Today is Wednesday, Jan. 20, the 20th day of 2021. There are 345 days left in the year. 

On Jan. 20, 1986, the United States observed the first federal holiday in honor of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. 

In 1265, England's first representative Parliament met for the first time.

In 1801, Secretary of State John Marshall was nominated by President John Adams to be chief justice of the United States. (Marshall would be sworn in on Feb. 4, 1801.)

In 1887, the U.S. Senate approved an agreement to lease Pearl Harbor in Hawaii as a naval base. 

In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first chief executive to be inaugurated on Jan. 20 instead of March 4. 

In 1942, Nazi officials held the notorious Wannsee conference, during which they arrived at their "final solution" that called for exterminating Europe's Jews. 

In 1961, John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the 35th President of the United States.

In 1964, Capitol Records released the album "Meet the Beatles!" 

In 1981, Iran released 52 Americans it had held hostage for 444 days, minutes after the presidency had passed from Jimmy Carter to Ronald Reagan. 

In 1994, Shannon Faulkner became the first woman to attend classes at The Citadel in South Carolina. (Faulkner joined the cadet corps in Aug. 1995 under court order but soon dropped out, citing isolation and stress from the legal battle.) 

In 2007, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., launched her first campaign for the White House, saying in a videotaped message on her website: "I'm in, and I'm in to win." 

In 2009, Barack Obama was sworn in as the nation's 44th, as well as first African-American, president. 

In 2017, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States, pledging emphatically to empower America's "forgotten men and women." Protesters registered their rage against the new president in a chaotic confrontation with police just blocks from the inaugural parade. 

Ten years ago: In a luncheon speech to American business executives in Washington, Chinese President Hu Jintao denied his country was a military threat despite its arms buildup and pressed the U.S. for closer cooperation between the global powers. Federal authorities orchestrated one of the biggest Mafia takedowns in FBI history, charging 127 suspected mobsters and associates in the Northeast with murders, extortion and other crimes spanning decades.

Five years ago: President Barack Obama hailed the revival of the nation's auto industry during a visit to Detroit while acknowledging the water crisis in nearby Flint, Michigan. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and NASA announced that 2015 was by far the hottest year in 136 years of record keeping. Kathryn Smith was promoted by the Buffalo Bills to take over as special teams quality control coach, making her the NFL's first full-time female coach.

One year ago: Chinese government experts confirmed human-to-human transmission of the new coronavirus, saying two people caught the virus from family members and that some health workers had tested positive. Tens of thousands of gun-rights activists rallied at the Virginia Capitol to protest plans by the state's Democratic leadership to pass gun-control legislation. (Lawmakers eventually approved seven of the eight measures in Gov. Ralph Northam's gun-control package.) Fifteen-year-old Coco Gauff moved into the second round at the Australian Open by beating Venus Williams in straight sets.

Today's Birthdays: Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin is 91. Olympic gold medal figure skater Carol Heiss is 81. Singer Eric Stewart is 76. Movie director David Lynch is 75. Country-rock musician George Grantham (Poco) is 74. Israeli activist Natan Sharansky is 73. Actor Daniel Benzali is 71. Rock musician Paul Stanley (KISS) is 69. Rock musician Ian Hill (Judas Priest) is 69. Comedian Bill Maher is 65. Actor Lorenzo Lamas is 63. Actor James Denton is 58. Rock musician Greg K. (The Offspring) is 56. Country singer John Michael Montgomery is 56. Sophie, Countess of Wessex, is 56. Actor Rainn Wilson is 55. Actor Stacey Dash is 54. TV personality Melissa Rivers is 53. Actor Reno Wilson is 52. Singer Edwin McCain is 51. Actor Skeet Ulrich is 51. Rap musician ?uestlove (questlove) (The Roots) is 50. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is 49. Rock musician Rob Bourdon (Linkin Park) is 42. Singer-songwriter Bonnie McKee is 37. Country singer Brantley Gilbert is 36. Rock singer Kevin Parker (Tame Impala) is 35. Actor Evan Peters is 34.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, Jan. 20, the 20th day of 2021. There are 345 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Jan. 20, 1986, the United States observed the first federal holiday in honor of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. On this date: In 1265, England's first representative Parliament met for the first time.In 1801, Secretary of State John Marshall was nominated by President John Adams to be chief justice of the United States. (Marshall would be sworn in on Feb. 4, 1801.)In 1887, the U.S. Senate approved an agreement to lease Pearl Harbor in Hawaii as a naval base. In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first chief executive to be inaugurated on Jan. 20 instead of March 4. In 1942, Nazi officials held the notorious Wannsee conference, during which they arrived at their "final solution" that called for exterminating Europe's Jews. In 1961, John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the 35th President of the United States.In 1964, Capitol Records released the album "Meet the Beatles!" In 1981, Iran released 52 Americans it had held hostage for 444 days, minutes after the presidency had passed from Jimmy Carter to Ronald Reagan. In 1994, Shannon Faulkner became the first woman to attend classes at The Citadel in South Carolina. (Faulkner joined the cadet corps in Aug. 1995 under court order but soon dropped out, citing isolation and stress from the legal battle.) In 2007, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., launched her first campaign for the White House, saying in a videotaped message on her website: "I'm in, and I'm in to win." In 2009, Barack Obama was sworn in as the nation's 44th, as well as first African-American, president. In 2017, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States, pledging emphatically to empower America's "forgotten men and women." Protesters registered their rage against the new president in a chaotic confrontation with police just blocks from the inaugural parade. Ten years ago: In a luncheon speech to American business executives in Washington, Chinese President Hu Jintao denied his country was a military threat despite its arms buildup and pressed the U.S. for closer cooperation between the global powers. Federal authorities orchestrated one of the biggest Mafia takedowns in FBI history, charging 127 suspected mobsters and associates in the Northeast with murders, extortion and other crimes spanning decades.Five years ago: President Barack Obama hailed the revival of the nation's auto industry during a visit to Detroit while acknowledging the water crisis in nearby Flint, Michigan. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and NASA announced that 2015 was by far the hottest year in 136 years of record keeping. Kathryn Smith was promoted by the Buffalo Bills to take over as special teams quality control coach, making her the NFL's first full-time female coach.One year ago: Chinese government experts confirmed human-to-human transmission of the new coronavirus, saying two people caught the virus from family members and that some health workers had tested positive. Tens of thousands of gun-rights activists rallied at the Virginia Capitol to protest plans by the state's Democratic leadership to pass gun-control legislation. (Lawmakers eventually approved seven of the eight measures in Gov. Ralph Northam's gun-control package.) Fifteen-year-old Coco Gauff moved into the second round at the Australian Open by beating Venus Williams in straight sets.Today's Birthdays: Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin is 91. Olympic gold medal figure skater Carol Heiss is 81. Singer Eric Stewart is 76. Movie director David Lynch is 75. Country-rock musician George Grantham (Poco) is 74. Israeli activist Natan Sharansky is 73. Actor Daniel Benzali is 71. Rock musician Paul Stanley (KISS) is 69. Rock musician Ian Hill (Judas Priest) is 69. Comedian Bill Maher is 65. Actor Lorenzo Lamas is 63. Actor James Denton is 58. Rock musician Greg K. (The Offspring) is 56. Country singer John Michael Montgomery is 56. Sophie, Countess of Wessex, is 56. Actor Rainn Wilson is 55. Actor Stacey Dash is 54. TV personality Melissa Rivers is 53. Actor Reno Wilson is 52. Singer Edwin McCain is 51. Actor Skeet Ulrich is 51. Rap musician ?uestlove (questlove) (The Roots) is 50. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is 49. Rock musician Rob Bourdon (Linkin Park) is 42. Singer-songwriter Bonnie McKee is 37. Country singer Brantley Gilbert is 36. Rock singer Kevin Parker (Tame Impala) is 35. Actor Evan Peters is 34.

Today in History -- Jan. 20

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department this evening reported 52 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 2,848.

Of that total, 1,670 have either met recovery guidelines or have died, and 19 of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted.

Following is the updated case data as provided by the health department.

• New cases since last public release: 52

• Deaths: 49 -Male: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39, 91, 92, 52, 80, 30, 72, 82, 88, 85, 77, 89, 82, 78, 64, 85, 86, 48, 87, 92, 61, 85, 80, 81, 61 -Female: 92, 89, 94, 66, 82, 91, 84, 90, 89, 81, 62, 83, 62, 98, 81, 84, 80

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department this evening reported 52 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 2,848.Of that total, 1,670 have either met recovery guidelines or have died, and 19 of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted.Following is the updated case data as provided by the health department.• New cases since last public release: 52• Asymptomatic: 62• Unknown exposure: 1338• Cases 60 years old and above: 895• Cases 50-59 years old: 393• Cases 40-49 years old: 363• Cases 30-39 years old: 355• Cases 18-29 years old: 563• Cases under 18 years old: 279• Female cases: 1510• Male cases: 1338• Total hospitalizations: 112• Total ventilated cases: 16• Deaths: 49 -Male: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39, 91, 92, 52, 80, 30, 72, 82, 88, 85, 77, 89, 82, 78, 64, 85, 86, 48, 87, 92, 61, 85, 80, 81, 61 -Female: 92, 89, 94, 66, 82, 91, 84, 90, 89, 81, 62, 83, 62, 98, 81, 84, 80

McPherson County reports 52 new cases of COVID-19

PECOS, Texas. (AP) — Police in west Texas say a woman who drowned in a pool there in 1966 has been identified as a Salina, Kansas, native. Police in Pecos, Texas, announced Tuesday that the drowning victim was 17-year-old Jolaine Hemmy. 

She drowned on July 5, 1966, at the Ropers Motel in Pecos, where she was staying with a man. Police said the man, who has not been identified, was in the couple's motel room when Hemmy died. 

He left with their belongings as emergency responders were trying to revive her. Police reopened the cold case last year and exhumed the body. Pecos police say Hemmy's death remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611107113114.png" alt="Jolaine Hemmy-photo courtesy Pecos Police" />
 <figcaption>Jolaine Hemmy-photo courtesy Pecos Police</figcaption>
 </figure>PECOS, Texas. (AP) — Police in west Texas say a woman who drowned in a pool there in 1966 has been identified as a Salina, Kansas, native. Police in Pecos, Texas, announced Tuesday that the drowning victim was 17-year-old Jolaine Hemmy. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftownofpecoscity%2Fvideos%2F834190820521866%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>She drowned on July 5, 1966, at the Ropers Motel in Pecos, where she was staying with a man. Police said the man, who has not been identified, was in the couple's motel room when Hemmy died. He left with their belongings as emergency responders were trying to revive her. Police reopened the cold case last year and exhumed the body. Pecos police say Hemmy's death remains under investigation.

🎥  Woman who drowned in Texas in 1966 identified as Salina native

Police are investigating a burglary at a west Salina hotel over the weekend.

Sometime between 11 a.m. Saturday and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, someone stole the following items from the Ambassador Hotel, 1616 West Crawford Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.

A Yard Machine 21-inch self-propelled mower

Total value of the items was $1,350 he noted.

The manager of the property reported that she had checked the property at 11 a.m. Saturday. She returned on Sunday afternoon and noticed a metal cart outside in the parking lot on the west side of the building. The cart was in the garage when she left on Saturday, Forrester noted.

Police are investigating a burglary at a west Salina hotel over the weekend.Sometime between 11 a.m. Saturday and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, someone stole the following items from the Ambassador Hotel, 1616 West Crawford Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.A Yard Machine 21-inch self-propelled mowerA red and black Yard Machine push mowerA Bolens BL 110 weed eaterThree Meidase S3 trail camerasA 60-inch Samsung televisionA red Budweiser pool table lightTotal value of the items was $1,350 he noted.The manager of the property reported that she had checked the property at 11 a.m. Saturday. She returned on Sunday afternoon and noticed a metal cart outside in the parking lot on the west side of the building. The cart was in the garage when she left on Saturday, Forrester noted.

Police: $1,350 worth of items stolen from west Salina hotel

The Saline County Board of County Commissioners announced today the appointment of David Flaherty II as the next director of the Saline County Livestock &amp; Expo Center.&nbsp; 

Flaherty has 14 years of experience working at the facility and most recently as the noxious weed supervisor.

Flaherty will be responsible for the Livestock &amp; Expo Center grounds and buildings, coordinating the scheduling of events, management of leased County farm ground, and other administrative tasks to ensure the successful operation of the facility.&nbsp; He will be working alongside the current director, Rick Lamer, to ensure continuity before Lamer retires in March.

“I’m happy to accept the position.&nbsp; I know I have some big shoes to fill, but I’m excited to accept the challenge.&nbsp; We have a great staff at the Expo Center and I’m proud to continue to work with them,” Flaherty said.&nbsp; 

County Commission Chairman Rodger Sparks noted, “Mr. Flaherty will do a fine job and we are happy that we had an internal candidate to promote to this position.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611076727152.png" alt="David Flaherty II. Photo courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>David Flaherty II. Photo courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>The Saline County Board of County Commissioners announced today the appointment of David Flaherty II as the next director of the Saline County Livestock &amp; Expo Center.&nbsp; Flaherty has 14 years of experience working at the facility and most recently as the noxious weed supervisor.Flaherty will be responsible for the Livestock &amp; Expo Center grounds and buildings, coordinating the scheduling of events, management of leased County farm ground, and other administrative tasks to ensure the successful operation of the facility.&nbsp; He will be working alongside the current director, Rick Lamer, to ensure continuity before Lamer retires in March.“I’m happy to accept the position.&nbsp; I know I have some big shoes to fill, but I’m excited to accept the challenge.&nbsp; We have a great staff at the Expo Center and I’m proud to continue to work with them,” Flaherty said.&nbsp; County Commission Chairman Rodger Sparks noted, “Mr. Flaherty will do a fine job and we are happy that we had an internal candidate to promote to this position.”

Flaherty new Saline County Livestock & Expo Center director

Four people from Florida were arrested on multiple requested drug charges after a stop for speeding on Interstate 70 (I-70) Saturday afternoon.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that at approximately 4:05 p.m. Saturday, a deputy pulled over a westbound 2020 Dodge Charger near milepost 248 west of Salina for driving 98 mph in a 75 mph zone. During the stop, the deputy detected the odor of marijuana. During a subsequent search, the deputy located marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and drug edibles, he said. Additionally, $222,236 in cash was seized, Soldan said.

All four persons were arrested on the following requested charges, according to the Saline County booking report.

Jamieson Luke Perri, 24, of Melbourne, Fla.

Casandra Andrea Bond, 21, of Palm Bay, Fla.

Francis Joseph Clancy, 20, of Palm Bay, Fla.

Criminal carry of a weapon; bludgeon/club/knuckles

Norrell Roger Burrell, 22, of Melbourne, Fla.

Four people from Florida were arrested on multiple requested drug charges after a stop for speeding on Interstate 70 (I-70) Saturday afternoon.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that at approximately 4:05 p.m. Saturday, a deputy pulled over a westbound 2020 Dodge Charger near milepost 248 west of Salina for driving 98 mph in a 75 mph zone. During the stop, the deputy detected the odor of marijuana. During a subsequent search, the deputy located marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and drug edibles, he said. Additionally, $222,236 in cash was seized, Soldan said.All four persons were arrested on the following requested charges, according to the Saline County booking report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610892975322.jpeg" alt="Jamieson Luke Perri. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Jamieson Luke Perri. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Jamieson Luke Perri, 24, of Melbourne, Fla.Possession of drug paraphernaliaPossession of marijuanaSpeeding<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610893293477.jpeg" alt="Casandra Andrea Bond. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Casandra Andrea Bond. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Casandra Andrea Bond, 21, of Palm Bay, Fla.Possession of drug paraphernaliaPossession of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610893202508.jpeg" alt="Francis Joseph Clancy. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Francis Joseph Clancy. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Francis Joseph Clancy, 20, of Palm Bay, Fla.Criminal carry of a weapon; bludgeon/club/knucklesPossession of drug paraphernaliaPossession of marijuana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610893399902.jpeg" alt="Norrell Roger Burrell. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Norrell Roger Burrell. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Norrell Roger Burrell, 22, of Melbourne, Fla.Possession of drug paraphernaliaPossession of marijuana

Four from Florida arrested on multiple requested drug charges

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Hard work paid off for two Salina South High School four-year debaters.

Seniors Maya Daily and Tiana Marion won the 5A state two-speaker debate tournament this past weekend.

"Maya and Tiana had a fantastic season and were returning from great finishes at the state debate tournament in the prior year. Tiana was eighth and Maya was third at state with their respective colleagues who graduated last year, so we started the season with high hope and lofty goals to build on that success," Dr. Megan Hagaman, Salina South debate coach, told Salina Post.

The topic for the year was "Resolved The United State Federal Government should enact substantial criminal justice reform in one or more of the following: sentencing, policing, forensics science." Hagaman noted that the Salina South duo defended elimination of the death penalty in the final round debate.

Hagaman praised the duo for their hard work and noted that the entire Salina South team contributed to the success.

"I am tremendously proud of the hours and work that the team put into ensuring that we brought home the state championship this year. This was a team effort and included all of our debaters working together to scout information, conduct research, help prepare, and provide encouragement throughout the competition," Hagaman noted. "We would not have been nearly as successful without our sophomores who went 4-2 and finished 10th, and our four-speaker team who also had an excellent tournament and finished fifth in that division."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611068777891.jpeg" alt="Salina South High School's Tiana Marion and Maya Daily are the 5A state two-speaker debate champions. Photo courtesy Dr. Megan Hagaman" />
 <figcaption>Salina South High School's Tiana Marion and Maya Daily are the 5A state two-speaker debate champions. Photo courtesy Dr. Megan Hagaman</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostHard work paid off for two Salina South High School four-year debaters.Seniors Maya Daily and Tiana Marion won the 5A state two-speaker debate tournament this past weekend."Maya and Tiana had a fantastic season and were returning from great finishes at the state debate tournament in the prior year. Tiana was eighth and Maya was third at state with their respective colleagues who graduated last year, so we started the season with high hope and lofty goals to build on that success," Dr. Megan Hagaman, Salina South debate coach, told Salina Post.The topic for the year was "Resolved The United State Federal Government should enact substantial criminal justice reform in one or more of the following: sentencing, policing, forensics science." Hagaman noted that the Salina South duo defended elimination of the death penalty in the final round debate.Hagaman praised the duo for their hard work and noted that the entire Salina South team contributed to the success."I am tremendously proud of the hours and work that the team put into ensuring that we brought home the state championship this year. This was a team effort and included all of our debaters working together to scout information, conduct research, help prepare, and provide encouragement throughout the competition," Hagaman noted. "We would not have been nearly as successful without our sophomores who went 4-2 and finished 10th, and our four-speaker team who also had an excellent tournament and finished fifth in that division."

Salina South duo wins 5A state two-speaker debate title

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1st Shift 5am - 5:30pm

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 2nd Shift is 5pm - 5:30am

To apply for this position, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.russellstover.com/careers">www.russellstover.com/careers</a>

Russell Stover Chocolates factory is located right off I-70 at exit 272 on the west side of Abilene, Kansas and has been in business nationally since 1923.

Russell Stover Chocolates is an equal opportunity employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610422205593.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This position is full time with benefitsWork 36 hours get paid for 40Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1st Shift 5am - 5:30pmThursday, Friday and Saturday 2nd Shift is 5pm - 5:30amTo apply for this position, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.russellstover.com/careers">www.russellstover.com/careers</a>Russell Stover Chocolates factory is located right off I-70 at exit 272 on the west side of Abilene, Kansas and has been in business nationally since 1923.Russell Stover Chocolates is an equal opportunity employer.

Salina woman arrested after shooting at nursing home

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

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Recent obituaries

Two teams from the same high school placing first and second in the state two-speaker debate tournament is nothing more than a dream for many debate coaches. For Sacred Heart High School's Olga Silverman, that dream came true this past weekend as two Sacred Heart teams finished in the top two spots in the Class 3A-2A-1A tournament.

Saturday's wins for Sacred Heart, however, came with an unusual twist: the second-place team was made up of first-year debaters.

Seniors and four-year debaters Sara Del Real and Lillian Perrin finished in the top spot while sophomores Kiera Cochran and Stephanie "Stevie" Silverman took second place.

"I am very happy that my seniors, Lily and Sara, won this well-deserved title at the end of their high school debate career. They worked very hard, honing their skills and growing their knowledge every year. Moreover, after winning the runner-up title at the four-speaker 3-2-1A State Debate Championship last year, they set their goals very high for this season, and I had high hopes for them as well," Olga Silverman told Salina Post. "However, finding my second team in the final bracket came as a great surprise. Both Kieara and Stevie are novice debaters. While they were showing promising results throughout the season, I did not expect to see them make it to the finals. I hoped that they would break into the elimination rounds, but they went far beyond my expectations."

Olga Silverman explained that when two debate teams from the same school are to meet in the final round of the tournament, the coach has the choice of either letting the teams compete with each other or selecting the winner. She chose to select the winner.

"It was an easy decision, because the Perrin-Del Real team went undefeated throughout the entire tournament and arrived at the finals with the 8-0 win-loss record. Not only did our seniors deserve the win for their years of hard work and mentorship over the new team members, but also they have proved their mastery by winning every single round in this tournament," she noted.

Olga Silverman pointed out that both this year's debate topic and the COVID-19 pandemic provided additional challenges for debaters.

This year's topic was "The United States federal government should enact substantial criminal justice reform in the United States in one or more of the following: forensic science, policing, sentencing."

"A particular challenge of debating this topic in 2020 was in not only learning about the mechanisms of the criminal justice system, but also in keeping up with the rapidly developing changes in criminal justice," Olga Silverman explained.

Additionally, the pandemic forced high school debate to go virtual, which, as Olga Silverman noted "took away the fun of traveling and meeting opponents in person."

"Nevertheless, our students were able to adapt, develop a new sense of comradery, and had competing through Zoom," she told Salina Post.

While the four debaters spent a great deal of time prepping for their successful season, Olga Silverman was quick to point out that debate didn't totally define them.

"In addition to debate, each of the four girls are involved in other challenging activities. Lillian Perrin won the 2020 state championship in tennis, Sara Del Real became a recipient of P.O.E. STAR scholarship (signifying her leadership in school and community), Kiera Cochran plays volleyball and basketball, and Stevie Silverman plays drums in band and participates in 4-H. All four are outstanding students," she noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611029540912.jpeg" alt="The winning Sacred Heart debaters, from left,&nbsp;runners-up Kiera Cochran and Stephanie Silverman and champions Lillian Perrin and Sara Del Real. Photo courtesy Olga Silverman" />
 <figcaption>The winning Sacred Heart debaters, from left,&nbsp;runners-up Kiera Cochran and Stephanie Silverman and champions Lillian Perrin and Sara Del Real. Photo courtesy Olga Silverman</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostTwo teams from the same high school placing first and second in the state two-speaker debate tournament is nothing more than a dream for many debate coaches. For Sacred Heart High School's Olga Silverman, that dream came true this past weekend as two Sacred Heart teams finished in the top two spots in the Class 3A-2A-1A tournament.Saturday's wins for Sacred Heart, however, came with an unusual twist: the second-place team was made up of first-year debaters.Seniors and four-year debaters Sara Del Real and Lillian Perrin finished in the top spot while sophomores Kiera Cochran and Stephanie "Stevie" Silverman took second place."I am very happy that my seniors, Lily and Sara, won this well-deserved title at the end of their high school debate career. They worked very hard, honing their skills and growing their knowledge every year. Moreover, after winning the runner-up title at the four-speaker 3-2-1A State Debate Championship last year, they set their goals very high for this season, and I had high hopes for them as well," Olga Silverman told Salina Post. "However, finding my second team in the final bracket came as a great surprise. Both Kieara and Stevie are novice debaters. While they were showing promising results throughout the season, I did not expect to see them make it to the finals. I hoped that they would break into the elimination rounds, but they went far beyond my expectations."Olga Silverman explained that when two debate teams from the same school are to meet in the final round of the tournament, the coach has the choice of either letting the teams compete with each other or selecting the winner. She chose to select the winner."It was an easy decision, because the Perrin-Del Real team went undefeated throughout the entire tournament and arrived at the finals with the 8-0 win-loss record. Not only did our seniors deserve the win for their years of hard work and mentorship over the new team members, but also they have proved their mastery by winning every single round in this tournament," she noted.The debate topic and COVID-19Olga Silverman pointed out that both this year's debate topic and the COVID-19 pandemic provided additional challenges for debaters.This year's topic was "The United States federal government should enact substantial criminal justice reform in the United States in one or more of the following: forensic science, policing, sentencing.""A particular challenge of debating this topic in 2020 was in not only learning about the mechanisms of the criminal justice system, but also in keeping up with the rapidly developing changes in criminal justice," Olga Silverman explained.Additionally, the pandemic forced high school debate to go virtual, which, as Olga Silverman noted "took away the fun of traveling and meeting opponents in person.""Nevertheless, our students were able to adapt, develop a new sense of comradery, and had competing through Zoom," she told Salina Post.Life outside of debateWhile the four debaters spent a great deal of time prepping for their successful season, Olga Silverman was quick to point out that debate didn't totally define them."In addition to debate, each of the four girls are involved in other challenging activities. Lillian Perrin won the 2020 state championship in tennis, Sara Del Real became a recipient of P.O.E. STAR scholarship (signifying her leadership in school and community), Kiera Cochran plays volleyball and basketball, and Stevie Silverman plays drums in band and participates in 4-H. All four are outstanding students," she noted.

Sacred Heart debaters take first and second at state tournament

Today is Tuesday, Jan. 19, the 19th day of 2021. There are 346 days left in the year. 

On Jan. 19, 1981, the United States and Iran signed an accord paving the way for the release of 52 Americans held hostage for more than 14 months. 

In 1809, author, poet and critic Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston.

In 1861, Georgia became the fifth state to secede from the Union. 

In 1915, Germany carried out its first air raid on Britain during World War I as a pair of Zeppelins dropped bombs onto Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn in England. 

In 1937, millionaire Howard Hughes set a transcontinental air record by flying his monoplane from Los Angeles to Newark, New Jersey, in 7 hours, 28 minutes and 25 seconds. 

In 1942, during World War II, Japanese forces captured the British protectorate of North Borneo. A German submarine sank the Canadian liner RMS Lady Hawkins off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, killing 251 people; 71 survived. 

In 1944, the federal government relinquished control of the nation's railroads to their owners following settlement of a wage dispute. 

In 1955, a presidential news conference was filmed for television and newsreels for the first time, with the permission of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

In 1980, retired Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas died in Washington, D.C., at age 81. 

In 1987, Guy Hunt became Alabama's first Republican governor since 1874 as he was sworn into office, succeeding George C. Wallace.

In 2005, the American Cancer Society reported that cancer had passed heart disease as the top killer of Americans age 85 and younger.

In 2006, Osama bin Laden, in an audiotape that was his first in more than a year, said al-Qaida was preparing for attacks in the United States; at the same time, he offered a "long-term truce" without specifying the conditions. Vice President Dick Cheney defended the administration's domestic surveillance program, calling it an essential tool in monitoring al-Qaida and other terrorist organizations. 

In 2009, Russia and Ukraine signed a deal restoring natural gas shipments to Ukraine and paving the way for an end to the nearly two-week cutoff of most Russian gas to a freezing Europe. 

Ten years ago: Chinese President Hu Jintao, visiting the White House, declared "a lot still needs to be done" to improve his country's record on human rights; the exchange with President Barack Obama over human rights was balanced by U.S. delight over newly announced Chinese business deals expected to generate about $45 billion in new export sales for the U.S.

Five years ago: Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump received the endorsement of conservative firebrand Sarah Palin, giving the businessman a potential boost less than two weeks before Iowa's kick-off caucuses. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, in his State of the State address, again pledged to fix the crisis over Flint's lead-contaminated water. Italian movie director Ettore Scola, 84, died in Rome.

One year ago: Health officials in central China reported that 17 more people had been diagnosed with the new coronavirus, which had killed two patients and placed other countries on alert. The South Korean film "Parasite" became the first foreign language film to take top honors from the Screen Actors Guild, en route to an Academy Award as best picture. The San Francisco 49ers rolled past the Green Bay Packers, 37-20, to advance to the franchise's seventh Super Bowl; the Kansas City Chiefs reached their first Super Bowl in a half century by beating the Tennessee Titans 35-24 for the AFC championship.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Tippi Hedren is 91. Former PBS newsman Robert MacNeil is 90. Movie director Richard Lester is 89. Actor-singer Michael Crawford is 79. Actor Shelley Fabares is 77. Country singer Dolly Parton is 75. Former ABC newswoman Ann Compton is 74. TV chef Paula Deen is 74. Rock singer Martha Davis is 70. Singer Dewey Bunnell (America) is 69. Actor Desi Arnaz Jr. is 68. Actor Katey Sagal is 67. Comedian Paul Rodriguez is 66. Conductor Sir Simon Rattle is 66. Reggae musician Mickey Virtue (formerly with UB40) is 64. Rock musician Jeff Pilson (Foreigner) is 63. Actor Paul McCrane is 60. Actor William Ragsdale is 60. Basketball coach and commentator Jeff Van Gundy is 59. International Tennis Hall of Famer Stefan Edberg is 55. Rock singer Whitfield Crane (Ugly Kid Joe) is 53. Singer Trey Lorenz is 52. Actor Shawn Wayans is 50. Rock singer-musician John Wozniak (Marcy Playground) is 50. Actor Drea de Matteo is 49. Comedian-impressionist Frank Caliendo is 47. Actor Drew Powell is 45. Actor Marsha Thomason is 45. Actor Bitsie Tulloch is 40. Actor Jodie Sweetin is 39. Movie director Damien Chazelle is 36. Actor Shaunette Renee Wilson is 31. Actor Briana Henry is 29. Actor Logan Lerman is 29. Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson is 29. Rapper Taylor Bennett is 25. Actor Lidya Jewett is 14.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Tuesday, Jan. 19, the 19th day of 2021. There are 346 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Jan. 19, 1981, the United States and Iran signed an accord paving the way for the release of 52 Americans held hostage for more than 14 months. On this date: In 1809, author, poet and critic Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston.In 1861, Georgia became the fifth state to secede from the Union. In 1915, Germany carried out its first air raid on Britain during World War I as a pair of Zeppelins dropped bombs onto Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn in England. In 1937, millionaire Howard Hughes set a transcontinental air record by flying his monoplane from Los Angeles to Newark, New Jersey, in 7 hours, 28 minutes and 25 seconds. In 1942, during World War II, Japanese forces captured the British protectorate of North Borneo. A German submarine sank the Canadian liner RMS Lady Hawkins off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, killing 251 people; 71 survived. In 1944, the federal government relinquished control of the nation's railroads to their owners following settlement of a wage dispute. In 1955, a presidential news conference was filmed for television and newsreels for the first time, with the permission of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1980, retired Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas died in Washington, D.C., at age 81. In 1987, Guy Hunt became Alabama's first Republican governor since 1874 as he was sworn into office, succeeding George C. Wallace.In 2005, the American Cancer Society reported that cancer had passed heart disease as the top killer of Americans age 85 and younger.In 2006, Osama bin Laden, in an audiotape that was his first in more than a year, said al-Qaida was preparing for attacks in the United States; at the same time, he offered a "long-term truce" without specifying the conditions. Vice President Dick Cheney defended the administration's domestic surveillance program, calling it an essential tool in monitoring al-Qaida and other terrorist organizations. In 2009, Russia and Ukraine signed a deal restoring natural gas shipments to Ukraine and paving the way for an end to the nearly two-week cutoff of most Russian gas to a freezing Europe. Ten years ago: Chinese President Hu Jintao, visiting the White House, declared "a lot still needs to be done" to improve his country's record on human rights; the exchange with President Barack Obama over human rights was balanced by U.S. delight over newly announced Chinese business deals expected to generate about $45 billion in new export sales for the U.S.Five years ago: Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump received the endorsement of conservative firebrand Sarah Palin, giving the businessman a potential boost less than two weeks before Iowa's kick-off caucuses. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, in his State of the State address, again pledged to fix the crisis over Flint's lead-contaminated water. Italian movie director Ettore Scola, 84, died in Rome.One year ago: Health officials in central China reported that 17 more people had been diagnosed with the new coronavirus, which had killed two patients and placed other countries on alert. The South Korean film "Parasite" became the first foreign language film to take top honors from the Screen Actors Guild, en route to an Academy Award as best picture. The San Francisco 49ers rolled past the Green Bay Packers, 37-20, to advance to the franchise's seventh Super Bowl; the Kansas City Chiefs reached their first Super Bowl in a half century by beating the Tennessee Titans 35-24 for the AFC championship.Today's Birthdays: Actor Tippi Hedren is 91. Former PBS newsman Robert MacNeil is 90. Movie director Richard Lester is 89. Actor-singer Michael Crawford is 79. Actor Shelley Fabares is 77. Country singer Dolly Parton is 75. Former ABC newswoman Ann Compton is 74. TV chef Paula Deen is 74. Rock singer Martha Davis is 70. Singer Dewey Bunnell (America) is 69. Actor Desi Arnaz Jr. is 68. Actor Katey Sagal is 67. Comedian Paul Rodriguez is 66. Conductor Sir Simon Rattle is 66. Reggae musician Mickey Virtue (formerly with UB40) is 64. Rock musician Jeff Pilson (Foreigner) is 63. Actor Paul McCrane is 60. Actor William Ragsdale is 60. Basketball coach and commentator Jeff Van Gundy is 59. International Tennis Hall of Famer Stefan Edberg is 55. Rock singer Whitfield Crane (Ugly Kid Joe) is 53. Singer Trey Lorenz is 52. Actor Shawn Wayans is 50. Rock singer-musician John Wozniak (Marcy Playground) is 50. Actor Drea de Matteo is 49. Comedian-impressionist Frank Caliendo is 47. Actor Drew Powell is 45. Actor Marsha Thomason is 45. Actor Bitsie Tulloch is 40. Actor Jodie Sweetin is 39. Movie director Damien Chazelle is 36. Actor Shaunette Renee Wilson is 31. Actor Briana Henry is 29. Actor Logan Lerman is 29. Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson is 29. Rapper Taylor Bennett is 25. Actor Lidya Jewett is 14.

Today in History -- Jan. 19

A proposed contract for Simpson Road improvements and a review of the local COVID-19 situation as it pertains to the county's mask mandate are among the Saline County Commission agenda items for Tuesday morning.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday via Zoom and the county's YouTube channel. This decision to revise the meeting format was made to align with the mass gathering limitations imposed by the Saline County Commission and Saline County Health Officer.

Meetings can be viewed on Saline County’s YouTube channel:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA</a>

To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link. Use the following link and put in the Meeting ID and passcode.

<a href="https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>

If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the Chairman requests public comment on an item, they must raise their hand so that the meeting host can allow them to speak.

Citizens can also send comments or questions to County Commissioners via email by going to the website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/">www.saline.org</a>&nbsp;and clicking on the County Commissioner’s page under the Department tab. Please send any emails prior to the Sunday before the meeting when possible.

Commissioners are scheduled to consider a request to accept and sign a contract between the county and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for a High Risk Rural Road (HRRR) project east of Salina. If approved, the project would take place on South Simpson Road between East Magnolia Road and East Crawford, according to commission meeting packet information.

The project would include adding shoulders along the roadway and regrading the ditch slopes to make them more flat. Additionally, all drainage structures would be extended or replaced. 

Commissioners also are scheduled to hear from Jason Tiller, health department director, concerning the local coronavirus situation and whether to let the county's mask mandate stand for another two weeks. 

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

●Finalizing commission board assignments

●Hear a county engineer update from Justin Mader 

●Hear a human resources update from Marilyn Leamer, human resources director

●Hear an interest earnings report from Jim DuBois, county treasurer

●Hear a pre-trial stats update from Andrew Pellant, pre-trial program coordinator for community corrections

●Hear the quarterly budget update from County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes

Commissioners also are scheduled to meet in executive session for a non-elected personnel matter.

To see the full Saline County Commission packet for Tuesday (a 47-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20210119.pdf?ver=FWPXr4JrorNg-QjJbgWXrg%3d%3d">click here</a>.

A proposed contract for Simpson Road improvements and a review of the local COVID-19 situation as it pertains to the county's mask mandate are among the Saline County Commission agenda items for Tuesday morning.Meeting via ZoomThe meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday via Zoom and the county's YouTube channel. This decision to revise the meeting format was made to align with the mass gathering limitations imposed by the Saline County Commission and Saline County Health Officer.Meetings can be viewed on Saline County’s YouTube channel:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwZp_cTSJ3Nepp_5rOGevA</a>To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link. Use the following link and put in the Meeting ID and passcode.<a href="https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09">https://zoom.us/j/96835819901?pwd=bUEvaExUb2ppMEFaUnd6cUd6MmNMUT09</a>Meeting ID: 968 3581 9901Passcode: 144636If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the Chairman requests public comment on an item, they must raise their hand so that the meeting host can allow them to speak.Citizens can also send comments or questions to County Commissioners via email by going to the website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/">www.saline.org</a>&nbsp;and clicking on the County Commissioner’s page under the Department tab. Please send any emails prior to the Sunday before the meeting when possible.Agenda itemsCommissioners are scheduled to consider a request to accept and sign a contract between the county and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for a High Risk Rural Road (HRRR) project east of Salina. If approved, the project would take place on South Simpson Road between East Magnolia Road and East Crawford, according to commission meeting packet information.The project would include adding shoulders along the roadway and regrading the ditch slopes to make them more flat. Additionally, all drainage structures would be extended or replaced. Commissioners also are scheduled to hear from Jason Tiller, health department director, concerning the local coronavirus situation and whether to let the county's mask mandate stand for another two weeks. Other items on the county commission agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Finalizing commission board assignments●Hear a county engineer update from Justin Mader ●Hear a human resources update from Marilyn Leamer, human resources director●Hear an interest earnings report from Jim DuBois, county treasurer●Hear a pre-trial stats update from Andrew Pellant, pre-trial program coordinator for community corrections●Hear the quarterly budget update from County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes●Hear Smith-Hanes' weekly updateCommissioners also are scheduled to meet in executive session for a non-elected personnel matter.To see the full Saline County Commission packet for Tuesday (a 47-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20210119.pdf?ver=FWPXr4JrorNg-QjJbgWXrg%3d%3d">click here</a>.

Simpson Road improvements, mask mandate on county agenda

CLOUD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an incident that prompted the evacuation of a business in Cloud County.

Just after noon Monday, officers from the Concordia Police Department along with Deputies from the Cloud County Sheriff’s Department and Troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol responded to a Criminal Threat from a subject stating that they were going to bring a firearm to Walmart, according to Police Chief&nbsp;Ric Fredrickson.

Officers were able to quickly and safely evacuate the building while the threat was investigated. After securing the area and a thorough search of the building by Officers, Walmart was allowed to reopen without incident.

Authorities released no additional details.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Concordia Police Department (785) 243-3131.

CLOUD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an incident that prompted the evacuation of a business in Cloud County.Just after noon Monday, officers from the Concordia Police Department along with Deputies from the Cloud County Sheriff’s Department and Troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol responded to a Criminal Threat from a subject stating that they were going to bring a firearm to Walmart, according to Police Chief&nbsp;Ric Fredrickson.Officers were able to quickly and safely evacuate the building while the threat was investigated. After securing the area and a thorough search of the building by Officers, Walmart was allowed to reopen without incident.Authorities released no additional details.Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Concordia Police Department (785) 243-3131.

Police: Firearm threat prompts evacuation of Concordia Walmart 

Governor Laura Kelly recently announced appointments to Kansas state boards and commissions.

Appointment is subject to Senate confirmation*

Kansas-Oklahoma Arkansas River Commission

This commission facilitates cooperation of the appropriate state agencies in Kansas and Oklahoma in matters pertaining to the Arkansas River Basin and water law. It divides and apportions equitably between the states of Kansas and Oklahoma the waters of the Arkansas river basin, and promotes orderly development; provides an agency for administering the water apportionment; encourages the maintenance of an active pollution-abatement program in each of the two states, and seeks the further reduction of both natural and man-made pollution in the waters of the Arkansas river basin.

Kansas-Nebraska Big Blue River Compact Administration

The purpose of the Kansas-Nebraska Big Blue River Compact is to promote interstate comity between the states of Nebraska and Kansas; achieve an equitable apportionment of the waters of the Big Blue river basin between the two states and to promote orderly development thereof; encourage continuation of the active pollution-abatement programs in each of the two states; and to seek further reduction in both natural and man-made pollution of the waters of the Big Blue river basin.

The compact administration agency was created to administer the compact and its terms. The administration shall have the power to adopt rules and regulations consistent with the provisions of this compact, to enforce such rules and regulations, and to otherwise carry out its responsibilities. It may institute action in its own name in courts of competent jurisdiction to compel compliance with the provisions of this compact and with the rules and regulations it adopts.

The mission of the Kansas Human Rights Commission is to prevent and eliminate discrimination and assure equal opportunities in all employment relations,&nbsp;&nbsp;to eliminate and prevent discrimination, segregation or separation, and assure equal opportunities in all places of public accommodations and in housing. The agency philosophy in accomplishing its mission is to act in accordance with the highest standards of professional conduct, ethics, efficiency, and accountability. Realizing that the principles of equality and the protection of basic human rights are the most noble of human efforts, we dedicate our activities toward that purpose, believing that eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.

●Mike Kane, Kansas City – Labor representative (reappointment)*

University of Kansas Hospital Authority Board of Directors

The University of Kansas Hospital Authority is the public oversight body that governs the operations of the hospital at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

●David Dillon, Mission Hills (reappointment)*

Kansas Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

One of the &nbsp;principal purposes of the ombudsman program is to investigate and resolve complaints made by residents or on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities. Certified ombudsman staff and volunteers investigate and work to resolve complaints while focusing resolutions on the resident’s wishes. Ombudsmen regularly visit long-term care facilities to be accessible to residents and monitor conditions.

The Kansas National Guard consists of the Kansas Army National Guard and the Kansas Air National Guard, the latter established on Sept 18, 1947. The Kansas National Guard has been involved in the nation’s conflicts since the state’s inception as a territory.

●Col. Michael Venerdi, Bel Aire – Rank promotion to General and Director of Joint Staff*

Kansas Commission on Police Officer’s Standards and Training (CPOST)

The Commission may suspend, revoke, or deny the certification of a police or law enforcement officer who fails to meet the requirements of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Act or has met such requirements by falsifying documents or failing to disclose information required for certification. It also provides accredited instruction, which is required for permanent appointment of full-time police and law officers.

The purpose of the Panel is to administer and select the reimbursements of moneys in the quality care assessment fund.

The Kansas State Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) is the paramount tax tribunal and the court of record for all Kansas state and local tax cases.&nbsp; The board’s mission is to resolve disputes between taxpayers and taxing authorities promptly and impartially and to help maintain public confidence in the state and local tax system.&nbsp; In service to its mission, the board provides an independent venue for all citizens to contest the validity of assessments levied by state and local taxing authorities.

In addition, BOTA ensures that all property in the state is assessed for tax purposes in an equal and uniform manner in accordance with the Kansas Constitution and state statutes. It also reviews tax exemption decisions made by local governments, grievances resulting from technical errors and corrects tax inequities.

●Tom Browne, Topeka – Chief Hearings Officer (reappointment)*

The water authority advises the governor, the Legislature and the director of the Kansas Water Office (KWO) on water policy issues — including the approval of the Kansas Water Plan and revisions, federal contracts, administration regulations and legislation proposed by the KWO.

Governor Laura Kelly recently announced appointments to Kansas state boards and commissions.Appointment is subject to Senate confirmation*Kansas-Oklahoma Arkansas River CommissionThis commission facilitates cooperation of the appropriate state agencies in Kansas and Oklahoma in matters pertaining to the Arkansas River Basin and water law. It divides and apportions equitably between the states of Kansas and Oklahoma the waters of the Arkansas river basin, and promotes orderly development; provides an agency for administering the water apportionment; encourages the maintenance of an active pollution-abatement program in each of the two states, and seeks the further reduction of both natural and man-made pollution in the waters of the Arkansas river basin.●Rep. Ponka-We Victors, Wichita●Lisa French, PartridgeKansas-Nebraska Big Blue River Compact AdministrationThe purpose of the Kansas-Nebraska Big Blue River Compact is to promote interstate comity between the states of Nebraska and Kansas; achieve an equitable apportionment of the waters of the Big Blue river basin between the two states and to promote orderly development thereof; encourage continuation of the active pollution-abatement programs in each of the two states; and to seek further reduction in both natural and man-made pollution of the waters of the Big Blue river basin.The compact administration agency was created to administer the compact and its terms. The administration shall have the power to adopt rules and regulations consistent with the provisions of this compact, to enforce such rules and regulations, and to otherwise carry out its responsibilities. It may institute action in its own name in courts of competent jurisdiction to compel compliance with the provisions of this compact and with the rules and regulations it adopts.●Dr. Hannah Birgé, ManhattanKansas Human Rights CommissionThe mission of the Kansas Human Rights Commission is to prevent and eliminate discrimination and assure equal opportunities in all employment relations,&nbsp;&nbsp;to eliminate and prevent discrimination, segregation or separation, and assure equal opportunities in all places of public accommodations and in housing. The agency philosophy in accomplishing its mission is to act in accordance with the highest standards of professional conduct, ethics, efficiency, and accountability. Realizing that the principles of equality and the protection of basic human rights are the most noble of human efforts, we dedicate our activities toward that purpose, believing that eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.●Mike Kane, Kansas City – Labor representative (reappointment)*University of Kansas Hospital Authority Board of DirectorsThe University of Kansas Hospital Authority is the public oversight body that governs the operations of the hospital at the University of Kansas Medical Center.●David Dillon, Mission Hills (reappointment)*●Kevin Lockett, Leawood*Kansas Long Term Care Ombudsman ProgramOne of the &nbsp;principal purposes of the ombudsman program is to investigate and resolve complaints made by residents or on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities. Certified ombudsman staff and volunteers investigate and work to resolve complaints while focusing resolutions on the resident’s wishes. Ombudsmen regularly visit long-term care facilities to be accessible to residents and monitor conditions.●Camille Russell, Chanute*Kansas National GuardThe Kansas National Guard consists of the Kansas Army National Guard and the Kansas Air National Guard, the latter established on Sept 18, 1947. The Kansas National Guard has been involved in the nation’s conflicts since the state’s inception as a territory.●Col. Michael Venerdi, Bel Aire – Rank promotion to General and Director of Joint Staff*Kansas Commission on Police Officer’s Standards and Training (CPOST)The Commission may suspend, revoke, or deny the certification of a police or law enforcement officer who fails to meet the requirements of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Act or has met such requirements by falsifying documents or failing to disclose information required for certification. It also provides accredited instruction, which is required for permanent appointment of full-time police and law officers.●Sheriff Roger Soldan, SalinaQuality Care Improvement PanelThe purpose of the Panel is to administer and select the reimbursements of moneys in the quality care assessment fund.●Sarah Fertig, LawrenceKansas State Board of Tax AppealsThe Kansas State Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) is the paramount tax tribunal and the court of record for all Kansas state and local tax cases.&nbsp; The board’s mission is to resolve disputes between taxpayers and taxing authorities promptly and impartially and to help maintain public confidence in the state and local tax system.&nbsp; In service to its mission, the board provides an independent venue for all citizens to contest the validity of assessments levied by state and local taxing authorities.In addition, BOTA ensures that all property in the state is assessed for tax purposes in an equal and uniform manner in accordance with the Kansas Constitution and state statutes. It also reviews tax exemption decisions made by local governments, grievances resulting from technical errors and corrects tax inequities.●Tom Browne, Topeka – Chief Hearings Officer (reappointment)*●Virginia Powell, Topeka – CPA*Kansas Water AuthorityThe water authority advises the governor, the Legislature and the director of the Kansas Water Office (KWO) on water policy issues — including the approval of the Kansas Water Plan and revisions, federal contracts, administration regulations and legislation proposed by the KWO.●Dawn Buehler, Eudora – Chair*

Soldan among governor's recent appointments

UPDATE 3:50 p.m. Monday: Firefighters were unable to locate the source of smoke in the Vernon Jewelers building downtown, Salina Fire Captain Chad Leister told Salina Post this afternoon.

Leister said that he believed the smoke, which was both seen and smelled inside the building, was electrical in nature, however firefighters on the roof and the main floor and the in basement, were unable to locate the source of the smoke, he said.

According to Leister, the smoke began to dissipate and firefighters ventilated the building.

Leister said the building would be monitored for any further issues.

A number of emergency personnel responded downtown early Monday afternoon for the report of smoke in Vernon Jewelers, 123 North Santa Fe Avenue.

Firefighters could be seen on top of the building.

Salina Post will have more information when it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611001453988.jpeg" alt="A firefighter can be seen on the roof of Vernon Jewelers Monday afternoon. Salina Post photos" />
 <figcaption>A firefighter can be seen on the roof of Vernon Jewelers Monday afternoon. Salina Post photos</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostUPDATE 3:50 p.m. Monday: Firefighters were unable to locate the source of smoke in the Vernon Jewelers building downtown, Salina Fire Captain Chad Leister told Salina Post this afternoon.Leister said that he believed the smoke, which was both seen and smelled inside the building, was electrical in nature, however firefighters on the roof and the main floor and the in basement, were unable to locate the source of the smoke, he said.According to Leister, the smoke began to dissipate and firefighters ventilated the building.Leister said the building would be monitored for any further issues.A number of emergency personnel responded downtown early Monday afternoon for the report of smoke in Vernon Jewelers, 123 North Santa Fe Avenue.Firefighters could be seen on top of the building.Salina Post will have more information when it becomes available.

UPDATE: Firefighters, SPD respond to report of smoke at Vernon Jewelers

K-State professor encourages focus on local priorities&nbsp;

MANHATTAN -- Americans’ interest in healthy lifestyles got a boost in late 2020 when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a lengthy list of community health objectives for the next decade.&nbsp;

<a href="https://health.gov/healthypeople" target="_blank">Healthy People 2030</a>&nbsp;is the U.S. government’s push to identify public health priorities that help individuals, organizations and communities improve health and well-being, as well as tools to track progress. The effort is led by the agency’s Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.&nbsp;

This is the fifth time that the government agency has come forward with decade-long health objectives for America’s communities. The list of recommendations includes 355 measurable objectives, including such leading health indicators as oral health, exposure to unhealthy air and food insecurity; and stretching to many social determinants of health, or how the conditions where people live, work and play affect their well-being.&nbsp;

“One of the first things communities need to do as they consider ways to improve the public’s health is to determine their purpose,” said Elaine Johannes, the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansashealth.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Health Foundation</a>&nbsp;Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University. “Leaders of community health initiatives need to answer the question, ‘Why am I interested in the health of my neighbors, my church, my 4-H club, my school and my community? What is our purpose?’”&nbsp;

Johannes likened community health to a “big trip” that requires a map, or plan for getting to the end destination. Heathy People 2030 is a useful health map for communities, she said.&nbsp;

“What is our focus for this big trip; what are we going to focus on?” she asked. “Knowing your purpose is important, because if it’s personal health, then you might work on reducing high blood pressure, finding calm or dealing with chronic diseases. If the focus is on families, neighborhoods or whole towns, then working on conditions for health could include making safe and affordable housing more available, ensuring access to healthy food, planning transportation routes to get to health services and other strategies.”&nbsp;

Johannes said the 355 goals and objectives in Healthy People 2030 help to move communities in a direction to accomplish a common purpose. She notes that local officials could use the Healthy People 2030 recommendations for guidance in identifying priorities for the citizens they serve.&nbsp;

“We can use the Healthy People 2030 goals and data to focus community awareness on certain health issues,” she said. &nbsp;

One potential area of focus for Kansas could be the availability of health care in rural regions of the state. Johannes said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/olrh/download/2019_Underserved_Areas_Report.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas publishes an annual report of under-served areas</a>&nbsp;for health care professionals; the 2019 report indicates that many of the state’s communities are under-served in such areas as dental and primary care and mental health.&nbsp;

“One of the lessons learned from COVID-19 is that we really like to be around people,” Johannes said. “We like to be in community. When we aren’t, we do feel some level of despair, some level of isolation. We are seeing an uptick in depression, anxiety and persistent stress across states that have rural, frontier areas. Some national reports that came out last month show how COVID-19 is amplifying some of those despairs.”&nbsp;

“In response to the pandemic, extension and other national systems are thinking about what it means to thrive, and what it means to really be well,” she said. “Some of that well-being includes humane housing, reliable transportation and healthy, safe and meaningful employment.”&nbsp;

“We are all very aware that we learned a lot the past year about health, health care and public health. This year we’re getting ready to get on-board, set a common direction and face challenges together.”&nbsp;

More information about Healthy People 2030 is&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/healthypeople" target="_blank">available online</a>.&nbsp;

Also, Johannes encouraged those interested in community health to participate in the free online workshop,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalacademies.org/event/01-28-2021/community-led-initiatives-for-population-health-improvement-a-workshop" target="_blank">Community-Led Initiatives for Population Health Improvement,</a>&nbsp;which will be held&nbsp;Jan. 28-29 and is sponsored by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

<h2>K-State professor encourages focus on local priorities&nbsp;</h2>MANHATTAN -- Americans’ interest in healthy lifestyles got a boost in late 2020 when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a lengthy list of community health objectives for the next decade.&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/healthypeople" target="_blank">Healthy People 2030</a>&nbsp;is the U.S. government’s push to identify public health priorities that help individuals, organizations and communities improve health and well-being, as well as tools to track progress. The effort is led by the agency’s Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.&nbsp;This is the fifth time that the government agency has come forward with decade-long health objectives for America’s communities. The list of recommendations includes 355 measurable objectives, including such leading health indicators as oral health, exposure to unhealthy air and food insecurity; and stretching to many social determinants of health, or how the conditions where people live, work and play affect their well-being.&nbsp;“One of the first things communities need to do as they consider ways to improve the public’s health is to determine their purpose,” said Elaine Johannes, the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansashealth.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Health Foundation</a>&nbsp;Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University. “Leaders of community health initiatives need to answer the question, ‘Why am I interested in the health of my neighbors, my church, my 4-H club, my school and my community? What is our purpose?’”&nbsp;Johannes likened community health to a “big trip” that requires a map, or plan for getting to the end destination. Heathy People 2030 is a useful health map for communities, she said.&nbsp;“What is our focus for this big trip; what are we going to focus on?” she asked. “Knowing your purpose is important, because if it’s personal health, then you might work on reducing high blood pressure, finding calm or dealing with chronic diseases. If the focus is on families, neighborhoods or whole towns, then working on conditions for health could include making safe and affordable housing more available, ensuring access to healthy food, planning transportation routes to get to health services and other strategies.”&nbsp;Johannes said the 355 goals and objectives in Healthy People 2030 help to move communities in a direction to accomplish a common purpose. She notes that local officials could use the Healthy People 2030 recommendations for guidance in identifying priorities for the citizens they serve.&nbsp;“We can use the Healthy People 2030 goals and data to focus community awareness on certain health issues,” she said. &nbsp;One potential area of focus for Kansas could be the availability of health care in rural regions of the state. Johannes said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/olrh/download/2019_Underserved_Areas_Report.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas publishes an annual report of under-served areas</a>&nbsp;for health care professionals; the 2019 report indicates that many of the state’s communities are under-served in such areas as dental and primary care and mental health.&nbsp;“One of the lessons learned from COVID-19 is that we really like to be around people,” Johannes said. “We like to be in community. When we aren’t, we do feel some level of despair, some level of isolation. We are seeing an uptick in depression, anxiety and persistent stress across states that have rural, frontier areas. Some national reports that came out last month show how COVID-19 is amplifying some of those despairs.”&nbsp;“In response to the pandemic, extension and other national systems are thinking about what it means to thrive, and what it means to really be well,” she said. “Some of that well-being includes humane housing, reliable transportation and healthy, safe and meaningful employment.”&nbsp;“We are all very aware that we learned a lot the past year about health, health care and public health. This year we’re getting ready to get on-board, set a common direction and face challenges together.”&nbsp;More information about Healthy People 2030 is&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/healthypeople" target="_blank">available online</a>.&nbsp;Also, Johannes encouraged those interested in community health to participate in the free online workshop,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalacademies.org/event/01-28-2021/community-led-initiatives-for-population-health-improvement-a-workshop" target="_blank">Community-Led Initiatives for Population Health Improvement,</a>&nbsp;which will be held&nbsp;Jan. 28-29 and is sponsored by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.--KSRE--

Healthy People 2030 outlines objectives for communities

MANHATTAN – Officials with Kansas State University’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry have announced the 2021 K-State rodeo, scheduled for mid-February, has been canceled.&nbsp;

Due to K-State, Riley County and Manhattan city restrictions, the department and K-State Rodeo Club are not able to host the rodeo in Weber Arena.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – Officials with Kansas State University’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry have announced the 2021 K-State rodeo, scheduled for mid-February, has been canceled.&nbsp;Due to K-State, Riley County and Manhattan city restrictions, the department and K-State Rodeo Club are not able to host the rodeo in Weber Arena.&nbsp;“We had planned to move the rodeo to Domer Arena in Topeka,” said K-State Rodeo Club coach Casy Winn. “Then in December, Domer Arena became part of hospital overflow and the facility canceled all events.”&nbsp;Winn and the K-State Rodeo Club looked at several other indoor facilities in Kansas, but just couldn’t find the right fit. “With more than 400 contestants, there are only a few places that have enough parking and seating to accommodate the rodeo,” he said.&nbsp;This year would have been the 65th annual K-State rodeo. K-State is part of the Central Plains Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. Annually the rodeo&nbsp;brings more than 10,000 fans into Weber Arena to watch more than&nbsp;400 contestants from 18 colleges and universities spanning Kansas and Oklahoma.

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