HAYS – Fort Hays State University’s Department of Criminal Justice continued the tradition of awarding students who have gone above and beyond in the classroom, on campus, and/or in the community. Award recipients for the 2019-20 academic year are as follows: Abby Hayes, sophomore from Baldwin City, Departmental Service Award, which goes to a student who goes above and beyond in service to the department, the university, and the community. Brooke Luedke, senior from Mankato, Wendell W. Wyatt Scholarship, awarded to a student who entering their junior or senior year demonstrated leadership in and out of the classroom and academic success. Nia Vasquez-Ward, graduating senior from Colorado Springs, Colo., Outstanding Senior Award, given to a graduating senior who demonstrated leadership both in and out of the classroom, involved in a variety of campus activities and organizations, engaged in the community, and academic success. Nia graduated this semester with a bachelor of science in criminal justice and a minor in psychology. This award ceremony would have occurred during the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Honors Reception. The reception was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but these outstanding students still deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591495652770.png" alt="Photos courtesy FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS – Fort Hays State University’s Department of Criminal Justice continued the tradition of awarding students who have gone above and beyond in the classroom, on campus, and/or in the community. Award recipients for the 2019-20 academic year are as follows: Abby Hayes, sophomore from Baldwin City, Departmental Service Award, which goes to a student who goes above and beyond in service to the department, the university, and the community. Brooke Luedke, senior from Mankato, Wendell W. Wyatt Scholarship, awarded to a student who entering their junior or senior year demonstrated leadership in and out of the classroom and academic success. Nia Vasquez-Ward, graduating senior from Colorado Springs, Colo., Outstanding Senior Award, given to a graduating senior who demonstrated leadership both in and out of the classroom, involved in a variety of campus activities and organizations, engaged in the community, and academic success. Nia graduated this semester with a bachelor of science in criminal justice and a minor in psychology. This award ceremony would have occurred during the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Honors Reception. The reception was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but these outstanding students still deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU criminal justice department recognizes outstanding students

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Recent obituaries

KANcycle,&nbsp;the bike share program of&nbsp;north central Kansas, may be looking for another provider following a recent announcement from Zagster.

OCCK, Inc. has been advised that Zagster, the company responsible for providing the bicycles for the KANcycle bike sharing program, had closed bike sharing in many locations across the country, including Wichita.&nbsp;OCCK has also been advised that Zagster is going out of business and will be liquidating its assets effective immediately.&nbsp;OCCK has not received a direct notification from the company.

The company sent an email to other partners earlier this week.

"We are disappointed by this recent turn of events," said Michelle Griffin, Mobility Manager for north central Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Zagster closed down bike sharing at the end of March because of COVID-19, but we hoped that it was just temporary.&nbsp;KANcycle has been so successful and we know people are enjoying riding bikes.&nbsp;If these advisements are true, we plan to have another bike share supplier soon."

OCCK is in the process of researching and partnering with other vendors.&nbsp;Additional announcements will be made in the future once decisions are made.

KANcycle, a program of OCCK, provides north central Kansas with convenient, affordable access to bicycles as an easy, fun, healthy and eco-friendly means of transportation and recreation.&nbsp;Bike racks can be found in Salina, Minneapolis, Concordia, Belleville, Mankato, Beloit, Lincoln and Ellsworth.&nbsp;KANcycle is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.

OCCK, Inc. provides services in north central Kansas to anyone with any type of long or short-term disability, starting as early as birth and following people through their whole lives.&nbsp;OCCK provides an array of supports for success at home and in the community, including independent living skills and supports, employment and career training, Alzheimer's supports, autism services, assistive technology, children's services, transportation, specialized therapies, and home health care.

For more information about KANcycle, visit www.kancycle.org.&nbsp;For more information about OCCK, Inc., visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.occk.com./" target="_blank">www.occk.com.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591486807578.jpeg" alt="KanCycle bicycles at Kansas Wesleyan University. Salina Post photo" />
 <figcaption>KanCycle bicycles at Kansas Wesleyan University. Salina Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANcycle,&nbsp;the bike share program of&nbsp;north central Kansas, may be looking for another provider following a recent announcement from Zagster.OCCK, Inc. has been advised that Zagster, the company responsible for providing the bicycles for the KANcycle bike sharing program, had closed bike sharing in many locations across the country, including Wichita.&nbsp;OCCK has also been advised that Zagster is going out of business and will be liquidating its assets effective immediately.&nbsp;OCCK has not received a direct notification from the company.The company sent an email to other partners earlier this week."We are disappointed by this recent turn of events," said Michelle Griffin, Mobility Manager for north central Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Zagster closed down bike sharing at the end of March because of COVID-19, but we hoped that it was just temporary.&nbsp;KANcycle has been so successful and we know people are enjoying riding bikes.&nbsp;If these advisements are true, we plan to have another bike share supplier soon."OCCK is in the process of researching and partnering with other vendors.&nbsp;Additional announcements will be made in the future once decisions are made.KANcycle, a program of OCCK, provides north central Kansas with convenient, affordable access to bicycles as an easy, fun, healthy and eco-friendly means of transportation and recreation.&nbsp;Bike racks can be found in Salina, Minneapolis, Concordia, Belleville, Mankato, Beloit, Lincoln and Ellsworth.&nbsp;KANcycle is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.OCCK, Inc. provides services in north central Kansas to anyone with any type of long or short-term disability, starting as early as birth and following people through their whole lives.&nbsp;OCCK provides an array of supports for success at home and in the community, including independent living skills and supports, employment and career training, Alzheimer's supports, autism services, assistive technology, children's services, transportation, specialized therapies, and home health care.For more information about KANcycle, visit www.kancycle.org.&nbsp;For more information about OCCK, Inc., visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.occk.com./" target="_blank">www.occk.com.</a>

OCCK says changes may be coming to KANcycle bike sharing program

Following is an email that Dr. Teresa Clounch,&nbsp;assistant vice president for student affairs, senior diversity officer, and Title IX coordinator at Fort Hays State University, sent to the campus community on Friday.

While her words are geared for the FHSU community, they also can apply to the rest of us.

Dear FHSU Students, Staff, and Faculty, The past 100 days have brought to light the current climate based on systematic and institutional discrimination. The hate, dissension, and violence experienced by Blacks/African Americans leaves people wondering when will the change shift to antiracist views and practices. Being able to reimagine a world where racism is no longer a concern, is a dream many have. People of color have been reimagining their lives, too. Reimagining an America without institutionalized racism has been the condition for Blacks/African Americans for hundreds of years. The recent death of Mr. George Floyd reminds the marginalized students, faculty, and staff of our community that the fundamental injustice of institutionalized racism has not changed. Change. Change is necessary to breakdown the injustices of the American Dream. For many, that dream has been destroyed by the senseless murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. &nbsp;By the harassment of Travis Miller while working as a delivery driver. And by the shameful confrontation experienced by Christian Cooper, while bird watching in New York City’s Central Park. So, what are&nbsp;you&nbsp;doing to confront institutional racism and rebuild a system that is anti-racist? What you are doing to make a difference? You are not expected to make a difference alone. Our university’s leadership acknowledges that “we can’t single-handedly fix all that is wrong” necessitates that we dedicate ourselves to do the work that prompts the change. Those with the terms diversity, equity, and inclusion in their titles&nbsp;must&nbsp;have your help to breakdown institutional racism. Become an accomplice for change. &nbsp;An accomplice takes action against injustices. Acknowledge and embrace that change must take place and then ask&nbsp;how you can help.&nbsp;We can start right here on our campus. You can start in the community where you live and help your neighbors navigate these troubling times. Reach out. Talk to others. Be kind. For those of you who are feeling overwhelmed and need support, talk with a trusted colleague, faculty/staff, friend, or family member. &nbsp;And know I am here for you, too, as are the professional counselors at the Kelly Center. This call for change is not an indictment of law enforcement. We recognize there are racist views in all professions, that is the very definition of institutionalized racism. &nbsp;We are grateful to those who protect and serve our communities. And for those who are advocates, allies, and accomplices for anti-racism, thank you, too. What now? Acknowledge the need to address institutional racism. Engage in meaningful conversations with others about discrimination. Get involved with diversity and equity programs and commit to continued education. Bring microaggression training to your classroom. Have staff participate in Safe Zone training. Attend the Tunnel of Oppression. Join in Novels for Hope. To move forward and create change, we must work in concert so the thread of diversity, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of the university by everyone who teaches, leads, advises, encourages, and interacts with every student, alum, faculty, and staff. Sincerely, Dr. Teresa L. Clounch Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs | Senior Diversity Officer | Title IX Coordinator NASPA IV-West Regional Director (2020-2022) Fort Hays State University&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591483895366.jpeg" alt="Dr. Teresa Clounch. Photo courtesy FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Teresa Clounch. Photo courtesy FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>Following is an email that Dr. Teresa Clounch,&nbsp;assistant vice president for student affairs, senior diversity officer, and Title IX coordinator at Fort Hays State University, sent to the campus community on Friday.While her words are geared for the FHSU community, they also can apply to the rest of us.Dear FHSU Students, Staff, and Faculty, The past 100 days have brought to light the current climate based on systematic and institutional discrimination. The hate, dissension, and violence experienced by Blacks/African Americans leaves people wondering when will the change shift to antiracist views and practices. Being able to reimagine a world where racism is no longer a concern, is a dream many have. People of color have been reimagining their lives, too. Reimagining an America without institutionalized racism has been the condition for Blacks/African Americans for hundreds of years. The recent death of Mr. George Floyd reminds the marginalized students, faculty, and staff of our community that the fundamental injustice of institutionalized racism has not changed. Change. Change is necessary to breakdown the injustices of the American Dream. For many, that dream has been destroyed by the senseless murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. &nbsp;By the harassment of Travis Miller while working as a delivery driver. And by the shameful confrontation experienced by Christian Cooper, while bird watching in New York City’s Central Park. So, what are&nbsp;you&nbsp;doing to confront institutional racism and rebuild a system that is anti-racist? What you are doing to make a difference? You are not expected to make a difference alone. Our university’s leadership acknowledges that “we can’t single-handedly fix all that is wrong” necessitates that we dedicate ourselves to do the work that prompts the change. Those with the terms diversity, equity, and inclusion in their titles&nbsp;must&nbsp;have your help to breakdown institutional racism. Become an accomplice for change. &nbsp;An accomplice takes action against injustices. Acknowledge and embrace that change must take place and then ask&nbsp;how you can help.&nbsp;We can start right here on our campus. You can start in the community where you live and help your neighbors navigate these troubling times. Reach out. Talk to others. Be kind. For those of you who are feeling overwhelmed and need support, talk with a trusted colleague, faculty/staff, friend, or family member. &nbsp;And know I am here for you, too, as are the professional counselors at the Kelly Center. This call for change is not an indictment of law enforcement. We recognize there are racist views in all professions, that is the very definition of institutionalized racism. &nbsp;We are grateful to those who protect and serve our communities. And for those who are advocates, allies, and accomplices for anti-racism, thank you, too. What now? Acknowledge the need to address institutional racism. Engage in meaningful conversations with others about discrimination. Get involved with diversity and equity programs and commit to continued education. Bring microaggression training to your classroom. Have staff participate in Safe Zone training. Attend the Tunnel of Oppression. Join in Novels for Hope. To move forward and create change, we must work in concert so the thread of diversity, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of the university by everyone who teaches, leads, advises, encourages, and interacts with every student, alum, faculty, and staff. Sincerely, Dr. Teresa L. Clounch Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs | Senior Diversity Officer | Title IX Coordinator NASPA IV-West Regional Director (2020-2022) Fort Hays State University&nbsp;&nbsp;

CLOUNCH: Our role in the world moving forward

Follow the money! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansashistorical/">Kansas Historical Society</a> Facebook page:

Follow the money! 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%2F10157879933655091&width=500" width="500" height="539" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

KHS: Moving with the cattle trade

Looking for something free to do? Try fishing! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kdwpt/">Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism</a> Facebook page:

Looking for something free to do? Try fishing! From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kdwpt/">Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkdwpt%2Fposts%2F10157707267883640&width=500" width="500" height="540" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

KDWPT: It's Free Fishing Weekend

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department has reported three new confirmed COVID-19 cases, two of which are associated with a cluster at a private company in the county.

The first newly confirmed case is a male in his 30s, currently recovering at home, with known exposure to another positive case.

The second newly confirmed case is a male in his 30s, currently recovering at home, with known exposure to another positive case.

The third newly confirmed case is a male in his 30s, currently recovering at home, with known exposure to another positive case.

"Two of the new positive cases, along with the positive case from June 1st and June 3rd (4 total, are all now related to a cluster at a private company in McPherson County. Facility-wide testing is taking place to identify any asymptomatic carriers. This private company does not have general public access; therefore, the location will not be released. Staff at this company have been contacted and are aware of the situation. Let this serve as a reminder that COVID-19 is still present in our communities, so please stay home if you are ill and maintain your distance when you are around others," the health department reported.

Of McPherson County's 33 confirmed cases, 25 have met recovery guidelines set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and one remains hospitalized, the health department noted.

MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department has reported three new confirmed COVID-19 cases, two of which are associated with a cluster at a private company in the county.The first newly confirmed case is a male in his 30s, currently recovering at home, with known exposure to another positive case.The second newly confirmed case is a male in his 30s, currently recovering at home, with known exposure to another positive case.The third newly confirmed case is a male in his 30s, currently recovering at home, with known exposure to another positive case."Two of the new positive cases, along with the positive case from June 1st and June 3rd (4 total, are all now related to a cluster at a private company in McPherson County. Facility-wide testing is taking place to identify any asymptomatic carriers. This private company does not have general public access; therefore, the location will not be released. Staff at this company have been contacted and are aware of the situation. Let this serve as a reminder that COVID-19 is still present in our communities, so please stay home if you are ill and maintain your distance when you are around others," the health department reported.Of McPherson County's 33 confirmed cases, 25 have met recovery guidelines set forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and one remains hospitalized, the health department noted.

McPherson County reports 3 new cases of COVID-19; 2 connected to cluster

ABILENE -- COVID-19 has another victim: the public events at the Central Kansas Free Fair.

The Central Kansas Free Fair board made the announcement in a letter posted on the fair's <a href="http://www.ckff.net/">website</a>. The text of the letter follows.

To the Dickinson County and surrounding communities:

The Central Kansas Free Fair Board has made the decision to cancel all public events for the 2020 fair. The public events include: the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo, the demolition derby, tractor pull, parade, carnival, open class judging, and other entertainment events. This decision was not made lightly and has taken into consideration guidance from the Dickinson County Health Officer, K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and city and county officials. The Fair Board also took into great consideration the financial impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on families, businesses, and the fair board. We appreciate everyone’s understanding of this decision and look forward to making the 2021 fair bigger and better.

The focus of the 2020 fair will be given to the 4-H members. We want to give our 4-Her’s the opportunity to have their exhibits judged in a safe and healthy environment. These judging events, including livestock shows, will not be open to the public and access to the fairgrounds will limited to exhibitors, immediate family, event volunteers, and staff. Every effort will be made to video shows and photograph exhibits so the public has access to view them online.

Please look for further updates on the livestock auction. The sale committee will be posting information within the next week on the steps being taken to make sure that our exhibitors receive recognition that is due for their hard work and dedication.

Once again, please know this decision was not made easily. We look forward to the continued support and the 2021 fair.

The Central Kansas Free Fair Board

ABILENE -- COVID-19 has another victim: the public events at the Central Kansas Free Fair.The Central Kansas Free Fair board made the announcement in a letter posted on the fair's <a href="http://www.ckff.net/">website</a>. The text of the letter follows.To the Dickinson County and surrounding communities: The Central Kansas Free Fair Board has made the decision to cancel all public events for the 2020 fair. The public events include: the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo, the demolition derby, tractor pull, parade, carnival, open class judging, and other entertainment events. This decision was not made lightly and has taken into consideration guidance from the Dickinson County Health Officer, K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and city and county officials. The Fair Board also took into great consideration the financial impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on families, businesses, and the fair board. We appreciate everyone’s understanding of this decision and look forward to making the 2021 fair bigger and better. The focus of the 2020 fair will be given to the 4-H members. We want to give our 4-Her’s the opportunity to have their exhibits judged in a safe and healthy environment. These judging events, including livestock shows, will not be open to the public and access to the fairgrounds will limited to exhibitors, immediate family, event volunteers, and staff. Every effort will be made to video shows and photograph exhibits so the public has access to view them online. Please look for further updates on the livestock auction. The sale committee will be posting information within the next week on the steps being taken to make sure that our exhibitors receive recognition that is due for their hard work and dedication. Once again, please know this decision was not made easily. We look forward to the continued support and the 2021 fair. Sincerely, The Central Kansas Free Fair Board

Central Kansas Free Fair board cancels public events for 2020

Two of our least-known freedoms, petition and assembly, are at the heart of our nation’s most profound changes.

Today, those two freedoms are powering a deep national conversation both in person and online involving millions of us about how we should deal with racism, bigotry and criminal justice in the wake of&nbsp;George Floyd’s&nbsp;death while in police custody in Minneapolis.

Some of those conversations have been marred by the violence inflicted by a relative few. As the final words of the First Amendment’s 45 words provide, we have the constitutional right “peaceably&nbsp;to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Stores have been looted and buildings set afire. Journalists have been attacked, injured and arrested in multiple cities while reporting on the protests. And at last count, well over 1,000 demonstrators have been arrested and many more thousands have been teargassed, hit with pepper balls, beaten or taken into custody in police sweeps.

Serious situations, to be sure. But we would be wrong to permit those very visible and tragic moments to distract us from, first, grieving with Floyd’s family, and second, keeping sight of the larger point that, from police procedures and racial profiling to economic inequality and its impact across society, we have national problems to solve.

Nothing in those 45 words instructs how assembly and petition are supposed to work. But we’ve often taken to the streets when facing our nation’s most profound times to let our voices be heard. And #walkwithus shows signs of being a long-running rallying point, much like #blacklivesmatter and #metoo

Protest has served as both a release and a megaphone for views that range from “Occupy Wall Street” to the Tea Party movement to those protesting COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.

The 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom has a place in history firmly rooted as the setting for one of the nation’s most galvanizing public speeches: The&nbsp;Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s&nbsp;“I have a Dream” speech.

Assembly has been the tool of choice for those supporting “March for Our Lives” in the wake of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., and for the annual anti-abortion marches across America.

From women marching in the 19th&nbsp;and early 20th&nbsp;centuries to demand the right to vote, to the modern civil rights movement’s demand in the 1950s and ’60s for an end to legalized racial discrimination, formal policy and laws have come about because people of like minds gathered and petitioned government for change – and in the process, touched the minds and conscience of the nation.

The nation’s newest tools for conversation, declaration and self-examination are flooded with each as a result of Floyd’s death.

The Facebook and Instagram accounts of many celebrities, magazines, even restaurant sites have turned from the usual plot discussions and topics to calls for solutions to racial discrimination, and prosecution of the police officers who were involved in Floyd’s death.

In Nashville, award-winning investigative journalist&nbsp;Phil Williams&nbsp;posted old photos and newspaper headlines from that city’s history of protests, as different as black men and women fighting racial discrimination during the civil rights era are to largely white conservatives angered decades ago by a proposed state income tax (and reported to have thrown rocks through Statehouse windows).

At #walkwithus, comments ranged widely – from one woman referring to some police action against protesters saying “Wow. White folks getting a small taste of what it’s like to be us” to “I feel your pain to the core of my being” to “the power of our ‘millennial’ generation is the ability to leverage our power of being instant authorities on the indelible ink of the Internet … the challenge now is to keep doing it with integrity.”

Facebook staff – in a rare public rebuke of the social media giant, staged a virtual walkout Monday in protest of the site’s continued posting of what the employee group called “inaction on inflammatory posts” around the Floyd protests by&nbsp;President Donald J. Trump.

Even police in multiple cities have – at times to the surprise of demonstrators – joined protesters in visible ways to make a larger statement than their role might suggest:

In Flint, Mich., Genesee County Sheriff&nbsp;Chris Swanson&nbsp;spoke and then marched with demonstrators who were met by police officers in riot gear, local affiliate&nbsp;WEYI. 

In Portland, Ore., New York City, Coral Gables, Fla., Washington, D.C., and Des Moines, police officers knelt in solidarity with protesters.

Protest’s long history in America extends, as most school children learn, to before the nation was founded in the Boston Tea Party to the Liberty Tree movement in which colonists gathered around a tree to decry – and sometimes hang British administrators in effigy.

Such protests and assemblies have also provided searing images – intended or not – of moments when the nation’s views were shifting on a particular issue. An iconic photo of peaceful crowds along the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall during King’s “Dream” speech remains an indelible image of the hundreds of thousands who gathered that day. And the searing pain shown by 14-year-old&nbsp;Mary Ann Vecchio,&nbsp;kneeling over the body of&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Miller_(shooting_victim)" target="_blank">Jeffrey Miller</a>, who was fatally shot by the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_National_Guard" target="_blank">Ohio National Guard</a>&nbsp;moments earlier, freezes in time the impact – and risks taken – by student-led protests against the Vietnam War.

The nation’s founders didn’t give a timetable for change as a result of peaceful assembly and petition for change. Rather, they had a belief in future generations – that discussion and debate, even if rough and tumble, without government interference would lead to decisions benefiting the greatest number of us.

Slowly and at times imperfectly, our public self-review process of assembly and petition generally has propelled us to toward the best solution for all.

We’re a better society for the open and sharp turmoil over issues concerning minority, LGBTQ and women’s rights, and the extent to which personal religious liberty can be guaranteed along with safeguards from discrimination and bias.

The meaning and impact of protests by many over George Floyd’s death at least seems likely to outlast the damage done by a few. The nation’s founders enacted protections for our core freedoms so that we could adapt, reform and improve – but it’s up to us to use those freedoms.

Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573872297806.png" alt="Gene Policinski. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By GENE POLICINSKITwo of our least-known freedoms, petition and assembly, are at the heart of our nation’s most profound changes.Today, those two freedoms are powering a deep national conversation both in person and online involving millions of us about how we should deal with racism, bigotry and criminal justice in the wake of&nbsp;George Floyd’s&nbsp;death while in police custody in Minneapolis.Some of those conversations have been marred by the violence inflicted by a relative few. As the final words of the First Amendment’s 45 words provide, we have the constitutional right “peaceably&nbsp;to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”Stores have been looted and buildings set afire. Journalists have been attacked, injured and arrested in multiple cities while reporting on the protests. And at last count, well over 1,000 demonstrators have been arrested and many more thousands have been teargassed, hit with pepper balls, beaten or taken into custody in police sweeps.Serious situations, to be sure. But we would be wrong to permit those very visible and tragic moments to distract us from, first, grieving with Floyd’s family, and second, keeping sight of the larger point that, from police procedures and racial profiling to economic inequality and its impact across society, we have national problems to solve.Nothing in those 45 words instructs how assembly and petition are supposed to work. But we’ve often taken to the streets when facing our nation’s most profound times to let our voices be heard. And #walkwithus shows signs of being a long-running rallying point, much like #blacklivesmatter and #metooProtest has served as both a release and a megaphone for views that range from “Occupy Wall Street” to the Tea Party movement to those protesting COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.The 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom has a place in history firmly rooted as the setting for one of the nation’s most galvanizing public speeches: The&nbsp;Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s&nbsp;“I have a Dream” speech.Assembly has been the tool of choice for those supporting “March for Our Lives” in the wake of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., and for the annual anti-abortion marches across America.From women marching in the 19th&nbsp;and early 20th&nbsp;centuries to demand the right to vote, to the modern civil rights movement’s demand in the 1950s and ’60s for an end to legalized racial discrimination, formal policy and laws have come about because people of like minds gathered and petitioned government for change – and in the process, touched the minds and conscience of the nation.The nation’s newest tools for conversation, declaration and self-examination are flooded with each as a result of Floyd’s death.The Facebook and Instagram accounts of many celebrities, magazines, even restaurant sites have turned from the usual plot discussions and topics to calls for solutions to racial discrimination, and prosecution of the police officers who were involved in Floyd’s death.In Nashville, award-winning investigative journalist&nbsp;Phil Williams&nbsp;posted old photos and newspaper headlines from that city’s history of protests, as different as black men and women fighting racial discrimination during the civil rights era are to largely white conservatives angered decades ago by a proposed state income tax (and reported to have thrown rocks through Statehouse windows).At #walkwithus, comments ranged widely – from one woman referring to some police action against protesters saying “Wow. White folks getting a small taste of what it’s like to be us” to “I feel your pain to the core of my being” to “the power of our ‘millennial’ generation is the ability to leverage our power of being instant authorities on the indelible ink of the Internet … the challenge now is to keep doing it with integrity.”Facebook staff – in a rare public rebuke of the social media giant, staged a virtual walkout Monday in protest of the site’s continued posting of what the employee group called “inaction on inflammatory posts” around the Floyd protests by&nbsp;President Donald J. Trump.Even police in multiple cities have – at times to the surprise of demonstrators – joined protesters in visible ways to make a larger statement than their role might suggest:In Flint, Mich., Genesee County Sheriff&nbsp;Chris Swanson&nbsp;spoke and then marched with demonstrators who were met by police officers in riot gear, local affiliate&nbsp;WEYI. In Portland, Ore., New York City, Coral Gables, Fla., Washington, D.C., and Des Moines, police officers knelt in solidarity with protesters.Protest’s long history in America extends, as most school children learn, to before the nation was founded in the Boston Tea Party to the Liberty Tree movement in which colonists gathered around a tree to decry – and sometimes hang British administrators in effigy.Such protests and assemblies have also provided searing images – intended or not – of moments when the nation’s views were shifting on a particular issue. An iconic photo of peaceful crowds along the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall during King’s “Dream” speech remains an indelible image of the hundreds of thousands who gathered that day. And the searing pain shown by 14-year-old&nbsp;Mary Ann Vecchio,&nbsp;kneeling over the body of&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Miller_(shooting_victim)" target="_blank">Jeffrey Miller</a>, who was fatally shot by the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_National_Guard" target="_blank">Ohio National Guard</a>&nbsp;moments earlier, freezes in time the impact – and risks taken – by student-led protests against the Vietnam War.The nation’s founders didn’t give a timetable for change as a result of peaceful assembly and petition for change. Rather, they had a belief in future generations – that discussion and debate, even if rough and tumble, without government interference would lead to decisions benefiting the greatest number of us.Slowly and at times imperfectly, our public self-review process of assembly and petition generally has propelled us to toward the best solution for all.We’re a better society for the open and sharp turmoil over issues concerning minority, LGBTQ and women’s rights, and the extent to which personal religious liberty can be guaranteed along with safeguards from discrimination and bias.The meaning and impact of protests by many over George Floyd’s death at least seems likely to outlast the damage done by a few. The nation’s founders enacted protections for our core freedoms so that we could adapt, reform and improve – but it’s up to us to use those freedoms.Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

First Five: Floyd protests powered by freedoms of assembly, petition

On Monday, the Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a mill and overlay on Kansas Highway 18 (K-18) in Ottawa County. 

Work on K-18 will begin at the Dickinson/Ottawa County line and continue west to old U.S. 81/170th&nbsp;Road, for approximately 14.5 miles.

Drivers should expect a delay of up to 15 minutes and plan extra time in their travel schedules. Construction will occur during daylight hours and traffic will be reduced to one 12-foot lane following a pilot car through the work zone.

The prime contractor, Shilling Construction Co. of Manhattan, has scheduled this $2 million project to be completed in July, weather permitting.

KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approach and driving through a highway work zone.&nbsp; To stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.org</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591390375874.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, the Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a mill and overlay on Kansas Highway 18 (K-18) in Ottawa County. Work on K-18 will begin at the Dickinson/Ottawa County line and continue west to old U.S. 81/170th&nbsp;Road, for approximately 14.5 miles.Drivers should expect a delay of up to 15 minutes and plan extra time in their travel schedules. Construction will occur during daylight hours and traffic will be reduced to one 12-foot lane following a pilot car through the work zone.The prime contractor, Shilling Construction Co. of Manhattan, has scheduled this $2 million project to be completed in July, weather permitting.KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approach and driving through a highway work zone.&nbsp; To stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.org</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1.

K-18 mill and overlay to begin Monday in Ottawa County

Today is Saturday, June 6, the 158th day of 2020. There are 208 days left in the year.

On June 6, 1968, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy died at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, 25 1/2 hours after he was shot by Sirhan Bishara Sirhan.

In 1799, American politician and orator Patrick Henry died at Red Hill Plantation in Virginia.

In 1816, a snowstorm struck the northeastern U.S., heralding what would become known as the "Year Without a Summer."

In 1918, U.S. Marines suffered heavy casualties as they launched their eventually successful counteroffensive against German troops in the World War I Battle of Belleau Wood in France.

In 1933, the first drive-in movie theater was opened by Richard Hollingshead in Camden County, New Jersey. (The movie shown was "Wives Beware," starring Adolphe Menjou.)

In 1939, the first Little League game was played as Lundy Lumber defeated Lycoming Dairy 23-8 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

In 1944, during World War II, Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, on "D-Day" as they began the liberation of German-occupied Western Europe.

In 1955, the U.S. Post Office introduced regular certified mail service.

In 1966, black activist James Meredith was shot and wounded as he walked along a Mississippi highway to encourage black voter registration.

In 1978, California voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 13, a primary ballot initiative calling for major cuts in property taxes.

In 1982, Israeli forces invaded Lebanon to drive Palestine Liberation Organization fighters out of the country. (The Israelis withdrew in June 1985.)

In 1989, burial services were held for Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Washington state Democrat Tom Foley succeeded Jim Wright as House speaker.

In 2005, the Supreme Court ruled, 6-3, that people who smoked marijuana because their doctors recommended it to ease pain could be prosecuted for violating federal drug laws.

Ten years ago: The Vatican released a working paper which said the international community was ignoring the plight of Christians in the Middle East, and that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the war in Iraq and political instability in Lebanon had forced thousands to flee the region. Rafael Nadal won his fifth French Open title, beating Robin Soderling 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.

Five years ago: Two convicted murderers escaped from the maximum-security Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate New York (Richard Matt ended up being shot dead by authorities while David Sweat was recaptured). American Pharoah led all the way to win the Belmont Stakes by 5½ lengths, becoming the first horse in 37 years to sweep the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes. Serena Williams won her third French Open title and 20th major singles trophy by beating Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic 6-3, 6-7 (2, 6-2.

One year ago: After two days of intense criticism, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden reversed course and declared that he no longer supported a long-standing congressional ban on the use of federal health money to pay for abortions. World leaders including President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron gathered at the site of the D-Day landings in France to honor those who took part in the operation 75 years earlier that would help bring an Allied victory in World War II. R&amp;B singer R. Kelly pleaded not guilty in Chicago to 11 additional sex-related charges. New Orleans singer and piano player Dr. John died at the age of 77; his family said the musician, who was born Mac Rebennack, had died of a heart attack.

Today's Birthdays: Singer-songwriter Gary "U.S." Bonds is 81. Country singer Joe Stampley is 77. Jazz musician Monty Alexander is 76. Actor Robert Englund is 73. Folk singer Holly Near is 71. Singer Dwight Twilley is 69. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., is 68. Playwright-actor Harvey Fierstein is 68. Comedian Sandra Bernhard is 65. International Tennis Hall of Famer Bjorn Borg is 64. Actress Amanda Pays is 61. Comedian Colin Quinn is 61. Record producer Jimmy Jam is 61. Rock musician Steve Vai is 60. Rock singer-musician Tom Araya (Slayer) is 59. Actor Jason Isaacs is 57. Actor Anthony Starke is 57. Rock musician Sean Yseult (White Zombie) is 54. Actor Max Casella is 53. Actor Paul Giamatti is 53. Rhythm and blues singer Damion Hall (Guy) is 52. Rock musician James "Munky" Shaffer (Korn) is 50. TV correspondent Natalie Morales is 48. Country singer Lisa Brokop is 47. Rapper-rocker Uncle Kracker is 46. Actress Sonya Walger is 46. Actress Staci Keanan is 45. Jazz singer Somi is 44. Actress Amber Borycki is 37. Actress Aubrey Anderson-Emmons is 13.

Thought for Today: "A great man is one who leaves others at a loss after he is gone." — Paul Valery, French poet and essayist (1871-1945).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Saturday, June 6, the 158th day of 2020. There are 208 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On June 6, 1968, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy died at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, 25 1/2 hours after he was shot by Sirhan Bishara Sirhan.On this date:In 1799, American politician and orator Patrick Henry died at Red Hill Plantation in Virginia.In 1816, a snowstorm struck the northeastern U.S., heralding what would become known as the "Year Without a Summer."In 1918, U.S. Marines suffered heavy casualties as they launched their eventually successful counteroffensive against German troops in the World War I Battle of Belleau Wood in France.In 1933, the first drive-in movie theater was opened by Richard Hollingshead in Camden County, New Jersey. (The movie shown was "Wives Beware," starring Adolphe Menjou.)In 1939, the first Little League game was played as Lundy Lumber defeated Lycoming Dairy 23-8 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.In 1944, during World War II, Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, on "D-Day" as they began the liberation of German-occupied Western Europe.In 1955, the U.S. Post Office introduced regular certified mail service.In 1966, black activist James Meredith was shot and wounded as he walked along a Mississippi highway to encourage black voter registration.In 1978, California voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 13, a primary ballot initiative calling for major cuts in property taxes.In 1982, Israeli forces invaded Lebanon to drive Palestine Liberation Organization fighters out of the country. (The Israelis withdrew in June 1985.)In 1989, burial services were held for Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Washington state Democrat Tom Foley succeeded Jim Wright as House speaker.In 2005, the Supreme Court ruled, 6-3, that people who smoked marijuana because their doctors recommended it to ease pain could be prosecuted for violating federal drug laws.Ten years ago: The Vatican released a working paper which said the international community was ignoring the plight of Christians in the Middle East, and that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the war in Iraq and political instability in Lebanon had forced thousands to flee the region. Rafael Nadal won his fifth French Open title, beating Robin Soderling 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.Five years ago: Two convicted murderers escaped from the maximum-security Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate New York (Richard Matt ended up being shot dead by authorities while David Sweat was recaptured). American Pharoah led all the way to win the Belmont Stakes by 5½ lengths, becoming the first horse in 37 years to sweep the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes. Serena Williams won her third French Open title and 20th major singles trophy by beating Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic 6-3, 6-7 (2, 6-2.One year ago: After two days of intense criticism, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden reversed course and declared that he no longer supported a long-standing congressional ban on the use of federal health money to pay for abortions. World leaders including President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron gathered at the site of the D-Day landings in France to honor those who took part in the operation 75 years earlier that would help bring an Allied victory in World War II. R&amp;B singer R. Kelly pleaded not guilty in Chicago to 11 additional sex-related charges. New Orleans singer and piano player Dr. John died at the age of 77; his family said the musician, who was born Mac Rebennack, had died of a heart attack.Today's Birthdays: Singer-songwriter Gary "U.S." Bonds is 81. Country singer Joe Stampley is 77. Jazz musician Monty Alexander is 76. Actor Robert Englund is 73. Folk singer Holly Near is 71. Singer Dwight Twilley is 69. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., is 68. Playwright-actor Harvey Fierstein is 68. Comedian Sandra Bernhard is 65. International Tennis Hall of Famer Bjorn Borg is 64. Actress Amanda Pays is 61. Comedian Colin Quinn is 61. Record producer Jimmy Jam is 61. Rock musician Steve Vai is 60. Rock singer-musician Tom Araya (Slayer) is 59. Actor Jason Isaacs is 57. Actor Anthony Starke is 57. Rock musician Sean Yseult (White Zombie) is 54. Actor Max Casella is 53. Actor Paul Giamatti is 53. Rhythm and blues singer Damion Hall (Guy) is 52. Rock musician James "Munky" Shaffer (Korn) is 50. TV correspondent Natalie Morales is 48. Country singer Lisa Brokop is 47. Rapper-rocker Uncle Kracker is 46. Actress Sonya Walger is 46. Actress Staci Keanan is 45. Jazz singer Somi is 44. Actress Amber Borycki is 37. Actress Aubrey Anderson-Emmons is 13.Thought for Today: "A great man is one who leaves others at a loss after he is gone." — Paul Valery, French poet and essayist (1871-1945).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- June 6

TOPEKA – The Kansas Volunteer Commission (KVC, a program of the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE, has awarded 27 organizations funding to support volunteer initiatives designed to respond to changing community needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant awards range between $500 to $1,000, and projects must take place prior to June 30, 2020.

The following organizations have been awarded funding to support this purpose:

·Barton County College-RSVP/Volunteers in Action of Central Kansas: $1,000

·Community Access Television of Salina Inc.: $1,000

·Douglas County District Court- Citizen Review Board Volunteer Program: $1,000

·Family Promise of Greater Wichita Inc.: $1,000

·Four County Mental Health Center Inc. - RSVP Four County: $856

·Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland: $1,000

·HumanKind Ministries Wichita Inc.: $1,000

·Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters Serving Sedgwick County: $1,000

·Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters Inc.: $1,000

·Mercy &amp; Truth Medical Missions: $1,000

·Offender/Victim Ministries Inc.: $1,000

·OZ Museum/Columbian Theatre Foundation Inc.: $1,000

·Topeka Unified School District 501: $1,000

·United Way of Franklin County Association: $1,000

·Derby USD 260 - USD 260 AmeriCorps Kansas Program: $1,000

Examples of how these grantees will use volunteer initiatives to address local needs include:

Organizing a food drop-off program for vulnerable populations.

Purchasing technology to support online youth mentoring efforts.

Securing vital background checks for volunteers who will be providing services to vulnerable populations affected by COVID-19.

The grant funding comes from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in partnership with the KVC.&nbsp;All projects will take place in the state of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591412458480.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – The Kansas Volunteer Commission (KVC, a program of the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE, has awarded 27 organizations funding to support volunteer initiatives designed to respond to changing community needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant awards range between $500 to $1,000, and projects must take place prior to June 30, 2020.The following organizations have been awarded funding to support this purpose:·Barton County College-RSVP/Volunteers in Action of Central Kansas: $1,000·Community Access Television of Salina Inc.: $1,000·Douglas County CASA Inc.: $1,000·Douglas County District Court- Citizen Review Board Volunteer Program: $1,000·Family Promise of Greater Wichita Inc.: $1,000·Flint Hills Volunteer Center: $898·Four County Mental Health Center Inc. - RSVP Four County: $856·Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland: $1,000·HumanKind Ministries Wichita Inc.: $1,000·Kansas 4-H Youth Development: $1,000·Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters Serving Sedgwick County: $1,000·Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters Inc.: $1,000·Kansas Humane Society: $998·Main Street Ministries Inc.: $954·Mercy &amp; Truth Medical Missions: $1,000·Neighbor to Neighbor Abilene: $918·Offender/Victim Ministries Inc.: $1,000·OZ Museum/Columbian Theatre Foundation Inc.: $1,000·Sunflower CASA Project Inc.: $1,000·Thrive Allen County: $1,000·Topeka Unified School District 501: $1,000·United Way of Douglas County: $1,000·United Way of Franklin County Association: $1,000·United Way of Greater Topeka: $1,000·Derby USD 260 - USD 260 AmeriCorps Kansas Program: $1,000·Wall Association: $1,000·Wichita's Littlest Heroes: $930Examples of how these grantees will use volunteer initiatives to address local needs include:Organizing a food drop-off program for vulnerable populations.Purchasing technology to support online youth mentoring efforts.Securing vital background checks for volunteers who will be providing services to vulnerable populations affected by COVID-19.The grant funding comes from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in partnership with the KVC.&nbsp;All projects will take place in the state of Kansas.

KVC awards 27 agencies funding for COVID-19 response

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --&nbsp;Raelyn Reese&nbsp;of&nbsp;McPherson&nbsp;was named to the University of Sioux Falls' Spring 2020&nbsp;Dean's List.&nbsp;

Reese was among more than 600&nbsp;students named to the Spring 2020&nbsp;Dean's List.&nbsp;To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5&nbsp;or&nbsp;greater on a 4.0 scale.

Founded over 136 years ago, the University of Sioux Falls is a transformative Christian liberal arts university serving approximately 1,500 students through traditional undergraduate programs as well as graduate and evening and online degree programs.&nbsp;USF is committed to academic excellence and the development of mature Christian persons for service to God and humankind in the world through its more than 90 programs in business, education, nursing and much more including the Center for Professional Development.&nbsp;More at <a href="http://www.usiouxfalls.edu">www.usiouxfalls.edu</a>.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --&nbsp;Raelyn Reese&nbsp;of&nbsp;McPherson&nbsp;was named to the University of Sioux Falls' Spring 2020&nbsp;Dean's List.&nbsp;Reese is majoring in nursing.Reese was among more than 600&nbsp;students named to the Spring 2020&nbsp;Dean's List.&nbsp;To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5&nbsp;or&nbsp;greater on a 4.0 scale.About University of Sioux FallsFounded over 136 years ago, the University of Sioux Falls is a transformative Christian liberal arts university serving approximately 1,500 students through traditional undergraduate programs as well as graduate and evening and online degree programs.&nbsp;USF is committed to academic excellence and the development of mature Christian persons for service to God and humankind in the world through its more than 90 programs in business, education, nursing and much more including the Center for Professional Development.&nbsp;More at <a href="http://www.usiouxfalls.edu">www.usiouxfalls.edu</a>.

McPherson's Reese named to USF spring 2020 Dean's List

Heat advisories have been issued for counties in our area.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a heat advisory in effect from 1-7 p.m. Saturday for Marion County.

Heat index values up to 105 are expected.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in

vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you

work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. 

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. 

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1.

NWS in Topeka has issued a heat advisory in effect from 1-7 p.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out

of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591400040543.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Heat advisories have been issued for counties in our area.The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a heat advisory in effect from 1-7 p.m. Saturday for Marion County.Heat index values up to 105 are expected.Young children and pets should never be left unattended invehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if youwork or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuousactivities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1.NWS in Topeka has issued a heat advisory in effect from 1-7 p.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.Clay CountyDickinson CountyHeat index values up to 105 are expected.Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay outof the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591400115422.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Heat advisories issued for counties in our area for Saturday afternoon

Twenty-Four new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on June 4th. Deputy Lauren Tucker of the Rooks County Sheriff’s Office was the graduating class president. The ceremony was held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.

The new officers were members of the 264th basic training class. The graduates, who began their training in December 2019, represented 20 municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas.

Class president Deputy Lauren Tucker of the Rooks County Sheriff’s Office with KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck.

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.

Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of University of Kansas Professional &amp; Continuing Education.

Graduates who granted permission to release their names are listed below by county and agency:

Torrie McGlothlin - Atchison County Sheriff's Office

Andrew Daniel Penland - Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Paden Blythe - Fort Scott Police Department

Dathan Ensz - Butler County Sheriff's Office

Kyle White - Butler County Sheriff's Office

Denis Wangari - Oberlin Police Department

Stephanie Camarena - Garden City Police Department

Jordyn Lee Altic - Ottawa Police Department

Wyatt Allen - Harper County Sheriff's Office

Angelique Collins - Newton Police Department

Nathan Bauman - McLouth Police Department

Sylis Bohannon - Leavenworth Police Department

Carroll Joe Perry - Marion County Sheriff's Office

Grant Cook - Marysville Police Department

Nicole B. Rathe-Tillery - Marysville Police Department

Thomas Giordano - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; Tourism

Ross W. Alison - Hutchinson Police Department

Kobe Brown - Hutchinson Police Department

Lauren Tucker - Stockton Police Department

Paige Elizabeth Clenny - Russell Police Department

Kyle Lee Newton - Mulvane Police Department

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591384786924.jpeg" alt="The 264th Basic Training Class, observing social distancing, recite the Code of Ethics affirmation in front of KLETC faculty and staff. Photo courtesy KLETC" />
 <figcaption>The 264th Basic Training Class, observing social distancing, recite the Code of Ethics affirmation in front of KLETC faculty and staff. Photo courtesy KLETC</figcaption>
 </figure>Twenty-Four new law enforcement officers graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on June 4th. Deputy Lauren Tucker of the Rooks County Sheriff’s Office was the graduating class president. The ceremony was held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.The new officers were members of the 264th basic training class. The graduates, who began their training in December 2019, represented 20 municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas.Class president Deputy Lauren Tucker of the Rooks County Sheriff’s Office with KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck.Class president Deputy Lauren Tucker of the Rooks County Sheriff’s Office with KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck.Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of University of Kansas Professional &amp; Continuing Education.Graduates who granted permission to release their names are listed below by county and agency:Atchison CountyTorrie McGlothlin - Atchison County Sheriff's OfficeBourbon CountyAndrew Daniel Penland - Bourbon County Sheriff's OfficePaden Blythe - Fort Scott Police DepartmentButler CountyDathan Ensz - Butler County Sheriff's OfficeKyle White - Butler County Sheriff's OfficeDecatur CountyDenis Wangari - Oberlin Police DepartmentEllis CountyJoseph Lantz - Hays Police DepartmentFinney CountyStephanie Camarena - Garden City Police DepartmentFranklin CountyJordyn Lee Altic - Ottawa Police DepartmentHarper CountyWyatt Allen - Harper County Sheriff's OfficeHarvey CountyAngelique Collins - Newton Police DepartmentBryce Kinsey - Newton Police DepartmentJefferson CountyNathan Bauman - McLouth Police DepartmentLeavenworth CountySylis Bohannon - Leavenworth Police DepartmentMarion CountyCarroll Joe Perry - Marion County Sheriff's OfficeMarshall CountyGrant Cook - Marysville Police DepartmentNicole B. Rathe-Tillery - Marysville Police DepartmentPratt CountyThomas Giordano - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, &amp; TourismReno CountyRoss W. Alison - Hutchinson Police DepartmentKobe Brown - Hutchinson Police DepartmentRooks CountyLauren Tucker - Stockton Police DepartmentRussell CountyPaige Elizabeth Clenny - Russell Police DepartmentScott McAdoo - Russell Police DepartmentSedgwick CountyKyle Lee Newton - Mulvane Police Department

Area law enforcement officer among latest KLETC graduates

Here's Saline County's COVID-19 update for Friday:

The Saline County Health Department has an additional case of COVID-19 to report today:

•Female in her 30’s and is isolated at this time.

The Health Department continues to actively monitor one other case who is isolated at home. The rest have met the criteria necessary to be considered recovered and have been released from daily monitoring and isolation. This new case brings the overall total of positive cases in Saline County to 31.

With the movement to Phase 3 today, press releases will only be issued on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

KDHE reported the following in their release and can be found at <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>:

•A total of 10,393 cases with 222 deaths reported.

•There have been 103,260 negative tests conducted at KDHE and private labs.

•The age range is 0 years to 103 years (median 41 years).

Phase 3 allows for all businesses, events, and activities to be open with mass gatherings limited to 50 people or less. Saline County Health Officer, Jason Tiller, continues to emphasize that, “For all of this to be successful, everyone has to do their part. Every individual has a responsibility and a choice to do what they feel is right.”

Here is what you can do to help us continue to reach reopening milestones:

•Maximize physical distance (6 feet or more) in public settings

•Avoid socializing with large groups

•High-risk individuals should only leave the house for essential needs

•Check-in (via phone/letter/text/email) with friends and family who are isolated

Only follow official sources to obtain information: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>. Stay Safe &amp; Stay Healthy.

Here's Saline County's COVID-19 update for Friday:The Saline County Health Department has an additional case of COVID-19 to report today:•Female in her 30’s and is isolated at this time.The Health Department continues to actively monitor one other case who is isolated at home. The rest have met the criteria necessary to be considered recovered and have been released from daily monitoring and isolation. This new case brings the overall total of positive cases in Saline County to 31.With the movement to Phase 3 today, press releases will only be issued on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.KDHE reported the following in their release and can be found at <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>:•A total of 10,393 cases with 222 deaths reported.•There have been 103,260 negative tests conducted at KDHE and private labs.•The age range is 0 years to 103 years (median 41 years).Phase 3 allows for all businesses, events, and activities to be open with mass gatherings limited to 50 people or less. Saline County Health Officer, Jason Tiller, continues to emphasize that, “For all of this to be successful, everyone has to do their part. Every individual has a responsibility and a choice to do what they feel is right.”Here is what you can do to help us continue to reach reopening milestones:•Stay home if you’re sick•Wear masks in public settings•Maximize physical distance (6 feet or more) in public settings•Avoid socializing with large groups•High-risk individuals should only leave the house for essential needs•Minimize nonessential travel•Check-in (via phone/letter/text/email) with friends and family who are isolated•Wash your hands frequentlyOnly follow official sources to obtain information: <a href="http://www.saline.org/coronavirus">www.saline.org/coronavirus</a> or <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov">www.kdheks.gov</a>. Stay Safe &amp; Stay Healthy.

Saline County reports one new COVID-19 case

MCPHERSON -- A peaceful Black Lives Matter gathering is scheduled for Saturday in McPherson.

The event is scheduled for 3-6 p.m. Saturday, according to a news release from the McPherson Police Department.

The gathering is to begin with a march from the roundabout in the 1600 Block of East Euclid Street and proceed west on Euclid Street to the Lakeside Park Bandshell.

City of McPherson Mayor Tom Brown, McPherson Police Chief Mikel Golden, and other community leaders met with local Black Lives Matter representatives to work together for a peaceful gathering and continued unity in the McPherson community, the news release noted. In addition to the march to Lakeside Park, gathering organizers plan to have guest speakers, observe nine minutes of silence, music, and more.

"The McPherson Police Department has received information about protestors from out of town attending the gathering. While we anticipate the gathering will remain peaceful, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect and serve ALL of our community members and their property. We will deploy additional resources to help meet our commitment. We are providing this information to help keep you informed," the police department explained.

"The McPherson Police Department asks for your help maintaining a peaceful gathering and in keeping our community safe. We ask anyone aware of activity planned or in progress, which would threaten the safety of the McPherson Community to call 9-1-1 in an emergency, in a non-emergency the McPherson Police Department at (620) 245-1266, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (620) 241-1122, toll-free (800) 241-8118, or via the McPherson County Crime Stoppers Facebook page," the police department added.

MCPHERSON -- A peaceful Black Lives Matter gathering is scheduled for Saturday in McPherson.The event is scheduled for 3-6 p.m. Saturday, according to a news release from the McPherson Police Department.The gathering is to begin with a march from the roundabout in the 1600 Block of East Euclid Street and proceed west on Euclid Street to the Lakeside Park Bandshell.City of McPherson Mayor Tom Brown, McPherson Police Chief Mikel Golden, and other community leaders met with local Black Lives Matter representatives to work together for a peaceful gathering and continued unity in the McPherson community, the news release noted. In addition to the march to Lakeside Park, gathering organizers plan to have guest speakers, observe nine minutes of silence, music, and more."The McPherson Police Department has received information about protestors from out of town attending the gathering. While we anticipate the gathering will remain peaceful, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect and serve ALL of our community members and their property. We will deploy additional resources to help meet our commitment. We are providing this information to help keep you informed," the police department explained."The McPherson Police Department asks for your help maintaining a peaceful gathering and in keeping our community safe. We ask anyone aware of activity planned or in progress, which would threaten the safety of the McPherson Community to call 9-1-1 in an emergency, in a non-emergency the McPherson Police Department at (620) 245-1266, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (620) 241-1122, toll-free (800) 241-8118, or via the McPherson County Crime Stoppers Facebook page," the police department added.

Local