University says it recycles 50 tons of food yearly&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – Several Kansas State University groups have worked together to find a second use for nearly 50 tons of food each year that would otherwise be headed for a landfill.&nbsp;

They’re mixing food waste from three dining halls on the Manhattan campus with other compostable materials to provide a boost to soil, as well as support some agricultural research projects at the university.&nbsp;

“Specific to agriculture, the benefit of composting this material is that plant nutrients – such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur and some micronutrients – are cycled and applied to grow more food, rather than going to the landfill,” said Deann Presley, a professor of agronomy and soil management specialist with K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

“Compost adds organic matter to soil, which has many benefits including nutrient cycling (a process of moving nutrients through an environment) and improved water holding capacity, and in particular benefits soils that might have been eroded or degraded.”&nbsp;

In 2019, approximately 96,971 pounds of food was recycled as compost.&nbsp;

“We have been partners in the program for many years,” said Camille Korenek, assistant director of K-State’s Housing and Dining Services.&nbsp;

Korenek said some food waste is collected before it ever reaches consumers -- in this case, K-State students. That includes such items as rinds or peelings from the fruit and vegetable preparation areas.&nbsp;

“We also collect food waste from our serving lines when an item no longer meets our quality standards for serving to customers,” Korenek said. “And prior to COVID-19, our smallest dining center (Van Zile Hall) was collecting post-consumer food waste from student’s trays.”&nbsp;

The food is gathered in large barrels lined with biodegradable bags. Twice a week, the barrels – each weighing about 80 to 90 pounds -- are either delivered by the dining center or picked up by the K-State Recycling Center and transported to the agronomy farm north of campus. Some of the food waste also is used as compost in campus greenhouses.&nbsp;

“We use a windrow composting method,” said Presley, noting the process of piling organic matter or biodegradable waste into long rows, a technique that is conducive to producing large volumes of compost. At that scale (more than a half acre), she notes, composting must be approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Bureau of Waste Management, which regulates composting in the state. &nbsp;

K-State recycling coordinator Bill Spiegel has helped steer the program for nine years. He said the project also includes efforts to curb food waste.&nbsp;

“We have tried measures to reduce this by running programs showing students how much food is wasted and encouraging them to take only what you can consume, showing them where the waste goes, and the costs involved,” he said.&nbsp;

“Minimizing food waste is always central to our daily operations,” Korenek added. “Production managers are constantly looking at historical data, traffic flow, the popularity of menu items, weather, campus events and more to predict and respond by making adjustments to what we produce.”&nbsp;

Korenek, who also is an instructor in the Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health program, said those production principles are taught in college classes.&nbsp;

Presley said the project is successful because the groups involved see a direct benefit.&nbsp;

“I love composting and keeping things out of landfills where they take up space and produce powerful greenhouse gases like methane,” she said. “And I have been told by dining center staff that they enjoy diverting food waste from trash cans and garbage disposals because they know the effort that goes into making food. They’d rather see it reused than completely discarded.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603842254983.png" alt="Food waste is collected from a dining hall. Photo courtesy KSU" />
 <figcaption>Food waste is collected from a dining hall. Photo courtesy KSU</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>University says it recycles 50 tons of food yearly&nbsp;</h2>MANHATTAN – Several Kansas State University groups have worked together to find a second use for nearly 50 tons of food each year that would otherwise be headed for a landfill.&nbsp;They’re mixing food waste from three dining halls on the Manhattan campus with other compostable materials to provide a boost to soil, as well as support some agricultural research projects at the university.&nbsp;“Specific to agriculture, the benefit of composting this material is that plant nutrients – such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur and some micronutrients – are cycled and applied to grow more food, rather than going to the landfill,” said Deann Presley, a professor of agronomy and soil management specialist with K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;“Compost adds organic matter to soil, which has many benefits including nutrient cycling (a process of moving nutrients through an environment) and improved water holding capacity, and in particular benefits soils that might have been eroded or degraded.”&nbsp;In 2019, approximately 96,971 pounds of food was recycled as compost.&nbsp;“We have been partners in the program for many years,” said Camille Korenek, assistant director of K-State’s Housing and Dining Services.&nbsp;Korenek said some food waste is collected before it ever reaches consumers -- in this case, K-State students. That includes such items as rinds or peelings from the fruit and vegetable preparation areas.&nbsp;“We also collect food waste from our serving lines when an item no longer meets our quality standards for serving to customers,” Korenek said. “And prior to COVID-19, our smallest dining center (Van Zile Hall) was collecting post-consumer food waste from student’s trays.”&nbsp;The food is gathered in large barrels lined with biodegradable bags. Twice a week, the barrels – each weighing about 80 to 90 pounds -- are either delivered by the dining center or picked up by the K-State Recycling Center and transported to the agronomy farm north of campus. Some of the food waste also is used as compost in campus greenhouses.&nbsp;“We use a windrow composting method,” said Presley, noting the process of piling organic matter or biodegradable waste into long rows, a technique that is conducive to producing large volumes of compost. At that scale (more than a half acre), she notes, composting must be approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Bureau of Waste Management, which regulates composting in the state. &nbsp;K-State recycling coordinator Bill Spiegel has helped steer the program for nine years. He said the project also includes efforts to curb food waste.&nbsp;“We have tried measures to reduce this by running programs showing students how much food is wasted and encouraging them to take only what you can consume, showing them where the waste goes, and the costs involved,” he said.&nbsp;“Minimizing food waste is always central to our daily operations,” Korenek added. “Production managers are constantly looking at historical data, traffic flow, the popularity of menu items, weather, campus events and more to predict and respond by making adjustments to what we produce.”&nbsp;Korenek, who also is an instructor in the Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health program, said those production principles are taught in college classes.&nbsp;Presley said the project is successful because the groups involved see a direct benefit.&nbsp;“I love composting and keeping things out of landfills where they take up space and produce powerful greenhouse gases like methane,” she said. “And I have been told by dining center staff that they enjoy diverting food waste from trash cans and garbage disposals because they know the effort that goes into making food. They’d rather see it reused than completely discarded.”&nbsp;

Food waste finds new use as compost in K-State program 

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced&nbsp;appointments to Kansas state boards and commissions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Appointment is subject to Senate confirmation*

State Board of Examiners in Optometry

The Board administers and enforces the provisions of Kansas Optometry Law so that the highest quality of eye care is provided to Kansans.

The Board of Healing Arts regulates eleven health care professions to ensure that they meet and maintain certain qualifications in order to protect the public from incompetent practice, unprofessional conduct, and other proscribed behavior by individuals who have been credentialed to practice in Kansas. &nbsp;

The Board oversees the investments of the retirement system funds.

●James Zakoura, Overland Park (reappointment)

The purpose of the Council is to advise on the development of new tourist attractions in Kansas and on the expansion of existing tourist attractions.

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced&nbsp;appointments to Kansas state boards and commissions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Appointment is subject to Senate confirmation*State Board of Examiners in OptometryThe Board administers and enforces the provisions of Kansas Optometry Law so that the highest quality of eye care is provided to Kansans.●Dr. Dawn Bircher, Overland ParkBoard of Healing ArtsThe Board of Healing Arts regulates eleven health care professions to ensure that they meet and maintain certain qualifications in order to protect the public from incompetent practice, unprofessional conduct, and other proscribed behavior by individuals who have been credentialed to practice in Kansas. &nbsp;●Dr. Richard Bradbury, SalinaKPERS Board of Trustees*The Board oversees the investments of the retirement system funds.●James Zakoura, Overland Park (reappointment)Council on Travel and TourismThe purpose of the Council is to advise on the development of new tourist attractions in Kansas and on the expansion of existing tourist attractions.●Donna Price, Goodland. ●Mimi Meredith, Hutchinson. ●Rosa Cavazos, Topeka. ●Janet McRae, Paola

Salina physician among governor's latest appointments

Lott Implement, an AGCO dealer in Minneapolis, Kansas, is looking for a service technician. The duties include repairing combines, tractors, and hay equipment.

Lott Implement is looking for someone dependable and motivated, who has their own tools, an is able to get along well with others.

Immediate opening with pay based on experience. Contact Jeff at 785-392-3110 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jlott2522@att.net">jlott2522@att.net</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587062240402.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lott Implement, an AGCO dealer in Minneapolis, Kansas, is looking for a service technician. The duties include repairing combines, tractors, and hay equipment.Lott Implement is looking for someone dependable and motivated, who has their own tools, an is able to get along well with others.Immediate opening with pay based on experience. Contact Jeff at 785-392-3110 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jlott2522@att.net">jlott2522@att.net</a>.

Gridiron Glory: Congrats Chauncey Baxter!

TOPEKA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that the USDA is investing $12,902,000 to modernize critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across rural Kansas.

“Upgrading the infrastructure that delivers safe drinking water and modern wastewater management facilities will improve public health and drive economic development in our small towns and cities,” USDA Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen said.&nbsp;

The USDA is funding the following four projects in Kansas through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program.

Russell County– Rural Water District No. 3 will use a $5.014 million loan and a $2.783 million grant to improve existing water system infrastructure. Project funds will replace existing water mains and improve the system hydraulics, allowing the system to operate off one centralized elevated storage tank and one standpipe. This project will help to reduce water loss, greatly reduce maintenance needs, and provide adequate storage for the District.

Dickinson County – The City of Chapman will use a $3.368 million loan to improve wastewater treatment infrastructure. This project will relocate and replace a main wastewater lift station, install new force main, construct a new two-cell non-discharging wastewater lagoon system, and demolish the current wastewater treatment plant. Once complete, the city will be back in compliance with the National Pollution Discharge Environment System permit to continue protecting the groundwater and streams from contamination, as well as provide efficient and sustainable wastewater service for the city's 1,393 residents. This partnership is made possible with a $600,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Linn County – Rural Water District No. 2 will use a $1.516 million loan to install water lines and construct a 50,000-gallon elevated storage tank for customers currently getting water from individual water wells, lake water and/or hauling water for their daily use. Several customers currently have systems that do not meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards. The District's existing distribution pipeline does not allow all new customers to be served economically, and the water tower is at capacity and unable to accommodate new customers. By expanding the District, these new customers will have access to safe and economical water for years to come. This partnership is made possible with a $160,000 contribution from the applicant.

Rush County – The City of Liebenthal will use $97,000 loan and a $124,000 grant to replace their outdated pump station with a new pump station within the existing wetwell, increasing efficiency and streamlining maintenance. Additionally, modifications to the existing wastewater treatment lagoons include removing the berm between two of the cells and using the excavated soil to repair the side slopes. Improvements will help the city to continue providing efficient and sanitary wastewater treatment for the local 103 residents. This partnership is made possible with a $220,850 Community Development Block Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, interested parties should contact the USDA Rural Development office at 785-271-2700 or <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/ks">www.rd.usda.gov/ks</a>.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/ks">www.rd.usda.gov/ks</a>.

TOPEKA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that the USDA is investing $12,902,000 to modernize critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across rural Kansas.“Upgrading the infrastructure that delivers safe drinking water and modern wastewater management facilities will improve public health and drive economic development in our small towns and cities,” USDA Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen said.&nbsp;The USDA is funding the following four projects in Kansas through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program.Russell County– Rural Water District No. 3 will use a $5.014 million loan and a $2.783 million grant to improve existing water system infrastructure. Project funds will replace existing water mains and improve the system hydraulics, allowing the system to operate off one centralized elevated storage tank and one standpipe. This project will help to reduce water loss, greatly reduce maintenance needs, and provide adequate storage for the District.Dickinson County – The City of Chapman will use a $3.368 million loan to improve wastewater treatment infrastructure. This project will relocate and replace a main wastewater lift station, install new force main, construct a new two-cell non-discharging wastewater lagoon system, and demolish the current wastewater treatment plant. Once complete, the city will be back in compliance with the National Pollution Discharge Environment System permit to continue protecting the groundwater and streams from contamination, as well as provide efficient and sustainable wastewater service for the city's 1,393 residents. This partnership is made possible with a $600,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce.Linn County – Rural Water District No. 2 will use a $1.516 million loan to install water lines and construct a 50,000-gallon elevated storage tank for customers currently getting water from individual water wells, lake water and/or hauling water for their daily use. Several customers currently have systems that do not meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards. The District's existing distribution pipeline does not allow all new customers to be served economically, and the water tower is at capacity and unable to accommodate new customers. By expanding the District, these new customers will have access to safe and economical water for years to come. This partnership is made possible with a $160,000 contribution from the applicant.Rush County – The City of Liebenthal will use $97,000 loan and a $124,000 grant to replace their outdated pump station with a new pump station within the existing wetwell, increasing efficiency and streamlining maintenance. Additionally, modifications to the existing wastewater treatment lagoons include removing the berm between two of the cells and using the excavated soil to repair the side slopes. Improvements will help the city to continue providing efficient and sanitary wastewater treatment for the local 103 residents. This partnership is made possible with a $220,850 Community Development Block Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce.To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, interested parties should contact the USDA Rural Development office at 785-271-2700 or <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/ks">www.rd.usda.gov/ks</a>.USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.rd.usda.gov/ks">www.rd.usda.gov/ks</a>.

USDA to invest in Chapman wastewater project, other projects in state

By SHAMEKA WALKER Attorney, Division of Consumer &amp; Business Education, FTC

Last month, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a temporary order to stop evictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the order provides relief to a large group of Americans, there are some important things to remember.

First, the order only protects renters who meet certain requirements and who <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/declaration-form.pdf">sign a form</a> and give it to their landlord. Second, landlords can still charge late fees during the temporary relief period. Third, if you break certain terms of your lease, you may still be evicted. Fourth, the CDC order doesn’t apply to homeowners facing foreclosure, so <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/coronavirus-and-your-mortgage">contact your lender or servicer</a> for options. And finally, the CDC protections don’t apply if you live in an area that already has the same or better eviction protections, so you should check on <a href="https://evictionlab.org/covid-policy-scorecard/">your local housing policies</a>.

Remember: the relief is temporary. Right now, evictions are put on pause, but only until Dec. 31. If you’re like millions of other Americans who may not be able to afford to pay your rent in January, here are some things you should know about the eviction process:

●Your landlord can take you to court if you don’t pay. Even if you don’t have the money to pay the past-due rent, your landlord can ask a judge to force you to pay or have the right to evict you.

●If you’re facing eviction, you still have rights. The first step in most evictions is a written notice. Check with your&nbsp;local court system&nbsp;for more details about the eviction process. You also may qualify for&nbsp;free legal services&nbsp;and be able to speak to a lawyer to learn about your rights.

And here are some tips for what you can do next if you missed rent payments because of the pandemic:

●Find out more about rental assistance programs. There may be&nbsp;local programs&nbsp;that offer rental assistance and other help.

●Watch for people who say they can help you pay your rent. If you spot a scam please tell the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="http://ReportFraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

The above information is from the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/10/temporary-stop-covid-19-evictions-what-you-need-know?utm_source=govdelivery">blog</a>.&nbsp;

By SHAMEKA WALKER Attorney, Division of Consumer &amp; Business Education, FTCLast month, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a temporary order to stop evictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the order provides relief to a large group of Americans, there are some important things to remember.First, the order only protects renters who meet certain requirements and who <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/declaration-form.pdf">sign a form</a> and give it to their landlord. Second, landlords can still charge late fees during the temporary relief period. Third, if you break certain terms of your lease, you may still be evicted. Fourth, the CDC order doesn’t apply to homeowners facing foreclosure, so <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/coronavirus-and-your-mortgage">contact your lender or servicer</a> for options. And finally, the CDC protections don’t apply if you live in an area that already has the same or better eviction protections, so you should check on <a href="https://evictionlab.org/covid-policy-scorecard/">your local housing policies</a>.Remember: the relief is temporary. Right now, evictions are put on pause, but only until Dec. 31. If you’re like millions of other Americans who may not be able to afford to pay your rent in January, here are some things you should know about the eviction process:●Your landlord can take you to court if you don’t pay. Even if you don’t have the money to pay the past-due rent, your landlord can ask a judge to force you to pay or have the right to evict you.●If you’re facing eviction, you still have rights. The first step in most evictions is a written notice. Check with your&nbsp;local court system&nbsp;for more details about the eviction process. You also may qualify for&nbsp;free legal services&nbsp;and be able to speak to a lawyer to learn about your rights.And here are some tips for what you can do next if you missed rent payments because of the pandemic:●Find out more about rental assistance programs. There may be&nbsp;local programs&nbsp;that offer rental assistance and other help.●Watch for people who say they can help you pay your rent. If you spot a scam please tell the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="http://ReportFraud.ftc.gov">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.The above information is from the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/10/temporary-stop-covid-19-evictions-what-you-need-know?utm_source=govdelivery">blog</a>.&nbsp;

Temporary stop of COVID-19 evictions: what you need to know

A number of people turned out for the local National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event on Saturday.

The Saline County Sheriff's Office collected 199.2 pounds of unused/unneeded prescription medications at its two collection sites at Walmart and Sam's Club, Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander said this morning.

If you were not able to take your medications to one of the above locations, you can drop them off in the red collection bin in the lobby of the sheriff's office, 251 North 10th Street, between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays.

The sheriff's office then takes care of properly disposing of the medications to keep them from being misused by others. Melander said personnel at the Salina Landfill dig a deep hole and bury the collected medications, packing down the dirt on top of the medications to make sure they don't get misused.

Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates opioid overdoses kill nearly 130 Americans every day. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, pharmaceutical opioids are a leading cause of drug poisoning deaths in Kansas.

Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

A number of people turned out for the local National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event on Saturday.The Saline County Sheriff's Office collected 199.2 pounds of unused/unneeded prescription medications at its two collection sites at Walmart and Sam's Club, Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander said this morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603389569229.jpeg" alt="The prescription medication bin in the lobby of the Saline County Sheriff's Office. Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>The prescription medication bin in the lobby of the Saline County Sheriff's Office. Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>If you were not able to take your medications to one of the above locations, you can drop them off in the red collection bin in the lobby of the sheriff's office, 251 North 10th Street, between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays.The sheriff's office then takes care of properly disposing of the medications to keep them from being misused by others. Melander said personnel at the Salina Landfill dig a deep hole and bury the collected medications, packing down the dirt on top of the medications to make sure they don't get misused.Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates opioid overdoses kill nearly 130 Americans every day. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, pharmaceutical opioids are a leading cause of drug poisoning deaths in Kansas.Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

Sheriff's office collects nearly 200 pounds of prescription meds

<a href="https://www.jimrichardsonphotography.com/index">By JIM RICHARDSON</a>

“Republicans shouldn’t thresh with Democrats.”

My father was imparting wisdom upon me, something he’d heard from his father, learned on their farm in Kansas. Wisdom that maybe we could use today.

I’d probably better translate. Back then farmers banded together to buy a threshing machine to be shared among neighboring farms during wheat harvest. This great communal tradition is laden with nostalgic memories of neighbor helping neighbor. The threshing picnic at the end of harvest is a rich icon of idyllic rural life. Friendship shown all around, we imagine.

Not so, my father was telling me. Peace among farmers meant politics shouldn’t rear its ugly head. Republicans should harvest with Republicans. Democrats with Democrats. Worked better that way. Even then politics was bad medicine on farms in Liberty and Freedom townships in Republic County.

Our current season of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/23/were-so-close-to-civil-war-everyone-can-smell-the-smoke/">fire and brimstone</a>&nbsp;triggered this memory. Politics consumes us now, like a raging prairie fire we can’t outrun. We are at each others’ throats, treat our neighbors like traitors. We suspect people we’ve known all our lives are actually an alien species, not one of us. We’ve learned to hate them.

This partisan rancor is not new. My mother wrote about a neighbor who got so worked up at a political meeting at a nearby farm that he drove home and forgot his wife and children. So he had to go back to the barn at midnight, hitch up the horses to the buggy and go get them. And when her grandfather (a staunch Democrat) was sick and required a transfusion, he got it from Aunt Lila — a Republican. Republican blood in his veins! They never let him live it down.

What have we forgotten about how to deal with this recurring feverish malady?

Recently I read of a New York editor (a COVID refugee) who had moved to rural Pennsylvania. Things had changed for her. Gone was her comfortable bubble, life among reliably like-minded people with whom any political thought could be shared without fear. It was pure culture shock.

Welcome to our world. I live in a small town where no such ideologically segregated enclaves are possible. No, out of necessity we live and work with each other every day. (We may well think that some of our friends and neighbors are wackos, but if we are smart we just shut up about it.) We need them, they need us. I don’t debate politics with our plumber; tomorrow I may have a clogged drain.

More than cynical social utility is at work here. (I’m not naive; political differences can’t just be swept under the carpet.) Without ever knowing his politics I know that plumber as a good and decent person. So are lots of people in town who don’t share my politics. That’s OK. Politics is just one measure of our social bargaining. Mutual respect demands forbearance, shown in small acts of tolerance. The conservative coffee group gathers early in the coffee shop, but they are careful to make way in good time for the liberal coffee group that comes in later.

So perhaps America has not fallen from some imagined state of divine neighborly grace. (That probably never existed.) But we do seem to have forgotten the rules of co-existence that our grandparents practiced.

Something else may also be at work. If this societal truce has broken down (replaced by mutual contempt that verges on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/07/a-kansas-history-professor-sees-troubling-deeply-problematic-danger-signs-for-the-united-states/">civil breakdown</a>) perhaps it is because we have let politics monopolize our lives. What is wrong here is not that politics is bad but that it has come to dominate — indeed obliterate — all other measures by which we know each other.

Political parties are in the business of winning. But if winning means vanquishing your neighbor down the street, then that’s not winning at all. Small-town politics is a paradox: You can’t really win by winning. We need each other too much, whatever our disagreements.

Our communities are built out of a multitude of shared experiences and values, respect and mutual need. Politics today threatens to silence all those other ways by which we&nbsp;define ourselves, to break those links that bind us together.

The day after the upcoming election we must set politics aside for a while. We must remember the rules of daily life by which a community — and a state — can grow and prosper. We must not let politics become the sole defining aspect of our public lives. It will be the end of us.

The above opinion piece was republished with permission from <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603748511118.png" alt="Jim Richardson's "Voting Baby" photograph was taken in 1976 in Russell, Kansas, when Bob Dole was running for vice president with Gerald Ford. (Submitted by Jim Richardson to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Jim Richardson's "Voting Baby" photograph was taken in 1976 in Russell, Kansas, when Bob Dole was running for vice president with Gerald Ford. (Submitted by Jim Richardson to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.jimrichardsonphotography.com/index">By JIM RICHARDSON</a>“Republicans shouldn’t thresh with Democrats.”My father was imparting wisdom upon me, something he’d heard from his father, learned on their farm in Kansas. Wisdom that maybe we could use today.I’d probably better translate. Back then farmers banded together to buy a threshing machine to be shared among neighboring farms during wheat harvest. This great communal tradition is laden with nostalgic memories of neighbor helping neighbor. The threshing picnic at the end of harvest is a rich icon of idyllic rural life. Friendship shown all around, we imagine.Not so, my father was telling me. Peace among farmers meant politics shouldn’t rear its ugly head. Republicans should harvest with Republicans. Democrats with Democrats. Worked better that way. Even then politics was bad medicine on farms in Liberty and Freedom townships in Republic County.Our current season of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/23/were-so-close-to-civil-war-everyone-can-smell-the-smoke/">fire and brimstone</a>&nbsp;triggered this memory. Politics consumes us now, like a raging prairie fire we can’t outrun. We are at each others’ throats, treat our neighbors like traitors. We suspect people we’ve known all our lives are actually an alien species, not one of us. We’ve learned to hate them.This partisan rancor is not new. My mother wrote about a neighbor who got so worked up at a political meeting at a nearby farm that he drove home and forgot his wife and children. So he had to go back to the barn at midnight, hitch up the horses to the buggy and go get them. And when her grandfather (a staunch Democrat) was sick and required a transfusion, he got it from Aunt Lila — a Republican. Republican blood in his veins! They never let him live it down.What have we forgotten about how to deal with this recurring feverish malady?Recently I read of a New York editor (a COVID refugee) who had moved to rural Pennsylvania. Things had changed for her. Gone was her comfortable bubble, life among reliably like-minded people with whom any political thought could be shared without fear. It was pure culture shock.Welcome to our world. I live in a small town where no such ideologically segregated enclaves are possible. No, out of necessity we live and work with each other every day. (We may well think that some of our friends and neighbors are wackos, but if we are smart we just shut up about it.) We need them, they need us. I don’t debate politics with our plumber; tomorrow I may have a clogged drain.More than cynical social utility is at work here. (I’m not naive; political differences can’t just be swept under the carpet.) Without ever knowing his politics I know that plumber as a good and decent person. So are lots of people in town who don’t share my politics. That’s OK. Politics is just one measure of our social bargaining. Mutual respect demands forbearance, shown in small acts of tolerance. The conservative coffee group gathers early in the coffee shop, but they are careful to make way in good time for the liberal coffee group that comes in later.So perhaps America has not fallen from some imagined state of divine neighborly grace. (That probably never existed.) But we do seem to have forgotten the rules of co-existence that our grandparents practiced.Something else may also be at work. If this societal truce has broken down (replaced by mutual contempt that verges on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/07/a-kansas-history-professor-sees-troubling-deeply-problematic-danger-signs-for-the-united-states/">civil breakdown</a>) perhaps it is because we have let politics monopolize our lives. What is wrong here is not that politics is bad but that it has come to dominate — indeed obliterate — all other measures by which we know each other.Political parties are in the business of winning. But if winning means vanquishing your neighbor down the street, then that’s not winning at all. Small-town politics is a paradox: You can’t really win by winning. We need each other too much, whatever our disagreements.Our communities are built out of a multitude of shared experiences and values, respect and mutual need. Politics today threatens to silence all those other ways by which we&nbsp;define ourselves, to break those links that bind us together.The day after the upcoming election we must set politics aside for a while. We must remember the rules of daily life by which a community — and a state — can grow and prosper. We must not let politics become the sole defining aspect of our public lives. It will be the end of us.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603806373906.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The above opinion piece was republished with permission from <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>.

OPINION: Kansans need each other too much to let politics monopolize our lives

Police are investigating an incident in which shots were fired into a Salina residence Monday afternoon. 

Officers were dispatched to the area of Gypsum Avenue and Indiana Avenue at approximately 4 p.m. Monday in regard to gunshots heard in the area, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.

Witnesses described a newer black passenger car as a possible suspect vehicle. A witness reported seeing a newer black four-door passenger car slow to a stop going westbound on Stack Avenue. The passenger in the front passenger seat extended an arm out the window and fired six shots from a black semi-automatic handgun, Forrester noted. The vehicle then turned south on Missouri Avenue, he added. 

Later on Monday, officers were sent to a residence in the 1400 block of Gypsum for the report of damage to property. The couple who live at the residence told police that they came home to find damage to their residence. A bullet hole was found on the west side of the residence that traveled into the residence, through their daughter’s bedroom, and into the bedroom closet, causing damage to the walls, Forrester reported. A bullet was found in the closet. According to Forrester, there was another bullet hole leading into the attic of the residence. No shell casings were found at the scene, he added. 

Forrester noted that surveillance video in the area shows a black Pontiac G6, possibly 2005 or 2006 model, driving the same path described by witnesses. 

Police are investigating an incident in which shots were fired into a Salina residence Monday afternoon. Officers were dispatched to the area of Gypsum Avenue and Indiana Avenue at approximately 4 p.m. Monday in regard to gunshots heard in the area, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning.Witnesses described a newer black passenger car as a possible suspect vehicle. A witness reported seeing a newer black four-door passenger car slow to a stop going westbound on Stack Avenue. The passenger in the front passenger seat extended an arm out the window and fired six shots from a black semi-automatic handgun, Forrester noted. The vehicle then turned south on Missouri Avenue, he added. Later on Monday, officers were sent to a residence in the 1400 block of Gypsum for the report of damage to property. The couple who live at the residence told police that they came home to find damage to their residence. A bullet hole was found on the west side of the residence that traveled into the residence, through their daughter’s bedroom, and into the bedroom closet, causing damage to the walls, Forrester reported. A bullet was found in the closet. According to Forrester, there was another bullet hole leading into the attic of the residence. No shell casings were found at the scene, he added. Forrester noted that surveillance video in the area shows a black Pontiac G6, possibly 2005 or 2006 model, driving the same path described by witnesses.

Police investigating incident of shots fired, bullets in residence

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a flood watch for Marion and McPherson Counties.

The flood watch will be in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.

Widespread rainfall, some locally heavy, will affect the area. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches with locally higher amounts will be possible, NWS noted.

The heavy rainfall will likely result in within bank rises on area creeks and rivers. Minor lowland flooding and river flooding will be possible.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a flood watch for Marion and McPherson Counties.The flood watch will be in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.Widespread rainfall, some locally heavy, will affect the area. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches with locally higher amounts will be possible, NWS noted.The heavy rainfall will likely result in within bank rises on area creeks and rivers. Minor lowland flooding and river flooding will be possible.

NWS issues flood watch for Marion and McPherson counties

Nearly a quarter-million dollars in federal grant funding will support distance learning in Kansas for those served by Smoky Hill Learning Center (SHLC).

The funding is part of a $791,638 Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant that will invest in equipment and online platforms for Kansas students – both traditional and adult. The grant under the Rural Utilities Service Program – administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – will go to Kansas Association for Interactive Distance Education (KAIDE) members.

$240,880 – nearly a third of the larger statewide grant – is earmarked specifically for Smoky Hill Education Service Center and SHLC.

Troy Marseline, SHLC Coordinator, said this announcement from the USDA was great news for online learners the center serves.

“This significant amount of funding greatly helps students across Kansas to stay on track and earn a high school diploma on time,” he said. “These grant dollars will be a tremendous help to our program and the students we serve for the next three years.”

For SHLC, the money will purchase computers, tablets, interactive “smart” boards, online learning platform licenses, and more.

Chris Moddelmog, SHESC executive director, said the grant would help meet essential needs in rural education.

“Supporting interactive distance learning has always been important to KAIDE and SHESC, but doing so has become even more critical during this time of COVID-19 concerns,” Moddelmog said. “Many schools are using at least some form of distance learning to meet students’ needs, so having adequate technology and up-to-date equipment is essential now and no longer a luxury.”

Lynne Hinrichsen, USDA Rural Development State Director for Kansas, said that the USDA helps make rural America stronger and healthier, leading the entire nation to prosper.

“Distance learning provides more educational resources to difficult-to-reach populations,” Hinrichsen said. “This project enhances the focus on rural education.”

The KAIDE project will expand educational opportunities for rural residents within the five member areas, encompassing 36 counties in Kansas. The SHESC-area schools participating in the grant are: USD 307 Ell-Saline, USD 325 Phillipsburg, USD 334 Southern Cloud (Miltonvale and Glasco), USD 347 Kinsley-Offerle, USD 426 Pike Valley. Students at Victory House in Brewster, Kansas, and remote learners with USD 473 Chapman will also benefit from the grant through the Smoky Hill Learning Center program. All SHESC member districts and schools will also benefit indirectly through interactions with education consultants, who will use some of the new equipment purchased with grant funds.

Additional SHESC member districts that are a part of the Interactive Consortium Academic Network (I-CAN) will also benefit from the grant. Those districts are: USD 110 Thunder Ridge, USD 269 Palco, USD 270 Plainville, USD 271 Stockton, USD 292 Wheatland, USD 392 Osborne County, and USD 399 Paradise.

The Kansas grant is just one part of a larger $72 million USDA investment across 40 states, benefitting more than 12 million rural residents.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603744523241.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nearly a quarter-million dollars in federal grant funding will support distance learning in Kansas for those served by Smoky Hill Learning Center (SHLC).The funding is part of a $791,638 Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant that will invest in equipment and online platforms for Kansas students – both traditional and adult. The grant under the Rural Utilities Service Program – administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – will go to Kansas Association for Interactive Distance Education (KAIDE) members.$240,880 – nearly a third of the larger statewide grant – is earmarked specifically for Smoky Hill Education Service Center and SHLC.Troy Marseline, SHLC Coordinator, said this announcement from the USDA was great news for online learners the center serves.“This significant amount of funding greatly helps students across Kansas to stay on track and earn a high school diploma on time,” he said. “These grant dollars will be a tremendous help to our program and the students we serve for the next three years.”For SHLC, the money will purchase computers, tablets, interactive “smart” boards, online learning platform licenses, and more.Chris Moddelmog, SHESC executive director, said the grant would help meet essential needs in rural education.“Supporting interactive distance learning has always been important to KAIDE and SHESC, but doing so has become even more critical during this time of COVID-19 concerns,” Moddelmog said. “Many schools are using at least some form of distance learning to meet students’ needs, so having adequate technology and up-to-date equipment is essential now and no longer a luxury.”Lynne Hinrichsen, USDA Rural Development State Director for Kansas, said that the USDA helps make rural America stronger and healthier, leading the entire nation to prosper.“Distance learning provides more educational resources to difficult-to-reach populations,” Hinrichsen said. “This project enhances the focus on rural education.”The KAIDE project will expand educational opportunities for rural residents within the five member areas, encompassing 36 counties in Kansas. The SHESC-area schools participating in the grant are: USD 307 Ell-Saline, USD 325 Phillipsburg, USD 334 Southern Cloud (Miltonvale and Glasco), USD 347 Kinsley-Offerle, USD 426 Pike Valley. Students at Victory House in Brewster, Kansas, and remote learners with USD 473 Chapman will also benefit from the grant through the Smoky Hill Learning Center program. All SHESC member districts and schools will also benefit indirectly through interactions with education consultants, who will use some of the new equipment purchased with grant funds.Additional SHESC member districts that are a part of the Interactive Consortium Academic Network (I-CAN) will also benefit from the grant. Those districts are: USD 110 Thunder Ridge, USD 269 Palco, USD 270 Plainville, USD 271 Stockton, USD 292 Wheatland, USD 392 Osborne County, and USD 399 Paradise.The Kansas grant is just one part of a larger $72 million USDA investment across 40 states, benefitting more than 12 million rural residents.USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas.

SHESC receives $240K+ grant for distance learning

The Bennington State Bank (BSB) has opened a loan production office (LPO) in Abilene. 

The office is located at 418 West Third Street in Abilene, and is currently open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment. The LPO will facilitate additional business opportunities and will offer a full suite of competitive business lending services.

“Expanding into the Abilene and Dickinson County market is a natural progression for our bank as The Bennington State Bank has many ties to the Abilene community,” said Burke Matthews, president. “Dr. Don Berkley, retired BSB Board member, resides in Abilene and is still very involved with the bank. BSB has many great customer relationships in the Abilene community, and this office will help us take better care of those customers while also being able to serve new customers in this market.”

BSB is pleased to announce the hiring of Mike Anderes to oversee the market expansion as vice president and loan officer. A Kansas native, Anderes is a commercial banking industry leader with over 25 years of commercial and ag lending experience.

“As a community focused bank, we believe our core values and relationship based banking philosophy, along with our unique financial expertise and diverse set of commercial products will meet the personal and business banking needs of the Abilene market,” said Darren Gragg, chief operating officer. “We are excited to welcome Mike Anderes who brings valuable leadership and experience to the team. Mike is an exceptional business lender who understands the Abilene and Central Kansas business market very well.”

The LPO is not a full-service branch office, but could eventually expand into a full-service banking location. Bennington State Bank currently has seven full-service banking locations in Kansas. BSB also offers leading edge online and digital banking solutions that enable customers to carry out many financial transactions through their computer or mobile device.

“We pride ourselves in listening to our customers, responding to their needs, and developing lasting relationships. This location is starting out as a Loan Production Office, and as we continue to expand our footprint in Kansas, we expect this location to eventually grow into a fullservice branch,” Matthews commented. 

Established in 1887, The Bennington State Bank (BSB) was founded on the principles of integrity, trust, and fostering long-term customer relationships through the delivery of excellence in customer service and financial products including state-of-the-art online and mobile platforms. BSB is a full-service financial provider, offering Consumer banking, Ag solutions, and Commercial banking, including Trust and Wealth Management, Portfolio Management and Employee Benefit Services. With nearly $800 million in total assets, BSB has locations in Salina, Bennington, Minneapolis, Lucas, Sylvan Grove, and Wamego. Always committed to local decision-making, excellent customer service and community investment, BSB is your trusted hometown bank. For more information, please visit bsbks.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603763142160.jpeg" alt="The Bennington State Bank loan production office in Abilene. Photo courtesy Bennington State Bank" />
 <figcaption>The Bennington State Bank loan production office in Abilene. Photo courtesy Bennington State Bank</figcaption>
 </figure>The Bennington State Bank (BSB) has opened a loan production office (LPO) in Abilene. The office is located at 418 West Third Street in Abilene, and is currently open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment. The LPO will facilitate additional business opportunities and will offer a full suite of competitive business lending services.“Expanding into the Abilene and Dickinson County market is a natural progression for our bank as The Bennington State Bank has many ties to the Abilene community,” said Burke Matthews, president. “Dr. Don Berkley, retired BSB Board member, resides in Abilene and is still very involved with the bank. BSB has many great customer relationships in the Abilene community, and this office will help us take better care of those customers while also being able to serve new customers in this market.”BSB is pleased to announce the hiring of Mike Anderes to oversee the market expansion as vice president and loan officer. A Kansas native, Anderes is a commercial banking industry leader with over 25 years of commercial and ag lending experience.“As a community focused bank, we believe our core values and relationship based banking philosophy, along with our unique financial expertise and diverse set of commercial products will meet the personal and business banking needs of the Abilene market,” said Darren Gragg, chief operating officer. “We are excited to welcome Mike Anderes who brings valuable leadership and experience to the team. Mike is an exceptional business lender who understands the Abilene and Central Kansas business market very well.”The LPO is not a full-service branch office, but could eventually expand into a full-service banking location. Bennington State Bank currently has seven full-service banking locations in Kansas. BSB also offers leading edge online and digital banking solutions that enable customers to carry out many financial transactions through their computer or mobile device.“We pride ourselves in listening to our customers, responding to their needs, and developing lasting relationships. This location is starting out as a Loan Production Office, and as we continue to expand our footprint in Kansas, we expect this location to eventually grow into a fullservice branch,” Matthews commented. About Bennington State BankEstablished in 1887, The Bennington State Bank (BSB) was founded on the principles of integrity, trust, and fostering long-term customer relationships through the delivery of excellence in customer service and financial products including state-of-the-art online and mobile platforms. BSB is a full-service financial provider, offering Consumer banking, Ag solutions, and Commercial banking, including Trust and Wealth Management, Portfolio Management and Employee Benefit Services. With nearly $800 million in total assets, BSB has locations in Salina, Bennington, Minneapolis, Lucas, Sylvan Grove, and Wamego. Always committed to local decision-making, excellent customer service and community investment, BSB is your trusted hometown bank. For more information, please visit bsbks.com.

Bennington State Bank opens loan production office in Abilene

Kansas Wesleyan University will honor a longtime faculty member with a new talent-based competition, the Bill McMosley Scholarship Competition.

Competition will take place in seven areas: Vocal, instrumental, orchestra, Rise Up!, theatre, The Howl and debate. One scholarship for 75% of tuition will be awarded after each competition, while major scholarships will be conferred to the top six individuals in the categories involved.

The 2020-21 competition dates are currently scheduled to be December 12 (virtual) and February 20 (on-ground).

“I didn’t know Bill McMosley,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of Advancement, Admissions and Marketing. “I have been amazed, however, at the impression that he left among the KWU community. He is still remembered not only as a faculty member, but as an important part of the KWU family. It’s our honor to remember Bill and his excellent legacy with this competition.”

McMosley served as the long-time KWU Director of Bands, a stint that ran from 1999—2013, and was heavily involved in other musical events and educational efforts in the region. He passed away in June 2020.

For more information on scholarships and related competitions at Kansas Wesleyan, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/admissions" target="_blank">www.kwu.edu/admissions</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592952137207.png" alt="The late Bill McMosley" />
 <figcaption>The late Bill McMosley</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Wesleyan University will honor a longtime faculty member with a new talent-based competition, the Bill McMosley Scholarship Competition.Competition will take place in seven areas: Vocal, instrumental, orchestra, Rise Up!, theatre, The Howl and debate. One scholarship for 75% of tuition will be awarded after each competition, while major scholarships will be conferred to the top six individuals in the categories involved.The 2020-21 competition dates are currently scheduled to be December 12 (virtual) and February 20 (on-ground).“I didn’t know Bill McMosley,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of Advancement, Admissions and Marketing. “I have been amazed, however, at the impression that he left among the KWU community. He is still remembered not only as a faculty member, but as an important part of the KWU family. It’s our honor to remember Bill and his excellent legacy with this competition.”McMosley served as the long-time KWU Director of Bands, a stint that ran from 1999—2013, and was heavily involved in other musical events and educational efforts in the region. He passed away in June 2020.For more information on scholarships and related competitions at Kansas Wesleyan, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwu.edu/admissions" target="_blank">www.kwu.edu/admissions</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KWU to honor former director of bands with scholarship competition

Today is Tuesday, Oct. 27, the 301st day of 2020. There are 65 days left in the year. 

On Oct. 27, 1904, the first rapid transit subway, the IRT, was inaugurated in New York City. 

In 1787, the first of the Federalist Papers, a series of essays calling for ratification of the United States Constitution, was published. 

In 1858, the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, was born in New York City. 

In 1941, the Chicago Daily Tribune dismissed the possibility of war with Japan, editorializing, "She cannot attack us. That is a military impossibility. Even our base at Hawaii is beyond the effective striking power of her fleet."

In 1954, U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. was promoted to brigadier general, the first Black officer to achieve that rank in the USAF. Walt Disney's first television program, titled "Disneyland" after the yet-to-be completed theme park, premiered on ABC. 

In 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a U-2 reconnaissance aircraft was shot down while flying over Cuba, killing the pilot, U.S. Air Force Maj. Rudolf Anderson Jr. 

In 1978, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin were named winners of the Nobel Peace Prize for their progress toward achieving a Middle East accord. 

In 1995, a sniper killed one soldier and wounded 18 others at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. (Paratrooper William J. Kreutzer was convicted in the shootings, and condemned to death; the sentence was later commuted to life in prison.) 

In 1998, Hurricane Mitch cut through the western Caribbean, pummeling coastal Honduras and Belize; the storm caused several thousand deaths in Central America in the days that followed. 

In 2001, in Washington, the search for deadly anthrax widened to thousands of businesses and 30 mail distribution centers.

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918, sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4, 3-0. 

In 2005, White House counsel Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination to the Supreme Court after three weeks of brutal criticism from fellow conservatives.

In 2018, a gunman shot and killed 11 congregants and wounded six others at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue in the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history; authorities said the suspect, Robert Bowers, raged against Jews during and after the rampage. (Bowers, who is awaiting trial, has pleaded not guilty; prosecutors are seeking a death sentence.) Hundreds of Mexican federal officers carrying plastic shields blocked a Central American caravan from advancing toward the United States after several thousand migrants turned down the chance to apply for refugee status in Mexico and obtain a Mexican offer of benefits.

Ten years ago: Dozens of Jewish extremists hoisting Israeli flags defiantly marched through the Arab-Israeli town of Umm el-Fahm, chanting "death to terrorists" and touching off clashes between rock-hurling residents and police. Former Argentine President Nestor Kirchner died at age 60. The San Francisco Giants won the first game of the World Series, defeating the Texas Rangers 11-7.

Five years ago: President Barack Obama, addressing the International Association of Chiefs of Police in Chicago, defended officers who had come under intense scrutiny amid a breakdown in relations between law enforcement and minority communities, and said police couldn't be expected to contain problems that society refuses to solve. Walgreens confirmed it was buying rival pharmacy chain Rite Aid for about $9.4 billion in cash.

One year ago: In an address from the White House, President Donald Trump announced that Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had died after U.S. special operations forces cornered him during a raid in Syria. (Al-Baghdadi blew himself up as U.S. forces approached.) Former U.S. Rep. John Conyers of Michigan, a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus who'd been one of the longest-serving members of Congress, died at his home in Detroit at the age of 90; he'd been among the high-profile politicians toppled by sexual harassment allegations in 2017. Freshman Rep. Katie Hill, a rising Democratic star in the House, resigned amid an ethics probe; she said explicit private photos of her with a campaign staffer had been "weaponized" by her husband and political operatives.

Today's Birthdays: Actor-comedian John Cleese is 81. Author Maxine Hong Kingston is 80. Country singer Lee Greenwood is 78. Producer-director Ivan Reitman is 74. Rock musician Garry Tallent (Bruce Springsteen &amp; the E Street Band) is 71. Author Fran Lebowitz is 70. Rock musician K.K. Downing is 69. TV personality Jayne Kennedy is 69. Actor-director Roberto Benigni is 68. Actor Peter Firth is 67. Actor Robert Picardo is 67. World Golf Hall of Famer Patty Sheehan is 64. Singer Simon Le Bon is 62. Country musician Jerry Dale McFadden (The Mavericks) is 56. Internet news editor Matt Drudge is 54. Rock musician Jason Finn (Presidents of the United States of America) is 53. Actor Sean Holland is 52. Actor Channon Roe is 51. Actor Sheeri Rappaport is 43. Actor David Walton is 42. Violinist Vanessa-Mae is 42. Actor-singer Kelly Osbourne is 36. Actor Christine Evangelista is 34. Actor Bryan Craig is 29. Actor Troy Gentile 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, Oct. 27, the 301st day of 2020. There are 65 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Oct. 27, 1904, the first rapid transit subway, the IRT, was inaugurated in New York City. On this date: In 1787, the first of the Federalist Papers, a series of essays calling for ratification of the United States Constitution, was published. In 1858, the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, was born in New York City. In 1941, the Chicago Daily Tribune dismissed the possibility of war with Japan, editorializing, "She cannot attack us. That is a military impossibility. Even our base at Hawaii is beyond the effective striking power of her fleet."In 1954, U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. was promoted to brigadier general, the first Black officer to achieve that rank in the USAF. Walt Disney's first television program, titled "Disneyland" after the yet-to-be completed theme park, premiered on ABC. In 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a U-2 reconnaissance aircraft was shot down while flying over Cuba, killing the pilot, U.S. Air Force Maj. Rudolf Anderson Jr. In 1978, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin were named winners of the Nobel Peace Prize for their progress toward achieving a Middle East accord. In 1995, a sniper killed one soldier and wounded 18 others at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. (Paratrooper William J. Kreutzer was convicted in the shootings, and condemned to death; the sentence was later commuted to life in prison.) In 1998, Hurricane Mitch cut through the western Caribbean, pummeling coastal Honduras and Belize; the storm caused several thousand deaths in Central America in the days that followed. In 2001, in Washington, the search for deadly anthrax widened to thousands of businesses and 30 mail distribution centers.In 2004, the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918, sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4, 3-0. In 2005, White House counsel Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination to the Supreme Court after three weeks of brutal criticism from fellow conservatives.In 2018, a gunman shot and killed 11 congregants and wounded six others at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue in the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history; authorities said the suspect, Robert Bowers, raged against Jews during and after the rampage. (Bowers, who is awaiting trial, has pleaded not guilty; prosecutors are seeking a death sentence.) Hundreds of Mexican federal officers carrying plastic shields blocked a Central American caravan from advancing toward the United States after several thousand migrants turned down the chance to apply for refugee status in Mexico and obtain a Mexican offer of benefits.Ten years ago: Dozens of Jewish extremists hoisting Israeli flags defiantly marched through the Arab-Israeli town of Umm el-Fahm, chanting "death to terrorists" and touching off clashes between rock-hurling residents and police. Former Argentine President Nestor Kirchner died at age 60. The San Francisco Giants won the first game of the World Series, defeating the Texas Rangers 11-7.Five years ago: President Barack Obama, addressing the International Association of Chiefs of Police in Chicago, defended officers who had come under intense scrutiny amid a breakdown in relations between law enforcement and minority communities, and said police couldn't be expected to contain problems that society refuses to solve. Walgreens confirmed it was buying rival pharmacy chain Rite Aid for about $9.4 billion in cash. One year ago: In an address from the White House, President Donald Trump announced that Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had died after U.S. special operations forces cornered him during a raid in Syria. (Al-Baghdadi blew himself up as U.S. forces approached.) Former U.S. Rep. John Conyers of Michigan, a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus who'd been one of the longest-serving members of Congress, died at his home in Detroit at the age of 90; he'd been among the high-profile politicians toppled by sexual harassment allegations in 2017. Freshman Rep. Katie Hill, a rising Democratic star in the House, resigned amid an ethics probe; she said explicit private photos of her with a campaign staffer had been "weaponized" by her husband and political operatives. Today's Birthdays: Actor-comedian John Cleese is 81. Author Maxine Hong Kingston is 80. Country singer Lee Greenwood is 78. Producer-director Ivan Reitman is 74. Rock musician Garry Tallent (Bruce Springsteen &amp; the E Street Band) is 71. Author Fran Lebowitz is 70. Rock musician K.K. Downing is 69. TV personality Jayne Kennedy is 69. Actor-director Roberto Benigni is 68. Actor Peter Firth is 67. Actor Robert Picardo is 67. World Golf Hall of Famer Patty Sheehan is 64. Singer Simon Le Bon is 62. Country musician Jerry Dale McFadden (The Mavericks) is 56. Internet news editor Matt Drudge is 54. Rock musician Jason Finn (Presidents of the United States of America) is 53. Actor Sean Holland is 52. Actor Channon Roe is 51. Actor Sheeri Rappaport is 43. Actor David Walton is 42. Violinist Vanessa-Mae is 42. Actor-singer Kelly Osbourne is 36. Actor Christine Evangelista is 34. Actor Bryan Craig is 29. Actor Troy Gentile is 27.

Today in History -- Oct. 27

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;&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;&nbsp;

Recent obituaries

Salina Presbyterian Manor temporarily suspends visitation

A small earthquake shook part of southeastern Saline County this afternoon.

According to the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS), a 2.3 magnitude quake struck at 3:47 p.m. Monday. The quake was centered just east of South Niles Road between East Hedberg Road and East Lapsley Road.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603755258780.png" alt="Map courtesy KGS" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy KGS</figcaption>
 </figure>A small earthquake shook part of southeastern Saline County this afternoon.According to the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS), a 2.3 magnitude quake struck at 3:47 p.m. Monday. The quake was centered just east of South Niles Road between East Hedberg Road and East Lapsley Road.

Small quake shakes southeastern Saline County

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 22 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 395.

Of that total, 327 cases have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died, the department noted. Additionally, three of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department reported.

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

• New cases since last public release: 22

• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 31

• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 5

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 22 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 395.Of that total, 327 cases have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died, the department noted. Additionally, three of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department reported.Following is the updated case data as provided by the health department.• New cases since last public release: 22• Asymptomatic: 29• Cases with unknown exposure: 177• Cases 60 years old and above: 111• Cases 50-59 years old: 44• Cases 40-49 years old: 56• Cases 30-39 years old: 47• Cases 18-29 years old: 98• Cases under 18 years old: 39• Female cases: 210• Male cases: 185• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 31• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 5• Deaths: 6

McPherson County reports 22 new cases of COVID-19

MANHATTAN – Providing care for another person is a big responsibility, and usually one that most people experience.&nbsp;

“It’s one of those things in our lives where, for pretty much everyone at some point, we will be a caregiver or will have someone care for us,” said Nancy Honig, a family and consumer sciences agent with Kansas State University’s&nbsp;<a href="https://wildwest.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Wild West Extension District</a>.&nbsp;

Honig is among a group of K-State extension professionals that is providing important support those who care for loved ones. She will be teaching a six-week program, titled Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Nov. 2 through Dec. 7.&nbsp;

“The program is focused on the caregiver, not so much on giving care to someone,” Honig said. “The idea is that if you take better care of yourself, you will be a better caregiver to your loved one.”&nbsp;

“We liken it to when you’re on an airplane and the flight attendants tell you to put the mask on yourself before you assist someone else. Often times, when we’re providing care, we are so concerned with taking care of that person that we forget to put on our own oxygen mask.”&nbsp;

The cost for the six-week course – which meets online from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. each Monday – is $5.&nbsp;<a href="https://wildwest.k-state.edu/docs/2power%20tools%20flyer%202020.pdf" target="_blank">More information</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_etGGqMVVjZuKRNP" target="_blank">registration for the class</a>&nbsp;is available online.&nbsp;

“Some of the tools we help participants learn is how to reduce stress and how to communicate more effectively,” Honig said. “Communication is a big part of it. We talk about how to communicate with the person you’re caring for, how to communicate with doctors and how to communicate with other family members about the care you’re giving.”&nbsp;

Honig notes that one aspect of reducing stress is being able to ask for help.&nbsp;

“One of our biggest challenges is to help caregivers understand that they need to step back from a situation and ask people for help,” she said. “That’s a difficult thing for caregivers to do. I think what happens is that caregivers think it’s their obligation and they can’t let anyone else step in and do some of those things.”&nbsp;

Often, she notes, there are resources within one’s community that can help: “Knowing what’s available can be beneficial to you, but again, they have to ask for those resources.”&nbsp;

Honig said some other aspects of caregiving that are addressed in the program include:&nbsp;

●Emotions. “We talk about setting goals and problem-solving, because there are a lot of deep emotions and major changes that come along, included losses for the caregiver and the person being cared for.”

●Self-confidence. “It helps the caregiver’s confidence to hear how others have dealt with a situation. It gives them the confidence to know that they really are doing a good job, or the best they can in the situation.”

●Balancing act. “If the caregiver has a job and their own kids at home, it really can be overwhelming.”

●Be an advocate. “We really need to be our own advocate when it comes to health care and taking care of our loved ones. It’s okay to ask question doctors and delve deeper into what’s going on.”&nbsp;

Honig said plans are in place to host Powerful Tools for Caregivers quarterly. More information on the program and issues related to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aging.k-state.edu/programs/caregiver-tools.html" target="_blank">adult development and aging is available online</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603752145799.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Program is available online each Monday</h2>MANHATTAN – Providing care for another person is a big responsibility, and usually one that most people experience.&nbsp;“It’s one of those things in our lives where, for pretty much everyone at some point, we will be a caregiver or will have someone care for us,” said Nancy Honig, a family and consumer sciences agent with Kansas State University’s&nbsp;<a href="https://wildwest.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Wild West Extension District</a>.&nbsp;Honig is among a group of K-State extension professionals that is providing important support those who care for loved ones. She will be teaching a six-week program, titled Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Nov. 2 through Dec. 7.&nbsp;“The program is focused on the caregiver, not so much on giving care to someone,” Honig said. “The idea is that if you take better care of yourself, you will be a better caregiver to your loved one.”&nbsp;“We liken it to when you’re on an airplane and the flight attendants tell you to put the mask on yourself before you assist someone else. Often times, when we’re providing care, we are so concerned with taking care of that person that we forget to put on our own oxygen mask.”&nbsp;The cost for the six-week course – which meets online from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. each Monday – is $5.&nbsp;<a href="https://wildwest.k-state.edu/docs/2power%20tools%20flyer%202020.pdf" target="_blank">More information</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_etGGqMVVjZuKRNP" target="_blank">registration for the class</a>&nbsp;is available online.&nbsp;“Some of the tools we help participants learn is how to reduce stress and how to communicate more effectively,” Honig said. “Communication is a big part of it. We talk about how to communicate with the person you’re caring for, how to communicate with doctors and how to communicate with other family members about the care you’re giving.”&nbsp;Honig notes that one aspect of reducing stress is being able to ask for help.&nbsp;“One of our biggest challenges is to help caregivers understand that they need to step back from a situation and ask people for help,” she said. “That’s a difficult thing for caregivers to do. I think what happens is that caregivers think it’s their obligation and they can’t let anyone else step in and do some of those things.”&nbsp;Often, she notes, there are resources within one’s community that can help: “Knowing what’s available can be beneficial to you, but again, they have to ask for those resources.”&nbsp;Honig said some other aspects of caregiving that are addressed in the program include:&nbsp;●Emotions. “We talk about setting goals and problem-solving, because there are a lot of deep emotions and major changes that come along, included losses for the caregiver and the person being cared for.”●Self-confidence. “It helps the caregiver’s confidence to hear how others have dealt with a situation. It gives them the confidence to know that they really are doing a good job, or the best they can in the situation.”●Balancing act. “If the caregiver has a job and their own kids at home, it really can be overwhelming.”●Be an advocate. “We really need to be our own advocate when it comes to health care and taking care of our loved ones. It’s okay to ask question doctors and delve deeper into what’s going on.”&nbsp;Honig said plans are in place to host Powerful Tools for Caregivers quarterly. More information on the program and issues related to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aging.k-state.edu/programs/caregiver-tools.html" target="_blank">adult development and aging is available online</a>.&nbsp;

KSRE offers ‘Powerful Tools for Caregivers’ beginning Nov. 2

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

There are 24 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County to report since the last update on Friday, October 23. The total for the county is now 1,087, with 145 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 929 that have recovered, and a total of 13 deaths. Salina Regional Health Center reports that they have seven hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Salina Regional is a regional hospital; the COVID-19 patient total is not specific to the number of Saline County residents who may be hospitalized.

Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Monday.There are 24 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County to report since the last update on Friday, October 23. The total for the county is now 1,087, with 145 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 929 that have recovered, and a total of 13 deaths. Salina Regional Health Center reports that they have seven hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Salina Regional is a regional hospital; the COVID-19 patient total is not specific to the number of Saline County residents who may be hospitalized.Our dashboard has been updated with the latest information:●Mobile Device Users: <a href="https://arcg.is/yjPT1">https://arcg.is/yjPT1</a>●Desktop Users: <a href="https://arcg.is/1qHnb0">https://arcg.is/1qHnb0</a>According to the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment, there are now 78,676 cases and 976 deaths statewide. This information can be found at <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/</a>.Here is what you can do to help us to stop the spread:●Stay home if you have any symptoms or are ill●Wear masks in public spaces as required by City Ordinance and County Resolution●Maximize physical distance (6 feet or more) in public settings●Avoid socializing with large groups●High-risk individuals should only leave the house for essential needs●Wash your hands frequentlyOnly follow official sources to obtain information: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>.

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