We're in for a beautiful day today, warm by December standards. By the end of the week, however, that all will change.

Afternoon high temperatures will rise into the 60s with a few locations topping out around 70 today, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. 

Big changes are on the way with much cooler air and a chance for wintry precipitation Friday and Saturday, NWS noted. A cold front will arrive across central Kansas on Thursday while cold air becomes more deeply entrenched on Friday and Saturday. 

NWS is forecasting that high temperatures across central Kansas may struggle to climb out of the lower 30s on Friday and Saturday. 

An approaching storm system will bring a mix of rain and snow to the area, with accumulating snow possible along the Interstate 70 corridor Friday through Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607517829209.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We're in for a beautiful day today, warm by December standards. By the end of the week, however, that all will change.Afternoon high temperatures will rise into the 60s with a few locations topping out around 70 today, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607517863072.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Big changes are on the way with much cooler air and a chance for wintry precipitation Friday and Saturday, NWS noted. A cold front will arrive across central Kansas on Thursday while cold air becomes more deeply entrenched on Friday and Saturday. NWS is forecasting that high temperatures across central Kansas may struggle to climb out of the lower 30s on Friday and Saturday. An approaching storm system will bring a mix of rain and snow to the area, with accumulating snow possible along the Interstate 70 corridor Friday through Saturday.

NWS: Warmer today, gone tomorrow

LINDSBORG – Each November, students from Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming gather to participate in the National Association of Teachers of Singing West Central Regional Conference. 

Typically, the conference rotates between the participating states, but this year, the conference was held virtually. Part of the conference is the student auditions. Students can enter in two different categories: Music Theatre and Classical. Students prepare between three to five songs and arias based on their age and classification. 

Students first participate in a preliminary round where they receive feedback and scores from three different judges. If they receive at least two scores of 90, they advance to the semifinal round where they compete against singers in the region. The top five scores from the semifinal round advance to the final round where they are ranked first through fifth place. Students who place in the top five go on to the national auditions where they compete against students from across the United States.

This year, Bethany College had several students enter the student auditions. Abby Rishel-Barnett, Maya Herrera, Elise Nelson, Matthew Eades, Elyse Boden, Amaya Dungan, Christian LaCount, and Kyler Dalke, all participated in the student auditions. 

Nelson and Dungan both advanced to the semifinals in the Classical category with Nelson competing against juniors and Dungan against freshmen. Dungan also advanced to the semifinals in Music Theatre category. Both made it to the final Classical round, which is judged by professional singers and performers from the Metropolitan Opera and Broadway. 

Dungan’s entry for the final round was O mio babbino caro from Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini. Nelson’s final round entry was Deh vieni non tardar from Le nozze di figaro by W.A. Mozart.

They will both go on to compete in the national auditions during the summer of 2021.

LINDSBORG – Each November, students from Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming gather to participate in the National Association of Teachers of Singing West Central Regional Conference. Typically, the conference rotates between the participating states, but this year, the conference was held virtually. Part of the conference is the student auditions. Students can enter in two different categories: Music Theatre and Classical. Students prepare between three to five songs and arias based on their age and classification. Students first participate in a preliminary round where they receive feedback and scores from three different judges. If they receive at least two scores of 90, they advance to the semifinal round where they compete against singers in the region. The top five scores from the semifinal round advance to the final round where they are ranked first through fifth place. Students who place in the top five go on to the national auditions where they compete against students from across the United States.This year, Bethany College had several students enter the student auditions. Abby Rishel-Barnett, Maya Herrera, Elise Nelson, Matthew Eades, Elyse Boden, Amaya Dungan, Christian LaCount, and Kyler Dalke, all participated in the student auditions. Nelson and Dungan both advanced to the semifinals in the Classical category with Nelson competing against juniors and Dungan against freshmen. Dungan also advanced to the semifinals in Music Theatre category. Both made it to the final Classical round, which is judged by professional singers and performers from the Metropolitan Opera and Broadway. Dungan’s entry for the final round was O mio babbino caro from Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini. Nelson’s final round entry was Deh vieni non tardar from Le nozze di figaro by W.A. Mozart. They will both go on to compete in the national auditions during the summer of 2021.

Bethany students advance to national music competition

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

During their regular meeting this morning, Saline County Commissioners took no action on the county's mask mandate, leaving the order in place for at least another two weeks.

County Health Officer Jason Tiller told the commissioners that within the past three weeks, the county added 1,192 new confirmed COVID-19 cases.

"And unfortunately, in the last three weeks, we've also doubled the number of deaths in the county from COVID-19 since our first case at the end of March," he said.

Tiller also told commissioners that the health department is investigating a number of COVID-19 clusters.

"We have about 30 different clusters that we're currently investigating, and they range anywhere from long-term care facilities to businesses to family gatherings to just pretty much the entire gamut," Tiller said. "At this point, I really almost probably should say just Saline County as a cluster since it is everywhere."

Tiller noted that Salina Regional Health Center had also seen a "significant spike" in the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations they have. He said that as of Monday, SRHC had 34 COVID-19 cases.

Tiller provided the commissioners with several charts about COVID-19 in the county, noting that already in the first week of December Saline County has as many COVID-19 cases as it had in all of October. He also discussed the number of COVID-19 deaths in the county.

"November has not been kind to Saline County in terms of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. December's not looking much better to start with, unfortunately," Tiller said.

According to Tiller, specific information about the availability of a vaccine in Saline County is not yet available, but will be disseminated to the public once it is.

"OK, I mean the proof's in the pudding here people. I think the community in general has stepped up their efforts to wear masks and stay at home and lay low," said Commission Chair Robert Vidricksen. "There's still those 10 percent or whatever that number is that don't wish to abide by that and people, you're putting everyone else at peril when you're not wearing a mask because it's spreading the virus."

At the conclusion of Tiller's presentation, the commissioners took no action, leaving in place the mask mandate until the next review.

●approved the purchase of copiers for Administrative Resource Center, the county appraiser's office, and the county attorney's office

●approved the renewal of Mercer Liability Insurance coverage for the health department.

●approved the issuance of a letter to the Kansas Department of Transportation formally asking that the county's new radio system be connected to the state's radio system core. Hannah Stambaugh, deputy county administrator, said the county's radio system project was still on track for 2021.

●consented to the City of Salina issuing industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) for the Great Plains Manufacturing expansion to the Signify/Phillips Lighting plant south of town. Because the property currently is outside the city limits, the county commission must give its consent before the city can issue the IRBs, according to the meeting packet information. County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes told commissioners that while the city plans to annex the plant property, Great Plains had requested that the IRB issuance move forward rather than wait on the annexation.

●Smith-Hanes also told commissioners that the county's swearing-in ceremony was scheduled for Jan. 11. He said this year's event will be different because of the pandemic. There will be no reception afterward, he noted. Specific details about the ceremony will be provided at a later date, Smith-Hanes added.

To watch a replay of the county commission meeting, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeOxwIFsq0o&amp;feature=youtu.be">click here</a>.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostDuring their regular meeting this morning, Saline County Commissioners took no action on the county's mask mandate, leaving the order in place for at least another two weeks.County Health Officer Jason Tiller told the commissioners that within the past three weeks, the county added 1,192 new confirmed COVID-19 cases.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607475488049.png" alt="Saline County COVID cases slide courtesy Tuesday's Zoom meeting" />
 <figcaption>Saline County COVID cases slide courtesy Tuesday's Zoom meeting</figcaption>
 </figure>"And unfortunately, in the last three weeks, we've also doubled the number of deaths in the county from COVID-19 since our first case at the end of March," he said.Tiller also told commissioners that the health department is investigating a number of COVID-19 clusters."We have about 30 different clusters that we're currently investigating, and they range anywhere from long-term care facilities to businesses to family gatherings to just pretty much the entire gamut," Tiller said. "At this point, I really almost probably should say just Saline County as a cluster since it is everywhere."Tiller noted that Salina Regional Health Center had also seen a "significant spike" in the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations they have. He said that as of Monday, SRHC had 34 COVID-19 cases.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607475573692.png" alt="Saline County COVID deaths per month slide courtesy Tuesday's Zoom meeting" />
 <figcaption>Saline County COVID deaths per month slide courtesy Tuesday's Zoom meeting</figcaption>
 </figure>Tiller provided the commissioners with several charts about COVID-19 in the county, noting that already in the first week of December Saline County has as many COVID-19 cases as it had in all of October. He also discussed the number of COVID-19 deaths in the county."November has not been kind to Saline County in terms of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. December's not looking much better to start with, unfortunately," Tiller said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607475767075.png" alt="Saline County COVID vaccine update slide courtesy Tuesday's Zoom meeting" />
 <figcaption>Saline County COVID vaccine update slide courtesy Tuesday's Zoom meeting</figcaption>
 </figure>According to Tiller, specific information about the availability of a vaccine in Saline County is not yet available, but will be disseminated to the public once it is.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607475681184.png" alt="Saline County COVID mask order slide courtesy Tuesday's Zoom meeting" />
 <figcaption>Saline County COVID mask order slide courtesy Tuesday's Zoom meeting</figcaption>
 </figure>"OK, I mean the proof's in the pudding here people. I think the community in general has stepped up their efforts to wear masks and stay at home and lay low," said Commission Chair Robert Vidricksen. "There's still those 10 percent or whatever that number is that don't wish to abide by that and people, you're putting everyone else at peril when you're not wearing a mask because it's spreading the virus."At the conclusion of Tiller's presentation, the commissioners took no action, leaving in place the mask mandate until the next review.In other county business, commissioners:●approved the purchase of copiers for Administrative Resource Center, the county appraiser's office, and the county attorney's office●approved the renewal of Mercer Liability Insurance coverage for the health department.●approved the issuance of a letter to the Kansas Department of Transportation formally asking that the county's new radio system be connected to the state's radio system core. Hannah Stambaugh, deputy county administrator, said the county's radio system project was still on track for 2021.●consented to the City of Salina issuing industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) for the Great Plains Manufacturing expansion to the Signify/Phillips Lighting plant south of town. Because the property currently is outside the city limits, the county commission must give its consent before the city can issue the IRBs, according to the meeting packet information. County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes told commissioners that while the city plans to annex the plant property, Great Plains had requested that the IRB issuance move forward rather than wait on the annexation.●Smith-Hanes also told commissioners that the county's swearing-in ceremony was scheduled for Jan. 11. He said this year's event will be different because of the pandemic. There will be no reception afterward, he noted. Specific details about the ceremony will be provided at a later date, Smith-Hanes added.To watch a replay of the county commission meeting, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeOxwIFsq0o&amp;feature=youtu.be">click here</a>.

Mask mandate remains in place; Dec. COVID-19 cases already equal all of Oct.

First Bank Kansas has
announced the retirement of Carolyn Berens, vice president, effective today.

Berens retirement follows a successful 48-year career in the financial
industry.

She joined First Bank Kansas
in 1997 as a branch manager, a position she held for several years until moving
to the Santa Fe location. In her 23
years with First Bank Kansas, Berens held many positions including Marketing,
Business Development, High Performance Checking program, Commercial/Cash
Management and Director of the First Bank Kansas Travel Club.

"Berens has touched the lives of many in her
career with First Bank Kansas. She will
be greatly missed," the bank noted in a news release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607451030311.png" alt="Carolyn Berens. Photo courtesy First Bank Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Carolyn Berens. Photo courtesy First Bank Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>First Bank Kansas has
announced the retirement of Carolyn Berens, vice president, effective today.Berens retirement follows a successful 48-year career in the financial
industry.She joined First Bank Kansas
in 1997 as a branch manager, a position she held for several years until moving
to the Santa Fe location. In her 23
years with First Bank Kansas, Berens held many positions including Marketing,
Business Development, High Performance Checking program, Commercial/Cash
Management and Director of the First Bank Kansas Travel Club."Berens has touched the lives of many in her
career with First Bank Kansas. She will
be greatly missed," the bank noted in a news release.

First Bank Kansas announces Berens' retirement

BROOKVILLE -- A mobile home was destroyed by fire early this morning in Brookville.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that deputies and firefighters from Rural Fire District No. 3 were sent to 126 East Anderson Street in Brookville at 1:03 a.m. Tuesday for the report of a mobile home fire. 

The residents, John Goracke, 59, and Brenda Freeman, 52, had been burning something in their wood-burning stove and threw in some paper towels, Soldan noted. It is believed that the ashes from the paper towels blew onto the roof and set the mobile home ablaze, he explained.

According to Soldan, $3,000 worth of damage was done to items in the residence. Soldan said he did not have a loss estimate for the mobile home itself.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607443849005.jpeg" alt="RFD No. 3 firefighters battle the blaze. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>RFD No. 3 firefighters battle the blaze. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>BROOKVILLE -- A mobile home was destroyed by fire early this morning in Brookville.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that deputies and firefighters from Rural Fire District No. 3 were sent to 126 East Anderson Street in Brookville at 1:03 a.m. Tuesday for the report of a mobile home fire. The residents, John Goracke, 59, and Brenda Freeman, 52, had been burning something in their wood-burning stove and threw in some paper towels, Soldan noted. It is believed that the ashes from the paper towels blew onto the roof and set the mobile home ablaze, he explained.According to Soldan, $3,000 worth of damage was done to items in the residence. Soldan said he did not have a loss estimate for the mobile home itself.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607444040587.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Early morning blaze destroys mobile home in Brookville

You won't see this again in your lifetime! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TuttleCreekStatePark">Tuttle Creek State Park - Kansas Wildlife, Parks &amp; Tourism</a> Facebook page:

You won't see this again in your lifetime! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TuttleCreekStatePark">Tuttle Creek State Park - Kansas Wildlife, Parks &amp; Tourism</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTuttleCreekStatePark%2Fposts%2F3744108548933724&show_text=true&width=552&height=646&appId" width="552" height="646" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Rare celestial event coming up later this month

Above normal temperatures and dry weather conditions will persist through the middle of the week before the next cool-down arrives, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. 

Normal highs for early December are in the low to mid 40s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607437589682.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above normal temperatures and dry weather conditions will persist through the middle of the week before the next cool-down arrives, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. Normal highs for early December are in the low to mid 40s.

NWS: Dry with sunshine and above normal temperatures

Salina USD 305 has announced some format adjustments for its meeting later today.

The Salina USD 305 Board of Education is scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Due to the current events regarding COVID-19 there are some adjustments to the format of the meeting.

Board of Education members may attend the meeting in-person or remotely. Any in-person attendance will be limited to 15 people or less, including Board of Education members and USD 305 staff. Because of the group size limitation, patrons are encouraged to view the livestream from the safety of their home and email the Board Clerk, Deborah Howard with comments about the agenda items at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:deborah.howard@usd305.com" target="_blank">deborah.howard@usd305.com</a>. Comments about agenda items will be shared during the meeting.

To access the meeting, enter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education/livestream" target="_blank">https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education/livestream</a>&nbsp;into your internet browser.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education" target="_blank">board packet can be accessed at this link</a>.

As per board policy BCBI – Public Participation, the board may allow public comments. During this meeting, we will not open for comments; however,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education" target="_blank">we encourage patrons to email the board</a>&nbsp;with comments not related to agenda items.

Salina USD 305 has announced some format adjustments for its meeting later today.The Salina USD 305 Board of Education is scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Due to the current events regarding COVID-19 there are some adjustments to the format of the meeting.Board of Education members may attend the meeting in-person or remotely. Any in-person attendance will be limited to 15 people or less, including Board of Education members and USD 305 staff. Because of the group size limitation, patrons are encouraged to view the livestream from the safety of their home and email the Board Clerk, Deborah Howard with comments about the agenda items at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:deborah.howard@usd305.com" target="_blank">deborah.howard@usd305.com</a>. Comments about agenda items will be shared during the meeting.To access the meeting, enter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education/livestream" target="_blank">https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education/livestream</a>&nbsp;into your internet browser.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education" target="_blank">board packet can be accessed at this link</a>.As per board policy BCBI – Public Participation, the board may allow public comments. During this meeting, we will not open for comments; however,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/about_us/board_of_education" target="_blank">we encourage patrons to email the board</a>&nbsp;with comments not related to agenda items.

USD 305 makes format adjustments to board meeting today

MANHATTAN — The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cancer.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Johnson Cancer Research Center</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University has selected 22 students to participate in its undergraduate research mentoring and award program. The Cancer Research Award program promotes undergraduate student participation in laboratory research. It encourages students to consider careers in cancer research and medicine early on while they are still deciding what academic and professional paths to take. "This opportunity allows students to apply what they are learning in classes to real-life laboratory problems, and engages them in their education, a critical factor for success," said Sherry Fleming, the center's director and a professor of biology. "Many of these future cancer researchers and medical workers will undoubtedly go on to be some of the top professionals in their fields." The award program, which is open to undergraduate students interested in doing cancer-relevant research, provides $1,500 awards to students and $1,000 per student for research expenses. The funds allow them to spend more time working on research rather than a non-academic job. Students apply for the awards by co-writing research proposals with faculty members who will serve as their mentors. The awardees conduct their research in the mentors' laboratories throughout at least the spring semester. "These are some of the university's — and the state's — most outstanding science students, working closely with excellent faculty on projects to stop cancer," Fleming said. The students are usually recognized in the spring at a banquet attended by their families, the faculty mentors, center supporters and university administrators. A virtual recognition will likely replace this banquet due to COVID-19. The Johnson Cancer Research Center, in K-State’s College of Arts and Sciences, supports the cancer research and training of its faculty members, undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. All programs are funded through private gifts. The following students received Cancer Research Awards; included is each student's faculty mentor. A list that includes their research project titles is at&nbsp;<a href="https://cancer.k-state.edu/awards/studentawardees.html" target="_blank">cancer.k-state.edu/awards/studentawardees.html</a>. From&nbsp;Concordia: Adara Warner, junior in microbiology, pre-medicine and medical laboratory science, mentored by Kathrin Schrick, associate professor of biology; and Lake Winter, junior in microbiology, mentored by Zhilong Yang, associate professor of biology.

Gage Wright, senior in chemistry,&nbsp;Derby, mentored by Jun Li, professor of chemistry. From&nbsp;Greater Kansas City: Kierra Holloman, junior in biochemistry,&nbsp;Kansas City, mentored by Michael Kanost, university distinguished professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Ariana Cecil, senior in biology and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Leawood, mentored by Katsura Asano, professor of biology; Joshua Spradlin, junior in kinesiology and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Lenexa, mentored by Zhilong Yang, associate professor of biology; Douglas Farleigh, senior in chemistry and pre-veterinary medicine,&nbsp;Olathe, mentored by Ryan Rafferty, associate professor of chemistry; John Tumberger,&nbsp;Overland Park, mentored by Brad Olson, associate professor of biology; and Charles Worley II, senior in biology and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Shawnee, mentored by Chingakham Singh, research assistant professor of biology. Morgan Phillips, sophomore in animal sciences and industry and pre-law,&nbsp;Hollenberg, mentored by Masaaki Tamura, professor of anatomy and physiology. From&nbsp;Manhattan: Abdulrahman Naeem, senior in biology, mentored by Ruth Welti, university distinguished professor of biology; Hawa Dembele, senior in biochemistry and chemistry, mentored by Om Prakash, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Cathryn Haas, senior in biology, mentored by Lorena Passerelli, professor of biology; and Mayme Loyd, senior in biochemistry and pre-medicine, mentored by Masaaki Tamura, professor of anatomy and physiology. Caleb Kline, freshman in chemistry and pre-dentistry,&nbsp;Salina, mentored by Ping Li, associate professor of chemistry. From&nbsp;Topeka: Ashley Bartels, senior in chemical engineering, mentored by Ryan Rafferty, associate professor of chemistry; and Emma Francis, senior in biology, pre-medicine and pre-law, mentored by Rollie Clem, professor of biology. Alexander Vontz, junior in biochemistry,&nbsp;Wamego, mentored by Brian Geisbrecht, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics. From&nbsp;Wichita: Taylor Bugbee, junior in biology and pre-medicine, mentored by Nick Wallace, assistant professor of biology; Hannah Coggeshall, senior in biology and pre-medicine, mentored by Jocelyn McDonald, associate professor of biology; and Lydia Waner, senior in fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology and pre-medicine, mentored by Thomas Mueller, research assistant professor of biology. From out of state: Elizabeth Riforgiate, senior in biology and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Port Washington, Wisconsin, mentored by Nick Wallace, assistant professor of biology.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607401517685.jpeg" alt="Recent Kansas State University graduate Mackenzie Thornton, a former recipient of a Cancer Research Award from the Johnson Cancer Research Center, works with her faculty mentor, Katsura Asano, professor of biology. Photo courtesy KSU" />
 <figcaption>Recent Kansas State University graduate Mackenzie Thornton, a former recipient of a Cancer Research Award from the Johnson Cancer Research Center, works with her faculty mentor, Katsura Asano, professor of biology. Photo courtesy KSU</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN — The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cancer.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Johnson Cancer Research Center</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University has selected 22 students to participate in its undergraduate research mentoring and award program. The Cancer Research Award program promotes undergraduate student participation in laboratory research. It encourages students to consider careers in cancer research and medicine early on while they are still deciding what academic and professional paths to take. "This opportunity allows students to apply what they are learning in classes to real-life laboratory problems, and engages them in their education, a critical factor for success," said Sherry Fleming, the center's director and a professor of biology. "Many of these future cancer researchers and medical workers will undoubtedly go on to be some of the top professionals in their fields." The award program, which is open to undergraduate students interested in doing cancer-relevant research, provides $1,500 awards to students and $1,000 per student for research expenses. The funds allow them to spend more time working on research rather than a non-academic job. Students apply for the awards by co-writing research proposals with faculty members who will serve as their mentors. The awardees conduct their research in the mentors' laboratories throughout at least the spring semester. "These are some of the university's — and the state's — most outstanding science students, working closely with excellent faculty on projects to stop cancer," Fleming said. The students are usually recognized in the spring at a banquet attended by their families, the faculty mentors, center supporters and university administrators. A virtual recognition will likely replace this banquet due to COVID-19. The Johnson Cancer Research Center, in K-State’s College of Arts and Sciences, supports the cancer research and training of its faculty members, undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. All programs are funded through private gifts. The following students received Cancer Research Awards; included is each student's faculty mentor. A list that includes their research project titles is at&nbsp;<a href="https://cancer.k-state.edu/awards/studentawardees.html" target="_blank">cancer.k-state.edu/awards/studentawardees.html</a>. From&nbsp;Concordia: Adara Warner, junior in microbiology, pre-medicine and medical laboratory science, mentored by Kathrin Schrick, associate professor of biology; and Lake Winter, junior in microbiology, mentored by Zhilong Yang, associate professor of biology. Gage Wright, senior in chemistry,&nbsp;Derby, mentored by Jun Li, professor of chemistry. From&nbsp;Greater Kansas City: Kierra Holloman, junior in biochemistry,&nbsp;Kansas City, mentored by Michael Kanost, university distinguished professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Ariana Cecil, senior in biology and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Leawood, mentored by Katsura Asano, professor of biology; Joshua Spradlin, junior in kinesiology and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Lenexa, mentored by Zhilong Yang, associate professor of biology; Douglas Farleigh, senior in chemistry and pre-veterinary medicine,&nbsp;Olathe, mentored by Ryan Rafferty, associate professor of chemistry; John Tumberger,&nbsp;Overland Park, mentored by Brad Olson, associate professor of biology; and Charles Worley II, senior in biology and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Shawnee, mentored by Chingakham Singh, research assistant professor of biology. Morgan Phillips, sophomore in animal sciences and industry and pre-law,&nbsp;Hollenberg, mentored by Masaaki Tamura, professor of anatomy and physiology. From&nbsp;Manhattan: Abdulrahman Naeem, senior in biology, mentored by Ruth Welti, university distinguished professor of biology; Hawa Dembele, senior in biochemistry and chemistry, mentored by Om Prakash, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Cathryn Haas, senior in biology, mentored by Lorena Passerelli, professor of biology; and Mayme Loyd, senior in biochemistry and pre-medicine, mentored by Masaaki Tamura, professor of anatomy and physiology. Caleb Kline, freshman in chemistry and pre-dentistry,&nbsp;Salina, mentored by Ping Li, associate professor of chemistry. From&nbsp;Topeka: Ashley Bartels, senior in chemical engineering, mentored by Ryan Rafferty, associate professor of chemistry; and Emma Francis, senior in biology, pre-medicine and pre-law, mentored by Rollie Clem, professor of biology. Alexander Vontz, junior in biochemistry,&nbsp;Wamego, mentored by Brian Geisbrecht, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics. From&nbsp;Wichita: Taylor Bugbee, junior in biology and pre-medicine, mentored by Nick Wallace, assistant professor of biology; Hannah Coggeshall, senior in biology and pre-medicine, mentored by Jocelyn McDonald, associate professor of biology; and Lydia Waner, senior in fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology and pre-medicine, mentored by Thomas Mueller, research assistant professor of biology. From out of state: Elizabeth Riforgiate, senior in biology and pre-medicine,&nbsp;Port Washington, Wisconsin, mentored by Nick Wallace, assistant professor of biology.&nbsp;

Local, area students picked for JCRC mentoring program

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 8, the 343rd day of 2020. There are 23 days left in the year. 

On Dec. 8, 1941, the United States entered World War II as Congress declared war against Imperial Japan, a day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. 

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued his Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction for the South. 

In 1886, the American Federation of Labor was founded in Columbus, Ohio. 

In 1949, the Chinese Nationalist government moved from the Chinese mainland to Formosa as the Communists pressed their attacks.

In 1972, a United Airlines Boeing 737 crashed while attempting to land at Chicago-Midway Airport, killing 43 of the 61 people on board, as well as two people on the ground; among the dead were Dorothy Hunt, wife of Watergate conspirator E. Howard Hunt, U.S. Rep. George W. Collins, D-Ill., and CBS News correspondent Michele Clark. 

In 1980, rock star and former Beatle John Lennon was shot to death outside his New York City apartment building by an apparently deranged fan. 

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev signed a treaty at the White House calling for destruction of intermediate-range nuclear missiles. 

In 1991, AIDS patient Kimberly Bergalis, who had contracted the disease from her dentist, died in Fort Pierce, Fla., at age 23. 

In 1998, struggling to stave off impeachment, President Bill Clinton's defenders forcefully pleaded his case before the House Judiciary Committee. The Supreme Court ruled that police cannot search people and their cars after merely ticketing them for routine traffic violations. 

In 2008, in a startling about-face, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed told the Guantanamo war crimes tribunal he would confess to masterminding the Sept. 11 attacks; four other men also abandoned their defenses. 

In 2012, Pakistan's president visited a British hospital where a 15-year-old schoolgirl, Malala Yousafzai, was being treated after being shot in the head by a Taliban gunman in October.

In 2013, hundreds of thousands of protesters poured into the streets of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, toppling the statue of former Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin and blocking key government buildings in an escalating stand-off with the president on the future of the country. 

In 2014, the U.S. and NATO ceremonially ended their combat mission in Afghanistan, 13 years after the Sept. 11 terror attacks sparked their invasion of the country to topple the Taliban-led government.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama rejected claims that he had betrayed Democrats by cutting a deal with Republicans on Bush-era tax cuts and implored his party to back the compromise, arguing it could jump-start the economy. Hackers rushed to the defense of WikiLeaks, launching attacks on MasterCard, Visa, Swedish prosecutors, a Swiss bank and others who had acted against the site and its founder, Julian Assange. A fire that started during an inmate brawl swept through an overcrowded prison in Chile, killing at least 81 people.

Five years ago: China declared its first ever red smog alert as poisonous air quality forced the government to close schools, order motorists off the road and shut down factories in and around Beijing.

One year ago: Puppeteer Caroll Spinney, who voiced and operated Muppets Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on "Sesame Street" for nearly 50 years, died at his Connecticut home at the age of 85. Rapper Juice WRLD, age 21, who rose to the top of the charts with "Lucid Dreams," died after what was called a "medical emergency" at Chicago's Midway International Airport; a coroner determined that the death resulted from an accidental overdose of the opioid oxycodone and codeine. Actor René Auberjonois, best known for the TV shows "Benson" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," died of lung cancer at his Los Angeles home; he was 79.

Today's Birthdays: Flutist James Galway is 81. Singer Jerry Butler is 81. Pop musician Bobby Elliott (The Hollies) is 79. Actor Mary Woronov is 77. Actor John Rubinstein is 74. Actor Kim Basinger is 67. Rock musician Warren Cuccurullo is 64. Rock musician Phil Collen (Def Leppard) is 63. Country singer Marty Raybon is 61. Political commentator Ann Coulter is 59. Rock musician Marty Friedman is 58. Actor Wendell Pierce is 57. Actor Teri Hatcher is 56. Actor David Harewood is 55. Singer Sinead O'Connor (AKA Shuhada' Davitt) is 54. Actor Matthew Laborteaux is 54. Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Mussina is 52. Rock musician Ryan Newell (Sister Hazel) is 48. Actor Dominic Monaghan is 44. Actor Ian Somerhalder is 42. Rock singer Ingrid Michaelson is 41. R&amp;B singer Chrisette Michele is 38. Actor Hannah Ware is 38. Country singer Sam Hunt is 36. MLB All-Star infielder Josh Donaldson is 35. Rock singer-actor Kate Voegele is 34. Christian rock musician Jen Ledger (Skillet) is 31. NHL defenseman Drew Doughty is 31. Actor Wallis Currie-Wood is 29. Actor AnnaSophia Robb 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. 8, the 343rd day of 2020. There are 23 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 8, 1941, the United States entered World War II as Congress declared war against Imperial Japan, a day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. On this date: In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued his Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction for the South. In 1886, the American Federation of Labor was founded in Columbus, Ohio. In 1949, the Chinese Nationalist government moved from the Chinese mainland to Formosa as the Communists pressed their attacks.In 1972, a United Airlines Boeing 737 crashed while attempting to land at Chicago-Midway Airport, killing 43 of the 61 people on board, as well as two people on the ground; among the dead were Dorothy Hunt, wife of Watergate conspirator E. Howard Hunt, U.S. Rep. George W. Collins, D-Ill., and CBS News correspondent Michele Clark. In 1980, rock star and former Beatle John Lennon was shot to death outside his New York City apartment building by an apparently deranged fan. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev signed a treaty at the White House calling for destruction of intermediate-range nuclear missiles. In 1991, AIDS patient Kimberly Bergalis, who had contracted the disease from her dentist, died in Fort Pierce, Fla., at age 23. In 1998, struggling to stave off impeachment, President Bill Clinton's defenders forcefully pleaded his case before the House Judiciary Committee. The Supreme Court ruled that police cannot search people and their cars after merely ticketing them for routine traffic violations. In 2008, in a startling about-face, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed told the Guantanamo war crimes tribunal he would confess to masterminding the Sept. 11 attacks; four other men also abandoned their defenses. In 2012, Pakistan's president visited a British hospital where a 15-year-old schoolgirl, Malala Yousafzai, was being treated after being shot in the head by a Taliban gunman in October.In 2013, hundreds of thousands of protesters poured into the streets of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, toppling the statue of former Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin and blocking key government buildings in an escalating stand-off with the president on the future of the country. In 2014, the U.S. and NATO ceremonially ended their combat mission in Afghanistan, 13 years after the Sept. 11 terror attacks sparked their invasion of the country to topple the Taliban-led government.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama rejected claims that he had betrayed Democrats by cutting a deal with Republicans on Bush-era tax cuts and implored his party to back the compromise, arguing it could jump-start the economy. Hackers rushed to the defense of WikiLeaks, launching attacks on MasterCard, Visa, Swedish prosecutors, a Swiss bank and others who had acted against the site and its founder, Julian Assange. A fire that started during an inmate brawl swept through an overcrowded prison in Chile, killing at least 81 people.Five years ago: China declared its first ever red smog alert as poisonous air quality forced the government to close schools, order motorists off the road and shut down factories in and around Beijing.One year ago: Puppeteer Caroll Spinney, who voiced and operated Muppets Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on "Sesame Street" for nearly 50 years, died at his Connecticut home at the age of 85. Rapper Juice WRLD, age 21, who rose to the top of the charts with "Lucid Dreams," died after what was called a "medical emergency" at Chicago's Midway International Airport; a coroner determined that the death resulted from an accidental overdose of the opioid oxycodone and codeine. Actor René Auberjonois, best known for the TV shows "Benson" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," died of lung cancer at his Los Angeles home; he was 79.Today's Birthdays: Flutist James Galway is 81. Singer Jerry Butler is 81. Pop musician Bobby Elliott (The Hollies) is 79. Actor Mary Woronov is 77. Actor John Rubinstein is 74. Actor Kim Basinger is 67. Rock musician Warren Cuccurullo is 64. Rock musician Phil Collen (Def Leppard) is 63. Country singer Marty Raybon is 61. Political commentator Ann Coulter is 59. Rock musician Marty Friedman is 58. Actor Wendell Pierce is 57. Actor Teri Hatcher is 56. Actor David Harewood is 55. Singer Sinead O'Connor (AKA Shuhada' Davitt) is 54. Actor Matthew Laborteaux is 54. Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Mussina is 52. Rock musician Ryan Newell (Sister Hazel) is 48. Actor Dominic Monaghan is 44. Actor Ian Somerhalder is 42. Rock singer Ingrid Michaelson is 41. R&amp;B singer Chrisette Michele is 38. Actor Hannah Ware is 38. Country singer Sam Hunt is 36. MLB All-Star infielder Josh Donaldson is 35. Rock singer-actor Kate Voegele is 34. Christian rock musician Jen Ledger (Skillet) is 31. NHL defenseman Drew Doughty is 31. Actor Wallis Currie-Wood is 29. Actor AnnaSophia Robb is 27.

Today in History -- Dec. 8

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Talin Goebel, McPherson, qualified for the fall 2020 Dean's List at Belmont University. 

Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.

Approximately 55 percent of Belmont's students this semester qualified for the Fall 2020 Dean's List. Belmont Provost Dr. Thomas Burns said, "Achieving the recognition of Dean's List during the Fall 2020 semester is an extraordinary achievement. While we are always impressed with students' who are able to achieve this high level of recognition in their academic endeavors, those students that reached this mark in Fall 2020 demonstrated incredible diligence and commitment to their academic work during very unusual and stressful circumstances. We are so pleased to be able to recognize their efforts and our hope is that these students will continue investing in their studies to equip them for a lifetime of learning and service."

Belmont University is made up of more than 8,200 students who come from every state and 28 countries. The University's purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world's needs. With more than 100 areas of undergraduate study, 27 master's programs and five doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon.&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/ir9Qtj-b4ygFo8tMrlCi6KTju3dG0oeYoON4eDZQLeU/37j/Y5Z0AbCSTeiRrCyrcu8ztw/h0/77XVkAC2d_S-9tn8CErgJvbTbZqn-Surdo6DGKCQ8So" target="_blank">www.belmont.edu</a>.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Talin Goebel, McPherson, qualified for the fall 2020 Dean's List at Belmont University. Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.Approximately 55 percent of Belmont's students this semester qualified for the Fall 2020 Dean's List. Belmont Provost Dr. Thomas Burns said, "Achieving the recognition of Dean's List during the Fall 2020 semester is an extraordinary achievement. While we are always impressed with students' who are able to achieve this high level of recognition in their academic endeavors, those students that reached this mark in Fall 2020 demonstrated incredible diligence and commitment to their academic work during very unusual and stressful circumstances. We are so pleased to be able to recognize their efforts and our hope is that these students will continue investing in their studies to equip them for a lifetime of learning and service."About Belmont UniversityBelmont University is made up of more than 8,200 students who come from every state and 28 countries. The University's purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world's needs. With more than 100 areas of undergraduate study, 27 master's programs and five doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon.&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/ir9Qtj-b4ygFo8tMrlCi6KTju3dG0oeYoON4eDZQLeU/37j/Y5Z0AbCSTeiRrCyrcu8ztw/h0/77XVkAC2d_S-9tn8CErgJvbTbZqn-Surdo6DGKCQ8So" target="_blank">www.belmont.edu</a>.

McPherson's Goebel named to Dean's List at Belmont University

A review of the county's COVID-19 situation/mask mandate and city industrial revenue bonds 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.

Commissioners are scheduled to review the county's COVID-19 situation to determine whether the county's mask mandate will remain in place for two more weeks.

They also are scheduled to consider consenting to the City of Salina issuing industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) for the Great Plains Manufacturing expansion to the Signify/Phillips Lighting plant south of town. Because the property currently is outside the city limits, the county commission must give its consent before the city can issue the IRBs, according to the meeting packet information. 

"While the City intends to annex the property, the company's preference is for the bond paperwork to get completed prior to annexation," the meeting packet information noted.

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

●Consider a request for a copier replacement -- Brad Bowers, information technology director

●Consider a Mercer Liability Insurance Renewal for Health Department -- Jason Tiller, health department director

●Consider a request for a letter to the Kansas Department of Transportation asking that the county's new radio system be connected to the state's radio system core -- Hannah Stambaugh, deputy county administrator

●Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes' update

To view the entire meeting packet (a 38-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20201208.pdf?ver=zXCQUjZdudqsQKY_HY6CQg%3d%3d">click here</a>.

A review of the county's COVID-19 situation/mask mandate and city industrial revenue bonds 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 itemsCommissioners are scheduled to review the county's COVID-19 situation to determine whether the county's mask mandate will remain in place for two more weeks.They also are scheduled to consider consenting to the City of Salina issuing industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) for the Great Plains Manufacturing expansion to the Signify/Phillips Lighting plant south of town. Because the property currently is outside the city limits, the county commission must give its consent before the city can issue the IRBs, according to the meeting packet information. "While the City intends to annex the property, the company's preference is for the bond paperwork to get completed prior to annexation," the meeting packet information noted.Other items on the county commission agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Consider a request for a copier replacement -- Brad Bowers, information technology director●Consider a Mercer Liability Insurance Renewal for Health Department -- Jason Tiller, health department director●Consider a request for a letter to the Kansas Department of Transportation asking that the county's new radio system be connected to the state's radio system core -- Hannah Stambaugh, deputy county administrator●Hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes' updateTo view the entire meeting packet (a 38-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20201208.pdf?ver=zXCQUjZdudqsQKY_HY6CQg%3d%3d">click here</a>.

County to review mask mandate, consider city IRBs for Great Plains

By&nbsp;C.J. JANOVY <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>

Sandy Beverly has lived in Salina for 50 years. She retired a couple of years ago from her job as an investigator with the city’s human relations office, which dealt with discrimination cases. She’s been secretary of the local NAACP chapter for several years.

But for much of that time, she’d never heard about the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20742544/dana-adams">lynching of Dana Adams</a>.

Described by the Salina Daily Republican in 1893 as “a well known negro tough,” Adams was one of four Black men supposedly “loafing” at the Union Pacific train depot at 6:30 one morning. When the janitor ordered them out, Adams argued. The two fought, and Adams cut the janitor with a razor (his injury was not fatal). Someone called the sheriff. Adams was taken to jail. Hearing rumors he would be lynched, the sheriff put Adams on a train for Leavenworth. But the train sat at the station long enough for someone to uncouple Adams’ car, which stayed on the tracks as the train pulled away.

Immediately a crowd converged upon the passenger coach, gained entry and overpowered the sheriff and his deputies. The mob dragged their victim from the train to the Union Pacific depot and hanged him from a telegraph pole on April 20, 1893. No arrests for this murder were ever made. Adams' father refused to assume responsibility for the burial, saying the white people had killed him and they should bury him.&nbsp;&nbsp;– Gypsum Hill Cemetery Historical Walk, published by the City of Salina, Parks &amp; Recreation and the Salina Public Library

Beverly finally heard this story during a Juneteenth celebration in 2009 when some others placed a stone on what had been Adams’ unmarked grave. She was most fascinated by one detail in the newspaper accounts.

“They said nobody recognized these people who took the man from the train and hung him,” Beverly says.

Sheriff Anderson and Deputy Phillips stated that there was fully two hundred in the crowd, but a large number were spectators who had been attracted by the shooting and took no part. The officers say that the leaders were strangers and unknown to any of the officers. They saw many Salina faces in the crowd, but Salina people did not seem to be taking an active part. All three officers stated that they thought the leaders in the mob were railroad employes (sic) from neighboring towns.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;–&nbsp;Salina Daily Republican, April 21, 1893

“We have some very old, longstanding families in this community,” Beverly notes. “I was like, huh. You can’t convince me that nobody in Salina saw any of this happen.”

Last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/30/by-facing-more-of-its-racist-truths-kansas-and-america-could-heal-more-of-its-divides/">I wrote about</a>&nbsp;the 1901 lynching of Fred Alexander in Leavenworth. I was arguing that Kansas could help heal America’s divides by facing more of its racist truths. One way to do that is in partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://eji.org/projects/community-remembrance-project/">Equal Justice Initiative</a>&nbsp;in Montgomery, Alabama, which helps with community remembrance projects to place historical markers at lynching sites.

It turns out two such efforts are already underway. One is in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/momentum-gathers-for-lynching-memorial-in-lawrence">Lawrence</a>, which we’ll hear more about in the days ahead. The other is in Salina.

Beverly and two ministers —&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/07/salina-lynching-memorial-advocates-want-to-show-this-did-happen-in-kansas/Dee%20J.%20Williamston">Delores ‘Dee’ J. Williamston</a>, district superintendent for the Great Plains United Methodist Conference, and Martha Murchison, pastor of&nbsp;<a href="http://sunrisepresbyterian.com/">Sunrise Presbyterian</a>&nbsp;— are working with the Equal Justice Initiative on behalf of a much larger coalition formed over the summer to bring a marker to Salina.

It was Williamston who led the 2009 Juneteenth celebration to place a headstone where Adams was buried.

“We were just trying to tell the community this did happen in Kansas,” says Williamston, who grew up in Topeka. “We’re not the deep south. I think most people don’t know lynchings happened all over all over the country, even in the middle of the Great Plains.”

Murchison was moved to action after a visit to the EJI’s museum and memorial not long after it&nbsp;<a href="https://eji.org/news/national-memorial-and-legacy-museum-open-thursday-april-26/">opened in 2018</a>.

“I went to their website and there’s an&nbsp;<a href="https://lynchinginamerica.eji.org/explore">interactive map</a>&nbsp;you can click on places where they have lynchings memorialized,” says Murchison, who grew up in South Carolina. “I expected to find the town that I grew up in with a red dot and there wasn’t one. But then I noticed a red dot in the middle of the country. I clicked on it and it was Saline County. I was stupefied.”

In fact, the Equal Justice Initiative lists 19 lynchings in Kansas between 1882 and 1920.

After her trip to Montgomery, Murchison began talking with groups around Salina.

“It’s been a known fact,” she says of Adams’ lynching — historians have given presentations about it, and the library produced a booklet for the cemetery walk.

“But we haven’t really grappled with it, that it was such an injustice,” Murchison says.

Many people in Salina were horrified when it happened, she adds.

“You could hear it in the editorials of the time — they were deeply ashamed. Upstanding citizens said, ‘That’s not who we are and we shouldn’t do this,’ ” she says.

Still, she says, Kansas needs to own its history.

“To give those victims justice, at least in terms of recognition of what happened to them,” Murchison says.

Beverly says her grandchildren have been listening to her talk about the project. She tells them she’s doing it because she wants people to stop and think before they act.

“If it’s that easy to designate someone unfit, unhuman because of a disability, the color of their skin, their sex, their sexual orientation — all the stupid labels — be aware because it could be you,” she says.

“Someone could decide whatever it is about you is the wrong thing and could target you,” she says. “History has proven that over and over again. That’s what we do.”

The above opinion piece is republished with permission from Kansas Reflector.

C.J. Janovy is a veteran journalist with deep roots in the Midwest. Before joining the Kansas Reflector, she was an editor and reporter at Kansas City’s NPR affiliate, KCUR. Before that, she edited the city’s alt-weekly newspaper, The Pitch, where Janovy and her writers won numerous local, regional and national awards.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607388790539.png" alt="Community members placed a stone at the previously unmarked grave of Dana Adams of Salina during a Juneteenth celebration in 2009. (Abner Perney)" />
 <figcaption>Community members placed a stone at the previously unmarked grave of Dana Adams of Salina during a Juneteenth celebration in 2009. (Abner Perney)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;C.J. JANOVY <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>Sandy Beverly has lived in Salina for 50 years. She retired a couple of years ago from her job as an investigator with the city’s human relations office, which dealt with discrimination cases. She’s been secretary of the local NAACP chapter for several years.But for much of that time, she’d never heard about the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20742544/dana-adams">lynching of Dana Adams</a>.Described by the Salina Daily Republican in 1893 as “a well known negro tough,” Adams was one of four Black men supposedly “loafing” at the Union Pacific train depot at 6:30 one morning. When the janitor ordered them out, Adams argued. The two fought, and Adams cut the janitor with a razor (his injury was not fatal). Someone called the sheriff. Adams was taken to jail. Hearing rumors he would be lynched, the sheriff put Adams on a train for Leavenworth. But the train sat at the station long enough for someone to uncouple Adams’ car, which stayed on the tracks as the train pulled away.Immediately a crowd converged upon the passenger coach, gained entry and overpowered the sheriff and his deputies. The mob dragged their victim from the train to the Union Pacific depot and hanged him from a telegraph pole on April 20, 1893. No arrests for this murder were ever made. Adams' father refused to assume responsibility for the burial, saying the white people had killed him and they should bury him.&nbsp;&nbsp;– Gypsum Hill Cemetery Historical Walk, published by the City of Salina, Parks &amp; Recreation and the Salina Public LibraryBeverly finally heard this story during a Juneteenth celebration in 2009 when some others placed a stone on what had been Adams’ unmarked grave. She was most fascinated by one detail in the newspaper accounts.“They said nobody recognized these people who took the man from the train and hung him,” Beverly says.Sheriff Anderson and Deputy Phillips stated that there was fully two hundred in the crowd, but a large number were spectators who had been attracted by the shooting and took no part. The officers say that the leaders were strangers and unknown to any of the officers. They saw many Salina faces in the crowd, but Salina people did not seem to be taking an active part. All three officers stated that they thought the leaders in the mob were railroad employes (sic) from neighboring towns.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;–&nbsp;Salina Daily Republican, April 21, 1893“We have some very old, longstanding families in this community,” Beverly notes. “I was like, huh. You can’t convince me that nobody in Salina saw any of this happen.”Last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/30/by-facing-more-of-its-racist-truths-kansas-and-america-could-heal-more-of-its-divides/">I wrote about</a>&nbsp;the 1901 lynching of Fred Alexander in Leavenworth. I was arguing that Kansas could help heal America’s divides by facing more of its racist truths. One way to do that is in partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://eji.org/projects/community-remembrance-project/">Equal Justice Initiative</a>&nbsp;in Montgomery, Alabama, which helps with community remembrance projects to place historical markers at lynching sites.It turns out two such efforts are already underway. One is in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/momentum-gathers-for-lynching-memorial-in-lawrence">Lawrence</a>, which we’ll hear more about in the days ahead. The other is in Salina.Beverly and two ministers —&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/07/salina-lynching-memorial-advocates-want-to-show-this-did-happen-in-kansas/Dee%20J.%20Williamston">Delores ‘Dee’ J. Williamston</a>, district superintendent for the Great Plains United Methodist Conference, and Martha Murchison, pastor of&nbsp;<a href="http://sunrisepresbyterian.com/">Sunrise Presbyterian</a>&nbsp;— are working with the Equal Justice Initiative on behalf of a much larger coalition formed over the summer to bring a marker to Salina.It was Williamston who led the 2009 Juneteenth celebration to place a headstone where Adams was buried.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607388936438.png" alt="Sandy Beverly, left, and Dee Williamston are two of the leaders working with the Equal Justice Initiative on the Dana Adams community remembrance project in Salina. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sandy Beverly, left, and Dee Williamston are two of the leaders working with the Equal Justice Initiative on the Dana Adams community remembrance project in Salina. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“We were just trying to tell the community this did happen in Kansas,” says Williamston, who grew up in Topeka. “We’re not the deep south. I think most people don’t know lynchings happened all over all over the country, even in the middle of the Great Plains.”Murchison was moved to action after a visit to the EJI’s museum and memorial not long after it&nbsp;<a href="https://eji.org/news/national-memorial-and-legacy-museum-open-thursday-april-26/">opened in 2018</a>.“I went to their website and there’s an&nbsp;<a href="https://lynchinginamerica.eji.org/explore">interactive map</a>&nbsp;you can click on places where they have lynchings memorialized,” says Murchison, who grew up in South Carolina. “I expected to find the town that I grew up in with a red dot and there wasn’t one. But then I noticed a red dot in the middle of the country. I clicked on it and it was Saline County. I was stupefied.”In fact, the Equal Justice Initiative lists 19 lynchings in Kansas between 1882 and 1920.After her trip to Montgomery, Murchison began talking with groups around Salina.“It’s been a known fact,” she says of Adams’ lynching — historians have given presentations about it, and the library produced a booklet for the cemetery walk.“But we haven’t really grappled with it, that it was such an injustice,” Murchison says.Many people in Salina were horrified when it happened, she adds.“You could hear it in the editorials of the time — they were deeply ashamed. Upstanding citizens said, ‘That’s not who we are and we shouldn’t do this,’ ” she says.Still, she says, Kansas needs to own its history.“To give those victims justice, at least in terms of recognition of what happened to them,” Murchison says.Beverly says her grandchildren have been listening to her talk about the project. She tells them she’s doing it because she wants people to stop and think before they act.“If it’s that easy to designate someone unfit, unhuman because of a disability, the color of their skin, their sex, their sexual orientation — all the stupid labels — be aware because it could be you,” she says.“Someone could decide whatever it is about you is the wrong thing and could target you,” she says. “History has proven that over and over again. That’s what we do.”The above opinion piece is republished with permission from Kansas Reflector.C.J. Janovy is a veteran journalist with deep roots in the Midwest. Before joining the Kansas Reflector, she was an editor and reporter at Kansas City’s NPR affiliate, KCUR. Before that, she edited the city’s alt-weekly newspaper, The Pitch, where Janovy and her writers won numerous local, regional and national awards.

OPINION: Salina steps up to show lynching ‘did happen in Kansas’

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 100 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 1,779.

Of that total, 998 have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died and eight active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted.

Following is the updated cases data, as provided by the health department.

• New cases since last public release: 100

• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 50

• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 6

-Male cases age: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39

McPherson County residents are encouraged to help slow the spread of coronavirus by:

• Following Phase 2 of Reopening Kansas and McPherson County (mcphersoncountyks.us).

• Avoiding gatherings in groups greater than 15-persons.

• Wearing cloth face coverings or homemade masks when in public.

• Practicing cough etiquette and washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 100 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 1,779.Of that total, 998 have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died and eight active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted.Following is the updated cases data, as provided by the health department.• New cases since last public release: 100• Asymptomatic: 50• Cases with unknown exposure: 817• Cases 60 years old and above: 555• Cases 50-59 years old: 247• Cases 40-49 years old: 224• Cases 30-39 years old: 223• Cases 18-29 years old: 361• Cases under 18 years old: 164• Female cases: 924• Male cases: 850• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 50• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 6• Deaths: 10 (1 pending)-Male cases age: 86, 90, 96, 78, 90, 81, 66, 39-Female cases age: 92, 89McPherson County residents are encouraged to help slow the spread of coronavirus by:• Following Phase 2 of Reopening Kansas and McPherson County (mcphersoncountyks.us).• Maintaining social distancing.• Avoiding gatherings in groups greater than 15-persons.• Wearing cloth face coverings or homemade masks when in public.• Practicing cough etiquette and washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

McPherson County reports 100 new COVID-19 cases

TOPEKA -- Kaye B. Pearce, former Executive Director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association, who served 20 years with the association, passed away Dec. 6 at his home in Bella Vista, Ark., at the age of 85.

For 39 years Kaye Pearce devoted his life to the kids of Kansas as a teacher, coach, athletic director and member of the KSHSAA staff. His years as a coach and as a member of the KSHSAA staff earned him an enviable reputation as an excellent leader who truly cared about his profession, those he was privileged to work with and the students in the state of Kansas.

Pearce joined the staff of the Kansas State High School Activities Association in 1976 as an Administrative Assistant. In 1989 he was named the Associate Director and from 1993-1996 he served as the Executive Director. While a member of the KSHSAA staff Pearce was the administrator for numerous activities, perhaps most notably football, basketball and track and field. Professional positions included: NFHS Football Rules Committee for 20 years, serving as the chair the last four years; two terms on the NFHS Track &amp; Field Rules Committee; Board of Directors for the Sunflower State Games; and Kansas Wesleyan University Board of Trustees.

For many years following his retirement in 1996, he served as the KSHSAA State Track and Field Meet referee.

A native of Salina, Pearce began his career at his alma mater, spending nine year as a teacher and coach. When Salina added another high school he remained at Central High School for ten years as the athletic director, math teacher, football and track coach. During his 19 seasons as a football coach for the Mustangs from 1957-1975, the last 16 he served as the program's head coach. He had a record of 91-48-4 (.654).

From 1960-1968, before the start of high school playoffs in Kansas, his teams never won less than six games when the maximum number played was nine.

Pearce is a member of three Halls of Fame:

1986– Kansas Wesleyan University (Salina) Hall of Fame (Football, Basketball)

2001 - KSHSAA Hall of Fame (Administrator)

2019—Salina Central High School Hall of Fame

Pearce is survived by his wife Barbara, three children and several grandchildren.

--<a href="http://kshsaa.org">kshsaa.org</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607380775999.png" alt="Kaye Pearce. Photo courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Kaye Pearce. Photo courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA -- Kaye B. Pearce, former Executive Director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association, who served 20 years with the association, passed away Dec. 6 at his home in Bella Vista, Ark., at the age of 85.For 39 years Kaye Pearce devoted his life to the kids of Kansas as a teacher, coach, athletic director and member of the KSHSAA staff. His years as a coach and as a member of the KSHSAA staff earned him an enviable reputation as an excellent leader who truly cared about his profession, those he was privileged to work with and the students in the state of Kansas.Pearce joined the staff of the Kansas State High School Activities Association in 1976 as an Administrative Assistant. In 1989 he was named the Associate Director and from 1993-1996 he served as the Executive Director. While a member of the KSHSAA staff Pearce was the administrator for numerous activities, perhaps most notably football, basketball and track and field. Professional positions included: NFHS Football Rules Committee for 20 years, serving as the chair the last four years; two terms on the NFHS Track &amp; Field Rules Committee; Board of Directors for the Sunflower State Games; and Kansas Wesleyan University Board of Trustees.For many years following his retirement in 1996, he served as the KSHSAA State Track and Field Meet referee.A native of Salina, Pearce began his career at his alma mater, spending nine year as a teacher and coach. When Salina added another high school he remained at Central High School for ten years as the athletic director, math teacher, football and track coach. During his 19 seasons as a football coach for the Mustangs from 1957-1975, the last 16 he served as the program's head coach. He had a record of 91-48-4 (.654).From 1960-1968, before the start of high school playoffs in Kansas, his teams never won less than six games when the maximum number played was nine.Pearce is a member of three Halls of Fame:1986– Kansas Wesleyan University (Salina) Hall of Fame (Football, Basketball)2001 - KSHSAA Hall of Fame (Administrator)2019—Salina Central High School Hall of FamePearce is survived by his wife Barbara, three children and several grandchildren.--<a href="http://kshsaa.org">kshsaa.org</a>--

KSHSAA announces death of Salina native Kaye Pearce

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

Sadly, we have been notified of three additional deaths related to COVID-19, which brings the total number of deaths in Saline County to 34. There are 135 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since our last update on Friday, December 4.&nbsp; The total number of positive cases for Saline County is now 2,921 with 962 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 1,925 that have recovered. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they currently have 34 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> We appreciate everyone who is following the guidelines for public gatherings, mask ordinances, and quarantine protocols. You are saving lives. Saline County implemented new isolation and quarantine protocols based upon the options provided by the Center for Disease Control and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on December 5th. Anyone under a 14-day quarantine as of December 5th should finish the quarantine. There has been no change to the isolation protocol. Those under an isolation order should remain in isolation for 10 days with at least 72 hours fever-free without the aid of medication. The quarantine protocol has been shortened from 14 days to 10 days with no symptom development. It is important to remember that the date of exposure is Day 0 and to continue to monitor for symptom for 14 days. The 14-day quarantine still applies to residents of long-term care facilities and assisted living and inmates at correctional facilities. "The CDC has opted for a shorter quarantine period in an effort to reduce burden and increase community compliance," said Jason Tiller, Saline County Health Department Director and Health Officer. "Additionally, the CDC determined there is a small risk of post-quarantine infection." This is an ever-evolving situation. Please continue to follow official sources to obtain the most accurate information possible. Health Department staff continue to be overwhelmed and several days behind with contacting new positive cases and close contacts. We have added staff and some cases being routed to contact tracers at KDHE, but still, we are behind.&nbsp; Thank you for your patience. If you have tested positive or you are known to be a close contact, please do not call the Health Department unless at least three days have passed 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. However, with being several days behind, we are unable to produce the necessary documentation immediately. According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 174,025 cases and 1,856 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more. 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments). 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc. 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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&lt;http://www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607376341097.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.Sadly, we have been notified of three additional deaths related to COVID-19, which brings the total number of deaths in Saline County to 34. There are 135 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County since our last update on Friday, December 4.&nbsp; The total number of positive cases for Saline County is now 2,921 with 962 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 1,925 that have recovered. Salina Regional Health Center notified us that they currently have 34 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> We appreciate everyone who is following the guidelines for public gatherings, mask ordinances, and quarantine protocols. You are saving lives. Saline County implemented new isolation and quarantine protocols based upon the options provided by the Center for Disease Control and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on December 5th. Anyone under a 14-day quarantine as of December 5th should finish the quarantine. There has been no change to the isolation protocol. Those under an isolation order should remain in isolation for 10 days with at least 72 hours fever-free without the aid of medication. The quarantine protocol has been shortened from 14 days to 10 days with no symptom development. It is important to remember that the date of exposure is Day 0 and to continue to monitor for symptom for 14 days. The 14-day quarantine still applies to residents of long-term care facilities and assisted living and inmates at correctional facilities. "The CDC has opted for a shorter quarantine period in an effort to reduce burden and increase community compliance," said Jason Tiller, Saline County Health Department Director and Health Officer. "Additionally, the CDC determined there is a small risk of post-quarantine infection." This is an ever-evolving situation. Please continue to follow official sources to obtain the most accurate information possible. Health Department staff continue to be overwhelmed and several days behind with contacting new positive cases and close contacts. We have added staff and some cases being routed to contact tracers at KDHE, but still, we are behind.&nbsp; Thank you for your patience. If you have tested positive or you are known to be a close contact, please do not call the Health Department unless at least three days have passed 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. However, with being several days behind, we are unable to produce the necessary documentation immediately. According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 174,025 cases and 1,856 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Maintain physical distance between yourself and others of at least 6 feet or more. 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; By Public Health Order, gatherings are limited to 15 persons or less (with certain exceptions for establishments). 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and areas such as doorknobs, handles, cell phones, tablets, etc. 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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&lt;http://www.saline.org/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>.&nbsp;

Saline County: 3 more deaths, 135 additional COVID-19 cases

SALINE COUNTY —Interstate traffic is back open in all directions following an accident involving a semi that rolled on eastbound Interstate 70 Monday morning, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol

The accident just after 10a.m. at the junction of Interstate 70 and Interstate 135 forced eastbound traffic on I-70 to travel south.

All southbound traffic on I-135 attempting to exit for eastbound I-70 was forced to continue south past the interchange.

The KHP has not reported additional details including any injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607375539902.png" alt="Semi rollover crash photo courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Semi rollover crash photo courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Interstate traffic is back open in all directions following an accident involving a semi that rolled on eastbound Interstate 70 Monday morning, according to the Kansas Highway PatrolThe accident just after 10a.m. at the junction of Interstate 70 and Interstate 135 forced eastbound traffic on I-70 to travel south.All southbound traffic on I-135 attempting to exit for eastbound I-70 was forced to continue south past the interchange.The KHP has not reported additional details including any injuries.

Semi removed after rollover crash west of Salina

Office of Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill

TOPEKA — As a member of the SPARK (Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas) Steering Committee and member of the state Finance Council for Kansas, I would like to announce that the grant application process for movie theaters across the state of Kansas is now available.

The state of Kansas approved SPARK grant funding in the amount of $10,000 per screen to theater businesses impacted by COVID-19 that generate 50 percent of their revenue from showing movies and related products, such as concessions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Please complete the form below to confirm your presence as a movie theater in the state of Kansas and identify the number of screens that you operate.&nbsp; This intake form must be completed no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday. Payments will be issued by no later than Dec. 30.

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%253A%252F%252Fkansasdepartmentofcommerce.formstack.com%252Fforms%252Fsbwc_ks_movie_theater_intake&amp;data=04%257C01%257CDavid.Soffer%2540ks.gov%257Ce09f24a24b414fe1202c08d89abf7f25%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C637429494553065337%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C1000&amp;sdata=IfRHdfPGW4uoVELdCbDwsiHqps7xgCLELtFp%252FIStH1s%253D&amp;reserved=0">Kansas Movie Theater Grant Intake Form</a>

If you have any questions regarding the Movie Theater Grant Application process, call (785) 324-1822 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov">troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov</a>.

Office of Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker HillTOPEKA — As a member of the SPARK (Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas) Steering Committee and member of the state Finance Council for Kansas, I would like to announce that the grant application process for movie theaters across the state of Kansas is now available.The state of Kansas approved SPARK grant funding in the amount of $10,000 per screen to theater businesses impacted by COVID-19 that generate 50 percent of their revenue from showing movies and related products, such as concessions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Please complete the form below to confirm your presence as a movie theater in the state of Kansas and identify the number of screens that you operate.&nbsp; This intake form must be completed no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday. Payments will be issued by no later than Dec. 30.<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%253A%252F%252Fkansasdepartmentofcommerce.formstack.com%252Fforms%252Fsbwc_ks_movie_theater_intake&amp;data=04%257C01%257CDavid.Soffer%2540ks.gov%257Ce09f24a24b414fe1202c08d89abf7f25%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C637429494553065337%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C1000&amp;sdata=IfRHdfPGW4uoVELdCbDwsiHqps7xgCLELtFp%252FIStH1s%253D&amp;reserved=0">Kansas Movie Theater Grant Intake Form</a>If you have any questions regarding the Movie Theater Grant Application process, call (785) 324-1822 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov">troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov</a>.

SPARK grant application process opens for Kan. movie theaters

MANHATTAN — Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) recognized members and supporters at its 102nd&nbsp;Annual Meeting Thursday and Friday in Manhattan. Edie Dahlsten, McPherson County,&nbsp;received KFB’s Distinguished Service award. Edie and her husband, Larry, have spent their lives advocating, educating and serving on behalf of their farm organization. Dahlsten started out on the State Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee and it was this experience that launched her appointment to the KFB Board of Directors in 1989, then was elected vice president in 2002 and made the decision to retire in 2011. Today, she still serves Kansas Farm Bureau as a board member for KFB’s Foundation for Agriculture. The organization also presented 13 Friends of Agriculture awards. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Kansas Farm Bureau and agriculture. They included:

●Erik Atkinson, Wabaunsee County,&nbsp;has worked in the agriculture industry throughout the last 40 years. He now hosts “Agriculture Today” for the K-State Radio Network to inform Kansans on leading agricultural topics.

●Stacey&nbsp;Forshee, Cloud County,&nbsp;has served agriculture for 30 years in various roles throughout Kansas Farm Bureau, including on KFB’s Board of Directors, as YF&amp;R State Committee Chair, District Resolutions Chair and an Ag Advisory Board member. She has always committed herself to advocating on behalf of farm families.

●Herschel George, Miami County,&nbsp;started his career in agriculture 50 years ago. He has served as a 4-H extension agent and a watershed specialist, educating farmers on strategies concerning water supply. Throughout his career, he has provided expert advice to many in the industry.

●Rick McNary, Butler County,&nbsp;is a published author, photographer and global hunger expert. He also founded the Facebook group “Shop Kansas Farms,” which has become an avenue for consumers to connect with local farmers. Although not directly engaged in farming, Rick is an avid ag supporter through his passion to combat hunger.

●Keith Miller, Barton County,&nbsp;has served agriculture for more than 45 years. He is a third-generation farmer and raises wheat, alfalfa, milo, corn and soybeans. He served on KFB’s board of directors for 17 years and continues to serve agriculture as a commissioner for the Kansas Soybean Commission. Keith is a devout Farm Bureau member and his contributions to the industry are greatly appreciated.

●Laura Moffet, Rooks County,&nbsp;is dedicated to educating youth about the importance of agriculture in our world by planning events such as Bushels for Backpacks and Ag in the Classroom. Along with her educational outreach efforts, she has served as the Rooks County Farm Bureau coordinator for several years.

●Joe Newland, Wilson County,&nbsp;is a dedicated agriculturalist, farming more than 2,800 acres of wheat, corn, soybeans and hay, as well as managing a 300 head cow/calf herd. He was elected to KFB’s board of directors in 2011 and resigned in 2019 to replace Representative Larry Hibbard who retired from the Kansas 13th House District. He’s served as president of the Wilson County Farm Bureau board, on the state Resolutions Committee and volunteered on various school and bank boards.

●Barbara Roux, Harvey County,&nbsp;has committed her career to preparing youth in the agriculture industry to be successful in life by serving the Kansas 4-H where she worked as an extension agent and coach. She also served on the Harvey County Farm Bureau Board for 10 years.

●Harland Rupp, Ellis and Barton counties,&nbsp;has worked for 23 years to help Ellis and Barton counties with their agricultural accomplishments. He worked alongside K-State Research and Extension to develop the first Farm Safety Day and Kids Ag Day for students in both counties.

MANHATTAN — Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) recognized members and supporters at its 102nd&nbsp;Annual Meeting Thursday and Friday in Manhattan. Edie Dahlsten, McPherson County,&nbsp;received KFB’s Distinguished Service award. Edie and her husband, Larry, have spent their lives advocating, educating and serving on behalf of their farm organization. Dahlsten started out on the State Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee and it was this experience that launched her appointment to the KFB Board of Directors in 1989, then was elected vice president in 2002 and made the decision to retire in 2011. Today, she still serves Kansas Farm Bureau as a board member for KFB’s Foundation for Agriculture. The organization also presented 13 Friends of Agriculture awards. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Kansas Farm Bureau and agriculture. They included:●Erik Atkinson, Wabaunsee County,&nbsp;has worked in the agriculture industry throughout the last 40 years. He now hosts “Agriculture Today” for the K-State Radio Network to inform Kansans on leading agricultural topics.●Stacey&nbsp;Forshee, Cloud County,&nbsp;has served agriculture for 30 years in various roles throughout Kansas Farm Bureau, including on KFB’s Board of Directors, as YF&amp;R State Committee Chair, District Resolutions Chair and an Ag Advisory Board member. She has always committed herself to advocating on behalf of farm families.●Herschel George, Miami County,&nbsp;started his career in agriculture 50 years ago. He has served as a 4-H extension agent and a watershed specialist, educating farmers on strategies concerning water supply. Throughout his career, he has provided expert advice to many in the industry.●Rick McNary, Butler County,&nbsp;is a published author, photographer and global hunger expert. He also founded the Facebook group “Shop Kansas Farms,” which has become an avenue for consumers to connect with local farmers. Although not directly engaged in farming, Rick is an avid ag supporter through his passion to combat hunger.●Keith Miller, Barton County,&nbsp;has served agriculture for more than 45 years. He is a third-generation farmer and raises wheat, alfalfa, milo, corn and soybeans. He served on KFB’s board of directors for 17 years and continues to serve agriculture as a commissioner for the Kansas Soybean Commission. Keith is a devout Farm Bureau member and his contributions to the industry are greatly appreciated.●Laura Moffet, Rooks County,&nbsp;is dedicated to educating youth about the importance of agriculture in our world by planning events such as Bushels for Backpacks and Ag in the Classroom. Along with her educational outreach efforts, she has served as the Rooks County Farm Bureau coordinator for several years.●Joe Newland, Wilson County,&nbsp;is a dedicated agriculturalist, farming more than 2,800 acres of wheat, corn, soybeans and hay, as well as managing a 300 head cow/calf herd. He was elected to KFB’s board of directors in 2011 and resigned in 2019 to replace Representative Larry Hibbard who retired from the Kansas 13th House District. He’s served as president of the Wilson County Farm Bureau board, on the state Resolutions Committee and volunteered on various school and bank boards.●Barbara Roux, Harvey County,&nbsp;has committed her career to preparing youth in the agriculture industry to be successful in life by serving the Kansas 4-H where she worked as an extension agent and coach. She also served on the Harvey County Farm Bureau Board for 10 years.●Harland Rupp, Ellis and Barton counties,&nbsp;has worked for 23 years to help Ellis and Barton counties with their agricultural accomplishments. He worked alongside K-State Research and Extension to develop the first Farm Safety Day and Kids Ag Day for students in both counties.●Randol Walker, Shawnee County,&nbsp;has made many contributions to agriculture throughout the last 47 years. He’s been a member of the K-State Extension board and held several roles in Shawnee County Farm Bureau. Walker has also spoken at numerous county commission meetings on local agricultural issues.Jay Overmiller, Smith County,&nbsp;received the Kansas Farm Bureau National Resources Award. This award goes to the farm family who exemplifies good land stewardship. Jay and his family operate a fourth-generation farm and grow wheat, soybeans and milo on 2,500 acres of side hills. The Overmillers use no-till techniques and implement vigilant soil testing, as well as utilize Conservation Security Program buffers to filter chemicals from field runoffs and provide a habitat for wildlife. The family has also planted nearly 300 trees and bushes over the last two years to increase water filtration and add more nutrients to the soil. Jay’s ongoing passion is to preserve the land he tends so the next generation of Overmillers can continue to protect their natural resources. Ray Will&nbsp;received the Kansas Farm Bureau Partnership Award. This award recognizes someone from Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) who has gone above and beyond for the state’s largest farm organization. Ray is a Business Center Director for FBFS with both underwriting and claims staff oversight. He has been a tremendous partner for KFB and helps ensure members have a positive claims and underwriting experience.