Today is Wednesday, June 23, the 174th day of 2021. There are 191 days left in the year. 

On June 23, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed Title IX barring discrimination on the basis of sex for "any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." (On the same day, Nixon and White House chief of staff H.R. Haldeman discussed using the CIA to obstruct the FBI's Watergate investigation. Revelation of the tape recording of this conversation sparked Nixon's resignation in 1974.) 

In 1888, abolitionist Frederick Douglass received one vote from the Kentucky delegation at the Republican convention in Chicago, effectively making him the first Black candidate to have his name placed in nomination for U.S. president. (The nomination went to Benjamin Harrison.) 

In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt was nominated for a second term of office at the Republican National Convention in Chicago. 

In 1931, aviators Wiley Post and Harold Gatty took off from New York on a round-the-world flight that lasted eight days and 15 hours.

In 1947, the Senate joined the House in overriding President Harry S. Truman's veto of the Taft-Hartley Act, designed to limit the power of organized labor. 

In 1956, Gamal Abdel Nasser was elected president of Egypt.

In 1969, Warren E. Burger was sworn in as chief justice of the United States by the man he was succeeding, Earl Warren. 

In 1985, all 329 people aboard an Air India Boeing 747 were killed when the plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Ireland because of a bomb authorities believe was planted by Sikh separatists. 

In 1988, James E. Hansen, a climatologist at the Goddard Institute for Space Studies, told a Senate panel that global warming of the earth caused by the "greenhouse effect" was a reality. 

In 1993, in a case that drew widespread attention, Lorena Bobbitt of Prince William County, Va., sexually mutilated her husband, John, after he'd allegedly raped her. (John Bobbitt was later acquitted of marital sexual assault; Lorena Bobbitt was later acquitted of malicious wounding by reason of insanity.) 

In 1995, Dr. Jonas Salk, the medical pioneer who developed the first vaccine to halt the crippling rampage of polio, died in La Jolla (HOY'-ah), California, at age 80. 

In 1997, civil rights activist Betty Shabazz, the widow of Malcolm X, died in New York of burns suffered in a fire set by her 12-year-old grandson; she was 61. (Malcolm Shabazz pleaded guilty to arson and other charges and was placed in juvenile detention.)

In 2009, "Tonight Show" sidekick Ed McMahon died in Los Angeles at 86. 

Ten years ago: Republicans pulled out of debt-reduction talks led by Vice President Joe Biden, blaming Democrats for demanding tax increases as part of a deal rather than accepting more than $1 trillion in cuts to Medicare and other government programs. "Columbo" actor Peter Falk died in Beverly Hills, California, at age 83.

Five years ago: Floods tore through parts of West Virginia, killing 23 people and destroying or damaging thousands of homes, businesses, schools and infrastructure. Britain voted to leave the European Union after a bitterly divisive referendum campaign, toppling Prime Minister David Cameron, who had led the campaign to keep Britain in the EU. A short-handed and deeply divided Supreme Court deadlocked 4-4 on President Barack Obama's immigration plan to help millions living in the U.S. illegally, effectively killing it. In a narrow victory for affirmative action, the Supreme Court upheld, 4-3, a University of Texas program that took account of race in deciding whom to admit. Appalachian music patriarch Ralph Stanley, 89, who helped define the bluegrass sound, died in Sandy Ridge, Virginia.

One year ago: A private funeral for Rayshard Brooks, a Black man who was shot by a white police officer outside an Atlanta restaurant, was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once preached. The Louisville police department fired an officer involved in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor more than three months earlier, saying Brett Hankison had shown "extreme indifference to the value of human life" when he fired ten rounds into Taylor's apartment. (A second officer was also fired; Hankison is facing charges of endangerment.) Tennis player Novak Djokovic said he and his wife tested positive for the coronavirus after he played in exhibition matches he organized in Serbia and Croatia without social distancing; he was the fourth player to come down with COVID-19 after taking part. Major League Baseball issued a 60-game schedule for a season to start in late July in empty ballparks. Saudi Arabia said that because of the coronavirus, only "very limited numbers" of people could perform the annual hajj pilgrimage. Segway said it would end production of its two-wheeled personal transporter.

Today's Birthdays: Singer Diana Trask is 81. Actor Ted Shackelford is 75. Actor Bryan Brown is 74. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is 73. Actor Jim Metzler is 70. "American Idol" ex-judge Randy Jackson is 65. Actor Frances McDormand is 64. Rock musician Steve Shelley (Sonic Youth) is 59. Writer-director Joss Whedon is 57. R&amp;B singer Chico DeBarge is 51. Actor Selma Blair is 49. Actor Joel Edgerton is 47. Rock singer KT Tunstall is 46. Actor Emmanuelle Vaugier is 45. Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz is 44. Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson is 42. Actor Melissa Rauch is 41. Rock singer Duffy is 37. Country singer Katie Armiger is 30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, June 23, the 174th day of 2021. There are 191 days left in the year. Today's Highlights in History: On June 23, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed Title IX barring discrimination on the basis of sex for "any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." (On the same day, Nixon and White House chief of staff H.R. Haldeman discussed using the CIA to obstruct the FBI's Watergate investigation. Revelation of the tape recording of this conversation sparked Nixon's resignation in 1974.) On this date: In 1888, abolitionist Frederick Douglass received one vote from the Kentucky delegation at the Republican convention in Chicago, effectively making him the first Black candidate to have his name placed in nomination for U.S. president. (The nomination went to Benjamin Harrison.) In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt was nominated for a second term of office at the Republican National Convention in Chicago. In 1931, aviators Wiley Post and Harold Gatty took off from New York on a round-the-world flight that lasted eight days and 15 hours.In 1947, the Senate joined the House in overriding President Harry S. Truman's veto of the Taft-Hartley Act, designed to limit the power of organized labor. In 1956, Gamal Abdel Nasser was elected president of Egypt.In 1969, Warren E. Burger was sworn in as chief justice of the United States by the man he was succeeding, Earl Warren. In 1985, all 329 people aboard an Air India Boeing 747 were killed when the plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Ireland because of a bomb authorities believe was planted by Sikh separatists. In 1988, James E. Hansen, a climatologist at the Goddard Institute for Space Studies, told a Senate panel that global warming of the earth caused by the "greenhouse effect" was a reality. In 1993, in a case that drew widespread attention, Lorena Bobbitt of Prince William County, Va., sexually mutilated her husband, John, after he'd allegedly raped her. (John Bobbitt was later acquitted of marital sexual assault; Lorena Bobbitt was later acquitted of malicious wounding by reason of insanity.) In 1995, Dr. Jonas Salk, the medical pioneer who developed the first vaccine to halt the crippling rampage of polio, died in La Jolla (HOY'-ah), California, at age 80. In 1997, civil rights activist Betty Shabazz, the widow of Malcolm X, died in New York of burns suffered in a fire set by her 12-year-old grandson; she was 61. (Malcolm Shabazz pleaded guilty to arson and other charges and was placed in juvenile detention.)In 2009, "Tonight Show" sidekick Ed McMahon died in Los Angeles at 86. Ten years ago: Republicans pulled out of debt-reduction talks led by Vice President Joe Biden, blaming Democrats for demanding tax increases as part of a deal rather than accepting more than $1 trillion in cuts to Medicare and other government programs. "Columbo" actor Peter Falk died in Beverly Hills, California, at age 83. Five years ago: Floods tore through parts of West Virginia, killing 23 people and destroying or damaging thousands of homes, businesses, schools and infrastructure. Britain voted to leave the European Union after a bitterly divisive referendum campaign, toppling Prime Minister David Cameron, who had led the campaign to keep Britain in the EU. A short-handed and deeply divided Supreme Court deadlocked 4-4 on President Barack Obama's immigration plan to help millions living in the U.S. illegally, effectively killing it. In a narrow victory for affirmative action, the Supreme Court upheld, 4-3, a University of Texas program that took account of race in deciding whom to admit. Appalachian music patriarch Ralph Stanley, 89, who helped define the bluegrass sound, died in Sandy Ridge, Virginia. One year ago: A private funeral for Rayshard Brooks, a Black man who was shot by a white police officer outside an Atlanta restaurant, was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once preached. The Louisville police department fired an officer involved in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor more than three months earlier, saying Brett Hankison had shown "extreme indifference to the value of human life" when he fired ten rounds into Taylor's apartment. (A second officer was also fired; Hankison is facing charges of endangerment.) Tennis player Novak Djokovic said he and his wife tested positive for the coronavirus after he played in exhibition matches he organized in Serbia and Croatia without social distancing; he was the fourth player to come down with COVID-19 after taking part. Major League Baseball issued a 60-game schedule for a season to start in late July in empty ballparks. Saudi Arabia said that because of the coronavirus, only "very limited numbers" of people could perform the annual hajj pilgrimage. Segway said it would end production of its two-wheeled personal transporter.Today's Birthdays: Singer Diana Trask is 81. Actor Ted Shackelford is 75. Actor Bryan Brown is 74. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is 73. Actor Jim Metzler is 70. "American Idol" ex-judge Randy Jackson is 65. Actor Frances McDormand is 64. Rock musician Steve Shelley (Sonic Youth) is 59. Writer-director Joss Whedon is 57. R&amp;B singer Chico DeBarge is 51. Actor Selma Blair is 49. Actor Joel Edgerton is 47. Rock singer KT Tunstall is 46. Actor Emmanuelle Vaugier is 45. Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz is 44. Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson is 42. Actor Melissa Rauch is 41. Rock singer Duffy is 37. Country singer Katie Armiger is 30.

Today in History - June 23

A Sylvan Grove student is among those honored for their essays about "My City, My Home."

On Friday, the League of Kansas Municipalities welcomed approximately 80 mayors and local elected officials to Lawrence for the league’s Leadership Summit and Kansas Mayors Conference. The league also used this event as an opportunity to recognize six seventh graders for their participation in the league’s annual essay contest. 

This year, hundreds of seventh graders submitted their thoughts for the league's annual “My City, My Home” essay contest, which asked students what they loved about their community. 

This year, the League recognized Ella Prosser, a seventh-grade student at Quinter Jr/Sr. High School, as the statewide winner. Ella’s essay represented the northwest region of Kansas. The contest recognizes five regional winners along with one overall statewide winner.&nbsp;

Ella, an aspiring author, wrote her essay about her hometown of Quinter and why her home is special to her. She wrote her essay using Quinter as a metaphor for a book.&nbsp; “My hometown of Quinter is a book,” she wrote. “With the friendly, family environment as the cover, the schools and the people as the pages, and the binding bringing the community all together, Quinter is a place I am proud to call home.”

The League presented awards to six regional students who were named regional winners in the contest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624406878122.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Sylvan Grove student is among those honored for their essays about "My City, My Home."On Friday, the League of Kansas Municipalities welcomed approximately 80 mayors and local elected officials to Lawrence for the league’s Leadership Summit and Kansas Mayors Conference. The league also used this event as an opportunity to recognize six seventh graders for their participation in the league’s annual essay contest. This year, hundreds of seventh graders submitted their thoughts for the league's annual “My City, My Home” essay contest, which asked students what they loved about their community. This year, the League recognized Ella Prosser, a seventh-grade student at Quinter Jr/Sr. High School, as the statewide winner. Ella’s essay represented the northwest region of Kansas. The contest recognizes five regional winners along with one overall statewide winner.&nbsp; Ella, an aspiring author, wrote her essay about her hometown of Quinter and why her home is special to her. She wrote her essay using Quinter as a metaphor for a book.&nbsp; “My hometown of Quinter is a book,” she wrote. “With the friendly, family environment as the cover, the schools and the people as the pages, and the binding bringing the community all together, Quinter is a place I am proud to call home.”Watch Ella read her essay:<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qRs7V7ffpvI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> The League presented awards to six regional students who were named regional winners in the contest.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624406419926.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥League of Kansas Municipalities honors essay contest winners

No wonder there are cracks in the ground!

According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, Salina has received only 0.06 of an inch of precipitation for June as of today. That makes Salina's June 2021 thusfar tied for the driest on record, since 1900, the weather service noted.

In other parts of the state, according to a post on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a> Facebook page, through today, Russell has measured only 0.03 of an inch of precipitation, and is the driest on record since 1948, while Chanute has measured 0.70 of an inch, and is the fifth driest on record since 1896.

Wednesday night into Thursday there is a 20-percent chance for showers and thunderstorms for Salina, according to the weather service. (And don't forget a forecast high near 104 on Thursday.)&nbsp; The rain forecast bumps up to a 50-percent chance for showers and thunderstorms Thursday night through Friday night. 

The chance for rain then begins to wane, with only a 30-percent chance on Saturday and a 20-percent chance on Saturday night, the weather service noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624403134940.jpeg" alt="Cracks are well-defined in a south Salina yard. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Cracks are well-defined in a south Salina yard. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTNo wonder there are cracks in the ground!According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, Salina has received only 0.06 of an inch of precipitation for June as of today. That makes Salina's June 2021 thusfar tied for the driest on record, since 1900, the weather service noted.In other parts of the state, according to a post on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a> Facebook page, through today, Russell has measured only 0.03 of an inch of precipitation, and is the driest on record since 1948, while Chanute has measured 0.70 of an inch, and is the fifth driest on record since 1896.Wednesday night into Thursday there is a 20-percent chance for showers and thunderstorms for Salina, according to the weather service. (And don't forget a forecast high near 104 on Thursday.)&nbsp; The rain forecast bumps up to a 50-percent chance for showers and thunderstorms Thursday night through Friday night. The chance for rain then begins to wane, with only a 30-percent chance on Saturday and a 20-percent chance on Saturday night, the weather service noted.

So far in June, Salina driest on record since 1900

LINCOLN, Neb. - More than 6,800 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students have been named to the Deans' List for the spring semester of the 2020-21 academic year.

Qualification for the Deans' List varies among the eight undergraduate colleges and the Explore Center. Listed below are the minimum requirements for each entity and the name of its respective dean or director. All qualifying grade-point averages are based on a four-point scale and a minimum number of graded semester hours. Students can be on the Deans' List for more than one college.

College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, 3.75; Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss.

College of Architecture, 3.75; Dean Katherine S. Ankerson.

College of Arts and Sciences, 3.7; Dean Mark E. Button.

College of Business, 3.6; Dean Kathy Farrell.

College of Education and Human Sciences, 3.75; Dean Sherri Jones.

 College of Engineering, 3.5; Dean Lance C. Perez.

College of Journalism and Mass Communications, 3.7; Dean Shari Veil.

 Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, 3.7; Dean Charles O'Connor.

Explore Center for undeclared, pre-engineering, pre-health and pre-law students, 3.6; Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Undergraduate Education Amy Goodburn.

Following is a list of local and area honorees with their year in school during the spring semester, college(s) and major(s). Some students chose not to have their hometowns listed.

Clay Center Charlotte Claire Straley, senior, Dean's Lists, College of Arts and Sciences and College of Business, English and actuarial science.

Lindsborg Alisa Holst, junior, Dean's List, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, food science and technology.

Reece Jerod Holst, sophomore, Dean's List, College of Education and Human Sciences, communication sciences and disorders.

McPherson Claire Elisabeth Wiens, senior, Dean's List, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, advertising and public relations.

Salina Payton Kathleen Bergkamp, junior, Dean's List, Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, emerging media arts.

Dalton Hull Peters, senior, Dean's List, College of Education and Human Sciences, social science and speech (7-12).

Bailee Rose Steinle, junior, Dean's List, College of Business, accounting.

Jaycie Elizabeth Warner, senior, Dean's List, College of Business, finance and economics.

For the full Deans' List, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/32IxTgwFGaalFTsuZasCIfT_DPoqAXuKY-4g7_PTF2tb_ulT-fYKXalB4vbbpAIh/3cy/q9kd27VRQ3mSwE_ZDXjFSw/h0/0lmmZYxKbS_loCOD8s2No16x-fKGIkA_CqUyoGhuXII" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/deanslist-spring21</a>.

LINCOLN, Neb. - More than 6,800 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students have been named to the Deans' List for the spring semester of the 2020-21 academic year.Qualification for the Deans' List varies among the eight undergraduate colleges and the Explore Center. Listed below are the minimum requirements for each entity and the name of its respective dean or director. All qualifying grade-point averages are based on a four-point scale and a minimum number of graded semester hours. Students can be on the Deans' List for more than one college.College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, 3.75; Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss.College of Architecture, 3.75; Dean Katherine S. Ankerson.College of Arts and Sciences, 3.7; Dean Mark E. Button.College of Business, 3.6; Dean Kathy Farrell.College of Education and Human Sciences, 3.75; Dean Sherri Jones. College of Engineering, 3.5; Dean Lance C. Perez.College of Journalism and Mass Communications, 3.7; Dean Shari Veil. Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, 3.7; Dean Charles O'Connor.Explore Center for undeclared, pre-engineering, pre-health and pre-law students, 3.6; Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Undergraduate Education Amy Goodburn.Following is a list of local and area honorees with their year in school during the spring semester, college(s) and major(s). Some students chose not to have their hometowns listed.Clay Center Charlotte Claire Straley, senior, Dean's Lists, College of Arts and Sciences and College of Business, English and actuarial science.Lindsborg Alisa Holst, junior, Dean's List, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, food science and technology.Reece Jerod Holst, sophomore, Dean's List, College of Education and Human Sciences, communication sciences and disorders.McPherson Claire Elisabeth Wiens, senior, Dean's List, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, advertising and public relations.Salina Payton Kathleen Bergkamp, junior, Dean's List, Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, emerging media arts.Dalton Hull Peters, senior, Dean's List, College of Education and Human Sciences, social science and speech (7-12).Bailee Rose Steinle, junior, Dean's List, College of Business, accounting.Jaycie Elizabeth Warner, senior, Dean's List, College of Business, finance and economics.For the full Deans' List, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/32IxTgwFGaalFTsuZasCIfT_DPoqAXuKY-4g7_PTF2tb_ulT-fYKXalB4vbbpAIh/3cy/q9kd27VRQ3mSwE_ZDXjFSw/h0/0lmmZYxKbS_loCOD8s2No16x-fKGIkA_CqUyoGhuXII" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/deanslist-spring21</a>.

Local, area students earn academic honors at Nebraska

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly today announced appointments to the following council.

Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas

The purpose of this council is to develop a State Plan through external input, which ensures independent living for Kansans; advocate for the accomplishment of the State Plan objectives; monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the plan; and be a statewide catalyst for independent living.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly today announced appointments to the following council.Statewide Independent Living Council of KansasThe purpose of this council is to develop a State Plan through external input, which ensures independent living for Kansans; advocate for the accomplishment of the State Plan objectives; monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the plan; and be a statewide catalyst for independent living.Shanti Ramcharan, EmporiaMargaret Finger, SalinaRobert Cantin, Olathe

Salina's Finger among latest appointments by governor

A natural-born storyteller is coming to the Stiefel Theatre in November.

Billy Prine &amp; The Prine Time Band present: The songs of John Prine, with special guest Tommy Prine, is scheduled for 8 p.m. Nov. 2, in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.

Tickets start at $39 and go on sale at noon Friday. You can purchase tickets at the new Stiefel walk-up box office near the main entrance from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday or by calling the Stiefel at 785-827-1998. If you need to leave a message, calls will be returned within several hours. Additionally, you can purchase tickets online at www.stiefeltheatre.org.

About the artist from the Stiefel Theatre

Billy Prine is a natural-born storyteller just like his late, great brother John Prine was a natural-born songwriter. John was a great communicator of the human experience whittled down to the best words.  His big, little brother, owner of a rich, booming voice yet full of subtleness, is one of the finest orators you’ll ever hear – also choosing just the right turn of phrase. 

During these concerts celebrating John’s life in song, Billy will tell stories about or surrounding some of John’s most beloved songs before leading his band through his version of John’s timeless masterpieces. As an example, fans will get to hear the first time John played his classic song “Paradise” for their father as the family sat around the kitchen table. 

Songs are stories, novellas, if you will, and stories often become songs. It is only fitting that in the course of each show during this tour, that Billy relates – as only he can – the stories that surround the songs of his dear brother John. 

A natural-born storyteller is coming to the Stiefel Theatre in November.Billy Prine &amp; The Prine Time Band present: The songs of John Prine, with special guest Tommy Prine, is scheduled for 8 p.m. Nov. 2, in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.Tickets start at $39 and go on sale at noon Friday. You can purchase tickets at the new Stiefel walk-up box office near the main entrance from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday or by calling the Stiefel at 785-827-1998. If you need to leave a message, calls will be returned within several hours. Additionally, you can purchase tickets online at www.stiefeltheatre.org.About the artist from the Stiefel TheatreBilly Prine is a natural-born storyteller just like his late, great brother John Prine was a natural-born songwriter. John was a great communicator of the human experience whittled down to the best words. His big, little brother, owner of a rich, booming voice yet full of subtleness, is one of the finest orators you’ll ever hear – also choosing just the right turn of phrase. During these concerts celebrating John’s life in song, Billy will tell stories about or surrounding some of John’s most beloved songs before leading his band through his version of John’s timeless masterpieces. As an example, fans will get to hear the first time John played his classic song “Paradise” for their father as the family sat around the kitchen table. Songs are stories, novellas, if you will, and stories often become songs. It is only fitting that in the course of each show during this tour, that Billy relates – as only he can – the stories that surround the songs of his dear brother John.

Billy Prine & The Prine Time Band to perform in Salina Nov. 2

Salina Adult Education Center is seeking individuals to fill two adult basic education instructor positions immediately.&nbsp; Instructors teach reading, writing and math through algebra. Must be proficient in MS Office, Google Docs and able to learn new software quickly.&nbsp; Ability to teach students on site and remotely and work as part of an instructional team critical.&nbsp;

There are two current classified positions.&nbsp; One is a full-time position that is afternoon/evening Mon – Thurs with occasional Friday morning staff meetings.&nbsp; Additionally there is one part time evening position Mon – Thurs also available with occasional Friday morning staff meetings.

INSTRUCTOR - ADULT BASIC EDUCATION/GED®/COLLEGE SKILL BUILDING

Salina Unified School District #305 &nbsp; Purpose Statement: The job of Instructor - Adult Basic Education/GED® is done for the purpose/s of facilitating adult student success in academics, workplace skills, and life skills through implementing program-approved curriculum; documenting student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of individual students; and providing a safe and optimal learning environment. &nbsp; This job reports to Director - Salina Adult Education Center &nbsp; Essential Functions •Administers assessments for the purpose of evaluating students’ entry performance level, planning instruction, documenting progress and verifying completion of outcomes. (paper/pencil and computer based assessments) &nbsp; • Collaborates with school personnel and various community agencies for the purpose of improving the quality of student outcomes, developing solutions and planning curriculum. &nbsp; • Models methods required to perform assignments for the purpose of providing an effective school program and addressing the needs of individual students. &nbsp; • Directs students, volunteers, etc. for the purpose of maximizing their efficiency, meeting requirements and providing feedback.&nbsp;

• Facilitates adult student learning through identification, documentation and accommodation of special learning problems, for the purpose of meeting the needs of individual students.

• Implements defined courses of study for the purpose of improving student success in academics, workplace skills and life skills. &nbsp; • Uses appropriate English communication for the purpose of developing students’ ability to communicate effectively using the English language. &nbsp; • Monitors student behavior for the purpose of providing for the safety and welfare of students, providing an optimal learning environment and adhering to district, KBOR, and program policies. &nbsp; • Prepares teaching materials and related reports (e.g. assessment scores, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) for the purpose of implementing study plans and documenting student attendance and progress. &nbsp; • Protects student confidentiality for the purpose of maintaining program compliance with department,&nbsp;district and KBOR policy. &nbsp; • Provides feedback and information to students and program administration for the purpose of motivating students, facilitating program improvement and documenting outcomes for funding. &nbsp; • Participates in various initiatives as assigned to improve instructional and programmatic environment for students for the purpose of improving the Salina Adult Education program. &nbsp; • Understands content standards based instruction and demonstrates ability to write lesson plans incorporating standards and multi-level activities for numerous levels of adult learning for the purpose of meeting program requirements &nbsp; • Demonstrates high level technology skills including Microsoft Office programs, email functions and learning software and platforms for the purpose of creating lesson content and documenting program activities. &nbsp; • Fosters employment and college focused relationships and experiences for students to expand opportunities beyond the classroom for the purpose of enhancing student achievement.

• Supports and understands outcomes based funding system for the purpose ensuring program needs and objectives. &nbsp;Job Requirements: Skills, Knowledge and Abilities (Minimum Qualifications) Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and applying instructional strategies appropriate for adults. &nbsp; Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes:

Writing: mastery of grammar, punctuation, spelling, composition Math: mastery of high school level mathematics including 1) operations &amp; algebraic thinking, 2) ratio &amp; proportional reasoning, 3) data &amp; statistics, 4) measurement &amp; geometry and 5) algebra. Reading &nbsp; Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; motivating, mentoring and empowering adult learners; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; and working as part of a team. &nbsp; Bachelor’s Degree Required, Master’s Degree Preferred &nbsp; Please send resume to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kelly.mobray@usd305.com">kelly.mobray@usd305.com</a>&nbsp;.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622772820591.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Adult Education Center is seeking individuals to fill two adult basic education instructor positions immediately.&nbsp; Instructors teach reading, writing and math through algebra. Must be proficient in MS Office, Google Docs and able to learn new software quickly.&nbsp; Ability to teach students on site and remotely and work as part of an instructional team critical.&nbsp;There are two current classified positions.&nbsp; One is a full-time position that is afternoon/evening Mon – Thurs with occasional Friday morning staff meetings.&nbsp; Additionally there is one part time evening position Mon – Thurs also available with occasional Friday morning staff meetings. <h2>INSTRUCTOR - ADULT BASIC EDUCATION/GED®/COLLEGE SKILL BUILDING</h2>Salina Unified School District #305 &nbsp; Purpose Statement: The job of Instructor - Adult Basic Education/GED® is done for the purpose/s of facilitating adult student success in academics, workplace skills, and life skills through implementing program-approved curriculum; documenting student progress/activities/outcomes; addressing specific educational needs of individual students; and providing a safe and optimal learning environment. &nbsp; This job reports to Director - Salina Adult Education Center &nbsp; Essential Functions •Administers assessments for the purpose of evaluating students’ entry performance level, planning instruction, documenting progress and verifying completion of outcomes. (paper/pencil and computer based assessments) &nbsp; • Collaborates with school personnel and various community agencies for the purpose of improving the quality of student outcomes, developing solutions and planning curriculum. &nbsp; • Models methods required to perform assignments for the purpose of providing an effective school program and addressing the needs of individual students. &nbsp; • Directs students, volunteers, etc. for the purpose of maximizing their efficiency, meeting requirements and providing feedback.&nbsp;• Facilitates adult student learning through identification, documentation and accommodation of special learning problems, for the purpose of meeting the needs of individual students. • Implements defined courses of study for the purpose of improving student success in academics, workplace skills and life skills. &nbsp; • Uses appropriate English communication for the purpose of developing students’ ability to communicate effectively using the English language. &nbsp; • Monitors student behavior for the purpose of providing for the safety and welfare of students, providing an optimal learning environment and adhering to district, KBOR, and program policies. &nbsp; • Prepares teaching materials and related reports (e.g. assessment scores, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) for the purpose of implementing study plans and documenting student attendance and progress. &nbsp; • Protects student confidentiality for the purpose of maintaining program compliance with department,&nbsp;district and KBOR policy. &nbsp; • Provides feedback and information to students and program administration for the purpose of motivating students, facilitating program improvement and documenting outcomes for funding. &nbsp; • Participates in various initiatives as assigned to improve instructional and programmatic environment for students for the purpose of improving the Salina Adult Education program. &nbsp; • Understands content standards based instruction and demonstrates ability to write lesson plans incorporating standards and multi-level activities for numerous levels of adult learning for the purpose of meeting program requirements &nbsp; • Demonstrates high level technology skills including Microsoft Office programs, email functions and learning software and platforms for the purpose of creating lesson content and documenting program activities. &nbsp; • Fosters employment and college focused relationships and experiences for students to expand opportunities beyond the classroom for the purpose of enhancing student achievement.• Supports and understands outcomes based funding system for the purpose ensuring program needs and objectives. &nbsp;Job Requirements: Skills, Knowledge and Abilities (Minimum Qualifications) Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and applying instructional strategies appropriate for adults. &nbsp; Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: Writing: mastery of grammar, punctuation, spelling, composition Math: mastery of high school level mathematics including 1) operations &amp; algebraic thinking, 2) ratio &amp; proportional reasoning, 3) data &amp; statistics, 4) measurement &amp; geometry and 5) algebra. Reading &nbsp; Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; motivating, mentoring and empowering adult learners; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; and working as part of a team. &nbsp; Bachelor’s Degree Required, Master’s Degree Preferred &nbsp; Please send resume to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kelly.mobray@usd305.com">kelly.mobray@usd305.com</a>&nbsp;.

Woman arrested on requested aggravated assault charge, other charges

Willie Nelson is coming to Salina in August!

The Willie Nelson and Family performance is scheduled for 8 p.m. Aug. 17 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.

Tickets start at $96 and go on sale at noon Friday. The new Stiefel walk-up box office is open near the main entrance noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You also can purchase tickets by calling the Stiefel at 785-827-1998. If you need to leave a message calls will be returned within several hours. Additionally, you can purchase tickets online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">stiefeltheatre.org</a>.

With a seven-decade career, Nelson has earned every conceivable award as a musician and amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor, and activist. He continues to thrive as a relevant and progressive musical and cultural force. 

In recent years, he has delivered more than a dozen new albums, released a Top 10 New York Times' bestsellers book, again headlined Farm Aid, an event he co-founded in 1985, been honored by the Library of Congress with their Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, received his fifth degree black belt in Gong Kwon Yu Sul, headlined the annual Luck Reunion food and music festival during SXSW, launched his cannabis companies Willie's Reserve and Willie's Remedy, and graced the covers of Rolling Stone and AARP The Magazine. 

In July 2020, Willie released his album First Rose of Spring - an atmospheric soulful showcase of beautifully-written songs and poignant performances. September 2020 brought a memoir with his sister and pianist Bobbie Nelson, titled, Me and Sister Bobbie: True Tales of The Family Band. 

For 2021, he released a new studio album in February — That's Life, Willie's second album of standards and classics made famous by Frank Sinatra (his first, 2018's My Way, earned Willie the Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Solo Album). The two legends were friends, musical colleagues, and mutual admirers of each other's work. 

This month, a collection of his thoughts on America, family, faith, and music is scheduled to hit shelves as a new book, titled Willie Nelson’s Letters to America. 

These creative endeavors as well as new songs and performances that add to his classic catalog, find Willie Nelson rolling at an artistic peak, writing and singing and playing with the seasoned wit and wisdom that comes from the road. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624376072128.jpeg" alt="Willie Nelson is scheduled to perform in the Stiefel Theatre Aug. 17. Photo by&nbsp; Pamela Springsteen courtesy Stiefel Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Willie Nelson is scheduled to perform in the Stiefel Theatre Aug. 17. Photo by&nbsp; Pamela Springsteen courtesy Stiefel Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>Willie Nelson is coming to Salina in August!The Willie Nelson and Family performance is scheduled for 8 p.m. Aug. 17 in the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.Tickets start at $96 and go on sale at noon Friday. The new Stiefel walk-up box office is open near the main entrance noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You also can purchase tickets by calling the Stiefel at 785-827-1998. If you need to leave a message calls will be returned within several hours. Additionally, you can purchase tickets online at <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">stiefeltheatre.org</a>.About the artist from the Stiefel TheatreWith a seven-decade career, Nelson has earned every conceivable award as a musician and amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor, and activist. He continues to thrive as a relevant and progressive musical and cultural force. In recent years, he has delivered more than a dozen new albums, released a Top 10 New York Times' bestsellers book, again headlined Farm Aid, an event he co-founded in 1985, been honored by the Library of Congress with their Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, received his fifth degree black belt in Gong Kwon Yu Sul, headlined the annual Luck Reunion food and music festival during SXSW, launched his cannabis companies Willie's Reserve and Willie's Remedy, and graced the covers of Rolling Stone and AARP The Magazine. In July 2020, Willie released his album First Rose of Spring - an atmospheric soulful showcase of beautifully-written songs and poignant performances. September 2020 brought a memoir with his sister and pianist Bobbie Nelson, titled, Me and Sister Bobbie: True Tales of The Family Band. For 2021, he released a new studio album in February — That's Life, Willie's second album of standards and classics made famous by Frank Sinatra (his first, 2018's My Way, earned Willie the Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Solo Album). The two legends were friends, musical colleagues, and mutual admirers of each other's work. This month, a collection of his thoughts on America, family, faith, and music is scheduled to hit shelves as a new book, titled Willie Nelson’s Letters to America. These creative endeavors as well as new songs and performances that add to his classic catalog, find Willie Nelson rolling at an artistic peak, writing and singing and playing with the seasoned wit and wisdom that comes from the road.

Willie Nelson to perform in Stiefel Theatre in August

A medical issue is believed to be the cause of a single-vehicle accident Monday night in south Salina.

An eastbound 2014 Dodge Journey driven by Laval Barkley, 40, of Salina, jumped the curb, drove through a yard, hit a railroad tie, struck the southwest edge of the house at 2621 E. Key Avenue, struck a trailer, and a privacy fence, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. The impact caused the trailer to strike the house at 2627 E. Key Avenue, he added.

The accident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. Monday.

Barkley told police that he had a seizure and didn't remember anything about the accident, Forrester said. He was checked out by EMS and released.

The Journey had major front-end damage and was towed from the scene.

No damage estimates were available for the property that was struck.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA medical issue is believed to be the cause of a single-vehicle accident Monday night in south Salina.An eastbound 2014 Dodge Journey driven by Laval Barkley, 40, of Salina, jumped the curb, drove through a yard, hit a railroad tie, struck the southwest edge of the house at 2621 E. Key Avenue, struck a trailer, and a privacy fence, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. The impact caused the trailer to strike the house at 2627 E. Key Avenue, he added.The accident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. Monday.Barkley told police that he had a seizure and didn't remember anything about the accident, Forrester said. He was checked out by EMS and released.The Journey had major front-end damage and was towed from the scene.No damage estimates were available for the property that was struck.

No one injured when SUV strikes house, trailer in south Salina

Researchers find that circadian clock genes in common crops are affected when temperatures rise&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – Warmer nights can upset a good night’s sleep for humans, but could the biological processes of farm crops be fussy about nighttime temperatures, too?&nbsp;

Researchers at Kansas State University and North Carolina State University think so, and they’ve got a growing amount of evidence to prove that the circadian clock genes in rice -- and possibly wheat -- get messed up when nights get hotter.&nbsp;

“We still don’t know all the details, but we’re narrowing down the key regulatory players,” said Colleen Doherty, an associate professor of biochemistry at North Carolina State University.&nbsp;

Doherty and K-State professor and crop physiologist Krishna Jagadish began studying the impact of nighttime temperatures seven years ago when Jagadish worked at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines.&nbsp;

“Essentially, we found that warmer nights throw the rice plant’s internal clock out of whack,” Doherty said.&nbsp;

Jagadish said warm temperatures cause “hundreds of genes” to be expressed earlier than usual, and hundreds more to be expressed later than usual. That disrupts such key biological processes as photosynthesis and respiration (a process that uses sugars produced during photosynthesis to create energy for plant growth).&nbsp;

In field trials with rice, Jagadish used artificial heaters in field conditions to maintain experimental plots at 2 degrees Celsius above ambient temperature, and compared samples – taken every three hours for 24 hours -- from plots that were grown at ambient temperature.&nbsp;

Similar studies at K-State have indicated a 5% reduction in wheat yield for each one degree Celsius increase in temperature, according to Jagadish. For wheat, he added, “these changes in grain composition under warming nights will impact both the quantity and quality of bread.”&nbsp;

“Most people think plants aren’t dynamic, but they are,” Doherty said. “Plants are constantly regulating their biological processes – gearing up for photosynthesis just before dawn, winding that down in the late afternoon, determining precisely how and where to burn their energy resources. Plants are busy, it’s just difficult to observe all that activity from the outside.&nbsp;

“And what we learned is that the clock responsible for regulating all of that activity gets messed up when the nights get hotter relative to the days.”&nbsp;

Doherty is currently focusing her work on rice, while Jagadish has studied the impact of nighttime temperatures on rice and wheat. “Rice and wheat behave similarly to warming nights, so progress made with one crop can benefit the other,” Jagadish said.&nbsp;

The researchers’ goal is to better identify the factors that create havoc with the plants’ circadian rhythms so that scientists can breed varieties that perform better under conditions where higher nighttime temperatures are present.&nbsp;

“It’s the high-starch cereal crops that are most vulnerable to high nighttime temperatures,” Jagadish said. He and his team are currently studying the impact of nighttime temperatures on corn at K-State’s north farm in Manhattan.&nbsp;

“Corn, for example, has very high levels of starch. We believe that with warmer nights, we will lose starch, so the grain quality and quantity of biofuel that can be generated from corn will be negatively impacted. In other words, with the varieties we have now, warmer nights could have negative impacts on both the food and biofuel industry.”&nbsp;

In a 1,200-page report released in 2019, the United Nations linked a rise in global temperatures to increasing pressure on fertile soil, jeopardizing the world’s food security. Jagadish and Doherty note that rice, wheat and other cereal crops feed hundreds of millions of people around the world.&nbsp;

“(Our study) is not just an interesting scientific question,” Doherty said. “It’s a global food security issue.”&nbsp;

The research is supported by the USDA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nifa.usda.gov/" target="_blank">National Institute of Food and Agriculture</a>&nbsp;(NIFA). The researchers have published a paper that discusses their work with.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/118/25/e2025899118" target="_blank">Warm Nights Disrupt Global Transcriptional Rhythms in Field-Grown Rice</a>&nbsp;Panicles&nbsp;appears in the&nbsp;June 2021 Proceedings&nbsp;of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, known familiarly as PNAS.&nbsp;

<h2>Researchers find that circadian clock genes in common crops are affected when temperatures rise&nbsp;</h2>MANHATTAN – Warmer nights can upset a good night’s sleep for humans, but could the biological processes of farm crops be fussy about nighttime temperatures, too?&nbsp;Researchers at Kansas State University and North Carolina State University think so, and they’ve got a growing amount of evidence to prove that the circadian clock genes in rice -- and possibly wheat -- get messed up when nights get hotter.&nbsp;“We still don’t know all the details, but we’re narrowing down the key regulatory players,” said Colleen Doherty, an associate professor of biochemistry at North Carolina State University.&nbsp;Doherty and K-State professor and crop physiologist Krishna Jagadish began studying the impact of nighttime temperatures seven years ago when Jagadish worked at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines.&nbsp;“Essentially, we found that warmer nights throw the rice plant’s internal clock out of whack,” Doherty said.&nbsp;Jagadish said warm temperatures cause “hundreds of genes” to be expressed earlier than usual, and hundreds more to be expressed later than usual. That disrupts such key biological processes as photosynthesis and respiration (a process that uses sugars produced during photosynthesis to create energy for plant growth).&nbsp;In field trials with rice, Jagadish used artificial heaters in field conditions to maintain experimental plots at 2 degrees Celsius above ambient temperature, and compared samples – taken every three hours for 24 hours -- from plots that were grown at ambient temperature.&nbsp;Similar studies at K-State have indicated a 5% reduction in wheat yield for each one degree Celsius increase in temperature, according to Jagadish. For wheat, he added, “these changes in grain composition under warming nights will impact both the quantity and quality of bread.”&nbsp;“Most people think plants aren’t dynamic, but they are,” Doherty said. “Plants are constantly regulating their biological processes – gearing up for photosynthesis just before dawn, winding that down in the late afternoon, determining precisely how and where to burn their energy resources. Plants are busy, it’s just difficult to observe all that activity from the outside.&nbsp;“And what we learned is that the clock responsible for regulating all of that activity gets messed up when the nights get hotter relative to the days.”&nbsp;Doherty is currently focusing her work on rice, while Jagadish has studied the impact of nighttime temperatures on rice and wheat. “Rice and wheat behave similarly to warming nights, so progress made with one crop can benefit the other,” Jagadish said.&nbsp;The researchers’ goal is to better identify the factors that create havoc with the plants’ circadian rhythms so that scientists can breed varieties that perform better under conditions where higher nighttime temperatures are present.&nbsp;“It’s the high-starch cereal crops that are most vulnerable to high nighttime temperatures,” Jagadish said. He and his team are currently studying the impact of nighttime temperatures on corn at K-State’s north farm in Manhattan.&nbsp;“Corn, for example, has very high levels of starch. We believe that with warmer nights, we will lose starch, so the grain quality and quantity of biofuel that can be generated from corn will be negatively impacted. In other words, with the varieties we have now, warmer nights could have negative impacts on both the food and biofuel industry.”&nbsp;In a 1,200-page report released in 2019, the United Nations linked a rise in global temperatures to increasing pressure on fertile soil, jeopardizing the world’s food security. Jagadish and Doherty note that rice, wheat and other cereal crops feed hundreds of millions of people around the world.&nbsp;“(Our study) is not just an interesting scientific question,” Doherty said. “It’s a global food security issue.”&nbsp;The research is supported by the USDA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nifa.usda.gov/" target="_blank">National Institute of Food and Agriculture</a>&nbsp;(NIFA). The researchers have published a paper that discusses their work with.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/118/25/e2025899118" target="_blank">Warm Nights Disrupt Global Transcriptional Rhythms in Field-Grown Rice</a>&nbsp;Panicles&nbsp;appears in the&nbsp;June 2021 Proceedings&nbsp;of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, known familiarly as PNAS.&nbsp;-KSRE-

Study: Rising nighttime temps rob yields in rice, wheat

A fund for election equipment, a request concerning the new emergency communication system, and an executive session are among the items on today's Saline County Commission meeting.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.

Commissioners are scheduled to consider a request to begin reserving funds for the future replacement of election equipment. With approval, the county would establish an equipment reserve fund, a non-budgeted fund that would have transfers to and from it recorded on state budget forms each year.

Commissioners also are to consider a request to authorize the Salina Airport Authority, Dickinson County, and McPherson Fire Department to program their radios with the necessary talkgroups so that they are able to communicate with various Saline County public safety agencies. The request was made necessary once the new Salina-Saline County emergency communication system began operation.

Other items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.

●Consider approving an RxBenefits administrative services agreement

●Consider a request for Saline County to assume the duties of the regional public health preparedness fiscal agent to oversee a regional grant. This is something the county has done in the past.

●Consider approving the annual WIC letter of understanding between Saline County and Ellsworth County

●Hear the county administrator's weekly update.

Commissioners also are scheduled to meet in executive session for employer/employee negotiations.

To see the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet for today (35-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20210622.pdf?ver=d252-8YSzDpWfMsXwHon4g%3d%3d">click here</a>.

By SALINA POSTA fund for election equipment, a request concerning the new emergency communication system, and an executive session are among the items on today's Saline County Commission meeting.The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.Commissioners are scheduled to consider a request to begin reserving funds for the future replacement of election equipment. With approval, the county would establish an equipment reserve fund, a non-budgeted fund that would have transfers to and from it recorded on state budget forms each year.Commissioners also are to consider a request to authorize the Salina Airport Authority, Dickinson County, and McPherson Fire Department to program their radios with the necessary talkgroups so that they are able to communicate with various Saline County public safety agencies. The request was made necessary once the new Salina-Saline County emergency communication system began operation.Other items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Consider approving an RxBenefits administrative services agreement●Consider a request for Saline County to assume the duties of the regional public health preparedness fiscal agent to oversee a regional grant. This is something the county has done in the past.●Consider approving the annual WIC letter of understanding between Saline County and Ellsworth County●Hear the county administrator's weekly update.Commissioners also are scheduled to meet in executive session for employer/employee negotiations.To see the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet for today (35-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20210622.pdf?ver=d252-8YSzDpWfMsXwHon4g%3d%3d">click here</a>.

Election equipment, radio system items among those on county agenda

By TAYLOR JAMISON K-State Research and Extension news writer&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – Six couples will be honored during this year’s Kansas State Fair as the 2020 class of Kansas Master Farmers and Master Farm Homemakers in recognition of their leadership in agriculture, environmental stewardship and service to their communities.&nbsp;

The statewide awards program is in its 94th year and is sponsored by K-State Research and Extension and Kansas Farmer magazine.&nbsp;

Keith and Marsha Doane – Osborne County

Howard and Lori Elliot – Brown County

John and Sharon Hendricks – Cheyenne County

Jay and Stacy Rezac – Pottawatomie County

Kevin and Vera Schultz – Kiowa County

Ellis and Rita Yoder – McPherson County&nbsp;

The annual awards banquet will be held on Sept. 14 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. A reception is planned for 3:30 p.m. in the 4-H Encampment Building, followed by dinner at 5;30 p.m. in the adjacent Dillon Hall.&nbsp;

Reservations for dinner are required and are available by contacting Sue Robinson at 785-532-5820 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:srobinso@ksu.edu" target="_blank">srobinso@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

Following are short biographies on each couple.

Ellis and Rita Yoder&nbsp;– McPherson County&nbsp;

The agricultural roots of the Ellis and Rita Yoder’s family run deep on their farm. The Yoder farmstead has been in the family for over 120 years. Like their parents and grandparents before them, Ellis and Rita strongly value their local community, their faith and their family.&nbsp;

Ellis grew up on the farm in which he now lives. During his grade school and high school years he was highly involved in 4-H and FFA, where his passion for agriculture continued to grow. He went on to attend McPherson College and received a degree in agricultural and rural life.&nbsp;

After college, Ellis served extensively in the U.S. Air Force for 28 years, earning the rank of lieutenant colonel. Today he remains active in his church, the Kansas Farm Management Association, a local Continuing Care Retirement Community, and on his Township board.&nbsp;

Rita grew up in Dickinson County on her family’s farm. She was also in 4-H, where she was involved in projects ranging from beef to leadership to clothing, and won the Key Award.&nbsp;

Rita attended Sterling College, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in home economics education. She worked as county home economist in Trego and McPherson counties. Even after beginning her family with Ellis, she remained highly active with her work and community, notably serving as a part-time preschool teacher at Good Beginnings in McPherson and various roles in her church; and working part-time for The Old Muffin Factory, a local business.&nbsp;

The couple has three children, Bradley, Kevin and Lane; and four grandchildren.&nbsp;

Ellis regularly attends the No-Till on the Plains and Soil Health U conferences to expand his knowledge of sustainable agriculture. “I have sat next to attendees who traveled from the other side of the world just to hear how to implement sustainable farming methods,” he said. “I’ve got no excuse not to travel 60 miles.”&nbsp;

The farm’s efforts won them the Bankers Award for Soil Conservation in 1986. Yoder Farms also participates in global outreach with Growing Hope Globally – a Christian service organization that assists small farmers in developing countries practice sustainable agriculture.&nbsp;

Ellis and Rita are thankful for their local community and the values that growing up in agriculture has instilled in their sons. “We love our community and the rural values of hard work and honesty...[Our sons] too, in turn, are helping others and making this world a better place in which to live.”&nbsp;

Keith and Marsha Doane – Osborne County&nbsp;

Keith Doane began farming in high school on land rented from his grandfather and knowledge passed down from his father. Today, Doane Family Farms has expanded greatly, but still remains primarily within the family.&nbsp;

Doane Family Farms operates on principles of mentorship, leadership, and cooperative management; by renting and working on the farm, Keith’s sons were able to earn enough money to pay for their college education.&nbsp;

Doane Family Farms manages livestock and crops. One of the longest running operations is their spring cow-calf herd. The Doanes say one of their favorite activities is to check the cow pastures together early in the morning during calving season.&nbsp;

The primary crops grown are winter wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, and alfalfa hay. Additionally, Doane Family Farms works closely with the Post Rock Extension wheat trials and Kansas Agriculture Research and Technology Association.&nbsp;

“We believe we can be in service of advancing unbiased data to support better decision making on our farm and for the benefit of our neighbors,” they said.&nbsp;

Conservation is also of great importance to the Doanes, who have been awarded the Bankers Association Soil Conservation Award for Smith County in 2012 and Osborne County in 2019.&nbsp;

The couple has four sons: Michael, Rodney, Brett, and Craig; and 10 grandchildren. Together, the family has been deeply involved with their church (Rose Valley United Methodist), school district, 4-H club, and as hosts for international exchange students. They note: “In a small community like Downs, being a willing and active servant leader is necessary to build a high quality of life together with our neighbors and friends.”&nbsp;

Howard and Lori Elliot&nbsp;– Brown County&nbsp;

The Elliot family farm is on its fourth and fifth generation of continuous operation in northeast Kansas, starting with Howard Elliot’s great grandfather in 1901. Howard and his wife Lori continue to farm alongside their children today and hope to pass on the same lessons they have learned to their grandchildren.&nbsp;

Howard was born on his family farm operation, helping with chores as he grew up. In high school, he was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA – two programs that would continue to make a large impact in the Elliot's’ lives.&nbsp;

Howard then went on to graduate from North Central Area Vo-Tech School in production agriculture. After graduating, Howard began farming full-time on his family farm.&nbsp;

In his career, Howard served various cabinet positions in the Roy’s Creek Watershed, Northeast Kansas Beef Breeder Association, and Brown-Nemaha pork producers. Outside of agricultural-related activities, Howard has served on the St. Ann’s Catholic Church board, is a member of the Knights of Columbus and helped coach baseball and softball teams.&nbsp;

Lori grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Marysville. Like Howard, she was also very involved with 4-H. Lori met Howard at North Central Area Vo-Tech School where she was the only female in her production agriculture class. Lori is very active in her community, serving on the Hiawatha Community Hospital Board and Hospital Foundation Board, Roy’s Creek Watershed and as a leader of the local 4-H club. Lori also serves as president of the Ladies Altar society of St. Ann’s Catholic Church.&nbsp;

The couple has three children: Mathew, Teresa, and Sara, all of whom are still involved with the family farm. The Elliot’s also have five grandchildren.&nbsp;

The Elliots believe growing up in agriculture teaches profound life lessons. “Livestock taught [our children] about the miracle of birth, and the sadness of death...Crops taught them that sometimes no matter how hard you work and do things the best you know how, that there are times when things out of your control...can make things go bad,” they said.&nbsp;

John and Sharon Hendricks – Cheyenne County&nbsp;

John and Sharon Hendricks have been involved in agriculture since they were young and continue to pass down valuable knowledge to their children and grandchildren. John hopes that “Through his experiences, he has led by example and encouraged the next generation(s) to be fair, honest, and to do what’s right.”&nbsp;

After graduating from Kansas State University with a degree in agricultural mechanization and serving two years in the military during the Korean War, John returned to his family farm following his father’s death in 1973. Since John has taken up the farm from his father, it has expanded extensively and adopted new, improved agricultural practices.&nbsp;

Sharon graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in elementary education. After graduating, she taught second grade at Bird City Elementary before returning home to help the farm with her three sons.&nbsp;

The couple has three children, David, Chad and Nathan; and eight grandchildren.&nbsp;

Today, the Hendricks family farm grows corn, wheat, soybeans, and milo. To improve crop yield and lower labor requirements, they have adopted no-till and strip-till practices. The Hendricks use data from Farm Management, field days, conferences, readings, and farm research guides to assist in their decision-making processes. The farm has also been the recipient of the Cheyenne County Soil Conservation Bankers Award in 1976 and in 2007, and the Goodyear Award of Merit in 1987.&nbsp;

Family and work ethic are the foundations of the Hendricks family farm. They said: “While there is always work to be done on the farm, attending and supporting the children and grandchildren’s activities is a priority, and the work is not neglected, just done at a different time”.&nbsp;

Jay and Stacy Rezac&nbsp;– Pottawatomie County&nbsp;

Jay and Stacy Rezac grew up in production agriculture, so continuing their livelihood in it was a natural decision to them. They are grateful seeing their children and grandchildren also grow up in a close-knit agricultural community, and look forward to seeing the farm thrive with future generations.&nbsp;

Jay and Stacy’s paths intertwined early-on: they met at the Pottawatomie County Fair in high school, married after their simultaneous graduations from college, and began farming together after forming a partnership with Jay’s brother, Lance - who still remains a vital part of operations today.&nbsp;

Jay attended Kansas State University and received a degree in animal science. He remains very involved in his local community, where he serves as the president of the Onaga Lions Club and Caring Community Foundation Board.&nbsp;

Stacy attended K-State University alongside Jay and received a degree in education. She taught 2nd and 1st grades in the Onaga School District for 28 years. Since retiring from teaching, she works at the local pharmacy as a certified technician.&nbsp;

The couple has three children, Jayme, Russel and Matthew; and four grandchildren.&nbsp;

All of the members of the Rezac family have been involved in 4-H, the National Cattleman Association, Kansas Farm Bureau and community events. Notably, every year the Rezacs provide their weighing facilities for the Pottawatomie County 4-H beef project, donate a hog for the Onaga firemen’s barbeque, and put on the Ranch Rodeo.&nbsp;

Additionally, the Rezacs highly value supporting the continuing education of young people. Since 1990, they have hosted college seniors from K-State to practice checking cows for pregnancy. “Being active in these organizations has been both rewarding and enjoyable because we get to interact with the best people in agriculture,” they said.&nbsp;

Jay and Stacy are thankful that family lives close-by and continues to help the family farm grow. “Raising our family in a small agricultural community with 4-H, FFA, sports, and a rural lifestyle has been one of our greatest joys,” they said.&nbsp;

Kevin and Vera Schultz – Kiowa County&nbsp;

Kevin and Vera Schultz have been interested in cattle all their lives. Their involvement in their family farms and active participation in 4H led them to foster a successful and nationally recognized agricultural operation at Sandhill Farms.&nbsp;

Kevin grew up on a family farm in Edwards County, Kansas and purchased his first registered polled Hereford heifer while still in high school. He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in animal science. Kevin utilized his degree by focusing on developing high-quality genetics for his cattle.&nbsp;

Vera grew up in the sandhills of Holt County, Nebraska where she was involved in her family’s commercial cow herd. She also attended Kansas State University and graduated with a degree in elementary education. Vera substituted at local area schools before devoting her time to raising her family and helping the farm.&nbsp;

By TAYLOR JAMISON K-State Research and Extension news writer&nbsp;MANHATTAN – Six couples will be honored during this year’s Kansas State Fair as the 2020 class of Kansas Master Farmers and Master Farm Homemakers in recognition of their leadership in agriculture, environmental stewardship and service to their communities.&nbsp;The statewide awards program is in its 94th year and is sponsored by K-State Research and Extension and Kansas Farmer magazine.&nbsp;This year’s honorees are:&nbsp;Keith and Marsha Doane – Osborne CountyHoward and Lori Elliot – Brown CountyJohn and Sharon Hendricks – Cheyenne CountyJay and Stacy Rezac – Pottawatomie CountyKevin and Vera Schultz – Kiowa CountyEllis and Rita Yoder – McPherson County&nbsp;The annual awards banquet will be held on Sept. 14 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. A reception is planned for 3:30 p.m. in the 4-H Encampment Building, followed by dinner at 5;30 p.m. in the adjacent Dillon Hall.&nbsp;Reservations for dinner are required and are available by contacting Sue Robinson at 785-532-5820 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:srobinso@ksu.edu" target="_blank">srobinso@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;Following are short biographies on each couple.Ellis and Rita Yoder&nbsp;– McPherson County&nbsp;The agricultural roots of the Ellis and Rita Yoder’s family run deep on their farm. The Yoder farmstead has been in the family for over 120 years. Like their parents and grandparents before them, Ellis and Rita strongly value their local community, their faith and their family.&nbsp;Ellis grew up on the farm in which he now lives. During his grade school and high school years he was highly involved in 4-H and FFA, where his passion for agriculture continued to grow. He went on to attend McPherson College and received a degree in agricultural and rural life.&nbsp;After college, Ellis served extensively in the U.S. Air Force for 28 years, earning the rank of lieutenant colonel. Today he remains active in his church, the Kansas Farm Management Association, a local Continuing Care Retirement Community, and on his Township board.&nbsp;Rita grew up in Dickinson County on her family’s farm. She was also in 4-H, where she was involved in projects ranging from beef to leadership to clothing, and won the Key Award.&nbsp;Rita attended Sterling College, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in home economics education. She worked as county home economist in Trego and McPherson counties. Even after beginning her family with Ellis, she remained highly active with her work and community, notably serving as a part-time preschool teacher at Good Beginnings in McPherson and various roles in her church; and working part-time for The Old Muffin Factory, a local business.&nbsp;The couple has three children, Bradley, Kevin and Lane; and four grandchildren.&nbsp;Ellis regularly attends the No-Till on the Plains and Soil Health U conferences to expand his knowledge of sustainable agriculture. “I have sat next to attendees who traveled from the other side of the world just to hear how to implement sustainable farming methods,” he said. “I’ve got no excuse not to travel 60 miles.”&nbsp;The farm’s efforts won them the Bankers Award for Soil Conservation in 1986. Yoder Farms also participates in global outreach with Growing Hope Globally – a Christian service organization that assists small farmers in developing countries practice sustainable agriculture.&nbsp;Ellis and Rita are thankful for their local community and the values that growing up in agriculture has instilled in their sons. “We love our community and the rural values of hard work and honesty...[Our sons] too, in turn, are helping others and making this world a better place in which to live.”&nbsp;Keith and Marsha Doane – Osborne County&nbsp;Keith Doane began farming in high school on land rented from his grandfather and knowledge passed down from his father. Today, Doane Family Farms has expanded greatly, but still remains primarily within the family.&nbsp;Doane Family Farms operates on principles of mentorship, leadership, and cooperative management; by renting and working on the farm, Keith’s sons were able to earn enough money to pay for their college education.&nbsp;Doane Family Farms manages livestock and crops. One of the longest running operations is their spring cow-calf herd. The Doanes say one of their favorite activities is to check the cow pastures together early in the morning during calving season.&nbsp;The primary crops grown are winter wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, and alfalfa hay. Additionally, Doane Family Farms works closely with the Post Rock Extension wheat trials and Kansas Agriculture Research and Technology Association.&nbsp;“We believe we can be in service of advancing unbiased data to support better decision making on our farm and for the benefit of our neighbors,” they said.&nbsp;Conservation is also of great importance to the Doanes, who have been awarded the Bankers Association Soil Conservation Award for Smith County in 2012 and Osborne County in 2019.&nbsp;The couple has four sons: Michael, Rodney, Brett, and Craig; and 10 grandchildren. Together, the family has been deeply involved with their church (Rose Valley United Methodist), school district, 4-H club, and as hosts for international exchange students. They note: “In a small community like Downs, being a willing and active servant leader is necessary to build a high quality of life together with our neighbors and friends.”&nbsp;Howard and Lori Elliot&nbsp;– Brown County&nbsp;The Elliot family farm is on its fourth and fifth generation of continuous operation in northeast Kansas, starting with Howard Elliot’s great grandfather in 1901. Howard and his wife Lori continue to farm alongside their children today and hope to pass on the same lessons they have learned to their grandchildren.&nbsp;Howard was born on his family farm operation, helping with chores as he grew up. In high school, he was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA – two programs that would continue to make a large impact in the Elliot's’ lives.&nbsp;Howard then went on to graduate from North Central Area Vo-Tech School in production agriculture. After graduating, Howard began farming full-time on his family farm.&nbsp;In his career, Howard served various cabinet positions in the Roy’s Creek Watershed, Northeast Kansas Beef Breeder Association, and Brown-Nemaha pork producers. Outside of agricultural-related activities, Howard has served on the St. Ann’s Catholic Church board, is a member of the Knights of Columbus and helped coach baseball and softball teams.&nbsp;Lori grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Marysville. Like Howard, she was also very involved with 4-H. Lori met Howard at North Central Area Vo-Tech School where she was the only female in her production agriculture class. Lori is very active in her community, serving on the Hiawatha Community Hospital Board and Hospital Foundation Board, Roy’s Creek Watershed and as a leader of the local 4-H club. Lori also serves as president of the Ladies Altar society of St. Ann’s Catholic Church.&nbsp;The couple has three children: Mathew, Teresa, and Sara, all of whom are still involved with the family farm. The Elliot’s also have five grandchildren.&nbsp;The Elliots believe growing up in agriculture teaches profound life lessons. “Livestock taught [our children] about the miracle of birth, and the sadness of death...Crops taught them that sometimes no matter how hard you work and do things the best you know how, that there are times when things out of your control...can make things go bad,” they said.&nbsp;John and Sharon Hendricks – Cheyenne County&nbsp;John and Sharon Hendricks have been involved in agriculture since they were young and continue to pass down valuable knowledge to their children and grandchildren. John hopes that “Through his experiences, he has led by example and encouraged the next generation(s) to be fair, honest, and to do what’s right.”&nbsp;After graduating from Kansas State University with a degree in agricultural mechanization and serving two years in the military during the Korean War, John returned to his family farm following his father’s death in 1973. Since John has taken up the farm from his father, it has expanded extensively and adopted new, improved agricultural practices.&nbsp;Sharon graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in elementary education. After graduating, she taught second grade at Bird City Elementary before returning home to help the farm with her three sons.&nbsp;The couple has three children, David, Chad and Nathan; and eight grandchildren.&nbsp;Today, the Hendricks family farm grows corn, wheat, soybeans, and milo. To improve crop yield and lower labor requirements, they have adopted no-till and strip-till practices. The Hendricks use data from Farm Management, field days, conferences, readings, and farm research guides to assist in their decision-making processes. The farm has also been the recipient of the Cheyenne County Soil Conservation Bankers Award in 1976 and in 2007, and the Goodyear Award of Merit in 1987.&nbsp;Family and work ethic are the foundations of the Hendricks family farm. They said: “While there is always work to be done on the farm, attending and supporting the children and grandchildren’s activities is a priority, and the work is not neglected, just done at a different time”.&nbsp;Jay and Stacy Rezac&nbsp;– Pottawatomie County&nbsp;Jay and Stacy Rezac grew up in production agriculture, so continuing their livelihood in it was a natural decision to them. They are grateful seeing their children and grandchildren also grow up in a close-knit agricultural community, and look forward to seeing the farm thrive with future generations.&nbsp;Jay and Stacy’s paths intertwined early-on: they met at the Pottawatomie County Fair in high school, married after their simultaneous graduations from college, and began farming together after forming a partnership with Jay’s brother, Lance - who still remains a vital part of operations today.&nbsp;Jay attended Kansas State University and received a degree in animal science. He remains very involved in his local community, where he serves as the president of the Onaga Lions Club and Caring Community Foundation Board.&nbsp;Stacy attended K-State University alongside Jay and received a degree in education. She taught 2nd and 1st grades in the Onaga School District for 28 years. Since retiring from teaching, she works at the local pharmacy as a certified technician.&nbsp;The couple has three children, Jayme, Russel and Matthew; and four grandchildren.&nbsp;All of the members of the Rezac family have been involved in 4-H, the National Cattleman Association, Kansas Farm Bureau and community events. Notably, every year the Rezacs provide their weighing facilities for the Pottawatomie County 4-H beef project, donate a hog for the Onaga firemen’s barbeque, and put on the Ranch Rodeo.&nbsp;Additionally, the Rezacs highly value supporting the continuing education of young people. Since 1990, they have hosted college seniors from K-State to practice checking cows for pregnancy. “Being active in these organizations has been both rewarding and enjoyable because we get to interact with the best people in agriculture,” they said.&nbsp;Jay and Stacy are thankful that family lives close-by and continues to help the family farm grow. “Raising our family in a small agricultural community with 4-H, FFA, sports, and a rural lifestyle has been one of our greatest joys,” they said.&nbsp;Kevin and Vera Schultz – Kiowa County&nbsp;Kevin and Vera Schultz have been interested in cattle all their lives. Their involvement in their family farms and active participation in 4H led them to foster a successful and nationally recognized agricultural operation at Sandhill Farms.&nbsp;Kevin grew up on a family farm in Edwards County, Kansas and purchased his first registered polled Hereford heifer while still in high school. He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in animal science. Kevin utilized his degree by focusing on developing high-quality genetics for his cattle.&nbsp;Vera grew up in the sandhills of Holt County, Nebraska where she was involved in her family’s commercial cow herd. She also attended Kansas State University and graduated with a degree in elementary education. Vera substituted at local area schools before devoting her time to raising her family and helping the farm.&nbsp;Kevin and Vera met in a speech class during their time at K-State. Initially, Vera was not impressed with Kevin’s speech on “How to Polish Your Boots.” Even so, she reluctantly agreed to attend a Farmhouse Barn party with him, and the rest is history.&nbsp;After the couple graduated from K-State and married, they maintained livestock as an intricate part of their lives. Even while on their honeymoon, the couple made a ranch visit and purchased more registered Hereford heifers for their return to the Schultz family farm. &nbsp;The couple has three children, Brooke, Tyler and Courtney; and four grandchildren.&nbsp;Faith and family are cornerstones of the Schultz farm operation. Kevin and Vera are heavily involved in Trousdale United Methodist, where Kevin serves as the Chairman of the Board. They believe strong values have been passed down to their children. Who they say “are outstanding adults.”&nbsp;The couple said they deeply appreciate their local community and have been involved in the Sunflower 4H Club, Edwards County Extension Council and Macksville School Board, among many other organizations and projects. “[We] enjoy interacting with other farmers and ranchers, who tend to have the same strong values,” they said.