By ANDREW W. HAIT U.S. Census Bureau

Author Foster Huntington, who launched a millennial nomadic movement with his #vanlife Instagram account chronicling his travel experiences living in a van, is credited with coining the term “Home is Where You Park It.”

Scores of Americans have embraced his philosophy, hitting the road in Recreational Vehicles (RVs), many of them with bumper stickers quoting his mantra and garden flags that decorate their RVs and campsites. But is this a recent fad? Is the boom just a blip for the RV industry?

In a word — no. The U.S. RV industry has actually been steadily growing for years.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/economic-census.html">2017 Economic Census</a>, the nation’s 2,667 RV Dealers (<a href="https://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch?code=441210&amp;search=2017%20NAICS%20Search">NAICS 44121</a>) generated $25.9 billion in sales in 2017 (the latest data available), up 81.5% from the $14.2 billion in sales in 2012.

In 2017, RV dealers generated an average of $9.7 million in sales, $571,822 in average sales per employee, and $11.80 in sales for every dollar in annual payroll for employees.&nbsp;

The average annual sales per-employee was significantly higher than the average $31,053 for all Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45) businesses but below the average annual sales ($777,174) per employee for New Car Dealers (NAICS 441110) in 2017.

RV dealers in Florida generated $2.6 billion in sales in 2017, the highest of any state, as well as the highest average sales ($788.325) per employee.

However, RV dealers in Maryland reported the highest average sales per establishment in 2017 ($16.6 million), while RV dealers in South Carolina reported the highest average sales per $1 of annual payroll ($15.75).

That’s up from 2012, when there were only 2,625 U.S. RV dealers employing 33,029 workers with $42,820 in average annual payroll per employee.

The average annual payroll per RV dealer employee in 2018 was higher than the $29,164 average for all Retail Trade businesses but below the $54,523 for New Car Dealers.

About a third (901) of RV dealers employed fewer than five employees in 2018, but the 453 dealers that had a workforce of 20-49 employees had the largest total number of employees (14,277).

Businesses with fewer than five employees paid them better, however: an average $59,770 a year.

California had the most employer RV dealers (249) and the most employees (4,412) in 2018, but the seven RV dealers in Alaska reported the highest average annual payroll per employee in 2018 ($65,400).

In addition to the 2,703 employer RV dealers in the United States in 2018, there were 3,813 nonemployer (or self-employed) RV dealers.

Despite the high number, self-employed dealers generated just $362.8 million in sales in 2018. According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/nonemployer-statistics.html">Nonemployer Statistics</a>&nbsp;program, 70% of these businesses had sales under $50,000 and only 44 had sales of $1 million or more in 2018.

According to the Economic Census, the nation’s 4,513 RV Parks and Campgrounds with employees (<a href="https://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch?code=721211&amp;search=2017%20NAICS%20Search">NAICS 721211</a>) generated $3.1 billion in revenue in 2017, up 30.3% from $2.4 billion in 2012.

In 2017, each RV park generated an average of $683,000 in revenue (an average $138,759 per employee) and $4.78 in revenue for every dollar in payroll paid those employees.

RV parks in California generated the highest sales ($404.8 million) in 2017, but RV parks in South Carolina generated the highest sales per park ($2.3 million).

Once again, Alaska came out on top with its 31 RV parks reporting the nation’s highest sales per employee ($472,176).

RV parks employed 22,673 people in 2018, with an average annual payroll per employee of $30,628. There were fewer parks in 2012, 4,403 compared to 4,513 in 2017, with 19,354 employees and $25,913 in average annual payroll per employee.

Just like RV dealers, RV parks are typically very small businesses. More than 71% had fewer than five employees in 2018. These small RV parks employed 4,668 workers with an average annual payroll per employee of $44,329.

Texas had the most (376) RV parks but California had the most park employees (3,161) in 2018. Alaska again led the pack in pay: its 31 RV parks reported the highest average annual payroll ($91,611) per employee of any state.

Just as there are many RV dealers without employees, there are many parks without workers. In 2018, there were 7,218 RV parks run by self-employed people, which generated $471.3 million in sales.

Even when combined, the (11,791) employer and nonemployer RV parks make up a small share of the nation’s total number of sites available to RVers. .

This number does not include the thousands of parks run by the&nbsp;<a></a><a href="https://www.nps.gov/index.htm" target="_blank">National Park Service</a>&nbsp;and by state and local governments. It also excludes camping sites operated by the&nbsp;<a></a><a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/camping" target="_blank">Bureau of Land Management</a>, the&nbsp;<a></a><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Forest Service</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a></a><a href="https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/visitors/camping.cfm" target="_blank">U.S. Army Corp of Engineers</a>.

There is even free camping operated by organizations such as&nbsp;<a></a><a href="https://www.boondockerswelcome.com/" target="_blank">Boondockers Welcome</a>&nbsp;that pairs RVers with homeowners and&nbsp;<a></a><a href="https://harvesthosts.com/" target="_blank">Harvest Hosts</a>&nbsp;that pairs them with farms, wineries, and other types of businesses that will let them park on their property.

Who Are The Owners of RV Dealerships and Parks?

RV dealer firms are primarily owned by white males, according to the Census Bureau’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/abs.html">Annual Business Survey</a>.

Of the 2,046 U.S. RV dealer firms in 2017, 1,353 were male-owned and 1,998 were white-owned (almost all non-Hispanic and non-minority). The ethnicity and race characteristics of RV park owners were similar but there was more gender equality: 1,519 of the 3,973 RV parks were equally male and female owned.

As the nation and the Census Bureau recognizes the manufacturing industry this Friday on&nbsp;<a href="https://census.gov/mfgday">Manufacturing Day</a>, we provide here a detailed look at motor home manufacturing.

Forty-seven Motor Home Manufacturing (<a href="https://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch?code=336213&amp;search=2017%20NAICS%20Search">NAICS 336213</a>) establishments in the United States reported shipments of $5.4 billion in 2017, according to the Economic Census.

While the number of manufacturers was down from the 61 in 2012, their shipments more than doubled from the $2.2 billion reported in 2012.

In 2017, these businesses employed 12,127 compared to 6,609 in 2012, and, on average, each employee generated $442,848 in shipments, up from $339,407 in 2012.

The majority (67%) of the $3.6 billion in national shipments came from establishments located in Indiana, home to nearly every RV (and RV component) manufacturer in the nation. Indiana motor home manufacturers also reported average shipments per establishment and average shipments per employee substantially above the national average – $190.5 million and $547,747, respectively.

While the number of motor home manufacturers was relatively small, the number of Travel Trailer and Camper Manufacturers (<a href="https://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch?code=336214&amp;search=2017%20NAICS%20Search">NAICS 336214</a>) was not. The 743 establishments in this industry reported shipments of $17.2 billion in 2017, up 67% from the $10.3 billion in 2012.

In 2017, these businesses employed 51,435 workers (up from. 38,322 in 2012), and each employee generated an average $334,727 in shipments vs. $268,886 in 2012.

Indiana dominates the domestic travel trailer and camper manufacturing industry: $11.9 billion (69%) of the national shipments in this industry came from establishments located in Indiana. Shipments doubled from the $6.2 billion reported in 2012.

Indiana businesses in this industry employed 31,182 workers in 2017, up from 20,755 in 2012.

&nbsp;“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in the position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.”

This quote from author Bill Bryson, who often writes about travel, resonates with RV fans. RV vacations give Americans a chance to experience all our country has to offer while still having all the comforts and familiar things of home like electricity, drinking water, a kitchen and bathroom.

Whether the growing popularity of RVs in recent years will continue remains to be seen but, for many, home is now where they park it.

Andrew W. Hait is an economist at the U.S. Census Bureau who recently purchased his first RV. From <a href="http://census.gov">census.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601404720588.jpeg" alt="RVs aren't just for Cousin Eddie any more. The U.S. RV industry has been steadily growing for years. Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/KounG-5848600/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2485774">Koun G</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2485774">Pixabay</a>" />
 <figcaption>RVs aren't just for Cousin Eddie any more. The U.S. RV industry has been steadily growing for years. Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/KounG-5848600/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2485774">Koun G</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2485774">Pixabay</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By ANDREW W. HAIT U.S. Census BureauAuthor Foster Huntington, who launched a millennial nomadic movement with his #vanlife Instagram account chronicling his travel experiences living in a van, is credited with coining the term “Home is Where You Park It.”Scores of Americans have embraced his philosophy, hitting the road in Recreational Vehicles (RVs), many of them with bumper stickers quoting his mantra and garden flags that decorate their RVs and campsites. But is this a recent fad? Is the boom just a blip for the RV industry?In a word — no. The U.S. RV industry has actually been steadily growing for years.According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/economic-census.html">2017 Economic Census</a>, the nation’s 2,667 RV Dealers (<a href="https://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch?code=441210&amp;search=2017%20NAICS%20Search">NAICS 44121</a>) generated $25.9 billion in sales in 2017 (the latest data available), up 81.5% from the $14.2 billion in sales in 2012.In 2017, RV dealers generated an average of $9.7 million in sales, $571,822 in average sales per employee, and $11.80 in sales for every dollar in annual payroll for employees.&nbsp;The average annual sales per-employee was significantly higher than the average $31,053 for all Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45) businesses but below the average annual sales ($777,174) per employee for New Car Dealers (NAICS 441110) in 2017.RV dealers in Florida generated $2.6 billion in sales in 2017, the highest of any state, as well as the highest average sales ($788.325) per employee.However, RV dealers in Maryland reported the highest average sales per establishment in 2017 ($16.6 million), while RV dealers in South Carolina reported the highest average sales per $1 of annual payroll ($15.75).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601403947228.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>That’s up from 2012, when there were only 2,625 U.S. RV dealers employing 33,029 workers with $42,820 in average annual payroll per employee.The average annual payroll per RV dealer employee in 2018 was higher than the $29,164 average for all Retail Trade businesses but below the $54,523 for New Car Dealers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601404008291.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>About a third (901) of RV dealers employed fewer than five employees in 2018, but the 453 dealers that had a workforce of 20-49 employees had the largest total number of employees (14,277).Businesses with fewer than five employees paid them better, however: an average $59,770 a year.California had the most employer RV dealers (249) and the most employees (4,412) in 2018, but the seven RV dealers in Alaska reported the highest average annual payroll per employee in 2018 ($65,400).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601404082835.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In addition to the 2,703 employer RV dealers in the United States in 2018, there were 3,813 nonemployer (or self-employed) RV dealers.Despite the high number, self-employed dealers generated just $362.8 million in sales in 2018. According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/nonemployer-statistics.html">Nonemployer Statistics</a>&nbsp;program, 70% of these businesses had sales under $50,000 and only 44 had sales of $1 million or more in 2018.<h2>Where Do You Park Your RV?</h2>According to the Economic Census, the nation’s 4,513 RV Parks and Campgrounds with employees (<a href="https://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch?code=721211&amp;search=2017%20NAICS%20Search">NAICS 721211</a>) generated $3.1 billion in revenue in 2017, up 30.3% from $2.4 billion in 2012.In 2017, each RV park generated an average of $683,000 in revenue (an average $138,759 per employee) and $4.78 in revenue for every dollar in payroll paid those employees.RV parks in California generated the highest sales ($404.8 million) in 2017, but RV parks in South Carolina generated the highest sales per park ($2.3 million).Once again, Alaska came out on top with its 31 RV parks reporting the nation’s highest sales per employee ($472,176).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601404168643.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Jobs in RV Parks</h2>RV parks employed 22,673 people in 2018, with an average annual payroll per employee of $30,628. There were fewer parks in 2012, 4,403 compared to 4,513 in 2017, with 19,354 employees and $25,913 in average annual payroll per employee.Just like RV dealers, RV parks are typically very small businesses. More than 71% had fewer than five employees in 2018. These small RV parks employed 4,668 workers with an average annual payroll per employee of $44,329.Texas had the most (376) RV parks but California had the most park employees (3,161) in 2018. Alaska again led the pack in pay: its 31 RV parks reported the highest average annual payroll ($91,611) per employee of any state.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601404248227.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just as there are many RV dealers without employees, there are many parks without workers. In 2018, there were 7,218 RV parks run by self-employed people, which generated $471.3 million in sales.Even when combined, the (11,791) employer and nonemployer RV parks make up a small share of the nation’s total number of sites available to RVers. .This number does not include the thousands of parks run by the&nbsp;<a></a><a href="https://www.nps.gov/index.htm" target="_blank">National Park Service</a>&nbsp;and by state and local governments. It also excludes camping sites operated by the&nbsp;<a></a><a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/camping" target="_blank">Bureau of Land Management</a>, the&nbsp;<a></a><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Forest Service</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a></a><a href="https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/visitors/camping.cfm" target="_blank">U.S. Army Corp of Engineers</a>.There is even free camping operated by organizations such as&nbsp;<a></a><a href="https://www.boondockerswelcome.com/" target="_blank">Boondockers Welcome</a>&nbsp;that pairs RVers with homeowners and&nbsp;<a></a><a href="https://harvesthosts.com/" target="_blank">Harvest Hosts</a>&nbsp;that pairs them with farms, wineries, and other types of businesses that will let them park on their property.<h2>Who Are The Owners of RV Dealerships and Parks?</h2>RV dealer firms are primarily owned by white males, according to the Census Bureau’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/abs.html">Annual Business Survey</a>.Of the 2,046 U.S. RV dealer firms in 2017, 1,353 were male-owned and 1,998 were white-owned (almost all non-Hispanic and non-minority). The ethnicity and race characteristics of RV park owners were similar but there was more gender equality: 1,519 of the 3,973 RV parks were equally male and female owned.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601404333242.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Who Makes RVs?</h2>As the nation and the Census Bureau recognizes the manufacturing industry this Friday on&nbsp;<a href="https://census.gov/mfgday">Manufacturing Day</a>, we provide here a detailed look at motor home manufacturing.Forty-seven Motor Home Manufacturing (<a href="https://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch?code=336213&amp;search=2017%20NAICS%20Search">NAICS 336213</a>) establishments in the United States reported shipments of $5.4 billion in 2017, according to the Economic Census.While the number of manufacturers was down from the 61 in 2012, their shipments more than doubled from the $2.2 billion reported in 2012.In 2017, these businesses employed 12,127 compared to 6,609 in 2012, and, on average, each employee generated $442,848 in shipments, up from $339,407 in 2012.The majority (67%) of the $3.6 billion in national shipments came from establishments located in Indiana, home to nearly every RV (and RV component) manufacturer in the nation. Indiana motor home manufacturers also reported average shipments per establishment and average shipments per employee substantially above the national average – $190.5 million and $547,747, respectively.While the number of motor home manufacturers was relatively small, the number of Travel Trailer and Camper Manufacturers (<a href="https://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch?code=336214&amp;search=2017%20NAICS%20Search">NAICS 336214</a>) was not. The 743 establishments in this industry reported shipments of $17.2 billion in 2017, up 67% from the $10.3 billion in 2012.In 2017, these businesses employed 51,435 workers (up from. 38,322 in 2012), and each employee generated an average $334,727 in shipments vs. $268,886 in 2012.Indiana dominates the domestic travel trailer and camper manufacturing industry: $11.9 billion (69%) of the national shipments in this industry came from establishments located in Indiana. Shipments doubled from the $6.2 billion reported in 2012.Indiana businesses in this industry employed 31,182 workers in 2017, up from 20,755 in 2012.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601404415842.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Joys of a Home on Wheels</h2>&nbsp;“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in the position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.”This quote from author Bill Bryson, who often writes about travel, resonates with RV fans. RV vacations give Americans a chance to experience all our country has to offer while still having all the comforts and familiar things of home like electricity, drinking water, a kitchen and bathroom.Whether the growing popularity of RVs in recent years will continue remains to be seen but, for many, home is now where they park it.Andrew W. Hait is an economist at the U.S. Census Bureau who recently purchased his first RV. From <a href="http://census.gov">census.gov</a>

Census Bureau: Americans embrace recreational vehicles

Congratulations to Trista Ollendieck of Salina, the Week 3 winner in the Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trista, who scored 12 out of 15, wins $100!

The season has started, but with our great weekly prizes, you still have time to win!

<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up and play Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.

Throughout the season, Anesthesia Associates' Gridiron Glory on Salina Post gives you the opportunity to win weekly prizes, including Kansas City Chiefs merchandise and even cash!

In addition to the weekly prizes, you can accumulate points throughout the pro football season toward winning the local grand prize of $1,000 and a national grand prize of a trip to Hawaii!

But remember: You can't win if you don't play! Are you up to the challenge? Sign up for Anesthesia Associates'&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">Gridiron Glory</a>&nbsp;today!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599153961730.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Trista Ollendieck of Salina, the Week 3 winner in the Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trista, who scored 12 out of 15, wins $100!The season has started, but with our great weekly prizes, you still have time to win!<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up and play Anesthesia Associates’ Gridiron Glory on&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/">SalinaPost.com</a>.Throughout the season, Anesthesia Associates' Gridiron Glory on Salina Post gives you the opportunity to win weekly prizes, including Kansas City Chiefs merchandise and even cash!In addition to the weekly prizes, you can accumulate points throughout the pro football season toward winning the local grand prize of $1,000 and a national grand prize of a trip to Hawaii!But remember: You can't win if you don't play! Are you up to the challenge? Sign up for Anesthesia Associates'&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapostprofootball.upickem.net/#/registration/login?aff=%7b2faf61b4-146b-4f58-9440-c720c50463d7%7d">Gridiron Glory</a>&nbsp;today!

Gridiron Glory: Congrats Trista Ollendieck!

Police are investigating the theft of multiple items valued at nearly $3,900 from a pickup in central Salina Monday morning.

Jeffrey Hindman, 37, of Salina, told police that he awoke at approximately 12:30 a.m. Monday after hearing noises outside a residence in the 300 block of East Jewell Avenue, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. Hindman went out and locked his girlfriend's car and thought his 2006 Chevrolet Silverado was locked, but later in the morning, he discovered that someone had gone through the pickup and stolen multiple items, Forrester explained.

According to Forrester, items missing include the following.

ECKO bag, black with red trim, valued at $250

Black tool box with green handles with misc hand tools, valued at $65

Two motocross helmets: black, blue and white 6D, valued at $600, and a black THOR, valued at $150

Multi-colored chest plate, valued at $400

Black 100% goggle case containing five 100% goggles, valued at $500

Black and white Alpine motocross boots, valued at $300

Black and red Retro 11 Jordan shoes, valued at $475

Miscellaneous shaving items, valued at $200

Police are investigating the theft of multiple items valued at nearly $3,900 from a pickup in central Salina Monday morning.Jeffrey Hindman, 37, of Salina, told police that he awoke at approximately 12:30 a.m. Monday after hearing noises outside a residence in the 300 block of East Jewell Avenue, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. Hindman went out and locked his girlfriend's car and thought his 2006 Chevrolet Silverado was locked, but later in the morning, he discovered that someone had gone through the pickup and stolen multiple items, Forrester explained.According to Forrester, items missing include the following.ECKO bag, black with red trim, valued at $250Black tool box with green handles with misc hand tools, valued at $65Two motocross helmets: black, blue and white 6D, valued at $600, and a black THOR, valued at $150Multi-colored chest plate, valued at $400Two jerseys, valued at $300Black 100% goggle case containing five 100% goggles, valued at $500Black and white Alpine motocross boots, valued at $300A black OGIO book bag, valued at $150Black and red Retro 11 Jordan shoes, valued at $475Miscellaneous shaving items, valued at $200Two GoPro cameras, valued at $500

Nearly $3,900 worth of items stolen from pickup Monday

Birthright of Salina has announced that it plans to reopen Oct. 1.

Birthright of Salina is located at 1125 East Iron Avenue. Hours will be 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday a d 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays, according to information from the organization.&nbsp;

Birthright of Salina has announced that it plans to reopen Oct. 1.Birthright of Salina is located at 1125 East Iron Avenue. Hours will be 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday a d 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays, according to information from the organization.&nbsp;

Birthright scheduled to reopen Oct. 1

Eagle Communications announced last week that longtime employee-owner Terry Drouhard has announced his retirement, effective Dec. 31.

Drouhard, who has been with Eagle since 1989, serves as the regional manager of Eagle's markets in Salina and Hutchinson.

"We congratulate Terry on his very successful years of service with Eagle and that he will be able to look forward to a well-deserved retirement spending time with his wife, Kathy," said Kurt David, Eagle chief executive officer.

"It has been my pleasure and privilege to be an Eagle employee these past 30-plus years," Drouhard said. "Working in our employee-owned company has been a wonderful experience; one I will fondly remember. I look forward to the next stage of life with family and friends.”

Effective Oct. 1, Ben Waters, who has served as sales manager and digital leader in Hutchinson has been named general manager of Hutchinson, which operates radio stations Country 102.9, KWBW and My 93.1, as well as <a href="https://hutchpost.com/">Hutch Post</a>.

Drouhard and Waters will work together to transition both the Hutchinson and Salina markets to new leadership.

"I am very thankful to have started my career under the direction of Terry Drouhard," Waters said. "I am excited for the opportunity to continue to help and grow our teams both in the Salina and Hutchinson markets. Eagle is a great company to work for, and my family and I are excited to be a part of it."

Also last week, Eagle announced it is seeking a new general manager for its Salina market, which operates 99KG, 94.5 Prime and KINA, as well as <a href="https://salinapost.com/">Salina Post</a>.

Founded in 1948, Eagle Communications Inc. is a Kansas-based media company with over 165 employee-owners. The company operates more than 30 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. In addition to radio, the company offers online solutions, web development, video production and creative services. Eagle is the parent company of the Post News Network.

For more, visit <a href="https://eagleradio.net/">eagleradio.net</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601385582932.jpeg" alt="Terry Drouhard" />
 <figcaption>Terry Drouhard</figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Communications announced last week that longtime employee-owner Terry Drouhard has announced his retirement, effective Dec. 31.Drouhard, who has been with Eagle since 1989, serves as the regional manager of Eagle's markets in Salina and Hutchinson."We congratulate Terry on his very successful years of service with Eagle and that he will be able to look forward to a well-deserved retirement spending time with his wife, Kathy," said Kurt David, Eagle chief executive officer."It has been my pleasure and privilege to be an Eagle employee these past 30-plus years," Drouhard said. "Working in our employee-owned company has been a wonderful experience; one I will fondly remember. I look forward to the next stage of life with family and friends.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601385688728.jpeg" alt="Ben Waters" />
 <figcaption>Ben Waters</figcaption>
 </figure>Effective Oct. 1, Ben Waters, who has served as sales manager and digital leader in Hutchinson has been named general manager of Hutchinson, which operates radio stations Country 102.9, KWBW and My 93.1, as well as <a href="https://hutchpost.com/">Hutch Post</a>.Drouhard and Waters will work together to transition both the Hutchinson and Salina markets to new leadership."I am very thankful to have started my career under the direction of Terry Drouhard," Waters said. "I am excited for the opportunity to continue to help and grow our teams both in the Salina and Hutchinson markets. Eagle is a great company to work for, and my family and I are excited to be a part of it."Also last week, Eagle announced it is seeking a new general manager for its Salina market, which operates 99KG, 94.5 Prime and KINA, as well as <a href="https://salinapost.com/">Salina Post</a>.Founded in 1948, Eagle Communications Inc. is a Kansas-based media company with over 165 employee-owners. The company operates more than 30 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. In addition to radio, the company offers online solutions, web development, video production and creative services. Eagle is the parent company of the Post News Network. For more, visit <a href="https://eagleradio.net/">eagleradio.net</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Eagle announces Drouhard's retirement, management changes

Smartphone app could boost biosecurity for the beef industry&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – If you’ve stared one cow in the face, you’ve seen them all … right?&nbsp;

New technology being developed at Kansas State University is likely to debunk that thought, capitalizing on the power of artificial intelligence to build a database of facial recognition technology for the cattle industry.&nbsp;

In other words, just like humans, each cow in the herd has a set of unique facial features that modern technology can scan and later use to track the animal throughout its life.&nbsp;

“We’re talking about a system here that has an incremental cost that is close to zero, and nobody would be (forced) to use it,” said KC Olson, a beef cattle scientist with K-State Research and Extension who has helped to develop the idea. “But there would be economic incentives provided by the beef industry to participate.”&nbsp;

Human facial recognition is becoming more common in secure locations, such as airports. And, humans can log into their computers or smartphones simply by looking at a screen.&nbsp;

“The technology is based on the geometry of the human face,” Olson said. “It uses a bunch of intricate biometric measurements to put a permanent identification on a human being so that later on, when that person needs to get on a flight or something similar, the technology will identify who they are. For humans, that technology is capable of nearly 100% accuracy.”&nbsp;

“Our thinking is, ‘why can’t we have something like that for beef cattle, which could then be used to create a national animal disease traceability system?’” Olson said. “The need for such a system has never been greater. We need this extra layer of protection for our industry against a foreign animal disease or … possible malfeasance by somebody who’s an enemy of this nation.”&nbsp;

Olson and a group of K-State experts in computer engineering, veterinary medicine and animal science began discussing the idea late in 2019. While much of the world slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were busier than ever putting together the intricacies of facial recognition for cattle.&nbsp;

“Initially, we made short videos of 1,000 feeder cattle that were restrained in a chute, taking a panoramic view of each calf’s head,” Olson said.&nbsp;

From the videos, computer engineers parsed individual images of each cow’s head and uploaded it to a neural network – a form of artificial intelligence that is self-learning. Once the pictures are loaded, Olson said, the system “teaches itself which of the biometric measurements are critical.”&nbsp;

Recently, the K-State team tested the reliability of the network, feeding images of cattle already in the system, and some that had not yet been entered. Olson said the technology was accurate 94% of the time.&nbsp;

“Given the fact that this was a really small data set, there are some risks,” he said. “You can actually over-train a neural network so that it gets really good with the database that was used to create it, but it’s a little helpless when you give it new material.&nbsp;

“The major limitation right now is the size of the database. The bigger it becomes – in other words, the smarter the neural network is – the higher the accuracy becomes. Achieving buy-in from the beef industry is absolutely essential to make this as robust as possible.”&nbsp;

K-State is working with Kansas City-based company Black Hereford Holdings to build a smartphone app called Cattletracs, which will allow producers to submit pictures of their cattle. The app is due to be released soon, though its full capability is not likely to be in place for several months, Olson said.&nbsp;

“For producers who don’t want anything to do with a national disease traceability system, that’s fine. Nobody is compelled to participate,” Olson said. “An animal could be read into the database anytime, such as at the first point of sale after leaving its ranch of origin or anytime after that.&nbsp;

“We do know that there can be economic incentives for animals with desired traits, and this system could help with that. But we would potentially get a lot more, including that all-critical element of biosecurity for our industry. The thinking is that this will eventually be applicable to most mammalian livestock species, including hogs and dairy cattle.”&nbsp;

<h2>Smartphone app could boost biosecurity for the beef industry&nbsp;</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601348030225.png" alt="New technology being developed at Kansas State University will help to identify cows by their unique facial features. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>New technology being developed at Kansas State University will help to identify cows by their unique facial features. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – If you’ve stared one cow in the face, you’ve seen them all … right?&nbsp;New technology being developed at Kansas State University is likely to debunk that thought, capitalizing on the power of artificial intelligence to build a database of facial recognition technology for the cattle industry.&nbsp;In other words, just like humans, each cow in the herd has a set of unique facial features that modern technology can scan and later use to track the animal throughout its life.&nbsp;“We’re talking about a system here that has an incremental cost that is close to zero, and nobody would be (forced) to use it,” said KC Olson, a beef cattle scientist with K-State Research and Extension who has helped to develop the idea. “But there would be economic incentives provided by the beef industry to participate.”&nbsp;Human facial recognition is becoming more common in secure locations, such as airports. And, humans can log into their computers or smartphones simply by looking at a screen.&nbsp;“The technology is based on the geometry of the human face,” Olson said. “It uses a bunch of intricate biometric measurements to put a permanent identification on a human being so that later on, when that person needs to get on a flight or something similar, the technology will identify who they are. For humans, that technology is capable of nearly 100% accuracy.”&nbsp;“Our thinking is, ‘why can’t we have something like that for beef cattle, which could then be used to create a national animal disease traceability system?’” Olson said. “The need for such a system has never been greater. We need this extra layer of protection for our industry against a foreign animal disease or … possible malfeasance by somebody who’s an enemy of this nation.”&nbsp;Olson and a group of K-State experts in computer engineering, veterinary medicine and animal science began discussing the idea late in 2019. While much of the world slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were busier than ever putting together the intricacies of facial recognition for cattle.&nbsp;“Initially, we made short videos of 1,000 feeder cattle that were restrained in a chute, taking a panoramic view of each calf’s head,” Olson said.&nbsp;From the videos, computer engineers parsed individual images of each cow’s head and uploaded it to a neural network – a form of artificial intelligence that is self-learning. Once the pictures are loaded, Olson said, the system “teaches itself which of the biometric measurements are critical.”&nbsp;Recently, the K-State team tested the reliability of the network, feeding images of cattle already in the system, and some that had not yet been entered. Olson said the technology was accurate 94% of the time.&nbsp;“Given the fact that this was a really small data set, there are some risks,” he said. “You can actually over-train a neural network so that it gets really good with the database that was used to create it, but it’s a little helpless when you give it new material.&nbsp;“The major limitation right now is the size of the database. The bigger it becomes – in other words, the smarter the neural network is – the higher the accuracy becomes. Achieving buy-in from the beef industry is absolutely essential to make this as robust as possible.”&nbsp;K-State is working with Kansas City-based company Black Hereford Holdings to build a smartphone app called Cattletracs, which will allow producers to submit pictures of their cattle. The app is due to be released soon, though its full capability is not likely to be in place for several months, Olson said.&nbsp;“For producers who don’t want anything to do with a national disease traceability system, that’s fine. Nobody is compelled to participate,” Olson said. “An animal could be read into the database anytime, such as at the first point of sale after leaving its ranch of origin or anytime after that.&nbsp;“We do know that there can be economic incentives for animals with desired traits, and this system could help with that. But we would potentially get a lot more, including that all-critical element of biosecurity for our industry. The thinking is that this will eventually be applicable to most mammalian livestock species, including hogs and dairy cattle.”&nbsp;

K-State team eyes facial recognition technology for cattle

It always comes down to the lawyers, the insurance companies and the unexpected consequences, doesn’t it?

After six days of hearings, the Legislature’s Special Committee on the Kansas Emergency Management Act –which may recommend the 2021 session of the Legislature rewrite large sections of the act under which the governor has wide-ranging power to combat a pandemic such as the COVID-19 outbreak—it became clear that it’s going to be the lawyers and the insurance companies that will be in the middle of the discussion.

Oh, sure, there’s going to be talk about whether the governor can by Executive Order demand that Kansans wear masks when they are awake, or out in public, and whether she can in the future order businesses closed to avoid spread of disease. Lots of “do we really want the governor to be able to do that to our lives” stuff.

But besides the issue of public health and life and death of Kansans there’s another issue brewing – legal liability for the spread of the pandemic. That’s where the big trials, the big judgments and the big legal fees are going to mesmerize lawmakers.

If you are exposed to the pandemic in, say, the neighborhood paint store, come down with COVID-19, and are hospitalized or die, who is responsible? If the paint store has been determined to be an “essential” business, well, then it’s up to the store to make sure that its customers and employees are safe, and don’t expose you to the disease. If they aren’t safe…well…then it’s up to the lawyers to make the case that the business is liable for damages, if there are any, that can be traced believably to a jury that the paint store owner, or his/her insurer, can be liable for damages.

A key provision in the law passed this spring is that if the business was in substantial compliance with public health directives, there’s no liability. They did what they were told with the presumption that they had made their businesses safe. But it will get more complicated when counties don’t apply all the statewide directives – such as masks or crowding – that the governor’s executive orders demand? Then is it state government or local government rules that determine whether the store has met public health requirements? Or, if the county has opted out of some state health requirements, and the store meets local requirements, is there a legal problem that can be prosecuted?

And look for businesses to have their own issues from the close-down order that has now been largely lifted but caused thousands of layoffs and firings when businesses were declared “non-essential” for months earlier this year and are having trouble getting re-opened.

Is shutting down a business to deter spread of the pandemic essentially taking control of the business?&nbsp; Is that a “seizure” of the business? The taking of property? If government orders your business closed for a couple months, should you have to pay rent? Pay property taxes?&nbsp; If local rules let you have just half the customers at a club, and no sitting at the bar, has the state taken your property or made it useless? Can you make a claim on your business insurance for the damage to your wallet as you would if the restaurant caught fire?

These are the sorts of issues that lawmakers are going to deal with next session, inundated with testimony and information about the pandemic and the state’s efforts to quell it in a tight-budget year.

The pandemic actually is a pandemic, having an effect on all Kansans, whether you are sick or not.

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver’s Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141234707.png" alt="Martin Hawver" />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARTIN HAWVERIt always comes down to the lawyers, the insurance companies and the unexpected consequences, doesn’t it?After six days of hearings, the Legislature’s Special Committee on the Kansas Emergency Management Act –which may recommend the 2021 session of the Legislature rewrite large sections of the act under which the governor has wide-ranging power to combat a pandemic such as the COVID-19 outbreak—it became clear that it’s going to be the lawyers and the insurance companies that will be in the middle of the discussion.Oh, sure, there’s going to be talk about whether the governor can by Executive Order demand that Kansans wear masks when they are awake, or out in public, and whether she can in the future order businesses closed to avoid spread of disease. Lots of “do we really want the governor to be able to do that to our lives” stuff.But besides the issue of public health and life and death of Kansans there’s another issue brewing – legal liability for the spread of the pandemic. That’s where the big trials, the big judgments and the big legal fees are going to mesmerize lawmakers.If you are exposed to the pandemic in, say, the neighborhood paint store, come down with COVID-19, and are hospitalized or die, who is responsible? If the paint store has been determined to be an “essential” business, well, then it’s up to the store to make sure that its customers and employees are safe, and don’t expose you to the disease. If they aren’t safe…well…then it’s up to the lawyers to make the case that the business is liable for damages, if there are any, that can be traced believably to a jury that the paint store owner, or his/her insurer, can be liable for damages.A key provision in the law passed this spring is that if the business was in substantial compliance with public health directives, there’s no liability. They did what they were told with the presumption that they had made their businesses safe. But it will get more complicated when counties don’t apply all the statewide directives – such as masks or crowding – that the governor’s executive orders demand? Then is it state government or local government rules that determine whether the store has met public health requirements? Or, if the county has opted out of some state health requirements, and the store meets local requirements, is there a legal problem that can be prosecuted?And look for businesses to have their own issues from the close-down order that has now been largely lifted but caused thousands of layoffs and firings when businesses were declared “non-essential” for months earlier this year and are having trouble getting re-opened.Is shutting down a business to deter spread of the pandemic essentially taking control of the business?&nbsp; Is that a “seizure” of the business? The taking of property? If government orders your business closed for a couple months, should you have to pay rent? Pay property taxes?&nbsp; If local rules let you have just half the customers at a club, and no sitting at the bar, has the state taken your property or made it useless? Can you make a claim on your business insurance for the damage to your wallet as you would if the restaurant caught fire?These are the sorts of issues that lawmakers are going to deal with next session, inundated with testimony and information about the pandemic and the state’s efforts to quell it in a tight-budget year.The pandemic actually is a pandemic, having an effect on all Kansans, whether you are sick or not.Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver’s Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/" target="_blank">www.hawvernews.com</a>.

AT THE RAIL: Lawyers, businesses, and lawmakers

The safety of its guests will be the primary focus as the Salina Art Center Cinema reopens Friday.

The cinema is following all CDC and local regulations and expert-back guidance from the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) known as CinemaSafe guidelines.&nbsp;

CinemaSafe, a set of health and safety protocols based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, was developed over several months by a team of industry experts in consultation with leading epidemiologists. (<a href="http://www.cinemasafe.org/" target="_blank">www.CinemaSafe.org</a>) CinemaSafe includes mandatory masks, social distancing, hand washing, staggered showtimes and seating, diligent sanitation and cleaning, and increased air circulation through HVAC systems.

The opening weekend film will be&nbsp;The 24th. The Cinema kicks off reopening with&nbsp;Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Willmott’s,&nbsp;The 24th. The film creates a fictionalized depiction of a riot that occurred when soldiers of the all-Black 24th Regiment lashed out against racist persecution by local police. Shortly after the U.S. entered WWI, the so-called “Houston Massacre” exposed fear and hatred embedded within our nation that are still visible over a century later. Trai Byers heads an excellent ensemble cast as William Boston, an educated idealist dealing with hostility from white officers and distrustful fellow soldiers. Through his eyes, we see the tensions that led to the deadly mutiny, one whose ominous inevitability compels us to keep watching.&nbsp;The 24th&nbsp;is a sobering, thought-provoking history lesson of the kind not taught in schools. It dramatically shows how tragedies of the past foretold our nation’s current struggles for equality and justice.&nbsp;(Unrated; contains adult content.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Art Center Cinema showcases film as the fastest-growing contemporary art medium globally. Each week, first-run independent, documentary, and foreign films get the community talking about movies that matter. New cinema hours are Friday and Monday, at 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Art center members can purchase tickets for $6, senior and student tickets are $8, and general admission tickets are $10. Tickets are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinaartcenter.org/" target="_blank">www.salinaartcenter.org</a>, and we encourage advance purchase whenever possible. The cinema box office opens 30 minutes before showtime.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601341338179.jpeg" alt="The Salina Art Center Cinema at 150 South Santa Fe Avenue. Photo courtesy Salina Art Center" />
 <figcaption>The Salina Art Center Cinema at 150 South Santa Fe Avenue. Photo courtesy Salina Art Center</figcaption>
 </figure>The safety of its guests will be the primary focus as the Salina Art Center Cinema reopens Friday.The cinema is following all CDC and local regulations and expert-back guidance from the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) known as CinemaSafe guidelines.&nbsp;CinemaSafe, a set of health and safety protocols based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, was developed over several months by a team of industry experts in consultation with leading epidemiologists. (<a href="http://www.cinemasafe.org/" target="_blank">www.CinemaSafe.org</a>) CinemaSafe includes mandatory masks, social distancing, hand washing, staggered showtimes and seating, diligent sanitation and cleaning, and increased air circulation through HVAC systems.The opening weekend film will be&nbsp;The 24th. The Cinema kicks off reopening with&nbsp;Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Willmott’s,&nbsp;The 24th. The film creates a fictionalized depiction of a riot that occurred when soldiers of the all-Black 24th Regiment lashed out against racist persecution by local police. Shortly after the U.S. entered WWI, the so-called “Houston Massacre” exposed fear and hatred embedded within our nation that are still visible over a century later. Trai Byers heads an excellent ensemble cast as William Boston, an educated idealist dealing with hostility from white officers and distrustful fellow soldiers. Through his eyes, we see the tensions that led to the deadly mutiny, one whose ominous inevitability compels us to keep watching.&nbsp;The 24th&nbsp;is a sobering, thought-provoking history lesson of the kind not taught in schools. It dramatically shows how tragedies of the past foretold our nation’s current struggles for equality and justice.&nbsp;(Unrated; contains adult content.)&nbsp;&nbsp;The Art Center Cinema showcases film as the fastest-growing contemporary art medium globally. Each week, first-run independent, documentary, and foreign films get the community talking about movies that matter. New cinema hours are Friday and Monday, at 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Art center members can purchase tickets for $6, senior and student tickets are $8, and general admission tickets are $10. Tickets are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salinaartcenter.org/" target="_blank">www.salinaartcenter.org</a>, and we encourage advance purchase whenever possible. The cinema box office opens 30 minutes before showtime.&nbsp;

Salina Art Center Cinema reopening Friday with Willmott film

Today is Tuesday, Sept. 29, the 273rd day of 2020. There are 93 days left in the year. 

On Sept. 29, 2005, John G. Roberts Jr. was sworn in as the nation's 17th chief justice after winning Senate confirmation. 

In 1789, the U.S. War Department established a regular army with a strength of several hundred men.

In 1910, the National Urban League had its beginnings in New York as The Committee on Urban Conditions Among Negroes.

In 1918, Allied forces began their decisive breakthrough of the Hindenburg Line during World War I. 

In 1938, British, French, German and Italian leaders concluded the Munich Agreement, which was aimed at appeasing Adolf Hitler by allowing Nazi annexation of Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland. 

In 1943, General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Italian Marshal Pietro Badoglio signed an armistice aboard the British ship HMS Nelson off Malta. 

In 1962, Canada joined the space age as it launched the Alouette 1 satellite from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The musical "My Fair Lady" closed on Broadway after 2,717 performances.

In 1975, baseball manager Casey Stengel died in Glendale, California, at age 85. 

In 1978, Pope John Paul I was found dead in his Vatican apartment just over a month after becoming head of the Roman Catholic Church. 

In 1982, Extra-Strength Tylenol capsules laced with deadly cyanide claimed the first of seven victims in the Chicago area. (To date, the case remains unsolved.) 

In 1999, The Associated Press reported on the killing of hundreds of South Korean refugees by U.S. soldiers in the early days of the Korean War, beneath a bridge at a hamlet called No Gun Ri. (In 2001, after its own investigation, the U.S. Army affirmed that killings had occurred, but said they were not deliberate.)

In 2000, Israeli riot police stormed a major Jerusalem shrine and opened fire on stone-throwing Muslim worshippers, killing four Palestinians and wounding 175. 

In 2001, President George W. Bush condemned Afghanistan's Taliban rulers for harboring Osama bin Laden and his followers as the United States pressed its military and diplomatic campaign against terror. 

Ten years ago: Anti-austerity protests erupted across Europe; Greek doctors and railway employees walked off the job, Spanish workers shut down trains and buses, and one man rammed a cement truck into the Irish parliament to protest the country's enormous bank bailouts. Actor Tony Curtis, 85, died in Henderson, Nevada.

Five years ago: President Barack Obama, hosting a U.N. gathering of world leaders, pledged all possible tools — military, intelligence and economic — to defeat the Islamic State group, but acknowledged the extremist group had taken root in Syria and Iraq, was resilient and was continuing to expand. NCAA banned the SMU men's basketball team from the postseason and suspended coach Larry Brown for nine games, saying he had lied to investigators and ignored a case of academic fraud by a player.

One year ago: In an interview that aired on CBS' "60 Minutes," Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said he took "full responsibility" for the grisly killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, but he denied allegations that he had ordered it. Low-price fashion chain Forever 21, once a hot destination for teen shoppers, announced that it had filed for bankruptcy protection and said it would close as many as 178 stores.

Today's Birthdays: Conductor Richard Bonynge is 90. Writer-director Robert Benton is 88. Singer Jerry Lee Lewis is 85. Soul-blues-gospel singer Sherman Holmes is 81. Former Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., is 78. Actor Ian McShane is 78. Jazz musician Jean-Luc Ponty is 78. Nobel Peace laureate Lech Walesa is 77. Television-film composer Mike Post is 76. Actor Patricia Hodge is 74. TV personality Bryant Gumbel is 72. Rock singer-musician Mark Farner is 72. Rock singer-musician Mike Pinera is 72. Country singer Alvin Crow is 70. Actor Drake Hogestyn is 67. Olympic gold medal runner Sebastian Coe is 64. Singer Suzzy Roche (The Roches) is 64. Comedian-actor Andrew "Dice" Clay is 63. Rock singer John Payne (Asia) is 62. Actor Roger Bart is 58. Singer-musician Les Claypool is 57. Actor Jill Whelan is 54. Actor Ben Miles is 54. Actor Luke Goss is 52. Rock musician Brad Smith (Blind Melon) is 52. Actor Erika Eleniak is 51. Rhythm-and-blues singer Devante Swing (Jodeci) is 51. Country singer Brad Cotter (TV: "Nashville Star") is 50. Actor Emily Lloyd is 50. Actor Natasha Gregson Wagner is 50. Actor Rachel Cronin is 49. Country musician Danick Dupelle (Emerson Drive) is 47. Actor Alexis Cruz is 46. Actor Zachary Levi is 40. Actor Chrissy Metz (TV: "This Is Us") is 40. Actor Kelly McCreary (TV: "Grey's Anatomy") is 39. Country singer Katie McNeill (3 of Hearts) is 38. Rock musician Josh Farro is 33. NBA All-Star Kevin Durant is 32. Actor Doug Brochu is 30. Singer Phillip Phillips is 30. Pop singer Halsey is 26. Actor Clara Mamet 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 Tuesday, Sept. 29, the 273rd day of 2020. There are 93 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Sept. 29, 2005, John G. Roberts Jr. was sworn in as the nation's 17th chief justice after winning Senate confirmation. On this date: In 1789, the U.S. War Department established a regular army with a strength of several hundred men.In 1910, the National Urban League had its beginnings in New York as The Committee on Urban Conditions Among Negroes.In 1918, Allied forces began their decisive breakthrough of the Hindenburg Line during World War I. In 1938, British, French, German and Italian leaders concluded the Munich Agreement, which was aimed at appeasing Adolf Hitler by allowing Nazi annexation of Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland. In 1943, General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Italian Marshal Pietro Badoglio signed an armistice aboard the British ship HMS Nelson off Malta. In 1962, Canada joined the space age as it launched the Alouette 1 satellite from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The musical "My Fair Lady" closed on Broadway after 2,717 performances.In 1975, baseball manager Casey Stengel died in Glendale, California, at age 85. In 1978, Pope John Paul I was found dead in his Vatican apartment just over a month after becoming head of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1982, Extra-Strength Tylenol capsules laced with deadly cyanide claimed the first of seven victims in the Chicago area. (To date, the case remains unsolved.) In 1999, The Associated Press reported on the killing of hundreds of South Korean refugees by U.S. soldiers in the early days of the Korean War, beneath a bridge at a hamlet called No Gun Ri. (In 2001, after its own investigation, the U.S. Army affirmed that killings had occurred, but said they were not deliberate.)In 2000, Israeli riot police stormed a major Jerusalem shrine and opened fire on stone-throwing Muslim worshippers, killing four Palestinians and wounding 175. In 2001, President George W. Bush condemned Afghanistan's Taliban rulers for harboring Osama bin Laden and his followers as the United States pressed its military and diplomatic campaign against terror. Ten years ago: Anti-austerity protests erupted across Europe; Greek doctors and railway employees walked off the job, Spanish workers shut down trains and buses, and one man rammed a cement truck into the Irish parliament to protest the country's enormous bank bailouts. Actor Tony Curtis, 85, died in Henderson, Nevada.Five years ago: President Barack Obama, hosting a U.N. gathering of world leaders, pledged all possible tools — military, intelligence and economic — to defeat the Islamic State group, but acknowledged the extremist group had taken root in Syria and Iraq, was resilient and was continuing to expand. NCAA banned the SMU men's basketball team from the postseason and suspended coach Larry Brown for nine games, saying he had lied to investigators and ignored a case of academic fraud by a player.One year ago: In an interview that aired on CBS' "60 Minutes," Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said he took "full responsibility" for the grisly killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, but he denied allegations that he had ordered it. Low-price fashion chain Forever 21, once a hot destination for teen shoppers, announced that it had filed for bankruptcy protection and said it would close as many as 178 stores. Today's Birthdays: Conductor Richard Bonynge is 90. Writer-director Robert Benton is 88. Singer Jerry Lee Lewis is 85. Soul-blues-gospel singer Sherman Holmes is 81. Former Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., is 78. Actor Ian McShane is 78. Jazz musician Jean-Luc Ponty is 78. Nobel Peace laureate Lech Walesa is 77. Television-film composer Mike Post is 76. Actor Patricia Hodge is 74. TV personality Bryant Gumbel is 72. Rock singer-musician Mark Farner is 72. Rock singer-musician Mike Pinera is 72. Country singer Alvin Crow is 70. Actor Drake Hogestyn is 67. Olympic gold medal runner Sebastian Coe is 64. Singer Suzzy Roche (The Roches) is 64. Comedian-actor Andrew "Dice" Clay is 63. Rock singer John Payne (Asia) is 62. Actor Roger Bart is 58. Singer-musician Les Claypool is 57. Actor Jill Whelan is 54. Actor Ben Miles is 54. Actor Luke Goss is 52. Rock musician Brad Smith (Blind Melon) is 52. Actor Erika Eleniak is 51. Rhythm-and-blues singer Devante Swing (Jodeci) is 51. Country singer Brad Cotter (TV: "Nashville Star") is 50. Actor Emily Lloyd is 50. Actor Natasha Gregson Wagner is 50. Actor Rachel Cronin is 49. Country musician Danick Dupelle (Emerson Drive) is 47. Actor Alexis Cruz is 46. Actor Zachary Levi is 40. Actor Chrissy Metz (TV: "This Is Us") is 40. Actor Kelly McCreary (TV: "Grey's Anatomy") is 39. Country singer Katie McNeill (3 of Hearts) is 38. Rock musician Josh Farro is 33. NBA All-Star Kevin Durant is 32. Actor Doug Brochu is 30. Singer Phillip Phillips is 30. Pop singer Halsey is 26. Actor Clara Mamet is 26.

Today in History -- Sept. 29

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

GEARY COUNTY —Twin Valley Communications, a 4th-generation family-owned provider of gigabit broadband, fixed wireless, and IT managed services announce Monday the expansion of its Internet services to four counties in north-central Kansas, according to a media release.

With the recently awarded CARES Act and Connectivity Emergency Response grant dollars of $1.3 million, Twin Valley will be expanding its Internet footprint to reach underserved rural areas during a time when connectivity is critical.

As part of the grant award and proposal, Twin Valley is matching $868,200 of investment to deploy these broadband services. The projects will expand telework, telehealth, and distance learning opportunities in Geary, Riley, Dickinson, and Ottawa counties.&nbsp;

Households covered by the project&nbsp;will increase to a minimum of 25 megabits/second download&nbsp;speed&nbsp;and 3 megabits/second upload. In many cases, it can&nbsp;provide&nbsp;service up to 100 megabits/second. Another feature of Twin Valley’s&nbsp;build plans&nbsp;will result in&nbsp;approximately&nbsp;15&nbsp;miles of fiber optic cable&nbsp;to feed this&nbsp;initial&nbsp;deployment phase.&nbsp;This infrastructure will&nbsp;pass through&nbsp;multiple&nbsp;cities and will&nbsp;provide&nbsp;the foundation&nbsp;for future investment and even faster connections.&nbsp;

“We want to thank Governor Kelly, Department of Commerce&nbsp;&amp; the Legislature for making these funds&nbsp;available for Kansans with inadequate broadband. The pandemic has made clear how critical adequate broadband is in our economy particularly to enable telework, telehealth, and distance learning.&nbsp;We would also like to thank the Geary, Riley, Dickinson, and Ottawa county, their respective city commissions, schools, hospitals for their leadership &amp; support on our applications,”&nbsp;said Ben Foster, President &amp; CEO of Twin Valley.&nbsp;

Twin Valley is extremely thankful for this opportunity as it supports its commitment to helping communities create meaningful connections and ensuring the long-term success of the communities it serves.

GEARY COUNTY —Twin Valley Communications, a 4th-generation family-owned provider of gigabit broadband, fixed wireless, and IT managed services announce Monday the expansion of its Internet services to four counties in north-central Kansas, according to a media release.With the recently awarded CARES Act and Connectivity Emergency Response grant dollars of $1.3 million, Twin Valley will be expanding its Internet footprint to reach underserved rural areas during a time when connectivity is critical.As part of the grant award and proposal, Twin Valley is matching $868,200 of investment to deploy these broadband services. The projects will expand telework, telehealth, and distance learning opportunities in Geary, Riley, Dickinson, and Ottawa counties.&nbsp;Households covered by the project&nbsp;will increase to a minimum of 25 megabits/second download&nbsp;speed&nbsp;and 3 megabits/second upload. In many cases, it can&nbsp;provide&nbsp;service up to 100 megabits/second. Another feature of Twin Valley’s&nbsp;build plans&nbsp;will result in&nbsp;approximately&nbsp;15&nbsp;miles of fiber optic cable&nbsp;to feed this&nbsp;initial&nbsp;deployment phase.&nbsp;This infrastructure will&nbsp;pass through&nbsp;multiple&nbsp;cities and will&nbsp;provide&nbsp;the foundation&nbsp;for future investment and even faster connections.&nbsp;“We want to thank Governor Kelly, Department of Commerce&nbsp;&amp; the Legislature for making these funds&nbsp;available for Kansans with inadequate broadband. The pandemic has made clear how critical adequate broadband is in our economy particularly to enable telework, telehealth, and distance learning.&nbsp;We would also like to thank the Geary, Riley, Dickinson, and Ottawa county, their respective city commissions, schools, hospitals for their leadership &amp; support on our applications,”&nbsp;said Ben Foster, President &amp; CEO of Twin Valley.&nbsp;Twin Valley is extremely thankful for this opportunity as it supports its commitment to helping communities create meaningful connections and ensuring the long-term success of the communities it serves.

Twin Valley expands service to 4 counties in north-central Kansas

The Saline County Commission has a busy agenda for its Tuesday meeting.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.

Commissioners are being asked to consider a request from the Tri-Rivers Fair Board for the county to donate all rodeo equipment, bleachers, and fixtures to the board so it can secure a lease with the City of Salina to continue fair activities at Tri-Rivers Stadium. As of Dec. 31 of this year, the county will no longer operate or hold a lease on the stadium. County staff is recommending that the commissioners approve the fair board's request.

Additionally, commissioners are being asked to accept a $133,500 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity, COVID-19 Expanded Testing grant. These funds would be used to support additional community testing as the COVID-19 pandemic wears on.

Commissioners also are scheduled to consider two resolutions related to the upgrade of the county's public safety communications system:

●A resolution to create a Saline County, Kansas Public Building Commission (PBC) that would issue debt financing for the project.

●A resolution to request that the PBC issues up to $6.5 million in bonds with a lease or lease-purchase arrangement to provide for repayment of those bonds.

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

●Commissioners are being asked to approve an agreement with Uptrust Services to provide customized software that will allow communication with clients via customized text messages. The Uptrust app can be downloaded by clients at no cost to them, and community corrections will pay Uptrust $5 per client per month for use of the service. Uptrust will provide training and 24-7 customer support. The application will also track client attendance and technical violation statistics. The software will also be used by CKF Addiction Treatment, with the ability to expand to additional providers in the future to facilitate communication between service providers.

●Saline County Computer Technology seeks commission approval to purchase 28 Lenovo E15 laptop computers for $19,669.16. The laptops were requested through the Corona Virus Relief Fund and will be used by various county departments to enable remote connectivity to the Saline County network. The district court requested 20, the county Clerk requested two, the Road and Bridge Department requested two, and the Health Department requested four to be used in a learning lab for children.

●Commissioners are being asked to approve the annual contract of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) grant. Total amount of the grant is $264,269 for the period of Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021. This grant covers the cost of the program and there are not any anticipated new costs. This has been an ongoing grant yearly for many years. The purpose of the grant is for the administration and operation of the WIC program in Saline County.

●Commissioners are being asked to designate an elected or appointed official as a voting delegate and two alternate delegates to represent the county at the Kansas Association of Counties annual conference.

●Commissioners also are being asked to consider three right-of-way vacations on Niles Road, West Schilling Road, and South Ninth Street.

●Additionally, commissioners will hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes's weekly update.

To view the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet (a 66-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20200929.pdf?ver=Ep9Wf_msxjeSoEm1j8w7cQ%3d%3d">click here</a>.

The Saline County Commission has a busy agenda for its Tuesday meeting.The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday in room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 West Ash Street. A time for public comment is scheduled near the beginning of the meeting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601345832353.png" alt="Part of Tri Rivers Stadium. Photo courtesy Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Part of Tri Rivers Stadium. Photo courtesy Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners are being asked to consider a request from the Tri-Rivers Fair Board for the county to donate all rodeo equipment, bleachers, and fixtures to the board so it can secure a lease with the City of Salina to continue fair activities at Tri-Rivers Stadium. As of Dec. 31 of this year, the county will no longer operate or hold a lease on the stadium. County staff is recommending that the commissioners approve the fair board's request.Additionally, commissioners are being asked to accept a $133,500 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity, COVID-19 Expanded Testing grant. These funds would be used to support additional community testing as the COVID-19 pandemic wears on.Commissioners also are scheduled to consider two resolutions related to the upgrade of the county's public safety communications system:●A resolution to create a Saline County, Kansas Public Building Commission (PBC) that would issue debt financing for the project.●A resolution to request that the PBC issues up to $6.5 million in bonds with a lease or lease-purchase arrangement to provide for repayment of those bonds.Other items on the county agenda for Tuesday include the following.●Commissioners are being asked to approve an agreement with Uptrust Services to provide customized software that will allow communication with clients via customized text messages. The Uptrust app can be downloaded by clients at no cost to them, and community corrections will pay Uptrust $5 per client per month for use of the service. Uptrust will provide training and 24-7 customer support. The application will also track client attendance and technical violation statistics. The software will also be used by CKF Addiction Treatment, with the ability to expand to additional providers in the future to facilitate communication between service providers.●Saline County Computer Technology seeks commission approval to purchase 28 Lenovo E15 laptop computers for $19,669.16. The laptops were requested through the Corona Virus Relief Fund and will be used by various county departments to enable remote connectivity to the Saline County network. The district court requested 20, the county Clerk requested two, the Road and Bridge Department requested two, and the Health Department requested four to be used in a learning lab for children.●Commissioners are being asked to approve the annual contract of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) grant. Total amount of the grant is $264,269 for the period of Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021. This grant covers the cost of the program and there are not any anticipated new costs. This has been an ongoing grant yearly for many years. The purpose of the grant is for the administration and operation of the WIC program in Saline County.●Commissioners are being asked to designate an elected or appointed official as a voting delegate and two alternate delegates to represent the county at the Kansas Association of Counties annual conference.●Commissioners also are being asked to consider three right-of-way vacations on Niles Road, West Schilling Road, and South Ninth Street.●Additionally, commissioners will hear County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes's weekly update.To view the entire Saline County Commission meeting packet (a 66-page pdf), <a href="https://www.saline.org/Portals/0/Content/Commissioners/Documents/Agenda/Current/20200929.pdf?ver=Ep9Wf_msxjeSoEm1j8w7cQ%3d%3d">click here</a>.

County commissioners have busy agenda for Tuesday meeting

Responsible for operating a fixed route bus to transport passengers in a safe and courteous manner according to the assigned route. The driver is responsible for driving defensively and reacting to emergency situations to ensure the safety of the passengers and the safety of the general public. Responsible for following established company policies and procedures regarding the transportation of passengers, vehicle safety and appearance and the reporting of mechanical, traffic, or behavioral problems encountered; to assist passengers, if needed, to maintain positive public relations with the passengers in the provision of ongoing transportation services.

Must have a safe driving record. Must have two years driving experience. Must be at least 21 years old.

Must have Kansas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger endorsement or ability to obtain it within 30 days of employment. Must have a proven work history. Must have strong oral and written communication skills.

Ability to follow oral directions. Ability to read a road map. Experience in driving a school bus or public transportation bus preferred. Must meet the eligibility requirements of the auto insurance company providing coverage for OCCK vehicles.

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.

Apply at&nbsp;<a href="http://jobs.occk.com/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2020-9700-005&amp;type=JOBDESCR">http://jobs.occk.com/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2020-9700-005&amp;type=JOBDESCR</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592535783410.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Location:&nbsp;SalinaFull Time and Part TimeJob Responsibilities:Responsible for operating a fixed route bus to transport passengers in a safe and courteous manner according to the assigned route. The driver is responsible for driving defensively and reacting to emergency situations to ensure the safety of the passengers and the safety of the general public. Responsible for following established company policies and procedures regarding the transportation of passengers, vehicle safety and appearance and the reporting of mechanical, traffic, or behavioral problems encountered; to assist passengers, if needed, to maintain positive public relations with the passengers in the provision of ongoing transportation services.Job Qualifications:Must have a safe driving record. Must have two years driving experience. Must be at least 21 years old.Must have Kansas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger endorsement or ability to obtain it within 30 days of employment. Must have a proven work history. Must have strong oral and written communication skills.Ability to follow oral directions. Ability to read a road map. Experience in driving a school bus or public transportation bus preferred. Must meet the eligibility requirements of the auto insurance company providing coverage for OCCK vehicles.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="http://jobs.occk.com/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2020-9700-005&amp;type=JOBDESCR">http://jobs.occk.com/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2020-9700-005&amp;type=JOBDESCR</a>

City reminds residents of election sign placement rules

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today announced a new confirmed case of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 266.

Positive case No. 266 is a symptomatic female in her 90s with known exposure to an outbreak at a local assisted living facility, the health department reported.

Of the 266 total confirmed cases, 249 have met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines and five of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted.

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today announced a new confirmed case of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 266.Positive case No. 266 is a symptomatic female in her 90s with known exposure to an outbreak at a local assisted living facility, the health department reported.Of the 266 total confirmed cases, 249 have met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines and five of the active cases are hospitalized, the health department noted.

McPherson County: 1 new COVID-19 case; 249 of 266 recovered

The Salina Symphony is putting a virtual spin on its musical offerings.

The symphony will launch its Virtual Chamber Concert Series on Sunday at 4 p.m. The first concert of the “Listen Together” series will feature the Salina Symphony Woodwind Quintet and String Quartet. The concert will be premiered and available for viewing on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaSymphony">Salina Symphony</a> Facebook page.

The string program for the Sunday concert will include selections from Dvořák’s String Quartet No. 12, “American,” and “Tango Chromatique” by Michael McLean. The quintet will present two movements from “Quintet No. 3 in D minor” by Franz Danzi, “Theme for Wind Quintet” by Meri Jenkins and selections from “Woodwind Quintet No. 1” by Anthony O’Toole.

The Virtual Chamber Concert Series will feature a monthly concert on the following dates: Nov. 8, Dec. 13, Jan. 24 and Feb. 21.

Following the conclusion of the virtual series, the symphony plans to present an abbreviated concert series during the spring/summer of 2021. The symphony plans to return to the Stiefel Theatre stage on March 28 with “An Afternoon of Rodgers &amp; Hammerstein.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601314682424.jpeg" alt="Salina Symphony Woodwind Quintet records its portion of the concert. Photo courtesy Salina Symphony" />
 <figcaption>Salina Symphony Woodwind Quintet records its portion of the concert. Photo courtesy Salina Symphony</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Symphony is putting a virtual spin on its musical offerings. The symphony will launch its Virtual Chamber Concert Series on Sunday at 4 p.m. The first concert of the “Listen Together” series will feature the Salina Symphony Woodwind Quintet and String Quartet. The concert will be premiered and available for viewing on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SalinaSymphony">Salina Symphony</a> Facebook page.The string program for the Sunday concert will include selections from Dvořák’s String Quartet No. 12, “American,” and “Tango Chromatique” by Michael McLean. The quintet will present two movements from “Quintet No. 3 in D minor” by Franz Danzi, “Theme for Wind Quintet” by Meri Jenkins and selections from “Woodwind Quintet No. 1” by Anthony O’Toole.The Virtual Chamber Concert Series will feature a monthly concert on the following dates: Nov. 8, Dec. 13, Jan. 24 and Feb. 21.Following the conclusion of the virtual series, the symphony plans to present an abbreviated concert series during the spring/summer of 2021. The symphony plans to return to the Stiefel Theatre stage on March 28 with “An Afternoon of Rodgers &amp; Hammerstein.”More information about the symphony season and the Virtual Chamber Concert Series can be found at <a href="http://www.salinasymphony.org">www.salinasymphony.org</a>.

Local