Today is Monday, Dec. 7, the 342nd day of 2020. There are 24 days left in the year. 

On Dec. 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan launched an air raid on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii as well as targets in Malaya, Hong Kong, Guam, the Philippines and Wake Island; the United States declared war against Japan the next day.

In 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. 

In 1909, in his State of the Union address, President William Howard Taft defended the decision to base U.S. naval operations in the Pacific at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, instead of in the Philippines. 

In 1917, during World War I, the United States declared war on Austria-Hungary. 

In 1972, America's last moon mission to date was launched as Apollo 17 blasted off from Cape Canaveral. Imelda Marcos, wife of Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos, was stabbed and seriously wounded by an assailant who was shot dead by her bodyguards. 

In 1982, convicted murderer Charlie Brooks Jr. became the first U.S. prisoner to be executed by injection, at a prison in Huntsville, Texas. 

In 1987, 43 people were killed after a gunman aboard a Pacific Southwest Airlines jetliner in California apparently opened fire on a fellow passenger, the pilots and himself, causing the plane to crash. Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev set foot on American soil for the first time, arriving for a Washington summit with President Ronald Reagan. 

In 1988, a major earthquake in the Soviet Union devastated northern Armenia; official estimates put the death toll at 25-thousand. 

In 1993, gunman Colin Ferguson opened fire on a Long Island Rail Road commuter train, killing six people and wounding 19. (Ferguson was later sentenced to a minimum of 200 years in prison.)

In 2001, Taliban forces abandoned their last bastion in Afghanistan, fleeing the southern city of Kandahar.

In 2004, Hamid Karzai was sworn in as Afghanistan's first popularly elected president. 

In 2017, Democratic Sen. Al Franken said he would resign after a series of sexual harassment allegations; he took a parting shot at President Donald Trump, describing him as "a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault." Republican Rep. Trent Franks of Arizona said he would resign, after revealing that he discussed surrogacy with two female staffers. 

In 2018, the man who drove his car into counterprotesters at a 2017 white nationalist rally in Virginia was convicted of first-degree murder; a state jury rejected defense arguments that James Alex Fields Jr. acted in self-defense. President Donald Trump announced that he would nominate William Barr to succeed Jeff Sessions as attorney general. (Barr would be confirmed and sworn-in in February.)

Ten years ago: Elizabeth Edwards, the estranged wife of former U.S. Sen. John Edwards, died at her home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, at 61 after fighting breast cancer. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange surrendered to authorities in London, where he was jailed for nine days before being freed on bail as he fought extradition to Sweden for questioning in a rape investigation.

Five years ago: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump called for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States," an idea swiftly condemned by his rival GOP candidates for president and other Republicans. The federal government opened an investigation into the Chicago Police Department, the same day authorities announced they would not charge an officer in the shooting death of 25-year-old Ronald Johnson, a Black man who authorities said was armed with a gun as he ran away from officers.

One year ago: In a rare diplomatic breakthrough between Tehran and Washington, Chinese-American graduate student Xiyue Wang, who'd been held for three years in Iran on widely-criticized espionage charges, was freed as part of a prisoner exchange that saw the U.S. release a detained Iranian scientist. At the shipyard in Newport News, Virginia, Caroline Kennedy christened a new aircraft carrier named after her late father, President John F. Kennedy. A dozen frail survivors of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor returned to honor those who died in the 1941 bombing that launched the U.S. into World War II.

Today's Birthdays: Linguist and political philosopher Noam Chomsky is 92. Bluegrass singer Bobby Osborne is 89. Actor Ellen Burstyn is 88. Broadcast journalist Carole Simpson is 80. Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench is 73. Actor-director-producer James Keach is 73. Country singer Gary Morris is 72. Singer-songwriter Tom Waits is 71. Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, is 68. Basketball Hall of Famer Larry Bird is 64. Actor Priscilla Barnes is 63. Former "Tonight Show" announcer Edd Hall is 62. Rock musician Tim Butler (The Psychedelic Furs) is 62. Actor Patrick Fabian is 56. Actor Jeffrey Wright is 55. Actor C. Thomas Howell is 54. Actor Kimberly Hebert Gregory (TV: "Kevin (Probably) Saves the World") is 48. Producer-director Jason Winer is 48. Former NFL player Terrell Owens is 47. Rapper-producer Kon Artis is 46. Pop singer Nicole Appleton (All Saints) is 45. Latin singer Frankie J is 44. Country singer Sunny Sweeney is 44. Actor Chris Chalk is 43. Actor Shiri Appleby is 42. Pop-rock singer/celebrity judge Sara Bareilles is 41. Actor Jennifer Carpenter is 41. Actor Jack Huston is 38. Singer Aaron Carter is 33.

<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 in History Today is Monday, Dec. 7, the 342nd day of 2020. There are 24 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan launched an air raid on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii as well as targets in Malaya, Hong Kong, Guam, the Philippines and Wake Island; the United States declared war against Japan the next day.On this date: In 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. In 1909, in his State of the Union address, President William Howard Taft defended the decision to base U.S. naval operations in the Pacific at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, instead of in the Philippines. In 1917, during World War I, the United States declared war on Austria-Hungary. In 1972, America's last moon mission to date was launched as Apollo 17 blasted off from Cape Canaveral. Imelda Marcos, wife of Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos, was stabbed and seriously wounded by an assailant who was shot dead by her bodyguards. In 1982, convicted murderer Charlie Brooks Jr. became the first U.S. prisoner to be executed by injection, at a prison in Huntsville, Texas. In 1987, 43 people were killed after a gunman aboard a Pacific Southwest Airlines jetliner in California apparently opened fire on a fellow passenger, the pilots and himself, causing the plane to crash. Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev set foot on American soil for the first time, arriving for a Washington summit with President Ronald Reagan. In 1988, a major earthquake in the Soviet Union devastated northern Armenia; official estimates put the death toll at 25-thousand. In 1993, gunman Colin Ferguson opened fire on a Long Island Rail Road commuter train, killing six people and wounding 19. (Ferguson was later sentenced to a minimum of 200 years in prison.)In 2001, Taliban forces abandoned their last bastion in Afghanistan, fleeing the southern city of Kandahar.In 2004, Hamid Karzai was sworn in as Afghanistan's first popularly elected president. In 2017, Democratic Sen. Al Franken said he would resign after a series of sexual harassment allegations; he took a parting shot at President Donald Trump, describing him as "a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault." Republican Rep. Trent Franks of Arizona said he would resign, after revealing that he discussed surrogacy with two female staffers. In 2018, the man who drove his car into counterprotesters at a 2017 white nationalist rally in Virginia was convicted of first-degree murder; a state jury rejected defense arguments that James Alex Fields Jr. acted in self-defense. President Donald Trump announced that he would nominate William Barr to succeed Jeff Sessions as attorney general. (Barr would be confirmed and sworn-in in February.)Ten years ago: Elizabeth Edwards, the estranged wife of former U.S. Sen. John Edwards, died at her home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, at 61 after fighting breast cancer. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange surrendered to authorities in London, where he was jailed for nine days before being freed on bail as he fought extradition to Sweden for questioning in a rape investigation. Five years ago: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump called for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States," an idea swiftly condemned by his rival GOP candidates for president and other Republicans. The federal government opened an investigation into the Chicago Police Department, the same day authorities announced they would not charge an officer in the shooting death of 25-year-old Ronald Johnson, a Black man who authorities said was armed with a gun as he ran away from officers.One year ago: In a rare diplomatic breakthrough between Tehran and Washington, Chinese-American graduate student Xiyue Wang, who'd been held for three years in Iran on widely-criticized espionage charges, was freed as part of a prisoner exchange that saw the U.S. release a detained Iranian scientist. At the shipyard in Newport News, Virginia, Caroline Kennedy christened a new aircraft carrier named after her late father, President John F. Kennedy. A dozen frail survivors of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor returned to honor those who died in the 1941 bombing that launched the U.S. into World War II.Today's Birthdays: Linguist and political philosopher Noam Chomsky is 92. Bluegrass singer Bobby Osborne is 89. Actor Ellen Burstyn is 88. Broadcast journalist Carole Simpson is 80. Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench is 73. Actor-director-producer James Keach is 73. Country singer Gary Morris is 72. Singer-songwriter Tom Waits is 71. Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine, is 68. Basketball Hall of Famer Larry Bird is 64. Actor Priscilla Barnes is 63. Former "Tonight Show" announcer Edd Hall is 62. Rock musician Tim Butler (The Psychedelic Furs) is 62. Actor Patrick Fabian is 56. Actor Jeffrey Wright is 55. Actor C. Thomas Howell is 54. Actor Kimberly Hebert Gregory (TV: "Kevin (Probably) Saves the World") is 48. Producer-director Jason Winer is 48. Former NFL player Terrell Owens is 47. Rapper-producer Kon Artis is 46. Pop singer Nicole Appleton (All Saints) is 45. Latin singer Frankie J is 44. Country singer Sunny Sweeney is 44. Actor Chris Chalk is 43. Actor Shiri Appleby is 42. Pop-rock singer/celebrity judge Sara Bareilles is 41. Actor Jennifer Carpenter is 41. Actor Jack Huston is 38. Singer Aaron Carter is 33.

Today in History -- Dec. 7

A public hearing regarding industrial revenue bonds for Great Plains Manufacturing, the proposed adoption of the 2021-25 capital improvement program, and a proposed ordinance pertaining to a citizens review board are among the items on a busy Salina City Commission agenda for Monday. 

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, city study sessions and commission meetings will take place via Zoom until further notice. You can view the meetings at the City of Salina YouTube channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.

To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>

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

Citizens can also send written comments or questions to commissioners via email at <a href="mailto:citycommission@salina.org">citycommission@salina.org</a>. The city requests that in order for commissioners to have an opportunity to review comments in advance of the meeting, citizens should email their comments or questions by 5 p.m. the Sunday prior to the Monday meeting.

Commissioners are scheduled to begin with a study session at 2:30 p.m. The topic of the study session is a Salina Net Generation Tennis Project presentation.

The regular commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.

Commissioners are scheduled to conduct a public hearing regarding issuance of Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for Great Plains Manufacturing No. 2, LLC.

At an Aug. 6 meeting, commissioners adopeted a resolution preliminarily indicating the city's intent to issue $20 million of industrial revenue bonds for a project with the code name of "Gemini." That code name referred to Great Plains' proposed expansion to the Signify (formerly Phillips Lighting) facility at 3861 South Ninth Street that was closing.

On Aug. 13, Great Plains announced the $53 million expansion to the 750,000-square-foot Signify/Phillips Lighting plant, which was planning to close by the end of 2020. Great Plains plans to begin operations in the new facility by the end of 2021, and will utilize a phased approach. Initially, Great Plains will plan to add approximately 130 new manufacturing jobs, Linda Salem, president and CEO of Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc., said during the announcement of the expansion. The size of the building on South Ninth Street will allow for future expansion as well, she added.

"The initial product we will focus on will be the Kubota compact track loader called the SVL65," Salem said during the August announcement. "This product is manufactured in Japan today. Kubota's strategy is to move production closer to the market and the North American market is the No. 1 customer for this unit, so we are honored they have entrusted the manufacturing of this important product to Great Plains."

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fe40141b-eb47-4142-81bc-7db2fc57b328">UPDATE: Great Plains announces $53M Salina expansion</a>

Monday's public hearing is the next step in the process of issuing the bonds. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the commission may consider adopting a resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds and the execution of a performance agreement with Great Plains.

Commissioners also are scheduled to hear the first reading of an ordinance establishing a Citizens Review Board (CRB) for the Salina Police Department (SPD). The CRB would be a city commission-appointed board. The idea of doing away with the SPD's Law Enforcement Advisory Board and establishing a new CRB was officially proposed to the city commission on July 15 by the Sunflower Coalition, a community organization. Since that time, the city commission conducted three public events to provide citizens with the opportunity to weigh in on the proposal before the city commission made a final decision.

Other items on the city commission agenda for Monday include the following.

●Approve  Resolution  No.  20-7915  describing  the  corporate  limits  of  the  City  of  Salina.

●Approve  Resolution  No.  20-7912  adopting  the  2021-2025  Capital  Improvement  Program for the City of Salina.

●Approve   Resolution   No.   20-7909   authorizing   the   mayor   to   execute   an   agreement  for  the  installation  of  natural  gas  facilities  by  Kansas  Gas  Service  for the South Water Treatment Plant.

●Approve Resolution No. 20-7904 authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement for the placement of public art between the City of Salina and Saline County to allow for placement of the statue Farmer at the senior center on property owned by Saline County.

●Consider Resolution  No.  20-7906 authorizing  the  city  manager  to  execute  renewals  of  Agreement to Provide Administrative Services for a Self-Funded Health Benefit Plan  and  Individual  and  Aggregate  Stop-loss  with  BlueCross  BlueShield  of  Kansas.

●Consider Resolution No. 20-7917 amending and restating Section 3 of Resolution No. 20-7825 addressing COVID-19 paid leave in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and ratifying all other provisions of Resolution No. 20-7825.

Additionally, city commissioners are scheduled to meet in executive session "to  discuss  the  subjects  of  (1)  the  legal  considerations  relating  to  the  Governing  Body’s potential consent to representation of the City by the City’s legal counsel, the firm of Clark, Mize &amp; Linville, in the matter of a proposal by a private entity to  purchase  real  estate  owned  by  the  City  under  circumstances  in  which  the  private  entity  (a)  is  also  a  client  of  the  firm,  (b)  has  consented  to  the  firm’s  representation  of  the  City  in  the  matter,  and  (c)  has  not  been  provided  legal  advice  by  the  firm  regarding  the  matter;  and,  if  the  Governing  Body  anticipates  publicly  consenting  to  representation  by  the  firm  in  the  matter,  (2)    the  legal  considerations  involved  in  responding  to  the  proposal  to  purchase  real  estate  owned by the City with legal counsel."

To see the entire Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday (181 pages), <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?startid=177362&amp;&amp;dbid=0&amp;cr=1">click here</a>.

A public hearing regarding industrial revenue bonds for Great Plains Manufacturing, the proposed adoption of the 2021-25 capital improvement program, and a proposed ordinance pertaining to a citizens review board are among the items on a busy Salina City Commission agenda for Monday. About city meetingsBecause of the COVID-19 pandemic, city study sessions and commission meetings will take place via Zoom until further notice. You can view the meetings at the City of Salina YouTube channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.To participate in the meetings, citizens will need to use the Zoom link:&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89275984587</a>If citizens wish to speak, either during the public forum or when the mayor requests public comment on an item, citizens must raise their hand so that the meeting host can allow them to speak.Citizens can also send written comments or questions to commissioners via email at <a href="mailto:citycommission@salina.org">citycommission@salina.org</a>. The city requests that in order for commissioners to have an opportunity to review comments in advance of the meeting, citizens should email their comments or questions by 5 p.m. the Sunday prior to the Monday meeting.Study sessionCommissioners are scheduled to begin with a study session at 2:30 p.m. The topic of the study session is a Salina Net Generation Tennis Project presentation.Regular meetingThe regular commission meeting is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.Commissioners are scheduled to conduct a public hearing regarding issuance of Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for Great Plains Manufacturing No. 2, LLC.At an Aug. 6 meeting, commissioners adopeted a resolution preliminarily indicating the city's intent to issue $20 million of industrial revenue bonds for a project with the code name of "Gemini." That code name referred to Great Plains' proposed expansion to the Signify (formerly Phillips Lighting) facility at 3861 South Ninth Street that was closing.On Aug. 13, Great Plains announced the $53 million expansion to the 750,000-square-foot Signify/Phillips Lighting plant, which was planning to close by the end of 2020. Great Plains plans to begin operations in the new facility by the end of 2021, and will utilize a phased approach. Initially, Great Plains will plan to add approximately 130 new manufacturing jobs, Linda Salem, president and CEO of Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc., said during the announcement of the expansion. The size of the building on South Ninth Street will allow for future expansion as well, she added."The initial product we will focus on will be the Kubota compact track loader called the SVL65," Salem said during the August announcement. "This product is manufactured in Japan today. Kubota's strategy is to move production closer to the market and the North American market is the No. 1 customer for this unit, so we are honored they have entrusted the manufacturing of this important product to Great Plains."READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/fe40141b-eb47-4142-81bc-7db2fc57b328">UPDATE: Great Plains announces $53M Salina expansion</a>Monday's public hearing is the next step in the process of issuing the bonds. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the commission may consider adopting a resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds and the execution of a performance agreement with Great Plains.Commissioners also are scheduled to hear the first reading of an ordinance establishing a Citizens Review Board (CRB) for the Salina Police Department (SPD). The CRB would be a city commission-appointed board. The idea of doing away with the SPD's Law Enforcement Advisory Board and establishing a new CRB was officially proposed to the city commission on July 15 by the Sunflower Coalition, a community organization. Since that time, the city commission conducted three public events to provide citizens with the opportunity to weigh in on the proposal before the city commission made a final decision.Other items on the city commission agenda for Monday include the following.●Approve Resolution No. 20-7915 describing the corporate limits of the City of Salina.●Approve Resolution No. 20-7912 adopting the 2021-2025 Capital Improvement Program for the City of Salina.●Approve Resolution No. 20-7909 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement for the installation of natural gas facilities by Kansas Gas Service for the South Water Treatment Plant.●Approve Resolution No. 20-7904 authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement for the placement of public art between the City of Salina and Saline County to allow for placement of the statue Farmer at the senior center on property owned by Saline County.●Consider Resolution No. 20-7906 authorizing the city manager to execute renewals of Agreement to Provide Administrative Services for a Self-Funded Health Benefit Plan and Individual and Aggregate Stop-loss with BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas.●Consider Resolution No. 20-7917 amending and restating Section 3 of Resolution No. 20-7825 addressing COVID-19 paid leave in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and ratifying all other provisions of Resolution No. 20-7825.Additionally, city commissioners are scheduled to meet in executive session "to discuss the subjects of (1) the legal considerations relating to the Governing Body’s potential consent to representation of the City by the City’s legal counsel, the firm of Clark, Mize &amp; Linville, in the matter of a proposal by a private entity to purchase real estate owned by the City under circumstances in which the private entity (a) is also a client of the firm, (b) has consented to the firm’s representation of the City in the matter, and (c) has not been provided legal advice by the firm regarding the matter; and, if the Governing Body anticipates publicly consenting to representation by the firm in the matter, (2) the legal considerations involved in responding to the proposal to purchase real estate owned by the City with legal counsel."To see the entire Salina City Commission meeting packet for Monday (181 pages), <a href="http://weblink.salina.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?startid=177362&amp;&amp;dbid=0&amp;cr=1">click here</a>.

City to conduct Great Plains bond hearing, consider CRB ordinance

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

“I need to reach the stuff in the back of my truck. If only I could get to it better.” That statement could have served as the inspiration for this new innovative product which uses rollers to help truck owners access the material in their truck beds.&nbsp;

Alan and Carol VanNahmen are the owners of this entrepreneurial company which produces this new product for truck beds. It’s called RollBedder.&nbsp;

Alan grew up on a farm in southwest Kansas, attended Dodge City Community College and then Kansas State. He embarked on a career with Deere and Company which would take him across the United States and around the world – literally. Alan led initiatives for Deere and Company in France and China, for example. He later worked for a German company named Claas and at a research facility in Indiana before leaving corporate life.&nbsp;

Alan was also an inventor and entrepreneur. He served as a consultant on various projects such as the bi-rotor combine and the ARRO head harvesting system. As we have previously profiled, he founded the Farm Buddy company to help individual farmers advance their product ideas into corporate commercialization.&nbsp;

Growing up on the farm, Alan was frequently hauling things in pickup trucks. He designed side storage boxes along the side walls of the truck bed so as to carry tools and other supplies.&nbsp;

When he and his wife started a family, his truck took on additional uses. With two growing sons, the truck carried camping and sports equipment. But when hauling supplies in the bed of his pickup truck, he encountered the same problem that I do:&nbsp;&nbsp;From the back end of the truck bed, it is hard to reach the things that slid to the front end of the truck bed.&nbsp;

“Everybody has a challenge hauling their cargo,” Alan said. “Stuff slides to the front and you can’t retrieve it,” he said.&nbsp;

Alan designed a simple and ingenious solution. He invented the RollBedder system on which he has a patent pending. It consists of a set of rollers on a miniature dolly which are placed down inside the grooves in a pickup truck bed floor, with a false floor or bedliner over the top. Then that temporary floor panel can easily be rolled in or out of the bed, making it possible to access the items sitting on it.&nbsp;

In August 2019, Alan founded RollBedder LLC. The business is based in Manhattan where Alan and his wife Carol live today. The name reflects the fact that the rollers enable better access to the truck bed. Alan pointed out several advantages of the RollBedder kit system.&nbsp;

“This requires no tools, no drilling, and no modifications of the truck bed,” Alan said. “It is a DIY self-installed rolling cargo system and is transferrable between vehicles.”&nbsp;

Alan also created the truck bed flooring panels called Bi-Liners. These are the plyboard sheets that rest on the rollers. They are coated with polyethylene on the underside and carpet on the top. That keeps things from sliding or rattling around.&nbsp;

“I usually put a heavy toolbox or something on the front of the Bi-Liner so it can support several hundred pounds on the back as it rolls in and out,” Alan said. “The RollBedder system allows easy access to cargo, tools, groceries, or whatever it might be.”&nbsp;

“It’s great for farmers, contractors, tailgaters or people making deliveries, and we’ve sure seen a lot of that this year,” he said. Orders have come from across the country and as far away as Canada.&nbsp;

Alan had seen the need for this type of product firsthand, growing up on the farm near the rural community of Spearville, population 773 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information or to order, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rollbedder.com/" target="_blank">www.rollbedder.com</a>.&nbsp;

“I need the stuff in the bed of my truck.&nbsp;&nbsp;If only I could get to it better.” Those types of statements reflect the need for this type of product. We commend Alan and Carol VanNahmen for making a difference with entrepreneurship and inventiveness. They’ve come up with a better idea. Now, they can let it roll.

Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.

Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600566316666.jpeg" alt="Ron Wilson. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State University“I need to reach the stuff in the back of my truck. If only I could get to it better.” That statement could have served as the inspiration for this new innovative product which uses rollers to help truck owners access the material in their truck beds.&nbsp;Alan and Carol VanNahmen are the owners of this entrepreneurial company which produces this new product for truck beds. It’s called RollBedder.&nbsp;Alan grew up on a farm in southwest Kansas, attended Dodge City Community College and then Kansas State. He embarked on a career with Deere and Company which would take him across the United States and around the world – literally. Alan led initiatives for Deere and Company in France and China, for example. He later worked for a German company named Claas and at a research facility in Indiana before leaving corporate life.&nbsp;Alan was also an inventor and entrepreneur. He served as a consultant on various projects such as the bi-rotor combine and the ARRO head harvesting system. As we have previously profiled, he founded the Farm Buddy company to help individual farmers advance their product ideas into corporate commercialization.&nbsp;Growing up on the farm, Alan was frequently hauling things in pickup trucks. He designed side storage boxes along the side walls of the truck bed so as to carry tools and other supplies.&nbsp;When he and his wife started a family, his truck took on additional uses. With two growing sons, the truck carried camping and sports equipment. But when hauling supplies in the bed of his pickup truck, he encountered the same problem that I do:&nbsp;&nbsp;From the back end of the truck bed, it is hard to reach the things that slid to the front end of the truck bed.&nbsp;“Everybody has a challenge hauling their cargo,” Alan said. “Stuff slides to the front and you can’t retrieve it,” he said.&nbsp;Alan designed a simple and ingenious solution. He invented the RollBedder system on which he has a patent pending. It consists of a set of rollers on a miniature dolly which are placed down inside the grooves in a pickup truck bed floor, with a false floor or bedliner over the top. Then that temporary floor panel can easily be rolled in or out of the bed, making it possible to access the items sitting on it.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607277452865.jpeg" alt="The RollBedder system. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>The RollBedder system. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>In August 2019, Alan founded RollBedder LLC. The business is based in Manhattan where Alan and his wife Carol live today. The name reflects the fact that the rollers enable better access to the truck bed. Alan pointed out several advantages of the RollBedder kit system.&nbsp;“This requires no tools, no drilling, and no modifications of the truck bed,” Alan said. “It is a DIY self-installed rolling cargo system and is transferrable between vehicles.”&nbsp;Alan also created the truck bed flooring panels called Bi-Liners. These are the plyboard sheets that rest on the rollers. They are coated with polyethylene on the underside and carpet on the top. That keeps things from sliding or rattling around.&nbsp;“I usually put a heavy toolbox or something on the front of the Bi-Liner so it can support several hundred pounds on the back as it rolls in and out,” Alan said. “The RollBedder system allows easy access to cargo, tools, groceries, or whatever it might be.”&nbsp;“It’s great for farmers, contractors, tailgaters or people making deliveries, and we’ve sure seen a lot of that this year,” he said. Orders have come from across the country and as far away as Canada.&nbsp;Alan had seen the need for this type of product firsthand, growing up on the farm near the rural community of Spearville, population 773 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information or to order, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rollbedder.com/" target="_blank">www.rollbedder.com</a>.&nbsp;“I need the stuff in the bed of my truck.&nbsp;&nbsp;If only I could get to it better.” Those types of statements reflect the need for this type of product. We commend Alan and Carol VanNahmen for making a difference with entrepreneurship and inventiveness. They’ve come up with a better idea. Now, they can let it roll.Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

Now That’s Rural: Alan and Carol VanNahmen, RollBedder

The City of Salina has announced that mill and inlay work will continue this week.

Monday through Friday, APAC Shears of Salina will continue work on the City of Salina’s annual asphalt mill and inlay project. The schedule is as follows, weather permitting:

The work
consists of milling the existing asphalt street surface 1.5” and replacing it
with new asphalt to rehabilitate and preserve the pavement section. Permanent
pavement markings will be placed shortly after the resurfacing.

The work on
local streets will be completed with closures, and residents will be given
sufficient notice and accommodations. Flaggers will usher traffic through the
Markley Road work area; motorists will likely experience a moderate delay.
Motorists are encouraged to avoid the work zones altogether if possible.

The $811,000
project is a major component of the City of Salina's $4.7 million 2020
maintenance capital improvement program.

The City of Salina has announced that mill and inlay work will continue this week.Monday through Friday, APAC Shears of Salina will continue work on the City of Salina’s annual asphalt mill and inlay project. The schedule is as follows, weather permitting:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607276150522.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The work
consists of milling the existing asphalt street surface 1.5” and replacing it
with new asphalt to rehabilitate and preserve the pavement section. Permanent
pavement markings will be placed shortly after the resurfacing.The work on
local streets will be completed with closures, and residents will be given
sufficient notice and accommodations. Flaggers will usher traffic through the
Markley Road work area; motorists will likely experience a moderate delay.
Motorists are encouraged to avoid the work zones altogether if possible.The $811,000
project is a major component of the City of Salina's $4.7 million 2020
maintenance capital improvement program.

City announces mill and inlay work for this week

Did you ever have an aluminum Christmas tree? From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansashistorical/">Kansas Historical Society </a>Facebook page:

Did you ever have an aluminum Christmas tree? From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansashistorical/">Kansas Historical Society </a>Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkansashistorical%2Fphotos%2Fa.96155485090%2F10158447768860091%2F&show_text=true&width=552&height=704&appId" width="552" height="704" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

KHS celebrates the aluminum trees of Christmas past

Expect clear skies and a warming trend to start the week. 

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, temperatures will warm each day through mid-week, reaching the mid-60s by Tuesday and warmer still come Wednesday.

Following is the forecast for Salina from NWS.

Today Sunny, with a high near 52. North wind 7 to 9 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 28. Light and variable wind becoming west southwest around 6 mph after midnight.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind 6 to 11 mph.

Monday Night Clear, with a low around 29. West northwest wind around 6 mph.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 60. West wind 5 to 7 mph.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 66.

Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

Thursday Night A slight chance of rain showers after midnight, mixing with snow after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Friday A slight chance of rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607262677432.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Expect clear skies and a warming trend to start the week. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, temperatures will warm each day through mid-week, reaching the mid-60s by Tuesday and warmer still come Wednesday.Following is the forecast for Salina from NWS.Today Sunny, with a high near 52. North wind 7 to 9 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 28. Light and variable wind becoming west southwest around 6 mph after midnight.Monday Sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind 6 to 11 mph.Monday Night Clear, with a low around 29. West northwest wind around 6 mph.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 60. West wind 5 to 7 mph.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 66.Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.Thursday Night A slight chance of rain showers after midnight, mixing with snow after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.Friday A slight chance of rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NWS: We'll start the week with a warming trend

UPDATE:&nbsp;The story has been updated to reflect the new date for the&nbsp;Virtual Candle Lighting Memorial Service.

ABILENE -- Hospice of Dickinson County is sponsoring its annual Remember Me Tree, to honor the memory of loved ones during the holiday season. 

Trees will be on display through the end of December, and can be found in the lobby of Memorial Hospital, 511 NE 10th&nbsp;Street, in Abilene; or inside the main entrance at Lumber House True Value, 1903 North Buckeye Avenue, in Abilene.

Anyone may place an angel on the tree to honor or remember a loved one. Donations are accepted for the ornaments. For donations of $20 or more, porcelain keepsake ornaments are available. Donation boxes can be found at both tree locations, in the foyer of the Hospice office, and several Abilene businesses.

Proceeds from the Remember Me Tree benefit the local Hospice program. Carol Whitehair, director of Hospice of Dickinson County, said, “Placing an ornament on the tree is a wonderful way to remember or honor a loved one during the holidays. These donations directly benefit our Hospice patients and programs.”

This year we will be hosting a Virtual Candle Lighting Memorial Service which will be available for viewing beginning Dec. 18. This service can be accessed through our Facebook page, and will consist of a short memorial reading followed by honoring those whose names appear on the Remember Me Tree.

For more information follow the group on Facebook at Home Health and Hospice of Dickinson County Kansas or call Hospice of Dickinson County at (785) 263-6630.

UPDATE:&nbsp;The story has been updated to reflect the new date for the&nbsp;Virtual Candle Lighting Memorial Service.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607225576204.jpeg" alt="Hospice of Dickinson County’s Remember Me Tree offers a way to honor loved ones and help local hospice patients.&nbsp;Photo courtesy MHS" />
 <figcaption>Hospice of Dickinson County’s Remember Me Tree offers a way to honor loved ones and help local hospice patients.&nbsp;Photo courtesy MHS</figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE -- Hospice of Dickinson County is sponsoring its annual Remember Me Tree, to honor the memory of loved ones during the holiday season. Trees will be on display through the end of December, and can be found in the lobby of Memorial Hospital, 511 NE 10th&nbsp;Street, in Abilene; or inside the main entrance at Lumber House True Value, 1903 North Buckeye Avenue, in Abilene.Anyone may place an angel on the tree to honor or remember a loved one. Donations are accepted for the ornaments. For donations of $20 or more, porcelain keepsake ornaments are available. Donation boxes can be found at both tree locations, in the foyer of the Hospice office, and several Abilene businesses.Proceeds from the Remember Me Tree benefit the local Hospice program. Carol Whitehair, director of Hospice of Dickinson County, said, “Placing an ornament on the tree is a wonderful way to remember or honor a loved one during the holidays. These donations directly benefit our Hospice patients and programs.”This year we will be hosting a Virtual Candle Lighting Memorial Service which will be available for viewing beginning Dec. 18. This service can be accessed through our Facebook page, and will consist of a short memorial reading followed by honoring those whose names appear on the Remember Me Tree.For more information follow the group on Facebook at Home Health and Hospice of Dickinson County Kansas or call Hospice of Dickinson County at (785) 263-6630.

UPDATE: Hospice of Dickinson County sponsoring Remember Me Tree

On Monday, in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, the&nbsp;American flag&nbsp;should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset to honor those who died as a result of the attack on U.S. military forces in Hawaii.

About National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day from the National Park Service

Each year on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor survivors, veterans, and visitors from all over the world come together to honor and remember the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. A further 1,178 people were injured in the attack, which permanently sank two U.S. Navy battleships (the USS&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;and the USS&nbsp;Utah) and destroyed 188 aircraft.

On Aug. 23, 1994, the United States Congress designated Dec. 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Every year, remembrance events are held at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, culminating in a commemoration ceremony on Dec. 7.&nbsp;To see photos of these events, please go to our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pearlharboranniversary">Flickr</a>&nbsp;page. To see videos of these events, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/WWIIValorNPS">YouTube page</a>.

This years Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration's theme,&nbsp;Above and Beyond the Call, represents a milestone of its own, as the first December 7 commemoration to follow the nationwide commemoration of the 75th&nbsp;anniversary of the end of WWII. This year’s ceremony will focus on Battlefield O`ahu. Though the Japanese Empire focused on the destruction of the Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, the attack encompassed the entire island with assaults on Army and Marine aviation bases as well as civilian facilities. The experiences of the soldiers, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and sailors defending O`ahu, as well as the civilians caught in the crossfire, would exemplify courage under fire and perseverance. Their spirit at the beginning of the long crucible of war would frame the template for the securing of victory and peace. This years event will will be held on Monday at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and will encompass the service and sacrifice traditionally commemorated in multiple ceremonies and sites the week of December 7th. In order to protect our Pearl Harbor Survivors and World War II Veterans in attendance this years ceremony will be closed to the public. This event will be live streamed for public viewing via our Facebook page and www.pearlharborevents.com. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center will reopen to the public for visitation on Monday at 11:30 a.m., with USS&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;Memorial Programs resuming and running every 30 minutes from noon-3 p.m. Advance reservations will be required.

The above information about National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is from the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/valr/learn/historyculture/national-pearl-harbor-remembrance-day.htm">National Park Service National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day</a> webpage.

On Monday, in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, the&nbsp;American flag&nbsp;should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset to honor those who died as a result of the attack on U.S. military forces in Hawaii.<h2>About National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day from the National Park Service</h2>Each year on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor survivors, veterans, and visitors from all over the world come together to honor and remember the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. A further 1,178 people were injured in the attack, which permanently sank two U.S. Navy battleships (the USS&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;and the USS&nbsp;Utah) and destroyed 188 aircraft.On Aug. 23, 1994, the United States Congress designated Dec. 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Every year, remembrance events are held at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, culminating in a commemoration ceremony on Dec. 7.&nbsp;To see photos of these events, please go to our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pearlharboranniversary">Flickr</a>&nbsp;page. To see videos of these events, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/WWIIValorNPS">YouTube page</a>. <h2>December 7, 2020</h2>This years Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration's theme,&nbsp;Above and Beyond the Call, represents a milestone of its own, as the first December 7 commemoration to follow the nationwide commemoration of the 75th&nbsp;anniversary of the end of WWII. This year’s ceremony will focus on Battlefield O`ahu. Though the Japanese Empire focused on the destruction of the Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, the attack encompassed the entire island with assaults on Army and Marine aviation bases as well as civilian facilities. The experiences of the soldiers, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and sailors defending O`ahu, as well as the civilians caught in the crossfire, would exemplify courage under fire and perseverance. Their spirit at the beginning of the long crucible of war would frame the template for the securing of victory and peace. This years event will will be held on Monday at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and will encompass the service and sacrifice traditionally commemorated in multiple ceremonies and sites the week of December 7th. In order to protect our Pearl Harbor Survivors and World War II Veterans in attendance this years ceremony will be closed to the public. This event will be live streamed for public viewing via our Facebook page and www.pearlharborevents.com. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center will reopen to the public for visitation on Monday at 11:30 a.m., with USS&nbsp;Arizona&nbsp;Memorial Programs resuming and running every 30 minutes from noon-3 p.m. Advance reservations will be required.The above information about National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is from the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/valr/learn/historyculture/national-pearl-harbor-remembrance-day.htm">National Park Service National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day</a> webpage.

Flags to be at half-staff for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Today is Sunday, Dec. 6, the 341st day of 2020. There are 25 days left in the year. 

On Dec. 6, 1907, the worst mining disaster in U.S. history occurred as 362 men and boys died in a coal mine explosion in Monongah, West Virginia. 

In 1790, Congress moved to Philadelphia from New York. 

In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, abolishing slavery, was ratified as Georgia became the 27th state to endorse it. 

In 1884, Army engineers completed construction of the Washington Monument by setting an aluminum capstone atop the obelisk.

In 1917, some 2,000 people were killed when an explosives-laden French cargo ship, the Mont Blanc, collided with the Norwegian vessel Imo at the harbor in Halifax, Nova Scotia, setting off a blast that devastated the Canadian city. Finland declared its independence from Russia. 

In 1947, Everglades National Park in Florida was dedicated by President Harry S. Truman.

In 1957, America's first attempt at putting a satellite into orbit failed as Vanguard TV3 rose about four feet off a Cape Canaveral launch pad before crashing down and exploding. 

In 1962, 37 coal miners were killed in an explosion at the Robena No. 3 Mine operated by U.S. Steel in Carmichaels, Pa. 

In 1969, a free concert by The Rolling Stones at the Altamont Speedway in Alameda County, California, was marred by the deaths of four people, including one who was stabbed by a Hell's Angel.

In 1973, House minority leader Gerald R. Ford was sworn in as vice president, succeeding Spiro T. Agnew. 

In 1989, 14 women were shot to death at the University of Montreal's school of engineering by a man who then took his own life. 

In 1998, in Venezuela, former Lt. Col. Hugo Chavez, who had staged a bloody coup attempt against the government six years earlier, was elected president. 

In 2001, the House of Representatives, by a one-vote margin, gave President George W. Bush more power to negotiate global trade deals. President Bush dedicated the national Christmas tree to those who had died on Sept. 11 and to service members who had died in the line of duty. 

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama announced a compromise with the GOP to extend Bush-era income tax cuts despite Democratic objections; the agreement included renewing unemployment benefits and reducing Social Security taxes for one year. Talks between Iran and six world powers recessed with no sign Tehran was ready to discuss U.N. Security Council calls to curb its nuclear activity. Pat Gillick, whose teams won three World Series titles in 27 years as a major league general manager, was elected to baseball's Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee.

Five years ago: In an Oval Office address, President Barack Obama vowed the U.S. would overcome a new phase of the terror threat that sought to "poison the minds" of people around the world, as he tried to reassure Americans shaken by recent attacks in Paris and California. Former President Jimmy Carter said his most recent brain scan showed no sign of cancer, four months after he was diagnosed with melanoma. A U.S. shipment of much-needed supplies rocketed toward the International Space Station. Kennedy Center Honors recognized "Star Wars" creator George Lucas, singer-songwriter Carole King, actor-singer Rita Moreno, conductor Seiji Ozawa and actor Cicely Tyson.

One year ago: An aviation student from Saudi Arabia opened fire inside a classroom at the Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, killing three people and wounding two sheriff's deputies before one of the deputies killed him. (U.S. officials later said that Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani had communicated with al-Qaida operatives about planning and tactics in the months leading up to the attack.)

Today's Birthdays: Comedy performer David Ossman is 84. Actor Patrick Bauchau is 82. Country singer Helen Cornelius is 79. Actor James Naughton is 75. Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is 75. Rhythm-and-blues singer Frankie Beverly (Maze) is 74. Former Sen. Don Nickles, R-Okla., is 72. Actor JoBeth Williams is 72. Actor Tom Hulce is 67. Actor Wil Shriner is 67. Actor Kin Shriner is 67. Actor Miles Chapin is 66. Rock musician Rick Buckler (The Jam) is 65. Comedian Steven Wright is 65. Country singer Bill Lloyd is 65. Singer Tish Hinojosa is 65. Rock musician Peter Buck (R.E.M.) is 64. Rock musician David Lovering (Pixies) is 59. Actor Janine Turner is 58. Rock musician Ben Watt (Everything But The Girl) is 58. Writer-director Judd Apatow is 53. Rock musician Ulf "Buddha" Ekberg (Ace of Base) is 50. Writer-director Craig Brewer is 49. Actor Colleen Haskell is 44. Actor Lindsay Price is 44. Actor Ashley Madekwe is 39. Actor Nora Kirkpatrick is 36. Christian rock musician Jacob Chesnut (Rush of Fools) is 31. Tennis player CoCo Vandeweghe is 29. NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo is 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Sunday, Dec. 6, the 341st day of 2020. There are 25 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 6, 1907, the worst mining disaster in U.S. history occurred as 362 men and boys died in a coal mine explosion in Monongah, West Virginia. On this date: In 1790, Congress moved to Philadelphia from New York. In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, abolishing slavery, was ratified as Georgia became the 27th state to endorse it. In 1884, Army engineers completed construction of the Washington Monument by setting an aluminum capstone atop the obelisk.In 1917, some 2,000 people were killed when an explosives-laden French cargo ship, the Mont Blanc, collided with the Norwegian vessel Imo at the harbor in Halifax, Nova Scotia, setting off a blast that devastated the Canadian city. Finland declared its independence from Russia. In 1947, Everglades National Park in Florida was dedicated by President Harry S. Truman.In 1957, America's first attempt at putting a satellite into orbit failed as Vanguard TV3 rose about four feet off a Cape Canaveral launch pad before crashing down and exploding. In 1962, 37 coal miners were killed in an explosion at the Robena No. 3 Mine operated by U.S. Steel in Carmichaels, Pa. In 1969, a free concert by The Rolling Stones at the Altamont Speedway in Alameda County, California, was marred by the deaths of four people, including one who was stabbed by a Hell's Angel.In 1973, House minority leader Gerald R. Ford was sworn in as vice president, succeeding Spiro T. Agnew. In 1989, 14 women were shot to death at the University of Montreal's school of engineering by a man who then took his own life. In 1998, in Venezuela, former Lt. Col. Hugo Chavez, who had staged a bloody coup attempt against the government six years earlier, was elected president. In 2001, the House of Representatives, by a one-vote margin, gave President George W. Bush more power to negotiate global trade deals. President Bush dedicated the national Christmas tree to those who had died on Sept. 11 and to service members who had died in the line of duty. Ten years ago: President Barack Obama announced a compromise with the GOP to extend Bush-era income tax cuts despite Democratic objections; the agreement included renewing unemployment benefits and reducing Social Security taxes for one year. Talks between Iran and six world powers recessed with no sign Tehran was ready to discuss U.N. Security Council calls to curb its nuclear activity. Pat Gillick, whose teams won three World Series titles in 27 years as a major league general manager, was elected to baseball's Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee.Five years ago: In an Oval Office address, President Barack Obama vowed the U.S. would overcome a new phase of the terror threat that sought to "poison the minds" of people around the world, as he tried to reassure Americans shaken by recent attacks in Paris and California. Former President Jimmy Carter said his most recent brain scan showed no sign of cancer, four months after he was diagnosed with melanoma. A U.S. shipment of much-needed supplies rocketed toward the International Space Station. Kennedy Center Honors recognized "Star Wars" creator George Lucas, singer-songwriter Carole King, actor-singer Rita Moreno, conductor Seiji Ozawa and actor Cicely Tyson.One year ago: An aviation student from Saudi Arabia opened fire inside a classroom at the Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, killing three people and wounding two sheriff's deputies before one of the deputies killed him. (U.S. officials later said that Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani had communicated with al-Qaida operatives about planning and tactics in the months leading up to the attack.) Today's Birthdays: Comedy performer David Ossman is 84. Actor Patrick Bauchau is 82. Country singer Helen Cornelius is 79. Actor James Naughton is 75. Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is 75. Rhythm-and-blues singer Frankie Beverly (Maze) is 74. Former Sen. Don Nickles, R-Okla., is 72. Actor JoBeth Williams is 72. Actor Tom Hulce is 67. Actor Wil Shriner is 67. Actor Kin Shriner is 67. Actor Miles Chapin is 66. Rock musician Rick Buckler (The Jam) is 65. Comedian Steven Wright is 65. Country singer Bill Lloyd is 65. Singer Tish Hinojosa is 65. Rock musician Peter Buck (R.E.M.) is 64. Rock musician David Lovering (Pixies) is 59. Actor Janine Turner is 58. Rock musician Ben Watt (Everything But The Girl) is 58. Writer-director Judd Apatow is 53. Rock musician Ulf "Buddha" Ekberg (Ace of Base) is 50. Writer-director Craig Brewer is 49. Actor Colleen Haskell is 44. Actor Lindsay Price is 44. Actor Ashley Madekwe is 39. Actor Nora Kirkpatrick is 36. Christian rock musician Jacob Chesnut (Rush of Fools) is 31. Tennis player CoCo Vandeweghe is 29. NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo is 26.

Today in History -- Dec. 6

WICHITA – Data gathered by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety confirms the perception that men tend to speed, tailgate, merge dangerously, and make rude gestures or honk at other drivers more than women. The survey finds that women also admit to some dangerous driving habits, such as running red lights. 

Overall, younger male and female drivers tend to be more aggressive than older drivers. With everyday stress already compounded by the pandemic and now the holiday season, which can elevate tensions on the road, AAA urges motorists to keep their cool and avoid dangerous driving habits.

Regardless of gender, nearly 8 in 10 (79%) American drivers demonstrate aggressive behaviors when behind the wheel. Speeding tops the list, with men being the biggest culprit, though women are not far behind. Contrary to common perception, speeding does not save time on the road. The average amount saved on a 5-mile trip, driving 65 mph on a 45 mph posted road, is only 1.9 minutes.

“Speeding, red-light running, and cutting other drivers off can kill you, your passengers, and others sharing the road,” said Shawn Steward, AAA Kansas spokesman. “Driving aggressively isn’t worth the risk. When you get behind the wheel, be patient, be kind, and obey traffic laws so everyone gets home safely.”

●Maintain an adequate following distance.

●Be considerate in parking lots—Park in one spot, not across multiple spaces. Be careful not to hit cars next to you with your door.

A driver may be stressed or react wrongly to another driver’s action on any given day, and the holidays can add to the strain and anxiety. Introduce the pressures and concerns tied to a global pandemic, and even the calmest, most safety-conscious drivers can find themselves frustrated by other motorists.

“If you encounter an aggressive driver on the road or find your temper rising, remember to slow yourself down, breathe deeply, and safely create distance between you and other motorists. Aggressive drivers are likely not thinking about their potential impact on others until it is too late,” added AAA Kansas’ Steward.

&nbsp;AAA offers the following tips to help drivers manage aggressive driving scenarios. &nbsp;&nbsp;

●Don’t Offend: Never cause another driver to change their speed or direction. That means not forcing another driver to use their brakes or turn the steering wheel in response to something you have done.

●Be Tolerant and Forgiving: The other driver may just be having a really bad day. Assume that it’s not personal.

●Do Not Respond: Avoid eye contact, don’t make gestures, maintain space around your vehicle, and contact 9-1-1 if needed.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8374%3e8-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=344028&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">www.aaa.com/preventroadrage</a>.

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 60 million members nationwide and nearly 347,000 members in Kansas. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.&nbsp;AAA is a&nbsp;non-stock, non-profit corporation working&nbsp;on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8374%3e8-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=344027&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">AAA.com/mobile</a>) for iPhone, iPad and Android.&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8374%3e8-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=344026&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">www.AAA.com</a>.

WICHITA – Data gathered by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety confirms the perception that men tend to speed, tailgate, merge dangerously, and make rude gestures or honk at other drivers more than women. The survey finds that women also admit to some dangerous driving habits, such as running red lights. Overall, younger male and female drivers tend to be more aggressive than older drivers. With everyday stress already compounded by the pandemic and now the holiday season, which can elevate tensions on the road, AAA urges motorists to keep their cool and avoid dangerous driving habits.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607227110150.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Regardless of gender, nearly 8 in 10 (79%) American drivers demonstrate aggressive behaviors when behind the wheel. Speeding tops the list, with men being the biggest culprit, though women are not far behind. Contrary to common perception, speeding does not save time on the road. The average amount saved on a 5-mile trip, driving 65 mph on a 45 mph posted road, is only 1.9 minutes.“Speeding, red-light running, and cutting other drivers off can kill you, your passengers, and others sharing the road,” said Shawn Steward, AAA Kansas spokesman. “Driving aggressively isn’t worth the risk. When you get behind the wheel, be patient, be kind, and obey traffic laws so everyone gets home safely.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607227372706.png" alt="Angry driver photo courtesy AAA" />
 <figcaption>Angry driver photo courtesy AAA</figcaption>
 </figure>AAA Rules of the Road●Follow posted speed limits.●Maintain an adequate following distance.●Use turn signals.●Allow others to merge.●Use your high beams responsibly.●Be considerate in parking lots—Park in one spot, not across multiple spaces. Be careful not to hit cars next to you with your door.A driver may be stressed or react wrongly to another driver’s action on any given day, and the holidays can add to the strain and anxiety. Introduce the pressures and concerns tied to a global pandemic, and even the calmest, most safety-conscious drivers can find themselves frustrated by other motorists.“If you encounter an aggressive driver on the road or find your temper rising, remember to slow yourself down, breathe deeply, and safely create distance between you and other motorists. Aggressive drivers are likely not thinking about their potential impact on others until it is too late,” added AAA Kansas’ Steward.&nbsp;AAA offers the following tips to help drivers manage aggressive driving scenarios. &nbsp;&nbsp;●Don’t Offend: Never cause another driver to change their speed or direction. That means not forcing another driver to use their brakes or turn the steering wheel in response to something you have done.●Be Tolerant and Forgiving: The other driver may just be having a really bad day. Assume that it’s not personal.●Do Not Respond: Avoid eye contact, don’t make gestures, maintain space around your vehicle, and contact 9-1-1 if needed.For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8374%3e8-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=344028&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">www.aaa.com/preventroadrage</a>.About AAAAAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 60 million members nationwide and nearly 347,000 members in Kansas. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.&nbsp;AAA is a&nbsp;non-stock, non-profit corporation working&nbsp;on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8374%3e8-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=344027&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">AAA.com/mobile</a>) for iPhone, iPad and Android.&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://aaacluballiance.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d8374%3e8-%3eLCE59.%3c5%3a%26SDG%3c90%3a.&amp;RE=MC&amp;RI=5430239&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=344026&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">www.AAA.com</a>.

AAA Survey: Men are more aggressive behind the wheel

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

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

Recent obituaries

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

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

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

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

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

Sacred Heart's Easter advances in Coca-Cola scholarship competition

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

&nbsp;See what's new at the Salina Public Library. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary/">Salina Public Library</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinapubliclibrary%2Fphotos%2Fa.435863323139%2F10159135082048140%2F&show_text=true&width=552&height=658&appId" width="552" height="658" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Check out what's new at the Salina Public Library!

The Department for Children and Families awarded 37 childcare facilities the Founders’ Link for their work helping to develop Kansas’ childcare quality recognition and improvement system, called Links to Quality.

Programs participated in a two-year pilot of Links to Quality which aims to support early care and education professionals in recognizing and building on the strengths of their program to provide higher quality care. During the two-year pilot, these programs worked on three “Links” -- Program Leadership, Family Partnerships, and Learning &amp; Development -- to demonstrate their commitment to quality and to help inform the development of the system. Pilot participants had access to peer support, technical assistance, and other incentives to help them improve the quality of their care.

As they worked through each Link, pilot participants provided DCF staff with feedback about processes, content, and overall experience of the program. Their feedback will benefit all future participants and contribute to strengthening the early childhood profession across the state.

“The Founders’ Link recipients have really shaped the program to make it work for all programs across the state,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “This successful pilot would not have been possible without their hard work and dedication. Children and families in Kansas will benefit from their work for years to come.”

The 37 programs earning their Founders’ Link include the following.

Learning Community A – Labette, Crawford, Cherokee. Montgomery, and Neosho counties

Pittsburg Community Child Care Learning Center, Inc. – Pittsburg

Butterfly Funhouse Child Care – Mound Valley

The Treehouse of Early Learning – Independence

Good Shepherd Child Care Center – Columbus

Learning Community B – Shawnee and Wyandotte Counties

Patterson Family Child Care, LLC. – Topeka

Good Beginnings Family Child Care – Topeka

Good Beginnings Day Care Home – Bonner Springs

ABCs and 123s at Pammys Playschool Day Care Home – Auburn

Little Angels Day Care Center – Kansas City

Learning Community C – Lyon, Geary, Osage, and Saline Counties

Loving Arms Daycare Center, Inc. – Junction City

Thill Express Child Day Care Home – Lyndon

Learning Community D – Sedgwick County

Wichita State University Child Development Center – Wichita

Little Adventures Day Care Home – Wichita

Learning Community E – Ford, Finney, Grant Counties

Little Learners Preschool Center – Dodge City

Community Daycare Center #2 – Garden City

The Department for Children and Families awarded 37 childcare facilities the Founders’ Link for their work helping to develop Kansas’ childcare quality recognition and improvement system, called Links to Quality.Programs participated in a two-year pilot of Links to Quality which aims to support early care and education professionals in recognizing and building on the strengths of their program to provide higher quality care. During the two-year pilot, these programs worked on three “Links” -- Program Leadership, Family Partnerships, and Learning &amp; Development -- to demonstrate their commitment to quality and to help inform the development of the system. Pilot participants had access to peer support, technical assistance, and other incentives to help them improve the quality of their care.As they worked through each Link, pilot participants provided DCF staff with feedback about processes, content, and overall experience of the program. Their feedback will benefit all future participants and contribute to strengthening the early childhood profession across the state.“The Founders’ Link recipients have really shaped the program to make it work for all programs across the state,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “This successful pilot would not have been possible without their hard work and dedication. Children and families in Kansas will benefit from their work for years to come.”The 37 programs earning their Founders’ Link include the following.Learning Community A – Labette, Crawford, Cherokee. Montgomery, and Neosho countiesPittsburg Community Child Care Learning Center, Inc. – PittsburgKiddie Garden Daycare – West MineralButterfly Funhouse Child Care – Mound ValleyToddler Time Daycare – FrontenacThe Treehouse of Early Learning – IndependenceCountry Kids Daycare – GirardKidzville Daycare – ChanuteGood Shepherd Child Care Center – ColumbusLearning Community B – Shawnee and Wyandotte CountiesLittle Tots Montessori – Kansas CityPatterson Family Child Care, LLC. – TopekaGood Beginnings Family Child Care – TopekaGood Beginnings Day Care Home – Bonner SpringsLakeside Daycare – TopekaABCs and 123s at Pammys Playschool Day Care Home – AuburnLittle Angels Day Care Center – Kansas CityLearning Community C – Lyon, Geary, Osage, and Saline CountiesEmporia Child Care Center I – EmporiaLoving Arms Daycare Center, Inc. – Junction CityKid Central – EmporiaThill Express Child Day Care Home – LyndonTiny Toes Child Care – SalinaEagle Wings – SalinaJudy Ann Lawson Daycare – SalinaLearning Community D – Sedgwick CountySmall Wonders Daycare – WichitaAdventure Planet – WichitaAdventure Planet 1 – WichitaScribbles and Giggles Derby – DerbyWichita State University Child Development Center – WichitaKeya’s Kare – WichitaTammy’s Little Angels – WichitaHappy Day Academy – MaizeLittle Adventures Day Care Home – WichitaLearning Community E – Ford, Finney, Grant CountiesLittle Learners Preschool Center – Dodge CityCommunity Daycare Center #2 – Garden CityTami’s Daycare - HolcombAdams Family Daycare – Garden CityBella’s Playhouse Daycare – UlyssesLittle Sunshine Daycare - Ulysses--DCF--

Local childcare providers earn Founders’ Link Awards

By TREY DANIEL Freedom Forum

The practice of Religious Freedom, like most other spheres of human activity, has been radically affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Recently more than&nbsp;<a href="https://abc11.com/united-house-of-prayer-for-all-people-charlotte-covid-19-church/8128891/" target="_blank">200 COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths were linked to a church</a>&nbsp;in Charlotte, N.C., which held large gatherings over a week in early October reportedly without enforcing proper coronavirus safety precautions.

This is not the first time such an outbreak has been identified. Other significant COVID-19 outbreaks have been traced to religious services, including&nbsp;<a href="https://people.com/health/49-cases-of-coronavirus-so-far-linked-to-small-church-event-in-maine/" target="_blank">one at a Maine church</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://people.com/health/40-members-alabama-church-get-coronavirus-after-revival/" target="_blank">another in Alabama</a>. This is the first time, however, that linkage was disclosed after a Supreme Court decision last week that turned back new COVID-19 restrictions on places of worship in New York state.

In last week’s decision, just moments before midnight on Thanksgiving Eve, the Supreme Court — including newly confirmed&nbsp;Justice Amy Coney Barrett&nbsp;— considered a challenge by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn to pandemic restrictions on religious gatherings. The 5-4 decision blocked orders imposed by New York state that sharply limited the number of attendees at religious services because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The unsigned opinion asserted that the orders violated the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment because they “single out houses of worship for especially harsh treatment.” Hardware stores, acupuncturists and liquor stores were among establishments immune from similar restrictions.

As coronavirus cases continue to surge throughout the country, many of us are being asked to follow stricter guidelines, including travel restrictions, banning of contact sports and wearing a mask.

Should these same guidelines be placed on religious organizations? Will the decision in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20a87_4g15.pdf" target="_blank">Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y. v. Cuomo</a>&nbsp;change the course on religion cases, now that conservative Barrett has replaced the late liberal&nbsp;Ruth Bader Ginsburg? Does the decision give free rein to religious organizations to ignore government regulations of all kinds?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607143618573.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By TREY DANIEL Freedom ForumThe practice of Religious Freedom, like most other spheres of human activity, has been radically affected by the coronavirus pandemic.Recently more than&nbsp;<a href="https://abc11.com/united-house-of-prayer-for-all-people-charlotte-covid-19-church/8128891/" target="_blank">200 COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths were linked to a church</a>&nbsp;in Charlotte, N.C., which held large gatherings over a week in early October reportedly without enforcing proper coronavirus safety precautions.This is not the first time such an outbreak has been identified. Other significant COVID-19 outbreaks have been traced to religious services, including&nbsp;<a href="https://people.com/health/49-cases-of-coronavirus-so-far-linked-to-small-church-event-in-maine/" target="_blank">one at a Maine church</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://people.com/health/40-members-alabama-church-get-coronavirus-after-revival/" target="_blank">another in Alabama</a>. This is the first time, however, that linkage was disclosed after a Supreme Court decision last week that turned back new COVID-19 restrictions on places of worship in New York state.In last week’s decision, just moments before midnight on Thanksgiving Eve, the Supreme Court — including newly confirmed&nbsp;Justice Amy Coney Barrett&nbsp;— considered a challenge by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn to pandemic restrictions on religious gatherings. The 5-4 decision blocked orders imposed by New York state that sharply limited the number of attendees at religious services because of the COVID-19 pandemic.The unsigned opinion asserted that the orders violated the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment because they “single out houses of worship for especially harsh treatment.” Hardware stores, acupuncturists and liquor stores were among establishments immune from similar restrictions.As coronavirus cases continue to surge throughout the country, many of us are being asked to follow stricter guidelines, including travel restrictions, banning of contact sports and wearing a mask.Should these same guidelines be placed on religious organizations? Will the decision in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20a87_4g15.pdf" target="_blank">Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y. v. Cuomo</a>&nbsp;change the course on religion cases, now that conservative Barrett has replaced the late liberal&nbsp;Ruth Bader Ginsburg? Does the decision give free rein to religious organizations to ignore government regulations of all kinds?Tracking the issue in a series of orders and legal rulings in Kentucky gives us much to examine. On Nov. 18, Gov.&nbsp;Andy Beshear&nbsp;issued a temporary school-related restraining order and unveiled new restrictions that, if approved, could apply until mid-December for restaurants, bars, gyms, offices, indoor gatherings, weddings and funerals.An executive order was then signed by Beshear requiring all schools to halt in-person classes starting Nov. 23, allowing elementary schools to reopen after Dec. 7 if their county is not in the state’s “red zone,” with middle and high schools unable to reopen until after Jan. 4.Two days later, Attorney General&nbsp;Daniel Cameron’s&nbsp;office joined a lawsuit filed by Danville Christian Academy, which took issue with the orders applying to private, religious schools in Kentucky. The lawsuit sought a temporary restraining order.<a href="https://www.wkyt.com/2020/11/26/judge-rules-kentuckys-religious-schools-can-have-in-person-classes/" target="_blank">U.S. District Judge&nbsp;Gregory Van Tatenhove</a>&nbsp;ruled that religious and private schools were exempt because the order “infringes on their constitutional rights.” However, the U.S Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/education/2020/11/29/kentucky-coronavirus-appeals-court-ruling-religious-schools/6436082002/" target="_blank">struck down that temporary restraining order</a>, saying the Beshear order is broadly applicable and does not discriminate against a certain group. They also say they are “not in a position to second-guess the governor’s determination regarding the health and safety of the commonwealth at this point in time.”Cameron, tweeting after the Court of Appeals’ decision, called it “frightening that the governor believes he can suspend religious liberty.”Cameron continued, “We’re disappointed with the Sixth Circuit’s ruling allowing the governor to close religious schools, but we’re already hard at work to take this matter to the U.S. Supreme Court. The governor is not above the law and we urge him to drop this ill-conceived appeal and to halt his attacks on religious freedom.”One thing seems to be certain, whether it is New York, Kentucky or North Carolina — the U.S. Supreme Court will be busy sorting out all of these matters as COVID-19 cases continue to rise during the holiday season.When the Supreme Court faced similar pandemic cases before Ginsburg died, the court ruled in favor of restrictions. Given Barrett’s background and testimony at her confirmation hearings, it’s clear she will be a protector of religious causes — perhaps tilting the scales long-term in such cases. But at what cost?Trey Daniel is the education manager of the Georgia Rights, Responsibility, Respect Project, an education initiative of the Religious Freedom Center. His email address is:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tdaniel@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">tdaniel@freedomforum.org.</a>