By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

ABILENE - A Colorado man died after being struck twice on Interstate 70 (I-70) late Thursday night in Dickinson County. 

According to information from Dickinson County Sheriff Jerry Davis, deputies responded at 11:49 p.m. Thursday to I-70 near mile marker 267 just east of Solomon.

Just prior to the arrival of deputies, Timothy S. Dalton, 34, of Peyton, Colo., was struck by two vehicles that were traveling east on I-70, Davis noted. Although life saving measures were attempted, Dalton was pronounced dead at the scene. Dalton’s vehicle was located at the scene, parked off of the roadway.

During the initial investigation last night, the eastbound lanes of I-70 were closed and traffic was diverted.

Occupants of the first vehicle that struck Dalton were not injured.

Melissa A. Wilson, 32, of Lenexa, and Amanda R. Coots, 34, of St. Joseph, Mo., were occupants of the second vehicle that struck Dalton and were transported to Abilene Memorial Hospital in stable condition, the sheriff reported.

According to Davis, the incident remains under investigation and no further information will be released at this time.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostABILENE - A Colorado man died after being struck twice on Interstate 70 (I-70) late Thursday night in Dickinson County. According to information from Dickinson County Sheriff Jerry Davis, deputies responded at 11:49 p.m. Thursday to I-70 near mile marker 267 just east of Solomon.Just prior to the arrival of deputies, Timothy S. Dalton, 34, of Peyton, Colo., was struck by two vehicles that were traveling east on I-70, Davis noted. Although life saving measures were attempted, Dalton was pronounced dead at the scene. Dalton’s vehicle was located at the scene, parked off of the roadway.During the initial investigation last night, the eastbound lanes of I-70 were closed and traffic was diverted.Occupants of the first vehicle that struck Dalton were not injured.Melissa A. Wilson, 32, of Lenexa, and Amanda R. Coots, 34, of St. Joseph, Mo., were occupants of the second vehicle that struck Dalton and were transported to Abilene Memorial Hospital in stable condition, the sheriff reported.According to Davis, the incident remains under investigation and no further information will be released at this time.

Colorado man dies after being struck twice on I-70

Heat advisories have been issued for counties in our area.

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone who is overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1.

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a heat advisory in effect from 1-8 p.m. Friday for Lincoln County.

Heat index values around 105 are expected.

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a heat advisory in effect from 1-8 p.m. Friday for Ellsworth County and Saline County.

The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a heat advisory in effect from 1-8 p.m. Friday for Jewell County and Mitchell County.

Heat index values around 105 are expected. This will only be a one-day blast of very hot conditions, with noticeably-cooler weather in store over the weekend, the weather service noted in the advisory.

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a heat advisory in effect from 1-8 p.m. Friday for Cloud County and Ottawa County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625839833646.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Heat advisories have been issued for counties in our area.Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone who is overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1.The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a heat advisory in effect from 1-8 p.m. Friday for Lincoln County.Heat index values around 105 are expected.The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a heat advisory in effect from 1-8 p.m. Friday for Ellsworth County and Saline County.Heat index values around 105 are expected.The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a heat advisory in effect from 1-8 p.m. Friday for Jewell County and Mitchell County.Heat index values around 105 are expected. This will only be a one-day blast of very hot conditions, with noticeably-cooler weather in store over the weekend, the weather service noted in the advisory.The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a heat advisory in effect from 1-8 p.m. Friday for Cloud County and Ottawa County.Heat index values around 105 are expected.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623262657876.jpeg" alt="Heat Related Illness graphic.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Heat Related Illness graphic.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

NWS: Dangerous heat today; advisories issued

NORTON —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 10:30 p.m. Thursday in Norton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a pickup driven by Edgar D.&nbsp;Jaime Holguin, 35, of McPherson, was on U.S. 383 one half mile northeast of the K-60 Junction when he rear ended another truck driven by Chance Stout, 26, of Emporia.

EMS transported Holguin to the hospital in Norton. Stout and two passengers in the second vehicle were not injured. All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

NORTON —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 10:30 p.m. Thursday in Norton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a pickup driven by Edgar D.&nbsp;Jaime Holguin, 35, of McPherson, was on U.S. 383 one half mile northeast of the K-60 Junction when he rear ended another truck driven by Chance Stout, 26, of Emporia.EMS transported Holguin to the hospital in Norton. Stout and two passengers in the second vehicle were not injured. All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

McPherson man hospitalized after rear-end crash

On July 6, Salina Police Department officers took a theft report at Imperial Garden Restaurant, 844 E. Crawford Street. 

The report indicated the theft of an enclosed cargo trailer from the restaurant parking lot. The theft occurred between July 1 at 8 a.m. and July 6 at 2 p.m. The trailer had been parked on the east side of the restaurant.

The trailer, valued at $2,000, is a 2011 Interstate brand, silver in color, 10' enclosed, bumper pull trailer, Kansas tag 890ECC. 

If you have any information concerning this event or identification of the individual(s) involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit <a href="https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/create-report/anonymous/salina.org">https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/create-report/anonymous/salina.org</a> to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000, and you are not required to give your name. Ofc Keiswetter, 21-20139.

On July 6, Salina Police Department officers took a theft report at Imperial Garden Restaurant, 844 E. Crawford Street. The report indicated the theft of an enclosed cargo trailer from the restaurant parking lot. The theft occurred between July 1 at 8 a.m. and July 6 at 2 p.m. The trailer had been parked on the east side of the restaurant.The trailer, valued at $2,000, is a 2011 Interstate brand, silver in color, 10' enclosed, bumper pull trailer, Kansas tag 890ECC. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625833185049.png" alt="Image courtesy Salina Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Salina Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>If you have any information concerning this event or identification of the individual(s) involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit <a href="https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/create-report/anonymous/salina.org">https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/create-report/anonymous/salina.org</a> to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000, and you are not required to give your name. Ofc Keiswetter, 21-20139.

Crimestoppers seeks tips about trailer stolen from restaurant

The Tammy Walker Cancer Center has partnered with the Masonic Cancer Alliance to provide free group tobacco cessation classes that are offered via Zoom.

The course provides strategies to quit and stay tobacco-free, support in coping with stress without using tobacco, and information on FDA approved medications that may help. 

Participants can either attend the noon class on Mondays or the 5:30 p.m. class on Tuesdays. There is no start date, so participants can start classes at any time.

• Eight one-hour online group classes via Zoom. 

• Materials from the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center

Get started with a 30-minute information meeting. To register, <a href="http://www.bit.ly/MCATobaccoCessation">click here</a>.

The Tammy Walker Cancer Center has partnered with the Masonic Cancer Alliance to provide free group tobacco cessation classes that are offered via Zoom.The course provides strategies to quit and stay tobacco-free, support in coping with stress without using tobacco, and information on FDA approved medications that may help. Participants can either attend the noon class on Mondays or the 5:30 p.m. class on Tuesdays. There is no start date, so participants can start classes at any time.The free program includes the following.• Eight one-hour online group classes via Zoom. • Materials from the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence CenterGet started with a 30-minute information meeting. To register, <a href="http://www.bit.ly/MCATobaccoCessation">click here</a>.

Free tobacco cessation classes offered via Zoom

My wife and I are in our late 20s, and we’re on Baby Step 6. Recently, my mom reached out to me for help. She has a car lease that ends next month, and she asked to borrow $2,000 so she can pay it off. It’s a weird situation, because my parents keep separate accounts and don’t combine their finances. My mom also asked me not to tell my wife about all this. What’s your advice?

I don’t do anything I&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/relationships/marriage-money-and-secrets" target="_blank">can’t tell my wife about</a>—ever. If I’m in a meeting, and someone tells me what’s said in that room has to stay in that room, that I can’t talk to anyone else about it under any circumstances, I’ll get up and leave. In my mind, keeping things from my wife is against the law.

Your mom is out of control to even think about asking you to do this, and you need to have a serious talk with her. Let her know you love her, but she has no right to ask this of you,&nbsp;and&nbsp;it’s not something you’d do. Let her know, too, that she’s never to ask for anything like this again.

If she needs $2,000, she should be talking to her husband about the idea. They should be living with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/relationships/married-couples-how-to-combine-bank-accounts" target="_blank">combined finances</a>&nbsp;anyway. So, it sounds like they’ve got issues to straighten out between themselves.

It’s time folks started laying their cards on the table and stopped sneaking around. That’s no way for a husband and wife to live, and your mom has no business trying to drag you into all of it behind everyone’s back!

I’m on Baby Step 2. I’ve paid off almost all my debt, and I’m living on a monthly budget. Recently, I got a call from a debt collection company about an old medical bill. They threatened to garnish my wages, and from the way they talked I’m afraid they may actually do it. How should I handle this situation?

First of all, they won’t garnish your wages. They can’t. For that to happen, they would have to go through all the formal, legal steps of suing you, and&nbsp;then&nbsp;they’d have to win the case.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-calculator" target="_blank">Debt</a>&nbsp;collectors like to play with people’s emotions because, many times, folks will give in and do whatever they want—whether they can afford it or not.

The worst thing you can do in these situations is react with panic or fear. Talk to them calmly and rationally, and explain your financial situation. You may be able to reach a compromise that works for both of you. If they get nasty, or continue to lie to you, let them know you’ll file a complaint with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). Pushy debt collectors have a habit of getting polite and reasonable in a hurry when faced with the possibility of the federal government stepping in.

Do everything you reasonably can to pay your debts, Gwen. You owe the money, and that means you have a legal&nbsp;and&nbsp;moral obligation to pay them. But you don’t have to put up with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/how-to-deal-with-debt-collectors" target="_blank">collector’s lies and harassment</a>!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Honesty matters</h2>Dear Dave,My wife and I are in our late 20s, and we’re on Baby Step 6. Recently, my mom reached out to me for help. She has a car lease that ends next month, and she asked to borrow $2,000 so she can pay it off. It’s a weird situation, because my parents keep separate accounts and don’t combine their finances. My mom also asked me not to tell my wife about all this. What’s your advice?DanielDear Daniel,I don’t do anything I&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/relationships/marriage-money-and-secrets" target="_blank">can’t tell my wife about</a>—ever. If I’m in a meeting, and someone tells me what’s said in that room has to stay in that room, that I can’t talk to anyone else about it under any circumstances, I’ll get up and leave. In my mind, keeping things from my wife is against the law.Your mom is out of control to even think about asking you to do this, and you need to have a serious talk with her. Let her know you love her, but she has no right to ask this of you,&nbsp;and&nbsp;it’s not something you’d do. Let her know, too, that she’s never to ask for anything like this again.If she needs $2,000, she should be talking to her husband about the idea. They should be living with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/relationships/married-couples-how-to-combine-bank-accounts" target="_blank">combined finances</a>&nbsp;anyway. So, it sounds like they’ve got issues to straighten out between themselves.It’s time folks started laying their cards on the table and stopped sneaking around. That’s no way for a husband and wife to live, and your mom has no business trying to drag you into all of it behind everyone’s back!Dave<h2>They’ll play on your emotions</h2>Dear Dave,I’m on Baby Step 2. I’ve paid off almost all my debt, and I’m living on a monthly budget. Recently, I got a call from a debt collection company about an old medical bill. They threatened to garnish my wages, and from the way they talked I’m afraid they may actually do it. How should I handle this situation?GwenDear Gwen,First of all, they won’t garnish your wages. They can’t. For that to happen, they would have to go through all the formal, legal steps of suing you, and&nbsp;then&nbsp;they’d have to win the case.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/debt-calculator" target="_blank">Debt</a>&nbsp;collectors like to play with people’s emotions because, many times, folks will give in and do whatever they want—whether they can afford it or not.The worst thing you can do in these situations is react with panic or fear. Talk to them calmly and rationally, and explain your financial situation. You may be able to reach a compromise that works for both of you. If they get nasty, or continue to lie to you, let them know you’ll file a complaint with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). Pushy debt collectors have a habit of getting polite and reasonable in a hurry when faced with the possibility of the federal government stepping in.Do everything you reasonably can to pay your debts, Gwen. You owe the money, and that means you have a legal&nbsp;and&nbsp;moral obligation to pay them. But you don’t have to put up with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/how-to-deal-with-debt-collectors" target="_blank">collector’s lies and harassment</a>!Dave

DAVE SAYS: Honesty matters; they’ll play on your emotions

By TIM UNRUH Salina Airport Authority

The year 2020 was filled with economic challenges due to the global pandemic.

Salina Regional Airport and Airport Industrial Center took some hits as well, but survived and emerged thriving as this year unfolds.

The area that dominates western Salina demonstrated meaningful economic growth during a time of difficulty.

A look at the numbers shows an increase of nearly $130 million (just shy of $1.3 billion) in the center’s total economic impact on Saline County in 2020, according to a study from the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University.

“If you’ve been following what’s going on at the (Salina) Airport Authority, they’ve obviously brought in some new business, which have brought employees with them,” said Preston Gilson, Ph.D, of El Dorado, senior policy fellow at the Docking Institute. He prepared SAA’s economic impact summary report, and has done so for several years.

Data was collected from survey responses of tenants in the airport and airport industrial center, and public and private data sources. The airport and airport industrial center is home to more than 100 businesses and organizations.

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001B2uEgS2EmoHLSJgdRet8fja6B3dlwNu1bVHyFKCEbZC8vxNbw4WUTCdJigkvf69pIZOMRqCwWxcQ1yNNEjhE2ykopVdp8I5kSLVjtccZD4b-KhhNphbYqBvLf4U0JAyoBVRUJ3Umj5ou9ZwQ3aIZ5DOaDLF7hCyZeYCZtcQXOU2GTg6m3MxZ3Bd7elvz-qds9T2YqHRffIfo-WRs-A56TA==&amp;c=12RLp0IsiQOi8bS2cRDhJ5z_7KBHrvmCAfet1UGE1ghMt7gFdM5ROA==&amp;ch=k3DM6w2gWsSs0KWoljOacmFL8OW4cIMAx753Wt7BsUEHG0XX6DwOyQ==" target="_blank">Click here to view the full report.</a>

The business activity “results in spillover, or multiplier effects,” Gilson said, influencing expansion of ancillary businesses.

Expansion breeds expansion, he said, mentioning the Schwan’s Company new 400,000 square-foot expansion and others in the airport industrial center, and not far away, the Salina Downtown Revitalization.

“One of the things about good things happening is that they are contagious,” Gilson said. “One person sees someone doing something and they think ‘I can expand my business.’ People feel a bit more confident as we’re coming out of the pandemic, that they can do these kinds of things even better.”

Business on the whole was repressed, he said, but the affect at the airport and airport industrial center wasn’t as great.

“Most of the people working at the airport and airport industrial center are essential workers. They were not laid off,” Gilson said. “The pandemic didn’t have as major of an effect as the hotel business, restaurant business and travel business.

The airport and airport industrial center grabbed a slightly bigger piece of Saline County’s Gross Regional Product, from 41 percent to 42 percent over 2019, growing job numbers from 5,996 to 7,005 last year; and from 14 percent to 17.6 percent of the county’s employment.

Average annual wages went from $58,000 to $58,450, while annual hourly pay rose from $28 to $28.10.

Those figures “show how critical this area is to all of Salina and Saline County,” said Mitch Robinson, executive director of the Salina Community Economic Development Organization.

“The continued economic growth shows the importance of the Salina Regional Airport and Airport Industrial Center,” he said. “It’s a major driver for our economy.” 

The above story is republished with permission from Salina Airport Authority.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590606458659.jpeg" alt="The 1 Vision hangar at the north end of the Salina Regional Airport.&nbsp;Salina Post file photo&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The 1 Vision hangar at the north end of the Salina Regional Airport.&nbsp;Salina Post file photo&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM UNRUH Salina Airport AuthorityThe year 2020 was filled with economic challenges due to the global pandemic.Salina Regional Airport and Airport Industrial Center took some hits as well, but survived and emerged thriving as this year unfolds.The area that dominates western Salina demonstrated meaningful economic growth during a time of difficulty.A look at the numbers shows an increase of nearly $130 million (just shy of $1.3 billion) in the center’s total economic impact on Saline County in 2020, according to a study from the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University.“If you’ve been following what’s going on at the (Salina) Airport Authority, they’ve obviously brought in some new business, which have brought employees with them,” said Preston Gilson, Ph.D, of El Dorado, senior policy fellow at the Docking Institute. He prepared SAA’s economic impact summary report, and has done so for several years.Data was collected from survey responses of tenants in the airport and airport industrial center, and public and private data sources. The airport and airport industrial center is home to more than 100 businesses and organizations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625796348688.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Salina Airport Authority&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Salina Airport Authority&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001B2uEgS2EmoHLSJgdRet8fja6B3dlwNu1bVHyFKCEbZC8vxNbw4WUTCdJigkvf69pIZOMRqCwWxcQ1yNNEjhE2ykopVdp8I5kSLVjtccZD4b-KhhNphbYqBvLf4U0JAyoBVRUJ3Umj5ou9ZwQ3aIZ5DOaDLF7hCyZeYCZtcQXOU2GTg6m3MxZ3Bd7elvz-qds9T2YqHRffIfo-WRs-A56TA==&amp;c=12RLp0IsiQOi8bS2cRDhJ5z_7KBHrvmCAfet1UGE1ghMt7gFdM5ROA==&amp;ch=k3DM6w2gWsSs0KWoljOacmFL8OW4cIMAx753Wt7BsUEHG0XX6DwOyQ==" target="_blank">Click here to view the full report.</a>The business activity “results in spillover, or multiplier effects,” Gilson said, influencing expansion of ancillary businesses.Expansion breeds expansion, he said, mentioning the Schwan’s Company new 400,000 square-foot expansion and others in the airport industrial center, and not far away, the Salina Downtown Revitalization.“One of the things about good things happening is that they are contagious,” Gilson said. “One person sees someone doing something and they think ‘I can expand my business.’ People feel a bit more confident as we’re coming out of the pandemic, that they can do these kinds of things even better.”Business on the whole was repressed, he said, but the affect at the airport and airport industrial center wasn’t as great.“Most of the people working at the airport and airport industrial center are essential workers. They were not laid off,” Gilson said. “The pandemic didn’t have as major of an effect as the hotel business, restaurant business and travel business.The airport and airport industrial center grabbed a slightly bigger piece of Saline County’s Gross Regional Product, from 41 percent to 42 percent over 2019, growing job numbers from 5,996 to 7,005 last year; and from 14 percent to 17.6 percent of the county’s employment.Average annual wages went from $58,000 to $58,450, while annual hourly pay rose from $28 to $28.10.Those figures “show how critical this area is to all of Salina and Saline County,” said Mitch Robinson, executive director of the Salina Community Economic Development Organization.“The continued economic growth shows the importance of the Salina Regional Airport and Airport Industrial Center,” he said. “It’s a major driver for our economy.” The above story is republished with permission from Salina Airport Authority.

Airport and industrial center economic impact benefits Saline County

Today is Friday, July 9, the 190th day of 2021. There are 175 days left in the year. 

On July 9, 2004, a Senate Intelligence Committee report concluded the CIA had provided unfounded assessments of the threat posed by Iraq that the Bush administration had relied on to justify going to war. 

In 1540, England's King Henry VIII had his 6-month-old marriage to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, annulled.

In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to Gen. George Washington's troops in New York. 

In 1918, 101 people were killed in a train collision in Nashville, Tennessee. The Distinguished Service Cross was established by an Act of Congress. 

In 1937, a fire at 20th Century Fox's film storage facility in Little Ferry, New Jersey, destroyed most of the studio's silent films. 

In 1943, during World War II, the Allies launched Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily. 

In 1944, during World War II, American forces secured Saipan as the last Japanese defenses fell.

In 1947, the engagement of Britain's Princess Elizabeth to Lt. Philip Mountbatten was announced. 

In 1982, Pan Am Flight 759, a Boeing 727, crashed in Kenner, Louisiana, shortly after takeoff from New Orleans International Airport, killing all 145 people aboard and eight people on the ground. 

In 1992, Democrat Bill Clinton tapped Tennessee Sen. Al Gore to be his running mate. Former CBS News commentator Eric Sevareid died in Washington at age 79. 

In 1999, A jury in Los Angeles ordered General Motors Corp. to pay $4.9 billion to six people severely burned when their Chevrolet Malibu exploded in flames in a rear-end collision. (A judge later reduced the punitive damages to $1.09 billion, while letting stand $107 million in compensatory damages; GM settled the lawsuit in July 2003 for an undisclosed amount.)

In 2010, the largest U.S.-Russia spy swap since the Cold War was completed on a remote stretch of Vienna airport tarmac as planes from New York and Moscow arrived within minutes of each other with 10 Russian sleeper agents and four prisoners accused by Russia of spying for the West.

In 2015, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley relegated the Confederate flag to the state's "relic room" after the legislature passed a measure removing the flag from the grounds of the Statehouse in the wake of the slaughter of nine African-Americans at a church Bible study.

Ten years ago: South Sudan became the world's newest nation, officially breaking away from Sudan after two civil wars over five decades that had cost millions of lives. Derek Jeter homered for his 3,000th hit, making him the first player to reach the mark with the New York Yankees, who defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-4.

Five years ago: President Barack Obama wrapped up his visit to the NATO summit in Warsaw before heading to Madrid for a visit cut short because of violence back home, where five Dallas police officers had been killed by a sniper and two Black men were dead after being shot by police. Serena Williams won her record-tying 22nd Grand Slam title by beating Angelique Kerber 7-5, 6-3 in the Wimbledon final and pulling even with Steffi Graf for the most major championships in the Open era, which began in 1968.

One year ago: The World Health Organization acknowledged the possibility that COVID-19 might be spread in the air under certain conditions; more than 200 scientists, in an open letter, had urged the agency to do so. The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Robert Redfield, said federal health officials would not revise their coronavirus guidelines for reopening schools, despite criticism from President Donald Trump. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio used a roller to help paint "Black Lives Matter" in front of Trump's namesake Manhattan tower. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a New York prosecutor's demands for Trump's tax records.

Today's Birthdays: Actor-singer Ed Ames is 94. Actor Richard Roundtree is 79. Singer Dee Dee Kenniebrew (The Crystals) is 76. Author Dean Koontz is 76. Football Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson is 74. Actor Chris Cooper is 70. TV personality John Tesh is 69. Country singer David Ball is 68. Business executive/TV personality Kevin O'Leary (TV: "Shark Tank") is 67. R&amp;B singer Debbie Sledge (Sister Sledge) is 67. Actor Jimmy Smits is 66. Actor Tom Hanks is 65. Singer Marc Almond is 64. Actor Kelly McGillis is 64. Rock singer Jim Kerr (Simple Minds) is 62. Actor-rock singer Courtney Love is 57. Rock musician Frank Bello (Anthrax) is 56. Actor David O'Hara is 56. Actor Pamela Adlon is 55. Actor Scott Grimes is 50. Actor Enrique Murciano is 48. Rock singer-musician Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse) is 46. Musician/producer Jack White is 46. Rock musician Dan Estrin (Hoobastank) is 45. Actor-director Fred Savage is 45. Actor Linda Park is 43. Actor Megan Parlen is 41. R&amp;B singer Kiely Williams (3lw) is 35. Actor Mitchel Musso is 30. Actor Georgie Henley is 26.

<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 Friday, July 9, the 190th day of 2021. There are 175 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 9, 2004, a Senate Intelligence Committee report concluded the CIA had provided unfounded assessments of the threat posed by Iraq that the Bush administration had relied on to justify going to war. On this date: In 1540, England's King Henry VIII had his 6-month-old marriage to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, annulled.In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to Gen. George Washington's troops in New York. In 1918, 101 people were killed in a train collision in Nashville, Tennessee. The Distinguished Service Cross was established by an Act of Congress. In 1937, a fire at 20th Century Fox's film storage facility in Little Ferry, New Jersey, destroyed most of the studio's silent films. In 1943, during World War II, the Allies launched Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily. In 1944, during World War II, American forces secured Saipan as the last Japanese defenses fell.In 1947, the engagement of Britain's Princess Elizabeth to Lt. Philip Mountbatten was announced. In 1982, Pan Am Flight 759, a Boeing 727, crashed in Kenner, Louisiana, shortly after takeoff from New Orleans International Airport, killing all 145 people aboard and eight people on the ground. In 1992, Democrat Bill Clinton tapped Tennessee Sen. Al Gore to be his running mate. Former CBS News commentator Eric Sevareid died in Washington at age 79. In 1999, A jury in Los Angeles ordered General Motors Corp. to pay $4.9 billion to six people severely burned when their Chevrolet Malibu exploded in flames in a rear-end collision. (A judge later reduced the punitive damages to $1.09 billion, while letting stand $107 million in compensatory damages; GM settled the lawsuit in July 2003 for an undisclosed amount.)In 2010, the largest U.S.-Russia spy swap since the Cold War was completed on a remote stretch of Vienna airport tarmac as planes from New York and Moscow arrived within minutes of each other with 10 Russian sleeper agents and four prisoners accused by Russia of spying for the West.In 2015, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley relegated the Confederate flag to the state's "relic room" after the legislature passed a measure removing the flag from the grounds of the Statehouse in the wake of the slaughter of nine African-Americans at a church Bible study.Ten years ago: South Sudan became the world's newest nation, officially breaking away from Sudan after two civil wars over five decades that had cost millions of lives. Derek Jeter homered for his 3,000th hit, making him the first player to reach the mark with the New York Yankees, who defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-4.Five years ago: President Barack Obama wrapped up his visit to the NATO summit in Warsaw before heading to Madrid for a visit cut short because of violence back home, where five Dallas police officers had been killed by a sniper and two Black men were dead after being shot by police. Serena Williams won her record-tying 22nd Grand Slam title by beating Angelique Kerber 7-5, 6-3 in the Wimbledon final and pulling even with Steffi Graf for the most major championships in the Open era, which began in 1968.One year ago: The World Health Organization acknowledged the possibility that COVID-19 might be spread in the air under certain conditions; more than 200 scientists, in an open letter, had urged the agency to do so. The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Robert Redfield, said federal health officials would not revise their coronavirus guidelines for reopening schools, despite criticism from President Donald Trump. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio used a roller to help paint "Black Lives Matter" in front of Trump's namesake Manhattan tower. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a New York prosecutor's demands for Trump's tax records.Today's Birthdays: Actor-singer Ed Ames is 94. Actor Richard Roundtree is 79. Singer Dee Dee Kenniebrew (The Crystals) is 76. Author Dean Koontz is 76. Football Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson is 74. Actor Chris Cooper is 70. TV personality John Tesh is 69. Country singer David Ball is 68. Business executive/TV personality Kevin O'Leary (TV: "Shark Tank") is 67. R&amp;B singer Debbie Sledge (Sister Sledge) is 67. Actor Jimmy Smits is 66. Actor Tom Hanks is 65. Singer Marc Almond is 64. Actor Kelly McGillis is 64. Rock singer Jim Kerr (Simple Minds) is 62. Actor-rock singer Courtney Love is 57. Rock musician Frank Bello (Anthrax) is 56. Actor David O'Hara is 56. Actor Pamela Adlon is 55. Actor Scott Grimes is 50. Actor Enrique Murciano is 48. Rock singer-musician Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse) is 46. Musician/producer Jack White is 46. Rock musician Dan Estrin (Hoobastank) is 45. Actor-director Fred Savage is 45. Actor Linda Park is 43. Actor Megan Parlen is 41. R&amp;B singer Kiely Williams (3lw) is 35. Actor Mitchel Musso is 30. Actor Georgie Henley is 26.

Today in History - July 9

EMPORIA - Emporia State University congratulates more than 660 students who received their academic degrees after completing the spring 2021 semester. Graduates from this area include the following.

Kathleen McKee of Abilene, Kansas, Master of Library Science

Joelle Lamb of Beloit, Kansas, Master of Science in Early Childhood Unified

George Walter Staten of Beloit, Kansas, Master of Arts in English

Samantha Jane Millican of Chapman, Kansas, Master of Science in Instructional Specialist

Susan Elizabeth Lloyd of Clay Center, Kansas, Bachelor of Arts in Art with a minor in Art History

Bobbi Jane Rookstool of Clay Center, Kansas, B.S. in Education in English and Journalism with a minor in Creative Writing

Lauren Danae Taphorn of Clay Center, Kansas, B.S. in Education in Elementary Education with a concentration in English As A Second Language and Bachelor of Arts in Modern Language with a concentration in Spanish

Clara Elizabeth Eilert of Jewell, Kansas, B.S. in Education in Elementary Education with a minor in Coaching

Brendon William Bina of Marion, Kansas, B.S. in Business in Accounting

Alexius Hope Kendrick of Marion, Kansas, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Taylor Lynn May of Marion, Kansas, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Remington Brant Putter of Marion, Kansas, B.S. in Education in Physical Education and Health Education with a minor in Coaching

Samantha Ann Richmond of Marion, Kansas, B.S. in Education in Elementary Education

Elisha M Cairns of McPherson, Kansas, Master of Science in Early Childhood Unified

Jamie Cooke of McPherson, Kansas, Master of Science in Instructional Specialist

Gracy Ruth Ann Feil of McPherson, Kansas, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Laura Lynn Miller of McPherson, Kansas, Master of Science in Curriculum &amp; Instruction

Zaelynn LeighAnn Foth of Moundridge, Kansas, B.S. in Education in Elementary Education

Melisa Ann Sommerfeld of Moundridge, Kansas, Master of Science in Psychology

Cameron Christine Munk of Salina, Kansas, B.S. in Education in Elementary Education

Brooke Renee Parnell of Salina, Kansas, Bachelor of Science in Art with a minor in Psychology

Vanessa Lorraine Phelps of Salina, Kansas, Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Tanner Davis Raubenstine of Salina, Kansas, B.S. in Business in Management with a minor in Marketing

Emporia State University offers over 200 academic programs in the School of Business, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Library and Information Management and The Teachers College. For five consecutive years, ESU is the only public university in Kansas to have earned national recognition as a College of Distinction, an honor for universities that demonstrate innovative application of high-impact education.

EMPORIA - Emporia State University congratulates more than 660 students who received their academic degrees after completing the spring 2021 semester. Graduates from this area include the following.Kathleen McKee of Abilene, Kansas, Master of Library ScienceJoelle Lamb of Beloit, Kansas, Master of Science in Early Childhood UnifiedGeorge Walter Staten of Beloit, Kansas, Master of Arts in EnglishSamantha Jane Millican of Chapman, Kansas, Master of Science in Instructional SpecialistSusan Elizabeth Lloyd of Clay Center, Kansas, Bachelor of Arts in Art with a minor in Art HistoryBobbi Jane Rookstool of Clay Center, Kansas, B.S. in Education in English and Journalism with a minor in Creative WritingLauren Danae Taphorn of Clay Center, Kansas, B.S. in Education in Elementary Education with a concentration in English As A Second Language and Bachelor of Arts in Modern Language with a concentration in SpanishClara Elizabeth Eilert of Jewell, Kansas, B.S. in Education in Elementary Education with a minor in CoachingBrendon William Bina of Marion, Kansas, B.S. in Business in AccountingAlexius Hope Kendrick of Marion, Kansas, Bachelor of Science in NursingTaylor Lynn May of Marion, Kansas, Bachelor of Science in NursingRemington Brant Putter of Marion, Kansas, B.S. in Education in Physical Education and Health Education with a minor in CoachingSamantha Ann Richmond of Marion, Kansas, B.S. in Education in Elementary EducationElisha M Cairns of McPherson, Kansas, Master of Science in Early Childhood UnifiedJamie Cooke of McPherson, Kansas, Master of Science in Instructional SpecialistGracy Ruth Ann Feil of McPherson, Kansas, Bachelor of Science in NursingLaura Lynn Miller of McPherson, Kansas, Master of Science in Curriculum &amp; InstructionZaelynn LeighAnn Foth of Moundridge, Kansas, B.S. in Education in Elementary EducationMelisa Ann Sommerfeld of Moundridge, Kansas, Master of Science in PsychologyCameron Christine Munk of Salina, Kansas, B.S. in Education in Elementary EducationBrooke Renee Parnell of Salina, Kansas, Bachelor of Science in Art with a minor in PsychologyVanessa Lorraine Phelps of Salina, Kansas, Bachelor of Interdisciplinary StudiesTanner Davis Raubenstine of Salina, Kansas, B.S. in Business in Management with a minor in MarketingAbout Emporia State UniversityEmporia State University offers over 200 academic programs in the School of Business, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Library and Information Management and The Teachers College. For five consecutive years, ESU is the only public university in Kansas to have earned national recognition as a College of Distinction, an honor for universities that demonstrate innovative application of high-impact education.

Emporia State confers degrees

In 1992, late night severe thunderstorms struck north-central and northeast Kansas with 60 to 110 mph winds. 

Hardest hit was Concordia, where a peak one minute speed of 108 mph was measured at Blosser Airport. Sustained speeds exceeded 60 mph for an incredible 20 minutes. 

The destructive winds caused approximately $25 million in damage. Six people were injured.

By THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICEIn 1992, late night severe thunderstorms struck north-central and northeast Kansas with 60 to 110 mph winds. Hardest hit was Concordia, where a peak one minute speed of 108 mph was measured at Blosser Airport. Sustained speeds exceeded 60 mph for an incredible 20 minutes. The destructive winds caused approximately $25 million in damage. Six people were injured.

This Day in Weather History: Concordia smacked by wind in 1992

Employment opportunities, onsite applications, and interviews will be available during the Salina USD 305 job fair.

The third annual job fair is scheduled for&nbsp;9 a.m.–3 p.m. on Friday at Central High School, 650 E. Crawford Street. Use the front entrance. The fair is open to the public; interviews and job offers onsite are possible.

Numerous employment opportunities include the following.

Flexible schedules with full and part-time positions are available. Salina USD 305 offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance and disability as well as generous paid leave plans.

Applicants can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.applitrack.com/usd305/onlineapp/" target="_blank">click on this link</a>&nbsp;or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://usd305.com/">usd305.com</a>&nbsp;to view all open positions and to complete an application prior to attending the job fair.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624672105817.png" alt="Image courtesy USD 305" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy USD 305</figcaption>
 </figure>Employment opportunities, onsite applications, and interviews will be available during the Salina USD 305 job fair.The third annual job fair is scheduled for&nbsp;9 a.m.–3 p.m. on Friday at Central High School, 650 E. Crawford Street. Use the front entrance. The fair is open to the public; interviews and job offers onsite are possible.Numerous employment opportunities include the following.•Food service•Maintenance and operations•Instructional assistants•Bilingual educational support staff•Para educators•Substitute teachersFlexible schedules with full and part-time positions are available. Salina USD 305 offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance and disability as well as generous paid leave plans.Applicants can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.applitrack.com/usd305/onlineapp/" target="_blank">click on this link</a>&nbsp;or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://usd305.com/">usd305.com</a>&nbsp;to view all open positions and to complete an application prior to attending the job fair.

Don't forget: USD 305 job fair Friday

LAWRENCE — After postponing all in-person events last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Kansas Alumni Association, Kansas Athletics and the Office of Public Affairs will resume Hawks &amp; Highways gatherings this summer in communities throughout Kansas.

 Part of a multiyear effort guided by Chancellor Douglas A. Girod to expand and strengthen outreach across the state, the series will include events in July and August.

Hawks &amp; Highways is scheduled to be in Salina Monday. Happy Hour is scheduled for 5 p.m. in the Salina Country Club, 2101 E. Country Club Road.

University guests include the chancellor, Director of Athletics Travis Goff, head football coach Lance Leipold, Alumni Association President Heath Peterson and Dave Cook, vice chancellor for public affairs and economic development.

“We’re incredibly excited to get back on the road and connect with KU alumni, friends and fans in their hometowns,” Peterson said. “These events are a great way to strengthen Jayhawk relationships — and thank our loyal alumni and friends, who so often travel from their homes to our campuses to support KU.”

“Jayhawks across the state are outstanding ambassadors for KU as leaders in their businesses, professions and communities,” Cook said, “and we’re eager to reunite with many of them in person to talk about how KU can continue to serve Kansans and fuel the state’s economy.”

For more information and to register for events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kualumni.org/news-events/ku-connection/" target="_blank">kualumni.org/kuconnection</a>.

LAWRENCE — After postponing all in-person events last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Kansas Alumni Association, Kansas Athletics and the Office of Public Affairs will resume Hawks &amp; Highways gatherings this summer in communities throughout Kansas. Part of a multiyear effort guided by Chancellor Douglas A. Girod to expand and strengthen outreach across the state, the series will include events in July and August.Hawks &amp; Highways is scheduled to be in Salina Monday. Happy Hour is scheduled for 5 p.m. in the Salina Country Club, 2101 E. Country Club Road.University guests include the chancellor, Director of Athletics Travis Goff, head football coach Lance Leipold, Alumni Association President Heath Peterson and Dave Cook, vice chancellor for public affairs and economic development.“We’re incredibly excited to get back on the road and connect with KU alumni, friends and fans in their hometowns,” Peterson said. “These events are a great way to strengthen Jayhawk relationships — and thank our loyal alumni and friends, who so often travel from their homes to our campuses to support KU.”“Jayhawks across the state are outstanding ambassadors for KU as leaders in their businesses, professions and communities,” Cook said, “and we’re eager to reunite with many of them in person to talk about how KU can continue to serve Kansans and fuel the state’s economy.”For more information and to register for events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kualumni.org/news-events/ku-connection/" target="_blank">kualumni.org/kuconnection</a>.

KU's Hawks & Highways coming to Salina Monday

Component Technician – Stacking/Poles

Location: Solomon Corporation 129 W Main St Solomon KS 67480

Sunbelt-Solomon Solutions is hiring! We are one of the world's largest providers of new and reconditioned transformers and electrical equipment for commercial and industrial markets. We currently have openings for individuals seeking to join a forward-thinking company with excellent benefits and growth opportunities for motivated employees.

In this role you will be responsible for:

Disassembling poles and pads as well as separating and boxing material for the salvage department. In addition to collecting and sorting material, unloading and loading materials and various other tasks.

For hourly employees hired between 6/15/21 and 12/31/21 we are offering a bonus at 90 days and 6 months.

$100 paid to active eligible employees on the first payroll following 90 days &amp; $400 paid to active eligible employees on the first payroll following 6 months.

Apply online at: <a href="http://www.solomoncorp.com">www.solomoncorp.com</a> or click the link to the Solomon Corporation careers page at the bottom of this page.

Job Link:&nbsp;Click here to Apply :
<a href="https://www.solomoncorp.com/careers/">Solomon Corporation's Career Page</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625787138924.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Component Technician – Stacking/PolesLocation: Solomon Corporation 129 W Main St Solomon KS 67480Sunbelt-Solomon Solutions is hiring! We are one of the world's largest providers of new and reconditioned transformers and electrical equipment for commercial and industrial markets. We currently have openings for individuals seeking to join a forward-thinking company with excellent benefits and growth opportunities for motivated employees.In this role you will be responsible for:Disassembling poles and pads as well as separating and boxing material for the salvage department. In addition to collecting and sorting material, unloading and loading materials and various other tasks.NEW INCENTIVE PROGRAM!For hourly employees hired between 6/15/21 and 12/31/21 we are offering a bonus at 90 days and 6 months.$100 paid to active eligible employees on the first payroll following 90 days &amp; $400 paid to active eligible employees on the first payroll following 6 months.Apply online at: <a href="http://www.solomoncorp.com">www.solomoncorp.com</a> or click the link to the Solomon Corporation careers page at the bottom of this page. EOEJob Link:&nbsp;Click here to Apply :
<a href="https://www.solomoncorp.com/careers/">Solomon Corporation's Career Page</a>

Dickinson County sheriff ID's dead man found south of Abilene

Dangerous heat index values are expected on Friday afternoon through early Friday evening. 

According to the National Weather Service, heat index values will range from 100 to 105. 

Make sure outdoor pets have a cool, shady place to be and have plenty of fresh water. 

Drink plenty of fluids and take frequent breaks if you're outside for long periods of time. Watch for signs of the following heat-related illnesses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625770490997.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dangerous heat index values are expected on Friday afternoon through early Friday evening. According to the National Weather Service, heat index values will range from 100 to 105. Make sure outdoor pets have a cool, shady place to be and have plenty of fresh water. Drink plenty of fluids and take frequent breaks if you're outside for long periods of time. Watch for signs of the following heat-related illnesses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623262657876.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NWS: Dangerous heat index values for Friday

By ALLISON KITE Kansas Reflector

Evergy customers in parts of Missouri may be repaying electric costs for the next 15 years following February’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/02/16/missouri-facing-more-rolling-power-outages-as-extreme-winter-cold-continues/">winter storm that forced power outages across the Midwest</a>.&nbsp;

Kansas City-area customers in both Kansas and Missouri, however, could see savings.

In February, Winter Storm Uri caused&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/18/feds-ramp-up-emergency-help-for-kansas-other-states-hit-by-extreme-weather/">sustained cold temperatures across much of the central United States</a>, driving demand for energy sky high. At the same time, utilities had trouble getting&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/11/natural-gas-shortages-high-prices-helped-drive-february-power-outages/">natural gas</a>. In some places,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eenews.net/stories/1063727799">coal piles froze</a>. Wind turbines iced over.&nbsp;

For several days, utility companies asked customers to conserve their energy use. To keep the grid stable and avoid uncontrolled outages, the Southwest Power Pool, the regional grid Evergy belongs to,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/15/evergy-plans-power-outages-as-cold-weather-disrupts-regional-grid/">asked member utilities to implement rolling blackouts</a>.

Now, Evergy is totaling the financial impact of the storm. In the greater Kansas City area, Evergy was able to generate more power than it needed during the cold snap and sell the excess into the SPP. That helped offset the higher prices it had to pay to serve the region, and the utility plans to return those proceeds to customers over the next couple of years.

But customers outside the metro in Kansas could gradually repay $152.3 million over two years. In parts of Missouri outside the metro, the company is asking to defer and then recover more than $297 million — potentially over 15 years. If Evergy didn’t spread those costs out over time, customers’ bills would be astronomical, said Lena Mantle, a senior analyst with the Missouri Office of the Public Counsel.

“That was unprecedented. That has not occurred since — well, ever that I remember,” Mantle said.&nbsp;

Evergy’s Missouri West area, which stretches from the Iowa border south along the Kansas border nearly to southwest Missouri, was hit the hardest by high February costs.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.efis.psc.mo.gov/mpsc/commoncomponents/view_itemno_details.asp?caseno=EU-2021-0283&amp;attach_id=2021023780">Documents on file with the Missouri Public Service Commission</a>&nbsp;show that area incurred more than triple its normal fuel costs. It purchased $316.8 million in power —&nbsp;more than 21 times its average $14.8 million for February.&nbsp;

After adjusting for other costs and channels of revenue, the area incurred $297.3 million in extraordinary costs.&nbsp;

Evergy filed last week with Missouri regulators for an “accounting authority order,” which allows it to defer the sum it will collect from Missouri customers related to the storm.&nbsp;

To spread out that cost, Evergy plans to file with the Missouri Public Service Commission to use the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/06/parson-signs-bill-helping-utilities-shutter-coal-plants-transition-to-renewable-power/">state’s newly created securitization policy</a>&nbsp;and spread the cost to customers over 15 years.&nbsp;

If approved, Evergy estimates those customers’ bills would increase by $2.85 per month. The company wouldn’t say how high those customer bills would be without securitization, but it said the impact would be greater.

“Securitization would be the lowest total cost and lowest bill impact option for customers,” said Gina Penzig, a spokeswoman for Evergy.

In general, Evergy is allowed to pass those costs onto ratepayers unless stakeholders, like the Office of the Public Counsel, successfully argue the company acted imprudently, which Mantle said is difficult to prove.

Meanwhile, Evergy customers in Kansas City will see a surplus returned to them.&nbsp;

Kansas already granted Evergy authority to defer costs related to the storm. The company filed a plan with the Kansas Corporation Commission last week to recover them.&nbsp;

In Kansas, Kansas City-area customers could see their bills decline by almost $10 per month from April 2022 until April 2023 to return a surplus of $43.9 million.

In Evergy’s other Kansas territory —&nbsp;stretching from the Nebraska border to Wichita and from the Missouri border west to Salina —&nbsp;customers will pay another $4.70 per month for the next two years to repay the $153.2 million in extraordinary costs from the storm.&nbsp;

In both states, consumer and business advocates will have the opportunity to comment on Evergy’s plans.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625769451311.jpeg" alt="Some Evergy customers in Kansas will have higher energy bills following a winter cold snap that forced outages. (Jill Hummels for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Some Evergy customers in Kansas will have higher energy bills following a winter cold snap that forced outages. (Jill Hummels for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE Kansas ReflectorEvergy customers in parts of Missouri may be repaying electric costs for the next 15 years following February’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/02/16/missouri-facing-more-rolling-power-outages-as-extreme-winter-cold-continues/">winter storm that forced power outages across the Midwest</a>.&nbsp;Kansas City-area customers in both Kansas and Missouri, however, could see savings.In February, Winter Storm Uri caused&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/18/feds-ramp-up-emergency-help-for-kansas-other-states-hit-by-extreme-weather/">sustained cold temperatures across much of the central United States</a>, driving demand for energy sky high. At the same time, utilities had trouble getting&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/11/natural-gas-shortages-high-prices-helped-drive-february-power-outages/">natural gas</a>. In some places,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eenews.net/stories/1063727799">coal piles froze</a>. Wind turbines iced over.&nbsp;For several days, utility companies asked customers to conserve their energy use. To keep the grid stable and avoid uncontrolled outages, the Southwest Power Pool, the regional grid Evergy belongs to,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/15/evergy-plans-power-outages-as-cold-weather-disrupts-regional-grid/">asked member utilities to implement rolling blackouts</a>.Now, Evergy is totaling the financial impact of the storm. In the greater Kansas City area, Evergy was able to generate more power than it needed during the cold snap and sell the excess into the SPP. That helped offset the higher prices it had to pay to serve the region, and the utility plans to return those proceeds to customers over the next couple of years.But customers outside the metro in Kansas could gradually repay $152.3 million over two years. In parts of Missouri outside the metro, the company is asking to defer and then recover more than $297 million — potentially over 15 years. If Evergy didn’t spread those costs out over time, customers’ bills would be astronomical, said Lena Mantle, a senior analyst with the Missouri Office of the Public Counsel.“That was unprecedented. That has not occurred since — well, ever that I remember,” Mantle said.&nbsp;Evergy’s Missouri West area, which stretches from the Iowa border south along the Kansas border nearly to southwest Missouri, was hit the hardest by high February costs.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.efis.psc.mo.gov/mpsc/commoncomponents/view_itemno_details.asp?caseno=EU-2021-0283&amp;attach_id=2021023780">Documents on file with the Missouri Public Service Commission</a>&nbsp;show that area incurred more than triple its normal fuel costs. It purchased $316.8 million in power —&nbsp;more than 21 times its average $14.8 million for February.&nbsp;After adjusting for other costs and channels of revenue, the area incurred $297.3 million in extraordinary costs.&nbsp;Evergy filed last week with Missouri regulators for an “accounting authority order,” which allows it to defer the sum it will collect from Missouri customers related to the storm.&nbsp;To spread out that cost, Evergy plans to file with the Missouri Public Service Commission to use the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/06/parson-signs-bill-helping-utilities-shutter-coal-plants-transition-to-renewable-power/">state’s newly created securitization policy</a>&nbsp;and spread the cost to customers over 15 years.&nbsp;If approved, Evergy estimates those customers’ bills would increase by $2.85 per month. The company wouldn’t say how high those customer bills would be without securitization, but it said the impact would be greater.“Securitization would be the lowest total cost and lowest bill impact option for customers,” said Gina Penzig, a spokeswoman for Evergy.In general, Evergy is allowed to pass those costs onto ratepayers unless stakeholders, like the Office of the Public Counsel, successfully argue the company acted imprudently, which Mantle said is difficult to prove.Meanwhile, Evergy customers in Kansas City will see a surplus returned to them.&nbsp;Kansas already granted Evergy authority to defer costs related to the storm. The company filed a plan with the Kansas Corporation Commission last week to recover them.&nbsp;In Kansas, Kansas City-area customers could see their bills decline by almost $10 per month from April 2022 until April 2023 to return a surplus of $43.9 million.In Evergy’s other Kansas territory —&nbsp;stretching from the Nebraska border to Wichita and from the Missouri border west to Salina —&nbsp;customers will pay another $4.70 per month for the next two years to repay the $153.2 million in extraordinary costs from the storm.&nbsp;In both states, consumer and business advocates will have the opportunity to comment on Evergy’s plans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625673106778.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The above story is republished with permission from <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>.

After winter storm, some Evergy customers may see savings, others pay for years

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the second in a multi-part series.

The Kansas&nbsp;State Board of Education&nbsp;has appointed a&nbsp;Task Force to study what&nbsp;should&nbsp;be&nbsp;required&nbsp;for students to graduate from high school. The&nbsp;question&nbsp;is whether the state should continue to use a system that&nbsp;mostly looks at how much time a student spends in subject area classes,&nbsp;what&nbsp;subjects should be required,&nbsp;and&nbsp;whether to consider different ways&nbsp;to&nbsp;measure whether students have&nbsp;met&nbsp;state expectations.&nbsp;

As noted in a previous post, educational attainment is increasing in both Kansas and the nation and is at all-time high levels for adults. Given these trends, why has the State Board called for a study of graduation requirements?

To begin with, there are some gaps between the current state requirements for high school graduation and other definitions Kansas has set for successful preparation for life, post-secondary education and careers.

In 2014, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled in the&nbsp;Gannon&nbsp;school finance case that constitutional “suitable” funding must be adequate to allow students to achieve seven “capacities” that define what students should be able to do upon leaving the public school system. Called the “Rose” capacities after a lawsuit in the state of Kentucky in the 1990’s, the Kansas Legislature subsequently adopted these seven capacities as state education goals.

Two years later, following an extensive round of community and business leader discussion, the State Board of Education adopted a definition of a successful high school graduate. When comparing these two sets of expectations with actual graduation requirements, there is considerable overlap but far from complete alignment.

For example, the first Rose capacity is “Sufficient oral and written communication skills to enable students to function in a complex and rapidly changing civilization” which aligns with a requirement of four years of English language arts.

The second and third Rose capacities are “Sufficient knowledge of economic, social, and political systems to enable the students to make informed choices” and “Sufficient understanding of governmental processes to enable the students to understand the issues that affect his or her community, state, and nation.” These match requirements for three units of history and government, which shall include world history; United States history; United States government, including the Constitution of the United States; and concepts of economics and geography.

The next two capacities –“Sufficient self-knowledge and knowledge of his or her mental and physical wellness” and “Sufficient grounding in the arts to enable each student to appreciate his or her cultural and historical heritage,” align with course requirements for one unit of physical education, which shall include health and which may include safety, first aid, or physiology; and one unit of fine arts, which may include art, music, dance, theatre, forensics, and other similar studies selected by a local board of education.

However, the Rose capacities do not even mention math and science, which account for six required units for graduation. And they do not define whether a given number of “units” of subjects actually prepare students “sufficiently.”

The State Board’s definition of a successful graduate does not mention courses or units at all. Instead, it says a graduate should have things that might also be called “capacities” - academic preparation, cognitive preparation, technical skills, employability skills, and civic engagement.

The courses required for graduation are basically academic. They may include “cognitive preparation”, but it is not defined or measured. Neither are “technical skills” unless a student takes career technical education courses. There is nothing to ensure that employability skills – also not defined – be included in required courses. Finally, the study of history and government does not mean a student is prepared for civic engagement.

Moving beyond specific courses, the final two Rose capacities address general student readiness – “Sufficient training or preparation for advanced training in either academic or vocational fields so as to enable each child to choose and pursue life work intelligently” and “Sufficient levels of academic or vocational skills to enable public school students to compete favorably with their counterparts in surrounding states, in academics or in the job market.” This implies students should be able to get a job of their choice, either directly upon high graduation; or that they have the skills to continue in postsecondary education if required for that job.

Likewise, the State Board definition says a graduate should be able to be successful&nbsp;in postsecondary education, in the attainment of an industry recognized certification, or in the workforce&nbsp;without the need for remediation&nbsp;(emphasis added). This means a student should be able to go to college or earn an industry recognized certificate or go directly into the workforce without the need for remedial work by the college or employer.

The required graduation units do not address these expectations. Basically, they require that a teacher decides that a student has “passed” his or her course of study in a particular subject. Despite the fact that more students are graduating, more are taking prep courses or actual college courses, and more are taking CTE courses, there remain several concerns.

<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>EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the second in a multi-part series.By MARK TALLMANThe Kansas&nbsp;State Board of Education&nbsp;has appointed a&nbsp;Task Force to study what&nbsp;should&nbsp;be&nbsp;required&nbsp;for students to graduate from high school. The&nbsp;question&nbsp;is whether the state should continue to use a system that&nbsp;mostly looks at how much time a student spends in subject area classes,&nbsp;what&nbsp;subjects should be required,&nbsp;and&nbsp;whether to consider different ways&nbsp;to&nbsp;measure whether students have&nbsp;met&nbsp;state expectations.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625681602805.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As noted in a previous post, educational attainment is increasing in both Kansas and the nation and is at all-time high levels for adults. Given these trends, why has the State Board called for a study of graduation requirements?To begin with, there are some gaps between the current state requirements for high school graduation and other definitions Kansas has set for successful preparation for life, post-secondary education and careers.In 2014, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled in the&nbsp;Gannon&nbsp;school finance case that constitutional “suitable” funding must be adequate to allow students to achieve seven “capacities” that define what students should be able to do upon leaving the public school system. Called the “Rose” capacities after a lawsuit in the state of Kentucky in the 1990’s, the Kansas Legislature subsequently adopted these seven capacities as state education goals.Two years later, following an extensive round of community and business leader discussion, the State Board of Education adopted a definition of a successful high school graduate. When comparing these two sets of expectations with actual graduation requirements, there is considerable overlap but far from complete alignment.For example, the first Rose capacity is “Sufficient oral and written communication skills to enable students to function in a complex and rapidly changing civilization” which aligns with a requirement of four years of English language arts.The second and third Rose capacities are “Sufficient knowledge of economic, social, and political systems to enable the students to make informed choices” and “Sufficient understanding of governmental processes to enable the students to understand the issues that affect his or her community, state, and nation.” These match requirements for three units of history and government, which shall include world history; United States history; United States government, including the Constitution of the United States; and concepts of economics and geography.The next two capacities –“Sufficient self-knowledge and knowledge of his or her mental and physical wellness” and “Sufficient grounding in the arts to enable each student to appreciate his or her cultural and historical heritage,” align with course requirements for one unit of physical education, which shall include health and which may include safety, first aid, or physiology; and one unit of fine arts, which may include art, music, dance, theatre, forensics, and other similar studies selected by a local board of education.However, the Rose capacities do not even mention math and science, which account for six required units for graduation. And they do not define whether a given number of “units” of subjects actually prepare students “sufficiently.”The State Board’s definition of a successful graduate does not mention courses or units at all. Instead, it says a graduate should have things that might also be called “capacities” - academic preparation, cognitive preparation, technical skills, employability skills, and civic engagement.The courses required for graduation are basically academic. They may include “cognitive preparation”, but it is not defined or measured. Neither are “technical skills” unless a student takes career technical education courses. There is nothing to ensure that employability skills – also not defined – be included in required courses. Finally, the study of history and government does not mean a student is prepared for civic engagement.Moving beyond specific courses, the final two Rose capacities address general student readiness – “Sufficient training or preparation for advanced training in either academic or vocational fields so as to enable each child to choose and pursue life work intelligently” and “Sufficient levels of academic or vocational skills to enable public school students to compete favorably with their counterparts in surrounding states, in academics or in the job market.” This implies students should be able to get a job of their choice, either directly upon high graduation; or that they have the skills to continue in postsecondary education if required for that job.Likewise, the State Board definition says a graduate should be able to be successful&nbsp;in postsecondary education, in the attainment of an industry recognized certification, or in the workforce&nbsp;without the need for remediation&nbsp;(emphasis added). This means a student should be able to go to college or earn an industry recognized certificate or go directly into the workforce without the need for remedial work by the college or employer.The required graduation units do not address these expectations. Basically, they require that a teacher decides that a student has “passed” his or her course of study in a particular subject. Despite the fact that more students are graduating, more are taking prep courses or actual college courses, and more are taking CTE courses, there remain several concerns.First, Kansas colleges end up placing some high school graduates in remedial or development courses. That appears to be primarily because the courses required to graduate do not have to be college prep level if students choose other courses. Students can take non-college prep-type courses in English, math and science and still meet the units required. Fewer than 10 percent of students recently out of high school require remedial courses at state universities, where students have usually been expected to complete college prep courses (with exemptions), but about 30 percent of students require remedial courses in community colleges, which do not.Second, employees generally report that their biggest concerns about high school graduates is NOT a lack of academic or cognitive or technical skills, but instead a lack of employment skills or behavioral skills. Colleges and parents often say the same thing. (In fact, employers say the same thing about college graduates.)Yet these skills are not explicitly contained in high school graduation requirements at all. While educators sometimes say these skills are usually taught through extracurricular activities, such activities by definition are not required for all students or even consistently measured.The biggest concern does not seem to be that students are missing basic skills, but that many do not know how to apply those skills.Third, despite progress in educational attainment, there remain large differences among groups of students. Students from low-income families, some minority groups, students with disabilities and other factors tend to lag 10 points behind their peers in graduation rates, and even farther behind in college completion. Because education is now so closely tied to economic status, it becomes more difficult for these groups to reach equal economic and social footing with others.These are reasons why Kansas is taking a close look at graduation requirements. Future posts will explore options used in other states and other ideas to change expectations and measures for completing high school.Mark Tallman is the associate executive director for advocacy for the Kansas Association of School Boards.

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