Heat advisories have been issued for counties in our area.

The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a heat advisory in effect from 1-8 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.

Heat index values up to 106 degrees are expected.

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 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 Topeka has issued a heat advisory in effect from 1-7 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.

Heat index values up to 105 degrees are expected.

Heat advisories have been issued for counties in our area.The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a heat advisory in effect from 1-8 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.Jewell CountyMitchell CountyHeat index values up to 106 degrees are expected.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 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 Topeka has issued a heat advisory in effect from 1-7 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyDickinson CountyOttawa CountyRepublic CountyHeat index values up to 105 degrees are expected.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 overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1.

NWS issues heat advisories for counties in our area for Thursday

It was warm in Salina today! From the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita/">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a> Facebook page:

It was warm in Salina today! From the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita/">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNWSWichita%2Fposts%2F4697098010306843&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="187" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

National Weather Service: Temperature hits 104 in Salina today

Here's the Saline County Health Department's COVID by the Numbers for Wednesday:

Here's the Saline County Health Department's COVID by the Numbers for Wednesday:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623881201736.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Saline County COVID by the Numbers for Wednesday

ABILENE - The Eisenhower Museum in Abilene will be open more beginning next week.

Effective Monday, the museum will be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with last entry at 1:15 p.m., according to information provided this afternoon by the Eisenhower Presidential Library.

The museum, Place of Meditation, and campus grounds will all be available to visitors. All other buildings will remain closed until further notice.

Persons wishing to visit the museum must purchase online in advance timed entry tickets. A maximum of six tickets per visit may be purchased.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621436894407.jpeg" alt="The Eisenhower Museum.&nbsp;File photo courtesy Eisenhower Presidential Library" />
 <figcaption>The Eisenhower Museum.&nbsp;File photo courtesy Eisenhower Presidential Library</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTABILENE - The Eisenhower Museum in Abilene will be open more beginning next week.Effective Monday, the museum will be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with last entry at 1:15 p.m., according to information provided this afternoon by the Eisenhower Presidential Library.The museum, Place of Meditation, and campus grounds will all be available to visitors. All other buildings will remain closed until further notice.Persons wishing to visit the museum must purchase online in advance timed entry tickets. A maximum of six tickets per visit may be purchased.

Eisenhower Museum to expand hours beginning Monday

The housing market is white hot right now! Home prices are&nbsp;way&nbsp;up over last year, and 50% of homes are selling for more than the asking price—$20,000, $50,000, even $100,000 more in some cases.<a href="https://www.redfin.com/news/housing-market-update-half-of-homes-sell-above-list-price/" target="_blank">[1]</a>&nbsp;That’s causing buyers everywhere to do&nbsp;some insane things to get the houses they want. More than half made an offer last year without seeing the house in person.<a href="https://www.redfin.com/news/remote-homebuying-surges-to-new-high/" target="_blank">[2]</a>&nbsp;Many are even willing to skip a home inspection if it will get their offer accepted. In case you’re wondering, both are really bad ideas.

There’s nothing mysterious about a hot housing market. It’s what happens when you have more buyers than homes to buy. Demand is high, but the supply is low, and that drives up prices. I’ve heard a lot of people say we’re actually in a housing bubble. That’s when demand causes home prices to jump so high, so fast, that buyers can’t keep up. Homes stop selling, flooding the market and causing prices to drop like a rock. But I don’t think that’s what’s going on.

We have a housing&nbsp;shortage, fueled by a shortage in building supplies—another thing to thank COVID-19 for. With fewer new homes to choose from, buyers are looking at used homes, but not many people are selling right now. Plus, a lot of the buyers are moving to areas with a much lower cost of living, so they have the cash to make these wild offers on the homes that are available. That’s the perfect combination for the feeding frenzy we’re seeing now. And even though I think the frenzy will slow and prices will stabilize, I don’t think home prices will drop significantly any time soon.

What does a hot housing market mean for sellers?

This is great news for sellers! With more motivated buyers than sellers, competition is fierce, and sellers have the advantage. You can sit back, let the offers roll in, and pick the best one. But you shouldn’t make the leap to sell until you’re sure you’re financially&nbsp;and&nbsp;emotionally ready. If you are, the next step is to find a reputable agent and talk over your situation:

●Are you selling&nbsp;and&nbsp;buying?&nbsp;Sell your home before you buy. You’ll likely be able to sell your home before you find a new one, but you never want risk being stuck paying&nbsp;two&nbsp;mortgages.

●Use your advantage in your favor.&nbsp;In a hot housing market, buyers will be more likely to accept&nbsp;your&nbsp;terms. Take advantage of it!

●A multiple-offer game plan is a must.&nbsp;Get on the same page with your agent on price, types of financing, and contingencies you’ll accept so it’s easy to pick the best offer.

●Higher price point homes aren’t moving quite as fast.&nbsp;Houses valued at $500,000 and up may take a little longer to sell, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a few more showings to get offers.

What does a hot housing market mean for buyers?&nbsp;

It may be a seller’s market right now. But buyers aren’t completely out of luck. One thing’s for sure: Buyers need a seasoned real estate pro on their side. Between crazy offers and fewer homes to choose from, this is no time for amateur hour.

Here’s some advice for winning in a seller’s market:

●Stick to your budget.&nbsp;Don’t let emotion or a time crunch cause you to make bad money decisions. House fever causes 20% of first-time home buyers to go over budget.<a href="https://www.realtor.com/research/first-time-home-buyers-housing-2021/">[3]</a>&nbsp;This is a&nbsp;bad&nbsp;idea.

●Know what it takes to have a competitive offer.&nbsp;If you’re buying with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/mortgage-calculator">mortgage</a>, get preapproved—not just prequalified—for a&nbsp;conventional loan. I always recommend a 15-year, fixed-rate loan, where the monthly payments are no more than 25% of your take-home pay.

●Make a cash offer if you can.&nbsp;Cash is king, and it’ll set you apart from other buyers in a good way!

●Know when to walk away.&nbsp;Before you blow your budget or settle for a home you don’t really want, stop and let things cool off a bit. Waiting a few months may feel like an eternity, but it can be just enough time to let a hot housing market settle down.

●Be prepared for a longer search.&nbsp;This is especially true if you’re a first-time home buyer.

Most real estate pros agree this seller’s market is here to stay for a while. While home prices have exploded nationwide, every market is different, so be prepared for just about anything. Regardless, play it smart. A new home should be a blessing, not a burden—both emotionally&nbsp;and&nbsp;financially!

Dave Ramsey&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national bestselling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He has appeared on&nbsp;Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business&nbsp;and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth, and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE RAMSEYThe housing market is white hot right now! Home prices are&nbsp;way&nbsp;up over last year, and 50% of homes are selling for more than the asking price—$20,000, $50,000, even $100,000 more in some cases.<a href="https://www.redfin.com/news/housing-market-update-half-of-homes-sell-above-list-price/" target="_blank">[1]</a>&nbsp;That’s causing buyers everywhere to do&nbsp;some insane things to get the houses they want. More than half made an offer last year without seeing the house in person.<a href="https://www.redfin.com/news/remote-homebuying-surges-to-new-high/" target="_blank">[2]</a>&nbsp;Many are even willing to skip a home inspection if it will get their offer accepted. In case you’re wondering, both are really bad ideas.There’s nothing mysterious about a hot housing market. It’s what happens when you have more buyers than homes to buy. Demand is high, but the supply is low, and that drives up prices. I’ve heard a lot of people say we’re actually in a housing bubble. That’s when demand causes home prices to jump so high, so fast, that buyers can’t keep up. Homes stop selling, flooding the market and causing prices to drop like a rock. But I don’t think that’s what’s going on.We have a housing&nbsp;shortage, fueled by a shortage in building supplies—another thing to thank COVID-19 for. With fewer new homes to choose from, buyers are looking at used homes, but not many people are selling right now. Plus, a lot of the buyers are moving to areas with a much lower cost of living, so they have the cash to make these wild offers on the homes that are available. That’s the perfect combination for the feeding frenzy we’re seeing now. And even though I think the frenzy will slow and prices will stabilize, I don’t think home prices will drop significantly any time soon.What does a hot housing market mean for sellers?This is great news for sellers! With more motivated buyers than sellers, competition is fierce, and sellers have the advantage. You can sit back, let the offers roll in, and pick the best one. But you shouldn’t make the leap to sell until you’re sure you’re financially&nbsp;and&nbsp;emotionally ready. If you are, the next step is to find a reputable agent and talk over your situation:●Are you selling&nbsp;and&nbsp;buying?&nbsp;Sell your home before you buy. You’ll likely be able to sell your home before you find a new one, but you never want risk being stuck paying&nbsp;two&nbsp;mortgages.●Use your advantage in your favor.&nbsp;In a hot housing market, buyers will be more likely to accept&nbsp;your&nbsp;terms. Take advantage of it!●A multiple-offer game plan is a must.&nbsp;Get on the same page with your agent on price, types of financing, and contingencies you’ll accept so it’s easy to pick the best offer.●Higher price point homes aren’t moving quite as fast.&nbsp;Houses valued at $500,000 and up may take a little longer to sell, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a few more showings to get offers.What does a hot housing market mean for buyers?&nbsp;It may be a seller’s market right now. But buyers aren’t completely out of luck. One thing’s for sure: Buyers need a seasoned real estate pro on their side. Between crazy offers and fewer homes to choose from, this is no time for amateur hour.Here’s some advice for winning in a seller’s market:●Stick to your budget.&nbsp;Don’t let emotion or a time crunch cause you to make bad money decisions. House fever causes 20% of first-time home buyers to go over budget.<a href="https://www.realtor.com/research/first-time-home-buyers-housing-2021/">[3]</a>&nbsp;This is a&nbsp;bad&nbsp;idea.●Know what it takes to have a competitive offer.&nbsp;If you’re buying with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/mortgage-calculator">mortgage</a>, get preapproved—not just prequalified—for a&nbsp;conventional loan. I always recommend a 15-year, fixed-rate loan, where the monthly payments are no more than 25% of your take-home pay.●Make a cash offer if you can.&nbsp;Cash is king, and it’ll set you apart from other buyers in a good way!●Know when to walk away.&nbsp;Before you blow your budget or settle for a home you don’t really want, stop and let things cool off a bit. Waiting a few months may feel like an eternity, but it can be just enough time to let a hot housing market settle down.●Be prepared for a longer search.&nbsp;This is especially true if you’re a first-time home buyer.Most real estate pros agree this seller’s market is here to stay for a while. While home prices have exploded nationwide, every market is different, so be prepared for just about anything. Regardless, play it smart. A new home should be a blessing, not a burden—both emotionally&nbsp;and&nbsp;financially!Dave Ramsey&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national bestselling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He has appeared on&nbsp;Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business&nbsp;and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth, and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

RAMSEY: Buying and selling in a hot housing market

The State Board of Education and the Kansas Legislature have established clear goals and specific measures for Kansas schools. Local boards are free to add to those goals and measures, and some goals can only be measured locally, but at a minimum, each district is measured by data that matches state outcomes.

After eight years of funding that lost ground to inflation from 2009 to 2018 and disruptions from a global pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the Kansas Legislature has approved a plan to restore lost funding over six-years, and federal COVID aid is expected to total over $1.3 billion spread over the next four years. As districts prepare budgets for next year, complete teacher negotiations, and approve staff and programs, they will be under the spotlight for how those decisions impact results.

Here are key measures available for each school district on its Performance Accountability Report, available through the Department of Education website:&nbsp;<a href="https://datacentral.ksde.org/accountability.aspx">https://datacentral.ksde.org/accountability.aspx</a>. Longer-term data may be available through KSDE Data Central report for building report cards:&nbsp;<a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/default.aspx">https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/default.aspx</a>, or through other Data Central K-12 Reports:&nbsp;<a href="https://datacentral.ksde.org/report_gen.aspx">https://datacentral.ksde.org/report_gen.aspx</a>.

In each area, school leaders should be asking: how well are we meeting the needs of our students? What is working (if results are improving) and what is not and should be changed (if results are dropping)? How are we using new funds or reallocating existing funds to meet these needs?

Why it matters:&nbsp;About three-fourths of future jobs are expected to require some type of postsecondary education, from technical certificates to associated degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and higher. This report shows how many students in each grade cohort group have either finished a postsecondary certificate or degree or have been enrolled for two years in such programs. Research shows students continuously enrolled two years after graduation are much more likely to complete programs.

What it measures: Unique to Kansas, the postsecondary effectiveness rate is the percentage of students in each district’s graduating class (including those who have not graduated on time) who within two years of senior year in high school have either earned an industry recognized certification while in high school, a postsecondary certificate or a postsecondary degree or are enrolled in a postsecondary program in both the first and second year after high school.

Trends: Using a five-year average, the statewide effective rate increased from 44 percent in 2011-2015 to 48 percent in 2014-2918. Data for 2019 and 2020 are not available (there is always a two-year lag for each class).

Why it matters:&nbsp;Students scoring at “college ready” benchmarks are more likely to pass college-level courses in those areas.

What it measures: This college admissions exam is given to juniors and seniors in the areas of English, math, reading and science; students receive a score of 1-36 in each and an overall score. Based on those scores, students may be deemed “college ready” in each of those areas. Beginning two years ago, the ACT test was offered to all students at no charge, which increased the number of students taking the test.

Trends: After increasing from 2006 to 2015, the statewide composite score dropped from 21.9 in 2015 to 21.1 in 2019 and further declined to 20.4 in 2020 as the percentage of students tested rose from 72 to 82 percent. When more students take the test, scores are usually lower because the group includes a wider range of student preparation, motivation and aptitude.

Why it matters: Most jobs require at least a high school diploma and increasingly higher paying jobs require additional education, which require completing high school.

What it measures: The reported graduation rate is the percentage of students in each “class,” adjusted for transfers, who graduate with a regular diploma within four years of entering high school.

Trends: Since the four-year graduation rate was adopted in 2010, the statewide percentage of students graduating on time has increased from 80.7 to 88.2 percent. Lower performance subgroups have increased at a faster rate.

Why it matters: Students who drop out of middle or high school are highly unlikely to ever graduate.

What it measures: The drop-out rate is the percentage of students in grades 7–12 who leave school between Oct. 1 and Sept. 30. A student may re-enter school later and may drop out more than once.

Trends: The statewide drop-out rate declined from over 3 percent per year in 1994 to 1.4 percent in 2005 and 2009, increased to 1.7 percent in 2016, and has declined to 1.3 percent in 2020.

Why it matters: standardized tests are an indicator of student academic preparation. While test scores alone do not guarantee students will be prepared for post-secondary studies or the workforce, students without these skills are much more likely to struggle.

What it measures: Kansas has tested all students (with limited exceptions) in grades 3-8 and once in high school in reading and math since 2015 and science since 2017. Tests were not given in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. Scores are ranked in four levels: 1 = below standard, 2 = minimum standard, 3 = on track for college-ready and 4 = highest standard of excellence.

Trends: Previous tests show increases from 2007 to 2012, but since new tests began in 2015, results are mostly down. From 2015 to 2019, all students in the lowest math level increased five points and in highest levels increased less than one point. In reading, from 2015 to 2019 students in lowest levels increased eight points and in the highest levels decreased four points. From 2017 to 2019, students in the lowest science levels increased three points and in the highest levels dropped about two percentage points.

Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism

Why it matters: Students missing school are less likely to learn and more likely to be disengaged and drop out. Those chronically absent are at much higher risk.

What it measures: The Attendance Rate is the average percent of all students enrolled who are attending school each day. Chronic Absenteeism is the percentage of students who miss 10 percent or more of school days per year.

Trends: Statewide attendance rate has been stable at 94-95 percent since 1994. The chronic absenteeism rate is a new measure and was 13.9 percent for the state in 2019 and 2020. In other words, about 95 percent of students attend class each day, but nearly 14 percent of students miss at least 10 percent of school days.

Here are other measures that are available statewide which districts may be able to track for their own students:

Dual and Concurrent Enrollment, Excel in CTE

Why it matters: Students may take postsecondary career technical education and academic courses and receive both high school and postsecondary credit. These programs allow students to begin or complete technical certificates in high school or get a “head start” on college programs, often reducing college costs. CTE courses may be taken with no tuition charges in high school. This year, the Legislature passed a law allowing school districts to pay for all or part of the cost of academic programs for their students.

What is measured: The Kansas Board of Regents reports the number of high school students enrolled in courses offered by state and municipal universities, community colleges and technical colleges, and how the percentage of students have completed programs or continued enrollment in postsecondary institutions after 1 through 8 years.

Trends: From 2015 to 2020, the total headcount number of high school students taking postsecondary courses increased 25,678 to 34,908, or nearly 36 percent. These students had a three-year success rate of 76.0 percent for 2017 high school graduates, compared to 67.8 percent for all students in the postsecondary system in 2017.

Why it matters. Students entering postsecondary schools who are determined to need remedial or “developmental” courses to be ready for college-level courses face additional costs and time and are less likely to complete college programs. Students are more likely to need such courses if they have not taken college prep courses in high school.

What is measured: The Board of Regents reports the number of students in three age cohorts (17-19, 20-24 and 25 and older) and the percentage enrolling and completing developmental courses.

Trends: Since 2010 the percentage of 17-19-year-olds at community colleges in developmental courses decreased from nearly 39.1 percent to 33.3 percent, and at state universities decreased from 15.2 percent to 8.9 percent.

In addition to these measures, the State Board of Education has set four other goals for which districts can be recognized: social and emotional growth, kindergarten readiness, individual plans of study and civic engagement. There are no statewide measures for these goals, but they are considered important to improving the measurable outcomes above.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582221969260.jpeg" alt="Mark Tallman. Photo courtesy Kansas Association of School Boards" />
 <figcaption>Mark Tallman. Photo courtesy Kansas Association of School Boards</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK TALLMANThe State Board of Education and the Kansas Legislature have established clear goals and specific measures for Kansas schools. Local boards are free to add to those goals and measures, and some goals can only be measured locally, but at a minimum, each district is measured by data that matches state outcomes.After eight years of funding that lost ground to inflation from 2009 to 2018 and disruptions from a global pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the Kansas Legislature has approved a plan to restore lost funding over six-years, and federal COVID aid is expected to total over $1.3 billion spread over the next four years. As districts prepare budgets for next year, complete teacher negotiations, and approve staff and programs, they will be under the spotlight for how those decisions impact results.Here are key measures available for each school district on its Performance Accountability Report, available through the Department of Education website:&nbsp;<a href="https://datacentral.ksde.org/accountability.aspx">https://datacentral.ksde.org/accountability.aspx</a>. Longer-term data may be available through KSDE Data Central report for building report cards:&nbsp;<a href="https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/default.aspx">https://ksreportcard.ksde.org/default.aspx</a>, or through other Data Central K-12 Reports:&nbsp;<a href="https://datacentral.ksde.org/report_gen.aspx">https://datacentral.ksde.org/report_gen.aspx</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623866524901.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In each area, school leaders should be asking: how well are we meeting the needs of our students? What is working (if results are improving) and what is not and should be changed (if results are dropping)? How are we using new funds or reallocating existing funds to meet these needs?Postsecondary Effectiveness RateWhy it matters:&nbsp;About three-fourths of future jobs are expected to require some type of postsecondary education, from technical certificates to associated degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and higher. This report shows how many students in each grade cohort group have either finished a postsecondary certificate or degree or have been enrolled for two years in such programs. Research shows students continuously enrolled two years after graduation are much more likely to complete programs.What it measures: Unique to Kansas, the postsecondary effectiveness rate is the percentage of students in each district’s graduating class (including those who have not graduated on time) who within two years of senior year in high school have either earned an industry recognized certification while in high school, a postsecondary certificate or a postsecondary degree or are enrolled in a postsecondary program in both the first and second year after high school.Trends: Using a five-year average, the statewide effective rate increased from 44 percent in 2011-2015 to 48 percent in 2014-2918. Data for 2019 and 2020 are not available (there is always a two-year lag for each class).ACT PerformanceWhy it matters:&nbsp;Students scoring at “college ready” benchmarks are more likely to pass college-level courses in those areas.What it measures: This college admissions exam is given to juniors and seniors in the areas of English, math, reading and science; students receive a score of 1-36 in each and an overall score. Based on those scores, students may be deemed “college ready” in each of those areas. Beginning two years ago, the ACT test was offered to all students at no charge, which increased the number of students taking the test.Trends: After increasing from 2006 to 2015, the statewide composite score dropped from 21.9 in 2015 to 21.1 in 2019 and further declined to 20.4 in 2020 as the percentage of students tested rose from 72 to 82 percent. When more students take the test, scores are usually lower because the group includes a wider range of student preparation, motivation and aptitude.Graduation RateWhy it matters: Most jobs require at least a high school diploma and increasingly higher paying jobs require additional education, which require completing high school.What it measures: The reported graduation rate is the percentage of students in each “class,” adjusted for transfers, who graduate with a regular diploma within four years of entering high school.Trends: Since the four-year graduation rate was adopted in 2010, the statewide percentage of students graduating on time has increased from 80.7 to 88.2 percent. Lower performance subgroups have increased at a faster rate.Drop-Out RateWhy it matters: Students who drop out of middle or high school are highly unlikely to ever graduate.What it measures: The drop-out rate is the percentage of students in grades 7–12 who leave school between Oct. 1 and Sept. 30. A student may re-enter school later and may drop out more than once.Trends: The statewide drop-out rate declined from over 3 percent per year in 1994 to 1.4 percent in 2005 and 2009, increased to 1.7 percent in 2016, and has declined to 1.3 percent in 2020.Academic Test ScoresWhy it matters: standardized tests are an indicator of student academic preparation. While test scores alone do not guarantee students will be prepared for post-secondary studies or the workforce, students without these skills are much more likely to struggle.What it measures: Kansas has tested all students (with limited exceptions) in grades 3-8 and once in high school in reading and math since 2015 and science since 2017. Tests were not given in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. Scores are ranked in four levels: 1 = below standard, 2 = minimum standard, 3 = on track for college-ready and 4 = highest standard of excellence.Trends: Previous tests show increases from 2007 to 2012, but since new tests began in 2015, results are mostly down. From 2015 to 2019, all students in the lowest math level increased five points and in highest levels increased less than one point. In reading, from 2015 to 2019 students in lowest levels increased eight points and in the highest levels decreased four points. From 2017 to 2019, students in the lowest science levels increased three points and in the highest levels dropped about two percentage points.Attendance and Chronic AbsenteeismWhy it matters: Students missing school are less likely to learn and more likely to be disengaged and drop out. Those chronically absent are at much higher risk.What it measures: The Attendance Rate is the average percent of all students enrolled who are attending school each day. Chronic Absenteeism is the percentage of students who miss 10 percent or more of school days per year.Trends: Statewide attendance rate has been stable at 94-95 percent since 1994. The chronic absenteeism rate is a new measure and was 13.9 percent for the state in 2019 and 2020. In other words, about 95 percent of students attend class each day, but nearly 14 percent of students miss at least 10 percent of school days.Here are other measures that are available statewide which districts may be able to track for their own students:Dual and Concurrent Enrollment, Excel in CTEWhy it matters: Students may take postsecondary career technical education and academic courses and receive both high school and postsecondary credit. These programs allow students to begin or complete technical certificates in high school or get a “head start” on college programs, often reducing college costs. CTE courses may be taken with no tuition charges in high school. This year, the Legislature passed a law allowing school districts to pay for all or part of the cost of academic programs for their students.What is measured: The Kansas Board of Regents reports the number of high school students enrolled in courses offered by state and municipal universities, community colleges and technical colleges, and how the percentage of students have completed programs or continued enrollment in postsecondary institutions after 1 through 8 years.Trends: From 2015 to 2020, the total headcount number of high school students taking postsecondary courses increased 25,678 to 34,908, or nearly 36 percent. These students had a three-year success rate of 76.0 percent for 2017 high school graduates, compared to 67.8 percent for all students in the postsecondary system in 2017.Remedial or Developmental CoursesWhy it matters. Students entering postsecondary schools who are determined to need remedial or “developmental” courses to be ready for college-level courses face additional costs and time and are less likely to complete college programs. Students are more likely to need such courses if they have not taken college prep courses in high school.What is measured: The Board of Regents reports the number of students in three age cohorts (17-19, 20-24 and 25 and older) and the percentage enrolling and completing developmental courses.Trends: Since 2010 the percentage of 17-19-year-olds at community colleges in developmental courses decreased from nearly 39.1 percent to 33.3 percent, and at state universities decreased from 15.2 percent to 8.9 percent.Other OutcomesIn addition to these measures, the State Board of Education has set four other goals for which districts can be recognized: social and emotional growth, kindergarten readiness, individual plans of study and civic engagement. There are no statewide measures for these goals, but they are considered important to improving the measurable outcomes above.Mark Tallman is the associate executive director for advocacy for the Kansas Association of School Boards.

TALLMAN: Improving student success; how will it be measured?

Do you want to make money while making a difference?

OCCK, Inc. is seeking a Direct Support Professional Residential in their supported Living Department in the Salina Location. Full time with Benefits, EOE, drug testing. This position starts at $15hr with a higher pay for weekends and overnights.

This person will be coordinating services and provide Independent living skills. Training will be provided as needed. Need to be a compassionate and a problem solver.

Must be 18 years old with strong oral and written communication skills, math skills and valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Must have the ability to work with a diverse group of people in a team setting. Various shifts available.

OCCK, Inc. is a not-for-profit, mission-based organization that has been providing services to people with disabilities since 1970. With regional offices throughout North Central Kansas. Help others and getting paid to do so. Apply at&nbsp;<a href="http://jobs.occk.com/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2019-2000-017&amp;type=JOBDESCR">http://jobs.occk.com/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2019-2000-017&amp;type=JOBDESCR</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592535783410.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Do you want to make money while making a difference?OCCK, Inc. is seeking a Direct Support Professional Residential in their supported Living Department in the Salina Location. Full time with Benefits, EOE, drug testing. This position starts at $15hr with a higher pay for weekends and overnights.This person will be coordinating services and provide Independent living skills. Training will be provided as needed. Need to be a compassionate and a problem solver.Must be 18 years old with strong oral and written communication skills, math skills and valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Must have the ability to work with a diverse group of people in a team setting. Various shifts available.OCCK, Inc. is a not-for-profit, mission-based organization that has been providing services to people with disabilities since 1970. With regional offices throughout North Central Kansas. Help others and getting paid to do so. Apply at&nbsp;<a href="http://jobs.occk.com/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2019-2000-017&amp;type=JOBDESCR">http://jobs.occk.com/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2019-2000-017&amp;type=JOBDESCR</a>

Catalytic converter stolen off education service center van

Police are investigating the theft of an $1,800 trailer from a west-central Salina business.

Ryan's Electric Service, Inc, 1108 Holiday Street, reported that sometime after 4 a.m. Tuesday, someone entered the property and at 4:27 a.m. drove off with a five-foot by 10-foot aluminum-framed Carry-On trailer, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. The trailer was valued at $1,800 and does not have a license tag on it.

Surveillance video is being reviewed for additional information about the theft, Forrester said.

Police are investigating the theft of an $1,800 trailer from a west-central Salina business.Ryan's Electric Service, Inc, 1108 Holiday Street, reported that sometime after 4 a.m. Tuesday, someone entered the property and at 4:27 a.m. drove off with a five-foot by 10-foot aluminum-framed Carry-On trailer, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. The trailer was valued at $1,800 and does not have a license tag on it.Surveillance video is being reviewed for additional information about the theft, Forrester said.

Police investigating theft of trailer from Salina business

LAWRENCE – Three University of Kansas students received prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Awards to study, conduct research and teach English abroad for the 2021-2022 academic year. Five additional KU students were named as alternate Fulbright recipients.

This year’s Fulbright U.S. Student grantees include recent graduates from the School of Music who will study and conduct research in Spain and the Czech Republic, and a recent graduate from the College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences who was selected to teach English in Colombia.

“As the Fulbright program reemerges from the pandemic, I could not be more delighted to see KU students leading the way,” said Charles Bankart, associate vice provost for International Affairs. “This past year has brought unprecedented challenges to mobility, resulting in the complete suspension of critical programs like Fulbright. At the same time, the pandemic has underscored the global nature of the problems our society faces and how critical international collaboration and global networking are to knowledge, discovery, innovation and advancement.”

The Fulbright program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries. The U.S. Student Fulbright program operates in more than 160 countries worldwide.

Fulbright grant recipients are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, record of service and demonstrated leadership in their respective fields. Fulbright grants provide funding for round-trip travel, maintenance for one academic year, health and accident insurance, and, where relevant, tuition.

Since the program’s inception in 1946, KU has had 484 students, including this year’s recipients, selected for Fulbright awards. KU International Affairs coordinates the applications for Fulbright grants.

“This was the largest applicant group KU has had during my time as the university’s Fulbright Program adviser,” said Rachel Sherman Johnson, director of internationalization and partnerships at KU International Affairs. “These students rose to the challenge of applying for the program during a worldwide crisis, their enthusiasm for and belief in the value of international engagement undiminished by the pandemic. To be selected for a Fulbright award is always an outstanding achievement, but even more so in our current global moment.”

The 2021-2022 Fulbright recipients

Samuel Buse, La Mesa, California, is a 2021 graduate with a master’s degree in church music and organ performance. Buse will study at the Instituto del Órgano Hispano in Seville, Spain, with Andrés Cea Galán, a prominent performer, teacher and scholar of the historic Spanish organ. Buse will have access to historically significant organs throughout southern Spain, primary source documents and the guidance of an expert in private instruction. These experiences will build upon the musical and academic research that Buse has already begun and inspire a work of original scholarship.

Gabrielle Doue, Omaha, Nebraska, is a 2019 KU graduate with bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish and is a graduate student in linguistics and language pedagogy at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She was selected for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship for Colombia. Doue also was selected in 2020-21, deferred and re-applied for the award in the 2021-2022 cycle.

Isabel Keleti, Leawood, graduated from KU in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in piano performance and from The New School in 2019 with a master’s degree in piano performance. She will spend nine months in the Czech Republic studying Czech piano repertoire with an emphasis on the works of Leoš Janácek. Keleti will study at the Janácek Academy of Music and Performing Arts under the guidance of Professor Jan Jiraský, a leading scholar of Janácek. The opportunity will provide a deeper understanding of how Czech composers combine elements of mainstream classical music with those that are distinctly Czech. Upon her return, Keleti will share Czech repertoire through performance, research and teaching.

Sadie Arft, Menasha, Wisconsin, is a doctoral candidate in the history of art. She proposed a project in Belgium to explore the production, patronage and cultural significance of game park tapestries created in the Flemish weaving centers of Enghien, Brussels and Oudenaarde during the second half of the 16th century. The research contributes to a broader understanding of the importance of tapestries, an understudied medium, to the visual culture of early modern Europe.

Natasha LaGrega, Leawood, is a 2021graduate with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. She proposed to travel to Spain to discover factors that contribute to developing mild cognitive impairment. The research would have been with the Vallecas Project in South Madrid, which through a longitudinal study of community participants aims to identify markers in healthy individuals that predict potential neurodegeneration leading to Alzheimer’s disease.

Matthew Santoyo, Ventura, California, is a 2021 graduate with bachelor’s degrees in aerospace engineering and German studies. He is an alternative for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship for Germany.

Jacob Springer, Salina, is a 2020 graduate with bachelor’s degrees in history and Slavic and Eurasian languages &amp; literatures with a Russian emphasis. He is an alternate for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship for Belarus.

Sneha Verma, Wichita, is a 2021 graduate with bachelor’s degrees in economics and mathematics. She proposed research in Malaysia to evaluate the effectiveness of Malaysia’s Economic Transformation Programme in Kuala Lumpur. The program attempts to grow and revolutionize Malaysia into a high-income economy, and the research focuses on two specific policies: increased technological integration for a more efficient high-speed transit system and increased green space per person.&nbsp;

LAWRENCE – Three University of Kansas students received prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Awards to study, conduct research and teach English abroad for the 2021-2022 academic year. Five additional KU students were named as alternate Fulbright recipients.This year’s Fulbright U.S. Student grantees include recent graduates from the School of Music who will study and conduct research in Spain and the Czech Republic, and a recent graduate from the College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences who was selected to teach English in Colombia.“As the Fulbright program reemerges from the pandemic, I could not be more delighted to see KU students leading the way,” said Charles Bankart, associate vice provost for International Affairs. “This past year has brought unprecedented challenges to mobility, resulting in the complete suspension of critical programs like Fulbright. At the same time, the pandemic has underscored the global nature of the problems our society faces and how critical international collaboration and global networking are to knowledge, discovery, innovation and advancement.”The Fulbright program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries. The U.S. Student Fulbright program operates in more than 160 countries worldwide.Fulbright grant recipients are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, record of service and demonstrated leadership in their respective fields. Fulbright grants provide funding for round-trip travel, maintenance for one academic year, health and accident insurance, and, where relevant, tuition.Since the program’s inception in 1946, KU has had 484 students, including this year’s recipients, selected for Fulbright awards. KU International Affairs coordinates the applications for Fulbright grants.“This was the largest applicant group KU has had during my time as the university’s Fulbright Program adviser,” said Rachel Sherman Johnson, director of internationalization and partnerships at KU International Affairs. “These students rose to the challenge of applying for the program during a worldwide crisis, their enthusiasm for and belief in the value of international engagement undiminished by the pandemic. To be selected for a Fulbright award is always an outstanding achievement, but even more so in our current global moment.”The 2021-2022 Fulbright recipientsSamuel Buse, La Mesa, California, is a 2021 graduate with a master’s degree in church music and organ performance. Buse will study at the Instituto del Órgano Hispano in Seville, Spain, with Andrés Cea Galán, a prominent performer, teacher and scholar of the historic Spanish organ. Buse will have access to historically significant organs throughout southern Spain, primary source documents and the guidance of an expert in private instruction. These experiences will build upon the musical and academic research that Buse has already begun and inspire a work of original scholarship.Gabrielle Doue, Omaha, Nebraska, is a 2019 KU graduate with bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish and is a graduate student in linguistics and language pedagogy at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She was selected for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship for Colombia. Doue also was selected in 2020-21, deferred and re-applied for the award in the 2021-2022 cycle.Isabel Keleti, Leawood, graduated from KU in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in piano performance and from The New School in 2019 with a master’s degree in piano performance. She will spend nine months in the Czech Republic studying Czech piano repertoire with an emphasis on the works of Leoš Janácek. Keleti will study at the Janácek Academy of Music and Performing Arts under the guidance of Professor Jan Jiraský, a leading scholar of Janácek. The opportunity will provide a deeper understanding of how Czech composers combine elements of mainstream classical music with those that are distinctly Czech. Upon her return, Keleti will share Czech repertoire through performance, research and teaching.AlternatesSadie Arft, Menasha, Wisconsin, is a doctoral candidate in the history of art. She proposed a project in Belgium to explore the production, patronage and cultural significance of game park tapestries created in the Flemish weaving centers of Enghien, Brussels and Oudenaarde during the second half of the 16th century. The research contributes to a broader understanding of the importance of tapestries, an understudied medium, to the visual culture of early modern Europe.Natasha LaGrega, Leawood, is a 2021graduate with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. She proposed to travel to Spain to discover factors that contribute to developing mild cognitive impairment. The research would have been with the Vallecas Project in South Madrid, which through a longitudinal study of community participants aims to identify markers in healthy individuals that predict potential neurodegeneration leading to Alzheimer’s disease.Matthew Santoyo, Ventura, California, is a 2021 graduate with bachelor’s degrees in aerospace engineering and German studies. He is an alternative for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship for Germany.Jacob Springer, Salina, is a 2020 graduate with bachelor’s degrees in history and Slavic and Eurasian languages &amp; literatures with a Russian emphasis. He is an alternate for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship for Belarus.Sneha Verma, Wichita, is a 2021 graduate with bachelor’s degrees in economics and mathematics. She proposed research in Malaysia to evaluate the effectiveness of Malaysia’s Economic Transformation Programme in Kuala Lumpur. The program attempts to grow and revolutionize Malaysia into a high-income economy, and the research focuses on two specific policies: increased technological integration for a more efficient high-speed transit system and increased green space per person.&nbsp;-<a href="http://ku.edu">KU</a>-

Salina's Springer a Fulbright alternate at KU

A quartet of Kansas Wesleyan professors earned both promotion for the upcoming academic year and tenure, according to information released by the school Tuesday. 

Dr. Trish Petak (business), Andrea Picklesimer (nursing), Kathy Sweeney (nursing) and Karen Babcock Brassea (theatre arts) will each be promoted to associate professor, effective Aug. 1.

“The faculty members who have earned tenure and promotion have demonstrated excellence in their service to KWU and, most importantly, its students,” said Dr. Damon Kraft, KWU provost. “These are individuals who seek to lead, and I’m deeply grateful for their many contributions to this institution. I look forward to the continued positive impact they will each make as tenured faculty.”

Picklesimer and Sweeney are integral parts of the KWU nursing program, which opened the $5 million Nursing Education Center in January, while Brassea has led the Theatre Arts department for several years, mentoring students and directing productions along the way. Petak, meanwhile, has served as the chair of the Department of Business and Accounting and coached the nationally recognized DECA program.

A quartet of Kansas Wesleyan professors earned both promotion for the upcoming academic year and tenure, according to information released by the school Tuesday. Dr. Trish Petak (business), Andrea Picklesimer (nursing), Kathy Sweeney (nursing) and Karen Babcock Brassea (theatre arts) will each be promoted to associate professor, effective Aug. 1.“The faculty members who have earned tenure and promotion have demonstrated excellence in their service to KWU and, most importantly, its students,” said Dr. Damon Kraft, KWU provost. “These are individuals who seek to lead, and I’m deeply grateful for their many contributions to this institution. I look forward to the continued positive impact they will each make as tenured faculty.”Picklesimer and Sweeney are integral parts of the KWU nursing program, which opened the $5 million Nursing Education Center in January, while Brassea has led the Theatre Arts department for several years, mentoring students and directing productions along the way. Petak, meanwhile, has served as the chair of the Department of Business and Accounting and coached the nationally recognized DECA program.

Four KWU professors earn promotion, tenure

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher

“It is a truth universally accepted that a farmer in want of good conversation must remark on the weather.” For anyone who is not a fan of Jane Austen, I should explain that the previous statement is a bit of a play on the opening of her famous novel “Pride &amp; Prejudice.” The statement is true. Good conversation for farmers must include remarks about precipitation, heat, wind or the lack of any of these things. It will touch on their opinions about the past, present and future weather patterns. They are delighted to talk to someone from outside the county to fill their curiosity about weather in other places. In the case of severe weather, they have a deep need to be informed about the effects of the storm. Austen’s opening line, like my altered version, also had an air of mockery of others in society. It is easy to dismiss a farmer’s appreciation for weather as a necessity for not having anything else to say. I am a little chagrined to admit that I used to be a person who thought that way. In my early adulthood, at a time when it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’re superior to older generations, I held a particular distain for talking about the weather. I thought myself so interesting that I could conduct a conversation without ever having to fall back on weather as a topic. Over the last decade, as I have matured and lived more of life, I have come to realize just how important it is to talk about the weather. The weather is a universally acceptable topic; a failproof way to start conversation, fill a lull or even a way to break the tension of awkward situations. This universal language is a way to welcome and extend community to anyone you cross paths with. There is little chance of offending, excluding or burning a bridge while talking about the weather. Talking about the weather is a farmer’s way of extending a hand of friendship. Weather conversation is also entertaining in the same way as someone’s fish story. You’ve heard of raining cats and dog, a bit of a frog strangler or gulley-washer, egg-frying or sweltering hot, colder than a penguin’s bottom or as dry as a dust bowl. I am sure you have had a dozen saying pop into your head just reading this. Good weather anecdotes and the colorful language used to describe weather can be shared and retold all the way across the county, state and country. Sharing the weather is one way farmers tell their story. Most importantly, the weather is a farmer’s biggest threat. Farmers have spent generations improving techniques, tools and inputs to increase their crop yields. They have found ways to engineer plants to grow with less water and some have irrigation. However, they are almost all still at the mercy of weather. The amount of heat or water brought determines if their crop will grow. Severe weather events have the ability to rob them of an entire year’s work in a matter of minutes. Farmers talk about the weather because it is constantly on their mind. This week as you start to hear phrases like, “Hot enough for you lately?” or “It is gonna be a scorcher.” I hope you can learn the lesson that my young self was too naive to catch — talking about the weather is so much more than small talk. It is a unique, universal language that has the ability to convey friendship, entertainment and people’s dreams in a brief exchange. And that is exactly the kind of conversation we need more of in our world.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher“It is a truth universally accepted that a farmer in want of good conversation must remark on the weather.” For anyone who is not a fan of Jane Austen, I should explain that the previous statement is a bit of a play on the opening of her famous novel “Pride &amp; Prejudice.” The statement is true. Good conversation for farmers must include remarks about precipitation, heat, wind or the lack of any of these things. It will touch on their opinions about the past, present and future weather patterns. They are delighted to talk to someone from outside the county to fill their curiosity about weather in other places. In the case of severe weather, they have a deep need to be informed about the effects of the storm. Austen’s opening line, like my altered version, also had an air of mockery of others in society. It is easy to dismiss a farmer’s appreciation for weather as a necessity for not having anything else to say. I am a little chagrined to admit that I used to be a person who thought that way. In my early adulthood, at a time when it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’re superior to older generations, I held a particular distain for talking about the weather. I thought myself so interesting that I could conduct a conversation without ever having to fall back on weather as a topic. Over the last decade, as I have matured and lived more of life, I have come to realize just how important it is to talk about the weather. The weather is a universally acceptable topic; a failproof way to start conversation, fill a lull or even a way to break the tension of awkward situations. This universal language is a way to welcome and extend community to anyone you cross paths with. There is little chance of offending, excluding or burning a bridge while talking about the weather. Talking about the weather is a farmer’s way of extending a hand of friendship. Weather conversation is also entertaining in the same way as someone’s fish story. You’ve heard of raining cats and dog, a bit of a frog strangler or gulley-washer, egg-frying or sweltering hot, colder than a penguin’s bottom or as dry as a dust bowl. I am sure you have had a dozen saying pop into your head just reading this. Good weather anecdotes and the colorful language used to describe weather can be shared and retold all the way across the county, state and country. Sharing the weather is one way farmers tell their story. Most importantly, the weather is a farmer’s biggest threat. Farmers have spent generations improving techniques, tools and inputs to increase their crop yields. They have found ways to engineer plants to grow with less water and some have irrigation. However, they are almost all still at the mercy of weather. The amount of heat or water brought determines if their crop will grow. Severe weather events have the ability to rob them of an entire year’s work in a matter of minutes. Farmers talk about the weather because it is constantly on their mind. This week as you start to hear phrases like, “Hot enough for you lately?” or “It is gonna be a scorcher.” I hope you can learn the lesson that my young self was too naive to catch — talking about the weather is so much more than small talk. It is a unique, universal language that has the ability to convey friendship, entertainment and people’s dreams in a brief exchange. And that is exactly the kind of conversation we need more of in our world."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

INSIGHT: Talking about weather

High temperatures in the area are expected to reach levels dangerous to both people and pets during the next few days.

The National Weather Service in Wichita has forecast Wednesday's high for Salina to be near 100 degrees, while Thursday's high is expected to be near 105 and Friday's high near 101.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 600 people in the U.S. are killed by extreme heat every year, despite such deaths being preventable. Extreme heat is defined as summer temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average.

"Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs," the CDC noted on its website.

According to the CDC, "Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with actions that help the body cool itself to prevent heat-related illness."

While extreme heat creates health challenges for people, it also isn't good for pets. Following are some tips from the Kansas Division of Emergency Management for helping your pets weather the heat.

By SALINA POSTHigh temperatures in the area are expected to reach levels dangerous to both people and pets during the next few days.The National Weather Service in Wichita has forecast Wednesday's high for Salina to be near 100 degrees, while Thursday's high is expected to be near 105 and Friday's high near 101.According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 600 people in the U.S. are killed by extreme heat every year, despite such deaths being preventable. Extreme heat is defined as summer temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623793005776.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs," the CDC noted on its website.According to the CDC, "Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with actions that help the body cool itself to prevent heat-related illness."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623262657876.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While extreme heat creates health challenges for people, it also isn't good for pets. Following are some tips from the Kansas Division of Emergency Management for helping your pets weather the heat.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623793083781.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Take precautions to protect people, pets from soaring heat

Today is Wednesday, June 16, the 167th day of 2021. There are 198 days left in the year. 

On June 16, 1858, accepting the Illinois Republican Party's nomination for the U.S. Senate, Abraham Lincoln said the slavery issue had to be resolved, declaring, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." 

In 1897, the government signed a treaty of annexation with Hawaii.

In 1903, Ford Motor Co. was incorporated. 

In 1911, IBM had its beginnings as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Co. which was incorporated in New York State. 

In 1933, the National Industrial Recovery Act became law with President Franklin D. Roosevelt's signature. (The Act was later struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.) The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. was founded as President Roosevelt signed the Banking Act of 1933. 

In 1955, members of Argentina's military bombarded the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires in a failed attempt to assassinate President Juan Domingo Peron and his Cabinet, causing hundreds of civilian deaths, the same day Peron was excommunicated by Pope Pius XII for expelling two bishops from his country (however, the ban was effectively lifted in 1963).

In 1959, actor George Reeves, TV's "Superman," was found dead of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound in the bedroom of his Beverly Hills, California, home; he was 45.

In 1963, the world's first female space traveler, Valentina Tereshkova, 26, was launched into orbit by the Soviet Union aboard Vostok 6; Tereshkova spent 71 hours in flight, circling the Earth 48 times before returning safely. 

In 1970, Kenneth A. Gibson of Newark, N.J., became the first Black politician elected mayor of a major Northeast city. Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo, 26, died at a New York hospital after battling cancer. 

In 1976, riots broke out in the Black South African township of Soweto.

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos signed the instruments of ratification for the Panama Canal treaties during a ceremony in Panama City. 

In 1999, Kathleen Ann Soliah, a fugitive member of the Symbionese Liberation Army, was captured in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she had made a new life under the name Sara Jane Olson. Thabo Mbeki took the oath as president of South Africa, succeeding Nelson Mandela.

In 2015, real estate mogul Donald Trump launched his successful campaign to become president of the United States with a speech at Trump Tower in Manhattan.

Ten years ago: U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., announced his resignation from Congress, bowing to the furor caused by his sexually charged online dalliances with a former porn performer and other women. Osama bin Laden's longtime second-in-command, Ayman al-Zawahri, took control of al-Qaida.

Five years ago: President Barack Obama traveled to Orlando, Florida, the scene of a deadly nightclub shooting that claimed 49 victims; the president embraced grieving families and cheered on Democrats' push for new gun control measures. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, in a livestream to his supporters from Vermont, said he would work with Hillary Clinton to transform the Democratic Party, adding that his "political revolution" had to continue and ensure the defeat of Republican Donald Trump. Walt Disney Co. opened Shanghai Disneyland, its first theme park in mainland China.

One year ago: Federal authorities announced murder and attempted murder charges against an Air Force sergeant, Steven Carrillo, in the fatal shooting of a federal security officer outside a U.S. courthouse in Oakland. (Carrillo also faces charges in the ambush killing of a California sheriff's deputy and has pleaded not guilty in both cases. Authorities said Carrillo had ties to the far-right, anti-government "boogaloo" movement.) President Donald Trump signed an executive order that he said would encourage better police practices; it would establish a database to track police officers with excessive use-of-force complaints in their records. A statue of Christopher Columbus that stood in a St. Louis park for 134 years was removed; park officials said it had symbolized a "historical disregard for indigenous peoples." British researchers reported the first evidence that a drug could improve survival from COVID-19; the drug was a cheap and widely available steroid (dexamethasone.) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave the go-ahead for the U.S. Open tennis tournament to take place without spectators.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Eileen Atkins is 87. Actor Bill Cobbs is 87. Author Joyce Carol Oates is 83. Country singer Billy "Crash" Craddock is 83. Songwriter Lamont Dozier is 80. R&amp;B singer Eddie Levert is 79. Actor Joan Van Ark is 78. Actor Geoff Pierson is 72. Boxing Hall of Famer Roberto Duran is 70. Pop singer Gino Vannelli is 69. Actor Laurie Metcalf is 66. Actor Arnold Vosloo is 59. Actor Danny Burstein is 57. Model-actor Jenny Shimizu is 54. Actor James Patrick Stuart is 53. Rapper MC Ren is 52. Actor Clifton Collins Jr. is 51. Golfer Phil Mickelson is 51. Actor John Cho is 49. Actor Eddie Cibrian is 48. Actor Fred Koehler is 46. Actor China Shavers is 44. Actor Daniel Bruhl is 43. Bluegrass musician Caleb Smith (Balsam Range) is 43. Actor Sibel Kekilli is 41. Actor Missy Peregrym is 39. Actor Olivia Hack is 38. Singer Diana DeGarmo (TV: "American Idol") is 34. Actor Ali Stroker is 34. Tennis player Bianca Andreescu is 21.

<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 16, the 167th day of 2021. There are 198 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On June 16, 1858, accepting the Illinois Republican Party's nomination for the U.S. Senate, Abraham Lincoln said the slavery issue had to be resolved, declaring, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." On this date: In 1897, the government signed a treaty of annexation with Hawaii.In 1903, Ford Motor Co. was incorporated. In 1911, IBM had its beginnings as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Co. which was incorporated in New York State. In 1933, the National Industrial Recovery Act became law with President Franklin D. Roosevelt's signature. (The Act was later struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.) The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. was founded as President Roosevelt signed the Banking Act of 1933. In 1955, members of Argentina's military bombarded the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires in a failed attempt to assassinate President Juan Domingo Peron and his Cabinet, causing hundreds of civilian deaths, the same day Peron was excommunicated by Pope Pius XII for expelling two bishops from his country (however, the ban was effectively lifted in 1963).In 1959, actor George Reeves, TV's "Superman," was found dead of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound in the bedroom of his Beverly Hills, California, home; he was 45.In 1963, the world's first female space traveler, Valentina Tereshkova, 26, was launched into orbit by the Soviet Union aboard Vostok 6; Tereshkova spent 71 hours in flight, circling the Earth 48 times before returning safely. In 1970, Kenneth A. Gibson of Newark, N.J., became the first Black politician elected mayor of a major Northeast city. Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo, 26, died at a New York hospital after battling cancer. In 1976, riots broke out in the Black South African township of Soweto.In 1978, President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos signed the instruments of ratification for the Panama Canal treaties during a ceremony in Panama City. In 1999, Kathleen Ann Soliah, a fugitive member of the Symbionese Liberation Army, was captured in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she had made a new life under the name Sara Jane Olson. Thabo Mbeki took the oath as president of South Africa, succeeding Nelson Mandela.In 2015, real estate mogul Donald Trump launched his successful campaign to become president of the United States with a speech at Trump Tower in Manhattan.Ten years ago: U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., announced his resignation from Congress, bowing to the furor caused by his sexually charged online dalliances with a former porn performer and other women. Osama bin Laden's longtime second-in-command, Ayman al-Zawahri, took control of al-Qaida.Five years ago: President Barack Obama traveled to Orlando, Florida, the scene of a deadly nightclub shooting that claimed 49 victims; the president embraced grieving families and cheered on Democrats' push for new gun control measures. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, in a livestream to his supporters from Vermont, said he would work with Hillary Clinton to transform the Democratic Party, adding that his "political revolution" had to continue and ensure the defeat of Republican Donald Trump. Walt Disney Co. opened Shanghai Disneyland, its first theme park in mainland China.One year ago: Federal authorities announced murder and attempted murder charges against an Air Force sergeant, Steven Carrillo, in the fatal shooting of a federal security officer outside a U.S. courthouse in Oakland. (Carrillo also faces charges in the ambush killing of a California sheriff's deputy and has pleaded not guilty in both cases. Authorities said Carrillo had ties to the far-right, anti-government "boogaloo" movement.) President Donald Trump signed an executive order that he said would encourage better police practices; it would establish a database to track police officers with excessive use-of-force complaints in their records. A statue of Christopher Columbus that stood in a St. Louis park for 134 years was removed; park officials said it had symbolized a "historical disregard for indigenous peoples." British researchers reported the first evidence that a drug could improve survival from COVID-19; the drug was a cheap and widely available steroid (dexamethasone.) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave the go-ahead for the U.S. Open tennis tournament to take place without spectators.Today's Birthdays: Actor Eileen Atkins is 87. Actor Bill Cobbs is 87. Author Joyce Carol Oates is 83. Country singer Billy "Crash" Craddock is 83. Songwriter Lamont Dozier is 80. R&amp;B singer Eddie Levert is 79. Actor Joan Van Ark is 78. Actor Geoff Pierson is 72. Boxing Hall of Famer Roberto Duran is 70. Pop singer Gino Vannelli is 69. Actor Laurie Metcalf is 66. Actor Arnold Vosloo is 59. Actor Danny Burstein is 57. Model-actor Jenny Shimizu is 54. Actor James Patrick Stuart is 53. Rapper MC Ren is 52. Actor Clifton Collins Jr. is 51. Golfer Phil Mickelson is 51. Actor John Cho is 49. Actor Eddie Cibrian is 48. Actor Fred Koehler is 46. Actor China Shavers is 44. Actor Daniel Bruhl is 43. Bluegrass musician Caleb Smith (Balsam Range) is 43. Actor Sibel Kekilli is 41. Actor Missy Peregrym is 39. Actor Olivia Hack is 38. Singer Diana DeGarmo (TV: "American Idol") is 34. Actor Ali Stroker is 34. Tennis player Bianca Andreescu is 21.

Today in History - June 16

Local, area blood drives scheduled during June

WICHITA — The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise&nbsp;– and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. 

Donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients.

READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/235ae21b-63d4-4e81-bc50-418b1ae37468">Have you made your appointment to help PUMP Up The Volume?</a>

Right now, hospitals are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants. In comparison to 2019, the Red Cross has seen demand from trauma centers climb by 10% in 2021− more than five times the growth of other facilities that provide blood transfusions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“When seconds count in emergency trauma situations, it’s the blood already on the shelves that can make the difference in lifesaving care,” said Dr. Matthew Coleman, medical director, Red Cross Kansas Oklahoma Region. “As many people begin to enjoy travel and time with loved ones again this summer, patients are relying on the generosity of donors to help ensure they have access to the treatment they need. Please consider blood donation as a summer activity that can help save lives.”

Patients need the help of the American people. Schedule an appointment to give blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUXB8DBR7Jr5TcFyyqp8VCcVg3zhp-2B74PxBjahm-2BpTNcXAtDa_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFlyfK2ZGVifG9xagvh4urZno-2FqR7DFQzyYFMOo8YSQItZdbW5cTqRX1NCFwX97BHTjuFzdQUEv2jCY9Y3xWV6W14yNm2pvchszu4t2sOJFBKLMsNKOYjXgdSOpmtX9fj0lCR3zgZw0IffOKGpgj5iv8P2wkxGOeN6b84LSbrlXxLnRMg43O-2B7GFGfVWISW-2BKYrJkT1yBKdvBDSHEIoXthhk-2BxvJTQJ0UZa-2B8939cP-2BeR9DsK3P63XGIXm0ngHR29ho2MUMOxhGGUU7LMVmsBIVQfFuD8DRupIYghZ-2Ftt3VeUOlIkLlQQtSJ2VWqNByR7yVv" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

In addition to trauma needs, there is a great hospital demand for blood as people who deferred care during the height of the pandemic present with more advanced disease progression, requiring increased blood transfusions. Over the last three months, the Red Cross has distributed about 75,000 more blood products than expected to meet these needs. As a result of this shortage, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes. Blood is perishable and cannot be stockpiled, so it must constantly be replenished by generous blood donors.

Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood now.&nbsp;As a thank-you, those who come to give now through June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. (Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUXB8DBR7Jr5TcFyyqp8VCcUgaMKQ4Wpsdtufy1AiEsGPB1fHV-2F1Ixy0mduF2RIanXkQFMggjaVqfcrvTGB80IJvfGUfGaBqubpuzh2KOn0wwokbf4uTAqL9uDnTasEmJQw-3D-3DCdmI_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFlyfK2ZGVifG9xagvh4urZno-2FqR7DFQzyYFMOo8YSQItZdbW5cTqRX1NCFwX97BHTjuFzdQUEv2jCY9Y3xWV6W14yNm2pvchszu4t2sOJFBKLMsNKOYjXgdSOpmtX9fj0lCR3zgZw0IffOKGpgj5iv8P-2BXfaN7cbtxSPzviXB4QciqWCpwtpWmrbHIuvoEmB7hfCvVbe3Y5LQSflJmpv30GaVfMXqxh2SA2AIepXqvnxTOYGwnvQVKjTIyADtwOoYGbfphYrKMcJOn7Xo2rolbwrFNEl1wngCb0kkC-2BGO78j7aCjd-2F16tZvqpKgnmcfLTir" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/Together</a>.) &nbsp;

In&nbsp;most cases,&nbsp;those&nbsp;who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate.&nbsp;However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.

Final weeks for COVID-19 antibody testing

As more than a third of Americans&nbsp;have&nbsp;become fully vaccinated against COVID-19,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Red Cross&nbsp;is winding down COVID-19 antibody testing for&nbsp;blood,&nbsp;platelet&nbsp;and plasma&nbsp;donations.&nbsp;

Through June 25, the Red Cross is testing all donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Testing may show possible exposure to the virus or whether a donor has developed an immune response to vaccination. The conclusion of Red Cross antibody testing represents a new, hopeful phase&nbsp;as the nation continues to&nbsp;journey out of this pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day,&nbsp;an important day for the more than 100,000 individuals&nbsp;with sickle cell disease in the U.S. Most people with this disease are of African descent and will require regular blood transfusions to help manage their disease. Some individuals with sickle cell disease may require as&nbsp;many as 100 units of blood per year.

The Red Cross is&nbsp;screening all blood,&nbsp;platelet&nbsp;and plasma donations from&nbsp;self-identified&nbsp;African American donors for the sickle cell trait.&nbsp;This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help&nbsp;patients with sickle cell&nbsp;disease.&nbsp;Since the best blood match for a patient receiving ongoing transfusions comes from donors of the same genetic background, the Red Cross encourages people of all ethnicities to give blood and help increase the number of diverse donors&nbsp;so we can find the best match for all patients.

Donors can expect to receive&nbsp;antibody test and sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable,&nbsp;within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at <a href="http://RedCrossBlood.org">RedCrossBlood.org</a>.

Local and area blood donation opportunities

June 29: noon - 6 p.m., Catholic Church, 307 East 5th

June 30: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., OCCK Inc, 1502 Lincoln Street

June 16: noon - 6 p.m., St Bernard's Catholic Church, 911 N. Kansas

June 25: 1 - 6 p.m., Christian Community Center, 137 N. 4th Street

June 18: noon - 6 p.m., St Peters United Church of Christ, 111 Pine

June 25: noon - 6 p.m., West Zion Church, 101 S. Washington

June 17: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., OCCK-Beloit, 501 W. 7th Street

June 23: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 416 Pitt

June 30: noon - 6 p.m., Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1827 Q Street

June 22: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Assaria Lutheran Church, 124 W. First

June 18: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Tony's Pizza Events Center, 800 The Midway

June 21: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., The Temple, 336 S. Santa Fe

June 21: noon - 5 p.m., Belmont Boulevard Christian, 2508 Belmont Boulevard

June 23: noon - 6 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, 845 S. Ohio

June 28: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., OCCK, 1710 W. Schilling Road

June 28: noon - 7 p.m., Sunrise Presbyterian, 825 E. Beloit

June 29: noon - 7 p.m., Sunrise Presbyterian, 825 E. Beloit

June 30: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sunrise Presbyterian, 825 E. Beloit

<h2>Local, area blood drives scheduled during June</h2>WICHITA — The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries rise&nbsp;– and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. Donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent further impact to patients.READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/235ae21b-63d4-4e81-bc50-418b1ae37468">Have you made your appointment to help PUMP Up The Volume?</a>Right now, hospitals are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits, as well as overdoses and resulting transplants. In comparison to 2019, the Red Cross has seen demand from trauma centers climb by 10% in 2021− more than five times the growth of other facilities that provide blood transfusions.&nbsp;&nbsp;“When seconds count in emergency trauma situations, it’s the blood already on the shelves that can make the difference in lifesaving care,” said Dr. Matthew Coleman, medical director, Red Cross Kansas Oklahoma Region. “As many people begin to enjoy travel and time with loved ones again this summer, patients are relying on the generosity of donors to help ensure they have access to the treatment they need. Please consider blood donation as a summer activity that can help save lives.”Patients need the help of the American people. Schedule an appointment to give blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUXB8DBR7Jr5TcFyyqp8VCcVg3zhp-2B74PxBjahm-2BpTNcXAtDa_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFlyfK2ZGVifG9xagvh4urZno-2FqR7DFQzyYFMOo8YSQItZdbW5cTqRX1NCFwX97BHTjuFzdQUEv2jCY9Y3xWV6W14yNm2pvchszu4t2sOJFBKLMsNKOYjXgdSOpmtX9fj0lCR3zgZw0IffOKGpgj5iv8P2wkxGOeN6b84LSbrlXxLnRMg43O-2B7GFGfVWISW-2BKYrJkT1yBKdvBDSHEIoXthhk-2BxvJTQJ0UZa-2B8939cP-2BeR9DsK3P63XGIXm0ngHR29ho2MUMOxhGGUU7LMVmsBIVQfFuD8DRupIYghZ-2Ftt3VeUOlIkLlQQtSJ2VWqNByR7yVv" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.In addition to trauma needs, there is a great hospital demand for blood as people who deferred care during the height of the pandemic present with more advanced disease progression, requiring increased blood transfusions. Over the last three months, the Red Cross has distributed about 75,000 more blood products than expected to meet these needs. As a result of this shortage, some hospitals are being forced to slow the pace of elective surgeries until the blood supply stabilizes. Blood is perishable and cannot be stockpiled, so it must constantly be replenished by generous blood donors.Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood now.&nbsp;As a thank-you, those who come to give now through June 30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. (Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUXB8DBR7Jr5TcFyyqp8VCcUgaMKQ4Wpsdtufy1AiEsGPB1fHV-2F1Ixy0mduF2RIanXkQFMggjaVqfcrvTGB80IJvfGUfGaBqubpuzh2KOn0wwokbf4uTAqL9uDnTasEmJQw-3D-3DCdmI_6kyJuRoUnmvCB1a16096Mn2eJZOhmBwdl6u-2F3e7vncM2LrUJDwK9KSu1RUc8GFlyfK2ZGVifG9xagvh4urZno-2FqR7DFQzyYFMOo8YSQItZdbW5cTqRX1NCFwX97BHTjuFzdQUEv2jCY9Y3xWV6W14yNm2pvchszu4t2sOJFBKLMsNKOYjXgdSOpmtX9fj0lCR3zgZw0IffOKGpgj5iv8P-2BXfaN7cbtxSPzviXB4QciqWCpwtpWmrbHIuvoEmB7hfCvVbe3Y5LQSflJmpv30GaVfMXqxh2SA2AIepXqvnxTOYGwnvQVKjTIyADtwOoYGbfphYrKMcJOn7Xo2rolbwrFNEl1wngCb0kkC-2BGO78j7aCjd-2F16tZvqpKgnmcfLTir" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/Together</a>.) &nbsp;In&nbsp;most cases,&nbsp;those&nbsp;who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate.&nbsp;However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.Final weeks for COVID-19 antibody testingAs more than a third of Americans&nbsp;have&nbsp;become fully vaccinated against COVID-19,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Red Cross&nbsp;is winding down COVID-19 antibody testing for&nbsp;blood,&nbsp;platelet&nbsp;and plasma&nbsp;donations.&nbsp;Through June 25, the Red Cross is testing all donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Testing may show possible exposure to the virus or whether a donor has developed an immune response to vaccination. The conclusion of Red Cross antibody testing represents a new, hopeful phase&nbsp;as the nation continues to&nbsp;journey out of this pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;World Sickle Cell Day: June 19June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day,&nbsp;an important day for the more than 100,000 individuals&nbsp;with sickle cell disease in the U.S. Most people with this disease are of African descent and will require regular blood transfusions to help manage their disease. Some individuals with sickle cell disease may require as&nbsp;many as 100 units of blood per year.The Red Cross is&nbsp;screening all blood,&nbsp;platelet&nbsp;and plasma donations from&nbsp;self-identified&nbsp;African American donors for the sickle cell trait.&nbsp;This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help&nbsp;patients with sickle cell&nbsp;disease.&nbsp;Since the best blood match for a patient receiving ongoing transfusions comes from donors of the same genetic background, the Red Cross encourages people of all ethnicities to give blood and help increase the number of diverse donors&nbsp;so we can find the best match for all patients.Donors can expect to receive&nbsp;antibody test and sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable,&nbsp;within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at <a href="http://RedCrossBlood.org">RedCrossBlood.org</a>.Local and area blood donation opportunitiesCLOUD COUNTYConcordiaJune 29: noon - 6 p.m., Catholic Church, 307 East 5thJune 30: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., OCCK Inc, 1502 Lincoln StreetELLSWORTH COUNTYEllsworthJune 16: noon - 6 p.m., St Bernard's Catholic Church, 911 N. KansasLINCOLN COUNTYLincolnJune 25: 1 - 6 p.m., Christian Community Center, 137 N. 4th StreetMCPHERSON COUNTYInmanJune 18: noon - 6 p.m., St Peters United Church of Christ, 111 PineMoundridgeJune 25: noon - 6 p.m., West Zion Church, 101 S. WashingtonMITCHELL COUNTYBeloitJune 17: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., OCCK-Beloit, 501 W. 7th StreetTiptonJune 23: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 416 PittREPUBLIC COUNTYBellevilleJune 30: noon - 6 p.m., Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1827 Q StreetSALINE COUNTYAssariaJune 22: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Assaria Lutheran Church, 124 W. FirstSalinaJune 18: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Tony's Pizza Events Center, 800 The MidwayJune 21: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., The Temple, 336 S. Santa FeJune 21: noon - 5 p.m., Belmont Boulevard Christian, 2508 Belmont BoulevardJune 23: noon - 6 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, 845 S. OhioJune 28: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., OCCK, 1710 W. Schilling RoadJune 28: noon - 7 p.m., Sunrise Presbyterian, 825 E. BeloitJune 29: noon - 7 p.m., Sunrise Presbyterian, 825 E. BeloitJune 30: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sunrise Presbyterian, 825 E. Beloit

Red Cross: Severe blood shortage due to increase in hospital demand

A weekend of food, fun, and more is scheduled for PrideFest: All-Stars.

Sponsored by North Central Kansas Pride, the event is scheduled for Friday through Sunday in Oakdale Park. Admission is open to the public at no charge, however, participants are encouraged to bring cash only for local vendors, catering, games, and more.

PrideFest kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday when the bands Mellowphobia and Dumpstar perform. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is scheduled to show at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, participants are asked to meet Miranda Bachman at the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street, at 11:30 a.m. for the semi-annual No Justice No Peace Walk, which will begin at noon. Participants are asked to bring their social injustice signs, walk down Santa Fe to Mulberry and into Oakdale Park. The walk will kick off PrideFest's Juneteenth celebration.

Other Saturday activities include a dance party with Homer Spinsome and Justin Reed, 100 Acre woods catering, various vendors, entertainers, fabulous drag kings and queens with numerous games throughout the event. The organizers request that participants bring cash only.

Sunday will be a family day. Crafts with Miranda and Teddy the Pride Bear are scheduled for noon. Open mic karaoke begins at 1 p.m., with live music from Local Honey and The Radicles at 2 p.m. This year's PrideFest will conclude with the movie To Wong Foo: Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar.

Throughout the event, t-shirts will be available and donations welcome.

There is a Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/340690976950909">link</a> for more details and live updates. If you’d like to volunteer or are interested in PrideFest please message on Facebook or email Bachman at <a href="mailto:letsrestorehumanity@gmail.com">letsrestorehumanity@gmail.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623811740193.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy PrideFest" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy PrideFest</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTA weekend of food, fun, and more is scheduled for PrideFest: All-Stars.Sponsored by North Central Kansas Pride, the event is scheduled for Friday through Sunday in Oakdale Park. Admission is open to the public at no charge, however, participants are encouraged to bring cash only for local vendors, catering, games, and more.PrideFest kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday when the bands Mellowphobia and Dumpstar perform. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is scheduled to show at 8 p.m.On Saturday, participants are asked to meet Miranda Bachman at the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street, at 11:30 a.m. for the semi-annual No Justice No Peace Walk, which will begin at noon. Participants are asked to bring their social injustice signs, walk down Santa Fe to Mulberry and into Oakdale Park. The walk will kick off PrideFest's Juneteenth celebration.Other Saturday activities include a dance party with Homer Spinsome and Justin Reed, 100 Acre woods catering, various vendors, entertainers, fabulous drag kings and queens with numerous games throughout the event. The organizers request that participants bring cash only.Sunday will be a family day. Crafts with Miranda and Teddy the Pride Bear are scheduled for noon. Open mic karaoke begins at 1 p.m., with live music from Local Honey and The Radicles at 2 p.m. This year's PrideFest will conclude with the movie To Wong Foo: Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar.Throughout the event, t-shirts will be available and donations welcome.There is a Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/340690976950909">link</a> for more details and live updates. If you’d like to volunteer or are interested in PrideFest please message on Facebook or email Bachman at <a href="mailto:letsrestorehumanity@gmail.com">letsrestorehumanity@gmail.com</a>.

PrideFest: All-Stars set for Oakdale Park this weekend

Salina High School Central has announced the names of students who were named to the spring 2021 honor roll.&nbsp;

Salina High School Central has announced the names of students who were named to the spring 2021 honor roll.&nbsp;The honor roll is computed each semester based upon a 3.0 or better grade point average and no F grades.Following are the names of Central students named to the honor roll.Ninth&nbsp;gradeCarson Abbott, John Acevedo, Cooper Affholder, Amisaday Aguilar, Carlos Aguilar, Christopher Amoako-Ababio, Eva Arb, Corbin Banninger, Lailah Berry, Kiley Bingham, Schayla Bledsoe, Kadin Bolhuis, Caroline Brady, Kyler Brecheisen, Logan Brewer, Vania Byarlay, Benjamin Campbell, Nicholas Carano, Micah Carrico, Zariyana Cathey, Kaiden Christmann, Kaiden Comeau, Jeranica Conner, Camille Copeland, Madilynn Crough, Cooper Daily, Emery Darby, Trent Deines, Elle Denning, Brock Dolton, Lydia Dong, Armando Duran, Adelyn Duxler, James Eaton-Gonzalez, William Ebel, Dezyrae Elder, Zander Flener, Daxton Foos, Peyton Fry, Lanea Gadson, Kassandra Galaviz, Diego Garcia, Victoria Garcia, Kendyl Gary, Dezmyn Gibson, Nehemiah Joshua Gomendoza, Cohen Gotti, Natalia Granado-Flores, Ella Gregg, Gunnar Gross, Nayeli Guardado, Olivia Gubareva, Kalliyah Gust, Callan Hall, Hunter Hall, Neah Hawley, Johnathan Heath, Keelie Hill, Priscilla Hoffpauir, Anna Hogeland, Dakotah Howell, Brooklyn Huseman, Ean Inks, Abram Jennings, Seahna Johns, Calum Johnson, Donovan Johnson, Mason Johnson, Kevin Jones, Brock Kampling, Siera Keyser, Luke Lageman, Annabelle LeSage, Ace Lloyd, Odalys Lopez, Miguel Lopez Gonzalez, Levi Losey, Eric Lugo, Brenda Luna Rodriguez, Kegan Madison, Aika Martinez, Layla Maupin, Ytzel McClendon, Aryonna McEachin, Samuel Means, Angel Mendenhall, Veronica Montoya, Evan Moody, William Mowery, Nolan Moyer, Jacob Murphy, Aiden Nease, Alonzo Ortega, Anthony Ortigoza-Austin, Maylin Owen, Samuel Payne, Adia Peck, Azbey Peckham, Kasheia Peterson, Mariah Prophet, Emma Rodina, Mia Rodriguez, Reina Roller, Jaxson Rutz, Rebecca Ryan, Ava Sanders, Yariza Sandoval, Ryan Schmitz, Cristina Segura, Kolbe Shafer, Rocelyn Show, Serenity Shuler, Alexander Silva, Michelle Simmons, Charles Slothower, Jenna Sperling, Zachary Stein, Lexi Stoffel, Maycie Suenram, Steven Talbott, Daisy Thouvenell, Kelvin Turcios, Abby Vaupel, Tyler Vidricksen, Riley Wedgewood, Cindric White, Elijah Wilson, Joseph Zepeda, Travis Zrubek10th&nbsp;gradeBenjamen Acheson, Blaise Alderson, Riley Anderson, Jackson Angell, Amaro Arceo, Charlene Arrieta-Renteria, Angelina Asebedo, Manuel Bailey, Valerie Baker, Hallie Berens, Layni Borrego, Dalton Boswell, Jack Cain, Katerin Carrillo, Alondra Castillo, Joshua Chelvan, Chloe Chesney, Christopher Clark, Mason Clark, Trevon Cole, Spencer Coleman, Liam Corl, Alexandra Coykendall, Alison Coykendall, Amelia Coykendall, Sarah Crabtree, Mykayla Cunningham, Sam Cusick, Evan DeHerrera, Thomas Drane, Hank Ebel, Diana Espinosa, Haley Flaherty, Braeden Foley, Alora Franklin, Dane Free, Talan Gary, Keegen Gebhardt, Jackson Gillett, Aidan Glavin, Elizabeth Greer, Connor Griffith, Abigail Hablitzel, Emmy Haller, Sophia Harris, Jentry Heath, Taylor Helton, Ethan Herpich, Chloe Highsmith, Paige Hinca, Dawson Hogan, Mayci Ingram, Anna Ireton, Audrey Jagodzinske, Ayleen Jaramillo, Payton Jeakins, Teresa Jimenez, Harper Johnston, Kiara Jones, Tayge Jones, Jillian Lawson, Vy Le, Nils Lehnert, Hallee Long, Brooklynne Longino, Luz Camila Lopez Galindo, Mya McGreevy, Kenyon McMillan, Deion McNeal, Sara Mitchell, Estrella Moncada Tejeda, Camille Morris, Connor Myers-Elder, Makail Nelson, Allison Niemann, Emiliano Ocon, Brynn O'Hara, David Ortner, Kendale Paul, Maxwell Phachanla, Jayda Post, Jacob Ray, Avery Richardson, Brooks Richardson, Essence Richardson, Faith Rost, Michelle Ruiz, Alexus Rusch, Joanna Ryan-Torres, Shyla Sayalinh, Allison Scheck, Alfredo Serrano-Ortega, Titus Shafer, Emma Shuart, Sophia Springer, Quinton Stenglemeier, Natalie Summers, Heaven Taylor, Zackary Tibbits, Robert Tollison, Olivia Tomson, Charlie Truelove, Maverek Velasquez, Beatrice Wellbrock-Talley, Alisha Will, JaShayla Williams, Genisis Wilson11th&nbsp;gradeAustin Adkins, Bradley Akin, Wade Allen, Drew Alstatt, Karsyn Arnold, Israel Barlow, Vidhi Bhakta, Jasmine Bledsoe, Katelyn Botz, Oriana Botz, Sarah Bowser, Karlyn Brecheisen, David Brown, Alexa Burciaga Ruiz de Chavez, Zoe Burmaster, Nathan Callahan, Shawn-Dre Carter, Julian Castro, Melissa Chavez, Isaac Clark, Nicholas Clayson, Nickolas Clayton, Cooper Cobb, Araceli Davila, Tyrese Davison, Isabel De La Cruz, Sergio De La Torre, Ava Denning, Jillian DeVoe, Lexus DiLoreto, Ashley Drummer, Hayden Duggins, Hadley Eaton, Trinity Ensz, Maddison Farthing, Andrew Fields, Alessandra Fischer, Taylor Fishburn, Chloe Flener, Aaron French, Isaac French, Moira Henriette Galvez, Yufan Gan, Ella Garver, Mason Gary, Charles Goldbach, Candace Marie Gomendoza, Kayson Graham, Payton Griep, William Griffith, Colton Grogg, Alejandro Guardado, Anna Gutierrez, Tristyn Hardin, Ethan Heis, Kale Helzer, Calvin Hemmer, Ethan Henry, Trinity Huffaker, Harry Johnson, Skyla Jost, Parker Kavanagh, Devante Keim-Owens, Emma Kelly, Kristen Ketcham, Aryan Kevat, Aubrie Kierscht, Layna Kinnaird, Skyler Kipp, Jaxon Kolzow, Benjamin Kraft, Gage Kuntz, Braden Lepping, Inavion Lewis, Thaliah Lopez, Logan Losey, Annalise Loucks, Kylee Luchsinger, Juan Luna, Lorenzo Marston, Valeria Martinez, Brayden McKnight, Samara Means, Sabian Mills, Bailey Morales, Christopher Morton, Lillian Myers, Lucas Nutter, Mackenzie Nutter, Meah Oetting, Carson Oxandale, Keaton Oxandale, Daisy Palomera, Starlet Parham, Xoe Parrish, Ella Payne, Brandon Phachanla, Collin Phelps, Connor Phelps, Anyah Polk-Darby, Brynlee Pollock, Jenavie Powers, Andin Price, Colton Prothro, Nolan Puckett, Hannah Reed, Jordan Roe, Fredrick Ruffin, Owen Sanderson, Kayna Sandoval, Gracie Schneider, Aleksander Schremmer, Bethany Schulte, Isaiah Scott, Araceli Segura, Grant Sheppard, Rashada Smith, Shayla Smith, Nolan Soukup, Landry Stewart, Cynder Toman, Fidel Torres, Hugo Ugarte-Lara, Alexandria Ulrich, Carson Vanderbilt, Aris Vanderford, Trista Vanous, Hailey Vargas, Adam Vaupel, Hayden Vidricksen, Amaria Wangerin, Joshua Warner, Hannah Watkins, Madison Wedgewood, Cora White, Hampton Williams, Mallorie Wisbey, Peyton Wood, Elizabeth Young, Joshua Zrubek12th&nbsp;gradeValerie Alonso, Spencer Angell, Camila Arellanes, Skyler Barnes, Shepard Basinger, Austin Beatty, Elijah Bess, Diya Bhakta, Emma Brady, Brooks Burgoon, Ryan Calisti, Anna Carano, Pahl Castner, Allie Chesney, Makenzie Clark, Sawyer Cole, Bridgit Conway, Chase Courbot, Sophie Craft, Joshua Cunningham, Kade Cyre, Shayla Dao, Avery Darby, Isaiah Deckert, Carlos DeLeon, Emily Dennis, Cyric Dow, Chloe Eaton-Gonzalez, Jake Eisenhauer, Yornely Felix, Dawson Flax, Erin Flax, Nolan Foley, Rebekah Franklin, Madison Freeman, Karter Fuller, Chase Galimore, Miguel Galvan, Dohnnie Gamble, Collin Geihsler, Reagan Geihsler, Cheyanne Gibson, Roise Ginn, Matthew Glen, Marcos Granado-Flores, Kaylee Graves, Tricia Gray, McCabe Green, Nelson Gutsch, Jaylyn Haggard, Darrin Harmison, Amanda Hays, Charles Heizman, Thomas Hemmer, Emalee Henderson, Dylan Henning, Dakota Hogan, Loren Houltberg, Alexis Jasso, Katelee Jennings, Emily Johnson, Jeremiah Johnson, Caden Kickhaefer, Emily Kvasnicka, Trent Laskowski, Joseph Lawton, Sophie Lenkiewicz, Benjamin Manookin, Makenzie Maring, Trenton Marshall, Minerva Martinez, Sophia Martinez, Lucas McConnell, Reed McHenry, Jose Miguel Pedro, Mialee Miller, Zoe Mitchell, Olivia Moore, Yuliana Munoz Chavez, Capri Myers, Madelynn Nash, Reese Nesting, Hana North, Mercedez Nunez, Kelsie Pasley, Brennan Pavey, Joelle Pfannenstiel, Demitria Pfeifer, Jolie Pickrell, Makayla Pierce, Charles Prough, Hannah Queen, Auston Rageth, Sydney Raman, Hayven Rapp, Emily Redding, Avery Regier, Tia Risley, Kamee Robinson, Allexys Ronning-Franco, Isabella Rubino, Collister Ryan, William Ryan, Callie Sanborn, Alexa Sanchez Avalos, David Santos, Rafael Serrano-Ortega, Anne Shadwick, Maxwell Shaffer, Jacob Shank, Simon Sheets, Zoe Sims, Aidan Speer, Braden Stack, Reagan Stein, Emily Strommen, Cooper Taggart, Bailey Talbott, Lily Thouvenell, Heaven Turner, Emerson Turpin, Koby Vanderford, Brett Versluys, Makayla Versluys, Jasmine Vinyard, Lillian Welsch, Chloe White, Chase Young, Patrick Zrubek