In another sign that winter is almost behind us, Monday kicks off the state's annual Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation designating March 1-5 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in the state. Additionally, the National Weather Service (NWS), the state Division of Emergency Management, and the Kansas Emergency Management Association have teamed up to provide a variety of severe weather preparedness information.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d076192e-561f-4aaa-9278-11c470133541">NWS offering Storm Fury on the Plains virtually this year</a>

Barring severe weather on Tuesday, a statewide tornado safety drill will be conducted at 10 a.m. NWS offices serving Kansas will send out a test tornado warning with live Emergency Alert System (EAS) coding at 10 a.m. The test will allow the warning to access the EAS system to ensure that it is relayed through law enforcement and media communication systems, according to information from the state Adjutant General's Department, which oversees the state Division of Emergency Management. The test will also be broadcast on NOAA Weather Radios and some emergency management partners may also sound sirens depending on the weather conditions. 

"Everyone is encouraged to participate in the drill by practicing seeking secure, safe shelter from a tornado," NWS in Wichita noted on its <a href="http://weather.gov/ict">website</a>. "We encourage everyone to abide by health and safety guidelines related to COVID-19 during the tornado test which includes staying at least 6 feet from other people when possible and wearing a mask. If that's not possible then simply sheltering in place or discussing where you'd go and what you'd do are other options."

The NWS offices in <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/swaw">Wichita</a> and <a href="https://www.weather.gov/top/swaw">Topeka</a> also plan to focus on a number of severe weather safety topics through the week, including:

Like most activities in the past year, the number of tornadoes dropped off drastically in 2020, according to information provided by NWS, the state Division of Emergency Management, and the Kansas Emergency Management Association.

Kansas saw only 17 tornadoes during its 92-day tornado season, which spanned May through August. The first tornado of the year struck Lyon County on the evening of May 14. It was an EF-Unknown that was 25 yards wide and traveled 2.66 miles. The last tornado of the season was an EF-Unknown twister that was 100 yards wide and traveled 1.34 miles through Greeley County on the afternoon of Aug. 14.

"Tornadoes leaving behind no noticeable damage are given an EF-U or EF-Unknown rating. Tornadoes are given a rating based on estimated wind speed. When a tornado does not leave behind damage, it is difficult to near impossible to make a correct wind speed estimate," NWS noted.

The 17 tornado total was 45 below the 1950-2020 average of 62, 71 below the past 30-year average of 88, and 55 below the past 10 year average of 72, according to NWS. Fortunately, no one was killed or injured during any of the 2020 tornadoes.

The longest tracking tornado was an EF1 tornado that tore through 6.2 miles of Seward County on July 1. That tornado also was the strongest of the 2020 twisters.

Greeley and Hamilton counties claimed the title of most tornadoes in a county with three each. Additionally, May 21 saw the most tornadoes in one day at six, while the month of May garnered the most tornadoes in one month title with 11.

NWS in Topeka recalled early morning May 4 supercell thunderstorms that formed in north-central Kansas and tracked southeast across much of NWS-Topeka's service area. The storms produced numerous instances of tennis ball- to baseball-sized hail during the morning, as well as sporadic damaging wind gusts in excess of 70 mph, NWS-Topeka reported. The Abilene Municipal Airport experienced what appeared to have been a downburst of winds that damaged or destroyed several hangers and aircraft, NWS-Topeka noted.

"The storms continued to produce very large hail and sporadic damaging winds through the late morning hours as they tracked southeast across the area. The event was unusual in the sense that most severe weather tends to begin in the late afternoon and last into the evening, whereas the storms on May 4th developed around 6AM and moved out of the area by noon ending the severe weather!" NWS-Topeka explained.

Late June through late July saw heavy rains and flooding wash through parts of our area. 

NWS in Hastings, Neb., recalled heavy rains on June 26-27.

"Anywhere from 2” to 6” of rain was recorded including 5.05” just northeast of Beloit. This prompted relatively minor flooding and drove the Solomon River out of its banks at Beloit with a crest of 22.4 feet (flood stage is 20 feet)," NWS-Hastings noted.

On July 26, more rain soaked Jewell and Mitchell counties, with rainfall totals of four to seven inches recorded.

"Just north of Randall, a driver had to be rescued when their car left the road and ended up in the ditch after encountering water over the road," NWS-Hastings added.

Extremely large hail also pummeled Jewell and Mitchell counties on Aug. 14.

"Jewell County was hit the hardest with copious amounts of tennis to softball sized hail. The large hail caused extensive damage to homes, vehicles and area crops. Hailstones measured at 4” in diameter in Mankato and two miles north of Jewell. The Jewell County EMS Director’s vehicle incurred major damage including a shattered windshield. Total damage for this event was likely in the millions of dollars," NWS-Hastings explained.

Hail also battered parts of NWS-Wichita's service area on May 3-4, including golf ball-sized hail near Lincoln and New Cambria.

NWS-Wichita also reported on an approximate 10-mile-wide band of heavy snow that covered parts of central and north-central Kansas in the early morning of Feb. 25. Snow totals ranged from two to 13 inches.

To see the entire information packet from NWS,&nbsp;the state Division of Emergency Management, and the Kansas Emergency Management Association (19-page pdf), <a href="file:///E:/NWS%20SEVERE%20WEATHER%20AWARENESS%20WEEK%202021.pdf">click here</a>.

Feature photo of a tornado north of Solomon on May 16, 2016, courtesy&nbsp;Ks0stm/Wikimedia Commons, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0">CC BY 4.0</a>,&nbsp;via Wikimedia Commons.

By SALINA POSTIn another sign that winter is almost behind us, Monday kicks off the state's annual Severe Weather Preparedness Week.Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation designating March 1-5 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in the state. Additionally, the National Weather Service (NWS), the state Division of Emergency Management, and the Kansas Emergency Management Association have teamed up to provide a variety of severe weather preparedness information.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d076192e-561f-4aaa-9278-11c470133541">NWS offering Storm Fury on the Plains virtually this year</a>Barring severe weather on Tuesday, a statewide tornado safety drill will be conducted at 10 a.m. NWS offices serving Kansas will send out a test tornado warning with live Emergency Alert System (EAS) coding at 10 a.m. The test will allow the warning to access the EAS system to ensure that it is relayed through law enforcement and media communication systems, according to information from the state Adjutant General's Department, which oversees the state Division of Emergency Management. The test will also be broadcast on NOAA Weather Radios and some emergency management partners may also sound sirens depending on the weather conditions. "Everyone is encouraged to participate in the drill by practicing seeking secure, safe shelter from a tornado," NWS in Wichita noted on its <a href="http://weather.gov/ict">website</a>. "We encourage everyone to abide by health and safety guidelines related to COVID-19 during the tornado test which includes staying at least 6 feet from other people when possible and wearing a mask. If that's not possible then simply sheltering in place or discussing where you'd go and what you'd do are other options."The NWS offices in <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/swaw">Wichita</a> and <a href="https://www.weather.gov/top/swaw">Topeka</a> also plan to focus on a number of severe weather safety topics through the week, including:PreparednessTornado safetyLightning safetyHail/wind safetyFlood safety<h2>Kansas tornadoes in 2020</h2>Like most activities in the past year, the number of tornadoes dropped off drastically in 2020, according to information provided by NWS, the state Division of Emergency Management, and the Kansas Emergency Management Association.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614537909196.png" alt="Tornado locator map courtesy NWS" />
 <figcaption>Tornado locator map courtesy NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas saw only 17 tornadoes during its 92-day tornado season, which spanned May through August. The first tornado of the year struck Lyon County on the evening of May 14. It was an EF-Unknown that was 25 yards wide and traveled 2.66 miles. The last tornado of the season was an EF-Unknown twister that was 100 yards wide and traveled 1.34 miles through Greeley County on the afternoon of Aug. 14."Tornadoes leaving behind no noticeable damage are given an EF-U or EF-Unknown rating. Tornadoes are given a rating based on estimated wind speed. When a tornado does not leave behind damage, it is difficult to near impossible to make a correct wind speed estimate," NWS noted.The 17 tornado total was 45 below the 1950-2020 average of 62, 71 below the past 30-year average of 88, and 55 below the past 10 year average of 72, according to NWS. Fortunately, no one was killed or injured during any of the 2020 tornadoes.The longest tracking tornado was an EF1 tornado that tore through 6.2 miles of Seward County on July 1. That tornado also was the strongest of the 2020 twisters.Greeley and Hamilton counties claimed the title of most tornadoes in a county with three each. Additionally, May 21 saw the most tornadoes in one day at six, while the month of May garnered the most tornadoes in one month title with 11.<h2>Other severe weather in 2020</h2>NWS in Topeka recalled early morning May 4 supercell thunderstorms that formed in north-central Kansas and tracked southeast across much of NWS-Topeka's service area. The storms produced numerous instances of tennis ball- to baseball-sized hail during the morning, as well as sporadic damaging wind gusts in excess of 70 mph, NWS-Topeka reported. The Abilene Municipal Airport experienced what appeared to have been a downburst of winds that damaged or destroyed several hangers and aircraft, NWS-Topeka noted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614538039717.png" alt="Damage at Abilene Municipal Airport. Photo courtesy NWS-Topeka" />
 <figcaption>Damage at Abilene Municipal Airport. Photo courtesy NWS-Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>"The storms continued to produce very large hail and sporadic damaging winds through the late morning hours as they tracked southeast across the area. The event was unusual in the sense that most severe weather tends to begin in the late afternoon and last into the evening, whereas the storms on May 4th developed around 6AM and moved out of the area by noon ending the severe weather!" NWS-Topeka explained.Late June through late July saw heavy rains and flooding wash through parts of our area. NWS in Hastings, Neb., recalled heavy rains on June 26-27."Anywhere from 2” to 6” of rain was recorded including 5.05” just northeast of Beloit. This prompted relatively minor flooding and drove the Solomon River out of its banks at Beloit with a crest of 22.4 feet (flood stage is 20 feet)," NWS-Hastings noted.On July 26, more rain soaked Jewell and Mitchell counties, with rainfall totals of four to seven inches recorded."Just north of Randall, a driver had to be rescued when their car left the road and ended up in the ditch after encountering water over the road," NWS-Hastings added.Extremely large hail also pummeled Jewell and Mitchell counties on Aug. 14."Jewell County was hit the hardest with copious amounts of tennis to softball sized hail. The large hail caused extensive damage to homes, vehicles and area crops. Hailstones measured at 4” in diameter in Mankato and two miles north of Jewell. The Jewell County EMS Director’s vehicle incurred major damage including a shattered windshield. Total damage for this event was likely in the millions of dollars," NWS-Hastings explained.Hail also battered parts of NWS-Wichita's service area on May 3-4, including golf ball-sized hail near Lincoln and New Cambria.NWS-Wichita also reported on an approximate 10-mile-wide band of heavy snow that covered parts of central and north-central Kansas in the early morning of Feb. 25. Snow totals ranged from two to 13 inches.To see the entire information packet from NWS,&nbsp;the state Division of Emergency Management, and the Kansas Emergency Management Association (19-page pdf), <a href="file:///E:/NWS%20SEVERE%20WEATHER%20AWARENESS%20WEEK%202021.pdf">click here</a>.Feature photo of a tornado north of Solomon on May 16, 2016, courtesy&nbsp;Ks0stm/Wikimedia Commons, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0">CC BY 4.0</a>,&nbsp;via Wikimedia Commons.

Monday kicks off Severe Weather Preparedness Week

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Recent obituaries

I hear from so many people who are nervous or scared to make a career change in their fifties, even if they’re miserable at their current job. I get it. There are a lot of fears and insecurities that can creep up when you’re thinking about making any big change later in life. Don’t let that stop you from doing what you were created to do.&nbsp;

Of course, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kencoleman.com/articles/changing-careers-midlife" target="_blank">midlife career change</a>&nbsp;shouldn’t be a spur-of-the-moment decision. Take some time to think about whether this move makes sense for you, and if you’re truly in a good place financially, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to make this kind of transition. Then, if you’ve weighed the pros and cons, done the research, and decided that a career change at 50 is&nbsp;the right move for you, here are some tips for making the transition as smooth as possible:

If you haven’t&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kencoleman.com/articles/resume-writing-tips" target="_blank">updated your resumé</a>&nbsp;in a few years, now’s the time. You might be overwhelmed at the thought of fitting all your work experience onto one page, but you don’t have to include 30 years of experience if it’s not important. Just focus on the work you’ve done that’s relevant to the job you have in mind. Keep it simple, to the point, and understand there’s no need to mention your age anywhere on your resumé.

For big life changes like this, it’s important to have a support system. Whether it’s your family, friends, church group, or any group of trusted people who play a significant role in your life, let them know your plans for changing jobs and keep them updated on your progress. Not only will they provide accountability, but they’ll be much-needed cheerleaders and voices of truth and reason.

Your support system can also be a sounding board for your new career ideas. They might even be able to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kencoleman.com/articles/how-to-write-a-cover-letter" target="_blank">proofread your cover letter</a>,&nbsp;or help you practice for interviews.

When it comes to getting where you want to be, relationships are everything. But instead of stale, superficial networking,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kencoleman.com/articles/how-to-network-the-right-way" target="_blank">network the right way</a>&nbsp;by using your web of genuine connections. You probably know a lot more people than you think, so don’t be afraid to reach out.

Even if you don’t have as many connections as you’d like right now, build some by getting to know people who are doing what you want to do. Take them to lunch, talk with them about what they love, and don’t love, about their jobs. You could wind up with a job lead, or at least get some clarity on what you really want to pursue.

As you get ready to interview for a job, you might be hyper-focused on your age. The interviewer might not be thinking about that at all. Hopefully, they’re looking for the best person for the job. If they don’t bring up age, you don’t need to, either. If the interviewer brings up the age issue, say something simple and confident like, “I know I’m older than some, but I’m passionate about the work you’re doing here and want to be part of it.”

Remember, you have skills and experience that make you a valuable asset in the workplace. And the courage it takes to start a new career later in life is an attribute many employers will find very impressive!

Ken Coleman&nbsp;is the nationally syndicated radio host of The Ken Coleman Show and No. 1 national best-selling author. He has been featured in Forbes, appeared on Fox News, Fox Business Network, and the Rachel Ray Show. Since 2014, he has served at Ramsey Solutions, where he offers expert advice to help thousands of people every day discover what they were meant to do and how to land their dream job. Follow Ken on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/kencoleman" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kencoleman/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KenColemanShow/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/KenColemanShow/featured" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kencoleman.com/" target="_blank">kencoleman.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598543766283.jpeg" alt="Ken Coleman" />
 <figcaption>Ken Coleman</figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN COLEMANI hear from so many people who are nervous or scared to make a career change in their fifties, even if they’re miserable at their current job. I get it. There are a lot of fears and insecurities that can creep up when you’re thinking about making any big change later in life. Don’t let that stop you from doing what you were created to do.&nbsp;Of course, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kencoleman.com/articles/changing-careers-midlife" target="_blank">midlife career change</a>&nbsp;shouldn’t be a spur-of-the-moment decision. Take some time to think about whether this move makes sense for you, and if you’re truly in a good place financially, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to make this kind of transition. Then, if you’ve weighed the pros and cons, done the research, and decided that a career change at 50 is&nbsp;the right move for you, here are some tips for making the transition as smooth as possible:Update your resuméIf you haven’t&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kencoleman.com/articles/resume-writing-tips" target="_blank">updated your resumé</a>&nbsp;in a few years, now’s the time. You might be overwhelmed at the thought of fitting all your work experience onto one page, but you don’t have to include 30 years of experience if it’s not important. Just focus on the work you’ve done that’s relevant to the job you have in mind. Keep it simple, to the point, and understand there’s no need to mention your age anywhere on your resumé.Support is important&nbsp;For big life changes like this, it’s important to have a support system. Whether it’s your family, friends, church group, or any group of trusted people who play a significant role in your life, let them know your plans for changing jobs and keep them updated on your progress. Not only will they provide accountability, but they’ll be much-needed cheerleaders and voices of truth and reason.Your support system can also be a sounding board for your new career ideas. They might even be able to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kencoleman.com/articles/how-to-write-a-cover-letter" target="_blank">proofread your cover letter</a>,&nbsp;or help you practice for interviews.Use your relationshipsWhen it comes to getting where you want to be, relationships are everything. But instead of stale, superficial networking,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kencoleman.com/articles/how-to-network-the-right-way" target="_blank">network the right way</a>&nbsp;by using your web of genuine connections. You probably know a lot more people than you think, so don’t be afraid to reach out.Even if you don’t have as many connections as you’d like right now, build some by getting to know people who are doing what you want to do. Take them to lunch, talk with them about what they love, and don’t love, about their jobs. You could wind up with a job lead, or at least get some clarity on what you really want to pursue.Don’t focus on age&nbsp;As you get ready to interview for a job, you might be hyper-focused on your age. The interviewer might not be thinking about that at all. Hopefully, they’re looking for the best person for the job. If they don’t bring up age, you don’t need to, either. If the interviewer brings up the age issue, say something simple and confident like, “I know I’m older than some, but I’m passionate about the work you’re doing here and want to be part of it.”Remember, you have skills and experience that make you a valuable asset in the workplace. And the courage it takes to start a new career later in life is an attribute many employers will find very impressive!Ken Coleman&nbsp;is the nationally syndicated radio host of The Ken Coleman Show and No. 1 national best-selling author. He has been featured in Forbes, appeared on Fox News, Fox Business Network, and the Rachel Ray Show. Since 2014, he has served at Ramsey Solutions, where he offers expert advice to help thousands of people every day discover what they were meant to do and how to land their dream job. Follow Ken on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/kencoleman" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kencoleman/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KenColemanShow/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/KenColemanShow/featured" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kencoleman.com/" target="_blank">kencoleman.com</a>.

COLEMAN: Starting a new career at 50

Today is Sunday, Feb. 28, the 59th day of 2021. There are 306 days left in the year. 

On Feb. 28, 2013, Benedict XVI became the first pope in 600 years to resign, ending an eight-year pontificate. (Benedict was succeeded the following month by Pope Francis.) 

In 1784, John Wesley, the co-founder of Methodism, chartered the first Methodist Church in the United States in Leesburg, Virginia.

In 1844, a 12-inch gun aboard the USS Princeton exploded as the ship was sailing on the Potomac River, killing Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Navy Secretary Thomas W. Gilmer and several others. 

In 1849, the California gold rush began in earnest as regular steamship service started bringing gold-seekers to San Francisco. 

In 1953, scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick announced they had discovered the double-helix structure of DNA.

In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai issued the Shanghai Communique, which called for normalizing relations between their countries, at the conclusion of Nixon's historic visit to China.

In 1975, 42 people were killed in London's Underground when a train smashed into the end of a tunnel. 

In 1983, the long-running TV series "M-A-S-H" ended after 11 seasons on CBS with a special 2½-hour finale that was watched by an estimated 121.6 million people. 

In 1988, the 15th Olympic Winter Games held its closing ceremony in Calgary, Alberta. 

In 1993, a gun battle erupted at a religious compound near Waco, Texas, when Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents tried to arrest Branch Davidian leader David Koresh on weapons charges; four agents and six Davidians were killed as a 51-day standoff began. 

In 1996, Britain's Princess Diana agreed to divorce Prince Charles. (Their 15-year marriage officially ended in August 1996; Diana died in a car crash in Paris a year after that.) 

In 2005, in Santa Maria, California, the prosecution and defense gave opening statements in the sexual molestation trial of Michael Jackson, who was later acquitted. 

In 2018, Walmart announced that it would no longer sell firearms and ammunition to people younger than 21 and would remove items resembling assault-style rifles from its website. Dick's Sporting Goods said it would stop selling assault-style rifles and ban the sale of all guns to anyone under 21. 

Ten years ago: The United States and European allies intensified efforts to isolate Libya's Moammar Gadhafi, redoubling demands for him to step down, questioning his mental state and warning that those who stayed loyal to him risked losing their wealth and facing prosecution for human rights abuses. Actor Jane Russell died in Santa Maria, California, at age 89.

Five years ago: One of Pope Francis' top advisers, Australian Cardinal George Pell, testifying before an investigative commission in Sydney via videolink from Rome, acknowledged the Catholic Church had made "enormous mistakes" in allowing thousands of children to be raped and molested by priests over centuries. "Spotlight" won the Academy Award for best picture of 2015; Brie Larson was recognized as best actress for "Room" while Leonardo DiCaprio was named best actor for "The Revenant." Oscar-winning actor George Kennedy, 91, died in Middleton, Idaho.

One year ago: The number of countries touched by the coronavirus climbed to nearly 60; Nigerian authorities reported the first case in sub-Saharan Africa, and Mexico said it had two confirmed cases. The State Department told Americans to avoid nonessential travel to Italy, which had seen nearly 900 virus cases. At a rally in South Carolina, President Donald Trump asserted that Democratic complaints about his handling of the virus threat were "their new hoax." Trump again picked Republican Rep. John Ratcliffe of Texas to be the nation's top intelligence official; he'd abandoned an earlier attempt to place Ratcliffe in the post. (Ratcliffe would be confirmed in May by a sharply divided Senate.) The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished the week 12.4% lower in the market's worst weekly performance since the 2008 financial crisis. Joe Coulombe, the founder of the Trader Joe's food markets, died at 89; he'd opened his first Trader Joe's in Pasadena, California, in 1967.

Today's Birthdays: Architect Frank Gehry is 92. Actor Gavin MacLeod is 90. Singer Sam the Sham is 84. Actor-director-dancer Tommy Tune is 82. Hall of Fame auto racer Mario Andretti is 81. Actor Frank Bonner is 79. Actor Kelly Bishop is 77. Actor Stephanie Beacham is 74. Writer-director Mike Figgis is 73. Actor Mercedes Ruehl is 73. Actor Bernadette Peters is 73. Former Energy Secretary Steven Chu is 73. Actor Ilene Graff is 72. Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman is 68. Comedian Gilbert Gottfried is 66. Basketball Hall of Famer Adrian Dantley is 66. Actor John Turturro is 64. Rock singer Cindy Wilson is 64. Actor Rae Dawn Chong is 60. Actor Maxine Bahns is 52. Actor Robert Sean Leonard is 52. Rock singer Pat Monahan is 52. Author Daniel Handler (aka "Lemony Snicket") is 51. Actor Tasha Smith is 50. Actor Rory Cochrane is 49. Actor Ali Larter is 45. Country singer Jason Aldean is 44. Actor Geoffrey Arend is 43. Actor Melanie Chandra (TV: "Code Black") is 37. Actor Michelle Horn is 34. MLB relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman is 33. Actor True O'Brien is 27. Actor Madisen Beaty is 26. Actor Quinn Shephard is 26. Actor Bobb'e J. Thompson is 25.

<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 Sunday, Feb. 28, the 59th day of 2021. There are 306 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Feb. 28, 2013, Benedict XVI became the first pope in 600 years to resign, ending an eight-year pontificate. (Benedict was succeeded the following month by Pope Francis.) On this date: In 1784, John Wesley, the co-founder of Methodism, chartered the first Methodist Church in the United States in Leesburg, Virginia.In 1844, a 12-inch gun aboard the USS Princeton exploded as the ship was sailing on the Potomac River, killing Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Navy Secretary Thomas W. Gilmer and several others. In 1849, the California gold rush began in earnest as regular steamship service started bringing gold-seekers to San Francisco. In 1953, scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick announced they had discovered the double-helix structure of DNA.In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai issued the Shanghai Communique, which called for normalizing relations between their countries, at the conclusion of Nixon's historic visit to China.In 1975, 42 people were killed in London's Underground when a train smashed into the end of a tunnel. In 1983, the long-running TV series "M-A-S-H" ended after 11 seasons on CBS with a special 2½-hour finale that was watched by an estimated 121.6 million people. In 1988, the 15th Olympic Winter Games held its closing ceremony in Calgary, Alberta. In 1993, a gun battle erupted at a religious compound near Waco, Texas, when Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents tried to arrest Branch Davidian leader David Koresh on weapons charges; four agents and six Davidians were killed as a 51-day standoff began. In 1996, Britain's Princess Diana agreed to divorce Prince Charles. (Their 15-year marriage officially ended in August 1996; Diana died in a car crash in Paris a year after that.) In 2005, in Santa Maria, California, the prosecution and defense gave opening statements in the sexual molestation trial of Michael Jackson, who was later acquitted. In 2018, Walmart announced that it would no longer sell firearms and ammunition to people younger than 21 and would remove items resembling assault-style rifles from its website. Dick's Sporting Goods said it would stop selling assault-style rifles and ban the sale of all guns to anyone under 21. Ten years ago: The United States and European allies intensified efforts to isolate Libya's Moammar Gadhafi, redoubling demands for him to step down, questioning his mental state and warning that those who stayed loyal to him risked losing their wealth and facing prosecution for human rights abuses. Actor Jane Russell died in Santa Maria, California, at age 89. Five years ago: One of Pope Francis' top advisers, Australian Cardinal George Pell, testifying before an investigative commission in Sydney via videolink from Rome, acknowledged the Catholic Church had made "enormous mistakes" in allowing thousands of children to be raped and molested by priests over centuries. "Spotlight" won the Academy Award for best picture of 2015; Brie Larson was recognized as best actress for "Room" while Leonardo DiCaprio was named best actor for "The Revenant." Oscar-winning actor George Kennedy, 91, died in Middleton, Idaho.One year ago: The number of countries touched by the coronavirus climbed to nearly 60; Nigerian authorities reported the first case in sub-Saharan Africa, and Mexico said it had two confirmed cases. The State Department told Americans to avoid nonessential travel to Italy, which had seen nearly 900 virus cases. At a rally in South Carolina, President Donald Trump asserted that Democratic complaints about his handling of the virus threat were "their new hoax." Trump again picked Republican Rep. John Ratcliffe of Texas to be the nation's top intelligence official; he'd abandoned an earlier attempt to place Ratcliffe in the post. (Ratcliffe would be confirmed in May by a sharply divided Senate.) The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished the week 12.4% lower in the market's worst weekly performance since the 2008 financial crisis. Joe Coulombe, the founder of the Trader Joe's food markets, died at 89; he'd opened his first Trader Joe's in Pasadena, California, in 1967.Today's Birthdays: Architect Frank Gehry is 92. Actor Gavin MacLeod is 90. Singer Sam the Sham is 84. Actor-director-dancer Tommy Tune is 82. Hall of Fame auto racer Mario Andretti is 81. Actor Frank Bonner is 79. Actor Kelly Bishop is 77. Actor Stephanie Beacham is 74. Writer-director Mike Figgis is 73. Actor Mercedes Ruehl is 73. Actor Bernadette Peters is 73. Former Energy Secretary Steven Chu is 73. Actor Ilene Graff is 72. Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman is 68. Comedian Gilbert Gottfried is 66. Basketball Hall of Famer Adrian Dantley is 66. Actor John Turturro is 64. Rock singer Cindy Wilson is 64. Actor Rae Dawn Chong is 60. Actor Maxine Bahns is 52. Actor Robert Sean Leonard is 52. Rock singer Pat Monahan is 52. Author Daniel Handler (aka "Lemony Snicket") is 51. Actor Tasha Smith is 50. Actor Rory Cochrane is 49. Actor Ali Larter is 45. Country singer Jason Aldean is 44. Actor Geoffrey Arend is 43. Actor Melanie Chandra (TV: "Code Black") is 37. Actor Michelle Horn is 34. MLB relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman is 33. Actor True O'Brien is 27. Actor Madisen Beaty is 26. Actor Quinn Shephard is 26. Actor Bobb'e J. Thompson is 25.

Today in History -- Feb. 28

MANHATTAN – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides technical and financial assistance to help Kansas farmers and livestock producers recover from damages brought on by winter storms Uri and Viola. 

Agricultural producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center to learn about the programs available to help them recover from crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses.

“These recent winter storms have taken their toll on farmers and ranchers in Kansas,” said Charles Pettijohn, acting state executive director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Kansas. “We stand with our producers who have worked tirelessly in these severe conditions to keep livestock fed and to protect crops from Mother Nature’s wrath. We know these storms have left damage in their wake, and I’m glad that USDA offers as strong portfolio of disaster assistance programs available to help.”

USDA encourages farmers and ranchers to contact the FSA county office at the local USDA Service Center to apply for eligible programs and to learn which documents, such as farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses should be provided to help expedite assistance.

Producers who experience livestock deaths due to the winter storms may be eligible for the Livestock Indemnity Program. Meanwhile, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program provides eligible producers with compensation for feed and grazing losses. For LIP and ELAP, producers will need to file a notice of loss for livestock and grazing or feed losses within 30 days and honeybee losses within 15 days.

Additionally, eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for cost-share assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes or vines lost during the winter storms. This complements Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) or crop insurance coverage, which covers the crop but not the plants or trees in all cases. For TAP, a program application must be filed within 90 days.

FSA also offers a variety of direct and guaranteed loans, including operating and emergency loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing. Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for low-interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses.

Loans can help producers replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, cover family living expenses or refinance farm-related debts and other needs.

Producers who have risk protection through Federal Crop Insurance or FSA’s NAP should report crop damage to their crop insurance agent or FSA office. If they have crop insurance, producers should report crop damage to their agent within 72 hours of damage discovery and follow up in writing within 15 days. For NAP covered crops, a Notice of Loss (CCC-576) must be filed within 15 days of the loss becoming apparent, except for handharvested crops, which should be reported within 72 hours.

“Crop insurance and other USDA risk management options are there to help producers manage risk because we never know what nature has in store for the future,” said Collin Olsen, director of RMA’s Regional Office that covers Kansas. “The Approved Insurance Providers, loss adjusters and agents are experienced and well trained in handling these types of events.”

The Emergency Conservation Program and Emergency Forest Restoration Program can assist landowners and forest stewards with financial and technical assistance to restore damaged farmland or forests. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) also offers programs to help in the recovery process.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) can help producers plan and implement conservation practices on farms, ranches and working forests impacted by natural disasters.

On <a href="http://farmers.gov">farmers.gov</a>, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Farm Loan Discovery Tool can help producers and landowners determine program or loan options. For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent. For FSA and NRCS programs, they should contact their local USDA Service Center.

All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including those that restrict in-person visits or require appointments. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with NRCS, FSA, or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors are also required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Our program delivery staff will continue to work with our producers by phone, email, and using online tools. More information can be found at <a href="http://farmers.gov/coronavirus">farmers.gov/coronavirus</a>.

MANHATTAN – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides technical and financial assistance to help Kansas farmers and livestock producers recover from damages brought on by winter storms Uri and Viola. Agricultural producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center to learn about the programs available to help them recover from crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses.“These recent winter storms have taken their toll on farmers and ranchers in Kansas,” said Charles Pettijohn, acting state executive director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Kansas. “We stand with our producers who have worked tirelessly in these severe conditions to keep livestock fed and to protect crops from Mother Nature’s wrath. We know these storms have left damage in their wake, and I’m glad that USDA offers as strong portfolio of disaster assistance programs available to help.”Disaster AssistanceUSDA encourages farmers and ranchers to contact the FSA county office at the local USDA Service Center to apply for eligible programs and to learn which documents, such as farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses should be provided to help expedite assistance.Producers who experience livestock deaths due to the winter storms may be eligible for the Livestock Indemnity Program. Meanwhile, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program provides eligible producers with compensation for feed and grazing losses. For LIP and ELAP, producers will need to file a notice of loss for livestock and grazing or feed losses within 30 days and honeybee losses within 15 days.Additionally, eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for cost-share assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes or vines lost during the winter storms. This complements Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) or crop insurance coverage, which covers the crop but not the plants or trees in all cases. For TAP, a program application must be filed within 90 days.FSA also offers a variety of direct and guaranteed loans, including operating and emergency loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing. Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for low-interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses.Loans can help producers replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, cover family living expenses or refinance farm-related debts and other needs.Risk ManagementProducers who have risk protection through Federal Crop Insurance or FSA’s NAP should report crop damage to their crop insurance agent or FSA office. If they have crop insurance, producers should report crop damage to their agent within 72 hours of damage discovery and follow up in writing within 15 days. For NAP covered crops, a Notice of Loss (CCC-576) must be filed within 15 days of the loss becoming apparent, except for handharvested crops, which should be reported within 72 hours.“Crop insurance and other USDA risk management options are there to help producers manage risk because we never know what nature has in store for the future,” said Collin Olsen, director of RMA’s Regional Office that covers Kansas. “The Approved Insurance Providers, loss adjusters and agents are experienced and well trained in handling these types of events.”ConservationThe Emergency Conservation Program and Emergency Forest Restoration Program can assist landowners and forest stewards with financial and technical assistance to restore damaged farmland or forests. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) also offers programs to help in the recovery process.The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) can help producers plan and implement conservation practices on farms, ranches and working forests impacted by natural disasters.More InformationOn <a href="http://farmers.gov">farmers.gov</a>, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Farm Loan Discovery Tool can help producers and landowners determine program or loan options. For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent. For FSA and NRCS programs, they should contact their local USDA Service Center.All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including those that restrict in-person visits or require appointments. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with NRCS, FSA, or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors are also required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Our program delivery staff will continue to work with our producers by phone, email, and using online tools. More information can be found at <a href="http://farmers.gov/coronavirus">farmers.gov/coronavirus</a>. --USDA--

USDA: Assistance to farmers and livestock producers impacted by recent storms

Museum Director – The Dickinson County Historical Society, Abilene, Kansas

The Dickinson County Historical Society (DCHS) seeks a dynamic, self-motivated director with a passion for history, education, and community. The Museum Director will lead DCHS in day-to-day museum activities, strategic long-range planning, program development, and more. Furthermore, the director will guide the DCHS fundraising efforts and build strong relationships with donors and Board Members. Additional duties will include collections oversight, exhibitions, education activities, publications, and representing the society as the public spokesperson.

• Organizational Development and Strategic Planning

• Management of Museum Employees and Volunteers

The successful candidate will have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Business Management, a related field, or comparable combination of education and experience. Additionally, candidates will have demonstrated experience in fundraising and grant writing.

• Superior Communication &amp; Interpersonal Skills

• Managerial Experience in the Nonprofit World

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Quick Books.

To learn more about this regional nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and protection of the Dickinson County Historical Society please visit our website –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dickinsoncountyhistoricalsociety.com/">www.dickinsoncountyhistoricalsociety.com</a>.

Salary Range: $30,000 to $35,000 depending on education and experience.

To apply please submit cover letter, resume and three professional references to&nbsp;<a href="http://heritagecenterdk@sbcglobal.net/">heritagecenterdk@sbcglobal.net</a>&nbsp;or mail to:

Dickinson County Historical Society Attn: James D. Holland 412 S. Campbell Street Abilene, Kansas 67410

<h2>Museum Director – The Dickinson County Historical Society, Abilene, Kansas</h2>The Dickinson County Historical Society (DCHS) seeks a dynamic, self-motivated director with a passion for history, education, and community. The Museum Director will lead DCHS in day-to-day museum activities, strategic long-range planning, program development, and more. Furthermore, the director will guide the DCHS fundraising efforts and build strong relationships with donors and Board Members. Additional duties will include collections oversight, exhibitions, education activities, publications, and representing the society as the public spokesperson.Key Responsibilities:• Organizational Development and Strategic Planning• Membership and Resource Development• Fundraising• Office and Day-to-Day Administration• All aspects of Event Coordination• Management of Museum Employees and VolunteersThe successful candidate will have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Business Management, a related field, or comparable combination of education and experience. Additionally, candidates will have demonstrated experience in fundraising and grant writing.Minimum Qualifications:• Superior Communication &amp; Interpersonal Skills• Financial and Business Management• Innovative Thinking• Strong Organizational Abilities• Managerial Experience in the Nonprofit World• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Quick Books.To learn more about this regional nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and protection of the Dickinson County Historical Society please visit our website –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dickinsoncountyhistoricalsociety.com/">www.dickinsoncountyhistoricalsociety.com</a>.Salary Range: $30,000 to $35,000 depending on education and experience.To apply please submit cover letter, resume and three professional references to&nbsp;<a href="http://heritagecenterdk@sbcglobal.net/">heritagecenterdk@sbcglobal.net</a>&nbsp;or mail to:Dickinson County Historical Society Attn: James D. Holland 412 S. Campbell Street Abilene, Kansas 67410Position open until filled.

Salina's Haller earns academic honors at UWGB

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Rockhurst University awarded 217 degrees at its December commencement ceremony, held virtually Dec. 12, 2020. The program featured student speaker Marc Kerby, who received a Master of Education, elementary education certification track.

Among the graduates was&nbsp;Kendal Sell, McPherson, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Rockhurst University, founded in 1910 and located in the heart of Kansas City, Mo., is a Catholic university in the Jesuit tradition committed to providing inclusive, innovative and transformative education. As a comprehensive university and supportive community of nearly 4,000 students, its mission is to form lifelong learners in the liberal arts tradition who engage the complexities of our world and serve others as compassionate, thoughtful leaders. Learn more at www.rockhurst.edu.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Rockhurst University awarded 217 degrees at its December commencement ceremony, held virtually Dec. 12, 2020. The program featured student speaker Marc Kerby, who received a Master of Education, elementary education certification track.Among the graduates was&nbsp;Kendal Sell, McPherson, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Rockhurst University, founded in 1910 and located in the heart of Kansas City, Mo., is a Catholic university in the Jesuit tradition committed to providing inclusive, innovative and transformative education. As a comprehensive university and supportive community of nearly 4,000 students, its mission is to form lifelong learners in the liberal arts tradition who engage the complexities of our world and serve others as compassionate, thoughtful leaders. Learn more at www.rockhurst.edu.&nbsp;&nbsp;

McPherson's Sell graduates from Rockhurst

Here's what's new at the Salina Public Library. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary">Salina Public Library</a> Facebook page:

Here's what's new at the Salina Public Library. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary">Salina Public Library</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinapubliclibrary%2Fphotos%2Fa.435863323139%2F10159362531898140%2F&width=500&show_text=true&height=658&appId" width="500" height="658" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Check out what's new at the Salina Public Library

Sacred Heart Jr. / Sr. High School has announced the names of students who have been named Students of the Quarter.

The distinction "is for students who display outstanding characteristics both as a student and as a citizen in and out of school. The award is selected by staff from students who promote and take pride in Sacred Heart Jr./Sr. High School and in themselves," according to information from the school.

Those students selected as Student of the Quarter for the second quarter include the following.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614449337767.jpeg" alt="The second quarter Students of the Quarter. Photo courtesy&nbsp;Sacred Heart Jr. / Sr. High School" />
 <figcaption>The second quarter Students of the Quarter. Photo courtesy&nbsp;Sacred Heart Jr. / Sr. High School</figcaption>
 </figure>Sacred Heart Jr. / Sr. High School has announced the names of students who have been named Students of the Quarter.The distinction "is for students who display outstanding characteristics both as a student and as a citizen in and out of school. The award is selected by staff from students who promote and take pride in Sacred Heart Jr./Sr. High School and in themselves," according to information from the school.Those students selected as Student of the Quarter for the second quarter include the following.Junior high Gabriel RodriguezMakenna SoukupCaroline StoneHigh schoolSara Del RealJazmin Jasso-RodriguezTeghan Slagle

Sacred Heart Jr. / Sr. High School names Students of the Quarter

The Salina Police Department (SPD) has named a suspect in the murder of a Salina woman on Tuesday.

According to information released this morning by SPD, the department has investigated multiple leads in the homicide investigation since Tuesday.

"This has resulted in Nelson Gerrod Hull III being identified as the suspect in the killing of Courtney Ann Hoffman. An arrest warrant for murder in the first degree was issued by the Saline County District Court for Hull," SPD noted this morning.

Hull is described as a Black male, 35, 6'3" and 220 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo on the right side of his neck:&nbsp;Mi Familia, SPD noted.

Tuesday at approximately 11:42 a.m., Salina Fire Department EMS and SPD officers were dispatched to the 700 block of North Fourth Street for a report of the sound of gunfire and someone screaming.

Upon arrival, officers located a woman inside a vehicle at 731 North Fourth Street. The woman had a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead by EMS personnel.

The woman was identified as Courtney Ann Hoffman, 36, of Salina.

SPD noted this morning that law enforcement are actively seeking Hull, who should be considered armed and dangerous. SPD encourages anyone with information pertaining to Hull's current location to contact 911 immediately.

If you have any information concerning this event or identification of the individual(s) involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit <a href="https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/create-report/anonymous/salina.org">https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/create-report/anonymous/salina.org</a> to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward. The Crimestoppers board has increased the possible reward amount up to $2,500, and you are not required to give your name. Tipsters may also contact Detective Jeff Vaughan at the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210. Case 2021-5058

The Salina Police Department (SPD) has named a suspect in the murder of a Salina woman on Tuesday.According to information released this morning by SPD, the department has investigated multiple leads in the homicide investigation since Tuesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614442513506.png" alt="Nelson Gerrod Hull III. Photo courtesy SPD" />
 <figcaption>Nelson Gerrod Hull III. Photo courtesy SPD</figcaption>
 </figure>"This has resulted in Nelson Gerrod Hull III being identified as the suspect in the killing of Courtney Ann Hoffman. An arrest warrant for murder in the first degree was issued by the Saline County District Court for Hull," SPD noted this morning.Hull is described as a Black male, 35, 6'3" and 220 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo on the right side of his neck:&nbsp;Mi Familia, SPD noted.Tuesday at approximately 11:42 a.m., Salina Fire Department EMS and SPD officers were dispatched to the 700 block of North Fourth Street for a report of the sound of gunfire and someone screaming.Upon arrival, officers located a woman inside a vehicle at 731 North Fourth Street. The woman had a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead by EMS personnel.The woman was identified as Courtney Ann Hoffman, 36, of Salina.SPD noted this morning that law enforcement are actively seeking Hull, who should be considered armed and dangerous. SPD encourages anyone with information pertaining to Hull's current location to contact 911 immediately.If you have any information concerning this event or identification of the individual(s) involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit <a href="https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/create-report/anonymous/salina.org">https://new.tipsubmit.com/en/create-report/anonymous/salina.org</a> to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward. The Crimestoppers board has increased the possible reward amount up to $2,500, and you are not required to give your name. Tipsters may also contact Detective Jeff Vaughan at the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210. Case 2021-5058

SPD names suspect in Tuesday murder of Salina woman

MANHATTAN — More than 75 students attending&nbsp;<a href="https://online.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Online</a>&nbsp;received scholarships this spring semester ranging in amounts from $600 to $1,500 each and totaling $44,800. K-State Global Campus, which oversees K-State Online, works hard to offer scholarships to its online students, who are predominately adults attending classes part time while balancing work and family responsibilities. The scholarships are available to both part-time and full-time students to provide more individuals the opportunity to earn a degree at their own pace. The following K-State Global Campus students are spring 2021 scholarship recipients: Tina Valenzuela, doctoral student in curriculum and instruction,&nbsp;Arma,&nbsp;Maurine Allison O'Bannon Memorial Scholarship. From&nbsp;Greater Kansas City: Lesli Malcolm, junior in personal financial planning,&nbsp;Kansas City,&nbsp;K-State Kansas Insurance Certificate Scholarship; Mike O'Mara, senior in food science and industry, Nathan and Becky Smit Food Innovation Scholarship, and Danielle Stegall, junior in personal financial planning, K-State Kansas Insurance Certificate Scholarship, both from&nbsp;Overland Park.&nbsp;

Hailey Carman, junior in animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;La Harpe,&nbsp;College of Agriculture Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Laura Duncan, senior in social sciences, College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship for Distance Education Students, and Jean Rodriguez, senior in personal financial planning, K-State Kansas Insurance Certificate Scholarship, both from&nbsp;Manhattan; Saihara Taylor, senior in elementary education,&nbsp;Salina,&nbsp;College of Education Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Trenton Ming, senior in general business,&nbsp;Scranton,&nbsp;Sue Maes and Dennis Hemmendinger KSU Foundation Family Scholarship; Crystal Pralle, master's student in curriculum and instruction,&nbsp;St. George,&nbsp;Maurine Allison O'Bannon Memorial Scholarship; and Allison Schultz, master's student in mass communications,&nbsp;Wichita,&nbsp;College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship for Distance Education Students.&nbsp;

Nadia Newkirk, master's student in psychology with an emphasis in industrial and organizational psychology,&nbsp;Enterprise, Alabama,&nbsp;College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Arely Martinez, senior in nutrition and health,&nbsp;Moreno Valley, California,&nbsp;Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Candice Ballard Knight, senior in animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Oxford, Georgia,&nbsp;College of Agriculture Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Jacob Holm, junior in applied business and technology,&nbsp;Iowa Falls, Iowa,&nbsp;College of Technology and Aviation Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Kim Thompson, freshman in nutrition and health,&nbsp;New Sharon, Iowa,&nbsp;Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Ariana Hefner, sophomore in elementary education,&nbsp;Polk City, Iowa,&nbsp;College of Education Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Jonathan Thomason, senior in personal financial planning,&nbsp;Canton, Michigan,&nbsp;K-State Kansas Insurance Certificate Scholarship; Brittney Keels, junior in general business,&nbsp;Blue Springs, Missouri,&nbsp;College of Business Administration Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Kimberly Hisey, senior in dietetics,&nbsp;Pleasant Hill, Missouri,&nbsp;Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Elena Sharp, master's student in psychology with an emphasis in industrial and organizational psychology,&nbsp;Sedalia, Missouri,&nbsp;College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Jackie Paolucci, freshman in elementary education,&nbsp;Great Falls, Montana,&nbsp;College of Education Scholarship for Distance Education Students. Alison Hayward, doctoral student in adult learning and leadership,&nbsp;Las Vegas, Nevada,&nbsp;Maurine Allison O'Bannon Memorial Scholarship; Jerome Kumbalek, sophomore in animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Rio Rancho, New Mexico,&nbsp;College of Agriculture Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Yachat Gold, senior in dietetics,&nbsp;Monsey, New York,&nbsp;Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Lindsay Howard, master's student in mass communications,&nbsp;Raleigh, North Carolina,&nbsp;Sue C. Maes and Vanier Family Scholarship; Nicole Durling, master's student in personal financial planning,&nbsp;Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,&nbsp;Kenneth and Leah Mae Bever KSU Foundation Family Scholarship; Kaitlin Allard, master's student in food science,&nbsp;Scranton, Pennsylvania,&nbsp;College of Agriculture Scholarship for Distance Education Students. Caroline Garcia, master's student in mass communications,&nbsp;Austin, Texas,&nbsp;College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Aurore Kamagaju, master's student in data analytics,&nbsp;Fort Worth, Texas,&nbsp;College of Business Administration Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Richard Dang, junior in nutrition and health,&nbsp;Houston, Texas,&nbsp;Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Michelle McIntosh, master's student in academic advising,&nbsp;Provo, Utah,&nbsp;Maurine Allison O'Bannon Memorial Scholarship; Nicole Cilley, senior in personal financial planning,&nbsp;Seattle, Washington,&nbsp;K-State Kansas Insurance Certificate Scholarship; Lauren Burns, junior in animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Park Fall, Wisconsin,&nbsp;College of Agriculture Scholarship for Distance Education Students.&nbsp;

From out of country: Fernanda Lillywhite Gerber, senior in educational studies,&nbsp;Zurich, Switzerland,&nbsp;College of Education Scholarship for Distance Education Students.

MANHATTAN — More than 75 students attending&nbsp;<a href="https://online.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Online</a>&nbsp;received scholarships this spring semester ranging in amounts from $600 to $1,500 each and totaling $44,800. K-State Global Campus, which oversees K-State Online, works hard to offer scholarships to its online students, who are predominately adults attending classes part time while balancing work and family responsibilities. The scholarships are available to both part-time and full-time students to provide more individuals the opportunity to earn a degree at their own pace. The following K-State Global Campus students are spring 2021 scholarship recipients: Tina Valenzuela, doctoral student in curriculum and instruction,&nbsp;Arma,&nbsp;Maurine Allison O'Bannon Memorial Scholarship. From&nbsp;Greater Kansas City: Lesli Malcolm, junior in personal financial planning,&nbsp;Kansas City,&nbsp;K-State Kansas Insurance Certificate Scholarship; Mike O'Mara, senior in food science and industry, Nathan and Becky Smit Food Innovation Scholarship, and Danielle Stegall, junior in personal financial planning, K-State Kansas Insurance Certificate Scholarship, both from&nbsp;Overland Park.&nbsp; Hailey Carman, junior in animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;La Harpe,&nbsp;College of Agriculture Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Laura Duncan, senior in social sciences, College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship for Distance Education Students, and Jean Rodriguez, senior in personal financial planning, K-State Kansas Insurance Certificate Scholarship, both from&nbsp;Manhattan; Saihara Taylor, senior in elementary education,&nbsp;Salina,&nbsp;College of Education Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Trenton Ming, senior in general business,&nbsp;Scranton,&nbsp;Sue Maes and Dennis Hemmendinger KSU Foundation Family Scholarship; Crystal Pralle, master's student in curriculum and instruction,&nbsp;St. George,&nbsp;Maurine Allison O'Bannon Memorial Scholarship; and Allison Schultz, master's student in mass communications,&nbsp;Wichita,&nbsp;College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship for Distance Education Students.&nbsp;From out of state:&nbsp;Nadia Newkirk, master's student in psychology with an emphasis in industrial and organizational psychology,&nbsp;Enterprise, Alabama,&nbsp;College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Arely Martinez, senior in nutrition and health,&nbsp;Moreno Valley, California,&nbsp;Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Candice Ballard Knight, senior in animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Oxford, Georgia,&nbsp;College of Agriculture Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Jacob Holm, junior in applied business and technology,&nbsp;Iowa Falls, Iowa,&nbsp;College of Technology and Aviation Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Kim Thompson, freshman in nutrition and health,&nbsp;New Sharon, Iowa,&nbsp;Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Ariana Hefner, sophomore in elementary education,&nbsp;Polk City, Iowa,&nbsp;College of Education Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Jonathan Thomason, senior in personal financial planning,&nbsp;Canton, Michigan,&nbsp;K-State Kansas Insurance Certificate Scholarship; Brittney Keels, junior in general business,&nbsp;Blue Springs, Missouri,&nbsp;College of Business Administration Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Kimberly Hisey, senior in dietetics,&nbsp;Pleasant Hill, Missouri,&nbsp;Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Elena Sharp, master's student in psychology with an emphasis in industrial and organizational psychology,&nbsp;Sedalia, Missouri,&nbsp;College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Jackie Paolucci, freshman in elementary education,&nbsp;Great Falls, Montana,&nbsp;College of Education Scholarship for Distance Education Students. Alison Hayward, doctoral student in adult learning and leadership,&nbsp;Las Vegas, Nevada,&nbsp;Maurine Allison O'Bannon Memorial Scholarship; Jerome Kumbalek, sophomore in animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Rio Rancho, New Mexico,&nbsp;College of Agriculture Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Yachat Gold, senior in dietetics,&nbsp;Monsey, New York,&nbsp;Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Lindsay Howard, master's student in mass communications,&nbsp;Raleigh, North Carolina,&nbsp;Sue C. Maes and Vanier Family Scholarship; Nicole Durling, master's student in personal financial planning,&nbsp;Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,&nbsp;Kenneth and Leah Mae Bever KSU Foundation Family Scholarship; Kaitlin Allard, master's student in food science,&nbsp;Scranton, Pennsylvania,&nbsp;College of Agriculture Scholarship for Distance Education Students. Caroline Garcia, master's student in mass communications,&nbsp;Austin, Texas,&nbsp;College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Aurore Kamagaju, master's student in data analytics,&nbsp;Fort Worth, Texas,&nbsp;College of Business Administration Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Richard Dang, junior in nutrition and health,&nbsp;Houston, Texas,&nbsp;Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health Scholarship for Distance Education Students; Michelle McIntosh, master's student in academic advising,&nbsp;Provo, Utah,&nbsp;Maurine Allison O'Bannon Memorial Scholarship; Nicole Cilley, senior in personal financial planning,&nbsp;Seattle, Washington,&nbsp;K-State Kansas Insurance Certificate Scholarship; Lauren Burns, junior in animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Park Fall, Wisconsin,&nbsp;College of Agriculture Scholarship for Distance Education Students.&nbsp;From out of country: Fernanda Lillywhite Gerber, senior in educational studies,&nbsp;Zurich, Switzerland,&nbsp;College of Education Scholarship for Distance Education Students.--<a href="http://ksu.edu">KSU</a>--

Online students receive scholarships from Kansas State University

Twenty-seven new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on Friday at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;

Deputy Luke Davis of the Gray County Sheriff’s Office was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Chief Nelson Mosley of the Rose Hill Police Department. Mike Satterlee, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the Class Coordinator for the 274th Basic Training Class.

Officer Samantha Snell of the Galena Police Department was recognized by KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck and awarded a KLETC Certificate of Commendation for her actions in the performance of her duties. Officer Snell, along with Officer Grant of the Galena Police Department, risked their lives on January 18th, 2021, in an attempt to save victims of a fiery two-vehicle head-on crash. Officer Grant will be recognized when he graduates on March 19th, 2021.

Jonathon Dunfee of the Kansas City Public Schools Police Department was also recognized during the ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot”.

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.

Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.

The graduates, who began their training in October 2020, represented 23 municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency:

Brown • Brock Becker - Horton Police Department •&nbsp;Chance Johansen - Hiawatha Police Department

Butler •&nbsp;Peyton Heidebrecht - Rose Hill Police Department

Cherokee •&nbsp;Samantha Snell - Galena Police Department

Douglas •&nbsp;Andrew Miller - University of Kansas Police Department •&nbsp;Austin Kost - Eudora Police Department

Ellis •&nbsp;Lindsey Clayton - Hays Police Department

Franklin •&nbsp;Andrew Dougan - Ottawa Police Department

Grant •&nbsp;Neal Baker - Ulysses Police Department

Gray •&nbsp;Luke Davis - Gray County Sheriff’s Office

Johnson •&nbsp;Darien Willis - Kansas City Public Schools Police Department •&nbsp;Jonathon Dunfee - Kansas City Public Schools Police Department

Kiowa •&nbsp;Sean Kost - Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office

Leavenworth •&nbsp;Derrick Weller - Lansing Police Department

Lyon •&nbsp;Benjamin Folks - Lyon County Sheriff’s Office

Pottawatomie •&nbsp;Luis Vargas Baez - St. George Police Department

Rawlins •&nbsp;Michael Runkle - Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office

Reno •&nbsp;Michael Mendez - Reno County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Adam Scalisi - Reno County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Camron Hurley - Hutchinson Police Department

Saline •&nbsp;Trenton Shaft - Saline County Sheriff’s Office

Seward •&nbsp;Malerie Denson - Liberal Police Department

Sherman •&nbsp;Tanner Feasel - Goodland Police Department •&nbsp;Chalee Luther - Goodland Police Department

Thomas •&nbsp;Justin Barber - Colby Police Department

Washington •&nbsp;Kolt Cooper - Washington County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Joshua Kramer - Washington County Sheriff’s Office

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614398731588.png" alt="KLETC's 274 basic training class members take their oath during the Friday ceremony. Photo by Jason Levy courtesy KLETC" />
 <figcaption>KLETC's 274 basic training class members take their oath during the Friday ceremony. Photo by Jason Levy courtesy KLETC</figcaption>
 </figure>Twenty-seven new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on Friday at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;Deputy Luke Davis of the Gray County Sheriff’s Office was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Chief Nelson Mosley of the Rose Hill Police Department. Mike Satterlee, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the Class Coordinator for the 274th Basic Training Class.Officer Samantha Snell of the Galena Police Department was recognized by KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck and awarded a KLETC Certificate of Commendation for her actions in the performance of her duties. Officer Snell, along with Officer Grant of the Galena Police Department, risked their lives on January 18th, 2021, in an attempt to save victims of a fiery two-vehicle head-on crash. Officer Grant will be recognized when he graduates on March 19th, 2021.Jonathon Dunfee of the Kansas City Public Schools Police Department was also recognized during the ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot”.Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.The graduates, who began their training in October 2020, represented 23 municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency: Brown • Brock Becker - Horton Police Department •&nbsp;Chance Johansen - Hiawatha Police DepartmentButler •&nbsp;Peyton Heidebrecht - Rose Hill Police DepartmentCherokee •&nbsp;Samantha Snell - Galena Police DepartmentDouglas •&nbsp;Andrew Miller - University of Kansas Police Department •&nbsp;Austin Kost - Eudora Police DepartmentEllis •&nbsp;Lindsey Clayton - Hays Police DepartmentFranklin •&nbsp;Andrew Dougan - Ottawa Police DepartmentGrant •&nbsp;Neal Baker - Ulysses Police DepartmentGray •&nbsp;Luke Davis - Gray County Sheriff’s OfficeJohnson •&nbsp;Darien Willis - Kansas City Public Schools Police Department •&nbsp;Jonathon Dunfee - Kansas City Public Schools Police DepartmentKiowa •&nbsp;Sean Kost - Kiowa County Sheriff’s OfficeLeavenworth •&nbsp;Derrick Weller - Lansing Police DepartmentLyon •&nbsp;Benjamin Folks - Lyon County Sheriff’s OfficePottawatomie •&nbsp;Luis Vargas Baez - St. George Police DepartmentRawlins •&nbsp;Michael Runkle - Rawlins County Sheriff’s OfficeReno •&nbsp;Michael Mendez - Reno County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Adam Scalisi - Reno County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Camron Hurley - Hutchinson Police DepartmentSaline •&nbsp;Trenton Shaft - Saline County Sheriff’s OfficeSeward •&nbsp;Malerie Denson - Liberal Police DepartmentSherman •&nbsp;Tanner Feasel - Goodland Police Department •&nbsp;Chalee Luther - Goodland Police DepartmentThomas •&nbsp;Justin Barber - Colby Police DepartmentWashington •&nbsp;Kolt Cooper - Washington County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Joshua Kramer - Washington County Sheriff’s Office--<a href="http://kletc.org">KLETC</a>--

Saline County's Shaft part of latest KLETC graduating class

Democratic&nbsp;Sen. Raphael Warnock,&nbsp;senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, overcame Georgia’s long history of racial prejudice and a traditionally Republican electorate to become the state’s first Black U.S. senator.

Warnock’s historic election in January is rooted in a deep American tradition of Black people using their right to religious freedom as a basis to build political power. For many, the freedom to worship provided both refuge from a hostile society and the opportunity to organize their communities around exercising other First Amendment rights like assembly, petition and speech. .

The Black church, by safeguarding religious expression within the Black culture, has been “a sacred space that empowers Black people to act to secure their political rights as citizens and human beings in America,” writes Hood Theological Seminary professor&nbsp;Sharon J. Grant, in “<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/African-Americans-and-Religious-Freedom" target="_blank">African Americans and Religious Freedom: New Perspectives for Congregations and Communities</a>.”

Warnock’s story embodies the centuries-long struggle for enfranchisement by Black Americans. The religious community he leads is a source of support and inspiration for the political change he hopes to enact in Washington.

His religious predecessors shared some of the same hopes — and many were met with fierce opposition. The resistance continues today under different guises.

Consider the often-forgotten period of Georgia history after the Civil War, when 33 African Americans were elected to the general assembly. Known as the “Original 33,” the men were among the first Black state legislators in the country. Twenty-four were ministers.

With little political capital, some Original 33 men voted against legislation that would have secured their right as African Americans to political office in the state constitution. They thought specialized language that explicitly gave Blacks the right to hold elected office was unnecessary because state and federal law already recognized African Americans as equal citizens.

Instead, the Black legislators sought to extend the work of the Black church by empowering communities outside their own. They championed education for all Georgia children and fought for the property rights of women. Yet their acts generated little goodwill.

In 1868, less than five months after they had been seated, the assembly’s white majority&nbsp;<a href="https://cite.case.law/ga/39/232/" target="_blank">illegally</a>&nbsp;expelled the Original 33. They were reinstated in early 1870 under the authority of the state Supreme Court. This led to Georgia’s ratification of the 15th Amendment, which prohibited the government from denying Black Americans the right to vote.

But by December of that year, a mobilized white Georgia electorate, intent on clawing back the new freedoms, voted out the Black legislators.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/black-legislators-during-reconstruction" target="_blank">In the process</a>, one quarter of the Original 33 were beaten, jailed or killed.

Soon after this period, an itinerant preacher named&nbsp;Rev. Adam Daniel Williams&nbsp;traveled through rural Georgia. Settling in Atlanta, he became the pastor of<a href="https://www.ebenezeratl.org/our-history/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Ebenezer Baptist Church</a>, a congregation with only 17 members.

Williams grew the church into a vibrant community, pioneering a Black version of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/social-gospel" target="_blank">social gospel</a>&nbsp;that emphasized civil rights. He cultivated a rhetorical and religious authority his grandson,&nbsp;Martin Luther King Jr., would bring to the nascent civil rights movement in the 1950s.

King, a successor pastor in the church, recognized the near impossibility of being elected as a Black American. He turned down requests to run for political office but was unafraid to use his religious pulpit to advocate for the civil rights of all Americans.

In his final public speech in 1968, King implored, “All we say to America is, ‘Be true to what you said on paper.’ But somewhere I read of the freedom of assembly. Somewhere I read of the freedom of speech. Somewhere I read of the freedom of press. Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for right.” One month shy of the 100th anniversary of the Original 33’s election, he was assassinated in Memphis, Tenn.

The lesson repeated: Black Americans exercising their right to religious freedom could be abided but using the fruits of that freedom to pursue equality could not.

While deep rifts and violent rhetoric are still too common, a social climate shifting toward racial inclusion and a robust Georgia voting rights campaign created a path to victory for Warnock that had been denied King.

But disenfranchisement comes in many forms. In America, the granting of rights and power to people of color has almost always been met with passionate, and too often successful, counter-movements to rescind those freedoms. Even this month, Georgia legislators introduced a bill that would eliminate Sunday morning voting, a traditional time for Black Americans to go to the polls.

Understanding the long struggle for enfranchisement is the first step in ensuring all Americans, regardless of race or religious creed, are fully protected under the Constitution, today and in the future.

David Callaway is the project manager of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/programs/educators/the-georgia-3rs-project/" target="_blank">Georgia Rights, Responsibility, Respect Project</a>, an education initiative of the Religious Freedom Center. His email address is:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dcallaway@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">dcallaway@freedomforum.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599745128387.jpeg" alt="David Callaway. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>David Callaway. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID CALLAWAYDemocratic&nbsp;Sen. Raphael Warnock,&nbsp;senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, overcame Georgia’s long history of racial prejudice and a traditionally Republican electorate to become the state’s first Black U.S. senator.Warnock’s historic election in January is rooted in a deep American tradition of Black people using their right to religious freedom as a basis to build political power. For many, the freedom to worship provided both refuge from a hostile society and the opportunity to organize their communities around exercising other First Amendment rights like assembly, petition and speech. .The Black church, by safeguarding religious expression within the Black culture, has been “a sacred space that empowers Black people to act to secure their political rights as citizens and human beings in America,” writes Hood Theological Seminary professor&nbsp;Sharon J. Grant, in “<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/African-Americans-and-Religious-Freedom" target="_blank">African Americans and Religious Freedom: New Perspectives for Congregations and Communities</a>.”Warnock’s story embodies the centuries-long struggle for enfranchisement by Black Americans. The religious community he leads is a source of support and inspiration for the political change he hopes to enact in Washington.His religious predecessors shared some of the same hopes — and many were met with fierce opposition. The resistance continues today under different guises.Consider the often-forgotten period of Georgia history after the Civil War, when 33 African Americans were elected to the general assembly. Known as the “Original 33,” the men were among the first Black state legislators in the country. Twenty-four were ministers.With little political capital, some Original 33 men voted against legislation that would have secured their right as African Americans to political office in the state constitution. They thought specialized language that explicitly gave Blacks the right to hold elected office was unnecessary because state and federal law already recognized African Americans as equal citizens.Instead, the Black legislators sought to extend the work of the Black church by empowering communities outside their own. They championed education for all Georgia children and fought for the property rights of women. Yet their acts generated little goodwill.In 1868, less than five months after they had been seated, the assembly’s white majority&nbsp;<a href="https://cite.case.law/ga/39/232/" target="_blank">illegally</a>&nbsp;expelled the Original 33. They were reinstated in early 1870 under the authority of the state Supreme Court. This led to Georgia’s ratification of the 15th Amendment, which prohibited the government from denying Black Americans the right to vote.But by December of that year, a mobilized white Georgia electorate, intent on clawing back the new freedoms, voted out the Black legislators.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/black-legislators-during-reconstruction" target="_blank">In the process</a>, one quarter of the Original 33 were beaten, jailed or killed.Soon after this period, an itinerant preacher named&nbsp;Rev. Adam Daniel Williams&nbsp;traveled through rural Georgia. Settling in Atlanta, he became the pastor of<a href="https://www.ebenezeratl.org/our-history/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Ebenezer Baptist Church</a>, a congregation with only 17 members.Williams grew the church into a vibrant community, pioneering a Black version of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/social-gospel" target="_blank">social gospel</a>&nbsp;that emphasized civil rights. He cultivated a rhetorical and religious authority his grandson,&nbsp;Martin Luther King Jr., would bring to the nascent civil rights movement in the 1950s.King, a successor pastor in the church, recognized the near impossibility of being elected as a Black American. He turned down requests to run for political office but was unafraid to use his religious pulpit to advocate for the civil rights of all Americans.In his final public speech in 1968, King implored, “All we say to America is, ‘Be true to what you said on paper.’ But somewhere I read of the freedom of assembly. Somewhere I read of the freedom of speech. Somewhere I read of the freedom of press. Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for right.” One month shy of the 100th anniversary of the Original 33’s election, he was assassinated in Memphis, Tenn.The lesson repeated: Black Americans exercising their right to religious freedom could be abided but using the fruits of that freedom to pursue equality could not.While deep rifts and violent rhetoric are still too common, a social climate shifting toward racial inclusion and a robust Georgia voting rights campaign created a path to victory for Warnock that had been denied King.But disenfranchisement comes in many forms. In America, the granting of rights and power to people of color has almost always been met with passionate, and too often successful, counter-movements to rescind those freedoms. Even this month, Georgia legislators introduced a bill that would eliminate Sunday morning voting, a traditional time for Black Americans to go to the polls.Understanding the long struggle for enfranchisement is the first step in ensuring all Americans, regardless of race or religious creed, are fully protected under the Constitution, today and in the future.David Callaway is the project manager of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/programs/educators/the-georgia-3rs-project/" target="_blank">Georgia Rights, Responsibility, Respect Project</a>, an education initiative of the Religious Freedom Center. His email address is:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dcallaway@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">dcallaway@freedomforum.org</a>.

FIRST FIVE: Pastors, politics, and power -- the struggle for equality

By TIM UNRUH Salina Airport Authority

A block of airspace spanning 770 nautical miles over southern Kansas, is pushing aviation imaginations to new heights, and Salina is positioned to support more flight testing and special air missions.

The Kansas Supersonic Transportation Corridor — a project inspired and coordinated by the Kansas Department of Transportation – has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for supersonic flight testing by commercial aircraft manufacturers.

The Kansas SSTC is an area from southwest of Garden City to north of Pittsburg, where ultra-fast aircraft can be tested from Mach 1 up to Mach 3, or three times the speed of sound, at altitudes of 39,000 feet or above. The initial target speed is Mach 1.4 (nearly 1,066 mph) for commercial flights, said Bob Brock, KDOT’s aviation director.

“That’s almost three times as fast as current airlines,” he said.

Commercial operators have only been allowed to conduct supersonic flights over the ocean, according to KDOT, but the state has inked a new agreement with the FAA to support aircraft manufacturers with a centrally located corridor “designed as a bi-directional racetrack,” the KDOT release reads.

The Kansas SSTC is the only planned corridor for commercial use over land in the United States, Brock said.

“This is a new capability for the state and a new opportunity for Salina Regional Airport to&nbsp;provide a forward operating location for companies that come to the state to utilize the corridor,” said Tim Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority.

“We are very deliberately building infrastructure to support job creation from these next generation aviation modes of transportation,” said Brock. “This corridor makes new jobs possible in Kansas.”

“We have already begun coordination for the first flight tests to occur in the first half of 2021,” he said.

A supersonic aircraft moving at Mach 1.4 can cover the 770 nautical-mile oval (886.1 statute miles) in roughly 60 minutes; 20 minutes when Mach 3 speeds are reached.

“The path of the corridor allows you to make a normal turn without reducing airspeed,” Brock said. “Most likely, when it’s time for Mach 3 testing, we will have expanded the flight test corridor to be able to support long-range flights.”

“Industry experts report that new ‘low-boom’ technologies allow supersonic flights to be conducted that produce less than 80 decibels of noise (roughly the same as a vacuum cleaner), over 100 times quieter than the Concorde,” he said. “The impact of having these new aircraft fly overhead will be minimal enough that people will likely appreciate how much they mean to Kansas, as their friends and family have steady long-term jobs that they might not have had otherwise.”

So, what’s it in for folks in these parts?

Salina is blessed with the ability to land the long, sleek airplanes, store them in hangars, and also fuel and repair them if needed.

Plus, the Salina Airport has the ability to facilitate testing, Brock said.

“The first milestones we expect to see include supersonic travel becoming available as a commercial option—where you board an aircraft in Kansas and land in London two and half hours later,” he said. “That is not far off.”

The partnership that has developed over the past four years, “provides a sophisticated and cost-effective flight test capability within reach of every major aircraft manufacturer in the country,” according to a KDOT press release.

“Supersonic airline and business jets are being designed today,” Brock said, “Commercial jets such as the 737 and 787 are currently produced in Wichita, and we need to make sure the next generation of aircraft are built in Kansas as well.”

He added that many of the business jets that are built in Wichita today, are already flying at near Mach 1speed. Kansas visionaries have bigger ideas.

“It doesn’t stop there,” said Lindsey Dreiling, executive director of aviation strategy at Kansas State University&nbsp;Polytechnic Campus, Salina. She is also leading the school’s Global Aeronautics Initiative.

“This initiative continues to set the pace for the evolution of transportation by providing access to airspace for research and flight testing,” she said. “It not only provides an opportunity to innovate, but also opens the door for future partnerships.”

K-State is one of four Midwestern universities — Nebraska, North Dakota and Purdue — in an alliance to “lure U.S. Space Command to Offutt AFB in Nebraska and expand opportunities for new degree programs and research,” Dreiling said. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614400955477.png" alt="Image courtesy Salina Airport Authority" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Salina Airport Authority</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM UNRUH Salina Airport AuthorityA block of airspace spanning 770 nautical miles over southern Kansas, is pushing aviation imaginations to new heights, and Salina is positioned to support more flight testing and special air missions.The Kansas Supersonic Transportation Corridor — a project inspired and coordinated by the Kansas Department of Transportation – has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for supersonic flight testing by commercial aircraft manufacturers.The Kansas SSTC is an area from southwest of Garden City to north of Pittsburg, where ultra-fast aircraft can be tested from Mach 1 up to Mach 3, or three times the speed of sound, at altitudes of 39,000 feet or above. The initial target speed is Mach 1.4 (nearly 1,066 mph) for commercial flights, said Bob Brock, KDOT’s aviation director.“That’s almost three times as fast as current airlines,” he said.Commercial operators have only been allowed to conduct supersonic flights over the ocean, according to KDOT, but the state has inked a new agreement with the FAA to support aircraft manufacturers with a centrally located corridor “designed as a bi-directional racetrack,” the KDOT release reads.The Kansas SSTC is the only planned corridor for commercial use over land in the United States, Brock said.“This is a new capability for the state and a new opportunity for Salina Regional Airport to&nbsp;provide a forward operating location for companies that come to the state to utilize the corridor,” said Tim Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority.“We are very deliberately building infrastructure to support job creation from these next generation aviation modes of transportation,” said Brock. “This corridor makes new jobs possible in Kansas.”The corridor will soon be put to use.“We have already begun coordination for the first flight tests to occur in the first half of 2021,” he said.A supersonic aircraft moving at Mach 1.4 can cover the 770 nautical-mile oval (886.1 statute miles) in roughly 60 minutes; 20 minutes when Mach 3 speeds are reached.“The path of the corridor allows you to make a normal turn without reducing airspeed,” Brock said. “Most likely, when it’s time for Mach 3 testing, we will have expanded the flight test corridor to be able to support long-range flights.”Noise isn’t supposed to be a factor.“Industry experts report that new ‘low-boom’ technologies allow supersonic flights to be conducted that produce less than 80 decibels of noise (roughly the same as a vacuum cleaner), over 100 times quieter than the Concorde,” he said. “The impact of having these new aircraft fly overhead will be minimal enough that people will likely appreciate how much they mean to Kansas, as their friends and family have steady long-term jobs that they might not have had otherwise.”So, what’s it in for folks in these parts?Salina is blessed with the ability to land the long, sleek airplanes, store them in hangars, and also fuel and repair them if needed.Plus, the Salina Airport has the ability to facilitate testing, Brock said.“The first milestones we expect to see include supersonic travel becoming available as a commercial option—where you board an aircraft in Kansas and land in London two and half hours later,” he said. “That is not far off.”The partnership that has developed over the past four years, “provides a sophisticated and cost-effective flight test capability within reach of every major aircraft manufacturer in the country,” according to a KDOT press release.“Supersonic airline and business jets are being designed today,” Brock said, “Commercial jets such as the 737 and 787 are currently produced in Wichita, and we need to make sure the next generation of aircraft are built in Kansas as well.”He added that many of the business jets that are built in Wichita today, are already flying at near Mach 1speed. Kansas visionaries have bigger ideas.“It doesn’t stop there,” said Lindsey Dreiling, executive director of aviation strategy at Kansas State University&nbsp;Polytechnic Campus, Salina. She is also leading the school’s Global Aeronautics Initiative.“This initiative continues to set the pace for the evolution of transportation by providing access to airspace for research and flight testing,” she said. “It not only provides an opportunity to innovate, but also opens the door for future partnerships.”K-State is one of four Midwestern universities — Nebraska, North Dakota and Purdue — in an alliance to “lure U.S. Space Command to Offutt AFB in Nebraska and expand opportunities for new degree programs and research,” Dreiling said. She imagines linking what K-State Poly already has to other missions.“I am proud of the work our teams are doing to improve flight safety for transportation in our National Airspace System,” Dreiling said. “This type of barrier-breaking thought will shape the future of transportation.”K-State is also connected as a member of both the Kansas and NASA Space Grant consortiums with Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Haskell Indian Nations, Wichita State, Pittsburg State and Kansas universities, along with the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center.“The consortium is supporting national and state priorities derived from NASA’s vision and mission,” she said.“Kansas already enjoys an excellent relationship with NASA,” Brock said. “We hope that this corridor will empower NASA to expand their efforts to make commercial supersonic flight a routine occurrence.”Commercial Supersonic flight is associated with the Concorde aircraft that recorded the fastest transatlantic crossing Feb. 17, 1996, from New York to London in just under three hours, according to&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DJ0KkRbBvB-vspRXy0ZmmiVcaoyU657uGGH9rhtCAt0baE1RnrjHiRBVWu51bIXu4ZJ07wbnAfjyOba-_XvdmpsXJQi5393KSvHW7RamMbSQFQ8jMa-KTVaroMmz9YUSn9QGFdMcn-ty7WfSziLxWA==&amp;c=7mcCC9RQLsfnsFK_mDyIn2Boh0xBLCeDg7yyOsP2D6p9sL6DPByBNA==&amp;ch=CU45YPtzG-arU-c4olAv_qkqyauDTzZFp00hWmv0XGHHeK8i2ZAfKg==" target="_blank">simpliflying.com</a>. A typical commercial flight time today connecting those cities is nearly seven hours, according to an online flight time calculator.&nbsp;With a main runway longer than two miles — 12,300 feet — Salina served as an alternate landing spot during the Space Shuttle program, KDOT’s Brock said.Companies such as Boeing, Cessna, Bombardier, Scaled Composite and Honda Jets, have long used Salina’s airport for flight tests.The Salina Airport was also the home base for the around-the-world flights by Steve Fossett in his Global Flyer.Through an agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration, supersonic trials can be performed to measure noise levels and collect all kinds of data, aimed at a “re-birth” of civil supersonic travel, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.Utilizing maintenance technicians, aerospace engineers, communications experts and others close by — Salina Regional Airport, for instance — Brock said the airplanes can fly subsonic speeds to the corridor, for supersonic testing. “Flight test teams can deploy for a day, a week, or sometimes months at a time,” he said, referring to these aircraft as “flight test vehicles.”While in Salina, Brock said, the aircraft could also have access to 1Vision Aviation for airframe and power plant maintenance.Supersonic travel is practical for many reasons, Brock said, thanks in large part to improvements. “With new technologies under development, aircraft design will enable us to fly faster and more efficiently than the Concorde,” he said. “New efficiencies will also make it more cost effective for companies and for passengers than the times of the Concorde.”Other developments are helping and are “extremely exciting, such as synthetic jet fuel with a zero-carbon footprint that’s much more gentle to the environment,” Brock said, “It will be much more widely accepted, much more quickly.”&nbsp;The FAA will decide who gets to use the corridor, in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 91.818.“As quickly as an operator or manufacturer can meet these stringent standards, the FAA can approve a flight,” Brock said. “Then it’s a matter of filing a normal flight plan through Kansas City Air Route Traffic Control Center.”There are no fees to use the corridor and air traffic controllers out of Kansas City will control every flight.“FAA will ultimately set the limit for the number of aircraft on the track,” he said, “but with so few aircraft capable of achieving supersonic flight, that’s not a factor today.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The above story was republished, with permission, from the Salina Airport Authority's February issue of "Reporting Points."

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