MANHATTAN —&nbsp;Eight new graduates of Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="http://coe.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Education</a>&nbsp;are receiving awards from the college for excellence, potential or promise, including one from Salina.

The awards include the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award for excellence in leadership and scholarship; the Outstanding Future Teacher Award is presented to one new elementary education graduate and one new secondary education graduate for their potential as future teachers; and two students earned the Kansas State Department of Education Teacher of Promise Award.

The award winners are all May 2020 bachelor's graduates from the college:

Gabriel Younger, secondary education-biological sciences,&nbsp;Easton, Outstanding Future Teacher Award. Younger was a member of the College of Education Ambassadors, serving as treasurer, and was a Snyder Leadership Legacy Fellow, a select honor offered through K-State's Staley School of Leadership Studies. He has worked at the Kansas State University Gardens and is active with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Manhattan. Younger also was selected as an extension agent in the Peace Corps and served in Cameroon. The son of Guy and Shannon Younger, he is a 2016 graduate of Pleasant Ridge High School.

Kathleen Andrews, secondary education-mathematics,&nbsp;&nbsp;Lenexa, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Andrews is a member of the University Honors Program and multiple-time recipient of K-State semester honors. She completed an undergraduate research project in fall 2019 with a partner and her research advisor on the teacher's role in student interest in STEM fields. Andrews is the recipient of the Noyce Scholarship and Foundations Scholarship and worked as an on-campus tutor for two years. She was a member of Alpha of Clovia Cooperative Leadership House where she served as new member chair, treasurer and chaplain. She also was active with St. Isadore's Student Center, serving as a retreat leader for junior high nights. The daughter of Clint and Suzanne Andrews, she was home-schooled.

Hannah Patterson, educational studies,&nbsp;Merriam, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Patterson, earned K-State semester honors multiple times, was a member of the University Honors Program, College of Education Ambassadors, College of Education Honors Council, Kansas National Education Association and Phi Kappa Phi honorary. She received the Foundation Scholarship, Elementary Education Scholarship, College of Education Scholarship, Holton Scholarship, Cain Scholarship, Skeen Scholarship and North Star Scholarship. She was a presenter at an undergraduate research fair, a member of the K-State Choirs and was active with Reformed University Fellowship and Navigators. She also was vice president of Swing Club. The daughter of Ron and Mary Lou Patterson, she is a 2015 graduate of Shawnee Mission Northwest High School.

Jordan Pulliam, secondary education-English and journalism,&nbsp;Mulvane, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Pulliam was a member of several organizations, including College of Education Ambassadors, serving as president in 2018 and as Experience Day chair in 2017; Quest Freshmen Honorary; Silver Key Sophomore Honorary; and Alpha Delta Pi sorority, serving as alumni relations chair. Earning K-State semester honors multiple times, she received the Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship, Jack J. Isgur Foundation Scholarship and the K-State Achievement Award. Pulliam was one of nine students selected by College of Education Dean Debbie Mercer for a 2017 exploratory trip to Zayed University in Dubai. She was a student technology assistant for the college and was involved with K-State's Channel 8 News, winning students awards from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, and wrote articles for the Kansas State Collegian. Pulliam also worked as a production manager for HGTV's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" in summer 2019, a production assistant for "Treehouse Masters" on the Discovery Channel from 2016-2017; and as a photographer for the Boston Red Sox in summer 2018. In addition, she was active with Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership from 2016-2019, serving as a junior facilitator, program manager and director of Leadership in Action. The daughter of Dustin and DeVon Pulliam, she is a 2016 graduate of Mulvane High School.

Katie Buhler, elementary education,&nbsp;Pratt, Kansas State Department of Education Teacher of Promise and Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Buhler successfully completed the University Honors Program. She has received the Jack J. Isgur Education Foundation Scholarship, Nancy Larson Foundation Scholarship and Alpha Kappa Alpha National Education Advancement Foundation Scholarship, and was a Sodexo Global Youth Service Day grant recipient. Buhler was a member of K-State's chapter of the Kansas National Education Association, Aspiring Educators; College of Education Ambassadors, serving as secretary; K-State Student Alumni Board; and Quest Freshmen Honorary. A student coordinator for the K-State Alternative Breaks program offered through the Staley School of Leadership Studies, Buhler was named the university's top student worker with the 2020 Kyle Pelton Student Employee of the Year award. Her other honors include the 2020 Tony Jurich Commitment and Leadership Award, College of Education Social Justice Award and College of Education Diversity for Community Grant. She also participated on a K-State International Team, was an undergraduate research presenter and a Spotlight on English research presenter, served as a Weekend Alternative Break site leader and participated in a Winter Alternative Break. The daughter of Don and Sue Buhler, she is a 2016 graduate of Pratt High School.

Trey Cullins, secondary education-English,&nbsp;Salina, Kansas State Department of Education Teacher of Promise. A K-State semester honors list student, Cullins received the Kansas Board of Regents Teacher Service Scholarship and the Benjamin L. Hopper Outstanding Service Scholarship. A College of Education EDCATS squad leader, he is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education, and Delta Sigma Pi fraternity, where he earned its Academic Achievement Award. He also served as a library assistant at the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine. The son of Larry and Deanne Cullins, he is a 2016 graduate of Salina Central High School.

Rachel Letellier, elementary education,&nbsp;Spring Hill, Outstanding Future Teacher Award. Letellier, a member of the National Education Association, is the recipient of the Clark Education Scholarship, Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship, Compton Teacher Scholarship and the Foundation Scholarship. She is the daughter of Leigh and Ann Letellier and a 2016 graduate of Spring Hill High School.

Brooke Barrett, elementary education,&nbsp;O'Fallon, Missouri, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Barrett was a member of the College of Education Ambassadors; Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society of education; and K-State's student chapter of the Kansas National Education Association, Aspiring Educators. A K-State semester honors list student, she received the College of Education Scholarship, Transfer Purple and White Scholarship, Painters Association Scholarship and the Anthony Armstrong Scholarship. She was a photographer for the Royal Purple yearbook and the Kansas State Collegian. Barrett transferred to K-State from Williams Woods University where she was a member of the women's golf team. The daughter of William and Susan Barrett, she is a 2016 graduate of Fort Zumwalt High School in O'Fallon.

MANHATTAN —&nbsp;Eight new graduates of Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="http://coe.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Education</a>&nbsp;are receiving awards from the college for excellence, potential or promise, including one from Salina.The awards include the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award for excellence in leadership and scholarship; the Outstanding Future Teacher Award is presented to one new elementary education graduate and one new secondary education graduate for their potential as future teachers; and two students earned the Kansas State Department of Education Teacher of Promise Award.The award winners are all May 2020 bachelor's graduates from the college:Gabriel Younger, secondary education-biological sciences,&nbsp;Easton, Outstanding Future Teacher Award. Younger was a member of the College of Education Ambassadors, serving as treasurer, and was a Snyder Leadership Legacy Fellow, a select honor offered through K-State's Staley School of Leadership Studies. He has worked at the Kansas State University Gardens and is active with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Manhattan. Younger also was selected as an extension agent in the Peace Corps and served in Cameroon. The son of Guy and Shannon Younger, he is a 2016 graduate of Pleasant Ridge High School.Kathleen Andrews, secondary education-mathematics,&nbsp;&nbsp;Lenexa, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Andrews is a member of the University Honors Program and multiple-time recipient of K-State semester honors. She completed an undergraduate research project in fall 2019 with a partner and her research advisor on the teacher's role in student interest in STEM fields. Andrews is the recipient of the Noyce Scholarship and Foundations Scholarship and worked as an on-campus tutor for two years. She was a member of Alpha of Clovia Cooperative Leadership House where she served as new member chair, treasurer and chaplain. She also was active with St. Isadore's Student Center, serving as a retreat leader for junior high nights. The daughter of Clint and Suzanne Andrews, she was home-schooled.Hannah Patterson, educational studies,&nbsp;Merriam, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Patterson, earned K-State semester honors multiple times, was a member of the University Honors Program, College of Education Ambassadors, College of Education Honors Council, Kansas National Education Association and Phi Kappa Phi honorary. She received the Foundation Scholarship, Elementary Education Scholarship, College of Education Scholarship, Holton Scholarship, Cain Scholarship, Skeen Scholarship and North Star Scholarship. She was a presenter at an undergraduate research fair, a member of the K-State Choirs and was active with Reformed University Fellowship and Navigators. She also was vice president of Swing Club. The daughter of Ron and Mary Lou Patterson, she is a 2015 graduate of Shawnee Mission Northwest High School.Jordan Pulliam, secondary education-English and journalism,&nbsp;Mulvane, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Pulliam was a member of several organizations, including College of Education Ambassadors, serving as president in 2018 and as Experience Day chair in 2017; Quest Freshmen Honorary; Silver Key Sophomore Honorary; and Alpha Delta Pi sorority, serving as alumni relations chair. Earning K-State semester honors multiple times, she received the Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship, Jack J. Isgur Foundation Scholarship and the K-State Achievement Award. Pulliam was one of nine students selected by College of Education Dean Debbie Mercer for a 2017 exploratory trip to Zayed University in Dubai. She was a student technology assistant for the college and was involved with K-State's Channel 8 News, winning students awards from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, and wrote articles for the Kansas State Collegian. Pulliam also worked as a production manager for HGTV's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" in summer 2019, a production assistant for "Treehouse Masters" on the Discovery Channel from 2016-2017; and as a photographer for the Boston Red Sox in summer 2018. In addition, she was active with Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership from 2016-2019, serving as a junior facilitator, program manager and director of Leadership in Action. The daughter of Dustin and DeVon Pulliam, she is a 2016 graduate of Mulvane High School.Katie Buhler, elementary education,&nbsp;Pratt, Kansas State Department of Education Teacher of Promise and Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Buhler successfully completed the University Honors Program. She has received the Jack J. Isgur Education Foundation Scholarship, Nancy Larson Foundation Scholarship and Alpha Kappa Alpha National Education Advancement Foundation Scholarship, and was a Sodexo Global Youth Service Day grant recipient. Buhler was a member of K-State's chapter of the Kansas National Education Association, Aspiring Educators; College of Education Ambassadors, serving as secretary; K-State Student Alumni Board; and Quest Freshmen Honorary. A student coordinator for the K-State Alternative Breaks program offered through the Staley School of Leadership Studies, Buhler was named the university's top student worker with the 2020 Kyle Pelton Student Employee of the Year award. Her other honors include the 2020 Tony Jurich Commitment and Leadership Award, College of Education Social Justice Award and College of Education Diversity for Community Grant. She also participated on a K-State International Team, was an undergraduate research presenter and a Spotlight on English research presenter, served as a Weekend Alternative Break site leader and participated in a Winter Alternative Break. The daughter of Don and Sue Buhler, she is a 2016 graduate of Pratt High School.Trey Cullins, secondary education-English,&nbsp;Salina, Kansas State Department of Education Teacher of Promise. A K-State semester honors list student, Cullins received the Kansas Board of Regents Teacher Service Scholarship and the Benjamin L. Hopper Outstanding Service Scholarship. A College of Education EDCATS squad leader, he is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education, and Delta Sigma Pi fraternity, where he earned its Academic Achievement Award. He also served as a library assistant at the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine. The son of Larry and Deanne Cullins, he is a 2016 graduate of Salina Central High School.Rachel Letellier, elementary education,&nbsp;Spring Hill, Outstanding Future Teacher Award. Letellier, a member of the National Education Association, is the recipient of the Clark Education Scholarship, Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship, Compton Teacher Scholarship and the Foundation Scholarship. She is the daughter of Leigh and Ann Letellier and a 2016 graduate of Spring Hill High School.Brooke Barrett, elementary education,&nbsp;O'Fallon, Missouri, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. Barrett was a member of the College of Education Ambassadors; Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society of education; and K-State's student chapter of the Kansas National Education Association, Aspiring Educators. A K-State semester honors list student, she received the College of Education Scholarship, Transfer Purple and White Scholarship, Painters Association Scholarship and the Anthony Armstrong Scholarship. She was a photographer for the Royal Purple yearbook and the Kansas State Collegian. Barrett transferred to K-State from Williams Woods University where she was a member of the women's golf team. The daughter of William and Susan Barrett, she is a 2016 graduate of Fort Zumwalt High School in O'Fallon.

K-State College of Education honors 8 grads; 1 from Salina

Open letter to Saline County
Commissioners:

On behalf of the Saline County
Citizens for Jail Reform group we would like to express gratitude for the time,
effort, and thought that has gone into preparation for a public vote on&nbsp; a proposed new jail and/or addition to the
present jail.&nbsp; We appreciate your openness to larger goals of remediation
and treatment for inmates who may be incarcerated due in part to poverty, drug
abuse, or mental illness.&nbsp; We are grateful for your concern to provide all
inmates communication with family and/or loved ones, as well as options for
second chances within the jail system.&nbsp;&nbsp; We know great attention has
been paid to overall costs for facilities and for ongoing services and
personnel. &nbsp; 

That said, given the dire nature
of present economic circumstances and the need for long-term financial recovery
once Covid-19 is no longer a threat, we call on you to postpone a public vote on this issue beyond November.&nbsp; 

We continue to support, and urge
expansion of, significant efforts toward reducing incarceration rates and
improving the amount and quality of rehabilitation and treatment programming to
help assure inmates’ return to full and meaningful lives in our
communities.&nbsp; Such efforts should continue and be strengthened, whether or
not a new jail is an immediate possibility. &nbsp;

We recognize that all this will
be difficult in more difficult economic times.&nbsp;
But such efforts are even more essential because of greater economic and
other pressures on everyday citizens.&nbsp; 

We know that sacrifices (monetary
costs included) will be necessary, in any event.&nbsp; We ask the public, as
well as commissioners, to think through, and commit to, longer-term solutions
that will enhance, not diminish, human dignity for all citizens, in jail or
out.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Open letter to Saline County
Commissioners:On behalf of the Saline County
Citizens for Jail Reform group we would like to express gratitude for the time,
effort, and thought that has gone into preparation for a public vote on&nbsp; a proposed new jail and/or addition to the
present jail.&nbsp; We appreciate your openness to larger goals of remediation
and treatment for inmates who may be incarcerated due in part to poverty, drug
abuse, or mental illness.&nbsp; We are grateful for your concern to provide all
inmates communication with family and/or loved ones, as well as options for
second chances within the jail system.&nbsp;&nbsp; We know great attention has
been paid to overall costs for facilities and for ongoing services and
personnel. &nbsp; Thank you for these
efforts!&nbsp; That said, given the dire nature
of present economic circumstances and the need for long-term financial recovery
once Covid-19 is no longer a threat, we call on you to postpone a public vote on this issue beyond November.&nbsp; We continue to support, and urge
expansion of, significant efforts toward reducing incarceration rates and
improving the amount and quality of rehabilitation and treatment programming to
help assure inmates’ return to full and meaningful lives in our
communities.&nbsp; Such efforts should continue and be strengthened, whether or
not a new jail is an immediate possibility. &nbsp;We recognize that all this will
be difficult in more difficult economic times.&nbsp;
But such efforts are even more essential because of greater economic and
other pressures on everyday citizens.&nbsp; We know that sacrifices (monetary
costs included) will be necessary, in any event.&nbsp; We ask the public, as
well as commissioners, to think through, and commit to, longer-term solutions
that will enhance, not diminish, human dignity for all citizens, in jail or
out.&nbsp; &nbsp;LaNay MeierGerald GillespieDavid Norlin

Jail reform group: Postpone vote on proposed facility

Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Secretary Julie Lorenz announced today that preliminary engineering work will begin on 40 highway modernization and expansion projects.

These are the first projects to move forward under the Eisenhower Transportation Legacy Program (IKE, which was created in March.

“These transportation investments come at a critical time for our state’s economy. A robust development pipeline will help jumpstart our economic recovery by creating jobs and allowing the state to take advantage of potential federal stimulus dollars,” said Governor Kelly. “I’m thankful to the Legislature for passing IKE, a critical employment tool that will help put more Kansans back to work.”

“A modern transportation system moves people, freight and technology and these 40 projects will allow us to do all those things better in every region of the state,” Secretary Lorenz said. “We’ve selected smaller projects, which can advance to construction quickly, and larger projects that will employ many people in all phases of development or construction.”

More than 2,000 Kansans participated in local consult discussions that shaped the IKE program and modernized how transportation should be delivered in Kansas. Here are a few notable features:

•IKE is a&nbsp;rolling program, which means major highway modernization and expansion projects will be selected every two years rather than once a decade as previous programs did. This ensures the State can address the most pressing needs and adjust to fluctuating revenues.

•Emphasis on&nbsp;right-sized, practical improvements.&nbsp; For example, utilizing passing lanes rather than 4-lane expressways where applicable.

•New&nbsp;partnership programs (Cost Share, Local Bridge)&nbsp;between the State and local governments to address more needs.

•Investments in&nbsp;broadband and new technologies.

•Continued commitment to&nbsp;multimodal transportation with public transit, aviation, short-line rail and bike/pedestrian programs.

Previously, the only projects in KDOT’s development pipeline were the remaining T-WORKS projects.&nbsp; The development pipeline includes all the phases of work prior to construction such as design, acquiring right-of-way or moving utilities. KDOT is not committing to constructing these 40 projects, but this will allow the necessary advance work to begin.&nbsp;

“I’ve directed KDOT to explore all options for accelerating project delivery for these 40 projects and for the&nbsp;delayed T-WORKS projects, which we remain committed to constructing,” the Governor said. “Transportation investments provide short-term and long-term economic benefits to communities and we’re committed to capturing as many of those opportunities as we can.”

The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the last stimulus for transportation infrastructure, prioritized shovel-ready projects. Currently, discussions are underway for a new federal stimulus bill for infrastructure, which will likely have similar requirements. Today’s announcement will allow KDOT to get more projects shovel ready.

“Thanks to Governor Kelly, the Legislature and Kansans, IKE was tailor made for this moment,” Lorenz said.&nbsp; “It provides us the flexibility we need now and in the future. Today’s announcement is only the beginning. We know we have much more work to do.”

To see the entire District 2 pdf, <a href="http://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/IKE/Documents/District_2_Guarantee_Handout_FINAL.pdf">click here</a>.

More information about IKE, including the list of 40 projects selected, is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.org%2FIKE.asp&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAshley.Perez%40ks.gov%7C70157cf69fa34b232e4508d7f8264597%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637250715673153807&amp;sdata=erZecbxYB7y5sbolZCyRWd66CDjAndkC6ud6aNsKxDA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://www.ksdot.org/IKE.asp</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589513964625.jpeg" alt="The projects in District 2, which includes north-central Kansas.&nbsp;Chart courtesy KDOT&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The projects in District 2, which includes north-central Kansas.&nbsp;Chart courtesy KDOT&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Secretary Julie Lorenz announced today that preliminary engineering work will begin on 40 highway modernization and expansion projects.These are the first projects to move forward under the Eisenhower Transportation Legacy Program (IKE, which was created in March.“These transportation investments come at a critical time for our state’s economy. A robust development pipeline will help jumpstart our economic recovery by creating jobs and allowing the state to take advantage of potential federal stimulus dollars,” said Governor Kelly. “I’m thankful to the Legislature for passing IKE, a critical employment tool that will help put more Kansans back to work.”“A modern transportation system moves people, freight and technology and these 40 projects will allow us to do all those things better in every region of the state,” Secretary Lorenz said. “We’ve selected smaller projects, which can advance to construction quickly, and larger projects that will employ many people in all phases of development or construction.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589514143626.jpeg" alt="Courtesy KDOT" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy KDOT</figcaption>
 </figure>More than 2,000 Kansans participated in local consult discussions that shaped the IKE program and modernized how transportation should be delivered in Kansas. Here are a few notable features:•IKE is a&nbsp;rolling program, which means major highway modernization and expansion projects will be selected every two years rather than once a decade as previous programs did. This ensures the State can address the most pressing needs and adjust to fluctuating revenues.•Emphasis on&nbsp;right-sized, practical improvements.&nbsp; For example, utilizing passing lanes rather than 4-lane expressways where applicable.•New&nbsp;partnership programs (Cost Share, Local Bridge)&nbsp;between the State and local governments to address more needs.•Investments in&nbsp;broadband and new technologies.•Continued commitment to&nbsp;multimodal transportation with public transit, aviation, short-line rail and bike/pedestrian programs.Previously, the only projects in KDOT’s development pipeline were the remaining T-WORKS projects.&nbsp; The development pipeline includes all the phases of work prior to construction such as design, acquiring right-of-way or moving utilities. KDOT is not committing to constructing these 40 projects, but this will allow the necessary advance work to begin.&nbsp;“I’ve directed KDOT to explore all options for accelerating project delivery for these 40 projects and for the&nbsp;delayed T-WORKS projects, which we remain committed to constructing,” the Governor said. “Transportation investments provide short-term and long-term economic benefits to communities and we’re committed to capturing as many of those opportunities as we can.”The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the last stimulus for transportation infrastructure, prioritized shovel-ready projects. Currently, discussions are underway for a new federal stimulus bill for infrastructure, which will likely have similar requirements. Today’s announcement will allow KDOT to get more projects shovel ready.“Thanks to Governor Kelly, the Legislature and Kansans, IKE was tailor made for this moment,” Lorenz said.&nbsp; “It provides us the flexibility we need now and in the future. Today’s announcement is only the beginning. We know we have much more work to do.”To see the entire District 2 pdf, <a href="http://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/IKE/Documents/District_2_Guarantee_Handout_FINAL.pdf">click here</a>.More information about IKE, including the list of 40 projects selected, is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.org%2FIKE.asp&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAshley.Perez%40ks.gov%7C70157cf69fa34b232e4508d7f8264597%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637250715673153807&amp;sdata=erZecbxYB7y5sbolZCyRWd66CDjAndkC6ud6aNsKxDA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://www.ksdot.org/IKE.asp</a>.

KDOT: Area projects part of IKE development pipeline

MANHATTAN – It’s&nbsp;that&nbsp;time of year for home gardeners.

Kansas State University horticulture specialist Ward Upham says rabbits are a perennial problem in most home gardens because of the wide variety of plants they can feed on. And because vegetables and flowers are in an early stage, they’re especially appealing to the furry little critters.

“Fencing can provide a quick and effective control method,” Upham said. “The fence does not need to be tall; two feet is sufficient to keep cottontails out.”

Upham said gardeners should construct a fence with fine mesh (one inch or less) so that young rabbits can’t squeeze through it. Select posts that will give the fence adequate support, he added. Gardeners, however, often avoid fencing because it affects the attractiveness of the garden.

There are other means of control – repellants, traps and shooting among them – though Upham provided a couple additional ideas that may be more desirable.

“Another type of barrier is a floating row cover,” Upham said, referring to a light piece of garden fabric used to shelter crops. “Though most often used to promote early growth by keeping plants warmer than normal, it can also help protect young plants from insects and wildlife.”

He also suggested a motion-activated sprinkler. “These can be attached to a garden hose,” Upham said. “When motion is detected, it will release a short burst of water,” providing protection for up to 1,000 feet.

Upham noted that rabbits rarely bother such crops as potatoes, tomatoes, corn, squash, cucumbers and some peppers. Gardeners’ control efforts should focus on other, more susceptible crops.

Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for keeping yards healthy and beautiful year-round. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.

Interested persons can also send their yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu" target="_blank">wupham@ksu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589514967124.jpeg" alt="Rabbit in garden photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Rabbit in garden photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – It’s&nbsp;that&nbsp;time of year for home gardeners.Kansas State University horticulture specialist Ward Upham says rabbits are a perennial problem in most home gardens because of the wide variety of plants they can feed on. And because vegetables and flowers are in an early stage, they’re especially appealing to the furry little critters.“Fencing can provide a quick and effective control method,” Upham said. “The fence does not need to be tall; two feet is sufficient to keep cottontails out.”Upham said gardeners should construct a fence with fine mesh (one inch or less) so that young rabbits can’t squeeze through it. Select posts that will give the fence adequate support, he added. Gardeners, however, often avoid fencing because it affects the attractiveness of the garden.There are other means of control – repellants, traps and shooting among them – though Upham provided a couple additional ideas that may be more desirable.“Another type of barrier is a floating row cover,” Upham said, referring to a light piece of garden fabric used to shelter crops. “Though most often used to promote early growth by keeping plants warmer than normal, it can also help protect young plants from insects and wildlife.”He also suggested a motion-activated sprinkler. “These can be attached to a garden hose,” Upham said. “When motion is detected, it will release a short burst of water,” providing protection for up to 1,000 feet.Upham noted that rabbits rarely bother such crops as potatoes, tomatoes, corn, squash, cucumbers and some peppers. Gardeners’ control efforts should focus on other, more susceptible crops.Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for keeping yards healthy and beautiful year-round. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.Interested persons can also send their yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu" target="_blank">wupham@ksu.edu</a>.

Wascally Wabbits? Tips for keeping bunnies out of the garden

Today is Friday, May 15, the 136th day of 2020. There are 230 days left in the year.

On May 15, 1948, hours after declaring its independence, the new state of Israel was attacked by Transjordan, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon.

In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed an act establishing the Department of Agriculture.

In 1918, U.S. airmail began service between Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York.

In 1930, registered nurse Ellen Church, the first airline stewardess, went on duty aboard an Oakland-to-Chicago flight operated by Boeing Air Transport, a forerunner of United Airlines.

In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a measure creating the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, whose members came to be known as WACs. Wartime gasoline rationing went into effect in 17 Eastern states, limiting sales to three gallons a week for non-essential vehicles.

In 1954, the Fender Stratocaster guitar, created by Leo Fender, was officially released.

In 1963, Weight Watchers was incorporated in New York.

In 1968, two days of tornado outbreaks began in 10 Midwestern and Southern states; twisters were blamed for 72 deaths, including 45 in Arkansas and 18 in Iowa.

In 1970, just after midnight, Phillip Lafayette Gibbs and James Earl Green, two black students at Jackson State College in Mississippi, were killed as police opened fire during student protests.

In 1972, Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace was shot and left paralyzed while campaigning for president in Laurel, Maryland, by Arthur H. Bremer, who served 35 years for attempted murder.

In 1975, U.S. forces invaded the Cambodian island of Koh Tang and captured the American merchant ship Mayaguez, which had been seized by the Khmer Rouge. (All 39 crew members had already been released safely by Cambodia; some 40 U.S. servicemen were killed in connection with the operation.)

In 1988, the Soviet Union began the process of withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, more than eight years after Soviet forces entered the country.

In 2000, by a 5-4 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court threw out a key provision of the 1994 Violence Against Women Act, saying that rape victims could not sue their attackers in federal court.

Ten years ago: Jessica Watson, a 16-year-old Australian who'd spent seven months at sea in her pink yacht, became the youngest person to sail around the world solo, nonstop and unassisted as she arrived in Sydney.

Five years ago: A jury sentenced Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to death for the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing that killed three and left more than 250 wounded. Elisabeth Bing, the Lamaze International co-founder who popularized what was known as natural childbirth and helped change how women and doctors approached the delivery room, died in New York at age 100.

One year ago: Alabama's Republican governor, Kay Ivey, signed into law the most stringent abortion legislation in the nation, making performing an abortion a felony in nearly all cases. (The law remains blocked by court challenges.) President Donald Trump granted a full pardon to Conrad Black, a former newspaper publisher who had written a flattering political biography of Trump. (Black had been convicted of fraud in 2007 and spent more than three years in prison.) California fire officials said an investigation found that power lines owned by Pacific Gas &amp; Electric Corp. had sparked a Northern California blaze that killed 85 people and nearly destroyed the town of Paradise in 2018; it was the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century.

Today's Birthdays: Actress-singer Anna Maria Alberghetti is 84. Counterculture icon Wavy Gravy is 84. Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is 83. Singer Trini Lopez is 83. Singer Lenny Welch is 82. Actress-singer Lainie Kazan is 78. Actress Gunilla Hutton is 78. Country singer K.T. Oslin is 78. Actor Chazz Palminteri is 74. Former Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is 72. Singer-songwriter Brian Eno is 72. Actor Nicholas Hammond (Film: "The Sound of Music") is 70. Baseball Hall of Famer George Brett is 67. Musician-composer Mike Oldfield is 67. Actor Lee Horsley is 65. TV personality Giselle Fernandez is 59. Rapper Grandmaster Melle Mel is 59. Actress Brenda Bakke is 57. Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith is 51. Actor Brad Rowe is 50. Actor David Charvet is 48. Actor Russell Hornsby is 46. Rock musician Ahmet Zappa is 46. Olympic gold medal gymnast Amy Chow is 42. Actor David Krumholtz is 42. Rock musician David Hartley (The War on Drugs) is 40. Actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler is 39. Actress Alexandra Breckenridge is 38. Rock musician Brad Shultz (Cage the Elephant) is 38. Rock musician Nick Perri is 36. Tennis player Andy Murray is 33.

Thought for Today: "Martyrdom has always been a proof of the intensity, never of the correctness of a belief." — Arthur Schnitzler (1862-1931).

<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 Friday, May 15, the 136th day of 2020. There are 230 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On May 15, 1948, hours after declaring its independence, the new state of Israel was attacked by Transjordan, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon.On this date:In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed an act establishing the Department of Agriculture.In 1918, U.S. airmail began service between Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York.In 1930, registered nurse Ellen Church, the first airline stewardess, went on duty aboard an Oakland-to-Chicago flight operated by Boeing Air Transport, a forerunner of United Airlines.In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a measure creating the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, whose members came to be known as WACs. Wartime gasoline rationing went into effect in 17 Eastern states, limiting sales to three gallons a week for non-essential vehicles.In 1954, the Fender Stratocaster guitar, created by Leo Fender, was officially released.In 1963, Weight Watchers was incorporated in New York.In 1968, two days of tornado outbreaks began in 10 Midwestern and Southern states; twisters were blamed for 72 deaths, including 45 in Arkansas and 18 in Iowa.In 1970, just after midnight, Phillip Lafayette Gibbs and James Earl Green, two black students at Jackson State College in Mississippi, were killed as police opened fire during student protests.In 1972, Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace was shot and left paralyzed while campaigning for president in Laurel, Maryland, by Arthur H. Bremer, who served 35 years for attempted murder.In 1975, U.S. forces invaded the Cambodian island of Koh Tang and captured the American merchant ship Mayaguez, which had been seized by the Khmer Rouge. (All 39 crew members had already been released safely by Cambodia; some 40 U.S. servicemen were killed in connection with the operation.)In 1988, the Soviet Union began the process of withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, more than eight years after Soviet forces entered the country.In 2000, by a 5-4 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court threw out a key provision of the 1994 Violence Against Women Act, saying that rape victims could not sue their attackers in federal court.Ten years ago: Jessica Watson, a 16-year-old Australian who'd spent seven months at sea in her pink yacht, became the youngest person to sail around the world solo, nonstop and unassisted as she arrived in Sydney.Five years ago: A jury sentenced Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to death for the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing that killed three and left more than 250 wounded. Elisabeth Bing, the Lamaze International co-founder who popularized what was known as natural childbirth and helped change how women and doctors approached the delivery room, died in New York at age 100.One year ago: Alabama's Republican governor, Kay Ivey, signed into law the most stringent abortion legislation in the nation, making performing an abortion a felony in nearly all cases. (The law remains blocked by court challenges.) President Donald Trump granted a full pardon to Conrad Black, a former newspaper publisher who had written a flattering political biography of Trump. (Black had been convicted of fraud in 2007 and spent more than three years in prison.) California fire officials said an investigation found that power lines owned by Pacific Gas &amp; Electric Corp. had sparked a Northern California blaze that killed 85 people and nearly destroyed the town of Paradise in 2018; it was the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century.Today's Birthdays: Actress-singer Anna Maria Alberghetti is 84. Counterculture icon Wavy Gravy is 84. Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is 83. Singer Trini Lopez is 83. Singer Lenny Welch is 82. Actress-singer Lainie Kazan is 78. Actress Gunilla Hutton is 78. Country singer K.T. Oslin is 78. Actor Chazz Palminteri is 74. Former Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is 72. Singer-songwriter Brian Eno is 72. Actor Nicholas Hammond (Film: "The Sound of Music") is 70. Baseball Hall of Famer George Brett is 67. Musician-composer Mike Oldfield is 67. Actor Lee Horsley is 65. TV personality Giselle Fernandez is 59. Rapper Grandmaster Melle Mel is 59. Actress Brenda Bakke is 57. Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith is 51. Actor Brad Rowe is 50. Actor David Charvet is 48. Actor Russell Hornsby is 46. Rock musician Ahmet Zappa is 46. Olympic gold medal gymnast Amy Chow is 42. Actor David Krumholtz is 42. Rock musician David Hartley (The War on Drugs) is 40. Actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler is 39. Actress Alexandra Breckenridge is 38. Rock musician Brad Shultz (Cage the Elephant) is 38. Rock musician Nick Perri is 36. Tennis player Andy Murray is 33.Thought for Today: "Martyrdom has always been a proof of the intensity, never of the correctness of a belief." — Arthur Schnitzler (1862-1931).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- May 15

The book drops prove to be popular. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary/">Salina Public Library </a>Facebook page:

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5eb9a606eb7f17053604b023">Library beginning reopening plan, pickup service begins next week</a>

The book drops prove to be popular. From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salinapubliclibrary/">Salina Public Library </a>Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsalinapubliclibrary%2Fposts%2F10158543680703140&width=500" width="500" height="577" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5eb9a606eb7f17053604b023">Library beginning reopening plan, pickup service begins next week</a>

SPL has received a pile of books since drops reopened Tuesday

WILSON LAKE -- Here's an update from the Wilson Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Facebook page:

WILSON LAKE -- Here's an update from the Wilson Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWilsonLakeUSACE%2Fposts%2F1409500782586598&width=500" width="500" height="707" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Camping to begin June 1 at Wilson Lake

The past week has been a wet one in Kansas, with all parts of the state receiving at least some moisture over the past seven days.

It has especially been a wet week across southern and eastern Kansas. Over the past seven days, portions of Butler, Greenwood, Cowley, and Elk Counties have received more than five inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.

More rain is on the way which will cause some flooding concerns to finish out the week, NWS noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589495251534.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The past week has been a wet one in Kansas, with all parts of the state receiving at least some moisture over the past seven days.It has especially been a wet week across southern and eastern Kansas. Over the past seven days, portions of Butler, Greenwood, Cowley, and Elk Counties have received more than five inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita.More rain is on the way which will cause some flooding concerns to finish out the week, NWS noted.

NWS: All parts of state received at least some rain

Gyms across Kansas will be able to open on Monday, May 18. Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service

Kansas officials have decided to delay moving into Phase 2 of the state's reopening plan, holding off on opening bars, concert venues and movie theaters.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-14/kansas-scales-back-next-phase-of-reopening-but-will-allow-haircuts-and-workouts">Kansas News Service</a>

Kansans won’t have to wait another week to go to the gym or the barber shop, but your neighborhood bar and local movie theater will stay closed until further notice.

Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday modified her&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.ks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Reopen-Kansas-Framework-043020.3.pdf">reopening plan</a>, citing a still-rising number of coronavirus cases.

"I said from the beginning that public safety must remain the top priority, which means that our reopening efforts must be driven by data, not dates," Kelly said in a statement.

Phase 2 was supposed to start Monday, allowing as many as 30 people to gather, as well as reopened bars (at 50% capacity, gyms, salons, tattoo parlors, movie theaters, community centers and sports tournaments.

But Kelly said circumstances can’t allow the full Phase 2 to start, so Kansas is moving into Phase 1.5 on Monday: Still no more than 10 people can gather at a time, but nail salons, barber shops, hair salons and tattoo parlors can open for pre-scheduled appointments. Also, gyms can reopen, but can’t hold in-person classes or make locker rooms available to customers.

In what will be welcome news to parents of high school seniors, graduation ceremonies are allowed, indoor and outdoor, as long as no more than 10 people are in one area at a time.

A barber shop in downtown Wichita was closed May 14, as it was not part of Gov. Laura Kelly's first wave of businesses that could reopen. It'll be allowed to resume haircuts on Monday, May 18. Stephan Bisaha

Under the middle phase, bars, night clubs and concert venues are still closed, as well as theaters, museums, community centers and “indoor leisure spaces.”

There is no specific targeted end date for Phase 1.5, though the&nbsp;<a href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/87/f8/9f72864244e682797b70ed261dc0/eo-20-31-re-open-phase-1.5.pdf">newest executive order</a>&nbsp;says it will “remain in force until rescinded” or until her emergency declaration expires.

The GOP-dominated State Finance Council extended that declaration through May 25 and has plans to change the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/statute/048_000_0000_chapter/048_009_0000_article/">emergency management</a>&nbsp;law next week. Some Republican leaders, like state Senate President Susan Wagle, have been critical of Kelly’s phased-in plan. They say the Democratic governor is moving too slowly and unnecessarily damaging the economy in the process.

“We won’t allow one dictator to determine everything,” she said this week. “We will have a check and a balance of powers.”

The move also pushes the so-called third phase of reopening, which would lift pretty much all restrictions on businesses, aside from limiting gatherings to 90 or fewer people.

Kansas has more than 7,400 cases of COVID-19, with about 700 hospitalizations and, as of Thursday, 164 deaths. Most of the clusters in Kansas come in the same kinds of places they show up nationally — nursing homes, prisons and meatpacking plants.

About 13% of the 57,000 people who’ve been tested in Kansas have come back positive, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Kansas Department of Health and Environment statistics</a>. The World Health Organization recommends testing enough people until 10% or fewer are positive. In Kansas, only about 20 people per 1,000 are being tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589491558459.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gyms across Kansas will be able to open on Monday, May 18. Stephan Bisaha / Kansas News Service<h2>Kansas officials have decided to delay moving into Phase 2 of the state's reopening plan, holding off on opening bars, concert venues and movie theaters.</h2><a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-14/kansas-scales-back-next-phase-of-reopening-but-will-allow-haircuts-and-workouts">Kansas News Service</a>Kansans won’t have to wait another week to go to the gym or the barber shop, but your neighborhood bar and local movie theater will stay closed until further notice.Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday modified her&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.ks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Reopen-Kansas-Framework-043020.3.pdf">reopening plan</a>, citing a still-rising number of coronavirus cases."I said from the beginning that public safety must remain the top priority, which means that our reopening efforts must be driven by data, not dates," Kelly said in a statement.Phase 2 was supposed to start Monday, allowing as many as 30 people to gather, as well as reopened bars (at 50% capacity, gyms, salons, tattoo parlors, movie theaters, community centers and sports tournaments.But Kelly said circumstances can’t allow the full Phase 2 to start, so Kansas is moving into Phase 1.5 on Monday: Still no more than 10 people can gather at a time, but nail salons, barber shops, hair salons and tattoo parlors can open for pre-scheduled appointments. Also, gyms can reopen, but can’t hold in-person classes or make locker rooms available to customers.In what will be welcome news to parents of high school seniors, graduation ceremonies are allowed, indoor and outdoor, as long as no more than 10 people are in one area at a time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589491627695.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A barber shop in downtown Wichita was closed May 14, as it was not part of Gov. Laura Kelly's first wave of businesses that could reopen. It'll be allowed to resume haircuts on Monday, May 18. Stephan BisahaUnder the middle phase, bars, night clubs and concert venues are still closed, as well as theaters, museums, community centers and “indoor leisure spaces.”There is no specific targeted end date for Phase 1.5, though the&nbsp;<a href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/87/f8/9f72864244e682797b70ed261dc0/eo-20-31-re-open-phase-1.5.pdf">newest executive order</a>&nbsp;says it will “remain in force until rescinded” or until her emergency declaration expires.The GOP-dominated State Finance Council extended that declaration through May 25 and has plans to change the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/statute/048_000_0000_chapter/048_009_0000_article/">emergency management</a>&nbsp;law next week. Some Republican leaders, like state Senate President Susan Wagle, have been critical of Kelly’s phased-in plan. They say the Democratic governor is moving too slowly and unnecessarily damaging the economy in the process.“We won’t allow one dictator to determine everything,” she said this week. “We will have a check and a balance of powers.”The move also pushes the so-called third phase of reopening, which would lift pretty much all restrictions on businesses, aside from limiting gatherings to 90 or fewer people.Kansas has more than 7,400 cases of COVID-19, with about 700 hospitalizations and, as of Thursday, 164 deaths. Most of the clusters in Kansas come in the same kinds of places they show up nationally — nursing homes, prisons and meatpacking plants.About 13% of the 57,000 people who’ve been tested in Kansas have come back positive, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Kansas Department of Health and Environment statistics</a>. The World Health Organization recommends testing enough people until 10% or fewer are positive. In Kansas, only about 20 people per 1,000 are being tested.

Kan. scales back next phase of reopening, but will allow haircuts, workouts

Here's Thursday's COVID-19 update from Saline County:

The Saline County Health Department does not additional cases of COVID-19 to report today.

Governor Kelly signed Executive Order 20-32, which establishes a new phase to the “Ad Astra: Plan to Reopen Kansas.” The new “1.5” Phase, effective May 18th, 2020, continues reopening efforts while still preserving some restrictions. Key Phase 1.5 highlights:

•Mass gatherings of more than 10 individuals continue to be prohibited.

•Nail salons, barbershops, hair salons, tanning salons, tattoo parlors, and other personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided may open, but only for pre-scheduled appointments or online check-in.

•Fitness centers and health clubs may open, but in-person group classes may not occur and locker rooms must be closed except as necessary to use restroom facilities.

•In-person commencement or graduation ceremonies may occur with no more than 10 individuals in a room, gymnasium, or facility at one time as long as 6-foot social distancing is maintained.

Outdoor drive-through graduation ceremonies during which no more than 10 individuals are in the same area outside of their vehicles at a time (i.e. school administration, graduate, family members, etc.) are allowed.

Under Phase 1.5, the following, unless they are repurposed for use in an essential function under the Kansas Essential Function Framework, shall remain closed:

•Bars and night clubs, excluding already operating curbside and carryout services.

•Theaters, museums, and other indoor leisure spaces (trampoline parks, arcades, etc.)

•Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with a capacity of 2,000 or more

•Fairs, festivals, carnivals, parades

•Organized sports facilities, sports tournaments, sports games, and sports practices

At this time, the Saline County Health Officer does not intend on imposing any further local restrictions in addition to what has been outlined by the Governor’s Executive Order.

Phase 2 will intend to begin no earlier than June 1st, 2020. Phase 3 is intended to begin no earlier than June 15th, 2020. The Phase Out is intended to begin no earlier than June 29th. The Governor will issue an Executive Order to move the State into each phase based on the overall progress of the State on outlined health metrics.

Saline County has had 27 cases. Out of the total number of cases, three citizens continue to be actively monitored and isolated and there have been two deaths. The rest have met the criteria necessary to be considered recovered and have been released from daily monitoring and isolation.

As we attempt to reopen Saline County, the entire community is counting on each person to follow the below recommendations to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

•It is highly encouraged to continue to wear cloth masks and maintain social distancing.

•It is highly encouraged for people to only leave their homes for essentials.

•It is highly recommended those employees in any service industry wear PPE (especially cloth masks).

•It is highly encouraged to continue telework.

•Avoid socializing in person with groups of 10 or more individuals in both indoor and outdoor settings.

•Any employees exhibiting symptoms should be required to stay at home and asked to call their health care provider.

•It will take the effort to follow the above recommendations from everyone in our community to continue our reopening.

Help our community in slowing the spread of this virus. 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 Thursday's COVID-19 update from Saline County:The Saline County Health Department does not additional cases of COVID-19 to report today.Governor Kelly signed Executive Order 20-32, which establishes a new phase to the “Ad Astra: Plan to Reopen Kansas.” The new “1.5” Phase, effective May 18th, 2020, continues reopening efforts while still preserving some restrictions. Key Phase 1.5 highlights:•Mass gatherings of more than 10 individuals continue to be prohibited.•Nail salons, barbershops, hair salons, tanning salons, tattoo parlors, and other personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided may open, but only for pre-scheduled appointments or online check-in.•Fitness centers and health clubs may open, but in-person group classes may not occur and locker rooms must be closed except as necessary to use restroom facilities.•In-person commencement or graduation ceremonies may occur with no more than 10 individuals in a room, gymnasium, or facility at one time as long as 6-foot social distancing is maintained.Outdoor drive-through graduation ceremonies during which no more than 10 individuals are in the same area outside of their vehicles at a time (i.e. school administration, graduate, family members, etc.) are allowed.Under Phase 1.5, the following, unless they are repurposed for use in an essential function under the Kansas Essential Function Framework, shall remain closed:•Bars and night clubs, excluding already operating curbside and carryout services.•Theaters, museums, and other indoor leisure spaces (trampoline parks, arcades, etc.)•Community centers•Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with a capacity of 2,000 or more•Fairs, festivals, carnivals, parades•Organized sports facilities, sports tournaments, sports games, and sports practices•Summer campsAt this time, the Saline County Health Officer does not intend on imposing any further local restrictions in addition to what has been outlined by the Governor’s Executive Order.Phase 2 will intend to begin no earlier than June 1st, 2020. Phase 3 is intended to begin no earlier than June 15th, 2020. The Phase Out is intended to begin no earlier than June 29th. The Governor will issue an Executive Order to move the State into each phase based on the overall progress of the State on outlined health metrics.Saline County has had 27 cases. Out of the total number of cases, three citizens continue to be actively monitored and isolated and there have been two deaths. The rest have met the criteria necessary to be considered recovered and have been released from daily monitoring and isolation.As we attempt to reopen Saline County, the entire community is counting on each person to follow the below recommendations to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.•It is highly encouraged to continue to wear cloth masks and maintain social distancing.•It is highly encouraged for people to only leave their homes for essentials.•It is highly recommended those employees in any service industry wear PPE (especially cloth masks).•It is highly encouraged to continue telework.•Avoid socializing in person with groups of 10 or more individuals in both indoor and outdoor settings.•Any employees exhibiting symptoms should be required to stay at home and asked to call their health care provider.•It will take the effort to follow the above recommendations from everyone in our community to continue our reopening.Help our community in slowing the spread of this virus. 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.

No new cases of COVID-19 reported in Saline County

Central Kansas District K-State Research and Extension offers tips for adding fresh eating to your landscape. From the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CentralKansasDistrict/">Central Kansas District K-State Research and Extension</a> Facebook page:

Central Kansas District K-State Research and Extension offers tips for adding fresh eating to your landscape. From the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CentralKansasDistrict/">Central Kansas District K-State Research and Extension</a> Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCentralKansasDistrict%2Fvideos%2F2656126594632928%2F&show_text=1&width=476" width="476" height="630" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

📹Local KSRE: Add herbs to your landscaping

The following letter was sent to parents and guardians of USD 305 students.

Today is our last day with seniors, and Thursday, May 21 is the last day for the remainder of our students. The information below may be helpful as we close the 2019-2020 school year.

What are the plans for graduation?

Marking the end of each student’s K-12 education is important to students, families and educators. A radio (99KG) graduation ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 17.&nbsp;

•Central High School’s ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m.

•South High School’s ceremony will begin at 5:00 p.m.

After large group gatherings are once again permitted, we will arrange a time for the Class of 2020 to walk the stage in their cap and gown. A photographer will be hired to take graduation photos of each senior. At a later date, graduates of the Class of 2020 will be contacted with details.

When should Chromebooks and hotspots be returned to the school?

All K-11 students should return Chromebooks on Tuesday, May 26. Families with a district-owned hotspot, should return it on Tuesday, May 26. Your principal will send you the building schedule and process.

When are textbooks, calculators and other school-owned materials to be returned?

Your building principal will communicate the process for return of these items.

Will summer school take place?

Summer school will look different this year. On June 9, the Board of Education will consider changes to summer school. We do not expect summer school to start before July. Details will be shared with our families via our messaging system, social media and local media outlets.&nbsp;

What will athletics look like in the summer?

USD 305 coaches are preparing for summer athletic programming. Once the governor announces we have transitioned to Phase 3 of her plan, we will set a date for practices to begin. Per the governor’s plan, Phase 3 will begin no earlier than June 1.&nbsp;

When and how will Kindergarten Round-up occur?

USD 305 will have a virtual Kindergarten Round-up this year. School and kindergarten readiness information will be provided on individual building websites and the district website at <a href="http://usd305.com">usd305.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This school year was full of unexpected challenges. We will be prepared to sustain learning regardless of conditions in the fall. I will communicate plans for next year as more information becomes available. Thank you for trusting USD 305 with your student’s education.

The following letter was sent to parents and guardians of USD 305 students.Dear Parents and Guardians,Today is our last day with seniors, and Thursday, May 21 is the last day for the remainder of our students. The information below may be helpful as we close the 2019-2020 school year.What are the plans for graduation?Marking the end of each student’s K-12 education is important to students, families and educators. A radio (99KG) graduation ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 17.&nbsp;•Central High School’s ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m.•South High School’s ceremony will begin at 5:00 p.m.After large group gatherings are once again permitted, we will arrange a time for the Class of 2020 to walk the stage in their cap and gown. A photographer will be hired to take graduation photos of each senior. At a later date, graduates of the Class of 2020 will be contacted with details.When should Chromebooks and hotspots be returned to the school?All K-11 students should return Chromebooks on Tuesday, May 26. Families with a district-owned hotspot, should return it on Tuesday, May 26. Your principal will send you the building schedule and process.When are textbooks, calculators and other school-owned materials to be returned?Your building principal will communicate the process for return of these items.Will summer school take place?Summer school will look different this year. On June 9, the Board of Education will consider changes to summer school. We do not expect summer school to start before July. Details will be shared with our families via our messaging system, social media and local media outlets.&nbsp;What will athletics look like in the summer?USD 305 coaches are preparing for summer athletic programming. Once the governor announces we have transitioned to Phase 3 of her plan, we will set a date for practices to begin. Per the governor’s plan, Phase 3 will begin no earlier than June 1.&nbsp;When and how will Kindergarten Round-up occur?USD 305 will have a virtual Kindergarten Round-up this year. School and kindergarten readiness information will be provided on individual building websites and the district website at <a href="http://usd305.com">usd305.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;This school year was full of unexpected challenges. We will be prepared to sustain learning regardless of conditions in the fall. I will communicate plans for next year as more information becomes available. Thank you for trusting USD 305 with your student’s education.Sincerely,Linn Exline, Superintendent

USD 305 provides end-of-year info for parents, guardians

The Kansas Post Rock Limestone Coalition, Inc., (KPRLC) has a new executive director.

The KPRLC board of directors has hired Andy Stanton as an independent contractor to fulfill the duties of executive director for the 18-county regional tourism coalition. Stanton will begin working with KPRLC immediately.

“Andy brings with him several years of tourism management and marketing experience, along with being a founding member of the Kansas Post Rock Limestone Coalition’s board of directors,” said Brad Penka, KPRLC Board President. “We had many qualified candidates apply and we believe Andy’s combination of tourism management and his passion for the limestone area of Kansas will be a great match for our organization.”

Stanton has 25+ years’ experience in public relations, marketing, and tourism management, along with a strong set of social media, fundraising, and networking skills that will help the organization grow into a vibrant regional tourism coalition. He and his wife, Dana, have three children and live in Hays.

“I’m excited about working with KPRLC in this new role,” Stanton said. “I’ve been involved with the organization since its inception last year and now, to serve as the executive director is a great honor. We have such a rich heritage in the post rock limestone region and I’m excited about building economic development and tourism opportunities within the 18-county area.”

The Kansas Post Rock Limestone Coalition is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was founded in 2019 through a grant from the Russell Area Community Foundation. The KPRLC mission is to promote, preserve, and protect the history, art, and architecture of the Kansas Post Rock Limestone region through education and tourism. For more information about KPRLC, visit the organization's website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3ad28a5cda5e0bc16267fcb3c&amp;id=a054c3e152&amp;e=b2aea29b90" target="_blank">www.kansaspostrocklimestone.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589416008693.jpeg" alt="Andy Stanton. Photo courtesy KPRLC" />
 <figcaption>Andy Stanton. Photo courtesy KPRLC</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Post Rock Limestone Coalition, Inc., (KPRLC) has a new executive director.The KPRLC board of directors has hired Andy Stanton as an independent contractor to fulfill the duties of executive director for the 18-county regional tourism coalition. Stanton will begin working with KPRLC immediately.“Andy brings with him several years of tourism management and marketing experience, along with being a founding member of the Kansas Post Rock Limestone Coalition’s board of directors,” said Brad Penka, KPRLC Board President. “We had many qualified candidates apply and we believe Andy’s combination of tourism management and his passion for the limestone area of Kansas will be a great match for our organization.”Stanton has 25+ years’ experience in public relations, marketing, and tourism management, along with a strong set of social media, fundraising, and networking skills that will help the organization grow into a vibrant regional tourism coalition. He and his wife, Dana, have three children and live in Hays.“I’m excited about working with KPRLC in this new role,” Stanton said. “I’ve been involved with the organization since its inception last year and now, to serve as the executive director is a great honor. We have such a rich heritage in the post rock limestone region and I’m excited about building economic development and tourism opportunities within the 18-county area.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589472662795.png" alt="Map courtesy KPRLC" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy KPRLC</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Post Rock Limestone Coalition is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was founded in 2019 through a grant from the Russell Area Community Foundation. The KPRLC mission is to promote, preserve, and protect the history, art, and architecture of the Kansas Post Rock Limestone region through education and tourism. For more information about KPRLC, visit the organization's website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3ad28a5cda5e0bc16267fcb3c&amp;id=a054c3e152&amp;e=b2aea29b90" target="_blank">www.kansaspostrocklimestone.org.</a>

Kansas Post Rock Limestone Coalition hires executive director

The southern part of our area looks to have a chance for some storms this evening.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, severe storms will continue to impact much of southern Kansas tonight. Storms may redevelop or back-build into south-central Kansas through much of the night. 

Repeated rounds of thunderstorms may result in flash flooding, NWS reported.

The threat for strong to severe storms will remain in the forecast for Friday and Saturday. With multiple rounds of thunderstorms expected, the risk of flooding could linger into the weekend, NWS noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589466966854.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The southern part of our area looks to have a chance for some storms this evening.According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita, severe storms will continue to impact much of southern Kansas tonight. Storms may redevelop or back-build into south-central Kansas through much of the night. Repeated rounds of thunderstorms may result in flash flooding, NWS reported.The threat for strong to severe storms will remain in the forecast for Friday and Saturday. With multiple rounds of thunderstorms expected, the risk of flooding could linger into the weekend, NWS noted.

NWS: A stormy evening in parts of our area

‘Our Valuable Records’ is available free for downloading, printing

MANHATTAN – The new coronavirus pandemic has many of us thinking about topics that, let’s face it, we’d rather not.

But in an emergency, would your family or trusted friend know who to contact? Your bank? Your financial adviser? Your insurance company?

Free resources from K-State Research and Extension are available online for downloading and printing, including&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF685.pdf" target="_blank">Our Valuable Records</a>, which can help anyone gather important information in one place. That information can be kept in a safety deposit box or other secure location and can be invaluable in emergencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It may take a bit of time if you are starting from scratch to collect this information in one place, but the effort is well worth it,”&nbsp;said Elizabeth Kiss, financial management extension specialist and the publication’s author. “Having this information in an easy-to-retrieve form can make recovery from natural disaster or a health emergency go more smoothly.”

The form includes space for family members’ names, birthdates and more, plus contact information space for key advisers, such as attorney, executor, doctor, religious adviser, insurance agents, and banker. It can also help gather basic information about vehicles and other property and credit, bank and retirement accounts.

More information about this and other resources is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension offices</a>&nbsp;across Kansas. Links to resources also may be found on the K-State Research and Extension&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/about-us/covid-19-extension.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 page</a>.

<h2>‘Our Valuable Records’ is available free for downloading, printing</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589423280996.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – The new coronavirus pandemic has many of us thinking about topics that, let’s face it, we’d rather not.But in an emergency, would your family or trusted friend know who to contact? Your bank? Your financial adviser? Your insurance company?Free resources from K-State Research and Extension are available online for downloading and printing, including&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF685.pdf" target="_blank">Our Valuable Records</a>, which can help anyone gather important information in one place. That information can be kept in a safety deposit box or other secure location and can be invaluable in emergencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It may take a bit of time if you are starting from scratch to collect this information in one place, but the effort is well worth it,”&nbsp;said Elizabeth Kiss, financial management extension specialist and the publication’s author. “Having this information in an easy-to-retrieve form can make recovery from natural disaster or a health emergency go more smoothly.”The form includes space for family members’ names, birthdates and more, plus contact information space for key advisers, such as attorney, executor, doctor, religious adviser, insurance agents, and banker. It can also help gather basic information about vehicles and other property and credit, bank and retirement accounts.More information about this and other resources is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension offices</a>&nbsp;across Kansas. Links to resources also may be found on the K-State Research and Extension&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/about-us/covid-19-extension.html" target="_blank">COVID-19 page</a>.

Online resource can help organize family records

CHADRON, Neb. -- Chadron State College honored 315 candidates for graduation in a&nbsp;virtual commencement&nbsp; exercise on the college's YouTube site.

Patsy Gilkey-Lamothe, of Abilene, graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree from Chadron State College.

Chadron State College, which was founded in 1911, is the only four-year, regionally-accredited college in the western half of Nebraska. As a public institution with its roots in teacher education, Chadron State takes pride in its accessibility and affordability. Nearly 3,000 undergraduate, graduate and online students currently attend Chadron State and its curriculum has grown to offer programs and courses in more than 50 majors and endorsements and eight master's degree programs.

CHADRON, Neb. -- Chadron State College honored 315 candidates for graduation in a&nbsp;virtual commencement&nbsp; exercise on the college's YouTube site.Patsy Gilkey-Lamothe, of Abilene, graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree from Chadron State College.Chadron State College, which was founded in 1911, is the only four-year, regionally-accredited college in the western half of Nebraska. As a public institution with its roots in teacher education, Chadron State takes pride in its accessibility and affordability. Nearly 3,000 undergraduate, graduate and online students currently attend Chadron State and its curriculum has grown to offer programs and courses in more than 50 majors and endorsements and eight master's degree programs.

Abilene's Gilkey-Lamothe graduates from Chadron State

Today is Thursday, May 14, the 135th day of 2020. There are 231 days left in the year.

On May 14, 1940, the Netherlands surrendered to invading German forces during World War II.

In 1643, Louis XIV became King of France at age 4 upon the death of his father, Louis XIII.

In 1796, English physician Edward Jenner inoculated 8-year-old James Phipps against smallpox by using cowpox matter.

In 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition to explore the Louisiana Territory as well as the Pacific Northwest left camp near present-day Hartford, Illinois.

In 1863, Union forces defeated the Confederates in the Battle of Jackson, Mississippi.

In 1948, according to the current-era calendar, the independent state of Israel was proclaimed in Tel Aviv by David Ben-Gurion, who became its first prime minister; U.S. President Harry S. Truman immediately recognized the new nation.

In 1955, representatives from eight Communist bloc countries, including the Soviet Union, signed the Warsaw Pact in Poland. (The Pact was dissolved in 1991.)

In 1961, Freedom Riders were attacked by violent mobs in Anniston and Birmingham, Alabama.

In 1968, John Lennon and Paul McCartney held a news conference in New York to announce the creation of the Beatles' latest business venture, Apple Corps.

In 1998, singer-actor Frank Sinatra died at a Los Angeles hospital at age 82. The hit sitcom "Seinfeld" aired its final episode after nine years on NBC.

In 2001, the Supreme Court ruled 8-0 that there is no exception in federal law for people to use marijuana for medical purposes.

In 2003, more than 100 immigrants were abandoned in a locked trailer at a Texas truck stop; 19 of them died. (Truck driver Tyrone Williams was later sentenced to nearly 34 years in prison for his role in the deaths; of the 13 others indicted in the case, two had charges against them dismissed, one who cooperated with prosecutors was sentenced to the three days in jail and the others were given sentences ranging from 14 months to 23 years.)

In 2008, the Interior Department declared the polar bear a threatened species because of the loss of Arctic sea ice. Justine Henin, 25, became the first woman to retire from tennis while atop the WTA rankings.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama heatedly condemned what he called a "ridiculous spectacle" of oil executives shifting blame for the BP oil spill in congressional hearings and denounced a "cozy relationship" between their companies and the federal government. Space shuttle Atlantis thundered away on what turned out to be its next-to-last voyage into orbit. NBC canceled the long-running police/courtroom drama "Law &amp; Order" after 20 seasons on the air.

Five years ago: President Barack Obama, at a Camp David summit, assured Arab allies they were safe from the threat of an empowered Iran, pledging an "ironclad commitment" to the Sunni governments of the Persian Gulf. B.B. King, 89, the "King of the Blues," died in Las Vegas. Award-winning poet Franz Wright, 62, died in Waltham, Massachusetts.

One year ago: Former Rep. Anthony Weiner left a New York City halfway house after completing his prison sentence for illicit online contact with a 15-year-old girl. Comedy actor Tim Conway, winner of four Emmy Awards on "The Carol Burnett Show" after earlier starring aboard "McHale's Navy," died in Los Angeles; he was 85. The New Orleans Pelicans bucked long odds to win the NBA draft lottery, giving the team the right to draft former Duke star Zion Williamson. Montana gov. Steve Bullock announced that he was seeking the Democratic presidential nomination. (He would end his campaign in December, becoming the third Western governor to fail to gain momentum.)

Today's Birthdays: Photo-realist artist Richard Estes is 88. Actress Dame Sian Phillips is 87. Former Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., is 78. Movie producer George Lucas is 76. Guitarist Gene Cornish is 76. Actress Meg Foster is 72. Movie director Robert Zemeckis is 69. Rock singer David Byrne is 68. Actor Tim Roth is 59. Rock singer Ian Astbury (The Cult) is 58. Rock musician C.C. (aka Cecil) DeVille is 58. Actor Danny Huston is 58. Rock musician Mike Inez (Alice In Chains) is 54. Fabrice Morvan (ex-Milli Vanilli) is 54. Rhythm-and-blues singer Raphael Saadiq is 54. Actress Cate Blanchett is 51. Singer Danny Wood (New Kids on the Block) is 51. Movie writer-director Sofia Coppola is 49. Former Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen is 48. Actor Gabriel Mann is 48. Singer Natalie Appleton (All Saints) is 47. Singer Shanice is 47. Actress Carla Jimenez is 46. Rock musician Henry Garza (Los Lonely Boys) is 42. Alt-country musician-singer Ketch Secor is 42. Rock singer-musician Dan Auerbach is 41. Rock musician Mike Retondo (Plain White T's) is 39. Actress Amber Tamblyn is 37. Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg is 36. Actress Lina Esco is 35. NFL player Rob Gronkowski is 31. Actress Miranda Cosgrove is 27.

<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 Thursday, May 14, the 135th day of 2020. There are 231 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On May 14, 1940, the Netherlands surrendered to invading German forces during World War II.On this date:In 1643, Louis XIV became King of France at age 4 upon the death of his father, Louis XIII.In 1796, English physician Edward Jenner inoculated 8-year-old James Phipps against smallpox by using cowpox matter.In 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition to explore the Louisiana Territory as well as the Pacific Northwest left camp near present-day Hartford, Illinois.In 1863, Union forces defeated the Confederates in the Battle of Jackson, Mississippi.In 1948, according to the current-era calendar, the independent state of Israel was proclaimed in Tel Aviv by David Ben-Gurion, who became its first prime minister; U.S. President Harry S. Truman immediately recognized the new nation.In 1955, representatives from eight Communist bloc countries, including the Soviet Union, signed the Warsaw Pact in Poland. (The Pact was dissolved in 1991.)In 1961, Freedom Riders were attacked by violent mobs in Anniston and Birmingham, Alabama.In 1968, John Lennon and Paul McCartney held a news conference in New York to announce the creation of the Beatles' latest business venture, Apple Corps.In 1998, singer-actor Frank Sinatra died at a Los Angeles hospital at age 82. The hit sitcom "Seinfeld" aired its final episode after nine years on NBC.In 2001, the Supreme Court ruled 8-0 that there is no exception in federal law for people to use marijuana for medical purposes.In 2003, more than 100 immigrants were abandoned in a locked trailer at a Texas truck stop; 19 of them died. (Truck driver Tyrone Williams was later sentenced to nearly 34 years in prison for his role in the deaths; of the 13 others indicted in the case, two had charges against them dismissed, one who cooperated with prosecutors was sentenced to the three days in jail and the others were given sentences ranging from 14 months to 23 years.)In 2008, the Interior Department declared the polar bear a threatened species because of the loss of Arctic sea ice. Justine Henin, 25, became the first woman to retire from tennis while atop the WTA rankings.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama heatedly condemned what he called a "ridiculous spectacle" of oil executives shifting blame for the BP oil spill in congressional hearings and denounced a "cozy relationship" between their companies and the federal government. Space shuttle Atlantis thundered away on what turned out to be its next-to-last voyage into orbit. NBC canceled the long-running police/courtroom drama "Law &amp; Order" after 20 seasons on the air.Five years ago: President Barack Obama, at a Camp David summit, assured Arab allies they were safe from the threat of an empowered Iran, pledging an "ironclad commitment" to the Sunni governments of the Persian Gulf. B.B. King, 89, the "King of the Blues," died in Las Vegas. Award-winning poet Franz Wright, 62, died in Waltham, Massachusetts.One year ago: Former Rep. Anthony Weiner left a New York City halfway house after completing his prison sentence for illicit online contact with a 15-year-old girl. Comedy actor Tim Conway, winner of four Emmy Awards on "The Carol Burnett Show" after earlier starring aboard "McHale's Navy," died in Los Angeles; he was 85. The New Orleans Pelicans bucked long odds to win the NBA draft lottery, giving the team the right to draft former Duke star Zion Williamson. Montana gov. Steve Bullock announced that he was seeking the Democratic presidential nomination. (He would end his campaign in December, becoming the third Western governor to fail to gain momentum.)Today's Birthdays: Photo-realist artist Richard Estes is 88. Actress Dame Sian Phillips is 87. Former Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., is 78. Movie producer George Lucas is 76. Guitarist Gene Cornish is 76. Actress Meg Foster is 72. Movie director Robert Zemeckis is 69. Rock singer David Byrne is 68. Actor Tim Roth is 59. Rock singer Ian Astbury (The Cult) is 58. Rock musician C.C. (aka Cecil) DeVille is 58. Actor Danny Huston is 58. Rock musician Mike Inez (Alice In Chains) is 54. Fabrice Morvan (ex-Milli Vanilli) is 54. Rhythm-and-blues singer Raphael Saadiq is 54. Actress Cate Blanchett is 51. Singer Danny Wood (New Kids on the Block) is 51. Movie writer-director Sofia Coppola is 49. Former Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen is 48. Actor Gabriel Mann is 48. Singer Natalie Appleton (All Saints) is 47. Singer Shanice is 47. Actress Carla Jimenez is 46. Rock musician Henry Garza (Los Lonely Boys) is 42. Alt-country musician-singer Ketch Secor is 42. Rock singer-musician Dan Auerbach is 41. Rock musician Mike Retondo (Plain White T's) is 39. Actress Amber Tamblyn is 37. Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg is 36. Actress Lina Esco is 35. NFL player Rob Gronkowski is 31. Actress Miranda Cosgrove is 27.Thought for Today: "Silence cannot hide anything — which is more than you can say for words." — From the play "The Ghost Sonata" by Swedish author-playwright August Strindberg (born 1849, died this date in 1912).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.