind.info/">Re-Wind.info</a>&nbsp;further explains the life of a turbine blade is about 20 to 25 years before it is pulled from use. In that time, however, the durability of the fiberglass may only decrease by 10 to 20% from its original state, meaning there are second-life applications for which the material can be safely redesigned.“Kansas is a hub of wind and renewable energy,” Gentry said. “I think that throughout the Midwest there will be a need, a demand, to connect that energy to the national grid.”He sees the BladePole as a means to meet that need. He also explains that it is most cost effective to use the blades in the same region where they had their first life because the blades are up to 200 feet long, and long-distance transport would be extremely expensive.“We know there is currently no silver bullet to solving these challenges,” said&nbsp;Beth Murphy, innovation analyst at Enel and project manager of the partnership with Re-Wind,&nbsp;“which is why we’re actively exploring several types of solutions for responsible handling of wind turbine blades.”Murphy goes on to say that the state’s strong wind resource and available land enabled Enel Green Power to make significant investments in Kansas. The new&nbsp;technologies will allow the company to further invest in our sustainable economy.With that in mind, Enel and Re-Wind are always looking for new ideas for the blades, and Gentry says that he recently met with a landowner in Lincoln county who had come up with some great ideas as to how repurposed turbine blades could be used in agriculture.“There is a strong urge from the wind energy community to listen to their stakeholders,” Gentry said.Within this collaboration, landowners and the state as a whole can benefit from a circular economy — one where a material’s second life has already been conceived and adapted by the time its first life ends.&nbsp;Gentry is uncertain as to how long it will be before the BladePole might be put into circulation, because aside from structural viability, there are the complexities of risk assessments involved for carrying electrical lines. These must be completed before utility companies would be willing to sign on to using the technology, and rightly so.However, information gathered from these studies will also be used for other Re-Wind projects, making Kansas a continued leader in the renewable energy industry and a committed participant in the move toward a sustainable, clean economy.Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/submit-opinion/">here</a>.Shawna Bethell is a freelance essayist/journalist covering the people and places of Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. Before returning home, she wrote for several publications in the southwestern United States.The above opinion piece is republished with permission from <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>.

OPINION: Work to repurpose wind turbine blades spotlights KS as green econ. leader

This time of year, data become available comparing the prior school year with past years. One source is the annual “Almanac” by the Chronicle of Higher Education. They draw from U.S. Census Bureau and other sources to break down the educational attainment of citizens of each state. For Kansas (U.S. average in parentheses), 9 (11.4) percent lacked a high school diploma while 25.9 (26.9) percent had just a high school diploma. Another 23 (20) percent had some college but no degree while 8.7 (8.6) percent had an associate degree. 21.1 (20.3) percent had completed a bachelors and 12.3 (12.8) percent had completed a graduate or professional degree. Kansas had a one percent increase in high school graduation and a 2.7 percent increase in bachelor’s degrees or higher compared to five years earlier.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Kansas high school graduates for 2020-2021 are down to 37,290 and are projected to drop 5.9 percent by 2030-2031. Kansas currently has a high school dropout rate of 3.7 (2.2) percent. Some high school teacher colleagues indicate that many students are being passed who did not do passing work in their class. This was in part due to administrative pressure to raise graduation rates and in part due to a pandemic year of reduced learning and evaluation due to online or hybrid learning.

About 82 percent of Kansas high school graduates had taken the ACT and averaged 20.4 (20.6). Only 4 percent took the SAT and averaged 1237 (1051); these are most likely exceptional students applying to universities in other states that use the SAT exam for admissions.

The proportion of students who speak a language other than English at home is 12.1 (22) percent.

The percentage of Kansan 18-to-24-year-olds enrolled in higher education was 41 (42.1) percent.

Kansas funding for higher education operating expenses dropped 2.1 percent, compared with a national decline of only 1.3 percent.

The largest national enrollments were at Western Governors University and Southern New Hampshire University which both use a “competency-based” take-a-test-get-course-credit system. &nbsp;

The number of new international students coming to the U.S. in fall 2020 declined 43 percent over 2019, an accelerated decrease that began in 2016. Of course, international students currently pursuing higher education in the U.S. remain. According to the Association of International Educators, the one-year nationwide financial loss is about $1.8 billion. Foreign students contributed only $38.7 billion to the U.S. economy in 2019-2020 compared to $40.5 billion in the academic year before. And 35 percent of international students in U.S. schools are from China.

Declines in international students since 2016, along with declining high school graduates nationwide has led to the closure of some higher education institutions. About three-fourths of closures were of for-profit colleges and universities, many that offered questionable online courses and programs. Facing declining enrolments, states such as Pennsylvania and Vermont have merged their public institutions.

Declines in college attendance has likewise occurred due to substantially more students graduating high school with college credits already “earned” in high school. While some of these high school courses are rigorous and taught by teachers with a masters degree and 18 graduate credit hours in the subject being taught, the accrediting agency for Kansas has granted an exemption from this requirement for a few more years, with the result that many such courses are taught by otherwise unqualified teachers.

In response to the difficulty of administering the SAT and ACT exams during the pandemic, these tests used in making university admissions decisions were often suspended. Some universities considered this a way to increase applications from weaker students, thus raising their rejection rate and achieving a higher score in university rankings.

There has been a decade-long decrease in tenured positions, with adjunct professors providing “financial flexibility.” Indeed, the drop in students during the pandemic resulted in a large number of adjunct faculty dismissed.

The National Center for Education Statistics lists 3,982 total institutions in the U.S., with 1,625 public 4-year or 2-year colleges, 1,660 private nonprofit 4-year or 2-year schools/community colleges,&nbsp; and 697 for-profit schools. Kansas has 33 public 4-year or 2-year colleges, 24 private nonprofit 4-year colleges, and 6 for-profit schools. Nationwide, the number of public 4-year universities dropped&nbsp; 2.3 percent from 2019-20 to 2020-21 and the number of community colleges dropped by 2.7 percent.

The number of U.S. college applicants nationwide who have filed applications for federal student aid indicates that the proportion of female students continues to grow, now comprising 62 percent and males only 38%. This continues a two-decade trend, in part driven by videogame addiction that is pulling males out of the education pipeline and causing a similar imbalance in colleges and universities worldwide.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 SCHROCKThis time of year, data become available comparing the prior school year with past years. One source is the annual “Almanac” by the Chronicle of Higher Education. They draw from U.S. Census Bureau and other sources to break down the educational attainment of citizens of each state. For Kansas (U.S. average in parentheses), 9 (11.4) percent lacked a high school diploma while 25.9 (26.9) percent had just a high school diploma. Another 23 (20) percent had some college but no degree while 8.7 (8.6) percent had an associate degree. 21.1 (20.3) percent had completed a bachelors and 12.3 (12.8) percent had completed a graduate or professional degree. Kansas had a one percent increase in high school graduation and a 2.7 percent increase in bachelor’s degrees or higher compared to five years earlier.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Kansas high school graduates for 2020-2021 are down to 37,290 and are projected to drop 5.9 percent by 2030-2031. Kansas currently has a high school dropout rate of 3.7 (2.2) percent. Some high school teacher colleagues indicate that many students are being passed who did not do passing work in their class. This was in part due to administrative pressure to raise graduation rates and in part due to a pandemic year of reduced learning and evaluation due to online or hybrid learning. About 82 percent of Kansas high school graduates had taken the ACT and averaged 20.4 (20.6). Only 4 percent took the SAT and averaged 1237 (1051); these are most likely exceptional students applying to universities in other states that use the SAT exam for admissions. The proportion of students who speak a language other than English at home is 12.1 (22) percent. The percentage of Kansan 18-to-24-year-olds enrolled in higher education was 41 (42.1) percent. Kansas funding for higher education operating expenses dropped 2.1 percent, compared with a national decline of only 1.3 percent. The largest national enrollments were at Western Governors University and Southern New Hampshire University which both use a “competency-based” take-a-test-get-course-credit system. &nbsp; The number of new international students coming to the U.S. in fall 2020 declined 43 percent over 2019, an accelerated decrease that began in 2016. Of course, international students currently pursuing higher education in the U.S. remain. According to the Association of International Educators, the one-year nationwide financial loss is about $1.8 billion. Foreign students contributed only $38.7 billion to the U.S. economy in 2019-2020 compared to $40.5 billion in the academic year before. And 35 percent of international students in U.S. schools are from China. Declines in international students since 2016, along with declining high school graduates nationwide has led to the closure of some higher education institutions. About three-fourths of closures were of for-profit colleges and universities, many that offered questionable online courses and programs. Facing declining enrolments, states such as Pennsylvania and Vermont have merged their public institutions. Declines in college attendance has likewise occurred due to substantially more students graduating high school with college credits already “earned” in high school. While some of these high school courses are rigorous and taught by teachers with a masters degree and 18 graduate credit hours in the subject being taught, the accrediting agency for Kansas has granted an exemption from this requirement for a few more years, with the result that many such courses are taught by otherwise unqualified teachers. In response to the difficulty of administering the SAT and ACT exams during the pandemic, these tests used in making university admissions decisions were often suspended. Some universities considered this a way to increase applications from weaker students, thus raising their rejection rate and achieving a higher score in university rankings. There has been a decade-long decrease in tenured positions, with adjunct professors providing “financial flexibility.” Indeed, the drop in students during the pandemic resulted in a large number of adjunct faculty dismissed. The National Center for Education Statistics lists 3,982 total institutions in the U.S., with 1,625 public 4-year or 2-year colleges, 1,660 private nonprofit 4-year or 2-year schools/community colleges,&nbsp; and 697 for-profit schools. Kansas has 33 public 4-year or 2-year colleges, 24 private nonprofit 4-year colleges, and 6 for-profit schools. Nationwide, the number of public 4-year universities dropped&nbsp; 2.3 percent from 2019-20 to 2020-21 and the number of community colleges dropped by 2.7 percent. The number of U.S. college applicants nationwide who have filed applications for federal student aid indicates that the proportion of female students continues to grow, now comprising 62 percent and males only 38%. This continues a two-decade trend, in part driven by videogame addiction that is pulling males out of the education pipeline and causing a similar imbalance in colleges and universities worldwide.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.

EDUCATION FRONTLINES: Kansas higher education data

Today is Thursday, Aug. 26, the 238th day of 2021. There are 127 days left in the year.

On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing American women's right to vote, was certified in effect by Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby. 

In 1817, the University of Michigan was founded.

In 1883, the island volcano Krakatoa began cataclysmic eruptions, leading to a massive explosion the following day. 

In 1939, the first televised major league baseball games were shown on experimental station W2XBS: a double-header between the Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field. (The Reds won the first game, 5-2, the Dodgers the second, 6-1.) 

In 1944, French Gen. Charles de Gaulle braved the threat of German snipers as he led a victory march in Paris, which had just been liberated by the Allies from Nazi occupation. 

In 1957, the Soviet Union announced it had successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile. 

In 1968, the Democratic National Convention opened in Chicago; the four-day event that resulted in the nomination of Hubert H. Humphrey for president was marked by a bloody police crackdown on antiwar protesters in the streets.

In 1972, the summer Olympics opened in Munich, West Germany. 

In 1985, 13-year-old AIDS patient Ryan White began "attending" classes at Western Middle School in Kokomo, Indiana, via a telephone hook-up at his home -- school officials had barred Ryan from attending classes in person. 

In 2004, the nation's supply of vaccine for the impending flu season took a big hit when Chiron Corp. announced it had found tainted doses in its factory, and would hold up shipment of about 50 million shots. 

In 2017, Hurricane Harvey spun into Texas, unloading extraordinary amounts of rain. (The hurricane killed nearly 70 people, damaged more than 300,000 structures and caused an estimated $125 billion in damage.) 

In 2015, Alison Parker, a reporter for WDBJ-TV in Roanoke, Virginia, and her cameraman, Adam Ward, were shot to death during a live broadcast by a disgruntled former station employee who fatally shot himself while being pursued by police. 

In 2018, a gunman opened fire on fellow gamers at a video game tournament in Jacksonville, Fla., killing two men and wounding 10 others before taking his own life. Playwright Neil Simon, whose comedies included "The Odd Couple" and "Barefoot in the Park," died at the age of 91. 

Ten years ago: More than 2 million people along the Eastern Seaboard were ordered to move to safer ground as Hurricane Irene approached the coast. A Boko Haram sect member detonated a car loaded with explosives at the United Nations headquarters in Nigeria's capital Abuja, killing 25 people and wounding more than 100 others.

Five years ago: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick remained seated on the team's bench rather than standing for the national anthem before the Niners played host to the Green Bay Packers in an exhibition game, saying he believed the United States was oppressing African Americans and other minorities.

One year ago: Seventeen-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse was arrested in Illinois in the shooting deaths of two people and the wounding of another during a third night of protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, over the police shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake. (Rittenhouse, who said he was defending himself after the three men attacked him, is awaiting trial on charges including two homicide counts.) On the third night of their convention, Republicans led by Vice President Mike Pence aggressively defended law enforcement; the convention unfolded amid new protests against racial injustice. The U.N. children's agency said at least a third of children around the world couldn't access remote learning when the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools. All three scheduled NBA playoff games were postponed, with players choosing to boycott in their strongest statement yet against racial injustice. (The games resumed three days later, after players and owners agreed to expand initiatives, many tied to increased voting awareness and opportunities.)

Today's Birthdays: Pop singer Vic Dana is 81. Former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge is 76. R&amp;B singer Valerie Simpson is 76. Pop singer Bob Cowsill is 72. Broadcast journalist Bill Whitaker is 70. Actor Brett Cullen is 65. Former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy is 62. Jazz musician Branford Marsalis is 61. Country musician Jimmy Olander (Diamond Rio) is 60. Actor Chris Burke is 56. Actor-singer Shirley Manson (Garbage) is 55. Rock musician Dan Vickrey (Counting Crows) is 55. TV writer-actor Riley Weston is 55. Rock musician Adrian Young (No Doubt) is 52. Actor Melissa McCarthy is 51. Latin pop singer Thalia is 50. Actor Meredith Eaton is 47. Rock singer-musician Tyler Connolly (Theory of a Deadman) is 46. Actor Mike Colter is 45. Actor Macaulay Culkin is 41. Actor Chris Pine is 41. Comedian/actor/writer John Mulaney is 39. Actor Johnny Ray Gill is 37. Country singer Brian Kelley (Florida Georgia Line) is 36. R&amp;B singer Cassie (AKA Cassie Ventura) is 35. Actor Evan Ross is 33. Actor Danielle Savre is 33. Actor Dylan O'Brien is 30. Actor Keke Palmer is 28.

<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 Thursday, Aug. 26, the 238th day of 2021. There are 127 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History: On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing American women's right to vote, was certified in effect by Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby. On this date: In 1817, the University of Michigan was founded.In 1883, the island volcano Krakatoa began cataclysmic eruptions, leading to a massive explosion the following day. In 1939, the first televised major league baseball games were shown on experimental station W2XBS: a double-header between the Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field. (The Reds won the first game, 5-2, the Dodgers the second, 6-1.) In 1944, French Gen. Charles de Gaulle braved the threat of German snipers as he led a victory march in Paris, which had just been liberated by the Allies from Nazi occupation. In 1957, the Soviet Union announced it had successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile. In 1968, the Democratic National Convention opened in Chicago; the four-day event that resulted in the nomination of Hubert H. Humphrey for president was marked by a bloody police crackdown on antiwar protesters in the streets.In 1972, the summer Olympics opened in Munich, West Germany. In 1985, 13-year-old AIDS patient Ryan White began "attending" classes at Western Middle School in Kokomo, Indiana, via a telephone hook-up at his home -- school officials had barred Ryan from attending classes in person. In 2004, the nation's supply of vaccine for the impending flu season took a big hit when Chiron Corp. announced it had found tainted doses in its factory, and would hold up shipment of about 50 million shots. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey spun into Texas, unloading extraordinary amounts of rain. (The hurricane killed nearly 70 people, damaged more than 300,000 structures and caused an estimated $125 billion in damage.) In 2015, Alison Parker, a reporter for WDBJ-TV in Roanoke, Virginia, and her cameraman, Adam Ward, were shot to death during a live broadcast by a disgruntled former station employee who fatally shot himself while being pursued by police. In 2018, a gunman opened fire on fellow gamers at a video game tournament in Jacksonville, Fla., killing two men and wounding 10 others before taking his own life. Playwright Neil Simon, whose comedies included "The Odd Couple" and "Barefoot in the Park," died at the age of 91. Ten years ago: More than 2 million people along the Eastern Seaboard were ordered to move to safer ground as Hurricane Irene approached the coast. A Boko Haram sect member detonated a car loaded with explosives at the United Nations headquarters in Nigeria's capital Abuja, killing 25 people and wounding more than 100 others.Five years ago: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick remained seated on the team's bench rather than standing for the national anthem before the Niners played host to the Green Bay Packers in an exhibition game, saying he believed the United States was oppressing African Americans and other minorities. One year ago: Seventeen-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse was arrested in Illinois in the shooting deaths of two people and the wounding of another during a third night of protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, over the police shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake. (Rittenhouse, who said he was defending himself after the three men attacked him, is awaiting trial on charges including two homicide counts.) On the third night of their convention, Republicans led by Vice President Mike Pence aggressively defended law enforcement; the convention unfolded amid new protests against racial injustice. The U.N. children's agency said at least a third of children around the world couldn't access remote learning when the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools. All three scheduled NBA playoff games were postponed, with players choosing to boycott in their strongest statement yet against racial injustice. (The games resumed three days later, after players and owners agreed to expand initiatives, many tied to increased voting awareness and opportunities.)Today's Birthdays: Pop singer Vic Dana is 81. Former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge is 76. R&amp;B singer Valerie Simpson is 76. Pop singer Bob Cowsill is 72. Broadcast journalist Bill Whitaker is 70. Actor Brett Cullen is 65. Former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy is 62. Jazz musician Branford Marsalis is 61. Country musician Jimmy Olander (Diamond Rio) is 60. Actor Chris Burke is 56. Actor-singer Shirley Manson (Garbage) is 55. Rock musician Dan Vickrey (Counting Crows) is 55. TV writer-actor Riley Weston is 55. Rock musician Adrian Young (No Doubt) is 52. Actor Melissa McCarthy is 51. Latin pop singer Thalia is 50. Actor Meredith Eaton is 47. Rock singer-musician Tyler Connolly (Theory of a Deadman) is 46. Actor Mike Colter is 45. Actor Macaulay Culkin is 41. Actor Chris Pine is 41. Comedian/actor/writer John Mulaney is 39. Actor Johnny Ray Gill is 37. Country singer Brian Kelley (Florida Georgia Line) is 36. R&amp;B singer Cassie (AKA Cassie Ventura) is 35. Actor Evan Ross is 33. Actor Danielle Savre is 33. Actor Dylan O'Brien is 30. Actor Keke Palmer is 28.

Today in History - Aug. 26

The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) has announced the speakers for the first Answers for Older Kansans (AOK) Sunflower Connections event. 

The event, which highlights practical information and includes fun for seniors and caregivers is slated for Wednesday in the Marion Community Center, 203 N. Third Street in Marion.

Presenters for the event include the following.

●Paul Shipp, managing attorney at Kansas Legal Services and a veteran elder law attorney: “Managing Your Legal Problems When Your Money Runs Out.”

●Erin Yelland, interim director of the Kansas State University Center on Aging and a specialist in adult development: “Positive Aging! Positive Attitude!”

●Denise Vann, program specialist for the Alzheimer’s Association of Central and Western Kansas who educates communities on Alzheimer’s and Dementia: “Talking With Your Doctor: Being Your Best Health Care Advocate.”

●Dr. Tina Mahal, director of Prairie View’s Older Adult Services and an expert on services and programs for older adults: “Mental Health Tips and Overview of Older Adult Services at Prairie View”

Shipp will also be available to meet with a limited number of registered attendees at the event. Those interested should contact the NC-FH AAA at 1-800-432-2703 or 785-776-9294 in advance to schedule appointments at the event.

Popular local musician Bob Delk and members of “Bob and the Boys” will be there to provide some great tunes during lunch! 

Call the NC-FH AAA or visit <a href="http://www.ncfhaaa.com/sunflowerconnections">www.ncfhaaa.com/sunflowerconnections</a> to register for AOK Sunflower Connections events or get more information. The organization's next eventis scheduled for Wamego on Sept. 30.

The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) has announced the speakers for the first Answers for Older Kansans (AOK) Sunflower Connections event. The event, which highlights practical information and includes fun for seniors and caregivers is slated for Wednesday in the Marion Community Center, 203 N. Third Street in Marion.Presenters for the event include the following.●Paul Shipp, managing attorney at Kansas Legal Services and a veteran elder law attorney: “Managing Your Legal Problems When Your Money Runs Out.”●Erin Yelland, interim director of the Kansas State University Center on Aging and a specialist in adult development: “Positive Aging! Positive Attitude!”●Denise Vann, program specialist for the Alzheimer’s Association of Central and Western Kansas who educates communities on Alzheimer’s and Dementia: “Talking With Your Doctor: Being Your Best Health Care Advocate.”●Dr. Tina Mahal, director of Prairie View’s Older Adult Services and an expert on services and programs for older adults: “Mental Health Tips and Overview of Older Adult Services at Prairie View”Shipp will also be available to meet with a limited number of registered attendees at the event. Those interested should contact the NC-FH AAA at 1-800-432-2703 or 785-776-9294 in advance to schedule appointments at the event.Popular local musician Bob Delk and members of “Bob and the Boys” will be there to provide some great tunes during lunch! Call the NC-FH AAA or visit <a href="http://www.ncfhaaa.com/sunflowerconnections">www.ncfhaaa.com/sunflowerconnections</a> to register for AOK Sunflower Connections events or get more information. The organization's next eventis scheduled for Wamego on Sept. 30.

Speakers, topics announced for AOK Sunflower Connections in Marion

Lott Implement, an AGCO dealer in Minneapolis, Kansas, is looking for a service technician. The duties include repairing combines, tractors and hay equipment.

Lott Implement is looking for someone dependable and motivated, who has their own tools, an is able to get along well with others.

Immediate opening with pay based on experience. Contact Jeff at 785-392-3110 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jlott2522@att.net">jlott2522@att.net</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587062240402.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lott Implement, an AGCO dealer in Minneapolis, Kansas, is looking for a service technician. The duties include repairing combines, tractors and hay equipment.Lott Implement is looking for someone dependable and motivated, who has their own tools, an is able to get along well with others.Immediate opening with pay based on experience. Contact Jeff at 785-392-3110 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jlott2522@att.net">jlott2522@att.net</a>.

KDOT work in Cloud, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Saline counties

Dangerous heat is forecast to continue for a large part of the state on Thursday.

According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, a heat advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.

Afternoon heat index values from 102 to 105 are expected.

Additionally, the National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a heat advisory in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday for Ellsworth County.

Afternoon heat index values from 102 to 106 are expected.

A heat advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area, according to the National Weather Service in Topeka.

Heat index values of 105 to 110 are forecast.

Additionally, a heat advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday for Republic County, according to the National Weather Service in Topeka.

The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a heat advisory in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.

Heat index values up to 104 are expected.

If you have to be outside for an extended period of time, watch for these signs of heat illness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629943755289.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dangerous heat is forecast to continue for a large part of the state on Thursday.According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, a heat advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.Lincoln CountyMarion CountyMcPherson CountySaline CountyAfternoon heat index values from 102 to 105 are expected.Additionally, the National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a heat advisory in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday for Ellsworth County.Afternoon heat index values from 102 to 106 are expected.A heat advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area, according to the National Weather Service in Topeka.Clay CountyCloud CountyDickinson CountyOttawa CountyHeat index values of 105 to 110 are forecast.Additionally, a heat advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday for Republic County, according to the National Weather Service in Topeka.Heat index values of 105 to 110 are forecast.The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a heat advisory in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.Jewell CountyMitchell CountyHeat index values up to 104 are expected.If you have to be outside for an extended period of time, watch for these signs of heat illness.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623262657876.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Dangerous heat to continue Thursday

In 2017, the worst and costliest natural disaster in Texas history began, when Category 4 Hurricane Harvey struck the Southeast Texas Coast late that evening. Harvey made landfall very close to Rockport with winds around 130 mph that destroyed, and in many cases leveled, countless structures. Worst of all, Harvey stalled and for 4 days inundated Southeast Texas with hideously historic rainfall. Many areas in and around Houston were overwhelmed by 3.5 to 4.5 FEET of rain, most occurring on the 26th and 27th. The phenomenal 51.88 inches measured at Cedar Bayou set a record for the continental U.S. Harvey caused around $125 billion damage. In 1941, an F3 tornado destroyed three businesses and a few homes on the edge of Lincolnville, located in Marion County. Damage was approximately $70,000 and six people were injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICEIn 2017, the worst and costliest natural disaster in Texas history began, when Category 4 Hurricane Harvey struck the Southeast Texas Coast late that evening. Harvey made landfall very close to Rockport with winds around 130 mph that destroyed, and in many cases leveled, countless structures. Worst of all, Harvey stalled and for 4 days inundated Southeast Texas with hideously historic rainfall. Many areas in and around Houston were overwhelmed by 3.5 to 4.5 FEET of rain, most occurring on the 26th and 27th. The phenomenal 51.88 inches measured at Cedar Bayou set a record for the continental U.S. Harvey caused around $125 billion damage. In 1941, an F3 tornado destroyed three businesses and a few homes on the edge of Lincolnville, located in Marion County. Damage was approximately $70,000 and six people were injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This Day in Weather History: Tornado strikes Lincolnville in 1941

Having attended 27 of the first 28 Kansans Can Success Tour events over the past month – with 22 still to come – I’m sensing a lot of enthusiasm for the vision outlined by Commissioner of Education Randy Watson and Deputy Commissioner Brad Neuenswander. I’m also hearing a lot of questions from news reporters, educators and others about how to explain what Kansans Can is really all about. Here’s my attempt.&nbsp;

To begin with, these are the key “bullet points” or “elevator speech:”&nbsp;

First, Kansas needs to help students be better prepared to be successful adults, and that requires a broader definition of education than we have had in the past.&nbsp;

To be successful, students need not only academic knowledge, but the skills needed to be self-sufficient individuals, civically engaged and giving back to their communities, and successful in the workplace, which for most students will require some education beyond high school.&nbsp;

Second, to accomplish this goal, K-12 public education systems and related policies will need to continue to adapt.&nbsp;

Learning must become more relevant to each student’s needs and goals and focus on broader skills, by personalizing learning for each child and having them work in real world situations through project-based or work-based learning. Schools must expand early childhood programs, address a wider set of student needs, social and emotional as well as academic; and must be closely connected to families, businesses and communities.&nbsp;

Third, the State Board of Education is implementing a plan to help local schools implement&nbsp; these&nbsp;changes.&nbsp;

The State Board has adopted a set of outcomes for student success, a plan to help schools redesign, and an accreditation and recognition system based on these outcomes and redesign. Schools are also being supported by restoration of state funding along with time-limited federal pandemic relief aid. Kansas is already seeing progress, but much continued work to attain the aspirational goals remains to be done, including on-going challenges to recover from the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;

In short, the goal is to help all students to be better prepared &nbsp;as &nbsp;engaged adults, who help support their communities, and succeed in the workplace and the Kansas economy.&nbsp;

Next, here are some common questions about Kansans Can with a short response. This is to provide more information about why changes in education are needed and how the state is working to guide and support those changes.&nbsp;

Question 1: Why do we need a broader definition of student success than academics alone?&nbsp;

The broader definition of success is based on input from Kansans through public meetings, focus groups and business meetings, as well as from national survey results and multiple regional, state and national studies. It is consistent with goals set by the Kansas Supreme Court and Legislature. It reflects state and national level economic, civic and social needs, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Question 2: Why are Kansas schools engaged in redesign?&nbsp;

The inherited structure of school was designed when most students did not need postsecondary education, when other social structures met more “non-academic needs”, and most jobs required different and often less complex skills. Schools were standardized by age, courses and time, rather than an “effectiveness approach” based on individual student needs.&nbsp;

Question 3: How is the Kansans Can system working to change schools and increase student success?&nbsp;

The State Board has set seven major outcomes to focus the redesign of schools and evaluate progress. Some important progress has been made. There are three quantitative measures: Academically prepared for postsecondary, High school graduation and Postsecondary success; and four qualitative measures: Social-emotional growth, Kindergarten readiness, Individual Plans of Study, and Civic Engagement.&nbsp;

Question 4: What challenges still exist?&nbsp;

While meaningful progress has been made in Kansas K-12 public schools over the past several decades, the new bar for post-high school readiness is significantly higher for all students, not just a few. Not every student &nbsp;completes high school or reaches the academic and other measures they need to prepare them for postsecondary education. Many students still cannot access programs to help them reach these goals due to lack of staff or funding (full restoration of state funding will not be implemented until 2023).&nbsp;

Questions 5: What is the State Board doing to support improvement?&nbsp;

The State Board is helping schools redesign to better support student success. The goal to address unique educational challenges through innovation and continuous improvement, around the core principles of what Kansans wanted from their K-12 schools: personalized learning, real world application, student success skills, and family/business/ community partnerships. The board is also moving to accredit schools on the Kansans Can outcomes; recognizing schools for success in each of the outcomes and has created a task force on graduation requirements.&nbsp;

Question 6: What resources are being provided to Kansas schools to support improvement?&nbsp;

Kansas schools are receiving financial support in two ways: a legislative plan approved by the Kansas Supreme Court to restore operating funds to inflation-adjusted 2009 levels, and federal aid to respond to and recover from the COVID pandemic.&nbsp;

If you have come this far, congratulations! You should have a good overview of Kansans Can. However, the responses to these questions may raise more questions. The second part of this report will run Thursday and include more detailed responses to each question.

Mark Tallman is the associate executive director for advocacy for the Kansas Association of School Boards.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582221969260.jpeg" alt="Mark Tallman. Photo courtesy Kansas Association of School Boards" />
 <figcaption>Mark Tallman. Photo courtesy Kansas Association of School Boards</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK TALLMANHaving attended 27 of the first 28 Kansans Can Success Tour events over the past month – with 22 still to come – I’m sensing a lot of enthusiasm for the vision outlined by Commissioner of Education Randy Watson and Deputy Commissioner Brad Neuenswander. I’m also hearing a lot of questions from news reporters, educators and others about how to explain what Kansans Can is really all about. Here’s my attempt.&nbsp;To begin with, these are the key “bullet points” or “elevator speech:”&nbsp;First, Kansas needs to help students be better prepared to be successful adults, and that requires a broader definition of education than we have had in the past.&nbsp;To be successful, students need not only academic knowledge, but the skills needed to be self-sufficient individuals, civically engaged and giving back to their communities, and successful in the workplace, which for most students will require some education beyond high school.&nbsp;Second, to accomplish this goal, K-12 public education systems and related policies will need to continue to adapt.&nbsp;Learning must become more relevant to each student’s needs and goals and focus on broader skills, by personalizing learning for each child and having them work in real world situations through project-based or work-based learning. Schools must expand early childhood programs, address a wider set of student needs, social and emotional as well as academic; and must be closely connected to families, businesses and communities.&nbsp;Third, the State Board of Education is implementing a plan to help local schools implement&nbsp; these&nbsp;changes.&nbsp;The State Board has adopted a set of outcomes for student success, a plan to help schools redesign, and an accreditation and recognition system based on these outcomes and redesign. Schools are also being supported by restoration of state funding along with time-limited federal pandemic relief aid. Kansas is already seeing progress, but much continued work to attain the aspirational goals remains to be done, including on-going challenges to recover from the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;In short, the goal is to help all students to be better prepared &nbsp;as &nbsp;engaged adults, who help support their communities, and succeed in the workplace and the Kansas economy.&nbsp;Next, here are some common questions about Kansans Can with a short response. This is to provide more information about why changes in education are needed and how the state is working to guide and support those changes.&nbsp;Question 1: Why do we need a broader definition of student success than academics alone?&nbsp;The broader definition of success is based on input from Kansans through public meetings, focus groups and business meetings, as well as from national survey results and multiple regional, state and national studies. It is consistent with goals set by the Kansas Supreme Court and Legislature. It reflects state and national level economic, civic and social needs, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;Question 2: Why are Kansas schools engaged in redesign?&nbsp;The inherited structure of school was designed when most students did not need postsecondary education, when other social structures met more “non-academic needs”, and most jobs required different and often less complex skills. Schools were standardized by age, courses and time, rather than an “effectiveness approach” based on individual student needs.&nbsp;Question 3: How is the Kansans Can system working to change schools and increase student success?&nbsp;The State Board has set seven major outcomes to focus the redesign of schools and evaluate progress. Some important progress has been made. There are three quantitative measures: Academically prepared for postsecondary, High school graduation and Postsecondary success; and four qualitative measures: Social-emotional growth, Kindergarten readiness, Individual Plans of Study, and Civic Engagement.&nbsp;Question 4: What challenges still exist?&nbsp;While meaningful progress has been made in Kansas K-12 public schools over the past several decades, the new bar for post-high school readiness is significantly higher for all students, not just a few. Not every student &nbsp;completes high school or reaches the academic and other measures they need to prepare them for postsecondary education. Many students still cannot access programs to help them reach these goals due to lack of staff or funding (full restoration of state funding will not be implemented until 2023).&nbsp;Questions 5: What is the State Board doing to support improvement?&nbsp;The State Board is helping schools redesign to better support student success. The goal to address unique educational challenges through innovation and continuous improvement, around the core principles of what Kansans wanted from their K-12 schools: personalized learning, real world application, student success skills, and family/business/ community partnerships. The board is also moving to accredit schools on the Kansans Can outcomes; recognizing schools for success in each of the outcomes and has created a task force on graduation requirements.&nbsp;Question 6: What resources are being provided to Kansas schools to support improvement?&nbsp;Kansas schools are receiving financial support in two ways: a legislative plan approved by the Kansas Supreme Court to restore operating funds to inflation-adjusted 2009 levels, and federal aid to respond to and recover from the COVID pandemic.&nbsp;If you have come this far, congratulations! You should have a good overview of Kansans Can. However, the responses to these questions may raise more questions. The second part of this report will run Thursday and include more detailed responses to each question.Mark Tallman is the associate executive director for advocacy for the Kansas Association of School Boards.

Tallman Education Report: Kansans Can -- What's the Plan? (Part 1)

Marla McElderry has been named the new executive director of the Salina Regional Health Foundation. 

McElderry has been the director of finance and accountant for the foundation for 22 years. She succeeds Tom Martin who retired after 30 years of service to the foundation.

McElderry was born and raised in Salina and received a&nbsp;bachelor’s degree in accounting from Marymount College. &nbsp;

Salina Regional Health Foundation is an organization created for charitable, educational and scientific purposes including the sponsorship of specific projects and programs to improve health services in the area served by Salina Regional Health Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629928084627.jpeg" alt="Marla McElderry. Photo courtesy Salina Regional Health Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Marla McElderry. Photo courtesy Salina Regional Health Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>Marla McElderry has been named the new executive director of the Salina Regional Health Foundation. McElderry has been the director of finance and accountant for the foundation for 22 years. She succeeds Tom Martin who retired after 30 years of service to the foundation.McElderry was born and raised in Salina and received a&nbsp;bachelor’s degree in accounting from Marymount College. &nbsp;Salina Regional Health Foundation is an organization created for charitable, educational and scientific purposes including the sponsorship of specific projects and programs to improve health services in the area served by Salina Regional Health Center.

McElderry named executive director of Salina Regional Health Foundation

Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Wednesday.

●2 deaths due to COVID-19 since Monday.

●17 people are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19.

●73 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday.

●172 variants were identified in the 296 samples sent from Saline County to KDHE for sequencing.

COVID-19 has taken the lives of two additional members of our community since our last update on Monday. That's five people in five days, which brings the number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths to 133. Salina Regional Health Center reports they currently have 17 patients who require hospitalization for COVID-19.

There have been 73 new COVID-19 cases identified and reported to the health department since our last update on Monday, which makes 108 new cases in the last five days. The Saline County Health Department staff is actively monitoring 575 cases of COVID-19. There has been a total of 7199 confirmed cases, and at least 6494 people have recovered from COVID-19.

KDHE has identified&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-vY9PiYSI7EAL_pGfsgzuRDM8YcxSRurYiqEwe9dTqNemHngIUY5njd3Amz_2o7UycVpQF1SDs_AqSoSp3f8ZJmwdmxacJIge7Oh4YBQj5gxQjmch_lX0P2QON2NU_upBkpvDj3YcwSKtvAIr7aDvcj8jm_0J8ZQKEOVZrvcJZMNFQryn26YnhX6Bkt6oUuh&amp;c=m0LC9wjKAlmOB1Z772loqeMWE7XWnLOjDRfVOzly4_KDtLhiBcudGg==&amp;ch=um89Xe9_YniASa1yyrh-yKJjijHsxb4S2z47B8sIkUcoC3QP5ahTtg==" target="_blank">variants</a>&nbsp;in 172 of the 296 specimens sent from Saline County for sequencing.

Vaccination/ re-infection rates are not available at this time. The Saline County Health Department and Salina Regional Health Center thank you for your patience and understanding.

More data and additional information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-vY9PiYSI7EAL_pGfsgzuRDM8YcxSRurYiqEwe9dTqNemHngIUY5njQXKl4Y8wV6mMToYQQv8JfTNnDw1_OJjL_XVb87vFH8VVvdp86cEeOnIJJjywfC3M7esj85Fgw-GaDmSdaGxYqdxl__vyQ5IDPUL8BC1jZZ&amp;c=m0LC9wjKAlmOB1Z772loqeMWE7XWnLOjDRfVOzly4_KDtLhiBcudGg==&amp;ch=um89Xe9_YniASa1yyrh-yKJjijHsxb4S2z47B8sIkUcoC3QP5ahTtg==" target="_blank">Saline County Coronavirus webpage</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-vY9PiYSI7EAL_pGfsgzuRDM8YcxSRurYiqEwe9dTqNemHngIUY5njd3Amz_2o7UycVpQF1SDs_AqSoSp3f8ZJmwdmxacJIge7Oh4YBQj5gxQjmch_lX0P2QON2NU_upBkpvDj3YcwSKtvAIr7aDvcj8jm_0J8ZQKEOVZrvcJZMNFQryn26YnhX6Bkt6oUuh&amp;c=m0LC9wjKAlmOB1Z772loqeMWE7XWnLOjDRfVOzly4_KDtLhiBcudGg==&amp;ch=um89Xe9_YniASa1yyrh-yKJjijHsxb4S2z47B8sIkUcoC3QP5ahTtg==" target="_blank">KDHE COVID-19 Information Site</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-vY9PiYSI7EAL_pGfsgzuRDM8YcxSRurYiqEwe9dTqNemHngIUY5nhw1RLpKthxE_P-wUxHtMfgUXHqHupzRqPLoIECX_0kX7SBFE2medQsz0FMRGxOpY5hvu1AbZAOhxocIry0uRg_r5V4TIwh_uwA7SZdv1je6NWBSrHAQ8EXrPWhNhRgrB8HOv57vMMoE&amp;c=m0LC9wjKAlmOB1Z772loqeMWE7XWnLOjDRfVOzly4_KDtLhiBcudGg==&amp;ch=um89Xe9_YniASa1yyrh-yKJjijHsxb4S2z47B8sIkUcoC3QP5ahTtg==" target="_blank">CDC COVID-19 Tracker</a>.

The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and thus prevent mutation of the virus is:

●Stay home&nbsp;if you are sick.•Get tested&nbsp;if you feel unwell, even if you don’t believe it is COVID. You can find testing centers at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-vY9PiYSI7EAL_pGfsgzuRDM8YcxSRurYiqEwe9dTqNemHngIUY5nku2Ep7qSzzrZ2XHPXtTS-sEhBnP5v0AbH1JQ5-u2M96k5zfHmNCCn14A6PywJ98qkRVxN6fosHW7d8l8sRwTg6M6ZbHGKNspw==&amp;c=m0LC9wjKAlmOB1Z772loqeMWE7XWnLOjDRfVOzly4_KDtLhiBcudGg==&amp;ch=um89Xe9_YniASa1yyrh-yKJjijHsxb4S2z47B8sIkUcoC3QP5ahTtg==" target="_blank">gogettested.com</a>&nbsp;or contact your local medical provider.

●Get vaccinated.&nbsp; You can find a vaccine at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-vY9PiYSI7EAL_pGfsgzuRDM8YcxSRurYiqEwe9dTqNemHngIUY5nsbewy3i7mJ47u5Dy99kqgwHVdhWKR1fhwRmaoZD-IkU5XKdAAJQxJaLMNd-ifknTwkohye1ysGjpWloFAxxXwxN56jaH2Jf3Q==&amp;c=m0LC9wjKAlmOB1Z772loqeMWE7XWnLOjDRfVOzly4_KDtLhiBcudGg==&amp;ch=um89Xe9_YniASa1yyrh-yKJjijHsxb4S2z47B8sIkUcoC3QP5ahTtg==" target="_blank">vaccines.gov</a>&nbsp;or contact your local medical provider.

●Wear a mask, especially if you are not fully vaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated, wear a mask when in-doors in crowded spaces.

●Maintain at least6 feet of distancebetween yourself and those with whom you do not live.

●Do not travel to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-vY9PiYSI7EAL_pGfsgzuRDM8YcxSRurYiqEwe9dTqNemHngIUY5nsbewy3i7mJ4mFYkWrsjipV0NF1WLyBJrNWnCZ1q4jRNZ_FgvZ5GKt8ZrgbI931IvmS4LLeV-3z6WrnfVsuezFlRicYYF7BO75V3JHznbK4wuhDrOo1M0__SiTOpF1gFyJ4I2NoKDQ8RooN1jR7UBqGf1sOu0ZwV5frh1yfLeqhO&amp;c=m0LC9wjKAlmOB1Z772loqeMWE7XWnLOjDRfVOzly4_KDtLhiBcudGg==&amp;ch=um89Xe9_YniASa1yyrh-yKJjijHsxb4S2z47B8sIkUcoC3QP5ahTtg==" target="_blank">“hot spots."</a>

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-vY9PiYSI7EAL_pGfsgzuRDM8YcxSRurYiqEwe9dTqNemHngIUY5nsbewy3i7mJ4mFYkWrsjipV0NF1WLyBJrNWnCZ1q4jRNZ_FgvZ5GKt8ZrgbI931IvmS4LLeV-3z6WrnfVsuezFlRicYYF7BO75V3JHznbK4wuhDrOo1M0__SiTOpF1gFyJ4I2NoKDQ8RooN1jR7UBqGf1sOu0ZwV5frh1yfLeqhO&amp;c=m0LC9wjKAlmOB1Z772loqeMWE7XWnLOjDRfVOzly4_KDtLhiBcudGg==&amp;ch=um89Xe9_YniASa1yyrh-yKJjijHsxb4S2z47B8sIkUcoC3QP5ahTtg==" target="_blank"></a>●If you test positive, isolate immediately and be open and honest with COVID caseworkers about your contacts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629927519551.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Wednesday.●2 deaths due to COVID-19 since Monday.●17 people are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19.●73 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday.●172 variants were identified in the 296 samples sent from Saline County to KDHE for sequencing.COVID-19 has taken the lives of two additional members of our community since our last update on Monday. That's five people in five days, which brings the number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths to 133. Salina Regional Health Center reports they currently have 17 patients who require hospitalization for COVID-19. There have been 73 new COVID-19 cases identified and reported to the health department since our last update on Monday, which makes 108 new cases in the last five days. The Saline County Health Department staff is actively monitoring 575 cases of COVID-19. There has been a total of 7199 confirmed cases, and at least 6494 people have recovered from COVID-19. KDHE has identified&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-vY9PiYSI7EAL_pGfsgzuRDM8YcxSRurYiqEwe9dTqNemHngIUY5njd3Amz_2o7UycVpQF1SDs_AqSoSp3f8ZJmwdmxacJIge7Oh4YBQj5gxQjmch_lX0P2QON2NU_upBkpvDj3YcwSKtvAIr7aDvcj8jm_0J8ZQKEOVZrvcJZMNFQryn26YnhX6Bkt6oUuh&amp;c=m0LC9wjKAlmOB1Z772loqeMWE7XWnLOjDRfVOzly4_KDtLhiBcudGg==&amp;ch=um89Xe9_YniASa1yyrh-yKJjijHsxb4S2z47B8sIkUcoC3QP5ahTtg==" target="_blank">variants</a>&nbsp;in 172 of the 296 specimens sent from Saline County for sequencing. Vaccination/ re-infection rates are not available at this time. The Saline County Health Department and Salina Regional Health Center thank you for your patience and understanding. More data and additional information can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-vY9PiYSI7EAL_pGfsgzuRDM8YcxSRurYiqEwe9dTqNemHngIUY5njQXKl4Y8wV6mMToYQQv8JfTNnDw1_OJjL_XVb87vFH8VVvdp86cEeOnIJJjywfC3M7esj85Fgw-GaDmSdaGxYqdxl__vyQ5IDPUL8BC1jZZ&amp;c=m0LC9wjKAlmOB1Z772loqeMWE7XWnLOjDRfVOzly4_KDtLhiBcudGg==&amp;ch=um89Xe9_YniASa1yyrh-yKJjijHsxb4S2z47B8sIkUcoC3QP5ahTtg==" target="_blank">Saline County Coronavirus webpage</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-vY9PiYSI7EAL_pGfsgzuRDM8YcxSRurYiqEwe9dTqNemHngIUY5njd3Amz_2o7UycVpQF1SDs_AqSoSp3f8ZJmwdmxacJIge7Oh4YBQj5gxQjmch_lX0P2QON2NU_upBkpvDj3YcwSKtvAIr7aDvcj8jm_0J8ZQKEOVZrvcJZMNFQryn26YnhX6Bkt6oUuh&amp;c=m0LC9wjKAlmOB1Z772loqeMWE7XWnLOjDRfVOzly4_KDtLhiBcudGg==&amp;ch=um89Xe9_YniASa1yyrh-yKJjijHsxb4S2z47B8sIkUcoC3QP5ahTtg==" target="_blank">KDHE COVID-19 Information Site</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-vY9PiYSI7EAL_pGfsgzuRDM8YcxSRurYiqEwe9dTqNemHngIUY5nhw1RLpKthxE_P-wUxHtMfgUXHqHupzRqPLoIECX_0kX7SBFE2medQsz0FMRGxOpY5hvu1AbZAOhxocIry0uRg_r5V4TIwh_uwA7SZdv1je6NWBSrHAQ8EXrPWhNhRgrB8HOv57vMMoE&amp;c=m0LC9wjKAlmOB1Z772loqeMWE7XWnLOjDRfVOzly4_KDtLhiBcudGg==&amp;ch=um89Xe9_YniASa1yyrh-yKJjijHsxb4S2z47B8sIkUcoC3QP5ahTtg==" target="_blank">CDC COVID-19 Tracker</a>.

The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and thus prevent mutation of the virus is:●Stay home&nbsp;if you are sick.•Get tested&nbsp;if you feel unwell, even if you don’t believe it is COVID. You can find testing centers at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-vY9PiYSI7EAL_pGfsgzuRDM8YcxSRurYiqEwe9dTqNemHngIUY5nku2Ep7qSzzrZ2XHPXtTS-sEhBnP5v0AbH1JQ5-u2M96k5zfHmNCCn14A6PywJ98qkRVxN6fosHW7d8l8sRwTg6M6ZbHGKNspw==&amp;c=m0LC9wjKAlmOB1Z772loqeMWE7XWnLOjDRfVOzly4_KDtLhiBcudGg==&amp;ch=um89Xe9_YniASa1yyrh-yKJjijHsxb4S2z47B8sIkUcoC3QP5ahTtg==" target="_blank">gogettested.com</a>&nbsp;or contact your local medical provider.●Get vaccinated.&nbsp; You can find a vaccine at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-vY9PiYSI7EAL_pGfsgzuRDM8YcxSRurYiqEwe9dTqNemHngIUY5nsbewy3i7mJ47u5Dy99kqgwHVdhWKR1fhwRmaoZD-IkU5XKdAAJQxJaLMNd-ifknTwkohye1ysGjpWloFAxxXwxN56jaH2Jf3Q==&amp;c=m0LC9wjKAlmOB1Z772loqeMWE7XWnLOjDRfVOzly4_KDtLhiBcudGg==&amp;ch=um89Xe9_YniASa1yyrh-yKJjijHsxb4S2z47B8sIkUcoC3QP5ahTtg==" target="_blank">vaccines.gov</a>&nbsp;or contact your local medical provider.●Wear a mask, especially if you are not fully vaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated, wear a mask when in-doors in crowded spaces.●Maintain at least6 feet of distancebetween yourself and those with whom you do not live.●Do not travel to&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-vY9PiYSI7EAL_pGfsgzuRDM8YcxSRurYiqEwe9dTqNemHngIUY5nsbewy3i7mJ4mFYkWrsjipV0NF1WLyBJrNWnCZ1q4jRNZ_FgvZ5GKt8ZrgbI931IvmS4LLeV-3z6WrnfVsuezFlRicYYF7BO75V3JHznbK4wuhDrOo1M0__SiTOpF1gFyJ4I2NoKDQ8RooN1jR7UBqGf1sOu0ZwV5frh1yfLeqhO&amp;c=m0LC9wjKAlmOB1Z772loqeMWE7XWnLOjDRfVOzly4_KDtLhiBcudGg==&amp;ch=um89Xe9_YniASa1yyrh-yKJjijHsxb4S2z47B8sIkUcoC3QP5ahTtg==" target="_blank">“hot spots."</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-vY9PiYSI7EAL_pGfsgzuRDM8YcxSRurYiqEwe9dTqNemHngIUY5nsbewy3i7mJ4mFYkWrsjipV0NF1WLyBJrNWnCZ1q4jRNZ_FgvZ5GKt8ZrgbI931IvmS4LLeV-3z6WrnfVsuezFlRicYYF7BO75V3JHznbK4wuhDrOo1M0__SiTOpF1gFyJ4I2NoKDQ8RooN1jR7UBqGf1sOu0ZwV5frh1yfLeqhO&amp;c=m0LC9wjKAlmOB1Z772loqeMWE7XWnLOjDRfVOzly4_KDtLhiBcudGg==&amp;ch=um89Xe9_YniASa1yyrh-yKJjijHsxb4S2z47B8sIkUcoC3QP5ahTtg==" target="_blank"></a>●If you test positive, isolate immediately and be open and honest with COVID caseworkers about your contacts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saline County: 2 additional deaths, 73 new COVID-19 cases

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

The Saline County Sheriff's Office is investigating theft from and damage done to a storage facility east of Salina in the last few days.

Sometime between 5:30 p.m. Sunday and 9:20 a.m. Tuesday, someone cut the fence in two places and cut two locks at Access Storage, 3484 Country Club Road, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning.

A Stihl Farm Boss chainsaw valued at $500 was taken from a storage unit rented by Patrick Kelly, 41, of Salina, Soldan said. A boat owned by Cody Pierson, 43, of Salina, that was stored at the facility, also was broken into. Soldan said a 3,500 watt Preditor generator valued at $951 was taken from the boat.

Additionally, $530 worth of damage was done to the fence and the two locks, Soldan said.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThe Saline County Sheriff's Office is investigating theft from and damage done to a storage facility east of Salina in the last few days.Sometime between 5:30 p.m. Sunday and 9:20 a.m. Tuesday, someone cut the fence in two places and cut two locks at Access Storage, 3484 Country Club Road, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning.A Stihl Farm Boss chainsaw valued at $500 was taken from a storage unit rented by Patrick Kelly, 41, of Salina, Soldan said. A boat owned by Cody Pierson, 43, of Salina, that was stored at the facility, also was broken into. Soldan said a 3,500 watt Preditor generator valued at $951 was taken from the boat.Additionally, $530 worth of damage was done to the fence and the two locks, Soldan said.

Items stolen from storage facility east of Salina

Red, White, &amp; Brews is back at the Stiefel Theatre!

The patriotic-themed show with Nashville SMG recording artists and Salina's own Sunset Sinners is scheduled for 8 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue. Kansas City based blues rock powerhouse MAHAN, featuring guitarist extraordinaire Howard Mahan, is scheduled to open the show.

"The Stiefel Theatre will have some special patriotic brews for this event along with all of the USA domestics to create a great concert atmosphere for everyone to come out and show their appreciation to honor our military, veterans, and first Responders," Stiefel Executive Director Jane Gates noted in a news release.

Tickets are $23 for general admission and go on sale at noon Friday. You can purchase tickets from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Stiefel Theatre walk-up window box office next to the main entrance. Additionally, you can call the Stiefel at 785-827-1998 to buy direct or buy online at <a href="http://stiefeltheatre.org">stiefeltheatre.org</a>.

Sunset Sinners will bring their Red White &amp; Brews Tour to the Stiefel Theatre as the ultimate party concert to honor military, veterans, and first responders. 

"We're all about honoring active military, veterans, and first responders," Sunset Sinners drummer Blake Blackim told Salina Post. "It's because of them that we're able to go out and play and perform! We even wrote a song called Old Glory that's recently been on the Nashville Radio Charts. It's dedicated to everyone that had the courage to sign up and serve."

The Sunset Sinners have been garnering a lot of attention in the music world with their brand of music they refer to as "Whiskey Barrel Rock." They have made the Music Row Charts in Nashville with their hits Friday Night, Always Time For One More Beer, and their patriotic anthem Old Glory. Those songs, along with their music videos, has helped the Sunset Sinners develop a huge following in Europe, particularly France. Their Always Time For One More Beer music video has well over 1 million views. Additionally, the Sunset Sinners debut album was released on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608652164504.jpeg" alt="The Sunset Sinners, from left, Brad Johnson, Tony Bowell, Blake Blackim, and Chris Brungardt. Photo courtesy Blake Blackim" />
 <figcaption>The Sunset Sinners, from left, Brad Johnson, Tony Bowell, Blake Blackim, and Chris Brungardt. Photo courtesy Blake Blackim</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTRed, White, &amp; Brews is back at the Stiefel Theatre!The patriotic-themed show with Nashville SMG recording artists and Salina's own Sunset Sinners is scheduled for 8 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue. Kansas City based blues rock powerhouse MAHAN, featuring guitarist extraordinaire Howard Mahan, is scheduled to open the show."The Stiefel Theatre will have some special patriotic brews for this event along with all of the USA domestics to create a great concert atmosphere for everyone to come out and show their appreciation to honor our military, veterans, and first Responders," Stiefel Executive Director Jane Gates noted in a news release.Tickets are $23 for general admission and go on sale at noon Friday. You can purchase tickets from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Stiefel Theatre walk-up window box office next to the main entrance. Additionally, you can call the Stiefel at 785-827-1998 to buy direct or buy online at <a href="http://stiefeltheatre.org">stiefeltheatre.org</a>.Sunset Sinners will bring their Red White &amp; Brews Tour to the Stiefel Theatre as the ultimate party concert to honor military, veterans, and first responders. "We're all about honoring active military, veterans, and first responders," Sunset Sinners drummer Blake Blackim told Salina Post. "It's because of them that we're able to go out and play and perform! We even wrote a song called Old Glory that's recently been on the Nashville Radio Charts. It's dedicated to everyone that had the courage to sign up and serve."The Sunset Sinners have been garnering a lot of attention in the music world with their brand of music they refer to as "Whiskey Barrel Rock." They have made the Music Row Charts in Nashville with their hits Friday Night, Always Time For One More Beer, and their patriotic anthem Old Glory. Those songs, along with their music videos, has helped the Sunset Sinners develop a huge following in Europe, particularly France. Their Always Time For One More Beer music video has well over 1 million views. Additionally, the Sunset Sinners debut album was released on Friday.

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