MANHATTAN – The USDA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nifa.usda.gov/" target="_blank">National Institute for Food and Agriculture</a>&nbsp;has selected Kansas State University to serve as a center for efforts to improve U.S. winter&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;varieties.

The university received $1 million to establish the&nbsp;<a href="https://iwyp.org/" target="_blank">International&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Yield Partnership’s</a>&nbsp;(IWYP) Winter&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Breeding Innovation Hub. K-State will lead the effort to evaluate research findings from several IWYP projects that contribute to “significantly improved”&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;yields, according to officials.

Hub partners will seek ways to stack – or combine -- desirable traits from those projects into elite winter&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;varieties for U.S. growers. Desirable traits may include genetic improvements that make winter&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;more resistant to pests, disease or drought, thus improving its yield potential.

Eduard Akhunov, a K-State&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;geneticist and the project’s principal investigator, said that stacking desirable traits (called trait packages) in&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;varieties helps researchers “deliver key yield traits to U.S. growers as quickly as possible to reverse the declining trend of winter&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;acreage, and add significant economic value to the U.S. and global&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;industries.”

Akhunov said the hub is a public-private partnership between national and international&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;breeding programs, government organizations and industry.

“This partnership is established to maximize the value of research investments for the benefit of global agriculture by translating research findings into commercial breeding products,” he said.

It is estimated that the world’s&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;production must double by the year 2050 in order to meet the needs of a population expected to surpass 9 billion people. Akhunov said researchers around the world already are working on that challenge, having discovered many valuable agronomic traits that pave the way for future&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;improvements.

“To fully implement these advances in breeding programs, we must put together a systematic effort to transfer traits to elite lines that are relevant to regional breeding programs,” he said. “Grain yields are critical for global food security. State&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;growers and commodity groups consider increasing grain yield at the farm level as one of the main priorities for the industry.”

Akhunov said members of the new hub will test findings from IWYP projects to build trait packages for higher-yielding winter&nbsp;wheat, which refers to varieties that are planted in the fall and harvested in late spring or early summer. Another IWYP Hub at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cimmyt.org/" target="_blank">International Maize and&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Improvement Center</a>&nbsp;(CIMMYT) in Mexico leads a project to translate research and validate improvements for spring&nbsp;wheat, or those varieties planted in the spring and harvested in the fall.

Akhunov believes K-State is the right place to work on winter&nbsp;wheat, noting the university has one of the most productive winter&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;breeding programs in the United States. Since the early 1990s, K-State has released more than 40 winter&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;varieties.

The university has greenhouse space, growth chamber facilities, and research fields for screening preliminary and advanced lines, he said.

“The combined expertise, capabilities, infrastructure and germplasm to conduct this type of work already exists here,” Akhunov said, noting the university’s close work with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and the Kansas&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Innovation Center, both located in Manhattan.

“This is an important time for&nbsp;wheat, and the timing of this project coincides perfectly with the investment Kansas farmers are making into&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;at the Kansas&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Innovation Center and K-State,” said Justin Gilpin, the chief executive officer with&nbsp;<a href="http://kswheat.com/" target="_blank">Kansas&nbsp;Wheat</a>.

K-State’s&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Genetics Resources Center and Integrated Genomics Facility, and the ARS’s Hard Red Winter&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Quality Lab and Hard Winter&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Genotyping Lab, are among the partners that make this work possible in Manhattan, according to Akhunov.

“These partnerships allow for rapid, genomics-assisted trait transfer and stacking in elite germplasm using high-throughput diagnostic and genome-wide markers, speed breeding and field-based trait evaluation,” he said.

The new IWYP Hub includes many other public and private partners including the&nbsp;<a href="http://kswheat.com/" target="_blank">Kansas&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Commission</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Agriculture</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheatalliance.org/" target="_blank">Kansas&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Alliance</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.heartlandinnovations.com/" target="_blank">Heartland Plant Innovations</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://coloradowheat.org/" target="_blank">Colorado&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Administrative Committee</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskawheat.com/" target="_blank">Nebraska&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Board</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.okwheat.org/" target="_blank">Oklahoma&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Commission</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://texaswheat.org/" target="_blank">Texas&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Producers Board</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wheatworld.org/" target="_blank">National Association of&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Growers,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.basf.com/us/en.html" target="_blank">BASF</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.syngenta.com/" target="_blank">Syngenta</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.corteva.us/" target="_blank">Corteva Agriscience</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kws.com/us/en/" target="_blank">KWS</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.limagrain.com/?lang=en" target="_blank">Limagrain</a>&nbsp;and representatives of the U.S. winter&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;public-breeding programs.

Some of the public and private partners are also providing contributions beyond the $1 million K-State has received from NIFA.

In addition to Akhunov, the co-principal investigators for the project include K-State faculty members Allan Fritz; Jessica Rupp; Romulo Lollato and Jesse Poland; ARS research geneticist Mary Guttieri; and IWYP program director Jeff Gwyn, who is at&nbsp;<a href="https://agriliferesearch.tamu.edu/" target="_blank">Texas A&amp;M AgriLife.</a>

“Collaborations of public and private expertise and resources are what it will take to get&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;genetics to the next level,” Gilpin said. “Having the hub of this initiative centrally located in Manhattan with the involvement of&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;growers, university and USDA scientists, and&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;breeders is exciting to see for the&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;industry.”

More information about the&nbsp;<a href="https://iwyp.org/" target="_blank">International&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Yield Partnership is available online</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593998109562.jpeg" alt="Wheat photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Wheat photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – The USDA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nifa.usda.gov/" target="_blank">National Institute for Food and Agriculture</a>&nbsp;has selected Kansas State University to serve as a center for efforts to improve U.S. winter&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;varieties.The university received $1 million to establish the&nbsp;<a href="https://iwyp.org/" target="_blank">International&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Yield Partnership’s</a>&nbsp;(IWYP) Winter&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Breeding Innovation Hub. K-State will lead the effort to evaluate research findings from several IWYP projects that contribute to “significantly improved”&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;yields, according to officials.Hub partners will seek ways to stack – or combine -- desirable traits from those projects into elite winter&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;varieties for U.S. growers. Desirable traits may include genetic improvements that make winter&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;more resistant to pests, disease or drought, thus improving its yield potential.Eduard Akhunov, a K-State&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;geneticist and the project’s principal investigator, said that stacking desirable traits (called trait packages) in&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;varieties helps researchers “deliver key yield traits to U.S. growers as quickly as possible to reverse the declining trend of winter&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;acreage, and add significant economic value to the U.S. and global&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;industries.”Akhunov said the hub is a public-private partnership between national and international&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;breeding programs, government organizations and industry.“This partnership is established to maximize the value of research investments for the benefit of global agriculture by translating research findings into commercial breeding products,” he said.It is estimated that the world’s&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;production must double by the year 2050 in order to meet the needs of a population expected to surpass 9 billion people. Akhunov said researchers around the world already are working on that challenge, having discovered many valuable agronomic traits that pave the way for future&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;improvements.“To fully implement these advances in breeding programs, we must put together a systematic effort to transfer traits to elite lines that are relevant to regional breeding programs,” he said. “Grain yields are critical for global food security. State&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;growers and commodity groups consider increasing grain yield at the farm level as one of the main priorities for the industry.”Akhunov said members of the new hub will test findings from IWYP projects to build trait packages for higher-yielding winter&nbsp;wheat, which refers to varieties that are planted in the fall and harvested in late spring or early summer. Another IWYP Hub at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cimmyt.org/" target="_blank">International Maize and&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Improvement Center</a>&nbsp;(CIMMYT) in Mexico leads a project to translate research and validate improvements for spring&nbsp;wheat, or those varieties planted in the spring and harvested in the fall.Akhunov believes K-State is the right place to work on winter&nbsp;wheat, noting the university has one of the most productive winter&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;breeding programs in the United States. Since the early 1990s, K-State has released more than 40 winter&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;varieties.The university has greenhouse space, growth chamber facilities, and research fields for screening preliminary and advanced lines, he said.“The combined expertise, capabilities, infrastructure and germplasm to conduct this type of work already exists here,” Akhunov said, noting the university’s close work with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and the Kansas&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Innovation Center, both located in Manhattan.“This is an important time for&nbsp;wheat, and the timing of this project coincides perfectly with the investment Kansas farmers are making into&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;at the Kansas&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Innovation Center and K-State,” said Justin Gilpin, the chief executive officer with&nbsp;<a href="http://kswheat.com/" target="_blank">Kansas&nbsp;Wheat</a>.K-State’s&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Genetics Resources Center and Integrated Genomics Facility, and the ARS’s Hard Red Winter&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Quality Lab and Hard Winter&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Genotyping Lab, are among the partners that make this work possible in Manhattan, according to Akhunov.“These partnerships allow for rapid, genomics-assisted trait transfer and stacking in elite germplasm using high-throughput diagnostic and genome-wide markers, speed breeding and field-based trait evaluation,” he said.The new IWYP Hub includes many other public and private partners including the&nbsp;<a href="http://kswheat.com/" target="_blank">Kansas&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Commission</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/" target="_blank">Kansas Department of Agriculture</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheatalliance.org/" target="_blank">Kansas&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Alliance</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.heartlandinnovations.com/" target="_blank">Heartland Plant Innovations</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://coloradowheat.org/" target="_blank">Colorado&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Administrative Committee</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskawheat.com/" target="_blank">Nebraska&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Board</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.okwheat.org/" target="_blank">Oklahoma&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Commission</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://texaswheat.org/" target="_blank">Texas&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Producers Board</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wheatworld.org/" target="_blank">National Association of&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Growers,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.basf.com/us/en.html" target="_blank">BASF</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.syngenta.com/" target="_blank">Syngenta</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.corteva.us/" target="_blank">Corteva Agriscience</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kws.com/us/en/" target="_blank">KWS</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.limagrain.com/?lang=en" target="_blank">Limagrain</a>&nbsp;and representatives of the U.S. winter&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;public-breeding programs.Some of the public and private partners are also providing contributions beyond the $1 million K-State has received from NIFA.In addition to Akhunov, the co-principal investigators for the project include K-State faculty members Allan Fritz; Jessica Rupp; Romulo Lollato and Jesse Poland; ARS research geneticist Mary Guttieri; and IWYP program director Jeff Gwyn, who is at&nbsp;<a href="https://agriliferesearch.tamu.edu/" target="_blank">Texas A&amp;M AgriLife.</a>“Collaborations of public and private expertise and resources are what it will take to get&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;genetics to the next level,” Gilpin said. “Having the hub of this initiative centrally located in Manhattan with the involvement of&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;growers, university and USDA scientists, and&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;breeders is exciting to see for the&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;industry.”More information about the&nbsp;<a href="https://iwyp.org/" target="_blank">International&nbsp;Wheat&nbsp;Yield Partnership is available online</a>.

K-State chosen as hub for improving U.S. winter wheat

Today is Monday, July 6, the 188th day of 2020. There are 178 days left in the year. 

On July 6, 1942, Anne Frank, her parents and sister entered a "secret annex" in an Amsterdam building where they were later joined by four other people; they hid from Nazi occupiers for two years before being discovered and arrested. 

In 1777, during the American Revolution, British forces captured Fort Ticonderoga. 

In 1854, the first official meeting of the Republican Party took place in Jackson, Michigan. 

In 1885, French scientist Louis Pasteur tested an anti-rabies vaccine on 9-year-old Joseph Meister, who had been bitten by an infected dog; the boy did not develop rabies. 

In 1944, an estimated 168 people died in a fire that broke out during a performance in the main tent of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum &amp; Bailey Circus in Hartford, Connecticut. 

In 1945, President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order establishing the Medal of Freedom. 

In 1957, Althea Gibson became the first Black tennis player to win a Wimbledon singles title as she defeated fellow American Darlene Hard 6-3, 6-2. 

In 1962, Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, one of the giants of Southern literature, died in Byhalia, Mississippi, at age 64. 

In 1967, war erupted as Nigeria sent troops into the secessionist state of Biafra. 

In 1971, jazz trumpeter and singer Louis Armstrong died in New York at age 69. 

In 1988, 167 North Sea oil workers were killed when explosions and fires destroyed a drilling platform. Medical waste and other debris began washing up on New York City-area seashores, forcing the closing of several popular beaches. 

In 1997, the rover Sojourner rolled down a ramp from the Mars Pathfinder lander onto the Martian landscape to begin inspecting the soil and rocks of the red planet. 

In 2004, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry chose former rival John Edwards to be his running mate. 

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed talk of a rift at a White House meeting. Queen Elizabeth II addressed the United Nations for the first time since 1957 during her first New York visit in over 30 years; she then laid a wreath at ground zero. Actress Lindsay Lohan was sentenced to 90 days in jail and 90 days in a residential substance-abuse program after a judge found the actress had violated her probation in a 2007 drug case by failing to attend alcohol education classes. (Lohan ended up serving 14 days behind bars and was released on Aug. 2.)

Five years ago: The Associated Press obtained documents in which Bill Cosby admitted in 2005 that he'd secured quaaludes with the intent of giving them to young women he wanted to have sex with and that he gave the sedative to at least one woman and other people; Cosby's lawyers insisted that two of the accusers knew they were taking quaaludes from the comedian, according to the unsealed documents. Pope Francis received a hero's welcome in Guayaquil, Ecuador's biggest city, as he celebrated the first public Mass of his South American tour.

One year ago: Brazilian singer, guitarist and songwriter Joao Gilberto, considered one of the fathers of bossa nova music, died at the age of 88. Prosecutors dropped a manslaughter charge against an Alabama woman, Marshae Jones, who had lost her fetus when she was shot during what authorities said was an argument over the fetus' father.

Today's Birthdays: The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is 85. Actor Ned Beatty is 83. Singer Gene Chandler is 80. Country singer Jeannie Seely is 80. Actor Burt Ward is 75. Former President George W. Bush is 74. Actor-director Sylvester Stallone is 74. Actor Fred Dryer is 74. Actress Shelley Hack is 73. Actress Nathalie Baye is 72. Actor Geoffrey Rush is 69. Actress Allyce Beasley is 69. Rock musician John Bazz (The Blasters) is 68. Actor Grant Goodeve is 68. Country singer Nanci Griffith is 67. Retired MLB All-Star Willie Randolph is 66. Jazz musician Rick Braun is 65. Actor Casey Sander is 65. Country musician John Jorgenson is 64. Former first daughter Susan Ford Bales is 63. Hockey player and coach Ron Duguay is 63. Actress-writer Jennifer Saunders is 62. Rock musician John Keeble (Spandau Ballet) is 61. Actor Pip Torrens is 60. Actor Brian Posehn is 54. Actor Robb Derringer is 53. Political reporter/moderator John Dickerson is 52. Actor Brian Van Holt is 51. Rapper Inspectah Deck (Wu-Tang Clan) is 50. TV host Josh Elliott is 49. Rapper 50 Cent is 45. Actresses Tia and Tamera Mowry are 42. Comedian-actor Kevin Hart is 41. Actress Eva Green is 40. Actor Gregory Smith is 37. Rock musician Chris "Woody" Wood (Bastille) is 35. Rock singer Kate Nash is 33. Actor Jeremy Suarez is 30. Baseball star Manny Machado is 28. NBA star Zion Williamson is 20.

<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>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Monday, July 6, the 188th day of 2020. There are 178 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 6, 1942, Anne Frank, her parents and sister entered a "secret annex" in an Amsterdam building where they were later joined by four other people; they hid from Nazi occupiers for two years before being discovered and arrested. On this date: In 1777, during the American Revolution, British forces captured Fort Ticonderoga. In 1854, the first official meeting of the Republican Party took place in Jackson, Michigan. In 1885, French scientist Louis Pasteur tested an anti-rabies vaccine on 9-year-old Joseph Meister, who had been bitten by an infected dog; the boy did not develop rabies. In 1944, an estimated 168 people died in a fire that broke out during a performance in the main tent of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum &amp; Bailey Circus in Hartford, Connecticut. In 1945, President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order establishing the Medal of Freedom. In 1957, Althea Gibson became the first Black tennis player to win a Wimbledon singles title as she defeated fellow American Darlene Hard 6-3, 6-2. In 1962, Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, one of the giants of Southern literature, died in Byhalia, Mississippi, at age 64. In 1967, war erupted as Nigeria sent troops into the secessionist state of Biafra. In 1971, jazz trumpeter and singer Louis Armstrong died in New York at age 69. In 1988, 167 North Sea oil workers were killed when explosions and fires destroyed a drilling platform. Medical waste and other debris began washing up on New York City-area seashores, forcing the closing of several popular beaches. In 1997, the rover Sojourner rolled down a ramp from the Mars Pathfinder lander onto the Martian landscape to begin inspecting the soil and rocks of the red planet. In 2004, Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry chose former rival John Edwards to be his running mate. Ten years ago: President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed talk of a rift at a White House meeting. Queen Elizabeth II addressed the United Nations for the first time since 1957 during her first New York visit in over 30 years; she then laid a wreath at ground zero. Actress Lindsay Lohan was sentenced to 90 days in jail and 90 days in a residential substance-abuse program after a judge found the actress had violated her probation in a 2007 drug case by failing to attend alcohol education classes. (Lohan ended up serving 14 days behind bars and was released on Aug. 2.) Five years ago: The Associated Press obtained documents in which Bill Cosby admitted in 2005 that he'd secured quaaludes with the intent of giving them to young women he wanted to have sex with and that he gave the sedative to at least one woman and other people; Cosby's lawyers insisted that two of the accusers knew they were taking quaaludes from the comedian, according to the unsealed documents. Pope Francis received a hero's welcome in Guayaquil, Ecuador's biggest city, as he celebrated the first public Mass of his South American tour. One year ago: Brazilian singer, guitarist and songwriter Joao Gilberto, considered one of the fathers of bossa nova music, died at the age of 88. Prosecutors dropped a manslaughter charge against an Alabama woman, Marshae Jones, who had lost her fetus when she was shot during what authorities said was an argument over the fetus' father. Today's Birthdays: The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is 85. Actor Ned Beatty is 83. Singer Gene Chandler is 80. Country singer Jeannie Seely is 80. Actor Burt Ward is 75. Former President George W. Bush is 74. Actor-director Sylvester Stallone is 74. Actor Fred Dryer is 74. Actress Shelley Hack is 73. Actress Nathalie Baye is 72. Actor Geoffrey Rush is 69. Actress Allyce Beasley is 69. Rock musician John Bazz (The Blasters) is 68. Actor Grant Goodeve is 68. Country singer Nanci Griffith is 67. Retired MLB All-Star Willie Randolph is 66. Jazz musician Rick Braun is 65. Actor Casey Sander is 65. Country musician John Jorgenson is 64. Former first daughter Susan Ford Bales is 63. Hockey player and coach Ron Duguay is 63. Actress-writer Jennifer Saunders is 62. Rock musician John Keeble (Spandau Ballet) is 61. Actor Pip Torrens is 60. Actor Brian Posehn is 54. Actor Robb Derringer is 53. Political reporter/moderator John Dickerson is 52. Actor Brian Van Holt is 51. Rapper Inspectah Deck (Wu-Tang Clan) is 50. TV host Josh Elliott is 49. Rapper 50 Cent is 45. Actresses Tia and Tamera Mowry are 42. Comedian-actor Kevin Hart is 41. Actress Eva Green is 40. Actor Gregory Smith is 37. Rock musician Chris "Woody" Wood (Bastille) is 35. Rock singer Kate Nash is 33. Actor Jeremy Suarez is 30. Baseball star Manny Machado is 28. NBA star Zion Williamson is 20.

Today in History -- July 6

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department on Sunday night reported the county's 83rd confirmed case of COVID-19.

The case is a symptomatic female in her 40s with unknown exposure and is recovering at home.

Of the 83 total cases, 52 have met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines, the health department noted.

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department on Sunday night reported the county's 83rd confirmed case of COVID-19.The case is a symptomatic female in her 40s with unknown exposure and is recovering at home.Of the 83 total cases, 52 have met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines, the health department noted.

McPherson County reports another case of COVID-19

ABILENE -- After a competitive application process, the Dickinson County CEO board of directors is excited to announce its inaugural class for the 2020-2021 school year.

“The selection committee met and reviewed applications through a blind selection process,” said Kyle Becker Dickinson County CEO Board President. “The committee was impressed by the creativity and effort these students put into their applications.”

CEO, which stands for Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities, is a year-long course designed to utilize partnerships with area businesses to mentor and teach students about starting their own business. The inaugural class will consist of eleven students. In the first semester, the class will first create a business as a group and then in the second semester, each student will also launch their own business.

“I’m excited to get to know the students and connect them with the Dickinson County business community,” said Cynthia Deters, Dickinson County CEO Facilitator.

The Dickinson County CEO program is funded by donations from the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation and Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Dickinson County, the City of Abilene and area businesses and individuals.

For more information, visit www.DickinsonCountyCEO.com.

ABILENE -- After a competitive application process, the Dickinson County CEO board of directors is excited to announce its inaugural class for the 2020-2021 school year.“The selection committee met and reviewed applications through a blind selection process,” said Kyle Becker Dickinson County CEO Board President. “The committee was impressed by the creativity and effort these students put into their applications.”CEO, which stands for Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities, is a year-long course designed to utilize partnerships with area businesses to mentor and teach students about starting their own business. The inaugural class will consist of eleven students. In the first semester, the class will first create a business as a group and then in the second semester, each student will also launch their own business.Students selected include the following.Abilene USD 435Joy ClemenceMarissa PerezStewart ScottJonathan StangerChapman USD 473Brandy ClevengerSophie JonesVincentt MowryHerington USD 487Ashton BeamesSarah BiehlerArista DemanettSolomon USD 393Alex Herbel“I’m excited to get to know the students and connect them with the Dickinson County business community,” said Cynthia Deters, Dickinson County CEO Facilitator.The Dickinson County CEO program is funded by donations from the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation and Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Dickinson County, the City of Abilene and area businesses and individuals.For more information, visit www.DickinsonCountyCEO.com.

Dickinson County CEO announces inaugural class

TOPEKA -- Washburn University has announced its President's List honorees for the spring 2020 semester. 

To qualify for the President's List, a student must complete at least 12 hours of graded credits and earn a semester grade point average of 4.0.

More than 750 students qualified for the President's List.

TOPEKA -- Washburn University has announced its President's List honorees for the spring 2020 semester. To qualify for the President's List, a student must complete at least 12 hours of graded credits and earn a semester grade point average of 4.0.More than 750 students qualified for the President's List.President's List honorees include:Shelley Arnold of Hillsboro (67063)Riley Bailey of Salina (67401)Luke Broeckelman of Mankato (66956)Mayela Campa of Salina (67401)Sierra Carreno of Herington (67449)Kodee Christensen of Salina (67401)Mara Coufal of Abilene (67410)Meghan David of Tampa (67483)Cody Delp of Salina (67401)Brittney Falcon of Salina (67401)Zach Gable of Abilene (67410)William Gaeddert of McPherson (67460)Madison Hammond of Clyde (66938)Shelby Hanson of Lindsborg (67456)Meg Henry of Salina (67401)Keely Jermark of Clay Center (67432)Heidi Kicker of Salina (67401)Bradley Koch of Clyde (66938)Shyanne Kohler of Beloit (67420)Price Kramer of McPherson (67460)Macey Langvardt of Chapman (67431)Erica Montgomery of Salina (67401)Aubree Mosher of Salina (67401)Hannah Radke of Ellsworth (67439)Kristen Reed of Abilene (67410)Brenna Riffel of Abilene (67410)Carley Rohleder of New Cambria (67470)Sydney Stout of Abilene (67410)Bryce Strickland of Abilene (67410)Zaide Thoman of Concordia (66901)McKenna White of Salina (67401)Brooklyn Wiens of Hillsboro (67063)

Local, area students named to Washburn President's List

MIAMI -- Florida Hurricane attorney Beau Blackwell of the Cohen Law Group is known for his passion, work ethic, and hard-hitting litigation style. 

The former Salinan's prominence is attributed, in part, to his representation of hurricane survivors. For example, Blackwell has recovered millions of dollars to help hurricane survivors rebuild.

Blackwell's blunt criticism of the insurance industry has garnered him praise from property owners to the vexation of Florida's biggest insurance companies. 

"When a client's property is damaged by a hurricane and the insurance company improperly denies benefits, they need a lawyer who will stand by them and say to the insurance company, 'If you refuse to pay my client, you are going to be in for the fight of your life,'" said Blackwell.

Blackwell's efforts have rapidly positioned him as one of Florida’s best attorneys, having been selected to the 2020 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Blackwell's honor is no small feat. Only five percent of lawyers in the state of Florida are selected. The selection consists of votes from fellow attorneys, independent research, evaluation of the attorney's skills and achievements, and peer reviews.

Blackwell is grateful for the opportunity to help his clients in getting a just result.

"Florida families pay their insurance premiums each month, and when disaster strikes, some insurers delay, deny, underpay, or flat-out ignore valid insurance claims. Florida families and businesses deserve better," he said.

For more information, visit the website at <a href="http://itsaboutjustice.law/beau-blackwell/">http://itsaboutjustice.law/beau-blackwell/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593996027636.jpeg" alt="Beau Blackwell. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Beau Blackwell. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI -- Florida Hurricane attorney Beau Blackwell of the Cohen Law Group is known for his passion, work ethic, and hard-hitting litigation style. The former Salinan's prominence is attributed, in part, to his representation of hurricane survivors. For example, Blackwell has recovered millions of dollars to help hurricane survivors rebuild.Blackwell's blunt criticism of the insurance industry has garnered him praise from property owners to the vexation of Florida's biggest insurance companies. "When a client's property is damaged by a hurricane and the insurance company improperly denies benefits, they need a lawyer who will stand by them and say to the insurance company, 'If you refuse to pay my client, you are going to be in for the fight of your life,'" said Blackwell.Blackwell's efforts have rapidly positioned him as one of Florida’s best attorneys, having been selected to the 2020 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Blackwell's honor is no small feat. Only five percent of lawyers in the state of Florida are selected. The selection consists of votes from fellow attorneys, independent research, evaluation of the attorney's skills and achievements, and peer reviews.Blackwell is grateful for the opportunity to help his clients in getting a just result."Florida families pay their insurance premiums each month, and when disaster strikes, some insurers delay, deny, underpay, or flat-out ignore valid insurance claims. Florida families and businesses deserve better," he said.For more information, visit the website at <a href="http://itsaboutjustice.law/beau-blackwell/">http://itsaboutjustice.law/beau-blackwell/</a>

Former Salinan Blackwell on Florida Super Lawyers, Rising Stars lists

It's shaping up to be a hot week in the area. 

Near to above normal temperatures with a slight chance of a shower or storm in the afternoon and evening can be expected through Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. 

Temperatures are expected to rise toward the middle and especially the latter portion of the week. Heat indices may exceed 100 degrees on Wednesday afternoon and 105 degrees on Thursday through Saturday, NWS noted.

Scattered thunderstorms will be possible across the area on Thursday, but it is too early to determine the threat of severe weather at this time, NWS added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593991295339.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It's shaping up to be a hot week in the area. Near to above normal temperatures with a slight chance of a shower or storm in the afternoon and evening can be expected through Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita. Temperatures are expected to rise toward the middle and especially the latter portion of the week. Heat indices may exceed 100 degrees on Wednesday afternoon and 105 degrees on Thursday through Saturday, NWS noted.Scattered thunderstorms will be possible across the area on Thursday, but it is too early to determine the threat of severe weather at this time, NWS added.

NWS: Near normal temps for the start of the work week

Fleeing racism, violence, and depression, they came to Kansas. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansashistorical/">Kansas Historical Society</a> Facebook page:

Fleeing racism, violence, and depression, they came to Kansas. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansashistorical/">Kansas Historical Society</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkansashistorical%2Fposts%2F10157998678995091&width=500" width="500" height="448" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

KHS: 'Exodusters' fled to Kansas in 1879

The Salvation Army Salina Corps Community Center, closed since June 25 because of a COVID-19 outbreak, is scheduled to reopen on Monday. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SaSalinaKS/">The Salvation Army Salina, KS</a> Facebook page:

The Salvation Army Salina Corps Community Center, closed since June 25 because of a COVID-19 outbreak, is scheduled to reopen on Monday. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SaSalinaKS/">The Salvation Army Salina, KS</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSaSalinaKS%2Fposts%2F902951743450049&width=500" width="500" height="738" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Salvation Army to reopen facility on Monday

Despite the seasonable temperatures we are experiencing this holiday weekend across central, south central, and southeast Kansas, well above normal temperatures are highly favored to make a return by the middle and end of next week. 

According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, early indications are that hot and muggy conditions will stick around for several days beginning on Wednesday and continuing through the next weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593919004237.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Despite the seasonable temperatures we are experiencing this holiday weekend across central, south central, and southeast Kansas, well above normal temperatures are highly favored to make a return by the middle and end of next week. According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, early indications are that hot and muggy conditions will stick around for several days beginning on Wednesday and continuing through the next weekend.

NWS: Above averages temperatures expected later in the week

The City of Salina is seeking applications for the 2020 Emergency Solutions Grant -- Coronavirus (ESG-CV).

Application materials are due by 5 p.m. on July 10. Application materials should be submitted to <a href="mailto:humanrelations@salina.org">humanrelations@salina.org</a>. Applications will be reviewed and notification sent regarding application status by 5 p.m. on July 15.

The Emergency Solutions Grant is a federal block grant authorized by subtitle B of the McKinney-Vento Homelessness Assistance Act and is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The primary focus of this grant program is homelessness prevention and facilitation of permanent, stable housing. Additionally in 2020, due to the Corona Virus Pandemic additional monies are being allocated to the ESG grant program.

HUD awards grant funds to the State of Kansas Housing Resource Corporation (KHRC) and they, in turn, award funds to local recipient agencies, via the local municipality in which the agencies operate. In order to be considered for these grant funds, the City of Salina, working closely with the local agencies, prepares and submits a consolidated grant application on behalf of the sub-award recipient agencies. The City of Salina has been successful in applying for and receiving grant awards for the Emergency Solutions Grant for the past 20 years. These funds directly benefit individuals and families in our community.

To learn more about eligibility and how to apply as a local agency, visit the city’s <a href="http://www.ci.salina.ks.us/">homepage</a>&nbsp;and click the “2020 Emergency Solutions Grant – Corona Virus (ESG-CV)” link under the “Featured Items” tab. There you will find application materials, guidelines, and additional information.

Questions about the grant and how to apply can be directed to <a href="mailto:humanrelations@salina.org">humanrelations@salina.org</a> or (785) 309-5745.

The City of Salina is seeking applications for the 2020 Emergency Solutions Grant -- Coronavirus (ESG-CV).Application materials are due by 5 p.m. on July 10. Application materials should be submitted to <a href="mailto:humanrelations@salina.org">humanrelations@salina.org</a>. Applications will be reviewed and notification sent regarding application status by 5 p.m. on July 15.The Emergency Solutions Grant is a federal block grant authorized by subtitle B of the McKinney-Vento Homelessness Assistance Act and is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The primary focus of this grant program is homelessness prevention and facilitation of permanent, stable housing. Additionally in 2020, due to the Corona Virus Pandemic additional monies are being allocated to the ESG grant program.HUD awards grant funds to the State of Kansas Housing Resource Corporation (KHRC) and they, in turn, award funds to local recipient agencies, via the local municipality in which the agencies operate. In order to be considered for these grant funds, the City of Salina, working closely with the local agencies, prepares and submits a consolidated grant application on behalf of the sub-award recipient agencies. The City of Salina has been successful in applying for and receiving grant awards for the Emergency Solutions Grant for the past 20 years. These funds directly benefit individuals and families in our community.To learn more about eligibility and how to apply as a local agency, visit the city’s <a href="http://www.ci.salina.ks.us/">homepage</a>&nbsp;and click the “2020 Emergency Solutions Grant – Corona Virus (ESG-CV)” link under the “Featured Items” tab. There you will find application materials, guidelines, and additional information.Questions about the grant and how to apply can be directed to <a href="mailto:humanrelations@salina.org">humanrelations@salina.org</a> or (785) 309-5745.

City seeks applications for Emergency Solutions Grant

The second annual Tee off for Charity, hosted by BE Wealth, gathered experienced and casual golfers together to raise money for Salina not-for-profits. 

Golfers tested their skill or tried their luck at a long drive, closest to the pin shot, a short and long putt. More than $2,250 was raised and distributed among 13 local charities.

Charities to benefit include First Tee of Salina, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina, Salina Area United Way, Salina Regional Health Foundation, Salina Emergency Aid food bank, Kansas Wesleyan University Golf Team, Salina AM Ambucs, Ashby House, Salina Education Foundation, Salina Child Care Association, Salina Area Technical College Foundation, Catholic Charities, and Salina Diocese.

The leaders were honored in each age group, along with a long drive champion and a closest to the pin winner. Winners include Brayden Blake, Charlotte Couch, Jason Marrs, Kaden Schroller, Conner Stuart, Leah Stein, Caleb Gilliland, Cole Elmore, Karen Couch, Chris Lauck, Tyler Burnett, Dawn Ozga, Jenny Mitchell, Mike Chambers, Pam Boyer, and Jim Cram.

The second annual Tee off for Charity, hosted by BE Wealth, gathered experienced and casual golfers together to raise money for Salina not-for-profits. Golfers tested their skill or tried their luck at a long drive, closest to the pin shot, a short and long putt. More than $2,250 was raised and distributed among 13 local charities.Charities to benefit include First Tee of Salina, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina, Salina Area United Way, Salina Regional Health Foundation, Salina Emergency Aid food bank, Kansas Wesleyan University Golf Team, Salina AM Ambucs, Ashby House, Salina Education Foundation, Salina Child Care Association, Salina Area Technical College Foundation, Catholic Charities, and Salina Diocese.The leaders were honored in each age group, along with a long drive champion and a closest to the pin winner. Winners include Brayden Blake, Charlotte Couch, Jason Marrs, Kaden Schroller, Conner Stuart, Leah Stein, Caleb Gilliland, Cole Elmore, Karen Couch, Chris Lauck, Tyler Burnett, Dawn Ozga, Jenny Mitchell, Mike Chambers, Pam Boyer, and Jim Cram.

2020 BE Wealth Tee Off for Charity golf event raises more than $2,250

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

“Soul sister.” The term implies a kinship, a virtual sisterhood, a deep connection. Today we’ll learn about two young women who have formed a creative business together and are now connecting with customers across the nation.

Shanna Lindberg and Michelle Lindberg are co-founders of this remarkable business known as Soul Sister Ceramics. Shanna grew up in Scandia in north-central Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;She earned a degree in broadcast journalism at the University of Kansas and married a farmer from Courtland. She worked for the local radio station for a time and then stayed home when her children were born.

Among her friends in Courtland was Michelle Lindberg, a local nurse. “Our husbands are first cousins,” Shanna said. The two young women hit it off.

“We were talking about finding a hobby that we could do together,” Shanna said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Michelle had a mug that I really loved.” That inspired them to try making ceramic pottery.

“We bought a kiln on Craigslist and made some pieces of jewelry,” Shanna said. Not only was it fun, other people wanted to buy their products. This became a business. At first, they listed their products for sale on an Etsy page.

They wrestled with what to name the business. Then Michelle suggested Soul Sister Ceramics. “We are kindred spirits, and I liked the alliterative sound of the name,” Shanna said. Soul Sister Ceramics was born.

“It would be fun to have our own building someday,” Shanna thought, such as the former gas station on the corner in downtown Courtland. Shanna mentioned her interest to Republic County Economic Development director Luke Mahin. He explained that the city owned that building and encouraged her to approach the city. In the end, they bought the building.

“The old car lift in the back is our pottery table, and we opened a boutique shop in the front,” Shanna said. “We had a ‘paint your own pottery’ party and it was a lot of fun.”

Today, Soul Sister Ceramics sells pottery made from Kansas clay, plus a whole host of other hand-selected boutique items. These include jewelry, accessories, home furnishings, clothing, children’s games, candles, and much more, many of these items made in Kansas. “The boutique side of the business has become my favorite,” Shanna said.

Soul Sister Ceramics is a member of the From the Land of Kansas program operated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. “That is a great program,” Shanna said.

“Walk-in painting has been popular,” she said. People come in and paint a piece of pottery with a glaze. Shanna will then fire it in the kiln. When the people return in a week, they can pick up their own hand-painted piece of pottery that is food safe, microwave safe and oven safe.

“I’ve been amazed at the people who come in for our pottery,” Shanna said. “We’ve been in our physical location for two years, and (the growth has) kind of blown my mind away.”

As mentioned, the store is located in a former corner gas station. For environmental protection reasons, the underground tanks and old gas pumps were removed years ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;In order to restore the classic look of the building, the local PRIDE group found a set of non-working gas pumps to put in their place. Those pumps now bear the logo of Soul Sister Ceramics. “Every once in a while, someone will pull in and try to get gas,” Shanna said.

Through online sales, Soul Sister Ceramics has shipped products all over the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;“People like to order our handmade mugs and jewelry,” Shanna said. “At Christmas time, our ceramic Christmas ornaments are really popular,” she said.

It’s great to find this business in a rural community like Courtland, population 285 people. Now, that’s rural.

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

“Soul sister.” This refers to two women who share a bond. In this case, these two women are sharing a business. We commend Shanna Lindberg and Michelle Lindberg of Soul Sister Ceramics for making a difference with creativity and entrepreneurship. This is good for the rural economy and it’s good for the soul.

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/2020/7/1593920987815.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State University“Soul sister.” The term implies a kinship, a virtual sisterhood, a deep connection. Today we’ll learn about two young women who have formed a creative business together and are now connecting with customers across the nation.Shanna Lindberg and Michelle Lindberg are co-founders of this remarkable business known as Soul Sister Ceramics. Shanna grew up in Scandia in north-central Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;She earned a degree in broadcast journalism at the University of Kansas and married a farmer from Courtland. She worked for the local radio station for a time and then stayed home when her children were born.Among her friends in Courtland was Michelle Lindberg, a local nurse. “Our husbands are first cousins,” Shanna said. The two young women hit it off.“We were talking about finding a hobby that we could do together,” Shanna said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Michelle had a mug that I really loved.” That inspired them to try making ceramic pottery.“We bought a kiln on Craigslist and made some pieces of jewelry,” Shanna said. Not only was it fun, other people wanted to buy their products. This became a business. At first, they listed their products for sale on an Etsy page.They wrestled with what to name the business. Then Michelle suggested Soul Sister Ceramics. “We are kindred spirits, and I liked the alliterative sound of the name,” Shanna said. Soul Sister Ceramics was born.“It would be fun to have our own building someday,” Shanna thought, such as the former gas station on the corner in downtown Courtland. Shanna mentioned her interest to Republic County Economic Development director Luke Mahin. He explained that the city owned that building and encouraged her to approach the city. In the end, they bought the building.“The old car lift in the back is our pottery table, and we opened a boutique shop in the front,” Shanna said. “We had a ‘paint your own pottery’ party and it was a lot of fun.”Today, Soul Sister Ceramics sells pottery made from Kansas clay, plus a whole host of other hand-selected boutique items. These include jewelry, accessories, home furnishings, clothing, children’s games, candles, and much more, many of these items made in Kansas. “The boutique side of the business has become my favorite,” Shanna said.Soul Sister Ceramics is a member of the From the Land of Kansas program operated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. “That is a great program,” Shanna said.“Walk-in painting has been popular,” she said. People come in and paint a piece of pottery with a glaze. Shanna will then fire it in the kiln. When the people return in a week, they can pick up their own hand-painted piece of pottery that is food safe, microwave safe and oven safe.“I’ve been amazed at the people who come in for our pottery,” Shanna said. “We’ve been in our physical location for two years, and (the growth has) kind of blown my mind away.”As mentioned, the store is located in a former corner gas station. For environmental protection reasons, the underground tanks and old gas pumps were removed years ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;In order to restore the classic look of the building, the local PRIDE group found a set of non-working gas pumps to put in their place. Those pumps now bear the logo of Soul Sister Ceramics. “Every once in a while, someone will pull in and try to get gas,” Shanna said.Through online sales, Soul Sister Ceramics has shipped products all over the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;“People like to order our handmade mugs and jewelry,” Shanna said. “At Christmas time, our ceramic Christmas ornaments are really popular,” she said.It’s great to find this business in a rural community like Courtland, population 285 people. Now, that’s rural.For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.soulsisterceramics.com/" target="_blank">www.soulsisterceramics.com</a>.“Soul sister.” This refers to two women who share a bond. In this case, these two women are sharing a business. We commend Shanna Lindberg and Michelle Lindberg of Soul Sister Ceramics for making a difference with creativity and entrepreneurship. This is good for the rural economy and it’s good for the soul.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:  Shanna Lindberg, Soul Sister Ceramics

Today is Sunday, July 5, the 187th day of 2020. There are 179 days left in the year. 

On July 5, 1947, Larry Doby made his debut with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first Black player in the American League three months after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the National League. In the game against the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park, Doby, pinch-hitting for Bryan Stephens, struck out in his first at-bat during the seventh inning; Chicago won 6-5. 

In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Labor Relations Act. 

In 1943, the Battle of Kursk began during World War II; in the weeks that followed, the Soviets were able to repeatedly repel the Germans, who eventually withdrew in defeat. 

In 1946, the bikini, created by Louis Reard, was modeled by Micheline Bernardini during a poolside fashion show in Paris. 

In 1948, Britain's National Health Service Act went into effect, providing publicly-financed medical and dental care. 

In 1954, Elvis Presley's first commercial recording session took place at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee; the song he recorded was "That's All Right." 

In 1971, President Richard Nixon certified the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which lowered the minimum voting age from 21 to 18. 

In 1975, Arthur Ashe became the first Black man to win a Wimbledon singles title as he defeated Jimmy Connors, 6-1, 6-1, 5-7, 6-4. 

In 1977, Pakistan's army, led by General Mohammad Zia ul-Haq, seized power from President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. (Bhutto was executed in 1979.) 

In 2003, Serena Williams beat sister Venus 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 for her second straight Wimbledon title. 

In 2009, a bankruptcy judge ruled that General Motors Corp. could sell the bulk of its assets to a new company, clearing the way for the automaker to emerge from bankruptcy protection. Roger Federer won his record 15th Grand Slam title when he outlasted Andy Roddick 5-7, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 16-14 in a marathon match for his sixth Wimbledon championship. 

In 2011, a jury in Orlando, Florida, found Casey Anthony, 25, not guilty of murder, manslaughter and child abuse in the 2008 disappearance and death of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee. 

In 2018, James Alex Fields Jr. pleaded not guilty to federal hate crime charges in a car attack on a crowd of protesters opposing a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Aug. 12, 2017; a 32-year-old woman died and dozens were injured. (Fields later pleaded guilty to 29 federal hate crime charges under a plea deal in which prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty.) 

Ten years ago: Israel eased its blockade of Hamas-ruled Gaza to allow virtually all consumer goods; the move was welcomed by the White House, but Gaza business leaders and rights activists said the measures were far short of what Gaza needed. Opera singer Cesare Siepi, 87, died in Atlanta. David Fanshawe, a widely traveled British musical explorer best known as the composer of "African Sanctus," died in Wiltshire, England, at age 68.

Five years ago: Greek voters overwhelmingly rejected demands by international creditors for more austerity measures in exchange for a bailout of their bankrupt economy. The first pope from Latin America, Francis, landed in Ecuador, returning to South America for the first time bearing a message of solidarity with the region's poor. The United States won its third Women's World Cup title and first since 1999 with a 5-2 victory over Japan behind a first-half hat trick by Carli Lloyd.

One year ago: An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 jolted much of California, setting fires, breaking roads and causing several injuries; it was the largest Southern California quake in at least 20 years. Sudan's ruling military council and its pro-democracy movement reached agreement on a power-sharing arrangement, hoping to end a three-month political crisis.

Today's Birthdays: Singer-musician Robbie Robertson is 77. Julie Nixon Eisenhower is 72. Rock star Huey Lewis is 70. Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Rich "Goose" Gossage is 69. Country musician Charles Ventre is 68. Singer-songwriter Marc Cohn is 61. Actor John Marshall Jones is 58. Actor Dorien Wilson is 58. Actress Edie Falco is 57. Actress Jillian Armenante is 56. Actress Kathryn Erbe is 55. Actor Michael Stuhlbarg is 52. Country musician Brent Flynn (Flynnville Train) is 51. Rapper RZA is 51. Rhythm and blues singer Joe is 47. Rock musician Bengt Lagerberg (The Cardigans) is 47. Actor Dale Godboldo is 45. Rapper Bizarre is 44. Rapper Royce da 5'9" is 43. Rock singer Jason Wade (Lifehouse) is 40. Actor Ryan Hansen is 39. Country musician Dave Haywood (Lady A) is 38. Rock musician Nick O'Malley (Arctic Monkeys) is 35. Actor Jason Dolley is 29. California Angels pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is 26.

<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>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Sunday, July 5, the 187th day of 2020. There are 179 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 5, 1947, Larry Doby made his debut with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first Black player in the American League three months after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the National League. In the game against the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park, Doby, pinch-hitting for Bryan Stephens, struck out in his first at-bat during the seventh inning; Chicago won 6-5. On this date: In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Labor Relations Act. In 1943, the Battle of Kursk began during World War II; in the weeks that followed, the Soviets were able to repeatedly repel the Germans, who eventually withdrew in defeat. In 1946, the bikini, created by Louis Reard, was modeled by Micheline Bernardini during a poolside fashion show in Paris. In 1948, Britain's National Health Service Act went into effect, providing publicly-financed medical and dental care. In 1954, Elvis Presley's first commercial recording session took place at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee; the song he recorded was "That's All Right." In 1971, President Richard Nixon certified the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which lowered the minimum voting age from 21 to 18. In 1975, Arthur Ashe became the first Black man to win a Wimbledon singles title as he defeated Jimmy Connors, 6-1, 6-1, 5-7, 6-4. In 1977, Pakistan's army, led by General Mohammad Zia ul-Haq, seized power from President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. (Bhutto was executed in 1979.) In 2003, Serena Williams beat sister Venus 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 for her second straight Wimbledon title. In 2009, a bankruptcy judge ruled that General Motors Corp. could sell the bulk of its assets to a new company, clearing the way for the automaker to emerge from bankruptcy protection. Roger Federer won his record 15th Grand Slam title when he outlasted Andy Roddick 5-7, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 16-14 in a marathon match for his sixth Wimbledon championship. In 2011, a jury in Orlando, Florida, found Casey Anthony, 25, not guilty of murder, manslaughter and child abuse in the 2008 disappearance and death of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee. In 2018, James Alex Fields Jr. pleaded not guilty to federal hate crime charges in a car attack on a crowd of protesters opposing a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Aug. 12, 2017; a 32-year-old woman died and dozens were injured. (Fields later pleaded guilty to 29 federal hate crime charges under a plea deal in which prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty.) Ten years ago: Israel eased its blockade of Hamas-ruled Gaza to allow virtually all consumer goods; the move was welcomed by the White House, but Gaza business leaders and rights activists said the measures were far short of what Gaza needed. Opera singer Cesare Siepi, 87, died in Atlanta. David Fanshawe, a widely traveled British musical explorer best known as the composer of "African Sanctus," died in Wiltshire, England, at age 68. Five years ago: Greek voters overwhelmingly rejected demands by international creditors for more austerity measures in exchange for a bailout of their bankrupt economy. The first pope from Latin America, Francis, landed in Ecuador, returning to South America for the first time bearing a message of solidarity with the region's poor. The United States won its third Women's World Cup title and first since 1999 with a 5-2 victory over Japan behind a first-half hat trick by Carli Lloyd. One year ago: An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 jolted much of California, setting fires, breaking roads and causing several injuries; it was the largest Southern California quake in at least 20 years. Sudan's ruling military council and its pro-democracy movement reached agreement on a power-sharing arrangement, hoping to end a three-month political crisis. Today's Birthdays: Singer-musician Robbie Robertson is 77. Julie Nixon Eisenhower is 72. Rock star Huey Lewis is 70. Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Rich "Goose" Gossage is 69. Country musician Charles Ventre is 68. Singer-songwriter Marc Cohn is 61. Actor John Marshall Jones is 58. Actor Dorien Wilson is 58. Actress Edie Falco is 57. Actress Jillian Armenante is 56. Actress Kathryn Erbe is 55. Actor Michael Stuhlbarg is 52. Country musician Brent Flynn (Flynnville Train) is 51. Rapper RZA is 51. Rhythm and blues singer Joe is 47. Rock musician Bengt Lagerberg (The Cardigans) is 47. Actor Dale Godboldo is 45. Rapper Bizarre is 44. Rapper Royce da 5'9" is 43. Rock singer Jason Wade (Lifehouse) is 40. Actor Ryan Hansen is 39. Country musician Dave Haywood (Lady A) is 38. Rock musician Nick O'Malley (Arctic Monkeys) is 35. Actor Jason Dolley is 29. California Angels pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is 26.

Today in History -- July 5

MANKATO, Minn. -- The Academic High Honor and Honor lists (dean's lists) for the past spring semester at Minnesota State University, Mankato have been announced by interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Matt Cecil.

Among 4,290 students, a total of 1,485 students qualified for the High Honor List by achieving a 4.0 straight "A" average, while 2,805 students earned a 3.5 to 3.99 average to qualify for the Honor List.

Lindsborg's&nbsp;Taylor Wilson was named to the High Honor&nbsp; List.

To qualify for academic honors, undergraduate students must be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours for the semester.

During the 2020 spring semester, because of the pandemic, there is an exception for undergraduate students who elect to use "pass/no credit" grades. Under this exception, those who received "P" grades will still be eligible for Dean's list honors if they meet all of the following criteria:

* Enrolled in at least 12 credits (i.e. full-time enrollment) * Completed at least 6 of those 12 credits using the traditional letter grading method * Earned grades of P for the remainder of their credit load for the term * Earned a term GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 14,297 students, is part of the Minnesota State system, which includes 30 colleges and seven universities.

MANKATO, Minn. -- The Academic High Honor and Honor lists (dean's lists) for the past spring semester at Minnesota State University, Mankato have been announced by interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Matt Cecil.Among 4,290 students, a total of 1,485 students qualified for the High Honor List by achieving a 4.0 straight "A" average, while 2,805 students earned a 3.5 to 3.99 average to qualify for the Honor List.Lindsborg's&nbsp;Taylor Wilson was named to the High Honor&nbsp; List.To qualify for academic honors, undergraduate students must be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours for the semester.During the 2020 spring semester, because of the pandemic, there is an exception for undergraduate students who elect to use "pass/no credit" grades. Under this exception, those who received "P" grades will still be eligible for Dean's list honors if they meet all of the following criteria:* Enrolled in at least 12 credits (i.e. full-time enrollment) * Completed at least 6 of those 12 credits using the traditional letter grading method * Earned grades of P for the remainder of their credit load for the term * Earned a term GPA of 3.5 or higher.Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 14,297 students, is part of the Minnesota State system, which includes 30 colleges and seven universities.

Lindsborg's Wilson receives academic honors from MSU, Mankato

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement concerning the air quality in several counties in our area.

The special weather statement is in effect Sunday morning for the following counties in our area.

Stagnant air and light winds have caused thick smoke from Saturday night fireworks to be trapped near the surface, causing unhealthy to very unhealthy air conditions across much of northeast Kansas. Conditions are expected to improve after 8 to 10 a.m. as increased atmospheric mixing allows for the dispersion of the smoke. Those with respiratory concerns should avoid outdoor exposure until conditions improve later this morning.

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement concerning the air quality in several counties in our area.The special weather statement is in effect Sunday morning for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyCloud CountyDickinson CountyOttawa CountyRepublic CountyThe statement is as follows.Stagnant air and light winds have caused thick smoke from Saturday night fireworks to be trapped near the surface, causing unhealthy to very unhealthy air conditions across much of northeast Kansas. Conditions are expected to improve after 8 to 10 a.m. as increased atmospheric mixing allows for the dispersion of the smoke. Those with respiratory concerns should avoid outdoor exposure until conditions improve later this morning.

NWS issues special weather statement concerning air quality

MANHATTAN&nbsp; – A Kansas State University veterinarian is urging cattle producers to beef up their plans for managing heat stress in their herds, a challenge that costs the U.S. cattle industry up to $370 million in losses each year.

A.J. Tarpoff, a beef veterinarian with K-State Research and Extension, said cattle are resilient animals; they will often acclimate to hot temperatures.

But an accumulation of factors – including humidity, solar radiation, the color of their hide, diet and more – can drastically change a cow’s ability to withstand summer’s heat.

“It really is a multi-layer challenge,” Tarpoff said. “Each animal within a group or pen is not affected the same way. Animals with higher body condition scores, or with darker hides, or finisher steers and heifers that are getting ready to go to harvest are at higher-risk of heat stress.”

Tarpoff said heat stress decreases the reproductive efficiency and performance of cattle grazing on pasture. In confined facilities, heat stress often causes cattle to eat less, which also negatively affects their performance.

The human body cools itself on a hot day by sweating, called evaporative cooling. But Tarpoff notes that cattle sweat only 10 percent as much as humans, and panting is their primary way of dissipating heat.

“As temperatures rise and their heat load increases, they will start breathing faster,” he said. “They are dissipating heat through tiny droplets in the respiratory tract.”

Doing so, however, causes cows to eat less, setting them on a path to poor growth and future performance.

“This all has to do with heat load,” Tarpoff said. “The internal temperature of cattle will peak two hours after the hottest point of the day. So our strategy for keeping cows cool needs to be built around knowing that.”

Another factor is that cattle produce heat by digesting food, typically four to six hours after eating. “So if we feed animals within the wrong period of time, we can actually increase their heat load because the heat of digestion and the heat from the environment are building on top of each other,” Tarpoff said. “We want to keep that from happening.”

Tarpoff listed best management practices for helping to reduce heat stress in cows:

Handling.&nbsp;Receive, ship or move cattle only during the coolest parts of the day, preferably before 10 a.m.

Feeding.&nbsp;Modify feeding times. Feed 70 percent of the animals’ ration as late in the evening as possible, which puts the peak heat of digestion overnight when temperatures are likely cooler. Decrease feeding during the day.

Managing heat.&nbsp;Split cattle between pens or reduce stocking density. Maximize airflow by removing obstructions around facilities, including weeds. If feasible, install shade structures, which can reduce solar radiation and reduce the temperature on the pen’s floor. Install sprinklers to wet cattle down at night or early morning so as not to increase humidity.

Then, of course, there is the importance of providing water. Lots and lots of water.

“To put it into perspective, when the temperature goes from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees, a cattle will consume about double the amount of water,” Tarpoff said.

As a rule, he said cattle should consume “about five times the amount of water as the dry matter they are consuming.”

“Cool, clean and readily-available water is critical during heat stress events. We may have to increase the water tank capacity within a pen to meet these needs. Producers need to be prepared for that.”

Tarpoff said he follows two sources for help in making a decision when to put a heat stress management plan into full effect.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/clay-center-ne/marc" target="_blank">U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC)</a>&nbsp;maintains a seven-day forecast tool for the United States, taking into account temperature, humidity and solar radiation.

“The other tool I use is the&nbsp;<a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas Mesonet</a>, which provides an animal comfort index,” he said. The Kansas Mesonet, housed at Kansas State University, is a network of observation towers located across the state that updates climate information every hour.

“I know that if we don’t have those night-time cooling hours, the animal won’t be starting each day at thermo-neutral, so they’re more at risk on the second or third day,” Tarpoff said. “That’s when we should start putting in some of these management strategies.”

For more information or assistance,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">contact your local extension agent</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593919749000.jpeg" alt="Cattle cooling off in water. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Cattle cooling off in water. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN&nbsp; – A Kansas State University veterinarian is urging cattle producers to beef up their plans for managing heat stress in their herds, a challenge that costs the U.S. cattle industry up to $370 million in losses each year.A.J. Tarpoff, a beef veterinarian with K-State Research and Extension, said cattle are resilient animals; they will often acclimate to hot temperatures.But an accumulation of factors – including humidity, solar radiation, the color of their hide, diet and more – can drastically change a cow’s ability to withstand summer’s heat.“It really is a multi-layer challenge,” Tarpoff said. “Each animal within a group or pen is not affected the same way. Animals with higher body condition scores, or with darker hides, or finisher steers and heifers that are getting ready to go to harvest are at higher-risk of heat stress.”Tarpoff said heat stress decreases the reproductive efficiency and performance of cattle grazing on pasture. In confined facilities, heat stress often causes cattle to eat less, which also negatively affects their performance.The human body cools itself on a hot day by sweating, called evaporative cooling. But Tarpoff notes that cattle sweat only 10 percent as much as humans, and panting is their primary way of dissipating heat.“As temperatures rise and their heat load increases, they will start breathing faster,” he said. “They are dissipating heat through tiny droplets in the respiratory tract.”Doing so, however, causes cows to eat less, setting them on a path to poor growth and future performance.“This all has to do with heat load,” Tarpoff said. “The internal temperature of cattle will peak two hours after the hottest point of the day. So our strategy for keeping cows cool needs to be built around knowing that.”Another factor is that cattle produce heat by digesting food, typically four to six hours after eating. “So if we feed animals within the wrong period of time, we can actually increase their heat load because the heat of digestion and the heat from the environment are building on top of each other,” Tarpoff said. “We want to keep that from happening.”Tarpoff listed best management practices for helping to reduce heat stress in cows:Handling.&nbsp;Receive, ship or move cattle only during the coolest parts of the day, preferably before 10 a.m.Feeding.&nbsp;Modify feeding times. Feed 70 percent of the animals’ ration as late in the evening as possible, which puts the peak heat of digestion overnight when temperatures are likely cooler. Decrease feeding during the day.Managing heat.&nbsp;Split cattle between pens or reduce stocking density. Maximize airflow by removing obstructions around facilities, including weeds. If feasible, install shade structures, which can reduce solar radiation and reduce the temperature on the pen’s floor. Install sprinklers to wet cattle down at night or early morning so as not to increase humidity.Then, of course, there is the importance of providing water. Lots and lots of water.“To put it into perspective, when the temperature goes from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees, a cattle will consume about double the amount of water,” Tarpoff said.As a rule, he said cattle should consume “about five times the amount of water as the dry matter they are consuming.”“Cool, clean and readily-available water is critical during heat stress events. We may have to increase the water tank capacity within a pen to meet these needs. Producers need to be prepared for that.”Tarpoff said he follows two sources for help in making a decision when to put a heat stress management plan into full effect.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/clay-center-ne/marc" target="_blank">U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC)</a>&nbsp;maintains a seven-day forecast tool for the United States, taking into account temperature, humidity and solar radiation.“The other tool I use is the&nbsp;<a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas Mesonet</a>, which provides an animal comfort index,” he said. The Kansas Mesonet, housed at Kansas State University, is a network of observation towers located across the state that updates climate information every hour.“I know that if we don’t have those night-time cooling hours, the animal won’t be starting each day at thermo-neutral, so they’re more at risk on the second or third day,” Tarpoff said. “That’s when we should start putting in some of these management strategies.”For more information or assistance,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">contact your local extension agent</a>.

K-State vet shares tips for managing cattle through heat

A small earthquke shook part of southeastern Saline County Saturday.

According to the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS), a 2.6 magnitude quake struck at 12:27 p.m. Saturday. It was centered southeast of Salina, a bit southeast of the intersection of South Holmes Road and East Farrelly Road, KGS reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593921882593.png" alt="Map courtesy KGS" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy KGS</figcaption>
 </figure>A small earthquke shook part of southeastern Saline County Saturday.According to the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS), a 2.6 magnitude quake struck at 12:27 p.m. Saturday. It was centered southeast of Salina, a bit southeast of the intersection of South Holmes Road and East Farrelly Road, KGS reported.

Small earthquake rattles part of Saline County Saturday

By TIM UNRUH Salina Airport Authority

Smiles pierced protective masks as Salina leaders pioneered another huge leap toward solving a colossal community problem.

After unanimous votes at a June 24 joint meeting, officials with Salina Public Entities — the city, school district, Kansas State University and airport authority — moved toward resolution in an important battle during a nearly 22-year squabble with the United States of America.

The SPE is on track to secure a settlement&nbsp;worth nearly $68 million to clean up a military mess in western Salina.

It was “a significant day in Salina,” said Alan Eichelberger, airport authority board chairman, when the SPE signed the consent agreement.

Those were key moments since negotiations began in 2007, he said.

“These Salina Public Entities invested their time, talent and organizational funding to keep the project moving forward until this agreement was consummated,” Eichelberger&nbsp;said.

Much praise was showered on local civic leaders from Tim Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority, for decades of solidarity. He led the meeting.

“Thank-you for the teamwork and partnership that it took to arrive at this significant milestone,” Rogers said. “I don’t think the federal government thought we could do it.”

Salina Mayor Mike Hoppock turned the spotlight on Rogers.

“A lot of thank-you’s need to go to Tim Rogers,” Hoppock said. “You spearheaded this and we appreciate everything you’ve done.”

The man who stood strong against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from the beginning, humbly responded after a round of applause.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be of service to all of you,” he said. “The focus has always been a safe and healthy environment for the community.”&nbsp;

InGreat Plains Manufacturing Convention Hall of the Tony’s Pizza Events Center, the SPE approved a consent decree with the federal government, settling claims associated with environmental contamination at the former Schilling Air Force Base that was used by the Department of Defense starting in the 1940s.

The same land and most of the buildings now encompass the Salina Regional Airport and Airport Industrial Center.

The base closed in 1965, but left behind years of pollution, primarily from the solvent trichloroethylene, or TCE, in the soil and groundwater. It is creeping, ever so slowly, toward city water wells.

By TIM UNRUH Salina Airport AuthoritySmiles pierced protective masks as Salina leaders pioneered another huge leap toward solving a colossal community problem. After unanimous votes at a June 24 joint meeting, officials with Salina Public Entities — the city, school district, Kansas State University and airport authority — moved toward resolution in an important battle during a nearly 22-year squabble with the United States of America. The SPE is on track to secure a settlement&nbsp;worth nearly $68 million to clean up a military mess in western Salina. It was “a significant day in Salina,” said Alan Eichelberger, airport authority board chairman, when the SPE signed the consent agreement. Those were key moments since negotiations began in 2007, he said. “These Salina Public Entities invested their time, talent and organizational funding to keep the project moving forward until this agreement was consummated,” Eichelberger&nbsp;said. Much praise was showered on local civic leaders from Tim Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority, for decades of solidarity. He led the meeting. “Thank-you for the teamwork and partnership that it took to arrive at this significant milestone,” Rogers said. “I don’t think the federal government thought we could do it.” Salina Mayor Mike Hoppock turned the spotlight on Rogers. “A lot of thank-you’s need to go to Tim Rogers,” Hoppock said. “You spearheaded this and we appreciate everything you’ve done.” The man who stood strong against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from the beginning, humbly responded after a round of applause. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be of service to all of you,” he said. “The focus has always been a safe and healthy environment for the community.”&nbsp; InGreat Plains Manufacturing Convention Hall of the Tony’s Pizza Events Center, the SPE approved a consent decree with the federal government, settling claims associated with environmental contamination at the former Schilling Air Force Base that was used by the Department of Defense starting in the 1940s. The same land and most of the buildings now encompass the Salina Regional Airport and Airport Industrial Center. The base closed in 1965, but left behind years of pollution, primarily from the solvent trichloroethylene, or TCE, in the soil and groundwater. It is creeping, ever so slowly, toward city water wells. A carcinogen, TCE was used as a degreaser to wash aircraft and weapons at the base. The water wells are not in immediate danger,&nbsp;city officials have stressed over the years, but their aim is to eliminate the underground plumes. Sometime during the late summer, when a “lump sum” of $65.9 million in federal funds find their way to Salina, the legal battle will be over and plans for cleanup will commence. Counting $1.8 million already in hand, Salina Public Entities will have $68 million to clean up the mess. “In exchange for that, the U.S. asked for a walk-away deal with no reopeners,” said Andy Davis, the SPE’s environmental attorney, speaking by conference call. “They will not participate or be involved in cleanup in any way. They will basically wash their hands of the site,” he said. “The (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) is done with the site. The U.S. is protected from additional claims.” Of the $68 million, $10.775 million is available to cover “unforeseen costs,” said Mike Schrage, city manager. “If we don’t have contingencies that exceed the budget, we may be able to complete the project with the funds received.” Situations can change because of project size, Mayor Hoppock said, but chances are good the cleanup will stay under budget. “We really believe the federal funding will be sufficient,” he said. “We shouldn’t have to raise the city mill levy in order to help pay for the remediation.” Kansas Department of Health and Environment will oversee the cleanup and Dragun Corp., of Farmington, Mich., will likely serve as the effort’s environmental engineering and consulting firm. Dragun experts have been testing contamination levels for years and will continue through the design of a remediation plan and the cleanup work. Soon it will be “time to do the fun stuff,” said Martha Tasker, Salina director of utilities, who will serve as project manager. “I’m excited to get the project going and actually solve the problem,” she said. “We’ve been gathering data for several years.” But first, the decree must be signed by the Department of Justice and U.S. District Court, Kansas. As early as August when the federal funds arrive and remedial plans can be finalized, cleanup can begin, Davis said. “All pieces of the puzzle are coming together,” he said. “SPEs will continue to control the site and cleanup.” Davis added that the entities will be protected by specialized environmental insurance coverages. The gathering of 30 people in Great Plains Manufacturing Convention Hall, seated at safe distances, was necessary to formally approve the U.S. offer that was drafted over three separate four-day confidential mediation sessions that concluded Jan. 15 in Kansas City, Mo. “The fact that four public entities have worked cooperatively together as long as they have, is impressive,” Schrage said. “It was obvious as we were negotiating that we were together and our resolve was to stay together as we have all along, and that helped in our negotiating positions.” Echoing those sentiments was Greg Bengtson, legal counsel for both the city and airport authority. “I think (solidarity) has everything to do with us being at this point in the process,” he said, “along with good advice from environmental council and the benefit of the technical capabilities of the Dragun Corporation as our technical consultants.” A number of key figures emerged during the investigation of contamination at the former base, Bengtson said, reaching back to the early 2000s. “When the U.S. government came out and did an initial analysis, the recommendation was that natural attenuation over time would solve the problem,” he said.&nbsp; In other words, the contamination would naturally dilute to the point that it would be safe. Enter Ilene Munk, who had been an attorney for the Environmental Protection Agency in Kansas City. “We were fortunate that Ilene had recently come back to Salina,” Bengtson said. “She was the one who recognized there were aspects of the site that were not fully investigated, that there was a lot more to be learned about the contamination at the site.” Attorney Ann Zimmerman was sharing an office with Munk at the time. “Ilene had an entire conference room filled up with notebooks on the water issues,” she said.The SPE’s all-in votes June 24, told a story in and of itself, said Zimmerman, school board president. The Salina native has been following the issue since moving back to town in 2000. “It’s just an enormous accomplishment to get this done,” she said. “We seemed to be on the right side of this the whole time, but you do hear that this is revolutionary, that nobody else across the country has been able to accomplish this type of thing.” Staying in lockstep on the issue was “huge,” she said. “I think it surprised the government that we all stuck together.” Keeping the big picture at the forefront was — and still is — a big deal to Alysia Starkey, CEO and dean of Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus. “I’ve found the SPEs have worked incredibly well together and have been very well focused on not each other’s individual interests, but the interests of the community of Salina as a whole,” she said. “It’s been very different than any other group I’ve been in before.” While he’s proud to have played a role, City Manager Schrage was quick to remind there were many others through the years. “I took it the last five yards,” he said. “Everybody else did all the heavy lifting on this deal.” Salina Public Entities stayed the course and never swayed, Starkey said. “It started out with a pledge to protect the greater Salina community, and it ended that way,” Starkey said. “There will be people after us, fulfilling the obligations of this remedial plan. I have every confidence that they will remain committed to the best interests of Salina.” It’s always been that way, said Dennis Kissinger, now of Shawnee. He was Salina city manager for 17 1/2 years, including when the Schilling contamination discussions began, and has been retired roughly 15 years. “What may be most impressive about it is that all the changing political leadership of the public entities, stayed together,” he said. “It’s a remarkable example of inter-governmental trust and cooperation. Everyone was looking out for not only their own interests, but more important than their one entity was looking out for their whole community.” Remaining steadfast against federal leaders helped the SPE prevail, Kissinger said. “They thought they could outlast the local community, and the persistence of working on behalf of the locals was something that Salina and Saline County is very good at,” he said. “It’s nice to finally be on the right side of history with this.”&nbsp;&nbsp;This article is republished with permission of the Salina Airport Authority.