By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

GYPSUM - More than $7,500 worth of items were stolen earlier this month from a property southwest of Gypsum.

Jimmie Andrew, 69, of rural Saline County, reported that sometime between May 8 and Monday, someone stole the following items from his property in the 7900 block of S. Whitmore Road, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning.

A grapple bucket for a skid steer, valued at $1,800

A 22-foot black PJ brand car hauler trailer with Kansas license plate of 310 LWX, valued at $4,900

An 18-inch skid steer auger bit, valued at $500

A nine-inch skid steer auger bit, valued at $300

A 20-foot three-eighths-inch log chain, valued at $50

A three-eighths-inch chain binder, valued at $40

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostGYPSUM - More than $7,500 worth of items were stolen earlier this month from a property southwest of Gypsum.Jimmie Andrew, 69, of rural Saline County, reported that sometime between May 8 and Monday, someone stole the following items from his property in the 7900 block of S. Whitmore Road, Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning.A grapple bucket for a skid steer, valued at $1,800A 22-foot black PJ brand car hauler trailer with Kansas license plate of 310 LWX, valued at $4,900An 18-inch skid steer auger bit, valued at $500A nine-inch skid steer auger bit, valued at $300A 20-foot three-eighths-inch log chain, valued at $50A three-eighths-inch chain binder, valued at $40

Car trailer, skid steer accessories among items stolen in county

From a trace to slightly more than an inch of rain fell across the area overnight.

At the Salina Regional Airport, 0.03 of an inch was reported for the 24-hour period ending at 7 a.m. Wednesday. Near the Eagle Radio studios in southeast Salina, a trace was reported.

Following are 24-hour rainfall totals as of 7 a.m. Monday (unless otherwise noted) from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">Community Collaborative Rain, Hail &amp; Snow Network</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ee4ce44ebfb13423b27a8f4">Volunteers needed to help collect weather data</a>

Wakefield 0.2 NW, 0.27 of an inch (reported at 6:30 a.m.)

Abilene 2.4 WSW, 0.48 of an inch (reported at 7:30 a.m.)

Brookville 5.5 W, 0.37 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)

Beverly 0.1 SSW, 0.02 of an inch (reported at 8 a.m.)

Inman 4.6 NW, 1.02 inches (reported at 7:40 a.m.)

Beloit 0.4 NNW, 0.23 of an inch (reported at 7:30 a.m.)

Minneapolis 0.6 SE, 0.03 of an inch (reported at 8 a.m.)

Cuba 5.0 NNW, 0.02 of an inch (reported at 8 a.m.)

Salina 6.2 ENE, 0.05 of an inch (reported at 5:41 a.m.)

Culver 1.8 SE, 0.05 of an inch (reported at 6:53 a.m.)

Brookville 8.1 N, 0.04 of an inch (reported at 6:54 a.m.)

From a trace to slightly more than an inch of rain fell across the area overnight.At the Salina Regional Airport, 0.03 of an inch was reported for the 24-hour period ending at 7 a.m. Wednesday. Near the Eagle Radio studios in southeast Salina, a trace was reported.Following are 24-hour rainfall totals as of 7 a.m. Monday (unless otherwise noted) from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/StateDailyPrecipReports.aspx?state=KS">Community Collaborative Rain, Hail &amp; Snow Network</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ee4ce44ebfb13423b27a8f4">Volunteers needed to help collect weather data</a><h2>CLAY COUNTY</h2>Wakefield 0.2 NW, 0.27 of an inch (reported at 6:30 a.m.)Clay Center 12.4 NNE, 0.10 of an inchClay Center 6.7 WNW, 0.08 of an inchMorganville 3.2 SW, 0.07 of an inch <h2>CLOUD COUNTY</h2>No totals reported<h2>DICKINSON COUNTY</h2>Abilene 3.2 ENE, 0.53 of an inchChapman 6.0 NNE, 0.27 of an inchHope 0.3 S, 0.45 of an inchAbilene 5.4 E, 0.71 of an inchCarlton 2.1 NNW, 0.08 of an inchAbilene 7.9 NNW, 0.47 of an inchHope 7.5 NNW, 0.72 of an inchAbilene 10.3 S, 0.49 of an inchAbilene 0.7 W, 0.73 of an inchAbilene 10.9 S, 0.31 of an inchAbilene 1.1 NNE, 0.71 of an inchAbilene 9.4 S, 0.64 of an inchAbilene 2.4 WSW, 0.48 of an inch (reported at 7:30 a.m.)<h2>ELLSWORTH COUNTY</h2>Brookville 5.5 W, 0.37 of an inch (reported at 6 a.m.)Ellsworth 0.3 E, 0.13 of an inchLorraine 1.4 S, 0.17 of an inchLorraine 2.5 ESE, 0.15 of an inchKanopolis 4.5 NE, 0.77 of an inchKanopolis 0.4 SSE, 0.15 of an inch<h2>JEWELL COUNTY</h2>No totals reported<h2>LINCOLN COUNTY</h2>Beverly 0.1 SSW, 0.02 of an inch (reported at 8 a.m.)<h2>MARION COUNTY</h2>Tampa 3.2 ESE, 0.14 of an inchHillsboro 8.5 SW, 0.05 of an inchHillsboro 5.3 S, 0.23 of an inchNewton 9.4 N, 0.10 of an inch<h2>MCPHERSON COUNTY</h2>McPherson 6.6 WSW, 0.49 of an inchLindsborg 5.6 W, 0.14 of an inchInman 0.8 WSW, 0.91 of an inchMoundridge 5.3 WSW, 0.27 of an inchMoundridge 0.4 SW, 0.31 of an inchCanton 3.2 N, 0.45 of an inchMoundridge 1.0 N, 0.38 of an inchMoundridge 2.2 W, 0.25 of an inchGalva 9.5 N, 0.50 of an inchMoundridge 4.8 W, 0.38 of an inchMcPherson 0.9 NE, 0.98 of an inchCanton 0.3 E, 0.11, NA of an inchMcPherson 6.6 ENE, 0.15 of an inchGalva 1.1 WSW, 0.21 of an inchGalva 2.6 SSE, 0.43 of an inchMcPherson 1.1 NW, 0.51 of an inchGalva 0.2 ESE, 0.21 of an inchInman 4.6 NW, 1.02 inches (reported at 7:40 a.m.)<h2>MITCHELL COUNTY</h2>Scottsville 4.6 SSW, 0.13 of an inchBeloit 9.9 SSW, traceBeloit 6.9 NE, 0.17 of an inchHunter 9.5 E, traceBeloit 0.4 NNW, 0.23 of an inch (reported at 7:30 a.m.)<h2>OTTAWA COUNTY</h2>Ada 7.0 NNW, 0.01 of an inchMinneapolis 0.4 NE, 0.02 of an inchMinneapolis 6.1 E, 0.17 of an inch Minneapolis 0.6 SE, 0.03 of an inch (reported at 8 a.m.)<h2>REPUBLIC COUNTY</h2>Belleville 4.2 N, traceCuba 5.0 NNW, 0.02 of an inch (reported at 8 a.m.)<h2>SALINE COUNTY</h2>Salina 6.2 ENE, 0.05 of an inch (reported at 5:41 a.m.)Culver 1.8 SE, 0.05 of an inch (reported at 6:53 a.m.)Brookville 8.1 N, 0.04 of an inch (reported at 6:54 a.m.)Salina 0.7 SSW, 0.05 of an inchSalina 7.0 N, 0.03 of an inchSalina 0.8 S, 0.05 of an inchSalina 5.7 NNW, 0.04 of an inchSalina 8.7 NNE, 0.08 of an inchSalina 2.9 ENE, 0.02 of an inchNew Cambria 2.1 NW, 0.04 of an inch

Overnight rainfall varies across our area

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher

You can tell a lot about people by the types of philosophical questions they like to debate. Many people ponder sports greats, classic cars, blockbuster movies or which superpowers are the best. In my house, these debates usually center on farming practices. We discuss which bull will be the best investment for our herd or the most effective timing to apply micronutrients to increases crop yields. Farmers are perfectly happy to skip many of the rest of the world’s interesting topics to endlessly ponder how to be better at their life’s work. Farmers are constantly curious, driven to learn new things and have a knack for using all that knowledge to make improvements to the world around them. It is one of the hallmarks of farmers; they never stop learning and growing. Sadly, Hollywood stereotypes often get farmers completely wrong. They are made out to be simple, uneducated and witless when reality could not be further from the truth. Farmers are well versed in more subjects than most professionals are because they have to be. They are hardwired to grow not just crops or animals but also themselves. I was reminded recently of just how committed farmers are to continuous improvement. On a beautiful spring night a few days before rain when most farmers had long lists of projects to accomplish, a group of farmers from across our county quit early (or at least took a long break) to attend our county’s wheat test plot tour. Test plots, for those not familiar with them, are hundreds of trials with a selection of varieties of the same crop. These plots allow them to observe how varieties perform against each other in real-world conditions. Plot organizers typically host a tour during the growing season as an educational opportunity for local farmers. During the 90-minute tour, I found myself thinking about how people outside of agriculture would probably be surprised to hear the highly technical presentations and lively discussions in the plot. Farmers switching from discussions of soil pH to disease tolerance to length of maturity all with the goal of understanding which varieties will be the right fit on their farm. Farmers know the pH, soil type and amount of organic matter in every field they farm. Farmers use their understanding of chemistry to select nutrients to neutralize soil pH for healthier plants. They utilize knowledge of soil types to adjust tillage practices, which can increase organic matter and prevent erosion. They use their understanding of genetics and plant physiology to match varieties to their needs. All of that technical knowledge is just for the decision of what, when and how to plant. Farmers still have to grow, harvest and sell their crops using their extensive knowledge of mechanics, marketing, technology, accounting and various other disciplines. In addition, some of them have livestock too, which adds a completely different category of biology to the mix. Most farmers don’t talk much about what they do. Some may be too busy, and others don’t think they are doing anything special, but I disagree. Our local farmers are growing crops and livestock to feed you, me, and people all over the world. The next time you sit down for a meal, I hope you will stop and take a minute to appreciate the all the growth that went into your meal.

"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 KFB" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt. Photo courtesy KFB</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancherYou can tell a lot about people by the types of philosophical questions they like to debate. Many people ponder sports greats, classic cars, blockbuster movies or which superpowers are the best. In my house, these debates usually center on farming practices. We discuss which bull will be the best investment for our herd or the most effective timing to apply micronutrients to increases crop yields. Farmers are perfectly happy to skip many of the rest of the world’s interesting topics to endlessly ponder how to be better at their life’s work. Farmers are constantly curious, driven to learn new things and have a knack for using all that knowledge to make improvements to the world around them. It is one of the hallmarks of farmers; they never stop learning and growing. Sadly, Hollywood stereotypes often get farmers completely wrong. They are made out to be simple, uneducated and witless when reality could not be further from the truth. Farmers are well versed in more subjects than most professionals are because they have to be. They are hardwired to grow not just crops or animals but also themselves. I was reminded recently of just how committed farmers are to continuous improvement. On a beautiful spring night a few days before rain when most farmers had long lists of projects to accomplish, a group of farmers from across our county quit early (or at least took a long break) to attend our county’s wheat test plot tour. Test plots, for those not familiar with them, are hundreds of trials with a selection of varieties of the same crop. These plots allow them to observe how varieties perform against each other in real-world conditions. Plot organizers typically host a tour during the growing season as an educational opportunity for local farmers. During the 90-minute tour, I found myself thinking about how people outside of agriculture would probably be surprised to hear the highly technical presentations and lively discussions in the plot. Farmers switching from discussions of soil pH to disease tolerance to length of maturity all with the goal of understanding which varieties will be the right fit on their farm. Farmers know the pH, soil type and amount of organic matter in every field they farm. Farmers use their understanding of chemistry to select nutrients to neutralize soil pH for healthier plants. They utilize knowledge of soil types to adjust tillage practices, which can increase organic matter and prevent erosion. They use their understanding of genetics and plant physiology to match varieties to their needs. All of that technical knowledge is just for the decision of what, when and how to plant. Farmers still have to grow, harvest and sell their crops using their extensive knowledge of mechanics, marketing, technology, accounting and various other disciplines. In addition, some of them have livestock too, which adds a completely different category of biology to the mix. Most farmers don’t talk much about what they do. Some may be too busy, and others don’t think they are doing anything special, but I disagree. Our local farmers are growing crops and livestock to feed you, me, and people all over the world. The next time you sit down for a meal, I hope you will stop and take a minute to appreciate the all the growth that went into your meal."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: Growing crops, cattle, and curiosity

The Saline County Sheriff's Office has a message for drivers: buckle up every trip.

Friday through May 31, travelers can expect increased law enforcement presence on Saline County roadways as the sheriff's office joins 180 other agencies in aggressively enforcing Kansas occupant restraint and other traffic laws as part of the 2021 Kansas Click It or Ticket campaign.

The event is supported by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation.

"First, I want to thank the drivers that take their safety seriously and buckle up every trip," Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said. "I also want people to know that day or night, the Saline County Sheriff's Office is committed to aggressively ticketing violators of adult seat belt and child safety laws, as well as other traffic infractions, which make the need for occupant restraint so necessary."

The purpose of the campaign is to drastically reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries that occur when unbelted drivers and passengers are involved in traffic crashes. Approximately 345 people are involved in 170 crashes each day in Kansas, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. Only seven percent of people who are unbelted are likely to escape without injury. Half of all fatalities occur among those who are not wearing seat belts.

The campaign will provide extra enforcement of both the Kansas Safety Belt Use Act and the Kansas Child Passenger Safety Act. According to the sheriff's office, these statutes require that all vehicle occupants must be appropriately restrained.

Additionally, Kansas law prohibits children under age 14 from riding in any part of a vehicle not intended for carrying passengers, such as a pickup bed. 

For answers to child safety restraint questions and the location of the nearest safety seat fitting station or safety seat technician, contact the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office at 800-416-2522 or via email at <a href="mailto:ktsro@dccca.org">ktsro@dccca.org</a>. For information about the car seat distribution program, visit <a href="http://www.safekidskansas.org">safekidskansas.org</a>.

The Saline County Sheriff's Office has a message for drivers: buckle up every trip.Friday through May 31, travelers can expect increased law enforcement presence on Saline County roadways as the sheriff's office joins 180 other agencies in aggressively enforcing Kansas occupant restraint and other traffic laws as part of the 2021 Kansas Click It or Ticket campaign.The event is supported by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation."First, I want to thank the drivers that take their safety seriously and buckle up every trip," Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said. "I also want people to know that day or night, the Saline County Sheriff's Office is committed to aggressively ticketing violators of adult seat belt and child safety laws, as well as other traffic infractions, which make the need for occupant restraint so necessary."The purpose of the campaign is to drastically reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries that occur when unbelted drivers and passengers are involved in traffic crashes. Approximately 345 people are involved in 170 crashes each day in Kansas, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. Only seven percent of people who are unbelted are likely to escape without injury. Half of all fatalities occur among those who are not wearing seat belts.The campaign will provide extra enforcement of both the Kansas Safety Belt Use Act and the Kansas Child Passenger Safety Act. According to the sheriff's office, these statutes require that all vehicle occupants must be appropriately restrained.Additionally, Kansas law prohibits children under age 14 from riding in any part of a vehicle not intended for carrying passengers, such as a pickup bed. For answers to child safety restraint questions and the location of the nearest safety seat fitting station or safety seat technician, contact the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office at 800-416-2522 or via email at <a href="mailto:ktsro@dccca.org">ktsro@dccca.org</a>. For information about the car seat distribution program, visit <a href="http://www.safekidskansas.org">safekidskansas.org</a>.

Saline County Sheriff's Office joining in Click or Ticket campaign 

Today is Wednesday, May 19, the 139th day of 2021. There are 226 days left in the year. 

On May 19, 1967, the Soviet Union ratified a treaty with the United States and Britain, banning nuclear and other weapons from outer space as well as celestial bodies such as the moon. (The treaty entered into force in October 1967.)

In 1536, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of England's King Henry VIII, was beheaded after being convicted of adultery. 

In 1864, American author Nathaniel Hawthorne, 59, died in Plymouth, New Hampshire.

In 1913, California Gov. Hiram Johnson signed the Webb-Hartley Law prohibiting "aliens ineligible to citizenship" from owning farm land, a measure targeting Asian immigrants, particularly Japanese. 

In 1920, ten people were killed in a gun battle between coal miners, who were led by a local police chief, and a group of private security guards hired to evict them for joining a union in Matewan, a small "company town" in West Virginia.

In 1921, Congress passed, and President Warren G. Harding signed, the Emergency Quota Act, which established national quotas for immigrants. 

In 1935, T.E. Lawrence, also known as "Lawrence of Arabia," died in Dorset, England, six days after being injured in a motorcycle crash. 

In 1943, in his second wartime address to the U.S. Congress, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill pledged his country's full support in the fight against Japan; that evening, Churchill met with President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House, where the two leaders agreed on May 1, 1944 as the date for the D-Day invasion of France (the operation ended up being launched more than a month later). 

In 1981, five British soldiers were killed by an Irish Republican Army land mine in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. 

In 1993, the Clinton White House set off a political storm by abruptly firing the entire staff of its travel office; five of the seven staffers were later reinstated and assigned to other duties. 

In 1994, former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died in New York at age 64. 

In 2003, WorldCom Inc. agreed to pay investors $500 million to settle civil fraud charges. 

In 2019, "Game of Thrones" aired its 73rd and final episode on HBO, with a record-setting number of viewers. 

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama for the first time endorsed the Palestinians' demand that their eventual state be based on borders that existed before the 1967 Middle East war, a position that put him sharply at odds with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Katie Couric, the first regular solo anchorwoman of a network evening newscast, signed off the "CBS Evening News" for the last time after five years.

Five years ago: An EgyptAir jetliner en route from Paris to Cairo with 66 people aboard swerved wildly in flight before crashing into the Mediterranean Sea, killing all on board. Veteran "60 Minutes" correspondent Morley Safer died in New York at age 84. Actor-comedian Alan Young, who played straight man to a talking horse in the 1960s sitcom "Mister Ed," died in Woodland Hills, California, at age 96.

One year ago: A Trump administration policy of quickly expelling most migrants stopped along the border because of the COVID-19 pandemic was indefinitely extended. President Donald Trump attacked the validity of a study of veterans that raised alarms about the malaria drug Trump had been actively promoting as a treatment for the coronavirus. Annie Glenn, widow of astronaut and senator John Glenn and later an advocate for people with speech disorders, died at a Minnesota nursing home at the age of 100.

Today's Birthdays: TV personality David Hartman is 86. Actor James Fox is 82. Actor Nancy Kwan is 82. Rock singer-composer Pete Townshend (The Who) is 76. Concert pianist David Helfgott is 74. Rock singer-musician Dusty Hill (ZZ Top) is 72. College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL player Archie Manning is 72. Singer-actor Grace Jones is 70. Rock musician Phil Rudd is 67. Actor Steven Ford is 65. Actor Toni Lewis is 61. Rock musician Iain Harvie (Del Amitri) is 59. Actor Polly Walker is 55. Actor Jason Gray-Stanford is 51. Gospel singer Israel Houghton is 50. Rock singer Jenny Berggren (Ace of Base) is 49. Former race car driver Dario Franchitti is 48. TV personality Kim Zolciak Biermann (TV: "Real Housewives of Atlanta") is 43. Country/rock singer Shooter Jennings is 42. Actor Drew Fuller is 41. Actor-comedian Michael Che (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 38. Christian rock musician Tim McTague (Underoath) is 38. Actor Eric Lloyd is 35. Pop singer Sam Smith is 29. Actor Nolan Lyons is 20.

<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, May 19, the 139th day of 2021. There are 226 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On May 19, 1967, the Soviet Union ratified a treaty with the United States and Britain, banning nuclear and other weapons from outer space as well as celestial bodies such as the moon. (The treaty entered into force in October 1967.)On this date: In 1536, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of England's King Henry VIII, was beheaded after being convicted of adultery. In 1864, American author Nathaniel Hawthorne, 59, died in Plymouth, New Hampshire.In 1913, California Gov. Hiram Johnson signed the Webb-Hartley Law prohibiting "aliens ineligible to citizenship" from owning farm land, a measure targeting Asian immigrants, particularly Japanese. In 1920, ten people were killed in a gun battle between coal miners, who were led by a local police chief, and a group of private security guards hired to evict them for joining a union in Matewan, a small "company town" in West Virginia.In 1921, Congress passed, and President Warren G. Harding signed, the Emergency Quota Act, which established national quotas for immigrants. In 1935, T.E. Lawrence, also known as "Lawrence of Arabia," died in Dorset, England, six days after being injured in a motorcycle crash. In 1943, in his second wartime address to the U.S. Congress, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill pledged his country's full support in the fight against Japan; that evening, Churchill met with President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House, where the two leaders agreed on May 1, 1944 as the date for the D-Day invasion of France (the operation ended up being launched more than a month later). In 1981, five British soldiers were killed by an Irish Republican Army land mine in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. In 1993, the Clinton White House set off a political storm by abruptly firing the entire staff of its travel office; five of the seven staffers were later reinstated and assigned to other duties. In 1994, former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died in New York at age 64. In 2003, WorldCom Inc. agreed to pay investors $500 million to settle civil fraud charges. In 2019, "Game of Thrones" aired its 73rd and final episode on HBO, with a record-setting number of viewers. Ten years ago: President Barack Obama for the first time endorsed the Palestinians' demand that their eventual state be based on borders that existed before the 1967 Middle East war, a position that put him sharply at odds with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Katie Couric, the first regular solo anchorwoman of a network evening newscast, signed off the "CBS Evening News" for the last time after five years.Five years ago: An EgyptAir jetliner en route from Paris to Cairo with 66 people aboard swerved wildly in flight before crashing into the Mediterranean Sea, killing all on board. Veteran "60 Minutes" correspondent Morley Safer died in New York at age 84. Actor-comedian Alan Young, who played straight man to a talking horse in the 1960s sitcom "Mister Ed," died in Woodland Hills, California, at age 96. One year ago: A Trump administration policy of quickly expelling most migrants stopped along the border because of the COVID-19 pandemic was indefinitely extended. President Donald Trump attacked the validity of a study of veterans that raised alarms about the malaria drug Trump had been actively promoting as a treatment for the coronavirus. Annie Glenn, widow of astronaut and senator John Glenn and later an advocate for people with speech disorders, died at a Minnesota nursing home at the age of 100.Today's Birthdays: TV personality David Hartman is 86. Actor James Fox is 82. Actor Nancy Kwan is 82. Rock singer-composer Pete Townshend (The Who) is 76. Concert pianist David Helfgott is 74. Rock singer-musician Dusty Hill (ZZ Top) is 72. College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL player Archie Manning is 72. Singer-actor Grace Jones is 70. Rock musician Phil Rudd is 67. Actor Steven Ford is 65. Actor Toni Lewis is 61. Rock musician Iain Harvie (Del Amitri) is 59. Actor Polly Walker is 55. Actor Jason Gray-Stanford is 51. Gospel singer Israel Houghton is 50. Rock singer Jenny Berggren (Ace of Base) is 49. Former race car driver Dario Franchitti is 48. TV personality Kim Zolciak Biermann (TV: "Real Housewives of Atlanta") is 43. Country/rock singer Shooter Jennings is 42. Actor Drew Fuller is 41. Actor-comedian Michael Che (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 38. Christian rock musician Tim McTague (Underoath) is 38. Actor Eric Lloyd is 35. Pop singer Sam Smith is 29. Actor Nolan Lyons is 20.

Today in History - May 19

LAMONI, Iowa - The honor roll lists for Graceland University's 2021 spring term have been announced, and Jericho&nbsp;Fief&nbsp;of&nbsp;Clay Center has been named to the&nbsp;honors list.

Graceland&nbsp;University students with a GPA between 3.65 and 3.99 are named to the honors list. Congratulations, Jericho! Graceland commends you on your academic success.

Founded in 1895 and sponsored by Community of Christ, Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, is more than just a school. It is a community of passionate, caring and dedicated individuals who put their relationships with students first. Campuses are located in Lamoni, Iowa, and Independence, Missouri. For more information and to see additional student achievements, follow&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/wt5GZ8wkrVUsB_wQqbNW9UPzvGGyESiHdyFopHeHPWEshENDG4tiFbQztxBJG4jU/3bz/so2WmNF4TEC97RkZcxu7XQ/h3/OPYxu20dazoNDvHB-NDMp75AkUHG_OMcI24QO_1HGJQ" target="_blank">@gracelandu</a>&nbsp;on Twitter and like&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/EK01aZvwbK530bRKUIS7kJPATjke-T9aQh3xU_38MG-VBMMIgD1eLr60PwD2_34QcqEMPIy8dxn5v_tAwW4AWQ/3bz/so2WmNF4TEC97RkZcxu7XQ/h4/HeS_viOJbFlF8V7Z4vCwRIvpA_8YgabMLWeVzOgu_V0" target="_blank">Graceland University</a>&nbsp;on Facebook, or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/zEzdDglKYC62zUkJJXdVlO-tThBXHrUiGlT3APC7KeQ/3bz/so2WmNF4TEC97RkZcxu7XQ/h5/Ejg_L4fHlRshV_7wGCYVeN9QFcPMDu9J5Xt_FiQZOrM" target="_blank">www.graceland.edu</a>.

LAMONI, Iowa - The honor roll lists for Graceland University's 2021 spring term have been announced, and Jericho&nbsp;Fief&nbsp;of&nbsp;Clay Center has been named to the&nbsp;honors list.Graceland&nbsp;University students with a GPA between 3.65 and 3.99 are named to the honors list. Congratulations, Jericho! Graceland commends you on your academic success.Founded in 1895 and sponsored by Community of Christ, Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, is more than just a school. It is a community of passionate, caring and dedicated individuals who put their relationships with students first. Campuses are located in Lamoni, Iowa, and Independence, Missouri. For more information and to see additional student achievements, follow&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/wt5GZ8wkrVUsB_wQqbNW9UPzvGGyESiHdyFopHeHPWEshENDG4tiFbQztxBJG4jU/3bz/so2WmNF4TEC97RkZcxu7XQ/h3/OPYxu20dazoNDvHB-NDMp75AkUHG_OMcI24QO_1HGJQ" target="_blank">@gracelandu</a>&nbsp;on Twitter and like&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/EK01aZvwbK530bRKUIS7kJPATjke-T9aQh3xU_38MG-VBMMIgD1eLr60PwD2_34QcqEMPIy8dxn5v_tAwW4AWQ/3bz/so2WmNF4TEC97RkZcxu7XQ/h4/HeS_viOJbFlF8V7Z4vCwRIvpA_8YgabMLWeVzOgu_V0" target="_blank">Graceland University</a>&nbsp;on Facebook, or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/zEzdDglKYC62zUkJJXdVlO-tThBXHrUiGlT3APC7KeQ/3bz/so2WmNF4TEC97RkZcxu7XQ/h5/Ejg_L4fHlRshV_7wGCYVeN9QFcPMDu9J5Xt_FiQZOrM" target="_blank">www.graceland.edu</a>.

Clay Center's Fief named to Graceland University honor roll

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<a href="https://salinapost.com/download">Click here to download from the App Store or Google Play.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621392150279.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The new and improved Salina Post native app for iOS and Android devices is now available FREE for your mobile device.<a href="https://salinapost.com/download">Click here to download from the App Store or Google Play.</a>

Have you tried the free Salina Post app yet? Better go get it!

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

Let’s sign up for a subscription – not just for your local newspaper, or for Netflix, or for groceries, but for flowers. Today we’ll meet an entrepreneurial Kansan who is growing beautiful flowers and then distributing them by subscription.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Glennys Doane is the founder of this innovative business known as Prairie Field Flowers. Glennys and her husband Gary live west of Downs. Gary farms and Glennys is a longtime volunteer in local schools.&nbsp;

Glennys’ mother came from the rural community of Alden, population 148 people. Now, that’s rural. Glennys attended Sterling College and then got a master’s at Kansas State University, where she met Gary.&nbsp;

“My mom always had flowers,” Glennys said. “Gary’s mom always had flowers.” For years, the Doanes sold their own sweet corn direct to consumers from the farmstead west of Downs, so they were used to retail customers. “We enjoy working with the public,” Glennys said.&nbsp;

“We had a couple of acres unutilized,” Glennys said. “One winter, I was looking through seed catalogs and thought, ‘Maybe I could plant flowers in there,’” she said. Glennys did research and reached out online to flower producers across the nation. “One of my online mentors is in Virginia Beach, Virginia,” Glennys said. “She is so limited in the space she has in which to operate. Urban farmers told me that if they can get a quarter acre, they are ecstatic. I realized I have the land resource right here,” she said.&nbsp;

No one at the local farmers markets was vending flowers, so Glennys decided to try it. Then she came up with the innovative idea to sell subscriptions to those who would want flowers regularly.&nbsp;

She named her business Prairie Field Flowers. The growing process begins with seeds planted in tiny three-quarter inch soil blocks. “This is a very efficient use of space,” Glennys said. “We can do this on a countertop in the basement.” Once the seedlings sprout, they are transplanted into her flower field. “Gary’s a big help on all this,” she said.&nbsp;

Glennys practices succession planting – not succession planning, succession planting.&nbsp;&nbsp;She plans and plants different types and varieties of flowers to mature at different stages through the growing season.&nbsp;

In addition to farmers markets, the flowers are marketed in two ways: One is individual bouquets, arranged and delivered on demand; and the other is through the subscription service.&nbsp;

“The subscription can be for the workplace or the home,” Glennys said. Subscribers will receive farm fresh, local flowers arranged in small or large bouquets that can be delivered once or twice per month from April through September.&nbsp;

“A business might subscribe because they always want fresh local flowers on the receptionist’s counter,” Glennys said. One subscriber regularly gets flowers for her desk at a bank in Beloit, for example.&nbsp;

Many buyers are millennials. Their daughter Amy, a young professional who lives nearby, is case in point. “My generation is used to subscribing to things,” Amy said.&nbsp;

Glennys delivers the flowers and can exchange and recycle vases for the next delivery.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We provide whatever is in season or blooming,” Glennys said. That means she gets to plant lots of different flowers, such as sunflowers, zinnias, daffodils, cosmos, daisies, tulips, iris, peonies and more. She also grows supplementary foliage such as lemon and cinnamon basil, bells of Ireland, dianthus, sweet rocket, larkspur, ageratum and others.&nbsp;

Glennys has found that flowers bring joy to both the giver and the recipient. “That’s the beauty of it,” Glennys said. “I love delivering flowers and seeing people’s eyes light up,” she said. “You need beauty in your life. You need art in your life,” she said.&nbsp;

As one subscriber wrote: “The flowers are beautiful. I’ve had so much fun with this.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thanks for making my days brighter with beautiful flowers.”&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.prairiefieldflowers.com/" target="_blank">www.prairiefieldflowers.com</a>.&nbsp;

Let’s sign up for a subscription – not just for newspapers, but for flowers. We commend Glennys and Gary Doane for making a difference with this innovative way to market flowers and beautify the world around them. I hope their business continues to blossom.&nbsp;

There is more about Downs. We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.

Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600566316666.jpeg" alt="Ron Wilson. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State UniversityLet’s sign up for a subscription – not just for your local newspaper, or for Netflix, or for groceries, but for flowers. Today we’ll meet an entrepreneurial Kansan who is growing beautiful flowers and then distributing them by subscription.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Glennys Doane is the founder of this innovative business known as Prairie Field Flowers. Glennys and her husband Gary live west of Downs. Gary farms and Glennys is a longtime volunteer in local schools.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621429692293.jpeg" alt="Glennys Doane. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Glennys Doane. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>Glennys’ mother came from the rural community of Alden, population 148 people. Now, that’s rural. Glennys attended Sterling College and then got a master’s at Kansas State University, where she met Gary.&nbsp;“My mom always had flowers,” Glennys said. “Gary’s mom always had flowers.” For years, the Doanes sold their own sweet corn direct to consumers from the farmstead west of Downs, so they were used to retail customers. “We enjoy working with the public,” Glennys said.&nbsp;“We had a couple of acres unutilized,” Glennys said. “One winter, I was looking through seed catalogs and thought, ‘Maybe I could plant flowers in there,’” she said. Glennys did research and reached out online to flower producers across the nation. “One of my online mentors is in Virginia Beach, Virginia,” Glennys said. “She is so limited in the space she has in which to operate. Urban farmers told me that if they can get a quarter acre, they are ecstatic. I realized I have the land resource right here,” she said.&nbsp;No one at the local farmers markets was vending flowers, so Glennys decided to try it. Then she came up with the innovative idea to sell subscriptions to those who would want flowers regularly.&nbsp;She named her business Prairie Field Flowers. The growing process begins with seeds planted in tiny three-quarter inch soil blocks. “This is a very efficient use of space,” Glennys said. “We can do this on a countertop in the basement.” Once the seedlings sprout, they are transplanted into her flower field. “Gary’s a big help on all this,” she said.&nbsp;Glennys practices succession planting – not succession planning, succession planting.&nbsp;&nbsp;She plans and plants different types and varieties of flowers to mature at different stages through the growing season.&nbsp;In addition to farmers markets, the flowers are marketed in two ways: One is individual bouquets, arranged and delivered on demand; and the other is through the subscription service.&nbsp;“The subscription can be for the workplace or the home,” Glennys said. Subscribers will receive farm fresh, local flowers arranged in small or large bouquets that can be delivered once or twice per month from April through September.&nbsp;“A business might subscribe because they always want fresh local flowers on the receptionist’s counter,” Glennys said. One subscriber regularly gets flowers for her desk at a bank in Beloit, for example.&nbsp;Many buyers are millennials. Their daughter Amy, a young professional who lives nearby, is case in point. “My generation is used to subscribing to things,” Amy said.&nbsp;Glennys delivers the flowers and can exchange and recycle vases for the next delivery.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We provide whatever is in season or blooming,” Glennys said. That means she gets to plant lots of different flowers, such as sunflowers, zinnias, daffodils, cosmos, daisies, tulips, iris, peonies and more. She also grows supplementary foliage such as lemon and cinnamon basil, bells of Ireland, dianthus, sweet rocket, larkspur, ageratum and others.&nbsp;Glennys has found that flowers bring joy to both the giver and the recipient. “That’s the beauty of it,” Glennys said. “I love delivering flowers and seeing people’s eyes light up,” she said. “You need beauty in your life. You need art in your life,” she said.&nbsp;As one subscriber wrote: “The flowers are beautiful. I’ve had so much fun with this.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thanks for making my days brighter with beautiful flowers.”&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.prairiefieldflowers.com/" target="_blank">www.prairiefieldflowers.com</a>.&nbsp;Let’s sign up for a subscription – not just for newspapers, but for flowers. We commend Glennys and Gary Doane for making a difference with this innovative way to market flowers and beautify the world around them. I hope their business continues to blossom.&nbsp;There is more about Downs. We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

NOW THAT'S RURAL: Glennys Doane, Prairie Field Flowers

GYPSUM - A minor earthquake rattled southeastern Saline County early Tuesday afternoon.

According to the Kansas Geological Survey, the 2.4 magnitude quake struck southwest of Gypsum at 12:48 p.m. It was just west of S. Kipp Road between E. Hedberg Road and E. Lapsley Road.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621397757119.png" alt="Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy Kansas Geological Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>GYPSUM - A minor earthquake rattled southeastern Saline County early Tuesday afternoon.According to the Kansas Geological Survey, the 2.4 magnitude quake struck southwest of Gypsum at 12:48 p.m. It was just west of S. Kipp Road between E. Hedberg Road and E. Lapsley Road.

Small quake rattles southeastern Saline County Tuesday

The Sunset Sinners are in the running for a Group of the Year Award from the largest independent artist award show in the world.

The band -- comprised of Blake Blackim, Tony Bowell, and Brad Johnson of Salina and Chris Brungardt of Hays -- are in the running for Group of the Year in the Southern Rock/Country Rock category of the upcoming Josie Music Awards. 

The Seventh annual Josie Music Awards event is scheduled for Sept. 17-18 in the Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

According to the organization's <a href="https://www.josiemusicawards.com/">website</a>, "the Josie Music Awards was created solely to celebrate those in the independent music industry that work so hard every day and deserve to have a night of their own."

Blackim, Sunset Sinners' drummer, told Salina Post that the award nomination came about after he was interviewed a few weeks ago on The Josie Show by Josie Passantino, who also is the namesake of the awards show. The internet radio show can be heard on Thursday nights.

<a href="https://www.blogtalkradio.com/josieshow/2021/04/16/josie-show-episode-535-guests-hannah-bell-and-blake-blackim-of-sunset-sinners">Hear Blackim's interview here</a>&nbsp;(He is the second of two artists interviewed that night.)

During the interview, Passantino focused on two of the Sunset Sinners' songs: Always Time for One More Beer and Old Glory.

Blackim said Passantino encouraged the band to submit Always Time for One More Beer for award consideration. As it turned out, the song led to the Sunset Sinners being nominated for Group of the Year in the Southern Rock/Country Rock category.

Receiving the nomination was no easy task, however. According to the Josie Music Awards <a href="https://www.josiemusicawards.com/">website</a>, "Nominee suggestions go through a lengthy review process by a team of industry leaders and the official nomination list is created from their final decisions. Winners are also selected by this industry leader team (this review team has no connection to independent artists)."

Blackim said the team went through nearly 39,000 entries before selecting the award nominees. 

See the Josie Music Awards nominee list <a href="https://www.josiemusicawards.com/official-2021-nominees.html">here</a>

Busy spring and summer for the band

Fresh off a recent concert at the Arkansas City Halfalalah event, Blackim and Bowell are headed to Nashville next week for a multi-day radio tour promoting Old Glory, thanks to the Spin Doctors Music Group, with whom the band recently signed.

Blackim said that the Spin Doctor's forte is getting the music of bands such as the Sunset Sinners playing on radio stations in the United States. The band already has developed quite a following in Europe where it is much easier to get music on the air, he said.

On May 28, the Sunset Sinners' newest song, Tavern Sandy, is scheduled for release in the United States. It already is playing in Europe, Blackim said. The band also is planning to release an album later this summer.

In June, the band is scheduled to perform during the Kicker Country Stampede in Topeka. The Sunset Sinners also are headlining the 45th Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina on Labor Day weekend.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/00bd6852-813f-4afa-b6d7-1a63573ac8f7">Sunset Sinners to headline at the Smoky Hill River Festival</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608652164504.jpeg" alt="The Sunset Sinners, from left, Brad Johnson, Tony Bowell, Blake Blackim, and Chris Brungardt. All photos courtesy Blake Blackim" />
 <figcaption>The Sunset Sinners, from left, Brad Johnson, Tony Bowell, Blake Blackim, and Chris Brungardt. All photos courtesy Blake Blackim</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThe Sunset Sinners are in the running for a Group of the Year Award from the largest independent artist award show in the world.The band -- comprised of Blake Blackim, Tony Bowell, and Brad Johnson of Salina and Chris Brungardt of Hays -- are in the running for Group of the Year in the Southern Rock/Country Rock category of the upcoming Josie Music Awards. The Seventh annual Josie Music Awards event is scheduled for Sept. 17-18 in the Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.According to the organization's <a href="https://www.josiemusicawards.com/">website</a>, "the Josie Music Awards was created solely to celebrate those in the independent music industry that work so hard every day and deserve to have a night of their own." Blackim, Sunset Sinners' drummer, told Salina Post that the award nomination came about after he was interviewed a few weeks ago on The Josie Show by Josie Passantino, who also is the namesake of the awards show. The internet radio show can be heard on Thursday nights.<a href="https://www.blogtalkradio.com/josieshow/2021/04/16/josie-show-episode-535-guests-hannah-bell-and-blake-blackim-of-sunset-sinners">Hear Blackim's interview here</a>&nbsp;(He is the second of two artists interviewed that night.)During the interview, Passantino focused on two of the Sunset Sinners' songs: Always Time for One More Beer and Old Glory.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k0VjeSh3co8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Blackim said Passantino encouraged the band to submit Always Time for One More Beer for award consideration. As it turned out, the song led to the Sunset Sinners being nominated for Group of the Year in the Southern Rock/Country Rock category.Receiving the nomination was no easy task, however. According to the Josie Music Awards <a href="https://www.josiemusicawards.com/">website</a>, "Nominee suggestions go through a lengthy review process by a team of industry leaders and the official nomination list is created from their final decisions. Winners are also selected by this industry leader team (this review team has no connection to independent artists)."Blackim said the team went through nearly 39,000 entries before selecting the award nominees. See the Josie Music Awards nominee list <a href="https://www.josiemusicawards.com/official-2021-nominees.html">here</a>Busy spring and summer for the bandFresh off a recent concert at the Arkansas City Halfalalah event, Blackim and Bowell are headed to Nashville next week for a multi-day radio tour promoting Old Glory, thanks to the Spin Doctors Music Group, with whom the band recently signed. <div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UmNRjTStiqs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Blackim said that the Spin Doctor's forte is getting the music of bands such as the Sunset Sinners playing on radio stations in the United States. The band already has developed quite a following in Europe where it is much easier to get music on the air, he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621383922652.jpeg" alt="The "Tavern Sandy" cover, including the band's&nbsp;flautist, Brittany Blackim." />
 <figcaption>The "Tavern Sandy" cover, including the band's&nbsp;flautist, Brittany Blackim.</figcaption>
 </figure>On May 28, the Sunset Sinners' newest song, Tavern Sandy, is scheduled for release in the United States. It already is playing in Europe, Blackim said. The band also is planning to release an album later this summer.In June, the band is scheduled to perform during the Kicker Country Stampede in Topeka. The Sunset Sinners also are headlining the 45th Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina on Labor Day weekend.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/00bd6852-813f-4afa-b6d7-1a63573ac8f7">Sunset Sinners to headline at the Smoky Hill River Festival</a>

Sunset Sinners nominated for Group of the Year award

TOPEKA - The Kansas Supreme Court on Tuesday is scheduled to review a petition from a former Smoky Valley Middle School counselor who was convicted of two counts of rape of a child under the age of 14.

Brooke Dinkel, now 40, was convicted in Saline County District Court in 2014. According to court records, the victim was a student at the middle school.

The Supreme Court case summary included that Dinkel's primary defense at trial was that the student raped her. She argued she could not be guilty of rape of a child under age 14 based on the pair's first sexual encounter because the student raped her. She also argued she could not be guilty of rape of a child under age 14 for subsequent encounters because she was suffering from trauma from the first sexual encounter (mental disease or defect) and therefore could not form the requisite intent to commit the crime, according to the summary.

"Dinkel was granted a significant durational departure from a Jessica's law sentence. Instead of a hard-25 life sentence, she was sentenced to 165 months — just under 14 years — on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently," the Kansas Supreme Court summary noted.

Dinkel appealed and the Kansas Court of Appeals affirmed her conviction on the two counts. Dinkel's current petition before the Kansas Supreme Court includes the following issues.

●That the Court of Appeals erred in holding K.S.A. 21-5503(a)(3) imposes absolute criminal liability on an adult victim who is raped by a child.

●That Dinkel was denied her constitutional right to present a defense by the exclusion of mental disease or defect testimony.

●That the Court of Appeals erred in holding the rebuttal testimony of the police officer was neither false nor improper.

●That Dinkel was denied the right to effective assistance of counsel.

All Kansas Supreme Court cases will be heard by videoconference and livestreamed on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1pXIOdkwjkdiLnpXj4Wp8w/live">the court's YouTube channel</a>. Dinkel's case is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591973490000.jpeg" alt="Brooke Dinkel. Photo courtesy Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Brooke Dinkel. Photo courtesy Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTTOPEKA - The Kansas Supreme Court on Tuesday is scheduled to review a petition from a former Smoky Valley Middle School counselor who was convicted of two counts of rape of a child under the age of 14.Brooke Dinkel, now 40, was convicted in Saline County District Court in 2014. According to court records, the victim was a student at the middle school.The Supreme Court case summary included that Dinkel's primary defense at trial was that the student raped her. She argued she could not be guilty of rape of a child under age 14 based on the pair's first sexual encounter because the student raped her. She also argued she could not be guilty of rape of a child under age 14 for subsequent encounters because she was suffering from trauma from the first sexual encounter (mental disease or defect) and therefore could not form the requisite intent to commit the crime, according to the summary."Dinkel was granted a significant durational departure from a Jessica's law sentence. Instead of a hard-25 life sentence, she was sentenced to 165 months — just under 14 years — on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently," the Kansas Supreme Court summary noted.Dinkel appealed and the Kansas Court of Appeals affirmed her conviction on the two counts. Dinkel's current petition before the Kansas Supreme Court includes the following issues.●That the Court of Appeals erred in holding K.S.A. 21-5503(a)(3) imposes absolute criminal liability on an adult victim who is raped by a child.●That Dinkel was denied her constitutional right to present a defense by the exclusion of mental disease or defect testimony.●That the Court of Appeals erred in holding the rebuttal testimony of the police officer was neither false nor improper.●That Dinkel was denied the right to effective assistance of counsel.All Kansas Supreme Court cases will be heard by videoconference and livestreamed on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1pXIOdkwjkdiLnpXj4Wp8w/live">the court's YouTube channel</a>. Dinkel's case is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Kansas Supreme Court to review petition in Brooke Dinkel case

BENNINGTON - Twin Valley USD 240 announced today the hiring of Clay Mettlen as the new principal for Bennington Junior High-High School.

Mettlen currently is an assistant principal at Salina High School Central. He is scheduled to begin his duties with USD 240 on July 1.

Mettlen will bring to his new position 15 year of education experience, including administration, activities director, classroom teacher, and coaching basketball, football, softball, track, and baseball.

Prior working at Salina Central, Mettlen served as assistant principal and activities director at Prairie View High School, and activities director at Quivira Heights High School. His classroom experience includes teaching high school social studies at Republic County, Central Plains, and Quivira Heights.

"The Board feels he was the best candidate and fully qualified to lead the 7-12 building," USD 240 note in a news release on its <a href="https://www.usd240.org/">website</a>.

Mettlen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Doane College (now Doane University) in Nebraska and a Master of Science degree in educational administration from Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621367640263.png" alt="Clay Mettlen. Photo courtesy USD 240" />
 <figcaption>Clay Mettlen. Photo courtesy USD 240</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostBENNINGTON - Twin Valley USD 240 announced today the hiring of Clay Mettlen as the new principal for Bennington Junior High-High School.Mettlen currently is an assistant principal at Salina High School Central. He is scheduled to begin his duties with USD 240 on July 1.Mettlen will bring to his new position 15 year of education experience, including administration, activities director, classroom teacher, and coaching basketball, football, softball, track, and baseball.Prior working at Salina Central, Mettlen served as assistant principal and activities director at Prairie View High School, and activities director at Quivira Heights High School. His classroom experience includes teaching high school social studies at Republic County, Central Plains, and Quivira Heights."The Board feels he was the best candidate and fully qualified to lead the 7-12 building," USD 240 note in a news release on its <a href="https://www.usd240.org/">website</a>.Mettlen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Doane College (now Doane University) in Nebraska and a Master of Science degree in educational administration from Emporia State University.

USD 240 hires Central assistant as new Bennington principal

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

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

Recent obituaries

Pettle’s Flowers is seeking a Part Time Floral Delivery Driver

•This position is needed Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings (Hours may increase during holidays and peak seasons.)

•Driver will provide deliveries of merchandise to customers in the most efficient and safest manner on a daily basis.

•Apply in person at Pettle’s Flowers, 341 Center St., Salina, KS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618973081997.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Pettle’s Flowers is seeking a Part Time Floral Delivery Driver•This position is needed Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings (Hours may increase during holidays and peak seasons.)•Driver will provide deliveries of merchandise to customers in the most efficient and safest manner on a daily basis.•Must have valid driver’s license.•Apply in person at Pettle’s Flowers, 341 Center St., Salina, KSEOE

Mitchell County Sheriff's deputy avoids head-on collision

The votes are in and two area towns are among the winners and finalists for this year's <a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/2661058/best-of-travel-awards-2021/">TravelAwaits' Best of Travel Awards</a>.

Abilene was named Best U.S. Small Town, coming in ahead of Skagway, Alaska, and Boothbay, Maine.

Lindsborg was named the Most Hallmark Movie-esque Small Town, finishing ahead of Warwick, N.Y., and Ponchatoula, La. Lindsborg also was a finalist for Friendliest Small Town, finishing behind Skagway, Alaska. The other finalist in the friendliest category was La Conner, Wash.

TravelAwaits invited readers to vote on small towns, national parks, and outdoor activities, and published the results on Friday.

"Small towns are great places to explore when getting to know a region, and our readers didn’t disappoint when voting for their favorites. Have you been to all of these great towns? If not, carve out some time this summer; you won’t regret it!" Clayton McKibbin wrote in his story about the awards.

Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/visitabilene">Visit Abilene Kansas</a> Facebook page.

By SALINA POSTThe votes are in and two area towns are among the winners and finalists for this year's <a href="https://www.travelawaits.com/2661058/best-of-travel-awards-2021/">TravelAwaits' Best of Travel Awards</a>.Abilene was named Best U.S. Small Town, coming in ahead of Skagway, Alaska, and Boothbay, Maine.Lindsborg was named the Most Hallmark Movie-esque Small Town, finishing ahead of Warwick, N.Y., and Ponchatoula, La. Lindsborg also was a finalist for Friendliest Small Town, finishing behind Skagway, Alaska. The other finalist in the friendliest category was La Conner, Wash.TravelAwaits invited readers to vote on small towns, national parks, and outdoor activities, and published the results on Friday."Small towns are great places to explore when getting to know a region, and our readers didn’t disappoint when voting for their favorites. Have you been to all of these great towns? If not, carve out some time this summer; you won’t regret it!" Clayton McKibbin wrote in his story about the awards.Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/visitabilene">Visit Abilene Kansas</a> Facebook page.

Two area towns among TravelAwaits winners

Do you know of someone who has done a good deed? Recognize that person with a nomination on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>&nbsp;for Comfort Heating &amp; Air's Good Neighbor Award!

Comfort Heating &amp; Air is partnering with Mokas to reward friendship and kindness in the community. Each week they will give away a $50 Mokas gift card and free VIP Clean &amp; Check to someone who has done a good deed for others.

They’re looking for persons who perform acts of kindness in our community; perhaps a neighbor who helps mow your lawn, watches your pets while you’re away, or shares vegetables from his/her garden.

To nominate someone for the Comfort Heating &amp; Air Good Neighbor Award,&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fdb390c2-b6bd-4467-9693-f83f01e740b6#//">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618249218899.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Do you know of someone who has done a good deed? Recognize that person with a nomination on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>&nbsp;for Comfort Heating &amp; Air's Good Neighbor Award!Comfort Heating &amp; Air is partnering with Mokas to reward friendship and kindness in the community. Each week they will give away a $50 Mokas gift card and free VIP Clean &amp; Check to someone who has done a good deed for others.They’re looking for persons who perform acts of kindness in our community; perhaps a neighbor who helps mow your lawn, watches your pets while you’re away, or shares vegetables from his/her garden.To nominate someone for the Comfort Heating &amp; Air Good Neighbor Award,&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fdb390c2-b6bd-4467-9693-f83f01e740b6#//">click here</a>.

Do you have a good neighbor? Comfort wants to hear from you!

The Salina Police Department this morning announced two new officers. From the Salina Police Department Facebook page:

Following are their introductory statements, as provided on the Facebook post.

My name is Atticus Patterson. I have always been passionate about serving my community and have always desired a career in law enforcement.

I received my bachelors degree in Political Science from Gonzaga University and a law degree from the University of San Diego Law School. I have enjoyed getting to know the community here in Salina and am excited to begin my career with the Salina Police Department.

My name is Izaiah Grogan and I am originally form Concordia, Kansas. I served four years in the Marine Corps Infantry as an Anti-tank Missileman and I also graduated Kansas Wesleyan University with Bachelor's degrees in Criminal Justice and Emergency Management.

I have always been drawn to serving my country and community and I aim to continue that drive while serving here in Salina.

The Salina Police Department this morning announced two new officers. From the Salina Police Department Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSalinaKSPD%2Fposts%2F3860129414042391&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="652" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Following are their introductory statements, as provided on the Facebook post.My name is Atticus Patterson. I have always been passionate about serving my community and have always desired a career in law enforcement. I received my bachelors degree in Political Science from Gonzaga University and a law degree from the University of San Diego Law School. I have enjoyed getting to know the community here in Salina and am excited to begin my career with the Salina Police Department. My name is Izaiah Grogan and I am originally form Concordia, Kansas. I served four years in the Marine Corps Infantry as an Anti-tank Missileman and I also graduated Kansas Wesleyan University with Bachelor's degrees in Criminal Justice and Emergency Management. I have always been drawn to serving my country and community and I aim to continue that drive while serving here in Salina.

Salina Police Department introduces new officers

A Salina man was arrested in connection to theft and trespassing incidents Monday.

At 4:40 p.m., officers were sent to Walmart, 2900 S. Ninth Street, for the report of a person who allegedly rode a green and black bicycle out of the store without paying for it, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The bike was valued at $580.

The person was described as a white male wearing a brown shirt, blue jeans, and a camouflage jacket.

Shortly before 5:30 p.m., officers were sent to Wildcat Circle for the report of a burglary in progress. The reporting party and his family were inside the residence when they saw a white male wearing blue jeans and a tan shirt walking into their garage. The resident walked out through the garage and saw the man, who then left the garage and ran from the property carrying a green and black bicycle, Forrester reported. The man, who a witness identified as Joshua Swisher, 38, of Salina, ran onto the nearby flood dike and continued northbound.

A short time later, an off-duty officer saw a person matching Swisher's description riding a bike in the 100 block of S. Kansas Ave. Officers located Swisher in the backyard of a residence in the 100 block of S. Kansas Avenue, Forrester noted.

Swisher was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Forrester.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621344859760.jpeg" alt="Joshua Swisher. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Joshua Swisher. Photo courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man was arrested in connection to theft and trespassing incidents Monday.At 4:40 p.m., officers were sent to Walmart, 2900 S. Ninth Street, for the report of a person who allegedly rode a green and black bicycle out of the store without paying for it, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The bike was valued at $580.The person was described as a white male wearing a brown shirt, blue jeans, and a camouflage jacket.Shortly before 5:30 p.m., officers were sent to Wildcat Circle for the report of a burglary in progress. The reporting party and his family were inside the residence when they saw a white male wearing blue jeans and a tan shirt walking into their garage. The resident walked out through the garage and saw the man, who then left the garage and ran from the property carrying a green and black bicycle, Forrester reported. The man, who a witness identified as Joshua Swisher, 38, of Salina, ran onto the nearby flood dike and continued northbound.A short time later, an off-duty officer saw a person matching Swisher's description riding a bike in the 100 block of S. Kansas Ave. Officers located Swisher in the backyard of a residence in the 100 block of S. Kansas Avenue, Forrester noted.Swisher was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Forrester.TheftThree counts of trespassingInterference with law enforcement

Salina man arrested after alleged theft, trespassing incidents

A lot of water fell on the state earlier in the week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621340453226.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A lot of water fell on the state earlier in the week.

NWS provides look at 3-day rainfall totals

It's almost time for Street Eats &amp; Beats!

The sixth annual event is scheduled for 1-7 p.m. Saturday at the Eric Stein Stage in Oakdale Park. The festival will include stellar food trucks, rockin’ bands, and fun activities for the whole family, according to a news release from the Salina Area Young Professionals, who are the hosts of the event. 

Sponsored by First Bank Kansas and Long McArthur, this event was founded to give back to the community, by creating an opportunity for friends and family to gather and enjoy the arts and entertainment scene that Salina has to offer.

Musical entertainment will kick off at 1 p.m. with DJ Hannah Holt, followed by The Radicles taking the stage at 3 p.m., and Doc and the Disorder wrapping up the festival from 5-7 p.m.

Enjoy tasty food all afternoon long from Chapman’s Take Away, No Taste Like Home, Dry Creek Buffalo Ranch &amp; Chuck Wagon, French Fry Frenzy, and MMM Root Beer.

Kid - and adult - activities include a Retro Obstacle Course Bounce House from Bounce-A-Roos (from 1–4 p.m.), sidewalk chalk, bubbles and henna and glitter henna tattoos by Smoky Hill Henna.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and coolers and enjoy a gorgeous fall day at the park with friends and family. 

Social distancing will be encouraged and please follow CDC guidelines regarding wearing a mask. Hand sanitizing stations will be available in several locations. If you are sick or have had a fever in the last 48 hours, please stay home.

Admission to the event, entertainment, and most activities are open to the public at no charge. All food trucks and Smoky Hill Henna will be additional costs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621308309847.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It's almost time for Street Eats &amp; Beats!The sixth annual event is scheduled for 1-7 p.m. Saturday at the Eric Stein Stage in Oakdale Park. The festival will include stellar food trucks, rockin’ bands, and fun activities for the whole family, according to a news release from the Salina Area Young Professionals, who are the hosts of the event. Sponsored by First Bank Kansas and Long McArthur, this event was founded to give back to the community, by creating an opportunity for friends and family to gather and enjoy the arts and entertainment scene that Salina has to offer.Musical entertainment will kick off at 1 p.m. with DJ Hannah Holt, followed by The Radicles taking the stage at 3 p.m., and Doc and the Disorder wrapping up the festival from 5-7 p.m.Enjoy tasty food all afternoon long from Chapman’s Take Away, No Taste Like Home, Dry Creek Buffalo Ranch &amp; Chuck Wagon, French Fry Frenzy, and MMM Root Beer.Kid - and adult - activities include a Retro Obstacle Course Bounce House from Bounce-A-Roos (from 1–4 p.m.), sidewalk chalk, bubbles and henna and glitter henna tattoos by Smoky Hill Henna.Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and coolers and enjoy a gorgeous fall day at the park with friends and family. Social distancing will be encouraged and please follow CDC guidelines regarding wearing a mask. Hand sanitizing stations will be available in several locations. If you are sick or have had a fever in the last 48 hours, please stay home.Admission to the event, entertainment, and most activities are open to the public at no charge. All food trucks and Smoky Hill Henna will be additional costs.

Street Eats & Beats Saturday in Oakdale Park

Today is Tuesday, May 18, the 138th day of 2021. There are 227 days left in the year. 

On May 18, 1896, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Plessy v. Ferguson, endorsed "separate but equal" racial segregation, a concept renounced 58 years later by Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. 

In 1642, the Canadian city of Montreal was founded by French colonists. (On this date in 1765, one-quarter of Montreal was destroyed by a fire.) 

In 1652, Rhode Island became the first American colony to pass a law abolishing African slavery; however, the law was apparently never enforced. 

In 1863, the Siege of Vicksburg began during the Civil War, ending July 4 with a Union victory. 

In 1910, Halley's Comet passed by earth, brushing it with its tail. 

<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 Tuesday, May 18, the 138th day of 2021. There are 227 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On May 18, 1896, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Plessy v. Ferguson, endorsed "separate but equal" racial segregation, a concept renounced 58 years later by Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. On this date: In 1642, the Canadian city of Montreal was founded by French colonists. (On this date in 1765, one-quarter of Montreal was destroyed by a fire.) In 1652, Rhode Island became the first American colony to pass a law abolishing African slavery; however, the law was apparently never enforced. In 1863, the Siege of Vicksburg began during the Civil War, ending July 4 with a Union victory. In 1910, Halley's Comet passed by earth, brushing it with its tail. In 1927, in America's deadliest school attack, part of a schoolhouse in Bath Township, Michigan, was blown up with explosives planted by local farmer Andrew Kehoe, who then set off a bomb in his truck; the attacks killed 38 children and six adults, including Kehoe, who'd earlier killed his wife. (Authorities said Kehoe, who suffered financial difficulties, was seeking revenge for losing a township clerk election.)In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a measure creating the Tennessee Valley Authority. In 1944, during World War II, Allied forces occupied Monte Cassino in Italy after a four-month struggle with Axis troops. In 1953, Jacqueline Cochran, 47, became the first woman to break the sound barrier as she piloted a Canadair F-86 Sabre jet over Rogers Dry Lake, California. In 1973, Harvard law professor Archibald Cox was appointed Watergate special prosecutor by U.S. Attorney General Elliot Richardson. In 1980, the Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington state exploded, leaving 57 people dead or missing.In 1981, the New York Native, a gay newspaper, carried a story concerning rumors of "an exotic new disease" among homosexuals; it was the first published report about what came to be known as AIDS. In 2015, President Barack Obama ended long-running federal transfers of some combat-style gear to local law enforcement in an attempt to ease tensions between police and minority communities, saying equipment made for the battlefield should not be a tool of American criminal justice.Ten years ago: Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund, resigned, saying he wanted to devote all his energy to battling the sexual assault charges he faced in New York. (The charges were later dropped.) The United States slapped sanctions on Syrian President Bashar Assad and six others for human rights abuses over their brutal crackdown on antigovernment protests.Five years ago: In an unusual move, Republican Donald Trump released a list of 11 potential Supreme Court justices he would consider if elected president (not included was Trump's eventual first pick for the nation's highest bench, Neil Gorsuch). One year ago: President Donald Trump said he'd been taking a malaria drug, hydroxychloroquine, and a zinc supplement to protect against the coronavirus despite warnings from his own government that the drug should be administered only in a hospital or research setting. Moderna announced that an experimental vaccine against the coronavirus showed encouraging results in early testing. The World Health Organization agreed to launch an independent probe into how it managed the international response to the coronavirus. A federal judge in Virginia ruled that a salvage firm could retrieve from the wreckage of the Titanic the Marconi wireless telegraph machine that broadcast distress calls. Ken Osmond, the actor best known for playing teenage scoundrel Eddie Haskell on TV's "Leave it to Beaver," died in Los Angeles at 76.Today's Birthdays: Actor Priscilla Pointer is 97. Actor Robert Morse is 90. Actor Dwayne Hickman is 87. Baseball Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson is 83. Actor Candice Azzara is 80. Bluegrass singer-musician Rodney Dillard (The Dillards) is 79. Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson is 75. Former Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., is 73. Country singer Joe Bonsall (The Oak Ridge Boys) is 73. Rock musician Rick Wakeman (Yes) is 72. Rock singer Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo) is 71. Actor James Stephens is 70. Country singer George Strait is 69. Actor Chow Yun-Fat is 66. International Tennis Hall of Famer Yannick Noah is 61. Rock singer-musician Page Hamilton is 61. Contemporary Christian musician Barry Graul (MercyMe) is 60. Contemporary Christian singer Michael Tait is 55. Singer-actor Martika is 52. Comedian-writer Tina Fey is 51. Rock singer Jack Johnson is 46. Country singer David Nail is 42. Actor Matt Long is 41. Actor Allen Leech is 40. Christian singer Francesca Battistelli is 36. Actor Spencer Breslin is 29. Actor Violett Beane is 25. Actor Hala Finley is 12.

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