MCPHERSON -- Shana L. Warkentine Meyer will join McPherson College as vice president for student affairs after the completion of this academic year. 

She brings more than 23 years of administrative experience in higher education to the position including her current role as interim vice president for student affairs at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

“McPherson College is fortunate to have found somebody with the depth of knowledge and experience to fill the leadership role in student affairs,” President Michael Schneider said. “I am grateful for the leadership from Interim Dean of Students Jamie Pjesky the past nine months. Shana is a welcome addition to a team focused on strengthening the McPherson College student experience.”

Throughout her career, Meyer has provided institutional leadership in student development, risk management, diversity training, budgeting, strategic planning, master planning, crisis response, and assessment. Additionally, she has held leadership positions in the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators including representing 10 states as a regional director and as vice president for student affairs initiatives on the organization’s conference planning subcommittee.

At McPherson College, Meyer will design and manage all student-driven programs that attract potential students, enhance student development, promote retention, and enrich the academic experience for all students. She will oversee student life initiatives, residential staff and activities, coordinate dining and healthcare, work with academic services, and promote safety throughout all aspects of student affairs.

Prior to her current interim position, Meyer served as vice president for student affairs at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, and as assistant vice president of student affairs at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. She has also worked in student and academic affairs roles at Kansas State University Polytechnic in Salina, and Kansas State University in Manhattan.

“As a Kansas native, I am thrilled to be returning home,” Meyer said. “McPherson College is a special place with welcoming people and engaged students. When I visited campus, I was impressed with the quality education, excellent student experience, and the value McPherson College offers.

“There are many exciting opportunities on the horizon and I’m eager to work alongside President Schneider, faculty, staff, the student affairs team, and our students to continue and build upon the great work begin accomplished. Most importantly, I look forward to finding ways to interact with and support our students.”

She holds an M.S. in Counselor Education, Student Personnel Emphasis, and a B.S. in English/journalism, with a communication minor, from Emporia State University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in student affairs in higher education from Kansas State University.

--<a href="http://McPherson.edu">McPherson College</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608647187136.png" alt="Shana L. Warkentine Meyer. Photo courtesy McPherson College" />
 <figcaption>Shana L. Warkentine Meyer. Photo courtesy McPherson College</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON -- Shana L. Warkentine Meyer will join McPherson College as vice president for student affairs after the completion of this academic year. She brings more than 23 years of administrative experience in higher education to the position including her current role as interim vice president for student affairs at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.“McPherson College is fortunate to have found somebody with the depth of knowledge and experience to fill the leadership role in student affairs,” President Michael Schneider said. “I am grateful for the leadership from Interim Dean of Students Jamie Pjesky the past nine months. Shana is a welcome addition to a team focused on strengthening the McPherson College student experience.”Throughout her career, Meyer has provided institutional leadership in student development, risk management, diversity training, budgeting, strategic planning, master planning, crisis response, and assessment. Additionally, she has held leadership positions in the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators including representing 10 states as a regional director and as vice president for student affairs initiatives on the organization’s conference planning subcommittee.At McPherson College, Meyer will design and manage all student-driven programs that attract potential students, enhance student development, promote retention, and enrich the academic experience for all students. She will oversee student life initiatives, residential staff and activities, coordinate dining and healthcare, work with academic services, and promote safety throughout all aspects of student affairs.Prior to her current interim position, Meyer served as vice president for student affairs at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, and as assistant vice president of student affairs at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. She has also worked in student and academic affairs roles at Kansas State University Polytechnic in Salina, and Kansas State University in Manhattan.“As a Kansas native, I am thrilled to be returning home,” Meyer said. “McPherson College is a special place with welcoming people and engaged students. When I visited campus, I was impressed with the quality education, excellent student experience, and the value McPherson College offers.“There are many exciting opportunities on the horizon and I’m eager to work alongside President Schneider, faculty, staff, the student affairs team, and our students to continue and build upon the great work begin accomplished. Most importantly, I look forward to finding ways to interact with and support our students.”She holds an M.S. in Counselor Education, Student Personnel Emphasis, and a B.S. in English/journalism, with a communication minor, from Emporia State University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in student affairs in higher education from Kansas State University.Meyer will begin work on June 1, 2021.--<a href="http://McPherson.edu">McPherson College</a>--

McPherson College names Meyer VP for student affairs

Police are investigating a hit-and-run accident that occurred Monday morning in central Salina.

A 2006 Lincoln LS driven by Andrea Davis, 73, of Salina, was stopped in westbound traffic waiting to turn in the 800 block of East Crawford Street when an older black Ford Mustang struck the rear of the Lincoln and continued westbound on East Crawford Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. 

Davis was not injured but her vehicle sustained rear end damage, he noted. 

The Mustang sustained front end damage, he added.

Police are investigating a hit-and-run accident that occurred Monday morning in central Salina.A 2006 Lincoln LS driven by Andrea Davis, 73, of Salina, was stopped in westbound traffic waiting to turn in the 800 block of East Crawford Street when an older black Ford Mustang struck the rear of the Lincoln and continued westbound on East Crawford Street, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. Davis was not injured but her vehicle sustained rear end damage, he noted. The Mustang sustained front end damage, he added.

Police looking for black Mustang that left scene of two-vehicle accident

It looks to be a blustery the next couple of days over much of the area. 

Very high fire danger will be in place areawide this afternoon due to gusty south winds and low humidity values. Outdoor burning is highly discouraged, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.

Winds will then shift with very strong northwest winds expected Wednesday afternoon with most locations seeing gusts in the 40 to 55 mph range, NWS noted. Be sure to secure outdoor items such as Christmas decorations. Strong winds will also cause dangerous fire conditions with outdoor burning highly discouraged.

Accordingly, NWS has issued wind advisories for counties in our area.

NWS in Wichita has issued a wind advisory in effect from noon today to 4 a.m. Wednesday that includes Marion County.

South winds around 30 mph with gusts 40 to 45 mph are forecast.

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects such as outdoor furniture and Christmas decorations. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.

Additionally, NWS in Topeka has issued a wind advisory in effect from noon Tuesday to 1 a.m. Wednesday that includes Dickinson County.

South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected.

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.

"The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommends that you take preventative measures during this blowing dust event, such&nbsp;as staying indoors or wearing protective breathing masks if outside. High dust concentrations can cause respiratory problems, decrease lung activity, aggravate asthma, and lead to potential heart-related problems, especially with children, elderly, or those with pre-existing respiratory conditions," NWS Topeka noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608645265614.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It looks to be a blustery the next couple of days over much of the area. Very high fire danger will be in place areawide this afternoon due to gusty south winds and low humidity values. Outdoor burning is highly discouraged, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608646727034.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Winds will then shift with very strong northwest winds expected Wednesday afternoon with most locations seeing gusts in the 40 to 55 mph range, NWS noted. Be sure to secure outdoor items such as Christmas decorations. Strong winds will also cause dangerous fire conditions with outdoor burning highly discouraged.Accordingly, NWS has issued wind advisories for counties in our area.NWS in Wichita has issued a wind advisory in effect from noon today to 4 a.m. Wednesday that includes Marion County.South winds around 30 mph with gusts 40 to 45 mph are forecast.Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects such as outdoor furniture and Christmas decorations. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle.Additionally, NWS in Topeka has issued a wind advisory in effect from noon Tuesday to 1 a.m. Wednesday that includes Dickinson County.South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected.Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle."The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommends that you take preventative measures during this blowing dust event, such&nbsp;as staying indoors or wearing protective breathing masks if outside. High dust concentrations can cause respiratory problems, decrease lung activity, aggravate asthma, and lead to potential heart-related problems, especially with children, elderly, or those with pre-existing respiratory conditions," NWS Topeka noted.

NWS: Windy the next couple of days, very high fire danger Tuesday

Joel Matthews, a psychology instructor in the School of Integrated Studies at&nbsp;<a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus</a>, is the recipient of the 2020 Marchbanks Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence.

Established more than 30 years ago, the accolade commemorates a faculty member's commitment in the classroom, service to students and overall merit as a teacher. "This award is quite humbling because I am surrounded by excellent teachers on our campus, and it's only through the continued support from both them and the administration that I have become the teacher I am today," Matthews said. "And perhaps more importantly, the students provide me with a constant source of inspiration and appreciation for the value of good teaching." Matthews began his K-State Polytechnic teaching career in 1995 as a part-time instructor. In 2002, he advanced to a full-time position and currently teaches General Psychology, Psychology of Religion, Abnormal Psychology and Professional Conduct, Ethics and Analysis. Before joining K-State, Matthews spent 12 years as a full-time licensed psychotherapist. This role provided him with a wealth of experience and stories to use in the classroom. "I believe these stories provide students with examples they cannot find in a textbook," Matthews said. "They are also fun tools to promote student engagement." A native of&nbsp;Arlington, Neb., Matthews grew up in a large family where he learned the value of hard work and rewards of persistence. He attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in philosophy. He also has a master's degree in clinical psychology from Emporia State University. Matthews has maintained his professional licensure since 1990. "Teaching allows me to share a passion for learning, and I believe good teaching helps ignite that passion in students," Matthews said.

He particularly enjoys those moments when students get it and start making connections. Matthews considers a well-rounded education to be valuable and enjoys helping students broaden their horizons. Originally, Matthews' primary teaching goal was to promote knowledge.

 "Through experience and support from my colleagues, I now tend to focus on making connections and enhancing self-awareness," he said. "More and more, I have grown to believe a quality education sparks personal growth."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608644870039.jpeg" alt="Joel Mathews. Photo courtesy K-State Polytechnic" />
 <figcaption>Joel Mathews. Photo courtesy K-State Polytechnic</figcaption>
 </figure>Joel Matthews, a psychology instructor in the School of Integrated Studies at&nbsp;<a href="https://polytechnic.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus</a>, is the recipient of the 2020 Marchbanks Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence. Established more than 30 years ago, the accolade commemorates a faculty member's commitment in the classroom, service to students and overall merit as a teacher. "This award is quite humbling because I am surrounded by excellent teachers on our campus, and it's only through the continued support from both them and the administration that I have become the teacher I am today," Matthews said. "And perhaps more importantly, the students provide me with a constant source of inspiration and appreciation for the value of good teaching." Matthews began his K-State Polytechnic teaching career in 1995 as a part-time instructor. In 2002, he advanced to a full-time position and currently teaches General Psychology, Psychology of Religion, Abnormal Psychology and Professional Conduct, Ethics and Analysis. Before joining K-State, Matthews spent 12 years as a full-time licensed psychotherapist. This role provided him with a wealth of experience and stories to use in the classroom. "I believe these stories provide students with examples they cannot find in a textbook," Matthews said. "They are also fun tools to promote student engagement." A native of&nbsp;Arlington, Neb., Matthews grew up in a large family where he learned the value of hard work and rewards of persistence. He attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in philosophy. He also has a master's degree in clinical psychology from Emporia State University. Matthews has maintained his professional licensure since 1990. "Teaching allows me to share a passion for learning, and I believe good teaching helps ignite that passion in students," Matthews said. He particularly enjoys those moments when students get it and start making connections. Matthews considers a well-rounded education to be valuable and enjoys helping students broaden their horizons. Originally, Matthews' primary teaching goal was to promote knowledge. "Through experience and support from my colleagues, I now tend to focus on making connections and enhancing self-awareness," he said. "More and more, I have grown to believe a quality education sparks personal growth."&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State Polytechnic's Marchbanks Award presented to Joel Matthews

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Recent obituaries

WICHITA -- AAA Travel projects about 7.1 million people in the West North Central region – which includes Kansas – will travel for the year-end holidays, down from 9.6 million in 2019. 

This expected 27% decline echoes AAA’s national holiday travel forecast, announced earlier, that shows three-quarters of Americans planning to stay home, with COVID-19 considered to be a key factor in the decision by many who are opting not to travel.

The number of holiday travelers this year in the seven-state West North Central region (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota) will be the fewest since 2002, when 6.7 million people took to the roads, airways and other modes of transportation.

Public health concerns and travel guidance are influencing those making the decision not to travel over the year-end holidays, a period that typically sees high demand for vacations. While AAA expects at least 34 million fewer travelers nationally compared to last year’s holiday season, as many as 84.5 million Americans may still travel from Dec. 23 through Jan. 3, a decline in travel of at least 29%.

“Public health concerns, official guidance not to travel, and an overall decline in consumer sentiment have encouraged the vast majority of Kansans and Americans overall to stay home for the holidays,” said Shawn Steward, spokesman for AAA Kansas. “The CDC urges Americans not to travel for the holidays this year, warning that travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. For those who do make the personal decision to travel, however, it is important to understand the risks involved and take steps to keep yourself and others safe.

AAA suggests seeking the advice of a trusted travel advisor and referring to AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map and TripTik.AAA.com for the latest state and local travel restrictions, and to help determine which rest stops, gas stations, restaurants and hotels are open along your route.

Plan Ahead. Check with state and local officials along your route and at your destination to learn about local guidance and any restrictions that may be in place. This includes what is expected of you when you return home. Many localities are requiring COVID-19 testing prior to and after travel.

●The CDC recommends taking a COVID-19 test one to three days before travel and another three to five days after travel, plus reducing nonessential activities for seven days after travel. Travelers should be aware of these and other local and state travel restrictions, including testing requirements and quarantine orders, and additional CDC guidance for before, during and after their travels.

●Consistent use of face masks combined with social distancing (at least 6 feet) and regular handwashing are the best ways to lower your risk of contracting COVID-19. Be sure to pack face masks, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and a thermometer to help protect and monitor your health. Also pack water and extra snacks to reduce the need to stop along your trip.

Verify Before You Go. Call ahead to minimize any last-minute surprises.

●Hotels – Prior to any hotel stay, call ahead to ensure your hotel is open and ask what precautions they are taking to protect guests. Ask about social distancing protocols like capacity reductions in common spaces, hotel staff requirements to wear masks at all times and if all amenities are available, like restaurant dining.

●Car rentals – If renting a car, ask what has been done to clean the vehicle. Hertz, for example, has introduced Hertz Gold Standard Clean, an enhanced vehicle disinfectant and sanitization process. For extra peace of mind, use disinfecting wipes to wipe down door handles, steering wheels, shifters and control panels.

Road Trips Preferred Amid Cheaper Gas Prices

Most people in the West North Central region who decide to travel will do so by car, with road trips accounting for more than 97% of holiday travel. About 6.9 million travelers in the region will travel by car, a decline of about 23% compared to last year. Auto travel is expected to replace some trips previously taken by bus, train or airplane, given the flexibility, security and comfort traveling by car provides.

For those who decide to hit the road for the year-end holidays, gas prices in Kansas are about 20 cents cheaper on average than this time last year. Kansas’ average gas price, despite slowly increasing 13 cents in the past month to about $2.00, is currently 10th cheapest in the country. Nearby states popular for holiday road trips in our area – Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas – are all among America’s Top 6 cheapest gas prices.

AAA members who decide to hit the road can fill up for even less at Shell stations when they join the Fuel Rewards® program at&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/JuHall/OneDrive%20-%20American%20Automobile%20Association%20INC/V%20Drive/Travel/2020%20Thanksgiving%20Travel%20Forecast/aaa.com/shell" target="_blank">AAA.com/Shell</a>&nbsp;Nov. 15 through Dec. 31. In addition to the five cents per gallon everyday offer, members will receive an additional 10 cents off per gallon on their first three fill-ups after joining for the first time as a Fuel Rewards® member, for a total savings of 15 cents.

AAA reminds those hitting the road to plan their route in advance and ensure their vehicle is ready for the road, to help avoid a breakdown along the way. Across the country, AAA expects to rescue more than 905,000 Americans at the roadside this holiday season.&nbsp;In the average holiday travel period in Kansas, AAA responds to help more than 2,000 stranded motorists, with the primary reasons being car battery-related issues, lockouts and flat tires.&nbsp;AAA makes it easy to request assistance—by phone or text (1-800-AAA-HELP),&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d838894-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=352061&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">app</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d838894-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=352060&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">online</a>—and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.

Large Declines Expected by Air and Other Modes of Travel

About 157,000 travelers in the West North Central region are expected to book flights for the holidays, a decline of 60% from 2019. Air travelers can likely expect to pay lower airfares this holiday season, as AAA has seen double-digit reductions in average flight costs. AAA reminds air travelers to wear their mask, and wipe down seats, armrests, belt buckles and tray tables using disinfecting wipes, as an extra precaution. Meanwhile, only about 39,000 people in the region including Kansas are expected to travel by other modes, including bus and train this holiday season, a sharp decline of 87.5% as some bus and train trips will be shifted to car travel or cancelled.

AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Markit, a London-based business information provider. For the purposes of this forecast, the year-end holiday travel period is defined as the period from Wednesday, Dec. 23 to Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021. The 12-day holiday period is the same length as last year. This forecast was finalized during the week of Nov. 23.In cooperation with AAA, IHS Markit developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes, using macroeconomic drivers such as employment; output; household net worth; asset prices including stock indices; interest rates; housing market indicators; and variables related to travel and tourism, including prices of gasoline, airline travel and hotel stays. For the 2020 year-end holiday travel forecast, IHS Markit also examined changes in the IHS Markit containment index regarding local COVID-19-related restrictions as well as the national case count and trend.

INRIX is the global leader in connected car services and transportation analytics. Leveraging big data and the cloud, INRIX delivers comprehensive services and solutions to help move people, cities and businesses forward. Our partners are automakers, governments, mobile operators, developers, advertisers, as well as enterprises large and small.

IHS Markit (NYSE: INFO) is a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide. The company delivers next-generation information, analytics and solutions to customers in business, finance and government, improving their operational efficiency and providing deep insights that lead to well-informed, confident decisions. IHS Markit has more than 50,000 business and government customers, including 80 percent of the Fortune Global 500 and the world’s leading financial institutions. Headquartered in London, IHS Markit is committed to sustainable, profitable growth.

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 60 million members nationwide and nearly 347,000 members in Kansas.&nbsp;AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.&nbsp;AAA is a&nbsp;non-stock, non-profit corporation working&nbsp;on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d838894-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=352059&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">AAA.com/mobile</a>) for iPhone, iPad and Android.&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d838894-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=352058&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">www.AAA.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WICHITA -- AAA Travel projects about 7.1 million people in the West North Central region – which includes Kansas – will travel for the year-end holidays, down from 9.6 million in 2019. This expected 27% decline echoes AAA’s national holiday travel forecast, announced earlier, that shows three-quarters of Americans planning to stay home, with COVID-19 considered to be a key factor in the decision by many who are opting not to travel.The number of holiday travelers this year in the seven-state West North Central region (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota) will be the fewest since 2002, when 6.7 million people took to the roads, airways and other modes of transportation.Public health concerns and travel guidance are influencing those making the decision not to travel over the year-end holidays, a period that typically sees high demand for vacations. While AAA expects at least 34 million fewer travelers nationally compared to last year’s holiday season, as many as 84.5 million Americans may still travel from Dec. 23 through Jan. 3, a decline in travel of at least 29%.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608612202546.png" alt="Courtesy AAA" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy AAA</figcaption>
 </figure>“Public health concerns, official guidance not to travel, and an overall decline in consumer sentiment have encouraged the vast majority of Kansans and Americans overall to stay home for the holidays,” said Shawn Steward, spokesman for AAA Kansas. “The CDC urges Americans not to travel for the holidays this year, warning that travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. For those who do make the personal decision to travel, however, it is important to understand the risks involved and take steps to keep yourself and others safe.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608612249583.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy AAA" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy AAA</figcaption>
 </figure>AAA suggests seeking the advice of a trusted travel advisor and referring to AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map and TripTik.AAA.com for the latest state and local travel restrictions, and to help determine which rest stops, gas stations, restaurants and hotels are open along your route.What to Know Before You GoPlan Ahead. Check with state and local officials along your route and at your destination to learn about local guidance and any restrictions that may be in place. This includes what is expected of you when you return home. Many localities are requiring COVID-19 testing prior to and after travel.Follow Public Health Guidance.●The CDC recommends taking a COVID-19 test one to three days before travel and another three to five days after travel, plus reducing nonessential activities for seven days after travel. Travelers should be aware of these and other local and state travel restrictions, including testing requirements and quarantine orders, and additional CDC guidance for before, during and after their travels.●Consistent use of face masks combined with social distancing (at least 6 feet) and regular handwashing are the best ways to lower your risk of contracting COVID-19. Be sure to pack face masks, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and a thermometer to help protect and monitor your health. Also pack water and extra snacks to reduce the need to stop along your trip.Verify Before You Go. Call ahead to minimize any last-minute surprises. ●Hotels – Prior to any hotel stay, call ahead to ensure your hotel is open and ask what precautions they are taking to protect guests. Ask about social distancing protocols like capacity reductions in common spaces, hotel staff requirements to wear masks at all times and if all amenities are available, like restaurant dining.●Car rentals – If renting a car, ask what has been done to clean the vehicle. Hertz, for example, has introduced Hertz Gold Standard Clean, an enhanced vehicle disinfectant and sanitization process. For extra peace of mind, use disinfecting wipes to wipe down door handles, steering wheels, shifters and control panels.Road Trips Preferred Amid Cheaper Gas PricesMost people in the West North Central region who decide to travel will do so by car, with road trips accounting for more than 97% of holiday travel. About 6.9 million travelers in the region will travel by car, a decline of about 23% compared to last year. Auto travel is expected to replace some trips previously taken by bus, train or airplane, given the flexibility, security and comfort traveling by car provides.For those who decide to hit the road for the year-end holidays, gas prices in Kansas are about 20 cents cheaper on average than this time last year. Kansas’ average gas price, despite slowly increasing 13 cents in the past month to about $2.00, is currently 10th cheapest in the country. Nearby states popular for holiday road trips in our area – Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas – are all among America’s Top 6 cheapest gas prices.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608612346389.png" alt="Courtesy AAA" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy AAA</figcaption>
 </figure>AAA members who decide to hit the road can fill up for even less at Shell stations when they join the Fuel Rewards® program at&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/JuHall/OneDrive%20-%20American%20Automobile%20Association%20INC/V%20Drive/Travel/2020%20Thanksgiving%20Travel%20Forecast/aaa.com/shell" target="_blank">AAA.com/Shell</a>&nbsp;Nov. 15 through Dec. 31. In addition to the five cents per gallon everyday offer, members will receive an additional 10 cents off per gallon on their first three fill-ups after joining for the first time as a Fuel Rewards® member, for a total savings of 15 cents.Roadside Rescue Ready&nbsp;AAA reminds those hitting the road to plan their route in advance and ensure their vehicle is ready for the road, to help avoid a breakdown along the way. Across the country, AAA expects to rescue more than 905,000 Americans at the roadside this holiday season.&nbsp;In the average holiday travel period in Kansas, AAA responds to help more than 2,000 stranded motorists, with the primary reasons being car battery-related issues, lockouts and flat tires.&nbsp;AAA makes it easy to request assistance—by phone or text (1-800-AAA-HELP),&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d838894-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=352061&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">app</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d838894-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=352060&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">online</a>—and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.Large Declines Expected by Air and Other Modes of TravelAbout 157,000 travelers in the West North Central region are expected to book flights for the holidays, a decline of 60% from 2019. Air travelers can likely expect to pay lower airfares this holiday season, as AAA has seen double-digit reductions in average flight costs. AAA reminds air travelers to wear their mask, and wipe down seats, armrests, belt buckles and tray tables using disinfecting wipes, as an extra precaution. Meanwhile, only about 39,000 people in the region including Kansas are expected to travel by other modes, including bus and train this holiday season, a sharp decline of 87.5% as some bus and train trips will be shifted to car travel or cancelled.MethodologyAAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Markit, a London-based business information provider. For the purposes of this forecast, the year-end holiday travel period is defined as the period from Wednesday, Dec. 23 to Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021. The 12-day holiday period is the same length as last year. This forecast was finalized during the week of Nov. 23.In cooperation with AAA, IHS Markit developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes, using macroeconomic drivers such as employment; output; household net worth; asset prices including stock indices; interest rates; housing market indicators; and variables related to travel and tourism, including prices of gasoline, airline travel and hotel stays. For the 2020 year-end holiday travel forecast, IHS Markit also examined changes in the IHS Markit containment index regarding local COVID-19-related restrictions as well as the national case count and trend.About INRIX INRIX is the global leader in connected car services and transportation analytics. Leveraging big data and the cloud, INRIX delivers comprehensive services and solutions to help move people, cities and businesses forward. Our partners are automakers, governments, mobile operators, developers, advertisers, as well as enterprises large and small.About IHS Markit IHS Markit (NYSE: INFO) is a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide. The company delivers next-generation information, analytics and solutions to customers in business, finance and government, improving their operational efficiency and providing deep insights that lead to well-informed, confident decisions. IHS Markit has more than 50,000 business and government customers, including 80 percent of the Fortune Global 500 and the world’s leading financial institutions. Headquartered in London, IHS Markit is committed to sustainable, profitable growth.About AAAAAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 60 million members nationwide and nearly 347,000 members in Kansas.&nbsp;AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.&nbsp;AAA is a&nbsp;non-stock, non-profit corporation working&nbsp;on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d838894-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=352059&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">AAA.com/mobile</a>) for iPhone, iPad and Android.&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d838894-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=352058&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">www.AAA.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Holiday travel down 27% in Kansas’ region; COVID-19 key factor

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 22, the 357th day of 2020. There are nine days left in the year. 

On Dec. 22, 2001, Richard C. Reid, a passenger on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami, tried to ignite explosives in his shoes, but was subdued by flight attendants and fellow passengers. (Reid is serving a life sentence in federal prison.) 

In 1858, opera composer Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca, Italy.

In 1894, French army officer Alfred Dreyfus was convicted of treason in a court-martial that triggered worldwide charges of anti-Semitism. (Dreyfus was eventually vindicated.) 

In 1940, author Nathanael West, 37, and his wife, Eileen McKenney, 27, were killed in a car crash in El Centro, Calif. while en route to the funeral of F. Scott Fitzgerald, who had died the day before.

In 1941, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrived in Washington for a wartime conference with President Franklin D. Roosevelt. 

In 1944, during the World War II Battle of the Bulge, U.S. Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe rejected a German demand for surrender, writing "Nuts!" in his official reply. 

In 1968, Julie Nixon married David Eisenhower in a private ceremony in New York. 

In 1984, New York City resident Bernhard Goetz shot and wounded four youths on a Manhattan subway, claiming they were about to rob him. 

In 1989, Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu, the last of Eastern Europe's hard-line Communist rulers, was toppled from power in a popular uprising. Playwright Samuel Beckett died in Paris at age 83. 

In 1991, the body of Marine Lt. Col. William R. Higgins, an American hostage slain by his terrorist captors, was recovered after it had been dumped along a highway in Lebanon. 

In 1992, a Libyan Boeing 727 jetliner crashed after a midair collision with a MiG fighter, killing all 157 aboard the jetliner, and both crew members of the fighter jet. 

In 2003, a federal judge ruled the Pentagon couldn't enforce mandatory anthrax vaccinations for military personnel.

In 2008, five Muslim immigrants accused of scheming to massacre U.S. soldiers at Fort Dix were convicted of conspiracy in Camden, N.J. (Four were later sentenced to life in prison; one received a 33-year sentence.) 

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama signed a law allowing gays for the first time in history to serve openly in America's military, repealing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. The Senate ratified the New START treaty with Russia capping nuclear warheads for both nations and restarting on-site weapons inspections. Auburn's Cam Newton was named AP Player of the Year. "The Lone Ranger" announcer Fred Foy died in Woburn, Massachusetts, at age 89.

Five years ago: Migration experts said more than a million people who had been driven out of their countries by war, poverty and persecution entered Europe in 2015. Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey was named The Associated Press college football player of the year.

One year ago: Baba Ram Dass, a 1960s counterculture spiritual leader who experimented with LSD and traveled to India to find enlightenment, died at the age of 88. Afghanistan's election commission said a preliminary vote count showed that incumbent President Ashraf Ghani had won reelection with 50.64% of the vote. (Both Ghani and rival Abdullah Abdullah claimed victory; they announced a power-sharing arrangement in May 2020 in which Ghani would remain president.)

Today's Birthdays: Actor Hector Elizondo is 84. Country singer Red Steagall is 82. Former World Bank Group President Paul Wolfowitz is 77. Baseball Hall of Famer Steve Carlton is 76. Former ABC News anchor Diane Sawyer is 75. Rock singer-musician Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) is 72. Rock singer-musician Michael Bacon is 72. Baseball All-Star Steve Garvey is 72. Golfer Jan Stephenson is 69. Actor BernNadette Stanis is 67. Rapper Luther "Luke" Campbell is 60. Actor Ralph Fiennes is 58. Actor Lauralee Bell is 52. Country singer Lori McKenna is 52. Actor Dina Meyer is 52. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is 50. Actor Heather Donahue is 47. Actor Chris Carmack is 40. Actor Harry Ford is 38. Actor Greg Finley is 36. Actor Logan Huffman is 31. Rhythm-and-blues singer Jordin Sparks is 31. Pop singer Meghan Trainor is 27.

<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, Dec. 22, the 357th day of 2020. There are nine days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 22, 2001, Richard C. Reid, a passenger on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami, tried to ignite explosives in his shoes, but was subdued by flight attendants and fellow passengers. (Reid is serving a life sentence in federal prison.) On this date: In 1858, opera composer Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca, Italy.In 1894, French army officer Alfred Dreyfus was convicted of treason in a court-martial that triggered worldwide charges of anti-Semitism. (Dreyfus was eventually vindicated.) In 1940, author Nathanael West, 37, and his wife, Eileen McKenney, 27, were killed in a car crash in El Centro, Calif. while en route to the funeral of F. Scott Fitzgerald, who had died the day before.In 1941, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrived in Washington for a wartime conference with President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1944, during the World War II Battle of the Bulge, U.S. Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe rejected a German demand for surrender, writing "Nuts!" in his official reply. In 1968, Julie Nixon married David Eisenhower in a private ceremony in New York. In 1984, New York City resident Bernhard Goetz shot and wounded four youths on a Manhattan subway, claiming they were about to rob him. In 1989, Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu, the last of Eastern Europe's hard-line Communist rulers, was toppled from power in a popular uprising. Playwright Samuel Beckett died in Paris at age 83. In 1991, the body of Marine Lt. Col. William R. Higgins, an American hostage slain by his terrorist captors, was recovered after it had been dumped along a highway in Lebanon. In 1992, a Libyan Boeing 727 jetliner crashed after a midair collision with a MiG fighter, killing all 157 aboard the jetliner, and both crew members of the fighter jet. In 2003, a federal judge ruled the Pentagon couldn't enforce mandatory anthrax vaccinations for military personnel.In 2008, five Muslim immigrants accused of scheming to massacre U.S. soldiers at Fort Dix were convicted of conspiracy in Camden, N.J. (Four were later sentenced to life in prison; one received a 33-year sentence.) Ten years ago: President Barack Obama signed a law allowing gays for the first time in history to serve openly in America's military, repealing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. The Senate ratified the New START treaty with Russia capping nuclear warheads for both nations and restarting on-site weapons inspections. Auburn's Cam Newton was named AP Player of the Year. "The Lone Ranger" announcer Fred Foy died in Woburn, Massachusetts, at age 89.Five years ago: Migration experts said more than a million people who had been driven out of their countries by war, poverty and persecution entered Europe in 2015. Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey was named The Associated Press college football player of the year.One year ago: Baba Ram Dass, a 1960s counterculture spiritual leader who experimented with LSD and traveled to India to find enlightenment, died at the age of 88. Afghanistan's election commission said a preliminary vote count showed that incumbent President Ashraf Ghani had won reelection with 50.64% of the vote. (Both Ghani and rival Abdullah Abdullah claimed victory; they announced a power-sharing arrangement in May 2020 in which Ghani would remain president.)Today's Birthdays: Actor Hector Elizondo is 84. Country singer Red Steagall is 82. Former World Bank Group President Paul Wolfowitz is 77. Baseball Hall of Famer Steve Carlton is 76. Former ABC News anchor Diane Sawyer is 75. Rock singer-musician Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) is 72. Rock singer-musician Michael Bacon is 72. Baseball All-Star Steve Garvey is 72. Golfer Jan Stephenson is 69. Actor BernNadette Stanis is 67. Rapper Luther "Luke" Campbell is 60. Actor Ralph Fiennes is 58. Actor Lauralee Bell is 52. Country singer Lori McKenna is 52. Actor Dina Meyer is 52. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is 50. Actor Heather Donahue is 47. Actor Chris Carmack is 40. Actor Harry Ford is 38. Actor Greg Finley is 36. Actor Logan Huffman is 31. Rhythm-and-blues singer Jordin Sparks is 31. Pop singer Meghan Trainor is 27.

Today in History -- Dec. 22

The Salina Police Department today announced its employee of the year award recipients:

Supervisor of the Year - Sgt. K. Tonniges 

From the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaKSPD">Salina Police Department</a>&nbsp;Facebook page:&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Salina Police Department today announced its employee of the year award recipients:Supervisor of the Year - Sgt. K. Tonniges Officer of the Year - Officer C. WayCivilian of the Year - M. HavighorstFrom the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaKSPD">Salina Police Department</a>&nbsp;Facebook page:&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSalinaKSPD%2Fposts%2F3458314824223854&width=500&show_text=true&height=752&appId" width="500" height="752" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

SPD announces employee of the year recipients for 2020

The bi-weekly review of the COVID-19 situation in the county, a vehicle lease agreement, and rural fire district considerations are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.

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 <a href="http://www.saline.org">www.saline.org</a> 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.

After tabling the item last week, the commissioners are scheduled to consider a proposed vehicle lease agreement with Enterprise. If approved, the lease program "is estimated to save the County as much as $500,000 over a ten-year period as compared to the traditional model of buying vehicles and holding them until nearly all residual value is depleted," according to information in the commission meeting packet. 

Commissioners also are scheduled to consider a request from Rural Fire District No. 6 to accept a $1,000 Dane Hansen grant to assist with the replacement of a fire pump.

Additionally, commissioners are being asked to make reappointments to the boards of trustees for Rural Fire Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7. The proposed reappointments are as follows.

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

●Consider a resolution establishing meeting dates and times for the Saline County Commission.

●Consider a resolution authorizing the annual transfer of unspent funds from the 2020 budget.

●Consider a resolution exempting Saline County from the provisions of K.S.A 75-1120a. If approved, the county's annual financial statements would be prepared on the basis of the Kansas Municipal Audit and Accounting  Guide (KMAAG) rather than Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). KMAAG is the standard for all but the largest municipalities in Kansas, according to the commission meeting packet information.

●Review the COVID-19 situation in the county and consider whether to repeal the county face mask mandate.

●Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes' weekly update.

To view the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet for Tuesday (a 39-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20201222.pdf?ver=YD2t1Ocsf69Gije2bPTU6A%3d%3d">click here</a>.

The bi-weekly review of the COVID-19 situation in the county, a vehicle lease agreement, and rural fire district considerations are among the items on the Saline County Commission agenda for Tuesday.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 <a href="http://www.saline.org">www.saline.org</a> 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 itemsAfter tabling the item last week, the commissioners are scheduled to consider a proposed vehicle lease agreement with Enterprise. If approved, the lease program "is estimated to save the County as much as $500,000 over a ten-year period as compared to the traditional model of buying vehicles and holding them until nearly all residual value is depleted," according to information in the commission meeting packet. Commissioners also are scheduled to consider a request from Rural Fire District No. 6 to accept a $1,000 Dane Hansen grant to assist with the replacement of a fire pump.Additionally, commissioners are being asked to make reappointments to the boards of trustees for Rural Fire Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7. The proposed reappointments are as follows.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608607751029.png" alt="Reappointment list courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Reappointment list courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Other items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Consider a resolution establishing meeting dates and times for the Saline County Commission.●Consider a resolution authorizing the annual transfer of unspent funds from the 2020 budget.●Consider a resolution exempting Saline County from the provisions of K.S.A 75-1120a. If approved, the county's annual financial statements would be prepared on the basis of the Kansas Municipal Audit and Accounting Guide (KMAAG) rather than Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). KMAAG is the standard for all but the largest municipalities in Kansas, according to the commission meeting packet information.●Review the COVID-19 situation in the county and consider whether to repeal the county face mask mandate.●Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes' weekly update.To view the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet for Tuesday (a 39-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20201222.pdf?ver=YD2t1Ocsf69Gije2bPTU6A%3d%3d">click here</a>.

COVID-19 review, vehicle leases, rural fire district issues on county agenda

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 52 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 2,239.

Of that total, 1,269 of the cases have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment Recovery Guidelines or have died, and 20 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

• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 88

• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 7

&nbsp; &nbsp;-Male cases age: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39, 91, 92, 52, 80, 30, 72, 82, 88, 85

&nbsp; &nbsp;-Female cases age: 92, 89, 94, 66, 82

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 52 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 2,239.Of that total, 1,269 of the cases have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment Recovery Guidelines or have died, and 20 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: 57• Cases with unknown exposure: 986• Cases 60 years old and above: 716• Cases 50-59 years old: 313• Cases 40-49 years old: 280• Cases 30-39 years old: 279• Cases 18-29 years old: 442• Cases under 18 years old: 209• Female cases: 1163• Male cases: 1076• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 88• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 7• Deaths: 22&nbsp; &nbsp;-Male cases age: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39, 91, 92, 52, 80, 30, 72, 82, 88, 85&nbsp; &nbsp;-Female cases age: 92, 89, 94, 66, 82

McPherson County reports 52 new cases of COVID-19

Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.

Sadly, we have been notified of one additional death due to COVID-19 since our last update on December 18. Forty-seven members of our community have lost their lives to this virus. There have been 116 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since December 18. The total number of positive cases for Saline County has risen to 3,749. The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 1,494 cases. At least 2,208 have recovered. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they currently have 42 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information: ●Mobile Device Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a>

●Desktop Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</a> This is an ever-evolving situation. Please continue to follow official sources to obtain the most accurate information possible. If you have tested positive or you are known to be a close contact, please do not call the Health Department unless it has been at least five days since you received your results and you have not heard from us. We understand that for both employees and employers, quarantine or isolation documentation may be necessary to verify a leave of absence. Please refer to the FAQ section of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus" target="_blank">https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus</a>&nbsp;for additional questions. However, Health Department staff continue to be overwhelmed and several days behind with contacting new positive cases and close contacts and we are unable to produce the necessary documentation immediately. We have added staff and some cases being routed to contact tracers at KDHE, but with cases rising every day we continue to be behind. Thank you for your patience. According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 204,600 cases and 2,448 deaths statewide. This information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>. Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please: 1. Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water. 2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more. 3. Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective. 4. By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments). 5. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc. 6. Stay home if you are sick. Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse. Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus%3Chttp://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608645756810.png" alt="Image courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.Sadly, we have been notified of one additional death due to COVID-19 since our last update on December 18. Forty-seven members of our community have lost their lives to this virus. There have been 116 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since December 18. The total number of positive cases for Saline County has risen to 3,749. The Health Department staff are now actively monitoring 1,494 cases. At least 2,208 have recovered. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they currently have 42 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information: ●Mobile Device Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a> ●Desktop Users:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0" target="_blank">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</a> This is an ever-evolving situation. Please continue to follow official sources to obtain the most accurate information possible. If you have tested positive or you are known to be a close contact, please do not call the Health Department unless it has been at least five days since you received your results and you have not heard from us. We understand that for both employees and employers, quarantine or isolation documentation may be necessary to verify a leave of absence. Please refer to the FAQ section of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus" target="_blank">https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus</a>&nbsp;for additional questions. However, Health Department staff continue to be overwhelmed and several days behind with contacting new positive cases and close contacts and we are unable to produce the necessary documentation immediately. We have added staff and some cases being routed to contact tracers at KDHE, but with cases rising every day we continue to be behind. Thank you for your patience. According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 204,600 cases and 2,448 deaths statewide. This information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>. Following the proven public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 continues to be extremely important for everyone to do. Please: 1. Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Use hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water. 2. Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more. 3. Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution. You must cover your nose and mouth for masks to be effective. 4. By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments). 5. Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc. 6. Stay home if you are sick. Regardless if you think it may be a cold, it could be allergies, but it also could be something worse. Only follow official sources to obtain information:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus%3Chttp://www.saline.org/coronavirus" target="_blank">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

Saline County: 1 additional death, 116 new COVID-19 cases

Dry low levels and gusty south winds will elevate the grassland fire danger into the very high category on Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608571094791.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dry low levels and gusty south winds will elevate the grassland fire danger into the very high category on Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita. Outdoor burning is highly discouraged.

NWS: Very high grassland fire danger Tuesday afternoon

A fire destroyed an old stone house east of Salina late Sunday night.

Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander said this morning that the fire in the 5200 block of East Water Well Road was reported at 11:30 p.m. Sunday by the owners, Connie Thompson-Dupes, 65, and Greg Dupes, 65, both of rural Saline County, who drove up to the property and saw the flames. 

The couple, who live elsewhere in the county, had been restoring the two-story stone structure and occasionally stayed there while working, he said.

The building had both electric and gas connections, as well as a wood-burning stove, Melander said.

Both Rural Fire District No. 1 and Rural Fire District No. 2 responded to the blaze, he said. 

According to Melander, the cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608566937233.jpeg" alt="The house was being restored at the time of the fire. Photo of the fire courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office." />
 <figcaption>The house was being restored at the time of the fire. Photo of the fire courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office.</figcaption>
 </figure>A fire destroyed an old stone house east of Salina late Sunday night.Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander said this morning that the fire in the 5200 block of East Water Well Road was reported at 11:30 p.m. Sunday by the owners, Connie Thompson-Dupes, 65, and Greg Dupes, 65, both of rural Saline County, who drove up to the property and saw the flames. The couple, who live elsewhere in the county, had been restoring the two-story stone structure and occasionally stayed there while working, he said.The building had both electric and gas connections, as well as a wood-burning stove, Melander said.Both Rural Fire District No. 1 and Rural Fire District No. 2 responded to the blaze, he said. According to Melander, the cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

Blaze destroys old stone house east of Salina Sunday night

The Salina Police Department is investigating three incidents Sunday involving automobile-related businesses.

In the first incident, officers were sent to HICO Motors, 645 North Santa Fe Avenue, at 12:20 a.m. Sunday for an alarm, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. When they arrived, they found that a 65-inch by 24-inch window at the business had been shattered and a brick was inside the business, he noted. The window was valued at $900. Surveillance video is being reviewed, he added.

The second incident occurred between 7:30-8:15 p.m. Sunday at The Car Shoppe, 1409 West Crawford Street, he reported. Upon arrival, the officers found that the east door of the business had been shattered, he noted. The door, approximately 3-foot by 7-foot in size, was valued at $500.

According to Forrester, surveillance video showed three subjects, smaller in stature, and one possibly a female. The one believed to be a female was wearing a gray sweater. One of the subjects, who had on a black sweatshirt and dark tight pants, was seen throwing a large rock through the glass, Forrester explained. The third subject had on gray pants and a medical face mask. Once the alarm sounded, the three ran south from the business, he noted.

At 8:38 p.m. Sunday, officers were sent to Salina Elite Auto, 1842 Hageman, for an alarm. Upon arrival, officers found that an approximate 5-foot by 3-foot window on the north side of the business was shattered, Forrester reported. A brick was located inside the business. The window was valued at $800.

A popcorn tin had been removed from the business and was sitting on the ground outside the business, he noted. A computer printer that was sitting inside the shattered window was damaged, Forrester added. The printer was valued at $300.

Police are investigating the three incidents as being related, he noted.

The Salina Police Department is investigating three incidents Sunday involving automobile-related businesses.In the first incident, officers were sent to HICO Motors, 645 North Santa Fe Avenue, at 12:20 a.m. Sunday for an alarm, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. When they arrived, they found that a 65-inch by 24-inch window at the business had been shattered and a brick was inside the business, he noted. The window was valued at $900. Surveillance video is being reviewed, he added.The second incident occurred between 7:30-8:15 p.m. Sunday at The Car Shoppe, 1409 West Crawford Street, he reported. Upon arrival, the officers found that the east door of the business had been shattered, he noted. The door, approximately 3-foot by 7-foot in size, was valued at $500.According to Forrester, surveillance video showed three subjects, smaller in stature, and one possibly a female. The one believed to be a female was wearing a gray sweater. One of the subjects, who had on a black sweatshirt and dark tight pants, was seen throwing a large rock through the glass, Forrester explained. The third subject had on gray pants and a medical face mask. Once the alarm sounded, the three ran south from the business, he noted.At 8:38 p.m. Sunday, officers were sent to Salina Elite Auto, 1842 Hageman, for an alarm. Upon arrival, officers found that an approximate 5-foot by 3-foot window on the north side of the business was shattered, Forrester reported. A brick was located inside the business. The window was valued at $800.A popcorn tin had been removed from the business and was sitting on the ground outside the business, he noted. A computer printer that was sitting inside the shattered window was damaged, Forrester added. The printer was valued at $300.Police are investigating the three incidents as being related, he noted.

Police investigating three incidents at auto-related businesses

OCCK, Inc. Transportation has announced schedule changes for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

OCCK, Inc.&nbsp;Transportation, including Salina CityGo, 81 Connection, Regional Paratransit and City of Abilene public&nbsp;transportation, will be closed on Friday for Christmas and Jan. 1, 2021, for New Year’s Day.&nbsp;

On Thursday and Dec. 31, both CityGo and paratransit services will stop running at 4 p.m.&nbsp;

City of Abilene public&nbsp;transportation&nbsp;will be closed on both Thursday&nbsp;and Dec. 31.

81 Connection will run regular routes both Thursday and Dec. 31.

OCCK, Inc. Transportation has announced schedule changes for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.OCCK, Inc.&nbsp;Transportation, including Salina CityGo, 81 Connection, Regional Paratransit and City of Abilene public&nbsp;transportation, will be closed on Friday for Christmas and Jan. 1, 2021, for New Year’s Day.&nbsp;On Thursday and Dec. 31, both CityGo and paratransit services will stop running at 4 p.m.&nbsp;City of Abilene public&nbsp;transportation&nbsp;will be closed on both Thursday&nbsp;and Dec. 31.81 Connection will run regular routes both Thursday and Dec. 31.

OCCK Transportation to close for Christmas and New Year’s Day

The City of Salina has announced its sanitation and general services schedule for the Christmas holiday.

●No sanitation collection will take place on Friday (Christmas Day). Additionally, there will be a one-day delay in Friday collection.

●The General Services Office, Household Hazardous Waste Facility and the Salina Drive-thru Recycling Center will be closed Thursday and Friday.

●The landfill will be closed Friday, with regular operating hours resuming Saturday.

The City of Salina has announced its sanitation and general services schedule for the Christmas holiday.The holiday schedule is as follows.●No sanitation collection will take place on Friday (Christmas Day). Additionally, there will be a one-day delay in Friday collection.●The General Services Office, Household Hazardous Waste Facility and the Salina Drive-thru Recycling Center will be closed Thursday and Friday.●The landfill will be closed Friday, with regular operating hours resuming Saturday.

City announces Christmas sanitation, General Services closings

Across the United States, students are learning from half to a full year less math than what they should learn in a normal school year. That is the conclusion of the Northwest Evaluation Association’s MAP Growth test. Another massive study by Illuminate Education’s FastBridge assessments found from two-and-a-half to four-and-a-half months of lost math learning, substantially more loss than in reading. Curriculum Associates compared results in grades 1-5 from over 1000 schools and confirmed from 5 to 9 percent of students were two or more grade levels behind in math.

Education schools appear clueless. In part they blame parents, where one-in-five parents hate math (ed schools call it math anxiety) and cannot be expected to teach their child math they do not understand. And student stress levels are up, but they don’t go away when a student switches topics. And yes, math is harder to teach via the internet than face-to-face. But learning on screens is a problem for all disciplines.

Education schools refuse to accept that teaching different subjects requires different skills on the part of both teachers and students. From upper elementary onward, we find that a good science teacher is not usually a good social studies teacher, and a good reading teacher is often not a good math teacher.

Good science teaching starts with real experiences in the laboratory and field. That becomes the basis for understanding biology, chemistry and physics. An immigrant student who does not speak English can begin to learn science and its vocabulary through those experiences.

Social sciences and literary English require extensive social interaction and are very language dependent. Students learning English progress through stages of reading that should eventually take off as many students in upper elementary become excited by this newfound world of books. That is where Harry Potter books today serve a role similar to the Nancy Drew mysteries of older times. And that take off into the world of reading will find the student with his/her head in a book at home and on weekends independent from class assignments. These are the most difficult disciplines for a foreign student when their native language is not English. But students do not get hooked on math and study math on their own on weekends.

Math is different. I have seen an immigrant student who spoke nearly no English transfer into a high school math class. Math is an incremental subject: you learn to multiply one digit times one digit, then two digits times two digits, etc. When a math teacher fails to adequately introduce the next math lesson,&nbsp; the next day many students will have failed to have completed their homework. The teacher, seeing the blank stares, turns to the board and works through a sample problem. The eyes of involved students follow the teacher’s mind as the problem is worked out, even without a spoken explanation of the steps. And the foreign student who learned that universal math language follows along too despite not understanding a word of English. Math indeed is its own language.

Most parents are not natural math teachers. And the teacher’s example that worked so well in class, where the student was one of many who were following the thought of the teacher working out that math example, is now alone at home facing a screen where the teacher-student “connection” is mostly lost. There are no classmates sitting to either side also attempting to understand. Three major meta-analyses have clearly documented the ineffectiveness of trying to learn onscreen.

We only need to look back at the 1960s and early 1970s to televised education, where all schoolchildren would supposedly watch the best of teachers broadcast nationwide on TVs into every classroom. Education on TV screens was an abysmal failure then. And education on laptops is an abysmal failure now.

Across the United States, parents are recognizing that 90 percent-plus of our students are not independent learners. We must return to real classrooms and real teachers as soon as it is safe to do so.

Meanwhile, the huge and still-growing ed-tech industrial complex is promoting online learning as our future despite widespread knowledge that it is abysmal. We face the possibility, not just in math but in all disciplines, of becoming a third-world country at premium prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="John Richard Schrock" />
 <figcaption>John Richard Schrock</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCKAcross the United States, students are learning from half to a full year less math than what they should learn in a normal school year. That is the conclusion of the Northwest Evaluation Association’s MAP Growth test. Another massive study by Illuminate Education’s FastBridge assessments found from two-and-a-half to four-and-a-half months of lost math learning, substantially more loss than in reading. Curriculum Associates compared results in grades 1-5 from over 1000 schools and confirmed from 5 to 9 percent of students were two or more grade levels behind in math. Education schools appear clueless. In part they blame parents, where one-in-five parents hate math (ed schools call it math anxiety) and cannot be expected to teach their child math they do not understand. And student stress levels are up, but they don’t go away when a student switches topics. And yes, math is harder to teach via the internet than face-to-face. But learning on screens is a problem for all disciplines. Education schools refuse to accept that teaching different subjects requires different skills on the part of both teachers and students. From upper elementary onward, we find that a good science teacher is not usually a good social studies teacher, and a good reading teacher is often not a good math teacher. Good science teaching starts with real experiences in the laboratory and field. That becomes the basis for understanding biology, chemistry and physics. An immigrant student who does not speak English can begin to learn science and its vocabulary through those experiences. Social sciences and literary English require extensive social interaction and are very language dependent. Students learning English progress through stages of reading that should eventually take off as many students in upper elementary become excited by this newfound world of books. That is where Harry Potter books today serve a role similar to the Nancy Drew mysteries of older times. And that take off into the world of reading will find the student with his/her head in a book at home and on weekends independent from class assignments. These are the most difficult disciplines for a foreign student when their native language is not English. But students do not get hooked on math and study math on their own on weekends. Math is different. I have seen an immigrant student who spoke nearly no English transfer into a high school math class. Math is an incremental subject: you learn to multiply one digit times one digit, then two digits times two digits, etc. When a math teacher fails to adequately introduce the next math lesson,&nbsp; the next day many students will have failed to have completed their homework. The teacher, seeing the blank stares, turns to the board and works through a sample problem. The eyes of involved students follow the teacher’s mind as the problem is worked out, even without a spoken explanation of the steps. And the foreign student who learned that universal math language follows along too despite not understanding a word of English. Math indeed is its own language. Most parents are not natural math teachers. And the teacher’s example that worked so well in class, where the student was one of many who were following the thought of the teacher working out that math example, is now alone at home facing a screen where the teacher-student “connection” is mostly lost. There are no classmates sitting to either side also attempting to understand. Three major meta-analyses have clearly documented the ineffectiveness of trying to learn onscreen. We only need to look back at the 1960s and early 1970s to televised education, where all schoolchildren would supposedly watch the best of teachers broadcast nationwide on TVs into every classroom. Education on TV screens was an abysmal failure then. And education on laptops is an abysmal failure now. Across the United States, parents are recognizing that 90 percent-plus of our students are not independent learners. We must return to real classrooms and real teachers as soon as it is safe to do so. Meanwhile, the huge and still-growing ed-tech industrial complex is promoting online learning as our future despite widespread knowledge that it is abysmal. We face the possibility, not just in math but in all disciplines, of becoming a third-world country at premium prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

EDUCATION FRONTLINES: Math leads learning loss

Today is Monday, Dec. 21, the 356th day of 2020. There are 10 days left in the year. Winter arrives at 5:02 a.m. Eastern time. 

On Dec. 21, 1620, Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower went ashore for the first time at present-day Plymouth, Massachusetts. 

In 1864, during the Civil War, Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman concluded their "March to the Sea" as they captured Savannah, Georgia. 

In 1913, the first newspaper crossword puzzle, billed as a "Word-Cross Puzzle," was published in the New York World. 

In 1914, the U.S. government began requiring passport applicants to provide photographs of themselves. 

In 1940, author F. Scott Fitzgerald died in Hollywood, California, at age 44.

In 1942, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Williams v. North Carolina, ruled 6-2 that all states had to recognize divorces granted in Nevada.

In 1945, U.S. Army Gen. George S. Patton, 60, died in Heidelberg, Germany, 12 days after being seriously injured in a car accident. 

In 1968, Apollo 8 was launched on a mission to orbit the moon. 

In 1969, Vince Lombardi coached his last football game as his team, the Washington Redskins, lost to the Dallas Cowboys, 20-10. 

In 1988, 270 people were killed when a terrorist bomb exploded aboard a Pam Am Boeing 747 over Lockerbie, Scotland, sending wreckage crashing to the ground. 

In 1991, eleven of the 12 former Soviet republics proclaimed the birth of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the death of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. 

In 1995, the city of Bethlehem passed from Israeli to Palestinian control. 

In 2012, the National Rifle Association said guns and police officers were needed in all American schools to stop the next killer "waiting in the wings," taking a no-retreat stance in the face of growing calls for gun control after the Newtown, Connecticut, shootings that claimed the lives of 26 children and school staff.

Ten years ago: The Census Bureau announced that the nation's population on April 1, 2010, was 308,745,538, up from 281.4 million a decade earlier. A divided Federal Communications Commission approved, 3-2, new rules known as "net neutrality" meant to prohibit broadband companies from interfering with Internet traffic flowing to their customers. The No. 1-ranked Connecticut women's basketball team topped the 88-game winning streak by John Wooden's UCLA men's team from 1971-74, beating No. 22 Florida State 93-62. Chip Kelly, in just his second season leading Oregon, was voted AP Coach of the Year.

Five years ago: A Taliban attacker rammed a bomb-laden motorcycle into a joint NATO and Afghan patrol near the Bagram Airfield, killing six Americans in the deadliest attack on foreign troops since the previous August. The nation's three-decade-old ban on blood donations from gay and bisexual men was formally lifted, but major restrictions continued to limit who could give blood in the U.S. Clemson's Dabo Swinney was named The Associated Press college football coach of the year.

One year ago: Joseph Segel, founder of the home-shopping network QVC, died in Pennsylvania; he was 88. Six people died and 13 others were injured in a fire at an apartment building in downtown Las Vegas. French fashion designer Emanuel Ungaro, known for his use of vibrant color, mixed prints and elegant draping, died in Paris at the age of 86.

Today's Birthdays: Talk show host Phil Donahue is 85. Actor Jane Fonda is 83. Actor Larry Bryggman is 82. Singer Carla Thomas is 78. Musician Albert Lee is 77. Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas is 76. Actor Josh Mostel is 74. Actor Samuel L. Jackson is 72. Rock singer Nick Gilder is 70. Movie producer Jeffrey Katzenberg is 70. Actor Dennis Boutsikaris is 68. International Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert is 66. Actor Jane Kaczmarek is 65. Country singer Lee Roy Parnell is 64. Former child actress Lisa Gerritsen is 63. Actor-comedian Ray Romano is 63. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is 58. Country singer Christy Forester (The Forester Sisters) is 58. Rock musician Murph (The Lemonheads; Dinosaur Jr.) is 56. Actor-comedian Andy Dick is 55. Rock musician Gabrielle Glaser is 55. Actor Michelle Hurd is 54. Actor Kiefer Sutherland is 54. Actor Karri Turner is 54. Actor Khrystyne Haje is 52. Country singer Brad Warren (The Warren Brothers) is 52. Actor Julie Delpy is 51. Contemporary Christian singer Natalie Grant is 49. Actor Glenn Fitzgerald is 49. Singer-musician Brett Scallions is 49. World Golf Hall of Famer Karrie Webb is 46. Rock singer Lukas Rossi (Rock Star Supernova) is 44. Actor Rutina Wesley is 42. Rock musician Anna Bulbrook (Airborne Toxic Event) is 38. Country singer Luke Stricklin is 38. Actor Steven Yeun is 37. Actor Kaitlyn Dever is 24.

<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 Monday, Dec. 21, the 356th day of 2020. There are 10 days left in the year. Winter arrives at 5:02 a.m. Eastern time. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 21, 1620, Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower went ashore for the first time at present-day Plymouth, Massachusetts. On this date: In 1864, during the Civil War, Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman concluded their "March to the Sea" as they captured Savannah, Georgia. In 1913, the first newspaper crossword puzzle, billed as a "Word-Cross Puzzle," was published in the New York World. In 1914, the U.S. government began requiring passport applicants to provide photographs of themselves. In 1940, author F. Scott Fitzgerald died in Hollywood, California, at age 44.In 1942, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Williams v. North Carolina, ruled 6-2 that all states had to recognize divorces granted in Nevada.In 1945, U.S. Army Gen. George S. Patton, 60, died in Heidelberg, Germany, 12 days after being seriously injured in a car accident. In 1968, Apollo 8 was launched on a mission to orbit the moon. In 1969, Vince Lombardi coached his last football game as his team, the Washington Redskins, lost to the Dallas Cowboys, 20-10. In 1988, 270 people were killed when a terrorist bomb exploded aboard a Pam Am Boeing 747 over Lockerbie, Scotland, sending wreckage crashing to the ground. In 1991, eleven of the 12 former Soviet republics proclaimed the birth of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the death of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. In 1995, the city of Bethlehem passed from Israeli to Palestinian control. In 2012, the National Rifle Association said guns and police officers were needed in all American schools to stop the next killer "waiting in the wings," taking a no-retreat stance in the face of growing calls for gun control after the Newtown, Connecticut, shootings that claimed the lives of 26 children and school staff.Ten years ago: The Census Bureau announced that the nation's population on April 1, 2010, was 308,745,538, up from 281.4 million a decade earlier. A divided Federal Communications Commission approved, 3-2, new rules known as "net neutrality" meant to prohibit broadband companies from interfering with Internet traffic flowing to their customers. The No. 1-ranked Connecticut women's basketball team topped the 88-game winning streak by John Wooden's UCLA men's team from 1971-74, beating No. 22 Florida State 93-62. Chip Kelly, in just his second season leading Oregon, was voted AP Coach of the Year.Five years ago: A Taliban attacker rammed a bomb-laden motorcycle into a joint NATO and Afghan patrol near the Bagram Airfield, killing six Americans in the deadliest attack on foreign troops since the previous August. The nation's three-decade-old ban on blood donations from gay and bisexual men was formally lifted, but major restrictions continued to limit who could give blood in the U.S. Clemson's Dabo Swinney was named The Associated Press college football coach of the year.One year ago: Joseph Segel, founder of the home-shopping network QVC, died in Pennsylvania; he was 88. Six people died and 13 others were injured in a fire at an apartment building in downtown Las Vegas. French fashion designer Emanuel Ungaro, known for his use of vibrant color, mixed prints and elegant draping, died in Paris at the age of 86.Today's Birthdays: Talk show host Phil Donahue is 85. Actor Jane Fonda is 83. Actor Larry Bryggman is 82. Singer Carla Thomas is 78. Musician Albert Lee is 77. Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas is 76. Actor Josh Mostel is 74. Actor Samuel L. Jackson is 72. Rock singer Nick Gilder is 70. Movie producer Jeffrey Katzenberg is 70. Actor Dennis Boutsikaris is 68. International Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert is 66. Actor Jane Kaczmarek is 65. Country singer Lee Roy Parnell is 64. Former child actress Lisa Gerritsen is 63. Actor-comedian Ray Romano is 63. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is 58. Country singer Christy Forester (The Forester Sisters) is 58. Rock musician Murph (The Lemonheads; Dinosaur Jr.) is 56. Actor-comedian Andy Dick is 55. Rock musician Gabrielle Glaser is 55. Actor Michelle Hurd is 54. Actor Kiefer Sutherland is 54. Actor Karri Turner is 54. Actor Khrystyne Haje is 52. Country singer Brad Warren (The Warren Brothers) is 52. Actor Julie Delpy is 51. Contemporary Christian singer Natalie Grant is 49. Actor Glenn Fitzgerald is 49. Singer-musician Brett Scallions is 49. World Golf Hall of Famer Karrie Webb is 46. Rock singer Lukas Rossi (Rock Star Supernova) is 44. Actor Rutina Wesley is 42. Rock musician Anna Bulbrook (Airborne Toxic Event) is 38. Country singer Luke Stricklin is 38. Actor Steven Yeun is 37. Actor Kaitlyn Dever is 24.

Today in History -- Dec. 21

Senator-elect J.R. Claeys (R-Salina) announced that he has received committee assignments for the 2021 session of the Kansas Legislature. 

Claeys was elected to serve the 24th Senate District in November. The district covers all of Saline county and the northern half of Dickinson County, including the cities of Abilene and Chapman. Claeys served for eight years as a state representative from Saline County.

Claeys will serve in the upcoming session as vice chairman of the budget-writing Ways and Means Committee. He was also selected as the vice chairman of the Transportation Committee.

“I’m looking forward to serving the people of Saline and Dickinson counties in leadership roles in the Kansas Senate,” said Claeys. “There is no shortage of challenges that we face as a state and a region going into the 2021 legislative session.”

The Ways and Means Committee is responsible for writing the annual state budget, making it a sought-after position in the Senate. Claeys has a record of experience with writing budgets and transportation issues as a former chairman of the House Transportation and Public Safety Budget Committee and a three-term member of the Appropriations Committee in the House. He also served on the Kansas Transportation Task Force responsible for assembling the 10-Year Eisenhower Transportation Program that replaces T-Works. &nbsp;

Kansas senators typically serve on four committees. Claeys will also serve as a member of the Assessment and Taxation Committee and the Utilities Committee.

The Kansas Legislature is scheduled to convene on Jan. 11, 2021, in the Statehouse in Topeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The above information was submitted by Senator-elect J.R. Claeys.

Senator-elect J.R. Claeys (R-Salina) announced that he has received committee assignments for the 2021 session of the Kansas Legislature. Claeys was elected to serve the 24th Senate District in November. The district covers all of Saline county and the northern half of Dickinson County, including the cities of Abilene and Chapman. Claeys served for eight years as a state representative from Saline County.Claeys will serve in the upcoming session as vice chairman of the budget-writing Ways and Means Committee. He was also selected as the vice chairman of the Transportation Committee. “I’m looking forward to serving the people of Saline and Dickinson counties in leadership roles in the Kansas Senate,” said Claeys. “There is no shortage of challenges that we face as a state and a region going into the 2021 legislative session.” The Ways and Means Committee is responsible for writing the annual state budget, making it a sought-after position in the Senate. Claeys has a record of experience with writing budgets and transportation issues as a former chairman of the House Transportation and Public Safety Budget Committee and a three-term member of the Appropriations Committee in the House. He also served on the Kansas Transportation Task Force responsible for assembling the 10-Year Eisenhower Transportation Program that replaces T-Works. &nbsp; Kansas senators typically serve on four committees. Claeys will also serve as a member of the Assessment and Taxation Committee and the Utilities Committee. The Kansas Legislature is scheduled to convene on Jan. 11, 2021, in the Statehouse in Topeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;The above information was submitted by Senator-elect J.R. Claeys.

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