If you're planning to travel into southern Kansas today, keep in mind that the area is receiving snow.

Snow will continue to spread east across much of south-central Kansas today, with snowfall rates nearing 1 inch per hour at times, especially close to the Oklahoma state line, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. The snow will taper off from west to east this afternoon. Most locations will see 1 to 3 inches of snow, but areas near the Kansas-Oklahoma border may see 3 to 5 inches, NWS noted.

Another round of light snow is expected to move across the area on Tuesday. The best chance will be across south central Kansas. Most of the snow will occur during the daylight hours, with light accumulation amounts, according to NWS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607866997862.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you're planning to travel into southern Kansas today, keep in mind that the area is receiving snow.Snow will continue to spread east across much of south-central Kansas today, with snowfall rates nearing 1 inch per hour at times, especially close to the Oklahoma state line, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. The snow will taper off from west to east this afternoon. Most locations will see 1 to 3 inches of snow, but areas near the Kansas-Oklahoma border may see 3 to 5 inches, NWS noted.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607867036815.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Another round of light snow is expected to move across the area on Tuesday. The best chance will be across south central Kansas. Most of the snow will occur during the daylight hours, with light accumulation amounts, according to NWS.

NWS: Snow in southern Kansas today, another snow chance Tuesday

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

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

Recent obituaries

OCCK, Inc. is seeking Direct Support Professionals. These individuals are residential in their supported Living Department in the Salina, Beloit, and Concordia locations. Full time with benefits, EOE, drug testing.

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

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

OCCK, Inc. is a not-for-profit, mission-based organization that has been providing services to people with disabilities since 1970. With regional offices throughout North Central Kansas. Help others and getting paid to do so. Apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=occkinc.appone.com">https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=occkinc.appone.com</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592535783410.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OCCK, Inc. is seeking Direct Support Professionals. These individuals are residential in their supported Living Department in the Salina, Beloit, and Concordia locations. Full time with benefits, EOE, drug testing.This person will be coordinating services and provide Independent living skills. Training will be provided as needed. Need to be a compassionate and a problem solver.Must be at least 18 years old with strong oral and written communication skills, math skills and valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Must have the ability to work with a diverse group of people in a team setting. Various shifts available.OCCK, Inc. is a not-for-profit, mission-based organization that has been providing services to people with disabilities since 1970. With regional offices throughout North Central Kansas. Help others and getting paid to do so. Apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=occkinc.appone.com">https://www2.appone.com/Search/Search.aspx?ServerVar=occkinc.appone.com</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;

NOW THAT'S RURAL: Jacob Yingst, Schlaegel’s Popcorn

Today is Sunday, Dec. 13, the 348th day of 2020. There are 18 days left in the year. 

On Dec. 13, 2000, Republican George W. Bush claimed the presidency a day after the U.S. Supreme Court shut down further recounts of disputed ballots in Florida; Democrat Al Gore conceded, delivering a call for national unity. 

In 1769, Dartmouth College in New Hampshire received its charter.

In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson arrived in France, becoming the first chief executive to visit Europe while in office. 

In 1937, the Chinese city of Nanjing fell to Japanese forces during the Sino-Japanese War; what followed was a massacre of war prisoners, soldiers and citizens. (China maintains that up to 300,000 people were killed; Japanese nationalists say the death toll was far lower, and some maintain the massacre never happened.) 

In 1977, Air Indiana Flight 216, a DC-3 carrying the University of Evansville basketball team on a flight to Nashville, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all 29 people on board. 

In 1978, the Philadelphia Mint began stamping the Susan B. Anthony dollar, which went into circulation the following July.

In 1981, authorities in Poland imposed martial law in a crackdown on the Solidarity labor movement. (Martial law formally ended in 1983.) 

In 1993, the space shuttle Endeavour returned from its mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.

In 2001, the Pentagon publicly released a captured videotape of Osama bin Laden in which the al-Qaida leader said the deaths and destruction achieved by the September 11 attacks exceeded his "most optimistic" expectations. 

In 2002, Cardinal Bernard Law resigned as Boston archbishop because of the priest sex abuse scandal. 

In 2003, Saddam Hussein was captured by U.S. forces while hiding in a hole under a farmhouse in Adwar, Iraq, near his hometown of Tikrit.

In 2007, Major League Baseball's Mitchell Report was released, identifying 85 names to differing degrees in connection with the alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.

In 2014, thousands of protesters marched in New York, Washington and other U.S. cities to call attention to the killing of unarmed Black men by white police officers who faced no criminal charges.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama's historic health care overhaul hit its first major legal roadblock as a federal judge in Richmond, Virginia, declared that the law's central requirement that nearly all Americans carry insurance was unconstitutional. Veteran U.S. diplomat Richard Holbrooke, 69, died in Washington. A South Korean fishing boat sank near Antarctica, leaving 22 of the 42 crew members dead or missing.

Five years ago: Marine Le Pen's far-right National Front collapsed in French regional elections, failing to take a single region after dominating the first round of voting. A bomb in a market killed at least 22 Shiites in Pakistan's Kurram tribal region. Pope Francis called on humanity not to let sadness prevail because of the many forms of violence afflicting the world.

One year ago: The House Judiciary Committee approved two articles of impeachment accusing President Donald Trump of abuse of power in his dealings with Ukraine and obstruction of Congress in the investigation that followed.

Today's Birthdays: Former Secretary of State George P. Shultz is 100. Actor-comedian Dick Van Dyke is 95. Actor Christopher Plummer is 91. Country singer Buck White is 90. Music/film producer Lou Adler is 87. Singer John Davidson is 79. Actor Kathy Garver (TV: "Family Affair") is 75. Singer Ted Nugent is 72. Rock musician Jeff "Skunk" Baxter is 72. Actor Robert Lindsay is 71. Country singer-musician Randy Owen is 71. Actor Wendie Malick is 70. Former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is 70. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is 67. Country singer John Anderson is 66. Singer-songwriter Steve Forbert is 66. Singer-actor Morris Day is 64. Actor Steve Buscemi is 63. Actor Johnny Whitaker (TV: "Family Affair") is 61. Rock musician John Munson (Semisonic; Twilight Hours) is 58. Actor-reality TV star NeNe Leakes is 54. Actor-comedian Jamie Foxx is 53. Actor Lusia Strus is 53. Actor Bart Johnson is 50. Actor Jeffrey Pierce is 49. TV personality Debbie Matenopoulos is 46. Rock singer-musician Thomas Delonge is 45. Actor James Kyson Lee is 45. Actor Kimee Balmilero (TV: "Hawaii Five-0") is 41. Actor Chelsea Hertford is 39. Rock singer Amy Lee (Evanescence) is 39. Actor Michael Socha is 33. Actor Marcel Spears (TV: "The Mayor") is 32. Singer Taylor Swift is 31. Actor Maisy Stella is 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Sunday, Dec. 13, the 348th day of 2020. There are 18 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 13, 2000, Republican George W. Bush claimed the presidency a day after the U.S. Supreme Court shut down further recounts of disputed ballots in Florida; Democrat Al Gore conceded, delivering a call for national unity. On this date: In 1769, Dartmouth College in New Hampshire received its charter.In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson arrived in France, becoming the first chief executive to visit Europe while in office. In 1937, the Chinese city of Nanjing fell to Japanese forces during the Sino-Japanese War; what followed was a massacre of war prisoners, soldiers and citizens. (China maintains that up to 300,000 people were killed; Japanese nationalists say the death toll was far lower, and some maintain the massacre never happened.) In 1977, Air Indiana Flight 216, a DC-3 carrying the University of Evansville basketball team on a flight to Nashville, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all 29 people on board. In 1978, the Philadelphia Mint began stamping the Susan B. Anthony dollar, which went into circulation the following July.In 1981, authorities in Poland imposed martial law in a crackdown on the Solidarity labor movement. (Martial law formally ended in 1983.) In 1993, the space shuttle Endeavour returned from its mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.In 2001, the Pentagon publicly released a captured videotape of Osama bin Laden in which the al-Qaida leader said the deaths and destruction achieved by the September 11 attacks exceeded his "most optimistic" expectations. In 2002, Cardinal Bernard Law resigned as Boston archbishop because of the priest sex abuse scandal. In 2003, Saddam Hussein was captured by U.S. forces while hiding in a hole under a farmhouse in Adwar, Iraq, near his hometown of Tikrit.In 2007, Major League Baseball's Mitchell Report was released, identifying 85 names to differing degrees in connection with the alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.In 2014, thousands of protesters marched in New York, Washington and other U.S. cities to call attention to the killing of unarmed Black men by white police officers who faced no criminal charges.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama's historic health care overhaul hit its first major legal roadblock as a federal judge in Richmond, Virginia, declared that the law's central requirement that nearly all Americans carry insurance was unconstitutional. Veteran U.S. diplomat Richard Holbrooke, 69, died in Washington. A South Korean fishing boat sank near Antarctica, leaving 22 of the 42 crew members dead or missing.Five years ago: Marine Le Pen's far-right National Front collapsed in French regional elections, failing to take a single region after dominating the first round of voting. A bomb in a market killed at least 22 Shiites in Pakistan's Kurram tribal region. Pope Francis called on humanity not to let sadness prevail because of the many forms of violence afflicting the world.One year ago: The House Judiciary Committee approved two articles of impeachment accusing President Donald Trump of abuse of power in his dealings with Ukraine and obstruction of Congress in the investigation that followed.Today's Birthdays: Former Secretary of State George P. Shultz is 100. Actor-comedian Dick Van Dyke is 95. Actor Christopher Plummer is 91. Country singer Buck White is 90. Music/film producer Lou Adler is 87. Singer John Davidson is 79. Actor Kathy Garver (TV: "Family Affair") is 75. Singer Ted Nugent is 72. Rock musician Jeff "Skunk" Baxter is 72. Actor Robert Lindsay is 71. Country singer-musician Randy Owen is 71. Actor Wendie Malick is 70. Former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is 70. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is 67. Country singer John Anderson is 66. Singer-songwriter Steve Forbert is 66. Singer-actor Morris Day is 64. Actor Steve Buscemi is 63. Actor Johnny Whitaker (TV: "Family Affair") is 61. Rock musician John Munson (Semisonic; Twilight Hours) is 58. Actor-reality TV star NeNe Leakes is 54. Actor-comedian Jamie Foxx is 53. Actor Lusia Strus is 53. Actor Bart Johnson is 50. Actor Jeffrey Pierce is 49. TV personality Debbie Matenopoulos is 46. Rock singer-musician Thomas Delonge is 45. Actor James Kyson Lee is 45. Actor Kimee Balmilero (TV: "Hawaii Five-0") is 41. Actor Chelsea Hertford is 39. Rock singer Amy Lee (Evanescence) is 39. Actor Michael Socha is 33. Actor Marcel Spears (TV: "The Mayor") is 32. Singer Taylor Swift is 31. Actor Maisy Stella is 17.

Today in History -- Dec. 13

MANHATTAN – 'Tis the season for indoor trees and plants and fireside cocoa. Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham has a few tips for staying safe while keeping holiday ornamentals and flowers healthy.&nbsp;

For many, the holidays are symbolized by the Christmas tree. Upham said those that choose a live tree to celebrate the season should look for the following signs on the trees needles to assure a healthy tree:&nbsp;

● The needles fail to ooze pitch when broken apart and squeezed.

“Once you have your tree home, re-cut the trunk about one inch above the original cut,” Upham said. “This will open up clogged, water-conducting tissues. Immediately place the trunk in warm water.”&nbsp;

He advises locating the tree in as cool a spot as possible, and avoiding areas near fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and heat ducts. Keep the tree stand or other reservoir filled with water.&nbsp;

“Adding aspirin, copper pennies, soda pop, sugar and bleach to the water reservoir have not been shown to prolong the life of the tree,” Upham said, dispelling some myths on caring for Christmas trees.&nbsp;

Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti prefer bright, indirect light, Upham said. Too much sun, however, can cause leaves to turn yellow.&nbsp;

“Common household temperatures are fine for cacti,” he said. “The soil should be kept constantly moist, but not water-logged. Give these plants a light fertilization every other week until winter.”&nbsp;

These varieties will normally bloom until the late winter or early spring, but Upham said homeowners should continue caring for them through next fall by keeping them moist and fertilized.&nbsp;

“Then, next fall, stop fertilizing and give the plants only enough water so the stems do not shrivel, which encourages the formation of flower buds,” he said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607832450473.jpeg" alt="Christmas tree image by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/exposuretoday-1250896/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2994875">ExposureToday</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2994875">Pixabay</a>" />
 <figcaption>Christmas tree image by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/exposuretoday-1250896/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2994875">ExposureToday</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2994875">Pixabay</a></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – 'Tis the season for indoor trees and plants and fireside cocoa. Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham has a few tips for staying safe while keeping holiday ornamentals and flowers healthy.&nbsp;For many, the holidays are symbolized by the Christmas tree. Upham said those that choose a live tree to celebrate the season should look for the following signs on the trees needles to assure a healthy tree:&nbsp;● A dull, grayish-green color.● The needles fail to ooze pitch when broken apart and squeezed.● They are stiff and brittle.● They pull easily off the tree.&nbsp;“Once you have your tree home, re-cut the trunk about one inch above the original cut,” Upham said. “This will open up clogged, water-conducting tissues. Immediately place the trunk in warm water.”&nbsp;He advises locating the tree in as cool a spot as possible, and avoiding areas near fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and heat ducts. Keep the tree stand or other reservoir filled with water.&nbsp;“Adding aspirin, copper pennies, soda pop, sugar and bleach to the water reservoir have not been shown to prolong the life of the tree,” Upham said, dispelling some myths on caring for Christmas trees.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607832695910.jpeg" alt="Christmas cactus image by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/nylesmc-11490535/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=4602465">Nyles McNierney</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=4602465">Pixabay</a>" />
 <figcaption>Christmas cactus image by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/nylesmc-11490535/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=4602465">Nyles McNierney</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=4602465">Pixabay</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Cactus&nbsp;Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti prefer bright, indirect light, Upham said. Too much sun, however, can cause leaves to turn yellow.&nbsp;“Common household temperatures are fine for cacti,” he said. “The soil should be kept constantly moist, but not water-logged. Give these plants a light fertilization every other week until winter.”&nbsp;These varieties will normally bloom until the late winter or early spring, but Upham said homeowners should continue caring for them through next fall by keeping them moist and fertilized.&nbsp;“Then, next fall, stop fertilizing and give the plants only enough water so the stems do not shrivel, which encourages the formation of flower buds,” he said.&nbsp;--KSRE--

K-State's Upham shares tips on caring for Christmas tree, cactus 

Whether you're wanting a day trip or a weekend getaway, there's plenty to do in Kansas. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TravelKS/">Kansas Tourism</a> Facebook page:

Whether you're wanting a day trip or a weekend getaway, there's plenty to do in Kansas. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TravelKS/">Kansas Tourism</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTravelKS%2Fposts%2F10159323257702868&show_text=true&width=552&height=513&appId" width="552" height="513" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Roadtrip and discover, or rediscover, what Kansas has to offer

TOPEKA—The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/xonjZb_xXoTd-JgiexTE9A_MATmx4sfXm1FDS4wL47I" target="_blank">9th Judicial District Nominating Commission</a>&nbsp;will convene Jan. 12 to interview nominees to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in McPherson County created by Judge Steve Hilgers' Jan. 8 retirement.

The 9th Judicial District is composed of Harvey and McPherson counties.

●JoAn M. Hamilton Lindfors, Marquette, retired lawyer

●Ellen G. Neufeld, Inman, lawyer at Ellen G. Neufeld law firm

●Gary L. Price Jr., McPherson, lawyer at Boyer &amp; Price law firm and municipal judge for Canton, Lindsborg, and Moundridge

●Susan C. Robson, Marion, lawyer at Brookens &amp; Robson law firm

The nominating commission will convene by videoconference at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, to review the applications. The meeting will be livestreamed on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/xonjZb_xXoTd-JgiexTE9Cjd3rODZC0Hu1ulFin4-GY" target="_blank">Kansas judicial branch YouTube channel</a>.

The nominating commission will convene to interview nominees at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 12, and reconvene on Wednesday, January 13, if necessary. The location will be announced.

Anyone who attends in person must follow public health requirements set out in Supreme Court administrative order. These include answering questions at check-in about symptoms of or possible exposure to COVID-19, wearing a face mask while in the building, and maintaining 6 feet of physical distance from others.

Any person with a disability who requires accommodation to access the nominating commission meetings should notify the judicial branch ADA coordinator as early as possible, preferably 10 working days before the meeting date:

ADA Coordinator <a href="mailto:reimere@kscourts.org" target="_blank">reimere@kscourts.org</a> 785-296-2256 TTY at 711

After the interviews, the commission will appoint a district magistrate judge.

Kansas law requires that this district magistrate judge be:

●a resident of McPherson County at the time of taking office and while holding office;

●a graduate of a high school, a secondary school, or the equivalent; and

●either a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas or able to pass an examination given by the Supreme Court to become certified within 18 months.

After serving one year in office, the new magistrate judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.

The 9th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Evelyn Wilson as the nonvoting chair; Amie Bauer, Lindsborg; Michael Androes, Ann Elliott, and Harris Terry, McPherson; and Thomas Adrian, Jana McKinney, John Robb, and George "Chip" Westfall, Newton.

TOPEKA—The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/xonjZb_xXoTd-JgiexTE9A_MATmx4sfXm1FDS4wL47I" target="_blank">9th Judicial District Nominating Commission</a>&nbsp;will convene Jan. 12 to interview nominees to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in McPherson County created by Judge Steve Hilgers' Jan. 8 retirement.The 9th Judicial District is composed of Harvey and McPherson counties.The nominees are:●JoAn M. Hamilton Lindfors, Marquette, retired lawyer●Ellen G. Neufeld, Inman, lawyer at Ellen G. Neufeld law firm●Gary L. Price Jr., McPherson, lawyer at Boyer &amp; Price law firm and municipal judge for Canton, Lindsborg, and Moundridge●Susan C. Robson, Marion, lawyer at Brookens &amp; Robson law firmInterviews and appointmentThe nominating commission will convene by videoconference at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, to review the applications. The meeting will be livestreamed on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/xonjZb_xXoTd-JgiexTE9Cjd3rODZC0Hu1ulFin4-GY" target="_blank">Kansas judicial branch YouTube channel</a>.The nominating commission will convene to interview nominees at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 12, and reconvene on Wednesday, January 13, if necessary. The location will be announced.Interviews are open to the public.Anyone who attends in person must follow public health requirements set out in Supreme Court administrative order. These include answering questions at check-in about symptoms of or possible exposure to COVID-19, wearing a face mask while in the building, and maintaining 6 feet of physical distance from others.Any person with a disability who requires accommodation to access the nominating commission meetings should notify the judicial branch ADA coordinator as early as possible, preferably 10 working days before the meeting date:ADA Coordinator <a href="mailto:reimere@kscourts.org" target="_blank">reimere@kscourts.org</a> 785-296-2256 TTY at 711After the interviews, the commission will appoint a district magistrate judge.Eligibility requirementsKansas law requires that this district magistrate judge be:●a resident of McPherson County at the time of taking office and while holding office;●a graduate of a high school, a secondary school, or the equivalent; and●either a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas or able to pass an examination given by the Supreme Court to become certified within 18 months.Term of officeAfter serving one year in office, the new magistrate judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.Nominating commissionThe 9th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Evelyn Wilson as the nonvoting chair; Amie Bauer, Lindsborg; Michael Androes, Ann Elliott, and Harris Terry, McPherson; and Thomas Adrian, Jana McKinney, John Robb, and George "Chip" Westfall, Newton.

9th Judicial District commission to interview judge nominees

By GENE POLICINSKI Freedom Forum

The First Amendment’s protections for five core freedoms don’t extend outside the United States, but there are all-too-many times these days you wish they would.

Take the blatant disregard by Chinese officials of a free press’ rights in support of democratic principles in Hong Kong, in the case of publisher&nbsp;Jimmy Lai, now facing trumped-up criminal charges in connection with — get this — an office-lease issue.

Lai, 71, is a self-made billionaire, rising from penniless immigrant to a garment industry tycoon. He’s also publisher of the newspaper&nbsp;Apple Daily, one of the few independent news outlets in the city. Lai has been arrested at least four times this year, as China’s communist government moves to dismantle Hong Kong’s special legal protections for democratic rights established when Britain returned the former colony to China in 1996. A new national security law now being applied in Hong Kong establishes penalties including life in prison for such vague “crimes” as supporting foreign interference or calling for succession.

In the latest attempt to silence Lai, officials cited him for allegedly trying to defraud a building owner by establishing a “private” office in violation of a lease with Next Digital, a company Lai owns. A judge recently ruled that Lai must remain in jail until at least April, when his case may be heard.

Lai’s situation is dire and merits world concern, as well as immediate attention from the incoming Biden administration, even though Lai called for the re-election of&nbsp;President Donald J. Trump&nbsp;and a Lai aide was linked in November to funding of a spurious report about Biden’s son Hunter and fictitious business deals in China.

In August, following Lai’s third arrest, Trump called the action “a terrible thing” and said Lai was a “brave man” fighting on behalf of democracy in China and worldwide. Lai is an open admirer of what he calls Trump’s hardball approach to China on economic matters.

The free press and free speech principles at stake in Hong Kong — and the survival of its 24-year era as special zone of freedom within China — are larger than any pique over the Lai-Trump relationship.

Moreover, it stands as an example of repressive regimes around the world that increasingly threaten the basic human rights protected in the U.S. by the First Amendment: Religion, speech, press, assembly and petition.

The Biden administration should set out right from the start — in word and in policy — that it is an advocate for all five of those freedoms. Tie U.S. support, military and financial aid and trade agreements to a commitment by other nations to real protection or the swift reintroduction of those freedoms worldwide.

The U.S. has lost moral high ground globally on freedom of the press as a result of not just the ongoing conflict with Trump — particularly with his claim that journalists are “enemies of the people” — but also with the collapse of the economic underpinnings of traditional media organizations, worsened by the disruption and disinformation spread as “news” through social media.

In yet another blow to the goal of First Amendment freedoms being deployed worldwide, Freedom House, which tracks internet freedom around the world, notes that the coronavirus pandemic is a factor in accelerating a dramatic decline in free expression globally, as tyrannical leaders use anti-COVID-19 measures as excuses to restrict the flow of news and to punish or prevent protest against government policies.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports that 25 journalists have been killed in 2020 around the world, with 64 more missing, and that more than 250 journalists remain jailed.&nbsp;Washington Post&nbsp;media columnist&nbsp;Margaret Sullivan&nbsp;recently wrote that CPJ Executive Director&nbsp;Joel Simon&nbsp;has suggested Biden name a special envoy for press freedom, reporting to the Secretary of State.

A first stop for such an envoy certainly could be in Hong Kong — once thought as a possible beacon of democracy that would encourage more freedom throughout China. Lai is one of hundreds, if not thousands, caught up in moves by China’s leadership to extinguish that beacon.

“You can deliver freedom through the media,” Lai once said when asked why his newspaper took such bold stands despite the dangers.

Let’s hope media — calling new attention to his plight, combined with new U.S. government efforts as Biden takes office — can deliver in return: Freedom for Lai from jail in Hong Kong but also freedom in the larger sense, for nations from Turkey to Venezuela to Myanmar to Egypt and wherever else free expression and religious liberty are under attack.

Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593729871227.png" alt="Gene Policinski. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By GENE POLICINSKI Freedom ForumThe First Amendment’s protections for five core freedoms don’t extend outside the United States, but there are all-too-many times these days you wish they would.Take the blatant disregard by Chinese officials of a free press’ rights in support of democratic principles in Hong Kong, in the case of publisher&nbsp;Jimmy Lai, now facing trumped-up criminal charges in connection with — get this — an office-lease issue.Lai, 71, is a self-made billionaire, rising from penniless immigrant to a garment industry tycoon. He’s also publisher of the newspaper&nbsp;Apple Daily, one of the few independent news outlets in the city. Lai has been arrested at least four times this year, as China’s communist government moves to dismantle Hong Kong’s special legal protections for democratic rights established when Britain returned the former colony to China in 1996. A new national security law now being applied in Hong Kong establishes penalties including life in prison for such vague “crimes” as supporting foreign interference or calling for succession.In the latest attempt to silence Lai, officials cited him for allegedly trying to defraud a building owner by establishing a “private” office in violation of a lease with Next Digital, a company Lai owns. A judge recently ruled that Lai must remain in jail until at least April, when his case may be heard.Lai’s situation is dire and merits world concern, as well as immediate attention from the incoming Biden administration, even though Lai called for the re-election of&nbsp;President Donald J. Trump&nbsp;and a Lai aide was linked in November to funding of a spurious report about Biden’s son Hunter and fictitious business deals in China.In August, following Lai’s third arrest, Trump called the action “a terrible thing” and said Lai was a “brave man” fighting on behalf of democracy in China and worldwide. Lai is an open admirer of what he calls Trump’s hardball approach to China on economic matters.The free press and free speech principles at stake in Hong Kong — and the survival of its 24-year era as special zone of freedom within China — are larger than any pique over the Lai-Trump relationship.Moreover, it stands as an example of repressive regimes around the world that increasingly threaten the basic human rights protected in the U.S. by the First Amendment: Religion, speech, press, assembly and petition.The Biden administration should set out right from the start — in word and in policy — that it is an advocate for all five of those freedoms. Tie U.S. support, military and financial aid and trade agreements to a commitment by other nations to real protection or the swift reintroduction of those freedoms worldwide.The U.S. has lost moral high ground globally on freedom of the press as a result of not just the ongoing conflict with Trump — particularly with his claim that journalists are “enemies of the people” — but also with the collapse of the economic underpinnings of traditional media organizations, worsened by the disruption and disinformation spread as “news” through social media.In yet another blow to the goal of First Amendment freedoms being deployed worldwide, Freedom House, which tracks internet freedom around the world, notes that the coronavirus pandemic is a factor in accelerating a dramatic decline in free expression globally, as tyrannical leaders use anti-COVID-19 measures as excuses to restrict the flow of news and to punish or prevent protest against government policies.The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports that 25 journalists have been killed in 2020 around the world, with 64 more missing, and that more than 250 journalists remain jailed.&nbsp;Washington Post&nbsp;media columnist&nbsp;Margaret Sullivan&nbsp;recently wrote that CPJ Executive Director&nbsp;Joel Simon&nbsp;has suggested Biden name a special envoy for press freedom, reporting to the Secretary of State.A first stop for such an envoy certainly could be in Hong Kong — once thought as a possible beacon of democracy that would encourage more freedom throughout China. Lai is one of hundreds, if not thousands, caught up in moves by China’s leadership to extinguish that beacon.“You can deliver freedom through the media,” Lai once said when asked why his newspaper took such bold stands despite the dangers.Let’s hope media — calling new attention to his plight, combined with new U.S. government efforts as Biden takes office — can deliver in return: Freedom for Lai from jail in Hong Kong but also freedom in the larger sense, for nations from Turkey to Venezuela to Myanmar to Egypt and wherever else free expression and religious liberty are under attack.Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

FIRST FIVE: Mr. Biden, how about a new push for 1st Amendment freedoms?

Today is Saturday, Dec. 12, the 347th day of 2020. There are 19 days left in the year. 

On Dec. 12, 2000, George W. Bush became president-elect as a divided U.S. Supreme Court reversed a state court decision for recounts in Florida's contested election. 

In 1787, Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. 

In 1870, Joseph H. Rainey of South Carolina became the first Black lawmaker sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives. 

In 1913, authorities in Florence, Italy, announced that the "Mona Lisa," stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris in 1911, had been recovered. 

In 1917, during World War I, a train carrying some 1,000 French troops from the Italian front derailed while descending a steep hill in Modane; at least half of the soldiers were killed in France's greatest rail disaster. Father Edward Flanagan founded Boys Town outside Omaha, Nebraska. 

In 1974, "The Godfather, Part II," a Paramount Pictures release, premiered in New York.

In 1977, the dance movie "Saturday Night Fever," starring John Travolta, premiered in New York. 

In 1985, 248 American soldiers and eight crew members were killed when an Arrow Air charter crashed after takeoff from Gander, Newfoundland. 

In 1995, by three votes, the Senate killed a constitutional amendment giving Congress authority to outlaw flag burning and other forms of desecration against Old Glory. 

In 1997, Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, the international terrorist known as "Carlos the Jackal," went on trial in Paris on charges of killing two French investigators and a Lebanese national. (Ramirez was convicted and is serving a life prison sentence.) 

In 2000, the Marine Corps grounded all eight of its high-tech MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft following a fiery crash in North Carolina that killed four Marines. (The Osprey program was revived by the Pentagon in 2005.)

In 2012, North Koreans danced in the streets of their capital, Pyongyang, after the regime of Kim Jong Un succeeded in firing a long-range rocket in defiance of international warnings.

In 2018, Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's one-time fixer, was sentenced to three years in prison for crimes that included arranging the payment of hush money to conceal Trump's alleged sexual affairs.

Ten years ago: An explosives-packed minibus blew up at the entrance of a joint NATO-Afghan base in southern Afghanistan, killing six American troops and two Afghan soldiers as they prepared to head out on patrol. The inflatable roof of the Minneapolis Metrodome collapsed following a snowstorm that had dumped 17 inches on the city. (The NFL was forced to shift an already rescheduled game between the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants to Detroit's Ford Field.)

Five years ago: Nearly 200 nations meeting in Paris adopted the first global pact to fight climate change, calling on the world to collectively cut and then eliminate greenhouse gas pollution but imposing no sanctions on countries that didn't do so. Women across Saudi Arabia marked a historic milestone, both voting and running as candidates in government elections for the first time; voters elected 20 women for local government seats. Fire at a Russian home for mentally ill patients killed 23 men. Derrick Henry became the second Alabama player to receive the Heisman Trophy.

One year ago: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson led his Conservative Party to a landslide victory in a general election that was dominated by Brexit, offering Johnson a new mandate to take his country out of the European Union. Danny Aiello, the blue-collar character actor whose movies included "Moonstruck" and "Do the Right Thing," died at the age of 86.

Today's Birthdays: Former TV host Bob Barker is 97. Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Pettit is 88. Singer Connie Francis is 83. Singer Dionne Warwick is 80. Rock singer-musician Dickey Betts is 77. Hall of Fame race car driver Emerson Fittipaldi is 74. Actor Wings Hauser is 73. Actor Bill Nighy is 71. Actor Duane Chase (Film: "The Sound of Music") is 70. Country singer LaCosta is 70. Gymnast-turned-actor Cathy Rigby is 68. Author Lorna Landvik is 66. Singer-musician Sheila E. is 63. Actor Sheree J. Wilson is 62. Pop singer Daniel O'Donnell is 59. International Tennis Hall of Famer Tracy Austin is 58. Rock musician Eric Schenkman (Spin Doctors) is 57. Author Sophie Kinsella is 51. News anchor Maggie Rodriguez is 51. Actor Jennifer Connelly is 50. Actor Madchen Amick is 50. Actor Regina Hall is 50. Country singer Hank Williams III is 48. Actor Mayim Bialik is 45. Model Bridget Hall is 43. Actor Lucas Hedges is 24. Actor Sky Katz is 16.

<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 Saturday, Dec. 12, the 347th day of 2020. There are 19 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 12, 2000, George W. Bush became president-elect as a divided U.S. Supreme Court reversed a state court decision for recounts in Florida's contested election. On this date: In 1787, Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. In 1870, Joseph H. Rainey of South Carolina became the first Black lawmaker sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1913, authorities in Florence, Italy, announced that the "Mona Lisa," stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris in 1911, had been recovered. In 1917, during World War I, a train carrying some 1,000 French troops from the Italian front derailed while descending a steep hill in Modane; at least half of the soldiers were killed in France's greatest rail disaster. Father Edward Flanagan founded Boys Town outside Omaha, Nebraska. In 1974, "The Godfather, Part II," a Paramount Pictures release, premiered in New York.In 1977, the dance movie "Saturday Night Fever," starring John Travolta, premiered in New York. In 1985, 248 American soldiers and eight crew members were killed when an Arrow Air charter crashed after takeoff from Gander, Newfoundland. In 1995, by three votes, the Senate killed a constitutional amendment giving Congress authority to outlaw flag burning and other forms of desecration against Old Glory. In 1997, Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, the international terrorist known as "Carlos the Jackal," went on trial in Paris on charges of killing two French investigators and a Lebanese national. (Ramirez was convicted and is serving a life prison sentence.) In 2000, the Marine Corps grounded all eight of its high-tech MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft following a fiery crash in North Carolina that killed four Marines. (The Osprey program was revived by the Pentagon in 2005.)In 2012, North Koreans danced in the streets of their capital, Pyongyang, after the regime of Kim Jong Un succeeded in firing a long-range rocket in defiance of international warnings.In 2018, Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's one-time fixer, was sentenced to three years in prison for crimes that included arranging the payment of hush money to conceal Trump's alleged sexual affairs.Ten years ago: An explosives-packed minibus blew up at the entrance of a joint NATO-Afghan base in southern Afghanistan, killing six American troops and two Afghan soldiers as they prepared to head out on patrol. The inflatable roof of the Minneapolis Metrodome collapsed following a snowstorm that had dumped 17 inches on the city. (The NFL was forced to shift an already rescheduled game between the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants to Detroit's Ford Field.)Five years ago: Nearly 200 nations meeting in Paris adopted the first global pact to fight climate change, calling on the world to collectively cut and then eliminate greenhouse gas pollution but imposing no sanctions on countries that didn't do so. Women across Saudi Arabia marked a historic milestone, both voting and running as candidates in government elections for the first time; voters elected 20 women for local government seats. Fire at a Russian home for mentally ill patients killed 23 men. Derrick Henry became the second Alabama player to receive the Heisman Trophy.One year ago: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson led his Conservative Party to a landslide victory in a general election that was dominated by Brexit, offering Johnson a new mandate to take his country out of the European Union. Danny Aiello, the blue-collar character actor whose movies included "Moonstruck" and "Do the Right Thing," died at the age of 86. Today's Birthdays: Former TV host Bob Barker is 97. Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Pettit is 88. Singer Connie Francis is 83. Singer Dionne Warwick is 80. Rock singer-musician Dickey Betts is 77. Hall of Fame race car driver Emerson Fittipaldi is 74. Actor Wings Hauser is 73. Actor Bill Nighy is 71. Actor Duane Chase (Film: "The Sound of Music") is 70. Country singer LaCosta is 70. Gymnast-turned-actor Cathy Rigby is 68. Author Lorna Landvik is 66. Singer-musician Sheila E. is 63. Actor Sheree J. Wilson is 62. Pop singer Daniel O'Donnell is 59. International Tennis Hall of Famer Tracy Austin is 58. Rock musician Eric Schenkman (Spin Doctors) is 57. Author Sophie Kinsella is 51. News anchor Maggie Rodriguez is 51. Actor Jennifer Connelly is 50. Actor Madchen Amick is 50. Actor Regina Hall is 50. Country singer Hank Williams III is 48. Actor Mayim Bialik is 45. Model Bridget Hall is 43. Actor Lucas Hedges is 24. Actor Sky Katz is 16.

Today in History -- Dec. 12

DICKINSON COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just just before 6p.m. Friday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Buick Lucerne driven by Peter J. Henry, 31, Salina, was eastbound on Interstate 70 five miles west of Abilene.

The driver lost control and swerved into the median. The Buick traveled out of the median and struck a westbound 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Dennis A. Berry, 51, Wichita.&nbsp;

The Buick then left the roadway into the north ditch and rolled. The Jeep pulled to the north shoulder of the westbound lane. 

A westbound 2016 Toyota Rav4 driven by Leza R. Degener, 57, Hiram, Georgia, struck debris from the collision.

EMS transported Henry to Salina Regional Health Center and Berry to the hospital in Abilene. Degner was not injured. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

DICKINSON COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just just before 6p.m. Friday in Dickinson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Buick Lucerne driven by Peter J. Henry, 31, Salina, was eastbound on Interstate 70 five miles west of Abilene.The driver lost control and swerved into the median. The Buick traveled out of the median and struck a westbound 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Dennis A. Berry, 51, Wichita.&nbsp;The Buick then left the roadway into the north ditch and rolled. The Jeep pulled to the north shoulder of the westbound lane. A westbound 2016 Toyota Rav4 driven by Leza R. Degener, 57, Hiram, Georgia, struck debris from the collision.EMS transported Henry to Salina Regional Health Center and Berry to the hospital in Abilene. Degner was not injured. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Salina man hospitalized after 3-vehicle crash

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

Katie Russell, an officer of the Andover Police Department, was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Cole Presley, Graham County Sheriff and President of the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association. Rob McClarty, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the Class Coordinator for the 271st Basic Training Class.

Officer Rachel Grisham from the Salina Police Department was the recipient of both the Director’s Honor Roll and the Welch Academic Award.&nbsp;

Officer Tristan LaRocque from Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism was recognized for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot.” Officer Antione Powell from Leavenworth Police Department walked, ran, or biked more than 215 miles during his time at KLETC and exceeded the other physical requirements of the 200 Mile Club including push-ups, sit-ups, and a timed 1.5 mile run. Officer Powel was honored as a member of the 200 Mile Club and for his efforts, he received the Fitness Award.&nbsp;

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

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

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

The graduates, who began their training in August 2020, represented 20 municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Graduates who granted permission to release their names are listed below by county and agency:

Barber •&nbsp;Rachel Ehler - Barber County Sheriff’s Office

Butler •&nbsp;Kathryn Russell - Andover Police Department •&nbsp;Stephen Evans - Butler County Sheriff’s Office

Cheyenne •&nbsp;Jeffery Meyer - Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office •&nbsp;Parker Wells - Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office

Cloud •&nbsp;Rahjames Robinson - Concordia Police Department

Decatur •&nbsp;Leonard Lovely - Decatur County Sheriff’s Office

Finney •&nbsp;Adam Bresson - Garden City Police Department •&nbsp;Zachary Orr - Garden City Police Department

Jefferson •&nbsp;Ella Weishaar - Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office

Leavenworth •&nbsp;Antione Powell - Leavenworth Police Department •&nbsp;Matthew Weis - Leavenworth Police Department

Linn •&nbsp;Brett Jenkins - Linn Valley Police Department

McPherson •&nbsp;Blane Janssen - McPherson Police Department

Montgomery&nbsp; •&nbsp;Parker Yell - Coffeyville Police Department

Ness •&nbsp;Dalton Bauer - Ness County Sheriff’s Office

Pratt •&nbsp;Tristan La Rocque - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism •&nbsp;Christopher Orton - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism •&nbsp;Trenton Smith - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism

Reno •&nbsp;Logan Corley - Hutchinson Police Department •&nbsp;Benjamin Smalling - Hutchinson Police Department •&nbsp;Trevor Stoll - Hutchinson Police Department

Saline •&nbsp;Ashly Gellinger - Salina Police Department •&nbsp;Rachel Grisham - Salina Police Department

Sedgwick •&nbsp;Roy Brandon - Wichita State University Police Department

Sumner •&nbsp;Matthew Tincher - Oxford Police Department •&nbsp;Brett Thomas - Sumner County Sheriff's Office •&nbsp;Andrea Wagoner - Sumner County Sheriff's Office

Wilson • Gavin Williams - Wilson County Sheriff’s Office

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607730569794.jpeg" alt="The 271st Class. Photo by Jason Levy, courtesy KLETC" />
 <figcaption>The 271st Class. Photo by Jason Levy, courtesy KLETC</figcaption>
 </figure>Twenty-nine new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on Friday at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;Katie Russell, an officer of the Andover Police Department, was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Cole Presley, Graham County Sheriff and President of the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association. Rob McClarty, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the Class Coordinator for the 271st Basic Training Class.Officer Rachel Grisham from the Salina Police Department was the recipient of both the Director’s Honor Roll and the Welch Academic Award.&nbsp;Officer Tristan LaRocque from Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism was recognized for his firearms proficiency as the class’ “Top Shot.” Officer Antione Powell from Leavenworth Police Department walked, ran, or biked more than 215 miles during his time at KLETC and exceeded the other physical requirements of the 200 Mile Club including push-ups, sit-ups, and a timed 1.5 mile run. Officer Powel was honored as a member of the 200 Mile Club and for his efforts, he received the Fitness Award.&nbsp;Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.The graduates, who began their training in August 2020, represented 20 municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Graduates who granted permission to release their names are listed below by county and agency:Barber •&nbsp;Rachel Ehler - Barber County Sheriff’s OfficeButler •&nbsp;Kathryn Russell - Andover Police Department •&nbsp;Stephen Evans - Butler County Sheriff’s OfficeCheyenne •&nbsp;Jeffery Meyer - Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office •&nbsp;Parker Wells - Cheyenne County Sheriff's OfficeCloud •&nbsp;Rahjames Robinson - Concordia Police DepartmentDecatur •&nbsp;Leonard Lovely - Decatur County Sheriff’s OfficeFinney •&nbsp;Adam Bresson - Garden City Police Department •&nbsp;Zachary Orr - Garden City Police DepartmentJefferson •&nbsp;Ella Weishaar - Jefferson County Sheriff’s OfficeLeavenworth •&nbsp;Antione Powell - Leavenworth Police Department •&nbsp;Matthew Weis - Leavenworth Police DepartmentLinn •&nbsp;Brett Jenkins - Linn Valley Police DepartmentMcPherson •&nbsp;Blane Janssen - McPherson Police DepartmentMontgomery&nbsp; •&nbsp;Parker Yell - Coffeyville Police DepartmentNess •&nbsp;Dalton Bauer - Ness County Sheriff’s OfficePratt •&nbsp;Tristan La Rocque - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism •&nbsp;Christopher Orton - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism •&nbsp;Trenton Smith - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; TourismReno •&nbsp;Logan Corley - Hutchinson Police Department •&nbsp;Benjamin Smalling - Hutchinson Police Department •&nbsp;Trevor Stoll - Hutchinson Police DepartmentSaline •&nbsp;Ashly Gellinger - Salina Police Department •&nbsp;Rachel Grisham - Salina Police DepartmentSedgwick •&nbsp;Roy Brandon - Wichita State University Police DepartmentSumner •&nbsp;Matthew Tincher - Oxford Police Department •&nbsp;Brett Thomas - Sumner County Sheriff's Office •&nbsp;Andrea Wagoner - Sumner County Sheriff's OfficeWilson • Gavin Williams - Wilson County Sheriff’s Office

Local, area officers graduate from KLETC; Salina's Grisham honored

Kansas Wesleyan has announced a $1 million dollar donation from local philanthropist Mac Steele. 

The gift, which is spread over the next 30-plus years, will cover multiple Nursing scholarships for juniors and seniors each year at KWU. Those students will be designated as receiving the Mac Steele Scholarship.

“Mac is a great friend to Kansas Wesleyan,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of advancement, admissions and marketing. “We’re thankful for his passion for giving back and supporting our community, and look forward to seeing this gift bear fruit in the educational lives of countless individuals over the next three decades.”

“Health care is a critical need for our country right now, even prior to COVID-19,” said Steele. “We need great educational centers for our future nurses, and I believe the new Nursing Education Center enhances Kansas Wesleyan’s ability to be just that. I hope this scholarship opportunity attracts high quality students who stay in Salina after graduation, and I hope it challenges new individuals to give back to this great program and worthy cause.”

Steele, a lifelong resident of Salina who graduated from high school in the area, is known for his passion for the community and numerous investments in keeping the area thriving. He has made multiple donations to area schools and foundations to work toward the betterment of Salina and the surrounding area. Those donations have included giving to the Nursing Education Center, which is on track to open in January.

Kansas Wesleyan has announced a $1 million dollar donation from local philanthropist Mac Steele. The gift, which is spread over the next 30-plus years, will cover multiple Nursing scholarships for juniors and seniors each year at KWU. Those students will be designated as receiving the Mac Steele Scholarship.“Mac is a great friend to Kansas Wesleyan,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of advancement, admissions and marketing. “We’re thankful for his passion for giving back and supporting our community, and look forward to seeing this gift bear fruit in the educational lives of countless individuals over the next three decades.”“Health care is a critical need for our country right now, even prior to COVID-19,” said Steele. “We need great educational centers for our future nurses, and I believe the new Nursing Education Center enhances Kansas Wesleyan’s ability to be just that. I hope this scholarship opportunity attracts high quality students who stay in Salina after graduation, and I hope it challenges new individuals to give back to this great program and worthy cause.”Steele, a lifelong resident of Salina who graduated from high school in the area, is known for his passion for the community and numerous investments in keeping the area thriving. He has made multiple donations to area schools and foundations to work toward the betterment of Salina and the surrounding area. Those donations have included giving to the Nursing Education Center, which is on track to open in January.--<a href="http://kwu.edu">KWU</a>--

Kansas Wesleyan announces $1 million gift from Mac Steele

TOPEKA—The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/mluxDTUWqlk4N56lVp5Db8Qbo3c_kRdBjHi4Wr5KRZM" target="_blank">8th Judicial District Nominating Commission</a>&nbsp;will convene Dec. 21 to interview nominees to fill a vacancy for district magistrate judge in Geary County created by Judge Charles Zimmerman's Jan. 11 retirement.

The 8th Judicial District is composed of Dickinson, Geary, Marion, and Morris counties.

9:30 a.m.&nbsp;Florence Cornish, Junction City, attorney

9:50 a.m.&nbsp;Amy Crawford, Salina, attorney

10:10 a.m.&nbsp;Andrew King, Junction City, promotional salesperson

10:30 a.m.&nbsp;Lawrence Palmer, Junction City, community corrections prevention coordinator

11 a.m.&nbsp;Joy Ruffin, Junction City, legal assistant

11:20 a.m.&nbsp;Calvin Schuette, Junction City, attorney

11:40 a.m.&nbsp;Steve Staker, Fredonia, attorney

James Jacobs, Junction City, withdrew his nomination.

The commission received a late nomination and, if it is accepted, will interview that nominee at noon. After the interviews, commissioners will recess for lunch, then reconvene.

The commission will convene to interview nominees at 9 a.m. Dec. 21, at:

4-H and Senior Center 1025 S. Spring Valley Road Junction City

Any person with a disability who requires accommodation to access the nominating commission meeting should notify the judicial branch ADA coordinator as early as possible, preferably 10 working days before the meeting date:

After interviewing the nominees, the commission will appoint a district magistrate judge.

●a resident of Geary County at the time of taking office and while holding office;

The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Caleb Stegall as the nonvoting chair; Kevin Harris, Abilene; Ashley Iverson, Alta Vista; Douglas Thompson, Chapman; Darrell Miller, Dwight; Keith Henry, Junction City; Daryl Enos and Edwin Wheeler Jr., Marion; and Eric Coffman, Milford.

TOPEKA—The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/mluxDTUWqlk4N56lVp5Db8Qbo3c_kRdBjHi4Wr5KRZM" target="_blank">8th Judicial District Nominating Commission</a>&nbsp;will convene Dec. 21 to interview nominees to fill a vacancy for district magistrate judge in Geary County created by Judge Charles Zimmerman's Jan. 11 retirement.The 8th Judicial District is composed of Dickinson, Geary, Marion, and Morris counties.Interview schedule9:30 a.m.&nbsp;Florence Cornish, Junction City, attorney9:50 a.m.&nbsp;Amy Crawford, Salina, attorney10:10 a.m.&nbsp;Andrew King, Junction City, promotional salesperson10:30 a.m.&nbsp;Lawrence Palmer, Junction City, community corrections prevention coordinator10:50 a.m.&nbsp;Break11 a.m.&nbsp;Joy Ruffin, Junction City, legal assistant11:20 a.m.&nbsp;Calvin Schuette, Junction City, attorney11:40 a.m.&nbsp;Steve Staker, Fredonia, attorneyJames Jacobs, Junction City, withdrew his nomination.The commission received a late nomination and, if it is accepted, will interview that nominee at noon. After the interviews, commissioners will recess for lunch, then reconvene.Interviews and appointmentThe commission will convene to interview nominees at 9 a.m. Dec. 21, at:4-H and Senior Center 1025 S. Spring Valley Road Junction CityThe interviews are open to the public.Anyone who attends in person must follow public health requirements set out in Supreme Court administrative order. These include answering questions at check-in about symptoms of or possible exposure to COVID-19, wearing a face mask while in the building, and maintaining 6 feet of physical distance from others.Any person with a disability who requires accommodation to access the nominating commission meeting should notify the judicial branch ADA coordinator as early as possible, preferably 10 working days before the meeting date:ADA Coordinator <a href="mailto:reimere@kscourts.org" target="_blank">reimere@kscourts.org</a> 785-296-2256 TTY at 711After interviewing the nominees, the commission will appoint a district magistrate judge.Eligibility requirementsKansas law requires that this district magistrate judge be:●a resident of Geary County at the time of taking office and while holding office;●a graduate of a high school, a secondary school, or the equivalent; and●either a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas or able to pass an examination given by the Supreme Court to become certified within 18 months.Term of officeAfter serving one year in office, the new magistrate judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.Nominating commissionThe 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Caleb Stegall as the nonvoting chair; Kevin Harris, Abilene; Ashley Iverson, Alta Vista; Douglas Thompson, Chapman; Darrell Miller, Dwight; Keith Henry, Junction City; Daryl Enos and Edwin Wheeler Jr., Marion; and Eric Coffman, Milford.

Salina attorney a candidate for Geary County district judge

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today announced 89 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 1,949.

Of that total, 1,097 have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died, and 15 active cases are hospitalized, the health department reported.

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

• New cases since last public release: 89

• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 74

-There was a large number of hospitalizations reported to MCHD but does not totally reflect those currently hospitalized.

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

-Male cases age: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39, 91, 92, 52, 80

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today announced 89 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 1,949.Of that total, 1,097 have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died, and 15 active cases are hospitalized, the health department reported.Following is the updated case data as provided by the health department.• New cases since last public release: 89• Asymptomatic: 51• Cases with unknown exposure: 889• Cases 60 years old and above: 610• Cases 50-59 years old: 276• Cases 40-49 years old: 247• Cases 30-39 years old: 241• Cases 18-29 years old: 390• Cases under 18 years old: 185• Female cases: 1013• Male cases: 936• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 74-There was a large number of hospitalizations reported to MCHD but does not totally reflect those currently hospitalized.• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 7• Deaths: 14 (1 pending)-Male cases age: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39, 91, 92, 52, 80-Female cases age: 92, 89

McPherson County reports 89 COVID-19 cases; 15 hospitalized

TOPEKA - Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard took swift action to address allegations of document falsification by employees of St. Francis Ministries (SFM), one of the agency’s foster care case management providers, the agency announced today.

“In mid-November, my agency was made aware of instances where an SFM employee falsified documents to show they had visited with families when they had in fact not made those visits,” Howard said. “Given the seriousness of these allegations I instructed my deputy secretary to immediately begin an investigation.”

After engaging with SFM, DCF learned that SFM was already aware of the allegations and had begun an inquiry at its Salina office. SFM supervisors immediately began contacting foster care providers to confirm visits were being conducted. During the investigation, SFM discovered that one employee did not visit 28 children who were living with 11 different foster care providers. This worker had documented 165 contacts with those children between February and October of 2020 that did not occur. The worker was fired by SFM.

TOPEKA - Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard took swift action to address allegations of document falsification by employees of St. Francis Ministries (SFM), one of the agency’s foster care case management providers, the agency announced today.“In mid-November, my agency was made aware of instances where an SFM employee falsified documents to show they had visited with families when they had in fact not made those visits,” Howard said. “Given the seriousness of these allegations I instructed my deputy secretary to immediately begin an investigation.”After engaging with SFM, DCF learned that SFM was already aware of the allegations and had begun an inquiry at its Salina office. SFM supervisors immediately began contacting foster care providers to confirm visits were being conducted. During the investigation, SFM discovered that one employee did not visit 28 children who were living with 11 different foster care providers. This worker had documented 165 contacts with those children between February and October of 2020 that did not occur. The worker was fired by SFM.SFM also discovered during its inquiry another case of an employee failing to meet with foster care providers. The employee was fired from the agency in August.SFM continues its work in Saline County to review each case file to reconcile information from providers with dates of contacts by SFM employees in the case file documentation. The inquiry has so far not turned up any additional instances of document falsification. The case review has shown:●69% of placements interviewed expressed seeing a member of the Saint Francis case team on a monthly&nbsp;basis.●78% of fathers interviewed expressed seeing a member of the Saint Francis case team on a monthly&nbsp;basis.●86% of mothers interviewed expressed seeing a member of the Saint Francis case team on a monthly&nbsp;basis.DCF has taken additional steps including:●Requesting information related to methods, sampling figures and findings of St. Francis’ case&nbsp;reviews.●DCF’s&nbsp;Audit&nbsp;Services&nbsp;Child&nbsp;Welfare&nbsp;Compliance&nbsp;Team&nbsp;and&nbsp;Quality&nbsp;Assurance&nbsp;Team&nbsp;will&nbsp;serve&nbsp;as&nbsp;peer&nbsp;reviewers&nbsp;assisting&nbsp;in&nbsp;contacting&nbsp;providers&nbsp;as&nbsp;part&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;case&nbsp;review&nbsp;process.Financial Mismanagement InvestigationAdditionally, Howard has communicated with St. Francis Ministries interim president/CEO William Clark and Board President Dr. Greg Meissen insisting the agency provide full access to all SFM internal reports and investigation findings pertaining to the expenditure of any monies received by SFM pursuant to its grant with DCF and SFM’s financial stability.“My agency will not rest until we are assured that Kansas taxpayer funds have been properly spent by SFM,” Howard said. “We know SFM to be good partners and we look forward to full transparency as it relates to both their fiscal affairs and documentation issues.”