LINCOLN COUNTY -- Beginning Monday, the Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a surface recycle and chip seal on Kansas Highway 18 (K-18) and Kansas Highway 252 (K-252) in Lincoln County. 

Work on K-18 will occur between the east city limits of Lincoln and the Lincoln/Ottawa County line. 

Work on K-252 will begin at K-18 and continue south to the city of Beverly.

Construction will occur during daylight hours and traffic will be reduced to one 11-foot lane following a pilot car through the work zone. Drivers should be prepared for a delay of up to 15 minutes and plan extra time in their travel schedules.

The prime contractor for this $1.2 million project is Dustrol Inc. of Towanda. The contractor has scheduled this project to be completed by August, weather permitting.

KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a work zone.&nbsp;For more information and to stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAshley.Perez%40ks.gov%7C0a005f4f769842d99c2c08d7f295de37%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637244598735091681&amp;sdata=q1t7hS4ekrkWrb8JuRLrG32ixKOJZylPJHp9PL%2B5cOM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kandrive.org</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592777259939.png" alt="Resurfacing in Lincoln County. Map courtesy KDOT" />
 <figcaption>Resurfacing in Lincoln County. Map courtesy KDOT</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN COUNTY -- Beginning Monday, the Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a surface recycle and chip seal on Kansas Highway 18 (K-18) and Kansas Highway 252 (K-252) in Lincoln County. Work on K-18 will occur between the east city limits of Lincoln and the Lincoln/Ottawa County line. Work on K-252 will begin at K-18 and continue south to the city of Beverly.Construction will occur during daylight hours and traffic will be reduced to one 11-foot lane following a pilot car through the work zone. Drivers should be prepared for a delay of up to 15 minutes and plan extra time in their travel schedules.The prime contractor for this $1.2 million project is Dustrol Inc. of Towanda. The contractor has scheduled this project to be completed by August, weather permitting.KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a work zone.&nbsp;For more information and to stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAshley.Perez%40ks.gov%7C0a005f4f769842d99c2c08d7f295de37%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637244598735091681&amp;sdata=q1t7hS4ekrkWrb8JuRLrG32ixKOJZylPJHp9PL%2B5cOM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kandrive.org</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1.

Resurfacing on K-18 and K-252 in Lincoln County to begin Monday

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

“Looks like we’re nothin’ but a bunch of ranchin’ misfits,” the mother light-heartedly kidded her little girls as they laughed while doing chores on the ranch. That memorable phrase would become the name of a remarkable, award-winning business in rural Kansas.

Shelly Decker is the owner and operator of this business known as Ranchin’ Misfits. She was raised on a Flint Hills ranch. After graduating from Pratt Community College, she came to Kansas State University where she joined the rodeo team and competed in rodeo events. “I loved it there,” Shelly said.

After graduating with a degree in animal sciences and a business minor, Shelly managed a western wear store in Pratt before managing a similar store in Cottonwood Falls. She got married in 2013. Her husband is ranch manager for the Matador Cattle Company. They now have three little children.

In October 2014, bad news hit. Shelly’s mom was diagnosed with cancer. “I wanted to help, so I started selling some jewelry and purses,” Shelly said. She used the proceeds to help with her mom’s care. “I went to a couple little events, and people seemed to like what I had,” she said. Shelly’s mom passed away in 2017.

Meanwhile, Shelly had begun selling her products online from her basement. In 2015, she officially started her business, selling clothing and accessories. What should the business be named?

One day while doing chores with her little daughters, Shelly had jokingly said that they all looked like a bunch of ranching misfits. The phrase made them laugh, and it did so again when it was repeated to Shelly’s husband at supper. It was a memorable phrase, and Shelly decided to name her business Ranchin’ Misfits.

Today, Ranchin’ Misfits is a boutique store offering women, men, and kids clothing, jewelry and handbags, shoes and more. Many of Shelly’s hand-selected products have a western theme. For example, I like the t-shirt that says: “Country Folks – Socially Distancing Before It Was Cool.”

She opened a store in Rosalia. The store is typically open on weekends, but her sales are primarily online.

“We had good timing,” Shelly said. Her company was offering Ariat shoes just at the time that this casual shoe brand was booming in popularity. She became the second-largest Ariat seller in the state of Kansas.

The use of modern technology in general and social media in particular was key to her business. “Facebook was really important for us,” Shelly said. There are now 18,000 members in her Facebook group. She has even developed a mobile app for her business.

“I never dreamed it would grow the way it has,” Shelly said. “We have shipped to every state except Alaska.” That’s an impressive record for a company based in the rural community of Rosalia, population 171 people. Now, that’s rural.

One of Shelly’s favorite resources is The Boutique Hub which connects boutique shop owners and customers across the nation and beyond. The Boutique Hub offers fashion consulting plus tools and resources to assist shop owners, and also confers awards annually.

In 2017, The Boutique Hub named Ranchin’ Misfits as the Boutique Business of the Year in the state of Kansas. “I was so glad that I could tell my mom about that award while she was still in the hospital,” Shelly said. Ranchin’ Misfits earned the award again in 2018 and was runner-up in 2019, while also claiming the award as the top Online Boutique Business of the Year in the state.

“I want to give back,” Shelly said. She recently led an effort to raise $60,000 for a cancer research project in her mother’s name. “Thank goodness for good friends and family,” Shelly said.

For more information about boutique businesses, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.theboutiquehub.com/" target="_blank">www.theboutiquehub.com</a>. For information about Shelly’s business, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ranchinmisfits.com/" target="_blank">www.ranchinmisfits.com</a>&nbsp;or find it on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ranchinmisfits" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.

Ranchin’ misfits. That was a funny term for Shelly Decker to describe herself and her daughters, but it has turned into the name of a leading online boutique business. We commend Shelly Decker and her family for making a difference with online entrepreneurship. For rural Kansas, it’s a great fit.

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592753893213.jpeg" alt="Ron Wilson. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State University“Looks like we’re nothin’ but a bunch of ranchin’ misfits,” the mother light-heartedly kidded her little girls as they laughed while doing chores on the ranch. That memorable phrase would become the name of a remarkable, award-winning business in rural Kansas.Shelly Decker is the owner and operator of this business known as Ranchin’ Misfits. She was raised on a Flint Hills ranch. After graduating from Pratt Community College, she came to Kansas State University where she joined the rodeo team and competed in rodeo events. “I loved it there,” Shelly said.After graduating with a degree in animal sciences and a business minor, Shelly managed a western wear store in Pratt before managing a similar store in Cottonwood Falls. She got married in 2013. Her husband is ranch manager for the Matador Cattle Company. They now have three little children.In October 2014, bad news hit. Shelly’s mom was diagnosed with cancer. “I wanted to help, so I started selling some jewelry and purses,” Shelly said. She used the proceeds to help with her mom’s care. “I went to a couple little events, and people seemed to like what I had,” she said. Shelly’s mom passed away in 2017.Meanwhile, Shelly had begun selling her products online from her basement. In 2015, she officially started her business, selling clothing and accessories. What should the business be named?One day while doing chores with her little daughters, Shelly had jokingly said that they all looked like a bunch of ranching misfits. The phrase made them laugh, and it did so again when it was repeated to Shelly’s husband at supper. It was a memorable phrase, and Shelly decided to name her business Ranchin’ Misfits.Today, Ranchin’ Misfits is a boutique store offering women, men, and kids clothing, jewelry and handbags, shoes and more. Many of Shelly’s hand-selected products have a western theme. For example, I like the t-shirt that says: “Country Folks – Socially Distancing Before It Was Cool.”She opened a store in Rosalia. The store is typically open on weekends, but her sales are primarily online.“We had good timing,” Shelly said. Her company was offering Ariat shoes just at the time that this casual shoe brand was booming in popularity. She became the second-largest Ariat seller in the state of Kansas.The use of modern technology in general and social media in particular was key to her business. “Facebook was really important for us,” Shelly said. There are now 18,000 members in her Facebook group. She has even developed a mobile app for her business.“I never dreamed it would grow the way it has,” Shelly said. “We have shipped to every state except Alaska.” That’s an impressive record for a company based in the rural community of Rosalia, population 171 people. Now, that’s rural.One of Shelly’s favorite resources is The Boutique Hub which connects boutique shop owners and customers across the nation and beyond. The Boutique Hub offers fashion consulting plus tools and resources to assist shop owners, and also confers awards annually.In 2017, The Boutique Hub named Ranchin’ Misfits as the Boutique Business of the Year in the state of Kansas. “I was so glad that I could tell my mom about that award while she was still in the hospital,” Shelly said. Ranchin’ Misfits earned the award again in 2018 and was runner-up in 2019, while also claiming the award as the top Online Boutique Business of the Year in the state.“I want to give back,” Shelly said. She recently led an effort to raise $60,000 for a cancer research project in her mother’s name. “Thank goodness for good friends and family,” Shelly said.For more information about boutique businesses, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.theboutiquehub.com/" target="_blank">www.theboutiquehub.com</a>. For information about Shelly’s business, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ranchinmisfits.com/" target="_blank">www.ranchinmisfits.com</a>&nbsp;or find it on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ranchinmisfits" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.Ranchin’ misfits. That was a funny term for Shelly Decker to describe herself and her daughters, but it has turned into the name of a leading online boutique business. We commend Shelly Decker and her family for making a difference with online entrepreneurship. For rural Kansas, it’s a great fit.Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

Kansas Profile – Now That’s Rural: Shelly Decker, Ranchin’ Misfits

Weather History for Sunday, June 21, 2020, from the National Weather Service in Wichita: In 1953, an extremely dangerous severe thunderstorm tore through the Wichita metro area. Winds were measured at exactly 100 mph when the anemometer broke at the airport. The hail was "at least golf ball sized." The severe thunderstorm caused approximately $9 million damage. In 1969, a short lived but strong F3 tornado hit the south side of Salina. The tornado's track was only two miles long and around 50 yards wide, but it hit the airport, severely damaged or destroyed 104 homes and seven businesses, and injured 60.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Weather History for Sunday, June 21, 2020, from the National Weather Service in Wichita: In 1953, an extremely dangerous severe thunderstorm tore through the Wichita metro area. Winds were measured at exactly 100 mph when the anemometer broke at the airport. The hail was "at least golf ball sized." The severe thunderstorm caused approximately $9 million damage. In 1969, a short lived but strong F3 tornado hit the south side of Salina. The tornado's track was only two miles long and around 50 yards wide, but it hit the airport, severely damaged or destroyed 104 homes and seven businesses, and injured 60.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This Day in Weather History: 1969 F3 tornado in Salina

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for counties in our area.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 10 p.m. for the following counties in our area.

For up-to-date severe weather coverage from Randy Picking, tune into KINA (910 a.m. and 107.5 FM), 99KG (99.9 FM), and KGPrime (94.5 FM).

<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Check out our severe weather radar</a>

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for counties in our area.A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 10 p.m. for the following counties in our area.Ellsworth CountyJewell CountyLincoln CountyMarion CountyMcPherson CountyMitchell CountySaline CountyFor up-to-date severe weather coverage from Randy Picking, tune into KINA (910 a.m. and 107.5 FM), 99KG (99.9 FM), and KGPrime (94.5 FM).<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Check out our severe weather radar</a>

NWS issues severe thunderstorm watch for counties in our area

While a few storms are possible this morning, look for the threat of severe weather to ramp up this Father's Day afternoon.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Check our weather radar here</a>

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, the threat of severe weather will increase this afternoon and evening, first across central and south-central Kansas, then potentially reaching southeast Kansas tonight. 

The primary hazards will be hail up to baseball size and wind gusts of 60-75 mph. A brief tornado cannot be ruled out, mainly central and south-central Kansas.

Minor river and flash flooding will be possible through tonight, mainly west of Interstate 35.

Additional rounds of thunderstorms, some strong to severe, will be possible Monday and again mid to late week. Minor river flooding may linger into early next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592743339476.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While a few storms are possible this morning, look for the threat of severe weather to ramp up this Father's Day afternoon.<a href="https://salinapost.com/pages/severe-weather">Check our weather radar here</a>According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, the threat of severe weather will increase this afternoon and evening, first across central and south-central Kansas, then potentially reaching southeast Kansas tonight. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592743392488.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The primary hazards will be hail up to baseball size and wind gusts of 60-75 mph. A brief tornado cannot be ruled out, mainly central and south-central Kansas.Minor river and flash flooding will be possible through tonight, mainly west of Interstate 35.Additional rounds of thunderstorms, some strong to severe, will be possible Monday and again mid to late week. Minor river flooding may linger into early next week.

NWS for Sunday: High gusts, large hail, brief tornado possible with storms

Salina residents will see a colorful van delivering free children’s books&nbsp;around the community Monday through Saturday.

The Salina Area United Way is using its Community Action Mobile Outreach (CAMO) van to get the books to young readers as part of its Raising Active&nbsp;Wild&nbsp;Readers (RAWR) program. Area&nbsp;individuals recently donated more than 3,300 children’s books. The new and gently used, cleaned books will be available at five of USD 305 Summer Meals sites, and&nbsp;four city parks and some books will be placed in the&nbsp; “Free Little” libraries across the city.

“Going directly to the children and allowing them personally to select their books encourages learning and inspires imaginations during the summer,” said Brenda Gutierrez, Salina Area United Way program director. “Research shows children learn best when they are engaged and having fun.”

One goal of the local United Way is to increase the high school graduation rate. Making books more widely available to children throughout the year is vital for reading success and improvement of graduation rates, Gutierrez added.

“One of the most important things we can do for our kids is to get quality books in their hands,” said Kylee Hofmeier, Salina USD 305 Teacher of the Year. “It is amazing we have a community that helps build our students’ libraries at home.”

The Summer Meals site schedule, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., RAWR will be:

Monday – Oakdale Elementary, 811 E. Iron, north side of the building

Tuesday – Central High School, 650 E. Crawford, south side of the building

Wednesday – Schilling Elementary, 3121 Canterbury, north side of the building

Thursday – Sunset Elementary, 1510 W. Republic, west side of the building

Friday – Heartland Early Education, 700 Jupiter, west side of the building

City of Salina parks on the RAWR book delivery schedule are:

Monday – Oxbow Park, 901 Faith Dr., 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Tuesday – Hawthorn Park, 715 N 9th&nbsp;St., 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Wednesday – Centennial Park, 746 Camanche Ave., 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Thursday - Olivia’s Playground, 323 Center St.,&nbsp;10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The RAWR program, delivers books to schools and parks, and next week is a weeklong celebration of United Way’s June 21 Worldwide Day of Action. United Way’s Day of Action provides opportunities for individuals and groups to be a part of solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Join Salina Area&nbsp;United Way’s initiatives to improve early grade reading proficiency, keep students on track for high school graduation and college or career ready.

For more information about USD 305 Free Grab-and-Go Breakfast and Lunch, including all the meal sites, visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/continuous_learning/coronavirus/meals_available" target="_blank">https://www.usd305.com/continuous_learning/coronavirus/meals_available</a>&nbsp;or call (785) 309-4700.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592709840409.jpeg" alt="Raising Active Wild Readers setting up for the free book distribution. Photo courtesy SAUW" />
 <figcaption>Raising Active Wild Readers setting up for the free book distribution. Photo courtesy SAUW</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina residents will see a colorful van delivering free children’s books&nbsp;around the community Monday through Saturday.The Salina Area United Way is using its Community Action Mobile Outreach (CAMO) van to get the books to young readers as part of its Raising Active&nbsp;Wild&nbsp;Readers (RAWR) program. Area&nbsp;individuals recently donated more than 3,300 children’s books. The new and gently used, cleaned books will be available at five of USD 305 Summer Meals sites, and&nbsp;four city parks and some books will be placed in the&nbsp; “Free Little” libraries across the city.“Going directly to the children and allowing them personally to select their books encourages learning and inspires imaginations during the summer,” said Brenda Gutierrez, Salina Area United Way program director. “Research shows children learn best when they are engaged and having fun.”One goal of the local United Way is to increase the high school graduation rate. Making books more widely available to children throughout the year is vital for reading success and improvement of graduation rates, Gutierrez added.“One of the most important things we can do for our kids is to get quality books in their hands,” said Kylee Hofmeier, Salina USD 305 Teacher of the Year. “It is amazing we have a community that helps build our students’ libraries at home.”The Summer Meals site schedule, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., RAWR will be:Monday – Oakdale Elementary, 811 E. Iron, north side of the buildingTuesday – Central High School, 650 E. Crawford, south side of the buildingWednesday – Schilling Elementary, 3121 Canterbury, north side of the buildingThursday – Sunset Elementary, 1510 W. Republic, west side of the buildingFriday – Heartland Early Education, 700 Jupiter, west side of the building City of Salina parks on the RAWR book delivery schedule are:Monday – Oxbow Park, 901 Faith Dr., 10:00-11:00 a.m.Tuesday – Hawthorn Park, 715 N 9th&nbsp;St., 10:00-11:00 a.m.Wednesday – Centennial Park, 746 Camanche Ave., 10:00-11:00 a.m.Thursday - Olivia’s Playground, 323 Center St.,&nbsp;10 a.m. – 1 p.m.The RAWR program, delivers books to schools and parks, and next week is a weeklong celebration of United Way’s June 21 Worldwide Day of Action. United Way’s Day of Action provides opportunities for individuals and groups to be a part of solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives.Join Salina Area&nbsp;United Way’s initiatives to improve early grade reading proficiency, keep students on track for high school graduation and college or career ready.For more information about USD 305 Free Grab-and-Go Breakfast and Lunch, including all the meal sites, visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd305.com/continuous_learning/coronavirus/meals_available" target="_blank">https://www.usd305.com/continuous_learning/coronavirus/meals_available</a>&nbsp;or call (785) 309-4700.

SAUW's RAWR program to deliver books to youth at schools, parks

Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas has announced food and hygiene items distribution locations for this week. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/catholiccharitiesofnorthernks/">Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas</a> Facebook page:

Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas has announced food and hygiene items distribution locations for this week. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/catholiccharitiesofnorthernks/">Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcatholiccharitiesofnorthernks%2Fposts%2F2907464372682727&width=500" width="500" height="657" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Catholic Charities announced food and hygiene distribution sites

The Saline County 4-H Development Fund has awarded area 4-H’ers scholarships for the 2020-2021 school year. 

The support of the scholarship winners and other 4-H activities is made possible through the generous donations of donors. 

The following 4-H’ers have been awarded scholarships.

Jeannie George, Sunny Valley 4-H Club - 81-40 Riding Club Scholarship &amp; Saline County 4-H Development Fund Scholarship

Sydney Hynes, Cardinal 4-H Club - Saline County 4-H Development Fund Scholarship

Erin Lange, Cardinal 4-H Club - Saline County 4-H Development Fund Scholarship

Keely Orr, Friendly Valley 4-H Club - Saline County 4-H Development Fund Scholarship

Anya Pohl, Friendly Valley 4-H Club - Ken &amp; June Jennison Communication Scholarship &amp; the Smith Family Leadership Scholarship

Rylee Schrock, Cardinal 4-H Club - Pamela Van Horn Youth Development Scholarship

Haley Peterson, Smoky View 4-H Club - Clyde &amp; Glenn Lindstrom Scholarship

Kaylee Hansen, Smoky View 4-H Club - Clyde &amp; Glenn Lindstrom Scholarship

Leah Hennes, Willing Workers 4-H Club - Clyde &amp; Glenn Lindstrom Scholarship

Nickolas Davenport, Stoney Ridge 4-H Club - Clyde &amp; Glenn Lindstrom Scholarship

Kyler Cox, Sunny Valley 4-H Club - Clyde &amp; Glenn Lindstrom Scholarship

Laura Peterson, Friendly Valley 4-H Club - Clyde &amp; Glenn Lindstrom Scholarship

The Saline County 4-H Development Fund has awarded area 4-H’ers scholarships for the 2020-2021 school year. The support of the scholarship winners and other 4-H activities is made possible through the generous donations of donors. The following 4-H’ers have been awarded scholarships.Jeannie George, Sunny Valley 4-H Club - 81-40 Riding Club Scholarship &amp; Saline County 4-H Development Fund ScholarshipSydney Hynes, Cardinal 4-H Club - Saline County 4-H Development Fund ScholarshipErin Lange, Cardinal 4-H Club - Saline County 4-H Development Fund ScholarshipKeely Orr, Friendly Valley 4-H Club - Saline County 4-H Development Fund ScholarshipAnya Pohl, Friendly Valley 4-H Club - Ken &amp; June Jennison Communication Scholarship &amp; the Smith Family Leadership ScholarshipRylee Schrock, Cardinal 4-H Club - Pamela Van Horn Youth Development ScholarshipHaley Peterson, Smoky View 4-H Club - Clyde &amp; Glenn Lindstrom ScholarshipKaylee Hansen, Smoky View 4-H Club - Clyde &amp; Glenn Lindstrom ScholarshipLeah Hennes, Willing Workers 4-H Club - Clyde &amp; Glenn Lindstrom ScholarshipNickolas Davenport, Stoney Ridge 4-H Club - Clyde &amp; Glenn Lindstrom ScholarshipKyler Cox, Sunny Valley 4-H Club - Clyde &amp; Glenn Lindstrom ScholarshipLaura Peterson, Friendly Valley 4-H Club - Clyde &amp; Glenn Lindstrom Scholarship

Saline County 4-Hers receive scholarships

Today is Sunday, June 21, the 173rd day of 2020. There are 193 days left in the year.

On June 21, 1989, a sharply divided Supreme Court ruled that burning the American flag as a form of political protest was protected by the First Amendment.

In 1788, the United States Constitution went into effect as New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it.

In 1834, Cyrus Hall McCormick received a patent for his reaping machine.

In 1913, Georgia "Tiny" Broadwick became the first woman to parachute from an airplane as she jumped over Los Angeles.

In 1942, an Imperial Japanese submarine fired shells at Fort Stevens on the Oregon coast, causing little damage.

In 1954, the American Cancer Society presented a study to the American Medical Association meeting in San Francisco which found that men who regularly smoked cigarettes died at a considerably higher rate than non-smokers.

In 1964, civil rights workers Michael H. Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James E. Chaney were slain in Philadelphia, Mississippi; their bodies were found buried in an earthen dam six weeks later. (Forty-one years later on this date in 2005, Edgar Ray Killen, an 80-year-old former Ku Klux Klansman, was found guilty of manslaughter; he was sentenced to 60 years in prison, where he died in January 2018.)

In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Miller v. California, ruled that states may ban materials found to be obscene according to local standards.

In 1982, a jury in Washington, D.C. found John Hinckley Jr. not guilty by reason of insanity in the shootings of President Ronald Reagan and three other men.

In 1997, the WNBA made its debut as the New York Liberty defeated the host Los Angeles Sparks 67-57.

In 2001, a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Va., indicted 13 Saudis and a Lebanese in absentia for the 1996 bombing of the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia that killed 19 American servicemen. Death claimed actor Carroll O'Connor at age 76 and blues musician John Lee Hooker at age 80.

In 2002, one of the worst wildfires in Arizona history grew to 128,000 acres, forcing thousands of homeowners near the community of Show Low to flee.

In 2013, President Barack Obama nominated James Comey, a Bush-era Justice official, to head the FBI, succeeding Robert Mueller. The Food Network said it was dropping Paula Deen, barely an hour after the celebrity cook posted the first of two videotaped apologies begging forgiveness from fans and critics troubled by her admission to having used racial slurs in the past.

Ten years ago: Faisal Shahzad, a Pakistan-born U.S. citizen, pleaded guilty to charges of plotting a failed car bombing in New York's Times Square. (Shahzad was later sentenced to life in prison.)

Five years ago: Four days after it welcomed a young stranger (Dylann Roof) who sat for prayer and then opened fire, killing nine people, the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina held its first worship service with themes of love and healing, plus a note of defiance. (Roof is on federal death row, the first person to be ordered executed for a federal hate crime; he received nine life sentences in exchange for a guilty plea in state court.) Jordan Spieth became the sixth player to win the Masters and the U.S. Open after Dustin Johnson three-putted from 12 feet on the final hole at Chambers Bay with a chance to win the championship himself.

One year ago: A skydiving plane became inverted and crashed shortly after takeoff from the Hawaiian island of Oahu, killing all 11 people on board; it was the deadliest civil aviation accident since 2011. Seven motorcyclists were killed when a pickup truck hauling a trailer collided with 10 motorcycles on a rural highway in New Hampshire. (The truck driver, Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, is awaiting trial; he was indicted on 23 charges, including charges that he was under the influence of one or more drugs at the time.) The Rolling Stones launched their delayed North American tour at Chicago's Soldier Field; 75-year-old Mick Jagger showed no sign of ill health three months after doctors said he needed medical treatment.

Today's Birthdays: Composer Lalo Schifrin is 88. Actor Bernie Kopell is 87. Actor Monte Markham is 85. Songwriter Don Black is 82. Actress Mariette Hartley is 80. Comedian Joe Flaherty is 79. Rock singer-musician Ray Davies (The Kinks) is 76. Actress Meredith Baxter is 73. Actor Michael Gross is 73. Rock musician Joe Molland (Badfinger) is 73. Rock musician Don Airey (Deep Purple) is 72. Rock musician Joey Kramer (Aerosmith) is 70. Rock musician Nils Lofgren is 69. Actress Robyn Douglass is 68. Actor Leigh McCloskey is 65. Cartoonist Berke Breathed is 63. Actor Josh Pais is 62.Country singer Kathy Mattea is 61. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown is 60. Actor Marc Copage is 58. Actress Sammi Davis is 56. Actor Doug Savant is 56. Country musician Porter Howell is 56. Actor Michael Dolan is 55. Writer-director Lana Wachowski is 55. Actress Carrie Preston is 53. Actress Paula Irvine is 52. Rapper/producer Pete Rock is 50. Country singer Allison Moorer is 48. Actress Juliette Lewis is 47. Actress Maggie Siff is 46. Musician Justin Cary is 45. Rock musician Mike Einziger (Incubus) is 44. Actor Chris Pratt is 41. Rock singer Brandon Flowers is 39. Britain's Prince William is 38. Actor Jussie Smollett is 38. Actor Benjamin Walker is 38. Actor Michael Malarkey is 37. Pop singer Kris Allen (TV: "American Idol") is 35. Pop/rock singer Lana Del Rey is 35. Actor Jascha Washington is 31. Country musician Chandler Baldwin (LANCO) is 28. Pop singer Rebecca Black is 23.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592508220607.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; Photo of old book courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://shutterstock.com/">shutterstock</a> " />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Photo of old book courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://shutterstock.com/">shutterstock</a> </figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Sunday, June 21, the 173rd day of 2020. There are 193 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On June 21, 1989, a sharply divided Supreme Court ruled that burning the American flag as a form of political protest was protected by the First Amendment.On this date:In 1788, the United States Constitution went into effect as New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it.In 1834, Cyrus Hall McCormick received a patent for his reaping machine.In 1913, Georgia "Tiny" Broadwick became the first woman to parachute from an airplane as she jumped over Los Angeles.In 1942, an Imperial Japanese submarine fired shells at Fort Stevens on the Oregon coast, causing little damage.In 1954, the American Cancer Society presented a study to the American Medical Association meeting in San Francisco which found that men who regularly smoked cigarettes died at a considerably higher rate than non-smokers.In 1964, civil rights workers Michael H. Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James E. Chaney were slain in Philadelphia, Mississippi; their bodies were found buried in an earthen dam six weeks later. (Forty-one years later on this date in 2005, Edgar Ray Killen, an 80-year-old former Ku Klux Klansman, was found guilty of manslaughter; he was sentenced to 60 years in prison, where he died in January 2018.)In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Miller v. California, ruled that states may ban materials found to be obscene according to local standards.In 1982, a jury in Washington, D.C. found John Hinckley Jr. not guilty by reason of insanity in the shootings of President Ronald Reagan and three other men.In 1997, the WNBA made its debut as the New York Liberty defeated the host Los Angeles Sparks 67-57.In 2001, a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Va., indicted 13 Saudis and a Lebanese in absentia for the 1996 bombing of the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia that killed 19 American servicemen. Death claimed actor Carroll O'Connor at age 76 and blues musician John Lee Hooker at age 80.In 2002, one of the worst wildfires in Arizona history grew to 128,000 acres, forcing thousands of homeowners near the community of Show Low to flee.In 2013, President Barack Obama nominated James Comey, a Bush-era Justice official, to head the FBI, succeeding Robert Mueller. The Food Network said it was dropping Paula Deen, barely an hour after the celebrity cook posted the first of two videotaped apologies begging forgiveness from fans and critics troubled by her admission to having used racial slurs in the past.Ten years ago: Faisal Shahzad, a Pakistan-born U.S. citizen, pleaded guilty to charges of plotting a failed car bombing in New York's Times Square. (Shahzad was later sentenced to life in prison.)Five years ago: Four days after it welcomed a young stranger (Dylann Roof) who sat for prayer and then opened fire, killing nine people, the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina held its first worship service with themes of love and healing, plus a note of defiance. (Roof is on federal death row, the first person to be ordered executed for a federal hate crime; he received nine life sentences in exchange for a guilty plea in state court.) Jordan Spieth became the sixth player to win the Masters and the U.S. Open after Dustin Johnson three-putted from 12 feet on the final hole at Chambers Bay with a chance to win the championship himself.One year ago: A skydiving plane became inverted and crashed shortly after takeoff from the Hawaiian island of Oahu, killing all 11 people on board; it was the deadliest civil aviation accident since 2011. Seven motorcyclists were killed when a pickup truck hauling a trailer collided with 10 motorcycles on a rural highway in New Hampshire. (The truck driver, Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, is awaiting trial; he was indicted on 23 charges, including charges that he was under the influence of one or more drugs at the time.) The Rolling Stones launched their delayed North American tour at Chicago's Soldier Field; 75-year-old Mick Jagger showed no sign of ill health three months after doctors said he needed medical treatment.Today's Birthdays: Composer Lalo Schifrin is 88. Actor Bernie Kopell is 87. Actor Monte Markham is 85. Songwriter Don Black is 82. Actress Mariette Hartley is 80. Comedian Joe Flaherty is 79. Rock singer-musician Ray Davies (The Kinks) is 76. Actress Meredith Baxter is 73. Actor Michael Gross is 73. Rock musician Joe Molland (Badfinger) is 73. Rock musician Don Airey (Deep Purple) is 72. Rock musician Joey Kramer (Aerosmith) is 70. Rock musician Nils Lofgren is 69. Actress Robyn Douglass is 68. Actor Leigh McCloskey is 65. Cartoonist Berke Breathed is 63. Actor Josh Pais is 62.Country singer Kathy Mattea is 61. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown is 60. Actor Marc Copage is 58. Actress Sammi Davis is 56. Actor Doug Savant is 56. Country musician Porter Howell is 56. Actor Michael Dolan is 55. Writer-director Lana Wachowski is 55. Actress Carrie Preston is 53. Actress Paula Irvine is 52. Rapper/producer Pete Rock is 50. Country singer Allison Moorer is 48. Actress Juliette Lewis is 47. Actress Maggie Siff is 46. Musician Justin Cary is 45. Rock musician Mike Einziger (Incubus) is 44. Actor Chris Pratt is 41. Rock singer Brandon Flowers is 39. Britain's Prince William is 38. Actor Jussie Smollett is 38. Actor Benjamin Walker is 38. Actor Michael Malarkey is 37. Pop singer Kris Allen (TV: "American Idol") is 35. Pop/rock singer Lana Del Rey is 35. Actor Jascha Washington is 31. Country musician Chandler Baldwin (LANCO) is 28. Pop singer Rebecca Black is 23.Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- June 21

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592710351199.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; Image by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/freestocks-photos-7014431/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2942837">freestocks-photos</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2942837">Pixabay</a>" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Image by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/freestocks-photos-7014431/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2942837">freestocks-photos</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2942837">Pixabay</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Happy Father's Day from Salina Post!

Happy Father's Day!

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Saturday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Ford Fusion driven by Jazmine Shanell Peters, 23, Wichita, was fleeing from law enforcement&nbsp; Eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Sylvan Grove exit.

The driver attempted to avoid tire deflation devices,&nbsp; crossed the median and the westbound lanes of the interstate and entered the north ditch. 

The Ford then traveled back onto the roadway eastbound in the westbound lanes into oncoming traffic and struck a 2019 Volvo semi driven by William P. Woodley, 62, Salina.

EMS transported Peters to the hospital in Ellsworth.

EMS transported a passenger in the Ford Geneva Lee Walker, 19, Wichita, to Hays Medical Center. Woodley was not injured.&nbsp; Walker was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

The KHP did not report what prompted the chase or possible charges against Peters.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Saturday in Ellsworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Ford Fusion driven by Jazmine Shanell Peters, 23, Wichita, was fleeing from law enforcement&nbsp; Eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Sylvan Grove exit.The driver attempted to avoid tire deflation devices,&nbsp; crossed the median and the westbound lanes of the interstate and entered the north ditch. The Ford then traveled back onto the roadway eastbound in the westbound lanes into oncoming traffic and struck a 2019 Volvo semi driven by William P. Woodley, 62, Salina.EMS transported Peters to the hospital in Ellsworth.EMS transported a passenger in the Ford Geneva Lee Walker, 19, Wichita, to Hays Medical Center. Woodley was not injured.&nbsp; Walker was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.The KHP did not report what prompted the chase or possible charges against Peters.

2 hospitalized after wrong-way crash on I-70 during chase

OCCK was selected by Sunflower Health Plan, a KanCare managed care organization, to be a regional distributor of almost 14,000 masks to 33 local agencies.&nbsp;

Masks were provided free of charge to nursing facilities, community mental health centers, and providers of home and community based services in the north central Kansas service area of OCCK.

Leslie Webb, OCCK’s risk manager, was the key point of contact for the agencies receiving PPE.&nbsp;&nbsp;She had this to say, “We are so grateful for the efforts of Sunflower Health to support the health and wellbeing of HCBS providers and customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;They saw a need and worked to fill it.&nbsp;&nbsp;We are proud to be a partner.”&nbsp;

Village Manor in Abilene was one recipient of the masks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Others included Brookdale Senior Living, Solomon Valley Hospice, Central Kansas Mental Health Center, Saline County Health Department/Home Health, Bethany Home, and TLC Professionals, as well as many others.

OCCK serves people in Saline, Ottawa, Cloud, Republic, Jewell, Mitchell, Lincoln, Ellsworth, and Dickinson counties.

Sunflower Health Plan distributed more than 450,000 PPE items across the state.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592698097137.jpeg" alt="Andy Sutter, RN, and Executive Director of Village Manor in Abilene. He is smiling through the face mask. Photo courtesy OCCK" />
 <figcaption>Andy Sutter, RN, and Executive Director of Village Manor in Abilene. He is smiling through the face mask. Photo courtesy OCCK</figcaption>
 </figure>OCCK was selected by Sunflower Health Plan, a KanCare managed care organization, to be a regional distributor of almost 14,000 masks to 33 local agencies.&nbsp;Masks were provided free of charge to nursing facilities, community mental health centers, and providers of home and community based services in the north central Kansas service area of OCCK.Leslie Webb, OCCK’s risk manager, was the key point of contact for the agencies receiving PPE.&nbsp;&nbsp;She had this to say, “We are so grateful for the efforts of Sunflower Health to support the health and wellbeing of HCBS providers and customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;They saw a need and worked to fill it.&nbsp;&nbsp;We are proud to be a partner.”&nbsp;Village Manor in Abilene was one recipient of the masks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Others included Brookdale Senior Living, Solomon Valley Hospice, Central Kansas Mental Health Center, Saline County Health Department/Home Health, Bethany Home, and TLC Professionals, as well as many others.OCCK serves people in Saline, Ottawa, Cloud, Republic, Jewell, Mitchell, Lincoln, Ellsworth, and Dickinson counties.Sunflower Health Plan distributed more than 450,000 PPE items across the state.&nbsp;

OCCK participates in regional PPE distribution

From the National Weather Service in Wichita:

Here is the best estimate of the rainfall that occurred between 7 a.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. Saturday. This is based on a combination of radar estimates and observed rainfall. Of note, rainfall with this event was highly variable over very short distances. As a result, point values may differ substantially from the amounts shown on this graphic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592691268383.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the National Weather Service in Wichita:Here is the best estimate of the rainfall that occurred between 7 a.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. Saturday. This is based on a combination of radar estimates and observed rainfall. Of note, rainfall with this event was highly variable over very short distances. As a result, point values may differ substantially from the amounts shown on this graphic.

NWS releases two-day rainfall estimates

ABILENE --Get a virtual look at life at the Eisenhowers' Gettysburg farm during the next Lunch &amp; Learn program Thursday.

Life at the Farm ("I Don't Suppose You Could Ask for More") will be presented by guest speaker Alyce Evans, Eisenhower National Historic Site Park Guide. The virtual program will begin right at noon on Thursday, so please sign in early.

With the purchase of their Gettysburg Farm, Ike and Mamie finally achieved their dream of owning their very own home after 35 years of marriage. They dreamed of retiring quietly in the countryside, however their farm was much more than a simple retirement home. It served as a political and diplomatic tool throughout the president's two terms as well as a place for him to recuperate all while running a thriving cattle operation. 

This discussion explores the many facets of the place Ike and Mamie called home. Evans has worked for the National Park Service for more than a decade and as a full-time guide at the Eisenhower National Historic Site for two years.

Google Meet URL:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xiNCA4MEKagip2Y-PfaUE6y-gnyQhlhQV9PqMggca78M7GZwFh13dxOO0zxuOZ7FqrvKHw9hi-LsBGTlv9tjB4QI-9QuGuBI8T18_oiMov8M8W9749Is5jAzUL8htY0L8hSa1nAkeJDWToIL3GRR6nCYtVatSOJ-&amp;c=3A-WKEEOJ1MG7BSjN89w1DSKKooBKDRX4fTG8ANNqGAB5eN_btZaJg==&amp;ch=vhDU57AOTQ-LrRoZc3JIHc4xCOKSo0AmLKLgZT3qicGunyQAL1pPZw==" target="_blank">meet.google.com/nfb-yjkm-sun</a>

<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xiNCA4MEKagip2Y-PfaUE6y-gnyQhlhQV9PqMggca78M7GZwFh13dxOO0zxuOZ7FqrvKHw9hi-LsBGTlv9tjB4QI-9QuGuBI8T18_oiMov8M8W9749Is5jAzUL8htY0L8hSa1nAkeJDWToIL3GRR6nCYtVatSOJ-&amp;c=3A-WKEEOJ1MG7BSjN89w1DSKKooBKDRX4fTG8ANNqGAB5eN_btZaJg==&amp;ch=vhDU57AOTQ-LrRoZc3JIHc4xCOKSo0AmLKLgZT3qicGunyQAL1pPZw==" target="_blank"></a>Telephone: 617-675-4444‬ (PIN: ‪511 045 556 7306#)

Please join 10 minutes early so the program may begin on time.

The 2020&nbsp;Lunch &amp; Learn&nbsp;series is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation and the Union Pacific Foundation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/75fa470d-d982-49ce-85cc-771a7e675dbb">Pandemic doesn't stop the work of the Eisenhower Library staff</a>

ABILENE --Get a virtual look at life at the Eisenhowers' Gettysburg farm during the next Lunch &amp; Learn program Thursday.Life at the Farm ("I Don't Suppose You Could Ask for More") will be presented by guest speaker Alyce Evans, Eisenhower National Historic Site Park Guide. The virtual program will begin right at noon on Thursday, so please sign in early. With the purchase of their Gettysburg Farm, Ike and Mamie finally achieved their dream of owning their very own home after 35 years of marriage. They dreamed of retiring quietly in the countryside, however their farm was much more than a simple retirement home. It served as a political and diplomatic tool throughout the president's two terms as well as a place for him to recuperate all while running a thriving cattle operation. This discussion explores the many facets of the place Ike and Mamie called home. Evans has worked for the National Park Service for more than a decade and as a full-time guide at the Eisenhower National Historic Site for two years. Join the presentation onlineGoogle Meet URL:&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xiNCA4MEKagip2Y-PfaUE6y-gnyQhlhQV9PqMggca78M7GZwFh13dxOO0zxuOZ7FqrvKHw9hi-LsBGTlv9tjB4QI-9QuGuBI8T18_oiMov8M8W9749Is5jAzUL8htY0L8hSa1nAkeJDWToIL3GRR6nCYtVatSOJ-&amp;c=3A-WKEEOJ1MG7BSjN89w1DSKKooBKDRX4fTG8ANNqGAB5eN_btZaJg==&amp;ch=vhDU57AOTQ-LrRoZc3JIHc4xCOKSo0AmLKLgZT3qicGunyQAL1pPZw==" target="_blank">meet.google.com/nfb-yjkm-sun</a><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xiNCA4MEKagip2Y-PfaUE6y-gnyQhlhQV9PqMggca78M7GZwFh13dxOO0zxuOZ7FqrvKHw9hi-LsBGTlv9tjB4QI-9QuGuBI8T18_oiMov8M8W9749Is5jAzUL8htY0L8hSa1nAkeJDWToIL3GRR6nCYtVatSOJ-&amp;c=3A-WKEEOJ1MG7BSjN89w1DSKKooBKDRX4fTG8ANNqGAB5eN_btZaJg==&amp;ch=vhDU57AOTQ-LrRoZc3JIHc4xCOKSo0AmLKLgZT3qicGunyQAL1pPZw==" target="_blank"></a>Telephone: 617-675-4444‬ (PIN: ‪511 045 556 7306#)Please join 10 minutes early so the program may begin on time.The 2020&nbsp;Lunch &amp; Learn&nbsp;series is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation and the Union Pacific Foundation.&nbsp;&nbsp;READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/75fa470d-d982-49ce-85cc-771a7e675dbb">Pandemic doesn't stop the work of the Eisenhower Library staff</a>

Eisenhower Lunch & Learn to look at life at the Gettysburg farm

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

ABILENE -- What's a presidential library to do when a pandemic forces its closure? Why the staff finds alternative ways to continue working and interacting with the public, of course!

When the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home in Abilene was closed by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) on March 14 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, staff soon began working remotely.

"Our staff started working 100-percent remotely about a week later. Even though the facility has been closed, we have continued mission-critical work on a remote basis," Dawn Hammatt, director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, told Salina Post.

At this point, the Eisenhower Presidential Library staff does not have definitive information about when the re-opening process will begin. They are, however, hopeful that Hammatt will soon be allowed back at the facility and, with the help of a handful of staff, will begin the first phase of the re-opening process.

With the size of the facility, the re-opening will be no small task.

"We have 22 acres and five buildings with varying levels of public space," Hammatt said. "Each space will receive specialized attention which will allow staff to create reopening plans that fit each space."

The safety of all persons at its facilities is of the utmost importance to NARA. 

"The National Archives and Records Administration has more than 40 facilities nationwide. Each with a unique building and staffing makeup. NARA has been working with several governmental agencies to ascertain the safest path to reopening. The agency leadership has been very thoughtful about the safety of our staff and our guests," Hammatt noted. 

A statement on the Eisenhower Presidential Library <a href="https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/">website</a> includes the following.

"The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is committed to protecting the health and safety of our visitors, customers, and employees during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. We are basing our reopening plans on guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and others. Our reopening plans also consider the availability of  personal protective equipment, consideration of local conditions, and the need to negotiate changes with vendors that provide security and cleaning services as well as the Union that represents our staff.  We are working to reopen our facility to staff in the near future. After we have reopened to staff, we will continue our ongoing planning and implement necessary changes to allow us to safely reopen to the public."

Although the Eisenhower Presidential Library has been closed for more than three months, the staff has kept busy while working remotely.

"We have created additional <a href="https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/">website</a> content and moved our public programs to a virtual space. We've also added educational materials, several virtual tours, and online exhibits both to our website and social media channels," Hammatt explained.

Additionally, the library's archives team has created electronic versions of cross reference sheets, she noted. 

"Nearly 60,000 pages have been transcribed. This new searchable electronic version of a previously analog document will allow researchers to more readily find the relevant materials in our holdings," Hammatt said.

Six sessions of library programs, such as the book club, the Lunch &amp; Learn series, and the Evenings at Ease lectures have been offered to the public in an online format, she said.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e30b7a26-1439-42ff-a74e-2b9e098666bd">Eisenhower Lunch &amp; Learn to look at life at the Gettysburg farm</a>

"We were even able to produce three virtual programs with the National World War II Museum in New Orleans which are now available on our YouTube channel," Hammatt said. "The opportunity to partner with a museum in another state has been fulfilling in a way that simply wasn’t possible with our in-person programs."

The online programming has proved to be successful.

"The ability to reach a new audience and have participants from Alaska to Florida and Minnesota to Oklahoma is phenomenal. We have had participants join in from more than 20 states so far that likely would not have been able to attend an in-person program," Hammatt explained.

She continued, "Participants have been incredibly gracious and eager to be a part of the Eisenhower experience through our virtual programming. The smiles, gratitude and true appreciation shown by the participants is incredibly moving and rewarding. I am proud to be a part of the National Archives mission and honored to have a role in sharing Ike’s legacy with the world."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592661635091.jpeg" alt="While the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home continues to be closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, staff members are working and interacting with the public remotely. Photo courtesy Eisenhower Presidential Library" />
 <figcaption>While the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home continues to be closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, staff members are working and interacting with the public remotely. Photo courtesy Eisenhower Presidential Library</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostABILENE -- What's a presidential library to do when a pandemic forces its closure? Why the staff finds alternative ways to continue working and interacting with the public, of course!When the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home in Abilene was closed by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) on March 14 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, staff soon began working remotely."Our staff started working 100-percent remotely about a week later. Even though the facility has been closed, we have continued mission-critical work on a remote basis," Dawn Hammatt, director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, told Salina Post.At this point, the Eisenhower Presidential Library staff does not have definitive information about when the re-opening process will begin. They are, however, hopeful that Hammatt will soon be allowed back at the facility and, with the help of a handful of staff, will begin the first phase of the re-opening process.With the size of the facility, the re-opening will be no small task."We have 22 acres and five buildings with varying levels of public space," Hammatt said. "Each space will receive specialized attention which will allow staff to create reopening plans that fit each space."The safety of all persons at its facilities is of the utmost importance to NARA. "The National Archives and Records Administration has more than 40 facilities nationwide. Each with a unique building and staffing makeup. NARA has been working with several governmental agencies to ascertain the safest path to reopening. The agency leadership has been very thoughtful about the safety of our staff and our guests," Hammatt noted. A statement on the Eisenhower Presidential Library <a href="https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/">website</a> includes the following."The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is committed to protecting the health and safety of our visitors, customers, and employees during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. We are basing our reopening plans on guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and others. Our reopening plans also consider the availability of personal protective equipment, consideration of local conditions, and the need to negotiate changes with vendors that provide security and cleaning services as well as the Union that represents our staff. We are working to reopen our facility to staff in the near future. After we have reopened to staff, we will continue our ongoing planning and implement necessary changes to allow us to safely reopen to the public."Closed but still workingAlthough the Eisenhower Presidential Library has been closed for more than three months, the staff has kept busy while working remotely."We have created additional <a href="https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/">website</a> content and moved our public programs to a virtual space. We've also added educational materials, several virtual tours, and online exhibits both to our website and social media channels," Hammatt explained.Additionally, the library's archives team has created electronic versions of cross reference sheets, she noted. "Nearly 60,000 pages have been transcribed. This new searchable electronic version of a previously analog document will allow researchers to more readily find the relevant materials in our holdings," Hammatt said.Six sessions of library programs, such as the book club, the Lunch &amp; Learn series, and the Evenings at Ease lectures have been offered to the public in an online format, she said.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e30b7a26-1439-42ff-a74e-2b9e098666bd">Eisenhower Lunch &amp; Learn to look at life at the Gettysburg farm</a>"We were even able to produce three virtual programs with the National World War II Museum in New Orleans which are now available on our YouTube channel," Hammatt said. "The opportunity to partner with a museum in another state has been fulfilling in a way that simply wasn’t possible with our in-person programs."The online programming has proved to be successful."The ability to reach a new audience and have participants from Alaska to Florida and Minnesota to Oklahoma is phenomenal. We have had participants join in from more than 20 states so far that likely would not have been able to attend an in-person program," Hammatt explained.She continued, "Participants have been incredibly gracious and eager to be a part of the Eisenhower experience through our virtual programming. The smiles, gratitude and true appreciation shown by the participants is incredibly moving and rewarding. I am proud to be a part of the National Archives mission and honored to have a role in sharing Ike’s legacy with the world."

Pandemic doesn't stop the work of the Eisenhower Library staff

If you've made outdoor plans for Father's Day, be sure to keep an eye on the weather. 

A few isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected in central Kansas this evening and overnight, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.

Sunday will be partly cloudy and hot with summer like temperatures, but by midafternoon Sunday, showers and thunderstorms will develop. This will be the time for the best chance for severe thunderstorms, NWS noted. Hail up to two inches and an isolated tornado are possible during Sunday afternoon, according to NWS. 

Sunday evening, scattered showers and thunderstorms will remain possible but the severe weather threat will diminish with wind (up to 70 mph) and very heavy rain becoming the more likely threat, NWS reported. The rain threat is expected to continue into the overnight hours Sunday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592699895147.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you've made outdoor plans for Father's Day, be sure to keep an eye on the weather. A few isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected in central Kansas this evening and overnight, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.Sunday will be partly cloudy and hot with summer like temperatures, but by midafternoon Sunday, showers and thunderstorms will develop. This will be the time for the best chance for severe thunderstorms, NWS noted. Hail up to two inches and an isolated tornado are possible during Sunday afternoon, according to NWS. Sunday evening, scattered showers and thunderstorms will remain possible but the severe weather threat will diminish with wind (up to 70 mph) and very heavy rain becoming the more likely threat, NWS reported. The rain threat is expected to continue into the overnight hours Sunday night.

NWS: Look for stormy weather, heavy rain Sunday

June 19 marks a turning point in American history.

It is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm" target="_blank">Juneteenth</a>, the holiday that celebrates the end of slavery nationwide.

We are at another turning point in our nation’s history, and people of good faith want to be part of that change. This week, the Freedom Forum’s Power Shift Project hosted a webinar titled Do You Qualify As An Ally? (Especially Now). Nearly 400 people, most of them journalists, tuned in.

So are polls.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monmouth.edu/polling-institute/documents/monmouthpoll_us_060220.pdf/" target="_blank">Monmouth University</a>&nbsp;reported a robust, remarkable jump in the number of people agreeing that racism and ethnic discrimination is a big problem in the United States. From 51 percent five years ago, to 76 percent (including 71 percent of whites) today.

People want to change systems that are inherently biased.

But they also know they have to change themselves, too.

They want to take responsibility for being “a trusted force for good,” which is how The Power Shift Project describes allies.

People want to do the right thing, the right way.

From the very first Power Shift Summit in 2018, launched in the wake of the #MeToo scandals in media, we learned that harassment and discrimination are inseparable. So, as we tackled the cultural change needed to produce equitable workplaces for women, we didn’t focus on their challenges alone.

We took on marginalization, discrimination, harassment and bias affecting&nbsp;all&nbsp;who are underrepresented in journalism.

We listened to expert voices, learned from research and bore witness to open wounds.

But even as we developed a curriculum to upgrade workplace cultures, we heard repeatedly from people who wanted to do more – as individuals.

That’s why we launched “Do You Qualify as an Ally?” a year ago.

Before COVID-19 and its disproportionate effect on women and people of color.

Before Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks lost their lives.

Before marches that filled our streets and our screens with clarion calls for change.

We knew it was time to update our Ally teaching; to build on what we started and match this moment.

And so do people of good will – people who are more ready than ever to learn.

The hundreds who joined us took in 10 (of many) ways to qualify as an ally, with practical of examples of each point:

And we told them that most of all, to do all of those things without expectation of credit or profit.

Be like the university professor who teaches his students how unconscious bias causes female professors to get lower evaluations from students – on the week they turn in those evaluations.

Be like the TV station group leadership team that sent a memo to employees, stating that as a journalism organization, they’ve traditionally refrained from commenting on political issues – but that racism isn’t political and employees have the right to speak out against it.

Be like the young NFL social media producer who “<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-video-roger-goodell-racism-black-lives-matter-players-employees-110927703.html" target="_blank">went rogue,”</a>&nbsp;working behind the scenes with players to create their “Black Lives Matter” video, calling for change in the NFL.

Be like the media organizations that monitor their own progress on diversity – or lack of it, who create databases of diverse sources – and&nbsp;<a href="https://sources.npr.org/" target="_blank">share them</a>.

Be like the newsrooms that listened to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nabj.org/news/512370/NABJ-Statement-on-Capitalizing-Black-and-Other-Racial-Identifiers.htm" target="_blank">National Association of Black journalists</a>, tossed out the AP Stylebook guidance, and have turned “black Americans” into “Black Americans” out of respect.

That’s a taste of what those 395 participants learned about for one hour on a Monday afternoon, on their journey to qualify as allies.

You’re welcome to take a look at the recorded version&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS1ZBCk9sqs" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;– along with all of our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/initiatives/power-shift-project/do-you-qualify-as-an-ally/" target="_blank">Power Shift resources</a>.

Better yet, join us for the next “Do You Qualify?”&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3hwPGwk" target="_blank">webinar on July 15</a>.

Imagine how allies, as trusted forces for good, might be part of positive change.

Jill Geisler is&nbsp;Freedom Forum Fellow in Women’s Leadership and&nbsp;Bill Plante Chair in Leadership &amp; Media Integrity, Loyola University Chicago. She can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jill@jillgeisler.com" target="_blank">jill@jillgeisler.com</a>&nbsp;or follow her on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/JillGeisler?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">@JillGeisler</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592622214090.jpeg" alt="Jill Geisler. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Jill Geisler. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By JILL GEISLERJune 19 marks a turning point in American history.It is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm" target="_blank">Juneteenth</a>, the holiday that celebrates the end of slavery nationwide.We are at another turning point in our nation’s history, and people of good faith want to be part of that change. This week, the Freedom Forum’s Power Shift Project hosted a webinar titled Do You Qualify As An Ally? (Especially Now). Nearly 400 people, most of them journalists, tuned in.What was behind that remarkable turnout?A turning point. A push for change.Protests are evidence.So are polls.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monmouth.edu/polling-institute/documents/monmouthpoll_us_060220.pdf/" target="_blank">Monmouth University</a>&nbsp;reported a robust, remarkable jump in the number of people agreeing that racism and ethnic discrimination is a big problem in the United States. From 51 percent five years ago, to 76 percent (including 71 percent of whites) today.People want to change systems that are inherently biased.But they also know they have to change themselves, too.They want to take responsibility for being “a trusted force for good,” which is how The Power Shift Project describes allies.People want to do the right thing, the right way.That’s been our goal, too.From the very first Power Shift Summit in 2018, launched in the wake of the #MeToo scandals in media, we learned that harassment and discrimination are inseparable. So, as we tackled the cultural change needed to produce equitable workplaces for women, we didn’t focus on their challenges alone.We took on marginalization, discrimination, harassment and bias affecting&nbsp;all&nbsp;who are underrepresented in journalism.We listened to expert voices, learned from research and bore witness to open wounds.But even as we developed a curriculum to upgrade workplace cultures, we heard repeatedly from people who wanted to do more – as individuals.That’s why we launched “Do You Qualify as an Ally?” a year ago.Before COVID-19 and its disproportionate effect on women and people of color.Before Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks lost their lives.Before marches that filled our streets and our screens with clarion calls for change.We knew it was time to update our Ally teaching; to build on what we started and match this moment.The news demands it.And so do people of good will – people who are more ready than ever to learn.The hundreds who joined us took in 10 (of many) ways to qualify as an ally, with practical of examples of each point:<ol>
 <li>Understand that power affects our perspectives.</li><li>Recognize the realities and risks of unconscious bias.</li><li>Be a learner, but don’t expect anyone is obligated to be your teacher.</li><li>Recognize, relieve and reward the “invisible work” done by underrepresented employees.</li><li>Understand the meaning and impact of microaggressions.</li><li>Find a voice for courageous conversations.</li><li>Challenge systems, traditions, practices and assumptions that foster inequity.</li><li>Measure what matters.</li><li>Be more than a mentor; be a sponsor.</li><li>Be more than an ally; be an amplifier, an accomplice, an advocate and an ally to other allies when they step up.</li>
 </ol>And we told them that most of all, to do all of those things without expectation of credit or profit.Be like the university professor who teaches his students how unconscious bias causes female professors to get lower evaluations from students – on the week they turn in those evaluations.Be like the TV station group leadership team that sent a memo to employees, stating that as a journalism organization, they’ve traditionally refrained from commenting on political issues – but that racism isn’t political and employees have the right to speak out against it.Be like the young NFL social media producer who “<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-video-roger-goodell-racism-black-lives-matter-players-employees-110927703.html" target="_blank">went rogue,”</a>&nbsp;working behind the scenes with players to create their “Black Lives Matter” video, calling for change in the NFL.Be like the media organizations that monitor their own progress on diversity – or lack of it, who create databases of diverse sources – and&nbsp;<a href="https://sources.npr.org/" target="_blank">share them</a>.Be like the newsrooms that listened to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nabj.org/news/512370/NABJ-Statement-on-Capitalizing-Black-and-Other-Racial-Identifiers.htm" target="_blank">National Association of Black journalists</a>, tossed out the AP Stylebook guidance, and have turned “black Americans” into “Black Americans” out of respect.That’s a taste of what those 395 participants learned about for one hour on a Monday afternoon, on their journey to qualify as allies.You’re welcome to take a look at the recorded version&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS1ZBCk9sqs" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;– along with all of our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/initiatives/power-shift-project/do-you-qualify-as-an-ally/" target="_blank">Power Shift resources</a>.Better yet, join us for the next “Do You Qualify?”&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3hwPGwk" target="_blank">webinar on July 15</a>.Imagine how allies, as trusted forces for good, might be part of positive change.Jill Geisler is&nbsp;Freedom Forum Fellow in Women’s Leadership and&nbsp;Bill Plante Chair in Leadership &amp; Media Integrity, Loyola University Chicago. She can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jill@jillgeisler.com" target="_blank">jill@jillgeisler.com</a>&nbsp;or follow her on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/JillGeisler?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">@JillGeisler</a>.&nbsp;

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