Salina
Area Technical College has been ranked among the Top 10 two-year colleges
nationally based on its graduation rate.

The
Chronicle of Higher Education’s 2020 Almanac, published in August, ranked
Salina Tech sixth in the country, among 865 two-year colleges examined, with a
graduation rate of 67.9 percent.

Nationwide,
the average graduation rate for two-year colleges is 27 percent.

This
is the fourth time in four years Salina Tech’s graduation rate has put it in
the Top 10 nationwide.

Salina
Tech President Greg Nichols said the college’s consistently high rank reflects
the efforts of faculty and staff in ensuring students are successful.

There
are numerous methods used to rank colleges, Nichols said, but graduation rate
is among the most important. 

“This
demonstrates that we’re getting students graduated and in the workforce earning
a living,” he said.

Salina
Tech has also been recognized by The Aspen Institute as one of the Top 150
two-year colleges in the nation, by Forbes Magazine as the eighth-best two-year
college in the nation, and by the Kansas Board of Regents for having the
highest student success rate in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599100112765.jpeg" alt="Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina
Area Technical College has been ranked among the Top 10 two-year colleges
nationally based on its graduation rate.The
Chronicle of Higher Education’s 2020 Almanac, published in August, ranked
Salina Tech sixth in the country, among 865 two-year colleges examined, with a
graduation rate of 67.9 percent.Nationwide,
the average graduation rate for two-year colleges is 27 percent.This
is the fourth time in four years Salina Tech’s graduation rate has put it in
the Top 10 nationwide.Salina
Tech President Greg Nichols said the college’s consistently high rank reflects
the efforts of faculty and staff in ensuring students are successful.There
are numerous methods used to rank colleges, Nichols said, but graduation rate
is among the most important. “This
demonstrates that we’re getting students graduated and in the workforce earning
a living,” he said.Salina
Tech has also been recognized by The Aspen Institute as one of the Top 150
two-year colleges in the nation, by Forbes Magazine as the eighth-best two-year
college in the nation, and by the Kansas Board of Regents for having the
highest student success rate in Kansas.

Chronicle of Higher Education ranks Salina Tech in Top 10

Today is Thursday, Sept. 3, the 247th day of 2020. There are 119 days left in the year. 

On Sept. 3, 2005, President George W. Bush ordered more than 7,000 active duty forces to the Gulf Coast as his administration intensified efforts to rescue Katrina survivors and send aid to the hurricane-ravaged region in the face of criticism it did not act quickly enough. 

In 1609, English explorer Henry Hudson and his crew aboard the Half Moon entered present-day New York Harbor and began sailing up the river that now bears his name. (They reached present-day Albany before turning back.)

In 1861, during the Civil War, Confederate forces invaded the border state of Kentucky, which had declared its neutrality in the conflict.

In 1939, Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand declared war on Germany, two days after the Nazi invasion of Poland; in a radio address, Britain's King George VI said, "With God's help, we shall prevail." The same day, a German U-boat torpedoed and sank the British liner SS Athenia some 250 miles off the Irish coast, killing more than 100 out of the 1,400 or so people on board. 

In 1943, Allied forces invaded Italy during World War II, the same day Italian officials signed a secret armistice with the Allies.

In 1967, Nguyen Van Thieu was elected president of South Vietnam under a new constitution. 

In 1970, legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, 57, died in Washington, D.C. 

In 1976, America's Viking 2 lander touched down on Mars to take the first close-up, color photographs of the red planet's surface. 

In 1978, Pope John Paul I was installed as the 264th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. 

In 1995, the online auction site eBay was founded in San Jose, California, by Pierre Omidyar under the name "AuctionWeb." 

In 1999, a French judge closed a two-year inquiry into the car crash that killed Princess Diana, dismissing all charges against nine photographers and a press motorcyclist, and concluding the accident was caused by an inebriated driver. 

In 2003, Paul Hill, a former minister who said he murdered an abortion doctor and his bodyguard to save the lives of unborn babies, was executed in Florida by injection, becoming the first person put to death in the United States for anti-abortion violence. 

In 2012, Sun Myung Moon, 92, a self-proclaimed messiah who founded the Unification Church, died in Gapeyeong, South Korea. Prolific character actor Michael Clarke Duncan, 54, died in Los Angeles.

Ten years ago: Defense Secretary Robert Gates toured U.S. bases and war zones in Afghanistan, saying he saw and heard evidence that the American counterinsurgency strategy was taking hold in critical Kandahar province. The Fox network announced that Kara DioGuardi was stepping down as one of the judges on "American Idol," following the departures of Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres.

Five years ago: A federal judge jailed Rowan County, Kentucky, Clerk Kim Davis for refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples, but five of her deputies agreed to issue the licenses themselves, potentially ending the church-state standoff. (Davis was freed five days later.) Tom Brady had his four-game "Deflategate" suspension lifted after U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman criticized NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for dispensing "his own brand of industrial justice." Judy Carne, 76, a star of the comedy show "Rowan &amp; Martin's Laugh-In," died at Northampton General Hospital in England.

One year ago: Relief officials reported scenes of utter ruin in parts of the Bahamas from Hurricane Dorian, the most powerful storm on record ever to hit the islands. Walmart said it would stop selling ammunition for handguns and short-barrel rifles, and the store chain requested that customers not openly carry firearms in its stores; the announcement followed a shooting at a Walmart store in Texas that left 22 people dead. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson suffered a major defeat in Parliament as rebellious lawmakers voted to seize control of the Brexit agenda; they sought to keep Britain from leaving the EU without a deal in place.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Pauline Collins is 80. Rock singer-musician Al Jardine is 78. Actor Valerie Perrine is 77. Rock musician Donald Brewer (Grand Funk Railroad) is 72. Rock guitarist Steve Jones (The Sex Pistols) is 65. Actor Steve Schirripa is 63. Actor Holt McCallany is 56. Rock singer-musician Todd Lewis is 55. Actor Costas Mandylor is 55. Actor Charlie Sheen is 55. Singer Jennifer Paige is 47. Dance-rock musician Redfoo is 45. Actor Ashley Jones is 44. Actor Nichole Hiltz is 42. Actor Joel Johnstone is 42. Actor Nick Wechsler is 42. Rock musician Tomo Milicevic (30 Seconds to Mars) is 41. Bluegrass musician Darren Nicholson (Balsam Range) is 37. Actor Christine Woods is 37. Actor Garrett Hedlund is 36. Olympic gold medal snowboarder Shaun White is 34. Hip-hop singer August Alsina is 28.

<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 Thursday, Sept. 3, the 247th day of 2020. There are 119 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Sept. 3, 2005, President George W. Bush ordered more than 7,000 active duty forces to the Gulf Coast as his administration intensified efforts to rescue Katrina survivors and send aid to the hurricane-ravaged region in the face of criticism it did not act quickly enough. On this date: In 1609, English explorer Henry Hudson and his crew aboard the Half Moon entered present-day New York Harbor and began sailing up the river that now bears his name. (They reached present-day Albany before turning back.)In 1861, during the Civil War, Confederate forces invaded the border state of Kentucky, which had declared its neutrality in the conflict.In 1939, Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand declared war on Germany, two days after the Nazi invasion of Poland; in a radio address, Britain's King George VI said, "With God's help, we shall prevail." The same day, a German U-boat torpedoed and sank the British liner SS Athenia some 250 miles off the Irish coast, killing more than 100 out of the 1,400 or so people on board. In 1943, Allied forces invaded Italy during World War II, the same day Italian officials signed a secret armistice with the Allies.In 1967, Nguyen Van Thieu was elected president of South Vietnam under a new constitution. In 1970, legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, 57, died in Washington, D.C. In 1976, America's Viking 2 lander touched down on Mars to take the first close-up, color photographs of the red planet's surface. In 1978, Pope John Paul I was installed as the 264th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1995, the online auction site eBay was founded in San Jose, California, by Pierre Omidyar under the name "AuctionWeb." In 1999, a French judge closed a two-year inquiry into the car crash that killed Princess Diana, dismissing all charges against nine photographers and a press motorcyclist, and concluding the accident was caused by an inebriated driver. In 2003, Paul Hill, a former minister who said he murdered an abortion doctor and his bodyguard to save the lives of unborn babies, was executed in Florida by injection, becoming the first person put to death in the United States for anti-abortion violence. In 2012, Sun Myung Moon, 92, a self-proclaimed messiah who founded the Unification Church, died in Gapeyeong, South Korea. Prolific character actor Michael Clarke Duncan, 54, died in Los Angeles.Ten years ago: Defense Secretary Robert Gates toured U.S. bases and war zones in Afghanistan, saying he saw and heard evidence that the American counterinsurgency strategy was taking hold in critical Kandahar province. The Fox network announced that Kara DioGuardi was stepping down as one of the judges on "American Idol," following the departures of Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres.Five years ago: A federal judge jailed Rowan County, Kentucky, Clerk Kim Davis for refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples, but five of her deputies agreed to issue the licenses themselves, potentially ending the church-state standoff. (Davis was freed five days later.) Tom Brady had his four-game "Deflategate" suspension lifted after U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman criticized NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for dispensing "his own brand of industrial justice." Judy Carne, 76, a star of the comedy show "Rowan &amp; Martin's Laugh-In," died at Northampton General Hospital in England.One year ago: Relief officials reported scenes of utter ruin in parts of the Bahamas from Hurricane Dorian, the most powerful storm on record ever to hit the islands. Walmart said it would stop selling ammunition for handguns and short-barrel rifles, and the store chain requested that customers not openly carry firearms in its stores; the announcement followed a shooting at a Walmart store in Texas that left 22 people dead. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson suffered a major defeat in Parliament as rebellious lawmakers voted to seize control of the Brexit agenda; they sought to keep Britain from leaving the EU without a deal in place.Today's Birthdays: Actor Pauline Collins is 80. Rock singer-musician Al Jardine is 78. Actor Valerie Perrine is 77. Rock musician Donald Brewer (Grand Funk Railroad) is 72. Rock guitarist Steve Jones (The Sex Pistols) is 65. Actor Steve Schirripa is 63. Actor Holt McCallany is 56. Rock singer-musician Todd Lewis is 55. Actor Costas Mandylor is 55. Actor Charlie Sheen is 55. Singer Jennifer Paige is 47. Dance-rock musician Redfoo is 45. Actor Ashley Jones is 44. Actor Nichole Hiltz is 42. Actor Joel Johnstone is 42. Actor Nick Wechsler is 42. Rock musician Tomo Milicevic (30 Seconds to Mars) is 41. Bluegrass musician Darren Nicholson (Balsam Range) is 37. Actor Christine Woods is 37. Actor Garrett Hedlund is 36. Olympic gold medal snowboarder Shaun White is 34. Hip-hop singer August Alsina is 28.

Today in History -- Sept. 3

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 205 total confirmed cases of COVID-19. 

Of the 205 total cases, 185 have met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines, the health department noted. Additionally, three of the current cases are hospitalized and one person has died, according to the health department.

Following is the information about the new cases, as provided by the health department.

●Positive case No. 204 was identified late Monday and is a symptomatic female in her 40s with unknown exposure.

●Positive case No. 205 is an asymptomatic 18-year-old male with unknown exposure.

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 205 total confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of the 205 total cases, 185 have met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines, the health department noted. Additionally, three of the current cases are hospitalized and one person has died, according to the health department.Following is the information about the new cases, as provided by the health department.●Positive case No. 204 was identified late Monday and is a symptomatic female in her 40s with unknown exposure.●Positive case No. 205 is an asymptomatic 18-year-old male with unknown exposure.

McPherson County reports 2 additional COVID-19 cases

Following is a letter that was released today from the leaders of Saline County's educational institutions.

To the Greater Salina and Saline County Communities:

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.

So said the great Helen Keller, and as many of the region’s educational institutions and groups, we echo this sentiment.

We understand that a nontraditional opening to a school year creates a cascading effect on our community. Employees are forced to scramble for child care. Employers have to adapt policies on the fly. Community members are not able to attend the same events they otherwise would, translating into less revenue for our local economy.

We want to open fully without restrictions. We know most students learn best in the presence of a good teacher. And we acknowledge the important role we play in helping our region thrive.

We are key employers of the region – our institutions combine to employ nearly 3000 individuals. We are key economic drivers. We will be at the forefront of a new normal, whatever that may become.

Why do we share this? We need your help. Each of our institutions has a data-driven plan, created by medical professionals, that provides a point where we can loosen restrictions in various ways. If we can reach those benchmarks, schools would be able to operate in a more traditional way, benefiting our students, families and the local economy. At this time, the data in those plans simply does not support loosening those restrictions. This is where we need your help.

In order to positively affect the data and reduce the region’s risk for COVID-19, we need everyone to make choices that support public health. Wear masks. Limit gatherings. Social distance. Stay home when you don’t feel well. We need businesses, entertainment venues and local organizations to insist on safe practices.

Reducing the region’s risk of COVID-19 and allowing our educational institutions to operate without restrictions is about choices and behaviors in our community. Those choices are the impetus behind these operational decisions. Please help us ensure a safe education and a thriving economy in Salina. Together, we can meet this challenge.

Geoff Andrews, Superintendent of Schools, Catholic Diocese of Salina

Linn Exline, Superintendent, USD 305, Salina

Greg Nichols, President, Salina Area Technical College

Brian Rowley, Superintendent, USD 307, Ell-Saline

Alysia Starkey, Ph.D., CEO and Dean, Kansas State Polytechnic

Roger Stumpf, Superintendent, USD 306, Southeast of Saline

Matt Thompson, Ph.D., President and CEO, Kansas Wesleyan University

Following is a letter that was released today from the leaders of Saline County's educational institutions.To the Greater Salina and Saline County Communities:Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.So said the great Helen Keller, and as many of the region’s educational institutions and groups, we echo this sentiment.We understand that a nontraditional opening to a school year creates a cascading effect on our community. Employees are forced to scramble for child care. Employers have to adapt policies on the fly. Community members are not able to attend the same events they otherwise would, translating into less revenue for our local economy.We want to open fully without restrictions. We know most students learn best in the presence of a good teacher. And we acknowledge the important role we play in helping our region thrive.We are key employers of the region – our institutions combine to employ nearly 3000 individuals. We are key economic drivers. We will be at the forefront of a new normal, whatever that may become.Why do we share this? We need your help. Each of our institutions has a data-driven plan, created by medical professionals, that provides a point where we can loosen restrictions in various ways. If we can reach those benchmarks, schools would be able to operate in a more traditional way, benefiting our students, families and the local economy. At this time, the data in those plans simply does not support loosening those restrictions. This is where we need your help.In order to positively affect the data and reduce the region’s risk for COVID-19, we need everyone to make choices that support public health. Wear masks. Limit gatherings. Social distance. Stay home when you don’t feel well. We need businesses, entertainment venues and local organizations to insist on safe practices.Reducing the region’s risk of COVID-19 and allowing our educational institutions to operate without restrictions is about choices and behaviors in our community. Those choices are the impetus behind these operational decisions. Please help us ensure a safe education and a thriving economy in Salina. Together, we can meet this challenge.Geoff Andrews, Superintendent of Schools, Catholic Diocese of SalinaLinn Exline, Superintendent, USD 305, SalinaGreg Nichols, President, Salina Area Technical CollegeBrian Rowley, Superintendent, USD 307, Ell-SalineAlysia Starkey, Ph.D., CEO and Dean, Kansas State PolytechnicRoger Stumpf, Superintendent, USD 306, Southeast of SalineMatt Thompson, Ph.D., President and CEO, Kansas Wesleyan University

LETTER: Make choices that support public health

Looking for a fun place to work, with a flexible schedule and competitive pay? Then come live the Merry Maids life!

Merry Maids is seeking residential home cleaners in Salina and Abilene. Professionally clean customer homes using Merry Maids’ unique cleaning procedures and products, giving the home a fresh start that our customers can see and feel.

As a member of our team, you’ll enjoy a flexible schedule, competitive pay, and no night, weekend or holiday hours. Merry Maids offers paid training, excellent work/life balance, and opportunities for advancement.

Call 785-825-8636 or apply in person at 750 Duvall Ave., Salina, KS or 419 NE 14th St., Abilene, KS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597940863797.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>in Salina and Abilene!Looking for a fun place to work, with a flexible schedule and competitive pay? Then come live the Merry Maids life!Merry Maids is seeking residential home cleaners in Salina and Abilene. Professionally clean customer homes using Merry Maids’ unique cleaning procedures and products, giving the home a fresh start that our customers can see and feel.As a member of our team, you’ll enjoy a flexible schedule, competitive pay, and no night, weekend or holiday hours. Merry Maids offers paid training, excellent work/life balance, and opportunities for advancement.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rHsFpt55x8g" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Bright Futures Begin at Merry Maids!Call 785-825-8636 or apply in person at 750 Duvall Ave., Salina, KS or 419 NE 14th St., Abilene, KS.

📹SPONSORED: Merry Maids hiring in Salina and Abilene

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

We realize that many citizens have become numb to the updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. Now is not the time to ignore the public health messages and recommendations. Our new cases in the last 48 hours are from a multitude of activities, locations, and situations. With children back in school and college in session, we all must continue to wash hands, stay home when ill, wear masks in public settings, and practice social distancing and continue doing what is right to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

There are 27 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County that have been identified since the Monday, August 31 report. The total for the county is now 503, with 105 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 389 that have recovered, and a total of 9 deaths. Salina Regional Health Center reports that they have 5 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our dashboard is 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 43,940 cases and 458 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:

●Wear masks in public spaces both indoor and outdoor 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

Only 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>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599086666129.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following is the Saline County COVID-19 update for Wednesday.We realize that many citizens have become numb to the updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. Now is not the time to ignore the public health messages and recommendations. Our new cases in the last 48 hours are from a multitude of activities, locations, and situations. With children back in school and college in session, we all must continue to wash hands, stay home when ill, wear masks in public settings, and practice social distancing and continue doing what is right to protect ourselves and our loved ones.There are 27 new positive COVID-19 cases in Saline County that have been identified since the Monday, August 31 report. The total for the county is now 503, with 105 cases that are actively being monitored by the Health Department, 389 that have recovered, and a total of 9 deaths. Salina Regional Health Center reports that they have 5 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our dashboard is 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 43,940 cases and 458 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’re sick●Wear masks in public spaces both indoor and outdoor 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>.

With COVID-19 cases topping 500, county urges vigilance

Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson this afternoon issued a statement concerning rumors about the officer who was shot during a pursuit on Sunday. Following is his statement.

It has been brought to my attention that there are rumors in the Salina community that our officer who was injured in the shooting on 08/30/2020 either shot himself or was shot by another officer during the vehicular pursuit. This was even a topic of discussion on a local radio station this morning.

The KBI has stated that these claims are untrue. The officer was wounded by a round that came from the suspect’s vehicle.

I have been briefed by the KBI in detail regarding this incident and I can absolutely confirm that my officer was shot by a suspect from a moving vehicle on Ninth Street near Thomas Park.

In addition, the facts regarding how this officer was injured were previously released in the form of a press release on 08/30/2020 by both our department and the KBI.

Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson this afternoon issued a statement concerning rumors about the officer who was shot during a pursuit on Sunday. Following is his statement.It has been brought to my attention that there are rumors in the Salina community that our officer who was injured in the shooting on 08/30/2020 either shot himself or was shot by another officer during the vehicular pursuit. This was even a topic of discussion on a local radio station this morning.The KBI has stated that these claims are untrue. The officer was wounded by a round that came from the suspect’s vehicle.I have been briefed by the KBI in detail regarding this incident and I can absolutely confirm that my officer was shot by a suspect from a moving vehicle on Ninth Street near Thomas Park.In addition, the facts regarding how this officer was injured were previously released in the form of a press release on 08/30/2020 by both our department and the KBI.

Chief: Rumors about shooting of officer not true

The Salina Public Library has expanded its hours.&nbsp;

In a post on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary/">Facebook page</a> this morning, the library announced that its new hours are&nbsp;9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Pickup service is also still available, the library noted.

Persons entering the library must wear a face mask. Entrance is through the north doors only. Library visits are limited to 30 minutes unless the person is using a computer.

The Salina Public Library has expanded its hours.&nbsp;In a post on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary/">Facebook page</a> this morning, the library announced that its new hours are&nbsp;9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Pickup service is also still available, the library noted.Persons entering the library must wear a face mask. Entrance is through the north doors only. Library visits are limited to 30 minutes unless the person is using a computer.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinapubliclibrary%2Fposts%2F10158890470713140&width=500" width="500" height="641" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Salina Public Library expands its hours

WOODBINE -- The annual Woodbine Fall Festival has been canceled for 2020.

That's according to a post this morning on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WoodbineFallFestival/">Woodbine Kansas Fall Festival</a> Facebook page.

Additionally, the post noted that the date for the 2021 Fall Festival is Oct. 16.

From the&nbsp;Woodbine Kansas Fall Festival Facebook page:

WOODBINE -- The annual Woodbine Fall Festival has been canceled for 2020.That's according to a post this morning on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WoodbineFallFestival/">Woodbine Kansas Fall Festival</a> Facebook page.Additionally, the post noted that the date for the 2021 Fall Festival is Oct. 16.From the&nbsp;Woodbine Kansas Fall Festival Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWoodbineFallFestival%2Fposts%2F967985903680015&width=500" width="500" height="480" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Woodbine cancels 2020 Fall Festival

The Salina Fire Department has announced the promotion of Sean Wilcox to fire engineer. From the Salina Fire Facebook page:

The Salina Fire Department has announced the promotion of Sean Wilcox to fire engineer. From the Salina Fire Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinafire%2Fposts%2F3052933008137538&width=500" width="500" height="381" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Salina Fire Department promotes Wilcox

WICHITA&nbsp;– A Salina man pleaded guilty Tuesday to distributing child pornography. 

As part of a plea agreement in the case, prosecutors agreed to drop charges that the defendant threatened the life of the President of the United States, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Aaron McDowell, 25, of Salina, pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography. Investigators discovered the child pornography while investigating charges that McDowell posted a threat to kill the president on social media.

Investigators examining McDowell’s phone found images of child pornography. They went on to discover that for about a year McDowell used an online chat application to trade child pornography with other users.

Sentencing is set for Nov. 20. The plea agreement recommends McDowell be sentenced to not less than 168 months and not more than 216 months in federal prison.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883281167.png" alt="Aaron McDowell. Photo courtesy Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Aaron McDowell. Photo courtesy Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA&nbsp;– A Salina man pleaded guilty Tuesday to distributing child pornography. As part of a plea agreement in the case, prosecutors agreed to drop charges that the defendant threatened the life of the President of the United States, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.Aaron McDowell, 25, of Salina, pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography. Investigators discovered the child pornography while investigating charges that McDowell posted a threat to kill the president on social media.Investigators examining McDowell’s phone found images of child pornography. They went on to discover that for about a year McDowell used an online chat application to trade child pornography with other users.Sentencing is set for Nov. 20. The plea agreement recommends McDowell be sentenced to not less than 168 months and not more than 216 months in federal prison.&nbsp;

Salina man pleads guilty  to distributing child porn

The public is invited to a ribbon cutting for Cornerstone Classical School on Saturday.

The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday. Formerly Franklin Elementary School, Cornerstone Classical School is located at 830 South Ninth Street.

According to information on the Cornerstone Classical School <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CornerstoneClassicalSchool/">Facebook page</a>, those attending will be able to walk through the first floor of the original building, however, the wearing of face masks and temperature checks will be required to enter the building.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591133600867.jpeg" alt="The former Franklin Elementary School is now the home of Cornerstone Classical School. Salina Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>The former Franklin Elementary School is now the home of Cornerstone Classical School. Salina Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The public is invited to a ribbon cutting for Cornerstone Classical School on Saturday.The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday. Formerly Franklin Elementary School, Cornerstone Classical School is located at 830 South Ninth Street.According to information on the Cornerstone Classical School <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CornerstoneClassicalSchool/">Facebook page</a>, those attending will be able to walk through the first floor of the original building, however, the wearing of face masks and temperature checks will be required to enter the building.

Ribbon cutting for Cornerstone Classical School set

Labor Day is September 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;American labor unions were instrumental in the following modern societal benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most take them for granted these days, but we shouldn't because they are shrinking.

Minimum wage (originally meant to be a basic living wage)

Social Security for retired and disabled workers

Equal rights for minority and women workers

Workers compensation and rehabilitation for those hurt on the job

Adequate supply of quality talent for the workforce

Basic workers' rights benefit&nbsp;all&nbsp;Americans, union and non-union, employer and worker.&nbsp;&nbsp;As these benefits have been eroding for the 30 years or so, we should remember where they came from - collective bargaining, won with decades of sometimes bloody struggle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Labor Day was set aside to honor and celebrate the American worker.&nbsp;&nbsp;Can we resolve to do better going forward?&nbsp;

Joan Ratzlaff, for the Salina Area Workers Coalition

To the Editor:Labor Day is September 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;American labor unions were instrumental in the following modern societal benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most take them for granted these days, but we shouldn't because they are shrinking.Five day, 40-hour work weekMinimum wage (originally meant to be a basic living wage)Social Security for retired and disabled workersRetiree pensions (becoming less common)Equal rights for minority and women workersOvertime and holiday payChild labor lawsUnemployment insuranceWorkers compensation and rehabilitation for those hurt on the jobMiddle classWorker health and safety standardsPaid sick leaveDue processJob securitySeverance payGrievance proceduresFamily and medical leaveAdequate supply of quality talent for the workforceBasic workers' rights benefit&nbsp;all&nbsp;Americans, union and non-union, employer and worker.&nbsp;&nbsp;As these benefits have been eroding for the 30 years or so, we should remember where they came from - collective bargaining, won with decades of sometimes bloody struggle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Labor Day was set aside to honor and celebrate the American worker.&nbsp;&nbsp;Can we resolve to do better going forward?&nbsp;Joan Ratzlaff, for the Salina Area Workers Coalition

RATZLAFF: We shouldn't take labor unions for granted

A car was damaged when multiple gunshots were fired into it early Tuesday morning in central Salina.

Officers were sent to the area of South Second Street and East Prescott Avenue at approximately 1 a.m. Tuesday for the report of possible gunshots, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. At that time, the officers did not locate evidence of gunshots, he noted.

At 9 a.m. on Tuesday, a 25-year-old Salina woman called to report that there were several bullet holes in her 2017 Ford Fusion that was parked near her apartment in that same area, Forrester reported. Four bullet holes were located in the passenger side of the car and a single .380 shell casing was located in the grass, he noted.

The woman told police she thought she heard gunshots outside her apartment at approximately 2 a.m., Forrester explained.

Damage to the car was estimated at $1,000, he added.

A car was damaged when multiple gunshots were fired into it early Tuesday morning in central Salina.Officers were sent to the area of South Second Street and East Prescott Avenue at approximately 1 a.m. Tuesday for the report of possible gunshots, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. At that time, the officers did not locate evidence of gunshots, he noted.At 9 a.m. on Tuesday, a 25-year-old Salina woman called to report that there were several bullet holes in her 2017 Ford Fusion that was parked near her apartment in that same area, Forrester reported. Four bullet holes were located in the passenger side of the car and a single .380 shell casing was located in the grass, he noted.The woman told police she thought she heard gunshots outside her apartment at approximately 2 a.m., Forrester explained.Damage to the car was estimated at $1,000, he added.

Police investigating incident in which shots were fired into car

It looks like we'll be cooling off a bit more in the near future.

Much cooler temperatures are expected across much of the Midwest after the Labor Day weekend and through much of next week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. 

Medium range models are showing well below normal temperatures, NWS noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599009344501.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It looks like we'll be cooling off a bit more in the near future.Much cooler temperatures are expected across much of the Midwest after the Labor Day weekend and through much of next week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. Medium range models are showing well below normal temperatures, NWS noted.

NWS: Below normal temperatures for much of the area next week

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher

Where is your favorite place that you have lived? It might not surprise you that Kansas isn’t usually my first response. Kansas is an acquired taste. When I first moved here over a decade ago, I was not very excited about the landscape. I had spent most of my life in the northern United States with green, lush woodlands and lakes everywhere you look. Trees and lakes in Kansas seemed a joke to me. And the wind. It was wicked and vengeful; it never seemed to stop. I was not a fan. At the time, I read a book about the early homesteaders in Kansas and those who survived the Dust Bowl. I remember wondering, “What did early homesteaders think when they got here? Is this it?” After naming some great attributes of different places, my response to that question about favorites always ends up being, “I can be happy anywhere, there is something to love everywhere, you just have to decide you want to be happy.” The people and strong agriculture industry in Kansas made it easy to love, and over the years, my appreciation of the state’s beauty has grown. There are two undeniably spectacular and quintessentially Kansas times of year I love. In the north, late February and early March are filled with endless gray days and snowbanks or dirty slush everywhere you look. I think that is why it always feels like such a surprise to be driving through Kansas on a sunny day and realize the winter wheat has turned vibrant green overnight and grazing cattle suddenly appear across the countryside. It is a sight that stops me every year; renewing my joy and strengthening my soul. Then in May and June, the Kansas sky becomes the star. As the wheat begins to turn golden and farm equipment rolls over the horizon sharing the stage with the setting sun, there is no way to accurately capture the beauty of colors that paint the sky. A wheat harvest sunset in Kansas makes fills me with awe every single time. Enter 2020. The pandemic deleted so many a lot of events and activities that normally fill my calendar. This extra time allowed me to say yes to more time on the farm. I was available for daily activities like checking cattle and irrigators or riding along on a tractor during planting season. In addition, my back surgery in May required daily walking as part of my recovery and the pandemic encouraged social distance, I took advantage of the wide-open space available to me and began to walk the gravel roads near my house. During those extra hours driving around the farm or walking the same gravel path, I started to notice little things I had never seen before while speeding past — all the animal tracks in the road, how crops grow and change every day, and where water gathers after a rain. I finally came to appreciate the wind’s cooling nature on humid, sunny days. My phone is now filled with pictures of the landscape because I was in constant awe of the beauty and power around me. This summer when I slowed down, I figured out why homesteaders stayed and generations of farmers love this land. It’s a place where resilient crops and stout creatures withstand fierce weather conditions; a wide-open space that allows the most amazing views of the heavens. Kansas doesn’t have big bold beauty that can be easily seen. It has subtle, detailed beauty that you have to stand in the midst of to feel. It takes patience to experience and time to appreciate.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt. Photo courtesy KFB" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt. Photo courtesy KFB</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancherWhere is your favorite place that you have lived? It might not surprise you that Kansas isn’t usually my first response. Kansas is an acquired taste. When I first moved here over a decade ago, I was not very excited about the landscape. I had spent most of my life in the northern United States with green, lush woodlands and lakes everywhere you look. Trees and lakes in Kansas seemed a joke to me. And the wind. It was wicked and vengeful; it never seemed to stop. I was not a fan. At the time, I read a book about the early homesteaders in Kansas and those who survived the Dust Bowl. I remember wondering, “What did early homesteaders think when they got here? Is this it?” After naming some great attributes of different places, my response to that question about favorites always ends up being, “I can be happy anywhere, there is something to love everywhere, you just have to decide you want to be happy.” The people and strong agriculture industry in Kansas made it easy to love, and over the years, my appreciation of the state’s beauty has grown. There are two undeniably spectacular and quintessentially Kansas times of year I love. In the north, late February and early March are filled with endless gray days and snowbanks or dirty slush everywhere you look. I think that is why it always feels like such a surprise to be driving through Kansas on a sunny day and realize the winter wheat has turned vibrant green overnight and grazing cattle suddenly appear across the countryside. It is a sight that stops me every year; renewing my joy and strengthening my soul. Then in May and June, the Kansas sky becomes the star. As the wheat begins to turn golden and farm equipment rolls over the horizon sharing the stage with the setting sun, there is no way to accurately capture the beauty of colors that paint the sky. A wheat harvest sunset in Kansas makes fills me with awe every single time. Enter 2020. The pandemic deleted so many a lot of events and activities that normally fill my calendar. This extra time allowed me to say yes to more time on the farm. I was available for daily activities like checking cattle and irrigators or riding along on a tractor during planting season. In addition, my back surgery in May required daily walking as part of my recovery and the pandemic encouraged social distance, I took advantage of the wide-open space available to me and began to walk the gravel roads near my house. During those extra hours driving around the farm or walking the same gravel path, I started to notice little things I had never seen before while speeding past — all the animal tracks in the road, how crops grow and change every day, and where water gathers after a rain. I finally came to appreciate the wind’s cooling nature on humid, sunny days. My phone is now filled with pictures of the landscape because I was in constant awe of the beauty and power around me. This summer when I slowed down, I figured out why homesteaders stayed and generations of farmers love this land. It’s a place where resilient crops and stout creatures withstand fierce weather conditions; a wide-open space that allows the most amazing views of the heavens. Kansas doesn’t have big bold beauty that can be easily seen. It has subtle, detailed beauty that you have to stand in the midst of to feel. It takes patience to experience and time to appreciate."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2020 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Finding beauty in Kansas

MANHATTAN – A Kansas State University agricultural economist says that non-traditional lenders are becoming a bigger part of doing business in farm country.&nbsp;

Jenny Ifft spoke recently at the Risk and Profit Conference, hosted by K-State Research and Extension and the K-State Department of Agricultural Economics. Her talk highlighted a growing trend by farmers to seek alternate ways of funding their business.&nbsp;

“They are an important part of the financial landscape, and as far as we can tell, they are growing,” Ifft said.&nbsp;

The majority of farmers use farm credit lenders and commercial banks to finance purchases of land, equipment, crop insurance or other expenses.&nbsp;

But Ifft notes three categories of lenders that producers are now turning to as alternatives, including:&nbsp;

High value, branchless lenders. These are mostly life insurance and private lenders who work with larger clients and don’t have local branches. They may know their clients well and may offer great service. Their interest rates are very competitive.

Vendor finance lenders.&nbsp;Anybody who sells goods to a farmer, sells credit too. Vendors who sell the products extend credit to producers for the cost of the goods. Financing is provided internally or through a third party.

Collateral-based financing.&nbsp;These are primarily agricultural lenders, but are not deposit-taking lenders. Their decision to provide a loan is primarily based on the value of the collateral, such as equipment or value of a crop. They typically invest in developing a relationship with their clients. Often, the interest rate is higher than traditional loans, especially higher-risk loans.&nbsp;

“Some of these non-traditional lenders have been in business for a long time,” Ifft said. “It’s hard to tell how much producers are using non-traditional lenders because these businesses are not always subject to public reporting of their lending activity.”&nbsp;

For farmers, seeking a non-traditional lender can be a matter of convenience and service, she said.&nbsp;

“That may be especially true with vendor financing,” Ifft said. “They make it pretty easy for people. And a lot of times these aren’t huge loans in the scope of the entire operation. It’s a relatively small loan that is easier to apply for. And some of the collateral-based and high-value lenders, as part of their marketing, also are saying they are going to make it easier on a producer than a bank.”&nbsp;

“Another story I’ve been hearing a lot is that we’re starting to see more of the larger, diverse farms using non-traditional lenders. They don’t have conventional business models, so in some cases, it seems like these non-traditional lenders may have more flexibility to work with these types of operations.”&nbsp;

Some data indicates that younger farmers, or farms that are financially-stressed, are turning to non-traditional lenders.&nbsp;

Ifft, who just recently joined the K-State Department of Agricultural Economics, has studied the issue from a farm policy and a farm management perspective. More information on her presentation, and summaries of all of the sessions at this year’s Risk and Profit conference,&nbsp;<a href="https://agmanager.info/events/risk-and-profit-conference" target="_blank">is available online</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599008537219.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – A Kansas State University agricultural economist says that non-traditional lenders are becoming a bigger part of doing business in farm country.&nbsp;Jenny Ifft spoke recently at the Risk and Profit Conference, hosted by K-State Research and Extension and the K-State Department of Agricultural Economics. Her talk highlighted a growing trend by farmers to seek alternate ways of funding their business.&nbsp;“They are an important part of the financial landscape, and as far as we can tell, they are growing,” Ifft said.&nbsp;The majority of farmers use farm credit lenders and commercial banks to finance purchases of land, equipment, crop insurance or other expenses.&nbsp;But Ifft notes three categories of lenders that producers are now turning to as alternatives, including:&nbsp;High value, branchless lenders. These are mostly life insurance and private lenders who work with larger clients and don’t have local branches. They may know their clients well and may offer great service. Their interest rates are very competitive.Vendor finance lenders.&nbsp;Anybody who sells goods to a farmer, sells credit too. Vendors who sell the products extend credit to producers for the cost of the goods. Financing is provided internally or through a third party.Collateral-based financing.&nbsp;These are primarily agricultural lenders, but are not deposit-taking lenders. Their decision to provide a loan is primarily based on the value of the collateral, such as equipment or value of a crop. They typically invest in developing a relationship with their clients. Often, the interest rate is higher than traditional loans, especially higher-risk loans.&nbsp;“Some of these non-traditional lenders have been in business for a long time,” Ifft said. “It’s hard to tell how much producers are using non-traditional lenders because these businesses are not always subject to public reporting of their lending activity.”&nbsp;For farmers, seeking a non-traditional lender can be a matter of convenience and service, she said.&nbsp;“That may be especially true with vendor financing,” Ifft said. “They make it pretty easy for people. And a lot of times these aren’t huge loans in the scope of the entire operation. It’s a relatively small loan that is easier to apply for. And some of the collateral-based and high-value lenders, as part of their marketing, also are saying they are going to make it easier on a producer than a bank.”&nbsp;“Another story I’ve been hearing a lot is that we’re starting to see more of the larger, diverse farms using non-traditional lenders. They don’t have conventional business models, so in some cases, it seems like these non-traditional lenders may have more flexibility to work with these types of operations.”&nbsp;Some data indicates that younger farmers, or farms that are financially-stressed, are turning to non-traditional lenders.&nbsp;Ifft, who just recently joined the K-State Department of Agricultural Economics, has studied the issue from a farm policy and a farm management perspective. More information on her presentation, and summaries of all of the sessions at this year’s Risk and Profit conference,&nbsp;<a href="https://agmanager.info/events/risk-and-profit-conference" target="_blank">is available online</a>.

Ag economist: Farmers increasingly turning to non-traditional lenders

Today is Wednesday, Sept. 2, the 246th day of 2020. There are 120 days left in the year. 

On Sept. 2, 1963, Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace prevented the integration of Tuskegee High School by encircling the building with state troopers. 

In 1864, during the Civil War, Union Gen. William T. Sherman's forces occupied Atlanta. 

In 1901, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt offered the advice, "Speak softly and carry a big stick" in a speech at the Minnesota State Fair.

In 1930, the first nonstop airplane flight from Europe to the U.S. was completed in 37 hours as Capt. Dieudonne Costes and Maurice Bellonte of France arrived in Valley Stream, New York, aboard their Breguet 19 biplane, which bore the symbol of a large question mark. 

In 1944, during World War II, Navy pilot Lt. (jg) George Herbert Walker Bush was shot down by Japanese forces as he completed a bombing run over the Bonin Islands. (Bush was rescued by the crew of the submarine USS Finback; his two crew members, however, died.)

In 1945, Japan formally surrendered in ceremonies aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, ending World War II. 

In 1960, Wilma Rudolph of the United States won the first of her three gold medals at the Rome Summer Olympics as she finished the 100-meter dash in 11 seconds. 

In 1963, "The CBS Evening News" with Walter Cronkite was lengthened from 15 to 30 minutes, becoming network television's first half-hour nightly newscast. 

In 1969, in what some regard as the birth of the Internet, two connected computers at the University of California, Los Angeles, passed test data through a 15-foot cable. The first automatic teller machine (ATM) to utilize magnetic-striped cards was opened to the public at Chemical Bank in New York. (Called a "Docuteller," it was developed by Donald C. Wetzel.) 

In 1993, the United States and Russia formally ended decades of competition in space by agreeing to a joint venture to build a space station.

In 1998, a Swissair MD-11 jetliner crashed off Nova Scotia, killing all 229 people aboard. 

In 2005, a National Guard convoy packed with food, water and medicine rolled into New Orleans four days after Hurricane Katrina. Scorched by criticism about sluggish federal help, President George W. Bush toured the Gulf Coast and met with state and local officials, including New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin; at one point, Bush praised FEMA Director Michael Brown, telling him, "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job." 

In 2018, Sen. John McCain was laid to rest on a grassy hill at the U.S. Naval Academy, after a horse-drawn caisson carrying the senator's casket led a procession of mourners from the academy's chapel to its cemetery. 

Ten years ago: Israeli and Palestinian leaders pledged in a first round of renewed peace talks in Washington to keep meeting at regular intervals. Seattle Storm forward Lauren Jackson was selected the WNBA's most valuable player for the third time in her career.

Five years ago: Overcoming ferocious opposition, President Barack Obama secured a legacy-defining foreign policy victory as Senate Democrats clinched the necessary votes to ensure the Iran nuclear agreement survived in Congress. President Obama crossed the Arctic Circle in a first by a sitting U.S. president, telling residents in the far-flung Alaska village of Kotzebue that their plight resulting from climate change should be the world's wake-up call on global warming. In one of the most haunting images from the Syrian migrant crisis, the lifeless body of 3-year-old Alan Kurdi was photographed lying on a Turkish beach after he, his 5-year-old brother and their mother died when their rubber boat capsized as it headed for Greece.

One year ago: A fire swept a boat carrying recreational scuba divers that was anchored near an island off the Southern California coast; the captain and four other crew members were able to escape the flames, but 34 people who were trapped below died. Hurricane Dorian unleashed massive flooding across the Bahamas as the fearsome Category 4 storm slowed almost to a standstill; the storm would leave at least 70 people dead and cause more than $3 billion in damage.

Today's Birthdays: Dancer-actor Marge Champion is 101. Former Sen. Alan K. Simpson, R-Wyo., is 89. Former United States Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth is 83. Singer Jimmy Clanton is 82. Rhythm-and-blues singer Sam Gooden (The Impressions) is 81. Rhythm-and-blues singer Rosalind Ashford (Martha &amp; the Vandellas) is 77. Singer Joe Simon is 77. Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw is 72. Basketball Hall of Famer Nate Archibald is 72. Actor Mark Harmon is 69. Former Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., is 69. International Tennis Hall of Famer Jimmy Connors is 68. Actor Linda Purl is 65. Rock musician Jerry Augustyniak (10,000 Maniacs) is 62. Country musician Paul Deakin (The Mavericks) is 61. Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson is 60. Actor Keanu Reeves is 56. International Boxing Hall of Famer Lennox Lewis is 55. Actor Salma Hayek is 54. Actor Tuc Watkins is 54. Actor Kristen Cloke is 52. Actor Cynthia Watros is 52. Rhythm-and-blues singer K-Ci is 51. Actor-comedian Katt Williams is 47. Actor Michael Lombardi is 46. Actor Tiffany Hines is 43. Rock musician Sam Rivers (Limp Bizkit) is 43. Actor Jonathan Kite is 41. Actor Joshua Henry is 36. Actor Allison Miller is 35. Rock musician Spencer Smith is 33. Electronic music DJ/producer Zedd is 31.

<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 Wednesday, Sept. 2, the 246th day of 2020. There are 120 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Sept. 2, 1963, Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace prevented the integration of Tuskegee High School by encircling the building with state troopers. On this date: In 1864, during the Civil War, Union Gen. William T. Sherman's forces occupied Atlanta. In 1901, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt offered the advice, "Speak softly and carry a big stick" in a speech at the Minnesota State Fair.In 1930, the first nonstop airplane flight from Europe to the U.S. was completed in 37 hours as Capt. Dieudonne Costes and Maurice Bellonte of France arrived in Valley Stream, New York, aboard their Breguet 19 biplane, which bore the symbol of a large question mark. In 1944, during World War II, Navy pilot Lt. (jg) George Herbert Walker Bush was shot down by Japanese forces as he completed a bombing run over the Bonin Islands. (Bush was rescued by the crew of the submarine USS Finback; his two crew members, however, died.)In 1945, Japan formally surrendered in ceremonies aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, ending World War II. In 1960, Wilma Rudolph of the United States won the first of her three gold medals at the Rome Summer Olympics as she finished the 100-meter dash in 11 seconds. In 1963, "The CBS Evening News" with Walter Cronkite was lengthened from 15 to 30 minutes, becoming network television's first half-hour nightly newscast. In 1969, in what some regard as the birth of the Internet, two connected computers at the University of California, Los Angeles, passed test data through a 15-foot cable. The first automatic teller machine (ATM) to utilize magnetic-striped cards was opened to the public at Chemical Bank in New York. (Called a "Docuteller," it was developed by Donald C. Wetzel.) In 1993, the United States and Russia formally ended decades of competition in space by agreeing to a joint venture to build a space station.In 1998, a Swissair MD-11 jetliner crashed off Nova Scotia, killing all 229 people aboard. In 2005, a National Guard convoy packed with food, water and medicine rolled into New Orleans four days after Hurricane Katrina. Scorched by criticism about sluggish federal help, President George W. Bush toured the Gulf Coast and met with state and local officials, including New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin; at one point, Bush praised FEMA Director Michael Brown, telling him, "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job." In 2018, Sen. John McCain was laid to rest on a grassy hill at the U.S. Naval Academy, after a horse-drawn caisson carrying the senator's casket led a procession of mourners from the academy's chapel to its cemetery. Ten years ago: Israeli and Palestinian leaders pledged in a first round of renewed peace talks in Washington to keep meeting at regular intervals. Seattle Storm forward Lauren Jackson was selected the WNBA's most valuable player for the third time in her career.Five years ago: Overcoming ferocious opposition, President Barack Obama secured a legacy-defining foreign policy victory as Senate Democrats clinched the necessary votes to ensure the Iran nuclear agreement survived in Congress. President Obama crossed the Arctic Circle in a first by a sitting U.S. president, telling residents in the far-flung Alaska village of Kotzebue that their plight resulting from climate change should be the world's wake-up call on global warming. In one of the most haunting images from the Syrian migrant crisis, the lifeless body of 3-year-old Alan Kurdi was photographed lying on a Turkish beach after he, his 5-year-old brother and their mother died when their rubber boat capsized as it headed for Greece.One year ago: A fire swept a boat carrying recreational scuba divers that was anchored near an island off the Southern California coast; the captain and four other crew members were able to escape the flames, but 34 people who were trapped below died. Hurricane Dorian unleashed massive flooding across the Bahamas as the fearsome Category 4 storm slowed almost to a standstill; the storm would leave at least 70 people dead and cause more than $3 billion in damage.Today's Birthdays: Dancer-actor Marge Champion is 101. Former Sen. Alan K. Simpson, R-Wyo., is 89. Former United States Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth is 83. Singer Jimmy Clanton is 82. Rhythm-and-blues singer Sam Gooden (The Impressions) is 81. Rhythm-and-blues singer Rosalind Ashford (Martha &amp; the Vandellas) is 77. Singer Joe Simon is 77. Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw is 72. Basketball Hall of Famer Nate Archibald is 72. Actor Mark Harmon is 69. Former Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., is 69. International Tennis Hall of Famer Jimmy Connors is 68. Actor Linda Purl is 65. Rock musician Jerry Augustyniak (10,000 Maniacs) is 62. Country musician Paul Deakin (The Mavericks) is 61. Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson is 60. Actor Keanu Reeves is 56. International Boxing Hall of Famer Lennox Lewis is 55. Actor Salma Hayek is 54. Actor Tuc Watkins is 54. Actor Kristen Cloke is 52. Actor Cynthia Watros is 52. Rhythm-and-blues singer K-Ci is 51. Actor-comedian Katt Williams is 47. Actor Michael Lombardi is 46. Actor Tiffany Hines is 43. Rock musician Sam Rivers (Limp Bizkit) is 43. Actor Jonathan Kite is 41. Actor Joshua Henry is 36. Actor Allison Miller is 35. Rock musician Spencer Smith is 33. Electronic music DJ/producer Zedd is 31.

Today in History -- Sept. 2

LAWRENCE — The names of more than 4,700 graduates from the University of Kansas this spring — representing 87 Kansas counties; 49 other states, territories, and Washington, D.C.; and 53 other countries — have been announced by the University Registrar.&nbsp;

Many spring and summer 2020 graduates celebrated their accomplishments as part of the virtual&nbsp;2020 commencement.&nbsp;Names of summer 2020 graduates will be published in the fall, and not all graduates elect to have their names published by KU News Service.

The university is&nbsp;planning an in-person&nbsp;<a href="https://chancellor.ku.edu/news/2020/jul29" target="_blank">commencement event</a>&nbsp;in May 2021 for the Class of 2020.

ELLSWORTH&nbsp;COUNTY

Devin Fitzgerald, Ellsworth, Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Studies&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ashley Nicole&nbsp;Sippel, Ellsworth, Master of Occupational Therapy&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mara S Cunningham,&nbsp;Kanopolis, Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Margaret Marie&nbsp;Foulke, Barnard, Bachelor of Arts in English&nbsp;

Faith D Panzer, Lincoln, Bachelor of Social Work&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lydia P&nbsp;Kliewer, Hillsboro, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

MCPHERSON&nbsp;COUNTY

Ethan Clay Dailey, Canton, Bachelor of Science in Secondary Level Education&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alicen J&nbsp;Meysing, Canton, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trey Wedel, Canton, Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alisha Peters, Galva, Juris Doctor&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lydia Maree Balzer, Inman, Doctor of Pharmacy&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

John Patrick O'Brien, Inman, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design&nbsp;&nbsp;

Emma Lee Kester, Lindsborg, Doctor of Medicine&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rachel Joy Loder, Lindsborg, Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Haeli&nbsp;Allison Maas, Lindsborg, Bachelor of Science in Journalism in Strategic Communications&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Seth Erik Peterson, Lindsborg, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trey A Schneider, Lindsborg, Bachelor of Science in Business in Accounting&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jade Nichole Soukup, Lindsborg, Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jessica Bengtson, McPherson, Master of Social Work&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kye A Brewer, McPherson, Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Megan Elizabeth Campbell, McPherson, Doctor of Nursing Practice&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Michelle Christine Carrillo, McPherson, Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Olivia P Hansen, McPherson, Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language-Hearing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Katherine L Hughes, McPherson, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

LAWRENCE — The names of more than 4,700 graduates from the University of Kansas this spring — representing 87 Kansas counties; 49 other states, territories, and Washington, D.C.; and 53 other countries — have been announced by the University Registrar.&nbsp;Many spring and summer 2020 graduates celebrated their accomplishments as part of the virtual&nbsp;2020 commencement.&nbsp;Names of summer 2020 graduates will be published in the fall, and not all graduates elect to have their names published by KU News Service.The university is&nbsp;planning an in-person&nbsp;<a href="https://chancellor.ku.edu/news/2020/jul29" target="_blank">commencement event</a>&nbsp;in May 2021 for the Class of 2020.Following are local and area graduates.ELLSWORTH&nbsp;COUNTYDevin Fitzgerald, Ellsworth, Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Studies&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ashley Nicole&nbsp;Sippel, Ellsworth, Master of Occupational Therapy&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mara S Cunningham,&nbsp;Kanopolis, Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LINCOLN&nbsp;COUNTYMargaret Marie&nbsp;Foulke, Barnard, Bachelor of Arts in English&nbsp;Faith D Panzer, Lincoln, Bachelor of Social Work&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MARION&nbsp;COUNTYLydia P&nbsp;Kliewer, Hillsboro, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MCPHERSON&nbsp;COUNTYEthan Clay Dailey, Canton, Bachelor of Science in Secondary Level Education&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicen J&nbsp;Meysing, Canton, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Trey Wedel, Canton, Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alisha Peters, Galva, Juris Doctor&nbsp;&nbsp;Lydia Maree Balzer, Inman, Doctor of Pharmacy&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;John Patrick O'Brien, Inman, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design&nbsp;&nbsp;Emma Lee Kester, Lindsborg, Doctor of Medicine&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rachel Joy Loder, Lindsborg, Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Haeli&nbsp;Allison Maas, Lindsborg, Bachelor of Science in Journalism in Strategic Communications&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Seth Erik Peterson, Lindsborg, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Trey A Schneider, Lindsborg, Bachelor of Science in Business in Accounting&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jade Nichole Soukup, Lindsborg, Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jessica Bengtson, McPherson, Master of Social Work&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kye A Brewer, McPherson, Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Megan Elizabeth Campbell, McPherson, Doctor of Nursing Practice&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Michelle Christine Carrillo, McPherson, Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Olivia P Hansen, McPherson, Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language-Hearing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Katherine L Hughes, McPherson, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kaley D&nbsp;Kinnamon, McPherson, Doctor of Medicine&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lauren Nicole Radke, McPherson, Bachelor of General Studies in Liberal Arts and Sciences&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Isaac N Rush, McPherson, Bachelor of Science in Biology&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ashtyn L&nbsp;Schieferecke, McPherson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alexandria Leigh Schmidt, McPherson, Bachelor of Arts in Film &amp; Media Studies&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Grace Ann&nbsp;Strella, McPherson, Doctor of Medicine&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Harlan R Williams, McPherson, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry&nbsp;&nbsp;Debra M&nbsp;Diepenbrock, Moundridge, Doctor of Medicine&nbsp;&nbsp;Emily Ann&nbsp;Lenherr, Windom, Doctor of Medicine&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;OTTAWA&nbsp;COUNTYBretney&nbsp;R&nbsp;Belvill, Minneapolis, Master of Science in Counseling Psychology&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eric G&nbsp;Yoxall, Minneapolis, Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SALINE COUNTY&nbsp;Cloey&nbsp;Ann&nbsp;Kennemur,&nbsp;Assaria, Bachelor of Science in Business in Business Administration&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bailey Gene Base, Brookville, Doctor of Audiology&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dakota M Baker, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Journalism in Strategic Communications&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lexus Veda Burroughs, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Garrett L Campion, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Matthew Cavender, Salina, Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics&nbsp;&nbsp;Kelsi N Chavez, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lindsey E Chavez, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Grace A&nbsp;Claman, Salina, Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Arts in French, Francophone &amp; Italian Studies&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Spencer Harrison Cook, Salina, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kenyana&nbsp;Luella&nbsp;Cornethan, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Aaron Tompkins Davis, Salina, Doctor of Medicine&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Morgan Lynn Davis, Salina, Master of Occupational Therapy&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alexus K. Edison, Salina, Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alex&nbsp;Engelland, Salina, Doctor of Pharmacy&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Aaron William Farmer, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Sport Management&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jetta S Greene, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Biology&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noah Benjamin&nbsp;Hadnot, Salina, Doctor of Pharmacy&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zachary Riley Hampton, Salina, Master of Accounting&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jamie Lynn Hawley, Salina, Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, Bachelor of Arts in English, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kevin William Klug, Salina, Doctor of Medicine&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sydney Danae&nbsp;Kossow, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Business in Marketing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ethan Thomas&nbsp;Leiker, Salina, Doctor of Pharmacy&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madison Elaine&nbsp;Livengood, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Studies&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brandon C Magazine, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Morgan Hale&nbsp;Marchbank, Salina, Master of Social Work&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Easton Ross Montgomery, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy Nguyen, Salina, Bachelor of General Studies in Applied Behavioral Science&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maria Valentina Ortega, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Business in Accounting&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anthony Ruben&nbsp;Panuco, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Business in Accounting&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Teale Wynn Ryan, Salina, Master of Science in Nursing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Megan Elizabeth&nbsp;Slubowski, Salina, Master of Social Work&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brianna Paige&nbsp;Smull, Salina, Master of Social Work&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Olivia&nbsp;Streit, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allison Kate Stutterheim, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Nursing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Checotah Renae&nbsp;Taddiken, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nicholas A Taylor, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Economics&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Renee C. Thomas, Salina, Master of Social Work&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Elizabeth Ann Thompson, Salina, Juris Doctor&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anastasia Rose&nbsp;Tuszkiewicz, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jiaying&nbsp;Wang, Salina, Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chelsea Alexandra Lee Ellis&nbsp;Wuthnow, Salina, Doctor of Medicine&nbsp;

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